Ok, this is a bit off topic, but it’s a necessary evil, as I’m going to ask for feedback. But first, bare with me. Yesterday, I met my newest client, a student of Glendale Community College (where I once attended and worked…oh so long ago) and an employee of AT&T Cingular. He works for one of the retail outlets in sales. I am currently a Verizon customer, but that was only after giving Cingular the very best possible shot at earning my business. For over 9 months we tried and tried, but as they finally admitted, their coverage is horrible where I live and work. In the end, Cingular let me cancel my contract with no early termination fee, which I found very refreshing.
Since AT&T purchased Cingular, they’ve invested a small fortune in improving coverage in the area, which includes this new 3G network, that supposedly means the network is better now than before. I’m hoping it’s as good as Verizon is now, which will enable me to use AT&T’s current promotion: AT&T is buying out contracts. That means the $175 early termination fee doesn’t need to be an objection for me to switch to AT&T today.
So, I can swtich to AT&T today, reciprocate my business with a new client, and get a new smart phone. The big question, is which smart phone? Already off the list is the iPhone. My business neighbor - and State Farm agent -Mike Bengson has one. It’s not 3G, and thus he’s experienced the same horrible coverage I did 18 months ago. Plus, with only 8 GB for songs, it can’t replace my iPod Video anyway.
Candidates seem to include: Samsung BlackJack, Moto Q, Blackberry, Palm Treo, Pantech Duo, and AT&T Tilt. What’s important to me, is being able to compose a reasonable blog entry from the phone…not just Twitter, but real blog entries. If I can substitute a laptop with a smart phone, then I’d call it mission accomplished. Reading email, checking showing instructions in MLS, even sports scores and fantasy football updates would all be bonuses…but the real motivation is blogging. So, if you are a blogger, and you use a smart phone that you like, or if you know one that you wish you had, which is it?
Thanks in advance!
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Hi Steve,
I can’t speak for the others but I have a MotoQ. We are with Qwest Wireless because my husband works for them and we get a good deal. Coverage has not been a problem for me here in NM or when we visit AZ.
The upside to my phone is the email and web abilities. When my phone is on my desk in front of me, my phone will notify me of a new email before my computer does. There are plenty of sites available to download extras, some free, some not, that make the phone more friendly and fun.
The downsides are the number of buttons/features to learn when you get it. This may be the case with all smart phones but I was completely overwhelmed. There are still functions in there that I don’t understand and I consider myself pretty technologically savvy.
One tip- whichever phone you choose, get the extended battery. I had to buy one within 2 days of receiving my phone. The internet/web stuff really chews up the power.
Good luck!
Jenifer D
So far, I had the best experience with a Blackberry. Currently I am using a Palm Treo and cannot wait to get rid of it. Pretty soon I am faced making a decision myself since my contract with Verizon is coming to an end. As a recent mac-addict the natural progression will be the iPhone.
I have the Blackberry Pearl by RIM and it’s great! I’ve had a blackberry for over 2 years. What is helpful for me is google maps for the blackberry, but most they also make it for most any smart phone. It’s great for finding a business that is close to you, or directions on the fly.
I was a fan of Cingular’s “rollover minutes” so when they bought out At&t and come to the valley I checked into them. NO GO, crazy expensive prices compared to Tmobile, who I’ve been with for years. ON my individual plan I always “got more” value and good coverage and customer service.
Now I have 2 lines – 1500 shared minutes for $80 then $20 for my blackberry data / email add on. So, look into tmobile if you’re not 100% sure at&t is the best.
Adam N. – AcmePhoto
Thanks everyone for your comments. I haven’t been in to get my hands on any type of demo, but it’s still very high on my list. Especially today as I wated 35 minutes for a locksmith to arrive, and while I was productively returning phone calls, had the phone calls not been crazy, I’d have sat there twiddling my thumbs cursing the lack of smart phone. I’ve never felt a stronger need than the last few weeks to squeeze every bit of productivity out of my time, so this is indeed a fairly high priority.
Adam, I think T Mobile has the works coverage of the providers in my area. I have a neighbor that basically can’t get coverage at all when she visits my home. Even T Mobile themselves told me they don’t really cover my home, which is too bad, because I agree, they have some great rates.
A Blackberry seems the popular choice. I have an agent in my office with one, and I was pleasantly surprised how well is was loading my blog. I’m probably debating between that and the new BlackJack. Once I get my hands on each, that should seal the deal.
I have a Blackberry Pearl as well, but i rarely use the internet with it even though i have an unlimited data (browsing) plan. Since youre wanting a smart phone for blogging, you might want to check out Tmobile’s Wing. Im not sure if its still available, but my friend has one and he loves it. it has a touch screen, AND a full keyboard. i like my pearl because its small and generally dependable, but usually the internet is a hassle. (the screen seems too small as well..) and you would have to get used to the “Suretype” system unless you got a blackberry with a full keyboard.
and by the way,
i pay $68-70/month and i get 1000 minutes (1000 total minutes, nights and weekends are NOT unlimited), unlimited text/pic messaging, and unlimited data.
The service is T-Mobile.
The coverage is great.
I just bought a Moto Q, went to log onto the local MLS and the searches are blocked unless you pay an additional fee to the NWMLS. Anyone else have this problem? I pay a huge amount to the MLS and should be able to access it from any device I chose. I am pretty ticked at the moment.
I have always liked the Q.
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