Need guidance with cell choices

[aroundincircles]

I'm not as tech savvy as you all, so I need some help, please. I currently have AT&T as my cell carrier (I know, I know). I am years out of my contract and not opposed to switching. However, where I live may be an issue since Sprint and TMobile get patchy coverage.

My phone is old (about four years - a dinosaur) and is on its last leg. I would like to get a smart phone but don't want to spend an arm & leg for a plan. My current plan (1400 minutes - family, one additional line) is costing me ~$100 without data or text, but I do like the roll-over thing since I started out with Cingular. I am also open to buying the phone outright, although I'm not keen on spending $300 or more.

As you can see, I do keep my things for a while, so whatever I get is going to have to last a few years and preferably upgrade its OS, at least at first. This will be both a business and personal phone. I will need to sync a calendar (I use Google), and would be using the email reading feature as well. Games aren't as important, but I do see where others would want to play.

I am thinking the android is the way to go, or perhaps the iPhone, but I want to hear what advice you all have first. Also, any advice when negotiating my plan if I have to go that route?

Thanks in advance!
AiC

 

[alent1234]

As a former iPhone user I just got a HTC inspire 4g. $20 at Costco.

IPhone is better but not enough to make me pay $300 or more. $199 plus tax plus activation and case will be $300.

 

[dpodblood]

I would get a used Nexus one or a Nexus S. They are both good phones and will receive android updates for years to come. HTC tends to be good about updates as well and the Desire HD is a very nice phone. If manufacturer supplied updates are important to you forget about Samsung. Great hardware, terrible support.

 

[alent1234]

Used cell phone?

People like you are the reason I sold my old iphones for $400 and bought an iPad 2. Who cares about updates for years to come when 18 months from now you can get another cheap phone on contract with faster hardware than the current nexus.

Smartphones are commodities starting this year. The price will only get cheaper

 

[notposting]

Well, definitely go into a couple stores and start playing with them. Try out the iphone, various Android flavors, and the WP7 lineup. I'm intrigued by WP7, if they ever get on VZW I will be checking them out.

I like the flexibility that Android offers, but the performance and consistency that Apple has is a powerful draw. I'm hoping WP7 can maybe meet my needs while not getting me into paying money to his Jobness.

Start thinking about what you will want it to do...you will use it more and more though trust me. I have the car dock for my Droid...so Google Nav, plus BT through my FM adapter is awesome. Things like Dropbox and Office apps are handy, emailing, calendar, messaging etc. Web browsing of course...which on my Droid I just use instead of all the various website "apps". Mileage tracking for the cars, shopping lists, etc.

I do like Android on my Droid from the tinkering standpoint...I don't really bother with computers much anymore (tinkering, overclocking, etc) so between my Droid and new Nook Color it gives me my gadget tinkering fix.

 

[aroundincircles]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions so far.

The one thing I like about AT&T and TMobile is the ability to take the chip from one phone and place it in an unlocked one of my choice. I hate that Verizon and Sprint don't allow this, unless something has changed with their systems.