dhibbit
02-10-2009, 10:33 AM
I've never had a smartphone, I know about the iPhone, G1 and the new Palm on the horizon. Of those, the palm looks to be the best, but until it comes out, who knows.
Ok, so I'm with Verizon, off contract, I like their service but the SIM-card thing sucks.
I will be in Europe pretty regularly over the next year, a couple week-long trips and a stay of a few months at some point. I would like something that could work over there both on an emergency basis or through getting a new SIM over there or through VOIP.
I use google-chat a lot, would be nice to have that available. I definitely want to be able to email, multi-task would be nice but I don't know if I want to wait for the Palm, my current phone sucks. I am interested in possibly developing for the iPhone.
So, my main question is; am I overlooking another option, or is iPhone the right choice as I suspect it is? Is there a reliable way to use the iPhone in Europe? Through SIM or VOIP? Finally, I'm out of contract, in a non-3G area, should I just go with AT&T? Most people here have an intense hatred for the AT&T contract and forced data plan. Like I said, while I'd really like the email capability, having WiFi only would be fine since I have WiFi at the house and at school.
If I choose to get one unlocked? Where to get it? What are the risks? How much will I really save over the AT&T plan given that I can't use it with Verizon and would have to be switching to another carrier in my area regardless (I'm in Charlottesville, VA)
EDIT: I've checked CL locally, 300 for an 8gb/3g, 200 for an 8gb/2g. Since i'm not in a 3g area, does the upgrade matter? Will the 3g work in Europe? What are the odds my city gets 3g expansion on a major network?
Thanks!
Ok, so I'm with Verizon, off contract, I like their service but the SIM-card thing sucks.
I will be in Europe pretty regularly over the next year, a couple week-long trips and a stay of a few months at some point. I would like something that could work over there both on an emergency basis or through getting a new SIM over there or through VOIP.
I use google-chat a lot, would be nice to have that available. I definitely want to be able to email, multi-task would be nice but I don't know if I want to wait for the Palm, my current phone sucks. I am interested in possibly developing for the iPhone.
So, my main question is; am I overlooking another option, or is iPhone the right choice as I suspect it is? Is there a reliable way to use the iPhone in Europe? Through SIM or VOIP? Finally, I'm out of contract, in a non-3G area, should I just go with AT&T? Most people here have an intense hatred for the AT&T contract and forced data plan. Like I said, while I'd really like the email capability, having WiFi only would be fine since I have WiFi at the house and at school.
If I choose to get one unlocked? Where to get it? What are the risks? How much will I really save over the AT&T plan given that I can't use it with Verizon and would have to be switching to another carrier in my area regardless (I'm in Charlottesville, VA)
EDIT: I've checked CL locally, 300 for an 8gb/3g, 200 for an 8gb/2g. Since i'm not in a 3g area, does the upgrade matter? Will the 3g work in Europe? What are the odds my city gets 3g expansion on a major network?
Thanks!