Commentary

My smartphone issues

At the dawn of another two-year contract agreement, I’ve realized that the time is finally here to trade in my well-loved (and broken-down) cell phone for a smartphone. Yes, I’m moving on up! Unfortunately, a lot of choices, uncertain post-undergraduate plans, and a small budget are giving me a lot of headaches. After weighing the options, and researching as much as possible online, I’m still hopelessly lost.

So, this is when I need a little advice…

Device choice?
I know a lot of people love their BlackBerrys – and I would happily join their ranks. But is it really the best smartphone? Are there other devices which could provide similar functionality for a smaller price? Should I buy online through Amazon, or through the provider?

What are must-have features?
I honestly don’t know how many of these features compare. Essentially, what features do I need and which phone will give me the most for the least amount of money?

Should I trade providers?
I’m currently with Verizon, and their coverage in my area is pretty good. But their smartphone plans are the most expensive and I don’t know how the coverage is in other areas. Is AT&T’s coverage improving? What about Sprint and T-Mobile?

Any and all suggestions are welcome! Help!

4 comments about "My smartphone issues".
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  1. Melanie White, March 10, 2008 at 8:48 a.m.

    I bought my Motorola Q about a year ago through Alltel. I don't mind the phone if I could get a good one. I'm going on my third phone through them. For some reason there is a bad batch of these out there. Through Alltel you want to be for certain what your options are with the plan also. They made comment that some of the phones functions were going to be supported and have now decided against that. My advice is ask lots of questions and there is a website out there where you can play with various phones and there functions before buying. I believe it is tryphone.com, but can't be sure. Good Luck!

  2. Andy Havens from OCLC, March 10, 2008 at 9:06 a.m.

    I'd make the choice based on a couple issues:

    1. If you will be using your wireless data plan a lot, be prepared to cough up the dough, period. AT&T's plan looks cheaper on the monthly payment, but you end up paying more if you go over your data allotment. I made the decision to go with Verizons $40/month all-you-cal-eat because that way I don't have to think about it.

    2. If you have good access to WiFi where you work and live, and that's mostly what you need for Web access, pick a phone with WiFi connection and try it without a data plan for a couple months; you can always go back and add one.

    3. If you are OK with a tiny little keyboard, then the Blackberry-style is find. I actually do a lot of email on the go, and so got a my Verizon Pocket PC because the little slide-out keyboard is big enough that I can actually thumb-type, as opposed to poke-poke-poke with one finger, which is what I have to do on the smaller, condensed key-board models.

    5. Web browsing options are going to be better on a Mobile PC as opposed to Blackberry. Not bad on the BB, but there are more browser options, plug-ins, etc. on the Mobile PC platform. If you'll be doing a bunch of Web surfing, I'd recommend Mobile PC over Blackberry.

    6. Same on other software -- book readers, games, utilities -- there's more out there on the Mobile PC platform.

    Hope that helps.

  3. Aldo Bender from SmartSystems Media Group, March 10, 2008 at 9:26 a.m.

    It's quite simple. Do AT&T and spend real money on a smart phone, don't do it on the cheap! I use the Nokia E90 which is an expensive phone with a real keyboard and big screen but I have NEVER had any issues with it. You really do get what you pay for, maybe wait for the 3g iPhone...

  4. Amado c Salinas ii from Trinity Tech Media, Inc., March 10, 2008 at 9:59 a.m.

    Amanda,

    Before you leap into the high cost Smart-Phone package.
    Optd-in for a FREE Uronimo Mobile account. Your current device does have the ability to view MMS & Video ( PUSH & PULL)

    Upgarde your current mobile plan to include unlimited SMS/MMS/WEB access. ( about a 20 USD upgrade from your carrier).

    Then log in and use Uronimo to get, send, create unlimited (SMS/MMS/Video/Music/Images & FullMotion Video ability)
    Blast out you Cool Media Rich MMS & Videos to all your OPTD in contact numbers.
    ** send yourself a quick MMS/Video Test to your current mobile phone **

    PLUS a FREE Mobi page ( think of it as Mobile MySpace or Mobile U-Tube on STEROIDS)

    http://www.Uronimo.com

    Visit my mobi page via your mobile device (public access) http://acsii.uornimo.mobi ( I have made my videos public )

    our application works on over 90% of mobile devices with no application needed to download to view and use.

    Call me if you have questions

    Amado C. Salinas II
    V.P Sales
    Uronimo.com
    acsii@Uronimo.com
    760-835-0739

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