Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Cell phones and PDAs

This is topic Cell phones and PDAs in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-07-2008, 12:21 AM:

I am looking for a new phone. I have decided to give in and get a phone that has email and internet on it, but a requirement for me is a qwerty keyboard and a phone that isn't too bulky. I prefer a slide out keyboard for this purpose. Does anyone have any suggestions or feedback on what I have found here? I am on Cingular and have no plans to change.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Yes I hate Sony, but this phone does look to have everything I am interested in. Well, I am not too interested in the price, but still. This is supposed to be available 3rd quarter 2008.

Glofiish M800 This phone looks very nice and has an attractive price tag too. However it has touch sensitive buttons on the outside and reviews claim you can accidentally kill phone calls and such, so that looks like a major downside.

Glofiish M700 This is their last version of that phone which doesn't have those problems.

Asus M930W This one may work well.

My biggest problem is that with the exception of the Glofiish units, these aren't even available yet and I haven't seen anything else that strikes my interest. Suggestions?

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 06-07-2008, 01:00 AM:

You NEED an Apple iPhone. It is ONLY compatible with Cingular and as a bonus it is hyper-trendy. This will enable others to think that you are cool. It has no buttons and no cover. My boss has one and he loves it. A tad bit overkill for me. The internet is supposedly really slow, but I hear that is a Cingular problem. You can even load MP3s on it and listen to Depeche Mode! It also allows you to watch high quality video that you download directly from the iStore or whatever it is called. YEAH! I think the iPhone only costs $600 or so now. C'mon man, be trendy.

Also, according to the bills I get from Cingular, they are now called The New AT&T. I guess the old AT&T must have sucked big time if they have to add "The New" as part of their official company name.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-07-2008, 01:12 AM:

I suppose I should've mentioned I do not want any iproducts. I am not saying they are bad, just that I am sick of the superiority attitude from all the hardcore emo kids that are in love with Apple stuff. They make me not want to buy another iproduct again.

I listed a SONY product Joe. Isn't that taking things far enough? [Razz]

Posted by Damien Taylor (Member # 4255) on 06-07-2008, 01:56 AM:

What about a new BulkBerry?

New AT&T is far too sweet, i'm going to wait for AT&T II and Classic AT&T... too subtle?

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 06-07-2008, 03:18 AM:

Sorry, but you need an iPhone if you want to get invited to hoity-toity things like art museum exhibit openings. Also, don't you wanna be like the Mac Guy? He is way cool. Maybe you can even be in a Die Hard movie.

Also, what happens when I e-mail you a 50MB file to your phone? How angry will you be on a scale of 1-10? Because you know I will just to see how the phone handles it.

Posted by Justin Hamaker (Member # 2165) on 06-07-2008, 03:44 AM:

I recently went to a Blackberry. I was looking for a slider type with a QWERTY keyboard, but I just wasn't happy with the available choices. The Blackberry Curve is surprisingly small. I was using a Motorola Pebl before. The Curve is only about 1/2" wider and about 3/4" longer, but it's thinner. I really like the trackball navigation.

I use Mozilla Thunderbird as my email client and I have the Lightning calendar add-on. I set up a Google Calendar and then installed the related app on my BlackBerry. So whether I add an event/appointment from home, work, or the BlackBerry, they are all synced automatically.

I also have a 2GB memory card which allowed me to put on well over 200 songs. The media player is surprisingly good and the speaker on the phone is more than adequate for playing songs in the office or the car and the sound quality is pretty good. The only negative is playing songs will drain your battery in no time.

The camera has a very bright LED flash and is more than adequate for taking quick snaps, but it's not good enough to cause you to ditch your digital camera. There is supposed to be an update in testing that will allow you to capture video.

I have always been reluctant to go with a BlackBerry, but I've had nothing but a positive experience in the 2 months I've been using it.

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 06-07-2008, 04:07 AM:

New AT&T? I wish they would go back to the old AT&T.

I tried their TILT phone earlier a couple months ago, and it was a piece of crap as well as too big and bulky. About the same size as Apple's, with a touch screen. It has Windows Mobile software which locked up on me a few times.

The qwerty keyboard was awkward for me to use. I'm used to texting with the number keys.

Sorry, no experience with the models you are looking at. I've never had any problems with Sony products. Had a cool Sony phone that I bought in China a couple of years ago that I just recently saw at the AT&T store. My daughter and niece have the Sony Walkman phone and the only complaint from my niece is that the keys are starting to get cracks in them.

Rick

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 06-07-2008, 05:49 AM:

Dont forget AT&T Zero and AT&T Lite! LOuis

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 06-07-2008, 09:18 AM:

I'd go with the Sony if I had the money (despite hating the brand as well). It's got all the things you were asking for plus if the iphone people try acting like they're better for using Apple, just start playing a video and have them shut up, unable to compete with the higher resolution screen.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-07-2008, 09:42 AM:

quote: Brad Miller
This is supposed to be available 3rd quarter 2008.

So it's already obsolete then. You probably want to get something that's available 2nd quarter 2012. Then it won't be obsolete until Christmas 2011. [Big Grin]

(Sorry, watched some Green Acres last night and I'm channeling Hank Kimball)

Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 06-07-2008, 10:05 AM:

FWIW, I know a lot of people who use the blackberry simply as a pda/internet/email and still retain thier old phone just to use as a phone. I dont know about the "NEW AT&T" but Verizon will let you do that for an extra fifteen dollars a month. All your phone calls go to your regular phone and the blackberry gets all the email, and internet stuff.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-07-2008, 10:24 AM:

First, I will not carry 2 devices. That's crazy talk.

Second, most PDAs are designed similar to this. I hate this design.

I want something more along these lines with a sliding keyboard so it doesn't take up as much space in my pockets, yet still provides me with a USABLE keyboard.

BTW, here is the link for the HTC Touch Pro pictured above.

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 06-07-2008, 11:23 AM:

I think the variety of phones carried by AT&T is one of the provider's biggest short-comings. It seems like Verizon and Sprint both have much better phone selections. One of my friends is with Sprint and just got a new Palm Centro. Pretty nice phone.

Edit: it turns out AT&T is now offering the Palm Centro as well. The listing doesn't have the cool "3G" fireball next to it, meaning it may not operate over AT&T's network as fast as something like Samsung's Blackjack II.

AT&T does have at least a couple of phones with slide out full keyboards, the AT&T Tilt and Pantech Duo. The Tilt phone costs a lot $299, after a $100 rebate -and that's a 2 year contract price. But it connects to Wi-Fi networks, has a 3 megapixel camera, MicroSD slot and lots of other stuff.

AT&T keeps sending me offers to upgrade my phone (a Samsung SGH-D801 slider model). Until they get more serious about the quality of their range of phones, not to mention get their 3G coverage into more places, I'm going to just keep what I have or perhaps consider switching to another service. With prices on so many things rising, I may just shit can the cell phone completely in a couple of months when my contract expires.

Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 06-07-2008, 01:38 PM:

Screw what AT&T says. Just buy the phone you want unlocked from Europe and throw your SIM card in it. Yes, you'll pay a lot more, because AT&T won't subsidize your phone, but for me it's more important to have the phone thats most comfortable, since it will be used several times every day. The HTC Pro looks pretty cool. I also like the Nokia N95, but it lacks the keyboard you require.

All of AT&T's phones will be 3G within a few months according to their president .

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 06-07-2008, 02:31 PM:

Maybe all of AT&T's phones will eventually be 3G and even some will be 4G. However the company has been very slow in spreading its 3G coverage. Here in Oklahoma only portions of Oklahoma City and Tulsa are currently covered.

I don't know exactly how the networks from rivals like Verizon and Sprint stack up against AT&T, but it sure seems like they're way ahead of AT&T at least in terms of how they spin it in their marketing.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 06-07-2008, 05:24 PM:

The problem I have with Sony Erricson (which is what they call their phones) is that they are not very intuitive. Their menu system is totally cluttered. Try before you buy.

Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 06-07-2008, 06:06 PM:

quote: Brad Miller
First, I will not carry 2 devices. That's crazy talk.

Well, i guess some people like to be able to read thier email, google something, pull up a list of part numbers, or a manual or take "notes" while they talk on the phone. Me? I still prefer pen, paper, and any emails I need to reference printed out.

Posted by Jaime Tuzzio (Member # 4760) on 06-08-2008, 06:34 AM:

quote: Joe Redifer
I guess the old AT&T must have sucked big time if they have to add "The New" as part of their official company name.

Yes, yes they did. I started with T-Mobile because so many of my friends had switched to AT&T from (the more expensive) Sprint & Verizon and greatly regretted doing so. Things got much better when Cingular took over and then I switched. No complaints with Cingular (or, thankfully, the new AT&T (TM)).

quote: Bobby Henderson
Edit: it turns out AT&T is now offering the Palm Centro as well. The listing doesn't have the cool "3G" fireball next to it, meaning it may not operate over AT&T's network as fast as something like Samsung's Blackjack II.

I have a friend who's on AT&T and bought a Palm Centro awhile back. He's in love with it. Sickly, sweetly, horribly in love with it. So in love I want to throw it across the room each and everytime he pulls it out of his pocket to have a look. (Seriously, he won't buy replacement stylii (?!) because they aren't white and won't match his phone and that will make it "unattractive.") My phone had a little 3G next to it and we're both now in 3G areas, but his Centro runs laps around mine, and I thought my phone wasn't so bad.

Of course, the Centro is of the undesired design. I hate that style as well. I have small fingers yet it makes me mad to try and type anything.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 06-09-2008, 08:13 PM:

The iPhone just hit $200 for the 8GB version ($300 for the 16GB). Even you can afford an iPhone now. Since it costs so little, it is no longer high-brow-trendy since the plebes can now afford it. [Smile]

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-09-2008, 08:59 PM:

Yeah I saw that today. I don't want to bother with anything less than VGA resolution, so that pretty much means the $900 Sony, the $600 Glofiish, or the iPhone. After seeing the iPhone announcement I still refused to purchase one because I am not a super geek, I do not dye my hair black, paint my fingernails, write a daily emo blog, drink ridiculous amounts of coffee, nor do I live in a loft with hardwood flooring. Then later today I found out that apparently Steve Jobs has lifted the contractual requirement of everyone's voicemail saying "Hi you have reached (insert owner's name) iPhone", so I guess I'll just deal with it given the features and price and pick one up in about 3 months when all of the uber dorks have finished camping out for theirs.

BTW, Steve Jobs sucks for not having a user-changeable battery! [Mad]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-09-2008, 09:05 PM:

Does the iPhoneII (or whatever they're calling it) still have the un-changeable battery?

Posted by Jaime Tuzzio (Member # 4760) on 06-09-2008, 09:21 PM:

quote: Brad Miller
I do not dye my hair black, paint my fingernails, write a daily emo blog, drink ridiculous amounts of coffee, nor do I live in a loft with hardwood flooring.

I feel called out.

Actually, nail polish makes my fingers feel like they are suffocating and I haven't had a blog in many, many years. I want the loft with the hardwood floors, though.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 06-20-2008, 02:26 AM:

quote: Our Grand-Poopie-BAH
I am looking for a new phone.

So what did you wind up getting...or are you still looking?

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-20-2008, 04:26 AM:

Given what the iphone II does and it's super low price, the only other two phones I like with the VGA screen are $600 and $900. At $200-300 for an iphone II, that was the decision.

I will however NOT be camping out like a Star Wars dork for one. I'll wander into a store a couple of weeks after it is released and if there isn't one sitting there, I will check back a couple of weeks later.

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 06-20-2008, 05:05 AM:

It's not out yet? Weird. Usually when Steve Jobs makes an announcement, it means it is available TODAY RIGHT NOW. He's losin' it.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-20-2008, 10:58 AM:

Nah, he wanted all of his loyal followers who will buy ANY iProduct he releases to stress out over it for a month. My guess is that he has stock in Starbucks. [Razz]

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 06-20-2008, 02:28 PM:

I too liked the iphone II and thought about getting one. Butt after looking at what AT&T charges per month to use all it's features, I'd go broke.

Also, AT&T's "menu" of services and options is more confusing than that of a Chinese restaurant.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-20-2008, 04:05 PM:

It's only $20 more a month than the normal package, silly.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 06-20-2008, 04:13 PM:

Well, I guess I'm totally confused by AT&T's Chinese menu.

Can you point me in the right direction with a link to the services you're considering?

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-20-2008, 07:34 PM:

Well Philleypoo, here is the link to the product page. As far as pricing, I just walked into my local Cingular/ATT store and asked. (Sorry, but that does requires walking. [Razz]

)

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 06-20-2008, 11:59 PM:

quote: Brad Miller
Philleypoo

HAHAhahaa! Too funny! I guess I should expect a retaliatory name, huh Grand-Poopie-BAH? [Big Grin]

I'm familiar with that page... this is the list/page I was referring to. Click the "Services" tab.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-21-2008, 08:02 AM:

Cingular now has an unlimited plan for $99.

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 06-21-2008, 10:41 AM:

The Samsung "Instinct" is being advertised pretty hard by Sprint as being an "Iphone killer." Apparently, it's going for $99 under Sprint's subsidy for it.

And if you don't want to go with sprint, the Samsung Omnia is coming out soonish as well. The Omnia is based on the Instinct but improved upon it's design. So since the Instinct is supposed to essentially be "as good as the iphone", this one will be even better.