I'm leaning towards a Smartphone.

N

nettech963

New member
First off, I don't know a whole lot about phones. So, please, forgive my ignorance. Secondly, the cost does matter. And thirdly, I'm going to avoid phones like the Sidekick - it's a little too much like a toy.
Oh, and I live in New York. My connections will most likely be Cingular, T-Mobile, or Verizon. But the Verizon will be a smaller possibility.
Anyways, here is basically what I'm looking for in a phone (but keep in mind, it doesn't have to be a smart phone):
Internet connection - not through wiifi, though, that would be a bonus. Not particularly, either.
Decent Camera and Video Camera - Most smartphones seem to be 1.3 MP from what I hear. I'd like it to be able to play pretty much any video from online sites, if that's possible.
Some kind of Microsoft program where I can type - I'm guessing this would make it more of a PocketPC? Or not? I'm not sure.
Not overly expensive - I'll be getting this phone with a plan, so, hopefully, the charges will be reduced enough so that I don't want to commit suicide.
I'm not even sure if this is a possibility - Basically having all the capabilities of a feature phone and computer. I'm not a fan of the touch-screen, though.
Price of online access - I heard for the Treo, it's $10 per month. I'm guessing that's should be the standard price, right?

Currently, I'm leaning more towards Motorola 'Q' - mainly because it's new and it looks good. However, I've heard some not-so-great things about it.
The newest Treo - I heard it was very expensive, but very efficient.
Actually, those are the only two I can really think of besides blackberry. Oh, and I don't want a blackberry or anything overly bulky.

If anyone can help me out, I would be very grateful. I'd like to hear the pros and cons. So even if you are an advocate of a certain phone, I'd also like to hear the faults of that phone.
 
I checked it out. Besides looking a little... feminine, it seems to be a really kickass phone. Oh, and I forgot to mention, I'd like a full QWERTY phone. Do you happen to know the pros and cons of this phone compared to the Q or just in general? Thanks.
 
If you going for the T-mobile, than check out my chart. It's a comparison chart for all the smart phones T-mobile offers.

http://www.geocities.com/sk3vsbb8100/

It sounds to me the only choice you have is a Microsoft based phone for the features you are asking for.

T-mobile have the cheapest rate plans per month than anyone else.
 
That was actually very helpful, thanks. What would be a Microsoft based phone? I'm strongly considering the Dash, but I'd like to see what the 'Q' can do. Also, what should I look for which gives my phone internet capabilities that go beyond just mail. Like, I can look into whatever website I could normally look up on my computer.
And how do I know how much my phone's memory capability is? Is it dependant on whatever memory card I get it? Or is there an internal harddrive?
And if the slot for a certain function is blank, does it mean it's unknown or "none"? Thanks again.

Edit - Right now, I'm strongly considering the Dash and the 'Q'
With the internet service, would I be able to connect to the internet for the majority of places I go? Also, is the 'Q' cheaper? I read it was $100 with the plan, while the Dash is $150 with the plan. It's not too much of a difference to make me change my mind, but if the difference is minor, I'd rather select the 'Q.' I'm still open to any other phones. Thanks again.
 
I can answer some of your questions but not all.

When I said Microsoft based phone, it uses Windows Mobile or Windows Pocket PC. I believe the SDA, Dash, and MDA uses Windows Mobile. I don't think they use Window Pocket PC but I could be wrong.

If the box is empty in my chart, it is unknown.

Like I said in my previous post, the monthly payments for voice and data is cheaper on T-mobile.
 
Let me throw my support behind the MDA over the Dash. The main advatantage is that it is a PocketPC so it has a word processor, and the dash does not. but I think if you do get the dash you will like it. I use the MDA and i think it is great
 
What exactly is the difference between Windows Mobile and Windows Pocket PC? Is one more for Media and one more similar to a PC? I'd imagine that would be the case. But so far, from that chart, I'm starting to really like the Dash.

I see a lot of people with an MDA actually. Most seem to use it as an alternative to a Sidekick, though. Although, I do agree I would like the MDA, it's a little too pricey. And I'm not a fan of the slide phones. I prefer flip or brick.

Is there any PocketPC's out there that have a Smartphone look? I mean, it's not too big and it has the full QWERTY keypad visible.

Thanks again. Your opinions and suggestions are much appreciated.

Edit - How come I can't seem to find the full specs and detail on the 'Q'? Is it because it's so new or because it's not good?
 
Here's all the information. I went to Motorola and Verizon websites. I also went to Phone Scoop too but it may have errors though.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=2303
http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/q/q-experience/q.html
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=856 (Keep in mind that it may contain errors)
 
Thanks a lot. I read this on the Dash: http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/11/t-mobile-dash-review/

The negatives seem to outweigh the positives. However, it is true some of those are just some of the "inherent pains of the Smartphone."

The first link doesn't seem to work for me. It just asks for my location.
After I checked out the Motorola 'Q' link, I kinda want it more than the Dash again. I think it's because there hasn't been any real customer reviews so far on the 'Q.' It's been mostly the advertisers trying to sell it. Do you happen to know what the Dash is capable of that the 'Q' isn't? For example, had the 'Q' been added to that chart you linked me, how well would the 'Q' hold up against it's competitors?

-Edit: I just checked out the Q again. It's reviews at phonescoop seem to be lower than that of the new Dash. However, there is a considerably less amount of people with the Dash than with the Q. Most people that has commented on the Q has suggested an extended battery life (I have no idea how much more that'll cost) and has also said that the Q is known for it's buggy software and break-downs. Many of the negative reviewers stated that it needs to be repaired or even rebought because of the damage it randomly causes. I don't really want to wait another year for the Q, and no matter what phone I get, I plan to stick with it for possibly over a year. But if it can't stand up for even a few months, it's not worth having.
 
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