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View Full Version : New Phone Time But What To Buy?


Mike Temporale
12-07-2007, 07:30 PM
<p>As many of you know, I have been using the HTC Vox smartphone for a number of weeks now - but no longer. I just can't take it anymore. Why? well there's a number of reasons - I find the keyboard hard to read in the dark and don't get me started about the layout and feel of the keyboard.&nbsp; Then there's the delay when you open the device.&nbsp; If you start typing too soon, you'll find the characters you press just don't appear. I haven't even talked about the thickness of the device yet, or the lack of 3G. :-(</p><p><img border="0" alt="" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/500/spt/auto/1197028327.usr3.jpg" /></p><p>So, I'm back onto the Dash full time now (it was my weekend phone for a while). But&nbsp;I have no plans to stay on the&nbsp;Dash, I just can't stand that JOGGR.&nbsp;I need to decide what phone I'm going to use going forward. I'm thinking it should be a BlackJack II or a Moto Q9h.&nbsp; I really like the Samsung i640 and I'm interested in trying the Treo 500v, but both of those phones are only Tri-band.&nbsp; That's European Tri-band too, so it's not very functional for me here in North America. I'm curious what everyone here is picking as their next device?&nbsp; I'm leaning toward the BlackJack II, but at the same time, I'm thinking I should give Moto a run and see how far they've come along. Decisions, decisions.</p>

ajwalker
12-07-2007, 07:46 PM
I vote for the Motorola Q9h

I've blogged about it here:
http://morningpaper.typepad.com/morning_paper/2007/12/whats-on-my-q9h.html
and here:
http://morningpaper.typepad.com/morning_paper/2007/11/motorola-q9h-wm.html
and here:
http://morningpaper.typepad.com/morning_paper/2007/11/made-my-new-pho.html

Plus, I've been having an ongoing conversation with Rocco in the forums while we all await his review of Q9h and how it compares (or doesn't) to the Motorola Q9.

Take nothing away from the BlackJack II since I honestly haven't used it, but if you want a user opinion of the Q9h, I vote for the Q.:D

brianchris
12-07-2007, 07:51 PM
I just bought my wife the HTC s730....should I not have if the s710 / Vox is that bad? The 730 has 3G, but don't know about the other issues mentioned.

Mark Larson
12-07-2007, 07:51 PM
Having looked at both the Q9h and the BJ2 in a store, I'd go for the Q9h.

snowman5373
12-07-2007, 08:05 PM
I am starting to grow tiresome of the Dash (and T-MO) myself and have been looking at some other devices. To be honest, nothing really interests me right now. I am going to hold off until next year. I have a funny feeling next year is going to be really interesting.

runbuh
12-07-2007, 08:15 PM
Like others, I am leaning towards the Q9h. I have not followed the links in this thread, but be aware that it is not well publicized that the Q9h does not come with Microsoft Office Mobile. You can buy it and add it on, but the BlackJack II comes with it (but I've read that the battery life pales in comparison to the Q).

Personally - I like the Q9h's keyboard better, but I think I'll miss the scroll wheel that both the original Q and BlackJack "Classic" have...

ajwalker
12-07-2007, 08:23 PM
Like others, I am leaning towards the Q9h. I have not followed the links in this thread, but be aware that it is not well publicized that the Q9h does not come with Microsoft Office Mobile. You can buy it and add it on, but the BlackJack II comes with it (but I've read that the battery life pales in comparison to the Q).

Personally - I like the Q9h's keyboard better, but I think I'll miss the scroll wheel that both the original Q and BlackJack "Classic" have...

No, it doesn't come with Office Mobile but Motorola throws in Documents to Go for free. Plus Opera as the default browser along with IE.

Six in one hand, half a dozen in the other.

Covert
12-07-2007, 08:40 PM
I was just in the same boat as you, and I bit the bullet and went with the Blackjack II. The Q9h seems nice but the extra millimeters of height and width just made it a little less appealing in my book, all other things being practically equal to the Blackjack II.

I actually went with the red Blackjack II, which I have yet to see in person, so hopefully it'll look okay. I've read that the texture is much nicer on it than on the slick black version, so the grip will be better and it won't get as many fingerprints. Battery life should be pretty good on both the BJII and the Q9h.

elipsoid
12-07-2007, 08:57 PM
I know I may be going against the stream here, but my next device will have touch screen. I didn't want it at first, but after all the problems with applications compatibility on my Samsung i600, I'll get me a touch screen device. Probably the next HTC with slide-out qwerty keboard (Touch Cruise with keyboard).

Vulcan
12-07-2007, 09:00 PM
After a long absence from the Smartphone scene I just grabbed a Pantech Duo. It is nice little phone. Probably not a power user's full time device, but it is good for light and backup use.

<O:p</O:p

Pete Paxton
12-07-2007, 09:21 PM
What? Not the innovative Centro? :)

iJITSU
12-07-2007, 09:57 PM
I went with the Blackjack II. The Duo is too thick, I didn't like the keyboard, and didn't like the design of the front of the phone. The Q9 has a great keyboard, but it's just too wide for me. Like holding a pancake phone. The Blackjack II has its issues too, but it's the best choice for me. GPS, triband HSDPA, MS Voice Command works over bluetooth, great call quality, closer to a true candy bar design, decent keyboard, and probably the best looking smartphone I've had.

stevew
12-07-2007, 10:24 PM
I was deciding between the BlackJack ll and the MotoQ9 and purchased an IPhone. I just got sick of the sync problems, terrible browser, alarms and reminders that don't work, and non user friendly music sync and playlists. I have to say I made the right choice. After being a PPC, PPCPhone, and Smartphone user for years I'm just sick of waiting for microsoft to fix these problems that go on year after year and carried over to new versions. When Microsoft starts innovating again and once again finds their way I'll jump back in.

afiorillo
12-07-2007, 10:35 PM
My next smartphone will be a HTC S730 (now I have a Samsung SGH-i600). I need a powerful CPU, and the 730 has it.

brianchris
12-08-2007, 12:20 AM
My next smartphone will be a HTC S730 (now I have a Samsung SGH-i600). I need a powerful CPU, and the 730 has it.

Definetely makes me feel a little better, but why doesn't Mike at least consider the S730?

ntractv
12-08-2007, 01:00 AM
I just upgraded from the Treo 700w to the Samsung SCH-i760 and love it. I am a touch-screen needing person and this device is hands down the best device I have had.

scottpet
12-08-2007, 01:09 AM
If interested - I'm selling my nearly new HTC Advantage x7500 here (for 1/2 what I paid new):

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000R4DBQE Mint condition. Will ship it to you for free.

SassKwatch
12-08-2007, 01:11 AM
... After being a PPC, PPCPhone, and Smartphone user for years I'm just sick of waiting for microsoft to fix these problems that go on year after year and carried over to new versions. When Microsoft starts innovating again and once again finds their way I'll jump back in.

I understand that sentiment completely and have thought about leaving the WinMo platform for the same reasons. But wouldn't go the iPhone route. I want/need the PIM functionality WAY more than need, much less want, mobile music/vid capabilities. And couldn't give a hoot for Internet service on my phone.

*IF* I were to jump off the WinMo bandwagon, it would probably be for a B'berry. In the long run, I'll probably end up with the BJII or the Q.

ARW
12-08-2007, 01:14 AM
I've had my BJ for about a year now and still like it, though I am starting to get that itch for a new device. Not enough improvement for me to switch to the BJ II yet, but I'm looking at it and the Q9h.

What I'd really like is the i640 slider. Course it'd have to be quad band etc, but that would get me to make a change without delay.

As it it I'll continue with the BJ unless it fails in some way.

jenya
12-08-2007, 08:12 AM
Q9h all the way... If you want a narrow device get a T9 WM SP. If you want a usable qwerty keyboard, nothing compares to the Q9h. The device is jam packed with features and unlike the original Q, its very very stable!

fulltilt
12-08-2007, 11:43 AM
Would a new i-mate rate a mention? Would have to be on sale somewhere for that to be considered. Certainly figures well in the quad band stakes...

HalM
12-08-2007, 01:54 PM
I have been using the Excalibur for about a year now and I was thinking about changing too. I really wanted the Erato but that looks to be dead in the water. So when HTC released the WM6 ROM, I installed it and I am back to liking the phone again.

No idea what the folks having problems are talking about, especially sync issues. That said, even with WM6, I still treat the phone like it was Windows 98 and reboot it once per day.

Kris Kumar
12-08-2007, 10:04 PM
I am holding of until I get a device with these features:
- QWERTY
- HSDPA
- Wi-Fi
- GPS

I don't think there is one that has all the above. :mad:

extravagant
12-08-2007, 10:22 PM
anyone know whats going on with the blackjack ii, is it going to be available? and is there one with wifi?thx

Kris Kumar
12-08-2007, 10:24 PM
anyone know whats going on with the blackjack ii, is it going to be available? and is there one with wifi?thx

BlackJack II is now available on AT&T. But it doesn't have WiFi.

extravagant
12-09-2007, 02:24 AM
thx4 ur reply!

That's weird, the much hyped blackjack ii is available and theres no hype, no reviews, no nothing! i would like to get this phone but no wifi = not for me, if i only had an unlimited data plan!!!!! i hate canadian carriers. can't wait for some competition with that upcoming spectrum auction.

Pete Paxton
12-10-2007, 12:46 AM
Hey everyone,
Mike is out of town but he wanted everyone to know that he really appreciates all the feedback about which phone to buy. He read each and every reply and is leaning towards the Q9 but hasn't officially made up his mind yet. He's going to make a trip to the Cingular store on Monday and will make up his mind after spending some time with the devices. Thanks again for the feedback and for helping him out.:)

Mechanicaldan
12-10-2007, 06:19 AM
I am holding of until I get a device with these features:

- QWERTY

- HSDPA

- Wi-Fi

- GPS
I don't think there is one that has all the above.
HTC TyTn II: http://www.htc.com/product/03-product_tytn_II.htm

I like the keyboard on my S710, and it does make the device a little thick, but it's sure really quick to text on. I was thinking I'd have it for a year, but probably no. I'm not usually an upgrader, but it's just not quite perfect.

I like the Asus P750: http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=804

BUT, I think I may treat myself to a new birthday present in February. True to smartphone form ---> HP iPAQ 614c: http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=852 2.8" screen, 520 MHz, 3.1 MP auto-focus camera with flash, GPS, drool... I doubt I'll miss the S710 keyboard.

gavinfabl
12-10-2007, 01:38 PM
I agree with the HTC Vox, the keyboard backlighting makes it near impossible to read.

I have had the Blackjack for 6 months now as my main device and it rocks. This is the longest I have had anything. So based on my user experience I would opt for the Blackjack II. However.

I would wait before buying any WM Standard until it comes with WM6.1 . The Blackjack was the first non touchscreen WM phone and I miss this alot. Also, I hate the lack fo editing. In WM Pro, you can bring up the SIP keyboard and use the standard ctrl c, v , x etc...

I have a few older phones lying around, but one feature I find very useful with my standalone pda the Fujitsu Siemens n560 is the vga screen and lovely built in sat nav. I use Tom Tom 6 with this a lot.

I was going to buy the HP 914c until it got delayed. Perfect everything. It is likely that I would in the interim still get the Blackjack II. Also Samsung's customer service is amazing and fast. (personally experienced.)

rdecker
12-10-2007, 03:38 PM
I am holding of until I get a device with these features:
- QWERTY
- HSDPA
- Wi-Fi
- GPS

I don't think there is one that has all the above. :mad:

AT&T Tilt (8925/TYTN II) has all those features. Yeah it is a PPC but it is very powerful. I have one now and use the Blackjack on the weekends when I want a slim phone.

Mark Larson
12-10-2007, 06:21 PM
I believe the S730 also has those features, having the same chipset as the Kaiser.

encece
12-10-2007, 09:29 PM
I vote for the Q9h over the BJ2. Having owned both....the BJ2 feels cheap and plasticy. Plus...no real advances from the original....well, enough for it to feel like a new device. Using it...I just wanted my old one back.

Now the Q9h...a piece of art. Beautiful, fast, great battery and screen. Keyboard cant be beat.

Feels wide at first but actually gets very comfortable to use. It's only 1/4" wider after all.

Q!
Q!
Q!
Q!
Q!
Q!
Q!
Q!
Q!
Q!
Q!
Q!
Q!

Hyer
12-10-2007, 10:15 PM
I was also looking for a replacement for my VOX (9 months old and starting to act up). After hitting the ATT store a number of times, I went with the iPhone (mostly just to test it and get it out of my mind). Well, I like it better than the MS phones I've had (going back to the original Audiovox, I've also had a couple 2125s, a 3125, an HP, the original BJ and the VOX).

My favorit part of the iPhone is the screen. Just being able to see it with sunglasses on or in the daylight is huge. Plus browsing the web while killing time is a joy! Mail actually syncs better (I got real annoyed that any emails I deleted on my phone were moved to deleted items, but UNREAD on Outlook, I know it's trivial, but still it bugged the hell out of me that MS couldn't get that right). My bluetooth headsets work MUCH better on the iPhone (I always felt there was a problem with MS and BT, people always complained about the sound quality).

There are certainly short comings with the iPhone, but I can deal without my contacts syncing over the air or not knowing a new email has shown up instantly (I actually turned push off because it was killing the battery). Once the dev kit comes out in Feb, I expect a bunch of the "business" user problems to be solved in a hurry.

Anyway, just my 2cents.

tstaiano
12-11-2007, 02:56 AM
Well, after dealing w/my Vox for about 9 months, which I loved. Great form factor, great for work (sales calls), but it's now out for the SECOND time for a warrantee repair (for 11 weeks now!), so I've made due with my 750v for the last almost 3mths. Having installed the Voda WM6 upgrade, I didn't want to go back to a WM5 device. That being said, I liked the small candy-bar form factor of the Vox, and hated the brick-like form of the Treo (come on already Palm...where's the innovation?)

Well...the other day (after much online forum & review reading) I made my decision in my local AT&T store...BJ II it was! The Q looks like someone took a BJ & rolled over it with a rolling pin. Too big and bulky...

WiFi's not that big a deal for me, as Charlotte/Columbia/Greenville are all 3G areas. The boost in RAM/ROM in the BJ II over the BJ is great...even over the Vox & Treo this phone just hums along nicely...

The only drawback I've noticed so far is that the radio seems a bit on the weak side...areas where I had strong Edge or HSDPA only pull in GPRS/Edge (respectively). I'll give it a few more days, but my money's still on the BJ II.

Oh...I went with the Wine Red model...back is a cool soft-touch plastic with a faux leather grain look to it...not like the glossy black. Now once they start making accessories (screen cover, car charger aftermarket since it's a different connector than the BJ...Mini USB people!) aftermarket then I'll be happy...

Jerry Raia
12-11-2007, 04:35 AM
I did like the VOX but like Mike I got tired of it. It was slow. The Q9 h is my favorite so far of all the Smartphones I have owned. See Motorola can do it right when they want to. :D

swapnilgyani
12-11-2007, 06:38 AM
I've been using a Vox for more than 2 months now and am very satisfied with it. Probably the difference is that I knew exactly what I was buying when I bought it, thanks to user reviews here and other forums :)

The Q9h does look like a great device, but they left out wifi?? :eek:

PhoneArena review of the Q9h is great, but they also mention that the network reception is mediocre...damn!!

"The Reception test gave mediocre results, and the score of the Q9h is average 5 out of 10. We would have like to see a 7 or more, but that’s all."

Only if these 2 issues were fixed, it wud be a great buy for anyone wanting to upgrade.

When I'm buying a new fone, I read a lot of reviews of my prospective model(s) on websites, but don't just go by them. The best place to find real life user experiences is to search for forums specific to the device u're planning to buy, and especially check out the user complaints and problems threads :D

Jon Deutsch
12-12-2007, 04:12 AM
The bad news is that the Vox is way too slow to be very useful as a smartphone. The good news is that it can be overclocked reliably (and automatically), bringing it to very useful speeds.

Other than the default speed and it's slight thickness and weight, it is a very slick phone that also looks quite elegant. The QWERTY keyboard works great for me.

If the S730 weren't any bigger (it is in every dimension), the 400mhz CPU and 3G would be the killer upgrade from the S710. I miss both the 400mhz CPU and 3G in the S710, but it's still great.

I would recommend everyone give over-clocking a shot before giving up on the S710. It really is a game changer!