technology update

[Grif]

I'm not a HUGE phone tech guy but for what I use it for, the X10 is great. I knew the updates would come at a slower rate but how much better is 2.2 for the average user?

IMHO average user does not use their device to its full potential so in all honesty, not much. However for those who want to actually use the hardware they paid for it matters a bunch.

Our smartphones are nice little computers, and like any tech, they can be used to their potential or not. It just depends who's driving and if they choose to use it.

Personally, I'll mod any tech I find. Much like we mod vehicles.
I hate vehicle/computer analogy's, but sometimes the metaphor works.

The VX can take you to the Dollar General store to pick up cat litter, and if that's all you want, that's fine.

It can also climb rocks, mire through mud, ford streams, kick sand, turn heads and scream down the Interstate. Its just a matter of using what it has natively and adding on or removing as you see fit.

If you want to make phone calls and send text messages, get a pay-as-you-go feature phone from walmart. If you want a smart phone as the original poster requested then I'll stand by my recommendations.

The Experia is a great device hardware wise, but it didn't appear on my list since its firmware is already obsolete and Sony developers do not seem too keen on updating their devices in a timely manner, thus it stays on the back burner.

Root the device, try a few custom roms and report back! I encourage you, mod it!

[technocoy]

I think there are a lot of factors at play in determining what you want.

My first notion would be to recommend an Android handset. Reasons being that they are simply on every carrier at the moment. That said, you need to pick a truly good Android handset, and make sure it's going to be updated to 2.3. Here's the thing about Android. It's great, especially if you are a tech person, but it's not the most user friendly in the world. It's also still in a bit of the famous "beta" mode that Google tends to do with their products. They are quick to make improvements and updates, but it's a fast moving/changing scenario. If you are on AT&T, I would avoid their Android sets. They just aren't there yet since they (at the moment) still have exclusive rights to the iPhone.

I have an EVO (Sprint) and think it's a great phone. It's a bit big, but still rocks. I got it when I bought a 4G plan from Sprint just so I can have great internet for my work laptop all over the area I live/freelance in. I use it mostly as a work/backup phone.

That said, as far as fit and finish, ease of use, and games/apps go, the iPhone4 is my main phone. It's awesome. I don't like AT&T, but that's how much I love my iPhone. I am fairly tech savvy however, and have jailbroken mine to open up the few options I enjoy on my EVO. Main one being tethering and wifi-hotspot.

Now, as far as AT&T is concerned, here are my thoughts. Everyone will be moving to 4G soon enough, but if you aren't in a decently urban area, I wouldn't even factor that as a plus at the moment. It's going to be a while before 4G is mature.

Also, mark my words, because there is a lot of hype and disagreement about this, but when the iPhone goes to Verizon later in 2011, you can bet that there will be a whole new load generated for Verizon's network.

I get around 3Mb down and 1Mb up on my iPhone, on my EVO (in sprint's 4G areas) I average about 5.5-7Mb down and 1.5Mb up. Now, in areas where I go to 3G on my EVO (which is pretty much EVERYWHERE 4-5 miles outside all metro areas, my performance is WORSE than the iPhone.

Hope this isn't confusing. I'm just spewing random experience and facts out there, but I hope it helps.

My mother went through 2 'droids before I gave her my old iPhone 3Gs and she uses it more than I could have imagined.

I would personally have a hard time giving up either of my phones, but push come to shove, I would let go of the EVO for a few main reasons.

•I REALLY appreciate good industrial design and LOVE the feel of the iPhone in my hand. It's like an old leica rangefinder camera.

•I am an app whore and I love the amount of options in the app store, not to mention the games selection. That new EPIC game is hands down amazing example of what's to come for handheld gaming. I truly looks like an xBox 360 in my hand)

•I run mainly Macs in my day to day (designer/illustrator) and so the syncing ability of the iPhone with my Mac is the best experience out there with a phone

•All the menus, subtextual items, etc just flow great IMO. The UI is interlinked so well with every other application that it's amazing.

Take those 4 things into consideration. They would push your buyers choice either way.

PS, don't discount a new Windows phone. You really should go try one out. I was really impressed (and I HATE using windows in general, although windows 7 is a HUGE leap forward from vista) and it actually does a good job of staying out of your way similar to the iPhone.

Hope any of this helps,
technocoy

[technocoy]

One more thing. If you are clumsy, avoid the iPhone 4. Period. You WILL eventually drop it onto a corner and shatter that glass. It's not hard to change at ALL, but it can be annoying if you have a tendency to drop things. I baby all my electronics, so this hasn't been an issue for me.

You can get a big case for it that will protect it, but really, what's the point then? The thing is so awesome in your hand it would suck to cover it all up.

That being said, the Verizon iteration of the iPhone may correct some of the screen fragility.

cheers!

[Ascinder]

I have the a third gen Iphone that fell out of my cargo pocket at 55mph on my motorcycle. It did have a plastic case on it at the time and came away unscathed. That pretty much sold me on cases forever. I often tell people the iphone is the best electronics purchase I have ever made. That said, it can also be very frustrating at times. It does have it's own little idiosyncrasies, but overall it has more pros than cons in my book. One of the reasons I got an iphone vs. all the other offerings out there was that there are so many things specifically made for it. You simply won't find that on any other platform.

[technocoy]

That is a good point as well, Ascinder.

The microcosm (or at this point, macrocosm) of iPhone accessories and electronics made to work with the iPhone is insane. it also, in my opinion secures it's place.

A good case is really truly a must have for any new touchscreen phone if you tend to drop things.

VT, the fragility only really applies to the iphone 4 and even that is overhyped. The signal issue is a total BS media blow up if you ask me. I use mine for everything and I have yet to drop a call based on holding it. I use it naked.

Having a case (or bumper) on the iPhone 4 seems to kill the reception issues for those who have them.

That being said, it should have never been a necessity in the first place. The iPhone original, 3G and 3Gs were extremely rugged phones however. My mother has dropped my old 3Gs so many times, and there is nary a scratch on the screen.

Again though. If the cards stack for you in a different way, I would rarely ever say DON'T get an Android.

[vt_maverick]

The signal issue is a total BS media blow up if you ask me. I use mine for everything and I have yet to drop a call based on holding it. I use it naked.

Might be talking past each other here... I'm speaking from personal experience using ruggedized cases on a Verizon "dumb" phone (LG Dare). I don't know much about the specific problems with iPhone4, just saying that wrapping a radio in any kind of casing can cause issues.