Nico I need your help **phone nerds please look**

[tigersharkdude]

So, its time to get a new phone. Im on verizon (not changing carriers). Im trying to figure out what kind of phone to get. I will say right now I dont want an Iphone

Im looking at the droid charge, HTC thunderbolt, and a few others. For anybody that wants to know I use my phone a lot. Im deaf so I my phone is like my connection to everyone.

Anybody want to give some C&C?

[Kompresshun]

HTC Thunderbolt is an awesome choice, I have had the HTC EVO(which is very similar) for 6 months now and haven't wanted anything different, it's the best phone i've owned hands down. The functionality of HTC phones compared to any other Android phone is unmatched IMHO, it integrates well with everything, the interface is the best out there, and it's probably the most solid phone i've used on the Android platform.

For example, it syncs up with my Facebook account and compares my FB friends with my contact list(it also can download all of your FB friends or the ones you select), then can download all of their information into my contacts in my phone, including their profile picture. On normal Android phones, if you have more than one contact for a person in the phone, it typically makes a new entry, but with HTC it automatically links them together for you too. That's just a few things, but HTC literally thought of everything with their interface, I wouldn't have any other Android phone after owning one.

[DJ_B_Easy]

I have the Thunderbolt. Its great IMO. And the 4G is amazing if you have coverage in your area.

[RobPaulson]

if you use the device alot, do NOT get the thunderbolt. it has some SERIOUS battery issues (and no this isnt a blanket retarded bash on android overall battery life, the TB has TERRIBLE life compared to OTHER android devices).

i'd wait for the samsung galaxy s2 tbqh, thats what i'm doing. and i'm a total nerd and stickler for details when it comes to my phones...

the DROID charge is also a good choice, the reason i shy'd away from it is all the reviews stating it 'felt' cheap. i like a solid build quality feel to my devices, HAAATTTEEEE cheap/light plastic feeling phones. Engadget did a pretty solid review of it here... check it out. (also, impressive battery life on the CHARGE, def a HUGE plus for you if your going to be using it a lot)
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/droid-charge-review/

[AppleBonker]

Physical keyboard ftw. Loving my Droid 2. Droid 3 should be coming out in the next few months, I believe.

[RobPaulson]

Physical keyboard ftw. Loving my Droid 2. Droid 3 should be coming out in the next few months, I believe.

time to move on grandpa, touchscreens are the future.

[AppleBonker]

Typing is definitely easier on a physical keyboard. Plus, half the screen isn't taken up with the on-screen keyboard. Just saying...

[DJ_B_Easy]

Thunderbolt battery life is pretty terrible, but get a task killer and its a lot better. I charge every time I'm in the car (about 2 hours a day) and I MIGHT need to charge once more at night every day.

As for keyboard, I felt the same way at first about touch only. But I'm used to it now. Autocorrect and prediction helps it a ton. s*** I'm using it now and haven't backspaced once.

Oh....and 4G!

[Kompresshun]

Haven't heard about the Thunderbolt battery issues, everybody says the EVO has horrible battery life too, yet I get at least a whole day on a charge with a few tweaks. I do agree if you can wait a little longer, i'd hold out for a dual core phone at this point, you're gonna be stuck with it for a while, you might as well get as new of technology as possible. I am very biased towards HTC products though, everybody elses interface sucks, especially Samsung. Stock Android FTL.

Physical keyboard ftw. Loving my Droid 2. Droid 3 should be coming out in the next few months, I believe.

time to move on grandpa, touchscreens are the future.

X2, once I finally went to a full touchscreen, all physical keyboards suck.

[RobPaulson]

Stock Android FTL.

BLASPHEMY!

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Don't get anything made by Samsung. While they might perform good on paper or for the first few months, they are complete GARBAGE. I've had three Samsung phones on two different carriers and they're cheap junk. They work great for the first few months and then take a s***.

I personally have a Droid 2 right now. It's a great phone, and is still out, but I'd probably upgrade to the Thunderbolt or Incredible 2 if I wanted something smaller. But if I could wait, I would hold out for a new Motorola phone with a keyboard, or a Droid X #2 etc....

[Nostalgia_]

You can even call your mom for free.

[RobPaulson]

Incredible 2

the inc 2 is a complete waste of money, it is like 3 miniscule specs that are increased from the inc1, basically if you buy the inc2 your a retarded fanboi a** clown who doesnt do research b4 they buy... (wasnt a jab at you, just general rage for HTC for putting out such a SHOT inc2... i was anticipating greatness, they FAILED.)

HTC Thunderbolt is an awesome choice, I have had the HTC EVO(which is very similar) for 6 months now and haven't wanted anything different, it's the best phone i've owned hands down. The functionality of HTC phones compared to any other Android phone is unmatched IMHO, it integrates well with everything, the interface is the best out there, and it's probably the most solid phone i've used on the Android platform.

For example, it syncs up with my Facebook account and compares my FB friends with my contact list(it also can download all of your FB friends or the ones you select), then can download all of their information into my contacts in my phone, including their profile picture. On normal Android phones, if you have more than one contact for a person in the phone, it typically makes a new entry, but with HTC it automatically links them together for you too. That's just a few things, but HTC literally thought of everything with their interface, I wouldn't have any other Android phone after owning one.

Stock Android FTL.

^^ in response to both of those, I am using a nexus one running stock android and my device has all the explained functionality above. jusay'n. =) HTC sense sucks balls compared to stock android. bloatware FTMFL.

EDIT: My post feels combative for some reason, i'm not trying to be . . . luv u guiz =)

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Ewwwww....just looked at the specs of the Incredible 2. It doesn't even have 4g.....

Now even more I'd hold out for something by Motorola.

[Kompresshun]

Stock Android FTL.

BLASPHEMY!

AOSP BLOWS!

I tried giving it a chance numerous times, but it always disappoints me every time. Now, if I would've never had a Sense based phone, I probably wouldn't care.

[RobPaulson]

AOSP BLOWS!

I tried giving it a chance numerous times, but it always disappoints me every time. Now, if I would've never had a Sense based phone, I probably wouldn't care.

ya if you don't have the nerd desire to really customize your device stock android can seem lacking. but for a nerd like me with lots of time on my hands, I can spend oodles customizing...

[Kompresshun]

^Now that is SWEET. I did get mine setup really nice one time, but it was such a pain in the arse. It's mainly all of the Sense widgets and apps that i'm hooked on. The Sense dialer and contacts are beyond awesome compared to ASOP, and the Sense Widgets are pretty sweet too.

[AppleBonker]

Waiting for HTC to roll out updates sucks though.

[RCA]

Physical keyboard ftw. Loving my Droid 2. Droid 3 should be coming out in the next few months, I believe.

YES. Screw the grandpa sh*t.
You will ALWAYS be able to type faster on a physical keyboard than on a piece of glass. I don't care what any one thinks; every one who loves touchscreen keyboards are compromising.

I used to text with out even looking at my keyboard on my phone because I had physical "landmarks".

/rant

[AppleBonker]

This ^. If touchscreens were that much better we'd be using them at our computers. But, they're not. I, too, can text without looking at the phone.

[C-Kwik]

You will ALWAYS be able to type faster on a physical keyboard than on a piece of glass. I don't care what any one thinks; every one who loves touchscreen keyboards are compromising.

I used to text with out even looking at my keyboard on my phone because I had physical "landmarks".

/rant

Good thing you don't decide what phones are built then. I think of physical keyboards as a compromise on my phone. Why? I prefer a thinner profile and the larger screen (Since Blackberry has some thin phones but give up screen real estate). Ultimately, it comes down to each person's individual uses and preferences. Most of my typing is limited to short texts. Hardly worth having a keyboard for, if I can get the form factor I prefer. Understand, that like comparing tablets to computers, tablets are generally more for consuming information and media. PC's are designed about production. Phones generally fall into the consumption category as well (as far as screen use is concerned).

As for the HTC TB, it does sound like there are battery issues based on threads in various phone forums. Not entirely unexpected given HTC hasn't had the best record for putting reasonably adequate batteries in their phones. My GF has the Dinc, and even with the HTC EVO battery in it, its still only just adequate for her use. Prior to that, she ran out of batteries often. I think I've only run out a couple of times on my DX and that was after marathon sessions of angry birds.

[AppleBonker]

You will ALWAYS be able to type faster on a physical keyboard than on a piece of glass

Good thing you don't decide what phones are built then. I think of physical keyboards as a compromise on my phone. [...] Most of my typing is limited to short texts.

I would agree that it all comes down to personal preference. But, keep in mind:

Im deaf so I my phone is like my connection to everyone

I'm going to guess that the OP will be doing a lot of typing. This may change ones opinion when compared to typing only short texts.

[tigersharkdude]

thanks for the input peeps. Also, I hate physical keyboards. My thumbs are like "screw you, heres 8 random letters".

[Kompresshun]

Physical keyboards are great and all, until you realize that touch screens aren't that bad. I haven't liked a single slide out keyboard I've used and I'm willing to bet, with Swype, that I can type faster than a slide out physical keyboard. As already mentioned, I'd rather have a thinner profle phone, that offers more, rather than a physical keyboard. Trust me, I was that guy that wouldn't use anything without a physical keyboard for years, and now I wouldn't ever go back.

[Jesda]

touchscreens are the future.

The future of gay sex.

[SteveTheTech]

The EVO and TB are great devices. Given the speed an processing power of these devices they tend to be a bit battery hungry. All of the people I know you do things like stream Pandora while driving or use GPS (Google Maps is far better than Navteq) have added some sort of in car charger or a charger at their desk at work. The TB has a 1 GHz processor that is always going to be thirsty but fortunately there are larger batteries available and inductive chargers are available for most phones now.

I am on Sprint, an not changing, and like Verizon the CDMA phones always tend to be a bit behind the GSM market devices. I am planning on waiting for the Nexus S and my contract to come up.

If you feel that you need a qwerty keypad you really should get a phone like the EVO shift or Driod Pro. Which combines all the greatness of the BB form with a touchscreen and Froyo.

[sbird1]

Upon very quit screening, there is NO geeking out in this thread. EVO 3 FTMFW. Wait a couple weeks.

[C-Kwik]

The EVO and TB are great devices. Given the speed an processing power of these devices they tend to be a bit battery hungry. All of the people I know you do things like stream Pandora while driving or use GPS (Google Maps is far better than Navteq) have added some sort of in car charger or a charger at their desk at work. The TB has a 1 GHz processor that is always going to be thirsty but fortunately there are larger batteries available and inductive chargers are available for most phones now.

Other than the addition of 4G, the TB's specs aren't anything special over the existing phones. Yet it boasts a rather diminutive 1400 mAh battery. The new Charge also has 4G and similar specs, but has a 1600 mAh battery. Both the non-4G Samsung Fascinate and Motorola Droid X have bigger batteries. I think they need to target battery life for typical users. Larger batteries usually means larger battery covers. Which means many cases no longer fit or have to be modified to fit. A lot of docks no longer work as well. Its a terrible conundrum for many.

[marlin29311]

My experience with my TB is that you generally get about 2 hours of Screen-On time until you start to run out of battery...for me personally, I can get through a whole day of work with s*** cell reception, call my fiancee for an hour at night, and still do some random gaming and checking of stuff during the day and end the day with 35% battery, which is fine for me.

The extended battery doubles the phone's battery life, and it really isnt that big. I have it for days that I know im going to be using my phone a lot.

I love my TB.

Ps - Adam, it's been proven that people who know how to use the Swype input method can actually type faster than with a physical keyboard.

[AppleBonker]

Ps - Adam, it's been proven that people who know how to use the Swype input method can actually type faster than with a physical keyboard.

I'm sure. It has also been proven that an on-screen keyboard that takes up 40% of the screen takes up 40% of the screen.