Cell phones: Conundrum

by Januss331 - 10/16/09 2:56 PM

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Conundrum

by Januss331 - 10/16/09 2:56 PM

So my wife and I have 2 iPhone 3GS'. We're happy with the iPhone, we love it in fact. We had the first generation one and now this one too. However, we hate AT&T. After looking today at Sprints plans, we realize we could be saving close to $1500 over a period of two years, including the termination fee from AT&T.

So saving money is obviously a plus, but I'm just torn on what phone to get. We both use Macs, so it needs to be able to work with them (if not out of the box then with Missing Sync). We're just a little torn on what phone to get, or should we just suck it up and stick with AT&T? Coverage wise, we haven't had a problem really with AT&T either...how's Sprint's service?

What do y'all think? Suck it up and enjoy the iPhone or venture out and try something new? I like the look of the Pre, but I'm worried it'll just leave me with something to be desired. I don't have any apps that I absolutely need either. Neither does she. So application availability isn't really the issue, it's just email and iCal syncing. Maybe we should check out the android platform?

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Post 2 of 4

Sprint still requires a data plan for the Pre

by Pepe7 - 10/16/09 7:10 PM In reply to: Conundrum by Januss331

You hate ATT because it's expensive or for other reasons? I guess I don't fully understand your conundrum if you like the handsets you have and have good coverage(?) FWIW, my friends w/ 3G & 3GS iPhones hate me more than they do ATT since when I come to their urban residences I am the one who can place a call while they have to rely on wifi for data and lean to the windows to call out .

I've played with the Pre a little, and while it is pretty decent, you may not enjoy it as much as your iPhones. It just depends how picky you are with your devices and how you want them to function. At least you aren't married per se to any particular apps. That works in your favor if you can do a little due diligence regarding the interoperability between the Pre and your Macs. Check howardforums for that info perhaps. Sprint service may work well enough where you live to make the jump a good deal.

With any wireless carrier the trial period is how you fully determine if the coverage, service, handset & features meet your needs. I forget if Sprint gives you the full 30 days that ATT does though. Their CS is horrid IME helping relatives navigate through problems, but I have friends say the same about ATT. Location to location, customer to customer it can truly vary quite a bit.

Personally, I find the biggest challenge to be coverage and finding the provider with the best selection of phones you can stick with for longer periods of time (esp. smartphones). Sprint's unfortunately not a good choice for me since I travel internationally sometimes. GSM/UMTS works better for my particular preferences. I actually sent a friend between jobs & permanent residences last week to try Page Plus Cellular (CDMA based service) for something a bit cheaper and flexible. They basically have Verizon's footprint for service and will let you register a Verizon phone you bring in. Right now he really can't try a discount post paid like T-Mo or Sprint (he looked at Android & the Pre too).

Just do the research before changing the boat's course drastically and you'll be fine.

-Pedro

p.s. are you calculating the total prorated ETF per line, btw?

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Post 3 of 4

Thanks!

by Januss331 - 10/19/09 10:29 AM In reply to: Sprint still requires a data plan for the Pre by Pepe7

All good points to consider. I dislike ATT for the price and for the crappy store service. Over the phone it's been hit or miss, but mostly good. So I suppose hate is too strong of a feeling there.

The coverage is fine as well, I guess I'm just on a money saving kick with the economy :P

I did ask them how much it would cost to cancel: first year (with that included) I save $500. Second year I save $800 something..so saving roughly $1300 is a bit of a wake up call...I think I'll just try out the Pre...I am addicted to my music though..and I have it all stored as apple lossless, which might be a HUGE problem...actually..I think it's going to be a bust now that I think about it. Ugh.

Oh well, thanks for the wisdom!

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