6 replies to this topic

[promoman1]

For a variety of reasons we made the decision to leave our cell phone provider (T-Mobile) for another carrier. I am a true CrackBerry addict and really have loved my phone. I know it doesn't have all the cool "apps" like the iPhone, but it does what I need to do well. Having a good phone with data access it critical to business these days, so making a change is a big deal.

In our area ATT has some issues and as cool as the iPhone seems to be and as much as I love Apple...as a new Mac user and shareholder, I just didn't want to go down that road. We chose to go with Sprint, which seems to be kind of a sleeper carrier...and they bent over backwards to get our account. I wanted to think outside the box and initially I brought home an HTC Hero, which is seemingly one of the hot android phones. It was a bit over the top and the touch screen keyboard was a challenge. Everyone else in our company got Palm Pre's and seemed to like them, so I traded the android for a Pre and it's actually pretty nice. I can still trade it back for a BlackBerry within 30 days if I don't like it.

It seems like I will keep it at least through the PPAI Expo and put it through it's paces. So the question is...is anyone using the Palm Pre? What do you think of it?

Any input is welcomed.

[Allan]

I have Sprint as my provider and I use the HTC Snap. It is a Windows Phone and I have not had any problems with it. If I were to trade up now, I would seriously look at the HTC Hero.

[promoman1]

Yeah...I think the Hero is a pretty nice phone. I briefly had it, but the keyboard drove me nuts...and the android operating system is just a bit different. My plate is so full, I just didn't want to stretch myself learning something completely new.

The Pre is fairly logical and has some nice features...but I know I have the BlackBerry as a back up, if this doesn't work for me.

I assume then you are happy with the Sprint coverage.

[Allan]

I have had Sprint since 2000 when I returned to the States. It works for me and I have a good working relationship with the company. Before going overseas in 1995, I had SWMS which morphed into ATT through the mergers and acquisitions of the 90s which rebuilt Ma Bell.

I feel all cell companies are the same, just looking for the most money for the least service. :D

promoman1 said:

I assume then you are happy with the Sprint coverage.

[DSubasa]

All cell companies are NOT the same. Just like all suppliers (and distributors!) are not the same.

One thing to consider is CS. Truth is, T-Mobile holds the current title for best CS. Sprint was faltering for a while there, but has taken strides to fix their image. I hated VZW's CS, and I know someone who works there!

Another - coverage. Think about the map commercials running around right now. 3G is a biggie with any of these data phones. T-Mobile has the smallest 3G coverage (although your metro areas are totally covered) - VZW has the largest. I think the lists are actually flip flopped - 1,2,3,4 on the CS list will more than likely be 4,3,2,1 on the coverage list - just seems to roll that way.

Flexibility to travel is another biggie. Do you go international alot? Stay away from VZW and Sprint. The cell technology they use (CDMA) is not adopted in too many places outside of the US... Whereas you can take your T-Mobile or ATT phone and swap a SIM card when you get to another country and use it there.

Here is Gizmodo's latest round of speed testing on 3G networks. Its the evidence that not all networks are the same everywhere, and you should pick your service (and phones) accordingly. As a gadget geek (especially cell phones - we wont get into the number of phones I go through in a year!), I actually have fallen in love with Android as an OS. Luckily, I live in an area where one of the fastest companies (TMOB) happens to also be the one willing to take the most chances on phones. http://gizmodo.com/5...ga-test-att-won

If you are staying with Sprint, I highly recommend the Hero, which was the hottest phone to have until the Droid came out. I have also played with the Samsung Moment and actually liked the feel of the phone a little better than the Hero, but mostly because it has a physical keyboard (personal pref).

The Pre is an awesome phone, too. If it makes the jump over to TMOB, I may add-a-line and put that phone on it. Nothing like waking up in the morning to say "I feel like carrying _____ today"... :D

[ridety]

Buy a Droid. Get Verizon. 'Nuff said.

[CrownProdWeb]

If travelling internationally with a BB on Verizon, you also have the option of using a SIM from another carrier on certain models. the ones i know of are the 8830 World Edition and both Storms (1 & 2). Verizon even includes a Vodaphone SIM card with the phones.