O brilliant ones, I need advice! Android options on AT&T

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panicked 16 year-old

New member
I started a thread in the HTC forum but decided this would be a better place to ask.

Here's my situation:
1) I am off-contract with AT&T. I'm happy with them; they provide the best reception in my area. But I don't want to re-sign if I don't have to.
2) I have the Nation 450 plan with unlimited data and text (NOT a smartphone plan.)
3) I am open to buying a phone from another country as long as it can be unlocked and used on the AT&T network, preferably with 3G. (That's my problem with the Nexus One ... no 3G.)

For numerous reasons, I am not interested in the iPhone. But I've seen some Android handsets (HTC Magic on Rogers, Moto Droid) and I've got a case of the want-want. Can you recommend one?

Also, how likely is it that I can get away with running a smartphone on AT&T's network without paying $20 or $30 extra for a smartphone plan?
 
I'm in the same position you are. I really want to try a touchscreen phone, but I don't want to start a new contract or add a smartphone plan with At&t. I really want to try Android, but unlocked Android devices are hard to come by, and they are very expensive. You can get Hero from Canada (Telus) and unlock it, but they are running in the range of $600. The whole At&t 3G (850 band) is really killing my options right now when it comes to up and coming smartphones. I'm close to just getting a Nokia 5800 Nav edition and waiting for prices to start dropping on Android.
 
you are pretty much stuck waiting with the rest of us. i myself have been waiting for an android phone that works with ATT 3G for a while now, but there isnt much out there. i guess the HTC hero would work, but it needs to be imported from telus. i think there are only 2 android phones that would be an option, one being the hero, and i cant remember the other one.

but att announced 5 android phones coming in the first half of this year, so that's kinda what everybody is waiting for. so far all android phones have only worked on tmobile 3g in the usa, none for att yet.
 
Yeah, if I get it from AT&T then I'm double-stuck - stuck in another contract, stuck with the data upcharge. I figure the cost of a reasonably expensive phone will amortize over the time that I use it IF I can avoid that smart-phone upcharge.

I've watched several auctions end for this phone (the HTC Magic/Rogers branded). If I can do that phone for about $400 I might go for it.

Edit: What are the chances that AT&T will catch me and hit me with a data plan anyway? According to their forums, any HTC branded phone is considered a smart phone, but would they have the IMEI records from Rogers or HTC to know I'm using an HTC?
 
you will be totally fine as long as the phone is not sold by ATT. so you can use an HTC from rogers no problem. and if you DO want data you only need to the 15 dollar unlimited plan, not the 30 dollar one.
 
The LG EVE from Canada's ROGERS Network will work with AT&T 3G. I have it but I can not seem to figure out how to get on 3G. Im stuck on EDGE but I know for a fact that it is AT&T 3G capable. Help anyone?!
 
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