blackberry, iPhone, and others

[Murph]

Ok, its time for the Murph's to upgrade phones. I like the crackberry 9700, Lupe, who wants a phone, I suggested an iPhone for her rather than a Blackberry. Do not want an entertainment device, nor a portable TV, I want to get email, have a calendar, and that sort of thing. Lupe is skeptical regarding the technology of the iPhone, she does not think it would be a good phone, as a phone.

Those who have, love, hate, use both, any suggestions? FYI neither of us have ever sent a text message, do not surf the net from our current phones, and basically are somewhat behind the times.

[KJ Smith]

Murph.

I hope you know that is is $30.00 per month, per device for INTERNET access.

That is over and above your normal phone cost. You can text without INTERNET.

The iphone sucks as a phone.


I am cheap so I only have a phone.

My work supplies me a BBTour and full access. Its free and ok for us to use weekends and after hours. But I just leave it at home.

I don't think they are wort the cost.

[Murph]

Thanks

[velvetmermaid]

I think it's going to depend on where you're at, and what you're really using the phone for; I'm one of those "I barely make phone calls, why would I want a phone that does other stuff" people, and I broke down and bought an iPhone almost 2 years ago, and haven't regretted it. I do get an employee discount through work, that puts the cost for voice (I'm on the lowest minute plan, because I almost never make calls), data, and text (I'm set for 200 texts per month, because I send fewer texts than I make phone calls, but they do come in handy from time to time) at less than $70/mo after taxes & fees. There have been numerous times the phone has been a life saver (maps on the phone to get to my location? Bonus). I've seldom had problems with dropped calls (and I was on the phone for 2 hours straight last weekend).

[CaseyS]

Most smartphones require the data plan (usually $30 a month) including the Blackberry, Droid, and iphone.

I have an HTC Droid Incredible and I love it. But, I like having the world in my pocket and text somewhere around 30 incoming & outgoing messages a day.

[Dobick]

If you plan on not using the device as anything but a phone -- then I would not suggest getting either the blackberry or iphone. (I would not recommend either of those options to my parents for that reason)

My favorite phone that I have ever owned for telephone purposes was a Motorola SLVR. it was the fancier version of the motorola RAZR, except this one did not fold. Had great sound quality, the ringer was loud, and people could hear me just fine in almost all situations including windy.

I have both iphone and blackberry (the blackberry is older) and if it was just for texting and email, then the blackberry wins. Otherwise, the iphone hands down for ease of use as well as cool apps available.

[RKEnnis]

I own the iPhone 3gs, and I really like it. The keyboard and predictive text work well, and make texting easy. The email client works great, and is very convenient.

I use the internet browsing way more than I expected to. Same with the google maps feature. It's great always knowing where you are, and having a map in the palm of your hand.

It's a pretty good way for photographers to carry around examples of their work. Sure, it's not exactly the best way to view photos, but it works better than you might think.

[KJ Smith]

Murph,

It may be worth mentioning that 3g is just starting on its way out. I wouldn't get to deep ($$$) into device.

[Murph]

Yeah, we are looking, talking, reading, and getting actual user opinions on these things. Lupe refuses to text at this point, although I think she might like it with a more user friendly phone than she has had. So is 3g NOT the way to go? I had heard that 4g is in the works, but not really ready for prime time yet due to very sparse coverage areas. If I get a blackberry (or blueberry as my daughter calls it), I will NOT under any circumstances use it for work. Period. Lawyers can then subpoena my phone and all records if I ever use it for work. Of course the same goes for Facebook, MySpace, etc. I have really enjoyed by RAZR phone, but it is starting to have problems.

[photonewb]

when it come sto texting and messaging, I found that when I had an older phone with the T9 texting set up I hated it. Once I got my iPhone and got a real keyboard I text a lot more.

[Murph]

Would the iPhone be a good option for a non tech savvy person? I hear it is simple, and easy to use.

Originally Posted by photonewb

when it come sto texting and messaging, I found that when I had an older phone with the T9 texting set up I hated it. Once I got my iPhone and got a real keyboard I text a lot more.

[Kalrog]

Murph,

Are you stuck with AT&T or is switching carriers an option? You are in San Antonio and Sprint has rolled out 4g in that area ... but that is largely irrelevant if you don't want to do anything but make phone calls. I would also say that if you are getting a phone, don't limit yourself either. If you could pay $50 for a phone only or $50 for something that can do all the other things just in case, why not get the "everything" phone? My preference is for Android based ones. And look into the family plans to maybe save some money. Or even the boutique vendors like Boost or Cricket - they use the same networks as the big boys but might be a better deal for you.

One thing to note - remember that there are 2 current meanings for 4g in the cell phone world. The first is the 4g iPhone. That simply means it is the 4th release of the iPhone and it is supposed to be out in a month or so. The other is the network. The only current 4g provider is Sprint/Clear but the other brands will probably release something 4g by spring 2011. The first 4g (network) phone is the Evo 4g and it will be released in about a week (and yes, I have pre-ordered).

[revjvegas]

ok, I'll weigh in.

I've had my iPhone 3G for almost two years now and got it for work, but it is my personal phone as well.

It does an excellent job of getting all my email. I've set it up to pull from work's exchange, my home email, a yahoo account, and gmail.

I also like having my work calendar and home calendar (both Outlook) in sync. So if I book something on one, it shows up on the other.

I don't text, hate it in fact, so I called ATT and had it disabled.

The apps are awesome and usually you can find one that is free for what you need.

My phone plan runs about $90/month. I get to expense it, so I don't really care about the cost much. I think that's the 400 minute plan (with data of course for the internet) and I've never gone over my minutes. Helps that the rest of the family is also on ATT, so phone to phone doesn't use up the minutes.

But as cool as the iPhone is, if all you need is a phone, then just get a phone. Maybe concentrate your research on who actually provides better cellular service for your area; then pick one of their supported devices.

.02

[revjvegas]

Originally Posted by Murph

Would the iPhone be a good option for a non tech savvy person? I hear it is simple, and easy to use.

My mom can do it.

Not knocking my own mom; love her to death.
But tech savvy she is not.

[photonewb]

Originally Posted by Murph

Would the iPhone be a good option for a non tech savvy person? I hear it is simple, and easy to use.

it's extremely easy to use...my wife can use it, and she's really not tech savvy at all.

as a whole it's very naturally flowing and intuitive. If she can use an iPod and itunes, she can use the iPhone.