Cell Phone or I-Pod ... or Droid ? ATT or Verizon ?

This old man has finally decided that it is time to come out of the last century and sure enough get into the twenty first. I've never had a cell phone and I'm considering my options. I am not sure if I'm going to keep my landline .... probably will until I get used to the cell .... if I ever do. So do I get a no contract cheapie, a droid or an I-phone and really step into the new century with internet , text and all of the other apps ?

Next ..... I have friends that say ATT drops calls, gives poor reception and Verizon is the best bet. Others claim ATT is fine. I've been with them for more years than I can remember so it would be an easier transition if I decided to go for the more expensive 'smart phone' with a contract. With what I'm paying now for my DSL and landline it is more than many packages that include cell and internet so I'm going to make a move. Just which way to go has me stymied. So many choices. If anyone has input based on hands on experience I'd love to hear what you have to say.

It depends on where you are. I've been using verizon because they are the only ones with decent signal in most places in my building, and the whole point of a cell phone is that I have it available as much as possible. So first thing is check with your AT&T friends and your verizon friends how is their coverage where you are spending your time. If it's good then you move to compare the secondary options.

Smart phones are fun, think of them as a small computer that you have available everywhere. You have internet, maps, gps, pretty much anything you want to access available right when you think of it. So, if you can afford the data plan go for it, you probably won't regret it. I also think within the first 30 days of your contract you can cancel without penalty, afterwards it becomes rather expensive to terminate, as they give you the equipment at a discount and make money on the usage (gillette blades model).
if you don't want to

iOS vs. Android is largely a matter of style preference. iOS is much more closed and restrictive and there is a single device, but overal is sleeker.

I prefer iPhone, it is the most comfortable tool.
If we are in vacation we use it as a navigation system. We tested it in USA and Canada and this year in Israel.
And (of course) also in Europe.
Yes, I am definetely an Apple-fan.
You don't need thousends of apps.
My wife is still using an older one iPhone (3GS) with a prepaid-card. So we are also able to buy prepaid cards in USA...and it works very well.

I don't think prepaid is an viable option in US, ar least not for the data portion, which is the whole point of having a smart phone. Of course you can always use data over wi-fi when available, but normally at these times people can use a computer as well.

gugi, you are absolutely right. But as a foreign visitor you need a smart-phone only sometimes-not for data.
WiFi is the standard in most hotels. That works very well.

yeah, I just wanted to clarify that part for Jimmy, since he's looking for a long term cell phone in US.

My preference, IPHONE!!!!! on Verizon, but you already new this.

Depending on where you live ATT may be fine. When it comes to national coverage Verizon is best. When it comes to basic phones you'll find few options. Carriers are really steering customers to texting and data phones. personally I like the Droid OS but that's what meets my needs.

I like droid, but that does not mean anything. Go to a store an play with the different phones.

Verizon will probably have the best coverage. Sprint usually has the best prices. AT&T used to be the only company with the iphone.

I have android. Battery life sucks compared to iphone, but I can share my data with all other 'phones if I want, where-as iphone has security restrictions in place that sometimes throws a spanner in the works. I would keep the landline too. Good to have a back up for when the high tech stuff fails you, as it surely will at some point. Personally, I think I will be going back to a basic mobile 'phone when my contract is up for re-newal. I don't need a mobile for much more than the occasional call, but I mostly keep the cost down by using it for brief text messages. This is coming from Australia though, you have more choice but crappy service in the US. We get better mobile reception in more out of the way places here than you do over there. Well in my limited experience anyway.


Mick

I have had every Iphone since the first . The only one that has ever given me problems is the 4 , it drops calls . Even with the case and all that extra stuff they said would help it still drops calls. I have not sprung for the 4S I am likely switching to and android (Galaxy s 2) . I have ATT and reception has not been an issue but im also in NYC. I would consider verizon because they have less expensive plans but im stil under contract. Also if you travel in and out of the states I have often been told ATT is the only way to go. Hope this helps

- Ben

Should have made it a multi option poll...

I have an android based OS (HTC Aria) and I love it. Very easy to use, the app market for HTC is up to date with Iphone and Droids, the touch screen keyboard is a tad bit small but that is mainly because my phone is very compact. I haven't used Iphones much but I can tell you my gf is complaining about hers often.

With the ATT vs. Verizon debate that used to be a no brainer, Verizon had the most up to date cell phone signal and thus best/strongest coverage. However, ATT has finally gotten around to upgrading theirs starting in major cities, so I don't have any issues related to dropped calls, unsent texts, or loss of data signal where I used to.

As was mentioned earlier, I think you should go in and grab an iphone and android phone to see which one is easier for you to use. Don't have an associate show you how to do all of the functions, just mess around with it on your own. Then choose the carrier that offers you the best deal based on your data, minute, and text needs.

i have an OG droid (SS 5.6 GB) on VZ chugging along, wife has a iphone 4 (not S) on VZ, brother has a droid bionic on VZ.
the OG droid is showing it's age vs the bionic and everyone who isn't tweeting or checking in seems to agree that the only thing the iphone seems to win out on is the camera... my wife actually prefers android to ios, skype to facetime, etc... . i think both get the job done and for general use, you would be hard pressed to find any real world difference.

I cannot say this or that about ATT vs Verizon as they do not work here.
Iphone vs Android is mostly about personal preferences, but i think they both are capable of doing things as well. My son has iphone and i use Android. What i do not like in iphone is that is pretty closed system, you cannot much tune it up. For what i know, it is very easy to use.
Android isn't difficult either, but much more customizable.
If you use Mac, then your changes to tune up Android are very limited.
Then there's Windows Mobile also. I haven't used but i've heard that it works well, specially if you have Win PC.

I use Android OS and my wife has WP7. She uses her phone to make calls, text, check email & Facebook, and look up recipes. That's about it. Her phone is capable of more but that's all she uses it for. Occasionally mapping if she gets lost.
I use mine for pretty much everything. Tapatalk is the greatest invention in the world. I prefer its interface for forums over using my PC. Google Maps is great GPS software.
If you're in the Northeast and don't go too far inland then ATT should work fine. We have ATT and around here it works pretty good until you're out in the sticks. Then Sprint/Ntelos is the best bet. But, when I drive north to MA I have reception the whole way there. Even out at my cottage in the Berkshires where you can't even get cable. My Sprint/Ntelos phone for work gets no reception there but ATT has focused its coverage on the coasts and if you're within 3 hours of a major metropolitan area you should be good.
I think you're a linux guy, Jimmy, iirc a few threads. You'll probably like Android a bit better. iOS is slick and shiny but if you like to tweak things then iOS isn't very nice. Plus, you'll probably like these guys: Android & Windows Phone: Tablets, Apps, & ROMs @ xda-developers . Lots of open source and customizable ROMs for pretty much every Android phone so you can get rid of the bloatware that ATT & Verizon like to put on every phone.

I haven't customized my Android phone very much other than the normal user setting and stuff. How do you go about customizing roms?

Sorry in advance for the quick thread jack

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Originally Posted by TwistedOak

I haven't customized my Android phone very much other than the normal user setting and stuff. How do you go about customizing roms?

Sorry in advance for the quick thread jack

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I honestly haven't done much more than putting a different version of android on it for a few weeks. Then I went back to stock to see if there was a performance advantage.
I think I'm going to go back to the open source version of Android so I have a bit more space on it.

Here's their subforum devoted to the Aria: HTC Aria - xda-developers

Don't listen to these young whippersnappers Jimmy. Being in that advanced age category you need one of those AARP specials. You know the plain Jane phone with those huge keys and displays. You ain't gonna pilot no rocket ship at your age so just the minimum you need.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Don't listen to these young whippersnappers Jimmy. Being in that advanced age category you need one of those AARP specials. You know the plain Jane phone with those huge keys and displays. You ain't gonna pilot no rocket ship at your age so just the minimum you need.

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Yeah, I thought all of the cell phones came with those big keys ? :gaah: That's what I get for asking a bunch of guys who shave the way they did 100 years ago about which cell phone to buy ! :rofl2:

In my experience with smart phones, it is not the operating system that matters so much as the hardware. I bought a Garmin Asus satnav/cell phone with Android on it, and the hardware is just not keeping up with the latest software versions. The phone is almost useless now. Although, it is still a great little sat-nav (as all Garmins are IMO).

So I'd suggest that if you go the smart phone route, take some time to check out the best hardware (processor etc) like you would a computer.

James.

Just to offer a little different opinion. I bought a smart phone, because I thought I "needed" one. I got the data plan, because I was ignorant to the fact that placing my sim card in a smart phone would automatically enroll me. Anyways, I don't use the data plan at all, and it's a total waste of money for me. If I need to look something up online, there's always some www addict around that'll jump on his phone and check it for me in half the time it would have taken me to make it work. They seem to love it... I've tried it a handful of times, and finally decided it's not worth the effort. The screens are too small, the internet function is slower, and I can't see a whole page of information. I'm cancelling it as soon as I come across another plain jane cell I like. A basic cell with texting seems to be perfectly adequate for me, sans landline.

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

In my experience with smart phones, it is not the operating system that matters so much as the hardware. I bought a Garmin Asus satnav/cell phone with Android on it, and the hardware is just not keeping up with the latest software versions. The phone is almost useless now. Although, it is still a great little sat-nav (as all Garmins are IMO).

So I'd suggest that if you go the smart phone route, take some time to check out the best hardware (processor etc) like you would a computer.

James.

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Agreed. I had a Palm Pre for a while and absolutely loved the operating system. The problem was that the phone just didn't have the horsepower to support it. Lots of problems. Now I have an Android phone and the OS is way less user-friendly. I guess I lost both ways. Such is life, I suppose.

A little over a year ago I got myself a Motorola Droid 2 (not my first cellphone) at the urging of my son. And I have to say I love the thing. I almost never get on the home computor but instead sit in my easy chair and use the internet on my phone instead, the wife really likes that,haha. I can't imagine being without it.

Jim

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TwistedOak

I haven't customized my Android phone very much other than the normal user setting and stuff. How do you go about customizing roms?

Sorry in advance for the quick thread jack

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Check over at androidcentral.com for more good info on customizing your Droid

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Yeah, I thought all of the cell phones came with those big keys ? :gaah: That's what I get for asking a bunch of guys who shave the way they did 100 years ago about which cell phone to buy ! :rofl2:

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The older I get the worse my eyes get and the fatter my fingers get and they keep making things smaller and smaller. I would start with the minimum or maybe a little more. It is far easier to "upgrade" than down.

I learned with books and stopping to ask for directions. That is what I am comfortable with. Gps is interesting but I am more comfortable with a map and have one in my truck at all times. Although I should invest in a new one as there has been a few subdivisions added in the last 20 years! LOL

My kids on the other hand have grown up with this and are more comfortable with "modern" stuff. I was shooting my archery league last night and I mentioned a cool video that I saw. Golf Ball hitting steel super slo mo - YouTube One of the young guys overheard me and looked it up. He proved I wasn't full of sh*t. That was neat.

I am past the end of my contract so I am month to month with t-Mobile. If my phone goes bad i go to Target or the equivalent and buy a cheap pay as you go phone and put in my card. If they tick me off i am not locked in a contract that way. {I pick the ones with the big keys that I feel comfortable with!}

I agree with the checking the coverage in your area. One thing nice though is that you can always ignore a call [for example from work] and say I never got it I must have been out of range. LOL

I would carry both to begin with, until you are comfortable, but we recently dropped our land line. We didn't keep the same number and some friends commented that they had that one memorized. But other than that I don't miss it.

I hope that this ramble helps!

Tim

I have a droid x, I like the bigger screen it has, and verison, I used to have att, but when I have to travel att service just doesn't cover as much as verison. Now I get coverage just about everywhere I go. Plus I just personally dont like apple products.
-dan-