Smart phone recommendations
 

My cell phone contract with AT&T is up in May. I do not have a smart phone now. I have been researching smart phones for a few weeks.

At first I was thinking about going with Virgin Mobile's no-contract plan, but now I'm considering getting an I-Phone or one of the higher end Android smart phones.

For those of you who have a smart phone, which one do you have, and if you could list the pros and cons of your phone, I would appreciate it.

I would like to learn to download apps. I text a low to moderate amount each month - usually send about 120 text messages per month, so I need a phone with an easy to use virtual keyboard.

I have heard younger people like my nieces and co-workers (under age 30) rave about both Android and I-Phones, but just want to hear what the age 50+ population on TOTV has to say about smart phones. Thanks in advance for feedback and opinions.

I was a beta tester for one of the first smartphones - the Sidekick in 2002. Our son had some patents on the device. I then went to the Blackberry. I love love love my Android Samsung Galaxy Sii which is the T-Mobile phone. There are similar versions for Verizon. I thought I was going to get an Iphone but prefer this one. It is thin and light weight but with an oversize screen that is great for surfing the web. I see people on planes watching movies on it. Apps are fun and comparable to the Iphone.

jojo, Thanks fior the recommendation. I will put this phone on my "to be researched" list.

Well, I'm "was" iPhone user, who went rogue and got an Android phone, but now I'm back to an iPhone...

I had my first iPhone in Germany, when I lived there from '08 to '11. It was the iPhone 3G and was on the Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile) network. Was a great phone and a fantastic network, in Europe. With a 2 year contract, I paid 1 Euro for the iPhone, but sold it for 200 Euros when I left... Good deal, for me ...

Once I got to the States, I was not able to wait until Verizon got the iPhone, so I got a Motorola Droid X smartphone. For the first few months, all was well. Then, Google decided to push out an updated Android Operating System (OS). Once the upgrade hit my phone, the camera stopped saving photos and video stopped working completely. The camera would appear to function, but when you'd go to see the photos, they weren't anywhere to be found. I went to the Verizon store and talked to their representatives and all they knew to do was "reset to factory defaults", which means I lost everything on the phone and/or replace the phone. In my case, they did both. Once the new phone arrived, I not only didn't have a functioning camera, I also couldn't access the memory card for anything...photos, videos, music, etc... I go back to the Verizon store and they performed another Factory Reset, which didn't help, but they did inform me that they wouldn't replace the phone again...so, now I'm stuck with a $200 smartphone that isn't very smart anymore.... OK, whatever! Then, Google decide to start rolling out their newest OS, Ice Cream Sandwich, so I thought it might fix some of my issues, but I was informed that my phone would not get the update...it was too old at 10 months old...OK, whatever! ...again

Pros:

• Google Turn-by-Turn Navigation (free)
• Lots of apps in the Android Marketplace

Cons:

• No real support from Verizon
• Fragmented OS (Google lets Verizon add their own stuff to it)
• Phone rebooted itself regularly, without warning
• Short battery life (~ 8 hours)

Once I was able, I upgraded to the new iPhone 4S, which I have had no trouble. Apple has created an entire ecosystem, where all of their products compliment each other. The iPhone is also on the Verizon network, but if I were to have trouble with the iPhone, I would go to the Apple Store, where I could get help.

Pros:

• Apple ecosystem
• iOS Stability
• Hundreds of thousands of apps in the app store
• Good battery life (> 10 hours)
• Apple iClub in the Villages

Cons:

• No free Turn-by-Turn navigation

These are my experiences and they may or may not be typical. There are lots of Android phones out there, by lots of different manufacturers. Apple controls every aspect of Apple products, from manufacture, to the iOS, to testing the apps in the apps store. I like that; some folks don't.


Good luck, in your quest to get the best smartphone.


Mike

Oh wait....so what did I do with the Droid X ??? Well, it's now a permanent part of my stereo system; connected to my WiFi network and streaming music from the net using Pandora or Tunein Radio.

Mike,

Can you buy an app for the iPhone for turn-by-turn navigation? My GPS is almost 3 yrs. old, and I haven't downloaded any updates to it, so when I go to TV, and I get to one of the newer villages (anything built after 2009), my GPS is no help. It's fun to just drive around, but I like to be able to get somewhere without driving around too long... :)

Yes, there are lots of GPS apps in the app store. But like everything else, the newer areas of TV are not mapped yet. Especially the areas south of 466A.

GPS routing for the golf cart just doesn't work. I put most of TV cart paths in Google Maps, but getting it to reliably route you on those paths is impossible. In the end, I got tired of working with India on this issue and abandoned any further development on that front.

Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the feedback. I have a couple of months before my contract is up, so I can browse for a while.

jojo, I went to Best Buy today to check out the Samsung Galaxy Sii. Clerks at Best Buy recommended I wait until Galaxy S3 comes out -- Best Buy clerks said S3 is being released in April; web sites I checked today said anywhere from April to June/July. Since my AT&T contract is up on May 8, I will hold off until then unless the S3 comes out in April then I will may bite the bullet and take the early termination fee. But I did like the Sii. If the S3 wasn't coming out supposedly so soon, I would probably be getting the Sii in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the tip.

Totally happy with my Verizon Bionic. I got it last September. Motorola has a Razr out now that has gotten really good reviews. The Bionic is available at a reduced price. I can't say enough about this phone. 4G Service is available. Outstanding apps. Very good signals just about everywhere. EXCELLENT customer service. I've been with Verizon Wireless Internet since 2003.

Xavier

love my I-phone
 

When I purchased my Iphone about a year ago, I too, was very confused over which phone to buy. As this was my first smart phone, I quickly learned that there are many choices.

After some research, and speaking with several "young people" who work in the phone stores, I decided the Iphone was right for me. My other considertion was the Droid.

The deciding factor for me was ease of use. While the Droid may do more, than the Iphone, I was told the Iphone was a bit more user friendly. I think the Droid would be more appropriate for my 30 year old daughter who has had several smart phones.

I wanted to be able to use all the functions of a smart phone without being too overwhelmed with the learning curve.

IMHO- the Iphone would be a good 1st smart phone choice

Iphone, it just works. Yes there are NAV application. I use navagon and also was able to replace my skycaddie as there is a great golf course app. I use AT&T with my iphone and so far have no dropped calls, and no problems anywhere in TV. I know other complain about AT&T, but for some reason it works on my work blackberry and my personal iphone just fine.

A few weeks ago I finally upgraded from a 4 yr old flip phone to an iPhone 4S on my Verizon plan. I'm a retired systems guy, so I felt comfortable with the phone right away. I am sure that I would have felt comfortable with an Andriod operating system, too. But, what sold me on the Apple product is the simplicity, expected reliability of operation and the huge support base, in terms of both OEM and aftermarket apps. So far, I don't plan to watch movies or even download music. Based on more simple usage, I felt that I could get along with the 3G download speeds instead of the emerging 4G LTE performance.

BY THE WAY, THE FREE MAPQUEST 4 APP GIVES TURN-BY-TURN DIRECTIONS, JUST LIKE A GARMIN GPS, AND DOES NOT REQUIRE VZ NAVIGATOR. Also, Google Earth looks great on the screen.

iPhone
 

Love my three year old HTC Droid. But after having a iPad since Christmas and a new Mac Book 13 I can't wait for the new 4G 5 iPhone release.

Ready to retire! Apple just works! Done staying up all night playing PC man!

H

My husband and I both have the iPhone, our first smart phone, so we don't have anything to compare it with. I like it because it is user friendly. My husband likes it because he does not have to use the keyboard to send a text...he just talks into the phone and his words are magically sent as a text! If we have a problem with our phones, we just head over to the AT&T store at LSL. The personnel over there are very helpful and always have time for you. Good luck!

I agree completey with your opinion. Ease of use, for a first timer was what drew me to the iphone.

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.
:shocked:

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.

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?

new iPhone user
 

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

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.

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

Waiting!
 

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.:oops:

Yes to iPhone
 

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.

Verizon 4G
 

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

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.

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 :)

iPhone is great
 

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

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.:wave::wave:

Rumor
 

New phone late summer. I should have listened when I bought the iPad2

H

Happy With Sprint So Far
 

Happy with my Galaxy SII and Sprint so far -- of course I've only used it in the Chicago area, Dubuque, IA and rural southwest Wisconsin -- near Platteville. Hope it will work in TV when I'm renting in June -- have heard mixed things about Sprint's reception in The Villages.

And for those of you thinking about upgrading -- Samsumg Galaxy SIII is supposed to be launched in May in London - don't know when the stores in the U.S. will start carrying it.

...

....