For the most part I've narrowed it down to two phones, Nokia e71 or Blackberry Curve 8320...for completions sake here are the questions:
1. What PDA and/or mobile phone do you use today?
Nokia 1600
2. Are you locked into a mobile carrier (i.e. Verizon Wireless, Sprint PCS, etc.), or do you prefer a particular carrier? Do you know if one carrier has better coverage in places that you need to be? (PLEASE SEE THE CARRIER NOTE BELOW)
I use T-Mobile prepaid right now, so I'm not in a contract. While I'm in Germany (for about the next year) it will be this t-mobile prepaid. Once I'm back in the States, it will either be AT&T (like I used to have) or T-Mobile.
3. Where are you based? Do you stay in one place or travel a lot? Do you travel internationally... how much and where? Do you intend to use your
PDAPhone there?
I'm in the Army, so I travel a ton. Quad band is a must for me. I live in Germany right now, but I'll be back in the States eventually.
4. Do have a preference of Palm,
Pocket PC,
Symbian, Smartphone OS, Blackberry, etc.?
I stay away from Palm. Windows Mobile is ok, but I'd prefer something else. I think Symbian will be best for me, bu I'm also open to Blackberry, though I've never used it.
5. Are you likely to run it the way it came out of the box, or do you intend to load a whole lot of extra applications and stuff on it? Do you know of anything now that you will need to run?
I might install one or two applications, but nothing comes to mind right away. For the most part I'll stick to what is given to me....unless it doesn't do something I need
6. How important is wireless data access, and for what would you use it? (i.e. Web browsing, VPN, Remote termnial Access, Instant messaging, etc)?
It's a must. Both the e71 and Curve 8320 have WiFi...so no issue here
7. Will you need to view Microsoft Office documents on the
PDAPhone? Will you need to edit them?
Yes to both questions. Although, it's not a deal breaker if I can't edit.
8. Will you need access to an email system?
a)Is it corporate (Exchange, Groupwise,Lotus, Other?) What Version? Do you want email wirelessly or do you want to do it in the office with a sync cable/cradle? Can you get your Corporate email configured for mobile access or do you need to run a desktop redirector?
b)Is it Pop3/Imap? Who is the service provider?
Just pop/imap mail such as gmail, yahoo, etc.
9. Do you do SMS messaging a lot (telephone to telephone messaging)?
yes, this is probably my main way of communication right now.
10. Do you want to use a GPS with the
PDAPhone for mapping and navigation?
I don't really care. I might use it if it's there (e71), but not if it costs extra to use though
11. What is your size preference.. very close to the smallest cellphone, or you don’t care.. function over size?
I like the e71's size better, but the 8320 seems that it would be easier to type with. Either size is actually OK, since I wear fatigues all day with huge pockets.
12. How will you carry it... pocket, belt, purse, etc.?
pocket/belt
13. Do you prefer a particular form factor… flip-phone, candy bar, etc?
nope
14. Do you prefer a QWERTY keyboard, numeric dial-pad, or stylus?
QWERTY is prefered, but I'm open to other ideas if they're really worth it.
15. Do you want to play a lot of video games on the
PDAPhone? What kinds - puzzles, strategy, action adventure, etc.?
maybe a puzzle game if I've got a long wait and I'm board...but I'm not a cell phone game kind of guy.
16. Do you want to listen to music on the
PDAPhone? What kind... mp3, streamed, etc.?
This is also a must. I listen to music quite often. almost exclusively mp3
17. Do you want a camera on the
PDAPhone?
yes, doesn't have to be great, just something to take a picture with
18. Do you have any other hardware you intend to use with the
PDAPhone? Do you intend to use any Bluetooth devices? What types of devices?
Bluetooth is a must. I sync with my laptop/printer (if possible), and perhaps some headphones later on (A2DP)
19. What kind of battery life do you need?(Always near a charger, battery life is not an issue or Need the battery to last several days) How many hours do you expect to spend talking on the phone? How many hours of data?(Web browsing, push email, VPN, IM etc)
I don't talk on the phone a whole ton, I'm not sure how many hours I'd use wifi...Average battery life is fine with me.
20. What are your budget limits (
PDAPhones range in price from below $100 for older used models to nearly $1000 for high end models without a carrier subisidy)?
Around $400 USD
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Ok, so like I said, I've pretty much narrowed it down to the Nokia E71 or Blackberry Curve 8320. I like the Curve's larger keyboard, and UMA (if I go with T-Mobile back in the States), but I've never used a Blackberry before, so I have no idea about the media player, interface, etc. My huge thing is the PIM software though.
The only thing I don't like about the E71 is the smaller keyboard, everything else is awesome.
In fact, I've found both items for the same price...so knowing that, which would you get if they were the same price?
My big question is, why are they the same price if the Nokia includes aGPS, plus some other perks? Also, I've always thought that with a blackberry you pay for the e-mail services, which I won't be using the BES, or paying for any of the "blackberry services."
Thanks for any help in advance.