Pensacola Computer Help Technoblog

This past year has seen a huge explosion in the mobile phone market with the newest crop of Android phones jumping past the iPhone and Blackberry’s as the most popular – and for good reason: Android is a much more open platform, allowing developers to make applications freely while also not being subjected to the draconian Apple apps rules and fees. While both the Blackberry devices and the iPhone offer some pretty good features (the Blackberry still being the best for Enterprise business users), there are things that have contributed to their losing market share, such as the crappy ATT service (Pensacola ATT service is spotty at best in many places).

So if you are looking for a new phone, the question comes, what to buy? One of the biggest factors is what you need your phone to do, as well as how much you want to pay for it – the initial cost of the phone is usually not as much of a factor as the continuing cost of the service. Smart-phone costs can add up quite quickly, especially with the added services such as tethering or mobile hot spots and high usage data plans (ATT has stopped their unlimited data plans and now requires you to pay in blocks which can be very expensive if you use just a little bit too much in a month.). Personally I have found that Verizon coverage is some of the best -Pensacola Verizon service is pretty good, and it definitely is one of the best when travelling across the US, however their pricing is not the cheapest so it is a trade-off between cost and benefits.

I currently am using a Droid (the original, although I plan on moving to a newer Android device in the near future). One of the things that I love about the current crop of Android phones is their ability to view Flash websites and play Flash games, something that the iPhone will never be able to do thanks to Steve (wanna be god) Jobs. In addition, I do like the easy integration with Google apps (gmail, google maps, etc). Also, with the soon to be released Android and Windows based tablets (like the Samsung Galaxy), the wireless hotspot capabilities may come in handy (while I currently have an iPad, I hate being hampered with its shortcomings such as the lack of flash, no usb ports, no camera, etc).

In the end, it comes down to a dizzying array of choices when it comes to phones, so be sure to take some time and do a bit of research before taking the plunge, and look carefully at all the associated costs.

1. Sally Hope says:

   October 29, 2010 at 8:44 am

   Hey Jeff:
   My old phone is dying as we speak. You know me and know I am not at the top of the game….technology wise, at least. I saw an ad for a new Windows phone????, I thnk arriving November 8th. What do you know about it, what do you suggest for me, what do you think? Lots of questions and need your support.
   Thanks, as always !!
2. PensacolaComputers says:

   October 30, 2010 at 5:23 am

   Here in Pensacola, the major determining factor is what carrier you are going to use. Verizon has good coverage, as do some of the smaller carriers, while ATT tends to be spotty in places. You also need to consider what features you ‘need’ – having a smartphone is essential for a lot of people, however, paying extra for a data plan that you hardly ever use is questionable. Personally I need to check my emails constantly when out and about, so it is worth it to me. The new crop of Windows phones, while nice and pretty good feature wise are still new, so there hasn’t been time for all the bugs to be worked out. Personally I like the Android based phones as they have the best features and great apps. The phone you choose depends on a number of factors though such as if you want a hard keyboard, or just a virtual one – ie: the Droid and Droid2 both have pull out keyboards whereas other phones rely on only an onscreen virtual keyboard. If you only need email and occasional web access you may want to check out one of the lesser featured phones which have more affordable data/email plans. In the end it comes down to how much you want to spend per month/how much you need certain features – call me anytime with questions