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Any good smartphones around $250?
Used or New, I want to get an idea of what kind of phones are available nowadays around that price. I have a Nokia 5800, it's been working great and all, but I think I'd like the upgrade to a more actively updated OS. I was looking for Pre's on ebay, but noticed the ratings here on battery aren't great. Then I remembered most early Android's didn't have great battery either. I'm honestly not a fan of Apple, so in my confusion I turn to gdgt! I do very light browsing on my phone, rarely call/message but DO use it as my main music device (probably why the 5800 has held up so well for me). I'd like to listen to at least a day's worth of music before needing to charge, so let me know what you suggest!
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I concur with rmcvey, don't get the Pre. I've had to get mine replaced 3 times in the span of a year. Luckily I have 2 more months with mine. There's also no music apps for it.
As for the WP7, if you want to pay for a $15 sub a month for music, then go for a WP7. You can find the HD7 for slightly under $300, but as a phone and OS, I do not recommend it (slow updates, significantly less features, less useful apps, the list goes on...).
You can find similar services to Zune, such as Rdio or Rhapsody (with offline caching and cheaper), on other devices. If you're against not getting an iOS device, then go with an Android device. The Nexus One can be purchased for around $250 on eBay and is stock Android or try one of the LG Optimus devices, those are slightly cheaper and not stock Android, but a lot of people like the Optimus devices. If you can get into the beta, Google Music is killer on Android and I love that I can listen to all my music from anywhere. Make sure the phone you're getting has Android 2.2, so you can run the new Google Music app.
As for the WP7, if you want to pay for a $15 sub a month for music, then go for a WP7. You can find the HD7 for slightly under $300, but as a phone and OS, I do not recommend it (slow updates, significantly less features, less useful apps, the list goes on...).
You can find similar services to Zune, such as Rdio or Rhapsody (with offline caching and cheaper), on other devices. If you're against not getting an iOS device, then go with an Android device. The Nexus One can be purchased for around $250 on eBay and is stock Android or try one of the LG Optimus devices, those are slightly cheaper and not stock Android, but a lot of people like the Optimus devices. If you can get into the beta, Google Music is killer on Android and I love that I can listen to all my music from anywhere. Make sure the phone you're getting has Android 2.2, so you can run the new Google Music app.
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If you want a great music experience, I'd go with a Windows Phone because the Zune media player is awesome. Not sure how long the battery would last if you played music all day, but there are plenty of reviews out there that can give you a generall idea.
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The Pre is not what it's cracked up to be, it's cheaply made. Well I'm speaking from experience with the original Pre that was available from sprint a year or so ago. So I can't really say about the new ones since HP took over. However if your looking for a actively updated OS, and not wanting to go with Apple, then go with either an Android phone or a Windows 7 Phone. Just about any Windows 7 phone you buy will work pretty well, and since you use it for music I'm sure you'd like the Zune Apps and Marketplace.
Personally thou, I'm still and Android fan. They are also good for music, especially since Google released the Google Music beta, I have blew that app up recently, my 3G usage is never going to be the same again. lol, Anyway, I really like Samsung Galaxy S line of phones. The 5800 was a GSM phone, so I'm guessing your on a GSM carrier. lol. The Samsung Captivate is a good Android phone, which is around 250 on ebay, and the Samsung Focus is pretty much the best of the Windows 7 Phones, and it's about 200 on ebay.
Personally thou, I'm still and Android fan. They are also good for music, especially since Google released the Google Music beta, I have blew that app up recently, my 3G usage is never going to be the same again. lol, Anyway, I really like Samsung Galaxy S line of phones. The 5800 was a GSM phone, so I'm guessing your on a GSM carrier. lol. The Samsung Captivate is a good Android phone, which is around 250 on ebay, and the Samsung Focus is pretty much the best of the Windows 7 Phones, and it's about 200 on ebay.
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