AT&T Phone

I'm in the market for a new phone and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations.

I mostly just talk and text, but I want one I can use to check email and IM too. If I can find one that would only cost one arm and one leg (I'd like to keep one of each), I'd like to have one I can use to get on the net. GPS would be nice too.

 

You can start by considering the iPhone. The email client is easy to set up and use, and you can download programs from iTunes' App Store that will allow you to IM, depending on the service you use. You'll be able to get on the internet and view any site you wish, including SJ. And, the iPhone also acts as an iPod, and some of the programs from the App Store allow you to listen to music and/or radio stations for free - Pandora, Last.fm, AOL Radio and Tuner are programs I have, and enjoy.

Keep in mind though that while you can text, AT&T charges you depending on how many text messages you send per month. iPhone has GPS that you use in conjunction with Google Maps.

It has its quirks - the main ones being that some of the apps you download will crash and that the GPS function stops working after a time and is reactivated by rebooting the phone - but it's still the best phone I've ever used.

Look up information on the iPhone on Apple and AT&T's websites, and stop by an Apple store and play around with one of their store models.

If iPhone doesn't work for you, consider one of the Blackberry models.

 

There may be problems with the 3G portion of the iPhone 3G.

FAQ: http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=mobile_and_wireless&articleId=9112758&taxonomyId=15&intsrc=kc_feat
EDIT: Maybe that works now.
EDIT2: Or not.
EDIT3: OK, try that.

More articles:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1662678
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10015301-37.html
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nf/61404

And as soon as IJAG sees this thread, she'll tell you how wonderful AT&T Mobile is. Briefly, I suspect.

 

The Samsung Blackjack gives you a lot of bang for your buck. I got one for $50 and it comes loaded with AIM, Yahoo Messenger and MSN messenger already on it.

The salesperson at Best Buy said it's internet functionality is better than the more expensive Blackberry, but Blackberry has a better email client, so depending on your needs, you might want to take that into account.

The Blackjack also has the QWERTY keyboard, which was what I was looking for most in a phone. It's pretty slim and is a similar size to a Blackberry. It also has an expansion slot for a MicroSD card if you want more memory for taking photos or video.

And, as I said, it's only $50.

 

I believe most smartphones have a GPS program you can download, so that's not going to just come with phones. You are looking at a pricey phone bill, though.

 

If you're going to be on the net or IM a bunch, I recommend getting the unlimited internet bundle for $15 a month.

The phone I have now uses internet time when I'm on AIM or MSN.

 

I think I want this one.

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?device=Pantech+Duo&q_sku=sku1080007

 

I have a blackberry curve and love it, despite hating it the first week because it was so damn confusing. It can get expensive though.

 

I would love to try these other smartphones, like the Blackberry and Blackjack, even though I really enjoy the phone I currently own.

The Pantech looks really interesting. If I were you I'd check it out, and check out AT&T's other phones. Find what works best for you. iPhone isn't for everyone, but it may be for you. Or Blackberry, or Blackjack, or the Pantech may be for you.

Good luck!

 

The iPhone is easy to use and has an amazing screen.

The ease of use is a natural progression from how easy the Mac is compared to a PC. The touch screen is quick and easy to navigate.

The screen; you can forget about booting up a laptop now; I watched Breakfast Club on the plane this week and it was crystal clear.

A little pricey and the phone drops more calls than my old Blackberry but there is no substitute for the functionality of the touch screen.

 

Try the Palm Centro. It's small and cheap and is great for IM and the web.
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?device=Palm%C2%AE+Centro+-+Obsidian+Black&q_sku=sku1260003