Going for a new phone soon, maybe new carrier, what do you like?

[RDWHAHB]

Just went through this. Wife & I were separately on ATT w/dumb phones. 450 minutes a month, no text plan. Bills ranged from 48-50/month (each) depending on text usage. We go Iphones & a family plan.

Here is what it cost us:
Iphones (2x + taxes) ~216
1st bill (Prorated 1st month, prorated credit from "pre-paying" the last month on the old plan, prepay the next month on the new plan, & one time upgrade charges ~$264

I expect our regular bill will be $130-140. $50 for 550 mins, $9 add-a-line, $60 in data plans, $10 for texting plans, plus fees.


So monthly charges will be about $30 more per month for us. We paid probably about $300 for the phones, fees, and whatever else upfront. Plus another $130 or so to prepay a month. Plus I have a d** contract again.

 

[Lefty]

I had Verizon for many many many years. My wife lost her phone and they wanted to charge us full price ($100+) for a crappy basic phone. Long story short, moved to ATT with the iPhones...love them. There are even apps for brewing beer!

 

[dataz722]

I had Verizon for many many many years. My wife lost her phone and they wanted to charge us full price ($100+) for a crappy basic phone.

You will find that with any and every carrier though. I have actually found Verizon to be the most willing to work with you.

 

[Skins_Brew]

I have an HTC G1, and have been ogling the droid for some time now. The android operating system is much more versatile than the iphone. I like how simple the iphone is, but at at the point where it limits functionality, I find the dumbed down interface annoying. I would recommend an Android phone.

I used to use dumb phones, but beyond all the games, social networking BS, and gimmicks, there are a LOT of apps that are truly useful tools.

I use Gmote as a remote control for my Home theater computer.
I use Google maps as a GPS navigation device (no need to buy a Tom-Tom)
There's a bar code scanner that lets you compare prices online to items you scan in the store.
Google Goggles lets you search by taking a picture of something.
They are constantly coming out with new uses for the phones capabilities. You don't know what you've missed, until you get it.

Iphone does all this too except maybe the googling a picture of something. But really, why would you need that?

 

[Ksosh]

I upgraded my old, standard razr phone to a blackberry, and I couldn't be happier. I love being able to check my email/hbt/facebook/whatever from it. We have Verizon, and I've never had a problem with reception. My friend has the IPhone and (obviously) AT&T service, and while he loves the iphone (mostly for the random apps he finds), he absolutely hates AT&T's coverage (and cost). My brother-in-law has been drooling over the Droid, and from what he says, it might actually rival the Iphone if you don't care about choosing from 100 different fart applications.

Whatever you choose, being able to check email/web/google maps/etc. has definitely changed my life. I'm much more productive when I have to be, and it's much easier to be less productive when I want to be.

 

[klyph]

Iphone does all this too except maybe the googling a picture of something. But really, why would you need that?

I'll admit to never needing it. But the Google apps tend to be stripped down for the iphone, like maps doesn't give turn by turn directions. It's a matter of personal preference. I dislike Apple products based solely on how trendy they are, and you just cannot replace a physical keyboard with a touch screen. That alone adds a level of functionality that the iPhone will never have.

 

[klyph]

I upgraded my old, standard razr phone to a blackberry, and I couldn't be happier. I love being able to check my email/hbt/facebook/whatever from it. We have Verizon, and I've never had a problem with reception. My friend has the IPhone and (obviously) AT&T service, and while he loves the iphone (mostly for the random apps he finds), he absolutely hates AT&T's coverage (and cost). My brother-in-law has been drooling over the Droid, and from what he says, it might actually rival the Iphone if you don't care about choosing from 100 different fart applications.

Whatever you choose, being able to check email/web/google maps/etc. has definitely changed my life. I'm much more productive when I have to be, and it's much easier to be less productive when I want to be.

I agree, the OP wanted to know whether the jump to smart phones was worth it. To which I say yes, but don't try and stay on top of the newest coolest gadget, that's a money pit you'll never find the bottom of.

 

[Ksosh]

I agree, the OP wanted to know whether the jump to smart phones was worth it. To which I say yes, but don't try and stay on top of the newest coolest gadget, that's a money pit you'll never find the bottom of.

Agreed. I bought the Blackberry Curve, which was $50 after rebate. I could have easily spent $250 (AFTER rebate) on something that did basically the same crap. I'm on my 3rd cellphone ever, and I'm averaging about 5 years per phone. Sooooo, if you're going to buy a new phone, spend a little extra to make the jump to a smartphone (or maybe even a Droid), and you'll be set for years.

 

[Skins_Brew]

I'll admit to never needing it. But the Google apps tend to be stripped down for the iphone, like maps doesn't give turn by turn directions. It's a matter of personal preference. I dislike Apple products based solely on how trendy they are, and you just cannot replace a physical keyboard with a touch screen. That alone adds a level of functionality that the iPhone will never have.

A bone stock iphone will give you turn by turn direction. I see where you are coming from. I was initially a little leary of anything apple but this phone seriously kicks ass. The only things i would like to see is flash support and the ability to run multiple apps

 

[klyph]

I think everyone should research which phone (iPhone, Android, Blackberry) best fits their needs. There is no "best phone" it needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

 

[mordantly]

im still rocking my 6 year old lg vx6000. only had to replace the battery after 4 years. got one on ebay twice capacity for $5 shipped (chinese of course!). who wears phones out? this one has:

457:38:11 call time for 10,654 calls

 

[Skins_Brew]

is that the one that has the four colored lights on the front? I think I had one of those in 2003. It was one of the first camera phones out there. I remember several of my friends were like, " Who the flip needs a camera on their cell phone? Thats the lamest idea ever."

 

[JVD_X]

A bone stock iphone will give you turn by turn direction. I see where you are coming from. I was initially a little leary of anything apple but this phone seriously kicks ass. The only things i would like to see is flash support and the ability to run multiple apps

The 3G iphone is not great as a nav system. It simply does not have the resolution to determine what street you are on when two streets run close and parallel to each other. You can certainly use it for directions and to get your general location but it is not up to snuff for regular nav use.

The ability to run multiple apps? That is not a realistic issue. You won't be running a CAD/CAM application that is rendering a view while you type up an e-mail.

 

[jgln]

Does it matter to anyone that right now only Sprint has 4G?

 

[Synovia]

exactly, I was just pointing out that from what I have heard they have locked it up to limit customization. I am a fan of osx but not a fan of taking a free os such as freebsd, making some mods to it, calling it osx and charging for it.

This is not exactly what they have done as I am sure the GPL license would not allow that but it down the right path with what they have done.

Anyways, rant over...

Thats kind of the entire point of the BSD license.


My SWMBO has a T-Mobile MyTouch. Its fantastic. Much nicer than the Blackberry that work subjects me to.

 

[humann_brewing]

Does it matter to anyone that right now only Sprint has 4G?

what is 4G really? This seems like a marketing ploy more than anything. Next tv manufactures will tell everyone they are "extra HD" capable.... oh wait there is LED, pay a lot more money to make your screen skinnier..... just buy a projector.


Man, I have some hostility this morning, this rant is over.

 

[jgln]

what is 4G really? This seems like a marketing ploy more than anything. Next tv manufactures will tell everyone they are "extra HD" capable.... oh wait there is LED, pay a lot more money to make your screen skinnier..... just buy a projector.


Man, I have some hostility this morning, this rant is over.

4G is no marketing ploy; it is a real technology that brings yet even faster data speeds for downloads. There was 1G, 2G, 3G and now 4G and I suspect one day 5G and so on. There is LTE and Wimax 4G technologies. Sprint went with the already developed Wimax to be first but others are going with LTE the more popular version of 4G. Both get you to the same place though. Sprint can actually convert to LTE with some simple upgrades if they choose. You may see Comcast and maybe others offering 4G but they are Sprint partners in Clearwire now called Clear. Sprint is the majority shareholder in Clear. They are using the Clear (Sprint) network under another name.

You will see Verizon offering 4G in probably the next 6 months my guess. AT&T is still trying to catch up on 3G.

4G is real and better.

 

[Skins_Brew]

The 3G iphone is not great as a nav system. It simply does not have the resolution to determine what street you are on when two streets run close and parallel to each other. You can certainly use it for directions and to get your general location but it is not up to snuff for regular nav use.

You got the iphone there. I was in the boondocks of MD not to long ago and did not print any directions or maps because I was so use to having my iphone. Well, the signal in the boonies blew and I ended up driving around for 15 minutes looking for the road I came in on because I could not access the iphone maps. I was pretty pissed at the iphone that night.

 

[Buildmark]

I think for coverage, Verizon is the one to go with. Especially if you are going to do any traveling. I travel often and all over the place and always have a signal.

I have 5 phones on my family plan, unlimited texting and the 1400 anytime shared minute plan with the 10 favorites or calling circle or whatever it's called that you can also call anytime for free as well. We don't use any data minutes at all, but I pay $154 per month out the door with taxes and all.

Verizon also offers some cable TV channels, that map thing which talks to you and internet too.

You have to be careful with their internet if you are using a pc connected to the phone or that usb device for internet though, they no longer have unlimited plans and with a pc and some streaming of video, it's easy to exceed that.

AT&T still offers the unlimited internet package for the usb device for $60 per month. Same price as Verizon but not limited, but coverage is not as good.

 

[mordantly]

is that the one that has the four colored lights on the front? I think I had one of those in 2003. It was one of the first camera phones out there. I remember several of my friends were like, " Who the flip needs a camera on their cell phone? Thats the lamest idea ever."

oh yeah baby! in 2003 it cost me $150! has a 640x480 camera and only stores 20 pictures. i think samsung was the one who had it on a model a few months before this one. it's funny, now you get a 2 megapixel and sd cards to store music/pics on. i have to convert mp3s to a proprietary format to put em on in place of verizon crap i don't need. new phones are half as thick as these early flips but twice as wide and still weigh about the same, but have smaller batteries. verizon kinda blows but everywhere i travel in the US i almost always have coverage.

 

[Skins_Brew]

oh yeah baby! in 2003 it cost me $150! has a 640x480 camera and only stores 20 pictures. i think samsung was the one who had it on a model a few months before this one. it's funny, now you get a 2 megapixel and sd cards to store music/pics on. i have to convert mp3s to a proprietary format to put em on in place of verizon crap i don't need. new phones are half as thick as these early flips but twice as wide and still weigh about the same, but have smaller batteries. verizon kinda blows but everywhere i travel in the US i almost always have coverage.

that phone was the bomb!

 

[phrogpilot73]

My wife and I are on AT&T, and have been for years (started with Cingular). We never really look at other carriers because we get a pretty good discount (we're military), our service has always been good, and we go overseas often enough that we like having a GSM phone. Yes, I know that other carriers are now introducing "world phones" - but EVERY AT&T phone is a world phone.

As for the iPhone - I am disgusted with myself. I was an early adopter of smartphones, my first one being a Kyocera 7135. I then moved on to a Palm Treo 650 (went through two), then made the jump to Windows Mobile with the Palm Treo 750. Fell in love with WM and went from the 750 to a Blackjack2, then a Samsung Epix, to an HTC Fuze. I really loved my Fuze.

My wife and I went to a football game, and got drenched - and her iPhone went TU. We put it in a bag with Damp Rid, let it sit for a couple of days with no sign of life. We went and bought her a 3GS (and an OtterBox case), and about 2 days after that the Damp Rid had done its thing and the original iPhone (3G) was working fine. Feeling bad, I started to use it as my iPod. Until I found a program for aviation weather/flight planning that I realized would be great on the road, then I switched over to using it as my phone.

I still hate myself, and wish I still had a WM phone strapped to my hip. I think that once I got off the Apple ride and entered the murky world of jailbreaking that I started to respect myself in the morning. About the only thing I miss from WM now is my keyboard.

 

[humann_brewing]

well I have decided on the droid, it is on the way.

So now to search for apps. any suggestions?

What apps should I get for the android OS?

 

[Picobrew]

well I have decided on the droid, it is on the way.

So now to search for apps. any suggestions?

What apps should I get for the android OS?

Nice choice!! Either this or the Nexus One is what I am pining for, but can't really get either cuz i'm on a tmobile family plan. Both look really sharp. I have the g1 right now and would love the zippier processor and smaller form factor of the droid.

I am a HUGE fan of the android OS. It is really great. It may not have the animations of polish of iPhone (they are slowly adding things like that), but as for actual functionality it blows the iPhone away. My old iPhone is relegated to being a jukebox for my stereo.

The apps I use the most are NewsRob for RSS, Google Listen for podcasts, Google Voice for calls, SportsTap for sports scores, I use a widget for volume controls that is pretty slick, and you might want to get TaskKiller for killing apps. Robo Defense is a pretty fun game. ES File Explorer lets you use windows/smb file sharing and manage your files on your PC or phone and lets you transfer using wifi, pretty damn slick. 3banana lets you write notes and have them synced off to a cloud. Download Crutch lets you download any file, not just ones your phone has associations for, Gdocs lets you view google docs, My Tracks is really good for tracking hikes or bike rides, Pandora speaks for itself, Qik lets you upload/stream live video, I use Torrent-Fu to manage my home machine torrent downloads (and add to them when I am on the go). ConnectBot is a great SSH client, World Tour is a really cool app that changes your background to a different world web cam every 30m or so. I also use Twidroid for twitter, it seems to be the best client.

Man, I'm a phone geek.

 

[humann_brewing]

Nice choice!! Either this or the Nexus One is what I am pining for, but can't really get either cuz i'm on a tmobile family plan. Both look really sharp. I have the g1 right now and would love the zippier processor and smaller form factor of the droid.

I am a HUGE fan of the android OS. It is really great. It may not have the animations of polish of iPhone (they are slowly adding things like that), but as for actual functionality it blows the iPhone away. My old iPhone is relegated to being a jukebox for my stereo.

The apps I use the most are NewsRob for RSS, Google Listen for podcasts, Google Voice for calls, SportsTap for sports scores, I use a widget for volume controls that is pretty slick, and you might want to get TaskKiller for killing apps. Robo Defense is a pretty fun game. ES File Explorer lets you use windows/smb file sharing and manage your files on your PC or phone and lets you transfer using wifi, pretty damn slick. 3banana lets you write notes and have them synced off to a cloud. Download Crutch lets you download any file, not just ones your phone has associations for, Gdocs lets you view google docs, My Tracks is really good for tracking hikes or bike rides, Pandora speaks for itself, Qik lets you upload/stream live video, I use Torrent-Fu to manage my home machine torrent downloads (and add to them when I am on the go). ConnectBot is a great SSH client, World Tour is a really cool app that changes your background to a different world web cam every 30m or so. I also use Twidroid for twitter, it seems to be the best client.

Man, I'm a phone geek.

Wow, I am glad I asked, I have some serious playing to do.

 

[malkore]

remember, the Droid is a phone model by motorola...it runs Android, which is Google's OS for phones that competes against the iPhone.

I have an HTC Hero, which is one of Sprint's Android based phones. ONly had it a week, and damn if its not cool.

I was surprised how many free apps there are for Android. I asked someone with an iTouch if their apps were free...apparently not that many are. Apple is way overbearing on what they approve to go on the Apple store. Google, as usual, wants to make life easy on people.

i did have to upgrade my data plan so my bill is more now, but those things always fluctuate and vary upon your regional market.

 

[humann_brewing]

remember, the Droid is a phone model by motorola...it runs Android, which is Google's OS for phones that competes against the iPhone.

I have an HTC Hero, which is one of Sprint's Android based phones. ONly had it a week, and damn if its not cool.

I was surprised how many free apps there are for Android. I asked someone with an iTouch if their apps were free...apparently not that many are. Apple is way overbearing on what they approve to go on the Apple store. Google, as usual, wants to make life easy on people.

i did have to upgrade my data plan so my bill is more now, but those things always fluctuate and vary upon your regional market.

I not only remember this but I know it too I thought that the droid was the best hardware to take advantage of the android os and it just looks like a beast, I can't wait to get it.

 

[ChshreCat]

I've always had a smartphone for years now, but I only had it so I could open word and excel files and the such, never went with a data plan. So, I go to upgrade my phone and I find that they REQUIRE an unlimited data plan to buy a smartphone now. I was pretty pissed over that, but finally relented because I really needed a new phone and I needed a smartphone.

Well, since I have the dataplan, I figured I'd get my money's worth out of it and I have to admit I'm lovin' it. I can do so much with this phone it's amazing. Stuff I never thought I'd need or want, I'm really getting accustomed to. Even surfing HBT on the bus.

 

[Picobrew]

I've always had a smartphone for years now, but I only had it so I could open word and excel files and the such, never went with a data plan. So, I go to upgrade my phone and I find that they REQUIRE an unlimited data plan to buy a smartphone now. I was pretty pissed over that, but finally relented because I really needed a new phone and I needed a smartphone.

Well, since I have the dataplan, I figured I'd get my money's worth out of it and I have to admit I'm lovin' it. I can do so much with this phone it's amazing. Stuff I never thought I'd need or want, I'm really getting accustomed to. Even surfing HBT on the bus.

are you rockin windows mobile?

 

[ChshreCat]

are you rockin windows mobile?

Yep. Not as cool as the Droid folks, but I've used it for years and don't have a problem with it. Plus, there's tons of software for it.