Can't decide on a phone.. - General Topics

Hi all,
Currently I am using the Tilt and have been since it came out. I have always had problems with it and the latest is that I can not close the keyboard without losing service. I would really like to upgrade to something nicer even though the Tilt does meet most of my needs. That kinda makes me feel bad for wanting a new phone but I have had this one for a while soo....
Also my sister needs a phone as well. We were looking a lot at the Touch Pros from At&t because we are in a contract with them. But we don't really want to use our upgrades because we don't want to renew our contract at the moment. I am not sure what my family is doing regarding to our phone situation in the future. Also I don't like that the Touch Pro still has the same size screen as the Tilt. But we would upgrade the contract if it is worth it I guess.
I would really like to have a phone with a larger screen. I have a Nokia 770 which is great but I don't carry it all the time. This led me to look at the Nokia 5800...it has a really nice large screen which would be great for web browsing, which is what I do a lot. It will also let me type landscape which I like as well. But I would miss the all the programs from windows mobile. Especially Skyfire.
I also looked at the iphone and I love the screen for it, it is very large and I like how smooth everything is. But the new update doesn't come out for a few months. And by that time, the Touch Pro 2 and Nokia 97 will be coming out. Those are two other options which would require me to wait.
A friend of mine just got the Samsung Omnia and it has a larger screen than the Tilt and runs windows mobile. Is that a good choice for me? It has a larger screen than the Tilt but not as large as the iphone/5800/97/touch pro 2..so it would be an upgrade but not the largest. I just want a screen that would make internet browsing a pleasure and I don't want to buy a phone now and then wish I would have waited a few more months. I just am kinda tired of caring this huge phone around now with its tiny little screen.
Any suggestions on what to do? It looks like the Omnia is still expensive and costs about the same as the 97 and touch pro 2 would if they are picked up by a carrier. Even though the Omnia is older..or should I just wait? Or I could buy the phone now and sell it for some money back if I end up drooling over the phones coming out soon. Basically web browsing and texting are my main concerns. The iphone doesn't do flash like Skyfire does so that rules it out till it can handle it..
Thanks!!
Edit: Not even sure if the Omnia can be used on at&t. Looking into that now.

sounds like you want a touch hd.

Why don't you wait longer
Like me,
I am out of contract for the first time since my first handset in 1993 and have decided to wait. until the summer (if I can) as there will be even more choice.

I've read Touch Pro 2 for Verizon is supposed to be released in May09.
So another Month and half I must wait to get my new phone!!
Not sure if verizon will carry the diamond2, but that phone is also suppose to hit the U.S. the same time!!

Related

tp vs iphone 3g trade question

my friend wants to trade his iphone 3g 16gb for my tp. both of ours have been used within the week... should i? and even if i do, are the prices equal? i dont know much about the iphone prices :/ can anyone help please? thanks.
auriken said:
my friend wants to trade his iphone 3g 16gb for my tp. both of ours have been used within the week... should i? and even if i do, are the prices equal? i dont know much about the iphone prices :/ can anyone help please? thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion with HTC releasing the Touch HD just around the corner, the TP will be outdated and the prices will take a hit. As for the 3g iPhone, it is still the phone to beat especially with all the apps that are being released for it lately plus I dont see a price drop coming within the near future on the blackmarket for these devices since the only other way to get one is thru ATT and a ridiculous plan and 2 year contract.
My $0.02
Cheers!
and the fact that the iphone is overhyped.
meaning, even the stores had plenty of them in storage but they where only to be sold a few on a day (creating a hype).
if you write a problems over the iphone, most of the time you get sabered down by iphone lovers.
iphone is not sold for tweakers.
ppc is tweakable, and you can write down youre problem if you find any.
not that i am trying to put the iphone in corner.
i don`t own one.
and i like the looks, and how fast it works (tried it in the store).
i guess you have to find out yourself.
maybe try to swap with youre friend for a week for testing.
ooh and did i mentioned that i like it that wm isent the only phone OS on the market.
i welcome the idea of google`s android operating system.
thank you guys for your input. anyone else?
The the iPhone 3G is approx $6-700, the TP is about $900.
But over a 2 year contract, the iPhone will probably retain its value better than the TP (namely because Apple releases only one phone a year, while HTC is continually making better and better products).
Of course it also depends on if both are unlocked; if you're forced to use AT&T (or if you really need US 3G) then there's no clear winner since you'll end up paying a lot more for the plan itself.
Otherwise I would say the biggest consideration is what kind of smartphone user you think you are. If you have no problems with using iTunes and Apple's walled garden called the App Store, then the iPhone is a fair choice. But if you're a DIYer and have no problems copying files and making some registry edits, you'll find WinMo much more empowering.
Of course you should definitely also consider your warranty, insurance and replacement options. What will you have to do to get the 3G replaced versus the TP? Etc.
If you want a no-nonsense opinion, I'd say stick with the TP. We're only getting started here at XDA, and the TP has nowhere to go but up in terms of its software. The bulk of what the iPhone has to offer is already on the table, and will probably slow down once developers jump ship to Android. But that's only my opinion
i own both, what do u basically use your phone for? for a normal phone, iphone is great, top of everything, and for multimedia, it's still the phone to beat. and like said, it's fast, and very fast, Apple doesn't need to tell how it works, but watching movie is very pleasant compared to TP, despite the latter has more resolution to the screen.
anyway, if you really need a WM device, stay with TP, and like said before, it's tweakable, whereas the most you can do with iphone is jailbreaking to let other cracked 3rd party applications and games to be applicable on your iphone. not a straight through way to install anything you want.
I hate IPhone, apart from a massive screen & some eye-catching animation it has nothing else to offer and cummon, if u talk about speed, I have tried both IPhone & TP over 16mg Wifi and they both load a page almost within in same time.
How can you even call IPhone a smart phone??? It doesn't even have the basic functionality that a mediocre s60 has...

Would you recommend the Fuze?

I've really been considering to buy the Fuze, but I'm getting mixed reviews. For all the Fuze owners, please answer the poll so that us potential buyers will know what to do.
Thanks!
anyone else wanna vote?
theomni said:
anyone else wanna vote?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm stuck in between the Fuze and the Touch Pro now... I really don't know which one is better? They are the same price nowadays.
I recommend it. I had the Tilt before and I love the Touch, its probably the best WM phone I've had (I've used the Sprint 700wx, Sprint Q, Sprint Touch, AT&T Tilt and now the AT&T Fuze).
I'm sure the few issues that exist with the Fuze will be fixed within a month or two because of the wonderful people we have here making custom ROMs, porting radios, etc.
I am very happy with my Fuze. It's not perfect and definitely needs some tweaks, but I think it is the best Windows Mobile phone ever put out. The screen is fantastic and makes it worth it by itself.
Pros:
VGA screen
Excellent multimedia
Youtube works both in it's own app and the mobile website
Slingbox looks fantastic
Expanded keyboard
Sleek design
Touch Flo 3D really works good
Finally, good bluetooth reception
Cons:
So-so d-pad
More remappable buttons needed
No headphone out jack
I do miss the tilting screen of the Tilt
No forward facing camera (why AT&T?)
Overall, I love the phone. I don't even need to use my laptop much anymore. Plus, it should only get better. I can't wait to see the Fennec web browser released for WinMo.
The Fuze can run on AT&T's 3G bands, which is the biggest difference. Physically, the Fuze has a PTT button (remappable using a trick in this forum) and the Pro has a front-faceing camera, but they are otherwise the same. You can install whatever Touch Pro ROM you want on the Fuze once you flash Hard SPL on it, so the software difference should not be an issue. If you're on AT&T and in a 3G area, it's a no-brainer decision between the two.
Tempest790 said:
No forward facing camera (why AT&T?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
US carriers don't support that functionality so it's cheaper for HTC to leave it out all together.
I've swithed from iPhone after droolling over Fuze release date for 2 months. First couple of days had slight regret (my first WM phone), but once I got the hang of it I fell in love with it. My girl tried it out and dropped her iPhone for Fuze aswell. IMHO, Fuze is on a much higher level and you just can't customize the iPhone the way you can Fuze, no matter what Apple commercials say. Oh and by the way, I realized how crappy Apple products are, but that's another story.
I said no because its not for everyone. I read a lot of people wanting something other than the iphone because of the data plan, this is not an iphone. Then they go and complaint that they cant do this, that its slow, that this, that that. I confess, I am/was one of those whining byotches. I know its not an iphone, I'm just afraid to customizing with roms and then f-it up and be stuck with a nice $300 paper weight. So maybe after my month is up, I'll have the balls to customize it.
Do you have to buy a data plan with the Fuze like you have to with the iPhone, for AT&T?
Only if you want the rebate.
If you want the best browser/entertainment device thats easy to use get an iphone. If you need a business phone outside of entertainment, get the fuze. Both are aimed at different type of consumer.
I know this is exactly what everyone hates to hear, and they just want a plain yes or no, but it really does depend on the person.
If your the kind of person thats really into the stuff they buy, and wants a device that has tons of opportunities and possibilities, then you will probably like the fuze. The beautiful thing about winmo devices is how much you can mess around with them. You can download tons of apps, customize, flash new ROMs, experiment, all kinds of stuff.
If you want something that is ALWAYS going to be friendly and never ever give you any quirks or problems and you just want something that is very cut and dry, the fuze may not be for you.
I would line up your priorities and see what is most important to you and more importantly, what would make you want to throw your phone out the window, cause those are the things that are ultimately going to make you happy when your using your device.
Fuze thoughts:
I have had this phone for 3 days now. My prior phone was an 8125. I unlocked and customized that phone after 30 days. I will most likely do the same thing with this one. Gotta read read read.
Initial review: Absolutely the awesomest phone I have had to date, only the 3rd PDA, though.
I miss the programmable buttons. I haven't figured everything out, but I am getting the hang of it. It has advanced customization, though I haven't even touched the surface. The keyboard is a little different from my 8125, and as I have used it extensively for 2 years, I am accustomed to the numbers being along the top row. I think the 'Full 5 Row QWERTY keyboard on the phone should more closely resemble a normal keyboard, however, I am certain I will get used to it with a little practice.
I have one problem that AT&T doesn't know how to fix: the error message "Smart Chip Not Provisioned MM #2" comes up and shuts off phone signal. I initially thought it was the smart chip. I placed it in my 8125, and no problems. Then I exchanged the phone. Still no fix. It isn't a hard error I can readily duplicate, it just happens intermittently, but only in a specific location, so now I suspect the towers serving the area in which it happens. I suppose it could be the sim card in conjunction with the 3G network which the 8125 doesn't support, but further troubleshooting will eventually solve this one.
Addtionally I was hoping that AT&T wouldn't cripple the forward facing camera, but it isn't there, and I'm not willing to pay $550 more for a Touch Pro off Ebay just for that. As there isn't a lot of network support for live video conferencing, it really isn't that much of a problem for me anyway.
Reception seems to be about the same as my 8125, but again, further testing will support or disprove my initial experience. I am currently having trouble with the GPS function, but it is probably just a configuration/setup issue that I have not played with enough. The phone will tether without the laptop connect package, but you have to make a small edit in the registry. This is a relatively painless process.
This is not meant to criticize the Fuze. These are the only real problems (and minor to me) that I have encountered, and would give this phone a HIGH recommendation.
MrRuss

Do I FUZE or do I go?

I need some advice, and I'm a bit lost on what to do, now knowing about the upcoming Touch Pro2.
In the middle of March I'm due with AT&T to upgrade from this decripit old Nokia 6555 to a new phone - which I already selected, the AT&T FUZE/Raphael.
Question is: Do I stick with my original purchase idea and get the FUZE, or should I hold out for the Pro2? From HTC's release (sometime in Q2 09), how long should I expect to wait before this ends up on, say, AT&T's shelves?
Well it's always a game... get the newest and best now or wait for the next best thing. Look at the Touch pro and Touch HD for an example. No matter what as soon as you pick and buy something theres something new right around the corner. Personally I don't think the TP2 is that big of an update and I'm just gonna stick with my Fuze for the time being and use all the software people rip from the TP2
get the fuze...who knows when at&t will have the tp2. U can always try to upgrade to it later.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of the fact that the Touch Pro 2 is significantly bigger. It's the same size as an iPhone now, but a bit thicker. I like the form-factor of the original Touch Pro.
The Fuze 2 (Touch Pro 2) is set for launch around June or July for AT&T.
And it will bear the name Fuze just like the last Touch Pro. But as with anything this could change between now and then.
You know, I was so psyched for the Touch Pro.
Until I held it. For me, the screen is very small. I have had a Dash for the last couple of years, (honestly, if it wasn't for XDA, I would have trashed it long ago) and wanted something very different in my next WinMo device.
I like the TP2, for me, that will be my next device. My Dash is tired though, so I am going to buy a unlocked Tilt (can get one on Craigslist for cheap) until the TP2 comes out.
Just my preference, I know the 1ghz processors are coming out this year as well, but there will always be something new coming out around the corner.

As the Raphael ages, What will be your next phone?

Still in love with my Touchpro, but as with all tech, I can watch it slow down with newer builds of 6.5. Its aging and I'm thinking of upgrading soon, but I want a phone I know the community is going to support the way we do with the TP.
The HTC Leo looks so sexy....but I'm having a lot of dreams about Android as well.
For me, I cant live without hardware keyboard and GPS, so TP2 is my next choice. If only Leo has hardware keyboard..hmmmm
I'll probably wait for the 3rd incarnation of the tP (TP3). I want that snapdragon processor!!!
silverkiller said:
Still in love with my Touchpro, but as with all tech, I can watch it slow down with newer builds of 6.5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand this. Touch Pro has the same processor and RAM as TP2, TD2, HD etc. In other words, it's the same phone, only resolution is different. Why do you think that for example TP2 is quicker? All specs are the same.
I'll be using a phone that doesn't exist now, but it will totally kick ass and iphone users will be really jealous.
Hate the hardware keyboard, extra bulk for me so....
AT&T Pure (TD2) enroute today!
One of the phones with the snapdragon or Tegra(?) chips.
I'm caught between the AT&T Pure (aka Topaz), cuz it is just so fine in the hand and has a beautiful screen and 5mp camera; the TP2 because of the keyboard; or wait for the HD2, cuz it's a capacitive screen, has a screaming processor, and 3.5mm earphone. It looks awesome!
I only find my Touch Pro faster with the latest WM6.5 builds. I initially wanted to purchase Diamond 2, so I went to the ATT store and checked it out.
IT does have a larger screen but the width of the screen is exactly the same as Fuze, so it doesn't improved the software keyboard since the area it takes up is exactly the same width wise.
And overall the Pure feels very much plasticy, and too light for my likings.
And the WM6.5 on Diamond 2 isn't even close to what the cooks have done for the Touch Pro, so I walked away empty handed.
Maybe I'll go back to the store when TP2 arrives, but I still think TP is a solid phone, I even like to use it more than my iphone 3g. (well my gf doesn't want to use the fuze, so that's the only choice I got =/
I will wait for the HD2
My next one is going to be HD2! Look at the video. It's really cool.
http://pocketnow.com/tech-news/htc-hd2-caught-on-video
I have another tab open right now, with an Acer F1 sitting in the basket for £338 - over £200 cheaper than the HD2's pre-order price from the same UK online retailer!
The only thing stopping me from pressing the 'checkout now' button is the lack of TouchFlo 3D and my uncertainty over whether anyone will develop it in the way I know the good folks here will look after the HD2. I'm so torn!!!!
Don't...know...what....to....do!
im just gona bide my time and w8 because just when i bought my tilt they came out with the fuze about 2 months L8r.... but i do have the fuze now so i will just w8 til my contract is up and see what is out then.... i love my fuze and i think its the best phone that they offer @ at&t prior to the release of the new tilt 2 and pure
I feel the same. Acer F1 looks great on specs, but the HD2 has both WM 6.5 and Touch flo.
Im going with the HD2, since theres always upgrades on XDA and WM 7.0 will show its furry little face in the Spring lol
whatever the next TP3 is - gotta have snapdragon/tegra, HD kb.
have been thinking about omnia2 qwerty...
mputtr said:
I'll probably wait for the 3rd incarnation of the tP (TP3). I want that snapdragon processor!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on this one. Why purchase an expensive device just for the larger screen with same specs. My only concern is that ATT may not offer it due to the direct competition to the iPhone (in regards of the HD2 at least). Though double dipping money with iPhone and WinMobile based device could just kill the last thought...
I'll wait for the 1 GHz device without any doubt.
So what are the options for someone on AT&T?
I want a new phone because my TP is falling apart. The keyboard doesn't respond well, some of the keys barely work, etc etc.
The TP2 simply isn't even an upgrade. It is amazing they are even calling it an "upgrade."
I've seen soooo many reviews(Engadget,Gizmodo) bashing WM 6.5. I haven't used Android or the iPhone, but these reviews must mean WM sucks compared to Android/et al.
So I'm thinking of getting an Android phone, or would love to try a WebOS phone, etc.
Are there any phones from Europe or other carriers that I might want to look for? Something that is an actual upgrade from the TP? Thanks guys!
@schwalbach
Touch HD aka Blackstone from down under perhaps (Telstra enabled for frequency match). But, again, same specs larger screen. Get a replacement or at least check how much it is and hold on a few more months until ATT or another US carrier announces snapdragon based phones. I could likely happen that they'll wait for MS to pair it with a WinMo 7 release (just a guess).
I messed around with a Touch Pro 2 the other day and I really liked it, but as has been pointed out, with the same chipset I'm not sure it's really worth the outlay, especially for someone who buys their handsets sim free. And they took away the handy 'torch' from the back. Cads.
Has anyone been to Qualcomm's website and seen the next Snapdragon with 1.5 Ghz cpu? Eeeek!
The trouble with waiting for the Touch Pro 3 is it's bound to be only 3mm thick, but the size of a coffee table ; )
If I can get over my current love of the Acer S200/F1 I may try and play with an Omnia Pro and see what that's like....
I just got my Fuze for my Bday a couple months back knowing that the Tilt 2 was coming. I still really like my Fuze, but I really like the Tilt 2, but I'd never get it because of the now mandatory data plans, which I'm thankful for getting my Fuze early enough. If I had my choice I'd jump ship on the next 2 generations after the Tilt 2 on AT&T, but those data plans are too expensive for me so I'll probably have to jump off my first WinMo device and go to Nokia for unlocked phones, unless HTC or someone starts selling unlocked WinMo/Android phones.Which I really hope someone starts doing, I'd really like to stick to WinMo.

What to do guys...

Righty, my HD2 is about to go to where all good phones go when they meet their maker, the African sub-continent
Yup its time has come, the USB socket seems to no longer except data connections, (probably broken PCB/tracks) and the digitiser has started to act erratically
as much as id like to get out the soldering Iron and replace the digitiser it doesn't cost that much more to get a new one.
So I guess im coming here to pick your brains and gather up what the community feels is the best options
So the choices above are
get a cheaper HD2 and wait out for the WP8 device launch when I could then choose to get a cheaper WP7 device or get a WP8 one
Keep the king of all phones the HD2 and shell out on brand spanky new one
Nokia 800(cheaper)
Nokia 900(would rather)
Titan (cheaper)
Titan II (Would rather)
Something else, perhaps a Smaller HD2 comparable gem
Ive put those 4 on because im interested in what the general feeling of the community is on them, obviously the 900 and the Titan II are better but I suppose the question is, for those that know is it worth the extra money?
In terms of spec I don't care, they are all good, but if your suggesting another one then 3.7in is the absolute minimum screen size and CPU spec around that of the 3 year old HD2 is acceptable, I don't play games so a 1GHz snapdragon is ok and around 512MB of RAM is fine too, the HD2 has a bit less which is fine. screen size is what's important
Im aware those newer ones are not as mod able as the HD2, but apart from web based XAP installing I don't do that much on it that needs the Full unlock so would I miss it...I dunno, side loading some of my custom XAPs would be handy I guess....
One last thing, yes I can and have researched them, but im open to suggestions and im more interested in what you guys have experienced with them, good or bad. We XDAers tend to know out stuff a lot more than the average review site!
sooo..... over to you great chaps and lasses, what do you think?
I loved my HD2 and would still be using it if it wasn't for the social integration that wp7 holds, No going back now, But if you can pick up a cheap HD2 for now then surely its the better option being what ur familiar with and knowing wp8 hopefully has some nice surprises to look forward to later in the year.
I've got an LG E900. It works smooth, but has so many little flaws, that I would go for a cheap HD2. I don't know about the Titans. But after using WP7.5 I wouldn't consider to buy a new WP device which isn't capable of WP8.
Maybe you get an used WP7.5 device cheaper than an HD2 and consider this as an opportunity to test WP. Because I guess Android isn't perfect either, but you know of its flaws and there aren't any surprises. Like when I've got my first call. WP vibrates, then rings, then vibrates. When I wanted to change this behaviour I considered myself lucky of being able to at least choose a different ringtone.
OtoTheBear said:
But after using WP7.5 I wouldn't consider to buy a new WP device which isn't capable of WP8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That story is not over yet Microsoft just kept quit and that's it...
Anyway, I'd buy another HD2. It's already quite cheap and still the best. And when WP8 hits the stores, I'd buy a shiny new phone with new specs (second gen devices have not made a big jump but WP8 is hopefully going to catch up with android handsets).
The HD2 will always be nice (even when you got a new phone) as you can really, really play with it.
thanks guys, Its looking like a return to the king moment with half the vote suggesting getting a cheap HD2 and waiting for 1st gen WP8 devices to see what happens.....
Ok, ive had another thought, now there doesn't appear to be any development on this one but its unlockable to deploy xaps, I don't think its full unlock but as I said im not too bothered.
So, the phone im talking about, is the Samsung Focus s
From all information that I can gather its pretty good, all beit has a plastic feel about it, anyone have any additional thoughts on the matter?
ive got a day to decide before my phone will probably pack in, USB socket just fell off the PCB all together such an undignified end to the HD2 3 year reign
Well that's sad - but even the hd2 is not invincible
I think Samsung makes pretty decent phones (I played around with an omnia 7 and galaxy s2). The only downside is that they feel really cheap and shaby as you said.
Don't know what you're paying for it, but if it's really cheap, I'd buy it. Otherwise I'd stick with an HD2 and wait for the WP8 release.
chabun said:
Well that's sad - but even the hd2 is not invincible
I think Samsung makes pretty decent phones (I played around with an omnia 7 and galaxy s2). The only downside is that they feel really cheap and shaby as you said.
Don't know what you're paying for it, but if it's really cheap, I'd buy it. Otherwise I'd stick with an HD2 and wait for the WP8 release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well ive gone with the Samsung Focus S imported from the states, the screen size was the deciding factor, combined with the fact that dev unlock is fairly straight forward and interop isn't much harder. Titan was just too big, and the 800 was too small and inconsistent with what I was expecting, the 900 would have been great if I could have got one cheep, the Focus S ticked all the boxes bar the slightly plastic feel to them
theres sweet bugger all going on in development so perhaps ill try give something back to the community and learn a bit from the Gods on here
The HD2 is still holding in there, if I squash the whole lower portion of the phone very hard and remove the battery to charge it, it still kinda works, it just doesn't want to die

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