new guy, i know, another one...

[DonBrizzel]

Hey guys,

I am currently with Big Red and and coming up on my new every two. I never even considered the possibility of android phone until I saw the Fascinate. The Motorola Droids never did anything for me, but I do like the Fascinate, especially now that 90% of google is back on the phone.

While researching the android phones, which I do extensively before every purchase, I started to investigate the Nexus One.

This phone has really turned me on (not in that way) and now I am torn.

I am usually not loyal to any phone company other than the fact that I hate the headache of switching carriers, and the Nexus one really has me thinking about going to T-mobile.

I know that this is probably a biased area to post this question in, but if you guys were in my situation, would you stay Big Red for the Fascinate or would you go Tmo for the N1.

I guess, in a sense, I am asking which of the two phones you think is/will be better. I have my reasons for liking each, but I wanted to hear some valuable input from seasoned Android vets of why/why not for each device.

Thank you for your time,
DJ

 

[DonBrizzel]

P.S. - I have no desire to root my phone, so no custom roms will ever be in my future. I just have never had a desire to hack into my phone to make changes, even when I had my iPhone. No offense to anyone at all, just a personal choice.

Thanks again,
DJ

 

[applejosh]

I would first check the T-Mobile coverage in your area. In my experience, T-Mobile has a smaller coverage area compared with Verizon. If you're phone can't pick up a signal when you need it, it makes no sense to go with that carrier.

Also, the N1 (and it pains me to say this) is probably towards the end of its life. Google stopped selling them except to developers (not sure if T-Mobile still sells them in their lineup at the stores). Not to say the N1 can't hold its own, but when committing to a new carrier and contracts and such, I usually don't buy "yesterday's" phone.

If I was in your situation (and had no desire to root/customize/etc.), I'd go for Verizon's Android offerings rather than jump ship and go to the N1. The N1 appealed to me because I do like to root/customize/etc., and it is extremely easy compared to some other Android offerings. Plus, I had to get a phone as part of a water accident with my wife's phone, so I was not going to get any "discounts" from AT&T, so if I was going to pay full price for a phone, I was going to get one I could tinker with.

But this is me. Doesn't mean my thought process should apply to your decision, but I'd investigate the coverage area of T-Mobile in your area (and anywhere you frequently visit) before even considering it. T-Mobile would not work in MY particular situation, but that doesn't mean it's not a great option for others.

 

[DonBrizzel]

I live in Maryland, so T-mobile is pretty covered here. There are even spots here that my buddies T-mobile gets service where my VZW does not.

The reason I like the N1 is because it's a no BS, down to business phone without all the junk and hoopla on it that the Fascinate has. It is a google phone so it will be of the first to get the updates. It doesn't have any overlay on it like TW or Sense or anything. And it's a sharp looking phone.

The hardware is still very comparable to the Inc. And multi-media use really isn't my thing. Well, I do like music and maybe movies on my phone, but shooting pictures and shooting video isn't something I spend a lot of time doing.

 

[qst4]

I have an Evo and a Nexus, and there is just something special about the Nexus. It's unlocked and stock froyo. I really, really wish Sprint offered something similar, because as stated earlier, T-mo is not the biggest network. If you live in a large city you are good, but the second you find yourself in the boondocks you will probably be out of luck. But I will tell you a Nexus with froyo is just a beautiful thing even if it is a little dated and lacking some of the gadgetry like a front facing camera.

 

[bmcclure937]

Do not fall in love with a device too quickly... mobile technology is advancing as a screaming fast pace!! In 2011 we will have dual-core CPUs and more efficient 28nm chipsets.

I am a proud Nexus One owner and love the device, but there are better devices coming down the pipeline. I agree, the design of the N1 is awesome and it is going to be hard for me to ever switch to a new device. I hardly have complaints about my Nexus.

On top of that, never switch cell carriers simply because of a device. That will lead to being dissatisfied in the long-term (especially if you sacrifice good service for a neat device). If you have good TMobile coverage in your area, then it is not a big deal. I have never had problems with TMobile during my 8 years... but some people get horrible TMo coverage.

 

[icebike]

@bmcclure937

Well said.

Don't switch for a device. Wait for the Device to come to you. The Fascinate is almost everything the Nexus is with a better screen.

Love my N1 on AT&T, but I could live with a Captivate.

 

[cybercowboy372]

I just sold my Samsung Captivate to get the Nexus 1 for AT&T. I couldnt live with the Samsung Captivate because it had major GPS issues. After a few days with the Nexus 1, I absolutely love it. I dont like the Touch Wiz interface that is on the Samsungs at all. Also, I hate how the fascinate has bing on it instead of google, but im sure that can be fixed. Overall the Nexus one feels a lot higher quality of a phone. The samsung just felt cheap to me. I did like the screen on it a lot better but overall, I like the Nexus one a lot better. Thats just my two cents.