Verizon smartphone question/advice

[jaminmd]

I have a Verizon BlackBerry. I think it is very sllloooowwww when I get on the Internet. The screen is too small as well. I only use the net function when I travel but like the instant access to email.

My question is, what is the speed difference between 3G & 4G? If I upgrade to an iPhone or something similar (preferably with a bigger screen), would that be a speedier option?

Thanks!

 

[golfgal]

I think the issue you are having isn't so much 3G/4G but the fact that you are tying to use a Blackberry to surf the net. My old BB was like you are experiencing, worse than dial up service on a computer, but it was 3G. My Droid is faster then my computer most days, again 3G. The big issue with 4G right now is the limited coverage area so until that improves in a couple years, is it worth paying for 4G when you will be in 3G most of the time anyway??

 

[jlewisinsyr]

What BB do you have? BBs are notorious for having under powered processors which causes the issues that you describe with performance on the internet. The older the BB, the worst the internet browsing experience is.

 

[SookieStackhouse]

Before getting smething 4G make sure you live in an area that offers it. AFAIK, the iPhone (Verizon) will NOT be 4G. You did specify Verizon, I don't know what is up with AT&T.

 

[golfgal]

Before getting smething 4G make sure you live in an area that offers it. AFAIK, the iPhone (Verizon) will NOT be 4G. You did specify Verizon, I don't know what is up with AT&T.

I think the fact that it is Iphone 4 is confusing coming so closely on the heals of the 4G network. Iphone 4 is the 4th GENERATION, but not a 4G (whatever that G stands for) capable phone. Verizon IS coming out with 4G phones but I can't remember what they are.

 

[jaminmd]

I think the issue you are having isn't so much 3G/4G but the fact that you are tying to use a Blackberry to surf the net. My old BB was like you are experiencing, worse than dial up service on a computer, but it was 3G. My Droid is faster then my computer most days, again 3G. The big issue with 4G right now is the limited coverage area so until that improves in a couple years, is it worth paying for 4G when you will be in 3G most of the time anyway??

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know. I use the net on my BB only when I travel but like the access anyway. I'll check into the Droid instead.

 

[DMickey28]

We have the Droid Incredibles and LOVE them.

 

[golfgal]

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know. I use the net on my BB only when I travel but like the access anyway. I'll check into the Droid instead.

The Droid has better apps then the Blackberry too . A Droid is really a mini-computer that happens to allow you to make phone calls where a BB is really a phone that happens to let you use the internet, sort of.

 

[SookieStackhouse]

I have a Droid X, it is 3G, besides the fact I live nowhere near 4G so thats a non-issue for me. The Droid X is a great phone. It isn't as slick as the iPhone with iTunes on the media playing part, but it is functional and will sync w/iTunes if you are patient and download extra software. It has a good camera, video camera, web browser is every bit as good as the iPhone's Safari, and facebook. It will make a mobile wifi hotspot (for extra money) I went ahead and did it w/mine and it works great.

The iPhone of course will have perfect syncing w/iTunes and do most of everything else the Droid X will. I think the iPhone is more of a fashion statement. The two phones are very competetive and either one would serve you well.

 

[golfgal]

I have a Droid X, it is 3G, besides the fact I live nowhere near 4G so thats a non-issue for me. The Droid X is a great phone. It isn't as slick as the iPhone with iTunes on the media playing part, but it is functional and will sync w/iTunes if you are patient and download extra software. It has a good camera, video camera, web browser is every bit as good as the iPhone's Safari, and facebook. It will make a mobile wifi hotspot (for extra money) I went ahead and did it w/mine and it works great.

The iPhone of course will have perfect syncing w/iTunes and do most of everything else the Droid X will. I think the iPhone is more of a fashion statement. The two phones are very competetive and either one would serve you well.

Someone here recommended the PDAnet app for free mobile hotspot use. I downloaded it but haven't used it yet. Something to check into. Also, maybe I am doing something wrong but my camera isn't very good.

 

[SookieStackhouse]

Someone here recommended the PDAnet app for free mobile hotspot use. I downloaded it but haven't used it yet. Something to check into. Also, maybe I am doing something wrong but my camera isn't very good.

The Droid X has built in mobile wifi hotspot built in. All you have to do is call verizon an pay your $20 a month to use it.

I am not familiar with "PDAnet", but I do know there are ways of getting free hotpsot that might be one of them. You have to do something to your phone before you can get free mobile wifi free, but I know it CAN be done. I am just not smart enough or adventurous enough to try to do it myself. It has something to do with "rooting" your phone.

The Droid X camera is like an 8mp camera. That is as good quality as a lot of stand-alone digital cameras.

 

[vettechick99]

I think the issue you are having isn't so much 3G/4G but the fact that you are tying to use a Blackberry to surf the net. My old BB was like you are experiencing, worse than dial up service on a computer, but it was 3G.

Yup! Just got a Droid and its much faster than my old BB.