We need help choosing a smartphone/mobile and provider
February 11, 2010 9:50 AM Subscribe
So, apparently I need to get a smartphone. I'm not 100% sure that I really "need" to, but browsing the web on the tiny screen of my current phone is not a fun experience. I'm overwhelmed by the options available and need some guidance on my next steps choosing a phone and the network provider for me and my wife.
Providers: I'm currently with AT&T but I'm not tied to any single provider. Verizon offers a slight advantage since our parents would be on the same network. However, aside from calls to one another we make very few phone calls each month...we both have the lowest minute plans offering free mobile-to-mobile minutes and always, always have minutes left over at the month. We live in an urban area (Philadelphia) so we probably have pretty good coverage from all providers (which would be different if we lived in a rural area), although we've actually had problems with AT&T's network from time to time when I've been in the city center...I assume from network congestion?
Phones: Neither of us text very often; maybe once or twice per day max although I suppose that could change in the future. Either way, it's not necessary for the phone to be geared towards texting at all. I'm a web programmer and do some server maintenance, so being able to load a simple text editor, sftp client, and a ssh terminal would be important. Both phones should have pretty good cameras and web browsers. We both use Macs and syncing is very important but we don't mind going through a few hoops at the beginning to set things up.
My priorities, in order, would be:
Providers: I'm currently with AT&T but I'm not tied to any single provider. Verizon offers a slight advantage since our parents would be on the same network. However, aside from calls to one another we make very few phone calls each month...we both have the lowest minute plans offering free mobile-to-mobile minutes and always, always have minutes left over at the month. We live in an urban area (Philadelphia) so we probably have pretty good coverage from all providers (which would be different if we lived in a rural area), although we've actually had problems with AT&T's network from time to time when I've been in the city center...I assume from network congestion?
Phones: Neither of us text very often; maybe once or twice per day max although I suppose that could change in the future. Either way, it's not necessary for the phone to be geared towards texting at all. I'm a web programmer and do some server maintenance, so being able to load a simple text editor, sftp client, and a ssh terminal would be important. Both phones should have pretty good cameras and web browsers. We both use Macs and syncing is very important but we don't mind going through a few hoops at the beginning to set things up.
My priorities, in order, would be:
- Inexpensive plans (ideally a family plan)
- Reliable phones (I plan to hold on to these for at least 2-3 years)
- Decent sized screens on both phones
- My phone at least needs the ability to add apps
- Inexpensive phones
- Good web browsing and internet access (both in terms of UI and stability and speed of network)
- Good syncing
- Good photo quality
- Can be used internationally (not a deal-breaker at all, but it would be nice to be able to use my phone when overseas and even swap in a sim)
As near as I can tell, despite the advertising wars, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon are identical in terms of speed and coverage. At least functionally. I don't know about price.
I've never heard of anyone regretting getting an iPhone. I got mine a generation old for $200. I think they're cheaper now. Its camera is 3 MP, and I think they're better now. And have video.
posted by cmoj at 9:55 AM on February 11, 2010
I've never heard of anyone regretting getting an iPhone. I got mine a generation old for $200. I think they're cheaper now. Its camera is 3 MP, and I think they're better now. And have video.
posted by cmoj at 9:55 AM on February 11, 2010
being able to load a simple text editor, sftp client, and a ssh terminal would be important
Both phones should have pretty good cameras and web browsers
We both use Macs and syncing is very important but we don't mind going through a few hoops at the beginning to set things up
Sounds like you want an iPhone, but...
Inexpensive plans (ideally a family plan)
Inexpensive phones
...don't want to pay for it.
posted by jckll at 9:57 AM on February 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Both phones should have pretty good cameras and web browsers
We both use Macs and syncing is very important but we don't mind going through a few hoops at the beginning to set things up
Sounds like you want an iPhone, but...
Inexpensive plans (ideally a family plan)
Inexpensive phones
...don't want to pay for it.
posted by jckll at 9:57 AM on February 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Smartphones aren't cheap.
You might want to check out t-mobile. This is what I've got:
Uncontracted plan
T-mobile G1 (Android) on a payment plan of $20 a month.
$60 a month for 300 minutes a month (I don't talk a lot either), unlimited text and unlimited web.
I'm thrilled with the service and the phone. (how did I ever live without it? XD)
You could see if they have the option to just have 300 a month plus unlimited web without the unlimited texts.
posted by royalsong at 9:59 AM on February 11, 2010
You might want to check out t-mobile. This is what I've got:
Uncontracted plan
T-mobile G1 (Android) on a payment plan of $20 a month.
$60 a month for 300 minutes a month (I don't talk a lot either), unlimited text and unlimited web.
I'm thrilled with the service and the phone. (how did I ever live without it? XD)
You could see if they have the option to just have 300 a month plus unlimited web without the unlimited texts.
posted by royalsong at 9:59 AM on February 11, 2010
Response by poster: I probably should have put "inexpensive" lower down on the list. I mean, assuming discounts for signing up for a contract I'm actually willing to shell out around $200 for both phones but not a heck of a lot more than that. I guess my real concern is quality over glitz.
Also I know long term the real cost is in the plans. I'd like to keep those costs as low as possible even if that means paying slightly more up front.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:00 AM on February 11, 2010
Also I know long term the real cost is in the plans. I'd like to keep those costs as low as possible even if that means paying slightly more up front.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:00 AM on February 11, 2010
Oh, I forgot to mention.
If you use google services (gmail, gcalendar, gtalk, etc), the syncing is near instantaneous from the moment you get the phone without having to hook up to a computer.
and If you don't, I know there's a lot of apps and programs to make your non-google stuff talk to google.
posted by royalsong at 10:03 AM on February 11, 2010
If you use google services (gmail, gcalendar, gtalk, etc), the syncing is near instantaneous from the moment you get the phone without having to hook up to a computer.
and If you don't, I know there's a lot of apps and programs to make your non-google stuff talk to google.
posted by royalsong at 10:03 AM on February 11, 2010
yikes. I'm not sure you could get any 2 smartphones, with discounts, for $200.
And definitely not a G1.
I really suggest before you put the money into any smartphone that you find someone with a working one and play with it. Try to type things on it. You may find that it sways your position on something like a QWERTY over a touchscreen keyboard.
posted by royalsong at 10:07 AM on February 11, 2010
And definitely not a G1.
I really suggest before you put the money into any smartphone that you find someone with a working one and play with it. Try to type things on it. You may find that it sways your position on something like a QWERTY over a touchscreen keyboard.
posted by royalsong at 10:07 AM on February 11, 2010
Response by poster: yikes. I'm not sure you could get any 2 smartphones, with discounts, for $200.
Sorry, I should have mentioned that they don't both need to be smartphones.
I know that Verizon offers the Droid for $199 and you can get a free phone with that. I'm just not certain whether or not I should go with the Droid. I'm also open to buying, say, the Nexus One with T-Mobile and then getting a separate plan for my wife with a "normal" phone. And of course there's the iPhone as well. As I said in the question, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the options that are out there. I'm kind of hoping someone will say, "We were in a similar position and this is what we chose and this was our experience with it."
At this point, I'm fairly certain I'm going to go with either the iPhone or the Droid (or some other Android phone) for myself. One of the real question marks is the second phone. It doesn't have to have a ton of features other than a decent camera and web browsing capabilities.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:25 AM on February 11, 2010
Sorry, I should have mentioned that they don't both need to be smartphones.
I know that Verizon offers the Droid for $199 and you can get a free phone with that. I'm just not certain whether or not I should go with the Droid. I'm also open to buying, say, the Nexus One with T-Mobile and then getting a separate plan for my wife with a "normal" phone. And of course there's the iPhone as well. As I said in the question, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the options that are out there. I'm kind of hoping someone will say, "We were in a similar position and this is what we chose and this was our experience with it."
At this point, I'm fairly certain I'm going to go with either the iPhone or the Droid (or some other Android phone) for myself. One of the real question marks is the second phone. It doesn't have to have a ton of features other than a decent camera and web browsing capabilities.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:25 AM on February 11, 2010
Sometimes ATT would sell refurbished low-end iPhone 3G for $99 each. But I don't think they're doing that anymore. If rumors/history are any indication, we should expect a new iPhone this summer and at that time if there's a ton of 3G and 3Gs models around they'll be discounted to clear them out for the new one. Then again, you might want one of the new ones which will probably be in the same price points new ones are selling at today.
But in the Smartphone space you'll need to fork out at least $200 each for a phone that does everything but item 5 on your list.
I've been super happy with my iPhones over the years. They just work. And Macs and iPhones get along like they're made by the same company or something. I have friends with Droids and some pining for Nexus and they really cost about the same and you will wonder after about two days why it took you so long to get one.
posted by birdherder at 10:26 AM on February 11, 2010
But in the Smartphone space you'll need to fork out at least $200 each for a phone that does everything but item 5 on your list.
I've been super happy with my iPhones over the years. They just work. And Macs and iPhones get along like they're made by the same company or something. I have friends with Droids and some pining for Nexus and they really cost about the same and you will wonder after about two days why it took you so long to get one.
posted by birdherder at 10:26 AM on February 11, 2010
Ever thought about the palm pre?
I pay about $60 dollars a month with sprint but there's a version of it in Verizon as well.
In your case though I think the best circumference of price and functionality seems to be the droid.....
posted by The1andonly at 10:30 AM on February 11, 2010
I pay about $60 dollars a month with sprint but there's a version of it in Verizon as well.
In your case though I think the best circumference of price and functionality seems to be the droid.....
posted by The1andonly at 10:30 AM on February 11, 2010
Verizon was offering a 'free' Droid Eris when you bought a Motorola Droid. That would get you two new phones for $200. They also were running the Droid Eris B1G1 netting you both phones for about $100.
Verizon is by no means inexpensive, though. Sprint and T-Mobile are much cheaper. If you are employed a large-ish company there are likely some pretty hefty Sprint discounts available.
posted by barake at 10:33 AM on February 11, 2010
Verizon is by no means inexpensive, though. Sprint and T-Mobile are much cheaper. If you are employed a large-ish company there are likely some pretty hefty Sprint discounts available.
posted by barake at 10:33 AM on February 11, 2010
I just looked at ATT, they do have the iPhone 3G at $99, with a 2 year contract. Looking at their offering and Verizon, there are smartphones in the price ranges that allow 2 of them to be purchased for $200 total with a 2 year contract. I'd make lists of models to look at from the various carrier websites, then at least hit a store to play with those models.
I can't imagine that doing webserver work would be much fun on a smart phone. You're probably more likely to find free tools to help with that on a Droid phone than an iPhone (where most of those tools seems to cost a little bit). To meet #9, you'll probably want to stick with AT&T.
posted by ZeusHumms at 10:34 AM on February 11, 2010
I can't imagine that doing webserver work would be much fun on a smart phone. You're probably more likely to find free tools to help with that on a Droid phone than an iPhone (where most of those tools seems to cost a little bit). To meet #9, you'll probably want to stick with AT&T.
posted by ZeusHumms at 10:34 AM on February 11, 2010
Best answer: If you're biased against Apple for some reason, get a Nexus One. It's super sexy.
Otherwise, I really can't see why you wouldn't be happiest with an iPhone. Hardware-wise, it's not got the most features, but smartphones are just boxes that run software and Apple's still king there. Not to say the Androids/Pre don't do some things better, particularly in the openness of the platforms, but the closed nature of the iPhone has helped it become a very fast/pleasant experience. Ideologically repugnant, but functionally beautiful. Not to mention the games on the iWhatever platform are wonderful.
I'd urge you not to cheap out on the phone. If an iPhone, definitely a 3GS. If Android, get the latest and greatest. If you've not owned one, you don't yet realize quite how much you're going to be using it. At least for a lot of people I know, the latest crop of smartphones have changed their lives. All of a sudden you've got gobs of metadata on almost every place or object you encounter in the real world. I really do find it very empowering as a consumer or traveler, and the speed of the device really matters when you're standing in line trying to decide which meal to order.
posted by paanta at 10:36 AM on February 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Otherwise, I really can't see why you wouldn't be happiest with an iPhone. Hardware-wise, it's not got the most features, but smartphones are just boxes that run software and Apple's still king there. Not to say the Androids/Pre don't do some things better, particularly in the openness of the platforms, but the closed nature of the iPhone has helped it become a very fast/pleasant experience. Ideologically repugnant, but functionally beautiful. Not to mention the games on the iWhatever platform are wonderful.
I'd urge you not to cheap out on the phone. If an iPhone, definitely a 3GS. If Android, get the latest and greatest. If you've not owned one, you don't yet realize quite how much you're going to be using it. At least for a lot of people I know, the latest crop of smartphones have changed their lives. All of a sudden you've got gobs of metadata on almost every place or object you encounter in the real world. I really do find it very empowering as a consumer or traveler, and the speed of the device really matters when you're standing in line trying to decide which meal to order.
posted by paanta at 10:36 AM on February 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you decide on a Palm Pre/Pixi/Pre Plus/Pixi Plus, my thread yesterday on Verizon versus Sprint might be helpful.
posted by grouse at 10:41 AM on February 11, 2010
posted by grouse at 10:41 AM on February 11, 2010
A BlackBerry matches all your specifications. Mine is on T-Mobile. They have the 3G Bold 9700, but also Curve models for ~$200 that run on Edge.
Good cameras, great battery life, international, has apps, built for business so text editor etc is seamless, and good screen size. The built-in browser isn't so great, but Opera mini runs well.
I just bought the Bold 9700 and can't recommend it highly enough. I use the web a lot, not so much texting.
I have a family plan with T-Mobile for about $119. I have the Blackberry, my boyfriend has an Android phone (The Motorola one) and we financed both through their company. Zero interest, pay it off over 20 months. We don't have contracts, though. With a 2 year agreement, the phones are subsidized and there's no financing option.
posted by caveat at 10:43 AM on February 11, 2010
Good cameras, great battery life, international, has apps, built for business so text editor etc is seamless, and good screen size. The built-in browser isn't so great, but Opera mini runs well.
I just bought the Bold 9700 and can't recommend it highly enough. I use the web a lot, not so much texting.
I have a family plan with T-Mobile for about $119. I have the Blackberry, my boyfriend has an Android phone (The Motorola one) and we financed both through their company. Zero interest, pay it off over 20 months. We don't have contracts, though. With a 2 year agreement, the phones are subsidized and there's no financing option.
posted by caveat at 10:43 AM on February 11, 2010
Best answer: My wife and I went in a few weeks ago to upgrade our phones (on Verizon in California). We had the most basic models from 2 years ago, and wanted something a bit fancier. I hated the idea of data plan + voice plan, but after looking at the small net-capable phones that were awkward at best, then looking at Android phones, we were sold. I'll go home and look at my bill to tell you how things break down, but I think there's a buy one, get one free deal now, and if not now, they'll have another deal soon (they're really pushing anything that requires a data plan). Or, you can try to convince the sales person or manager that by getting one free, you'll be locked into two data plans for two years, and they might cave.
As for apps: my Droid is a lot of fun, and pretty functional. Web access is really smooth, and there are so many nice little bonuses (barcode scanner + price checker, jogging route trackers, ebook readers, etc) I haven't really pushed it too much, but you're not locked into a store for apps with the Android. Cyrket is a great app browser/search site, if you want to see what's out there, and there are plenty of android phone/app discussion sites. SSH, SFTP and text editors on Cyrket.
I got the Droid and my wife got an Eris. The reason we stuck with Verizon and went with these phones was because we're on a family plan of 5 people, and I get a discount for everyone on the plan. As for the phones, I had $100 in instant discount on one phone, and if we bought the Droid, we'd get the Eris for free. I may still be cringing at the data price, but when I'm using the phone for browsing the net or whatnot, I'm pretty happy. The Droid keyboard is small, but functional, and the touch-screen keyboards are pretty good (still small for typing, but you can get used to it).
As for overseas: Droid is a no-go - "if your need your phone overseas, go get a device that works on GSM/EDGE/HSDPA-UTMS (anything on Tmobile/AT&T) or Worldphones from Verizon/Sprint with dual radios."
The only reason I'm shilling the Droid is because it's what I have, and we didn't want to hassle with getting a new network. YMMV, grains of salt, etc.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:47 AM on February 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
As for apps: my Droid is a lot of fun, and pretty functional. Web access is really smooth, and there are so many nice little bonuses (barcode scanner + price checker, jogging route trackers, ebook readers, etc) I haven't really pushed it too much, but you're not locked into a store for apps with the Android. Cyrket is a great app browser/search site, if you want to see what's out there, and there are plenty of android phone/app discussion sites. SSH, SFTP and text editors on Cyrket.
I got the Droid and my wife got an Eris. The reason we stuck with Verizon and went with these phones was because we're on a family plan of 5 people, and I get a discount for everyone on the plan. As for the phones, I had $100 in instant discount on one phone, and if we bought the Droid, we'd get the Eris for free. I may still be cringing at the data price, but when I'm using the phone for browsing the net or whatnot, I'm pretty happy. The Droid keyboard is small, but functional, and the touch-screen keyboards are pretty good (still small for typing, but you can get used to it).
As for overseas: Droid is a no-go - "if your need your phone overseas, go get a device that works on GSM/EDGE/HSDPA-UTMS (anything on Tmobile/AT&T) or Worldphones from Verizon/Sprint with dual radios."
The only reason I'm shilling the Droid is because it's what I have, and we didn't want to hassle with getting a new network. YMMV, grains of salt, etc.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:47 AM on February 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Don't do T-Mobile if you travel around the US a lot. They have no service at all on some interstates and a few major cities.
See if you can get a corporate discount of some kind -- most people qualify for one, even if you don't actually work for a corporation. Check out family plans -- but be aware that sometimes they are actually more expensive than 2 separate smartphone plans.
You probably use less minutes and texts than you think you do. Check an old bill and figure it out. If you're mostly texting your wife, see if you can get an IM app installed to save on texting fees.
If you get an Android phone, try to get Android 2.0. The Android 1.6 phones are getting old and aren't that much cheaper.
If you're doing Web development, you want a hardware keyboard. Typing English is fine on a software keyboard, but HTML not so much.
Other than that...there are a bunch of great phones out there, and the total 2-year cost for all of them is in the 1800-2200 range, which is a pretty small difference. So try phones out and see what you like!
Typed on my G1
posted by miyabo at 10:58 AM on February 11, 2010
See if you can get a corporate discount of some kind -- most people qualify for one, even if you don't actually work for a corporation. Check out family plans -- but be aware that sometimes they are actually more expensive than 2 separate smartphone plans.
You probably use less minutes and texts than you think you do. Check an old bill and figure it out. If you're mostly texting your wife, see if you can get an IM app installed to save on texting fees.
If you get an Android phone, try to get Android 2.0. The Android 1.6 phones are getting old and aren't that much cheaper.
If you're doing Web development, you want a hardware keyboard. Typing English is fine on a software keyboard, but HTML not so much.
Other than that...there are a bunch of great phones out there, and the total 2-year cost for all of them is in the 1800-2200 range, which is a pretty small difference. So try phones out and see what you like!
Typed on my G1
posted by miyabo at 10:58 AM on February 11, 2010
Stay away from the iphone until it's contract is up with AT&T. Both my wife and myself have contracts with AT&T and hate their service, awful, awful, awful. Obviously this is anectdotal, however when AT&T jumped at the iphone offer, they didn't have enough coverage/bandwidth to handle the hordes of new smart phone converts. Over the past 4 years verizon has built their infrastructure and coverage so that when the iphone does become available on other networks, they can handle the demand.
AT&T's downfall is coming, and soon. There will be a mass exodus when the rights run out. At&T admitted they could not handle the demand in larger cities, including NY, SF, chicago, LA. And now to help with this issue, AT&T has started selling amplifiers. For $10 a month, you can get an amplifier to boost the signal in your house if you don't get good coverage, and we don't, none of where we live, a city of about 400,000, gets a good signal.
I'm sorry to preach, but if I had it all to do over again, I would have gone with the palm pre, a very sexy phone on a decent network.
Also, for 2 iphones on the AT&T at the most basic level of service, it costs us $160 a month. I have friends whose bills top $200 a month.
posted by TheBones at 11:08 AM on February 11, 2010
AT&T's downfall is coming, and soon. There will be a mass exodus when the rights run out. At&T admitted they could not handle the demand in larger cities, including NY, SF, chicago, LA. And now to help with this issue, AT&T has started selling amplifiers. For $10 a month, you can get an amplifier to boost the signal in your house if you don't get good coverage, and we don't, none of where we live, a city of about 400,000, gets a good signal.
I'm sorry to preach, but if I had it all to do over again, I would have gone with the palm pre, a very sexy phone on a decent network.
Also, for 2 iphones on the AT&T at the most basic level of service, it costs us $160 a month. I have friends whose bills top $200 a month.
posted by TheBones at 11:08 AM on February 11, 2010
Wait a month, get a Nexus One on AT&T. It will work on At&t, T-Mobile, and most overseas carriers. Plus it's got the latest and greatest version of Android, and probably a longer lifetime due to Google + HTC support.
posted by blue_beetle at 11:10 AM on February 11, 2010
posted by blue_beetle at 11:10 AM on February 11, 2010
Check out this BillShrink post, and then go to their main site and play with the toggles
posted by aGee at 11:14 AM on February 11, 2010
posted by aGee at 11:14 AM on February 11, 2010
I have a Droid and it's pretty great--apps for everything, syncing with Google services (as someone else said here) is instantaneous, screen is beautiful, etc. My bill is about 77 a month.
I think the Droid (or other Android phones, like the Nexus One) are just slightly less intuitive than the iPhone, but are still very strong if you don't want to go with ATT or can't get them in your area.
posted by dervish at 11:35 AM on February 11, 2010
I think the Droid (or other Android phones, like the Nexus One) are just slightly less intuitive than the iPhone, but are still very strong if you don't want to go with ATT or can't get them in your area.
posted by dervish at 11:35 AM on February 11, 2010
Response by poster: I was very tempted to go for the Droid but a techie who owned an iPhone told me in no uncertain terms that nothing came even close to the iPhone in terms of quality. Specifically, she cited the glass touchscreen in contrast to all other phones with plastic screens. Granted, she was a hardcore Apple fan (as am I normally, but for some reason I don't feel any ties to the iPhone). Her tone suggested anyone not getting an iPhone was an idiot, and it definitely gave me second thoughts.
posted by Deathalicious at 11:41 AM on February 11, 2010
posted by Deathalicious at 11:41 AM on February 11, 2010
I can't speak to Droid phones, but in terms of syncing with my Mac, the iPhone is a no-brainer. I used to have a Blackberry Pearl on T-Mobile, and while the plan was better and T-Mobile's customer service was MUCH better than AT&T, I had no end of problems getting the Blackberry to talk nicely with my Mac (I use iCal and Apple Mail), even with the Missing Sync application. My iPhone plugs in to my Mac, and one click syncs perfectly, so far. Plus I love the interface, but I am a pretty hardcore fangirl, so take that with a grain of salt. We are on an AT&T family plan, with my iPhone 3G and my husband's crappy LG phone, and we pay about $94/month. We, too, rarely text and talk mostly to each other.
posted by DiscourseMarker at 11:55 AM on February 11, 2010
posted by DiscourseMarker at 11:55 AM on February 11, 2010
Best answer: If you're looking for an inexpensive phone, try purchasing your phone from Amazon. You can still sign up with family plans with major providers, but the phones are much cheaper (Blackberry for a penny, etc., the Droid for $110, etc.).
posted by kerning at 12:07 PM on February 11, 2010
posted by kerning at 12:07 PM on February 11, 2010
Best answer: The Motorola Droid, based on my memory and some quick internet searching, does have a glass screen. Honestly, I have a hardish time browsing the web on friend's iPhones after using the higher resolutions of modern Smartphones (Droid, Nexus One, and N900 (which is what I have)). The only thing the iPhone has for it is their exact set of apps and the app store, if what they have isn't available for Android/Maemo.
I'm a little unsure about the Droid hardware, mostly in terms of the design and the keyboard didn't feel great to me. The few minutes I've tried with a Nexus One felt pretty good. But it's a pretty personal thing of which one you'll feel best with. I went with the N900 on T-Mobile because the openness of the Maemo platform compared to either Android or iPhone was very important to me, and the hardware is more or less top-class (I even love the resistive screen they have on it). T-Mobile has discount for non-subsidized plans (and not on a contract), so I'll more than make up the premium of paying full price (which you can also do with the Nexus One).
posted by skynxnex at 12:10 PM on February 11, 2010
I'm a little unsure about the Droid hardware, mostly in terms of the design and the keyboard didn't feel great to me. The few minutes I've tried with a Nexus One felt pretty good. But it's a pretty personal thing of which one you'll feel best with. I went with the N900 on T-Mobile because the openness of the Maemo platform compared to either Android or iPhone was very important to me, and the hardware is more or less top-class (I even love the resistive screen they have on it). T-Mobile has discount for non-subsidized plans (and not on a contract), so I'll more than make up the premium of paying full price (which you can also do with the Nexus One).
posted by skynxnex at 12:10 PM on February 11, 2010
I think the Droid Eris by HTC is the perfect phone for you.
Back in December, Verizon had a special where you got a free Droid Eris with the purchase of a Motorola Droid, or a Droid Eris.
Even without the 2-for-1 deal, you can get the Eris for $100 with a contract on Verizon. This brings it down to $200 for 2 smart phones, which was in your price point if you got 2 Droid Eris phones.
It's inexpensive, and does all that you would want a smartphone to do. I have an iPhone 3GS, and my S/O has the Droid Eris. It's a slick little phone, and if I ever got rid of my iPhone, I'd seriously consider the Eris. It's on the Google Android platform, so it has a web-kit browser, camera, compass, GPS, and access to the Android Marketplace for apps.
posted by xotis at 12:47 PM on February 11, 2010
Back in December, Verizon had a special where you got a free Droid Eris with the purchase of a Motorola Droid, or a Droid Eris.
Even without the 2-for-1 deal, you can get the Eris for $100 with a contract on Verizon. This brings it down to $200 for 2 smart phones, which was in your price point if you got 2 Droid Eris phones.
It's inexpensive, and does all that you would want a smartphone to do. I have an iPhone 3GS, and my S/O has the Droid Eris. It's a slick little phone, and if I ever got rid of my iPhone, I'd seriously consider the Eris. It's on the Google Android platform, so it has a web-kit browser, camera, compass, GPS, and access to the Android Marketplace for apps.
posted by xotis at 12:47 PM on February 11, 2010
I am posting this as a counter argument to TheBones post. I have an iphone 3gs and I love on Long Island (45 minutes from manhattan by Long ISland Rail Road). I have no signal problems what so ever. Never Had a dropped call or data problems.
IF your not tech literate the iphone is the best. I mean Yo ucan walk into any Apple store and get a cracked screen replaced while you wait. If say your phone dies under warranty period you can walk into any apple store and get it replaced.
Any iphone question is happily answered by the people at the store. You can even sign up for free leasons at the apple stores to show you how to use it.
I am an it tech and i am getting impressed by the apple stores. For non techies it is the way to go.
posted by majortom1981 at 12:57 PM on February 11, 2010
IF your not tech literate the iphone is the best. I mean Yo ucan walk into any Apple store and get a cracked screen replaced while you wait. If say your phone dies under warranty period you can walk into any apple store and get it replaced.
Any iphone question is happily answered by the people at the store. You can even sign up for free leasons at the apple stores to show you how to use it.
I am an it tech and i am getting impressed by the apple stores. For non techies it is the way to go.
posted by majortom1981 at 12:57 PM on February 11, 2010
Suppose you didn't want to pay for an expensive data plan, and using a regular cell for your calls was fine for you. Have you considered the iPod Touch? It's the iPhone without the phone, and it uses wifi for data. Obviously you don't have universal coverage, but if you don't absolutely need that, it's a great way to get the benefits of the smartphone without the $70+ per month bill. I have the iPod and it's the best darn travel device ever.
posted by azpenguin at 1:25 PM on February 11, 2010
posted by azpenguin at 1:25 PM on February 11, 2010
Best answer: I have a Droid. It does have a glass screen. It has been an absolute joy to own this phone. I don't think you'd regret it and Verizon has a fantastic network. I am on a family plan and I pay about $60 a month. If you have any questions about Droid, I would be happy to answer your MeMail.
posted by bristolcat at 4:47 PM on February 11, 2010
posted by bristolcat at 4:47 PM on February 11, 2010
I really like my HTC Hero on Sprint (pretty much the same thing as the Eris on Verizon). It seems like Sprint runs a little cheaper than Verizon and AT&T -- I'm also a bit obsessive-compulsive with cell phone deals though so I'm always able (after months of sleuthing) to find some absurd deal on Sprint. I never wanted to go with T-mobile because their coverage seems to suck outside of cities. Hero is $100 presently at Best Buy (at least in my zip code).
posted by fieldtrip at 6:07 PM on February 11, 2010
posted by fieldtrip at 6:07 PM on February 11, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks so much for everyone's input. I went ahead and purchased my phones through Amazon. I got a Droid for myself and an LG enV Touch for my wife. The total was around $210 for both phones. This is with Verizon, a total of around $110/month (before the lovely taxes and fees!) including data plans for both of us.
There wasn't any kind of form for entering our current numbers, but hopefully we'll be able to port our phone numbers without any problems (Keeping my fingers crossed).
posted by Deathalicious at 10:38 PM on February 11, 2010
There wasn't any kind of form for entering our current numbers, but hopefully we'll be able to port our phone numbers without any problems (Keeping my fingers crossed).
posted by Deathalicious at 10:38 PM on February 11, 2010
Response by poster: My DROID arrived last night and it's darn keen. The enV Touch is so-so but it may just be that it takes a little while to get it figured out. The DROID, on the other hand, is crazy intuitive, at least for me.
posted by Deathalicious at 11:05 PM on February 17, 2010
posted by Deathalicious at 11:05 PM on February 17, 2010
Response by poster: 6 month update: I'm still in love with the DROID, while both the wife and I agree that the LG enV is silly and bad.
posted by Deathalicious at 8:39 PM on August 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Deathalicious at 8:39 PM on August 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
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posted by mecran01 at 9:54 AM on February 11, 2010