I've been using PDA Phones for several years now. I started with a stock Siemens SX56, then ROM Kitchened it all up, then, finally, for stability moved to the
Treo 650. I was really disappointed in
PocketPC's stability.
Then, after a couple of years, windows moved on, got stable, and the Treo was the beast with all the issues
Anyway, now I have a Cingular 8125, and I'm pretty happy with it -- but -- it's time for a change. First, I now have a video ipod, so, media playing on my phone is no longer a priority.
And, I've grown tired of constantly worrying if I'm going to smash the screen (again). Plus, I'm tired of carrying around a brick.
So, I'm looking for a small phone. A smart phone, not a pda. I do *not* want a touchscreen. I don't want a stylus. I just want a phone, that syncs with my calendar, and has a decent sudoku. Well -- I do want a little more than that:
Requirements:
- Syncs Calendar to pc (outlook is a must -- other calendars a bonus)
- Surfs the web
- Will run gmail applet
- Will run google maps
- qwerty keyboard
- keypad on front of phone, so I can run gmail and dial without sliding anything sideways -- a hidden keyboard would be ok
- Has decent book reader (or I can install isilo on it)
- Decent camera (the Treo and 8125 have terrible cameras)
GPS and 802.11 would be nice. In fact, I *really* want GPS, but I've had trouble finding it.
So, I think I'm leaning toward an unlocked
T-Mobile Dash, or maybe a blackjack.
----
1. What PDA and/or mobile phone do you use today?
Right now, I'm using a Cingular 8125 running WM5. I have used a
PocketPC Siemens SX56 and
Treo 650 in the past.
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 prefer sticking with Cingular
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 sometimes travel internationally -- so I definitely need a GSM phone.
4. Do have a preference of Palm,
Pocket PC, Symbian, Smartphone OS, Blackberry, etc.?
I have many bias's, but I'm looking for a change.
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 usually load a good book reader, good sudoku, and my MP3 ringtones.
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)?
I'm giving up my touchscreen, so now vpn / terminal data isn't that important. I'd *like* ssh -- but it's not that important anymore.
7. Will you need to view Microsoft Office documents on the
PDAPhone? Will you need to edit them?
Again -- while it'd be nice, I rarely use this feature.
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?
Gmail applet support is a MUST.
9. Do you do SMS messaging a lot (telephone to telephone messaging)?
yes. so I want a keyboard.
10. Do you want to use a GPS with the
PDAPhone for mapping and navigation?
Yes. -- if possible.
11. What is your size preference.. very close to the smallest cellphone, or you don’t care.. function over size?
I prefer smaller, but with a keyboard.
12. How will you carry it... pocket, belt, purse, etc.?
Pocket.
13. Do you prefer a particular form factor… flip-phone, candy bar, etc?
no.
14. Do you prefer a QWERTY keyboard, numeric dial-pad, or stylus?
qwerty is a must.
15. Do you want to play a lot of video games on the
PDAPhone? What kinds - puzzles, strategy, action adventure, etc.?
Sudoku is a must.
16. Do you want to listen to music on the
PDAPhone? What kind... mp3, streamed, etc.?
Nah -- but I'd prefer mp3 ringtones.
17. Do you want a camera on the
PDAPhone?
Yes -- and I'd prefer a decent quality one.
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?
Would be nice, but not required.
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)
Not important - I charge every night.
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)?
< $300 or so -- off e-bay.
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