Thread: 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