Researching App-Compatible Phones

[tomalak301]

Hey all,

I'm sure this question is getting asked over and over, but I figured this would be a good place to start. I'm on Verizon and we're eligible to replace phones and I want to get a phone that is App-Compatible. I guess the only ones to chose from are Droids, Blackberrys, and probably Windows 7 but I really don't know anything about them, such as what I need to get, how much it costs, anything. I'm pretty much blind on this whole thing and while I've done some research about Data Packs ($30 a month for unlimited access), I wanted to know what you guys thought. If the Iphone would come on Verizon, I would probably look into that, but because my family doesn't want to wait, I don't see that as being an option at this point. If anyone has any help or advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Verteron]

Keep in mind that App-compatible isn't really a term per se, what you're looking for is a modern Smartphone: this includes the iPhone, Android phones (including the Droids, touchscreen phones from Samsung, etc.), Blackberry, Palm Pre/Pixi, and Windows Phone 7.

Each of these phones can load 'apps' but not the same apps, they need to be written specifically for each operating system, in much the same way as you write an app for a Mac or PC. Some apps you'll find on many platforms where the author has written similar, but different versions for each type of phone, but some apps will only be found on one of the platforms.

iPhone has the largest selection of apps currently, from its App Store.

Android is growing fast and is in second place, with its App Marketplace, and apps have less restrictions placed on them than iPhone apps do, meaning there are a few apps available for these phones that simply wouldn't be possible with Apple's rules on the iPhone.

Blackberries have apps too, but the operating system and app selection on this platform is generally considered to be inferior to the 'big two'.

Palm's Pre/Pixi webOS platform never really took off, and although HP are going to push it now, there's not nearly the sort of selection of apps on the 'top three' platforms.

Windows Phone 7 is practically brand new - it's difficult to predict how it's going to pan out over the next year, it could be a big success or it could languish in 4th or 5th position - if you buy one of these you may suffer a bit as an early adopter waiting for things like a decent Twitter client to become available, etc.

I am no expert on US call plans but the main thing you need is data - a phone like this will be doing a lot of Internet access, so it's crucial you get this at a reasonable rate.

 

[RapidNadion]

Verteron pretty much covered it all in his post, but another consideration is that Android ('Droid' in Verizon parlance) currently has the best choice in terms of variety of hardware. There are many types of Droids from many manufacturers, whereas the iPhone is limited to a single current design. So if you're looking for a big screen but your family member needs a smaller device, you could each get separate phones but both be running Android.

All of the mentioned platforms are nearing parity of features, but some still have the edge on others. Blackberry, for example, still can't be beaten for messaging needs, but for everything else (app selection, web browsing) it's definitely a bit anemic. The Palm Pre and Pixi have a very user friendly interface, but the app selection is once again limited to about 4000 apps versus Android's hundreds of thousands.

It's best to visit a retail store and play with as many different phones as you can, and use your return/exchange policy to the fullest. Don't let the reps talk you into or out of a platform; they're often compensated differently for different devices and often are not as informed or impartial as they'd have you believe.

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

If you're not interested in an iPhone, look at the HTC phones that run the Android operating system.

 

[tomalak301]

If you're not interested in an iPhone, look at the HTC phones that run the Android operating system.

Well, I am interested in the Iphone, but unfortunately AT&T Monopolizes it now and I'm not sure when it's coming to Verizon. I was looking at some of those phones you suggest yesterday and they were nice.