I need cell phone / pda hybrid recommendations.

[fuzzybabybunny]

An unfortunate dunk in the ocean resulted in my el cheapo cell phone dying and my Dell Axim dying as well.

I've been thinking about getting a cell phone / PDA hybrid as a result, but I don't know anything about cell phones or what's available:

Things I'm concerned with:

1. Want to use it as a GPS while driving, so a good, biggish screen is required, as well as an OS that supports major GPS software and bluetooth. Windows Mobile would be the best in this regard, as my current GPS software (iGuidance) is for Windows.

2. Good battery life. Can't always charge it daily.

3. I have Verizon and I'm part of my parents' family plan. I know that many phones are made only for certain carriers. Can this be hacked somehow? The T-Mobile Wing looks cool...

4. Ability to be used internationally, specifically in Asia. I plan to study abroad in Hong Kong during the spring and will probably work overseas in the future.

Thanks!

 

[blackangst1]

If you are going overseas you need GPS, which Verizson isnt...it's CDMA. Sooo...moght have to switch carriers.

That said, I know VZN has an internation phone for customers, although it's a "use as needed" deal. Kinda like a loaner.

Based on your requirements, I would suggest either a Treo 700WR or a Motorola Q with an extended battery. Personally I like the Q better.

 

[jkresh]

Whatever phone you get (either cdma (verizon sprint/gsm att tmobile)) you will need either another phone or for a gsm phone another sim card if you are spending a lot of time overseas (not sure if Hong Kong uses cdma or GSM, europe is GSM, South Korea is a variant of CDMA), cingular/att's phones work in Europe but its $1 a minute, so you buy a prepaird sim card and use that while you are there. A windows mobile phoen is a good idea (IGuidance actualy works with both windows and windows mobile so you could use the same software, but I dont know if iGuidance has maps for overseas).

A att phone will work with tmobile, a tmobile phone might work with att (they use different gsm spectrum so it depends on if its a tri band or quad band) niether will work with verizon or sprint and even though verizon and sprint are both cdma I don't believe you can buy a sprint phone and use it on a verizon contract.

 

[uli2000]

Thats a pretty tall order if you want to stay on verizon. Currently they only have one phone that fits pretty much everything you want, the Blackberry 8830. It uses 800/1900 mhz CDMA networks in the US, and 900/1800 mhz GSM networks abroad. It is rumored that the GSM portion cannot be unlocked, but I dont know if anyone has tried to unlock it yet. Verizon charges $2.49/min for service in Hong Kong. Sprint and Alltel will also carry this phone, and they are not locking the GSM portion of the phone.

Personally, you would be best to go with a GSM carrier like ATT/Tmobile, and buy a unlocked PPC phone. Off the top of my head, the HP 6945 fits everything you want, plus gps is built in, so no need for a bluetooth gps. I believe HTC also makes a few phones that would fit in with what you are looking for. Looks like the 8525 from Cingular has everything but the built in gps, and you can get it for $100 for a refurb with new contract on att.

 

[erwos]

Doesn't Verizon lock the 8830 to Vodafone SIMs?

Another option is Sprint and the IP-830w. It's a phone with a somewhat mixed reputation, but Sprint has awesome, cheap data plans in the USA, the SIM slot will take any SIM you can pop in it, and it does have GPS.

But, IMHO, you're better off just getting two phones - one for use here, one for use overseas.

 

[Michael]

And buy the phone for HK in HK. It'll be unlocked and you'll get a much better choice of phones there.

Michael

 

[uli2000]

Originally posted by: erwos
Doesn't Verizon lock the 8830 to Vodafone SIMs?

Another option is Sprint and the IP-830w. It's a phone with a somewhat mixed reputation, but Sprint has awesome, cheap data plans in the USA, the SIM slot will take any SIM you can pop in it, and it does have GPS.

But, IMHO, you're better off just getting two phones - one for use here, one for use overseas.

Even worse, it can only be used with the provided international sim from verizon, and you get charged verizon international rates. Heck, if you could put any vodaphone sim in it, it wouldnt be so bad. Plus, I havent heard anything about being able to unlock the phone either. Blackberrys are pretty hard (and expensive) to unlock as well.

I totally forgot about that samsung. But I agree with Michael, if you wait till you go to HK, you are gonna find a phone thats perfect for you for alot less than you would pay here.