iPhone, Android or Windows Mobile??

[Paddy55]

While I happily admit to being an Apple'o'phile I head a software company with a smartphone solution and have been living and breathing this dilemma for awhile. (We presently have a Symbian based app and have decided to migrate to Android.)

As others have said, key factors are what you want the phone for (and the apps you want on it) and your level of tech awareness.

Some personal thoughts:

1. The Smart Phone market is becoming a 2 horse race - Apple and Google (Android). Others will have presences but they'll be niche. I would not buy a Windows based device.

2. Much is driven by the apps you want to run, and here Apple has a decided advantage at this time. The App Store is big and a breeze to use.

3. So, if you are basically a consumer, regardless of your technical expertise, and apps exist that appeal in the Apple App Store I think it's a pretty easy decision... and one you are making for the next 2 years only in all likelihood. iPhones and iPads don't lock you out of using corporate apps necessarily. The techies found it much easier to connect my istuff to MS Exchange than connecting Blackberries, for example.

4. If you are developing business apps it is more difficult to decide... there are pluses and minuses to both Apple and Android... and I can't help you... it's a tough decision to make.

5. If you are a techie, then Android may appeal more.

Mind you, give it a year and who knows what the market will look like!

Paddy

 

[JohnK]

I am interested to hear the recommendations for smartphones as well even though I have a Nokia N97 mini now. Not really interested in Apple products so the iPhone is out of the question.

Shame you can't get them any more ...

I would love to be able to get a decent mobile phone not the poor choice of el cheapos on the market now.

 

[drewbles]

I am interested to hear the recommendations for smartphones as well even though I have a Nokia N97 mini now. Not really interested in Apple products so the iPhone is out of the question.


I would love to be able to get a decent mobile phone not the poor choice of el cheapos on the market now.

There's plenty of ways of getting brand new old school phones, you just have to dig around a little.

If there's a specific type you want, drop me a message and i'll see what I can do for you.

 

[flychrisfly]

I'm on Day 1 of my new iPhone 4 having converted from a Nokia E75. So far so good! Ease of use is great and the big screen is a definite plus, but most smart phones (certainly in this discussion) seem to have both of these.

I chose iPhone as many organisations seem to build iPhone only apps. For example, I could not bank online with the Nokia as my bank only offer a mobile option for the iPhone.

Maybe it all comes down to price...

Good luck deciding!

 

[serfty]

...
I chose iPhone as many organisations seem to build iPhone only apps. For example, I could not bank online with the Nokia as my bank only offer a mobile option for the iPhone. ...

Well - change banks!

 

[JohnK]

If there's a specific type you want, drop me a message and i'll see what I can do for you.

I was more interested in the slide/flip phones Motorola used to manufacture. Apparently Motorola does not manufacture many phones now.

From the current mobile phones on display I did not see any that I liked. Most seem to be the bottom of the range and the top of the range are only smartphone/pda type of phones.

Don't get me wrong it is not that I do not like the smartphones. For someone like me they can be so difficult to use.

I do not wear a watch. I take my Motorola Razr out of my pocket and there is a digital time (nice size and easy to see) staring at me and if it is dark I simply press one button for the time display to illuminate. I have no idea how to do this with the Nokia N97 mini. There is a tiny clock on the upper part of the display but this just blends in with all the apps on the phone.

 

[straitman]

The N97 has had quite a few bad comments both here and elsewhere.

I have always been a Nokia fan but all I can say now is you should have got an iPhone John :!:


Sent from my iPhone using AFF Mobile

 

[jsd]

I have no idea how to do this with the Nokia N97 mini. There is a tiny clock on the upper part of the display but this just blends in with all the apps on the phone.

John, I had the same problem but alas a different phone (E63).

On Symbian themes are your friend, maybe this one might be suitable?

Download Digital Clock themes to your cell phone - animated digital clock - 2746526 | Zedge

 

[Archphoto]

I picked up an HTC Desire here in Thailand, and it is a fantastic phone.
I am out and about quite a bit, and use the email service regularly both as mobile and WiFi.

Personally, I didn't choose an iPhone because I wanted to be able to choose what I could or couldn't do with the phone, rather than being told by the manufacturer; apps were of no concern - I couldn't care less about the gazillion available at any app store - I just need basics, games aren't my scene and most are pretty useless.

Banking apps would be great in Android, but hey, I can do most of it online without an app, so I'm not complaining, and did so on my Nokia N95.

You'll get answers from all the fanboys and you still won't be any the wiser.

Best bet is to see what you really want that smartphone to do, compare the features of the 3 you're looking at, do some research online from several different gadget sites etc, and go from there. :shock:

 

[drewbles]

I was more interested in the slide/flip phones Motorola used to manufacture. Apparently Motorola does not manufacture many phones now.

From the current mobile phones on display I did not see any that I liked. Most seem to be the bottom of the range and the top of the range are only smartphone/pda type of phones.

Don't get me wrong it is not that I do not like the smartphones. For someone like me they can be so difficult to use.

I do not wear a watch. I take my Motorola Razr out of my pocket and there is a digital time (nice size and easy to see) staring at me and if it is dark I simply press one button for the time display to illuminate. I have no idea how to do this with the Nokia N97 mini. There is a tiny clock on the upper part of the display but this just blends in with all the apps on the phone.

I still have a V3 RAZR I use for testing our various SIM cards.

I can probably still set you up with a V3XX (the 3G version) but i'm not sure what we've got in the warehouse (I know I have a demo unit but not sure what else is hiding around).

Not able to source the slider ones, but may have various flips around the place if you want a replacement

 

[oz_mark]

I was more interested in the slide/flip phones Motorola used to manufacture. Apparently Motorola does not manufacture many phones now.

Motorola have stacks of models - just not so many available here.

 

[Postcode]

I bought an ipod. Loved it. So simple, does the job and is reliable.

I bought an iphone. Loved it. So simple, does the job and is reliable.

My windows based laptop which I used for the above coughped itself and I replaced it with a Macbook which was on sale, then exported it on a holiday and claimed the GST at SYD airport. Never had one before, and it takes some getting used to but I love it.

I'm waiting for my two year old PC vista desktop to go to replace it with a Mac. Will not miss virus warnings before or after the event, slow shut down, constant need for security patches after another breech.

The iphone? Easy access to new apps and there are so many good free ones, can transfer some music to listen to while I walk on the beach or need some distraction, I can easily make my own ringtones, and it's easy to use. Online and downloadable instructions only supplied.

Worst thing is the very short battery charge life and no ability to have a spare if needed.

 

[JohnK]

The N97 has had quite a few bad comments both here and elsewhere.

I thought the comments were for the Nokia N97 and not the Nokia N97 mini.

I have always been a Nokia fan but all I can say now is you should have got an iPhone John :!:

I have managed to get this far in life without an Apple product and a little longer is not going to hurt.

Also these "toys" can be extremely addicitive and I do not want my life to be depended on them.

I can probably still set you up with a V3XX (the 3G version) but i'm not sure what we've got in the warehouse (I know I have a demo unit but not sure what else is hiding around).

Good phones. I still miss mine. I only had it for around 3 months when I either lost it or it was stolen. I really do not remember. It was there one minute and the next it was gone. Perhaps it fell out of my pocket or it was stolen. I shall never know.

Not able to source the slider ones, but may have various flips around the place if you want a replacement

The Motorola Z3 is a good slide phone but I gave that to my brother as he was after a replacement. Lucky man gets all my hand me downs and has not spent any money on a phone since his first Analog phone.

Don't spend too much time looking although if you can give me an idea on prices it would be handy.

I have managed to change the clock display on the Nokia N97 mini to a digital display.

Motorola have stacks of models - just not so many available here.

I will go to Tukcom when I am in Thailand after Christmas and see what is available.

I shoiuld have researched the phones available a little more before making a decision.

 

[simongr]

I just need basics, games aren't my scene and most are pretty useless.

If you dont have an iPhone how would you know that the games are pretty cough?

I have managed to get this far in life without an Apple product and a little longer is not going to hurt.

Also these "toys" can be extremely addicitive and I do not want my life to be depended on them.

Not all the Apple products are toys - I use the iPad when travelling on business for mostly business activity and not games.

 

[stuartfaz]

I have an HTC Desire, absolutely adore it. Android is a beast.

 

[JohnK]

Not all the Apple products are toys - I use the iPad when travelling on business for mostly business activity and not games.

I was specifically referring to an iPhone with all the "free" applications that people are addicted to and can't live without right now.

 

[drewbles]

I was specifically referring to an iPhone with all the "free" applications that people are addicted to and can't live without right now.

The only 'cant live without' applications for me are on all smart phones. Email client and web browser (as well as an SSH client, that's for work though). These are available on every smart phone so it's a moot point for me

You have IM as well re the Moto phones.

 

[Nigelinoz]

I just bought one of these-:Motorola DEFY - Full phone specifications
and so far I have to say it is very impressive,easy to use,plenty of features and supports up to 32MB of external memory,I got it on a $49.00 plan with Telstra.
So far it does everything I want a mobile to do.

 

[JohnK]

The only 'cant live without' applications for me are on all smart phones. Email client and web browser (as well as an SSH client, that's for work though). These are available on every smart phone so it's a moot point for me

All I see is people out in public constantly scrolling the menu on a phone (up, down, left, right) with their index finger totally oblivious to what is going on around them. Wake up and be aware of what is happening around you. There is a time and place for everything.

You have IM as well re the Moto phones.

Thanks.

 

[drewbles]

All I see is people out in public constantly scrolling the menu on a phone (up, down, left, right) with their index finger totally oblivious to what is going on around them. Wake up and be aware of what is happening around you. There is a time and place for everything.

I'm not one of them. I can't live without my email and what not, but I don't wander around whilst doing it, I make sure I grab a coffee or beer or do it on the train/tram