Figured I'd follow the Tom's computer building post format:
Approximate Purchase Date: 1 week-3 months
Budget Range: <$300 (if it's exceptional maybe a bit more, prefer to keep it on the low side though, something that can be lost/stolen/broken without tears)
System Usage from Most to Least Important:
1) Mobile Internet browsing, Radio streaming in car, GPS, price checking, etc.
2) Computer styled usage (some document editing, media player, etc.)
3) Phone/text (not very important, but necessary)
What carrier/plan you plan to use: T Mobile, $30/month for 100 minutes, "Unlimited" data/text
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: no real preference. Prefer to buy used/cheap when possible.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Parts Preferences: no preference really. Don't like Nokia for some reason but that's about all of my discrimination. Have familiarized myself a little with current offerings- Galaxy Note II, Nexus 4, Xperia Z, etc.
Customization: yes. I'd like something with a strong user base that I can follow. I'm interested in software modifications/customization etc. I can follow directions well, but am by no means gifted with technology.
Additional Comments:
-I want something which is as close to a mobile PC/netbook as I can get (reasonably).
-I really want a large screen (4.5"+) for internet browsing & GPS in the car etc.
-I don't really care about the "phone" qualities (I don't frequently talk/text etc.)
-I don't care about "bling" quality or having a flashy phone to impress others with. It's fine if it's a few years old etc.
-I'd prefer a long lasting battery if it's possible.
-I'd prefer to keep weight down, but if a great phone is heavy that's fine.
-A quality camera would be convenient (if it is better than a simple point & shoot)
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Haven't had a cellphone in 5+ years, finally decided the convenience was worth it. I haven't been paying attention to phone offerings so need a quick orientation of which community to look for more answers in.
TL;DR: I'm a student looking for a utilitarian smart phone. I'll be using it mostly as if it was a netbook, not as a phone/text messager. I don't want something to use to constantly check my facebook/have a pissing contest with my peers. I'd like a big screen, long battery, low cost, and strong user base. It's not the end of the world if it's big and heavy, I'll mostly be storing it in a backpack/car etc. I'm thinking something Android-based at the moment. If you can point me in a direction where I can find more useful information, or similar-minded users I'd appreciate it (have been checking some of the Android forums but don't know which are good). The cherry on top would be if it was waterproof/indestructible or had some other unique properties; I'll happily settle with having a ~$200 phone that may get lost/stolen/broken
Thanks; Tom's has already helped me build a great homebrew computer that's been running strong for ~3 years now. Look forward to a similar experience finding/improvising a phone.
Approximate Purchase Date: 1 week-3 months
Budget Range: <$300 (if it's exceptional maybe a bit more, prefer to keep it on the low side though, something that can be lost/stolen/broken without tears)
System Usage from Most to Least Important:
1) Mobile Internet browsing, Radio streaming in car, GPS, price checking, etc.
2) Computer styled usage (some document editing, media player, etc.)
3) Phone/text (not very important, but necessary)
What carrier/plan you plan to use: T Mobile, $30/month for 100 minutes, "Unlimited" data/text
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: no real preference. Prefer to buy used/cheap when possible.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Parts Preferences: no preference really. Don't like Nokia for some reason but that's about all of my discrimination. Have familiarized myself a little with current offerings- Galaxy Note II, Nexus 4, Xperia Z, etc.
Customization: yes. I'd like something with a strong user base that I can follow. I'm interested in software modifications/customization etc. I can follow directions well, but am by no means gifted with technology.
Additional Comments:
-I want something which is as close to a mobile PC/netbook as I can get (reasonably).
-I really want a large screen (4.5"+) for internet browsing & GPS in the car etc.
-I don't really care about the "phone" qualities (I don't frequently talk/text etc.)
-I don't care about "bling" quality or having a flashy phone to impress others with. It's fine if it's a few years old etc.
-I'd prefer a long lasting battery if it's possible.
-I'd prefer to keep weight down, but if a great phone is heavy that's fine.
-A quality camera would be convenient (if it is better than a simple point & shoot)
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Haven't had a cellphone in 5+ years, finally decided the convenience was worth it. I haven't been paying attention to phone offerings so need a quick orientation of which community to look for more answers in.
TL;DR: I'm a student looking for a utilitarian smart phone. I'll be using it mostly as if it was a netbook, not as a phone/text messager. I don't want something to use to constantly check my facebook/have a pissing contest with my peers. I'd like a big screen, long battery, low cost, and strong user base. It's not the end of the world if it's big and heavy, I'll mostly be storing it in a backpack/car etc. I'm thinking something Android-based at the moment. If you can point me in a direction where I can find more useful information, or similar-minded users I'd appreciate it (have been checking some of the Android forums but don't know which are good). The cherry on top would be if it was waterproof/indestructible or had some other unique properties; I'll happily settle with having a ~$200 phone that may get lost/stolen/broken
Thanks; Tom's has already helped me build a great homebrew computer that's been running strong for ~3 years now. Look forward to a similar experience finding/improvising a phone.