Verizon Smartphone?

S

sophieee_x

New member
Hi, I'm looking into getting a new phone. I'm with Verizon, and I've got their whole "new every 2" thing coming up... I'm fairly happy with my current phone (LG VX8100) for a variety of reasons, but I'm also interested in upgrading to a Windows Mobile device (my old Pocket PC died a while ago, never got around to replacing it). While not entirely integral to my job, I like the idea of having a capable PDA together with my phone... I've been looking at the Treo 700w, any other suggestions and/or advice?

Also, one of the really nice things about my LG is that I used the hack that lets me tether it to my laptop and use it for wireless internet... anywhere... I don't use it but on the very rare occasion, but it's incredibly convenient when I do. Is there any comperable tethering option/hack available for any Verizon smartphones? I don't want to pay for the functionality (I realize that's available) because I use maybe every 3 months, and I don't need any kind of speed. While this is not entirely vital to my decision, it could very well be a deciding factor. So, are there any smartphones with this functionality? Thanks, I appreciate it.


If it helps, I live in SoCal.

EDIT: Also, I'm intrigued by the Q but have just started reading up on it... Any recommendations?
 
the q is a very nice phone and pda device. i believe that you can tether for free, but you will need the 40 or 50 dollar a month data package (which is worth it) so nice to have real internet on your phone. it also has a nice camera, good screen and good battery out of the box. you also have that "wow" factor with the q, and you have bluetooth.
 
I'm not sure I'm too interested in a data plan... I just don't have enough need to justify spending that much money. The only time I ever use tethering on my VX8100 is on long trips, where I can have my car pc download news and e-mail. I really don't feel the need for internet on my phone. However, just for reference, are there miniSD 802.11x cards out there? I'm really rarely out of range of wifi.

Again, any phones which can act as a dial-up modem (over bluetooth or cable) would be optimal.

On a side note, do any of the VZW Smartphones support Java development (or any homebrew app development, for that matter)? I love getting more out of my phones, and I'm a relatively experienced java programmer (a hobby of mine). Thanks for the help!
 
there is minisd wifi cards out that will work w/ the Q. although it will stick out of the phone a little, but will give you wifi. how would you feel about a different style of phone, like the xv6700? it has all features of the Q but adds a larger keyboard ,and integrated Wi-Fi. it also has a much larger screen!
 
I'm quite intrigued by the XV 6700 (hadn't even seen it before, I guess I tunnel-vision'd to what I had heard about). I like what I see thus far. I'm probably gonna head down to my friendly neighborhood Verizon Wireless store to check stuff out soon. Does anyone know if you can stack the New Every Two with the $100 instant rebate online? Thanks.

Also, how's application development for the mobile platform? Does anyone know?
 
Does the Q, 6700 and/or the 700w have a2dp support? Just saw another topic and I figured it'd be a good thing to ask (hadn't thought of it, but it'd be nice to have.
 
i believe that none of verizon's phones support a2dp. though you can but headphones for most of the phones. i dont think there is much development for verizon, if any. this is because their phones support gin. though the smartphones might support games (tetris)
 
I'm not so much interested in Verizon Development, but rather Windows Mobile 5.0. It's been a while since I got my last Pocket PC (predecessor to Windows Mobile), and I don't know how development is on it. I'm pretty sure that it would be decent, since the smartphones are just PDA's with phone features, but I wanted confirmation.

Also, the Smartphones don't support Get It Now, do they?
 
no, the smartphones dont support GIN. but i believe on some of them, you can use your media card to load ringtones. i beleive most of the wm5 and palm devices support games
 
My father has the 700w and I have used it quite a bit. The keypad is a bit small and takes some getting used to, but once you are comfortable you can type quickly and easily. Call reception and clarity is good. The only complaint I have is that there is no built in support for voice-dialing and voice-command. You can download 3rd party programs but it would have been nice as a built in.

If you use this phone alot, the battery will barely make it through the day and a car/office charger is a must. My father uses his phone for business and is on it probably 3-4 hours of talk time per day, checking emails, text messaging (very occasionally), and then the occasional browsing of the internet and schedule maintenance. He is not a HEAVY user of the phone, and hasnt had the battery run out yet. If you are planning on LIVING with this thing, having it be your everything and basically being married to it, you might want to rethink.

For everyday users who need to make phone-calls, manage their schedules, check their email, mock up some quick word documents or an array of other things, this will be good for you.
 
Maxiderm, I'm sorry if I don't understand, but where did the "move to gsm" comment come from? I'm not really that worried about coverage... my area's fairly well covered by all the VZW phones in my family (4 total, 3 of which are the source of my Moto/Samsung frustrations), so it's all good. The 6700 is looking really good right now, I'll swing by my local VZW Shop to see if they've got it out on demo. Any word on Battery Life?

As for shooptek's comments -- thanks, that's all good to know. I don't mind buying a charger or two if I really like the phone. As for my use habits, I use the phone fairly often, and when I used my PDA it was also a high-use item... the battery life on it is eventually what made it retire (a $100 replacement just wasn't worth it for a $150 PDA). I really appreciate all the replies, thanks a ton!
 
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