Smartphone Noob - help me choose my first device

[theNEOone]

i'm looking for recommendations on what to look for in a smartphone - i'm torn about replacing my k790 because it's an awesome phone but i really need some mobile email and web access w/ basic attachment accessibility. pdf, doc, xls

i LOVE sony ericsson phones - hands down the most intuitive interface IMO. i've been looking at the m600i, and i really like it. my main concern is lack of a camera. i used nokia once and i didn't care too much for the phone, but i'm willing to give it another shot. i won't touch anything motorola w/ a 10 foot pole. samsung and other manufacturers are worth a shot for me.

what i'm looking for:

- small and sleek design. the m600i is the ideal size and design: i like black themes and designs. not too crazy about silver devices, and i HATE white. if it looks like a mac, please get it away from me.
- i'm on cingular's network and would need a device that could take advantage of whatever their fastest data network is. (3G?)
- interface! interface! interface!
- bonus features: i would LOVE wifi & camera
- $300 range

any suggestions regarding specific devices?


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[blurredvision]

Definitely take a look at the Blackberry Pearl 8100. Just got mine yesterday, so I haven't had to omuch time to play around with it, but everywhere I read, people love it. I like it so far, even though I can't get Cingular to port my damn number correctly so I can actually use it.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Another vote for the Blackberry Pearl here. It's EDGE, 2,5G not full 3G, but really it's fast enough for what you can do on these things anyway.

 

[theNEOone]

i'll give the blackberry a look...but don't you have to pay for the service seperately? i've also looked at pictures of the blackberry, and they look a bit too "busy". i like the se m600i because of its simplicity.

any other suggestions?


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[sniperruff]

http://www.mobiletechreview.com/phones/Nokia-N73.htm

 

[Kappo]

I have a Blackberry 8700 right now, and I do love it. But since I wanted the MP3 and other features, I just bought a Blackjack. Ive played with it before and love it.

Keep in mind, the BB (including the perl) doesnt allow you to transfer data via bluetooth.

I MUCH Prefer having the side wheel to having an laptopesque eraser style control, which the blackjack has. I dont know how much it is off the top of my head (I just ordered it via work), but most devices are sub $300 nowadays if you sign a new contract.

PS - its black

 

[theNEOone]

thanks sniper...i'm reading about it now.

what's "push email" and how does it fit into the normal messaging scheme of phones? my k790 has push email, but i don't use it.


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[KuJoe]

HTC devices are the best IMO. I use the Cingular 8125 (have had it since they were released last February) and can't wait to renew my contract and pick up an 8525.

 

[pulse8]

Blackjack. Has everything you're looking for except for WiFi.