Another phone thread...

[[AK]Swae]

So the husband and I finally agreed to consolidate phone plans, and I won out with my vote for sticking with T-Mobile. We went last night, and Billy upgraded to a pretty nifty T-Mobile Wing. I, however, am still debating on which phone I should get, and came home still wielding my same old Samsung.

My 2 top contenders at this point are the T-Mobile Shadow or the awesome-looking and quite pricey G1. The G1 is supposed to be the next generation phone, similar to the iPhone but with a full QWERTY keyboard (which I really really like). Has anyone heard anything about the G1? Here are my concerns and decision points:

- The G1 does not have Windows Mobile. While this phone is mainly for personal use, the ability to sync with Outlook and open attachments while not in the office could be handy. However, since my company is not paying for my phone, it's not a 100% deal-breaker.

- That being said, it would be handy to be able to check my work email from my phone. Right now the G1 runs all Google-based apps. Is it possible to access outlook through google? (I know, newb question, but I've actually never used Outlook until this job).

- The G1 has a nifty kewl touch screen similar to the iPhone. While being super fun to play with, if I get a phone with a delicate screen like this, will I be forced to carry it around in a dorky case? I'm more of the 'toss the phone in the purse and go' kinda girl, and I wouldn't be caught dead toting my phone on my hip. Are the screens that easy to damage?

- In general, is it bad to buy something expensive like this when it's right out the gate? I know with cars they always say never buy the first model year....should I hold off and see if this new 'android' phone is all it's cracked up to be, or just take the plunge?

[[AK]Hylander]

In terms of outlook/google - I have a Motorola Q9c, and I use iMAP with gmail. Gmail checks all my various email accounts, so I use gmail as my 'central' and primary email. However, using iMap, I have all my email available to me on my phone and on my PC using Outlook. It works very well and it's very easy to set up. Gmail has a very straightforward tutorial on how to do so. The big thing with gmail is just getting around the label vs folders. Once that's done - your good to go.

I've read mixed reviews on the G1, but most were more or less positive.

So the husband and I finally agreed to consolidate phone plans, and I won out with my vote for sticking with T-Mobile. We went last night, and Billy upgraded to a pretty nifty T-Mobile Wing. I, however, am still debating on which phone I should get, and came home still wielding my same old Samsung.

My 2 top contenders at this point are the T-Mobile Shadow or the awesome-looking and quite pricey G1. The G1 is supposed to be the next generation phone, similar to the iPhone but with a full QWERTY keyboard (which I really really like). Has anyone heard anything about the G1? Here are my concerns and decision points:

- The G1 does not have Windows Mobile. While this phone is mainly for personal use, the ability to sync with Outlook and open attachments while not in the office could be handy. However, since my company is not paying for my phone, it's not a 100% deal-breaker.

- That being said, it would be handy to be able to check my work email from my phone. Right now the G1 runs all Google-based apps. Is it possible to access outlook through google? (I know, newb question, but I've actually never used Outlook until this job).

- The G1 has a nifty kewl touch screen similar to the iPhone. While being super fun to play with, if I get a phone with a delicate screen like this, will I be forced to carry it around in a dorky case? I'm more of the 'toss the phone in the purse and go' kinda girl, and I wouldn't be caught dead toting my phone on my hip. Are the screens that easy to damage?

- In general, is it bad to buy something expensive like this when it's right out the gate? I know with cars they always say never buy the first model year....should I hold off and see if this new 'android' phone is all it's cracked up to be, or just take the plunge?

[[AK]Clay]

If I couldn't get an iPhone, I'd get the G1. The iPhone screen is tough - and even tougher when you throw on one of those adheasive shields (which I recommend). I assume the G1 is similar construction. I only sometimes use a case for my iPhone, and it's holding up very well.

As to syncing with Outlook, there's always some cleaver soul coming up with a way to sync your phone with Outlook. I can't sync my iPhone with my work PC because those are locked down too hard for me to do so. So I just foward important scheduled items to my home Outlook and sync there (Go to the Scheduling tab under your appointment and type in your home e-mail address - wallah, it's now on your home PC too).

[[AK]Kidd]

I was leaning toward an Iphone, but AT@T just blows. I like the stylus feature that my phone has. It's identical to my old Palm Pilot Tungsten in operation. The touch screens are flashy, but when my fingers are covered in lord knows what (HVAC can get messy, even for a desk jockey) I opted for the stylus phone.

Been working on setting it up all morning. So far I love it

[[AK]Squidly]

iPhone.

All phone carriers suck, but if the coverage is there, there is no other choice.

[[AK]Swae]

iPhone.

All phone carriers suck, but if the coverage is there, there is no other choice.

Well that is pretty much not an option, since we just signed a 2-year with T-Mobile. Besides, AT&T service is abysmal here in Baton Rouge.

One of the things I keep reading is how with the G1 they are leaving most of the apps up to independent developers. How likely is it that they will develop an app that will allow the viewing/editing of MS Office documents or pdfs?

[[AK]Brorlis]

My Blackberry has proven to be all I need.

[Slaughter]

I'd say go with the Blackberry Curve, even though T-mobile has the "older" version... the difference is literally wifi capable (T-mobile) and not (other carriers).

G1 is 1.0, don't be a test dummy if you don't have to.

[[AK]Hylander]

iPhone.

All phone carriers suck, but if the coverage is there, there is no other choice.

No, they don't. I can't remember every losing a connection with Verizon.

iPhone + Shitty Coverage = Save your money

[[AK]Hylander]

I think the best 'shield' for phones are the one produced by Zagg. They work and are extremely resilient. They also don't fade or distort the screen.

They have an ad for the G1 right on the front page.

[[AK]StitchJones]

I like hearing him called Billy. It has such a nice ring to it. I wonder if there is a 'billy' ringtone?

[[AK]Squidly]

No, they don't. I can't remember every losing a connection with Verizon.

All phone carriers suck. Some have better coverage than a particular area, but they all suck. Customer service is awful, the website blows, the store employees are idiotic, the hardware is overpriced. It's always something - or a combination of somethings.

I'm glad T-Mobile or Sprint or Verizon is your little slice of heaven. AT&T is mine. Millions upon millions of other people can't stand any of them.

They all suck.

The iPhone on the other hand, rocks.

[[AK]Hylander]

I need a network to make phone calls on, and data to retrieve my email. Verizon doesn't fail at either. Sorry yours apparently does so that it results in you needing the deficient areas you listed.

[[AK]Squidly]

I need a network to make phone calls on, and data to retrieve my email. Verizon doesn't fail at either. Sorry yours apparently does so that it results in you needing the deficient areas you listed.

I'm glad T-Mobile or Sprint or Verizon is your little slice of heaven. AT&T is mine.

[[AK]Bojan]

Battle of the phone companies!!!



I think both AT&T & Verizon suck... and I am still looking for my slice of heaven