Would you still buy a Symbian phone? Or, suggest an alternative

[CurseTheSky]

Several times over the past few months, I've posted threads looking for a good unlocked GSM phone (AT&T) to use WITHOUT a data plan. The phone will be used mostly for calls, but sometimes for text messages (good keyboard is a plus). Wifi is a plus, but not required. I will not be using any 3G data, GPS, or any other extra features. Most importantly, it must charge via microUSB like my Droid X - I'm tired of carrying two cables. The phone will be replacing my LG Vu, which is a major POS.

Several people suggested that I grab an unlocked Nokia E-series phone, like the E5 or E72. Right now they look like the best out there that meets my criteria, but hearing that Nokia is going over to Windows Mobile, I'm worried about the long-term support for Symbian.

With all of that said, should I still grab an E5 or E72, or is there another phone you'd recommend? Remember: AT&T GSM, no data plan (MUST be able to turn off all data radios), microUSB, decent keyboard, and something that's going to hold up over time. I'd prefer to spend under $200, but will go up to $300 or so for the right phone.

 

[DivideBYZero]

For that sort of usage model I wouldn't be thinking much beyond, "Does it do want I want how I want it.". "Support" is something that bleeding edge users want, but regular users are often happy with day one functionality and stick with that until the thing breaks or they get a new device.

My 2c.

 

[cronos]

The E-series phones are solid. If you know what they do and they fit what you need, just go get them. You won't be sorry.

My E51 is as good as it was three years ago when I first got it. It's no longer my main phone but it's my go to backup phone if I need something small, simple and does pretty much anything a smartphone can do.

 

[AstroManLuca]

For that sort of usage model I wouldn't be thinking much beyond, "Does it do want I want how I want it.". "Support" is something that bleeding edge users want, but regular users are often happy with day one functionality and stick with that until the thing breaks or they get a new device.

My 2c.

Agreed. Calls + text messages are not something that needs long-term support. Every dumbphone has these features so it really comes down to finding one with a good keyboard. Why bother even getting a smartphone if you only care about calls and texting?

 

[akugami]

The E-series phones are solid. If you know what they do and they fit what you need, just go get them. You won't be sorry.

My E51 is as good as it was three years ago when I first got it. It's no longer my main phone but it's my go to backup phone if I need something small, simple and does pretty much anything a smartphone can do.

Not E series but I still have 2 old N series Nokia phones for backup purposes. I've given one to my Mom to use when her crappy LG phone broke.

Say what you will about Nokia and their lack of a modern OS to fight Android and iOS but their hardware is usually top notch. Hopefully Nokia gets going again with their WP7 phones.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Agreed. Calls + text messages are not something that needs long-term support. Every dumbphone has these features so it really comes down to finding one with a good keyboard. Why bother even getting a smartphone if you only care about calls and texting?

Mainly because I can't stand T9 mode for texting, and most "feature phones" that come with a dedicated keyboard are junk. I've played with dozens at both AT&T and Verizon stores, and the only phones I've found satisfactory have all been smartphones. If there is a good, solid, reliable dumb / feature phone out there that meets my criteria, I'm all ears.

Any example with my LG Vu:
- When on a call, after about 5-10 seconds, it locks the screen. So, if you are going through an automated phone service that requires you to press various buttons, it'll lock the screen between each question. Very annoying, and apparently there's no fix.
- The touch screen is horribly inaccurate. Dialing a number to call takes finesse, and even then "I" often hit at least two wrong keys for a simple 10-digit number. The touch screen does not register touches on the bottom centimeter or so of the screen, regardless of calibration. A friend's LG Vu does the same thing.
- The phone's screen gets uncomfortably hot against my face during calls. No other phone I've used does this.
- The battery life sucks, and the charging port is proprietary.

Similarly, my fiancée's Env Touch is a much nicer phone than the Vu, but still leaves a lot to be desired. Menus are less intuitive than smart phones, and the overall build quality is inferior to my Droid X, my previous BB Tour, a friend's Droid 2, iPhones, etc. If you drop it on something solid, I have no doubt that it'll crack or chip easily. My Droid X, on the other hand, has taken several spills with no damage.

So, in conclusion, I don't need or want a smartphone at all. What I do what is a phone with a decent OS, good solid hardware, good keyboard, microUSB charging port, and the ability to disable any 3G / other data radios so that I won't need to get a data plan. I'm open to all options.

 

[CurseTheSky]

For that sort of usage model I wouldn't be thinking much beyond, "Does it do want I want how I want it.". "Support" is something that bleeding edge users want, but regular users are often happy with day one functionality and stick with that until the thing breaks or they get a new device.

My 2c.

You're right. I guess my primary concern here is making sure I find a phone that does everything I want it to right out of the box. It sounds simple in concept, but often times there are a few nagging issues (see LG Vu screen locking example above) that really detract from it, and no way to fix it. If something like that happens in Android, for example, there's almost guaranteed to be dozens of helpful tips online, or software fixes.

 

[DivideBYZero]

You're right. I guess my primary concern here is making sure I find a phone that does everything I want it to right out of the box. It sounds simple in concept, but often times there are a few nagging issues (see LG Vu screen locking example above) that really detract from it, and no way to fix it. If something like that happens in Android, for example, there's almost guaranteed to be dozens of helpful tips online, or software fixes.

Yeah, understood. On the flip-side S60 is pretty solid, AFAIK. If it works day one it'll probably work when you find it in the attic in 15 years.

 

[Doublejr]

I had a E75 for about a year, just upgraded to a windows phone. It was pretty solid, nice keyboard. My problem with it was lack of updates, other than that everything worked well.

If you don't need 3g there are a few nokia's that could be had on sale for around $100. I bought mine from dell small business, last year it was $200. If you watch slickdeals or anands hot deals they pop up here and there.

The E63 is close to the E71 minus the 3g and I think a slower processor, no gps too iirc. It is supposed to be decent.

Every nokia I have had never really gave me any problems and just worked even without update.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Nothing wrong about S60. You get the $15/month data plan for AT&T with no questions asked. You get tethering out of the box (well you download an app, but it's not like you have to be rooted or do any tricks like you did with pre-Android 2.2 or iOS). I laughed when Froyo users celebrated the welcoming of tethering. It's like "Hello? We've had this for years?"

Solid cameras. My N82 kills my Droid in pictures any day. Xenon flash FTW.

 

[dinkumthinkum]

I got an E71 two years ago, still going. My brother just bought an E71 in december for $170 unlocked (I think). I am thinking that I will just buy another E71 if I have to replace this one anytime soon.

I guess the charging cable is the issue there. The E72 charges through microUSB?