Recommend me a phone

[brikis98]

Maybe I'm asking too much, but I'm looking for a phone that has the following:

Hardware

* Wi-Fi
* Bluetooth
* GPS (optional, but nice)
* qwerty keyboard
* memory card slot

Software

* Web browsing
* Calendar
* mp3 player

Carrier
* AT&T
* Verizon

Price
* Up to ~$200 w/ a contract
* Up to ~$300 w/o a contract (long shot)

Current Options
* Nokia E61i: a coworker has it and i'm very impressed as it does just about everything above. However, it's damn pricey.
* AT&T 8525: looks a bit bulky, but otherwise seems to do everything i need. a bit cheaper than the e61i, but still very pricey.
* Samsung SCH-i730: decent features, a bit bulky, some negatives in the review (can't use wi-fi and phone at same time, no camera, no modem support w/ laptop)...

 

[Boo Boo]

mogul or 755p

750v

 

[brikis98]

Originally posted by: Boo Boo
mogul or 755p

750v

thanks for the suggestion... as i mentioned, i'm looking for AT&T/Verizon phones (not sprint), and the last couple are missing Wi-Fi, which is a key selling point for me.

other ideas?

 

[uli2000]

For AT&T-I've seen 8525's for $99/ new activation, a 8125 if you can still find one, or maybe 2125 (dont think it has qwerty) or 3125 (not sure if this one has wifi, also no querty). If ATT gets the s710 (Tmobile Dash), Id get that.

For VZW-you may be able to get a XV6700 or i730 (both are at end of life) for about $100 with contract. Could most likely do $200 w/o contract on ebay for a used one. May be able to get a Q for about $100 w/ contract now the the new q9m is out.

 

[uli2000]

Also remember, most carriers are going to require you get a data plan in addition to a voice plan to get promo pricing on a new pda/smartphone. I think it's $30/month on AT&T and $45 on Verizon.

 

[brikis98]

Originally posted by: uli2000
Also remember, most carriers are going to require you get a data plan in addition to a voice plan to get promo pricing on a new pda/smartphone. I think it's $30/month on AT&T and $45 on Verizon.

what if i buy an unlocked one w/o a contract... would i just be able to move over my sim card from my current phone?

also, i tweaked my reqs a little bit (added GPS as an optional hardware piece i'd like) and added samsung sch-i730 to the list...

 

[brikis98]

bump

 

[uli2000]

Originally posted by: brikis98

Originally posted by: uli2000
Also remember, most carriers are going to require you get a data plan in addition to a voice plan to get promo pricing on a new pda/smartphone. I think it's $30/month on AT&T and $45 on Verizon.

what if i buy an unlocked one w/o a contract... would i just be able to move over my sim card from my current phone?

also, i tweaked my reqs a little bit (added GPS as an optional hardware piece i'd like) and added samsung sch-i730 to the list...

If you do that, especially on Verizon, make sure you get 1x/evdo data blocked. Paying per kb works out to like $20/mb. All you need to do is accidently leave outlook open and it will poll for messages, and before you know it, big data charges.

Buying a unlocked phone for AT&T would be fine, but remember, especially since the Amp'd fiasco, Verizon wont activate any phone esn not in their system. There are some success stories of Amp'd moto Q's being flashed to VZW and activated on Verizon, but I think Verizon has put a stop to that.

Personally, though I did mention it, I think the i730 is a pos. I have a 6700. Out of the box, its as bas as a i730, but if you arnt afraid to tinker and tweak it a little, its a great phone. The initial experience with the 6700 was almost as bad as my last smartphone experiences (a Treo and a Blackberry), but thanks to howardforums and ppc6700users.com and a few other places, I upgraded the phone to a 'unofficial rom' which greatly improved the battery life and made it easier to use.

 

[Boo Boo]

if you went cdma id never use verizon 45.00 for data when you can get it for 15 from sprint.

and any unlocked phone can be used on Att. but ive never had good service from them

 

[Hyperlite]

honestly, i think the mogul is your best bet if you are seriously looking for all those features. problem being, price point may be a little off

 

[AMDBOY]

Maybe this will be useful Howard forums