Smartphone Advice.

zeebs · Feb 22, 2011

After sitting around this winter I have been thinking about moving to a smartphone so I would be able to access emails, markets, weather, and infomation while I am in the field at work. I have never took a strong look at any smartphones because in the past I always thought they were over priced for what you would get. Everybody seems to have these so maybe I should explore my options before writting it off completely.

My questions are what phone are you using and what are some pros and cons of it? (I was thinking along the lines of an iPhone or Android.)

If I can get internet over the phone will I drop that like I drop calls? Also is there a way to hook it up to my computer so in the evening when I would be checking sites (like snow and mud:d) I wouldn't have to look at such a small screen? What plan do you have/recommend unlimited access or something else? What kind of apps are needed and is there a cost associated to running these apps?

I want to check here and get some advice before going to the store so I have an idea what to ask and what to look for. I need something fairly durable as I work in a dusty and rough enviroment. I am just thinking if I can eliminate the satellite internet I have for the computer now and pay for it on the phone it would make more sense to have it right there with me all the time.

Like I say I'm new to this style of phone and just looking into it and ANY information or advise would be welcomed! Please share your views and experiences! This can get kinda expensive so I want to make sure I make a well informed decision if I do it.

Thanks

Steve D · Feb 23, 2011

Sounds like you might like the new Motorola Atrix not sure if it's released yet, but will be soon if not. Motorola is releasing a special monitor/keyboard dock for the phone so you can use your phone as your PC. Great idea, says me! Though, it's not a real "Windows" pc or anything, it'll let you surf the web and use the phone with a bigger screen. More than enough for most folks. Edit: To be clear this is an Android phone.

I can't speak for durability, but these touch screen devices are fairly dust proof since they have no buttons to get clogged, but the screen might scratched eventually. There are a number of cases that can protect these devices and I'd highly recommend one for your environment, though you'd probably have to take it off to dock it (if you got the atrix). The biggest thing to watch for is if you drop these phones, the screens can be damaged easily without a case.

In the case of cellular, internet speed is directly proportional to signal strength, I find. Dropping calls because you're on one bar, it might not work so well for internet. That said, internet is a lot more stop and go, while voice is continuous so it might not be a huge issue. Hard to say until you use one in your scenario - I'd almost recommend inviting a friend over or borrowing one to see how it works in your area.

Also watch out for data plans on phones. I see your down in the states, so some carriers down there are just starting to cap data like they do up here in Canada. Don't expect to watch netflix or such over these connections, could get pricey.

scrfce · Feb 23, 2011

There is only one smartphone. Iphone4.

the_real_wild1 · Feb 24, 2011

I had a blackberry storm for a couple years. I wanted something faster and easier to use for surfing and typing. I was going to get an Iphone but then I checked into android. I suggest you do the same.

benclaluna450r · Mar 9, 2011

Iphone 4 i had a blackberry went through 5 in a year then went to iphone not one problem

CUSO · Mar 11, 2011

I also reccomend the Iphone4.

Had it for 6 months, never a problem, you can tether wired, or bluetooth.
Buy the otterbox case and it will look like new for a loooong time.

lbartels · Apr 28, 2011

Short and sweet. In my opinion, black berrys are more work related and orientated towards useing your phone as a tool. From what I've saw Iphones are more towards a toy or games. There are some many games for Iphones. When I see people useing them It looks like they have been dumbed down so much. 4 small buttons and a touch screen. Black berrys are better IMO.

As far as a service provider, AVOID ROGERS LIKE THE PLAUGE. I've never been with telus or bell but BUT ROGERS CUSTOMER SERVICE IS USELESS!

teeroy · Apr 28, 2011

I have been researching these smartphones for a while and came to the conclusion an android phone would be the best for me. checked out the HTC desire HD and it was pretty cool but both them and the iphone are huge....by the time you put the otter box on them you might as well be carrying a brick around. got the motorola defy, just a little bigger than my old krzr and does pretty much everything else the others do....and it is water resistant (ad shows it working in a glass of water), dust resistant, and scratch resistant. if you are the kind of person that is tough on phones, or need to have it on you no matter what activity you are doing like sledding or biking or quading....it might be worth a look. pretty happy with mine so far, other than it has wiped out my contacts twice for reasons unknown to me. dunno if i fat fingered something or if it was the phone.....thank heaven for them devices at the phone place that transfers stuff from phone to phone....

Phyer Phyter · May 23, 2011

I have an iPhone and for work a blackberry curve. Can't stand the curve. In no way is it even close to iPhone. As far as i am concerned the curve is no better than an old flip phone. Screen size, resolution is p$$ poor. Navigation leaves alot to be desired. If I could skip the curve into the lake like a rock I would do it in a heart beat.

sirkdev · May 23, 2011

Only 1 choice in my opinion go apple go! Best phone ever, wife hands me her blackberry to make a call and I would rather swim across a river to get mine. I firmly believe that technology should work for you, not you having to work for it.

underdog · May 23, 2011

My vote is for android. My HTC Desire has a scratch proof screen. I am hard on phones, and this one has held up quite well for me even through seeding. If you get a phone with HDMI output, you can hook it up to your tv, and browse in HD. I know everyone says iphone is the best, and for gaming and useless apps, they may be right. I have apps on my android for the futures and markets. Its great.

what_next · May 23, 2011

really guys? Apple? sure if you want something designed for a 4 year old kid and let the product control you like a mindless puppet! than ya go ahead

you want better bang for your buck and better performance go with android... everyone i know that owns one wont even look at an iphone
and i've also converted a many people to the Android army... everyone of them wants and Android for their next phone
i'm on my second Android now and never any problems
apps are also cheaper, better cheaper phone.. and you go against the mind controlling plan of Mr. Jobs.
look into these,
HTC Desire HD
HTC Incredible S
Samsung Galaxy S (Facinate i think is the new one)
Google Nexus S
Sony Xperia Arc (too bad in only comes on Rogers)

stay away from Blackberry unless its for work

OR if you are daring, look into the windows phone, its blazing fast since it does relatively nothing (yet does everything)
HTC 7 surround on telus

what_next · May 23, 2011

Just for god's sake anything but the damn iRetard!

Cyle · May 23, 2011

Iphones are nothing great. I have one because most of the other options at the time sucked. If you don't jailbreak it, they are terrible. In 2 years I am on my 2nd phone and it is on it's last leg. They do not stand up well. My lock button is fubared, and the phone no longer vibrates. Also forced to buy a battery park because the battery life is terrible, can drain it in 6-8 hours without any issue with a bit of texting, talking, and internet. Very likely not to even last a day which is sad.

I like the phone when it works properly but the times are few and far between. The phone has great potential but apple running it is the biggest downfall.

I have the 3G which is a fairly old model, but I know the newer ones are little improved. But blackberry for one, doesn't have anything better.

tmix · May 23, 2011

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

CUSO · May 23, 2011

Cyle said:
Iphones are nothing great. I have one because most of the other options at the time sucked. If you don't jailbreak it, they are terrible. In 2 years I am on my 2nd phone and it is on it's last leg. They do not stand up well. My lock button is fubared, and the phone no longer vibrates. Also forced to buy a battery park because the battery life is terrible, can drain it in 6-8 hours without any issue with a bit of texting, talking, and internet. Very likely not to even last a day which is sad.

I like the phone when it works properly but the times are few and far between. The phone has great potential but apple running it is the biggest downfall.

I have the 3G which is a fairly old model, but I know the newer ones are little improved. But blackberry for one, doesn't have anything better.

You must have had a dud. One thing to remember is the location services eat up your battery. 3g is also 2 models old. Mine has never died in the same day, sometimes I get 2 out of it.... unless location stays on. If you jailbreak it, your warranty is VOID, so I guess you can't really complain if it craps out.

catmando · May 23, 2011

Ive got a Samgsung Facinate which is the competition for the I phone,I think its as good as any with a better pic on the screen than a I phone other than that they both got there ups and downs
Ski doo or cat?
what ya think ? LOL!

AreWeThereYet · May 23, 2011

I am looking at my first smartphone and currently the Motorola Defy is catching my attention. Anyone have experience yet with one of those?

Cyle · May 23, 2011

CUSO said:
You must have had a dud. One thing to remember is the location services eat up your battery. 3g is also 2 models old. Mine has never died in the same day, sometimes I get 2 out of it.... unless location stays on. If you jailbreak it, your warranty is VOID, so I guess you can't really complain if it craps out.

I'd think so, but my brother has 100% of the same issues. He's on his 3rd, me 2nd. All 5 phones are the same BS issues. We drop calls like a SOB, got one new phone because of it but they just blame rogers now. But I will say it's not apple only, the newer the phones the worse reception they are getting. Location services off, screen resolution low. If I don't use my phone it will last days, but as soon as I do I can almost see the battery life drop every second.

My biggest problems have been from itunes updating and killing my phone, happened 4 times now. Did it two weeks ago and apple said they could sell me another phone that's it. Wasn't jailbroken or anything they just said it was dead. Told them I believe apple does it on purpose to try and make me buy a new phone, I STILL believe that they try to do it so you just buy a new one. I can't update my phone on itunes, puts in into recovery mode 100% of the time. Two computers, new itunes, everything. Even tried at apple store, no change. But if I don't use itunes it's fine. Was never a problem when it was on warranty, only after. I wonder!

Apple sucks. I have tried out a 4G and not impressed with the improvment or lack of. Waiting on the 5G, but it better be leaps and bounds better or it will still be a POS.

teeroy · May 23, 2011

AreWeThereYet said:
I am looking at my first smartphone and currently the Motorola Defy is catching my attention. Anyone have experience yet with one of those?

I have one. it kicks ass so far, love it. barely bigger than my old krzr, all the functions of the new smartphones, water resistant (there are videos on youtube of people using them underwater), scratch resistant screen, dustproof....just what I need from a phone. with the data options turned off it will last for 3 days on a charge. I have mine set up so it only connects to the internet etc when
I have a wifi signal.

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