But it's state of the art....for 2002.
September 5, 2013 6:59 AM Subscribe
I'm still using a Samsung flip phone from the earlier part of this century. It works fine; I'm not a big cell phone user, but it calls and texts, is reasonably cheap, and I'm quite happy with it. For some upcoming graduate work, though, I need a device that is capable of runnings apps (specifically drug information, like Epocrates) and am weighing my different options. More below the fold.
There are a couple options that I see. First is joining the rest of the 21st century and getting a smart phone. Finances are a bit tight, though, and I'd prefer to avoid the expense. And, as above, my old phone does its job just fine.
Second option is getting a tablet, either new or used. I'm seriously considering this one; the main issue I have is size. I want something as portable as possible, ideally fitting into a pocket.
Which leads to the last option I've thought of: iPod. Right now I'm leaning towards this. It's small, it seems to do what I need, and used one's seem to be relatively inexpensive (in the $75 range for a fourth generation).
I'm willing to consider new or used on any of the above options. Is there a huge advantage to getting a new device over a used one? If I go with used, would it be better to wait until, say, after Christmas (I'll need it starting in January)?
In addition to Epocrates it would be nice if the device had GPS (not necessary) and, as an astronomy nerd, the ability to run an app like Star Walk or Google SkyMap.
There are a couple options that I see. First is joining the rest of the 21st century and getting a smart phone. Finances are a bit tight, though, and I'd prefer to avoid the expense. And, as above, my old phone does its job just fine.
Second option is getting a tablet, either new or used. I'm seriously considering this one; the main issue I have is size. I want something as portable as possible, ideally fitting into a pocket.
Which leads to the last option I've thought of: iPod. Right now I'm leaning towards this. It's small, it seems to do what I need, and used one's seem to be relatively inexpensive (in the $75 range for a fourth generation).
I'm willing to consider new or used on any of the above options. Is there a huge advantage to getting a new device over a used one? If I go with used, would it be better to wait until, say, after Christmas (I'll need it starting in January)?
In addition to Epocrates it would be nice if the device had GPS (not necessary) and, as an astronomy nerd, the ability to run an app like Star Walk or Google SkyMap.
Best answer: There are a couple options that I see. First is joining the rest of the 21st century and getting a smart phone. Finances are a bit tight, though, and I'd prefer to avoid the expense. And, as above, my old phone does its job just fine.
Personally, I'd do this... except the cheap way.
Buy yourself a GSM smart phone outright. Maybe buy one used--the time doesn't really matter, since most people just upgrade whenever their plan allows. Or, the Google Nexus 4 is only $250 for the top model, and is entirely free of carrier bullshit.
Then sign up for one of the no-contract carriers. The biggest name is T-Mobile. If you really don't see yourself using much mobile data, the 500MB plan is only $50/month (and unlimited is only $70). That's plenty for email, searches, navigation, some web browsing, etc. It's just not enough for media streaming. You'll want to do that stuff over WiFi anyway.
Slap your new SIM in your cheap phone, and you've just joined the 21st century for like $300.
posted by Netzapper at 7:21 AM on September 5, 2013
Personally, I'd do this... except the cheap way.
Buy yourself a GSM smart phone outright. Maybe buy one used--the time doesn't really matter, since most people just upgrade whenever their plan allows. Or, the Google Nexus 4 is only $250 for the top model, and is entirely free of carrier bullshit.
Then sign up for one of the no-contract carriers. The biggest name is T-Mobile. If you really don't see yourself using much mobile data, the 500MB plan is only $50/month (and unlimited is only $70). That's plenty for email, searches, navigation, some web browsing, etc. It's just not enough for media streaming. You'll want to do that stuff over WiFi anyway.
Slap your new SIM in your cheap phone, and you've just joined the 21st century for like $300.
posted by Netzapper at 7:21 AM on September 5, 2013
Couple of things to consider.
Primarily, does your new "smart" device need to have cellular coverage in order to do it's job or not? iPod is a great, inexpensive choice, but only supports Wifi. You mentioned wanting GPS, well, that's far more useful when you have connectivity all the time instead just on wireless networks, for running apps like Yelp and location aware web services. As ubiquitous as wifi networks are in places you go, relying on them for all your connectivity is a pain and is insecure.
Secondly, the iPhone 4 is the "free" phone right now when you sign up for a two year contract with Verizon. I just got one for my son. The Samsung S3 is also cheap, as Sophie1 mentioned, now that the S4 is out. So while yes, the monthly expense for a smart phone is going to be more than your current phone because you have a data plan associated with it, at least there isn't much of an upfront cost.
Personally I'd join the 21st century. The functions you do today, calling and texting, are 10x better on a smart phone, plus when you add in email, some apps, camera, and the ability to read MetaFilter anytime you want it's worth it.
posted by Piano Raptor at 7:33 AM on September 5, 2013
Primarily, does your new "smart" device need to have cellular coverage in order to do it's job or not? iPod is a great, inexpensive choice, but only supports Wifi. You mentioned wanting GPS, well, that's far more useful when you have connectivity all the time instead just on wireless networks, for running apps like Yelp and location aware web services. As ubiquitous as wifi networks are in places you go, relying on them for all your connectivity is a pain and is insecure.
Secondly, the iPhone 4 is the "free" phone right now when you sign up for a two year contract with Verizon. I just got one for my son. The Samsung S3 is also cheap, as Sophie1 mentioned, now that the S4 is out. So while yes, the monthly expense for a smart phone is going to be more than your current phone because you have a data plan associated with it, at least there isn't much of an upfront cost.
Personally I'd join the 21st century. The functions you do today, calling and texting, are 10x better on a smart phone, plus when you add in email, some apps, camera, and the ability to read MetaFilter anytime you want it's worth it.
posted by Piano Raptor at 7:33 AM on September 5, 2013
Buy a used iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 after September tenth.
posted by oceanjesse at 8:15 AM on September 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by oceanjesse at 8:15 AM on September 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
If you can do everything you need via wireless, you could purchase a new/used smartphone without activating it with a carrier. If you go new, the Nexus 4 is the best bang for the buck (you just missed out being able to buy the 8gb model for $199, but the 16gb is still available for $249 like Netzapper indicated); if used, then an iPhone might be a good option.
Be cautious about other android phones - many of them are permanently stuck with older versions of the OS, and this could make them less useful to you as time goes on. Nexus and iPhone will get updated by Google and Apple as long as their hardware supports the new version of the OS.
With new iPhone and Nexus phones expected during the next couple of months, your selection of good used phones will improve as the new models become available.
I purchased a Nexus 4 last May, but didn't activate it until the beginning of July. It worked great for running apps and web browsing via wifi, and I used it as a mini-tablet during that time.
One consideration: will you have a carrier preference once you activate the phone? The current Nexus won't work with Verizon or Sprint, and most individual phones will work with only one carrier, or a small group of carriers. By choosing an individual phone, you are also choosing which network(s) you have as options.
posted by 1367 at 10:07 AM on September 5, 2013
Be cautious about other android phones - many of them are permanently stuck with older versions of the OS, and this could make them less useful to you as time goes on. Nexus and iPhone will get updated by Google and Apple as long as their hardware supports the new version of the OS.
With new iPhone and Nexus phones expected during the next couple of months, your selection of good used phones will improve as the new models become available.
I purchased a Nexus 4 last May, but didn't activate it until the beginning of July. It worked great for running apps and web browsing via wifi, and I used it as a mini-tablet during that time.
One consideration: will you have a carrier preference once you activate the phone? The current Nexus won't work with Verizon or Sprint, and most individual phones will work with only one carrier, or a small group of carriers. By choosing an individual phone, you are also choosing which network(s) you have as options.
posted by 1367 at 10:07 AM on September 5, 2013
Best answer: Previously.
This goes into some lower budget options for both devices and service.
posted by cnc at 10:19 AM on September 5, 2013
This goes into some lower budget options for both devices and service.
posted by cnc at 10:19 AM on September 5, 2013
I have this, which was free after rebate, and the cheapest data plan (which I never even come close to hitting the limit of, due to almost always being around free wifi). It's a great little phone that does everything you mention. It's my first smartphone after being a flipphone user for years, and I'm happy I made the switch.
posted by codacorolla at 10:52 AM on September 5, 2013
posted by codacorolla at 10:52 AM on September 5, 2013
Does Epocrates restrict you to iOS, or maybe to Android?
An iPod Touch is a perfectly fine option if you're happy to carry around two things, but definitely check out the new options after September 10th.
posted by RedOrGreen at 11:52 AM on September 5, 2013
An iPod Touch is a perfectly fine option if you're happy to carry around two things, but definitely check out the new options after September 10th.
posted by RedOrGreen at 11:52 AM on September 5, 2013
I wouldn't buy an iPhone 4S - I have a feelings Apple is trying to kill off their old 3.5 inch screens
posted by Yowser at 10:36 PM on September 5, 2013
posted by Yowser at 10:36 PM on September 5, 2013
Response by poster: Dear people from the future:
I ended up buying a two year old Motorola Atrix from Amazon and got a pay-as-you-go plan from Airvoice Wireless. So far no complaints and I'm surprised how much I take advantage of having a wireless device on me.
posted by lharmon at 7:52 AM on March 27, 2014
I ended up buying a two year old Motorola Atrix from Amazon and got a pay-as-you-go plan from Airvoice Wireless. So far no complaints and I'm surprised how much I take advantage of having a wireless device on me.
posted by lharmon at 7:52 AM on March 27, 2014
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posted by Sophie1 at 7:21 AM on September 5, 2013