(Updated) anyone know is T-mobile is getting good smartphones in the near future?

[Dear Summer]

I am looking for a good smartphone but I only use my phone for the following reasons

1) Work email and Gmail
2) Text messaging / Instant messaging
3) Internet Browsing
4) GPS with Google Maps
5) Tethering (connecting my laptop to use the data plan)
6) Speaker + Mute buttons
7) Other standard things like calendar and alarm

I don't really care for watching movies, listening to music or using a fancy camera on my cell phone. I also don't care about touchscreen. I don't want to carry a huge phone around either. I am willing to wait if T-mobile is getting any decent phones in the future, but as of right now, I am leaning towards the HTC HD2 and Blackberry 8520 or Bold 9700. Maybe the Nokia E73 if it is better than the others. Which is the best among the ones I listed?

The Samsung Vibrant is too expensive for me so I ruled that out.

Update: I looked at all the phones at the T-mobile store and I decided to go with the Blackberry Curve 9700. It is very sturdy and I like the simplicity of it compared to other phones. The outside appearance matters to me and I like the design of this phone very much. I looked at the HD2 and it's too large. I think I might break the screen with the way I use my phones and how I carry them in my pocket. I looked at the Samsung Vibrant and it's looks exactly like an iphone and just an imitation. I don't care for apps or games or customization. I will use this BB curve for 2 years and hopefully by then, I will make a switch to the next generation of phones.

 

[BenSkywalker]

Motorola Charm?

It sounds like you are looking for a low end smartphone mainly focused on business functionality. The Moto Charm will be hitting TMo later this month and has a no contract price of $270(a lot less expensive then the Vibrant).

 

[Raduque]

Vibrant's GPS is broken, so that's ruled out even if it wasn't too expensive.

There's also the MyTouch Slide if you care about QWERTY, and the G1 Blaze is another QWERTY phone that's supposed to be coming out in September.

 

[SpicyCurry]

You can head over to http://www.tmonews.com/ to get news on upcoming T-mobile phones.

I know of two major smartphones coming: the HTC Vision in September, and the HTC Emerald in November (these are just the codenames btw). I believe these two are multimedia touchscreen phones, so I'm not sure if they fit what you're looking for.

 

[Kanalua]

Vibrant's GPS is broken, so that's ruled out even if it wasn't too expensive.

There's also the MyTouch Slide if you care about QWERTY, and the G1 Blaze is another QWERTY phone that's supposed to be coming out in September.

I've seen the videos, but it works great on my Vibrant (used it for this morning workout).

really, the only real issue for now may be tethering (USB tethering can be done, but nothing official, and wifi tethering requires rooting).

OP, I would suggest the BB Bold 9700 if you don't care about all the fancy stuff, and need solid tethering and email.

 

[kaerflog]

I am looking for a good smartphone but I only use my phone for the following reasons

1) Work email and Gmail
2) Text messaging / Instant messaging
3) Internet Browsing
4) GPS with Google Maps
5) Tethering (connecting my laptop to use the data plan)
6) Speaker + Mute buttons
7) Other standard things like calendar and alarm

I don't really care for watching movies, listening to music or using a fancy camera on my cell phone. I also don't care about touchscreen. I don't want to carry a huge phone around either. I am willing to wait if T-mobile is getting any decent phones in the future, but as of right now, I am leaning towards the HTC HD2 and Blackberry 8520 or Bold 9700. Maybe the Nokia E73 if it is better than the others. Which is the best among the ones I listed?

The Samsung Vibrant is too expensive for me so I ruled that out.

I think by far its the HD2.
By far the Hd2 weaknest is its WM os and the app market but since its not important you.

1) check
2) I have to say that this bug me the most. There is a sms lag using HTC sense thats unbearable. If you keep deleting old messages, the lag will be minimum.
3) Can't get better with a 4.3" screen.
4) Bing GPS is free and almost as good as Google. Only thing is navigation map is not in first person point of view. I think they will fix this real soon.
5) Build in. As easy as running the build in app and plug the cable to your laptop.
6) check.
7) check.

And if you don't want to be in contract, new HD2 can be found for $250 on craigslist.

 

[Dear Summer]

updated with purchase

I bought the new phone for $49.99. Vibrant was $150 but I didn't like it after seeing it in person.

 

[Pliablemoose]

updated with purchase

I bought the new phone for $49.99. Vibrant was $150 but I didn't like it after seeing it in person.

Don't forget the grace period...

TMobile has refurbed HD2's for $49, we can talk you through making it an Android phone if you want..., or just adding one of the really good ROM's based on Windows Mobile 6.5

The Android port would give you Google Navigation.

Modifying the HD2 is free and makes it a really amazing smartphone...

 

[pm]

Pliable, you mentioned that there were bugs with Android ported to HD2 in another thread. Did they fix these bugs? Or are they just minor?

 

[Pliablemoose]

Pliable, you mentioned that there were bugs with Android ported to HD2 in another thread. Did they fix these bugs? Or are they just minor?

Every version they release is better, the current build, released this weekend is bulletproof, and the updates are very simple.

The current build is stored on your sd card, and installed with a dual boot program when you turn on your phone, allowing you to boot from the flashed rom or the Android files on the SD card.

People that see what I've done to my HD2 are amazed, the modded Sense UI for Windows Mobile is beautiful and very functional, having the dual boot is nice because of the Android apps available.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=654504

I'm using the Energy MaxSense ROM, and the latest Darkstone Froyo port, it's pretty tight...