Smartphone advice, anyone?

13bullets

13bullets

Chris
Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Location
Lincolnton
I don't think I can hold off on a smartphone another 2 years, my wife has been harassing me since our last upgrade 2 years ago. We're on the Sprint network, and I'm not in a 4G covered area. That said, from what I can tell I'm limited to the iPhone 4, 4S, or one of the HTC EVO's. I've been trying to do a little research on them but have no idea what it is I'm reading most of the time. I feel old. Help me.

And just for shits and giggles, and for the possibility of another option, here's the phones Sprint offers:http://shop.sprint.com/mysprint/shop/phone_wall.jsp?INTNAV=ATG:HE:Phones_Devices
 
Verizon Android.

The iPhone is pita and you need a pc and itunes to use it.
 
Just had to replace my flip phone, thought about a smart phone and just could not bring myself to pay $365.00 a year extra to fiddle with a phone. I'm not in that big of a hurry to look stuff up. I'm on the computer enough to begin with. Maybe later.
 
I would stay away from an HTC if you get an android it needs to be a motorola. I have a motorola droid 2 and once my update is here in june I'm gonna stay with a motorola. My wife has an iphone 4 and to me its an overexagerated phone, it can't do anything my droid can do and the screen is smaller, and since its an "apple" you have a special activation charge when you get it.
 
Stuntman Autoworks said:
I would stay away from an HTC if you get an android it needs to be a motorola. I have a motorola droid 2 and once my update is here in june I'm gonna stay with a motorola. My wife has an iphone 4 and to me its an overexagerated phone, it can't do anything my droid can do and the screen is smaller, and since its an "apple" you have a special activation charge when you get it.
Click to expand...
X2 my HTC wildfire is a POS hard to use. The motorola is the way to go.
 
It's unfortunate Verizon no longer offers unlimited data plans to new customers and holy shit their plans are expensive.
 
An idea for you:

Well, this MIGHT work, just depends how many calls you make UNLESS you have an unlimited data package.

Download the Google Voice app, create a google phone number, use that number to make calls and text message. It's a PITA because nobody will know that number, but they can still call the one you currently have, but once everyone knows it, you can make and receive calls for $free$ (no minutes used), and send and receive text messages for $free$. You can actually 'port' your current number with Google and do all the above, but google charges $20 (one time), and I am not sure if your service provider would have any charges.

I just downloaded google voice on my phone and my wife's phone, we had blocked text messages on her phone soon after we got them (droid X's), because she didn't really use them, and we would get charged for spam text messages. I use texts, but now I cancelled (and blocked) texts to my main number and am going to start using the Google voice #, saves $10/month on the text package. We got our phones back when they were doing unlimited data packages, so we have no worries about going over, I am gonna see how well the Google Voice works and I might go for a lower minutes plan if I can.

All that said, I really like my Droid X, anything Motorola would probably be a good choice.
 
go on straight talk .com & key in your zip they will bring phones in your area that work. $45 unlimited everything. You have to buy the phone, I got a nokia 6790 for a yard note. They have refurbs for like 50. I just didn't catch one. Best deal by far...
 
yeah the prepaid unlimited everythign is the way to go these days.
Im on VZW under contract but if I wasnt or when it expires thats what I will do.
$50/month unlimited talk text and data, and you can pick your carrier VZW, Sprint, or AT&T (though wy anyone would choose AT&Ts towers without their price points is beyond me)
 
I have sprint. The only motorola they offer now is the photon. I've had one for about 5 months and cant conplain about it. I tether my computer to it pretty often with a free app, and unlimited data. They are 99 plus a 50$ trade in right now. . It ads $10 a month to your bill to move up to a smart phone. Best buy has all those pay as you go plans as well.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Motorol...?id=1218370449534&skuId=3005219&contract_desc=
 
Tacoma747 said:
An idea for you:

Well, this MIGHT work, just depends how many calls you make UNLESS you have an unlimited data package.

Download the Google Voice app, create a google phone number, use that number to make calls and text message. It's a PITA because nobody will know that number, but they can still call the one you currently have, but once everyone knows it, you can make and receive calls for $free$ (no minutes used), and send and receive text messages for $free$. You can actually 'port' your current number with Google and do all the above, but google charges $20 (one time), and I am not sure if your service provider would have any charges.

I just downloaded google voice on my phone and my wife's phone, we had blocked text messages on her phone soon after we got them (droid X's), because she didn't really use them, and we would get charged for spam text messages. I use texts, but now I cancelled (and blocked) texts to my main number and am going to start using the Google voice #, saves $10/month on the text package. We got our phones back when they were doing unlimited data packages, so we have no worries about going over, I am gonna see how well the Google Voice works and I might go for a lower minutes plan if I can.

All that said, I really like my Droid X, anything Motorola would probably be a good choice.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure google voice uses your cell phone minutes when using the app. When using the app you connect to the cellular network, you just aren't using your "main" number.
 
The IPhone puts all others to shame.. 4G means nothing if you're in an area where 4G is not... IPhone battery life puts the androids to shame again... You also dont have to have a computer with Itunes to use the Iphone... Itunes is loaded on the phone..

Live and learn.. by a droid, be dissapointed like most everyone else, then buy an Iphone. For the "common user" the Iphone operating system is much easier/user friendly.

Also, unless you sit around and stream movies you're not going to meet your 2GB data useage limits.


EDIT: No "special" activation charge here either...
 
DSM Turbos said:
Pretty sure google voice uses your cell phone minutes when using the app. When using the app you connect to the cellular network, you just aren't using your "main" number.
Click to expand...

goog voice transmits your voice over a VOIP protocol.
It does not use your minutes at least not on a verizon plan
 
I'm going to hyjak a little....

So, the iPhone is a POS and is a PITA to use?

My wife wants one, I really don't. I have the blackberry, but its for work so I can't really complain or whatever. I don't have another smart phone, just a normal phone like Terry.

I'm on US Cellular, been good so far, but wife wants to switch to Verizon for the iPhone. So, Sprint or Verizon?

droid or iPhone?

I have Sprint for work, its OK. I'd prefer not to go to Sprint but would if needed....
 
My guess is if someone started a poll titled: Cell Phone Poll

  1. Previous Android Users NOW USING the Iphone
  2. Previous IPhone Users NOW USING an Android
#1 will have a lot more votes... My guess is the folks saying the andoid is better have not switched to the Iphone "YET".

Oh yeah.. Verizon over Sprint
 
uncc civilengineer said:
My guess is if someone started a poll titled: Cell Phone Poll

  1. Previous Android Users NOW USING the Iphone
  2. Previous IPhone Users NOW USING an Android
#1 will have a lot more votes... My guess is the folks saying the andoid is better have not switched to the Iphone "YET".


Oh yeah.. Verizon over Sprint
Click to expand...
Iphone has advantages. Android has advantages. I've used both, I have an iPad.
I'll stick with my Galaxy S Android phone, and am waiting for either the S3 or the galaxy nexxus on sprint. (MUCH cheaper plan for me)
I got the other half an evo 3d a short while ago, and it seems pretty good. the photon seems to have a better radio for reception but not much better.
Anything is better than a blackberry for voice though. :)


That said, I'd definitely go to the store, and use both. See what YOU like and what feels more intuitive to YOU.
 
Thats the thing, I don't care, I have a Blackberry for work. My other phone is a dumb phone and I intend to keep it like that...

The wife thinks the iPhone is the best, I guess. I'm thinking she will be dissapointed and I really don't want to switch carriers (we are very happy with US Cellular) for something like that... Oh well, if momma ain't happy.....
 
Ron said:
goog voice transmits your voice over a VOIP protocol.
It does not use your minutes at least not on a verizon plan
Click to expand...

Google Voice on your computer uses VOIP protocols, but not on your cell phone (unless things have changed)

http://support.google.com/mobile/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1083068

When you use Google Voice for Android, domestic calls will use the standard minutes from your cell phone plan.
Each time you place a call, instead of dialing the number you want to reach, Google Voice dials a US-based direct access number. The Google Voice server then forwards your call to the actual destination number. This allows for faster call setup and the ability to place calls without a data connection. These direct access numbers may show in your phone's call log, or on your phone bill.
A unique direct access phone number is assigned to each person that you call. The direct access numbers are stored in the Google Voice application, not in your Contacts. They can be purged from your phone at any time by signing out of the Google Voice app.
Note: Direct access numbers are assigned randomly, and may include numbers that are out of your local calling area, or even out of state. If you don't have a nationwide calling plan, you may be charged long distance rates by your carrier.
Click to expand...
 
Your Hot Dog Guy! said:
Just had to replace my flip phone, thought about a smart phone and just could not bring myself to pay $365.00 a year extra to fiddle with a phone. I'm not in that big of a hurry to look stuff up. I'm on the computer enough to begin with. Maybe later.
Click to expand...

x2
 
Rob,
This is the easiest way to explain it. What the iPhone does it, it does nearly flawlessly and intuitively. Its kinda scary Kylie (for others my 8 year old daughter) can pick up Linda's iPhone and use it as good as her. However the Droid can do many many more things, but takes more time to learn and can be clunky at times until you master it.
uncc civilengineer said:
My guess is if someone started a poll titled: Cell Phone Poll

  1. Previous Android Users NOW USING the Iphone
  2. Previous IPhone Users NOW USING an Android
#1 will have a lot more votes... My guess is the folks saying the andoid is better have not switched to the Iphone "YET".


Oh yeah.. Verizon over Sprint
Click to expand...

Im not sure id take that bet. Since iPhone whored out the data has been harder to botain but at one point when it was just VZW and AT&T with it the atrit rate was around 27% iPhone users leaving for Droid and staying away for 12 months. Where as only are 13% droid users left for iOS and stayed away.

Of course there is tons of spin in both numbers and iPhone definitely has the biggest fan boi's so there is that.
 
I've had an iPhone for the past 3 years. Upgraded to the 4s last year when it came out. Ive never had any other smart phone but know others who have and most of them have iPhones now. As far as a PITA my 4 year old grandson can work it. He knows how to buy and delete apps and is always moving my icons around. He's good at most of the games also. My wife and I both have them and my bill is less than paying for the 2 nextels we used to have with less minutes no data or text. Oh and we are on AT&T.
 
I have had both. Android and iPhone. I currently have an iPhone and love it! There are only 2 complaints I had about the Evo when I had it. 1) Battery life SUCKS! I had to carry a charger everywhere I went! 2) the phone it's self would lock up on me all the time. Especially when using apps. And I was running the app killers and battery saver apps like it was going out of style.

With my iPhone. I can play/txt/call all day and don't need a charger until late afternoon/nights.

IMO the iPhone is better. But with all phones, it's a user personal preference. I personally think you would need to use both to figure out which phone works best with you!


Sent from my microwave using a teleportation device.
 
Just FYI, if you want your battery life to last longer on ANY of the smart phones, TURN DOWN THE BRIGHTNESS SETTING!! Unless your outside you really don't need it maxed out. I know on the iPad it's two clicks on the home button, swipe the icons on the bottom to the right and you've got quick access to the brightness settings.

HTH
and here's my vote for the iPhone 4S... better OS and the camera is waaaay better than the iPhone 4
 
what is it that the androids do that the iPhones can't? the guys at work that have them can't do anything with them but call me and have me look things up on the iPhone.
 
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