Looking for a phone. Could use some informed advice.

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

All very useful info guys, thanks, but what I'm kinda looking for is more general info on what the phones can do.

Like, what can an iPhone do and what can an Android do and why would I want one over the other?

For your applications, the iPhone or an Android phone would do you really well. They have large screens for videos, lots of applications that include games, and depending on your coverage they'll have an Android phone on the carrier that you want or the iPhone on AT&T if that's where you want to go. If you think you'll be able to type on a touchscreen then I would go with an iPhone or an Android phone. Try it out before you buy it.

 

[Pr0d1gy]

For your applications, the iPhone or an Android phone would do you really well. They have large screens for videos, lots of applications that include games, and depending on your coverage they'll have an Android phone on the carrier that you want or the iPhone on AT&T if that's where you want to go. If you think you'll be able to type on a touchscreen then I would go with an iPhone or an Android phone. Try it out before you buy it.

Sounds like a good idea. We're going to go check out the local AT&T store since she already has service with them, and go from there. I'm not a huge fan of AT&T coverage but we've already got 1 phone and home internet through them, so I may be going with an iPhone. I really want to try one out before I buy though.

That said, what advantages does jailbreaking/unlocking these phones give someone? What does it do? Like I know modding my psp, WII, etc allows me to play older ROMS and backup my games I own to a memory stick but what does it do with these phones? Also, if I do go with an iPhone, how much memory is ideal?

 

[Muadib]

Sounds like a good idea. We're going to go check out the local AT&T store since she already has service with them, and go from there. I'm not a huge fan of AT&T coverage but we've already got 1 phone and home internet through them, so I may be going with an iPhone. I really want to try one out before I buy though.

That said, what advantages does jailbreaking/unlocking these phones give someone? What does it do? Like I know modding my psp, WII, etc allows me to play older ROMS and backup my games I own to a memory stick but what does it do with these phones? Also, if I do go with an iPhone, how much memory is ideal?

Jailbreaking gives up access to programs Apple didn't allow, and lets you change the look of the phone.

Unlocking lets you use the phone on another gsm network, like T-mobile. As far as memory goes, it depends. I currently have a 16GB, and use half for music, and the other for apps & podcasts, and a movie. If I had gone with the 32GB, I would be happier, but I've learn to manage.

 

[AstroManLuca]

If you use Pandora for your music, storage space won't be nearly as much of an issue.

 

[vshah]

Sounds like a good idea. We're going to go check out the local AT&T store since she already has service with them, and go from there. I'm not a huge fan of AT&T coverage but we've already got 1 phone and home internet through them, so I may be going with an iPhone. I really want to try one out before I buy though.

That said, what advantages does jailbreaking/unlocking these phones give someone? What does it do? Like I know modding my psp, WII, etc allows me to play older ROMS and backup my games I own to a memory stick but what does it do with these phones? Also, if I do go with an iPhone, how much memory is ideal?

if you find a touchscreen doesn't work for you, check out the droid

 

[Pr0d1gy]

So you can use an unlocked iPhone with Verizon? Or can you only unlock certain phones? Also, when you unlock them do you lose any functionality or will they still be able to access the internet & all that good stuff?

I'm definitely going to check into a Droid because I'm not sure if I would prefer touch or not, so I'm going to give all the good phones a try if I can.

 

[Muadib]

No, Verizon has a CDMA network, not gsm. You could use it on T-mobile, but since their 3G network uses a different frequency, you would only have edge speeds for data.

 

[Muadib]

If you plan on going to Verizon, and don't need a keyboard, then you should wait until the Verizon version of the Nexus 1 comes out next month.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

If you plan on going to Verizon, and don't need a keyboard, then you should wait until the Verizon version of the Nexus 1 comes out next month.

I agree. But if you do want Verizon and can't wait you should get the Droid.

 

[Pr0d1gy]

Do you think I should call AT&T customer service about adding a phone to our existing internet service or should I just approach it as a new customer?

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

You might get a better deal if it's a bundle.

 

[Pr0d1gy]

Thanks Pinoy, I will definitely be checking into it.