Blackberry to which Android??

john wang · Thread Author #1 11-14-2011, 01:17 AM

Hi folks. Looking for advice on
a) if I should switch to Android and
b) if so, which Android?

For the last 5+ years I've had Blackberry Pearl devices on the T-Mobile network. Current device is BB 8120 which I think is Edge, with my own BIS service (they want to charge an extra $10/month for BES), connected to a corporate Microsoft Exchange Server. I will be staying with TMobile, and paying full price for the device. My reason for switching is to get faster and better internet capability, get OTA calendar sync (which I don't have now due to BIS service) and a better camera.

The requirements, in order of importance are:
1. Must receive push email as quickly as BB receives it - my research indicates Android with a regular data plan will receive push email from a corporate BES. Is that correct?

2. Must be a SMALL device. I'm currently looking at the Sony Xteria X10 Mini Pro, but would sure welcome suggestions on a newer Android.

3. Must have wi-fi cellular (cell reception at my house is terrible, so I need to receive calls via wi-fi when home). I think the Android will switch to wi-fi for calling, but would appreciate confirmation.

4. Must have camera with flash, with decent pictures.

5. Must have decent speakerphone.

In addition to the above must, I would really really like it to have:

6. GPS

7. Voice command dialing

8. Prefer the option of a hardware keyboard instead of only a soft keyboard (thus the Xperia X-10 Mini Pro) but am open to other options as I was shown an Android that will write an email via voice.

Thanks in advance for replies and advice.

dictoresno · #2 11-14-2011, 04:14 AM

this question may be better geared towards the androidcentral crew, as they will know their devices better than we would. kinda like one of us asking one of them on their forums which BB to get. i mean at least shouldve posted this in the android forum on CB as this post is more android related. next time, if you are really looking for specific answers, project your question to the proper people.

deRusett · #3 11-14-2011, 07:02 AM

I really just want to make one point.

No phone will Match your Pearl for the Speaker phone, The Pearl was a "jewel" in terms of speaker phone, one of the best speakers in the industry packed into a half size phone, every small phone you buy from here on in, WILL be a disappointment.

as for Specifics on MidRange size specific Androids, you'd be better suited to go to Android Central and ask for advice,

As for receiving emails, you must talk to your BES administrator, if they do not have Active Sync Enabled on the email server, your device will NOT get email, if they only use BES, to manage their emails you will be out of luck. But seeing as most company's put BES ontop of Exchange you have a good chance of receiving your emails if the admin allows it

homer1475 · #4 11-14-2011, 07:07 AM

How about just a newer pearl(9100)? My wife's pearl 3G can do all that and has 3G. Although it is only available on ATT and unlocking for T-mob will still only give you EDGE coverage.

Superfly_FR · #5 11-14-2011, 07:24 AM

last time I checked (2 months ago) none (droid or else) beat my 9900 ... but that's a personal view

chrisy520 · #6 11-14-2011, 07:26 AM

I asked the mods to move your thread to the Android section before you get flamed too much. Sorry about that.

deRusett · #7 11-14-2011, 07:35 AM

This forum requires that you wait 60 seconds between reporting posts. Please try again in 42 seconds.

To the OP

I did a GSMArea Search for Small Android phones
Phone Finder results - GSMArena.com

I had to make "small" by limiting screen size from 1.8 - 2.8" and Must have a flash, that was all that was available

dictoresno · #8 11-14-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisy520

I asked the mods to move your thread to the Android section before you get flamed too much. Sorry about that.

i actually took it easy for a change lol

dave1812 · #9 11-14-2011, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john wang

Hi folks. Looking for advice on
a) if I should switch to Android and
b) if so, which Android?
Click to view quoted image
For the last 5+ years I've had Blackberry Pearl devices on the T-Mobile network. Current device is BB 8120 which I think is Edge, with my own BIS service (they want to charge an extra $10/month for BES), connected to a corporate Microsoft Exchange Server. I will be staying with TMobile, and paying full price for the device. My reason for switching is to get faster and better internet capability, get OTA calendar sync (which I don't have now due to BIS service) and a better camera.

The requirements, in order of importance are:
1. Must receive push email as quickly as BB receives it - my research indicates Android with a regular data plan will receive push email from a corporate BES. Is that correct?

2. Must be a SMALL device. I'm currently looking at the Sony Xteria X10 Mini Pro, but would sure welcome suggestions on a newer Android.

3. Must have wi-fi cellular (cell reception at my house is terrible, so I need to receive calls via wi-fi when home). I think the Android will switch to wi-fi for calling, but would appreciate confirmation.

4. Must have camera with flash, with decent pictures.

5. Must have decent speakerphone.

In addition to the above must, I would really really like it to have:

6. GPS

7. Voice command dialing

8. Prefer the option of a hardware keyboard instead of only a soft keyboard (thus the Xperia X-10 Mini Pro) but am open to other options as I was shown an Android that will write an email via voice.

Thanks in advance for replies and advice.

You listed too many conflicting requirements. I know of no Android that will satisfy every one of your items. (specially, that it be small)

MisterObvious · #10 11-14-2011, 03:09 PM

if you want small there is I think a HTC keyboarded one much like the Droid Pro by Motorola but I would think it would be better. Most Android phones have all you want and I will inform you that email is usually though Gmail but there are apps with support for ActiveSync without paying anything extra. The best way is to go to the T-Mobile store and play with phones for a while.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

lssanjose · #11 11-15-2011, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave1812

You listed too many conflicting requirements. I know of no Android that will satisfy every one of your items. (specially, that it be small)

As already stated, android takes care. Of your listed requirements. I set up my email as exchange in Android; and use enhanced email (others vouch for touchdown). K9 mail gives free push email for most accounts out there. But, if you want mail and contact sync, setting through exchange is recommended

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

fazzioo · #12 11-16-2011, 07:10 AM

samsung s2 doesnt match all your requirements but it is worth it

ba_hamilton · #13 11-17-2011, 02:21 PM

Ok I'm going to put myself out there and actually recommend a phone. lol. I switched from BB to Android about 3 weeks ago. I got the HTC Droid Incredible 2. This IS NOT the latest and greatest that android has to offer but its still a great little phone.

1. I use Yahoo mail and I get my mail almost immediately.
2. It's a fairly small device. Its the same width and a tad bit longer than the Storm 2 I had. I was looking at the droid bionic and that thing is like a small tablet. Huge.
3. The wifi on the Dinc2 works great. I'm connected to wifi at home and work so I'm on wifi almost the entire day. Connects fast and has a strong signal.
4. It has a very nice camera and it has a forward camera for video chats. I video chat with my son on his iPhone4 using Tango. Works great. It's free.
5. The speaker phone works good. I don't use it much. Not my thing.
6. GPS on this thing is great. It finds a signal and connects super fast. Google maps along with Google Navigator is the best thing since sliced bread.
7. Voice dialing works on this phone but I never use it. Just not my thing.
8. It doesn't have a hard keyboard of course. But there are keyboards you can install that are much better than the stock keyboard. Get one with a long space bar or you will find.that.you.are.typing.like.this. There are many keyboards to choose from. Most are free or 2 or 3 bucks at the most.

The incredible 2 is not dual core but don't get caught up in all that. This phone is really fast and it has a great screen. My battery life is great and I'm on the thing all day. I get 15 hours on it before I have to plug in again.

It looks like the Dinc2 will not get the latest Ice Cream Sandwich operating system upgrade. So if that is important to you look elsewhere. All in all, its a nice phone. I would have gotten the Galexy S2 but Vzw was not carrying it at the time.

K Bear · #14 11-17-2011, 11:53 PM

You could try the Wildfire S, Optimus T, or G2.

Jude526 · #15 11-18-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john wang

Hi folks. Looking for advice on
a) if I should switch to Android and
b) if so, which Android?
Click to view quoted image
For the last 5+ years I've had Blackberry Pearl devices on the T-Mobile network. Current device is BB 8120 which I think is Edge, with my own BIS service (they want to charge an extra $10/month for BES), connected to a corporate Microsoft Exchange Server. I will be staying with TMobile, and paying full price for the device. My reason for switching is to get faster and better internet capability, get OTA calendar sync (which I don't have now due to BIS service) and a better camera.

The requirements, in order of importance are:
1. Must receive push email as quickly as BB receives it - my research indicates Android with a regular data plan will receive push email from a corporate BES. Is that correct?

2. Must be a SMALL device. I'm currently looking at the Sony Xteria X10 Mini Pro, but would sure welcome suggestions on a newer Android.

3. Must have wi-fi cellular (cell reception at my house is terrible, so I need to receive calls via wi-fi when home). I think the Android will switch to wi-fi for calling, but would appreciate confirmation.

4. Must have camera with flash, with decent pictures.

5. Must have decent speakerphone.

In addition to the above must, I would really really like it to have:

6. GPS

7. Voice command dialing

8. Prefer the option of a hardware keyboard instead of only a soft keyboard (thus the Xperia X-10 Mini Pro) but am open to other options as I was shown an Android that will write an email via voice.

Thanks in advance for replies and advice.

HTC Sensation is a good phone on TMobole

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