Wanna ditch the iPhone and get my feet wet with Android - Advice?

[Squidbert]

So I've been using iPhones for the past few years (1st was a 3G, now running an iPhone 4), and I'm contemplating jumping ship and going with an Android of some sort.

I'm on the AT&T network, and plan on staying there, at least until my contract is up (another year). I've done some research and REALLY like what I've been reading about the Galaxy S2. However, before I drop coin on an unbranded / unlocked S2 (or perhaps hold out for a Droid Prime), I figured I'd purchase a used or new/unused android device to play around with. If I like it, I'd probably purchase something nicer and keep the 1st device as a backup.

So, I've been browsing craigslist and ran across some used AT&T compatible phones. The Atrix 4G looks nice, but they're still kinda expensive, even when purchased second hand. I've also considered a "Captivate" (AT&T Galaxy S), which I've found in the $200 range. I figure if I end up liking the android, I could sell my 3G and iPhone 4 and put that towards a really nice upgrade.

Any recommendations as to how I should proceed? You guys here obviously know much more than I do about these devices. Perhaps there's another model I should look for as a stepping stone? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated - thanks in advance!

 

[TechTinker]

Re: Wanna ditch the iPhone and get my feet wet with Android - Adv

Well since your coming from the iPhone, I would suggest the AT&T Captivate (Galaxy S) or the Galaxy S 2, since their kinda like the Androids IPhone, Physical home button (atleast I know its on the GS2) with some capitive buttons. Same style icons and bit of the UI but all the awesomeness of Android.

The Galaxy S2 is probably a pretty good choice, high end specs, great display.
I dont even own or ever owned a android or Iphone haha..

 

[Xopher]

I think just as important is making sure the phone has (or is upgradable to) FroYo or Gingerbread. FroYo added Flash support and Gingerbread is even better. You want a device with OS 2.2.1 or higher to get the best Android experience.

 

[Johnly]

Re: Wanna ditch the iPhone and get my feet wet with Android - Adv

Get a current device. Get a top tier android. Lots of not so great performers out there. Gs2, ATRIX, would make competent phones to "jump in."

 

[Moscow Desire]

Re: Wanna ditch the iPhone and get my feet wet with Android - Adv

Get a current device. Get a top tier android. Lots of not so great performers out there. Gs2, ATRIX, would make competent phones to "jump in."

+1.... nut up or shut up, as in the words of Zombieland,

If you wanna root an explore the dark side of roms, then look at the forums, and see what new device is rootable. And has custom Roms.

Know what your budget is.

If your budgets says Galaxy S2, then hey, go for it.

If it says Droid 3, then welcome the the darkside, (soon) Because you will root.....

If ya have a low budget, then you definately need to look at what cheap phones can be rootable.

If you want us to tell you what to get.... Pheeeewwww

If you want us to choose your phone,,,,,,you will get a lot of answers... I would say, HTC desire

 

[Squidbert]

Re: Wanna ditch the iPhone and get my feet wet with Android - Adv

Thanks for the input, everyone. Again, my main concern is adapting to a new OS. The purpose of spending less on a device would be to immerse myself in the Android environment. If I adapt to it, and prefer it (which I suspect I would), then pulling the trigger on a $600+ "top tier" device would be an easier choice to make.

Aside from that, my livelihood is tied to being reached by phone. I work on call. I've had a phone fail in the past, and having a backup saved me. I wouldn't see spending a little (relatively) now on an inferior device such a bad idea as it could be relegated to backup duties should my main phone encounter a problem.

The main thing working against me right now is my carrier. It doesn't seem that AT&T has pushed Android based devices very heavily. I've found 10x as many devices available for other carriers as I have my current one. Because of that, my choices are much more limited.

Thankfully, if I do adapt to and prefer the Android OS, I'm sure I could absorb a large chunk of the cost of a nice phone by selling my current 2 iPhones.