Opinions on Smartphones

So, since this forum is now the official off-topic forum (sans video games, politics and religion...), I wanted to ask my fellow CoH players for their opinions on smartphones.

I have been resisting buying a smartphone for a few years now, but have thought I'd finally give in, especially since there are now more appealing alternatives to the iPhone. It also doesn't help that, for various reasons, I'm rather stuck with Verizon. Now that my contract is nearly up and I have 2-year discounted upgrade, I was looking into getting an Android phone, the primary contenders being either the Droid X or Droid 2. However, I've been having a difficult time finding a decent comparison with the two. Anyone have any personal experiences? I plan on visiting a Verizon store in the future to try them first hand. What about other smartphones being offered from Verizon?

Oh, for reference, I'm wanting to move from an LG Voyager. I have no fear of my phone having any issues soon, so I might even be persuaded to wait until next year. But the temptation for a smartphone and its many uses has been gnawing at me for awhile. I just want to make an informed decision and know there are some very knowledgeable folks around here.

I did a Google search on Droid X vs. Droid 2 and found this comparison, it seems pretty good:

http://www.tested.com/news/droid-vs-...id-family/690/

From what I can tell, either choice would be a good one. There are pros and cons to each, but overall they both look pretty capable. I have an Android device (HTC Aria) and I really like it.

Interesting... you seem to be in the same position I was in last month. 2 year upgrade from a Voyager Phone. Seriously, that's just eerie.

Anyway....
I'll tell you this right now: Don't consider a smartphone unless you are willing to pay the outrageous fee of 30 bucks a month for their mandatory data package BS. Yes, there's no way around it... even if you have a wireless connection at home and intend to us it for most of your online use. It's still mandatory.

Someone really needs to regulate these a-hole cellphone service providers.

got the Droid 2 a couple days ago, loving it.

now I'm just waiting for the Netflix app to be available (damn you iPhone getting it first!)

Oh, alright. I hear the Droid X is pretty good, then.

Yeah, I can't really afford the 30 bucks a month right now (going to college and jobless at the moment) so... needless to say... I was pretty pissed off when I found out I wouldn't be able to get a Droid.. or 90% of the other phones Verizon offers.

I'm not in too different of a situation and won't be buying my new phone until I have more reliable work. But I like planning ahead and I've been thinking of this a lot lately, so why not just ask the opinion of people I've found provide some good feedback? This forum is, in general, quite helpful.

I have the original Motorola A855 Droid and like it. The Droid X and Droid 2 are just about the same. I would say it's a matter of preference if you want an all touchscreen phone or a touchscreen along with a physical keypad. Also size of the phone does matter. The X is big, looks like I can club a baby seal with that thing.

Yeah the $30 data feature is a bit of downer, but it is unlimited data usage on the phone. Heard rumors that it might change sometime this year and VZW will follow what AT&T does with their data feature for smartphones. Also be very careful with the rep that you have, I'm not sure how well you know the sales reps at your local VZW, they might try and steer you to the $45 data corporate plan, which is really only needed for Blackberry phones.

Get an iPhone and get that Angry Birds game.

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My phone calls people.



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// phone luddite

Do you want an honest opinion about cell/smart phones?

Unless that phone is necessary to your business, then I would suggest not getting either. Go get a simple prepaid phone and about a year's worth of service for something like $120. In my case, we simply don't use our cell phones (not smartphones) enough to justify spending $70 a month on them. That prepaid business will allow us to save (probably) around $700 a year.

Take the money you save and put it into your retirement account.

To me, things like smartphones and all that jazz is just an extravagance that isn't really necessary. An extravagance that costs quite a bit of money. Ask yourself, if the cost of that phone + service is something that is necessary to you or is it something that you've been told is necessary to you.

Just free advice, so naturally, it's worth what you paid for it. *shrug*

Maybe to you it's an extravagance, and it does really hurt my bank account, but I'd be so disorganized when it comes to my classes without my original Droid I don't know if I'd ever survive college.

I will say this, for the topic creator's sake: I honestly think the Incredible is a better buy as far as phones on Verizon go over the Droid 2 and Droid X. Although Verizon's getting their version of the Galaxy S in early September, and that looks amazing, as well.

My opinion on Smartphones?

[Censored] Smartphones. All of 'em are junk.

I don't get the negative attitude here. If someone wants to get something, and wants opinions on the various choices, why do others feel the need to try and convince them not to get one at all? They've already considered the "none of the above" option.

Sure, some see them as an extravagance, and maybe they are in most cases. So are videogames, movies, television, comics, (insert hobby here). Also, besides variable levels of practical usefulness, they're entertaining and fun. Having the internet in my pocket alone is damn handy, never mind the rest of the stuff my Vibrant can do.

edit
As for the OP, I don't know much about the Droids. I've got the t-mobile variant of Samsung's Galaxy series. I had the original G1 before that, mainly because it had a physical keyboard, and I've tried typing on an iphone and my hands are just too big to use it comfortably. But the Vibrant has a 4in screen and that new touchscreen keyboard input method called Swype. You just have to drag your finger through the letters of what you want to type and it figures out what word you want. Battery life is pretty good and it's fairly slim. No flash on the camera. It's probably about the same or a bit faster spec-wise as the droids. I don't think anything other than the Nexus1 has the latest version of the android OS (2.2), but will have it before the end of the year...that'll add support for Flash.

If you're prone to wearing gloves during the winter, might I suggest you acquire the sleek, efficient Sausage Stylus for all your touchscreen needs?

well if one is just considering going for a standard cellphone and your contract is up...I'd probably recommend Cricket with their $50 unlimited plan

OP, I waited for some smart phone users to chime in before I posted. The reason is, I feel they are a waste of money.

Ask yourself this, do you want to be tied to your e-mail? Do you really need to waste your battery playing games and listeing to music on your phone? Will you really download movies to watch where you get little signal?

Can you afford the increased subscription plans the smart phones start at?

Anything beyond that is point of view stuff.

To me, smart phones are a waste of money

I recently upgraded from a standard sory ericson (worst phone I've ever used) phone to a smartphone (HTC Desire) and love it. Yeah, charging it every day is a pain, but it's just a USB cable so can plug into a computer anywhere.

The ability to use it as a diary and an MP3 Player makes my pockets lighter and the ability to use GPS makes getting around London tons easier.

My contract is the same price as with a normal phone though, just locked into 2 years not 18 months.

I can't advise you on the specific phones you are looking at, but they are only a waste of money if you aren't going to make use of it.

Just how long do the batteries last on any of those things? Do they make an 'extended life' battery, even it it makes the thing thicker or heavier than standard?

My HTC Desire idles for about 4 days before it needs charging. I for one love the phone, it's very useful for train journeys when I want to do stuff like check the boards or read the news on the BBC, it comfortably houses all the music I want it to, meaning I'm not carrying around another device. It does all my map needs, good for, like Diggis said, when I'm in London. It has the National Rail Train Timetable app on there to let me know when my train is leaving.

I pay £25 a month for 300 free texts, 100 free minutes and unlimited internet, and that suits me just fine. A friend of mine recently got a Desire based on having a play around with mine.

And it makes calls fine, le gasp.