Need to know---

[Roadrunner]

Lately, I have been switching back and forth to a couple of ideal cell phones such as the Sk2 or the Blackberry. The thing is, I really don't have a clue how good these gadgets work and the pros/cons for each device. Although, there are other products available that I may not be aware of--hoping someone could either 'help' or 'lead' me into a direction whereas I can arrive at a decision, thus having a reliable means of contacting others (hearing compatible-voice/text) which I would like to purchase in the near future.

Sure appreciate any feedbacks and suggestions! Thanks!!

~RR

[dennis]

Well, you first ought to let us know what kind of features you absolutely need, then features you somewhat desire, then features you really don't care about.

The main thing about the HipTop Sidekick 2 and the RIM Blackberry family are that they are great text / email / IM platforms, but terrible (Sidekick 2) to good (Blackberry) voice platforms.

There was a recent presentation I saw that outlined many different cellular products for the deaf: carrier pros/cons, device pros/cons, and accessories. I'll see if I can find it for you.

[Roadrunner]

Thanks for pointing out that I didn't list what features I'm looking for...would like to be able to use a product that has a range of unlimited usuage and covers a wide area as well...with some minimal voice usuage, for example, if I was out on the road and somehow I had an emergency (we all know that this will happen from time to time unexpectedly ) and needed to make a voice to voice call. As I mentioned in my other post, I meant to say: hearing-aid compatible and that's another important factor I'm looking into as well.

[dennis]

I guess what would really help is if you could arrange these things in the order of importance to you:


Affordable plan?
Expensive plan with tons of features?
Good coverage?
Good battery life?
Plain vanilla voice service?
Good, CLEAR voice service?
Email access?
Instant Messenger?
Web browser?
Picture phone?
Keyboard?
Clamshell or Candy Bar?
Accessories?
T-coil compatible?
TTY compatible?
Relay service?


Based on what you've said so far, I'd guess that Good coverage is #1 (I assume you travel a little), with Email access, Good CLEAR voice service, T-coil compatibility, and Affordable plan in that order. I'd be recommending Cingular, Verizon, or Sprint, depending on your region, with a Treo 600/650, RIM Blackberry, or other Windows CE phone, again, depending on which provider you go with.

[Roadrunner]

Say, wouldn't you agree that everyone wants an affordable plan? Instant messaging, email accessible, cam, hearing-aid compatible, long-lasting life of a battery and internet access...is basically what I'm looking for.

Btw, what is 'clamshell' and 'Candy Bar'?

[dennis]

Originally Posted by Roadrunner

Say, wouldn't you agree that everyone wants an affordable plan? Instant messaging, email accessible, cam, hearing-aid compatible, long-lasting life of a battery and internet access...is basically what I'm looking for.

It's like you have 3 choices. Of those 3 choices, you can ONLY pick 2.
1) Good cell phone with good phone features
2) Cheap plan
3) Dependable cell service with good coverage

So, sure, you can get all those features (#1) and good coverage (#3) IF you can afford it (No #2). How much are you willing to pay for all those features? The only phone that comes to mind that definitely fits your needs is a RIM Blackberry.

I'll post a list of other phones you can look into that may fit your needs, but I haven't used all of them and I don't know if they have all the features you're looking for.

Originally Posted by Roadrunner

Btw, what is 'clamshell' and 'Candy Bar'?

"Clamshell" is the cell industry term for phones that have to change shape to be used fully, i.e., a Sidekick or a flip phone. Any phone that has to open up or slide or reveal something hidden to be used, most commonly a keypad, are "Clamshell" phones

Candy Bar phones are the ones that come just as they are. Any phone that does not have to change shape to be used falls under this category. Blackberries, newer Treo phones, cell phones that could pass for a candy bar in your pocket because you can just pull it out and start calling someone instead of having to flip it open or some other fancy handling.

[Roadrunner]

Originally Posted by dennis

It's like you have 3 choices. Of those 3 choices, you can ONLY pick 2.
1) Good cell phone with good phone features
2) Cheap plan
3) Dependable cell service with good coverage

So, sure, you can get all those features (#1) and good coverage (#3) IF you can afford it (No #2). How much are you willing to pay for all those features? The only phone that comes to mind that definitely fits your needs is a RIM Blackberry.

I'll post a list of other phones you can look into that may fit your needs, but I haven't used all of them and I don't know if they have all the features you're looking for.



"Clamshell" is the cell industry term for phones that have to change shape to be used fully, i.e., a Sidekick or a flip phone. Any phone that has to open up or slide or reveal something hidden to be used, most commonly a keypad, are "Clamshell" phones

Candy Bar phones are the ones that come just as they are. Any phone that does not have to change shape to be used falls under this category. Blackberries, newer Treo phones, cell phones that could pass for a candy bar in your pocket because you can just pull it out and start calling someone instead of having to flip it open or some other fancy handling.

Thanks for explaining the terminology for 'clamshell' and 'candybar', sure makes logical sense--

As for prices....I just more or less like to see the differences in prices that inhibits almost the same features....which types have you used or plan to use in the near future? More specifically, what type do you personally like using?
I already know of several ppls. who have pointed out certain features that they're pleased with and knowing what yours is would be appreciated as well!