Cell phone advice - Iphone or ?

[GroobySteven]

I've always preferred "just a phone" and been using the Pebl for the last few yrs and it's finally died so I'm getting encouraged to get an internet type phone with features. I'm on tmobile right now and would like to keep my number but not a deal breaker.

Obviously the Iphone is the most prominent choice. Does anyone have any other suggestions - or pros or cons on the iphone?
Thanks
seanchai

[BLKGSXR]

Iphones love to have Cracked screens.Buddy went through 3 in less than 6 months
Can never go wrong with a blackberry...I just ordered a Samsung Epix from At&t Which i did go to a store which didnt have it, its a badass phone. Price is cheaper,but Does damn near the same thing Iphone does. and Still touchscreen.

[BLKGSXR]

Iphone Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/apple-iphone-8gb-at/4505-6452_7-32309245.html

Samsung Epix: http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-epix-at-t/4505-6452_7-33351203.html

Blackberry Bold: http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/rim-blackberry-bold-at/4505-6452_7-33016450.html

Verizon Omnia: http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-omnia-verizon-wireless/4505-6452_7-33399472.html

[phobun]

I've always preferred "just a phone" and been using the Pebl for the last few yrs and it's finally died so I'm getting encouraged to get an internet type phone with features. I'm on tmobile right now and would like to keep my number but not a deal breaker.

Obviously the Iphone is the most prominent choice. Does anyone have any other suggestions - or pros or cons on the iphone?
Thanks
seanchai
Written in 2007 but still timely:
http://www.who-sucks.com/tech/15-reasons-why-apples-iphone-sucks

People who buy overpriced Apple gadgets are like Prius drivers in so many ways, except a Prius is at least designed with more than aesthetics in mind.

[Castor_Troy05]

Wait for the Omnia HD or the Sony Idoue

[BLKGSXR]

Wait for the Omnia HD or the Sony Idoueyou do know a omnia is a pos the creators even said so.

[barefootjoe69]

I have an Iphone and my girlfriend has a blackberry. Anytime she needs to look something up on the internet or get directions she is asking for my Iphone.
Now the Iphone is far from perfect but I think it is the best phone out right now. I have tried the Gphone and the Blackberry and the Iphone is just easier to use.
This is coming from me. A Windows guy that despised Apple products!

[TsJennifer]

i like my I phone. Its fun!

[GroobySteven]

i like my I phone. Its fun!

Will mine take photos like that ? I mean exactly like that? :P

[TsJennifer]

i like my I phone. Its fun!

Will mine take photos like that ? I mean exactly like that? :P

lol very cute

[pnwguy24]

just get a G1 I love mine.

[JohnnyWalkerBlackLabel]

yes your iPhone will take pics exactly like that with the Darkroom app that allows you to edit images right after you take them while on the move.........

the iPhone gets alot of good press, and alot of bad press but here's the deal from another iPhone owner

As with anything Apple, you're foolish if you purchase it without AppleCare. Basically your guardian angel (until Apple years later no longer supports the design) if you drop it, sit on it, etc. Apple has your back. $70 additional.

the iPhone has probably the largest amount of protective cases in the world for a mobile device...... I bought a Vaja leather case for mine and it engulfs the unit, I dropped it twice and the phone is fine (but I did drop it on carpet soooo). my point is YOU MUST get a protective case for ANY of these phones mentioned, with the iPhone if you go to AT&T or Apple's Apple Store the cases are right there. If you choose to be more unique there's stores on the web.

While the G1 is a very nice HTC phone it's obsolete by the time I wrote this, HTC is already soldering the circuitboards for it's successor, something very few people mention here, and this is very important: Apple continuously upgrades their phones software rather than junking a unit for a newer piece of hardware that can do what the older couldn't. HTC does not do that, Samsung does not do that with the Omnia line, Blackberry does not do that, and Sony (who has what most techies would call the iPhone killer with the Xperia) doesn't do it. Many companies offer a firmware upgrade but unless you're tech savvy and willing to dig you're going to be shit out of luck, and GOD forbid you botch the firmware update, your phone's starting from scratch with a possibility of losing contacts, etc.

Pricewise the phones mentioned (well most of them) on the street are going to cost you double what an 8gb iPhone will. $200 for that, compared to let's say $600-800 for an equally spec'd Samsung Omnia or a Sony Xperia. So for $280 you're getting a phone with a 3 year warranty. And anyone that tells you that you need the 16gb is delusional. The 16gb iPhone is for lonely depressed individuals that need space for their porn movies while they wait for a flight or a rush hour train. Don't even think about wasting the extra hundred on it. As good as this phone is Apple is a sucker for dropping a unit 2 or 3 years later with double the storage capacity and it ALWAYS sells out quickly.

Finally, I challenge you to find a phone with more apps (both usable and some senseless) than the iPhone. Since I've purchased mine companies have developed apps that surpass the generic apps Apple initially provide with the unit. Most of them for free.

Downside(s) to the iPhone IMO: if you MUST videotape you have to unlock the unit, which Apple frowns upon. I spoke to a bouncer last night at a club who'd unlocked his unit and he couldnt get updates or download apps because of it. Long story short, don't jailbreak (unlock) an iPhone, eventually someone will make an app for your needs.

The battery: If you're driving around you're fine, a car charger will keep your phone good to go, but if you're in the city for hours, turn off wifi and 3g if you plan on talking excessively, they're like a V8 on gas on a hot summer day to the iPhone.

Hope I helped
JWBL

[CaptainGeech]

Interesting stuff. I also will be in the market for a new cell phone. I have a free upgrade coming in May. So far I have enjoyed the Env from Verizon. Does a decent job but after 2 years it is time for a change. Touchscreen isn't a big deal but I would love to get something with a better camera.

Does anyone have any sample images taken with the Samsung Omnia? A 5.0 Megapixel camera phone sounds awesome.

[JohnnyWalkerBlackLabel]

Interesting stuff. I also will be in the market for a new cell phone. I have a free upgrade coming in May. So far I have enjoyed the Env from Verizon. Does a decent job but after 2 years it is time for a change. Touchscreen isn't a big deal but I would love to get something with a better camera.

Does anyone have any sample images taken with the Samsung Omnia? A 5.0 Megapixel camera phone sounds awesome.

I took pics with it and the Xperia, both awesome IMO. Way better than that joke of a camera on the iPhone, seriously.

[DL_NL]

My next phone will be an iPhone. Played with it a couple of times, it's amazing. Not just the design but the overall experience is second to none.

[flabbybody]

just get a G1 I love mine.

I heard the AIM platform doesn't work too well on the G1
comments?

[flabbybody]

this subject gives me agina

[RubyTS]

u should try the wing. I've had it for a while its like a mini computer and u can download email directly to your phone, u can take pics and video and the camera on it is awesome has lots of different options plus timer and everything! u can play music on it, the ringers are pretty loud and u can even upload any ringtones u create on your computer. You can even use the phone, get this, AS A MODEM for your comp! Its like a dialup connection but comes in handy if you're staying at a hotel that doesnt have wireless or internet. The battery life is pretty cool, memory can store a lot. The only thing is you cannot cruise youtube from it.

[longwave]

Interesting stuff. I also will be in the market for a new cell phone. I have a free upgrade coming in May. So far I have enjoyed the Env from Verizon. Does a decent job but after 2 years it is time for a change. Touchscreen isn't a big deal but I would love to get something with a better camera.

Does anyone have any sample images taken with the Samsung Omnia? A 5.0 Megapixel camera phone sounds awesome.

i got one (for free, somehow) a month or so ago. it's pretty cool though i'm still getting used to it. i'll try and post a photo sometime tomorrow.

[CORVETTEDUDE]

Forget the gadgets!!! Use Pony Express, never a dropped call but, hay!!!

[Willie Escalade]

I'm using LG's Dare. No complaints yet!

[pnwguy24]

I havent had any problems using aim on my G1

[Bob's Tgirls]

I've always preferred "just a phone" and been using the Pebl for the last few yrs and it's finally died so I'm getting encouraged to get an internet type phone with features. I'm on tmobile right now and would like to keep my number but not a deal breaker.

Obviously the Iphone is the most prominent choice. Does anyone have any other suggestions - or pros or cons on the iphone?
Thanks
seanchai

You know I'm a techie and love my gadgets. The iPhone is my favorite gadget.

First you can keep your number when you switch carriers. I've had the same number with Verizon, T-mobile and AT&T.

I had a windows mobile phone with T-mobile. It has a lot a capability in theory, but it was cumbersome to get it to do most things. And as is normal with windows it crashed on a regular basis. An incoming call could actually crash that thing.

Now I have an iPhone and am completely happy. The reception in my area is not great. Verizon's coverage here was bad. T-mobile's was abominable. I resigned myself to never be able to use my cell phone at home. I could rarely even get a text message out with my t-mobile phone. Now with my iPhone, I can actually have complete conversations from here. There are still occasional drops, but the difference is like night and day.

The user interface of the iphone makes doing just about anything very quick and easy. Viewing photos or videos or doing anything on the internet was cumbersome.

I use my iphone for other things more than I use it as a phone. First, I use it as an iPod. Contrary to what someone else said, I use all 16 gb and would like 32 or more. True I do have a few of my favorite porn video clips on my phone, but it's mostly music. I had to leave some music and video off due to the memory limit. As a photographer, I also like to show off some of my pics. They look real nice on the iPhone and are easy to get to. Again, my windows mobile phone was clunky in that regard.

Then there are the apps. It seems to me that no mobile phone platform is supported by more software vendors than the iphone. Apps that come with the phone include the usual PDA functions. The map app also works as a navigator. You know how much you like to drive when you're on the mainland. I also have an AP newsreader, wikipedia app, dictionary, movie & sports apps and a variety of other fun and useful things. There is even a wordpress app so you can blog from the phone without logging into through a browser.

There are also all the hardware manufactures that support the iPhone. My alarm clock can dock my iPod or iPhone, so I can wake up to music. My car and many others have an iPod interface such that you can control the device through the car's controls. I mostly listen to my iPod in the car even though I have satellite radio also.

The downsides are minor. One is that you can't do picture messaging. You can easily attach photos to email, but not to text messages. There is no cut and paste of text capability. There are times when I'd like to cut something out of an email and paste it into a text message for example. I have no idea why apple left those capabilities out. Maybe they'll be added in later. The other thing is that I would like to have double the memory capacity, although that may not be important to the average user.

If you call me, I'll give you more details and answer any questions you have.

[Willie Escalade]

The reception in my area is not great. Verizon's coverage here was bad
I can vouch for that (being a Verizon client). Whenever I try to make a call from your house (or MY house), the signal is pretty weak. However, around the rest of the city, it's pretty damn good.


The user interface of the iphone makes doing just about anything very quick and easy. Viewing photos or videos or doing anything on the internet was cumbersome.
On the Dare, viewing pictures is easy and fast as well. The internet also loads up fast (with a full .html browser)...as long as you have a strong signal.


I use my iphone for other things more than I use it as a phone. First, I use it as an iPod. Contrary to what someone else said, I use all 16 gb and would like 32 or more. True I do have a few of my favorite porn video clips on my phone, but it's mostly music. I had to leave some music and video off due to the memory limit. As a photographer, I also like to show off some of my pics. They look real nice on the iPhone and are easy to get to. Again, my windows mobile phone was clunky in that regard.
Same here. Unfortunately, the Dare only has room for a 4 gig memory card...for now. I've almost completely filled it up with music (540 songs, 128-192 kbs on average). I also have some short video clips on it, averaging 4 to 5 minutes in length. The picture quality is okay, but the sound can be improved. One thing the i-Phone has over my phone is the ability to just drop Quicktime clips onto it; videos have to be converted to be used on my phone (it's not hard; I use Super to do it).

One thing I love about the music player is the fact I can have it going while browsing the internet and/or sending a text message. When I receive an incoming call, the music automatically pauses. When I end the call, the music resumes.

The pictures are another story. Since I originally stored my pictures on the memory card, copying them from my computer was a snap. The ideal size (for use as wallpaper) is 240x400 pixels; of course larger and smaller ones could be used, as well as bitmap, .jpeg, and .gif formats (I haven't tried .png files yet). When I drop a picture onto the card, I usually resize it so that the quality remains.

I can also edit pictures I take with the camera...ON THE PHONE. It's a bit cumbersome though, since the phone is so small. The phone takes pretty good pictures...in the daytime. The flash pretty much sucks, unless you're close up on the subject. The camera is 3.2 megapixels, by the way, and can be shot at various sizes; I use 640x480 so I can upload them to my Myspace page. A sample picture is below.


Then there are the apps. It seems to me that no mobile phone platform is supported by more software vendors than the iphone. Apps that come with the phone include the usual PDA functions. The map app also works as a navigator. You know how much you like to drive when you're on the mainland. I also have an AP newsreader, wikipedia app, dictionary, movie & sports apps and a variety of other fun and useful things. There is even a wordpress app so you can blog from the phone without logging into through a browser.
This has the Dare beat. I do have VZNavigator, which is just that. It's better than the one I have in my car! Plus it gives close restaurants, traffic updates, movie times...probably more, but I haven't used is extensively yet.

There is a way to set up IMs and Blogs, but I don't use them that much. As for Wikipedia and such, I just go online. The sites I visit the most are bookmarked (like Hung Angels).


There are also all the hardware manufactures that support the iPhone. My alarm clock can dock my iPod or iPhone, so I can wake up to music. My car and many others have an iPod interface such that you can control the device through the car's controls. I mostly listen to my iPod in the car even though I have satellite radio also.
You beat me here as well. I can only plug a standard headphone jack into my phone...which is cool because you would be able to use it at home. It does support bluetooth devices, including speakers. Not that you'd need the speakers; the one built-in sounds pretty loud when the room is quiet. Even though I'm not supposed to, I use that speaker while I'm at work. :oops:


The downsides are minor. One is that you can't do picture messaging. You can easily attach photos to email, but not to text messages. There is no cut and paste of text capability. There are times when I'd like to cut something out of an email and paste it into a text message for example. I have no idea why apple left those capabilities out. Maybe they'll be added in later. The other thing is that I would like to have double the memory capacity, although that may not be important to the average user.
This, and the fact you can't take video, turned me off. I also can't believe Apple screwed up on this one. You know I've sent picture messages to you! As for video, I've already set it up where I can upload it to YouTube as soon as I'm done shooting it.

[Carlos]

I didn't see anyone suggest the BBerry Storm.

Nifty little bugger. nice lcd, sync with itunes, takes pics & video, battery life is great so far. bb app store may take a bit to grow to the iphone store since the storm is still new but but it will eventually get there.

[LibertyHarkness]

I am wanting to get a snazzy phone too....

Think i am hankering on going the 3G Iphone route ...being as i dont have a ipod either....

Though that LG thing above looks quite tasty.

[whatislove]

I have. one of the latest and best WM 6.1 phones...

http://awaregeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/htc-touch-pro.jpg

Kinda sucks hard! Slightly cool interface touchflo 3d over crappy, buggy, crashy MS bullshit.


Pros, tethering, exchange server, keyboard, VGA disp. and great (for a phone) camera. Sprint 3G f'king rocks.

Cons... it sucks. and I've owed a ton of Windows Mobile phones.

Qualcomm MSM 7201A 528 MHz CPU
288 MB RAM, 512 MB ROM

Basic phone functions hard to use and even worse when a program gets stuck, which is always.

[peggygee]

the iPhone has probably the largest amount of protective cases in the world for a mobile device...... I bought a Vaja leather case for mine and it engulfs the unit, I dropped it twice and the phone is fine (but I did drop it on carpet soooo). my point is YOU MUST get a protective case for ANY of these phones mentioned, with the iPhone if you go to AT&T or Apple's Apple Store the cases are right there. If you choose to be more unique there's stores on the web.

.......... The 16gb iPhone is for lonely depressed individuals that need space for their porn movies while they wait for a flight or a rush hour train. Don't even think about wasting the extra hundred on it. As good as this phone is Apple is a sucker for dropping a unit 2 or 3 years later with double the storage capacity and it ALWAYS sells out quickly.

Hope I helped
JWBL



I use my iphone for other things more than I use it as a phone. First, I use it as an iPod. Contrary to what someone else said, I use all 16 gb and would like 32 or more. True I do have a few of my favorite porn video clips on my phone, but it's mostly music. I had to leave some music and video off due to the memory limit. As a photographer, I also like to show off some of my pics. They look real nice on the iPhone and are easy to get to. Again, my windows mobile phone was clunky in that regard.



I too am in the market for a new phone, and the Iphone is a contender.

And I have seen some really nice looking and protective 3rd party cases
for the Iphone.

But I want more storage space. I'm tired of looking like Batgirl with a
utilitity belt of Ipod, cell phone and whatever other electronic device I
might need.

Is it too much too ask for additional storage via MicroSD.

That's the deal breaker for me, I need a Smartphone, and more storage
so for now I'm chilling with 'ole girl', and a Ipod.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/cingular8125.jpg

[barefootjoe69]

The downsides are minor. One is that you can't do picture messaging. You can easily attach photos to email, but not to text messages. There is no cut and paste of text capability. There are times when I'd like to cut something out of an email and paste it into a text message for example. I have no idea why apple left those capabilities out. Maybe they'll be added in later. The other thing is that I would like to have double the memory capacity, although that may not be important to the average user.

If you call me, I'll give you more details and answer any questions you have.[/quote]

Hey Bob,
Good news, apple just announced yesterday that this summer they will release firmware 3.0 that will add MMS and Copy and paste along with other new features. Still missing video though.

[goliath_91710]

I'll second the nomination for T-Mobile's G1. I just got mine last week (I know, not too long ago) and I haven't had any problems with it yet. If I encounter any, I'll let you know.

All hope is lost now though, as far as freeing myself from the internet. I was checking out CraigsList ads while at the club. (Maybe a little TMI, :? )

[GroobySteven]

Ouch - Now I'm even more confused!

Thanks everyone. Much appreciated.

[Solitary Brother]

Ok Mr.Grooby.
I know you dont care for me but I am an expert on the Iphone.
Listen carefully...............
Do not buy an Iphone right now.
They will be coming out with a new generation of phones that are going to blow the Iphone 3g away soon.
When?
Im expecting around June....thats 3 months.
I would NOT purchase a Blackberry or Nokia or anything else until June.
I am NOT referring to the 3.0 O.S upgrade by Apple of existing phones I am talking about newer phones that are coming soon that will amaze you.




Append......
If your contract for your current Mobile provider is running out I would buy a "GO" phone to tide you over.
They are cheap and if you dont absolutely have to have email and internet it would be the way to go UNTIL june.

You might be kicking yourself if you commit to ANYTHING right now.

[GroobySteven]

Ok Mr.Grooby.
I know you dont care for me but I am an expert on the Iphone.
Listen carefully...............
Do not buy an Iphone right now.
They will be coming out with a new generation of phones that are going to blow the Iphone 3g away soon.
When?
Im expecting around June....thats 3 months.
I would NOT purchase a Blackberry or Nokia or anything else until June.
I am NOT referring to the 3.0 O.S upgrade by Apple of existing phones I am talking about newer phones that are coming soon that will amaze you.




Append......
If your contract for your current Mobile provider is running out I would buy a "GO" phone to tide you over.
They are cheap and if you dont absolutely have to have email and internet it would be the way to go UNTIL june.

You might be kicking yourself if you commit to ANYTHING right now.

Thank you - I appreciate it very much.

[Felicia Katt]

Palm Pre, coming out in the next month or two

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/13/palm-pre-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know/

Iphones are cool, but its nice to have a keyboard. I plan on trading up from my Centro as soon as the Pre's are available.

FK

[barefootjoe69]

[quote="Solitary Brother"]Ok Mr.Grooby.
I know you dont care for me but I am an expert on the Iphone.
Listen carefully...............
Do not buy an Iphone right now.
They will be coming out with a new generation of phones that are going to blow the Iphone 3g away soon.
When?
Im expecting around June....thats 3 months.
I would NOT purchase a Blackberry or Nokia or anything else until June.
I am NOT referring to the 3.0 O.S upgrade by Apple of existing phones I am talking about newer phones that are coming soon that will amaze you.

Yeh, well there is always something better coming out just around the corner. If you wait you will always be waiting. Buy what is best for you now and if something better comes out then buy that!

[BLKGSXR]

SB said EXPERT thats cute....Did u help design it? no o ok then your not a expert...You may know the phone well but expert Pshah.

[goldensamba]

I have an Iphone and my girlfriend has a blackberry. Anytime she needs to look something up on the internet or get directions she is asking for my Iphone.
Now the Iphone is far from perfect but I think it is the best phone out right now. I have tried the Gphone and the Blackberry and the Iphone is just easier to use.
This is coming from me. A Windows guy that despised Apple products!

She has an older phone with the older browser. If she updates her OS or installs opera the browser is just as good if not better than the one on the iPhone. The Bold, Storm and Curve 8900 are all great from browsing at the moment. When the iPhone has GPS and bluetooth un-crippled as well is the ability to do the simple stuff (copy and paste, mms...though word is these are coming in software ver 3.0) then it can be in the running and make a solid argument.

[partlycloudy]

AT&T may be getting ready to offer the iPhone 3G at a very expensive yet no-commitment price.

The Boy Genius Report has a report out Wednesday that AT&T plans to offer iPhone 3Gs at $599 or $699 without requiring the customer to sign a new two-year agreement, starting next week. When the iPhone 3G launched last year, AT&T said it would offer such an option, but never pulled the trigger.

An AT&T representative declined to comment on the report.

The move would seem designed to rid AT&T of iPhone inventory ahead of the launch of a new product later this summer, as most of us are expecting. Apple didn't allude to any new hardware during its iPhone 3.0 event on Tuesday, but there have been a few signs, and the company has noted that iPhone releases seem to be falling into a yearly schedule around June or July.

iPhones sales soared after Apple and AT&T cut the starting price to $199 last year, but there are definitely some people who would like an iPhone free from AT&T and a two-year commitment to paying a monthly wireless bill, even if it costs them more up front.

Would you buy a $599 8GB iPhone if it meant you didn't have to sign a two-year contract?

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10199364-37.html?tag=mncol

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10200602-37.html

[flabbybody]

the deal breaker is that 2 year commitment

[JusticeIsBlind]

Wait for the Palm Pre before you make a choice.

http://static.manolith.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/palm-pre-revealed_lg.jpg

[partlycloudy]

the deal breaker is that 2 year commitment
the article i just posted states they're going to offer the phone without that 2 year commitment.

[Solitary Brother]

the deal breaker is that 2 year commitment
the article i just posted states they're going to offer the phone without that 2 year commitment.

Yeah but the price is going to be horrendous.
Apple is just doing it to clear inventory.
Iphone 3g is yesterdays news.

[Bob's Tgirls]

Would you buy a $599 8GB iPhone if it meant you didn't have to sign a two-year contract?

In general, I despise contracts for phone service, satellite tv or whatever.

That said, since I moved to Los Angeles in 2002, I've had Nextel, Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T. AT&T is the only one that provides a decent signal at my home. So in this case, I don't mind a new commitment so much as there is no better solution available.

[MrsKellyPierce]

I think STeven should call me so I can guess what he is saying....I'm joking lol

[BrendaQG]

My $0.02

Don't get the I phone it's overrated, overpriced and over hyped.

You are a business man go for a business style like a Blackberry or blackberry style phone. Unlike the touchscreen based phones their keyboards are more reliable over time. Plus they have the look I'll bet your going for.

[atomic1975]

Xperia all the way...

[flabbybody]

the deal breaker is that 2 year commitment
the article i just posted states they're going to offer the phone without that 2 year commitment.

Yeah but the price is going to be horrendous.
Apple is just doing it to clear inventory.
Iphone 3g is yesterdays news.

tmobile sells the G1 with a 2 yr contract for $149
without the contract its $400 and u have to pay in advance for a month's worth of text and talk time. its like $520 to walk out of the store with a working phone

[GroobySteven]

I think STeven should call me so I can guess what he is saying....I'm joking lol

Hahaha - nice. I was wondering when I spoke you yesterday;

Steven: Did you get a nice frock?
Kelly: Yes, Steven, I'd love to fuck.

Steven: Are you with Foxxy?
Kelly: Yes let's fuck later.

Steven: Can we fuck later?
Kelly: 2 big mac and fries please.

[CaptainGeech]

Got to go with the Zack Morris phone. You will never loose it and if a fight breaks out you can also use it as a weapon.