Shopping for a Verizon phone...

[BHNTA]

I'm about to sign up for Verizon wireless and get a new phone.

I was checking out the Droid X and Incredible, at Amazon they're both basically free. Or the Thunderbolt is $175.

I'm not real tech savvy and don't really need the latest greatest. So, I'm wondering what the substantive differences are between the three. I'm looking for something that push towards one of these three.

 

[KZIWarrior]

THUNDERBOLT!!!!!!!!!!
Droid X and Incredible can't compare. I've played with both and have friends with them (rooted and custom ROMd and OC'd) and the Thunderbolt out of the box is as fast or faster. Also are you in a city with 4g?? that is a HUGE selling point, we have great 4G coverage here in Nashville and it is FASTTTTTTT!

 

[BHNTA]

I'm in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, but I'm not sure.

From what I understand, the unlimited 4G is a selling point for the Thunderbolt?

 

[kodiak799]

All the phones have unlimited data right now. I'm about 99% sure you'd have 4G coverage in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area. It's definitely in the larger metro area, but if you are in outlying suburbs you might be in "fringe" areas where it's a bit spotty. Otherwise I agree 4G is a huge selling point and it would make the TBolt a no-brainer.

 

[BHNTA]

the battery life issues wouldn't scare you away from the Thunderbolt?

 

[kodiak799]

the battery life issues wouldn't scare you away from the Thunderbolt?

I personally am waiting for the Bionic or something else, mainly because I want dual-core and HDMI out.

But the battery life issue appears to be user specific. Transitional areas where it's constantly switching back and forth are probably an issue. If you root and underclock when idle it will have a significant impact. On top of that, not a big deal for me to charge at work and overnight.

As mentioned, if you can get 5-6 hours between charges with fairly heavy use that should be sufficient for almost all cases. The nuisance comes having to be diligent and planning ahead, and then the obvious of having to run out the door with only 15% battery because you forgot to keep a decent charge.

My recommendation would be a dock/cradle for the office that you can leave it on throughout the day when not using, and then you have the USB at home. If it's a major issue still, you'd need the car charger.

 

[Mwsr]

Anything but the fascinate

can + string on 2.1

 

[Chizzele]

If your buying now.. thunderbult, if u can wait within a few months there will be several other interesting choices to consider!

Sourcery powerd Droid

 

[Martin030908]

If your buying now.. thunderbult, if u can wait within a few months there will be several other interesting choices to consider!

Sourcery powerd Droid

This is true. But just an FYI, the 'unlimited' 4G offered now most likely will not be available for later released devices. VZW has made clear they will be going to a tiered pricing plan for 4G. If 4G is a selling point for you this might be something to consider.

... and tech moves so fast if you wait there will always be something better

 

[matt2783]

If your buying now.. thunderbult, if u can wait within a few months there will be several other interesting choices to consider!

Sourcery powerd Droid

This is true. But just an FYI, the 'unlimited' 4G offered now most likely will not be available for later released devices. VZW has made clear they will be going to a tiered pricing plan for 4G. If 4G is a selling point for you this might be something to consider.

... and tech moves so fast if you wait there will always be something better

I know Verizon plans to move to tiered data plans but I don't think that it's going to happen in the next couple of months... I could be wrong but my thinking is they'll wait for their LTE network to be nation wide, or close to it, before tinkering with the data plans.

 

[kodiak799]

I could be wrong but my thinking is they'll wait for their LTE network to be nation wide, or close to it, before tinkering with the data plans.

I've been hammering this point for months. They need to drive subs to show Wall Street the ROI, and they also need to drive upgrades to alleviate pressure on the 3G capacity.

The end of the year is supposed to be 140+ markets covering nearly 2/3 of VZW users. I don't expect any action until the end of the year, and a VZW exec recently said as much (earlier statements said mid-summer).

Reality is if they crack down on tethering most users are only going to consume so much data on a smartphone. And with LTE providing at least 10X the capacity of 3G I don't see the big rush to cap plans.

 

[BHNTA]

I'd like to get something in the next couple of weeks.

It sounds like the Thunderbolt is worth the extra $175, I guess.

 

[Pumaro]

I'd like to get something in the next couple of weeks.

It sounds like the Thunderbolt is worth the extra $175, I guess.

Definitely get the thunderbolt, it is a fast fast phone and full of great things.
1. Big screen
2. Surf and talk at same time capability on 3G or 4G networks, I tested 3G in the car while cruising at 50 mph (somebody else was driving) and made a call and surfed the internet without issues.
3. Hotspot capabilities are enabled and currently free until may.
4. Supports 4G LTE (faster than most home ISPs) 20Mb/sec.

5. Cool kickstand feature. Didn't think much of this before hand but now it's a very useful feature.
6. Unlimited Data!!!!

 

[jaxenroth]

I'd wait in 4g phones till battery issues are better. You can get a nice uses dx for about 100 on Cl. Save your upgrade for a 4g phone that is more stable. Give 4g 6 months or so. The thunder bolt will be 150 by than. Jm2c. Good luck.

Sent from my DROIDX using DroidForums

 

[knivesout]

It really depends on what your needs are. If you're just casually browsing the web, streaming music, watching some videos on youtube, and doing normal everyday things with the phone, the DX or Incredible will meet your needs just fine. The TB is the latest and greatest right now, but in 1-2 months there will be devices that are better. You should be able to get unlimited data with any of the phones you mentioned. If you really think you will take advantage of the increased speed of 4G, go for the TB.