Considering buying an Android phone — your input wanted (PDA, part 2)

[kpreid]

You may recall my post about looking for a new PDA. I have lately found additional pressure to find a solution.

• Moving about on my own in new locations, I wish for a GPS/navigation device. I am currently borrowing a standalone GPS, but that's Yet Another Gadget
• …to add to the four I already carry about (phone, PDA, watch, iPod).
• My phone is on a prepaid plan which was chosen to be cheap for low usage rates. But it quickly becomes not-cheap under higher usage than a couple minutes a day — which I have when trying to do such things as coordinate three people on an errand.

I've compiled some of the options and what features they have into this Google Docs spreadsheet: Gadget Coverage List. Note that “-” means “No”.

At the moment, I am strongly considering getting an Android phone, specifically the Nexus One. I have recently determined that Android meets all my requirements, at least given some third-party software.

Buying a phone (and a plan) is indeed a higher cost than a stand-alone PDA, but I think universal Internet access is worth it.

Costs and carriers

The phone, unsubsidized and unlocked, is $529.

Given that it is GSM, I understand there are basically two carriers to consider: T-Mobile and AT&T. I get the impression that T-Mobile is somewhat less evil than AT&T, and I hear complaints about AT&T's network. On the other hand, T-Mobile does not have coverage (even roaming) in Potsdam, NY, where I'm going to be spending the next two years.

T-Mobile offers a monthly plan for $60/mo, 500 minutes/mo plus fees and (as far as I've looked now) a $35 activation fee. (The option to buy a plan without a phone was buried: you have to choose "T-Mobile SIM card" from the phone list.) I get the impression that the obscure monthly 'taxes and fees' can be around $3-$20 depending on the particular situation. Total cost over 2 years (not including phone): $1475+fees.

AT&T is, er, changing tomorrow. But now it would apparently be $70/mo, 450 minutes/mo, for a two-year contract with a free locked phone (which could be tossed or resold). Plus taxes and fees. After the change in data plan pricing, it would be (assuming no other changes) $65 for 2GB or $55 for 200MB data. Total cost over 2 years (2GB option): $1560+fees, and the phone works in Potsdam.

In both of these cases I assume the cheapest voice plan option.

One option would be to go with T-Mobile for the 2.5 months before I arrive in Potsdam; this would minimize my initial obligation to $709, and assuming I found I liked having a smartphone around sufficiently, I could then switch to AT&T for service during my 2-year stay in Potsdam.

Comments?

Comments

[crschmidt.livejournal.com]

Are you sure that T-Mobile doesn't do free roaming to the AT&T network in Potsdam? That seems really unusual to me; I've roamed (with no additional fees) to what feels like a dozen different local networks as well as AT&T in the past, with no special plan changes or configuration on my side.

[kpreid.livejournal.com]

Two data points: Their coverage map (http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/pcc.aspx?WT.z_unav=mst_global_cvg) shows no “Partner” coverage, and net searches turned up at least one report of “my phone didn't work at all”.

Do you have an opinion on T-Mobile vs. AT&T in general?

[crschmidt.livejournal.com]

Ah, roaming data, of course.

Coverage plays a huge role. Ignoring coverage, I much prefer T-Mobile (though they've done a lot of stuff I don't agree with, like charging for paper statements at all now). I've never had a cell phone not on T-Mobile. I've also never had a cell phone which wasn't a Nokia, so I'm obviously atypical for US customers :)