EVO 4G Shift, Droid 4, or other...

[realtalk108]

Hi All

My gf is looking to get a new phone (she currently has a blackberry). I'm a huge android fan so I'm gearing her towards androids. She needs a physical keyboard (which I've tried to talk her out of, but to each their own). I was currently looking at the Sprint Evo Shift and VZWs Droid 4. What opinion can you all offer? Are there better alternatives?

Thanks!

 

[KSmithInNY]

Despite being dated, you should consider the Samsung Epic 4g. It has the keyboard but possibly more importantly a MUCH larger development community. I believe this was the first device to be certified beta status for CM9 which says a lot. That also means you could toss ICS on it.

You can pick one up used for a good price, or even new for slightly more but still less than original MSRP. Save that upgrade for a future device.

EDIT - Forgot to mention, don't overlook the Sprint Motorola XPRT or the newer model the Motorola Admiral as they both have physical keyboards, BB'esq candybar layout, and the admiral has an exact copy of the BB keyboard.