[mikeshep]

i've put this off for months but i have GOT to replace a BB 9930 Curve this week and could use some knowledgeable advice because my eyes are glazing over with conflicting reviews.... I'll just outline what i need and hope some of ya can chime in with suggestions.

My plan: Sero No Contract, unltd data.

Current phone: BB Curve 9330. Wretchedly slow. Annoying. Driving me nuts

Use: Business - frequent email checking/retrieval, web browsing, good voice quality calling, signal strength Is important.

Ideally want:

>QWERTY & Touch keypad.

>EVDO Rev.A speed. (I have unlimited data)

>3G is fine. I don't want to go over the Sero-Premium pricepoint i'm at now i.e. $40/month + tax...

>Prefer either Android or BB - i.e. an OS that has Apps - vs. WinMo OS
(otherwise might reconsider an HTC Arrive which i tried for a couple wks..)

I am left-handed and most keypads are designed for right-handers so i need a spacious keypad. The newer BB keypads have that beveled weird keypad that some say is better but i find too cramped for normal sized male fingers.
I have never found touch keypads easy... otherwise might just give in and go with Iphone.

I don't care if i go with an older/discontinued phone. Features and easy intuitive interface are main priority - regardless of age, price range.

The BB 9930 Bold isn't bad with its wider easier keypad and some touchscreen features (except for a DIALPAD oddly enough).

Was ready to go with the Moto Admiral or Xprt - just the idea i had in mind BUT- then discovered it had this damned cramped BB keyboard that people seem to think is easy. Rather, it is the sole reason I got rid of a BB Bold 9650. I don't get it! HOW is that keypad easy to use without a pencil eraser tip for a stylus? Freakin hard for me to type - especially just to dial a phone number! One of the strengths i considered in the Moto phones? They put the number keys on the physical keypad across the top from 1 to 9 across the TOP (brilliantly logical) rather than the little square dialpad within the QWERTY layout like on most any other keypad. I don't get why THAT is appealing to people either but i guess no one's ever had much choice.

Models i've considered - Samsung Intrepid - EVDO Rev.A but old WinMo OS..

Samsung Moment Intercept or Hero... i just don't know enough about any of em.

Transform Ultra...closer ..but seemed overly complex for my needs. I'm big on Simple and Easy.

Dunno when the price'll come down on the 9930 - it's wider keypad spacing makes it the closest to an actually comfortable typing experience... but meantime would like to find a 'transitional' phone while i wait for something i really like to come along. Thanks much as always for any help and suggestions,

MikeE

PS can an Arrive be made an Android phone? I'm lost about the whole 'rooting' thing - and would need to have someone else do whatever tweaking would be needed to modify an OEM phone for a different OS regardless of the model but seems the apps aren't supported on WinMo to make that OS a consideration for me. I'd sooner go Iphone 'cuz all my computers have always been macs.

[sprintguy4ever]

im in the same boat as u and looking for the same features....stay away from Samsung their radios aint that good at all...the Moment is the worst phone!!

the Moto Admiral requires SERO-P $40 plan...not sure about the Xprt tho, i would think it also has to be on SERO-P...pretty much all the newer phones must have SERO-P

Apple also requires SERO-P + the $10 "premium" fee


Blackberry is also on the SERO-P


how are u on SERO with a blackberry?...ur on SERO ($30) and pay $10 for blackberry, right? if so u might as well just go on SERO-P its the same price ur paying now but u also get AMAT (Any Mobile Any Time) which allows u to call ANY cell phone for free and it doesnt count towards ur anytime minutes....going SERO-P will give u more phone options as well...but if u get any 4G phone or iphone u will have to pay the extra $10 "premium" fee....



i think the Blackberry 9930 is the best bet but price wise its just too much..not unless ur doing a upgrade...try ebay or craigslist

[mikeshep]

Thanks...btw, is there a definitive list somewhere that specifies exactly which models, current or not - will invoke the extra $10 on top of the Sero-P plan... Or put another way.... all phones that definitely won't be charged higher than the $45/month (SERO-P)
rate?

Much appreciated

MIke

[sprintguy4ever]

not sure about a list pf phones///but i know for sure that all 4g phones and the iphone have the $10 fee...SERO-P is $40 + tax not $45