Advice on iPhone versus Blackberry

[chenvt]

So I've decided to finally move beyond the plain phone/text (I have a first generation enV phone).. Now I've been looking at the iphone, but the biggest drawback seems to be ATT.. I have verizon now and the service is fine anywhere I've been and in some places my friend's iphone can't get a signal but my old ass verizon one can. Whoever I go with is basically going to be my commitment for the next 2 years. I'm on no contract now (even though Verizon keeps hounding me).

The con for verizon seems to be price. And the nickel and diming. I really don't understand what gets charged and what doesn't..

Here's basically what I want out of a phone..

-Internet/e-mail access (outlook, gmail, whatever.. as long as I can access e-mail)..
-text messages
-not getting nickel and dimed on plans

[ahc4353]

I have a BB Curve with a Verizon data plan (company paid) and love it. I think the iPhone's are cool for sure but if you don't have a signal all you have is a fancy paperweight.

[King James]

The new blackberry tour for verizon is very nice. If you can hold out longer there is a storm 2 in the future as well as a couple cool android phones that may or may not make its way to verizon. I two would like to have a iPhone but switching to ATT is the only thing keeping me away. Although the word is sometime in 2010 Verizon may be next up for the iPhone. At least we can hope

[captain53]

I use Blackberrrys, they are durable and I don't have to use ATT who I already tried and hated but there are plenty of people with the opposite view on that subject so flip a coin as to provider. New Blackberry "Tour" has 3g which is nice for internet. If you want good internet you need 3g, otherwise pretty slow. The touchscreen version Blackberry (can't remember name of it) is less than perfect for sure, if you like touchscreen then iphone is the overwhelming best choice. I am a pretty heavy user but not a tech geek type so this is just my 2 cents worth of user experience.

[dunng]

BlackBerry! :tu

I currently have a Curve, but my new Tour is sitting in the box until the case for it comes in. :wo

[ahc4353]

BlackBerry! :tu

I currently have a Curve, but my new Tour is sitting in the box until the case for it comes in. :wo

What does the Tour have that the Curve does not?

[captain53]

BlackBerry! :tu

I currently have a Curve, but my new Tour is sitting in the box until the case for it comes in. :wo

My current Blackberry is the International and only 6 months old, previous was a curve. Both work equally well (no camera in International) but Intl has a little larger screen and keyboard which is nice for us seasoned citizens. But no doubt if I was buying today it would be a Tour.:2

[chenvt]

I have a BB Curve with a Verizon data plan (company paid) and love it. I think the iPhone's are cool for sure but if you don't have a signal all you have is a fancy paperweight.

Well I almost got a blackberry issued to me, then some a-hats abused it so they're limiting who gets them now..

[Sauer Grapes]

I'm in your area and ATT really isn't that bad. I've never had verizon here, so I cannot say how much better it is than ATT, but the public opinion seems to think verizon is better in DC.

That being said, the iPhone is the most user friendly phone on the market. Remember when Nokias used to be the most easy to use cell phone 10 years ago... Apple has taken that simplicity and added it to a smart phone/everything phone.

That being said, blackberrys are nice, so you really cannot go wrong with either one. I've owned both and I can honestly say I love the iphone while I only "liked" the blackberry.

I'm rarely without a signal with ATT with the exception of elevators and the metro.

[chenvt]

I'm in your area and ATT really isn't that bad. I've never had verizon here, so I cannot say how much better it is than ATT, but the public opinion seems to think verizon is better in DC.

That being said, the iPhone is the most user friendly phone on the market. Remember when Nokias used to be the most easy to use cell phone 10 years ago... Apple has taken that simplicity and added it to a smart phone/everything phone.

That being said, blackberrys are nice, so you really cannot go wrong with either one. I've owned both and I can honestly say I love the iphone while I only "liked" the blackberry.

I'm rarely without a signal with ATT with the exception of elevators and the metro.

AWesome, thanks for the advice.. Having someone from teh area chime in helps.. I'll probably go in today or tomorrow to discuss/look at plans and compare.. I just priced out blackberry and for 450 minutes a month, 5GB data (smallest plan then had for data), and unlimited text and email, I'm looking at like $115 a month.. What would be the iphone equivalent?

[captain53]

What does the Tour have that the Curve does not?

3g which is a Big Deal!

[Resipsa]

I had a BB curve for 2 years with VeriZon, and recently made the switch to an Iphone. Around here I see almost no difference in coverage area between the two networks

I liked my BB, but I LOVE my iPhone

Plus. I don't like the way Verizon Locks down their phones.

But in truth, if all u wan is email and text messaging you don't need either. Kinda like buying an F1 to drive thru a school zone:D

BTW, this was posted from my iPhone:dr

[chenvt]

Well internet and stuff is a perk.. I just don't wanna have to pay out the ying yang.. the GPS on the iphone is intriguing too

[captain53]

Well internet and stuff is a perk.. I just don't wanna have to pay out the ying yang.. the GPS on the iphone is intriguing too

If you travel via Airline and spend time in airports the internet is a dream to have, otherwise I don't use it much. Does not matter which service as to price, they work out pretty close in the end unless you find some special offer maybe. I actually liked ATT coverage a little better but they were impossible to deal with when you had a problem, after 3 years I have usually found Verizon pretty accessible and helpful.:banger

[Scothew]

Well internet and stuff is a perk.. I just don't wanna have to pay out the ying yang.. the GPS on the iphone is intriguing too

The GPS is super nice. I have a samsung epix (i907) on ATT and i have to pay for the ATT navigator feature in order to get anything close to what an iphone can do as far as navigation goes. And if i loose cell signal, it doesnt work period due to not having built in GPS like an iphone.

If verizon will offer iphone service, im getting one and swapping.

[Resipsa]

Well internet and stuff is a perk.. I just don't wanna have to pay out the ying yang.. the GPS on the iphone is intriguing too

If u want GPS, take a serious look at the iPhone. Verizon makes you use their Navigator and charges u 10 bucks a month forever
and requires a connection to work

just added co-pilot live to my iPhone, $35.00.....period
looks and works just like a stand alone gps unit, all of the maps are loaded on the device so no cell connection is needed, and no monthly fees!

[JE3146]

2 Storms in this household. People typically hate them. We love them. They have a few issues, but when you break it down to being a computer in your pocket, you gotta give it a little slack.

Btw GPS on the storm works great. It's saved my ass more than once on my way to work being re-routed because of an accident.

[chenvt]

Yeah.. I was just looking at pricing plans out.. seems the iphone plans may suit me better due to the unlimited data usage.. I basically spend $30 more a month and get the unlimited data

[JE3146]

Verizon has unlimited data....

Least it better, I typically have about half a gig of bandwidth usage a month :D

[Sauer Grapes]

AWesome, thanks for the advice.. Having someone from teh area chime in helps.. I'll probably go in today or tomorrow to discuss/look at plans and compare.. I just priced out blackberry and for 450 minutes a month, 5GB data (smallest plan then had for data), and unlimited text and email, I'm looking at like $115 a month.. What would be the iphone equivalent?

Not sure as mine is on a family plan, but I'm pretty sure you can get equivalent or more minutes, unlimited data, but limited text for at least $20 cheaper per month, probably more though. Unlimited text is available but I've not looked into it.

[chenvt]

Not sure as mine is on a family plan, but I'm pretty sure you can get equivalent or more minutes, unlimited data, but limited text for at least $20 cheaper per month, probably more though. Unlimited text is available but I've not looked into it.

Yeah I just priced it out and I think Verizon comes out more expensive than an iphone on a per month basis

[captain53]

I have unlimited Data and Text with Verizon. Since I have 2 phones and 2 blackberries on the plan it is hard to compare prices with a single user.

[JE3146]

Yeah I just priced it out and I think Verizon comes out more expensive than an iphone on a per month basis

Was over 15$ a month cheaper on Verizon than ATT. Far better service too. And before the iphone junkies jump on my back. I've used ATT before.

I think you should make a phone call. There's like 3 different blackberry plans on Verizon.

[chenvt]

$69.99 (cheapest plan).. I only need 450 anytime minutes
$5.00 for 200 text messages

Comes with unlimited data

[Sauer Grapes]

Looks like for 450 minutes, unlimited iPhone data plan, it's $70 per month... then you have to add texts.


iPhone Text Messaging Unlimited
$20.00/month
iPhone Text Messaging 1500
$15.00/month
iPhone Text Messaging 200
$5.00/month


So even with unlimited texts, if you need it, it's $90 plus tax for the comparable plan but it also comes with unlimited data. Plus, my apple stock needs just a few more dollars until I have to adjust my stop sell order a bit higher. :D

[Sauer Grapes]

Plus... blackberrys are great phones, so you really cannot go wrong per se, but man is the iphone great to use. It really is a no brainer to use. You probably won't even need to read the manual much at all (or, since you are a guy, probably wouldn't read it at all anyway).

[Doctorossi]

Let's see...

iPhone: Cigar App

Blackberry: N/A

Seems pretty clear to me. :tu

[captain53]

Let's see...

iPhone: Cigar App

Blackberry: N/A

Seems pretty clear to me. :tu

Now this may well be the best point of all!:ss

[King James]

3g which is a Big Deal!

the curve has 3g as well. At least for Verizon

[Ahbroody]

From a person with a windows based smart phone.

Blackberry
So apparently google maps doesnt work on blackberry?
I honestly dont have much bad to say about the BB. If you are an email monster its the best way to go. To argue otherwise is to go against what most every business has found. The phone is limited though in outside features. Basically its a rocksolid phone on this case a better network with better data system, but limited extras.

Iphone
Its funny people love their Iphones, but most dont want to talk about how they pay so much for service and extras. Most things cost extra money, movies apps etc. Thats apples business model after all. The phones price has dropped now though so thats good. You also cant use your phone as a modem for your computer by jailbreaking or risk them shutting off your account. I know multiple people who have had this happen. There are some great apps for the Iphone. The web browser is solid. The down side is its a touch screen phone and it can fail. The network is also not the best. Not bad is not good enough when it matters most. Its a cool phone with some cool apps, thats a little awkward to use and has some spotty service. Just be prepared to pay for everything.

Windows smart phone
I went this route when I looked around. I can do everything the Iphone does, movies music and I can do more. Of course I have to actually DO WORK on my phone like rip and load the movies and music and not just press a button. But then again I would rather do the leg work and keep the money in my pocket then pay Apple to spoon feed me all my stuff. The coolest thing I do for the kids is stream slingbox from my phone to a monitor in the car. Live TV in the car for the kids. Would love to see that on any other non windows phone. The Iphone is the ultimate media phone as long as you dont know that there is a lot of media options out there it cant do. At the local B&M there is a guy who works for apple and drinks the apple gravy big time. He had no reply to a few of my phones features and acually got a little angry.
Why would you pay for GPS program? I got google maps for free. I Use it all the time driving, Looking up restuarants banks everything and it didnt cost me a penny. 35.00? That app better do something pretty cool. All the apps on my phone were free come to think of it. I also pay less per month for service with unlimited data, text etc

[King James]

From a person with a windows based smart phone.

Blackberry
So apparently google maps doesnt work on blackberry?
Works perfect for me on the curve



Iphone
Its funny people love their Iphones, but most dont want to talk about how they pay so much for service and extras. Most things cost extra money, movies apps etc. Thats apples business model after all. The phones price has dropped now though so thats good. You also cant use your phone as a modem for your computer by jailbreaking or risk them shutting off your account. I know multiple people who have had this happen. There are some great apps for the Iphone. The web browser is solid. The down side is its a touch screen phone and it can fail. The network is also not the best. Not bad is not good enough when it matters most. Its a cool phone with some cool apps, thats a little awkward to use and has some spotty service. Just be prepared to pay for everything.

Would agree about the service being shotty, but think the iPhone/App Store deserves a bit more credit. It is by far (currently) the most superior app store and has the best/most user friendly way to obtain apps


Windows smart phone
I went this route when I looked around. I can do everything the Iphone does, movies music and I can do more. Of course I have to actually DO WORK on my phone like rip and load the movies and music and not just press a button. But then again I would rather do the leg work and keep the money in my pocket then pay Apple to spoon feed me all my stuff. The coolest thing I do for the kids is stream slingbox from my phone to a monitor in the car. Live TV in the car for the kids. Would love to see that on any other non windows phone. The Iphone is the ultimate media phone as long as you dont know that there is a lot of media options out there it cant do. At the local B&M there is a guy who works for apple and drinks the apple gravy big time. He had no reply to a few of my phones features and acually got a little angry.
Why would you pay for GPS program? I got google maps for free. I Use it all the time driving, Looking up restuarants banks everything and it didnt cost me a penny. 35.00? That app better do something pretty cool. All the apps on my phone were free come to think of it. I also pay less per month for service with unlimited data, text etc

With the new version of windows mobile they have made some improvements, but I would not go as far to say that a WiMo phone can do everything an iPhone can. I used to use WiMo and after I switched to RIM the problems with windows became very apparent. However, I have not used the newest version, so do not have first hand experience with the changes that were made.


I think it all comes down to personal preference and what you are willing to pay. Just go to the different stores and play around with the phones and find something you like that is in your price range

[Resipsa]

At ahbroody^^No offense, but it's clear from your post you really no nothing about the iPhone.

As to my post about paying 35 for the copilot app, go back and read the post. As I wrote, the app functions and looks
exactly like a stand along gps unit. Google maps? Yeah the iPhone has that too, but only someone who has never seen or used a gps unit would seriously compare google maps to stand alone gps

[GTsetGO]

google maps works fine on my storm.

[GoldnGT]

I enjoy my iphone better than any phone I've owned... I've had an older blackberry and i've had several smartphone devices.

If you have good ATT service in your area, then go iphone.. in my opinion... yes.. its expensive, but worth it on so many levels. The app store offers more variety and utilities than any other device. If you are looking for your phone to have X ability... you can find it on the app store (within reason).

One of my favorite abilities, as an IT person, is the RDP app the phone has. if there is a problem on someone's computer, no matter where i am, i can RDP into their machine and fix the issue. even my friend had a problem on their servers at their office and setup his VPN connection on my phone than RDP'd into his system. Its just that easy.

All in all it depends on what you want. if you want an all in one device that you can use for several things, go with the iphone. If you want a corporate device to just check email and do a few "extras" that are built into the phone.. go with the blackberry.

just my 2c.

[shilala]

I've had a windows based smartphone, seriously considered the Blackberry storm, and went with iphone.
Verizon cripples anything cool that the Storm could do.
My iphone does everything in the world. I love it. I just bought a turn by turn gps by Navigon. Now I can get rid of my dash gps.
It took me ten devices to do everything this thing does. I couldn't be more pleased. :tu

[floydpink]

I've had a windows based smartphone, seriously considered the Blackberry storm, and went with iphone.
Verizon cripples anything cool that the Storm could do.
My iphone does everything in the world. I love it. I just bought a turn by turn gps by Navigon. Now I can get rid of my dash gps.
It took me ten devices to do everything this thing does. I couldn't be more pleased. :tu


How is this? Is it voice? I keep waiting for the Tomtom.

I wouldn't trade my iPhone for anything and spent a gruelling month looking before deciding.

[KenS]

Ok, obviously I'm a little biased, because of my own Mobile Stogie app, but I'm also a 25 year IT professional and currently use both Blackberry and iPhone. The blackberry is still ahead as far as enterprise email capability, and is a solid device. But as others have said, if you use an iPhone for a few days, you will be amazed at the capabilities, and I really believe you will be happier in the long run.
:2

[shilala]

How is this? Is it voice? I keep waiting for the Tomtom.

I wouldn't trade my iPhone for anything and spent a gruelling month looking before deciding.
Tom Tom is available, too. It's 100 bucks, Navigon is $70.
I never cared for Tom Tom. Navigon's interface looks awesome.
I just put it on my phone, haven't used it yet, so I can't comment on how it works. I'll try it when I go get milk later. :)
Here it is. (http://www.navigon.com/site/us/en/mobile_navigator/iphone)

[floydpink]

Haven't checked lately, so good to know Tomtom is out.

I'll probably pony up the extra bucks for it as I am familiar with Tomtom.

Is there any monthly fee??

[King James]

Ok, obviously I'm a little biased, because of my own Mobile Stogie app, but I'm also a 25 year IT professional and currently use both Blackberry and iPhone. The blackberry is still ahead as far as enterprise email capability, and is a solid device. But as others have said, if you use an iPhone for a few days, you will be amazed at the capabilities, and I really believe you will be happier in the long run.
:2

I would agree. Unfortunately for me, being only on ATT currently is enough to keep my away. and I am a HUGE Apple product user..... they just need to end the damn exclusivity!!! :bh lol

[Resipsa]

How is this? Is it voice? I keep waiting for the Tomtom.

I wouldn't trade my iPhone for anything and spent a gruelling month looking before deciding.

Tom Tom is out, costs $100, Navigon is out, costs $70 (for now, soon to be $100, I chose Co-pilot Live at $35. Ilounge.com has a review of all three of them, pretty much the same. I've been using copilot and am pleased with it, but haven't decided if I can give away my gps unit...yet. To me, since none of these has a lite or trial version, you're better off going with copilot at half to a third of the price of the others just in case you think it's not good enough. All three apps are voice based turn by turn, but none of them (currently) says the street name. All promise soon updates to resolve that

just my two cents

[shilala]

Tom Tom is out, costs $100, Navigon is out, costs $70 (for now, soon to be $100, I chose Co-pilot Live at $35. Ilounge.com has a review of all three of them, pretty much the same. I've been using copilot and am pleased with it, but haven't decided if I can give away my gps unit...yet. To me, since none of these has a lite or trial version, you're better off going with copilot at half to a third of the price of the others just in case you think it's not good enough. All three apps are voice based turn by turn, but none of them (currently) says the street name. All promise soon updates to resolve that

just my two cents
I just walked outside with mine and it shows the street names. I had to turn them on though.
I must have gotten the special version. ;)
The lady also asked me to make a u-turn now.
It's all 3-d and kicks ass offa the nav unit I have now. :)

[Resipsa]

I just walked outside with mine and it shows the street names.
I must have gotten the special version. ;)
The lady also asked me to make a u-turn now.

They all show the names, they don't speak the names:

"take the next left"

as opposed to


"turn left on Partagas street"

unless Navigon has already updated, or
you do indeed have the super secret version!

[shilala]

They all show the names, they don't speak the names:

"take the next left"

as opposed to


"turn left on Partagas street"

unless Navigon has already updated, or
you do indeed have the super secret version!
Ahhhhhhhhhh. I see.
I'll check it later and see if it says the street names.
I have to go get milk, so I'll take it for a ride and see what the chick says.
I don't know if my gps in the car says the street names, either, now that you mentioned that. I know it shows it on screen, but I think it says "turn left in 200 feet" and stuff like that.
Now I have something to do today. :)

[chenvt]

ok guys, no pushing me down the slope on ipod apps... yet

[Ahbroody]

At ahbroody^^No offense, but it's clear from your post you really no nothing about the iPhone.

As to my post about paying 35 for the copilot app, go back and read the post. As I wrote, the app functions and looks
exactly like a stand along gps unit. Google maps? Yeah the iPhone has that too, but only someone who has never seen or used a gps unit would seriously compare google maps to stand alone gps

I dont? huh. Wife has one :r:r I also have two mac laptops in my house. I play with an old titanium book and the wife has a new big expensive one. For video editing they rock, for other things they blow. She got and gets one every few years from work for free. Hell if I would pay over 2k for that thing.

I love when people use ",but". You can pretty much disregard everything before the comma. Why would you even use ",but" when you are about to write something offensive? Wow nice assumption, but you know what they say about that. Arguing with people with Iphones or Macs never ends well. They can generally not accpept anything other then its the best and of course they made the right choice. I have had these discussions many times and found Iphone folks to always be the ones who get hostile.

Nice assumption on the stand alone GPS as well. I had a stand alone one recieved for christmas and sold it. I have intergrated in my clarion headunit in my SUV and had an Alpine before that with it as well. I liked the Alpine more than Clarion FYI. Like I said google works fine for me. When I am using it at work or travel and in a different car. I dont need a voice to tell me to turn left or right or go straight. I can read and look at the picture.

Just because its best for you doesnt mean its the best or best for everyone else. Clearly an educated mind should be able to see that.

I posted my opinion based on personal experience with all phones. Wife had a BB before the Iphone, my best friend has a BB and many of the other officers at work have BBs and Iphones. Because you didnt like my opinion on the Iphone you attacked my view with out having any facts in hand making assumptions and poor ones at that.

[cbsmokin]

If you need an email and text device the BB wins.

The iPhone wins when you decide to mix business and pleasure. The Internet is unbelievable and the screen is big and easy to read. The battery life, especially compared to BB, sucks.

[floydpink]

ok guys, no pushing me down the slope on ipod apps... yet

Lot better than the coffee forums. Went in to ask advice on a cheap espresso machine and am about 2 grand into it and haven't gotten a roaster.

[King James]

I dont? huh. Wife has one :r:r I also have two mac laptops in my house. I play with an old titanium book and the wife has a new big expensive one. For video editing they rock, for other things they blow. She got and gets one every few years from work for free. Hell if I would pay over 2k for that thing.

I love when people use ",but". You can pretty much disregard everything before the comma. Why would you even use ",but" when you are about to write something offensive? Wow nice assumption, but you know what they say about that. Arguing with people with Iphones or Macs never ends well. They can generally not accpept anything other then its the best and of course they made the right choice. I have had these discussions many times and found Iphone folks to always be the ones who get hostile.

Nice assumption on the stand alone GPS as well. I had a stand alone one recieved for christmas and sold it. I have intergrated in my clarion headunit in my SUV and had an Alpine before that with it as well. I liked the Alpine more than Clarion FYI. Like I said google works fine for me. When I am using it at work or travel and in a different car. I dont need a voice to tell me to turn left or right or go straight. I can read and look at the picture.

Just because its best for you doesnt mean its the best or best for everyone else. Clearly an educated mind should be able to see that.

I posted my opinion based on personal experience with all phones. Wife had a BB before the Iphone, my best friend has a BB and many of the other officers at work have BBs and Iphones. Because you didnt like my opinion on the Iphone you attacked my view with out having any facts in hand making assumptions and poor ones at that.



Just because your wife has an iphone and you use a Mac doesn't necessarily mean you have a good understanding of the capabilities of the iPhone. You obviously don't as you seem to believe WiMo can do everything an iPhone can. That statement alone showed your lack of knowledge of the devices. Also the statement of BB not having google maps is incorrect, so it seems you are only familiar with windows.

I don't think Vic every suggested the iPhone is best for EVERYONE. In fact, he doesn't make anything close to that statement in his post. He likes it and many in this thread have stated that enterprise wise BB is superior. Maybe the windows fanboys can be just as hard headed ;)

[Scottastic]

As an AT&T employee, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Reception is currently changing for everyone, as AT&T users can no longer roam on T-Mobile's network. Not a big deal in some places, but in places like where I'm from, it's huge.

I have three active cell phones: a Blackberry Bold, iPhone 3G and the Google G1. The G1 is far and away my favorite of the three, but it's not for everyone. It has a capacitive touch screen like the iPhone, but it's not as responsive. It has a five line full qwerty keyboard that is unparalleled by anything out there. Out of the box, it's not terribly functional (in comparison to the iPhone), but unlike the iPhone, the G1 is completely malleable in it's operation. The G1 is a perfect balance between fun applications and "Web 2.0" business use.

The iPhone is the easiest, and the most fun phone ever. The capacitive touch screen is amazing, the new 3GS is speedy and nearly crash free (don't be fooled into the $99 3G!!), and there are millions of apps to use. My only qualm with the iPhone is that I use my phone for work a lot more than I do for play, and the iPhone does not excel in that area. If you're looking for a really fun device with lots of time wasting potential, nevermind a rockin' web browser, get the iPhone 3GS. Just remember, you can get 95% of it's functionality out of an iPod Touch.

What can I say about Blackberrys? They excel at what they do best, but fall lacking in many other areas. A Blackberry is first and foremost an Business Exchange phone. Email, Calendar, and Contacts management is arguably untouchable by any other mobile platform. I use my Blackberry for work. I send out mass text messages to staff, handle customer emails, organise my contacts within and outside the company, and write reports all on this device. The newer Blackberrys (Bold, Curve 8900, Tour) are especially good with excel documents, as the resolution allows you to see more rows and columns. Here are the major setbacks. Battery life of 3G/EvDO Blackberrys is quite lacking, and I rarely make it through the work day without charging my Bold (which has the worst battery by far, to be fair). There is a very limited number of applications that even come close to touching what has been done on the iPhone. The web browser in the new OS is very bad at handling scripting, so it runs just a bit faster than my old 2G iPhone. It's a business phone. They've done a lot to reach out to a broader audience, but at the end of the day, that's what it's for.

I'm partial to AT&T, so I'm not going to go into a tirade about how I feel about Big Red's business practices. Just know that in this brothers biased opinion, Verizon Wireless is one of the most backhanded, irresponsible companies I've ever known.

I wanted to go a bit into the nickel-and-diming. VZ is not alone in these practices, as there are plenty of peple with AT&T with the same problems. For both providers, the problem is more often than not bad provisioning on the account. For instance: if a customer does not want data on their phone (and it's not a smartphone) I will ask them if they would like me to block access to the data network to avoid overage charges. There is a drawback: even if you have unlimited messaging, MMS will not work if data is blocked. It's a matter of who your rep is, and how much they are willing to dig into your usage details. Whichever provider you go with, if the rep seems to be rushing you through the setup and explanation of your account, ask nicely if there is anyone in the store who specialises in account level provisioning (called SSRs at AT&T, not sure at VZ). If they are still dismissive, ask for a manager.

That being said, if you are getting an iPhone, the worry about nickel-and-diming is dropped to nearly nothing. I always recommend the 450 minute plan (unless you need more) with unlimited data and unlimited messaging. This comes to 89.99 a month - 98.xx after tax. Everything you buy is through your iTunes account. The only thing you can go over on is your minutes, which most do not.

I've rambled on ;s. If you have any questions, PM me anytime.

[King James]

As an AT&T employee, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Reception is currently changing for everyone, as AT&T users can no longer roam on T-Mobile's network. Not a big deal in some places, but in places like where I'm from, it's huge.

I have three active cell phones: a Blackberry Bold, iPhone 3G and the Google G1. The G1 is far and away my favorite of the three, but it's not for everyone. It has a capacitive touch screen like the iPhone, but it's not as responsive. It has a five line full qwerty keyboard that is unparalleled by anything out there. Out of the box, it's not terribly functional (in comparison to the iPhone), but unlike the iPhone, the G1 is completely malleable in it's operation. The G1 is a perfect balance between fun applications and "Web 2.0" business use.

The iPhone is the easiest, and the most fun phone ever. The capacitive touch screen is amazing, the new 3GS is speedy and nearly crash free (don't be fooled into the $99 3G!!), and there are millions of apps to use. My only qualm with the iPhone is that I use my phone for work a lot more than I do for play, and the iPhone does not excel in that area. If you're looking for a really fun device with lots of time wasting potential, nevermind a rockin' web browser, get the iPhone 3GS. Just remember, you can get 95% of it's functionality out of an iPod Touch.

What can I say about Blackberrys? They excel at what they do best, but fall lacking in many other areas. A Blackberry is first and foremost an Business Exchange phone. Email, Calendar, and Contacts management is arguably untouchable by any other mobile platform. I use my Blackberry for work. I send out mass text messages to staff, handle customer emails, organise my contacts within and outside the company, and write reports all on this device. The newer Blackberrys (Bold, Curve 8900, Tour) are especially good with excel documents, as the resolution allows you to see more rows and columns. Here are the major setbacks. Battery life of 3G/EvDO Blackberrys is quite lacking, and I rarely make it through the work day without charging my Bold (which has the worst battery by far, to be fair). There is a very limited number of applications that even come close to touching what has been done on the iPhone. The web browser in the new OS is very bad at handling scripting, so it runs just a bit faster than my old 2G iPhone. It's a business phone. They've done a lot to reach out to a broader audience, but at the end of the day, that's what it's for.

I'm partial to AT&T, so I'm not going to go into a tirade about how I feel about Big Red's business practices. Just know that in this brothers biased opinion, Verizon Wireless is one of the most backhanded, irresponsible companies I've ever known.

I wanted to go a bit into the nickel-and-diming. VZ is not alone in these practices, as there are plenty of peple with AT&T with the same problems. For both providers, the problem is more often than not bad provisioning on the account. For instance: if a customer does not want data on their phone (and it's not a smartphone) I will ask them if they would like me to block access to the data network to avoid overage charges. There is a drawback: even if you have unlimited messaging, MMS will not work if data is blocked. It's a matter of who your rep is, and how much they are willing to dig into your usage details. Whichever provider you go with, if the rep seems to be rushing you through the setup and explanation of your account, ask nicely if there is anyone in the store who specialises in account level provisioning (called SSRs at AT&T, not sure at VZ). If they are still dismissive, ask for a manager.

That being said, if you are getting an iPhone, the worry about nickel-and-diming is dropped to nearly nothing. I always recommend the 450 minute plan (unless you need more) with unlimited data and unlimited messaging. This comes to 89.99 a month - 98.xx after tax. Everything you buy is through your iTunes account. The only thing you can go over on is your minutes, which most do not.

I've rambled on ;s. If you have any questions, PM me anytime.


I think android has the possibility of being something great. the HTC Hero looks AWESOME!

And yes, some of the things Verizon does is very shady (like dumbing down all their devices! :td ) But in my area at least they still get the best service, which is what I really care about

[Ahbroody]

:r this will go in circles and I have no intrest in wasting that time.
My error was in introducing a third option and stating my experiences with all three. I believe WM to be as capable and more so in most areas. This comes from a fair amount of experience with both.

As I said prior arguing with apple product owners always ends the same and it held true here. You would think I would have learned not to bother after years of doing this. My wife and I agree to disagree.


Great post scott very insightful. I like the G1 but am going to wait a while. I have an HTC Pro with windows mobileslide keyboard.

[chenvt]

Scott, one of the best answers I've gotten in helping to inform a decision.. If I really needed a blackberry for work, I'd make my office get it..

"Did you get that e-mail?"
"No, it was the weekend"
"Well we needed your input on something"
"Guess you should issue me a blackberry"

The iPhone is probably where I'm going towards.. I priced out the 450 anytime minutes and 200 txt messages which is equivalent to what I've been using on verizon for 4 years and never went over.. well except when the ex GF and I started dating.. oops.. Turns out to around $75 a month plus taxes, etc..

Thanks!

[King James]

My error was in introducing a third option and stating my experiences with all three.

Introducing a third option is great, and many people use WiMo as well.

Your error was making inaccurate statements about the other 2 options. Hell maybe the new version of WiMo is that much better. I do have knowlege of RIM and Apple, so please enlighten me as to how WiMo is better and in what areas?

I'll be waiting with bated breath :rolleyes:





Okay Dan, threadjack over.... sorry to take away from your legitimate questions

If ATT coverage is good in your area by all means go with it. The monthly bill isn't THAT much more expensive than for other phones (In some cases it may not be any more expensive)

Just go with what you like after doing some research and trying the phones out :tu

[Ahbroody]

Nah mate that would be a waste of both are time. You have your Iphone you should just go play a flight sim or something super cool.
thought you implied you had one. hmmm.

Fanboy? gd lord no one reads. I said it had a cool browser and some good apps. I said it was expensive and you paid for everything. I said Wimo has media features it doesnt and can play movies music etc. Have not heard fanboy since ATI v NVidia video card forums.

[King James]

Nah mate that would be a waste of both are time. You have your Iphone you should just go play a flight sim or something super cool

I don't have an iPhone ;)

[shilala]

Just know that in this brothers biased opinion, Verizon Wireless is one of the most backhanded, irresponsible companies I've ever known.

I'm feelin' ya, brother. I wouldn't piss on Verizon Wireless if they were on fire. :tf

[King James]

Fanboy? gd lord no one reads. I said it had a cool browser and some good apps. I said it was expensive and you paid for everything. I said Wimo has media features it doesnt and can play movies music etc. Have not heard fanboy since ATI v NVidia video card forums.

That would make two of us that don't read as Vic did not mention iPhone being for everyone, just pointed out an error in your statement which seemed to point to the fact that you lacked experience with iPhone compared to WiMo

Taking a step back having a pissing match over which company is better is useless as you stated. However, I really do not use an iPhone, I use a blackberry. I did have a WiMo phone and was not impressed, but that is my opinion. If which ever device you have works for you and has the features you like then who am I to say you are wrong. We are probably both making understatements about the capabilities of each OS, so I think agreeing to disagree as you suggested is the best solution.

However, nothing wrong with a discussion on each type of device :)

[KenS]

ok guys, no pushing me down the slope on ipod apps... yet

Well, maybe just one :D

[Ahbroody]

Agreed Jim.

As to verizon I have not been with them for 4 years after they pulled some crap. I went with sprint cause of the plan i got and the piggyback with verizons network. I cant recommend anyone use verizon after my experience with them. Sprint had been issue free for 4 years. That said now they dont want to let me change phones unless I change plans. They are loosing money on my plan and they want them gone.

I would probablly go att over verizon cause of past experience. Would pick sprint over them all still do to piggyback agreement with verizon without all the vz bs.

[shilala]

I just cvhecked while I was out, and the Navigon gps doesn't speak the name of the street I'm supposed to turn on. It just tells me where and when.
The chick also told me "caution" when I was going over the speed limit, and the screen shows all the signs and where everything is.
It's so incredibly awesome it it made me cry.
Verizon sucks. :tu
Just wanted to get that in there one more time before I pay my final bill with them.

[floydpink]

No changing my mind about who makes the best phone, but I have been really stuck on this gps app thing and found a cool article making the decision a little bit easier to steer right of Tomtom, approach Navigon with caution, and probably yield for a bit before buying.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/21/AR2009082100707.html

[Resipsa]

No changing my mind about who makes the best phone, but I have been really stuck on this gps app thing and found a cool article making the decision a little bit easier to steer right of Tomtom, approach Navigon with caution, and probably yield for a bit before buying.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/21/AR2009082100707.htmlInteresting article, but I'd read it with caution since it only reviews two of the three apps available, and contains limited information

I'd point again to the ilounge article reviewing all three apps to anyone considering them.

As an aside the ilounge article contains an explanation of
amfeature Co-Pilot has that the others don't called "Local Search" Even stand alone gps units suffer from incomplete poi databases, which just goes with the territory. With CoPilot if you search for a
poi and it's not in the database, you can use local search which will connect to the Internet, find the poi info and complete your routing for you. Very cool
feature that no other unit has that I know of

ev

[floydpink]

Best I could figure out was I need to wait a bit and keep using my old Magellan gps in the car. Amazing that the box I paid $500 a couple years ago for, is now dinosaur in gps terms.

I seems like the smart phone gps software is on the cusp of really being good, if not by the top 3, but maybe someone not yet on the scene.

Once I figure out the best gps for the iPhone, I'm gonna buy a really cool motorcycle handlebar clip for the iPhone and I can have gps when I need it most; on the road to nowhere.

[RGD.]

. . . I just priced out blackberry and for 450 minutes a month, 5GB data (smallest plan then had for data), and unlimited text and email, I'm looking at like $115 a month . . .


NATIONWIDE EMAIL & MESSAGING 450 MINS UNLIM BLACKBERRY $99.99

There ya go. That's the line from my Verizon bill on what I have and pay.

Unlimited email, messaging and data - the 450 minutes on the Blackberry data plan. And I'm here in the DC area also.

I think the iPhones are great - know people that have them, but I really love my BB Storm. It does everything that "I" want it to do. They have a great selection of apps now (not as extensive as the iPhone) and I can even import my iTunes playlist to my Storm.

One other item that people overlook - you can change out/exchange the memory card in the Storm. Can't do that on an iPhone.

Ron

[cricky101]

Another iPhone fan here. I got the 3gs and it's the first smart phone I've tried. I love the music player aspect of it too and how easily it syncs with my laptop.

Initially I wanted a phone to sync with my gmail, google calendar, and have a web browser. I am yet to be disapointed.

[Scottastic]

NATIONWIDE EMAIL & MESSAGING 450 MINS UNLIM BLACKBERRY $99.99

There ya go. That's the line from my Verizon bill on what I have and pay.

Unlimited email, messaging and data - the 450 minutes on the Blackberry data plan. And I'm here in the DC area also.

I think the iPhones are great - know people that have them, but I really love my BB Storm. It does everything that "I" want it to do. They have a great selection of apps now (not as extensive as the iPhone) and I can even import my iTunes playlist to my Storm.

One other item that people overlook - you can change out/exchange the memory card in the Storm. Can't do that on an iPhone.

Ron

AT&T: 450 Minutes Unlimited Messaging Unlimited Data $89.99

Not saying you were, but it gets old when I hear people talk about how much more expensive AT&T is over Verizon with our smartphones. I just can't help shouting out when we're cheaper :D

[shilala]

I have 900 minutes, unlimited data, and unlimited texting with at&t, and it's far cheaper than what I was paying at Verizon.
It's not apples to apples, but when I priced out the plan for the Storm, it was far more than at&t.
The main thing is that verizon nickled and dimed me to death, and with every new cool phone, they'd cripple most of the coolest features on the phone so they could charge me extra.
I hated the shiftlessness, lying, and downright greed.
My entire experience with at&t has been pleasant. Everything works far better than I ever imagined, and I'm happy.

Back to the gps app...
I've tried Navigon around town a few times now, and I could not be more pleased.
Actually, I'm thrilled. It is so much more user friendly than my last gps, does far more than I need it to do, picks up a signal almost immediately, and works better than I could have ever hoped. It was 70 bucks.
I'd have opted for tom tom, but I've used tom tom in the past, and quite frankly it doesn't compare to navigon on any level.
I'd recommend it to anyone in a minute, and I'm probably the second biggest dick on the planet when it comes to "insisting I get what I pay for.

I also don't do glowing reviews. I couldn't be more pleased with the iphone and I love it more every day.
I hated the Blackberry Storm before I even left the Verizon kiosk at the mall, and I'd really wanted one since I first read about it.
The only two rubs I have about the iphone are the inability to support flash and the inability to picture message. Those two things are supposed to be ironed out shortly.
Even if the flash issue is never resolved, I'll live.
I'd very much like to send a text message without having to email pics. I'd like to receive them without having to visit a website and type in a message ID and password that I can't possibly remember.
Once at&t supports the pic mailing from the texting app, I'll be very pleased. :tu
As it stands, it sucks. And it's silly that it's not supported.

[aich75013]

Back to the gps app...
I've tried Navigon around town a few times now, and I could not be more pleased.
Actually, I'm thrilled. It is so much more user friendly than my last gps, does far more than I need it to do, picks up a signal almost immediately, and works better than I could have ever hoped. It was 70 bucks.

Glad to hear it.
I bought it this morning and left it downloading on my pc. I will sync when I get home.
It was over 1gb, so I didn't try to do it from my phone. As it was, iTunes estimated 1 hour for download on my pc.

Now I need to check ebay for a car mount.

[coastietech]

Here is something I wrote up on another forum for someone who was asking about smart phones. It may help. The information is about 3 months old. The new Iphone 3GS allows cut and paste and stereo bluetooth...

I have had a Blackberry Storm and a Blackberry Bold. I have also had a number of WinMo phones like the HTC Touch, the HTC 8525 and a few others. I will be very hard pressed to use anything but a Blackberry in the future.

If you worried about getting the WinMo office utilities BB has their own version that comes with the phone and they work just as well.

The user interface on a BB is very friendly and easy to figure out. They are probably the most customizable phones on the market at this point. And with the advent of the BB App Store they are developing a large number of 3rd party applications.

The Iphone is a decent suggestion. There are a couple of issues that may or may not be a big deal to you. They are as follows...
-As of right now you can't send MMS. Meaning the only way you can share videos or pics is to email them you can't text them
-As of right now you can't cut and paste text
-You can't run more than one application on the phone at a time and there are no background apps. So for instance if you are using a program to give you directions somewhere and you want to send a text you have to completely exit out of the nav program, send your text and then start the nav program up all over again. BB allows you to leave open multiple programs and multi task.
-Iphone does not have A2DP therefor you can not get stereo bluetooth. So listening to movies or music via bluetooth is not an option.
-No push email. The Iphone will fetch your email every 15 mins at minimum but you will never get it instantly like on the BB.

The first two issues are supposed to be remedied this summer with the release of Iphone 3.0 I wouldn't hold my breath.

The Curve is a great phone. It is built well, very stable, and will do everything you want it to and more. Matter of fact it just outsold every other phone on the market this quarter. The only disappointing thing about the Curve on Sprint is the lack of 3G. It has Wifi but if your not in a hotspot your stuck surfing the internet as slow GPRS speeds.

If you can wait another month for a phone the Palm Pre will be debuting on Sprint and it's supposed to be one of the best phones available. I have read quite a few reports on it and it is going to be a great touch screen phone. The completly redid the entire Palm operating system and the have quite a few new innovations. I would atleast google it and see it if it interests you. It is going to me out end of May or early June.

Hope this helps...

[joeybear]

My wife and I both have iPhones and we love them. The batteries don't last too long if messed with a lot during the day, but the phones are great!

[shilala]

Glad to hear it.
I bought it this morning and left it downloading on my pc. I will sync when I get home.
It was over 1gb, so I didn't try to do it from my phone. As it was, iTunes estimated 1 hour for download on my pc.

Now I need to check ebay for a car mount.
Adrian, if you find a decent car mount, let me know, will ya?
I need one too. I ordered a double round of chargers house and car) and usb cables last week and already got them.
Never thought about the car mount though.
I'd like a half decent one. I had one before and it was really a cheap pos.

[aich75013]

Adrian, if you find a decent car mount, let me know, will ya?
I need one too. I ordered a double round of chargers house and car) and usb cables last week and already got them.
Never thought about the car mount though.
I'd like a half decent one. I had one before and it was really a cheap pos.

I just ordered a super cheap one for 2.99 shipped from FleaBay. It'll probably be junk, but only $3 wasted.
I saw another that the phone actually clipped into, but I keep mine in an inCase hard case, so I doubt the clip version will work. and I don't want to have to take it out of the case to use the mount.
Saw one at WallyWorld today, but they wanted $25 for basically the same as the $3 one.
I'll let you know when I get it. It's supposed to be shipped from the US.

[shilala]

I just ordered a super cheap one for 2.99 shipped from FleaBay. It'll probably be junk, but only $3 wasted.
I saw another that the phone actually clipped into, but I keep mine in an inCase hard case, so I doubt the clip version will work. and I don't want to have to take it out of the case to use the mount.
Saw one at WallyWorld today, but they wanted $25 for basically the same as the $3 one.
I'll let you know when I get it. It's supposed to be shipped from the US.
Thanks brother. :)

[massphatness]

IMPORTANT FYI on the iPhone: Do not, I repeat: DO NOT submerge it underwater for a significant period of time. Apparently all the wires and gizmos inside the thing don't like it.

Also, if you're expecting remnants of a hurricane to pass through your area while you're at an outdoor concert, do not assume that placing your iPhone in a backpack with the backpack under a tarp is necessarily going to protect it from the elements. See FYI above for additional info.

[JE3146]

IMPORTANT FYI on the iPhone: Do not, I repeat: DO NOT submerge it underwater for a significant period of time. Apparently all the wires and gizmos inside the thing don't like it.

Also, if you're expecting remnants of a hurricane to pass through your area while you're at an outdoor concert, do not assume that placing your iPhone in a backpack with the backpack under a tarp is necessarily going to protect it from the elements. See FYI above for additional info.
Ummmmmm..... Duh. :r
Posted via Mobile Device

[massphatness]

Just trying to add my first hand knowledge and experience to the thread. :banger

[Resipsa]

For the guys looking for a car mount, I'm using the griffin window seat and love it. Set you back 30 at the apple store or BB, but I found a bunch of them at my local tjMaxx for under 10 bucks and amazons has it for 12. Only thing it can't be in a case, it's specifc to the iphone and locks it in very securely with little wiggle room

[chenvt]

I went inside the ATT store yesterday looking to purchase.. played around the iphone for about 30 minutes, tried to find some help, couldn't get any so I walked out..

now I'm thinking about the LG enV Touch as a nice compromise.. more research to be conducted :D

[Resipsa]

no wifi on that phone, you'd be stuck with verizone and this from a review:

The recently released LG enV Touch is no smartphone like the iPhone or Palm Pre, but it certainly impresses as a high-end feature phone.

[chenvt]

no wifi on that phone, you'd be stuck with verizone and this from a review:

The recently released LG enV Touch is no smartphone like the iPhone or Palm Pre, but it certainly impresses as a high-end feature phone.

Yeah aware of that.. but I was thinking maybe I don't really need a smartphone or anything like that.. and in my area, getting stuck with verizon which I've never had connection problems with isn't necessarily a bad thing.. Plus I couldn't get a consistent answer out of ATT what happens when I get sent out of country due to my job. Verizon lets me pay just a $10 a month maintenance fee.

[King James]

Yeah aware of that.. but I was thinking maybe I don't really need a smartphone or anything like that.. and in my area, getting stuck with verizon which I've never had connection problems with isn't necessarily a bad thing.. Plus I couldn't get a consistent answer out of ATT what happens when I get sent out of country due to my job. Verizon lets me pay just a $10 a month maintenance fee.

I thought Verizon (being CDMA) is actually worse to have if you are going out of the country versus GSM providers that use SIM cards

[joeybear]

I'm not sure about BB phones, but the iPhones have a somewhat shitty warrantee. The $70 warranty only covers phone defects, not if anything happens to it from being dropped. One of the kids at my son's daycare got ahold of my iPhone and shattered the glass. I thought it was covered through the warranty...it wasn't. $200 to replace the phone. The warranty only covers if something goes wrong with the internals or software.

[Resipsa]

I thought Verizon (being CDMA) is actually worse to have if you are going out of the country versus GSM providers that use SIM cards

I think what he's talking about here Jim is you can pay a 10 per month fee, and it kind of puts your account on hold while you're out of the country and can't use it. That way you don't get hit with the full bill while you're gone. Seems I read something about that somewhere

[floydpink]

Adrian, if you find a decent car mount, let me know, will ya?
I need one too. I ordered a double round of chargers house and car) and usb cables last week and already got them.
Never thought about the car mount though.
I'd like a half decent one. I had one before and it was really a cheap pos.

Google "in your face iphone holder"

That's the one I bought and love it.

[Ahbroody]

Yeah aware of that.. but I was thinking maybe I don't really need a smartphone or anything like that.. and in my area, getting stuck with verizon which I've never had connection problems with isn't necessarily a bad thing.. Plus I couldn't get a consistent answer out of ATT what happens when I get sent out of country due to my job. Verizon lets me pay just a $10 a month maintenance fee.


Dan another option you have if you go with verizon is to get what they call a world phone. Both sprint and verizon have these, but I dont know if sprint has the 10.00 option. They allow the use of a simcard in these phones when in europe or most of asia.
Some of the world phones on Verizon right now are the
HTC Ozone
Blackberry 8830 world and 9630 and I believe the storm.
Samsung saga and renown
Motorola a840 or z6c
Some more as well I believe, hope this helps.
Just go to the verizon site and type in sim or gsm

[Scottastic]

I'm not sure about BB phones, but the iPhones have a somewhat shitty warrantee. The $70 warranty only covers phone defects, not if anything happens to it from being dropped. One of the kids at my son's daycare got ahold of my iPhone and shattered the glass. I thought it was covered through the warranty...it wasn't. $200 to replace the phone. The warranty only covers if something goes wrong with the internals or software.

If you didn't have Apple Care it would have been $600, fyi.

[floydpink]

A coworker cracked his iPhone screen on the desk, put it on Ebay and sold it in the Phillipines for 700 bucks, or so he says.......

[shilala]

I'm not sure about BB phones, but the iPhones have a somewhat shitty warrantee. The $70 warranty only covers phone defects, not if anything happens to it from being dropped. One of the kids at my son's daycare got ahold of my iPhone and shattered the glass. I thought it was covered through the warranty...it wasn't. $200 to replace the phone. The warranty only covers if something goes wrong with the internals or software.
I bought a warranty from SquareTrade. $115 covers breakage, stupidity, loss, theft, whatever for two years. :tu

[RGD.]

Yeah aware of that.. but I was thinking maybe I don't really need a smartphone or anything like that.. and in my area, getting stuck with verizon which I've never had connection problems with isn't necessarily a bad thing.. Plus I couldn't get a consistent answer out of ATT what happens when I get sent out of country due to my job. Verizon lets me pay just a $10 a month maintenance fee.


The Verizon Blackberry Storm and Tour are both considered "Global Phones" and apparently can be used around the world. You'd just have to check on the service price plans. But this way you keep the same phone no matter where your job is.


Ron

[chenvt]

Should have added, I get issued a cell phone when I go overseas, so I why carry two :)

[XTRazzer]

I just got a BB Tour over the weekend. Very nice phone. About the only gripes thus far is the screen has a minor ripple and the buttons could be a bit bigger. I believe the price on it has dropped $50 in the past few days, should that influence your decision. The tour replaces the 8830 World Phone and the Curve.

I would avoid a BB Storm like the plague given it's history of issues.