Worth it?

[DerekAbney]

I've always been a big Samsung fan in general and am looking into one of these. I just want so know simply, is it worth it? Do people really like it?

[ADBrown]

I've always been a big Samsung fan in general and am looking into one of these. I just want so know simply, is it worth it? Do people really like it?

What is "it" exactly?

[Janak Parekh]

If you're talking about the i700 on Verizon's service, probably not -- it's outdated by modern standards, and Verizon sells the Audiovox XV6600, which is a much faster, nicer unit with EVDO support, more RAM, thumbboard, and Bluetooth.

About the only way I'd get an i700 is with a massive discount. Right now on Verizon's website, it's the same price as the XV6600, which is simply ridiculous.

Samsung is readying a successor to the i700 called the i730; that may be worth getting, but it's not out yet.

--janak

[DerekAbney]

Sorry about that, I was talking about the i700. You say it's severely outdated? When does the i730 plan to be out? I'm wondering if waiting is worth it as well.

[ADBrown]

Sorry about that, I was talking about the i700. You say it's severely outdated? When does the i730 plan to be out? I'm wondering if waiting is worth it as well.

The i730 should be out in late March, if the current date doesn't slip.

[DerekAbney]

I'll probably wait for the i730 if it's supposed to come out in March. I think i can wait that long for a new version.

[Janak Parekh]

For the record, I haven't heard an official date. ADBrown's suggestion sounds reasonable, but do realize that Verizon tends to be conservative about phone releases.

--janak

[ADBrown]

There isn't an official date yet. On or about March 23rd is what I'm hearing, but of course that can change. And just to be clear, by 'being conservative' with releases, he doesn't mean "Let's make sure we hit our release date without any mistakes." More like "Let's wait another month just to make sure it's TOTALLY antiquated."

[Janak Parekh]

More like "Let's wait another month just to make sure it's TOTALLY antiquated."
I did say "conservative" instead of "careful". :P With Verizon, releases are always a waiting game.

--janak

[mrradio]

I busted the screen on my i700 and was about to order a Treo 650 with Verizon. The service rep informed me that all the newer smartphones pretty much have to come with a data plan because they are set to be real time internet.

She said the only PDA/phones that don't require a data plan are the older models like the i700...does this sound right?

I love the PDA/phone combo but I don't need real time data use.

[gliscameria]

I busted the screen on my i700 and was about to order a Treo 650 with Verizon. The service rep informed me that all the newer smartphones pretty much have to come with a data plan because they are set to be real time internet.

She said the only PDA/phones that don't require a data plan are the older models like the i700...does this sound right?

I love the PDA/phone combo but I don't need real time data use.

I bought my 650 without a data plan without a problem. I ended up buying the unlimited data package two days later anyway though. Great phone, great PDA.

[mrradio]

Posts: 24
Well, problem solved. VZW put a 650 on account and is sending it so I can compare the two side by side. This will be a relief, I can only assume that a short time with both side by side will make my decision easier.

I can then return the unit I am not keeping. Both are excellent smartphones I think.

I think the i700 is a PDA first, that flat form factor fits great in the coat but not so good in pants pockets.

The 650 seems more phonish...may be bulky up in the coat but I presume a bit lighter in the pockets.

Here in Jamestown ND you cannot compare the advanced models, they don't carry them.

[Janak Parekh]

I busted the screen on my i700 and was about to order a Treo 650 with Verizon. The service rep informed me that all the newer smartphones pretty much have to come with a data plan because they are set to be real time internet.
You don't need the data plan, but you should be careful not to go online, as the new phones support always-on CDMA. If you don't have a data plan, and it stays online, it'll eat up your minutes. If you choose to go online, be careful to explicitly hang up once you're done.

--janak

[mrradio]

I busted the screen on my i700 and was about to order a Treo 650 with Verizon. The service rep informed me that all the newer smartphones pretty much have to come with a data plan because they are set to be real time internet.
You don't need the data plan, but you should be careful not to go online, as the new phones support always-on CDMA. If you don't have a data plan, and it stays online, it'll eat up your minutes. If you choose to go online, be careful to explicitly hang up once you're done.

--janak

Thanks man...took several attempts but I figured this out. I did not configure wireless sync and hid the web browser and other online access points with "Obfuscate" so I don't do it by accident.

If and when an i730 camera version is out I'll take a hard look at it.

It was hard to say bye bye to the i700...that screen landscape was awesome.

That said the 650 has a certain 1-handed functionality that grows on one.

[Janak Parekh]

That said the 650 has a certain 1-handed functionality that grows on one.
Yeah - that's why I want an i730 with WM5, which is supposed to be much-improved in this regard. :)

Good luck with your Treo.

--janak