Need Help with Smartphones
Nov 17, 2007 | 7:17 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: United, American, Southwest, USAirways, Delta
Posts: 1,874
Need Help with Smartphones
I am about to dabble in the world of Smartphones/Blackberries, but I realize I have much to learn.
First problem, my company says they will NOT pay for any data plan (even though Project Managers at my company travel up to 50%).
I used to carry a Palm device, which could sync to my Outlook Contacts and Calendar. I would very much like this capability, so I will know about my upcoming meetings without having to boot my laptop. Several times I have planned a conference call for immediately after a flight, but forgotten in the airport rush. Of course I never got notified because my laptop was off...
I assume the data plan provides connectivity to my company email, so I will immediately receive mail even without my laptop. My company will not pay for this...
Do smartphones have regular Wi-Fi access? Can I surf the web, assuming I have to pay for the network access (Boingo or T-Mobile at the airport, for example)?
Can I access my personal POP emails (gmail, for example)?
In general, does it make sense to buy a smartphone, without a data plan?
Thanks, in advance!
First problem, my company says they will NOT pay for any data plan (even though Project Managers at my company travel up to 50%).
I used to carry a Palm device, which could sync to my Outlook Contacts and Calendar. I would very much like this capability, so I will know about my upcoming meetings without having to boot my laptop. Several times I have planned a conference call for immediately after a flight, but forgotten in the airport rush. Of course I never got notified because my laptop was off...
I assume the data plan provides connectivity to my company email, so I will immediately receive mail even without my laptop. My company will not pay for this...
Do smartphones have regular Wi-Fi access? Can I surf the web, assuming I have to pay for the network access (Boingo or T-Mobile at the airport, for example)?
Can I access my personal POP emails (gmail, for example)?
In general, does it make sense to buy a smartphone, without a data plan?
Thanks, in advance!
Nov 17, 2007 | 8:08 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Rockville MD USA
Programs: UA former 1K MM
Posts: 2,184
There are many different devices, with many different capabilities, and many different cellphone plans.
I use a T-Mobile Dash, which is a Windows Mobile 6 smartphone. It has a web browser, POP email client, and synchs with Outlook calendars. It has WiFi in addition to quad-band cellphone frequencies.
T-Mobile doesn't yet support cellphone data speeds that are fully adequate for web browsing, compared with DSL or cable modems. Other carriers may have more capabilities, at higher prices.
I use a T-Mobile Dash, which is a Windows Mobile 6 smartphone. It has a web browser, POP email client, and synchs with Outlook calendars. It has WiFi in addition to quad-band cellphone frequencies.
T-Mobile doesn't yet support cellphone data speeds that are fully adequate for web browsing, compared with DSL or cable modems. Other carriers may have more capabilities, at higher prices.
Nov 17, 2007 | 8:36 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: United, American, Southwest, USAirways, Delta
Posts: 1,874
There are many different devices, with many different capabilities, and many different cellphone plans.
I use a T-Mobile Dash, which is a Windows Mobile 6 smartphone. It has a web browser, POP email client, and synchs with Outlook calendars. It has WiFi in addition to quad-band cellphone frequencies.
T-Mobile doesn't yet support cellphone data speeds that are fully adequate for web browsing, compared with DSL or cable modems. Other carriers may have more capabilities, at higher prices.
I use a T-Mobile Dash, which is a Windows Mobile 6 smartphone. It has a web browser, POP email client, and synchs with Outlook calendars. It has WiFi in addition to quad-band cellphone frequencies.
T-Mobile doesn't yet support cellphone data speeds that are fully adequate for web browsing, compared with DSL or cable modems. Other carriers may have more capabilities, at higher prices.
My current carrier is Verizon Wireless. I would be looking to stay with that network, if possible, to avoid the disconnect fee.
Nov 18, 2007 | 8:05 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Jersey
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,158
verizon wireless has a version of the phone.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/s...edPhoneId=2200
however its an older model. If you switch to tmobile or att you could get the tilt which is the newer version. It was every option you need plus more.
Nov 18, 2007 | 8:23 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Rockville MD USA
Programs: UA former 1K MM
Posts: 2,184
verizon wireless has a version of the phone.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/s...edPhoneId=2200
however its an older model. If you switch to tmobile or att you could get the tilt which is the newer version. It was every option you need plus more.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/s...edPhoneId=2200
however its an older model. If you switch to tmobile or att you could get the tilt which is the newer version. It was every option you need plus more.
Nov 18, 2007 | 8:27 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Jersey
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,158
http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/...-32638455.html