What "Cell Phones worth switching Carriers" to Get

People ask me about cell phones all the time. Cell phones have so many functions; simple phones, messaging phones, smart phones, flip phones, sliders, etc. Since I get so many requests, I’m going to do a set of articles on the blog. Coming soon will be the best of the phone lines on AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and “discount carriers”, but today, I’m writing about the best of the best. These phones are the ones on the four major carriers that are worth switching service to get. Plus, I touch on one bonus phone you can soon get on any of the big four carriers.

Let’s say your contract is up with your current provider, or you haven’t had a phone contract. You have considered making a move, but haven’t had enough of a reason to pick a new carrier. You are looking for phones that do it all; the web, universal mailbox, texting, applications, high end features, and of course calling. These are the four phones that make it worth making the switch. They are all exclusive to the service they are on; i.e. you can only get these phones one place. I am not reviewing the carrier services right now, just the phones.

A few notes you may need to know. I am focusing on exclusives, and they are harder and harder to come by. Blackberry smart phones are almost never exclusive; they may have some slight version number difference, but usually they are basically the same. Some phones have different names on different networks, but they are still the same phone. Of the four major carriers, they usually share between AT&T and T-Mobile, who both use GSM for 3G data, and between Verizon & Sprint, who both use CDMA for 3G data.

What “Cell Phones worth switching Carriers” to Get?

AT&T - Do you really need me to tell you what phone is worth switching to AT&T for?

iPhone 3Gs
This is the most up to date version of Apple’s immensely successful line of smart phones. It’s faster, more powerful, and ‘smarter’ than previous versions. Reviews focus on how bright this phone shines on web and multimedia functions, which are helped by having a full ‘iPod’ built in. Still, it is the phone’s array of applications and thriving ‘eco-system’ of users, applications, music, tv, etc that truly extends this devices usefulness. While it’s true the call quality, and network, are key complaints of many user reviews, it likely shouldn’t stop you if you’re considering the iPhone 3Gs. One NOTE; rumors have persisted for years about an iPhone on other networks. Unless or until you see it announced, do not sit and wait. These types of industry rumors are commonly used to keep users from switching networks, or upgrading their current phones. $199.99 with contract.

T-Mobile

myTouch 3G 3.5mm (new)
Like the new limited edition Fender myTouch 3G, the newest version of the myTouch T-Mobile exclusive line has a host of upgraded features for the networks flagship smart phone. This version features a standard 3.5 mm headset jack (previous versions needed adapters or proprietary headphones), 8GB Memory Card, Swype technology on the virtual keyboard, and doubleTwist desktop sync software standard. The myTouch 3G sports a well reviewed responsive touch screen, intuitive interface, and attractive physical design. The main thing it misses is a physical keyboard option. It runs v 1.6 of the Android mobile OS currently, but has been tested for a potential upgrade to v 2.x. Google’s Android OS has been quickly expanding in the smart phone market, making fans with its customization, seamless interaction with web applications, and high performance. While Android has an application marketplace filled with a lot of the same high quality programs on other platforms, it is the native Google applications, including free Google Maps with turn by turn navigation, that make Android phones, including the myTouch3G a winner. Likely $149 with 2 year contract.

Sprint

Samsung Instinct HD
This was going to be the Palm Pre, but then the Palm Pre plus showed up on Verizon, making it non-exclusive. Then it was going to be the Samsung Moment, but the list was already slanted without a Blackberry and would have been much worse full of Android phones. Enter the highly ranked, well reviewed Samsung Instinct HD, the flagship of the Instinct line and best of breed video phone. Every review (PCMag, CNet, ZDNet, PhoneScoop) raves about the quality of the HD camera, and HDMI output allows you to view that HD video straight from the phone in full HD glory in your home theater. While this phone doesn’t feature a big name phone OS (it’s proprietary instead of Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Windows Mobile), it does have the Opera Mobile browser, which is a big plus for a full featured, but not officially ‘smart’ phone. If you’re a videophile, this is your killer phone. Current Sprint users, take note, this is not Sprint’s best; it’s just their exclusives are limited. Look for a best of Sprint article later for better, cheaper options. The Samsung Instinct HD’s main knock is its price; yes, that's more than every other phone listed. $249 with 2 year contract.

Verizon Wireless

Motorola Droid
The Motorola Droid is the carefully crafted first big step by Verizon Wireless into the consumer smart phone market. Previously, the company had focused on corporate style Blackberry devices, with consumer models being an afterthought. Sporting a high speed processor, and a ton of extra features (5 megapixel camera with flash, oversized 3.7” high resolution touch screen, and a full keyboard) the Droid runs Google’s Android OS to its fullest capabilities; it runs 2.0 out of the box, but now upgrades over the network to the latest version 2.1. Those features come at a cost; the phone is slightly thicker than others on the list. Voice to text capabilities in all core applications, voice commands, universal search, and multi-touch with pinch to zoom in browser are a part of the basic Android 2.x. Yet the growing Android marketplace has brought favorites like Facebook, Twitter, UrbanSpoon, Pandora, and others to the Droid. Native support for synchronization with Exchange e-mail, calendar, and contacts, plus the keyboard, make this a great business alternative to a Blackberry. The big screen, full DHTML and Java support, and announced Flash support (not seen on any other smart phones right now) put this with the iPhone 3Gs in the ultimate class of “web in your pocket”. $199 with 2 year contract.

Bonus Phone – Carrier Independent

HTC Nexus One
In a move to attempt a new direction in smart phones, Google, in partnership with HTC, has announced and is releasing a phone, the Nexus One, that will have a version to run on every network. They have already released the initial T-Mobile version, and have confirmed releases for a Verizon Wireless and AT&T version. There have been rumors of a Sprint version, but that is so far unconfirmed. The Nexus One is a computer geek’s dream phone; small, sleek, ultra powerful (the best specs of a phone currently available), beautiful, and fully customizable under the hood. The biggest current downfall is that it may take a computer geek to buy and maintain it. The phone is only available for sale on the web, can’t really be test driven (unless you know someone who owns one), and comes with no in person support, and very little phone support split between Google, HTC, and T-Mobile. If the last two sentences don’t scare you, then this should be your next phone, no matter what network you are on, or want. Most people, however, are better suited to the current structure of buying a phone through a provider for now. $179 with 2 year contract on T-Mobile

What 'Non-Big-Screen' HDTV to Get

The site got a lot of feedback from the HDTV big screen article. Two related things came up.

1. I focused on the value consumer, so I was looking for high quality performance for the cost, but mostly entry level devices. There is still great value in high end tech, and later I may do a “What Tech To Get” High-end HDTV edition. Those customers tend to just buy the most expensive one in the store anyway.

2. In today’s short post, I address the question “What if I don’t need one quite that big?” There are a few things that change from the previous post, but most of the guidance stays the same. Measure your viewing distance, and stand back that far in the store. Stick with brands known for quality devices, even in the entry level arena. Don’t pay for features you won’t use.

Some things do change, however. In the big screen area, I mainly listed 1080p HDTVs, even though I mentioned that deals can be had with the occasional 720p. That’s because at those big sizes, the difference between 720p and 1080p on Blu Ray players can really be noticed, and the difference between 240Hz refresh and 60Hz refresh is obvious on fast moving sports. On HDTVs 37 inches and below, and especially 32 and below, almost all regular customers will not be able to know the difference, or take advantage of, 1080p vs 720p. Unless you are overly flush with cash, get the 720p in these sizes.

If you are buying for a kitchen or an office, when it comes to the smaller sizes, just make sure it will comfortably fit where you plan to put it when you bring it home. If you are going smaller in a bigger space, like a living or family room, before you buy, get the dimensions of the TV, height and width. Make a paper or cardboard version of the HDTV, and tape it to the wall where you plan on putting it. Now move around the room, or sit down in your seating. The same way you don’t want something too big for a space, per HGTV designers, you also don’t want too small for the space. No matter how small your space, don’t buy under 25” unless you enjoy paying for disappointment.

So, What Mid-size HDTV to Get? Here’s the rundown; remember, most of these come in 32 and 37 inch versions from the manufacturer, so just change the number, but the recommendation is the same. I’ve read all the reviews, so you don’t have to.

• Amazon, from seller Electronics Expo, has the Sony Bravia 32” 720p LCD on sale for $404.00

This is a great deal on a full featured HDTV, with lots of connections, including a PC input to view video from a laptop or netbook. Hulu in the living room, anyone?

• Dell Home Electronics online store has the Vizio 32” 720p LCD V0320E on sale for $349.00

If your budget is stretched to the limit, this could be your best fit. PCworld (they review TVs?) gave it a 7.8 out of 10, and said you can find higher quality, but only by paying more!

• Beach Camera has the JVC 32” 1080p LCD LT32J300 on sale for $399.00

For those who won’t compromise on 1080p at this size, this deal features a tv with a good review from televisioninfo.com, though other reviews weren’t as high.

• Among the land of the super small, Amazon has the Samsung 26” 720p LCD LN26B460 for $329!

Your kitchen or office will love this well reviewed beauty, and your bank account should love this deal.

• Finally, if you MUST have a 37”, not a 32” or a 40”, Best Buy has the LG 37” 720p LCD 37LH20 for $499.
  

User reviews mention their love for the Menu Navigation and built in features. WTTG cannot help but discourage you from this one by reminding you that $499 was the same price at Target for a Philips 42” 1080p LCD. Who can pass up the extra size and higher resolution for the same $$$? I wouldn’t.

What HDTV to get

The ‘big game’ is Sunday, and at the start of this blog venture, a good place to begin would be “What Tech To Get” on HDTVs. While it’s best to help with information specific to you, and your needs, I can provide some value with a general entry, and maybe spur some questions. If you are in the market for one, twitter, or email, or comment & I’ll try to help you personally.

My main message to you would be to not feel the need to pay more and buy the upgraded models, unless you specifically know why you want to. Higher refresh rates, 3DTV capability, dejudder processing, and advanced color processing are all valuable for the high-end theater shopper, but for the value consumer, if you don’t know you need it, you could save buying that beautiful lower end model and not regret it.

Whether living room, media room, bedroom, or even kitchen, the viewing distance is one of the most important factors in which HDTV to get, and how big to go. Your best bet to be happy is to measure the distance from where you will be sitting to where the TV will be, and then take a tape measure to the store. At the store, measure the same distance back, and see how it feels to your eyes.

At this point, you will likely be buying an HDTV advertised as 1080p (resolution). 1080p means it supports all current resolutions (720p, 1080i, and 1080p), even though no current broadcast, or pay HDTV network broadcasts in 1080p. 1080p in the home is currently seen most commonly in Blu Ray players, some game consoles, and online delivered content, and these things will still work well on a 720p Tv. Great deals can be had buying 720p HDTVs now, and most people, for most content, will find the picture still very good. Don’t be afraid of buying a cheaper 720p HDTV if you want to save some $.

Most common HDTVs you will see in stores today are LCD, Plasma, or LED-LCD. All three have positives and negatives, but I mostly recommend LCD for now. It’s stable tech, durable, lower cost, and yet has a great picture in most all lighting setups.

In full disclosure, my favorite TV brands are Samsung and Panasonic. I own one HDTV of each. However, I also love the quality, and great reviews, of Sony (best of breed) and Vizio (value & quality in harmony)

‘What HDTV to get’ for the Superbowl this week? Deals are plentiful.

• Target has the Philips Magnavox 42” 1080p LCD for $499.

For those on a slim budget, this is the best choice of the group. For this price range, this TV is a winner.

• Best Buy has a sale on a Sony BRAVIA 40” LCD 1080p KDL-40S5100 for $668.

This is a great price from one of my favorite brands. This model is very well reviewed with lots of features.

• Best Buy has a LG 47” 1080p LCD 47LH30 for $799

For a bigger size “value” level LCD, this TV brings high quality. Great color control, lots of inputs, and 47” for under $800 on sale is a great combo.

• To get some 720p savings, check out Target’s well reviewed Samsung 50” 720p Plasma PN50B430 for $799.

A bigger screen for the same price as the 47” above, this shows the value in sometimes saving by choosing 720p.

• For those of you wanting to go big, B&H Photo Video online store has a Sony BRAVIA 52” 1080p KDL-52S5100 for $989 with free shipping.

A much bigger version of the same high quality model Best Buy has above. The extra 12” of screen can be worth it.

Hope it helps.