Ineed help to choose Android phone

[Ivone]

Hi all,
I was with BB Storm2 (touch screen and freezing problems), just got iPhone4 (I hate the iTunes setup and transfer crap), so thinking to move to Android but I am lost which phone to get. I do have some requirements.

3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 (850 is must that's what we have in Costa Rica)

Here is my wish/dream list:

Good or decent camera with flash (xenon would be nice)
Skype (preferably free)
Facebook direct app
Good/fast navigation with flash
easy POP emails setup
WiFI
Able to read Word, xls, pdf

Easy to transfer contact to PC and back
I like tweaking my phones a lot, I am not a gamer or listen to radio. I like to have the best OS version possible.

Extra question: does something like Instalous or Cydia exist for Android?

Please help - you are the gurus.
TIA

 

[Smitty_82]

Your wish list is pretty easy to fill. The only thing that I can't help you with is the camera flash. All the ones I know of are LED, but most of the high end phones are 5mp or higher. Skype and Facebook apps are in the Android Market for most phones. For browsing with flash you will need a phone running android 2.2 or higher. The phones listed in the device section of this site listed for T-Mobile and AT&T should meet the requirements you need for the network in Costa Rica. Since you said that you like to tweek your phone and want the latest OS, the Nexus S that was just anounced yesterday may be a phone that would fit your needs. It will be available directly from Google later this month. And has the latest OS and is the first get updates. It would be full retail that way, but if i'm not mistaking carriers in Costa Rica don't discount the phones with service so you would be expecting that. Getting it direct from Google, the phone would be unlocked so you could just add your SIM card. Transfering contacts is easy, but you would need to sync with a gmail account. Gmail is required for an Android phone.

I'm sure others will jump in here as well so keep the questions coming. I hope this helps.

 

[Ivone]

Great help Smitty_82. I really appreciate your answer and help.
The Nexus S looks like good enough specimen except the 3G band

3G Network HSDPA 850 is must!!!!
That's what we have in Costa Rica.

More:
Ok, I can live with the led (I'll try - lol)
Yes, it must be at least Android 2.2
Unlocked

Thanks

 

[Smitty_82]

I'm sorry, I thought the HSDPA is the "data" band for GSM which is 850. I'll see if I can find more info.

 

[Smitty_82]

OK, The only phone I have found that runs HSDPA 850 is the Motorola Droid Pro from Verizon Wireless. It would have to be unlocked before you can use your SIM card. They are already being sold on ebay so it wouldn't be that hard to find. The Motorola Droid 2 Global might work as well, but I haven't found any firm info on the radio. If I find anything else I'll let you know.

 

[jgodin03]

You need Android 2.1+ to use Skype. The app is free and use the same condition as on PC(skype to skype is free, but you need to pay for skype to phone).

Droid 2 global use HSPA 850 too: Motorola DROID 2 Global - Full phone specifications

Sony Ericsson X10a. HSPA 850, 8mp camera + flash. Android 2.1.

Acer Liquid Metal: HSPA 850, Android 2.2

HTC Desire Z; HSPA 850(north america version). 2.2

Nexus One is 850 compatible. HTC Google Nexus One - Full phone specifications

So, as you see you have a few choices...

 

[Ivone]

Thank you jgodin03. I am checking in to them, but new one is coming soon that might be the best choice - Nexus S. As I check the WWW it will also come (some) with 850 3G band.

Ho[e it comes with camera flash (have to check)

Thank you all for the help.

 

[DroidXcon]

Thank you jgodin03. I am checking in to them, but new one is coming soon that might be the best choice - Nexus S. As I check the WWW it will also come (some) with 850 3G band.

Ho[e it comes with camera flash (have to check)

Thank you all for the help.

Im pretty sure the Droid Pro comes already unlocked, but if it doesnt it is simple to have them unlock it.

Just call up the customer support and let them know you are going to be traveling and want to use temporary SIM cards, as long as you have good standing record with them they usually will unlock it for you.

 

[ryandroid12]

I just switched to the Droid Pro from an iPhone and use a Blackberry.

Great phone. Seamless transition. It has the apps and the media like the iPhone and the phone/email/text is better than my blackberry.

I had no problems converting contacts over. The apps are all the same or very similar.

Go to a verizon store or best buy to try it out.