Okay, so I'm a MAJOR gadget geek. I podcast about gadgets, I know a lot about gadgets, I've used practically every mobile OS on the market and know all of their features.. but I've never actually owned my own smartphone. Money is really tight, and I've been using it for other things (mainly upgrading my computer since it's almost a decade old). I've been running on prepaid phones for the past 8 years, and I'm thinking about making the jump soon. I was going to get the Pre 3, since I absolutely LOVE webOS, but then the entire HP discontinuing everything happened a week ago (I would have gotten it anyway even if it was discontinued) but then there was the announcement that the Pre 3 is exclusive to Europe and won't be coming to the US. That killed it for me.
I'm looking for a phone similar to the Pre in design, and if not that exact form factor it should have a good QWERTY keyboard/good virtual keyboard. OS doesn't matter to me, as long as it's not Symbian. I'll be using it for A LOT of texting, calls and music playing if that matters. Also, it doesn't matter what network it's on as long as it's on Sprint/Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile.
Any ideas gdgt community?
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Best alternative to the Pre?
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andrewkalies' pick
I'll start by assuming you're looking at Android (and potentially also Windows Phone 7) handsets; obviously Apple devices don't have keyboards, so there's that. I'll actually let other folks chime in on their favorite Android device du jour, but I did want to offer a small bit of feedback on your requirements.
As a first-time smartphone user I can see how coming from the world of lower-end / prepaid phones might have you thinking in terms of expandable storage. It's not a terrible idea, but I wouldn't impose that limit if you can help it. Any device with 16GB -- or even 8GB -- of storage should be able to get you by.
If you need more then by all means get a more capacious phone, but I think you'd probably be better off looking at more practical concerns, like devices that have a good keyboard, a nice, big screen, or that operate on the network you want (instead of picking a second-rate network for a device, as many feel they did for the iPhone on AT&T). Table-stakes specs like processor speed, RAM, expandable storage, etc. are less important by the day, so I wouldn't let yourself get too caught up in them.
As a first-time smartphone user I can see how coming from the world of lower-end / prepaid phones might have you thinking in terms of expandable storage. It's not a terrible idea, but I wouldn't impose that limit if you can help it. Any device with 16GB -- or even 8GB -- of storage should be able to get you by.
If you need more then by all means get a more capacious phone, but I think you'd probably be better off looking at more practical concerns, like devices that have a good keyboard, a nice, big screen, or that operate on the network you want (instead of picking a second-rate network for a device, as many feel they did for the iPhone on AT&T). Table-stakes specs like processor speed, RAM, expandable storage, etc. are less important by the day, so I wouldn't let yourself get too caught up in them.
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He also said "good virtual keyboard". The iPhone has a really solid virtual keyboard. I've used a phone or two with a QWERTY-keyboard but I can't say I miss it on the iPhone. It's really good in my opinion. But since you're tight on money I don't think an Apple device will fulfill that need. If you want to get it on a contract, maybe. Wait a couple of weeks and the new iPhone will probably be announced by then.
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The problem is that there just aren't that many portrait-style qwerty keyboard smartphones. Nonetheless, I'll throw out 2 ideas for you to consider.
First would be the Droid Pro. Modern Android smartphone with a decent keyboard, hardware specs are not exceptional, but perfectly reasonable for most tasks. I believe it's available on Verizon, but there's also the Motorola XPRT which is the same phone available on Sprint.
My second idea is a little crazy, but I'll share it anyway: Palm Treo Pro. (sprint) Yes it's a 2 year old phone running a dead operating system. (Windows Mobile) Yes you won't be able to get many modern apps for it like Angry Birds, etc. But, it does have some nice things going for it:
1. Like other windows mobile phones made by Palm, they added some polish and usability niceties that you won't get on other WM smarthphones.
2. Great keyboard. Like all Palm Treos, this one is great - and probably the best of any Treo ever made.
3. cheap. You should be able to find a lightly used one for very little money.
If messaging is your core concern, then the Treo Pro is a great device., though if you want a more modern phone with a big capacitive touchscreen then it's not the right choice.
Good luck!
First would be the Droid Pro. Modern Android smartphone with a decent keyboard, hardware specs are not exceptional, but perfectly reasonable for most tasks. I believe it's available on Verizon, but there's also the Motorola XPRT which is the same phone available on Sprint.
My second idea is a little crazy, but I'll share it anyway: Palm Treo Pro. (sprint) Yes it's a 2 year old phone running a dead operating system. (Windows Mobile) Yes you won't be able to get many modern apps for it like Angry Birds, etc. But, it does have some nice things going for it:
1. Like other windows mobile phones made by Palm, they added some polish and usability niceties that you won't get on other WM smarthphones.
2. Great keyboard. Like all Palm Treos, this one is great - and probably the best of any Treo ever made.
3. cheap. You should be able to find a lightly used one for very little money.
If messaging is your core concern, then the Treo Pro is a great device., though if you want a more modern phone with a big capacitive touchscreen then it's not the right choice.
Good luck!
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If money is tight try for a fire sale pre3. It is still a very good phone that will serve you well for a year or two.
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I was holding out for a Pre3 as well, but they just took too long announcing pricing/availability after the Think Beyond event so I gave up and got a Nexus S instead.
I've been 100% satisfied with the Nexus S. It's the best phone I've ever had. Stock Android is lightning quick (even though the hardware isn't as beefy as newer phones) and I'm so pleased with the experience that I'm probably never going back to a skinned Android phone, no matter how superior the hardware is.
Build quality is pretty good (very important to me) despite the plastic back and the light weight; it feels solid and high-quality. The 4" screen is just about right--not too big and not too small--and since it's AMOLED, colors and black levels are ridiculously good. Battery life is pretty good too. It has a clean aesthetic like the Pre, and the curved screen looks cool if nothing else.
I was really surprised at how good the stock keyboard is too. It's responsive and the predictive text really speeds things up, and I love being able to insert punctuation quickly after any word. But obviously there's tons of replacement keyboard options on Android too.
I guess I'll stop gushing now and just say that the Nexus S is my recommendation. :-P Either that or keep an eye on the Nexus Prime.
I've been 100% satisfied with the Nexus S. It's the best phone I've ever had. Stock Android is lightning quick (even though the hardware isn't as beefy as newer phones) and I'm so pleased with the experience that I'm probably never going back to a skinned Android phone, no matter how superior the hardware is.
Build quality is pretty good (very important to me) despite the plastic back and the light weight; it feels solid and high-quality. The 4" screen is just about right--not too big and not too small--and since it's AMOLED, colors and black levels are ridiculously good. Battery life is pretty good too. It has a clean aesthetic like the Pre, and the curved screen looks cool if nothing else.
I was really surprised at how good the stock keyboard is too. It's responsive and the predictive text really speeds things up, and I love being able to insert punctuation quickly after any word. But obviously there's tons of replacement keyboard options on Android too.
I guess I'll stop gushing now and just say that the Nexus S is my recommendation. :-P Either that or keep an eye on the Nexus Prime.
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keyboards are very personal. Depends on your preference and finger size. Are you looking for portrait or landscape kb? I would take Ryan's advice, find the carrier that works for you. Then look at their selection. If ATT works for you, from what I've heard the "cha cha", the "Facebook phone" has a great kb. VZW has the Droid Pro and Sprint has the Motorola xprt for portrait kb.
While thinking about prices, take into consideration the "lifetime of the contract" cost. Based on what plan you need (minutes/text/data) which carrier would be the lowest cost to you? Prepaid carriers tend to have lower monthly bills, but with a higher upfront cost of the phone (the price you pay may end up being the same, in the $200 range, but are mid range phones.)
While thinking about prices, take into consideration the "lifetime of the contract" cost. Based on what plan you need (minutes/text/data) which carrier would be the lowest cost to you? Prepaid carriers tend to have lower monthly bills, but with a higher upfront cost of the phone (the price you pay may end up being the same, in the $200 range, but are mid range phones.)
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I highly suggest getting the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. It fits all your requests and needs. Its form factor and design is very similar to the Pre2 and Pre3 in terms of minimalistic design, subtle curves, and the "rolling stone" influence. Android 4.0 (aka Ice Cream Sandwich) is by far one of the best OS to date, and its multitasking is quite similar to webOS (due to the fact that is was designed by a former webOS designer). Reviews for the phone and the OS praise the effective and easy to use virtual keyboard, which is ideal for your amount of texting. The 4G LTE signal on Sprint/Verizon will ensure high-quality calls and speed. The Galaxy Nexus is by far the most spiritual successor to the Palm/HP Pre line. Let me know what you decide!
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