What would you recommend me?

[Roasted]

I'm considering on switching from ATT to Tmobile, based on the fact ATT's prices vs Tmobile are considerably higher and Tmobile offers really good coverage in my area. As a result, I'm looking at a few of the Android phones available for Tmobile, but a little unsure what to get since I'm new to the whole Android thing. I'm kind of an anti-Apple guy, but a big Linux user, so I'm curious to jump on this wagon.

I'm looking for something that won't cost an arm and a leg to buy outright, so the Nexus One is out of the picture. I want something that will be relatively expandable too. I understand Android OS can be updated, assuming that the hardware itself can handle it, etc.

I've been looking heavily at the Cliq XT and the MyTouch 3g. I know there is a slider coming out on June 2nd too, but that one I'm betting will be quite pricey, especially to start.

I don't really have much "requirements" since I'm sure any Android phone will do fine, but I'd like to hear some user suggestions and opinions regarding my dilemma on the matter.

What say you?

[evilbaby]

Really if you're not going to get the N1, get a used MyTouch. I personally wouldn't get anything by the N1 on Tmo since compared to it all the other Android devices are gimped in some way. Slower older cpu and/or less ram

[Roasted]

Why the MyTouch 3G over the Cliq XT? They have the same processor, yet the Cliq XT has a little bit more RAM and same ROM... spec for spec, the Cliq XT looks to be a tad better than the MyTouch. Any reason why you'd recommend the MyTouch?

[Kies]

I'd get the CLIQ XT out of the two because the build is a bit better, however there isn't even a root for it. There are ample roms for the MyTouch 3G 1.2 and the ram should be the same as the CLIQ XT.

Honestly I'd get myself an HTC Nexus One if I was signing up as a new customer. $179.99 is pretty good. The reception isn't very good though and that is a major detractor for me, but I still like it a lot.

[RogerPodacter]

Why not a nexus one? T-mobile sells the nexus for like 160 dollars on a 2 year contract. That's the best choice to get.

[Roasted]

Why not a nexus one? T-mobile sells the nexus for like 160 dollars on a 2 year contract. That's the best choice to get.

No. I'm sorry, but I'm never doing a contract again. From here on out I'm buying phones out-right. The pros of no contract, IMO, heavily outweigh the "pros" of being bound via contract. As a result of the high price of the N1, it's out of the question.

Clearly I need to do a little more Android homework. What is this root you guys speak of?

[Kies]

Rooting an Android phone gives you complete access to it's file system, the ability to remove carrier .apk's, flash custom Android builds, etc.

In that case I would find a CLIQ or CLIQ XT if you don't want to root. I really didn't care much for the myTouch when I had it.

[Roasted]

Ah, I see. I figured that's what it was. I'm a big Linux user at home (part of the reason the Android is so attractive to me). I didn't realize root on the phone was indeed the same thing, but then again I never really got into modding my phone heavily enough to even consider that being a requirement for me. However, it might be worth looking into. I wouldn't be surprised if my phone interests skyrocket once I get an Android I like...

I didn't notice on PhoneScoop's spec sheet anything about root. Where can you tell which Android has root and which doesn't?

[Kies]

Root access is something you have to obtain yourself. It isn't accessible on any of the retail phones.

I.E.
http://www.modmymoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=530518

[Roasted]

So for me, somebody who will probably extensively utilize a lot of android apps, the web, etc, I'm not seeing how needing root access would be a critical selling point for me. However, I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as android/root's capabilities as you guys are, but that's my take on it unless anybody has anything to counter that.

The Nexus One is just too expensive for me, and of the T-Mobile store I managed to get to today, the Cliq XT wasn't a live model whereas the MyTouch 3g was. Wasn't too sure the MyTouch 3g was "for me", and the girl behind the counter quickly pointed to the Cliq XT when I held both of them up asking for her personal opinion, but she was sold out of live models to show me.

Any additional thoughts? Still up in the air on what to do...

[Kies]

Yes, mostly you will be fine but if you want to remove some of the bloatware like the myFaves application (takes up a lot of ram and on the Even More Plus plans, there is no use for it), add the ability to WiFi tether, take screenshots, keep the processor at 528MHz for maximum snappiness, and other goodies and things you can't do or get without root access.

I'd definitely try a live handset, trhy another T-Mobile store. The ones here have live XT's

[Roasted]

Is there a hands down "2nd place" to top dog Android/Tmobile phone? (besides the obvious Nexus One)

I just can't decide.

[Kies]

myTouch Slide/Galaxy S(which will really run alongside the N1)? It's unreleased though. The rest are pretty much sporting the same hardware specs.

[Roasted]

Sounds like they will run with the N1 in price too. Hmm... jump the gun to the Cliq XT, or wait and pray the prices of unreleased Androids coming out are in my range...

[RogerPodacter]

Is there a hands down "2nd place" to top dog Android/Tmobile phone? (besides the obvious Nexus One)

I just can't decide.

You're in a tough spot because avoiding contracts means full price on the phone. I'm with you, I haven't signed a contract in 4 years, but the trade off is full price. Smartphones are about 500 bucks no matter what manufacturer. The nexus is actually on the cheap side in the larger picture. You might have luck buying a used smartphone on Craigslist perhaps.