Phone Recommendation...

[bob4432]

have a couple of old wm5 phones that are in desperate need to be replaced. currently don't have w/ a data package w/ them, but it looks like the new ones will be as it seems all the smartphones come w/ a data package.

looking for a phone that is of course a decent, stable phone & os, but the most important feature for me is excellent integration w/ outlook 2007 (via usb connection, not through an exchange server) and up w/ no issues with re-accuring appointments that have no end. i have heard this is an issue w/ iphones, along w/ periodic data loss. i have had good luck w/ htc but am not brand loyal. also, since i currently also have a wan card, the phones also need to able to be tethered to a laptop to use as a wan modem when i am out, as i will be getting rid of the wan card so my bill will stay the same since i need to get a data plan for the phones. i would also like, if possible that the os had a decent "open source" community so i am not limited to what the provider (probably att) will allow me. i have no issue unlocking the phone to allow the full use of its features.

i honestly don't care how i have to make the phones connect to the laptops -whether it be some hack or whatever, as long as it can do it reliably.

can't really think of any real needs or desires w/ the phones, just the outlook compatibility and teathering to a note/netbook via usb. anything else will be a bonus. possibly gps so i can put on iguidance or use google earth for direction and possibly gyros/accelerometers to use as a level and also vibration analysis.

my phones are 5yrs old, so i have been way out of the market for a loooong time, so please, educate me.

tia,
bob

 

[boomhower]

You requirements pretty much leave you with Android. To the best of my knowledge WP7 hasn't been hacked to allow tethering yet and you've already ruled out iOS. WebOS is nice but you don't want the Pre's hardware. Pick a provider and we can give better guidance of particular phones.

How in the Hell are you even functioning with WM5 phones?!?!? Or even go five years without upgrading......

 

[Rottie]

Outlook 2007 is all you want then find any smartphone that runs with windows phone 7

 

[bob4432]

i have att and get a decent company discount. also get get coverage where i live and where i travel, so will probably stay w/ them but am open to change possibly. fwiw i pay ~$150/mo for 3 phones on a 1400min family plan and the wan card w/ unlimited useage (real unlimited, not the "unlimited 5GB" that is now the setup) monthly. have over 8K minutes not used 'in the bank'. don't need a "all bells and whistles" phone.

tethering is paramount.

as far as functioning w/ wm5 phones, they are just used as phone + a pocket pc - don't really need any other functioning, but what i want is not available anymore

 

[boomhower]

If tethering is most important then go with the Captivate. Android has several tethering options that don't need root to do. Or you can buy wifi tethering from AT&T.

 

[bob4432]

buying tethering makes the data cost on the phone nearly 2x the cost, so would like to be able to do it through the phone and not sign up for the data plan w/ tethering. since i would be getting 2 phones the data fees would go from $50 to $90/mo just for the tethering option.

when you say "Android has several tethering options that don't need root to do", is root locked? as in root in linux?

also, for syncing outlook w/ the phone contacts, does one have to use gmail for that? as i would prefer to just keep the contacts between the phone and outllook and not import into google calender.

 

[boomhower]

buying tethering makes the data cost on the phone nearly 2x the cost, so would like to be able to do it through the phone and not sign up for the data plan w/ tethering. since i would be getting 2 phones the data fees would go from $50 to $90/mo just for the tethering option.

when you say "Android has several tethering options that don't need root to do", is root locked? as in root in linux?

also, for syncing outlook w/ the phone contacts, does one have to use gmail for that? as i would prefer to just keep the contacts between the phone and outllook and not import into google calender.

The phones are "locked" and don't allow apps to access certain areas of the phone. It used to be that. "Rooting" the phone removes those restrictions. But there are apps out there that will USB tether without rooting. Keep in mind this is against all the carriers ToS and they can bill you for the use. Sprint doesn't care and is one reason why I stick with them. I don't know how AT&T reacts to tethering in this fashion. You might want to check howardforums and see what they have to say on how AT&T treats it.

 

[PsiStar]

OP, I am probably an older fart than you, but not competing if you know what I mean.

I just got a Samsung Focus from Amazon Wireless. I usually buy off firefly. A few weeks back amazonwireless offered the phone for $0.01. I missed that deal & got it for $50. Still much better than walking in off the street to *any* brick & mortar store.

So, yes, do visit the stores & play touchy feely to get upto date. But buy online. I highly recommend either of those 2 stores.

 

[bob4432]

thanks for the info guys. undestand completely PsiStar - didn't take it that way. i think i am going to wait for a good phone to come back in stock @ att refurbed and go w/ it and see what happens. it looks like att has an issue if you basically try to use a tethered phone as your isp - not an issue w/ me.

just out of curiosity, is it hard switch ips? i am thinking my tethered data useage will be less than 50MB/mo max, probably more like 15 or so. it is mostly just an issue when either the home connection goes south or i need to check something out from the phone, but w/ some of the resolutions of the screens, (800x480) i may just be able to use the phone itself, just waiting for the refub'd captivates to come back in stock...maybe i will call att and see if they can "find" a refurbed pair and see how bad they want to keep my biz - being out of a contract gives a bit of wiggle room

thanks all for the info