smart phone

Can someone who is content with their smart phone and carrier please help me pick out both. I need about 700 minutes of talking, no need for text, and want unlimited web for myself + my wife.
I was going to get a Windows phone but found out there were hardly any apps.
I would like the tethering idea that came with the T Moblile Windows phone for my laptop but am turned off because of the lack of applications.
I want to easily synch to my desktop so documents I create can be transferred to My Docs in the pc.
The T mobile Android plan for family seems to be about: Plan =$60, web for both $60, insurance $6 and taxes about $25 = ?$150.
I have really been trying to "look before I leap" but there are so many variables it is difficult.
Could someone help me out?

 

I dont know too much on US data plans for web access but majority if not all in the UK are now capped, I'm lucky my contract is an older one and still get unlimited web until I re-new, then its 500mb per month.

>>I read the fine print on the back of the T mobile and it said unlimited plans may incur a charge if the use is excessive.
I think the whole world is playing with words and contracts are to be broken. When I was working unlimited had one definition.
I do understand that caps are hard to reach.

>>"apps" for Android phones are growing
Yes my brother had a Droid and has tons of apps. I now understand that Windows marketplace is quite limited compared with iphone and Droid. if you are an app person it is a factor.

>>one it tethers to my laptop or netbook,
I had tethering explained to me and really like the idea. I was unclear whether tethering was enabled by the Widows phone or T Mobile. I seriously want tethering and would be a factor in my choice. Could you tell me what enables this feature so I can narrow my selection. You seemed to imply Windows phone allowed for the tethering but I would like to be sure.

>I don't hear too many bad things about the Droid and hope it can Tether with a carrier. T Mobile seems quite popular here.
I was told Droid is a Verizon item but it seems the Android os exists on other phones -true?.

>>Except for apps, Windows Phone with Windpws 7 sounds like a good way to go.
Most of my time is on the pc now but that may change with the right smart phone.

Thank you for helping me pare down the variables.

 

Great information, Halo.
When you shop for apps for Win moph, do you look for just Windows apps?
Is there a charge for Win apps and for other apps?
I thought the TMobile person led me astray but perhaps the Windows HTC-HD2 is a good idea.

 

Halo
The screen is great indeed. I read they had to patch a few things but what's new - hey?
I also read Win 7 is due out 4th qtr so worth waiting; unless out now?
Thanx for all the tips and am leaning towards Windows 7 when available.
Price at store for phone was high @ $238 for two as I saw you can get from a distribitor for a lot less. I do not know what they consider a distributor as I have only seen retail. Will Bing it and see what's up.
Peter

 

I received a note from a friend just now;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Mobile
QUOTE
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Microso...?wlc=1280525688
Windows Phone 7 is scheduled for launch around the end of the year, and it could well miss the holiday sales season. Even if Microsoft manages to launch Windows 7 smart phones in time for holiday season sales, that might not do it much good.

"Microsoft's going to be a competitor, but possibly not out of the gate," Al Hilwa, a research director at IDC, told TechNewsWorld. "It may take a refinement or two after that to be in the same league as some of the other players."

I do not get all of it but it sounds disheartenting for Win moph.
Do you think the HTC-HD has the hardware to upgrade to Win 7 or is it too soon to tell becdause it has not yet been released.
I wold not want to buy then be sorry that I could not upgrade Does the upgrade cost?
I was also wondering if tethering was a carrier or phone factor? I guess both in that the carrier must allow it and the phone and pc must be compatible;please correct me.
Btw,
I did see the gps on the Win moph and it said something like .......finder.
Talk soon

 

>>You did say that you could sync and work Android phones with your Windows pc -correct?
You like the Android o.s. I gather or is it a combination of an Android phone + Android O.S
I know my jargon is rudimentary but forums are my classroom.
I have read up on the HTC company and they seem to be quite stable.
Is it correct to say that HTC is like saying Motorola or another brand?

 

I understand about brand names now.
Are we excluding iphones because of cost or incompatibility with the Win pc?
Coordinating; tethering, syncing with Windows pcs, and all is quite tricky.
I read about the app sync and there was no mention of Word documents.
I'm afraid I'll have a few blushing moments before I am through.
I think I read you can sync Android to Win pc with an app.
Tethering is a big factor in my persuit and I know the HTC -HD2 does tether with T mobile.
I guess tethering is a company not a phone issue.
The iphone is Mac right? If so you would think it might not work well with Windows because with pcs thay are different worlds.
I'm curious, does your carrier allow free tethering?
As I understand it, I can use it to get the web while traveling by using a usb cable with the phone and the laptop. Sure beats an online card I would have to purchase.

 

HI Halo
Unless I missed it I did not see if Word docs can be synced using iphone or Android.
Isn't the free tethering great!
I am recoding this information and I thank you

 

Sorry for hopping in late: One of my co-workers tethers his iPhone with a free app he added on. Also, jailbreaking them is legal in the US now, but still voids the warranty.

 

So he tethers the iphone for free. Is this because of the phone or the carrier?

 

Well, I know he is with AT&T, since his iphone isn't jailbroken, and that he's not paying for tethering. It may be because he's not doing it often, he's a Mac user so syncing with the computer in other ways is really easy for him, and it's possible that if he was doing it more than once or twice a month he'd have to pay.

 

So we really do not know whether tethering is a feture of the phone or the carrier or the plan?
I have a feeling it is the carrier but could be wrong.
What is jailbreaking;something like hacking?

 

Pretty much. You hack the OS to unlock the iPhone from AT&T, so you can use it with other carriers.

 

Aha, a carrier issue - thank you.

 

I'm surprised not to see other android users chime in, so I will try. I'll start from the beginning.

I started with the First Android phone the "HTC - G1", 2 years ago with T-Mobile and have been happy with the system. I was interested in the new snapdragon 1Ghz processors in the Nexus 1 and the HTC EVO with a 4.3" HD screen, but due to speed usability and the balance of the good battery life factor, I upgraded from the G1 to HTC "My Touch 3G Slide" android phone, staying with T-Mobile, also because I had to have an external keyboard.

I use the phone for work mostly and the phone syncs with Google business Mail, Calendar, Contacts, Maps & Google Talk seamlessly. My #1 favorite app is Google Voice which does a good enough job of translating voicemail to text, the feature saves me a lot of time handling customers. Through the browser I access all my word docs, spreadsheets, etc though Google Docs, which I wish there was a better app, but for now it works. at least I have access.

I have a 8g microSD card to carry files, which works like a jump drive,

A good friend has both an IPhone 3gs that he purchased, then his employer supplied him with an Motorola Droid. The phones are very close in operation and function, and he has a hard time deciding on which phone he prefers. Likes the verizon networks and speed, but also like the number of apps available on the iphone, which android is gaining ground.

 

I have become accustomed to using Windows so was trying to find a way to sync to my pc.
I guess most of what you are doing is Google related.
My only experience with Google was Gmail and I used it briefly then turned to to Windows Live Email.
I also tried Thunderbird as an email program and had trouble with it so went to Windows Live Mail.
My naiveté has probably led to this reply sounding like it has not much to do with your message but what I am trying to say is that I have had more success with Windows than Google, Netscape etc.
I think intelligent versed young workers can handle workarounds and complexities quite easily but older less experienced retirees are looking for less complex systems.
I need a phone I can easily sync to my pc with, can tether to my laptop and wouldn't mind a few apps but know that Marketplace does not have many.
I am glad that you are successful with your system and appreciate your input.
I shall read it over and see what I can extract that will be of benefit.
Thank you

 

I understand, many of my current clients felt exactly the way you do before they started working with myself and my company. First off, I'm not trying to convince you to change, and now that I have stated that, I'll share a little bit of what i am seeing in the marketplace. Change can be a challenge for sure and the're always some trade-offs, since noone offers a perfect system for everyone. That's why if you are happy with what are using, more power to you.

I was solely an Outlook user until 2007 and also from 2003 to 2007 I utilized a pocket PC using MSActivesync. I was just ok with it when it worked, but it just wasn't robust enough for me, so I patiently searched for another option, but deep inside I really grew to dislike it. I worked with people with blackberries, but it was still dependent on Microsoft exchange servers and that crap I was already sick of.

Changing over was no fun, learning a new system was a chore, but I could see the strategy Google was building, would be worth the frustration (if it was dependable) and I could eventually learn it.

Now, that i'm here, I'm not interested in changing again either, heh, heh... or at least not any sooner than I have too.

Currently, I have over a hundred business customers signed up with Google Business apps and somewhere under a thousand people using Google mail, Docs, etc with many jumping to Android phones or Iphones. So, yeah, I do understand the change factor, Since some people just can't seem to handle the switch. I've found about 2% go back to Outlook, and the rest like the new found freedom and flexibility enough to stay to with new tech.

Most of my customers are 35 - 55 years young, and those in their 50's are the most stressed about learning new things. They pretty much have to embrace technology, since they plan to work for at least another 15 years before they retire, and the young whipper snappers are eating them up alive because everything has changed around them.

So for now I hold tech classes to try to help, and my first questions are for those to raise their hand who want help learning how to cut and paste. That's just a quick way to guage what I am dealing with, usually 5 to 10% raise their hand...

And then there is texting...

As you can see from this, if you are a retiree, sounds to me like you are doing great! So have a great day and just keep learning!

 

I think my conclusions are based upon past experiences.
Gmail, for example; I created a folder for my "stuff" and occasionally dropped some items of importance there. I was alarmed to find when I clicked the delete button for the message that was in the inbox, it also removed the same files I had saved in my "stuff" box. It did not discern between the two folders but picked up on the same file to delete. I don't know if that has changed. At Windows Live Email I can do the same but the program does what is is told + does not affect two folders.
Some may be redundant but as I said I had an awful time with Thunderbird and even Google confirmed others, too, had similar issues. The installer is fickle and the means of support is exasperating. It is like speaking to a synthesizer that cannot understand what you are trying to convey to it.
Windows Live email works with no issues as my email program. Their support is no better, however.
Your note was well written and I agree that Google is working toward a goal; I feel thaat there are some unfinished issues with their products and they are working on them. In time they will be smoother and easier to work with. I could cite several specific problems with Gmail, Google, Netscape, Thunderbird etc. but I would be digressing.
I was very interested in your route; I love alternatives but the frustrations along the way have kept me with what works, i.e. M.S. I can hear millions cringing as I type.
I am always willing to try and will not close the door.
Although I am not a high level user I do know my way around the pc fairly well.
Now, the smart phone is another thing. I have not had the opportunity to familiarize myself with one that is why I am looking under rocks before I commit to two years of problems. Seven decades have taught me to look first.
Another variable is that these smart phones and carrier combos are changing as we speak and not always for the better. I cite the tethering issue with ATT.
I know I will find what I have indicated in this thread and appreciate all the input I can find, such as yours.
Tether, ez sync to pc, no use for Outlook, Word only, sufficient talk with little text, voice, apps are a problem as you have insufficient with Windows and thousands with iphone and Android, unlimited web-without small print saying that unlimited is not really unlimited in that if you use too much you are charged.
I have work to do in this regard ; I hope I have not bored you and that we both benefited from this exchange, I know that I did.
I hope others jump in with suggestions to help develop the package I am looking for.
Thank you