Because entry level android phones can now be obtained very cheaply, we suggest that clubs purchase dedicated units rather than relying on devices owned by members.
Suitable android phones can be obtained for a fraction of the cost of dedicated scoring units such as Bridgemate and BridgePad.
The cheapest way to buy new android phones is to acquire a PAYG model locked to a particular network provider. This is because most network providers subsidise the cost of their entry level models in order to build up their user base, and on the assumption that they will make a profit from the network usage charges. When purchasing these entry level deals the network provider will generally insist on purchasing a topup along with the phone, though it is not required for use with BridgePal.
For example, in November 2016 we purchased Alcatel Pixi 4 (4") phones in a Black Friday deal from EE. Total price for each unit was 20 pounds (0 pounds for the phone, plus a 20 pound topup !).
An alternative approach is to purchase android phones on the second hand market, e.g. eBay. Many users upgrade smartphones every couple of years, and a two year old device should be perfectly adequate for running BridgePal.
Whether buying new or second hand it is advisable to initially buy a single unit of the particular model to verify its suitability, and to make sure there are no issues with battery life and that the model is reliable (e.g. no freezes or reboots).
