Buy or wait - Focus General

Should I buy a Samsung Focus, or wait for the next version with a dual core? Also I'm coming from a Samsung Captivate.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App

Honestly if you are coming from a samsung captivate I would personally wait for the second generation devices coming out. You will have a much bigger selection and if your heart is set on a focus...wait and you probably will be able to buy it for free(with contract of course); right now I think they offer it for a good price too. The focus is a mirror image of captivate. Second generation devices will have higher megapixel cameras, gyroscope included, and be able to take advantage of free upgrades for the future ie. windows 8; you have nokia, fujitsu, acer, and other companies that will be offering phones as well. The only thing is you will be waiting to september or later for these phones to get on the market. A good thing would be to wait to mango update is released, which will be around the same time all the new wave of phones coming out. So, advantage to get the focus now is pricing and i personally think its the best wp7 device right now but, new phones are coming soon.

Dude I love my Samsung Focus and would recommend to anyone to buy it. But with the new mango phones like this Fujitsu coming in a matter of weeks, I would definitely wait.
The specs are just so attractive and they are even waterproof! Wait a bit more and I'm sure you won't end up regretting it. Or just buy and enjoy your focus as much as I do enjoy mine.

I would wait... why buy old technology when the new ones are going to be way better. Plus you will be able to hang on to your new model phone longer and will likely handle future upgrades to the OS. Mango will be the first major refresh, but you can sure bet Microsoft will turn up the heat on Apple and Google, and launch even better features to the OS.

You can do what i did
Sold my x10 and used the funds to buy a focus. That way I get to try wp7 with mango and when my contract is up in a few months I will decide if I will stick with wp7 or not
Fyi I'm posting from my wife's x10
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

i would find one off contract, it's a great phone, and then you will have an upgrade free for some mango handsets if you find one you like.
dual core phones probably won't be found in the current batch of phones coming out this holiday season. most likely a bunch of single core 1.5ghz chips.

Related

Still worth buying?

With Gingerbread and the new dual core CPUs on the horizon is it worth it at this point in time to invest $600 to buy a Streak? I really love the idea of the large screen, but there are even rumors of dell's successor to the Streak (Opus One) with a dual core snapdragon and higher res screen on the way. I'm looking for peoples opinion, should I wait or go for the current Streak?
Silent8Strike said:
With Gingerbread and the new dual core CPUs on the horizon is it worth it at this point in time to invest $600 to buy a Streak? I really love the idea of the large screen, but there are even rumors of dell's successor to the Streak (Opus One) with a dual core snapdragon and higher res screen on the way. I'm looking for peoples opinion, should I wait or go for the current Streak?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat and have the same question. I'll probably be using a more camera orientated phone but will probably wifi tether so I'm looking for a tablet to carry around. Galaxy tab and what nots seem nice but I like how the streak is a smaller size and easier to carry around. So is it worth it? Or is there something better for the price?
There is always something better coming on the horizon and like anything in tech, it is old news once you have bought it.
What you have to ask yourself is will the tech that is around now suit your needs and if so, buy it now. By the time those specs arrive in the shops, something better will be on the cards.
Did the 2.2 update bump the WiFi from G to N? (Otherwise, no, it's not, IMHO.)
Agreed 100% Once I started using this thing, my X10 looked like a mini. Even with the 4" screen.
jazzdude555 said:
There is always something better coming on the horizon and like anything in tech, it is old news once you have bought it.
What you have to ask yourself is will the tech that is around now suit your needs and if so, buy it now. By the time those specs arrive in the shops, something better will be on the cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
It's not worth buying a new one as it's 5 months old (if that makes any sense).
Why don't you buy a used one at $430, then it's worth it.
Can you stand to wait longer? I would wait it out, depending on your situation.
The Streak has been out around 5 months, and 5 months is a LONG time in tech and CES is right around the corner.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Silent8Strike said:
With Gingerbread and the new dual core CPUs on the horizon is it worth it at this point in time to invest $600 to buy a Streak? I really love the idea of the large screen, but there are even rumors of dell's successor to the Streak (Opus One) with a dual core snapdragon and higher res screen on the way. I'm looking for peoples opinion, should I wait or go for the current Streak?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. If you don't mind waiting a ~year for the device, you can wait.
(It's been over 10 months from the initial Dell Mini5 rumors to the actual device available on the market.)
Best buy in U.S has it for $100 this week. You could always try it for up to 30 days, then return it after you find out whats in store for CES.
Sent from my Dell Streak
checkbox111 said:
It's not worth buying a new one as it's 5 months old (if that makes any sense).
Why don't you buy a used one at $430, then it's worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5 months and still Dell has not been able to release 2.2.. Does not say a lot about Dell's software abilities. Seems like the Streak is just a hobby to Dell
With dual core, what is the battery life going to be like? Seems like the current devices have plenty of power, but the battery life sucks big time.
Pirates Revenge said:
5 months and still Dell has not been able to release 2.2.. Does not say a lot about Dell's software abilities. Seems like the Streak is just a hobby to Dell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not true.
Dell completed their 2.2 on August 30, 2010.
I purchased my Streak on October 1st (This was the first day it came out here in Australia) and the first thing i did was update to official 2.2 in the car on the way home.
The update is completely OTA and painless.
If you haven't got the update it is probably because you bought your streak carrier locked on a contract, therefore the bottleneck for receiving updates is the carrier not Dell.
deadset said:
This is not true.
Dell completed their 2.2 on August 30, 2010.
I purchased my Streak on October 1st (This was the first day it came out here in Australia) and the first thing i did was update to official 2.2 in the car on the way home.
The update is completely OTA and painless.
If you haven't got the update it is probably because you bought your streak carrier locked on a contract, therefore the bottleneck for receiving updates is the carrier not Dell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true. I got mine, as well, and the update was available right off the bat. It was turn it on and "update available!" lol. I love the streak. It's very usable still. Battery life is way better than my iphone 4, and the screen is awesome (I just need apps to be able to make text larger! Because as is it's very tiny!) I think the Dell Streak is great ^^ Camera sucks tho. It's got HORRIBLE shutter speeds.
Yup, Jump on ebay and get yourself one cheaper then $500. I got mine used for $450 and the guy sent me Dells invoice and I have the warrenty information and all. So be cautious as to who you by from.

What would you trade your N1 for?

So, what would you trade your Nexus one for? im thinking the LG Optimus 2X would be a great replacement.
is there anything currently or on the horizon that you want?
Nothing really grabs me for the moment.
T-mobile upgrade doesn't come in effect for another 10 months and full price for a phone doesn't appeal to me when the upgrade is not much better.
I expect some neat stuff to be out in 10 months tho.
I tried playing games on the N1 but the small screen size just doesn't do it for me so I'm not sure what I would get out of a dual-core for now.
I'll be keeping mine for the foreseeable future, probably a year . There is currently nothing that is a big enough leap in technology to pry my Nexy out of my hands.
Asides from the LG Optimus 2X, a couple of the other new phones announced at CES sound awesome most notably the Samsung Infuse, Motorola Atrix, Motorola Bionic, and HTC Thunderbolt. Sadly, these are all on carriers other than TMO, so I am sticking with my Nexy.
Probably the next Nexus phone, that should be a significant step up.
TMO has their presentation at CES this afternoon.
I'd trade mine for a 6ft leggy blonde....but only if she's ok with being 'flashed' and 'rooted'
Anything short of that and you'd have to pry my n1 out of my cold, lifeless hands!
Klondike Bar.
There hasn't been anything released or even announced that would make me want to sign a new two year contract yet. But if somebody comes up with a 4G, dual core phone with a big screen, hdmi mirroring, front/rear cams and decent android community support (at least cyanogenmod). I'd be interested.
I did trade mine for a G2. Here why:
-My power button was broke
-The touch screen is lame
-I got $450.00 for it despite those two flaws and it's age
-I got a brand new G2 off craigslist for $359
If not for that combination of events I might have kept it. Because even though the G2's hardware is superior to the N1's, it doesn't give a mindblowingly superior Android experience.
I think I would trade it for Nokia N8 Or I would trade it for a dell streak if it was running stock or a dell venue pro
Nokia N8: specs are just insane on this device and it looks good. (I was a Nokia Fanboy so to me Nokia n8 is a nice piece of hardware) Bad: underpower cpu and I wouldn't say bad but rather old OS.
Dell Streak: I just wanna be different phone LOL Bad: Might be stuck on 2.2 forever
Dell Venue pro: Great Looking device Bad: No flash + No Multitasking = disaster
I would trade my N1 for the new Motorola Atrix that was just announced for at&t. Hopefully it will be released soon!
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Rusty! said:
Probably the next Nexus phone, that should be a significant step up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its True! Google need other phone!
im wanna HTC Linux
I probably will end up sticking with my $40/month Nexus One and saving $300 - $360 per year over what normal people pay for smartphones
ATM I'm in that sort of "wow that phone is amazing I must have it!" phase with the motorola atrix, lg optimus 2x, and droid bionic but I'm sure that will pass with time
HDMI mirroring (LG 2x / Droid Bionic) is amazing to me and makes it so I never need another nintendo, super nintendo, sega, or playstation ever again. They would all just be on my phone ready to play (with a wiimote) at the drop of a hat
The atrix doesn't seem to have the actual mirroring like the two above but seems to have the amazing option of turning into a sort of macbook air whenever you want or being able to be used on a monitor. This is in addition to its mind-blowing stats and 1930mAh battery
This is the holy grail I am always looking for, the one device that takes care of every single electronic need in your life:
- Phone
- Camera
- Voice recorder
- Internet connection
- Keyboard support to turn into a computer
- Emulator gaming with wiimote support
- All day battery life
- Good price
I'll have to wait and see how these new phones play out. They could be amazing and take care of all of these functions and force me to buy them or they could be overpriced and not worth it. We shall see...
I always wonder with these threads what any of the guys who still follow Moores law (even the modified version 12months vs 18 months for PC replacement), think about all these quick replacements?
i think for me it will be the Motorola Atrix for me. i will keep my n1 for beta testing and stuff but for my daily phone i do believe the atrix will be it.
The TMO CES presentation listed nothing but the Streak 7 tablet. No phone announcement = epic fail.
Rusty! said:
Probably the next Nexus phone, that should be a significant step up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my hope as well. I know it's been repeated many times but I hope HTC makes it once again and really tries to put Samsung to shame(not that it would be that hard).
I will replace my N1 for the htc version of the 2x. Come on htc dual core flagship!
Rellikzephyr
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
Rod3 said:
No phone announcement = epic fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as the industry gets pushed upward by CES I could care less about which carrier got the goods.
T-mobile announced 4g honeycomb tablets today in addition to saying they were coming out with 25 total 4g devices in the next year. Trust me they will be coming out with amazing phones as well
Happy though that Att got the best android phones though even if I don't have them as my carrier. They needed an amazing android phone in the worst way and now have one: the Atrix

[Q] Will this be obsolete in 6 months to a year?

I've been hearing rumors that tablets in 6 months to a year will make this tablet obsolete. Apparently tablets will be coming out soon with almost twice the processing speed as this currently has, is that true? I have to make a decision on a tablet to buy that will last me at least 2 years before I can buy another one, do you all think that this will last that long? Should I wait another 6 months and buy a better tablet when they start rolling out? I know the developers will keep this going, but like with my HTC Hero, as soon as the next big thing came out, everybody left that device in the dust.
It's a common joke in the tech world to say that by the time you buy your device it's obsolete.
Sadly, it's true. Qualcomm already announced some beastly processors at CES this year, but said they won't show up in devices until 2012. So that's already going to make your device obsolete within a year or so.
I'd say find a device you like now, and buy it. After you buy it be sure to look the other way as other devices get announced.
Also, don't buy into Best Buy's Buyback program, it's a ripoff. You have to sell back within 6 months, and can only get at most 50% of your purchase price back.
schnoz said:
I've been hearing rumors that tablets in 6 months to a year will make this tablet obsolete. Apparently tablets will be coming out soon with almost twice the processing speed as this currently has, is that true? I have to make a decision on a tablet to buy that will last me at least 2 years before I can buy another one, do you all think that this will last that long? Should I wait another 6 months and buy a better tablet when they start rolling out? I know the developers will keep this going, but like with my HTC Hero, as soon as the next big thing came out, everybody left that device in the dust.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you ****ting on me? No really I think it smells funny in here. Of course it will be
Computers and similar products like tablets and smartphones follow the same rule. The motorola Xooms performance will be outshadowed in a year, just like the Evo's performance is already outshadowed by the latest phones coming out.
To expect a technology product of this type to be relevant a year later is not gonna happen lol.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
schnoz said:
I've been hearing rumors that tablets in 6 months to a year will make this tablet obsolete. Apparently tablets will be coming out soon with almost twice the processing speed as this currently has, is that true? I have to make a decision on a tablet to buy that will last me at least 2 years before I can buy another one, do you all think that this will last that long? Should I wait another 6 months and buy a better tablet when they start rolling out? I know the developers will keep this going, but like with my HTC Hero, as soon as the next big thing came out, everybody left that device in the dust.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The quadcores will be coming out (and the IPAD 3 is rumored to come out) at the beginning of next year.
The end of this year, that quadcores will be SAMPLING - meaning prototype devices will be shown, with release schedules in the beginning of the next year around this time.
With any sort of device, you are looking at a 6 month doubling time in technology. Recently that has been speeding up.
To be fair, the google nexus one (also a flagship) still gets regular updates first - the Moto xoom should be similar.
After one year, quadcores will come out - but your tegra 2 will still be usable.
its obsolete already....save ur money...don't buy anything...
Depending on what you mean by obsolete.
As with Android phones, there are severe competition within the Android platform. All big manufacturers refresh their flagship models every few months to take advantage of newer faster better components. If you want to always have to top of the line, the highest-spec Honeycomb tablet, the Xoom may not last for long. It's already been said that the Samsung one may have a better screen and the LG one does 3D... and how knows how many more Honeycomb tablets will be announced at CTIA by the end of this month.
But if you are considering getting a high-end tablet to won't be obsolete in the sense of not getting updates, or the hardware can't keep up with the softwares. You don't really have to worry, for at least a year or more. Your experience with it will only get better as Honeycomb platform gets more mature, for the next year at least.
This is always the case with Android. The faster, nicer looking, longer lasting device with the latest firmware and the newer manufacturer technology is always right around the corner.
Ultimately this is why I chose not to subsidize with a 24 month ($480 dollar + tax) contract.
cwizardtx said:
Ultimately this is why I chose not to subsidize with a 24 month ($480 dollar + tax) contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd have to be stupid to lock a tablet to a 2yr contract lol. How many people do u know that bought subsidized netbooks? Lol
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
I would like to introduce you to Moore's Law.
Moore's law describes a long-term trend in the history of computing hardware. The quantity of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit has doubled approximately every two years. The trend has continued for more than half a century and is not expected to stop until 2015 or 2020 or later.
tsekh501 said:
Depending on what you mean by obsolete.
As with Android phones, there are severe competition within the Android platform. All big manufacturers refresh their flagship models every few months to take advantage of newer faster better components. If you want to always have to top of the line, the highest-spec Honeycomb tablet, the Xoom may not last for long. It's already been said that the Samsung one may have a better screen and the LG one does 3D... and how knows how many more Honeycomb tablets will be announced at CTIA by the end of this month.
But if you are considering getting a high-end tablet to won't be obsolete in the sense of not getting updates, or the hardware can't keep up with the softwares. You don't really have to worry, for at least a year or more. Your experience with it will only get better as Honeycomb platform gets more mature, for the next year at least.
This is always the case with Android. The faster, nicer looking, longer lasting device with the latest firmware and the newer manufacturer technology is always right around the corner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said.
Obsolete is such a funny word. People interchange it with top of the line. There will be some games that come out in a year that won't look as good on the Xoom. They'll probably be/are tablets that are better able to decode video. But the Xoom won't tell stories of processing 4 times harder in the snow for a while.
Disregard.
Well, it wont be complete obsolete but NVIDIA already announced that their new quad core processors will be out on tablets by August of 2011. So, thats twice the performance the xoom has now. I'm expecting a Xoom 2 of some kind. I would wait honestly. thats what imma do.
martonikaj said:
You'd have to be stupid to lock a tablet to a 2yr contract lol. How many people do u know that bought subsidized netbooks? Lol
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Contract is for a data plan. You can always buy another off contract (full price) and switch them out.
This is something thats frustrating me aswell. £500 is alot of money these days, especially with cost of living increasing, the price of rice etc.
So you kinda want to get a good few years use out of it. And not have to worry about upgrading within 12 months.
And likewise expect adequate support and updates as quickly as possible without feeling abandoned.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
It won't be obsolete but it won't be top of the line anymore. Really, you should buy what makes you happy now, skip the next generation of tablets, and then refresh with whatever 3rd gen comes out in a year or so.
You'd be broke if you tried to keep up with the latest technology. Unless you have that much disposable income...
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Tico.ASandoval14 said:
Well, it wont be complete obsolete but NVIDIA already announced that their new quad core processors will be out on tablets by August of 2011. So, thats twice the performance the xoom has now. I'm expecting a Xoom 2 of some kind. I would wait honestly. thats what imma do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but if you have that attitude you'll be waiting forever. When the iPad came out I wanted to wait because although it's a great product, I don't like Apple's ethos. When the cheap aPad type tablets came out I wanted to wait because they're a bit dodgy build wise. When the Galaxy Tab came out I wanted to wait because I'm not a fan of the 7 inch form factor. Now the Xoom is out and I'm supposed to wait again, for another what 5/6 months because there MAY be a quad core tab out before the end of the year? No. The Xoom has everything I was waiting for, a proper tablet OS, open ethos (I was dreading an unlockable bootloader), good build quality and 10 inch form factor. It's what I've been waiting for. I'll be damned if I'm going to wait again just for a performance boost that I'm not even sure it needs right now.
Anyway, when the quad cores are out there will be another reason to wait. I can imagine it now. "Oh you're going to buy that quad tab are you? Why don't you wait until Icecream is out next Jan, then you'll be able to have glasses free 3D." Or some such other benefit for waiting. Nah, I'm done waiting, I'm jumping on the tablet train now.
burden010 said:
Yeah but if you have that attitude you'll be waiting forever. When the iPad came out I wanted to wait because although it's a great product, I don't like Apple's ethos. When the cheap aPad type tablets came out I wanted to wait because they're a bit dodgy build wise. When the Galaxy Tab came out I wanted to wait because I'm not a fan of the 7 inch form factor. Now the Xoom is out and I'm supposed to wait again, for another what 5/6 months because there MAY be a quad core tab out before the end of the year? No. The Xoom has everything I was waiting for, a proper tablet OS, open ethos (I was dreading an unlockable bootloader), good build quality and 10 inch form factor. It's what I've been waiting for. I'll be damned if I'm going to wait again just for a performance boost that I'm not even sure it needs right now.
Anyway, when the quad cores are out there will be another reason to wait. I can imagine it now. "Oh you're going to buy that quad tab are you? Why don't you wait until Icecream is out next Jan, then you'll be able to have glasses free 3D." Or some such other benefit for waiting. Nah, I'm done waiting, I'm jumping on the tablet train now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely agree with you. There is finally a quality tablet out there and thats why I picked it up. I'm sure this is plenty fast enough, and you'll always be waiting for something better.
Just pick a comfortable one and stop evaluating new ones, but treat them as candidate for 2 years later.
That's why having a 2-year contract helps sometimes. It help to set the mentality right.
Sometimes it sounds like, to be married or to be single and availe for better girlfriend/boyfriend ,
which one is better?
Just in this case, the contract is just 2-year. The inappropriate analogy is life-time (or at least hopefully for many's cases)
I think the reason the xoom will not become obsolete as quickly as other tablets do is due to the software, not the hardware. I owned an htc hero and saw the nexus 1 get multitudes of update and my poor hero get only 2. The xoom is much like the nexus 1. Even though the hardware will not be the latest and the greatest, your software will always be up to date. Something you may not see with the LG device (due to 3D) or the Samsung device (due to Samsung being Samsung).
Just something to consider.
Sent from my Epic 4G

[Q] Still worth it?

Is it still worth buying a focus? If nokia does infact announce a phone today, would that drive the price of the focus down. And is it much slower than the HD7S? I really do want to start developing for the WP7 platform, but I don't want to start on a device that could soon become obsolete.
Tejh said:
Is it still worth buying a focus? If nokia does infact announce a phone today, would that drive the price of the focus down. And is it much slower than the HD7S? I really do want to start developing for the WP7 platform, but I don't want to start on a device that could soon become obsolete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering (quality&capabilities)/price, I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
If you can wait a few months, I'd recommend to wait for the new phones, as these will have better specs. Don't expect them to be cheap, though.
Tejh said:
Is it still worth buying a focus? If nokia does infact announce a phone today, would that drive the price of the focus down. And is it much slower than the HD7S? I really do want to start developing for the WP7 platform, but I don't want to start on a device that could soon become obsolete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's exactly the same speed as an hd7s (or any wp7 gen1 handset) it's the beauty of having a chassis spec, none of that crappy unoptimized android business. all windows phones are FAST.
an announcement will probably have no effect on current phone prices unless a release date is imminient. but as with all tech, prices will fall as newer tech hits the market.
EnderPsp said:
Considering (quality&capabilities)/price, I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
If you can wait a few months, I'd recommend to wait for the new phones, as these will have better specs. Don't expect them to be cheap, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just purchased my Samsung Focus for $160 which is a steal. This phone is so undervalued. I would have easily paid $250 if it had at least 16 GB of space. I was able to puck up two cases for $25, two extra batteries with charger for $15, and 32 GB card for $50. If somehow I can get a 32 GB card to work, I'll probably just use my upgrade to get an iPhone 5 and sell it on eBay. The phone is awesome. Unless Nokia comes out with something special.

Looking for T-Mobile WP7 phone - is this a good choice?

I know I posted a while ago if this was a good replacement for my G2 - but now I'm looking to supplement it.
This would be over the other two current options, the Lumia 710 and the Radar. I love physical keyboards, and I'm assuming the screen between the three is the best (and obviously biggest). Plus, I like the reaction when I ask T-Mobile employees about it and then show them pics of it - most of them aren't even aware it exists. Front facing camera on the Radar is nice, but not a dealbreaker. They're all available to me for around the same price brand-new/off-contract.
Anyway, my concern is that it being an older phone, I'm not sure how much longer it'll be supported, and if it'll be supported into Tango/Apollo (not saying either the 710 or Radar will, though); although according to a post in this article, if Dell reps are getting them to replace other phones and it's still getting updates, I'm hoping it'll get supported for a while:
http://www.wpcentral.com/dell-shocks-world-releases-8107-os-update-unlocked-venue-pro
I'm aware of the lack of Wifi hotspot and compass, but neither really matter to me. I need a WP7 phone period (for work), and it has to be on T-Mobile, so it's just between these three phones.
Raw spec wise, the VP is 1 generation older.
It's a 4.1 AMOLED (no super, no plus, which means it's pentile)
Biggest diff is obviously the screen, the V/VP's screen isnt amazing but it's by no means bad, it's easily much better then any plain lcd it's age (but it's a year old, dunno how it compares to more recent lcds like the other 2 you mention) After using a 4.1 and 5.0" phone, I'm pretty sure there's no way I'm gonna go back to anything under 4.0" It's simply too small unless you're basically using it as a featurephone.
No WP7 device is really old enough to be EOLed yet, but the VP is a launch device so it will be among the first to EOL (whenever that is?)
The tmo one is only 99 cents on contract (if you consider that cheap) you can easily get a brand new one off ebay for less then $200. (New, unopened, and recently manufactured)
Full price: eh it's a hard sell.
On contract/less then full price: It's worth the money if you want a HW keyboard.
It's basically breaks down to: do you want the keyboard and screen size.
Screen Size and Keyboard make it a no brainer to me. I wont even consider reupping my contract for a new windows phone unless the screen is 4.3in minimum though. The 1st gen processor doesn't really matter much as WinPhone is so smooth...Just my thoughts.
I have both the dell VP and the 710. I have also spent time with the radar. There is no easy way to recommend, seeing how this is a basic personal choice.
Of the 3, the dell is the nicest.
Of the 3, the 710 is the fastest.
Of the 3, the dell and the 710 do not have front facing cameras.
Of the 3, the dell is by far the oldest. There were serious questions regarding mango compatibility. I doubt, PERSONAL OPINION ONLY, the dell will see Apollo.
Do not mix Tango and Apollo. They are not on the same path. Tango is considered a mango derivative, not an upgrade, most likely associated with a hardware line.
As second Gen hardware starts arriving in the coming months, the dell will fall, behind speed wise at least. So if your phone usage includes a healthy dose of data usage, you should probably factor the lack of 4g and wifi n into your decision.
Hmm...definitely gives me a lot to think about...anybody know how battery life compares to the other two phones? The keyboard is basically the #1 reason why I'm considering the phone, but not if there's better options. I know WP7 is smooth in general - is there anywhere the better/newer processors of the Radar/710 come in? Data speeds are a valid point, but I don't think I'll be needing much more than it provides.
I really don't see why people are comparing 1st gen and 2nd gen. The only MAJOR difference I see is the processor, is 400mhz REALLY going to make that much difference? Not that I can think of.
Yea the camera sucks when not shooting in daylight but its a phone...And yea there's no front facing camera(a luxury not a requirement)either, in all the times of having a FF camera on my devices I only ever used it once on my Galaxy S in a Skype call.
The other advantages of this phone far outway its disadvantages.
Perfect physical keyboard
Big amoled screen
Nice quality speaker/mic due to slider mechanism
Premium look + feel
Gorilla Glass
Removable SD card, limitless expansion(if you dont care about your warrenty)
The compass not working isn't a major problem either, its just a luxury that COMPLIMENTS the gps, as long as I can use Bing/Google/Navigon maps I honestly couldn't care about the compass.
Let's not forget that software issues can be fixed, yea I know Dell haven't said much regarding the compass but that doesn't mean to say they won't fix it in the future.
I'd say go for it, until the generation gap is that big I don't think this being a 1st gen phone really makes all that much difference.
---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:51 AM ----------
alodar1 said:
So if your phone usage includes a healthy dose of data usage, you should probably factor the lack of 4g and wifi n into your decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Dell Service Manual and Windows Phone Device Manager both state that the phone has N capabilities...
Had mine since launch, and personally while I would like to upgrade to something like the Lumia 900 the Dell really is still a good, fast and stable WP7 phone with the advantage of a unique design and the excellent keyboard. If your work usage just entails emails, viewing docs and calls there really isnt any reason not to get it.
As for support, generic devices are getting the update to 8107 so at least for now its still supported. If you can get it cheap now, do it and enjoy and wait for the real upgraded hardware with Apollo.
Bongo2k said:
The Dell Service Manual and Windows Phone Device Manager both state that the phone has N capabilities...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It must be in error then, S1 snapdragons (such as the QSD8250 in the VP) do not support N, only B/G.
efjay said:
Had mine since launch, and personally while I would like to upgrade to something like the Lumia 900 the Dell really is still a good, fast and stable WP7 phone with the advantage of a unique design and the excellent keyboard. If your work usage just entails emails, viewing docs and calls there really isnt any reason not to get it.
As for support, generic devices are getting the update to 8107 so at least for now its still supported. If you can get it cheap now, do it and enjoy and wait for the real upgraded hardware with Apollo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with your statement.....but. It depends on how the OP acquiress the device. Get it used off Craigs list or ebay...sure....go for it...using appropriate caution. Buy it new and lock into a 2 yr contract, why? Why lock into a contract with an old phone. There is no difference in 400mhz is like saying all cars drive 60mph. Yes, thats true. Side by side there is a distinct difference in the speed of getting your data. If you choose to not see that, thats ok. sitting side by side with my Droid Bionic, there is NO comparison speed wise. The VP is a clear second choice. Even with the 710, speed wise, its a clear second place.
Now, the OP said data is not primary in their use of the phone. In that I agree that speed should not be a problem then. But I will fall back, once again, on old hardware, and a 2 yr contract. At the end of that contract, the Dell VP will be 3yr+ old hardware.
But.....the thing is pretty...the screed is very good...the keyboard is nice. Go for it if speed and age are ok with you. You wont be dissatisfied.
---------- Post added at 01:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:04 PM ----------
TheManii said:
It must be in error then, S1 snapdragons (such as the QSD8250 in the VP) do not support N, only B/G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never got the wifi N to connect, ever. I played with all the frequencies, and bands, etc. Had a connection to the MS DEV team for WP, and they confirmed, to me, no n with the Dell...at least the original dell vp.
alodar1 said:
I agree with your statement.....but. It depends on how the OP acquiress the device. Get it used off Craigs list or ebay...sure....go for it...using appropriate caution. Buy it new and lock into a 2 yr contract, why? Why lock into a contract with an old phone. There is no difference in 400mhz is like saying all cars drive 60mph. Yes, thats true. Side by side there is a distinct difference in the speed of getting your data. If you choose to not see that, thats ok. sitting side by side with my Droid Bionic, there is NO comparison speed wise. The VP is a clear second choice. Even with the 710, speed wise, its a clear second place.
Now, the OP said data is not primary in their use of the phone. In that I agree that speed should not be a problem then. But I will fall back, once again, on old hardware, and a 2 yr contract. At the end of that contract, the Dell VP will be 3yr+ old hardware.
But.....the thing is pretty...the screed is very good...the keyboard is nice. Go for it if speed and age are ok with you. You wont be dissatisfied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree the Dell is not a good choice to get on a contract now, I dont think the other 2 WP7 choices on Tmo are any better either. The Radar and 710 storage is pitiful and the screens are smaller, and in a few months there will be better devices with faster data and more storage, probably not with a hardware keyboard but with big enough screens to make it easier to adjust.
I dont think the age of the hardware is too relevant, the Radar and 710 are themselves old tech compared to the current range of android phones, even compared to the iphone. The Dell still works beautifully though, and is one reason I dont feel the itch to get something else. Tough choice, but all told I would still pick the Dell for non-contract use, and wait for something better if it is going to be put on a contract.
efjay said:
I agree the Dell is not a good choice to get on a contract now, I dont think the other 2 WP7 choices on Tmo are any better either. The Radar and 710 storage is pitiful and the screens are smaller, and in a few months there will be better devices with faster data and more storage, probably not with a hardware keyboard but with big enough screens to make it easier to adjust.
I dont think the age of the hardware is too relevant, the Radar and 710 are themselves old tech compared to the current range of android phones, even compared to the iphone. The Dell still works beautifully though, and is one reason I dont feel the itch to get something else. Tough choice, but all told I would still pick the Dell for non-contract use, and wait for something better if it is going to be put on a contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T=Mobile is notorious for low ended hardware, especially with Windows Devices. The Radar and Lumia follow that path. I am more familar with the Lumia. Though I am happy with the device in that its 4g and wireless N, The look and feel are not what I would decide to move to for a primary 2yr phone. I too am looking very closely at the Lumia 900.
I've always hoped that TMO would begin to offer a couple of mediium to higher ended phones in the Windows space. Even a Samsung would be a change. But continued reliance on HTC and low end hardware overall, just makes me doubt TMO's commitment to quality.
I say again, if you can get a DELL VP off contract, its well worth it. On contract though, its an old phone thats just getting older. Think about phone design, testing, etc. and how long that takes. Then remember the DELL was released in Dec 2010. That means the design and hardware pushes back to close to, if not into, 2009. Thats a long time for a phone, hardware design wise.
I can vouch that the V dates back to early 2010/late 2009 as prototype roms are known from back then.
The VP is essentially a V+keyboard, so hardware wise it's the basically the same. The V/VP are some of the last S1 devices released, with the VP being a WP7 launch device.
Looking around: are there really that few choices for WP7 device on TmoUSA? I bought my VP for unrelated reasons.
Looking on wikipedia, pretty much all S2 WP7 devices are for at&t for US markets, or pretty much all but tmo?
Depending on your work you might not even notice the difference from S1/S2, if it were me I'd (and under the rather large assumption all device drivers are of the same quality):
I'd pick the VP for the larger screen if you wanted 3g on tmoUSA.
The fact it's only 4.1 isnt saying much, but it means jack how fast your phone is if the screen's so small you can only look at 1/20th of a page/whatever at a time.
If it wasnt tmo, something like the lumia 900/titan 2/focus s are pretty good otherwise (ignoring price)
If you want a HW keyboard, the VP is the only(?) tmoUSA 3g supported device.
If you must have a keyboard, nothing compares to the DVP. I've owned both the HD7 and the DVP, and I prefer the HD7. You can find those pretty cheap on Craigslist or eBay, 4.3" screen, decent, not great but better than the DVP, camera, and it has full unlock and custom roms if you like to tinker.
The DVP is a much prettier piece of hardware. I'll give it that. The screen is great compared to the HD7.
I would wait just a little longer and see what TMO releases. I still have faith that a Nokia, 800/900 will be coming. A TMO HDx successor would be great if I had an ultimate request.
jelliottz said:
If you must have a keyboard, nothing compares to the DVP. I've owned both the HD7 and the DVP, and I prefer the HD7. You can find those pretty cheap on Craigslist or eBay, 4.3" screen, decent, not great but better than the DVP, camera, and it has full unlock and custom roms if you like to tinker.
The DVP is a much prettier piece of hardware. I'll give it that. The screen is great compared to the HD7.
I would wait just a little longer and see what TMO releases. I still have faith that a Nokia, 800/900 will be coming. A TMO HDx successor would be great if I had an ultimate request.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now wouldn't that be grand!!! A nokia 800/900 on T-Mobile. I'm crossing everything for that. However...patience is required. I understand AT&T has a 45-90 day exclusive window on the 900. So the earliest we could possibly see it is June-ish. And, I believe the 800 has yet to be picked up in North America.
Which ever the next device, consider a higher end model. This should allow updates to Apollo possible. I have also heard through the birdies that the first Apollo internal testing builds are ready. So hopefully we should be hearing things about that shortly.
alodar1 said:
Now wouldn't that be grand!!! A nokia 800/900 on T-Mobile. I'm crossing everything for that. However...patience is required. I understand AT&T has a 45-90 day exclusive window on the 900. So the earliest we could possibly see it is June-ish. And, I believe the 800 has yet to be picked up in North America.
Which ever the next device, consider a higher end model. This should allow updates to Apollo possible. I have also heard through the birdies that the first Apollo internal testing builds are ready. So hopefully we should be hearing things about that shortly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As nice as the 4.3" 900 sounds, I wouldn't second guess picking up the 800. They are both amazing looking phones. Why TMO picked the 710 over the 800? We may never know.
jelliottz said:
As nice as the 4.3" 900 sounds, I wouldn't second guess picking up the 800. They are both amazing looking phones. Why TMO picked the 710 over the 800? We may never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibly for the same reason why they dont have the galaxy nexus (tmo previously was the launch partner for every other nexus, and the g1), they're trying to shoot themselves in the foot?
The newest device they have seems to be the HTC amaze, which at first impression from the specs is just a rehash of the htc sensation, possibly a varient of the sensation XE? (which is only months old)
Has tmo had any flagship device since last year (as a major launch partner i mean, "oh we also carry" things dont really count)?
The closest flagship wp7 device they had was the HD7, which at&t turned around and got the HD7S?
The titan/II and lumia8/900's would count as flagship devices, and the titan's are At&t devices.
Basically, tmoUSA's been sitting on their butts for the past half year or so?
They're lacking flagship devices on both fronts basically?
Until someone releases flagship AWS devices, you're not gonna see anything above edge bringing over a device.
If you dont mind that you could simply pick any unlocked device available, like the lumia 800. Amazon is selling unlocked international 800's.
TheManii said:
Possibly for the same reason why they dont have the galaxy nexus (tmo previously was the launch partner for every other nexus, and the g1), they're trying to shoot themselves in the foot?
The newest device they have seems to be the HTC amaze, which at first impression from the specs is just a rehash of the htc sensation, possibly a varient of the sensation XE? (which is only months old)
Has tmo had any flagship device since last year (as a major launch partner i mean, "oh we also carry" things dont really count)?
The closest flagship wp7 device they had was the HD7, which at&t turned around and got the HD7S?
The titan/II and lumia8/900's would count as flagship devices, and the titan's are At&t devices.
Basically, tmoUSA's been sitting on their butts for the past half year or so?
They're lacking flagship devices on both fronts basically?
Until someone releases flagship AWS devices, you're not gonna see anything above edge bringing over a device.
If you dont mind that you could simply pick any unlocked device available, like the lumia 800. Amazon is selling unlocked international 800's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMOUS had the Sensation which I would consider a flagship. I had one, and after rooting and s-off it was amazing. You're right about the Amaze being a rehash. Slightly better camera and faster data speed (at the sacrifice of battery) is the only difference.
I use to buy unlocked international devices before TMO had 3g. I can't go back to edge speeds though. I wouldn't complain if they had hspa aws bands. Doesn't even have to be hspa+...
I'm waiting for pentaband chips to become more common. Its not too far down the road (I hope).
It's getting off topic, but the galaxy nexus is itself pentaband.
Buy a GSM galaxy nexus, it supports 850/900/1700/1900/2100, pretty much only missing 800.
Really makes you wonder why tmo doesnt have it, it's literally just a stamp of approval if you look at the nexus S (pretty much unmodified, launched as the AWS varient)
You could argue that carriers such as at&t and tmo are blocking cross-supporting devices from launching, there's nothing stopping a manu from simply not specifically releasing it in the US.
I believe it's not the chips per-se that determine what bands they support, but what amps the manufacturer puts in them. HTC is notorous for cutting corners and putting in the absolute minimum needed for a varient.
Hopefully nokia or samsung will make a WP7 phone that's at least triband or higher, preferably quad/penta. Nokia's already got experience with pentaband devices, they were like the first, or close enough.
It really doesnt matter which os you like, only that there's plenty of people on the wrong side of the fence for 3g
TheManii said:
It's getting off topic, but the galaxy nexus is itself pentaband.
Buy a GSM galaxy nexus, it supports 850/900/1700/1900/2100, pretty much only missing 800.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I read that all those bands were not available. They were all listed but not all selectable. I don't own the nexus, nor have I played with it. Just a side article I read somewhere. I could be mistaken, most likely am....
Thanks for all the info/help, guys - I went ahead and bought it for $230 plus $4 overnight shipping, hopefully should have it tomorrow to start playing with. I'll post my reactions (and any questions) soon after.

Categories

Resources