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United States10774 Posts
Yep, BlackBerrys and iPhones are the most common and safe options. I cannot give you feedback on newer smartphones such as Palm Pre but I will tell you that I have had a very good experience with my BlackBerry Storm. It's a touch-click phone, meaning it functions like a touch phone but it feels like you are actually pressing a button. Storm used to have some lagging issues back in the days and received a lot of criticism for it - BlackBerry recently released a new software that completely fixed this issue. It works very smoothly now.
How much money you need depends on many things. I got mine on a discount plan, so it ended up being $200 instead of $450 or whatever it originally sells for. Definitely go for the discount. Keep in mind that for BlackBerry smarthphones, you will have to play an extra $30 every month to get Internet service. At least this was the case for Verizon. You can certainly forgo this option but that sort of defeats the purpose of a smartphone.
There are literally countless features and many more to come. Besides the obvious phone and texting, there's the Internet, Pandora Music, YouTube, Bing, Instant Messaging, Facebook, e-mail, Navigator, Visual Voice Mail, and so on. Some time ago BlackBerry released a software that syncs your contact list and Facebook. It will automatically put a person's Facebook default photo as her contact photo, as well as other information about her. It's sweet.
I highly recommend BlackBerrys. Probably either the Storm or the Tour. iPhones are always a smart pick but they haven't made one for Verizon yet (No idea what phone service you use).
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T.O.P.
Hong Kong4685 Posts
I'm going to assume you live in the United States. Answer these questions.
1. Do you prefer CDMA, GSM, or don't care. Verizon and Sprint uses CDMA and they don't use sim cards, so you can't unlock them and use them outside of America. AT&T and T Mobile phones use GSM and they have sim card slots.
2. Do you want to pay around 30 dollars a month for a 3g internet plan? All 4 carriers don't sell smartphones without internet plans these days. But through a authorized retailer, it might be possible to get smartphones without purchasing a data plan.
3. When does your current cell phone contract end?
4. What do you plan to do with your phone if you get a smartphone?
I use my smartphone to browse the web, use it as a GPS navigation system, listen to music, watch videos, take pictures, capture video, chat on AIM, and to check and send email.
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Your profiles locates you in the US, so I'll assume that is accurate.
A few considerations:
* For web browsing/media, the i-phone is still the best. AT&T is the US carrier. Expensive-ish plans + must have data service ($30/month for data). Note you can get a 8Gb refurbished i-phone now for $50 with a plan - which is low!
* The Palm-pre is very good and windows-based. I think Sprint offers them, with a bit less expensive plans than At&T, but not much. Also required a data plan. Phone is more expensive than the base i-phone though (with contract). Worth a look in the end.
* Don't know much about Verizon: always seemed fairly expensive + don't love any of their phones. Have them for fios/cable/fixed line though...
* For business use, many people like a "hard keyboard" - be it a blackberry or the Palm-pre, or some other phone. Basically, if you write a lot of email on your phone, you probably want the real keyboard over the i-phone & clones.
* T-mobile has the cheapest plans in my experience, but not many great phones/spottier coverage. The Dash is quite frustrating (had one for past 2 years) - would stay clear if you can. Maybe a G-phone is better, not sure. Phones are more expensive for what they offer, partly making up for lower plan rates I suppose. Blackberries you can get free with AT&T you have to pay over $100 for.
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Stay away from t-mobile if you want good phone service, stay away from touchscreens if you want to type a lot. I have a tmobile sidekick 2008 (it has internet but not 3G I don't think? not sure) which has an amazing keyboard and is great for text/email/IM, but slowish internet, bad media, and not great service. There are newer sidekick options afaik but I haven't looked into them yet. My internet/texting/data plan costs 20$ a month I think.
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1) Yea, that list is pretty up to date. At least with high end smartphones.
2) Prices (All include contract)
^-- I would put more for verizon, but it all depends on location.
None of those phones run over 200$ with a contract. Without a contract, you're looking at least $400. Features such as internet are need with smartphones. Like you have to get it no matter what, but usually that's about an extra 30$ on your bill. Some of the phones are cheaper than others; let's use iPhone for example. If you get a iPhone 3G, it's about 100$ with contract and all, but the amount for the monthly bill will be over $100.
3) The main features in all smartphones is the internet. You need it, but what you can do with most of these companys is get internet with very little text and it shouldn't cost you much, but if you want internet with unlimited text, it will range about 30$ - 40$ depending on the company. Video/Pictures all come in smartphones, the only thing that sucks is that most cameras in smartphones don't even bring flash.
4)My preference is the iPhone just because it's a better phone for many things, but expensive bill. I also still prefer the myTouch 3G; Reason being is that it's cheaper when it comes to bills. I've never had any other phones other than those two. Hope this helps!
I just say search through the links I gave you and try to find one that will suit your need and look at the plans they offer. Other than that I hope you find the one you're looking for and you are able to enjoy it!
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On November 12 2009 01:13 micronesia wrote:1) First off, what are the most basic options? I have started looking around online to get this question answered and I've found two obvious candidates: Blackberry's and IPhones. Would you consider this list comprehensive?
I've had two Blackberry Curves and I currently have a Blackberry Tour. I love it. It's does everything I'd ever want it to do. One of my friends has an iPhone and he's always complaining about fingerprints/smudges all over the screen.
I have another friend who's had a palm trio and loves it. I've never had any experience with it so I couldn't tell you much about it.
I'd say your best bet is to actually go to retailers and just feel the phones out. Some phones just feel better than others. I don't think I could use anything other than my blackberry.
2) How much $ do I need? My guess is that you can get a discount on some of these smartphones if you sign up for a plan with the company... if I were to cancel my current phone (or wait for the current subscription to run out, I'm not even sure wtf it is) could I easily get a phone + plan? How much does this stuff cost? Are some choices much cheaper than others? Are there options regarding what features are available that will affect the price?
When I got my Tour through Verizon (the best network I've ever used btw (also used sprint and t-mobile)) they had a buy one get one free deal going on. I think I got one for my mother and I for around 200 dollars not including the actual service. Rates and specials will probably vary from retailer to retailer so you might just want to shop around.
3) What are some of the main features of new phones? Besides phone calls I can think of texting (which I never do and know almost nothing about... this is part of plans?), watching video/audio, and internet browsing. What other good features are there?
On my Tour I can play music, video, take pictures, record video/audio, and most of the other basics now a days. The internet browsing isn't nearly as good as that on the iPhone. I also can get email from up to 10 different addresses which is awesome since I get my work, personal, and school e-mail instantly and in one location.
It also opens up MS office documents. I can open word, excel, and powerpoint slides from my phone which comes in really handy with work/school.
4) Preferences? Which are better? What else should I know before I do anything?
I've never used anything other than Blackberry's so I can't really help much here. Note that with blackberry's you have to buy a microsd card in order to store anything on your phone (music, video, photos). I don't think this is the case for iPhones.
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Sounds like a complete waste of money, tbh. Unless you actually NEED it for business, why bother?
Oh wait, you gotta be cool!
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Id say go for the Iphone, if you wanna surf the net, listen to music and watch videos. The thing about the Iphone is the plan you have to get with it. Your gonna need a Data + txt plan if you wanna IM, or just Data plan if you dont plan on IM-ing alot. AT&T has great coverage over our area and your gonna be looking to spend around $100-200+ for the 3G or 3GS with the 2year contract.
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United States10774 Posts
On November 12 2009 01:44 A3iL3r0n wrote:
Sounds like a complete waste of money, tbh. Unless you actually NEED it for business, why bother?
Oh wait, you gotta be cool!
that's what I thought too before getting my smartphone. so damn useful and worth it.
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The data plan is a must have. All that functionality is worthless unless you can use it, and you have to use it through the data plan.
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I used to have a 6-year-old flip phone just like you, because I figured that I didn't need anything more. I can call I can text, what else do I need?
I recently got the LG enV. My dick is hard. It's so useful - all the functionality has gone way up, with texting/calling/organizing things being easier and more intuitive than ever. I can use my cell phone as a mp3 player, or a web browser. I am never bored if I have my cell phone. It's fucking SICK. Like others have said, unlimited data plans are the shit. I strongly recommend the LG enV and any other smart phone basically.
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United States24628 Posts
On November 12 2009 01:30 T.O.P. wrote:
I'm going to assume you live in the United States.
Yes, I do.
Answer these questions.
1. Do you prefer CDMA, GSM, or don't care. Verizon and Sprint uses CDMA and they don't use sim cards, so you can't unlock them and use them outside of America. AT&T and T Mobile phones use GSM and they have sim card slots.
I don't even know what these things are! Um, I guess that's something I should learn about.
2. Do you want to pay around 30 dollars a month for a 3g internet plan? All 4 carriers don't sell smartphones without internet plans these days. But through a authorized retailer, it might be possible to get smartphones without purchasing a data plan. I probably would be paying to get the internet.
3. When does your current cell phone contract end? Don't know as its part of a family plan that I've been on for years... going to look into it.
4. What do you plan to do with your phone if you get a smartphone?
I use my smartphone to browse the web, use it as a GPS navigation system, listen to music, watch videos, take pictures, capture video, chat on AIM, and to check and send email.
I would like to do all of those things that you do with yours.
Going through what else has been said.
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On November 12 2009 02:23 fanatacist wrote:
I used to have a 6-year-old flip phone just like you, because I figured that I didn't need anything more. I can call I can text, what else do I need?
I recently got the LG enV. My dick is hard. It's so useful - all the functionality has gone way up, with texting/calling/organizing things being easier and more intuitive than ever. I can use my cell phone as a mp3 player, or a web browser. I am never bored if I have my cell phone. It's fucking SICK. Like others have said, unlimited data plans are the shit. I strongly recommend the LG enV and any other smart phone basically.
lg env is not a smart phone just to let you know
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On November 12 2009 02:23 fanatacist wrote:
I used to have a 6-year-old flip phone just like you, because I figured that I didn't need anything more. I can call I can text, what else do I need?
I recently got the LG enV. My dick is hard. It's so useful - all the functionality has gone way up, with texting/calling/organizing things being easier and more intuitive than ever. I can use my cell phone as a mp3 player, or a web browser. I am never bored if I have my cell phone. It's fucking SICK. Like others have said, unlimited data plans are the shit. I strongly recommend the LG enV and any other smart phone basically.
Out of curiosity, do you have iPods or other devices dedicated for media already? I won't comment on the networking aspects of smartphones, but in terms of utility, how do the things outside of iPhone and Android based system fare? I use an old flip phone and simply never felt the need for a newer phone because I carry books and mp3 players (and more recently, pmp+movies+books in txt form).
I am waiting for 3g(4g) and wifi/wimax to make it to ereaders properly 
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On November 12 2009 02:43 Ecael wrote:
Out of curiosity, do you have iPods or other devices dedicated for media already? I won't comment on the networking aspects of smartphones, but in terms of utility, how do the things outside of iPhone and Android based system fare? I use an old flip phone and simply never felt the need for a newer phone because I carry books and mp3 players (and more recently, pmp+movies+books in txt form).
Outside of i-phone and Android... there are windows mobile and blackberry phones. For windows mobile, the Palm Pre is great as a business phone. Blackberries are GREAT email phones, but have some compatibility issues with Office files (which most people don't work on from phone anyway) and charge an extra blackberry email server fee.
As far as functionality/usage - I think an important question is how much are you on the road / travelling / in meetings. I love having internet on the train without pulling out the laptop. Email is indispensable for work at all times. MP3 functions are nice, so is the camera & ability to email pictures easily. The GPS locator + directions anywhere feature is addictive.
In the end it all depends on your goals / needs / lifestyle / budget.
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Yeah, when it is necessary for work though, more often than not the workplace will be the one giving you the phone. Smart phones certainly feel very useful for business and work purposes, but for individual use?
It could well just be I really like the whole netbook/ereader + 3g movement. The screen size of phones annoys the heck out of me, to pay additional simply to squint down something like that?
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I'm a huge phone enthusiast so here's my opinions on what u can/should get.
The first question is do you want a full keyboard or no. If you don't plan on texting of surfing the web much (using it more like a glorified ipod) a keyboard might just be a waste of space to you:
Te second thing is carrier, here's my quick breakdown:
Verizon:
+ Show Spoiler +
Pros:
Best network
Crazy amounts of data coverage
Great customer service (if you go to a Verizon store, I never used phone support)
Can return first phone that u buy, no questions asked
If you buy Verizon branded accessories you have 30 days to return them.
Expensive, but you get what you pay for
Very fast data thanks to EV-DO
Cons:
The most expensive carrier
MOST of their phones are very locked down to only things Verizon wanted on the phone. However this habit has been changing recently with the release of the Droid.
AT&T:
+ Show Spoiler +
Pros:
3g coverage is improving leaps and bounds in the last couple years.
Has the Iphone
Very good voice coverage across most of the US.
Cons:
2nd most expensive carrier, and in some cases the most expensive.
Pretty much all their smartphones now suck besides the Iphone
Slower data than Verizon or Sprint in most cases
Normally very low minute plans compared to competitors
Sprint
+ Show Spoiler +
Pros:
Great voice coverage
Very fast data thanks to EV-DO
Has basically 2 companies in one, Sprint and Nextel
Medium priced plans, normally cheaper than Verizon and AT&T
Cons:
Seems to be dying out lately
Very poor customer service
Phones are normally very expensive
T-Mobile
+ Show Spoiler +
Pros:
Great Customer Service, always wins awards for it
Most cost-efficient of the major providers
You will get more minutes for you $ than other providers
If you have your own phone (or pay MSRP for one) any of their normal 2 year plans can be converted into pay as you go plans.
If you live in Philly they have the fastest data network in the country, 27 MB/S. If you live in Philly, get T-Mobile and a phone that supports the crazy fast internet.
Cons:
Very hit or miss coverage
3g coverage is for the most part limited to major cities
Networks seems to be growing at a slower rate than other companies
Next pick a phone based on your 2 previous answers. Here's IMO the top phones for each company with and without keyboards:
Verizon
+ Show Spoiler +With KeyboardDroid: The newest addition to the Verizon line. An Android based phone. And a baller one at that, 5 MP camera, Android 2.0, New Google Maps, Flash support, and more. Android is the new phone OS of the future and you can get on board early with the Droid. It's got a slick OS, and is fast as hell with a processor similar to the Iphone's to boot. Without Keyboard:Eris: Again, an Android phone, but one that has HTC's unique interface, the Sense UI. Very clean, unique interface, and will soon have Android 2.0. Also has multitouch
Sprint
+ Show Spoiler +With KeyboardPalm Pre: A very slick, phone. Uses the new Palm WebOS and has very, very good multitasking. Other phones have multitasking but none like the Pre. Looks very cool and has multitouch. Without KeyboardHTC Hero: Pretty much the same as the Verizon Eris but more expensive. Has multitouch and the SenseUI, and supports flash.
AT&T
+ Show Spoiler +
T-Mobile
+ Show Spoiler +With KeyboardMotorola Cliq: Yet another Android Phone. Has the ever cool MotoBlur UI, which is just incredible if you use social networking sites. Very good keyboard, and a good design to boot. Without KeyboardMyTouch 3g : One of the very first Android phones on the market. Interface looks sort of outdated now (I know I have a g1), but there remains hope for Android 2.0 (no confirmations or anything yet). But can be flashed to the HTC Sense UI or the MotoBlur UI for increased functionality.
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On November 12 2009 02:40 himurakenshin wrote:Show nested quote +On November 12 2009 02:23 fanatacist wrote:
I used to have a 6-year-old flip phone just like you, because I figured that I didn't need anything more. I can call I can text, what else do I need?
I recently got the LG enV. My dick is hard. It's so useful - all the functionality has gone way up, with texting/calling/organizing things being easier and more intuitive than ever. I can use my cell phone as a mp3 player, or a web browser. I am never bored if I have my cell phone. It's fucking SICK. Like others have said, unlimited data plans are the shit. I strongly recommend the LG enV and any other smart phone basically. lg env is not a smart phone just to let you know
oh ): Oh well. It's still a great phone imo. Thanks though!
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On November 12 2009 02:43 Ecael wrote:Show nested quote +On November 12 2009 02:23 fanatacist wrote:
I used to have a 6-year-old flip phone just like you, because I figured that I didn't need anything more. I can call I can text, what else do I need?
I recently got the LG enV. My dick is hard. It's so useful - all the functionality has gone way up, with texting/calling/organizing things being easier and more intuitive than ever. I can use my cell phone as a mp3 player, or a web browser. I am never bored if I have my cell phone. It's fucking SICK. Like others have said, unlimited data plans are the shit. I strongly recommend the LG enV and any other smart phone basically. Out of curiosity, do you have iPods or other devices dedicated for media already? I won't comment on the networking aspects of smartphones, but in terms of utility, how do the things outside of iPhone and Android based system fare? I use an old flip phone and simply never felt the need for a newer phone because I carry books and mp3 players (and more recently, pmp+movies+books in txt form). I am waiting for 3g(4g) and wifi/wimax to make it to ereaders properly
I do have a cheap MP3 player, no iPod or anything like that. The video/audio capabilities of the env are sufficient for me, and I don't think they are inherently better or worse than an iPod. The only issue with the phone over the ipod is that the amount of memory you can store is a lot smaller (2 GB with a standard SunDisk card they give with the lg env), but I personally don't need 60 gigs of space if I have the internet on my phone and my favorite 200 songs or so.
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EPT
