Should I upgrade to a Smartphone?

[tammyroo]

Please, help me. My head is about to explode.

I am eligible for a new phone/plan in a couple of months. I have a LG Chocolate and have been quite happy with it. I'm very low tech.

However, I have been considering getting a smartphone. What are the advantages? What about the advantages of 3G vs 4G LTE etc? I have no idea what any of that means so maybe I'm not the candidate for one in the first place.

I basically use it for calling and texting (about 100-200 texts per month vs my son's 2000-3000). I don't see myself on the internet constantly but it would be nice to check emails if I'm out of town or google information or directions or something like that on occasion.

So, I'm not sure its worth the extra $30 per month for the added technology.

Adding to the consternation is the fact that Verizon is going to be offering the Iphone.

Thoughts, suggestions, experiences?

by the way...my DH got a used Blackberry-not touch or whatever. I hated it. Hard to see the internet pages, little tiny keys. I was frustrated every time I tried to use it.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I debated on getting an iPhone for give weeks before caving. It was the best thing I have ever done. I use it constantly and couldn't be happier.

 

[SookieStackhouse]

Either the iPhone or the Droid makes a great smart phone. If you have, or have wanted an iPod, the iPhone will change your life. The Droid has pretty much the same capabilities as the iPhone (and better than the iPhone in some aspects), the media player just doesn't sync easily with iTunes. With either, you also gain a video camera, digital camera, along with a phone and an mp3 player. It is like an all in one lifeline in one little package.

 

[sjsjbrook]

I thought about getting an iphone, when my husband did

But

I rarely use my phone and I text very little

What I liked about the iphone I could get on the ipod touch.

our data plans here in Canada are crazy expensive,

so I have my cell phone and my Ipod touch.

Works perfectly for me.

 

[topolino]

I'll echo the sentiments of the others in the respect that having a smartphone is like having a lifeline right in your pocket. Or think of it this way, it's like carrying your computer around with you everywhere you go.

And regarding your BlackBerry experience, BB is a great mobile device, but one point where it lacks a bit it its web browsing capabilities. If you get a Droid or iPhone you'll notice a world of difference.

If you opt for a Droid, keep in mind that there isn't just one Droid. Many phones operate on that system. One I'd recommend is the HTC Incredible, available through Verizon, if that is your carrier.

 

[simonkodousek]

I think Verizon is offering a $15/month data plan with 150MB of monthly data use. That should be more than enough for occasionally checking e-mails and Google.

 

[tammyroo]

Okay, I forgot about Apps. So what does that add in terms of data usage? That is one of the appealing things about the Iphone.

On the other hand, I have Kindle, a phone, an Ipod, a small camcorder, and a larger digital camera.

Maybe an Ipod Touch would be enough?

 

[sjsjbrook]

ipod touch let's you use the aps where there is wifi and they are all the same as the iphone. No data plan needed.

now data usage my hubby has 150 a month and has never used it all and he is using it a lot including streaming videos only ours is $50 a month.

It's all what you want your phone to actually do for you.

 

[thefatmanrocks]

With verizon getting the iPhone I have been debating the same thing.

 

[mainegal]

I use my phone (landline at home and Tracfone for mobile) about one to two hours a month. Obviously, I am not a customer for a smart phone.

Two days ago I got an iPod Touch. Pretty cool gadget! I guess it does just about everything an iPhone does except make phone calls.

It does help if you are in a place that has wifi. That is just about everywhere.

My partner also has an iPod Touch. We can "phone" each other now for "free" from our wifi workplaces with FaceTime. Pretty darn cool!

 

[daneenm]

I debated on getting an iPhone for give weeks before caving. It was the best thing I have ever done. I use it constantly and couldn't be happier.

Was it really only weeks???? Seemed like it took FOREVER for all of us to talk you in to it!

 

[PhillipsSweetPea]

I basically use it for calling and texting (about 100-200 texts per month vs my son's 2000-3000). I don't see myself on the internet constantly but it would be nice to check emails if I'm out of town or google information or directions or something like that on occasion.

So, I'm not sure its worth the extra $30 per month for the added technology.

Thoughts, suggestions, experiences?

-----
I was basically like you except that I did NO texting. I just didn't like the gyrations you had to go through to do it. It was easier to just call. However, in late August I got a Droid (Samsung - Vibrant on TMobile, other vendors use different names) and I don't know how I lived before I got it. I think that you will use it much more than you think you will. The extra $30 a month is well worth it. Just my 2 cents..

 

[Stitchmistress]

Yes. Get a smartphone. Either the Droid or the iphone. If you like better quality pictures, get the iphone. The Droid has apps also, not as many as the iphone, however, it should have what you need.

I am an Apple person, but I wanted a keyboard and a WiFi hotspot, so I got a Droid pro. I love it, and will not switch to iphone. Comparison shop so you can find the phone that will serve your needs best.

Verizon has a deal now that offers $9.00 off their smartphone data plan for new users.

 

[MelissaFromRI]

Please, help me. My head is about to explode.

I am eligible for a new phone/plan in a couple of months. I have a LG Chocolate and have been quite happy with it. I'm very low tech.

However, I have been considering getting a smartphone. What are the advantages? What about the advantages of 3G vs 4G LTE etc? I have no idea what any of that means so maybe I'm not the candidate for one in the first place.

I basically use it for calling and texting (about 100-200 texts per month vs my son's 2000-3000). I don't see myself on the internet constantly but it would be nice to check emails if I'm out of town or google information or directions or something like that on occasion.

So, I'm not sure its worth the extra $30 per month for the added technology.

Adding to the consternation is the fact that Verizon is going to be offering the Iphone.

Thoughts, suggestions, experiences?

by the way...my DH got a used Blackberry-not touch or whatever. I hated it. Hard to see the internet pages, little tiny keys. I was frustrated every time I tried to use it.

Go for it !!!
Get a smartphone , I really don't think you'll be sorry

 

[tammyroo]

Thanks for the input everyone. Lots of good things to ponder. We were in the Apple store today (getting a repair done on my laptop) so I was ogling and fondling the Touch and Phone. We'll see........

 

[mainegal]

Thanks for the input everyone. Lots of good things to ponder. We were in the Apple store today (getting a repair done on my laptop) so I was ogling and fondling the Touch and Phone. We'll see........

Let us know what you end up with.

I am really liking my new iPod Touch. It has almost everything the iPhone has but no $70 + monthly fee. I can even take photos and post them to my FB page lickety split. Just make sure you know where all the wifi spots are. (they are not at WDW!)

I woke up this morning and was checking my email, Facebook and the weather conditions before getting out of bed. Cool!

 

[tammyroo]

Let us know what you end up with.

I am really liking my new iPod Touch. It has almost everything the iPhone has but no $70 + monthly fee. I can even take photos and post them to my FB page lickety split. Just make sure you know where all the wifi spots are. (they are not at WDW!)

I woke up this morning and was checking my email, Facebook and the weather conditions before getting out of bed. Cool!

I will, thanks. The wi-fi thing is the only glitch that I can foresee having an issue with. Around the house is fine but other than coffee shops or bookstores, I'm not sure where wi-fi can be found around us. I thought about the WDW thing too but we aren't there often enough for that to even be a real issue.
On the flip side, that $30+ per month is a lot to cough up for convenience.

 

[jennbunn]

I just got my first smartphone last week. mytouch 4g droid phone. I love it. We are going to disney next month and with my new phone I can share my vacation with my family and friends on the go.

 

[tammyroo]

UPDATE
Just wanted to let you know...I got a Smartphone. Basic model to be sure. I was looking at getting a regular phone when we were all shopping around for our phones. I walked into our local Verizon store and they had a LG Vortex for free with a renewal of the contract so I snapped it up. After we started the purchase, the rep realized that it was no longer supposed to be free. It rang up for over $100 but she had to honor the sale since the sign hadn't been removed. Yay, for me.
So, it did take about 2 weeks for me to decide that I liked it but now I'm totally hooked.
Thanks for all of your input

 

[d23cndrela]

Ok, I am going to hijack this cause I have a question that goes along with it... Anyone on verizon? Iphone or the new htc thunderbolt? and does anyone kow of a good good gps app for the iphone? I always used the vz navigater for directions before/