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Do I buy an Android Phone or Plain Ol' Phone?

M

MissMinnesota

Newbie
Good Morning to you all! I've received great advice in this column so I'm coming here, again, for a different question.

Okay, here's the facts:

1) I'm the very proud owner of a Samsung Galaxy Tablet that I bought through HSN. It came with a $300 VISA credit, if you signed up for a $30.00 data plan through Sprint. I jumped at the chance to get that $300 and signed up. I'm VERY happy! NO other carrier, especially my own, AT & T, had this rebate! And what can I say about owning an Android device? THEY ROCK!!!!

2) I've had AT & T for 13 years. GREAT service and never a single problem in 13 years. My 21 year old business phone is linked to this carrier.

Since discovering Android phones, I've been looking at upgrading my four year old Motorola phone. However, by reading reviews on multiple websites, I've discovered that AT & T has the WORST of the Android phones. Bummer!

3) Looked into changing to Sprint to get the EVO. Then, a friend I explained this to said, "Why do you need an Android PHONE and an Android Tablet? Isn't the purpose of a tablet to be able to see a LARGER SCREEN????":eek:

:confused: Well, that got me thinking about a double redundancy.:confused: I've been carrying my Gal-Tab with me, everywhere! Use it in every single store I go to, to scan prices and complete my shopping lists. LOVE the 7" screen and once my friend pointed this out to me, I'm now wondering HOW and WHY an Android phone would make my life any better?

So, if you're still following me, since I truly need a new cell phone because my Motorola is crapping out on me, should I just buy the cheapest phone from AT & T, that allows phone calls, texting and a tiny camera to take wallpaper shots?

I do NOT social network! I despise texting but that could be because I don't have a qwerty key board. I've never used the web-browder on my old Motorola. Knowing all of this about me, would having an Android phone just be duplicating the Galaxy Tablet?

Thanks to all that reply!
 
Well, in my opinion, the good thing about tablets is the larger screen, but a phone will be much more portable. Therefore, you can use a small easily pocketable phone, such as the Motorola Bravo to do all of the jobs your Gal-Tab is currently doing when out and about, such as assisting with the shopping. That doesn't really require the larger screen. But, when you know you are going to be more stationary for an extended period of time, such as at home, work, or at the airport then the Gal-Tab will be great to be able to use time on and get actual work done without having to worry about using up your communication devices battery.

I definitely think that there are benefits to having both devices.

On that, AT&T is getting much better devices, currently the newer Motorola Bravo, which is consistently under-appreciated, is widely considered and priced as a middle of the road device, but through most benchmarks shows that it is actually just about as powerful as most of high end devices on the other carriers. It is still on Android 2.1, but when it gets updated to 2.2 it will likely be even more powerful.
AT&T is also expected to be getting one of the first dual-core phones coming in early 2011, also from Motorola. This should be a very good all-round phone.
 
roadkizzle: you offer very sound device! Neither my friend nor I were trying to be curmudgeons; he just offered a genuine question that I wasn't capable of answering. From his initial question, it did appear to be redundant: having both a 7" screen and a 4" screen but you have a very valid point.

I love my current Motorola phone but because it's 4 years old, it's ancient, in the world of phones. I've already used up the original battery and have had to go to ebay to find others. NONE of those hold a charge very well so I'm being forced to carry my cell phone charger with me to job sites so I can make more than 4 phone calls per day and not end up with a dead battery! Ugh!

It sounds like I need to hold out to at least February to make a firm decision, based on what sounds like a very exciting January, for new devices. I realize that most people want an Android phone vs. an Android tablet so this is not a common problem. But, I needed the tablet specificaly for my landscape firm: photos; files; email; research at job site; and the 7" tablet is more condusive to serious business. The boon, that I didn't know when I bought the tablet, was the Wonderful World of Apps! I now have many grocery and list apps on there, to help me keep track of my day.

Well, unless I receive some more responses, then it sounds like I keep bringing my charger with me until February.:D

Thank you, roadkizzle, for your insightful post and your opinion. I appreciate your taking the time to help me.
 
Hi there,

I was actually thinking of picking up the Galaxy Tab and putting down my smart phone for a phone that just does calls and texts. I've always been a sucker for tablets, but I rather not go the Ipad route (my mom has one and I think the galaxy tab is better for me).



Honestly, the way I see it, I normally don't have to check my emails on the fly, I don't find myself even really looking at a lot of websites from my phone because of how small it is even with pinch to zoom. the advantages of the galaxy tab are pretty big over a smart phone:

- larger screen is better for in car navigation
- Emails/Websites are much more pleasant to work with on the Tab
-Big enough for a tablet, small enough to be portable
- Video chat is a nice feature, and one i started using more now that some of my friends are living out of the country
- the cool factor of the tab is pretty high I think. It's a sexy device and really comfy to hold.


somethings you might miss:

being able to copy something like directions and send it as a text ( im sure there are apps to remedy this though)

having everything on one device
---
If you feel like you might want to still keep a smartphone and do it "all in one"

check out Engadget.com nextweek. Next week is CES (consumer electronic show) and all the new phones will be announced (January 6th) so that would be something to look out for as well
 
I was looking for an all-n-one device for months. I had followed the Dell Streak from April to August and then gave up on the device after the failed launch. I then started following the Galaxy Tab and seriously considered it as the one and only device. Then Samsung or the carriers removed the phone when they brought it to the US. I still considered the Tab as a possibility with a VOIP free service and bluetooth headset for a phone. But after carrying around a cardboard mock up for months figured it was really too big to be pocketable. I also gave up when they were overpriced.

I finally settled on a Sony X10, but it was too small for me and then BestBuy had the Streak on sale, so I picked it up a week ago.

Long story to answer your question :D

Since you say you carry it everywhere and are paying $30 month, why not try putting a VOIP on it and use it as a phone too for free. If that doesn't work for you for the next month or so, then consider picking up a cheap phone. If you are willing to do the contract thing, you can get plenty of free phones from any carrier. I would stay away from a smartphone so you don't have to pay for another data plan, but the $15/plan isn't too bad.
 
The advantage of a phone is that you keep it with you at all times.

If you need a gps BAM there it is.

If you just want to check email BAM there it is.

I don't know about tablets or how quick they boot up/turn on or how well the battery life is for a "constantly on device".

However, I know that part of what makes the android phones great is the fact that they are in fact always on.

My logic behind having both (if I infact did own an android phone and an android tablet)

Would be that the phone is for quick use and the tablet is to save the phones batteries when your just want to sit down and do seriously research/want to really think about something..

Or the smaller screen just doesn't cut it at all.

I would highly recommend at least considering the at&t phones.

A lot of people are willing to hop carriers for phone's like its nothing.. I personally am not one to tell people to stay with their carrier just for the sake of doing so however, when you pick a carrier you usually have a reason for doing so.

You seem like an intelligent responsible person who picked your carrier based on your needs. Why gamble with quirky coverage on a new provider?

If you do decide to switch check your coverage and do your homework.

Make sure that when you hop over you know exactly what to expect.

I personally do not own a captivate... however, I know quite a few people who do and none of them have voiced any complaints to me.

This ranges from hardcore tech geeks to average joe.

I am not promising you won't have any problems with it or the aria.. however, I do think it is worth trying for yourself at the very least.
 
MarcMaiden said:
Hi there,

I was actually thinking of picking up the Galaxy Tab and putting down my smart phone for a phone that just does calls and texts. I've always been a sucker for tablets, but I rather not go the Ipad route (my mom has one and I think the galaxy tab is better for me).



Honestly, the way I see it, I normally don't have to check my emails on the fly, I don't find myself even really looking at a lot of websites from my phone because of how small it is even with pinch to zoom. the advantages of the galaxy tab are pretty big over a smart phone:

- larger screen is better for in car navigation
- Emails/Websites are much more pleasant to work with on the Tab
-Big enough for a tablet, small enough to be portable
- Video chat is a nice feature, and one i started using more now that some of my friends are living out of the country
- the cool factor of the tab is pretty high I think. It's a sexy device and really comfy to hold.


somethings you might miss:

being able to copy something like directions and send it as a text ( im sure there are apps to remedy this though)

having everything on one device
---
If you feel like you might want to still keep a smartphone and do it "all in one"

check out Engadget.com nextweek. Next week is CES (consumer electronic show) and all the new phones will be announced (January 6th) so that would be something to look out for as well
Click to expand...

Hi, MarcMaiden,
I finally have a chance to respond to the messages posted to this thread.

YOU used the operative word: SEXY! Dang, that tablet really, truly is!

I've always been one of the 1st Kids on the Block to get a new e-device but never the "right" device for the Uber-Coolness factor. Everyone has an iPod; I have a Zune. Everyone has a Kindle; I have a Sony Reader. Everyone has an iPad...oh, hold up! I do now have the Coolest and Hottest and Sexiest Device out there!:p

I've only owned my Gal-Tab since the 15th. I made a vow to myself prior to ordering it, that I would become the Master of It's Universe by March 30th, or NOT order it. So far, I've succeeded! I own a landscape firm; this February it will be 21 years old. Although we work with the most primative of tools to accomplish miracles: shovels, trowels, manure...it's cutting edge technology that lands me the accounts! Last year, I took a very aggressive approach with new clients and hauled my giant 17" Sony Vaio with me to all new presentations, landing 3 major acounts on my photos and slideshow presentation. But, I could never check email or do research on the job, since my 4-year old Motorola is so primitive: the screen is 1" by 2"!:eek:

With this tablet, I know that it will pay for itself in ONE job! I've already downloaded 12 folders of installations that we have done; it is beyond light speed in checking emails and sending attachments; and when I'm at a client's and I need to find the proper organic treatment for Wooly Aphids on Beech Trees, I can find it out in less than 3 minutes!

Regarding your Sexy comment: it doesn't matter WHERE I am with this device: Walmart, supermarket, McDonald's, or Target....once people who see it get past the fact that "No, it is NOT a Kindle but a new tablet out there!", they ALL WANT IT!!!! I find that I am currently using it more than 4 hours per day (not solid, but broken up during the day) while I am on unemployment: for example of a typical day--Wake up via the alarm, read the top stories in every catagory but sports while I'm enjoying my coffee. Look at calendar to see what I need to do that day. Listen to Pandora while I'm using the screen as my e-cookbook, making meals for my family and I. Answer emails throughout the day. Retire, at night, reading "The Help" on my Kindle app.

I knew, buying it, that in 365 days, it will be ancient. In two years time, it will be obsolete, with the way that the tablet/Android market is racing ahead. I don't care. Right now, it is increasing productivity within my life, a thousand fold, and keeping my ancient brain cells alive and safe from Alzheimer's. I have already planned to "gift" my current version to my BFF, a Luddite who covets it, for Christmas of 2011. I will then buy the newest and latest version, because my learning curve will be so much greater.

If you have the chance to buy this and want a 3G plan, the cheapest that I found it is through HSN. BUT...check to make sure that the $300.00 VISA card rebate is still active if you go that route; those of us who bought it before Christmas, have only until tomorrow to activate the card and then it's void.

I liked your post, a lot!
 
nb_mitch said:
I was looking for an all-n-one device for months. I had followed the Dell Streak from April to August and then gave up on the device after the failed launch. I then started following the Galaxy Tab and seriously considered it as the one and only device. Then Samsung or the carriers removed the phone when they brought it to the US. I still considered the Tab as a possibility with a VOIP free service and bluetooth headset for a phone. But after carrying around a cardboard mock up for months figured it was really too big to be pocketable. I also gave up when they were overpriced.

I finally settled on a Sony X10, but it was too small for me and then BestBuy had the Streak on sale, so I picked it up a week ago.

Long story to answer your question :D

Since you say you carry it everywhere and are paying $30 month, why not try putting a VOIP on it and use it as a phone too for free. If that doesn't work for you for the next month or so, then consider picking up a cheap phone. If you are willing to do the contract thing, you can get plenty of free phones from any carrier. I would stay away from a smartphone so you don't have to pay for another data plan, but the $15/plan isn't too bad.
Click to expand...

OMG, nb_mitch, I never thought of the added cost of the required data plan with a new Smart phone! Thank you, thank you, for pointing this out. I do not currently know what a "VOIP" is but by time this is posted, I'll google it and find out.

As to WHY I haven't wanted a Smart Phone, previous to the Tablet is simple: When any of YOU hire a contractor, do you want them to DO THE JOB THEY WERE HIRED TO DO or wasting YOUR precious time and money, checking emails, returning them and gabbing on their phones? I work with every kind of tradesperson possible in my landscaping company: electricians, plumbers, coppersmiths, tree service, gas company, carpenters, etc. They ALL have Blackberry's. And they ALL, when your head is turned, are wasting your time, answering every frickin' email that comes across their phone. I've jokingly asked these guys, many of which are my personal friends, "Boy! You must really have a booming business that you have to get those emails!", and they laugh back, saying, "Nah. I'm bidding on ebay" or "Nope. It's just the wife". :eek:

Sorry, but I have an antiquated belief system that if you are paying me to work, I am supposed to WORK, not be a slacker. When I receive phone calls throughout the day, I look at the screen and make a case-by-case decision as to "Does this pertain to the current job or not?" If not, I let it roll to voicemail and check it during lunch. Now, with my tablet, I can also use that option during lunch or during the day, but ONLY with my client. They can suggest, "How about lilacs?" and I can pull up a page on the web, saying that "Lilacs will NOT bloom in deep shade", and have that added information to show them.

I've never heard of the Streak but promise to look into it, after I'm done posting, just so I know what made your heart "pidder-padder" at the end.:D
 
Dear Snow Fox:
I've read and reread your post many times. It is the "Voice of Experience" and I hang my head in shame, for being such a 'Knee Jerk" thinker, regarding changing my carrier. You provided the Reality Check that I needed. Thank you.:D

You said, "You seem like an intelligent responsible person who picked your carrier based on your needs. Why gamble with quirky coverage on a new provider?" and you're right. I stayed with AT & T throughout all the buy-outs and changes because their service, for me, is phenominal and I have coverage EVERYWHERE that I need it. I also have an incredible phone plan for the 100's of business calls per week that I must make.

Since I'm now seriously considering just the plainest of phones, there is NO need for me to change from AT & T. I'm glad that I had time to read these posts before I did something regretable.

You said, "I don't know about tablets or how quick they boot up/turn on or how well the battery life is for a "constantly on device".

Well, the Galaxy Tablet can be put into two modes: OFF and SLEEP. The off mode means that it's truly "off'; the sleep mode means that it's on standby and will receive emails and updates throughout the day, but uses very little battery power. To turn a tablet ON from OFF takes 13 seconds (yes, I timed it). With my laptop, to go from OFF to ON, it takes 5 frickin' minutes for the whole system to come on board.:mad: My tablet is 4-5 times faster than my dual-core VAIO or Dell. I use the tablet almost exclusively for email reading now, and only use the laptop when I reply to anything at great length. I've used the tablet for 4 straight hours, ON, and the battery dropped by 1/3rd. That's pretty darn good for multiple applications such as listening to Pandora, surfing the web, responding to emails and downloading photos.

I'm so glad that I started this thread. Everyone who has replied, has made me take stock of what is best for me and brought up many issues that I had not yet thought of.

Thank you, one and all, and I wish you a wonderful new year!:p
 
VOIP is Voice over Internet, Skype is the most popular although Google also has a version of their own. I use another on my work PC, don't even have a real phone anymore.

Carriers don't like it because it is free or virtually :D

A Dell Streak is a 5" Android phone that Dell came out with last summer with the worst product launch in all history. The week of the launch all mentions of Dell were removed from all At&t sites and they don't talk about it. Don't know what happened, but apparently the 2 companies aren't happy with each other. Dell then went on to try and sell the phone like a Ipad and only directly over the net, no stores in the US sold it and it was expensive with an At&t contract while it was free in the UK. Then finally started selling it through Bestbuy and it is now $99.

I love it but it is huge and I can't see anyone carrying a 5" Streak and a 7" Gtab at the same time :eek:
 
MissMinnesota

I sold cell phones.

Gotta think on your feet and make the decision for the customer.

I think the users on these forums are not as bad as your average customer..

But, more customers than you would believe don't know what they want walking into the store... They also have a bad habit of wanting solutions they clearly don't need.
 
Mitch: thanks for the explanations. A 5" and 7" device together? Yeah, I agree, lots of weight! After the Dell Streak PR failure, is the Zune. WHY Microsoft has tossed this Baby out with the Bath Water, I don't know! Ever see a Zune ad? Yeah, me neither. It's far superior to an iPod and their Zune Pass rocks! I still have my original model, from 4 years ago; my sister, she's on her 4th iPod as they keep breaking on her. The screen, the hard-drive..you name it, they've failed. Maybe Zune's are marketed overseas? Who knows?

Snow Fox: Oh, trust me, I utterly believe you when you say that customer's don't know what they want when they walk into a store. Owning my own company, I run into that 80% of the time. Me, to client, "What would you like in your garden?" Them, back to me, "Oh, I want it to look pretty." ~insert me, rolling my eyes~
 
Oh I completely understand that one.

I am guessing they also want magical plants they don't have to take care of!

"I want my money back this one died"

"sir have you watered this in the last 3 months?"

"no, what did I pay you for?!"

XD

anyway back on topic.

If your going with a "normal phone" good luck.. I can't find a decent non smart phone to save my life :(
 
Oh, I have one better!
"All my plants are dead! They need to be replaced!"
"Did you water them?"
~beat~
"No, that's God's job."<<<<REAL answer given to me! LOL

I'll be prowling my AT & T for the dumbest of the Smart phones once I get back off holiday, on 5-January. If I find one, I'll post about it.
 
all smart phones require a 25 or 15$ data plan.

Going that route, may as well get a captivate :/

sure 200$ is a lot of money but, tbh I always view the up front cost of the phone as the smaller amount your going to pay for the device..
 
I know this is an Android forum but in this situation, I'd get a Nokia N8. More than likely, AT&T won't recognize the IMEI as a smartphone. You'll get a really good camera + phone to complement the tab.

Personally, I wouldn't want to pay for two data plans. I got an unlocked Streak so that I can swap sims with something smaller when needed. That and I don't trust Samsung but that's not really relevant here.
 
You can get almost any Android phone that At&t carriers at most the resellers (Wal-Mart, Wirefly, Amazon, etc) for free, the question is do you really want to carry another data plan for 2 years.
 
I bought a Bravo from amazon for one penny.... and then had it for a month before I decided to add a line to my family plan so I could get ANOTHER one for my wife

The bravo is a perfect phone....I'm totally happy with it (both of them)
 
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