Considering a cell phone

[Craig234]

Thinking of getting a cell phone. The EVO previous version was recommended; now the 3D is available. I'm wondering if it's a good pick or another is better.

Primary use I think is to have web browsing portably. Secondary is occasional calls. Third might be some games, but not a big deal.

So, I'd like easy to type on (maybe I'll post here?), combo of quality/value. I don't expect to do a lot fancy with it. If I should get something else for the web, that's helpful.

 

[Dulanic]

Specific carrier? Sprint since you mentioned Evo 3d?

 

[gsaldivar]

If you don't need cutting-edge features, consider an entry-level Android phone on a prepaid carrier to get maximum bang-for-buck...

For 2-year total cost of ownership:

1. Virgin Mobile + Motorola Triumph = $300 + $40/month plan (1200 minutes + unlimited data/text/email/web) = $1260

2. Same as above with $60/month plan (unlimited everything) = $1740

Compare the above to any premium smartphone on a leading carrier, with an average $80-120/month plan = approx. $2220 to $3000+ over a 2-year contract period.

Advantages: Cheap! Savings add up fast. No contracts. Start and stop service anytime you want with no penalties to worry about.

Drawbacks to Virgin Mobile: The best prepaid phones are only entry-level/midrange. Native network only (VM uses Spring 3G), no roaming privileges are included. A non-issue if you're in a metro area with plenty of Sprint towers.

Good luck.

 

[smartpatrol]

HTC 7 Pro on Sprint has probably the best physical keyboard on any current smartphone. Plus, when it gets IE9 in September, it will have the best mobile web browser by far. The only downside is no 4G.

Personally, I haven't been impressed with any of the Android software keyboards I've tried (although some people swear by Swype). Windows Phone 7 and iOS both have much more usable software keyboards IMO.

As far as Android phones with physical keyboards, they seem to be treated as an afterthought. The upcoming Droid 3 does look pretty damn good though. It's supposed to be out July 14.

 

[Dulanic]

HTC 7 Pro on Sprint has probably the best physical keyboard on any current smartphone. Plus, when it gets IE9 in September, it will have the best mobile web browser by far. The only downside is no 4G.

Personally, I haven't been impressed with any of the Android software keyboards I've tried (although some people swear by Swype). Windows Phone 7 and iOS both have much more usable software keyboards IMO.

As far as Android phones with physical keyboards, they seem to be treated as an afterthought. The upcoming Droid 3 does look pretty damn good though. It's supposed to be out July 14.

The new swype in beta rocks I have a hard keyboard (epic) and I find myself using the new swype more than anything. I used to like swiftkey.

 

[Craig234]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Sometimes good input leaves you with a bunch of choices.

I don't know what cutting edge features are, so don't know if I need them.

EVO 3D is Sprint, I notice one of the suggestions phones is also Sprint, HTC 7. Is that a better pick than EVO 3D?

 

[MotF Bane]

Given your posting habits, I'd suggest you'll want something with a large touchscreen (i.e. 4.3"), and with the ability to change keyboard programs (Swype, SwiftKey, etc.).

 

[smartpatrol]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Sometimes good input leaves you with a bunch of choices.

I don't know what cutting edge features are, so don't know if I need them.

EVO 3D is Sprint, I notice one of the suggestions phones is also Sprint, HTC 7. Is that a better pick than EVO 3D?

It really depends on what you want. If you want a physical keyboard, HTC 7 Pro is the best phone out there. If you're okay with a software keyboard, then it probably isn't worth the added thickness to have a physical keyboard.

Give the EVO 3D a shot and see how you like typing on it. I had an original EVO for about 8 months, and I hated the keyboard. I tried the HTC keyboard as well as Swype, and neither of them worked well for me.

 

[smartpatrol]

Just want to add that the 7 Pro is actually called the HTC Arrive on Sprint. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[Tom]

A more radical alternative-

if you'll have wifi access, an ipod Touch can do most things an iphone can. even do phone calls with Skype.

if you want cell phone type portability, a Verizon mifi will give you wifi anywhere for $50 a month. 4g speed some places too. Use with a laptop or an ipod touch.

 

[vshah]

A more radical alternative-

if you'll have wifi access, an ipod Touch can do most things an iphone can. even do phone calls with Skype.

if you want cell phone type portability, a Verizon mifi will give you wifi anywhere for $50 a month. 4g speed some places too. Use with a laptop or an ipod touch.

also 5-6 hour battery life on the mifi...not a truly portable solution.

 

[Tom]

also 5-6 hour battery life on the mifi...not a truly portable solution.

depends on the definition of portable, could be powered in a car for example.

Also not sure how long a cell phone battery lasts with continous web browsing, I'd guess that 5 or 6 hours would be pushing it on an Evo 3D.

 

[vshah]

depends on the definition of portable, could be powered in a car for example.

Also not sure how long a cell phone battery lasts with continous web browsing, I'd guess that 5 or 6 hours would be pushing it on an Evo 3D.

right. doesn't really make sense to spend money on an ipod touch AND a mifi if you're going to end up with the same battery life, 2 devices to carry around, and possibly more upfront cost anyway.

 

[Tom]

right. doesn't really make sense to spend money on an ipod touch AND a mifi if you're going to end up with the same battery life, 2 devices to carry around, and possibly more upfront cost anyway.

guess you don't know how small the mifi is. Carrying an ipod Touch and a mifi is about the same bulk as carrying an iphone, and less than big phones like an Evo.

Comparing to an iphone, my solution includes 4g. And it's $40 a month cheaper.

And the mifi has other uses, for someone who just browses the web, it could replace at-home internet costs too.

And you can share the access with others.

It's definitely not a complete replacement for a cell phone, cell phone has a lot better battery life if used mostly for calls.

Anyway, just offering another alternative. Not for everybody, but for some it's an overlooked way to get portable web access.

 

[vshah]

guess you don't know how small the mifi is. Carrying an ipod Touch and a mifi is about the same bulk as carrying an iphone, and less than big phones like an Evo.

Comparing to an iphone, my solution includes 4g. And it's $40 a month cheaper.

And the mifi has other uses, for someone who just browses the web, it could replace at-home internet costs too.

And you can share the access with others.

It's definitely not a complete replacement for a cell phone, cell phone has a lot better battery life if used mostly for calls.

Anyway, just offering another alternative. Not for everybody, but for some it's an overlooked way to get portable web access.

I agree completely...i was just pointing out some of the potential downsides. I actually have a verizon mifi (older one, 3g only) that I use in order to have data on road trips where my tmo connection isn't so hot.