Quote:
Originally Posted by zoto1a
My search on this board failed to yield any threads on smart phones: So here is my question:
I am looking for a phone with internet access, mp3, GPS and general computer abilities
Any suggestions?
|
What you are looking for is a "smartphone". Blackberry, Iphone, Palm, HTC are just some of your choices and will meet your requirements. For great info & customer reviews of phones go to phonescoop.com.
I have a Blackberry 9630 Tour (Verizon Network) and I am generally happy with it. The cons first, sometimes it will get bogged down, but I have a lot of added software, much of it running at the same time. The trackball has issues going right, trackball issues are common in this model. Factory ringtones have wimpy volume. Free ringtones can be had at zedge.com (some are so loud they will wake up the driver in the next truck over :-)
The pros for the 9630. Great reception, awesome battery life, beautiful screen, loud as heck speaker (with the right ringtone), good camera w/ super bright flash, lots of app memory, real gps inside, with practice it is easy to use the keyboard. can be used one handed (left or right), good vibrate and much more.
A phone is nothing with out a network, so a very short recap. Verizon & Sprint are on the CDMA network, have a larger coverage area, roam on each others networks and cannot do simultaneous voice and data. You can talk on the phone OR surf the web but not both at the same time. Price per minute is generally higher.
AT&T & Tmobile are on the GSM network, have a less of a coverage area, roam on each others networks and can do simultaneous voice and data. You can talk on the phone AND surf the web at the same time. Price per minute is generally lower.
Carefully research both phones and carriers. The reps at the stores are there to sell phones. You will need to look out for your own interests. For example, Verizons "unlimited" data = 5 gigabytes. It's in the fine print in the brochure.
Lastly a bluetooth headset is just about mandatory. I currently use a Plantronics Voyager Pro which has awesome performance in the truck (and uses the same charger as the phone). My previous favorite the Blue Parrot BT250 is now used by my wife and has the same great performance.
Dan