Advice needed. Buying a SmartPhone

[Celticman]

I have a land line, and a regular cell phone. I no longer need the land line. I am committed to Rogers. I will save money by dumping both current phones and going to a data plan. Also, I will have Internet on the go which will be great for the hobby.

Any suggestions about a SmartpPhone? Rogers rep suggested Android Samsung Galaxy S3 versus IPhone?

Thanks

 

[djk]

What are your needs?

Forget about iPhone, Android, etc until you know what that is.

 

[checks]

Actually, all that matters is what kind of software you want to interface with your phone. Any smartphone you buy will be able to anything you require, Apple or Android. Apple phones require you to install itunes on your computer to copy data back and forth from the phone. An Android phone can connect just like an external usb drive and you can manually copy things back and forth.

Apple uses itunes to play music and media files. You are locked into Apple's formats if you go this route. Android has media players that can play any file format you throw at it. Of course, for most people this won't really matter, but I use flac for audio files, so iPhones are useless for me.

Bottom line, if you have no problem with installing iTunes on your PC (or if you have a mac) I'd recommend an iPhone. If you are a little tech-unsavvy, I'd recommend an iPhone. If you like to customize software, and set things up your own way, and are very set in your computing ways, I'd recommend Android.

Really, can anybody seriously list one IMPORTANT thing that either an iPhone or Android can't do?

 

[ray liotta]

Actually, all that matters is what kind of software you want to interface with your phone. Any smartphone you buy will be able to anything you require, Apple or Android. Apple phones require you to install itunes on your computer to copy data back and forth from the phone. An Android phone can connect just like an external usb drive and you can manually copy things back and forth.

Apple uses itunes to play music and media files. You are locked into Apple's formats if you go this route. Android has media players that can play any file format you throw at it. Of course, for most people this won't really matter, but I use flac for audio files, so iPhones are useless for me.

Bottom line, if you have no problem with installing iTunes on your PC (or if you have a mac) I'd recommend an iPhone. If you are a little tech-unsavvy, I'd recommend an iPhone. If you like to customize software, and set things up your own way, and are very set in your computing ways, I'd recommend Android.

Really, can anybody seriously list one IMPORTANT thing that either an iPhone or Android can't do?

Well said checks!!

 

[IM469]

Bottom line, if you have no problem with installing iTunes on your PC (or if you have a mac) I'd recommend an iPhone. If you are a little tech-unsavvy, I'd recommend an iPhone. If you like to customize software, and set things up your own way, and are very set in your computing ways, I'd recommend Android.

Whether you install iTunes for iPhone or Kies for Samsung Android - it is a good idea to put the software on your PC so that you can backup your smartphone.

I agree that if you don't know much about smartphones you should go with iPhone as Apple restricts options so the naive user can't brick the device - it is almost idiot proof. Android gives you more flexibility but unless you are going to take the time to read about these apps, I fear you will get lost very quickly.

 

[Tangwhich]

Really, can anybody seriously list one IMPORTANT thing that either an iPhone or Android can't do?

In the case of iphone and some android phones you can't carry around a spare battery. For me this is a deal breaker on any phone.

 

[b4u]

Everyone at different stores pointed to the same phone. Their reason, the longer you own it, the more you will learn about it, and the more it will allow you to do. Iphone at some level will always restrict you.

Kathleen

+1 very true

 

[Celticman]

We are in a similar boat here. I am also with Rogers, and looking to go with the Galaxy S3 very soon.

Those already responding to you are giving sound advice about Iphone Vs Android. Myself, I've been a Blackberry user for a very long time. I've carried two phones on my data plan since 2000. One for work, one for personal.
Using two BlackBerries, I wanted to make the move to something better and asked the board which one - Iphone or Android? A few months back, I replaced my oldest Blackberry with a Galaxy S2 LTE.
When some say 'avoid android' if you don't know smartphone, or that Android can be wrong if not tech savy, I have to disagree. I knew nothing of the Galaxy 2 when opening the box. In fact, when my first call came into the phone, I couldn't figure out how to answer the call..lol
(Turns out I had to slide the phone icon in a left > to right motion) The thing is, within a couple days I had the basics. In a couple weeks, my phone was packed with apps, wigets, I'd taken tons of photos and videos. I like how I can take MP3s off my PC and quickly transfer them or workout videos to my Galaxy. I bought a SD card for the phone to give me way more storage too. Now after using it a few months, I'd be so lost. I use the phone often to check camera on highways ( its an app ) and yes, Iphone will do that too, plus I use maps and navigation often on it.

I've now got my hardware upgrade so low (under $200 ) that I am close to swaping my Blackberry torch for a Galaxy III. I've see the new features on the S3 and can't wait to get one.

What I did to make up my mind is pick 2-3 phones. Then go to a few retailers like Bell, Wind, Rogers, and gauge their opinions, and thoughts. I did that between Iphone, GalaxyS2, and Nexxus. Everyone at different stores pointed to the same phone. Their reason, the longer you own it, the more you will learn about it, and the more it will allow you to do. Iphone at some level will always restrict you.

Kathleen

Kathleen, a big thank you for taking the time to post all of this help. I am going to go with the Android S3. If there is a learning curve, so be it. I just love the idea of mobile internet.

 

[le.broke.gear]

Kathleen, a big thank you for taking the time to post all of this help. I am going to go with the Android S3. If there is a learning curve, so be it. I just love the idea of mobile internet.

The S3 is excellent choice! I would even suggest checking out the Google Galaxy Nexus (if you can still find it). It is also made by Samsung so you can't go wrong with it.

I'm a huge tech geek by heart and love both phones. I find the S3 too big for my small hands, even the Galaxy Nexus can be troublesome at times.

If you're coming straight from touch based smartphones, then the learning curve will be minimal. If you're coming from the older phones with physical dial pads, then you might need to get acquainted with the swiping actions.

The BIGGEST benefit of having the S3 vs iPhone... is that you don't need to install iTunes to access your files on the S3. That's a HUGE bonus.

If you need any tips/help on using the Android operating system, feel free to PM me. I'm more than happy to assist a fellow Android user.

 

[Celticman]

Thanks brokegear, you might be hearing from me!

 

[onthebottom]

Get a blackberry....

LMAO

Sorry, couldn't resist.

OTB

 

[Dougal Short]

Get a blackberry....

Ok, so I'm a long time fan of Blackberry. I just busted it so now I need a new phone pronto. All I do on this thing is make phone calls and send emails. (And I send a good number.... 60 - 100 a day.) Everyone else in the office uses iPhones. They love all of the crap on them which I could are less about. None send as many emails as I do. I've played with an iPhone and I HATE typing on it. And, based on my SOs experience, the battery dies way too fast even when the phone is just sitting. Hers (a 4S) lasts maybe 24 hours with minimal use, where my Berry will last more than a week if I'm not using it much, and easily 2 - 3 days with my typical usage.

I know that all of these new-fangled phones with all of their amazing apps (none of which make me think, "I must have that...") are the thing to have to be cool... But really, I'm having understanding why I don't just go and get a new Berry in the morning.

I'd love to hear more opinions from Berry users who converted.... Especially thoughts on using that keyboard. That concerns me!

I should add that about the only thing that really pisses me off with my Blackberry is that I sync to a Macbook at home and it really doesn't do it very well... I mean everything syncs, it just takes forever. However, I also sync at the office, to a PC... The more important one is the Mac though.

Am I just being an old fart?

 

[onthebottom]

Ok, so I'm a long time fan of Blackberry. I just busted it so now I need a new phone pronto. All I do on this thing is make phone calls and send emails. (And I send a good number.... 60 - 100 a day.) Everyone else in the office uses iPhones. They love all of the crap on them which I could are less about. None send as many emails as I do. I've played with an iPhone and I HATE typing on it. And, based on my SOs experience, the battery dies way too fast even when the phone is just sitting. Hers (a 4S) lasts maybe 24 hours with minimal use, where my Berry will last more than a week if I'm not using it much, and easily 2 - 3 days with my typical usage.

I know that all of these new-fangled phones with all of their amazing apps (none of which make me think, "I must have that...") are the thing to have to be cool... But really, I'm having understanding why I don't just go and get a new Berry in the morning.

I'd love to hear more opinions from Berry users who converted.... Especially thoughts on using that keyboard. That concerns me!

I should add that about the only thing that really pisses me off with my Blackberry is that I sync to a Macbook at home and it really doesn't do it very well... I mean everything syncs, it just takes forever. However, I also sync at the office, to a PC... The more important one is the Mac though.

Am I just being an old fart?

Yes you are being an old fart, nothing wrong with that.

There are still Android phones you can buy that have physical keyboards:

http://www.pcworld.com/product/collection/11826/top-10-smartphones-with-physical-keyboards.html

It should be a sign to you though that even RIM is moving away from the physical keyboard.

OTB

 

[Dougal Short]

Ya, I understand that... In keeping with the "old fart" issue, I suppose the upside of the iPhone or Android is that could actually see the letters. I need to put my glasses on to type on those itty bitty BB keys...

 

[IM469]

I've played with an iPhone and I HATE typing on it.

So don't type - speak ! I did an experiment with a BBM user who swore he can type faster on his BBM. I got him and I to type a few sentences from a report. He typed, I read the sentences. I finished before him without an error.

Not sure about iPhone anymore but Android has sweep keyboards (one called Swype) that is extremely fast when you are use to it.

Whether it's iPhone or Android - the apps are extremely useful and it won't take long before you realize just how useful these smartphones can be.

 

[onthebottom]

So don't type - speak ! I did an experiment with a BBM user who swore he can type faster on his BBM. I got him and I to type a few sentences from a report. He typed, I read the sentences. I finished before him without an error.

Not sure about iPhone anymore but Android has sweep keyboards (one called Swype) that is extremely fast when you are use to it.

Whether it's iPhone or Android - the apps are extremely useful and it won't take long before you realize just how useful these smartphones can be.

I use the speaking option all the time while driving.... much less distracting - doesn't work well in a public setting obviously.

 

[onthebottom]

You could also keep your inner troglodyte alive by using one of these

 

[Dougal Short]

right... That speaking thing.... I spoke to Rogers this AM... my "early" upgrade makes for an expensive phone... Oh well.

Off I go shopping...

Thanks for the input folks...

 

[djk]

If you want a BB, I'd wait.

RIM is due to launch BB10 on Jan 30, 2013.

 

[onthebottom]

If you want a BB, I'd wait.

RIM is due to launch BB10 on Jan 30, 2013.

I'm not sure if that will help him with his physical keyboard preference: