Looking for some advice...

[ElIntocable]

I've been browsing this site for a while now. I need some advice on my next move with my cell phone and possibly my carrier. I currently have AT&T and the original iPhone. I'm ready for an Android phone! I've been with them since early 2008. My contract has been up for a while so now I have the opportunity to upgrade or leave with no ETF. I'm in a good position. Since I've been with AT&T so long, I have an unlimited data package and about 92 hours of rollover minutes. I'm on the 300 anytime minutes plan/package. I rarely talk on the phone! Well, I can't decide if I should wait for the new 4G phones coming out for AT&T. I really like the Atrix, except everyone and there grandma says MotoBlur is horrible. Problem is, I don't think I'll have 4G in my area. Same is true if I were to switch to Verizon. I do know that 3G is available through Verizon in my area; AT&T 3G isn't. For me price wise, switching to Verizon would be the same, although I would lose rollover minutes. I also would lose free minutes as more of my closer friends and fiance use AT&T. No biggie there. I'm leaning towards making the switch and picking up a Droid X. (FTR, I've had T-Mo and they were so stingy. They wouldn't give me a deal at all, even when I was with them since they were Voice Stream. Sprint is HORRIBLE in my area.)

So, would a 4G phone pick up 3G when only 3G was available? I'm not a hacker at all. I've never been into rooting, jail breaking my phones. Would MotoBlur be bad for someone like me? Would I be better going the 4G route, even if I may not have it in my area? I really don't know what I should do. HAHA!

Sorry so long and thank you in advance.

 

[Taylored]

It seems like based on your service area, if you plan on living in the same place for another 1-2 years you should switch to VZW so you can get 3G. As for a specific phone, I could not advise you with out more detail of what you are looking for.
If you are after a top of the line phone, you would do better to wait until May/June to buy a new phone as there should be some interesting releases this summer.
If you want a phone now, and want to make the switch to VZW you need to figure out what kind of phone you want.
Do you want a physical keyboard? if so you should consider the Droid2
Do you want a big screen? if so, you should consider the DroidX
Do you want something small, and easy to carry? if so, you should consider the HTC Incredible.

I do not think a LTE phone purchase in the next few months is a good idea, but that is just because I am not sure what VZW pricing will be for the LTE network. If it is anything like Sprint, I would avoid 4G for the next year.

In direct answer to your question about 4G and 3G coverage; Yes. The next round of phones from VZW will be LTE/CDMA. Meaning you will have 3G when 4G is not there, and you should be able to turn 4G off if you were so inclined.

 

[ElIntocable]

I'm interested in a 4" or bigger screen, complete touch screen (no pysical keyboard). I've been looking at the DX a lot. That's nice to know 3G will be there as a "backup" when 4G isn't. I wonder if AT&T's 4G phones will be the same. Like I said in my previous post, I've had an orignal iPhone since early '08. 3G will be a welcomed service. LOL!

What exactly makes MotoBlur so bad? I've read that the DX doesn't have it or at least it's a very mild version. ???

 

[Taylored]

I'm interested in a 4" or bigger screen, complete touch screen (no pysical keyboard). I've been looking at the DX a lot. That's nice to know 3G will be there as a "backup" when 4G isn't. I wonder if AT&T's 4G phones will be the same. Like I said in my previous post, I've had an orignal iPhone since early '08. 3G will be a welcomed service. LOL!

What exactly makes MotoBlur so bad? I've read that the DX doesn't have it or at least it's a very mild version. ???

I have not had a moto phone, but my brother has the original Droid, and my mother has the DX. They are both pretty happy with their phones. I have played with the DX a good bit. It is a good phone.
If you go with the DX, get it on AMZ. New customers get the DX for $50 with 2yr activation.

 

[ElIntocable]

I have not had a moto phone, but my brother has the original Droid, and my mother has the DX. They are both pretty happy with their phones. I have played with the DX a good bit. It is a good phone.
If you go with the DX, get it on AMZ. New customers get the DX for $50 with 2yr activation.

I think I'm going to wait for the Thunderbolt. Right now, the Thunderbolt is my first choice, followed by either the Atrix or Bionic. I'm just playing the waiting game at the moment.

The only thing about going through Amazon or Wirelessmarketplus is I wonder if I can keep my current cell phone number?

ETA: Thanks for the help!

 

[Taylored]

The Thunderbolt would be my choice too, but that is partially because I am a HTC fanboy. Spec standalone, it would not win against the Atrix... not even close. I would probably get the Atrix, but I hate AT&T with all of my soul.

As for AMZ phone purchases, they must have something set up to enable you to port your number. It is the law. I do not know how it works, but I am sure they would guide you through it. I would rather deal with AMZ CSRs any day over VZW CSRs.