Choosing first smartphone - iphone vs NE71 vs LG IQ

W

Wes H

New member
I am a Telus Canada client. I have a 500Mb data package. I have never used a touch based product, so I expect a learning curve but don't want to be totally frustrated. I currently have a Nokia 6265i and I've been happy with it. I expect I will keep the new phone for the 3 years unless I suddenly get better employment.

I am a long term Apple user and have no access to a pc. I really don't know what apps I might use since I've never had a smartphone, but I am highly tech savvy. Currently the camera and texting are things I use often (and I'm quite comfortable with T9). I also use the speakerphone almost exclusively. I work from home and do workshops and consulting out of the home, so I don't see a huge need but will likely use email occasionally. If I'm extremely bored, I might look at facebook (but I doubt it). I'm more likely to watch tv. I expect I'll use the GPS. I tend to use my own mp3 player now because I don't want to lose battery power, but this could change.

I have read the entire 18 page iphone/Nexus/Droid thread and aside from the usual sandbox boasts that "my phone can beat up yours!" I didn't get a whole lot of meaningful advice; knowing what one can do that another can't doesn't necessarily tell me what will actually interfere with my needs. Many of the integrations complaints simply confused me because they referenced things I just don't use at the moment. (for example, I'm more likely to upload photos after I've edited them on my desktop). Of course, I don't know what is possible, so I'm sure this will change once I have a smartphone.

I am left with the following questions in search of some dealbreaking criteria to help me make the choice:

  • Is not having access to a pc all I need to know to make the decision?
  • I know many people complain about not having access to third party apps, but often with mac these functions are already built into the OS. How much of this holds true for the iphone?
  • What about the non-expandable memory? I'm not sure I approve of leaving parts of apps on an SD because of the volatility of external memory to loss and failure. Is this really an issue with the iphone or just a red herring offered in the pissing contest?
  • What is the jailbreak issue and how long will it be required? I'm not concerned about voiding warranty because it is reversible, but it does give me pause.
  • I like the IQ because of the keyboard and the high quality camera. How problematic is using a touch keyboard as opposed to a real one?
  • The IQ only has IE loaded. This browser is not even close to standards compliant and I won't open it on my mac. Is this the only option for the IQ or can I download something different?
  • Flash in the camera? I never use mine currently because I find "night mode" much more effective. Should I be concerned about iphone camera because of this?
  • I don't expect to be needing a whole lot of business work and immediate/urgent notifications. Is there a reason other than these to consider the E71 (except its size)?
  • Should I be considering another phone?

One thing my rep said to me that hit hard: iphone is a phone made by a computer company, the others are phone companies trying to make a computer. I trust Apple service, primarily because in all the years I've used them I've almost never needed any, but I'm looking for a phone not a new desktop or laptop.

Please advise. Please be nice, but I'm open to suggestions because I'm really behind in this knowledgebase.

Tx
 
I had a BlackBerry, iPhone, and a WinMobile smartphone.

I'm no expert, but I know what I did.

The iPhone should survive OK without PC access but it is really nice to have that so you can a) download and sync your calendar, contacts and ToDo lists, although you can do all that over the web if you use Google apps and ToodleDo for your to do list. I liked the iPhone a lot.

The BlackBerry is rock solid, and at the time I had it, had relatively few apps. I ran Pocket Informant for my PIM and it was terrific.

My personal experience with Win Mobile has been disappointing. The phone crashes as often as my Windows ME operating system used to do, which is saying something.

On the BB and Win Mobile systems, I ran the Opera mobile browser. A big improvement over the OEM browsers. There may be something better now, but I recommend Opera.

For a number of reasons, I'm staying with Verizon. For PDA and pocket computer functionality, my cost-no-object preference in order is

1. Android
2. iPhone
3. BlackBerry
4. Win Mobile

You'll note my first choice is the only one I haven't run, which should tell you something.
 
Sorry if I wasn't clear. What I meant was that I own a mac and have no access to any other computers that aren't also Apple (i.e., my dad, ex, and friends).

Does this change anything for you?
 
1. You can sync other phones with the Mac, but you'll need third-party software (usually Missing Sync). The iPhone is certainly the easiest to sync from that perspective.

2. The iPhone has the most third-party apps of any smartphone, full stop! Admittedly, some of them are fluff, but when there are 200,000 apps, you'll find what you need.

3. Non-expandable memory is... a non-issue. :) The ones who insist on getting a phone with a microSDHC card slot are the ones who never actually upgrade because, by the time they could actually use the extra space, the card they'd need would still cost $100-plus and would make it almost more efficient to just buy another phone. The iPhone update due in June may have 32GB of storage minimum, so you'd probably be set.

4. Don't let people tell you that you "need" to jailbreak. Unless you have a particular need to do it, many of the official features and apps are just fine.

5. The iPhone's touch keyboard is great. It does take getting used to, of course, but I type faster on my iPhone than with any hardware phone keyboard I've ever used. It works best if you at first hunt-and-peck and gradually move to using your thumbs; also, use auto-correction to your advantage. Also, remember: a hardware keyboard for its own sake won't help if it's bad.

6. The IQ has the option of browsers like Opera, but Safari on the iPhone is still better on average than many of these.

7. If you get the refreshed iPhone due in June, you'll get a flash (and an upgraded camera, too)!

8. The E71 was good in its day, but it's an *old* phone now, and business was its only real strong point.

9. Do consider the Motorola Milestone (you may know this as the Droid from Verizon in the US). Great screen, Android is a good OS, and a good camera. The only real catches are that it's pretty battery-hungry and that the hardware keyboard isn't all that great.

I won't deny that I'm somewhat biased given my existing choice of phones, but the E71 and the IQ just aren't that great. They're running old, clunky operating systems and are only really appealing if you're attached to the software they use.

If you hadn't guessed, my main advice would be to wait until the next iPhone to decide. :) Apple should announce it around June 7th or 8th. Right now, it's expected to have a 5-megapixel camera with flash, a front camera for video chat over Wi-Fi, a higher-resolution screen, and versions with 32GB or 64GB of storage.
 
THANK YOU so much. That is very helpful.

My problem is that I may not be able to wait to buy the phone because my contract has expired and they won't hold what has been negotiated. I may just go for the very low end (3G) refurb at $30 and (down)load most things from my desktop.

Is there any reason I really aught to go to the 3GS? (other than the better camera)
 
The 3GS is much faster, and when iPhone 4.0 software comes out, it'll have multitasking; the 3G won't since its hardware is too borderline for Apple's comfort.

You should definitely check the refurb price on the iPhone 3G, since it could still require a new contract or similar deal. Personally, I'd just wait until the next iPhone; even if you have to buy it at a higher price to avoid slapping on a new contract, it could be worth it as you'd have your current phone rates and a phone that will last longer.
 
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