vB Easy Archive - Recommend smartphone

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Recommend smartphone
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Posted by: Character Zero

I am looking at getting a new phone. I have a D807 right now and I am getting kind of bored with it. I want a phone I can use a $20 unlimited data plan with (MediaMax or Smartphone). I have been looking at the 3100 (don't need the camera). But what am I gaining from this phone. I want to be able to check gmail, do I even need a smart phone? Would using something like the Sync do the same thing. Why would I want the smartphone? I am just trying to figure out what I truly need.

Posted by: npaladin2000

Refurb 3125, or a Nokia N75 will work. The 3125 (Windows Mobile) uses the $20 Smartphone plans, and the N75 (runs Symbian) uses the ordinary MediaMax plans.

Smartphones are incredibly flexible, as they offer lots of user config options, and the ability to install additional native (non-J2ME) software (Handango has a bunch for Windows Mobile and Symbian). You're getting a full HTML browser with either one aliso, and will be able to check GMail over POP3 or over a Google mobile app. Check out Handango and see what's available (Documents to Go for WinMobile and QuickOffice for Symbian are popular...Word and Excel docs on your phone).

They're also great music phones, (and good for playing videos too...higher res screen than the Sync I think). The Sync is a good music phone, but doesn't go much beyond that. Depends on what's important to you, but for the prices the N75 and 3125 can be had for, why not go for it?

Posted by: Character Zero

Is the 3125 going to be replaced soon? I also noticed that it doesn't support EDGE.

Posted by: npaladin2000

It supports EDGE...you're thinking it doesn't support 3G. The N75 only goes up to UMTS speed, so neither one is HSDPA. THe HSDPA phones are a bit more, but the Motorola V3xx is fairly reasonable (You don't get front panel controls though). Since you mentioned the Sync, I think music might be important to you?

Posted by: Character Zero

Actually I mentioned the sync because it was one of the new phones. I actually don't care about music on my phone.

Posted by: npaladin2000

Well, you need to figure out what you DO care about. A Motorola V3xx will let you check Google through a J2ME app. A 3125 or N75 will let you access it via POP3 and/or an application. All 3 are music phones to some degree. The 3125 is the second cheapest option (the N75 can be had for free after rebate from some online retailers). The Moto is the most expensive but may be built a little more solidly, given the RAZR reputation. All 3 will sync with Outlook for calendar and contacts (The N75 through Nokia PC Suite, the 3125 through ActiveSync, both of which are free, the Moto through Motorola Phone tools which can be bought for as little as $10).

If you care about installing anything beyond run-of-the-mill J2ME software and want extreme flexibility, get a smartphone (I'd go for the N75...at least it has SOME 3G via UMTS). If 3G data speed is more important and you just need basic phone functions plus calendar/contacts, the V3xx will do the job well.

You live in a 3G area? Is your area going to be getting 3G soon? (I figure mine isn't, not until AT&T finishes buying Dobson). That's a factor too. Personally, I always prefer a smartphone. If nothing else, they're fun toys.

And in this case, the fun toys are cheaper.

If 3G is important, the Sync is the cheapest 3G phone out there, but I've heard quite a few people around here are disappointed with it. You may want to nose around the forums. I've never touched one, but my parents have Samsungs (different model) and they can't wait to get ANYTHING else...rotten RF being the main complaint. I'd definitely shell out for the V3xx instead if one MUST have an HSDPA phone.

I've also heard Samsung has PC Sync software for their phones for calendar/contact data (getting very popular these days; people used to buy a smartphone JUST for that) but I've never used it, and don't know how well it works.

Posted by: Character Zero

I know we don't have 3G and I am not sure when we are getting it. So thats not that important. Also I have a mac and would like to sync its calendar. Thanks for your help!

Posted by: blueyz28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Character Zero

I know we don't have 3G and I am not sure when we are getting it. So thats not that important. Also I have a mac and would like to sync its calendar. Thanks for your help!

I recently got a Blackjack and I use a Mac laptop and a Windows PC (tend to use my ibook more). Missing Sync works great for syncing your contacts and iCal.

I am switching off between the Blackjack and a w810i, which is a great music phone and also syncs well with a mac. It pairs well using iSync and syncs contacts and iCal very well.

Posted by: Character Zero

The only problem is the BlackJack doesn't fall under the SmartPhone data plan. I really don't want to pay more than $20 a month for unlimited internet on my phone.

Posted by: npaladin2000

Problem with getting a Blackjack is having to pay for PDA data rates. it's singificantly more expensive.

If you're not in a 3G area, then any of the lower end Nokias (Or the SE Walkman phones) will do...just make sure a plugin is available for iSync. I don't think Motos are as good at syncing with a Mac. Not sure if the non-Walkman phones can use iSync...I'm not a Mac owner. I have a personal preference for Nokia over Sony Ericsson, but that's a very individual thing. Pick whichever you like better.