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WeaselWeaz posted:I'll toss my issue in. I'm looking for something comparable to the functionality of an iPhone that I can get without a contract, and maybe staying on Verizon (I'm in the DC area and the coverage is best here). I could care less about MP3 playback (happy with my iPod), do some text messaging, but mainly I want web access without breaking the bank and cool apps (Urbanspoon caught my attention, although I could be fine just accessing their site). Right now I have a Moto RAZR and a contract that expires in March. You can get a not quite as good G1 unlocked for T-Mo for like $400? That's all I can think of. The browser on the G1 is second best only to the iPhone and the monthly plans are cheaper. Also, if you commit to a 2 yr w/ the carrier, it's only 180. e: Staying on VZw, i've got nothin'. That carrier has some pretty lovely phones.
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# ¿ Dec 7, 2008 06:23 |
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# ¿ Apr 28, 2024 13:17 |
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WeaselWeaz posted:My problem with T-Mobile is I had horrible coverage and customer service from them two years ago, which led to me switching to Verizon. The general consensus is that the Storm is a very poor device: Wired.com article: http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/12/the-votes-are-i.html The carrier networks have all seen significant improvement over the past two years: It'd be worth asking around for how people are liking / not liking their current T-mo coverage around you. That is, if you can forgive the bad customer service experience that you had (they rate fairly satisfactory in recent surveys.) I'm a huge fan of the iPhone 3G but realize that phone is not perfect for everyone's individual needs.
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# ¿ Dec 8, 2008 05:14 |
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Matlock, BRB posted:My dear old mum said she'd buy me a new phone for christmas since my current one is an old piece of poo poo. It'd be nice to know what phones I would prefer want so I could tell her, but I have no idea. I want a phone with like wireless network access and a nice browser/screen (the one I had before my current could run opera mini, that seemed nice) What's the G1 priced like for carriers in your area on NOK moon money ?
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# ¿ Dec 12, 2008 04:50 |
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voodoonoid posted:I have a Blackjack that I have had for 2 years and it has started to breakdown on me. I say you should read some online reviews and strongly consider the iPhone. It sounds like exactly what you're looking for and it's a loving great device.
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# ¿ Dec 13, 2008 05:07 |
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Umph posted:and for some reason I'm avoiding blackberries. What up with this? Is it the extra monthly fee or? Just asking because they're drat solid all-around smartphones ('cept the Storm, but that's not what we're talking about). I find WinMo to be a gurgling abortion of an OS and would recommend pretty much any other smartphone OS instead. The E71 gets pretty high marks in the TCS threads for balance of usability and overall cost. If that ends up being an option on AT&T, that'd be the way to go if you hate blackberry that much.
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# ¿ Dec 14, 2008 06:23 |
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RichterIX posted:My family is upgrading their family plan, so we are looking at snagging some phones from AT&T while the upgrade discount applies. The Centro has phenomenal review and user satisfaction ratings overall compared to the other phones you had mentioned. I think it'd be worth your while to give it a hands-on test drive and see how it suits you.
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# ¿ Dec 14, 2008 06:26 |
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thebushcommander posted:I wanted to wait for the N97, but its not coming until at least May/June. The iPhone seems like the logical choice in this situation, but it pisses me off so much that the UI is so locked down. Simply changing the colors of certain things could make it so much better. Being forced to Jailbreak and install Winterboard and kill the speed of the phone just to make a few changes is annoying. The is a screenshot of default status bar I think vs black hacked one and its like 100x better looking and its such a simple change. If the lack of Open-ness about the iPhone is holding you back, have you considered the G1 on T-Mo? It's my 2nd favorite phone I've used (other than the fruitphone) and has a lot of customization available. Web browsing is also pretty great via the touchscreen and trackball (I actually prefer the feel and control of it to any of the BB trackball controls) The keyboard is, admittedly, one step back from what you'd get from the iPhone or Bold.
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# ¿ Dec 16, 2008 00:51 |
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900ftjesus posted:The Rumor sucks hard, What are you basing this upon? I've recommended this phone to several casual phone users on Sprint who just want QWERTY txt and they've been really satisfied with it. The user reviews i've read online have also been strongly positive for a simple txting dumbphone.
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# ¿ Dec 16, 2008 06:20 |
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adorecm posted:Country/Provider: Los Angeles, CA For cheap as possible, you should really look at a lot of other smartphones that can be activated on AT&T. Both the iPhone and a BB require a $30/mo PDA data plan. Others allow for the cheaper MediaNET data plan. That being said--you might reconsider the iPhone keyboard thing (practice on a friend's iphone/ ipod touch?) as my old man has fat-as-poo poo sausage fingers, and prefers the fruitphone's keyboard to the blackberry he carried for years. It takes about a week to get used to it. It does take some time to be familiar with and the blah blah blah re: trusting the autocorrect is no joke: You can type very quickly on the fruitphone, even with hammy mitts. Hope this helps.
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# ¿ Dec 17, 2008 02:30 |
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TransatlanticFoe posted:I'm looking into getting a refurb AT+T Tilt when I renew my contract, but I'm not planning on having a data plan. How much of the phone's features are useful without the data plan? It seems like stuff like Wi-Fi would work without it, but how much of the other features would be blocked? I don't think they "block" any of the features--they'll just merrily charge you ala-carte per Kb data rates when you accidentally use something that uses network data. And the per-Kb data tends to be really loving expensive if you don't know you're using it.
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# ¿ Dec 21, 2008 17:06 |
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900ftjesus posted:Here's a utility that will actually disable the non-wifi data sources so you don't accidentally use them. The rape-charge for not having a data plan is not worth risking it. Nice! Thanks for the info. Just curious of you or Kalibar's opinion: is the Tilt still "worth it" at that price point? It seems like dated gear and that there are a lot of better WinMo alternatives for not too much more. Steinbeck fucked around with this message at 18:09 on Dec 21, 2008 |
# ¿ Dec 21, 2008 17:59 |
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TransatlanticFoe posted:I didn't really mean "block" in terms of "being charged up the rear end for what I accidentally use", more in terms of, if I never use the 3G features/have them put a block on it/use that NoData program, how much of the phone's features am I really missing? It seems like just mobile browsing/email when there's no wi-fi available, their video service thing, and the GPS unless I buy separate software. It's hard to get a clear answer for anyone at an AT+T store without them pushing for a more expensive phone or the data plan. Only thing I can think of is that you'd be on EDGE over 3g, which is a lesser quality audio for voice calls.
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# ¿ Dec 21, 2008 22:35 |
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ChuckSteak posted:* Country/Provider: USA / Verizon Your whole post sounds like the phone--in all ways--is your secondary concern. Just get the ipod touch and enjoy it--it's a really fun mobile device. I just hope you don't enjoy it so much that you feel like getting an iPhone (cause it's an obvious retardation to end up owning an iPod touch and a fruitphone)
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# ¿ Dec 27, 2008 06:29 |
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b0bx13 posted:What's the consensus on the Samsung i760? I'm going to upgrade from my i730 to either that or the XV6800/Mogul. I know they're both a bit older now but I'm not on a contract and I'm fine with a used older phone. Here's some opinions: http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-sch-i760-verizon/4505-6452_7-32177475.html?tag=mncol;lst
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# ¿ Jan 4, 2009 23:03 |
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enigma105 posted:Getting a pair of new phones soon: You may want to check out the G1's. If T-Mobile has 3G coverage in your area, you could (possibly) be saving a shitload on your monthly plan vs what Verizon charges. Especially w/ their "Fave 5" free calling feature. The G1 is also a pretty kickass handset and not terribly pricey on-contract.
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# ¿ Jan 5, 2009 18:23 |
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e: n/m
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# ¿ Jan 9, 2009 05:24 |
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jeeves posted:I have been using one of these for 2 or more years, a SLVR kajigger: The Samsung Eternity or the Blackberry Curve? Those are the only other super-slim QWERTY phones I know of on at&t that aren't the iphone.
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# ¿ Jan 10, 2009 01:25 |
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atomicbuddha posted:Seconding the Blackberry Curve; they're only slightly thicker than the 3G, but a far better workhorse. I'm not quite sure if a BB curve with 3G has been released on at&t yet... I like a curve as a general smartphone, but "workhorse" can be misinterpreted a lot of ways by what the user wants / needs most. I didn't get the impression he wanted to edit excel spreadsheets on the go or anything--I just recommended it because it's a decent phone and it's really goddamn slim (which seemed to be major selling point for his request). I have no experience at all w/ the pantech slate.
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# ¿ Jan 10, 2009 08:12 |
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Jeeves: In short, do look into purchasing any of the phones we've recommended except for the Moto Q: You can get it cheap because it is a shitpile of a phone (in a slim form factor!). Every variant. Yes, every last variant. That Nokia E71 gets high marks-- maybe give that one a pocket test somewhere? And in light of Godzilla07's insight: only get a Curve if you REALLY don't care about speedy data connections (EDGE takes all the fun out of it.) Steinbeck fucked around with this message at 02:41 on Jan 12, 2009 |
# ¿ Jan 11, 2009 11:56 |
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kalibar posted:
This. This right here is the "big collective eyeroll" or whatever the gently caress of TCS. You can acknowledge that other plans cost different amounts, but to imply that "The only good choices are the ones I, kalibar, endorse" is total horseshit. Long and short: Just take what people say at writ of "Features they want or need" and give them suggestions. Some people are gonna be very happy with a BlackBerry or G1 or fruitphone, even paying $20 a month more than you do. I know it hurts your thrifty soul to do this, but I would imagine many who need a recommendation would want every fitting option.
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# ¿ Jan 27, 2009 04:54 |
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kalibar posted:... vs. $1,680 + taxes for bring-your-own-phone Are you adding in the average cost of an unlocked device in the math on this? And I completely agree with you that the imposed carrier device-specific plans suck-rear end a lot of the time--But i'm also okay with putting all that out itt and letting people just pick what they want. Also, have we had a link yet for people to check on corporate/educational/gov't discounts on their carrier of choice? That would be a useful thing to put in the OP. http://consumerist.com/5125567/get-an-employer-discount-with-any-cellphone-company
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# ¿ Jan 27, 2009 06:01 |
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jeeves posted:Right now I pay like 60$ a month (40+20 in rear end gently caress taxes they dont tell you) for the most basic ATT coverage ever on my L7/Slvr. I've only once or twice bumped up against my text limit of like 200 or 500 or whatever a month, so I spent 10 more to up it to 1500 texts. In all your posts, you've hit the nail on the head as for what the iphone will run monthly. This is typically what the user is paying, depending on their txt/voice plan of choice.
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# ¿ Jan 27, 2009 06:15 |
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Axetrain posted:I am looking for a new phone and I need some help. I just got out of Navy boot camp and have arrived at my next training station and am trying to decide which phone to get and carrier to go with. I will be stationed near Virginia Beach for the next year or so but afterwards may wind up anywhere in the world. I would like a smartphone that I can browse the internet from and possibly play music from as well. The phone that is catching my eye right now is the iPhone but I don't know much about service plans or what other options for phones I have that compares to that. I am willing to spend 200-300$ on a phone and I will probably need somewhere on the order of 1000 minutes a month. Thanks in advance for any help. Just gonna throw it out there the the Tilt is just some last-gen slow processor headache of a handset. Dunno what issues have you on the fence over the iPhone (it works fine in a ton of global GSM markets and Jailbreaking for cheap overseas use with prepaid sims is a no-brainer) As for other handsets you may consider, try to follow the advice of others as far as signing up for the contract and then selling the subsidized phone for money towards a good unlocked phone. And bear in mind that going with certain BB handsets or the iphone will offset monthly at&t data plans by about $15/mo.
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# ¿ Feb 1, 2009 03:07 |
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Vidaeus posted:I almost bought an iPhone today but before I do, I want to find out what other options there are for smartphones similar to the iPhone. I would like it to have: Really, if those are your criteria, just get the iPhone and be done with it. I can't think of anything that hits all those points and will save you any great margin on money overall. (Been using one for a year and and a half and despite the higher price point, it's a really loving great phone.)
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# ¿ Feb 8, 2009 06:42 |
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jackpot posted:Ok, I should've expected that. Alright then, if I'm looking at around $80 a month for this phone, and an iPhone appears to be around $85 (plus fees) per month, am I crazy in figuring that the iPhone isn't really that much more expensive? A lot of this boils down to your time of day or txt usage--Sprint overall gives more for less. Example: Lowest iPhone plan is 39.99 for 450 Nation minutes, 5000 night and weekend with rollover. Requires a $30.00 a month data plan. No texts are included. "Nights" also start later, at 9 pm. Txt plans are $5 /200, $15 / 1500, $20 / Unlimited. It's a great device, but most users do pay more as an overall premium to use it.
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# ¿ Feb 9, 2009 23:08 |
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jeeves posted:Are there any better revisions of the G1 in the pipe line? Yes the G2 aka HTC Magic (ugh). It's pretty great looking but sadly Korea's High-Tech Computing still thinks you want a special adapter to listen to music w/ a set of 3.5mm headphones.
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# ¿ Feb 19, 2009 08:44 |
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butterthatbacon posted:Hey, I'm on verizon and with NE2 I can get a Storm for $100, or an omnia for free, or any of the last generation blackberries for free. Anything but the Storm. Really.
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# ¿ Feb 19, 2009 08:45 |
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900ftjesus posted:
Uhm, you can use Pandora over 3G no problem on an iPhone. Basically, the split between winmo and iphone is paying more to not use a pain in the rear end interface. Apple Tax. (Have we figured out the dollars and cents on this? is it $10/mo? $15?)
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# ¿ Apr 8, 2009 07:23 |
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Regressor posted:# Country/Provider: USA / AT&T Any reason you're not looking at a refurb 8GB iphone direct from At&t? Same data cost as your curve, has wi-fi, phone has rave reviews. Also: Apple refurbs are really well done--they don't feel like a "used" product in any way. They also carry the same warranty.
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# ¿ Apr 11, 2009 02:30 |
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aunaturale posted:Just wanted to thank the two guys who made fun of me for considering getting a BB 8700. (And, I guess, Joe, who lamely provided helpful answer to my questions without insulting my intelligence). Somehow you missed the point entirely if you bought the 8800.
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# ¿ May 20, 2009 04:04 |
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CHRISTS FOR SALE posted:Yeah. That's what I thought too. It's almost like making a computer that will blow up if you attempt to connect broadband internet to it. Agreed. BB integration w/ iCal and the mac ecosystem is pretty clunky. That few dollars a month you're seeing as a price difference will pay your frustration tax in spades. It's really not just a "fun phone"--iphone has really stepped up to cover most business needs. And the facebook mobile on iphone is unparalleled, even moreso with the upcoming push implementation.
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# ¿ May 21, 2009 06:28 |
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Captain Pike posted:Phone/Service Recommendation: Either a G1 or iPhone. (live notifications for iPhone IM apps will be active as of June / July. The G1 has this today) Most of those other features you listed that you don't want are included on all new phones anyway--'cept maybe if you go super budget and just get an old Sidekick, in which case you'll have crappier voice call quality cause you won't have 3G.
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# ¿ Jun 2, 2009 06:00 |
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kalibar posted:Touch Diamond is cheaper through MCO: http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=23369 I'd love to hear your total cost of ownership opinion now for the various carriers w/ the touch pro (locked & unlocked) vs the contract on the iphone 3g on AT&T. Way i figure it, with the $99 3g iphone w/ 2yr contract unit available now, the difference stands at around $67 more expensive in 2 yrs over the unlocked Touch Pro on AT&T. Other carriers i'm not so sure ( you know way more about sprint plans than I do.) I think the various handsets have a lot to offer, but I can state that the iphone app and dev support, a 40,000,000 device install base (between itouch and the phone) leave it to be a really fun option. And if you've played w/ jailbreaking yet, there's a lot of great flexible things people do w/ the unofficial platform that don't feel restricted at all.
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# ¿ Jun 12, 2009 05:44 |
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moloo posted:Iphone 3G or Iphone 3G S... My 72 year old Grandfather needs to know... I've been tethering the poo poo out of iphone 3.0 non-jailbroken. As long as he's not torrenting or some poo poo, he's probably gonna be fine using this feature for free. Activating tethering takes about 30 seconds by just clicking a link and installing a carrier package from the iphone's web browser. Head over to the iphone megathread should you need any other questions answered. Steinbeck fucked around with this message at 06:24 on Jun 23, 2009 |
# ¿ Jun 23, 2009 06:10 |
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Aside from pure utter cheapness, the E71 is a really boring and lovely dated phone. Nokia is dead, long live Nokia. I really wish they were the same as the company that launched the N95 and the smartphones before that, but they're just pure poo poo in their modern lineup. Expressmusic is stupid. The N97 is a loving joke. Compare to the G1, Pre, iPhone, and dare I say even SOME custom builds of WinMo, and I just can't believe smartphone buyers go for these anymore. Sentimental much? I really wish all these Nokia recommendations would come with the disclaimer that "You're gonna be using dated UI on dated hardware, but hey, youre saving money right? And this company used to be good at phones, yknow?" I guess I just don't understand being *this* into tech and being *this* unbelievably cheap when it comes to buying a smartphone. ... But I do agree with the Upgrade / unlock / sell strategy. That poo poo works great. I scored a $50 profit on my latest iphone upgrade using this strategy. e: Didn't even mention the Bold, but that's only cause I haven't had a helluva lot of hands on with it. Heard it's very nice though.
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# ¿ Jun 23, 2009 06:21 |
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powderific posted:
I played with a Pre a lot the past few days--it's a great device. As long as you trust you can be patient enough to get quick on the smallish keyboard, go with that. The UI is very snappy and the HW itself is some of the speediest available today. In short: I think it's a great phone with a lot of excellent future promise.
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# ¿ Jun 23, 2009 06:27 |
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nature6pk posted:I'm an existing Fido customer with the City Fido plan that I'm not really interested in getting away from as Fido keeps letting me renew it, and I like having unlimited anytime minutes as I can been on the phone for an amazing amount of time for work. Sick and tired of my RAZR V3 I'm looking at a smartphone, as my business really needs me to have access to email GPS etc and have narrowed it down to a couple of choices. I think you may tend to lean toward the G1. Android is in its ramp-up period as a contender, and there's a lot of location-based apps (some with Augmented reality worked in via the gps + compass + camera) that are looking really interesting. It's a well reviewed phone with great promise. One caveat: If you're a power user, plan to buy an upgraded and/or spare battery.
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# ¿ Jun 23, 2009 09:00 |
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Dicker posted:* Country/Provider: T-Mobile Los Angeles/Orange County CA, USA. Questions to answer to get your perfect phone: - Have you tried the G1 yet? My Sidekick entrenched buddy upgraded to this and has never been happier. The app selection and dev support has been paltry, however. - Can you endure network issues for more apps and a better UI / hardware? iPhone 3G S then. On AT&T. You can't get 3G on the iphone unlocking it and taking it to US T-Mobile. - Visit a Sprint store and do some test typing on the Pre keyboard for as long as you care to. Some people can adapt to the teeny keyboard... I found it really clumsy. I hope they put a kickass soft keyboard on this as soon as possible. The Sprint network is also top tier, second to only Verizon in the US. - Are you a 14 year old girl? Do not buy another Sidekick--nothing progressive or interesting in the pipeline. Was a solid casual smartphone for its day: crap now when sized up to the rest. This should lead you to your new (hopefully perfect for you) phone! Let us know what you end up with.
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# ¿ Jun 23, 2009 17:08 |
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Just to throw it out there: most all of the US celly companies let you mess around w/ a new phone for the first 30 days without contract (lest the iphone, which carries a restock fee of about $20 USD ) What I mean to say is, despite some of the Nokia and winmo hardons in this thread for cheaping out on a hock-and-walk plan: TRY THE GOOD NEW PHONES. The Pre. The G1. The iphone. The BlackBerry Bold The.... no i think those are the best phones out. Give them a go in your area. Try 'em., see if they work for you. See if the featureset is worth the extra cash. Don't just go w/ the E71 or a touchpro cause it's the cheapest piece of plastic you can own (unless you're extraordinarily cheap. In which case, jesus, buy a cheap as gently caress pay-as-you-go and a netbook. )
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# ¿ Jul 5, 2009 07:36 |
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# ¿ Apr 28, 2024 13:17 |
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http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/22/nokia-n97-review-a-tale-of-two-bloggers/ Check out the 2nd video in this post and ask yourself if it's *really* worth it. Navigation on the N71 is slower but in a completely different way. Mess with one and see if it's worth the budgeting.
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# ¿ Jul 5, 2009 07:49 |