vB Easy Archive - QWERTY Dash Replacement Recommendations

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QWERTY Dash Replacement Recommendations
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Posted by: TexasNina

Hi Everyone,

I am currently on T-Mobile, using a Dash. It has been a very good phone for me; I especially like the full QWERTY for texting and internet access. I currently have only the $5.99 data plan since I only do occasional checks of weather, sports and maps, no email or music streaming (so no flaming, please!). However, it has seen better days and I really need to think about replacing it.

My contract with T-Mobile expires in May. I am open to AT&T, so if you think there would be an advantage to waiting and making the switch to get one of their branded phones, I'd love to hear your opinion. FYI, there are four of us on T-Mobile's shared plan, with unlimited texting, sharing 3000 minutes, spending about $200 a month.

Phone musts are QWERTY (preferable not the slide-out kind), internet, Bluetooth A2DP (for stereo music listening), and ability to play music (obviously). I really am not too sure about phones with the joystick/roller controller.... I always seem to have problems with those. It took me quite a while to get used to my iPod--fat fingers or long fingernails, I guess. The form/function of the Dash has been good, but I am ready for something different. Unlocked phones are fine... I was looking at the Nokia E61i, but the lack of A2DP is a deal-breaker, since I listen to music using Bluetooth stereo headphones.

I am open to any operating system. I have had Nokias in the past (the old 9290 Communicator was awesome), but I can't part with $800 for a phone unless it also makes toast. My budget is more in the $300-$450 range, if you think that can get me something that won't be out of date technically within the first month.

I know if I go with a Blackberry, then my $5.99 data plan is history. Is it really worth it for me, when I don't really use the internet all that much? I want it when I need it, but I don't need it everyday like some folks (ie I only do email on my home computer). I know many of you swear by your Blackberry, but I don't do email on my phone, only an occasional web site visit and lots of texting. Also, I don't travel internationally, so that's not really a consideration.

Hope this is enough information for folks to give me some recommendations. I have been reading many of the posts here and there is a wealth of info...but it gets a bit overwhelming trying to sift through all of it!