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GonzoF1
USA
239 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 14:26:39
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We are thinking about moving into the 21st century and get a mobile device that does more than just make calls.
From what I can tell... The major options are the iPhone, Driod, and HTC EVO. My work phone is on Verizon and I've been pretty happy with the coverage, even out on the Neuse where her Virgin Mobile device fails to get a signal (cheap phone though). So I am LEANING toward the Droid. I don't really want to dip my toes into the Apple Kool-aid, but if it's the best way to go... perhaps we can make an exception. Surely you can guess that we want to run some cool navigation apps as backups to the onboard stuff and surf a little net.
Our lives don't revolve around having a mobile phone (we're over 40) and we'll really only call each other (ie: have few friends), so an unlimited plan wouldn't be the value for us (cheapskates). Can y'all help us decide what would be best for us?
Thanks! |
Tom-
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Edited by - GonzoF1 on Jul 29 2010 14:55:34 |
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Capt. Bill1
USA
5621 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 16:16:04
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I'm very happy with my iPhone. Lots of apps. And lots of boating apps. It's my understanding that you should be able to use an iPhone with Verizon soon if not now. The courts have also ruled that it's legal to jailbreak phones now as well.
Haven't used any of the others much so I can't compare them to one another. |
The two most common elements on Earth are oxygen and stupidity.
Creationism is to science what storks are to obstetrics.
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Dusty Rhoads
USA
1605 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 17:15:11
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| I am a droid user. Bought en it was 2 for 1 and the Adm. has one also. The boating apps were a little longer coming than I-phone, however I'm happy what they offer now. I have been verizon for yrs. and that is why I stuck with them. Daughter has I-phone, and I like the slimness of it, but that all the further I care for it. |
Dusty "Moon River" |
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caltexfla
2603 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 18:22:36
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Tom, in eastern North Carolina, US Cellular has by far the best high speed data coverage, followed by Sprint and Verizon. Neither ATT or T mobile have 3G except a small one tower patch at Cherry Point. The new EVO is pretty cool as you have Clear in your area (Raleigh) to provide 4G service; not available in the boon docks. US Cellular has a couple of Android phones in their bag last time I checked.
George |
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mixman
USA
1932 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 19:44:12
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This is a tough time to be smartphone shopping IMO. I think what George has to say about coverage in your area is the most important factor. After that comes plan prices and phone features. The EVO is pretty darn nice, but you'll pay Sprint a 4G "tax" of an extra $10/month on top of their normal data plan prices. If there's no 3G from AT&T or T-Mobile, you'll want to avoid any of their devices (there goes the iPhone...for now) as EDGE service is just too darn slow to surf with. You're happy with Verizon's coverage, and the new Droid is nice (very similar to the EVO, and there's keyboard model is coming out very shortly). The problem here is you're buying a phone that doesn't have 4G, locking into a contract, and 4G is rolling out soon on Verizon. There's also the issue that all the cool apps are only for the iPhone (unless you find some for Android I'm not aware of). If it were me and I wanted the apps like you do, I'd pick up something like a used HTC Ozone for Verizon off eBay for between $50-$75. Then, I'd buy an iPod touch. Install the free and very available HTC Internet Sharing CAB file on the Ozone and create your own little wifi hotspot on the boat for the iPod. I've been doing this for years on the boat. One phone can provide a hotspot for many devices (I've had two iPods and two laptops connected many times). Heck, I can send you the CAB file for HTC.
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--Kurt
2002 Motorcat MC30 "Deuce"
17 knot cruise at 5mpg (3.5/gph). Two hulls are better than one! |
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Capt. Bill1
USA
5621 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 20:42:25
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| Coverage should be your # 1 priority. But don't be to quick to buy into all the 4G hoopla. From what I've read some 3G is just as fast or faster. |
The two most common elements on Earth are oxygen and stupidity.
Creationism is to science what storks are to obstetrics.
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Billylll
USA
8047 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 21:47:53
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The 4G currently being provided by ClearWire is hardly 4G (802.16E&M WiMAX soon to be possibly LTE/Lite). Many of the current on air ClearWire sites are backhaul limited using only T1's not DS3's that are required for true 4G performance. Finding coverage even in their partially built out Urban areas is almost like finding a HotSpot (look at their own marketing on 4G) or you end up roaming over to Sprint's 3G network. In fact you'll have an easier time finding a WiFi connection with the proper equipment.
With Cellular I prefer fixed units with external antennas, my primary cellular telephone/data is using an Ericsson W35 it gives me an RJ11 for my boat's phone system, a 4 port router for devices and a low power 802.11b&g Hotspot on the boat. This unit is on AT&T HSPA+. In addition I do have a Kyocera KR2 that I can plug a Verizon card or Sprint card into if there is no AT&T service it also has a local Access Point built in. For WiFi I use a WaveWiFi EC/HP/AP with an 8db Omni mounted on the hardtop. This way I can use an I-Phone, EVO, Droid, Skype phone, Cell phone or laptop that has a WiFi chipset. If I can't get signal with any of the above the Skipper 150 will provide me with expensive pay as you go VSAT data and phone service.
I enjoy toys but a stand alone cell phone is only as good as your voice and or data plan and coverage areas vary from carrier to carrier in every market.
Bill |
WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
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mixman
USA
1932 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 22:00:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Billylll
The 4G currently being provided by ClearWire is hardly 4G (802.16E&M WiMAX soon to be possibly LTE/Lite). Many of the current on air ClearWire sites are backhaul limited using only T1's not DS3's that are required for true 4G performance. Finding coverage even in their partially built out Urban areas is almost like finding a HotSpot (look at their own marketing on 4G) or you end up roaming over to Sprint's 3G network. In fact you'll have an easier time finding a WiFi connection with the proper equipment.
Well, there's always that roaming agreement Sprint has with Verizon. :-) Oh, wait, that's 2G, isn't it?
T1 lines? Today? Sheesh, that's a darn shame. I just got a marketing piece in the mail from "Clear" that promoted me getting rid of my cable modem at home and getting their 4G service. Too bad they don't even have any 4G coverage where I live. Who do these people hire for marketing?
I will say this though. Last weekend we had the boat in downtown Baltimore for a couple of concerts we wanted to see. My Bro-N-Law has an EVO on Sprint and did a speed test. He got 4MB down vs. my 1.5 down on VZW's 3G. So there's some speed there somewhere. But it's not worth the extra $10/month at this point unless one lives and works in a covered urban area (at least in my opinion). 3G on a smartphone is fast enough. Tethering, 4G would be nice, but most of us tether in non-urban areas. Heck, when we're in the Bahamas, I'm happy to have EDGE on the boat!
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--Kurt
2002 Motorcat MC30 "Deuce"
17 knot cruise at 5mpg (3.5/gph). Two hulls are better than one! |
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Billylll
USA
8047 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 22:55:05
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Kurt I have seen WiMAX speeds in North Carolina at 8-6mbps but that was during the ClearWire 4G launch and they only had 4 sites for the market area and no customers (BETA). Compare that with over 75 sites on their 3G network for the same area. Yes T1's so they can tell the stockholders they have another 4G site built. Even AT&T has backhaul issues thanks to the success of the I-phone product line but at least they call HSPA+ 3G unlike T-Mobile that is now calling HSPA+ 4G. I typically see 4-5mbps DL on my AT&T HSPA+ Ericsson unit but like any cellular data it is a shared resource the more users the slower the speeds. Time of day also affects most of the carriers data speeds. Most people don't realize it but an "F1" CDMA Macro site sector (VZW or Sprint 3G) can only handle 50 simultanious EVDO users before you drop to 1-RTT speeds.
Bill |
WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
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GonzoF1
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 07:57:18
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I don't really need lighting fast download and don't want "the next bestester world's coolest gadget" 3G or even 2G should be plenty to run active captain or look at Google Earth.
George, are you on US Cellular? What do you think? What is the cost (after all the fees and junk)? |
Tom-
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caltexfla
2603 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 11:43:52
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You are not going to be happy with 2G in this day and age for most data hungry apps. I use Google maps on my 2G Blackberry and it is just passable.
I have a US Cellular pre paid when we go over to Ocracoke, where they are pretty much the only game in town. I borrowed a guys air card there and in Beaufort? Cape Lookout and it worked great. If I had to start over and was spending most of my time in this area or the ICW in general, I would make them my main carrier. However due to economics (I get my service at raw wholesale since i was a reseller of ATT's network, and and agent for Verizon and the others and devices don't cost me anything) and my travel requirements, I stick with AT&T as my main carrier now. Their data network does suck in Eastern NC, but I survive on other technologies for my needs while I am here.
George |
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Billylll
USA
8047 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 12:11:28
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From Fierce Wireless about cellular tier 1 data providers.
(Now, there's a few caveats that need to be made related to network speeds. These speeds are notoriously difficult to pin down, as they can fluctuate wildly based on the amount of available spectrum, the load on the network, the cell site's backhaul and even the users' distance from the cell tower. Thus, these speeds are in many cases rough estimates based on current usage or, in the case of HSPA+ for example, theoretical peak speeds only possible in a laboratory setting. You've been warned.)
Read more: A snapshot of Tier 1 U.S. broadband network deployments - FierceWireless http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/snapshot-tier-1-broadband-network-deployments/2009-09-28#ixzz0vBd7EFu4
Subscribe: http://www.fiercewireless.com/signup?sourceform=Viral-Tynt-FierceWireless-FierceWireless
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WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
Edited by - Billylll on Jul 30 2010 12:12:11 |
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Shadowcruzr
USA
10223 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 12:36:53
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Can someone translate this into english for a guy that is still using a 6 year old samsung phone that takes pictures and does text messages? I've been on Verizon for 10 years and have not had many complaints. I have to use a USB air card for my computers in the camper.
Sales guys have recommended Palm phones with wifi and droids.
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Paul
ETC, USCG, Ret
Dispite the suicide bombers and the burning desire to kill infidels, we are a peaceful religion... |
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Billylll
USA
8047 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 13:56:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr
Can someone translate this into english for a guy that is still using a 6 year old samsung phone that takes pictures and does text messages? I've been on Verizon for 10 years and have not had many complaints. I have to use a USB air card for my computers in the camper.
Sales guys have recommended Palm phones with wifi and droids.
Paul if what you have works leave it alone. There are too many upgrades in the works to change if you are currently working fine.
Bill |
WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
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Shadowcruzr
USA
10223 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 14:15:22
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| The coverage works but he phone is dying. |
Paul
ETC, USCG, Ret
Dispite the suicide bombers and the burning desire to kill infidels, we are a peaceful religion... |
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mixman
USA
1932 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 21:28:02
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Paul, Bill is right; don't buy into a contract right now. Just get a device off eBay. Here's a current speedtest at anchor in the "infamous" Fairlee Creek off the Chesapeake via the Admiral's Verizon Samsung Saga i770 via Wifi to my laptop:
So Bill, when you say Sprint is hooking their 4G towers up to T1 lines, Verizon's 3G just beat the max possible from Sprint's 4G in such areas (at least download-wise that is).
And Paul, go this route and you can drop that $60 air card and just pay $30 for data on the phone and feed every WiFi enabled device in your camper or boat at the same time.
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--Kurt
2002 Motorcat MC30 "Deuce"
17 knot cruise at 5mpg (3.5/gph). Two hulls are better than one! |
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caltexfla
2603 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2010 : 22:42:07
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| I'd be curious exactly where this Clear/T1 thing is taking place, because a client of mine has been testing that network in all the metros it covers, for possible use for a video-based application, and has not seen speeds less than 3, and that was an exception. I'll ask him on Monday what the range and average is they are seeing. Just got 2.1m down and 1.1 m up here in Austin TX on AT&T's 3g network, by the way, using a server in San Francisco. One thing that confuses people is that the old Clearwire service used different technology than the 4G Clear (same company but with more financial partners and private label resellers such as cable companies and Best Buy). |
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Billylll
USA
8047 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2010 : 00:45:31
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Baltimore more than 40% of the sites are still on T1's waiting for the DS-3's. Philadelphia almost the same figure George. NY while not yet turned on for commercial service is currently being tested with T1's. I could continue but since I do work for them I don't feel like getting a phone call. It is not all the 4G sites in a market but a fairly large percentage. The DS3's are coming but they are way behind schedule.
Bill |
WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
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Billylll
USA
8047 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2010 : 00:48:53
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George, The only difference between the old Clear system and ClearWires new system is moving from 802.16D (fixed or mobility to 802.16E or mobile meaning it can handoff. The backhaul still should have been DS3s or equivlent microwave for either 16D or E.
The latest 802.16M is more management and QOS throttling than anything else simply an upgrade to the E standard.
Bill |
WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
Edited by - Billylll on Jul 31 2010 00:57:16 |
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PascalG
USA
17066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2010 : 06:52:07
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Edge service isn't that bad for the average user. That s what I get sometimes when travelling and evenwith the webcamrunning I can still surf without falling asleep. Sure you won't stream a movie from netflix on edge but for most uses it s adequate.
Been using an I phone since December and love it. The interface is just brilliant and well thought out |
Pascal
1970 Hatteras 53 MY
12' Westphal Catboat
16' Hobie Cat
2007 Sandbarhopper 13
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Billylll
USA
8047 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2010 : 08:59:29
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Pascal do you use the WiFi on the I-Phone? If so how well does it work for data applications?
Bill |
WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
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PascalG
USA
17066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2010 : 10:20:24
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Yes I do when needed and it works very well. This spring in the Bahamas I used it connected to the router and rogue wifi booster and it works very well
and again I have to admit that apple's interphase is brillant. It takes 3 quick taps to connect, no complicated menus etc |
Pascal
1970 Hatteras 53 MY
12' Westphal Catboat
16' Hobie Cat
2007 Sandbarhopper 13
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GonzoF1
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2010 : 20:44:29
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None of this is really helping my decision making process. The technical details are interesting... but only just. What these companies WILL do... or MIGHT do isn't the real issue. It's what they are doing NOW. :)
George, I talked to people at work and got a scathing review of US Cellular's service. I also talked to a new guy at the marina that is doing well with Verizon and a Droid. However, I fear for a 2-year contract and hate to get tied down. I may have no choice. |
Tom-
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millsan1
USA
643 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2010 : 21:36:09
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WOW, I kinda skipped a lot of this, since it seems like it degraded into a contest of some sort.
That being said, I am a Droid user, former iPhone user. I am much happier with the Droid and Verizon than I was with iPhone and AT&T. There are several very good, and applicable, apps for the Droid and boating. |
2006 Meridian 391
8.1 SHO
150 hours per year or bust |
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kgd
387 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 01:06:04
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Have had the iPhone for the last year and like it more all the time. Probably depends on where you are as far as coverage. Most of the boating apps I use do not need a cell signal to work anyway. I have many apps that are boating related a few I use everytime I go out.
I also have a Sprint 4G wifi hot spot. Really like that as it will connect up to 5 wifi devices. I can't tell a big difference between the 3G and 4G with the Sprint device. I was getting about the same speeds with my iPhone on 3G as the Sprint device on 4G. The Sprint device generally has better coverage though.
If you want a good phone and a fun device for boating I would recommend the iPhone.
Kris |
San Francisco, CA |
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psalzer
USA
6203 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 05:01:20
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| I have been using th Iphone for a couple of months now, lots of boating related apps .. nav, anchor watch,logs etc. ... very intuitive and easy to use. |
Pete |
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GonzoF1
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 07:33:28
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| Is there a way to determine what coverage I'll get from different carriers BEFORE I sign up and find out it's too late? |
Tom-
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Shadowcruzr
USA
10223 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 08:14:22
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| And let me throw this wrinkle in: What if you refuse to buy any Apple/LG products? |
Paul
ETC, USCG, Ret
Dispite the suicide bombers and the burning desire to kill infidels, we are a peaceful religion... |
Edited by - Shadowcruzr on Aug 02 2010 11:41:55 |
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mixman
USA
1932 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 09:05:22
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quote:
Originally posted by GonzoF1
Is there a way to determine what coverage I'll get from different carriers BEFORE I sign up and find out it's too late?
You can look at each carrier's coverage maps on their websites. They're not exact, but they'll give you an idea. Some carriers offer a 30-day refund offer, just for such purposes.
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--Kurt
2002 Motorcat MC30 "Deuce"
17 knot cruise at 5mpg (3.5/gph). Two hulls are better than one! |
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mixman
USA
1932 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 09:06:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr
And let me through this wrinkle in: What if you refuse to buy any Apple/LG products?
Then you've got a choice of HTC, Motorola, or Samsung products with either Android or Windows Mobile operating systems.
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--Kurt
2002 Motorcat MC30 "Deuce"
17 knot cruise at 5mpg (3.5/gph). Two hulls are better than one! |
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PascalG
USA
17066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 09:22:34
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indeed, the technobabble is interesting but not too helpful.
I think that if boating tools are the OP's criteria the big question is GPS. How good is the GPS in Droids vs I-phone? I am not not impressed with the Iphone GPS as it is "assisted" and i while it's great for land navigation and as a back up on the water i wouldn't rely on it if accuracy is important.
unfortunately apple doesn't let you link your device to an external blluetooth GPS...
I wonder if the GPS in the Iphone 4 or Ipad is better than the 3GS
one thing which i woudl never go back to is a non touch screen phone. once you're used to the touch screen you cant' go back, it is so much easier than trackballs, etc... |
Pascal
1970 Hatteras 53 MY
12' Westphal Catboat
16' Hobie Cat
2007 Sandbarhopper 13
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kgd
387 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 10:10:23
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As far as coverage, AT&T's maps are a good start but I would check with others in the area you are interested in regarding coverage.
I don't use the GPS on my iPhone as the primary device but I have found it to be right on with the GPS I have on the boat (Raymarine). I do believe that some iPhones seem to work better than others in that regard. I do use the iPhone for planning a trip all the time.
TomTom does make an external cradel that has a GPS receiver built into it that is made specifically for the iPhone. I don't have one but from what I have read it will work with any App on the iPhone that needs GPS. The cradel mount looks really great as it will hold your phone at any angle, has a built in speaker, charger and audio output and you can rotate the phone. Might be worth a try. |
San Francisco, CA |
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millsan1
USA
643 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 10:42:02
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quote:
Originally posted by PascalG
indeed, the technobabble is interesting but not too helpful.
I think that if boating tools are the OP's criteria the big question is GPS. How good is the GPS in Droids vs I-phone? I am not not impressed with the Iphone GPS as it is "assisted" and i while it's great for land navigation and as a back up on the water i wouldn't rely on it if accuracy is important.
unfortunately apple doesn't let you link your device to an external blluetooth GPS...
I wonder if the GPS in the Iphone 4 or Ipad is better than the 3GS
one thing which i woudl never go back to is a non touch screen phone. once you're used to the touch screen you cant' go back, it is so much easier than trackballs, etc...
the driod GPS combined with Navionics for $20 is a great combo and works amazing well. |
2006 Meridian 391
8.1 SHO
150 hours per year or bust |
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Shadowcruzr
USA
10223 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 11:46:35
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| is the droid/motorola combo good for texting and making phone calls? What about internet and as a wifi hotspot? |
Paul
ETC, USCG, Ret
Dispite the suicide bombers and the burning desire to kill infidels, we are a peaceful religion... |
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mixman
USA
1932 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 12:51:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr
is the droid/motorola combo good for texting and making phone calls? What about internet and as a wifi hotspot?
I would hope any smartphone on the market today would be decent for texting and voice. As for wifi hotspot, the original Droid can't, but the Droid X has it listed as a standard feature. It'll also cost you $20 per month on top of the $30/monnth data plan and is limited to 2 gigs. This is why I prefer Window Mobile as there are apps available to utilitze this feature with no additional fees or data limitations. There might be an Android third party app that does that as well, but I'm not aware of it.
I've seen Android in action on an HTC EVO on Sprint (very similar to the Droid X), and it's a nice operating system. However, I've got an issue with Google and I wouldn't trust my data on an Android phone. They have a habit of spying on private citizens.
I might be wrong, but the OP seems to really want and iPhone. Yet, their location isn't the best for AT&T service. Rumor has an iPhone coming out on Verizon by early next year.
As I said before, it's a rough time to be shopping for smartphones. The only way around the contract issue is to buy used or pay full retail. Verizon does offer a 1 year contract that falls in the middle of the pricing structure. |
--Kurt
2002 Motorcat MC30 "Deuce"
17 knot cruise at 5mpg (3.5/gph). Two hulls are better than one! |
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millsan1
USA
643 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 13:23:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr
is the droid/motorola combo good for texting and making phone calls? What about internet and as a wifi hotspot?
I have owned a member of each of the current crop (BlackBerry, iPhone, Droid and Palm) I am partial to my Droid and the admiral just moved from being a hardcore BlackBeryy user to a devoted Droid X user. The Droid X really blurs the line between a phone and some sort of pocket PC. The screen and the device are large, but it looks great and is lighter than my Droid. |
2006 Meridian 391
8.1 SHO
150 hours per year or bust |
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GonzoF1
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 15:15:42
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Actually, no. I'd prefer NOT to get an iPhone, but will if I must.
So is Droid the operating system? I though it was a phone. I'm not sure I understand the hardware and software for each phone... Anymore... :) |
Tom-
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rommer
11802 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 16:37:28
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Droid is a phone which runs the Android operating system which also runs on a number of other great phones.
Just to correct a mis-print above, the original Droid CAN be a wireless hotspot. I do it all the time. |
WLC - We love Champlin's! |
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GonzoF1
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 16:46:10
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| Where does Google fit into all of this? |
Tom-
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WALSHIE
USA
9038 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 16:59:57
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Google created the android OS.
Picking up my droid X tonight!
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The sign on my boat: Wanted to Buy: Carbon Credits |
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Billylll
USA
8047 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 17:06:43
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Watch when looking at Verizon and AT&T maps they are both getting pieces of the AlTel aquistion which will effect rural US coverage especially East coast coverage. Where you might have roamed on AlTel in the past with your current provider will change by market. Both Verizon and Sprint roamed on AlTel now when AT&T gets those markets they will be in the process of changing from CDMA to HSPA+.
Bill |
WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
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Billylll
USA
8047 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 17:35:35
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I will distill it down to this. Because almost every US cellular carrier is launching new data platforms I would recommend the following. Stick with the cellular carrier that gives you good voice and text service in your primary coverage area. Pick a phone that has a WiFi chipset. WiFi will still be here 10 years from now. When I say WiFi I mean a phone that can access data through a standard Hotspot or Home router/AP (think Borders/McDonald's ect...). Once the dust settles in the 12 to 18 months then you can decide which fancy phone/mini computer you want to purchase.
I'm with Kurt (Mixman) purchase the phone with the shortest contract, this means you will pay more for the phone or buy one used off E Bay. In a year you will probably be glad you waited.
Bill |
WirelessOne,
40 Mainship
Sedan Bridge
Little Egg, N.J. |
Edited by - Billylll on Aug 02 2010 17:39:11 |
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mixman
USA
1932 Posts |
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mixman
USA
1932 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2010 : 18:15:58
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quote:
Originally posted by GonzoF1
Actually, no. I'd prefer NOT to get an iPhone, but will if I must.
Sorry about that. I took a look at your original post and now I see what you're saying.
Have you had the time to look at what apps are available for which operating systems? Then, review which phone has the best GPS chipset. That, other than what carrier has the best coverage in your primary areas, should point you in the right direction.
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--Kurt
2002 Motorcat MC30 "Deuce"
17 knot cruise at 5mpg (3.5/gph). Two hulls are better than one! |
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mariner36
107 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2010 : 09:36:33
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So what boating applicable apps are there for the DRoid right now?
I love the phone, but don't know of any good apps. |
1985 Carver Mariner 36 |
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Shadowcruzr
USA
10223 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2010 : 10:01:04
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| What apps on a phone are so good that you wouldnt want a dedicated device on the boat? or is it just a play toy type of thing? |
Paul
ETC, USCG, Ret
Dispite the suicide bombers and the burning desire to kill infidels, we are a peaceful religion... |
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PascalG
USA
17066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2010 : 10:09:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Billylll
I will distill it down to this. Because almost every US cellular carrier is launching new data platforms I would recommend the following. Stick with the cellular carrier that gives you good voice and text service in your primary coverage area. Pick a phone that has a WiFi chipset. WiFi will still be here 10 years from now. When I say WiFi I mean a phone that can access data through a standard Hotspot or Home router/AP (think Borders/McDonald's ect...). Once the dust settles in the 12 to 18 months then you can decide which fancy phone/mini computer you want to purchase.
Wifi doesnt' do anything for you while underway when you need to check the latest weather and radar... or when you need to look up info on a marina. If you have good cell coverage in your area, wifi capability is jsut a back up for that once in a blue moon time where in a spot with limited service and there happen to be a hot spot somewhere.
you want reliable data, celullar is the way to go. wifi is just a a back up, nothing more.
as to which carrier/phone, if one of the big carriers has better coverage in your home area, pick that one... then go to their store and feel the phones. it's not rocket science! |
Pascal
1970 Hatteras 53 MY
12' Westphal Catboat
16' Hobie Cat
2007 Sandbarhopper 13
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psalzer
USA
6203 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2010 : 11:12:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr
What apps on a phone are so good that you wouldnt want a dedicated device on the boat? or is it just a play toy type of thing?
For me the Iphone apps are simply a good backup to onboard GPS etc. The anchor watch is good as well. |
Pete |
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PascalG
USA
17066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2010 : 11:16:51
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| good back up as well but also make it very convenient to find some data like marinas. with Charts n Tides, I can find nearby marinas or at my destination and it's just a couple of taps to have the nr dialed, or to review their services... very convenient, much better than an outdated printed guide or using the laptop underway. |
Pascal
1970 Hatteras 53 MY
12' Westphal Catboat
16' Hobie Cat
2007 Sandbarhopper 13
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mariner36
107 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2010 : 11:41:03
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quote:
Originally posted by millsan1
That being said, I am a Droid user, former iPhone user. I am much happier with the Droid and Verizon than I was with iPhone and AT&T. There are several very good, and applicable, apps for the Droid and boating.
What sort of apps are out there and where did you find them?
Later in the thread you alos mention the navionics software for the droid.
where did you find this?
Thanks for the help. |
1985 Carver Mariner 36 |
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millsan1
USA
643 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2010 : 12:25:37
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I use several, all from the Droid Market
Weather Bug, for, well, weather
First Aid, for just in case
GPS Status, to give current location, heading and speed
Navionics USA East, as a backup to my Norhtstar
Radar Now, for an up to date radar image (Weather Bug also provides this)
TideApp, for local tides
Tide Prediction, as a backup
That is pretty much all I use. All were free, except Navionics, and that was just $20, much less than the cost of a chip.
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2006 Meridian 391
8.1 SHO
150 hours per year or bust |
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Topic |
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Best Mobile Device For Boater