Smart Phone Help
 

Okay, so I am contemplating getting my first smartphone and I have a couple of questions about usage and 3G v. 4G.

Essentially, Verizon is offering a Droid X2 for $80. It's apparently a very nice 3G phone. To go to a 4G phone is $200.

They are also offering a data plan of "2 times 2 gigs" for $30. The next plan up is 5 gigs for $50.

My questions are - what does 4 gigs get me? Can I watch 2 or 3 movies/TV shows? It would be nice to stream netflix on the phone.

If I am in my house, will the phone work off my wifi or will it charge me data time?

Understanding that I don't [I]need[/I] the goo-gaas of the latest technology and the "Wow, it's so cool" factor is far outwieghed by the "My kids need new shoes" factor - is a 3G phone the equivalent of buying a rotary phone in terms of being outmoded technology?

Thanks folks.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

I'm not an expert on the subject, but I have the Iphone 4 on Verizon's 3g network, and I am satisfied with it. I wouldn't recommend doing battery-intensive things like watching Netflix on it, but to each their own. I also don't know much about data plans either, I just pay 100 bucks a month and I get unlimited data, which I am satisfied with.

With all that said, the main bonus of having a smartphone for me is the apps. Before I had a smartphone, I never used apps or anything, but I tell you, I've got a bunch of different apps on my phone now, and they make everything super easy.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

The biggest question is how well is 4G represented in your area? If it's widespread, then go 4G. If it's not widespread yet, then stick with 3G. I bought an iPhone 4S in December, and the speed is fine for me, and decided to not wait for a 4G iPhone offering, which I'll upgrade to at the end of next year.

The $30 data plan is probably all you'll ever need. You can certainly use Wi-Fi with your phone and will NOT charge against data time. Someone else will have to talk about streaming Netflix on 3G/4G as I've only done a few youtube videos here and there.

Considering that 4G isn't available to most of the country yet, you could get away with buying a 3G phone now and upgrade to 4G in 2 years when it's more prevalent. However, if you have the cash, and you have good 4G coverage, wouldn't hurt to jump on the bandwagon so to speak.

The only downside to Android phones I've heard is pretty poor battery life. A co-worker of mine has a Sprint EVO 4G and he's charging it twice a day.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

I have a 4G phone and I do notice a difference between that and when the phone is getting 3G. I guess the question would be how you are going to use the phone. When I am in my office or at home, the majority of the time my phone is connected via wifi. If this is the case, then I would say 3G should be fine.

In regards to 4G it is nice and faster, but it also eats up more of your battery than being on 3G.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

I have a Droid Bionic and love it.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

Since they started putting caps on downloads, I'd definitely say you might run up against the cap if you're using your phone as a hotspot and trying to stream movies. Not only that, I find my phone doesn't provide a very good connection (3G) to my other devices. It's great to have internet anywhere I am, but it's strictly for email and internet. Anything streaming really suffers unless I do it directly on the phone.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

I thought Verizon's data plans were unlimited. Mine is when I signed up the moment the Iphones were available.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=NC_Skins;907873]I thought Verizon's data plans were unlimited. Mine is when I signed up the moment the Iphones were available.[/quote]

You can only be grandfathered into the unlimited.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

I think that might have changed. People who have unlimited are grandfathered in... If it hasn't changed yet, I read that it WILL change. :(

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

I have an x2 and like it. I stream Netflix on it all the time but almost always via wifi. It seems to work just fine via 3g too...not sure what the data uasge is like though since I don't do it often enough. My area lacks great 4g saturation so the 3g is the best we can do anyways. BD was right...if your area lacks sufficient 4g coverage then 4g shouldn't be a decision point as it is useless. My wife runs the iPhone4 and likes it well enough. It works great but the smaller screen kills me and they are super...delicate (fragile may be a better word).

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;907875]I think that might have changed. People who have unlimited are grandfathered in... If it hasn't changed yet, I read that it WILL change. :([/quote]

I have the iPhone 4 with Verizon, on the 2GB plan. I don't stream a lot when I'm not connected to my wifi, and I've only even gone over 1GB twice in 6 months.

I had an iPhone for about 3 years and I just switched to android. Apple rapes u with the apps and u can only do so much to ur phone that u want not to mention music is free on android.. I love it and I wouldn't go back to iPhone

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;907891]I had an iPhone for about 3 years and I just switched to android. Apple rapes u with the apps and u can only do so much to ur phone that u want not to mention music is free on android.. I love it and I wouldn't go back to iPhone[/quote]

Tried to tell my wife but she would not listen.

she said put the look of iPhone is so much nicer. So I download a few apps to make my Bionic look like a 4s, she was like "smartass".

[QUOTE=mredskins;907894]Tried to tell my wife but she would not listen.

she said put the look of iPhone is so much nicer. So I download a few apps to make my Bionic look like a 4s, she was like "smartass".[/QUOTE]

Yeah man I just finally got tired of apple telling me what my phone will look like.
I jailbroke mine but doing that can screw up ur phone

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;907891]I had an iPhone for about 3 years and I just switched to android. Apple rapes u with the apps and u can only do so much to ur phone that u want not to mention music is free on android.. I love it and I wouldn't go back to iPhone[/quote]

I'm with you, I had an iPhone, switched to Android and never looked back. Apple products have their place. If you want something that just works and requires (but also doesn't support) much in the way of tweaking/modification, the iPhone is great. Good battery, nice display (although fragile), no bloatware by default, if you already use iTunes -- a good choice.

To me, the biggest thing is Google Maps vs. iPhones maps (a big reason the Woz uses an Android!). I gave my Garmin away because I just use my phone when I need to get somewhere. Has great turn by turn, always up to date, lots of options. Better than my Garmin. I love the flexibility after rooting my phone, but it also adds elements of instability. I do spend a lot of time tweaking, so it's a tradeoff I make.

JR -- in your case. You probably won't hit a datacap. As you said, the phone will connect to wifi when you're in range and spare your plan. I have a 4G phone. it absolutely flies. However, I keep 4G off a majority of the time. 4G is great and fast, but kills the battery at a much quicker rate. Batteries are getting a bit more robust, but still need some work. I'd guess 4 gigs is plenty, depending on how much streaming (music/video) you plan on doing. Rarely I hotspot my phone, which works well, but mostly unnecessary.

One of my big issues with android phones is that they're packaged with the bloatware from Verizon/ATT/etc. I would suggest rooting the phone and installing a 3rd party ROM such as CyanogenMod or BAMF, but I understand if that's a daunting task if you're not looking to be cutting edge.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

Thanks for the advice. After looking, I think I have it down to three choices:

Motorolla X2 -> 3G, $50 or $90 with case and phone charger.
Motorolla Bionic -> 4G, $100 but need basic accessories.
LG Lucid -> 4G, $80 but works with current chargers (also 4" screen as opposed to 4.3").

Probably go with the X2, Data plan seems like a good deal ($30 for 4 GB).

Some follow-ups:
1) A couple of you have used the term "hotspot" - what does that mean?
2) Just so I am clear - If I am on my wifi, the "G" is really inapplicable and I can stream on on my front porch at a rate comparable to the ancient tower PC downstairs?

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;907913]Thanks for the advice. After looking, I think I have it down to three choices:

Motorolla X2 -> 3G, $50 or $90 with case and phone charger.
Motorolla Bionic -> 4G, $100 but need basic accessories.
LG Lucid -> 4G, $80 but works with current chargers (also 4" screen as opposed to 4.3").

Probably go with the X2, Data plan seems like a good deal ($30 for 4 GB).

Some follow-ups:
1) A couple of you have used the term "hotspot" - what does that mean?
2) Just so I am clear - If I am on my wifi, the "G" is really inapplicable and I can stream on on my front porch at a rate comparable to the ancient tower PC downstairs?[/quote]

A hotspot is a just place with free WiFi, like an internet cafe, coffee shop, etc.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=mooby;907926]A hotspot is a just place with free WiFi, like an internet cafe, coffee shop, etc.[/quote]

Your phone can act like a hot spot as well but it is generally not free to do this unless it is rooted.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

Yeah, turning your phone into a hotspot means it turns basically into a wireless router. Most phones offer it for free for 30 days then ask you to pay some ridiculously high fee to use it regularly. Once rooted it becomes very free.

If you're using your home wireless, you should see similar speeds as you see on a home wireless computer.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

Before you buy the charger and case at Verizon, hit up the local Five Below or look online. I got my case and extra iPhone charger at Five Below. The case I have is from [url]https://www.speckproducts.com/[/url] and it's great.

The one thing I ran into when we upgraded our devices was my 6 year old router couldn't handle all the traffic. At any one time, I have 4 computers, 2 iPhones, an iPad and a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 going at the same time. I grabbed a wireless-n router from Newegg for $30 and it's been great. Not saying you'll have to do the same (I've got an overkill setup), but something to keep in mind.

Don't to anything. Just stay with your dinosaur phone for your dinosaur life!

Sent from my SpringBoard using Tapatalk 2

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

I have the x2 and it's not bad at all.. great intro phone...

4g depends how the coverage is in your area.. they're expanding coverage around DC currently. I don't stream much but I know even YouTube can cause hiccups depending on connection.. but I'm down here in Waldorf. Be prepared to carry a charger with you or one of those power pack devices. I doubt you'll use over 4gb data.. my phone has been my primary internet device for a few months and I haven't approached that amount.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

Again, thanks for all the help. One last set of questions:

Has anyone ever bought a "Certified Pre-Owned"? Any thoughts? Anyone have friends who went with the "used" phone? Anyone have or heard ofproblems with a CPO phone? Anyone no what precautions they take to make sure its, essentially, good as new?

I ask b/c the "Pre-owned" 4G Droid Bionic is the same cost as a new Droid X2.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;908102]Again, thanks for all the help. One last set of questions:

Has anyone ever bought a "Certified Pre-Owned"? Any thoughts? Anyone have friends who went with the "used" phone? Anyone have or heard ofproblems with a CPO phone? Anyone no what precautions they take to make sure its, essentially, good as new?

I ask b/c the "Pre-owned" 4G Droid Bionic is the same cost as a new Droid X2.[/quote]
Just personal preference, but I would not ever get a certified per-owned phone, just too afraid of abuse from the previous owner.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;908127]Just personal preference, but I would not ever get a certified per-owned phone, just too afraid of abuse from the previous owner.[/quote]

Pretty much this. I tend to buy most electronics new, just because I don't think companies do much to refurbished electronics besides what's required to get them to work again, and like CR said I don't know what the previous owner treated it like.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

One other tip. Don't buy insurance through your carrier. Go with something like square trade. Same plans but cheaper.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

Also considering buying from a retailer thats not your phone's carrier like:

[url=http://wireless.amazon.com/]AmazonWireless: Cell Phones, Cell Phone Plans, and Accessories[/url]

I think saden has bought from costco with bettter/cheaper results. I have Verizon and always thought i had to buy through them for my upgrades and renewels, which is not true you can buy from anywhere.

I recently got a 4g phone and would say get a 4g phone. Youre locked into this thing for 2 years so you might as well have something youre not going to be fustrated with in 6months a year.

Also i feel like most 4g phones run faster on wifi, only because they are built to run at faster speeds on a continueing basis. At least that has been my experience.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;908127]Just personal preference, but I would not ever get a certified per-owned phone, just too afraid of abuse from the previous owner.[/quote]

When it comes to electronics in general, I always buy new. As you say, you just can't trust the prior owner, unless you're buying something second hand from someone you know.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=mlmpetert;908148]Also considering buying from a retailer thats not your phone's carrier like:

[URL="http://wireless.amazon.com/"]AmazonWireless: Cell Phones, Cell Phone Plans, and Accessories[/URL]

I think saden has bought from costco with bettter/cheaper results. I have Verizon and always thought i had to buy through them for my upgrades and renewels, which is not true you can buy from anywhere.

I recently got a 4g phone and would say get a 4g phone. Youre locked into this thing for 2 years so you might as well have something youre not going to be fustrated with in 6months a year.

Also i feel like most 4g phones run faster on wifi, only because they are built to run at faster speeds on a continueing basis. At least that has been my experience.[/quote]

Great advice! I paid a few dollars more and get the Bionic. I had the original Driod and went to the Bionic last month after my Droid bricked. Iwas due for a upgrade in Dec but said F it I liked my Droid. Holy crap! After upgrading what a difference in speed! My lap top has been on vacation since I got this thing!

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=Mattyk;908161]When it comes to electronics in general, I always buy new. As you say, you just can't trust the prior owner, unless you're buying something second hand from someone you know.[/quote]


I agree if you are buying on eBay but the Verizon CFPO program is pretty damn good. I didn't do but know plenty that have and if there was a issue Verizon quickly replaced the phone.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=FRPLG;908135]One other tip. Don't buy insurance through your carrier. Go with something like square trade. Same plans but cheaper.[/quote]


Actually don't get insurance and take the risk. IF you get the warranty for say a Droid Bionic it will cost you $70 then if you drop or break your phone yo ustill have to pay $100 deductible to replace it; $170 total investment if broken (lost and your SOL). You could easily replace that phone on eBay for $200.

Risk the $30 and pocket the $70. Plus most warranties are only good for a year.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

Ok, I’ll join in here because we’re up for a new renewal on our phone package and I’d like a new phone and I know you guys would love beating me up on this.
I currently have a cheesy flip open phone than can text and takes very bad pictures..… that’s about it.
The wife says I can get a free new phone that slides open (don’t know how else to describe it) and has a full keyboard with a shift key etc etc and it takes average pictures, not much else to it.
I’m thinking I want to go better than that but don’t want to spend a whole lot.
My eye sight also sucks without reading glasses so there is that.
I do not need internet on my phone. I’m behind a PC ¾ of the day at work and a lot at home.
I don’t travel on business very much so don’t need internet for that. I also don’t need this phone for business related stuff.
I don’t know shit about apps but I’m sure there a lot I would like of them.
So what do I want?

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=Alvin Walton;908213]Ok, I’ll join in here because we’re up for a new renewal on our phone package and I’d like a new phone and I know you guys would love beating me up on this.
I currently have a cheesy flip open phone than can text and takes very bad pictures..… that’s about it.
The wife says I can get a free new phone that slides open (don’t know how else to describe it) and has a full keyboard with a shift key etc etc and it takes average pictures, not much else to it.
I’m thinking I want to go better than that but don’t want to spend a whole lot.
My eye sight also sucks without reading glasses so there is that.
I do not need internet on my phone. I’m behind a PC ¾ of the day at work and a lot at home.
I don’t travel on business very much so don’t need internet for that. I also don’t need this phone for business related stuff.
I don’t know shit about apps but I’m sure there a lot I would like of them.
So what do I want?[/quote]

This:

[IMG]http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSgXfVIa53XfJljP4V-so4SVZseNsU-bHi4gpaNQq9jMKtTP0nr[/IMG]

Plus

[IMG]http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6C5CNflP7J3VF6l_m4xiUUSLCLM5LT4nujn566xePxkWgMnmk[/IMG]

Should cover your old ass needs.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=mredskins;908223]This:

[IMG]http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSgXfVIa53XfJljP4V-so4SVZseNsU-bHi4gpaNQq9jMKtTP0nr[/IMG]

Plus

[IMG]http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6C5CNflP7J3VF6l_m4xiUUSLCLM5LT4nujn566xePxkWgMnmk[/IMG]

Should cover your old ass needs.[/quote]

I heard Best Buy is running a special on that setup this week, plus they're tossing in a free month of AOL

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=Mattyk;908225]I heard Best Buy is running a special on that setup this week, plus they're tossing in a free month of AOL[/quote]

I just pissed myself! :laughing2

Make sure the cable is Monster grade and you get the extended warranty on the phone too!

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

^^

^

nice!

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

I'm glad someone posted this thread. My cellphone ended a few weeks ago, and I've been thinking about the next phone I get. I just had a little Pantech Jest...something that didn't require data service. I'm kicking myself for going with that phone after I got rid of my Blackberry, because I had no idea Verizon was going to limit the data service. If I had known that in advanced, I would have kept my data (probably gotten rid of the blackberry thought.)

Anyways, I'm eyeing the Droid Razr Maxx. It's supposed to have one of the best smartphones in regards to battery life and features, but it is a bit pricey for me. I'm glad someone mentioned Amazonwireless, I can save a few bucks off of the phone from there, although I WISHED I was a new customer as those guys are getting a big savings off of the phone. Anyways, anybody else have the Maxx?

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=skinsguy;908465]I'm glad someone posted this thread. My cellphone ended a few weeks ago, and I've been thinking about the next phone I get. I just had a little Pantech Jest...something that didn't require data service. I'm kicking myself for going with that phone after I got rid of my Blackberry, because I had no idea Verizon was going to limit the data service. If I had known that in advanced, I would have kept my data (probably gotten rid of the blackberry thought.)

Anyways, I'm eyeing the Droid Razr Maxx. It's supposed to have one of the best smartphones in regards to battery life and features, but it is a bit pricey for me. I'm glad someone mentioned Amazonwireless, I can save a few bucks off of the phone from there, although I WISHED I was a new customer as those guys are getting a big savings off of the phone. Anyways, anybody else have the Maxx?[/quote]

You are in the same boat as myself a few months back. I say give the Bionic a whirl. It is cheaper up front just as fast as the Razor and you can remove the battery to reboot it. Also as a man it fit better in my pocket then the Razor.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

If you're looking for an android smartphone, I'd recommend waiting if possible. Very rarely is it a good idea to wait for "new stuff" because there's always something new and better around the corner. (that's the story on how my desktop took about a year longer to build than first anticipated!) Within the next few months there will be some really great phones coming out.

When it comes down to it, you have to figure out what features are important to you and focus on those. Display? Camera? Service? Battery life? QWERTY vs Touch keyboard, etc. Once those are established it's easier to point you in the right direction.

Re: Smart Phone Help
 

[quote=Daseal;908477]If you're looking for an android smartphone, I'd recommend waiting if possible. Very rarely is it a good idea to wait for "new stuff" because there's always something new and better around the corner. (that's the story on how my desktop took about a year longer to build than first anticipated!) Within the next few months there will be some really great phones coming out.

When it comes down to it, you have to figure out what features are important to you and focus on those. Display? Camera? Service? Battery life? QWERTY vs Touch keyboard, etc. Once those are established it's easier to point you in the right direction.[/quote]

I think the Bionic is there for the waiters. IT is 100 bucks has 4g, dual processors and will be outfitted with Ice Cream Sandwich this year. That is a pretty packed phone for $100; should easily get yo uthrough the next two years.