Choosing the right phone

[T3hPwnographer]

Hi guys,

I was recently introduced to the world of smartphones when I bought an LG Incite to replace my Samsung SGH-c417 (no USB, no Bluetooth FTP, no nothin'). At the time, it seemed like a good idea: Wifi, USB, touch screen, WM6.1, and it was pretty cheap since I was due for my two-year renewal + upgrade with AT&T. After using it for about a month... well, to put it simply: I hate it. So many problems, so few redeeming qualities. Now, it has also decided to randomly kill itself and refuses to charge or turn on. As soon as I go get it replaced, I plan to sell the new phone without ever opening it (Interested? pm me).

Anyway, to the point... Now I'm looking for a new phone. I found one I like, the HTC StarTrek, but I can't find any really reliable places to buy it from (Newegg won't have it in stock till next month).

Can anybody suggest a reliable phone I might like? Here are my preferences:

- Keypad a MUST (not necessarily a full QWERTY keyboard, just real, solid buttons I can use to dial)
- Windows Mobile 6.1 or newer (Or a phone with WM5 that can be upgraded)
- Flip or bar design preferably (I might also be open to slide or PDA styles... depending on the phone)
- Unlocked (or easily unlockable) or AT&T/Cingular
- Features like USB, camera, Wifi... (Wifi isn't necessary, but it'd be nice)
- 3G not necessary
- As cheap as possible!

[orb3000]

Not very cheap but ther is no greater device this days:
Touch Pro 2!

[T3hPwnographer]

Not very cheap but ther is no greater device this days:
Touch Pro 2!
Yeah, it looks nice, but I was hoping for something a bit cheaper that $700 o_o;

Ideally, I'd like a phone for under $200, but I'm not really holding my breath too much (Another reason why I'd like an HTC StarTrek: only $100... anyone know where I can get one?).

[jez83uk]

How about the nike (touch dual)?

[galaxys]

go with the tp2...check out the Rhodium section for details!

[poetryrocksalot]

http://www.mobilewhack.com/samsung_sch-i760_i00.jpg

I think this phone in the picture is good for you, except you have to switch to Verizon Wireless. It's called the Samsung SCH-i760

- Keypad a MUST (not necessarily a full QWERTY keyboard, just real, solid buttons I can use to dial)

This phone has a an actual keypad AND a qwerty keyboard AND the buttons are solid and great

- Windows Mobile 6.1 or newer (Or a phone with WM5 that can be upgraded)

I have a Samsung SCH-i760 and it has Windows Mobile 6.1

The Windows Mobile 6.1 allows my phone to use the 16GB microsdhc card.

So if you decide to get this phone and learn that it doesn't support anything over 2 Gigs, than that's not true anymore thanks to the Windows Mobile firmware update.

- Flip or bar design preferably (I might also be open to slide or PDA styles... depending on the phone)

Sadly, the Samsung is a slider and it is bulky.

- Unlocked (or easily unlockable) or AT&T/Cingular

Verizon Wireless...

- Features like USB, camera, Wifi... (Wifi isn't necessary, but it'd be nice)

It has USB connection but it's proprietary, it has Wi-Fi and it works better than my X1 for some reason, it has 1.3 MP camera with LED flash, and it has bluetooth.

- 3G not necessary

It has the Verizon Wireless 3G

- As cheap as possible! ... $200

Samsung SCH-i760 costs 125 USD.

Now the reason why I suggest this device is because it has a dial pad so you don't need to open the damn keyboard or use the Touch Screen to dial. It is the only Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1 with an actual dialing pad.

Also, the speaker and speakerphone and the stereo music speaker is exactly as loud as the super loud N95 and it louder than the Touch Pro 2 which is being praised for loudness.

Also of all of the Windows Mobile phones... this phone has the best value

But since you are ATT and are posting on an HTC phone get the HTC TyTn II which costs 150 USD and this is the second best value phone for Windows Mobile

http://pdaphonehome.com/forums/samsung-sch-i760/96016-i760-vs-tilt-my-impressions.html

[orb3000]

Ugly ugly ugly
But you are right...

[jez83uk]

It was because of the keypad that I mentioned the nike. Instead of a sliding keyboard, it has the vertical sliding keypad of more conventional phones.
http://www.theunwired.net/media/news/ntt_docomo_ht1100_open_small.jpg (http://www.theunwired.net/media/news/ntt_docomo_ht1100_open.jpg)

[-Jonny-]

For cheapness you can't beat the Universal. It has a great keyboard and screen. It run WM6.1, is upgradeable (and has a good following with cooks currently cooking WM6.5) has USB (1.1), Camera (1.3MP) and WiFi 802.11b (with g connectivity). Ok not cutting edge specs, but for the price difference to other machines which offer same functionality it's great.
Orb, I'm surprised you've managed to hold your tounge on this one!

[josefcrist]

i seccond the idea for you to get the tytnII it has every feature you could want and it is cheap. i would not suggest the startrek because it is running smart phone edition (non touch screen). plus the other good thing about getting a kaiser/tytnII is you can get them for cheap off of craigslist or similar websites.

[orb3000]

For cheapness you can't beat the Universal. It has a great keyboard and screen. It run WM6.1, is upgradeable (and has a good following with cooks currently cooking WM6.5) has USB (1.1), Camera (1.3MP) and WiFi 802.11b (with g connectivity). Ok not cutting edge specs, but for the price difference to other machines which offer same functionality it's great.
Orb, I'm surprised you've managed to hold your tounge on this one!

LOL
Just because I had conectivity problems on my Uni and cloudnt post more:D:D

Well said -Jonny-!!