Smartphones: Who's using them?

[Jeff Caldwell]

When it comes to smartphones, like iPhones, Blackberries and the likes, I'm sort of tragically behind. I have always been the sort of guy who gets the cheapo cell phone they offer when I update my plan.

But, that's changing. I see myself using one in the near future. But, it's such a convoluted marketplace for them right now. Anybody who has a smartphone care to tell me how you picked the one you did? What features attracted you to the one you got? And, how have they worked?

Anybody have much experience with iPhones? My home computer's a Mac, and I guess you could call me a "Mac guy," but I don't know if an iPhone would be overkill for my purposes (mainly to check e-mail and surf the web a bit).

I appreciate any and all thoughts!

[t_head]

I have a Blackberry Curve for work, it's handy most of the time. I joke that as my phone has gotten fancier, my reception has gone to pot. Some of the guys I work with have the Blackberry Bold, but the touch screen is a little tougher to type on vs. even using the tiny keys of the Curve.

[Harrison Krey]

Got a Crackberry Pearl. its nice

[Nick]

Had a Palm Treo and now have a HTC. Don't know if iPhone supports excel and other MS Office file yet....no AT&T service here...even Alltel is bad...

[Turbo Tim]

Jeff, it sounds like the iphone would be the one for you. you already have a mac and the two work together great. i personally have a blackberry curve 8350i because where im at in michigan almost everyone i need to contact has nextel direct connect and this curve has it. it was an expensive phone but now that i've had one i wouldn't go back. it is very nice for me to be able to get my emails and be able to check the weather instantly to plan the next few days here on the farm.
i think you would be happy with whatever you get.
good luck
-Tim

[Jeff Caldwell]

Awesome. Sounds great. How about the data plans? We use our cell phones for our main phones (did away with our landline a while back). Does having a data usage plan really bump up your monthly bill? We're having a tough time figuring out whether or not we can justify another $100 or so a month for the data plan, on top of our existing phone plan.

[John E]

I have an iphone and i love it i can see the market wherever i am. Im actually typing this on my phone now. It has fetures such as spreadsheets you can use for anything excel does. I use it to plot changes in local basis as well as plotin changes in options, all simple things you can do to make yourself a better marketer. I love this phone and cant imagine goin without it. My data plan is 30 a month ontop of regular phone charges. We have 7 phone on our plan so my phone averages out cheapish.

[Adrianne]

iPhone. :) I love it. Its really handy when you're out in the field and away from home. Who needs a laptop? Get the leather case if you get one. I fought even having a cell phone for years. Best decision I've ever made.

[hyde]

I have a iphone and really like it. This was
my first smart phone.

PS i,am a mac user

[Marc Smith]

Blackberry 8830 World Edition...one of the best investments I have made. I emailed bid and market updates through the day and it is great for my job in the city because I have it synced to my email accounts (two personal accts, and work) Super handy to have. Wish I would have got one earlier. My plan is $100 a month with unlimited text and 900 minutes...as well as the unlimited data for the Blackberry. Great thing about the Blackberry is it came with software for my laptop that I can now have wireless on the laptop as long as the phone is in my pocket or close by. Great to travel. My reception is great too...I am with Verizon.

[FastlineMike]

Jeff,
I see you are around DSM, I have a Moto Q through US Cellular and I travel 1/2 of the state. The reception with Motorola phones seems to be better as a whole than some other brands. I love being able to do e-mails and work with Microsoft apps, but if you are an apple guy this might not be an advantage. The data plan costs me an extra $25/month. Reception could be a big issue if you are considering using the InTime RTK network, you will want to make sure that you have good reception through all your fields. I know USC will let you try the phone for a month to see if you like and you get the reception you desire. Hope this helps!

[Katy Spears]

Hi Jeff,
I would be lost without my Blackberry. Switched to a Treo once and it didn't work for me. Once the whole family figured out what was wrong...I was irritated with that thing all the time ( and when Mamma's not happy...), I got a new Blackberry and life around the farm returned to it's pleasant state.

I must warn you: they are addicting. really.
Good luck finding the one that's right for you.

[Bryan Scheiderer]

love my iPhone.

not sure yet if cost is worth it, but it is cool.