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I'm debating about whether or not I should purchase an iPhone 4th-gen (unless it absolutely sucks, but I doubt that), but my main problem is that I am…
heavily integrated with Google services. I use Gmail, calendar, voice, etc, so Android would seem like the way to go, naturally. However, the only worthy Android device on AT&T's network is the Nexus One, and I just don't have the money for that. So, I guess my question is: how is the experience of using Google's services (through their web apps, for example) on an iPhone? Is it functional and manageable? Thanks!
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Google actually has an app for iPhone OS that is basically a gateway to all of their mobile web apps. I actually think that the mobile version of Gmail is really nice, it gives you most of the functionality of the full browser experience. It's not as quick as a native app but it's really good compared to most web apps out there now. Actually all of the Google web apps are pretty nice in my opinion. Google Calendar only gives you acces to a day or month view, no week view, but that is just a small piece of the whole thing.
All in all, I think it would be manageable. Of course, I'm a huge Android fan and have to say that the Nexus One is awesome (I have one). But money is money. One thing to consider: if you get the Nexus One you aren't extending your contract at all and you shouldn't have to worry about ETFs and whatnot and you can switch to another carrier on a whim if you want.
All in all, I think it would be manageable. Of course, I'm a huge Android fan and have to say that the Nexus One is awesome (I have one). But money is money. One thing to consider: if you get the Nexus One you aren't extending your contract at all and you shouldn't have to worry about ETFs and whatnot and you can switch to another carrier on a whim if you want.
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The main problem with the AT&T Nexus One is that you have to buy it at full price but I don't believe your monthly rate becomes cheaper. When you buy the Nexus One at full price for T-Mobile, your monthly rate is $20 cheaper (which eventually pays off in the long run).
There is no Gmail experience on a phone as good as Gmail on Android. If Gmail is essential to you, and it is essential to you that it be implemented the right way, Android may be the way to go.
There is no Gmail experience on a phone as good as Gmail on Android. If Gmail is essential to you, and it is essential to you that it be implemented the right way, Android may be the way to go.
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I am also very tied in to Google's services, but I've found that if you're willing to spend a little bit in the app store that you can have a really good google experience on the iPhone.
-For Google Reader I actually use an app called ByLine ($3.99) that syncs all my newsfeeds with Google Reader, formats web pages using InstaPaper for mobile reading, and even caches your starred items so you can read them when offline.
-For Gmail I use an app called Push for Gmail ($1.99) that pushes notifications to me and has its own really fast full screen browser for the gmail web app. It's a much better experience than using the iPhone's own mail app.
-For Google Calendar I've tried a lot of options, CalenGoo ($6.99), SaiSuke ($9.99), .Sched ($7.99), and Refills ($9.99). They can all be a little slow (I have 14 calendars I'm syncing), but the one I've found that works best for me in terms of speed and functionality is SaiSuke ($9.99). They're all updated pretty frequently, so I continue to check each of them out periodically.
-For notes I use an app called gNotes that for some reason is no longer available in the app store. It's a very fast and sleek app that syncs up with Google Notebook. I'm thinking it might have been discontinued when Google announced the end of their own work on Google Notebook.
-For Tasks I use GeeTasks ($2.99) that elegantly syncs up all of my Google Tasks. Like Google's own service there is no ability to set times or reminders yet, but I still like the simplicity of it.
-For maps, I of course use Maps (built in). I do wish that I was able to send directions and My Maps to my phone, but it's not a huge issue.
-For Google Talk I use Meebo's (Free) great IM app with push.
-For Picasa I use a combination of PixelPipe (Free) and Web Albums ($1.99). I use PixelPipe to upload photos to my Picasa albums and then Web Albums to be able to view all of albums (more than 300 currently). The web app only allows you to view the most recent dozen or so albums. There is a newish app called iPicasso ($2.99) that looks very promising and allows you to view and upload in one app, but I have not tried it yet.
-For Google Docs I've tried a few solutions. DocsToGo ($11.99) and Office2 ($6.99) both have pretty good read/write capibilities, but if you just need read only access then MiGhtyDocs (Free) is a good choice.
-For contacts I actually use Google's own free contact sync service.
So that's how I get my Google experience on an iPhone. It's not all built in like on Google Experience Android phones, but in many cases I actually prefer these iPhone apps over what is offered on Android.
-For Google Reader I actually use an app called ByLine ($3.99) that syncs all my newsfeeds with Google Reader, formats web pages using InstaPaper for mobile reading, and even caches your starred items so you can read them when offline.
-For Gmail I use an app called Push for Gmail ($1.99) that pushes notifications to me and has its own really fast full screen browser for the gmail web app. It's a much better experience than using the iPhone's own mail app.
-For Google Calendar I've tried a lot of options, CalenGoo ($6.99), SaiSuke ($9.99), .Sched ($7.99), and Refills ($9.99). They can all be a little slow (I have 14 calendars I'm syncing), but the one I've found that works best for me in terms of speed and functionality is SaiSuke ($9.99). They're all updated pretty frequently, so I continue to check each of them out periodically.
-For notes I use an app called gNotes that for some reason is no longer available in the app store. It's a very fast and sleek app that syncs up with Google Notebook. I'm thinking it might have been discontinued when Google announced the end of their own work on Google Notebook.
-For Tasks I use GeeTasks ($2.99) that elegantly syncs up all of my Google Tasks. Like Google's own service there is no ability to set times or reminders yet, but I still like the simplicity of it.
-For maps, I of course use Maps (built in). I do wish that I was able to send directions and My Maps to my phone, but it's not a huge issue.
-For Google Talk I use Meebo's (Free) great IM app with push.
-For Picasa I use a combination of PixelPipe (Free) and Web Albums ($1.99). I use PixelPipe to upload photos to my Picasa albums and then Web Albums to be able to view all of albums (more than 300 currently). The web app only allows you to view the most recent dozen or so albums. There is a newish app called iPicasso ($2.99) that looks very promising and allows you to view and upload in one app, but I have not tried it yet.
-For Google Docs I've tried a few solutions. DocsToGo ($11.99) and Office2 ($6.99) both have pretty good read/write capibilities, but if you just need read only access then MiGhtyDocs (Free) is a good choice.
-For contacts I actually use Google's own free contact sync service.
So that's how I get my Google experience on an iPhone. It's not all built in like on Google Experience Android phones, but in many cases I actually prefer these iPhone apps over what is offered on Android.
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I'd say wait a little bit. I just picked up an Evo on Sprint, it's only a matter of time before AT&T gets a killer Android phone like the Evo (especially with the huge success of the Evo), best phone I've ever used, hands down.
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Thanks guys. Specifically, thanks for your unbiased opinions, as they've really helped in the pre-purchase process (otherwise known as "shopping").
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I have a solution; buy an iphone 4th gen when it comes out for $200 from at&t, unlock it, sell it on ebay/craigslist for $700+, buy a nexus
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IMO Google services work best on mobile OS/phones in this order: Andriod > BlackBerry > Palm > iPhone.
If you are open to switching networks try the Droid Incredible on Verizon. While its as expensive as the Nexus One you could get a discount as a new sign up to Verizon. That will be the cheapest option compared to an expensive NexusOne or new iPhone 4.0 (no discount since you are an existing AT&T customer). I'll leave the Verizon vs AT&T network debate to others.
The Incredible is fast and stable. Dare I say more stable than the iPhone 3G with better call quality. Not to knock the iPhone, its a great device, and we don't know how stable the 4.0 version will be when released. The Incredible will compete (maybe even beat) the new iPhone 4.0. It has a very fast 1GHz processor, uses microSDHC cards so you can upgrade memory as needed, has a replaceable battery (helpful when traveling or during extra long days), includes an 8MP camera with flash, high resolution screen & it integrates with your Google services better than any non-Android phone.
In any case, I would wait until the official announcement of the iPhone 4.0 then decide if the Incredible would better suit your needs.
If you are open to switching networks try the Droid Incredible on Verizon. While its as expensive as the Nexus One you could get a discount as a new sign up to Verizon. That will be the cheapest option compared to an expensive NexusOne or new iPhone 4.0 (no discount since you are an existing AT&T customer). I'll leave the Verizon vs AT&T network debate to others.
The Incredible is fast and stable. Dare I say more stable than the iPhone 3G with better call quality. Not to knock the iPhone, its a great device, and we don't know how stable the 4.0 version will be when released. The Incredible will compete (maybe even beat) the new iPhone 4.0. It has a very fast 1GHz processor, uses microSDHC cards so you can upgrade memory as needed, has a replaceable battery (helpful when traveling or during extra long days), includes an 8MP camera with flash, high resolution screen & it integrates with your Google services better than any non-Android phone.
In any case, I would wait until the official announcement of the iPhone 4.0 then decide if the Incredible would better suit your needs.
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The HTC Aria is coming out on AT&T soon:
www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/htc-aria-goes-official...
gdgt.com/htc/aria/
www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/htc-aria-goes-official...
gdgt.com/htc/aria/
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