What smartphone to choose

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wdoa

80 posts

Master Geek

#19767 29-Feb-2008 18:02

my trusty I-Mate Kjam has finally died and Vodafone insurance have offered me the replacement option below, if anyone could make some recommendations on these i would be able to make a better choice.

My normal usage includes lots of voice calls, a huge amount of emails from my exchange server as i am out and about all day and lots of txts. I also use the browser from time to time.

I could install Blackberry Enterprise Manager on Exchange if i went the blackberry route, as i will probably only ever have one Blackberry and it comes with one free client licence.

A larger screen would be usefull too

I have never owned a Palm but the Windows Mobile 6 would fit with my current setup.

The Sony Ericsson and the Nokia seem a bit blah, well, phone-like

Any way, any pointers would be great.

Here is the list

Sony Ericson p1

Nokia e61i

Blackberry 8100

Blackberry 8310

Palm trio 500

Palm trio 750

pressF1

77 posts

Master Geek

#113844 29-Feb-2008 19:43

wdoa: my trusty I-Mate Kjam has finally died and Vodafone insurance have offered me the replacement option below, if anyone could make some recommendations on these i would be able to make a better choice.

My normal usage includes lots of voice calls, a huge amount of emails from my exchange server as i am out and about all day and lots of txts. I also use the browser from time to time.

I could install Blackberry Enterprise Manager on Exchange if i went the blackberry route, as i will probably only ever have one Blackberry and it comes with one free client licence.

A larger screen would be usefull too

I have never owned a Palm but the Windows Mobile 6 would fit with my current setup.

The Sony Ericsson and the Nokia seem a bit blah, well, phone-like

Any way, any pointers would be great.

Here is the list

Sony Ericson p1
Nokia e61i
Blackberry 8100
Blackberry 8310
Palm trio 500
Palm trio 750

So both the Treo devices are average in performance and reliability, stay clear of them. The e61i is a poor mans Blackberry (although has the benefit of wifi.) Have not experienced the P1. I would suggest you go for the 8310, but remember you have to pay a monthly B;ackBerry feature rental ($42 ex GST) to have BB operating on the device. As you pointed out the BES express software is free to download and has a single user license included. The 8310 (Curve) gives you full calendar, PIM and push email synch plus GPS (really good with google maps) and good battery life (another downide for teh Palm devices.

My 2cents anyway, good luck

I no nothing!!

wdoa

80 posts

Master Geek

#113862 29-Feb-2008 23:14

Thanks for your point of view, much appreciated. I am tending towards the Palm 500, because i am used to the windows mobile GUI, and it seems to have twice the stamina ( standby and call times ). I have a few friends with Blackberrys and i would rather have one bill to pay than two, and they are all director level people who don't know how to use them properly lol

My broken I-Mate wasn't exactly the most reliable, but it lasted 2 years ( well was in for warranty repair a year ago, and this time was second warranty repair ..2 year warranty.. but no parts available lol )

The 8310 Curve seems to be lacking in features.

I guess this is why i am asking for some info on actual devices :-)

portege

188 posts

Master Geek

#113866 1-Mar-2008 00:25

I have the P1i and it's a great device, push email; browser - the works.

BrentR

1315 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 75

Trusted

#113883 1-Mar-2008 08:49

Out of all the devices mentioned that I've used, the E61i had the most comfortable keyboard out of all the ones you've mentioned, the P1i the least.
I really liked the the trackball on the Curve (8310) but found the keyboard a little cramped.

E61i probably would have the best battery life and has the added advantage of WiFi and 3.2MP camera, you can also choose between Blackberry services or Exchange services.

wdoa

80 posts

Master Geek

#115837 10-Mar-2008 19:59

Thank you for the feedback. I have had the Palm Treo 500v for a week now, and am happy with it. I miss my touch screen, and it seems less configurable. I don't miss the WiFi at all so far. The Windows Mobile 6 seems slightly smoother han the previous version.

So far i am happy :-)