Cell phones forum: Best non smart phone with smart phone capabilities

I am also looking for PDA capabilities in a phone where I don't have to purchase a data plan. I just want to be able to sync my calendar, task list and contacts with my home computer. Just what my old Palm Pilot used to do - I want to do that with my phone. But I don't want to pay $30+/month for a data plan. I don't need to surf the web or check my email on my phone.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a phone or application that would suit my needs?

Totally disagree....the PN-820 doesn't compare and all of the Verizon PDA-no-data-plan-req'd choices under $150 (Moto Q9m, xv6900, Centro) are much better than the $300-$400 xv6800.
Thanks but no thanks.

You can avoid the mandatory data plans this way. It's often a money saver to simply compared the premium cost of an unlocked smartphone vs buying the subsidized version that requires a data plan for 24 mos. $30 x 24 mos.=$720 + <$99-249; price of subsidized handset>. Unlocked w/o data might be $500-600. YMMV. Places like Amazon, Newegg & CTI Miami are reputable sites to find unlocked phones with no commitment IME.

-Pedro

What's your zip code, btw? I think it may be worthwhile for you to at least take a peek at their recent coverage viewer. ATT is in the process of acquiring a couple of different regional GSM carriers that could possibly make a difference depending on where you're located.

-Pedro

It's true- Verizon has more spectrum there, but I've never heard that ATT performs poorly by comparison. Is it only indoors that you have issues?

-Pedro

The LG Dare does have a bit of a learning curve with the touch screen. In contrast to the ipod Touch/iPhone, where the touch screen is pretty intuitive and seems to react to pressure the way you'd expect, the Dare is a bit too sensitive some times (I've actually called people I didn't want to, just because I scrolled past their name in my address book and pushed too hard) and not sensitive enough other times, where you push a button on the screen and it doesn't recognize it, even after 2 tries. It can be a bit frustrating, but I can assure you that you figure out the correct pressure after awhile. My first few days with the Dare I was ready to take it back; now I'm pretty happy with it. If it had a full-featured PIM suite (or the ability to install one separately) I'd give it very high marks.

One thing I will say about your dilemma: I also had the Motorola Q and went to the Dare. I'm already thinking about when I'll switch back to it, or another smartphone. It's not really a question of "if" but when. Since I have a lot of data that I'm used to on my PDAs and now my phone, the Dare just doesn't have the ability to handle all of it. The Notebook feature is nice, and is something most normal phones don't have, so that's a plus. However, I do think in the future I'll be going back to my smartphone, just because the capabilities are so much more. If you're in the same boat, this may apply to you too. The Dare, and most non-smartphones, just aren't customizable enough, and don't have enough of what more advanced users need.

And about the Dare's camera: it really is that good. I've taken photos that you wouldn't have thought came from a cell phone. It's really nice.

Just wanted to respond, just in case you haven't bought the LG Dare yet. So far I haven't found a way to transfer Outlook info to either the LG Dare directly or into Bitpim. So, the process you would be looking at is exporting the data from Outlook into a container type (.CSV or flat ascii text most likely) and then taking that and putting it into Bitpim. It will most likely be messy, with lots of manual cleanup required by you. That was my initial experience when I had to do this. It's a one-time thing, but depending on how much data you have, it can be a pain and take up some time.
See this thread (check out all the comments, where they specifically talk about Outlook with the Dare): http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/06/25/lg-dare-hands-on/

Hope this helps and you have success.

Verizon won't accept Sprint branded phones on their network. Also, a CDMA/EVDO phone like the Sprint Pre cannot be 'unlocked' as such. That's currently reserved for GSM/UMTS handsets & networks.

It's 2012, and I'm still looking for a phone with a good PDA that doesn't require a data package. I had the Palm Centro and absolutely loved it, but when I tried to renew, the salesperson told me it now requires a data package. Does anyone know if that is true? Or is there another alternative that works? I don't need to check email or surf the web all the time, but I do want to have a great calendar, a way to take detailed notes, and an easy way to make lists.

I would have to switch my whole family - we have the Verizon family plan. Are there really no options for Verizon? Could I reactivate my old Palm Centro but block the data plan, or is that really no longer an option?

1. A phone (just a basic phone, to call somebody)
2. A tablet with WiFi to check e-mail and surf the web occasionally, a calendar, a note making app and a list program (and much more useful things!)

It's only marketing and sales, of course, that dictate you need a data package to maintain your calendar and make notes on your phone. There is no technical reason, they just want to make money. So you split it to save money. Totally your choice.

Kees

This thread was started 3 years ago. If there any questions related to this thread or more discussions,, please start a new thread. Closed !!!