Smartphone

El Mucho

I was hoping to get peoples opinions on Smartphones. My options are pretty slim but I have narrowed it down to 4 phones. However, I am kind of ignorant on the whole smartphone thing, this being my very first so I want a little input from people that might know more than myself.

Here are my 4 picks:

Samsung Focus

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

Samsung Galaxy S Captivate

iPhone 4 16 gig

The issue with the iPhone is availability. Winnipeg, Manitoba doesn't have a booming population and providers still don't have a regular stock. I was told there will likely be a fresh shipment today so I am going to head down to the store this afternoon, however I would like to be certain that the iPhone is the best pick before I purchase one.

Thanks and any information is much appreciated.

oldsak

I have a samsung vibrant (galaxy s variant). I just discovered that samsung does not seem to have drivers for windows 7 64 bit.

Spudge

The Focus is probably the best phone on your list, and also one of the best WinPho7 phones available right now. If it were me, I'd take that one

The X10 is a decent phone, but long in the tooth. S/E has announced they're not supporting/upgrading the phone past Android 2.1

The Captivate, I don't know a whole lot about. But if it's anything like the Vibrant, you'll love the colors but hate the performance

Kyougu

What are you looking for in a phone?

El Mucho

Ok follow up question. If I take the focus is there a simple way to get my music off of itunes and into Zune? I am assuming Zune is going to be the music player of choice for WinPho7.

Also how are the phone manufacturers about getting OS updates out? Will it be at Samsung's whim when I get an update or Microsoft's?

El Mucho

Kyougu wrote: »

What are you looking for in a phone?

I am looking for a phone that has a decent camera, ability to play music, apps and GPS capabilities.

Spudge

With WinPho7, it's all about Microsoft. They've designed the specific platform so they can control/release updates. With Android, it's up to Google (to release the code), your phone manufacturer (to build the update) and your carrier (to push the update). It's very convoluted and sometimes quite irritating. A simple way to get around that is to root and install custom ROMs to your liking

As for music moving, I have no answers there

KalTorak

Getting music out of iTunes should be as simple as dragging/dropping, since it should all be DRM-free at this point.

Have you checked to make sure you have decent AT&T (or equivalent Canadian iPhone provider) coverage in you area? If not, that puts a pretty big dent in the iPhone right there.

El Mucho

The city I live in has coverage it's outside the city which is the issue (90% of the provinces population is Winnipeg).

Inside and the immediate area has 3.5G coverage outside the city is 2G. I don't leave the city very often so it shouldn't be an issue, plus the provider is in negotiations with the provincial provider to share towers (I think) in rural areas so the coverage should only improve.

El Mucho

Spudge wrote: »

With WinPho7, it's all about Microsoft. They've designed the specific platform so they can control/release updates. With Android, it's up to Google (to release the code), your phone manufacturer (to build the update) and your carrier (to push the update). It's very convoluted and sometimes quite irritating. A simple way to get around that is to root and install custom ROMs to your liking

As for music moving, I have no answers there

Hmm, So the ultimate question is Samsung Focus versus iPhone4. With a new contract the prices are comparable.

How is WinPho7 for apps? I know if won't compare to iphone's library but does it have a decent selection?

Also, I would hate to get on board with Microsoft only for them to botch it again. How has the WinPho7 release been?

Kyougu

Win7 release is probably the best mobile release MS has had in years, but it's marketshare is miniscule. So you're definately going to be missing out on apps that you would find in Apple and even Android. For example it's really lacking on good twitter app.

The big thing for Win7 is the Zune pass and it's integration with the zune store.

Serpent

The Galaxy S captivate is awesome

There's a reason the Galaxy S line is pretty much the best selling phone other than the iPhone, has been made into a tablet, and also has MP3 version is coming out. There's also a reason the new Google 'flagship' phone, the Nexus S, is basically a re-branded Galaxy S.

If you want iTunes syncing then do the iPhone. However, there is some easy software to 'mimic' iTunes with android phones and all your non-DRM music will load up.

El Mucho

Is the Zune store available in Canada? Last time I checked it wasn't, admittedly the last time I checked was a couple of years ago.

Spudge

Zune store has been pushed to Canada (and other markets) for the WinPho7 release. And yeah app selection sucks right now, but Microsoft has huge plans

T Serpent: maybe then it's just the Vibrant. In my testing, the display and video capabilities was awesome, but the thing just ran sluggish as all get out. Also Samsung is notoriously crappy at getting OS updates to the phones

Sheep

iPhone for compatibility with EVERYTHING, if that's an issue.

I'm not super super serious about apps and my Samsung Focus uses the micro USB that most Black Berry phones do so I don't have much trouble finding an outlet to charge it. My Focus has an amazing screen and I really really really like Windows Phone 7 and it's Metro UI.

The Sony phone is an Android phone. It is not a "Playstation Phone" like the media keeps saying it is.

From what I've read the Samsung Focus and Galaxy are same phone but just different configurations due to the OS. WP7 and Android, respectively. MS requires a bit of phone conformity for WP7. Power button always in one spot, etc etc.

Spudge

Sheep wrote: »

iPhone for compatibility with EVERYTHING, if that's an issue.

I'm not super super serious about apps and my Samsung Focus uses the micro USB that most Black Berry phones do so I don't have much trouble finding an outlet to charge it. My Focus has an amazing screen and I really really really like Windows Phone 7 and it's Metro UI.

The Sony phone is an Android phone. It is not a "Playstation Phone" like the media keeps saying it is.

From what I've read the Samsung Focus and Galaxy are same phone but just different configurations due to the OS. WP7 and Android, respectively. MS requires a bit of phone conformity for WP7. Power button always in one spot, etc etc.

The Focus and Galaxy share the (amazing) screen, and that's it. The Galaxy line uses a Cortex A8 Hummingbird chipset where the Focus uses a Snapdragon. It's my opinion that the Hummingbird is what makes the Galaxy line sluggish

El Mucho

I think you guys have convinced me to get the Focus. It's a tough call though.

Bourne

I just got the focus and love it. The xperia x10 won't be getting any updates past 2.1

Neyla

hey, I live in the same area as you and just got a HTC hero from MTS. They got me a short plan since MTS will be supporting Iphone sometime before march. So if you really want one, hang on we will soon be in big supply of it. I got something so I can take advantage of their free wireless promotion (i have everything from MTS).

After my plan is done, i'll be switching to an Iphone

Sheep

El Mucho wrote: »

I think you guys have convinced me to get the Focus. It's a tough call though.

WP7 is ridiculously intuitive. It's about to get a big OS overhaul and in the next few months is getting an update from 7.0 to 7.5.

AngelHedgie

Honestly, I think the best advice is to wait. CES has seen a lot of new smartphones debut. Verizon has an event coming up next Tuesday and the scuttlebutt is that the Big Red iPhone will be announced then (and I'd bet that it will be LTE capable.)

Dehumanized

AngelHedgie wrote: »

Honestly, I think the best advice is to wait. CES has seen a lot of new smartphones debut. Verizon has an event coming up next Tuesday and the scuttlebutt is that the Big Red iPhone will be announced then (and I'd bet that it will be LTE capable.)

he's in canada

verizon not a thing there


but yes, in general CES just meant a phonesplosion of new models, there'll be some very delicious stuff coming in the next few months

AngelHedgie

Dehumanized wrote: »

AngelHedgie wrote: »

Honestly, I think the best advice is to wait. CES has seen a lot of new smartphones debut. Verizon has an event coming up next Tuesday and the scuttlebutt is that the Big Red iPhone will be announced then (and I'd bet that it will be LTE capable.)

he's in canada

verizon not a thing there


but yes, in general CES just meant a phonesplosion of new models, there'll be some very delicious stuff coming in the next few months

True, but I'm expecting that if a Verizon iPhone is announced, it will be LTE capable. That will apply.

quondamquantum

heard good things about the focus....

AngelHedgie

So, to follow up on my train of thought earlier, it looks like that yes, Tuesday will be the day of the Big Red iPhone. As I said before, the big question is if it will be LTE enabled.

Echo

El Mucho wrote: »

Kyougu wrote: »

What are you looking for in a phone?

I am looking for a phone that has a decent camera, ability to play music, apps and GPS capabilities.

The iPhone 4 has a pretty awesome camera, and does excellent HD video too. Music/apps/GPS too, not much to say there.

I've had problems with the GPS in downtown Stockholm, but it's triangulating with cellphone towers, so I probably can't blame that on the phone. That stuff isn't as exact as a real satellite GPS.

KalTorak

There are a few different options for GPS on the iPhone - I've never had a problem with Navigon (a paid app), and I've heard good things about Google's free version.

Kyougu

Best GPS is on the android phones. Free, turn by turn navigation, pretty much anything you would ask for.

MrIamMe

I have a desire and its not sluggish at all.

A lot of my friends have galaxies, and they arent sluggish either.

Iphone for me feels sluggish after having my desire so long.

As for music on android, its drag and drop, and cos I dont like using cables, I do it wirelessly.

Hell I can even play music on my xbox off my phone.

Also 2nding the gps on android, its good.

Deusfaux

AngelHedgie wrote: »

Dehumanized wrote: »

AngelHedgie wrote: »

Honestly, I think the best advice is to wait. CES has seen a lot of new smartphones debut. Verizon has an event coming up next Tuesday and the scuttlebutt is that the Big Red iPhone will be announced then (and I'd bet that it will be LTE capable.)

he's in canada

verizon not a thing there


but yes, in general CES just meant a phonesplosion of new models, there'll be some very delicious stuff coming in the next few months

True, but I'm expecting that if a Verizon iPhone is announced, it will be LTE capable. That will apply.

No it won't. There are no LTE networks in Canada

El Mucho

So I got an iphone 4.

I appreciate the information you guys provided.

Now that I have an iPhone can anyone recommend me some apps?

Thanks again.

Corvus

Get Angry Birds. And kiss your life goodbye. :P

Durandal Infinity

El Mucho wrote: »

So I got an iphone 4.

I appreciate the information you guys provided.

Now that I have an iPhone can anyone recommend me some apps?

Thanks again.

You made a great choice. For Apps it really depends on what you're doing. I cant live without the Engadget news app, I use Red Laser all the time for price matching, my banks and credit cards have apps, there is an itunes Remote app, Dragon Diction will let you email or text spoken word (ala dragon software for PC) with amazing accuracy. Angry birds and words with friends will EAT YOUR SOUL. Byline is also an awesome RSS reader that has Google Reader support.

El Mucho

Haha yeah I have angry birds, it is awesome. Got my bank apps. Got a good recipe app, and flixster.

Dragon diction sounds useful I will have to get that. Is there a good document opener app?

Also can anyone recommend me a navigation app? Is Navigon any good? I read some negative reviews on the garmin app so I am a little weary.

Six

El Mucho wrote: »

Haha yeah I have angry birds, it is awesome. Got my bank apps. Got a good recipe app, and flixster.

Dragon diction sounds useful I will have to get that. Is there a good document opener app?

Also can anyone recommend me a navigation app? Is Navigon any good? I read some negative reviews on the garmin app so I am a little weary.

Navigon is awesome.

For docs, I use ReaddleDocs and it works pretty well. Evernote is also pretty handy.

El Mucho

How is Navigon in Canada?

Durandal Infinity

Never used navigon in canada but Ive used tomtom USA and Canada with no issue.

El Mucho

Does it require constant data connection? I heard the Garmin app downloads maps as you are driving, does Navigon do the same?

LewieP's Mummy

I'm glad you got an iPhone, I love mine. Wish it was red, though, but I have a very beautiful wrap/skin from Valve of a gun turret! Mr AahH! is fun, as is Mirror's Edge and Broken Sword, and I've got iBooks and Kindle as well.

Scrublet

Corvus wrote: »

Get Angry Birds. And kiss your life goodbye. :P

Only if you value your sanity. That game has caused me to almost throw my phone against the wall. I guess it's awesome though lol

Cyvros

Corvus wrote: »

Get Game Dev Story. And kiss your life goodbye. :P