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AT&T Android Device for $500

D

DBordello

Lurker
I just sold my iPhone 3GS on Ebay for $500. I am looking to get an Android device. I am not eligible for a contract extension, so non-AT&T specific devices are also an option.

Are there any options besides the Samsung Captivate? (And a couple "lessor" phones).

Is there anything on the horizon? The HTC Desire HD looks VERY interesting, but appears to be Europe only.

What are you guys's thoughts? Anything interesting on its way? I can hold out.

Thanks,
Dan
 
I say hold out.

Most of the best phones with AT&T 3G bands utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (Nexus One, HTC Desire, Acer Liquid E, Dell Streak, SE Xperia X10). And with the release of the Desire HD/Desire Z/G2, a newer version of that processor has debuted (lower power consumption, better 3D capabilities). This processor will probably be seen on many upcoming phones during the end of this year/first half of next year. Wait for a phone like the Desire HD to release with AT&T 3G bands (maybe in Canada?). That newer processor plus the newer version of Sense (includes something similar to MobileME for FREE) may make it worth the wait.

Options for AT&T which do not have the Qualcomm chips are Galaxy S/Vibrant/Captivate (Canadian Vibrant has the front camera. If the GPS problems are fixed, this might be the best option out there) and Motorola Milestone (pretty much like the Droid 1 which is outdated given the fact that Droid 2 has released for Verizon).
 
That sounds interesting.

I had just convinced myself to get the Captivate. It has a 1ghz processor, a 4" screen, etc. I was starting to wonder what I was waiting for? A front facing camera would be nice, but I am not sure how often I would use it (perhaps once).

I will look into the Vibrant. I wonder if it is worth the hastle of getting an "unsupported" phone, with respect to warranty, updates, etc.

I appreciate the info. Any other thoughts are appreciated.

Dan
 
I have 500$ ... I would buy the captivate right now if my parents would agree to pay the stupid 25$ a month data package :/
 
Use your $500 to buy a device which is not on AT&T's system and put in a sim card with an unlimited medianet data plan.

Meaning wait until something good with NAM 3G bands comes out, or try to find a Bell Galaxy S Vibrant.
 
I'd recommend the Nexus One (if you can find one). IMO, that's the only phone worth getting if you are sticking to At&t.
 
I think by now AT&T probably has the Nexus IMEI in their system and would catch you if you are not on a smartphone data plan.

As for advantages, Captivate probably a better phone hardware-wise (especially since the GPS is fixed) BUT Nexus is Google's baby and would probably be the first phone to get updates (Gingerbread?).
 
LOL, I TRIED!

I was going to originally get the N1 before they had the imei's.

My parents refused to pay 10$ a month for a data package, talking about how "useless" it is.

Here we are now and here is what has happened (not even 6 months later)

My stepdad got an upgrade to a blackberry.
The blackberry is worth 109$ off contract. ~ totally wasted upgrade.

My mom gets iphone ~ she is a stay at home mom and 2/3 kids drive. 25$ a month so she can make facebook updates where ever she wants.

My stepdad turns around and pays FULL PRICE for an iphone 4.

Just less than two weeks ago they added "family maps" for 15$ a month.

Seeing as they are the only ones with smartphones, this is highly laughable.

My parents iphone 4 can be tracked to 500 yards.

Our dumb phones get tracked to an accuraccy of 3,000 yards. (roughly 2 mile radius is the given "accuracy")

I freaken love my parents! and they try to tell me and my brothers we don't know how the world works. Obsolete is an understatement.
 
Kelmar said:
I'd recommend the Nexus One (if you can find one). IMO, that's the only phone worth getting if you are sticking to At&t.
Click to expand...


Meh...I'm holding out for a Milestone 2, but not from this place (and hopefully not for $629):

Motorola DROID Milestone 2 Android Smartphone (Unlocked) #MILESTONE2 - eXpansys Inc

"...•Connectivity:
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900 Mhz (Quad-band)
- 3G: 850/900/1900/2100 (Quad-band)
- WiFi (802.11 b/g/n)
- HSDPA (10.2Mbps)
- HSUPA (5.76 Mbps)
- Bluetooth (2.1)
- microUSB
- 3.5mm Audio Connector"


I should be able to keep my $15/mo data plan since I signed up (in-store) with my Nokia N900, per the sales rep.
 
if you have a way of doing it..

You could get the HTC desire from somewhere. I don't havet he oppertunity..
 
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