Topic: Coming into the world of space-phones. Gimme some advice will ya

[greenjeans]

My wife and I have been rocking kick-ass flip phones for years.   Now, after all the abuse I get from my nephews, friends etc we've decided to finally take the plunge and upgrade to what I like to call a space-phone  (iphone, android etc)

I currently am a Verizon customer for TV, internet (both FIOS) and cell phones.    I would not be opposed to moving carriers as they have the worst customer service on the planet.

Of course, I don't want to spend a mint on phones and service each month.     Can you guys recommend anything or give any advice that you may have ?

How much data would I REALLY need.    3G, 4G or whatever is the current hot rod.   Hotspots etc.   Any thing you can think of or suggest would be greatly appreciated.

I am somewhat technically savvy - just been avoiding the jump.    It's time.    Help me out fellas.   Thanks in advance - John

[70CB750]

I am bit like you, was avoiding smart phones for years, no need for it.  Than my operator - At&T - offered iPhone 3 for free and I got that plus 2GB of data/month.
I use it to check SOHC4 Forums, facebook and email and such and the 2GB is enough for that with room to spare.  It also lets me use google maps, the only thing close to GPS I own and I like it when I get lost.
It has a wifi and I use that a lot too.

Smart/space phones are often defined by additional applications available for free or small fee and that allows you to customize it to your liking.  My first app I got for my phone was BulletDrop - external ballistics and it is very handy for my shooting hobby.


The one downside, specific to my situation, is that iphone is locked for a network and when travelling overseas I have to carry different phone for local calls, but I still like the iphone for what use I get out of it.

Hope this helps

[madScientist]

How are you going to use the phone? Mostly for calling with the occasional checking of email, facebook, google searching etc? Or are you going to stream video and such?

If you're just going to do the first scenario then 1gb of data / mo would suffice. Also, make sure you use wifi whenever possible as that will bypass using data.

I use my phone for work. When I say "use it for work" i mean I VPN into my office network, remote into servers, upload / download files, skype, video call and a lot of other very data intensive things. However most of that is done on the wifi so i still use < 2gb a month!

4g is pretty sweet when outside of wifi. 3g is pretty sluggish and, i believe, the only cost difference is in the price of the phone.

[cabrala]

Alright, here's my take...

I have Verizon and love the service. Sure their customer service is poor but in MA any other provider is hit or miss in terms of coverage; Verizon has been the best. Check your local coverages across brands and compare.

I also have the iPhone 4s and do love the user-friendly qualities that an Apple product provides. It is a 3G device and from all accounts, 4G is the way to go as there is a huge upgrade in download speeds, web-surfing, etc. I am able to live with 3G, so depending on the "deals" you get I don't think this should make-or-break.

If you ask any of the sales staff at the store, they should be honest with you about how much data you'll use. I have 2GB/month and have never gone over. I run Facebook, Twitter, the internet and a lot of other applications consistently throughout the day; if you have wi-fi connections you are not using your data plan but even without wi-fi I haven't run over. Streaming movies and music over the 3G network is what will get you overshooting your data limits, but again if you are doing so over wi-fi it is not counting against you.

The iPhone vs. Droid discussion could become as contentious as an oil thread, but if you want my take on it when you're ready just ask. I am trying to stop this already long post while I am ahead.

[CBGhia]

I have Verizon as well, but here in the metroplex, Metro PCS might be a better option for you.  You can get an Android smartphone from them and unlimited data for far less than 2gb of data costs on Verizon.  It can cost a little more up front because they don't give you a discount by sticking you in a contract, but you will pay way less overall.

If you stick with Verizon, be careful of the data limits.

[grepper]

IMO all cell phone companies suck in their own way.  For where I live Verizon was the way to go for best reception.
I have my teenage daughter on my family plan and she was recently up for an upgrade.  Well, it turns out basic cell phones are a thing of the past, most are smart phones.  So that's what she got and she is now my personal slave.  We both have Android based phone.  I like them more than Windows and I-Phones.   Android seems to have a lot of free apps.  I even have an app to turn my phone into a wifi hot spot.
As for data plans, we went with the shared 2GB a month plan.  I'm not one to stream a bunch of media when I'm away from home.  When I am home or at work, I just have my phone pull from a wifi network rather than Verizon.  You can also turn on Data Saver on your phone so it won’t do any downloads or updates when it's not on a wifi network.   My daughter is also conserving on data like I do.  We've only had the share 2GB for two billing cycles, but we have not gotten close to using it up.  Plus I have alerts that tell me when I'm at 50%, 80% and 90% of my 2 GB for my billing cycle.  So far so good.

Oh Yeah, once you go smart phone, you won’t know how you lived without it. 
Watching TV I think "Where have I seen that actor before?"  I pull up my IMDB app.
Trying to find an address while on the road, Google Maps with GPS.
Think you found a goof deal at a store, look up the price at other retailers.
Heck, I've even had cashiers scan coupons off my phone.
I could go on and on...

[greenjeans]

I probably wouln't use nearly as much data as my wife would.    Neither of us would be streaming movies.   But - she is much more of a facebook and especially words with friends queen.

I'd probably just check here or my emails a bit more frequently.   I'll run by the local verizon and see what they have to say...  really want to avoid that beating.

[andy750]

The one downside, specific to my situation, is that iphone is locked for a network and when travelling overseas I have to carry different phone for local calls, but I still like the iphone for what use I get out of it.

I have used my Iphone 4 all over Europe with no issues. Just get the International package and you are good to go (Have AT&T). Drop the package when you get home.

Currently have 2Gb data plan which is plenty for email, basic browsing etc. (just checked and currently used 147 of 2048 Mb after 21 days (31 day cycle).  Total cost per month for ATT Iphone plan (calls and data) for me is $80.

Good luck!
cheers
Andy

[srbakker]

Slightly different story here regarding plans, but I have an iPhone4 and am more than happy with it.  I have 6gb of memory and it is WAY MORE than I need.  This is keeping in mind that this is my personal and professional phone and I use it constantly for data - primarily emails and web searches and existing programs on my phone.  I don't often use it for video, but even that once in a while.  I have NEVER used more than 1gb in a month.

[70CB750]

The one downside, specific to my situation, is that iphone is locked for a network and when travelling overseas I have to carry different phone for local calls, but I still like the iphone for what use I get out of it.

I have used my Iphone 4 all over Europe with no issues. Just get the International package and you are good to go (Have AT&T). Drop the package when you get home.

Currently have 2Gb data plan which is plenty for email, basic browsing etc. (just checked and currently used 147 of 2048 Mb after 21 days (31 day cycle).  Total cost per month for ATT Iphone plan (calls and data) for me is $80.

Good luck!
cheers
Andy

I am sure you can use it overseas, actually I did it too, but I prefer to have a local czech number with pay-as-you-go plan.  That way I am using home network instead of roaming, the difference is quite significant.

I am quite fresh American and have hundreds of relatives and friends in Prague.

[flybox1]

Space Phones are battery hogs.  you'll need a few chargers strategically placed to keep you connected 
I've been a fan of HTC Phones for several years now.  I currently have the (AT&T) HTC One X, and love it. 
Verizon has its own version of this.
The only drawbacks for this phone I see are the memory is not expandable (16gb internal), and the battery is internal. 
These haven't been an issue so far.
I have the 2Gb data plan, but connect to my home network or Wi-Fi whenever possible. 
I'm on my phone all the time and i've never gone over.
The screen is wonderful (I stream Netflix)
8 megapixel camera takes nice pictures.  It takes 1080p HD video, too.
Screen-side camera is nice for Skype.

[greenjeans]

Are there different battery options for iphones or android phones ?     Which ones have a good battery right out of the box or have the option of upgrading the battery ?

[flybox1]

no company will put out a phone with a BAD battery. some just work longer than others.
there are tons of apps to help prolong battery life.  battery performance shouldn't be a deal-killer.
lots of cheap aftermarket batteries online, but they all turn out crap. 

[madScientist]

To expound on the battery discussion...if you turn off the services you aren't using you will save more battery.

For example, when not using GPS turn off all 3 GPS modes. Same for wifi etc. Advanced Task Killer also helps prolong the battery. Also make it a point to run your battery almost out once a month and then give it a full charge.

Unfortunately the batteries will eventually get "tired" like mine is now. It makes it about 8 hours on a full charge before it beeps at me. However I've had my Droid charge almost 1.5 years and it's still trucking along nicely.

[CBGhia]

All android phones allow you to get better batteries, or have a spare.  You cannot swap batteries in an iPhone, but they have pretty good battery life anyway.  Any phone you buy should last you all day, and you will have to charge it at night.

[Stev-o]

I have Sprint and have good service in TX and very good customer service (rarely needed).

The iPhone is excellent, I had Blackberry's for years and it is superior.  There are good deals when buying a phone, but a two year agreement is normally required.
I have a Corp acct and have the unlimited plan and the Company pays.

[Bonesaw]

I have Verizon and a Motorola Droid Razr Maxx. Great battery life (will last most of the week). Only thing I don't like about the carrier is the data tier system, where you pay based on how much you use. Sprint I believe has unlimited data.

[333]

They came out with the Maxx about a week after I got my Razr.  Oh well...

A) Coverage is key.  The best customer service doesn't mean anything if you don't get signal where you use it.  B) There are lots of free apps in Android.
C) I love my Droid Razr.