Smartphones Review – Android, iPhones, Blackberry, Palm & Windows Phones

Feb 3, 2011 by VegasKev

An Unorganized Man Getting Organized With Smartphones

I am definitely the type of individual who is constantly fighting to stay organized with my life.  And a couple of years back I felt that smartphones would definitely be a step in the right direction.  I am an unorganized man getting organized with smartphones.  First let me start off by saying that I didn’t want to partake in the iPhone craze when I decided to jump into the world of smartphones, so I didn’t opt for one…just yet.  In order, here is my experience with all of the major smartphones that are available.

BlackBerry Reviews

The BlackBerry seemed to be the proper choice for me at the time.  The first Android powered phone was poised to hit the market; however, I wanted something that was going to be reliable and tested by real world users first.  As well, two family members had BlackBerry phones and they had nothing but good things to say about them.  So I purchased the BlackBerry Curve (still a very popular model amongst BB users).  I will say that the BlackBerry seemed to be as uber as a phone could possibly get.  It had everything that I needed and more.  I was ecstatic for finally getting a smartphone.  But in the end (after about 8 months of use), I found that the BlackBerry wasn’t everything that I needed.  And thus the search began for a replacement for my beloved BlackBerry.

Palm Reviews

Once I realized that the BlackBerry wasn’t going to fulfill my smartphone needs, I thought about getting a Palm.  My sister, my brother and my brother’s girlfriend each had a Palm phone at the time.  They both seemed happy with their phones, especially my brother.  My brother has been a die-hard Palm fan for several years.  All three of them were pitching the Palm to me as if they were going to earn a commission if I went out and bought one from the store.  Needless to say, I wasn’t impressed, so my search continued.

Android (Google) Phones Review

A few friends of mine had iPhones, however, I still wasn’t impressed with them, so I thought about taking a look at what Google had to offer.  I was shocked.  It was then that I realized that there wasn’t a “Google phone” and it was actually based on the operating software that Google had created, Android.  Also, I learned that that several manufacturers were in the process of releasing Android phones on several different carriers.  I was excited.

At the time, Sprint (my cell carrier at the time) had two Android phones.  One was made by Samsung and the other by HTC.  I was heavily leaning toward the HTC, as they have produced a few phones that I was extremely interested in, in the past.  I ended up choosing the Samsung, since it had a slide out keyboard and I was worried that a touch-screen keyboard wouldn’t be very reliable.  Rather than going through the specs of the Android phone that I purchased, I will just say that I spent countless hours learning all the different capabilities that my first Android phone had.  I was thoroughly impressed.  I couldn’t imagine it getting any better.

Android has the Android Market with thousands upon thousands of free downloadable applications to help you with all sorts of tasks.  There are some paid applications as well, and I even used a couple of them.  I purchased a custom “home” application that modified the look, feel and options of my phone overall, as well as a custom keyboard application.  Why a custom keyboard?  Because it was only $0.99, that’s why.  It was less than a dollar; easy decision in my book.  Not to mention, by having a google-based phone, all of my gmail contacts, scheduling were synced with the phone in seconds.  And vice-versa.  Once I added a contact to my phone, it synced with my gmail contacts.  So I could also schedule something while on my computer (through my gmail account) and it would update it on my phone.

iPhone Review

Here comes the iPhone review.  I will admit, that I’m not much of an Apple fan regardless, however, I had no choice but to give it a fair chance.  I didn’t replace my Android with an iPhone, that much I need to say immediately.  One of my larger consultation clients had iPhones for all of upper management.  They constantly called me, and I told them that they were going to have to purchase a phone for me, since they were constantly calling me on mine.  They obliged, however, they also made sure it was an iPhone from their account.  I wasn’t too surprised, however, I also wasn’t too excited about it.  Everyone raves about the iPhone being this “super phone” that can’t be competed with, and I disagree.  I had the iPhone for about 4 months.  The only 2 positive things that I can say about it are: The graphics were great and it felt good in my hands.  That’s it, honestly.  I cannot see myself ever spending my own money on an iPhone.  They require you to get an iTunes account, which I don’t want, and it’s just one more account and email that I have to tend to.  I have a gmail account already.  Google is honest and worthwhile, I don’t see Apple in the same category.  I just don’t.

Windows Phone Reviews

Now this may come as a shock to you, but I liked the Windows smartphones that I looked at.  An associate of mine had one and it seemed very awesome.  It was comfortable and had great graphics.  I didn’t mess with any of the applications, however, he attested that they were great as well.  Do I trust his opinion?  Yes, he’s my IT consultant for about 90% of my projects and questions.  I do business with him on a regular basis.  I trust his tech opinion on anything.  Why didn’t I switch to a Windows phone if they are so awesome?  The truth is that I’m completely sold on Android.  I am comfortable with them and more than happy with them.  I see no reason as to why I would switch.  I did consider switching to a Windows phone when I decided to drop Sprint a few months ago, however, in the end, I went with another Android Phone (Android #2 review below).  If you don’t want an Android, or for whatever reason, you just don’t like Google, then I highly recommend buying a Windows based phone.  They are fast, have clean graphics and are using seemingly sound software (which is imperative to the functionality of a phone).

Android Phone #2 Review

I recently left Sprint and went to Verizon for my cellular service.  I did this for several reasons.  The primary reason is that I didn’t feel as though I was being taken care of properly by Sprint.  I had been with them for nearly ten years, and they valued me as though I had only been with them for six months and had never paid a single bill on time.  According to the experience of those around me, Verizon had phenomenal customer service and the fact that they seem to always have the “latest and greatest” when it comes to Android phones, the decision was pretty easy for me.  Thus I switched to Verizon and purchased the HTC DROID INCREDIBLE.  The Droid Incredible was just as good as my Samsung Moment, but faster, lighter, more features and a bigger screen.  It is an amazing phone and the only thing I can think of to make it better is to make it start my car and cook me breakfast in the morning.  Other than that, it’s a perfect phone and suits me well.  The only thing I can hope for is that Android doesn’t come out with anything much more advanced any time soon, because I will have no choice but to go out and buy it; which means I will have to give up my Droid Incredible for the next Super Droid Phone.

My Final Opinion On Smartphones

My final opinion on smartphones can be summed up in the next sentence.  Buy what you feel is going to be best suited for your needs.  If you want to be “cool”; get an iPhone.  If you want to look like a 2002 uber-businessman; get a BlackBerry or a Palm.  If you want a great phone that will make people say “I should’ve gotten that phone instead”; get a Windows Phone or an Android Phone.

Furthermore, my girlfriend (who never had a smartphone before) now has an Android.  My above-mentioned sister (Palm lover) now has an Android phone.  My above-mentioned brother’s girlfriend (Palm lover) now has an Android.  And my above-mentioned mother (BlackBerry lover) now has an iPhone.  It really all depends on what you like and what you are comfortable with.