[looneycat]

first and foremost...where in the villages are you? AT&T does not come in well in the southern end of the villages without the help of a wifi microcell. Next forget 4G just look at some 4G coverage maps and see where there IS coverage, not here. Second, what other devices are you looking to share data with. I use ms outlook for my calendar and scheduling so I find that Android based phones suit my needs since they integrate seamlessly with Outlook. I am not an Apple user, even though I had an Iphone for years, I experienced similar problems to those reported on android phones on my Iphone and found that os version issues appear in both worlds. when you get down to it if you are a microsoft device user android phones are friendlier, if you are an Apple user the Iphone should be a better fit.

Oh, I know att promises new cell towers shortly, as they have every year for the last 3 years, when that happens other carriers will no doubt piggyback on them so everyone benefits...including the cheap (around $55) unlimited everything plans available for android phones.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by looneycat

first and foremost...where in the villages are you? AT&T does not come in well in the southern end of the villages without the help of a wifi microcell. Next forget 4G just look at some 4G coverage maps and see where there IS coverage, not here. Second, what other devices are you looking to share data with. I use ms outlook for my calendar and scheduling so I find that Android based phones suit my needs since they integrate seamlessly with Outlook. I am not an Apple user, even though I had an Iphone for years, I experienced similar problems to those reported on android phones on my Iphone and found that os version issues appear in both worlds. when you get down to it if you are a microsoft device user android phones are friendlier, if you are an Apple user the Iphone should be a better fit.

Oh, I know att promises new cell towers shortly, as they have every year for the last 3 years, when that happens other carriers will no doubt piggyback on them so everyone benefits...including the cheap (around $55) unlimited everything plans available for android phones.

I'm not in the TV...just a wannabee at this point -- but I will be back in TV in June for 8 days...just wanted some feedback as to which smart phone the age 50+ folks are recommending. Thanks to all for your opinions, still doing my homework. I've had AT&T and it's predecessor company, Cingular Wireless, as my cell phone provider since 1992.

[goingtothevillages]

Anyone have experience with Walmart's Straight Talk Plan? Because I'm on a fixed income (lol - sorry - just had to get that in) I'm looking for the least expensive monthly cost to get full functionality and a flat monthly rate (Straight Talk is only $45/mth for unlimited voice, data and internet). They use Verizon, AT&T, and a 3rd carrier (can't remember if it's Sprint, T-Mobile or some other). The carrier used depends upon the phone purchased - the carrier isn't mentioned but the sales clerk can tell you by the code on the phone. Because Verizon seems to have the best signal overall, I decided to go with a phone using Verizon however they only offer 2 - a basic flip phone and a baby full featured one. The baby full featured one appears very limited and smaller than most screen. Can anyone offer some suggestions?

[TV-4-2]

We just bought 2 iPhones from Verizon (5g, 4S models) and they are the first ones we have seen or used.
We are VERY happy with them. They are easy to use.
Downloading free or inexpensive, but useful, apps is easy.
We use ours with very, very little texting, but the texting is easy if you want it.
That's our input as 3-week new users.
Larry

[rjm1cc]

The new phones will do the typing for you. You speak and it types. If you are on wi-fi no extra cost. If you are on 4g then you are paying for data. Thus be sure your phone can automatically switch to wi-fi when it is available. Also you should have setting to let some apps run on wi fi only, unless costs is not a consideration.

[Hottshots]

Think about this, if you're thinking about an iPhone remember the new one will come out soon after your contract is up.

[CarGuys]

I have a Three year old Droid now. After buying a iPad and MacBook I want the new iPhone with 4G/

I am waiting for it to come out.

[Golfer in Sanibel]

Originally Posted by rjm1cc

The new phones will do the typing for you. You speak and it types. If you are on wi-fi no extra cost. If you are on 4g then you are paying for data. Thus be sure your phone can automatically switch to wi-fi when it is available. Also you should have setting to let some apps run on wi fi only, unless costs is not a consideration.

Originally Posted by CarGuys

I have a Three year old Droid now. After buying a iPad and MacBook I want the new iPhone with 4G/

I am waiting for it to come out.

Do you frequent an area with 4G? I have had an HTC Evo 4G for 3years with Sprint and have only connected on the 4G network one time, in Tampa. Until they get the 4G network fully rolled out, 4G is a waste, IMHO. No 4G in TV and none in Akron, Oh.

[swimdawg]

Love the iPhone 4S. I had no problem with reception in St. James the past couple months...although prior use was not good. I have AT&T. Things are definitely improving....although not perfect.

[CarGuys]

Originally Posted by Golfer in Sanibel

Do you frequent an area with 4G? I have had an HTC Evo 4G for 3years with Sprint and have only connected on the 4G network one time, in Tampa. Until they get the 4G network fully rolled out, 4G is a waste, IMHO. No 4G in TV and none in Akron, Oh.

Verizon 4G is there or they show that it is?
4G LTE Network | Verizon Wireless

[Schaumburger]

OK, so I bit the but the bullet -- my contract with AT&T was not up until May. But I'm coming down to TV in June, and I wanted to be comfortable with my smartphone before June. So I got a Samsung Galaxy SII with Sprint this past weekend. Happy with it so far. Have been able to access the web while in eastern Iowa for the past 3 days visiting my Dad through 3G and some Wi-Fi hot spots. Since my Dad doesn't have a computer at his home, getting internet access during my visits to Iowa since buying my laptop 4 years ago has been a challenge at times. Will be interesting to see what my Sprint experience (internet access and call quality) is like when I visit TV in June.

Samsung is supposed to be coming out with the Galaxy SIII sometime in the next few months -- I have heard and read anytime between May and August. So if anyone is thinking about upgrading, that may be a consideration.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Schaumburger

OK, so I bit the but the bullet -- my contract with AT&T was not up until May. But I'm coming down to TV in June, and I wanted to be comfortable with my smartphone before June. So I got a Samsung Galaxy SII with Sprint this past weekend. Happy with it so far. Have been able to access the web while in eastern Iowa for the past 3 days visiting my Dad through 3G and some Wi-Fi hot spots. Since my Dad doesn't have a computer at his home, getting internet access during my visits to Iowa since buying my laptop 4 years ago has been a challenge at times. Will be interesting to see what my Sprint experience (internet access and call quality) is like when I visit TV in June.

Samsung is supposed to be coming out with the Galaxy SIII sometime in the next few months -- I have heard and read anytime between May and August. So if anyone is thinking about upgrading, that may be a consideration.

Congrats Schaumberger. I have the Samsung Galaxy SII also and absolutely love it. I use dropbox to keep my computers synched with current files and it works beautifully on the Galaxy, especially because of the screen size. I've also added Evernote, a free app, that also synchs with my two computers. It is free to download - have to install on your computers and the phone. It is my favorite app. I have 3 notebooks - personal, business and travel. When I make a reservation I just click on Evernote and it automatically goes into the notes so I have confirmation numbers, phone numbers etc. Love it.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by jojo

Congrats Schaumberger. I have the Samsung Galaxy SII also and absolutely love it. I use dropbox to keep my computers synched with current files and it works beautifully on the Galaxy, especially because of the screen size. I've also added Evernote, a free app, that also synchs with my two computers. It is free to download - have to install on your computers and the phone. It is my favorite app. I have 3 notebooks - personal, business and travel. When I make a reservation I just click on Evernote and it automatically goes into the notes so I have confirmation numbers, phone numbers etc. Love it.

Your recommendation and a coworker's recommendation were one of the reasons I went with the Samsung Galaxy S2. So Samsung owes you a commission

[Villageshooter]

Both formats have pros and cons,,, iPhone is like deciding to live in The Villages,,, once you drink the koolade u don't look back,, I love my 4s,, I love my bride ,, she can't figure out the remote to tv, but she sure beats the dog snot out of her 4s she texts video surfs the web,, downloads apps,,, loves her white iPhone with the Pink otter box .....u have what u have,,, enjoy,, u got a wonderful phone ,, and u didn't drink the apple koolade like I have

[jonbw]

They are all easy to use once you get used to them. I have had them all and gone back to a more basic phone. I use it as a PHONE. Not a facebook whatever. Not being into that scene or doing the twitter dance, it is all a bit boring.
However, there is lots you can do with them depending on your personal situation. This is the most important thing to be aware of.

Figure out what you want to do with it. You can google apps and find out what apps you may want or just what you can do with it that may be of interest to you. Give this point lots of thought. Hard to do IMO but I would have saved lots of money had I done it. Then again I like to at least try new things.

Next is which one. The Iphone is the most sophisticated phone. Smoother in operation. However, once you get the hang of a Droid it is easy and may in fact be more to your liking. Once again a very personal thing.

Then there is the can I see it problem. I have less than perfect eyes and am not gong to be doing web pages on a phone. Cheeze, not even with good eyes unless I am stuck in an airport with a late arriving plane and no newspapers and the bookshop is closed and my Kindle has a dead battery.

Having said Kindle, you can read them on your phone with the Kindle app because you can adjust the size of the print. Not a wonderful experience but still not bad except you have to read it in the shade as most phones do not work or you cannot see them in the sun or good outdoor light.

Get the biggest screen you want to haul around. The Iphone is a nice size PHONE, but at 3.5 inches is too small for lots of work unless you like getting your eyes checked a lot and get more updated glasses.

Still the resolution is fantastic on the Iphone. The Droid 5.3 inch and bigger screens are super and much better for reading or whatever you want to do with it. Bigger keyboard also. Then again you can use a voice app and skip typing. Worked for me.

However when you get to the bigger screens it may be a better idea just to get a bigger purse and haul an Ipad around and have it overwith. It costs the same 30 bucks a month and you can read it. And more. You just need a bigger purse, or brief case. And you can have a cheap cell phone to use for calling which is what it was designed for in the first place.

After a year of Iphoneing and Droiding I went back to regular phoning which I never really left in the first place as I kept putting it back on service as ever few weeks I got sick of whatever smart phone I was using.

Not to menition i have better places for 30 bucks a month for smart phone hookup.

Don't get me wrong, I really think they are amazing products. If, you have a need for one. I liked them all for different reasons. If you choose an Iphone, get Apple insurance and a case for it so when you drop it, it is not broken. An otterbox case is what you want. Then you can throw it on the ground numerous times and it will not hurt it.

Give it lots of thought folks as it really is personal. Read lots of opinions and realize that what you are reading is an opinion, just as this post is. But somewhere in all the reading there will be something may be a reason you are looking for.

Good luck and last bit of advice is if you do not know what to do, do nothing. Sooner or later it will occur to you what is best for you.