Finally time for a Smartphone!

M

missthang

New member
I have a dumb phone: it's tiny, unique, and I love it! After years and years (and lots of peer pressure!) it's time I get a smartphone. I'm with Rogers on a newly negotiated plan w/ 6gb data (ready for HUP) so the sky is the limit!

I'll be honest, I don't really know what I want because this is new to me, but I've done a lot of thinking and asking and here's my story...

As a dumbphone user, all I use is the phone features and texting. When I'm out, I usually have better things to do than play with my phone. Lately I've noticed some downtime when I could benefit from using apps/web. At the top of my Want-list is a dual touch-screen + tactile keyboard.

Android:
+ Flexible OS, lots of widgets and customizations possible
+ Utilizes powerful hardware (e.g. 1GHz processors, etc)
+ Relatively good user interface response
+ Lots of apps, including fast web browsing
- No tactile keyboard?
- The worst thing about Android for me is I don't know much about it! I've read a lot online and played with my friend's HTC phone but it doesn't seem like anything special. Sell me on this!
+ Samsung Captivate (coming to Rogers late 2010) reviews look top notch

Blackberry 6:
+ Secure communication... but what exactly is secure?!
+ BBM, along with other communication (SMS, etc)
+ Well organized for productivity
+ Tried and true cult forming around this OS (this is a joke...c'mon!!!)
- Looks a bit laggy in the user interface
- Slower processor, no 3D support, low screen resolution (though the Storm resolution looks fine to me?)
- Poor app selection
- Tethering 1 computer only, can't be turned into a Wifi hotspot (like the iPhone/Android via 3rd party app??)
+ Torch has both touchscreen + keyboard (coming to Rogers: Sept 24th)

iPhone:
+ High-res screen for crystal sharp text and graphics (including 3D!)
+ Fast web browsing
+ Best user interface I've tried in terms of responsiveness
+ Practically unlimited supply of apps
- I hate proprietary software like iTunes... I want the freedom to access my music files from other computers, not renamed in random folders. 3rd party iTune clones haven't been great from what I've seen, plus if I don't need software, even better.
- No tactile keyboard, I love my buttons! I could probably get used to the soft keyboard, but it's easier to type without looking if it's tactile.
+ iPhone4 available NOW (if I can find stock! lol)

I'm leaning towards the Torch right now because of the touchscreen + keyboard. I don't know much other than what I've read online so I'm all ears. I don't know much about Android either, and the iPhone seems more like a toy than a phone.

Thoughts? Ideas? Thanks in advance...
 
You laid it all out. Only you can decide which you want as it is really a matter of personal choice. Can't see the need for a lot of apps or widgets, or whatever. My device is a business tool, not a toy.

My suggestion is go to a phone store and check them all out.

I have a Torch - moved from an iPhone. I like it more and more each day, but it isn't for everyone.
 
You put it so nicely! I suppose having a plain dumb phone for the longest time, it will be a tool in the short run if not for much longer. I looked around and there are so many apps/widgets (even for the Blackberry) I'm sure there's something if I need it.

The only problem with going to a store is that they're all dummy phones except for the iPhone and one of the cheaper(?) Samsung ones. I'll make more rounds and see what I can find. Thanks for the thoughts though... every bit helps.
 
From what you have laid out, it sounds like you are really interested in an Android device. The number of devices with a physical keyboard are less and less all the time. T-Mobile (US) just announced the G2 with a physical keyboard, maybe there will be an international version as well. There are a few other choices but you probably want a subsidized phone so that limits even more. The Captivate (Galaxy S) has many issues. OS build is buggy, GPS is sketchy and the main buttons are capacitive (not physical). There is also the SE X10. While it doesn't have the SAMOLED screen it is mostly the same (SGS has better GPU) otherwise.

There are pros and cons with every device so it's really going to be up to you. For me, having a functioning GPS and a phone that doesn't randomly shutdown or reboot are paramount. I could care less about having the most ram, fastest this or fastest that. As long as it's quick reliable and works the way I need it to I am happy. Of course, the more I can play and hack the better but that all takes second place to quality and reliability. I don't care about multi-touch (don't play games and prefer double-tap for zooming web pages) or the GPU (again, not into gaming on a phone). Many people are spec warriors and only care if they can boast about specs. I guess that is something for you to sort out.
 
I haven't had much luck with demo phones at stores (Future Shop, Bestbuy, Rogers, Wireless Wave, Bell, etc). They all have the iPhone 4 on demo but that only helps a little. I played with the Sony X10 and one of the Samsungs and liked the Samsung more. I had a poor store experience with trying the X10 (they were rude) so I wonder if that has anything to do with it!

I might dig around to see if I can find a Capitvate to demo and I'll take another look at reviews. Specs are great but I've grown to appreciate the functionality more than specs. I never really thought about the benefits of just "double-tapping" to zoom rather than multitouch. It sounded cooler at first, definitely is intuitive, but I'm thinking that will work just as well so thanks for your thoughts!
 
Back
Top