A new phone, or a newer phone, or not?

[triedunture]

OK, so here's the deal. My old cell phone is about 5 years old. It's rather embarrassing. I just found out I should be expecting a $2,000 tax refund.

Time to think about a new phone, perhaps?

There are three arguments as far as I can tell: the iPhone, the G1, or saving my money and waiting 6 months for something else.

Argument 1: The iPhone

Pros

Mr Fry loves his, and so does my boss. They seem to have a high degree of customer satisfaction.

The new app store for the iPhone is more robust than the G1 right now (but that may change).

If I bought an iPhone, I would never need to even consider buying a Kindle, now that the new Kindle for iPhone app is out. That means I could buy all the new eBooks.

It's an admittedly sexier phone than the G1, I think.

Cons

I would have to ditch Verizon for AT&T mobile, and I hate AT&T's service so much.

My monthly phone bill would go from $45 to about $75.

The battery life is bloody awful, I've been told.

I would be buying into "iPhone mania" which is a ridiculous thing to be ashamed about; it's a damned good phone, but now it seems every young white New Yorker has one.


Argument 2: The G1

Pros

In my heart of hearts, I believe in Android technology. I personally favor the open-source model as opposed to Apple's model.

I like the combination touchpad/qwerty keyboard better than the iPhone's touchpad.

Its battery life, especially if you go for the upgrade, is far superior to the iPhone.

I would rather give my money to Google, which has provided me with more free services in my life than Apple ever will. Sorry, sorry, I just realized I would actually be giving my money to T-Mobile, since Android is open-source. I would be supporting Google though, I guess?

Cons

I would still have to ditch Verizon for T-Mobile, but I've never heard any complaints about T-Mobile service.

My monthly phone bill would go from $45 to about $80, so slightly more than the AT&T plan.

I wouldn't have Apple tech support. As much as I hate to admit it, when I've needed something replaced or fixed, Apple has always been a pleasure to deal with and I don't know what to expect from T-Mobile.

Argument 3: Take the Sodding Money and Buy Groceries for Pete's Sake

Pros

I am very poor, and having some money in case of emergency is a good idea.

If I waited, I could possibly hold out until Verizon came out with their own Android phone which would save me a lot of hassle.

I wouldn't have wasted $250 on Janet which, although a darling little netbook, would be rendered near useless by having an internet-ready phone on me at all times.

Cons

I would still be that pillock with a crappy old phone.

I would want to shoot myself in the face.

I would wither and die.

So I dunno, what do you think? If you have any experience with any of these phones or carriers, let me know.

[Poll #1360853]

Cons

Comments

[jackpy.livejournal.com]

I recently bought an iPhone, myself, so I can only speak to you on it's loveliness, as I've not experienced the G1. It is lovely. Mine's 16gigs, 2G and I probably paid too much for it ($350 + shipping, insurance), but I didn't wait around for a better deal. It came pre-unlocked + jailbroken, though they're not difficult procedures if you're not inclined to that. Unlocked, if you unfamiliar, lets you use any SIM card with the phone (I use AT&T, myself, prepaid), and jailbroken gives you a variety of user-made apps, which quite pleasantly DOES make it open source.

[brewsternorth.livejournal.com]

Sounds ace. Problem is, if it's unlocked and jailbroken, afaik that means you've voided your warranty straight out of the gate: good luck getting tech support further down the line.

*grumbles about iPhone arrangements*

... if the OP has to have one or the other of iPhone/G1 I'd be inclined to go with the iPhone for the reasons mentioned - someone I know is a happy (and busy) iPhone user.

[jackpy.livejournal.com]

Well, assuming you back-up your phone prior to the breaking and etc., apparently your warranty will stay put, though I'm afraid I've not personally spoken to anyone with the issue.

[triedunture.livejournal.com]

I have spoken to someone who did that, and it's not good news.