Buying a Smart Phone

I still like my crackberry

 

The iphones are cool. I've had the first two gens. Lacking in some features. They just came out with copy and paste with the lastest update( for 3g) iphones are user friendly. Easy to learn and tons of apps. But the att service sucks. I'm using a droid. People complain about the qwerty keyboard but I don't even use it. The onscreen keys work fine on landscape mode. I'm actually typing this on my droid. One thing, I'm not big on contracts so I always buy month 2 month. I got my droid on ebay for 400.00. Other than that, I'm waiting for the nexus 1 to iron out the bugs before I get one. Apple has its work cut out for them to keep up.

 

I have been using the HTC Hero through Sprint since it came out. I love the O.S. and the apps. Google Maps combined with Sprint Nav is all good. I like being able to synch my e-mail accounts with Google mail and get then all on my phone. ALso have all the Sprint TV stuff, Internet at 3G. I kinda wish I waited for the Motorala Droid phone with the slide out keyboard, or even longer for the Google Nexus. But over all I am a fan of the Android O.S. phones.
I like having expandable memory, have tons of music, udio books, and videos. The only real drawback I have found is battery life is bad. Best to carry your charger wherever you go. But I just typically leave it plugged in, and I'm always god to go. It charges by USB or AC adapter, so that helps.
Also Android phones can view PDF files, and have a app for MS Word, Excel, PP, etc.
Are Android phones I-phone killers, probably not, at least yet. But since all the carriers offer a version, I'm sure the app market will soon catch up to I-Phone.

 

Has anyone heard the scoop on the new iPhone releasing soon
twice the speed plus 64 gig, 5 meg cam with led flash and oled screen
now if thats all true it will be 1 bad MF.

 

I'm totally unfamiliar with smartphones, iphones, etc... I have a cell and a laptop with wireless connection with Verizon. I use google maps all the time but I don't keep my laptop on constantly and it takes time to load the system, connect... and sometimes connection drops or speed is too slow, etc.
So, I want to buy a smartphone for that purpose (what I need is fast internet, camera, cell phone).

Which one(s) would you guys suggest? I don't want to spend a lot of money for stuff I don't really want and will not use.

Also, should I keep the internet plan I already have with Verizon or can the smartphone work as a modem with my laptop if I need to use internet on my laptop? But if so, can I use the phone while online?

 

T-Mobile recently added a no contract talk/text/data plan that is cheaper than I'm currently paying for only talk/text... so I'm thinking about upgrading my little flip phone and switching.

Two questions:

1 - How durable are the smartphones?
2 - Are there anti-virus programs for them?

I'm favoring the Samsung Dart right now, and I'm curious how sturdy and secure these phones are.

Thanks!

 

If you are going to get a smart phone, I recommend getting a protective case ... something along the limes of an Otterbox or something like that.

Smartphones are very durable and the battery life has improved dramatically over the past year.

And yes through the Android Market, you can download anti-virus software for free.

I currently use an Sprint Evo 4G that is fantastic. I discontinued my air card and use the Evo as my "hotspot" for my laptop ... and with unlimited data when I'm in 4G networks. Cool, eh?

 

And as far as the security questions, I have been having good luck with a free app called "Lookout." It even tells me where my phone is when I have, er... misplaced it. <grin>

 

No need for antiVirus on a Droid. All it dies is slow your phone down. Ive been using the Incredible 2 from verizon and it performs great. For blackberry lovers Get the Droid PRO. It has a keyboard similar to the Blackberry. Be careful tho... some droids have slower processors than others and will lock up during use of Google maps... Had this happen with my first droid The Motorola Devour.

good luck dont let it scare you..

 

http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20078606-245/more-malware-targeting-android/?tag=mncol;txt

Cnet link (one of many, but from my favorite reputable source anyway) concerning Droid malware masquerading in the app store and elsewhere.

Do what you want to, I'm just providing what I try to here to keep up the technology info, and my experience with a free app that doesn't slow down my Droid X one noticeable bit.

If you think that the massively exploding smartphone and Android OS device market isn't the latest fodder for Malware agents...