Metro Jacksonville

Community => Science and Technology => Topic started by: KenFSU on October 04, 2011, 10:48:48 AM

Title: Cell Phones
Post by: KenFSU on October 04, 2011, 10:48:48 AM
Many of us have become dependent on our smart phones for everything from making calls, fielding email, getting directions, shopping, finding open tables at restaurants, doing work, checking sports scores, etc.  It's a pretty exciting time in the mobile world too. We're just over two hours away from Apple announcing either the newest iteration of the iPhone 4 (the iPhone 4S), a newly designed iPhone 5, or both. And we're a week away from Samsung, Google, and Verizon reportedly announcing the new 4G Android superphone, the Nexus Prime.

What cell phone is everybody currently using? Do you favor one mobile OS (Apple's iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile) over another?

Just curious.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Non-RedNeck Westsider on October 04, 2011, 10:53:10 AM
(http://globetribune.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/RotaryCellPhone.jpg)
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: BridgeTroll on October 04, 2011, 10:59:07 AM
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on October 04, 2011, 10:53:10 AM
(http://globetribune.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/RotaryCellPhone.jpg)

Mine looks just like that... I dont have that cool dialy thingie...
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Jimmy on October 04, 2011, 11:03:36 AM
iPhone 4.  I have been impatiently waiting for the next iPhone, whether 4S or 5, since the summer. 

Will be following all the rumor sites at 1pm to see what Tim Cook has up his sleeve for us die-hard fans of Apple/iOS.

Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: manasia on October 04, 2011, 11:05:39 AM
Iphone 4 User.

I will probably go with the Galaxy S2 the Iphone 5 in my opinion may not be worth the wait. We will know what the 5 will do around noon sometime.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Doctor_K on October 04, 2011, 11:40:35 AM
Motorola Droid 2.

Android isn't too bad.  I've not yet owned an iPhone, so I have nothing to which I can compare, but I like my phone, carrier, and OS!
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: ProjectMaximus on October 04, 2011, 11:58:50 AM
Samsung Epic. Works for me.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: KenFSU on October 04, 2011, 12:10:34 PM
I've used both, and at this point in time, I much prefer Android. I like the notifications better, I like the customization options, I like the widgets, I like the openness and versatility. That said, I can totally see why people love iOS as well. It's not for me right now, but I'm really intrigued to see what additional improvements to iOS 5 are announced at 1:00.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: JeffreyS on October 04, 2011, 12:11:51 PM
HTC EVO works great in 4G mode and as a hot spot. May go to Iphone 5 if Sprint gets it.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: iMarvin on October 04, 2011, 12:21:00 PM
Blackberry Torch.

It's ok. It freezes sometimes but other than that it's fine. I just wish they had better apps and more free apps.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Ralph W on October 04, 2011, 12:42:15 PM
Nokia - non-flip - older than dirt
Makes and receives calls
I don't answer, you call back
You don't answer, I call back
We don't connect? It must not be that important.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: peestandingup on October 04, 2011, 01:00:39 PM
I use everything & am always switching. I overall prefer iPhone/iOS over most everything just based on form & function with the most high-end apps available for a platform. Android if I wanna get nerdy & install a bunch of different ROMS. Its a good OS too, but a little convoluted IMO (deep menu systems & stuff that isn't very apparent on how to do). Their app quality isn't quite on par with iOS either, but its always getting better.

I'll also tell you that Windows Phone (with the new Mango 7.5 update) is VERY good. Overall, I like it better than Android. It just needs more apps in the market, but thats growing super fast. But its solid.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: KenFSU on October 04, 2011, 03:12:37 PM
I really like what I'm reading about Mango.

Also, even though the iPhone 4S announced today has the same form factor, I'm still intrigued by the new mobile assistant technology.

It's a shame though that 15 month after the iPhone 4 debuted, the "new" model is still a 3G phone and still has a pretty small display.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: peestandingup on October 04, 2011, 03:24:38 PM
Quote from: KenFSU on October 04, 2011, 03:12:37 PM
I really like what I'm reading about Mango.

Also, even though the iPhone 4S announced today has the same form factor, I'm still intrigued by the new mobile assistant technology.

It's a shame though that 15 month after the iPhone 4 debuted, the "new" model is still a 3G phone and still has a pretty small display.

Yeah, I'm incredibly disappointed. Apple usually sets the standard & makes everyone else's stuff look like crap, but a year & a half old design with that same 3.5" screen (which is small by today's flagship smartphone standards) is just a huge screwup IMO. I don't think I'll be getting another iPhone for a while.

And still selling the 3GS?? God damn, get rid of that thing. Its going on 3 years old now.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Overstreet on October 04, 2011, 06:14:12 PM
I just make calls and take pictures with my I-phone. For other things there's the I-Pad. Bigger screen easier to ready and type for grumpy old guys.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: danem on October 04, 2011, 06:34:27 PM
I also have the Motorola Droid 2. The best thing about it compared to other Androids is the slide out keyboard. Sadly I am on my second one, because the first one glitched out on me, so I will be paying strong attention to the new iPhones that come out this and next year.

I'm familiar with both Android and iOS, and am fond of them both for different reasons. I will say I probably would've gotten an iPhone last year if Verizon had them at the time.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: coredumped on October 04, 2011, 07:18:37 PM
Android. iPhone is WAY too locked down for me.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Ernest Street on October 05, 2011, 01:07:08 AM
Please talk about prices!  How much is an Android?
Tell us how much the Phone cost you, and then how much a month an unlimited plan costs.
I have to upgrade from AT&T  3G and wonder..
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: KenFSU on October 05, 2011, 07:58:06 AM
Most high end phones are going to cost around $199 with a two-year contract these days, with the exception being Verizon's high end 4G phones, which tend to be closer to $249 or $299 on contract. Some great phones can be had for $100 or less though with a contract (such as the Droid 2, Droid Incredible 2, and now, the iPhone 4). For a single phone with data on Verizon (my pick for the best network in Jax), you're looking at just over $100 a month I believe.

Text message rates are where all carriers universally screw the consumer, and it's pretty appalling that there hasn't been a probe into text messaging charges yet.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: manasia on October 05, 2011, 09:04:28 AM
Quote from: coredumped on October 04, 2011, 07:18:37 PM
Android. iPhone is WAY too locked down for me.

I jailbroke my Iphone. I cannot use it without it being Jailbroken.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: comncense on October 05, 2011, 09:09:03 AM
I have an iPhone 4 and I'm sure I'll convince myself to go ahead and pre-order the 4S this Friday. I pay a little under $100 a month for 450 mins of talk time, unlimited data and text. Though Android does make a few good phones, namely the HTC ones, I'll stick with the iPhone. Being that I have a MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, iPad, AppleTV... it all goes hand in hand.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: KenFSU on October 05, 2011, 09:15:25 AM
Teaser for Google, Verizon, and Samsung's big phone announcement on Tuesday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM9RO-GAKjE&feature=player_embedded

The Nexus/Droid Prime could possibly pack a 720p AMOLED screen, if rumors are to believed.

I quite like the shape we get a brief glimpse of too.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: jandar on October 05, 2011, 09:35:20 AM
HTC Evo Shift. Getting used to Android, missing my Palm Pre WebOS phone.

WebOS -> Android -> iOS.

About to root and custom rom so I can get my free wifi tethering back like I had on the pre.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: manasia on October 05, 2011, 09:46:57 AM
I will not be upgrading to the Iphone4S next year, I will be buying a Samsung Galaxy S2. It is the truth.

I already have an Iphone4 and to me the 4s is pointless.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: JeffreyS on October 05, 2011, 09:51:27 AM
My wife is getting the new Iphone 4s so I will see how she likes it.  I am still happy with my HTC EVO but the 64 gig would be nice.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Jimmy on October 05, 2011, 10:34:20 AM
Quote from: comncense on October 05, 2011, 09:09:03 AM
I have an iPhone 4 and I'm sure I'll convince myself to go ahead and pre-order the 4S this Friday. I pay a little under $100 a month for 450 mins of talk time, unlimited data and text. Though Android does make a few good phones, namely the HTC ones, I'll stick with the iPhone. Being that I have a MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, iPad, AppleTV... it all goes hand in hand.

This is where I am, too.  I'm upgrade-eligible, might as well do it.  I liked Siri BEFORE Apple acquired it.  Can't wait to see how they've improved it.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: ProjectMaximus on October 05, 2011, 05:49:32 PM
Epic 4G on Sprint's Network.

Phone was $250 with a 2-year contract and plan is $70/month for unlimited everything with my discount as well as Sprint's recent price-hike.

There are certainly drawbacks with the Sprint network and a few negatives about the phone but for me personally, this is by far the best for what I need. Can't beat the price.

I sincerely hope they can stay in this range...the lower price is Sprint's competitive advantage but I'm not sure how much longer they can hang on. Hopefully the inventory of iphones they are purchasing this year will help them.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: KenFSU on October 05, 2011, 08:12:03 PM
Steve Jobs died today :(
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Jimmy on October 05, 2011, 08:19:55 PM
Very, very sad news.  If not wholly unexpected, given his health problems.

"Stay hungry.  Stay foolish."
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Lunican on October 06, 2011, 10:56:40 AM
These two year - $100 per month plans are ridiculous. If you are willing to buy an unsubsidized smartphone you will save a lot of money.

Here is a good example: http://www.tmonews.com/2011/10/t-mobile-wal-mart-introduce-30-no-contract-plan-arrives-october-16th/
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Non-RedNeck Westsider on October 07, 2011, 10:29:51 PM
So buy a subsidize smartphone (retail- $569) for $199 (Droid Bionic / IPhone 4S  -  Verizon), cancel your 2yr/$100/month contract immediately at the going rate of a $250 cancellation fee and you're still up $120 bucks. 

How's the coverage BTW?
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: AP Guy on October 08, 2011, 10:49:22 PM
Rockin the LG Optimus 4G metro pcs and unlimited everything for $60 a month.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: KenFSU on October 14, 2011, 08:45:22 AM
Anyone do the iPhone line thing this morning?
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: Non-RedNeck Westsider on October 14, 2011, 08:56:09 AM
I just upgraded to a Samsung GalaxyIIs and wow!  (Yes it's a subsidized phone through Verizon for $39, but I have a share plan with 5 lines - all full everything - for $280-$300/month)

The screen is larger than the I-phone4 (my wife's - baaaaaa), It's just as fast and has better graphics than my brother's Droid X.  Not to mention that it's lighter & slimmer than both the I-phone and Droid.

Oh yeah, I didn't drop $200 on a phone.  Mostly, because I tend to drop phones.  A lot.
Title: Re: Cell Phones
Post by: manasia on October 17, 2011, 05:08:57 PM
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on October 14, 2011, 08:56:09 AM
I just upgraded to a Samsung GalaxyIIs and wow!  (Yes it's a subsidized phone through Verizon for $39, but I have a share plan with 5 lines - all full everything - for $280-$300/month)

The screen is larger than the I-phone4 (my wife's - baaaaaa), It's just as fast and has better graphics than my brother's Droid X.  Not to mention that it's lighter & slimmer than both the I-phone and Droid.

Oh yeah, I didn't drop $200 on a phone.  Mostly, because I tend to drop phones.  A lot.

My thoughts exactly. The SII is a great phone.