What's a good SmartPhone to buy if you are with Verizon

My wife and I got the Blackberry Storm's, 2 for $150.00 and both really like them. We did need to exchange hers as it was resetting, mine has been great.

Just got the free Supra FOB for Lockbox (Phoenix, AZ).

Great touch screen, easy to use etc.

Doug McVinua

RE/MAX

Chandler, AZ

I have been using a Storm since the day it was released..., and with the release of the new OS download, it is a very, very good device. I tested the iPhone (without the 'phone' part, as I am with Verizon) and I have to tell you that I love the 'action' and 'graphics' of the iPhone... I also like the fact that so many apps are written for them, although, I don't like having to pay for them (especially in today's real estate market ;-)...

With that said, I would suggest the Storm... it is a great 'computer' with all the trimmings...

What you will find is the real issue with handhelds is the 'data input'...and, with the release of the new OS, I am much quicker around the screen (especially with the new 'what-ever-it-is-called' that appears when you are trying to navigate around on the screen when typing ;-) ..

I had similar issues with data input on the iPhone, but it is prettier ;-) ...

When Verizon sells iPhone, I will try it..., until then... the Storm is giving me all I need to manage my business... (without too many 'paid' downloads ;-)

Okay I have been busy doing other things and had to stop to give my 2 cents worth. I am also headed to the Palm Pre thread next to voice a few opinions there. I have 17 Smartphones and live eat breath these things but you need to remember I am all about what Smartphone offers the best solution for a given career. I am not impressed with certain apps which allow you to use your phone for a level or win drinks in a bar by naming that tune. With that said we are entering a new era of Smartphones, the Palm Pre and the new 4G i-phone put all other devices somewhere behind them in the dust. Currently Rim (Blackberry) doesn't have a phone to compete. There is not a Windows operating phone that comes even close to the new generation of phones. For months I have been telling people to buy used phones off of eBay until these computers that are the size of phones arrive. Mike and I have both spoke about data input and how many people don't like thermal keyboards consider that before you buy. Problem we have now is some antiquated functions we expect the phone to do. We call that reverse technology which at some point the features of the phone outweigh the inconvenience of making changes.

So with that said anything you buy today at Verizon or AT&T is already outdated technology. Rumor has it the Pre will be coming to other carriers and of course AT&T will have the 4G in a few weeks.

Check out the Palm Pre owners thread.

Dick

Hi, i am new to the online community discussions. I have pledged to research and buy a smartphone! Is the Blackberry Storm good for new users?

Welcome Margaret,

You came to the right place! Can you see all the discussions that have been going on for a few months? If so you will see all kinds of opinions about what is best, we have Blackberry, Palm, Windows, i-phone lovers in here. I think you need to decide what is most important to you, do you live someplace with Supra lockboxes and want to open with the phone without a fob? Then Palm and some Windows devices, don't care will use the fob the BB. Don't like thermal keyboards then don't get an i-phone or BB Storm. Do you want push email or pull email? What contact management do you use and does it work with your phone? How's your eyes do you need a big or little screen? How ...ahh ... shapely are your fingers need to try a few different keyboards. I could keep going for an hour but I think you get my drift.

Tell ya what, if you don't mind sharing with the group you and I can do it right here in front of everybody. Answer the above questions and we can start throwing out choices.

Dick

I am in the same position as Margaret. I iPhone gets great reviews, but Verizon is the only carrier that has good service in my area.

I have noticed you do not mention the Samsung Omni which has been getting good reviews. What do you think of it? Is it also outdated technology? Are you recommending we try to find a used phone?

To me the problem with the thermal screen is they get covered with fingerprints. Unfortunately, I do not know what you mean by push vs pull email. I have a very remedial phone as I have not even used text messaging. Consequently, I have not been "geared" to any kind of keyboard. I do believe that I would prefer a larger screen so that I would not require reading glasses to look at it. I also like a traditional keyboard.

Have to admit I do not have a contact management system. Mike Sevalgio (CRS instructor) is supposed to be coming out with something that is pretty simple and inexpensive.

Is this enough to get you started? I was at the Verizon store today and was pretty disappointed with the salesperson's lack of knowledge about his phones.

Thanks for your help.

Debbie

As I needed access to my email on a recent trip, I could not wait for a response from Dick. After talking to my nephew who had a Samsung and did not like it, I ended up buying the BB Storm. There is a learning curve, but seems to be doing fine. It also takes good pictures which you can send immediately.

Good luck on your smartphone search.

Quoting Deborah Francis, GRI, ePRO, GREEN:

As I needed access to my email on a recent trip, I could not wait for a response from Dick. After talking to my nephew who had a Samsung and did not like it, I ended up buying the BB Storm. There is a learning curve, but seems to be doing fine. It also takes good pictures which you can send immediately.

Good luck on your smartphone search.

Deborah,

I have been thinking of upgrading to the BB Storm, I have the BB Curve and I love it, still I am fascinated by the Storm. How are you adjusting to the keys? I have played with the Storm at the store but wasn't completely comfortable with the keys for texting etc. Mainly I want to be able to access our MLS and not all phones will do that. It could just be our MLS.

Susan Fox
Maui, HI

I've been using a TREO and am thinking of switching to a Blackberry because...
> No Flash on camera
> Phone Crashes when it goes out to do internet searches and then you have to reload the programs!
> You have to listen to "all" unheard voicemail messages before you can listen to the message you really need to hear...(Blackberry allows you to access voicemail via the call log menu)
> Buttons on phone are very small & do not always work with company phone directories (ie you dial the number and then cannot enter the letters in the person's name)
>small display screen for photos