Hi there. As I'm sure some of you have seen, Sprint is offering the Q for (only!) $30. As I'm due for a new phone, I thought this would be a great opportunity to jump into the realm of PDA. Like any good consumer in today's market, I wasted the day reading every review I could get my hands on. From soaring to stink, it seems everyone has an opinion on the Q. As this is the one website I've found that seems to have a consistently educated and helpful user base, I thought I'd ask my questions here.
First, the particulars of my situation. I'm currently using an entry level Sanyo purchased in 2004 (yep, still runnin') as a replacement for a newer phone that met with an untimely demise. While I don't have specific experience with PDAs, I am well versed in the general functioning of computers. I don't plan on adding data service right off the bat, but I most likely will when my finances permit, to take advantage of email, etc. My service would be through Sprint.
My concerns with the Q (based off what I've read in reviews):
1) Freezes. I've read more reviews than I care to count about lockups/freezes/etc, both at startup and during calls. What is the general consensus about this? I know there's been several BIOS (I suppose that's what it's called...ROM, OS, whatever) upgrades since release. Do one of these improve stability? I know that anything as tightly packed as a PDA might encounter issues from time to time, but I don't want my basic phone service constantly disturbed just in the name of extra features.
2) Battery Life. The market reviews I read pegged it between 3.5 and 4.5 hours, but many user reviews complained about battery problems (not holding a charge, inconsistent charging). I understand that as more and more is crammed into thinner spaces, battery life is going to suffer. I'm more interested in overall battery issues and inconsistencies, either due to design or software, and possible fixes.
3) No Data Connection. Since I won't be getting a data feed right off the bat, I'm wondering if there are any possible issues the Q might have not being online, or whether it functions fine, just without the connectivity.
4) PC Connectivity. It's my understanding that syncing up to a PC isn't very hard with the Q. What I'm wondering about is how much flexibility I'll have without being able to connect to the internet (initially). Is it possible to download programs to my PC and transfer them to the Q, or do I have to do it through the Q?
5) Recourse. By which I mean 'what to do if I get a lemon'. Since all the phones I've owned thus far have been simple, entry level phones, I haven't had much call to deal with Sprint as far as problems. I know they offer a 30 day return policy, but if problems arise after that, am I stuck shelling out more money for something else, or does either Sprint or Motorola offer some sort of replacement if my Q up and dies on me?
Anyway, sorry for the long post. I'm just hoping to get some of these questions answered before making a final decision. I'd love to step up to the extra functionality of the Q, especially at this price. I just don't want to be chasing my tail for months if it's a crapshoot as far as being a solid, reliable device. Thanks in advance for any input.
Well, first of all, the Q phone is a great phone and I think you be glad you got it...but you ask good questions:
1. The problem with forums is that only people with issues post for the most part, unless you are a person who enjoys sharing positive on tech devices. So I can assure you there are many times more people who do not have any issues with there phone than the ones who post issues. That said, there was one issue with the Q that some people experienced that related to powering the phone back on which was fixed with the third ROM upgrade. I owned two Q's (I had several from Motorola prior as well, since I was a developer for the Q) and I never experienced any issues with the phone locking up on power up. I have several friends who have the silver and black Q's and they have not had the problem. My wife did get a Q with the issue, and Verizon replaced it and she has not has any issues since. I do not believe you will get this issue, but Sprint will replace it if you get the issue.
2. Battery life is an issue with all PDA devices, not just the Q. I would recommend you get an extended battery if you plan on using the Q for long periods of time without being able to refresh the charge (car charger or home charger). I was able to use my Q for most of a day without issue, but that really depends on how you use the device. If you use the car charger once during the day if you are are away from home, you should be good to go. But the extended battery gives you freedom and you will not have an issue when using it.
3. I have never used any of my PDA phones without data, but you can have the carrier turn it off and you will be fine. However, a lot of the features like Web browsing and Email will not function without it unless you are connected to your PC.
4. You can download programs to your PC and install them to the device. You can also get Internet access through your PC connection to the device as well.
5. All carriers are good about replacing defective devices. So don't worry about getting a 'lemon'.
Hope this helps. A Q for $30 is a good deal.
Rob.
__________________ www.mobilerob.com
Productivity software for Smartphones
Thanks so much for the quick reply! Your answers pretty well sealed the deal. I just ordered my Q, and I can't wait to get it. I'll let you all know how it turns out.
i also have a question
i am planning on getting a moto q for verizon
is the 29.99 email/ web browsing plan needed with the plan?
i'm asking because i don't want to pay that, i'd rather pay per KB because i don't usually use it that often
i also have a question
i am planning on getting a moto q for verizon
is the 29.99 email/ web browsing plan needed with the plan?
i'm asking because i don't want to pay that, i'd rather pay per KB because i don't usually use it that often
This is not an easy question to answer for you, but to get the most out of the phones features, I would recommend the 29.99 plan. It allows you to really make he phone useful, without worrying about getting hit with big charges.
My two cents anyway.
Rob.
__________________ www.mobilerob.com
Productivity software for Smartphones
I've had my Old Silver for almost 3 years now and aside frm the old guy needing a new battery now, I"ve had zero issues with mine. I paid the original $40 data plan and was only too happy to have it, used the internet like crazy on that thing. Was delighted when they offered the cheaper $29.99 plan, since i didn't use wireless sync.
But I understand the financial issues concerning justification and affordability, especially in these economic times, and I am now in a position to where justification of the cost is now at issue. Simply put, I don't want to give up unlimited data on my Q, but between:
1 Wifi almost everywhere I use internet now, my 3G usage has dropped from 2Gig a month to 100 meg or Priceless when neded, but now far more infrequently.
2 Netbooks with 3G: Thinking of getting one of these. But I can't justify TWO 3G data plans, so I'm thinking of going with the HP Min on VZW with the 39.99 250 Meg plan and droping the data on my Q.
But that is really going to hurt, having yet another device to lug around, whreas the unrivaled convienience of my Q almost overwhelms the attraction of the netbook. As it is, I can use internet at will and tether as I need to, but the experience of having full internet functionally with flash support and windows compatibility in a tiny package with full keyboard is alluring too.
I guess what t all boils down to is the 3G data pricing models STINK from the consumer's perpective. But that is not the fault of the network or the hardware. That is the Corporate obligations to maximize returns to investors that pollutes and ruins the wireless experience.
Yeah, I want my cake and I want to eat it too. So, I guess I'll just have to become ither a conservative radio-talk-show host or a corporate CO each making millions in contract salaries and bonuses much of it at the tax payer"s expense nowadays, or wn the lottery. Because getting a "JOB" and working for a living sure doesn't cut it anymore.
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My brain is so full of S (Entropy, that is), I don't know anything anymore.
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