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Starting from scratch. Which carrier/phone ?

dougrb said:
OK, LAST question.. I promise !

We're about to head out to get our phones etc... I'm going to get the EVO, obviously. And she let me decide which phone she should get initially unless she hates it when she tests it. I was thinking either the HTC Hero or the Samsung Transform.

Does the Transform suffer the same GPS issues as the Galaxy S line does ? The Transform is newer than the Hero, so it's likely to get 2.2 at some point (hopefully), but is there anything else other than the front facing camera and keyboard which would be make or break about the Transform ? Any opinions on which is the better overall phone ? Which might be better after rooting etc etc ?

Doug
Click to expand...
Transform..

1. i heard it is a Sprint ID phone.. not sure why.. but have heard warnings about it.

2. it should have the same issues with GPS as epic. I have not heard otherwise.

3. it has about the same hardware specs as the moment... not an upgrade. so the memory is a lot smaller than the EPIC. Same as Hero and Moment. If she likes to download apps.. about 70ish.. there maybe is random .. lags and reboots....

I wish sprint had better mid range androids...
I hear.. rumors of a new HTC Knight... looks really good. But not sure of 4G or not and may not be out till Jan 2011.
 
Palmetto Fellow said:
This gives me a great idea if you need to terminate the contract early. I assume Sprint doesn't charge an early termination fee if they initiate the termination...or did I sign away that right when I get their service?
Click to expand...


that is true...

but the also can see where you are roaming...
if they know you are roaming in areas that should not be...
ie.. you are forcing the phone to roam and costing them money....

they will terminate and charge your EFT..
 
dougrb said:
OK, LAST question.. I promise !

We're about to head out to get our phones etc... I'm going to get the EVO, obviously. And she let me decide which phone she should get initially unless she hates it when she tests it. I was thinking either the HTC Hero or the Samsung Transform.

Does the Transform suffer the same GPS issues as the Galaxy S line does ? The Transform is newer than the Hero, so it's likely to get 2.2 at some point (hopefully), but is there anything else other than the front facing camera and keyboard which would be make or break about the Transform ? Any opinions on which is the better overall phone ? Which might be better after rooting etc etc ?

Doug
Click to expand...
I know nothing about the transform, but if it is comparable to the samsung moment as earlier posters have stated, then it is the worst android phone at sprint. Beware all samsung devices. ESPECIALLY the Moment. It goes waaaaay beyond gps issues.
 
dan330 said:
that is true...

but the also can see where you are roaming...
if they know you are roaming in areas that should not be...
ie.. you are forcing the phone to roam and costing them money....

they will terminate and charge your EFT..
Click to expand...

I wonder if this is actually true or if you're just thinking it's a possibility? I suppose it's always possible but I wonder how much they could blame it on you. There's value in playing stupid. Lol. Usually I'm against trying to find ways to get out of your contract because the whole reason for subsidization is because you sign the contract. However, Sprint for whatever dumbass reason does not offer the option to just pay full price for a handset and get month to month service as a new customer. So, have at it.
 
lusec said:
The Transform no doubt. Hero is yesteryears technology with android that is limited to 2.1. The Transform will have future android updates. That alone is worth more.
Click to expand...

Came back from a Sprint store and the gent in there said he wouldn't be getting their 3 new Android phones in until Monday, which is when he encouraged me to come back in. Really nice sales rep actually on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn right next to Trader Joe's.

Anyway, I was pretty unimpressed by the selection of phones offered by Sprint, and to add to that, the rep told me (think his name is Frank) that the HTC Hero is EOL so they're not even selling them anymore there due to being out of stock and will not be getting them back in. What surprised me more, was him saying that the EVO was the "replacement" for it ?! How in the world is the EVO, let alone a 4G capable phone, a replacement for such old tech ? I'd expect something at least in between the two to replace it, not the EVO.

I also asked about 4G in NYC and his reply was that starting Monday morning, the entire tri-state area and 5 boroughs in NYC would have a full 4G roll out. This also seems strange to me, since the Sprint website doesn't even register NYC for 4G.

I asked about the new phones coming in on Monday, and one of them obviously is the Transform. He didn't really seem utterly psyched about mentioning any of them, but especially not the Sanyo. The most I could squeeze from him was that the Transform might be a decent phone, but since he hasn't tried it yet, he's reluctant to say, which is logical and honest.

Needless to say, we walked out with zero merchandise. On the way to our next destination, stopped in to an Verizon dealer. The phones are just THAT much more appealing to both of us. Perhaps enough to not care about Sprint's unlimited mobile to any mobile or their theoretical 4G service.

I played with an Dinc and the DX, which both seem very fast and capable, though I'm a bit hesitant to go with the DX just because of Moto's stupid lockdown. If it weren't for that, I'd likely just say yeah, we're going with Verizon.

So as of now, it's kind of up in the air and we're going to mull the plans over again I suppose. The only thing keeping the prospect of going with Sprint open now, is that they offer a full money back guarantee within 30 days and that you can switch (according to the rep) to a different phone about 3 times. So that at least gives us a phone for a week for 4 weeks if need be. Sounds extreme, and I doubt I'd even go past 2 phones but at least the option is there.

P.S. Was just looking at the Phandroid home page and noticed the Droid II Global should be out soon. This is also something which interests my wife and I a good deal, considering she visits her family in Hungary about once a year or so and since we like to travel in general when possible. Not a big fan of BB's personally, or else I'd have just gone that route with Sprint already, I suppose. Just seems like a few other new phones are right around the corner, and would hate to miss them by a small margin. Man.. I hate this part! what to do.. what to do...


Doug
 
Personally, I don't know that I would get so bent out of shape about the locked Moto bootloaders. I've had my Droid 2 for a couple of months, and fiddle with it for at least an hour or two a day, and I'm still finding new ways to customize it. I don't know, Blur is good. It gets the job done, and the phone works great. Is it as "pretty" as a phone with Sense? No, but it looks damn good.

I'm very impressed with Verizon's network so far. I'm coming from AT&T where I just took it for granted that calls get dropped all the time, but I haven't dropped a single call on Verizon yet, even in tunnels and buildings.

That Droid 2 Global looks like it will be a phenomenal phone for your purposes. If you can hold off long enough, I might wait for that!
 
dan330 said:
ashykat.. give it a try.. and let us know what you find....
Click to expand...

No thanks. I'm not a Sprint customer, and my point was just that his plan could work, and maybe it could not. Have you heard of anyone force roaming, getting their contract terminated, and then charged the ETF? I wouldn't do it myself personally since I signed a contract all by myself without being forced to, so I fullfil my requirement of the contract. But, I'm not gonna tell someone else what to do. If they want to try it and get caught, it's on them.
 
Had a Verizon rep say to me the other day: "You'll never roam, our coverage is nation wide". I said, " So TECHNICALLY, I shouldn't ever roam? And if I do then I guess I'll never be charged for it?" Her: "There's no charge for roaming because you'll never roam" :confused: :rolleyes:

Seems a lot of folks are pretty smitten with the Samsung Transform, which is a good sign, though I haven't seen too many GPS reports or reviews. What bugs me about Sprint though is that they're always so behind with hardware, and I have to admit that I'm a new gadget junkie. I'd likely suffer from envy looking at each new VZN hardware release as the EVO gets older and older.

I doubt we'd have many if any problems with Verizon since we're in NYC, so it boils down to handset and price, really. Still can't help but be curious about how good or bad Sprint's service is here though, especially if the overall cost is less and the CS happens to be better. Wish VZN would announce when the Droid Global was being released.

Doug
 
Sprint would be best... Me and my family have been with Sprint for 10 years, and honestly they have the best price, with a great and actually DEPENDABLE network. Verison is very... how should I say this... horrible in some places. For example in Wisconsin, you either have one bar or no bars, and if you got a nice phone and you need to check something on the web, you'll be horribly disappointed. Sprint has nationwide coverage and right now they're focusing on a new line-up of Android phones for early 2011, so I would say be prepared to switch to Sprint, they are... 1.) Cheaper 2.) More dependable 3.) A quickly spreading 4G network 4.) Some nice 4G phones and a new lineup of Android phones to come early 2011. Hold out for Sprint, I promise you it will be well worth the wait, and I hope this helps.

(Get a map of Sprint's and Verison's nationwide coverage for a better examination. Sprint I think would give you a better plan with a better price than Verison, even with a 4G phone such as the Epic or Evo.)
 
[TheAndroid];1817554 said:
Sprint would be best... Me and my family have been with Sprint for 10 years, and honestly they have the best price, with a great and actually DEPENDABLE network. Verison is very... how should I say this... horrible in some places. For example in Wisconsin, you either have one bar or no bars, and if you got a nice phone and you need to check something on the web, you'll be horribly disappointed. Sprint has nationwide coverage and right now they're focusing on a new line-up of Android phones for early 2011, so I would say be prepared to switch to Sprint, they are... 1.) Cheaper 2.) More dependable 3.) A quickly spreading 4G network 4.) Some nice 4G phones and a new lineup of Android phones to come early 2011. Hold out for Sprint, I promise you it will be well worth the wait, and I hope this helps.

(Get a map of Sprint's and Verison's nationwide coverage for a better examination. Sprint I think would give you a better plan with a better price than Verison, even with a 4G phone such as the Epic or Evo.)
Click to expand...


Well, the one factual thing you've said (after having examined what we want in a phone) which needs to be considered, is that the Sprint bill would be $30 cheaper each month (taxes and sur charges aside). I find it revolting that it's almost $100 per person on a VZN family plan, and still only have 700 minutes to share and not even the option to have a friends or family list.

Still though, you're saying that Sprint will likely have some decent 4G phones come 2011, and by then I'll be in my second month of a 2 year contract, so the chances of upgrading to one of those newer phones is pretty much out of the question.

As far as dependability goes, I've heard the same story about Sprint's network and the opposite from VZN users, so it's really all based upon geography I suppose. For years, ATT was absolute crap in NYC, while those in Cali were saying just the opposite. Besides, I doubt I'll be finding myself in Wisconsin anytime soon. ;)

But yes, thank you for your account of the Sprint situation.. of course every side of the story helps so long as it's honest. Have to say though, we can't help but eye some of the new phones coming to VZN soon. Specifically, the Droid Global on November 11th. This would make a perfect phone for both of us, actually.. since we travel outside the country from time to time. Though, it's not THE most important thing, since we both have unlocked GSM based phones.

Doug
 
dougrb said:
Well, the one factual thing you've said (after having examined what we want in a phone) which needs to be considered, is that the Sprint bill would be $30 cheaper each month (taxes and sur charges aside). I find it revolting that it's almost $100 per person on a VZN family plan, and still only have 700 minutes to share and not even the option to have a friends or family list.

Still though, you're saying that Sprint will likely have some decent 4G phones come 2011, and by then I'll be in my second month of a 2 year contract, so the chances of upgrading to one of those newer phones is pretty much out of the question.

As far as dependability goes, I've heard the same story about Sprint's network and the opposite from VZN users, so it's really all based upon geography I suppose. For years, ATT was absolute crap in NYC, while those in Cali were saying just the opposite. Besides, I doubt I'll be finding myself in Wisconsin anytime soon. ;)

But yes, thank you for your account of the Sprint situation.. of course every side of the story helps so long as it's honest. Have to say though, we can't help but eye some of the new phones coming to VZN soon. Specifically, the Droid Global on November 11th. This would make a perfect phone for both of us, actually.. since we travel outside the country from time to time. Though, it's not THE most important thing, since we both have unlocked GSM based phones.

Doug
Click to expand...

Just glad I could help Doug. I guess you'll probably be leaning toward Verison considering they do have the phone you want and such, but remember again. if your on Verison and using their prices VS. Sprint, you'll find that you could buy a new phone every few months on Sprint with all the extra cash you'll be paying on Verison altogether. Just remember that you don't want to pay more than you must, and with all the money you save on Sprint, you could just buy another new phone within the next 6-10 months uk? And if your wondering why I said Wisconsin, its cause I go up north with my friends alot to cabins and such and I always have a good 3 bars or more. ;)

(This is also a pretty good bet to just stay with your current provider until you see fit to switch to whatever carrier has what you need for the price you want, I have a feeling if you wait with Sprint, you won't be disappointed, with a new account, rebate, and 2 year agreement, you could get an Epic for 200$ or a newer 4G phone in 2011 ;) )
Best of luck Doug!
 
I'll probably get a lot of hate for this one. :p

Since you loved your iPhone, you should probably go with Verizon since they'll be getting an iPhone by the end of the year.

Apple Making Verizon-Ready iPhone by Year End - WSJ.com

With that said, if you need something now, you should get either an Evo 4G from Sprint or a Droid X from Verizon.

Evo 4G pros:
4G speeds
Front Facing Camera
You can use data and voice while you are using 4G (Today is suppose to be New York's 4G launch date)

http://phandroid.com/2010/10/18/spr...s-december-1st-san-francisco-end-of-the-year/

Evo cons:
Battery Life
Slow GPU

Droid X pros:
Faster CPU
Faster GPU
Good battery Life

Droid X cons:
No Front Facing Camera
Only 3G speeds
Can't use simultaneousness voice and data

Yes, Verizon is more expensive, but I think that if you are going to be unhappy with an Evo 4G due to the battery life, I don't see an issue with paying a little bit more to Verizon if you are going to be happier with your phone.

edit: As others have said, don't get a Galaxy S Epic 4G if you didn't like the Galaxy S Fascinate since they both have similar flaws. (Same thing with Galaxy S Captivate on AT&T and Galaxy S Vibrant on T-Mobile)

edit 2: The Droid X speed advantage will probably only be noticeable if you play graphics intensive games.
 
Belmont said:
I'll probably get a lot of hate for this one. :p

Since you loved your iPhone, you should probably go with Verizon since they'll be getting an iPhone by the end of the year.

Apple Making Verizon-Ready iPhone by Year End - WSJ.com

With that said, if you need something now, you should get either an Evo 4G from Sprint or a Droid X from Verizon.

Evo 4G pros:
4G speeds
Front Facing Camera
You can use data and voice while you are using 4G (Today is suppose to be New York's 4G launch date)

Sprint: 4G in New York November 1st, Los Angeles December 1st, San Francisco End of the Year | Android Phone Fans

Evo cons:
Battery Life
Slow GPU

Droid X pros:
Faster CPU
Faster GPU
Good battery Life

Droid X cons:
No Front Facing Camera
Only 3G speeds
Can't use simultaneousness voice and data

Yes, Verizon is more expensive, but I think that if you are going to be unhappy with an Evo 4G due to the battery life, I don't see an issue with paying a little bit more to Verizon if you are going to be happier with your phone.

edit: As others have said, don't get a Galaxy S Epic 4G if you didn't like the Galaxy S Fascinate since they both have similar flaws. (Same thing with Galaxy S Captivate on AT&T and Galaxy S Vibrant on T-Mobile)

edit 2: The Droid X speed advantage will probably only be noticeable if you play graphics intensive games.
Click to expand...

Interestingly enough, I could care less about the iPhone. Did I give the impression in my op that I loved it ? I LOVE my MacBook Pro's, that's a for sure. And LOVE OS X... definitely. But the iPhone, and Apple as a corporate entity, not so much. I really dislike their approach with many things, and a good example is how they try and control what their user base does by locking their products down in that typical Apple fashion. So no, I will not be waiting for the iPhone on Verizon.

Simultaneous voice and data is something I've never seen the need to utilize on a phone. Figure if I'm sitting somewhere and need to talk while looking over something online or a Google document etc.. I can just as easily be on a separate computer. I'm thinking that such a nicety would be more for BlackBerry users in the corporate world. Besides, imagine the battery drain while on 4G and talking ?!

I THINK we're going to try and hold out and see what happens come Nov 11th, and hope that the Droid Global works well. Of course I do keep going back to the fact that we'd be paying $360 less per year with Sprint. Just that a $180 phone bill a month sounds ridiculous to us. Especially coming from ATT where it was $130 and believe it or not, the service was pretty satisfactory where we were. Too bad ATT had to kill off their unlimited data plans, or else we'd actually still be looking in that direction, despite them screwing us over with the ETF they said we wouldn't have to pay... Ugh.

It would/might be pretty stupid though to totally pass up Sprint with their 30 day all money back guarantee. And even with people here saying that Sprint technically doesn't need more or better Android phones, I can't help but disagree with that assertion. The GPS on the Epic is a huge fail, with no sign of a fix (perhaps because it's hardware based but we don't know yet, do we) and the EVO is certainly getting a bit long in the tooth IMO, and from the start never had great video resolution or quality. Definitely not smooth for a camera of its supposed class. (this according to documented tests and reviews which we can all see)

Doug
 
I'd say that if you're unhappy about the Evo 4G, just go with Verizon. There's nothing worse than being unhappy with your phone if you don't have to be.

I'm still stuck with AT&T, but with the Motorola Olympus (Nvidia Tegra 2 based phone) coming out in Q1 2011, I can't help but stay on the network. AT&T's individual plan sucks, but at least the family plan is decent.

For two lines(prices are based in Las Vegas):

AT&T
$120(unlimited voice for two lines)+$50(2gb per phone for two lines)+$30(Unlimited Family Text)=$200

Sprint
Simply Everything
 
dan330 said:
that looks pretty even.. off by $10...
with so little.. then the better service provider would be worth the change...

also.. there are a few add services.. for free with sprint..
visual voicemail
GPS
will never get charged for extra data...solid bill every month.
free.. cell to ANY cell.
Click to expand...

AT&T also has free visual voice mail. Verizon is the only one charging for it.

With that said, I agree that if you're not getting an unlimited plan, Sprint has the best options with free cell to any cell AND free early nights and weekends. You can't beat that.
 
What about T-mobile? I am getting ready to leave AT&T. Verizon is more expensive than AT&T for our family plan. T-mobile comes in cheaper with a better web and text plan along with some good phones like the G2, mytouch 4G and 3G Slide.
 
As for T-Mobile, it really is a hit and miss. When I lived in Florida, T-Mobile didn't have very good coverage. Here in Vegas, it has awesome coverage.

So it all depends on where you live.

The price for an unlimited everything family plan(two lines) is $140 out of contract or $180 in a contract. Outside of contract, you have to pay full price for the phone, but I've heard of 2-year installment plans from T-Mobile to pay off your phone for $25 per month per phone as well which comes out to be at around the same price of being in a contract.

My brother uses T-Mobile, and he's a very happy customer.

Plus, they have a nice selection of Android phones (Vibrant, G2, and myTouch 4G)
 
Belmont said:
I'd say that if you're unhappy about the Evo 4G, just go with Verizon. There's nothing worse than being unhappy with your phone if you don't have to be.

I'm still stuck with AT&T, but with the Motorola Olympus (Nvidia Tegra 2 based phone) coming out in Q1 2011, I can't help but stay on the network. AT&T's individual plan sucks, but at least the family plan is decent.

For two lines(prices are based in Las Vegas):

AT&T
$120(unlimited voice for two lines)+$50(2gb per phone for two lines)+$30(Unlimited Family Text)=$200

Sprint
Simply Everything
Click to expand...
 
told you.. i can see how you can be cheaper on Verizon vs Sprint.

i hope.. sprint has good service in your area...
 
I'm assuming that you meant:
Everything Data Family - with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM

Yeah, with that you can get it for $130 and share 1,500 minutes to land lines. As I said in the previous post, I didn't know your needs.

I hope you like the Evo 4G. It's a solid device IMO.
 
Belmont said:
I'm assuming that you meant:
Everything Data Family - with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM

Yeah, with that you can get it for $130 and share 1,500 minutes to land lines. As I said in the previous post, I didn't know your needs.

I hope you like the Evo 4G. It's a solid device IMO.
Click to expand...

Well yeah, because who really (aside from businesses) uses land lines anymore? Hell, I ripped the old phone lines out of my wall when I moved into my place. Personally thinking about getting the Epic rather than the EVO, in hopes that they get the GPS thing sorted. Epic should make a great phone when rooted, especially since the hardware is that much newer/better.

Doug
 
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