Cellphone Odyssey

For some, buying a new cellphone consists of looking through the ads, finding the best deal, perhaps grazing through the vast array of choices in the store, then signing on the dotted line. DONE!

For me, the process is nothing short of epic.

I have been addicted to Palm/Treo since the very first Palm Pilot released, back when the Motorola flip-phone was so Star Trek. Sure dates me.

Then, when the original Treo launched, I leapt at the idea of integrating all of life's necessities into one neat package, only to find that I was blazing through these fragile gadgets monthly, leaving a wake of technological destruction behind. Yet, I stayed the course.

Yes, Palm can call me nothing but loyal.

The problem is that the Palm OS (operating system), the guts of the Treo/Palm, is inherently more unstable than the competitors' operating systems. The benefit is the ability for third-party software developers to create some fantastic, useful software to increase productivity and function, far beyond its original format. Hence, my addiction to the ever-fabulous Datebook 5 calendaring system that ROCKS. You load this on, and suddenly your calendar becomes a work of art, a tool beyond compare. I can wax poetic for hours on this software because I literally use it constantly throughout the day, reveling in time management nirvana.

So what's the problem? Why forsake such bliss?

As with everything, there exists that dichotomy in life, the yin must have its yang, even with cellphones.

The Treo sucks. There, I said it. I love it, but I hate it. The beauty of that third party software, ironically, is what corrupts the OS, creating a web of endless, intermittent cellphone Hell.

Imagine the phone ringing, but nothing, NOTHING, works to answer that call. The system is frozen, you have been awaiting this call for hours, and NADA. But it only happens a couple times per day, so do you live with that? Add on the fact that while texting (does this make me an honorary member of Gen-Y?) the damned phone crashes, or freezes, or both. Now, you have only a couple problems, do you give up now, even though that calendar really IS so colorful? OK, the final straw, the phone is charged, but won't turn on until you press every button at least 4 times, and after a few minutes, it just turns on spontaneously. Yes.....THAT...IS...IT.

I have deliberated this decision in my mind for a few years, always considering defecting and going with another system. There is Blackberry, and of course, the Microsoft OS. It hasn't really been an issue because I'm a Mac-gal, and the Blackberries didn't synch with a Mac until recently. And the Microsoft OS, well, that's obvious. Read any review out there and while the Microsoft system will eventually be on par with the best, it currently is not great.

So, this week was Test-Drive week. I tried the Blackberry 8830 from Verizon, the carrier I have had for about a year and a half and love; ; the iPhone from ATT; and the Blackberry Curve from T-Mobile. Here is what I have learned:

The Blackberry 8830 is a gorgeous piece of technology, sturdy in the hand, elegantly designed, high on function. It has a bigger surface area on the face than the Treo 700p, but is much slimmer and more streamlined. The Qwerty keyboard is well-spaced and easy to use, though the keys require more force to depress, which is carpel-tunnel-style inconvenience. The phone is equipped to travel abroad, with an optional SIM card, but requires a call to Verizon to change the plan prior to travel. Overall, a relatively smooth transition and full of excellent, useful features, which are generally self-explanatory. It boasts a Help feature that explains, in detail, most questions.

LOVE this phone, but found that the lack of a camera is unacceptable for my lifestyle. Designed for business use, most people who purchase this phone won't miss this feature, but despite carrying two other cameras everywhere with me, I use the phone camera and send pictures constantly. The resolution and quality on the Treo wasn't good, but for taking photos on the fly of the kids and sending them instantly to Grandma, it is truly priceless.

The other negative was the size. I found that holding the phone, depressing keys with one hand was uncomfortable as the face was just slightly too large. So, one down.

On to the iPhone. Aaaahhhh...the piece de resistance! Talk about GORgeous. It feels good in the hand, looks sexy as an accessory, generates that wave of envy like a green shockwave. That cache is hard to decline. I was desperate to LOVE this phone.....

In a word, the iPhone is SIMPLE. No manual required because the functions are clean and intuitive. Coordinates with any color scheme, particularly when tanned limbs and tight designer jeans are involved. This is the perfect phone for men in the throes of midlife crisis, hipster Facebook addicts, and anyone whose cellphone needs are limited to personal rather than business. Most executives are probably willing to forgo the killer camera and built-in YouTube setting.

Exhale. I know you were waiting with bated breath to hear me sing praises for the iPhone, but no can do. It just doesn't work for someone who depends heavily on an efficient, customizable calendar, multiple reminder settings, integrated to-do list, and ENJOYS a complicated set of features.

Onward and upward, I say!

Finally, the Blackberry Curve. For me, this phone is a Grand Slam.

The size is perfect. It is smaller and MUCH lighter than the Blackberry 8830 or the Treo, or even the iPhone for that matter.

Lighter, however, also feels a bit CHEAPER, as the handset has this plastic-y sensation without the sturdy heft like the others, with a slightly looser keyboard . However, after using it for a while, I grew to appreciate the minimized weight and smaller profile. For one thing, it feels very comfortable in my hand and allows one-handed operation when necessary. The Qwerty keyboard is also slightly different than its 8830 cousin. The keys are separated and FAR easier to depress, making typing smoother and effortless.

From a functional standpoint, I am sold. The Blackberry may not have any third-party software available to accommodate my lust for complex calendaring, but its standard calendar is good, albeit plain. It does allow for quite a bit of customizing on the sounds/ringers for various functions, such as new text alert, new message alert, calendar alarm, individualized rings for phone numbers along with accompanying photos, etc. The To-Do list is integrated into the calendar, with alarms, though lacking the ability to snooze or delay easily. And don't forget the mini-SD memory card to store photos, music, audiobooks, etc. A convenient feature lacking in the iPhone.

Like the Blackberry 8830, this phone is ready to travel abroad, and with T-Mobile, it is truly seamless. Step off the plane and the phone works. Voila! You even have the option of unlocking the phone (after being with the carrier for three months) and purchasing a local SIM card to allow your calls made while traveling to be charged at local rates. Nice.

Finally, the camera, the feature that was lacking on the 8830. I do not exaggerate when I say that the photos are pretty damned good. A 2.0 megapixel camera WITH flash, if you can believe it, and the images are crisp and clean with decent color saturation and depth. I'm impressed.

On the downside, and there had to be at least one, the sound quality is mediocre. When Verizon advertises that they have the best, I can vouch from experience that it's true!

Secondly, that GSM network (both T-Mobile and ATT use this) is much slower than the EV-DO network used by Verizon. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it does slow down your internet access significantly and makes simple tasks, such as Mapquest, almost unbearable. However, all things considered, the Curve with T-Mobile is still light-years better than my Treo misery, so I'm giving it the green light.

After doing some research, according to JD Powers and Associates, T-Mobile gets the highest Customer Service rating of any of the carriers (with Verizon also scoring very high). For most people, customer service probably isn't high on the list of priorities, but for someone like me, who radiates a destructive electromagnetic force, product replacement with a cheerful attitude is my #1 requirement.

To port (transfer) my old cellphone number from Verizon to T-Mobile, I will have to pay a pro-rated termination fee of $105. I considered all other options, but ultimately decided the convenience of continuity was worth it.

Incidentally, it is important to know that Verizon allows customers the opportunity to try a phone for a full 30 day trial, T-Mobile allows 20 days, and ATT allows 14 days, with a 10% restocking fee for the iPhone. Keep this in mind if you want to do your own Test-Drive.

In the end, I am pleased with my new Blackberry Curve, am THRILLED to be rid of the Treo and all of its inbred Palm cousins, though no one is more pleased than my husband, who had forbidden my screaming tirades over my Treo "issues". Of course, it may be wishful thinking to assume that my phone problems are over.......

2/2/08:
I have now returned my phone rejects and have ported over my cellphone number from Verizon to T-Mobile. I am happy with the Blackberry Curve, but have to admit that I'm experiencing some minor defects with the phone. Sometimes the speakerphone won't turn off, and often the shortcuts don't work. I plan to go on Monday and exchange my phone for a new duplicate.

I also have to put in my two cents here on the service. The stores are disorganized and slow, with 2-3 customer service bays, but no system to funnel customers in an orderly and equitable fashion. Over the phone, the T-Mobile customer service is quite good, but in no way have my dealings with this company come close to the excellence at Verizon. Even returning my Blackberry reject was handled with professionalism and a warm confidence that I would someday return.

They are probably right.