truth hurts u
New member
I've done a lot of research over the past couple of months, and still can't decide on a smartphone. Here's what I need:
1. Web access. I use LiveJournal, and need to be able to access the site while on the road. I've decided to go with Rogers because they have the biggest network, and so I'd have the best chance of getting a signal wherever I am. But because their data rates (as everyone's) are so high, I also really want to have Wi-Fi so I can take advantage of hotspots wherever possible.
2. For the same reason, I need a QWERTY keyboard and the ability to cut and paste (I gather that's difficult on some models).
3. Push e-mail. I need immediate notification of new POP3 e-mail (e.g. Gmail); that's push e-mail, right? (I'm not really up on how this works for non-corporate users.)
4. Compactness. Although the web access is an absolute necessity, it will only account for perhaps 10% of my actual usage. Most of the time I will be using it as a phone, so I would prefer something that fits in a pants pocket, or is at least not very heavy, because I will need to carry it at all times.
I've looked closely at several models, including the LG enV (rejected because it's CDMA and not GSM), Nokia 9300 (rejected I forget why), and the Nokia E62 (rejected for no Wi-Fi).
I don't care about games, music, or cameras, and very little for looks (given two phones with equal capabilities, I would choose the sexier one or maybe the one with the better camera).
After I finally decide on a phone (and probably buy it online), how do I go about using it with Rogers? I currently have an account with Fido, and I understand that I can use that account on another unlocked phone, but with number portability coming to Canada next month, I should also be able to keep my current number and go to Rogers.
Can I buy a phone off the Internet, keep my Fido SIM (and number), and sign up for a data/voice plan with Rogers (with a phone they don't sell themselves)? I don't understand how to go about that without buying a phone from them in the first place...or would I just buy one of their $0 handsets with a data/voice plan, and throw away the $0 handset?
I would get the Nokia E61, which is like the E62 (sold by Rogers) with Wi-Fi, except Rogers sells only the E62. Can I buy the E61 and somehow use it with Rogers?
I'm also looking at the HTC Dash, which, like the E61, has integrated Wi-Fi; I believe it offers equivalent functionality in a smaller form factor, which makes it more attractive--but all the same questions and concerns apply since I can't buy either one from Rogers.
If someone could explain the whole process of buying a random phone and signing up to use it with a specific provider, I could probably handle the phone selection myself; I just need to know if I'll be able to get it to work--and if there's a smartphone out there I'm missing.
Thanks!
1. Web access. I use LiveJournal, and need to be able to access the site while on the road. I've decided to go with Rogers because they have the biggest network, and so I'd have the best chance of getting a signal wherever I am. But because their data rates (as everyone's) are so high, I also really want to have Wi-Fi so I can take advantage of hotspots wherever possible.
2. For the same reason, I need a QWERTY keyboard and the ability to cut and paste (I gather that's difficult on some models).
3. Push e-mail. I need immediate notification of new POP3 e-mail (e.g. Gmail); that's push e-mail, right? (I'm not really up on how this works for non-corporate users.)
4. Compactness. Although the web access is an absolute necessity, it will only account for perhaps 10% of my actual usage. Most of the time I will be using it as a phone, so I would prefer something that fits in a pants pocket, or is at least not very heavy, because I will need to carry it at all times.
I've looked closely at several models, including the LG enV (rejected because it's CDMA and not GSM), Nokia 9300 (rejected I forget why), and the Nokia E62 (rejected for no Wi-Fi).
I don't care about games, music, or cameras, and very little for looks (given two phones with equal capabilities, I would choose the sexier one or maybe the one with the better camera).
After I finally decide on a phone (and probably buy it online), how do I go about using it with Rogers? I currently have an account with Fido, and I understand that I can use that account on another unlocked phone, but with number portability coming to Canada next month, I should also be able to keep my current number and go to Rogers.
Can I buy a phone off the Internet, keep my Fido SIM (and number), and sign up for a data/voice plan with Rogers (with a phone they don't sell themselves)? I don't understand how to go about that without buying a phone from them in the first place...or would I just buy one of their $0 handsets with a data/voice plan, and throw away the $0 handset?
I would get the Nokia E61, which is like the E62 (sold by Rogers) with Wi-Fi, except Rogers sells only the E62. Can I buy the E61 and somehow use it with Rogers?
I'm also looking at the HTC Dash, which, like the E61, has integrated Wi-Fi; I believe it offers equivalent functionality in a smaller form factor, which makes it more attractive--but all the same questions and concerns apply since I can't buy either one from Rogers.
If someone could explain the whole process of buying a random phone and signing up to use it with a specific provider, I could probably handle the phone selection myself; I just need to know if I'll be able to get it to work--and if there's a smartphone out there I'm missing.
Thanks!