SmartPhone Input sought...

[theo]

I am an admitted techno-idiot and I don't deny that indisputable fact for a single moment. That being said, my little LG VX 3200 "flip" phone (...the only one I've ever had --- for about 7 years now) is a bit of a dinosaur. I'm not paying a dime for an Apple iPhone so let's please not even go there about the great and wondrous virtues and attributes of the Apple iPhone, of whatever version. That just ain't gonna happen, period, amen.

My carrier (Verizon) is currently offering several different free smartphones as "upgrades" to dinosaurs like me who haven't upgraded in years. 2 year subscription obligation is o.k. with me. A smart phone would add $30 per month (... also no problem) to my current cell bill for a data plan whose capacity I would likely never meet or exceed in any given month. Among the (3) smartphone choices available, I've already summarily ruled out the Nokia (Windows 8 based --- no thank you) model and a LG (Android) model with notorious and well publicized battery life problems. My hands down choice among the three available to me is a Motorola Razor "M" (Google / Android), reportedly utilizing a "Jelly Bean 4.1" OS).

I don't care a bit about camera, pixel counts, texting or watching videos. I just want a 4G LTE phone at minimal out of pocket cost, with QR code recognition capability and the ability to download a few very specific apps of routine use and interest to me, foremost among them being a marine (not a "street") navigation software package (...yes, I've already confirmed that the Navionics package that I want is Androd-available).

So, savvy TUG techies, what am I missing here for information as I venture blindly forth into smartphone choice and considerations? Obsolete software? Problem phone? Something else? I do know that there is already a "Jelly Bean 4.2" OS (and maybe even still newer versions, I certainly don't claim to know). I also know that there are larger, HD screen Motorola "Razors" (I don't want a larger phone and I don't need "HD" for my particular limited purposes).

Input (whether informative, critical or supportive matters not a bit) is solicited and welcomed. I feel like I'm shopping on another planet on which I've only recently landed and I don't really know the terrain, beyond doing some cursory "homework".

I generally try to stay at least a full decade behind current technology at all times, but I feel like I'm now straining even that modest objective.

Knowledgeable feedback is humbly solicited and will be genuinely appreciated.

 

[Passepartout]

Looks like you have it pretty well narrowed down as it is. One nicety we find VERY convenient is the ability to 'tether' or make the cell phone capable of functioning as a router. Is your prospect thusly capable? My phone doesn't do it, but DW's does- though mine is unlocked for use on 'foreign' networks and hers is tied to AT&T. Tradeoff.

I just looked and saw the Razr M functions as a 4g hotspot for up to 8 wi-fi devices, so I'd say it's a winner.

Jim

 

[hvsteve1]

T-Mobil is announcing a $99 iPhone with no contract. It's all over the news today. You may want to check it out.

 

[ilene13]

I am an admitted techno-idiot and I don't deny that indisputable fact for a single moment. That being said, my little LG VX 3200 "flip" phone (...the only one I've ever had --- for about 7 years now) is a bit of a dinosaur. I'm not paying a dime for an Apple iPhone so let's please not even go there about the great and wondrous virtues and attributes of the Apple iPhone, of whatever version. That just ain't gonna happen, period, amen.

My carrier (Verizon) is currently offering several different free smartphones as "upgrades" to dinosaurs like me who haven't upgraded in years. 2 year subscription obligation is o.k. with me. A smart phone would add $30 per month (... also no problem) to my current cell bill for a data plan whose capacity I would likely never meet or exceed in any given month. Among the (3) smartphone choices available, I've already summarily ruled out the Nokia (Windows 8 based --- no thank you) model and a LG (Android) model with notorious and well publicized battery life problems. My hands down choice among the three available to me is a Motorola Razor "M" (Google / Android), reportedly utilizing a "Jelly Bean 4.1" OS).

I don't care a bit about camera, pixel counts, texting or watching videos. I just want a 4G LTE phone at minimal out of pocket cost, with QR code recognition capability and the ability to download a few very specific apps of routine use and interest to me, foremost among them being a marine (not a "street") navigation software package (...yes, I've already confirmed that the Navionics package that I want is Androd-available).

So, savvy TUG techies, what am I missing here for information as I venture blindly forth into smartphone choice and considerations? Obsolete software? Problem phone? Something else? I do know that there is already a "Jelly Bean 4.2" OS (and maybe even still newer versions, I certainly don't claim to know). I also know that there are larger, HD screen Motorola "Razors" (I don't want a larger phone and I don't need "HD" for my particular limited purposes).

Input (whether informative, critical or supportive matters not a bit) is solicited and welcomed. I feel like I'm shopping on another planet on which I've only recently landed and I don't really know the terrain, beyond doing some cursory "homework".

I generally try to stay at least a full decade behind current technology at all times, but I feel like I'm now straining even that modest objective.

Knowledgeable feedback is humbly solicited and will be genuinely appreciated.

The iphone4 is free with a two year contact with Verizon. I was just sent the offer, but I already have one.

 

[Ken555]

T-Mobil is announcing a $99 iPhone with no contract. It's all over the news today. You may want to check it out.

Actually, it seems the offer is:

T-Mobile is selling the iPhone starting at $99 up front, no contract, followed by 20 months of $20 payments on top of monthly pre-paid data plans. This is a sharp contrast to AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, which all require two-year contracts after you purchase a subsidized iPhone. You can also purchase the iPhone at full price on T-Mobile and nix the $20 monthly fees.

 

[Clemson Fan]

The iphone4 is free with a two year contact with Verizon. I was just sent the offer, but I already have one.

He's already said he has no intention of paying one dime for the best smartphone and is content with paying the same for a clunky Android OS phone.

So, leave him alone!

 

[bogey21]

I'm like the OP in that I used the same clam shell phone from about 2000 until it shot craps somewhere around 2009 or 2010. I, too, was not interested in my phone being a camera, an internet connection, sending text messages, or what ever. I just wanted a phone. So I just went out and bought myself a new clam shell. The big difference is longer battery life and a better screen. I can't remember what it cost but it was next to nothing. Actually it takes pictures and has a few other bells and whistles, but I don't use them.

George

 

[theo]

New information...

He's already said he has no intention of paying one dime.... <snip> (i.e., for an Apple iPhone)

Absolutely correct --- but free is another matter entirely; I was not aware of any such Verizon option.

If that previously unknown (...to me, anyhow) information is accurate, then I guess that I should at least examine that iPhone 4 option a bit further...

 

[Clemson Fan]

I'm like the OP in that I used the same clam shell phone from about 2000 until it shot craps somewhere around 2009 or 2010. I, too, was not interested in my phone being a camera, an internet connection, sending text messages, or what ever. I just wanted a phone. So I just went out and bought myself a new clam shell. The big difference is longer battery life and a better screen. I can't remember what it cost but it was next to nothing. Actually it takes pictures and has a few other bells and whistles, but I don't use them.

George

We just hired someone to take our wild child 2 year old to the park for a couple of hours a day while my wife has the new baby. She had no phone, so I just bought her a clamshell prepaid flip phone. It cost me all of $20 for the phone with no contract or activation charge or anything except the minutes and it came with free double minutes for the life of the phone. It's with tracfone.

Holy crap have regular cell phones gotten cheap!

 

[siesta]

Absolutely correct --- but free is another matter entirely; I was not aware of any such Verizon option.

If that previously unknown (...to me, anyhow) information is accurate, then I guess that I should at least examine that iPhone 4 option a bit further...

dont even waste your time, iphone 4 is not a 4g phone, it is a 3g phone. Since you are an admitted "techno-idiot" let me explain just in case.

3g and 4g refer to data speed. Verizons 4g LTE is significantly faster than the 3g, it is extremely noticeable, even if you are not a power user. Everything from checking websites on your phones browser, watching videos, streaming anything, or using the wifi hotspot feature should you need that function (turns your phone into a wireless router allowing you to connect devices such as laptop, tablet, etc and use the wifi provided by your phone).

If it helps, consider 3g like isdn dsl (slow), and 4g like broadband cable with powerboost (fast). Unless you live in Jerkwater, USA and have no 4g tower access, its a no brainer.

I'm an android user, and a power user. And I personally think android > ios. But I wont let my bias get in the way, and will recommend to you: either get the android offering or the iphone 5. Iphone 4 is not worth it to sign up for two years and burn your upgrade for a phone that was outdated the day it was released when everything else was already 4g.

 

[Beefnot]

dont even waste your time, iphone 4 is not a 4g phone, it is a 3g phone. Since you are an admitted "techno-idiot" let me explain just in case.

3g and 4g refer to data speed. Verizons 4g LTE is significantly faster than the 3g, it is extremely noticeable, even if you are not a power user. Everything from checking websites on your phones browser, watching videos, streaming anything, or using the wifi hotspot feature should you need that function (turns your phone into a wireless router allowing you to connect devices such as laptop, tablet, etc and use the wifi provided by your phone).

If it helps, consider 3g like isdn dsl (slow), and 4g like broadband cable with powerboost (fast). Unless you live in Jerkwater, USA and have no 4g tower access, its a no brainer.

I'm an android user, and a power user. And I personally think android > ios. But I wont let my bias get in the way, and will recommend to you: either get the android offering or the iphone 5. Iphone 4 is not worth it to sign up for two years and burn your upgrade for a phone that was outdated the day it was released when everything else was already 4g.

You have got to be kidding. For someone moving up from the dark ages of a phone, 3g would be like going from dial up to DSL. Yes, 4g is very fast, but for a non-power user, 3g is well more than adequate.

Of course, if you do not reply, OP will never see my post...

 

[siesta]

Beef, then I'll reply without quoting you

But it seems like you are perpetuating my analogy, which I can roll with, but not with the conclusion you draw.

Clam phone = 56k, 3g= dsl, 4g = cable, sure I can agree with this.

But if theo upgrades, and will keep this phone for the next 2 years or so, why would he want something already outdated like a 3g phone, because he's tolerated something even more significantly outdated now? No, that doesnt seem good practice. I see many older folks (sorry theo I dont know your age) using smartphones now with great skill, these are people a few years ago who didnt even know how to text message before. The learning curve isnt that great, even old dogs can learn new tricks. By next year or so, maybe even sooner, theo will go from techno-idiot, to posting on tug while on the go, streaming video or watching sports, downloading and using apps, sharing videos and pics with family and friends (even though he says he doesnt care about that), watching videos hes received from family and friends, using video chat feature with distant loved ones and who knows maybe even utilizing social media via mobile. 4g makes all these experiences that much better.

The fact is just because 3g would be fine for him right out of the gate, there is no reason not to future proof himself, especially when 4g android phones were part of his original choices and options he posted. Im not telling him to cough up more money for a 4g capable phone, just if its one of the options it would be foolish to choose a iphone 4 (which is 3g) for the same price or more.

 

[Beefnot]

My mother, who is 61, has had an Android phone for over two years, barely does any internet with it. If she watches videos, she does it with her laptop. she only uses it for texts, photos, apcamera, and a little email. whether she had 3g or 4g would be unappreciated by her. She only got it because she was a laughing stock with her old school phone. She is an anecdotal data point, but I would think she is not out of the norm.

 

[siesta]

My mother, who is 61, has had an Android phone for over two years, barely does any internet with it. If she watches videos, she does it with her laptop. she only uses it for texts, photos, apcamera, and a little email. whether she had 3g or 4g would be unappreciated by her. She only got it because she was a laughing stock with her old school phone. She is an anecdotal data point, but I would think she is not out of the norm.

you failed to address my previous point. OP is offered a 4g android phone for free from verizon, why would he (or your mother) PAY for a 3g phone, be it iphone android whatever.

You have to learn to be responsive bud, it helps when you are attempting to be logical...

 

[Beefnot]

you failed to address my previous point. OP is offered a 4g android phone for free from verizon, why would he (or your mother) PAY for a 3g phone, be it iphone android whatever.

You have to learn to be responsive bud, it helps when you are attempting to be logical...

Your point was shadowboxing logic. You were debating something I never raised. But if you would like me to, sure. If one can get a 4g phone for free vs a 3g phone, by all means take it. you good? you like that? Now, let me point you back to the actual point of contention...

dont even waste your time, iphone 4 is not a 4g phone, it is a 3g phone.

 

[Ken555]

It's always amazing how the purpose of the threads here are to learn about a new product from a usability standpoint and quickly digress into one of just technobabble spec info.

My advice is to examine the phones (as you've done) and find one you like. Don't worry about the operating system, the speed, or anything else. First find the phone. But, do yourself a favor and test the iPhone (assuming its available at the price you are willing to pay, otherwise it's just a waste of your time). I'm with Beef, it's not likely you'll care about the difference in speed but if you convince yourself to get an iPhone think carefully about the contract terms, etc.

Regardless, it's kinda hard to go wrong with any decent phone these days. It doesn't sound like you'll be buying many apps, so you likely won't lock yourself into a particular operating system.

 

[ilene13]

My mother, who is 61, has had an Android phone for over two years, barely does any internet with it. If she watches videos, she does it with her laptop. she only uses it for texts, photos, apcamera, and a little email. whether she had 3g or 4g would be unappreciated by her. She only got it because she was a laughing stock with her old school phone. She is an anecdotal data point, but I would think she is not out of the norm.

I am 62.5 and probably more computer/smart phone literate than most younger people. I do not use Facebook or twitter due to the fact that I am a high school assistant principal and they are the bane of our lives. Please do not put all 60+ year olds in the same category.

 

[Clemson Fan]

you failed to address my previous point. OP is offered a 4g android phone for free from verizon, why would he (or your mother) PAY for a 3g phone, be it iphone android whatever./QUOTE]

He wouldn't be PAYING for a 3G phone as the original suggestion stated the iPhone 4 is for free with a 2 year contract.

 

[siesta]

Clemson Fan

so the choice is a free 4g phone or a free 3g phone. Tough choice.

 

[Beefnot]

I am 62.5 and probably more computer/smart phone literate than most younger people. I do not use Facebook or twitter due to the fact that I am a high school assistant principal and they are the bane of our lives. Please do not put all 60+ year olds in the same category.

I did not put all in the same category. Reread my last sentence.

She is an anecdotal data point, but I would think she is not out of the norm.

 

[siesta]

I did not put all in the same category. Reread my last sentence.

She is an anecdotal data point, but I would think she is not out of the norm.

by saying she is not out of the norm, youre saying that the norm is your categorization. The norm being what's typical, you are saying the majority of 60 somethings are like your mom. So while you are not putting all in the same category, youre putting the vast majority into that category.

I'm under the presumption Ilene has taken issue with your painting an entire age block with a broad brush. To take her criticism of your statement as indicating you said or meant literally all, is missing the point... yet again coincidentally.

 

[JudyH]

To the OP, I love the Motorola Razzr Max HD, from Verizon, for the simple fact that the battery lasts for days, especially if you keep it on the WiFi setting, not the "mobile data on" setting.

I use the WiFi setting at home and work, and just turn the data on when I'm out, if I need it.

 

[Beefnot]

by saying she is not out of the norm, youre saying that the norm is your categorization. The norm being what's typical, you are saying the majority of 60 somethings are like your mom. So while you are not putting all in the same category, youre putting the vast majority into that category.

I'm under the presumption Ilene has taken issue with your painting an entire age block with a broad brush. To take her criticism of your statement as indicating you said or meant literally all, is missing the point... yet again coincidentally.

Maybe you do not understand what an anecdote is? Yes I do believe my mother is the norm, but ilene may also be an anecdotal exception. In any case, if the issue was with me making a generalization about the majority (not all) of 60+ year olds, how does a possible anecdotal exception somehow defeat my point? You really try hard to keep up. Maybe one day you will catch up.

 

[siesta]

Maybe you do not understand what an anecdote is? Yes I do believe my mother is the norm, but ilene may also be an anecdotal exception. In any case, if the issue was with me making a generalization about the majority (not all) of 60+ year olds, how does a possible anecdotal exception somehow defeat my point? You really try hard to keep up. Maybe one day you will catch up.

im afraid its you that may not know what an anecdote is, its a brief story with a point, sometimes described as amusing but that can be subjective (especially as I didnt find it amusing, aparently neither did Ilene)

Now just because it was an anecdote, doesnt take away from the fact that your point was implying a sterotype, and one that you feel "is the norm."

And I'm not quite sure what your”beef” is when I told the op not to waste his time with an iphone4,, it was clear from his first post he had choices of great 4g phones for free., unless you take me out of context there really is nothing to dispute, especially since you agreed with that opinion of mine in a
previous post responding to me.

Unfortunately beef, your posts often lack a logical approach. The op had a choice of free 4g phones, and free 3g phones, I was merely pointing out unless your an apple fanboy(which he is not since he hasnt even had a smartphone, buy apparently clemson is ), there is no reason to pay the same price or receive for free a 3g phone over a 4g phone. You decided to criticize that point, by making the argument that 3g would be fine for him, while missing the broader point all together. and then to "prove" your point you share an anecdote that had nothing to do with the larger picture.

Good day to you, I think I might have to follow theo's lead and relieve myself from feeling compelled to straighten out your nonsensical approaches.

 

[Beefnot]

im afraid its you that may not know what an anecdote is, its a brief story with a point, sometimes described as amusing but that can be subjective (especially as I didnt find it amusing, aparently neither did Ilene)

Now just because it was an anecdote, doesnt take away from the fact that your point was implying a sterotype, and one that you feel "is the norm."

Unfortunately beef, your posts often lack a logical approach. The op had a choice of free 4g phones, and free 3g phones, I was merely pointing out unless your an apple fanboy(which he is not since he hasnt even had a smartphone, buy apparently clemson is ), there is no reason to pay the same price or receive for free a 3g phone over a 4g phone. You decided to criticize that point, by making the argument that 3g would be fine for him, while missing the broader point all together. and then to "prove" your point you share an anecdote that had nothing to do with the larger picture.

Good day to you, I think I might have to follow theo's lead and relieve myself from feeling compelled to straighten out your nonsensical approaches.

If that suits you. But you do really struggle at reading comprehension or analytical reasoning. Just let me know if you want me to break down your arguments in this thread (and literally your logic) point by point. I will try to find some time today to do so.

Back to the original topic, for someone coming from the dark ages who may be a bit older and not a techie by any means, a 3g phone would likely be more than suitable for the tasks for which it will likely be used. If the choice is between a free 3g phone and a free 4g phone of the same model, then the choice is easy. If the choice is between a free 3g iphone and a free android 4g phone, then do not automatically go for the android phone. There are wayyyyy more meaningful considerations beyond data speed.