[gregerator]

Has anyone tested 3G (either EVDO or, what is it HTMS? whatever ATT uses) versus WiFi? Reason I ask. I'm going to upgrade my phone someday, hopefully soon (JAV/8120 depending on Jav announcement, or I would skip and go 3G with the Bold) and I want to know how well WiFi competes speed wise with 3G. Also, does the processor in any way slow down the speed of WiFi on these phones? In other words, if the phone had a faster processor (ie Jav) would the WiFi download data faster. I have to assume it would which is why I would wait on the Jav vs 8120. If WiFi does not compete speed wise with 3G and 3G jsut blows WiFi out of the water, perhaps I will wait on the Bold for ATT. Any info is greatly appreciated.

[uberspeed]

HSDPA is what ATT uses, I believe.

3G - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

High-Speed Downlink Packet Access - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

As I understand it, in theory Wifi should and can be faster overall since G and N go well over the limit of 42MB/s of HSPA+ (falls within the HSDPA umbrella). In practice? Not sure, sorry.

[gregerator]

Since I haven't seen a phone with Wifi N ablility, (maybe the Javeli'N'?) we'll talk G speeds. But I have to assume (and we all know what assuming does) that any given WiFi enabled phone's innards, processor and flash mem, slow down what WiFi is capable of delivering?

[uberspeed]

Since I haven't seen a phone with Wifi N ablility, (maybe the Javeli'N'?) we'll talk G speeds. But I have to assume (and we all know what assuming does) that any given WiFi enabled phone's innards, processor and flash mem, slow down what WiFi is capable of delivering?

I agree with you, but in current terms we can take HSDPA at 14.4MB and G at 54MB. Fair enough? I'd think that whatever slows down WiFi would also slow down 3G, same bottlenecks. Just my logic.

[gregerator]

So I guess it comes down to what can phones handle these days? Any info on that? Bold or jav? The 8120 is probably not worth mentioning at these levels.

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[shorynot]

The only input i can give you regarding wifi is that i am consistentlt connected to it whenever i am at home. Its very fast for me, i looove uma

[uberspeed]

I've dealt with the iphone non 3G, 3G and plenty of EDGE enabled phones, plus plenty of VZW EVDO phones and now recently WiFi enabled phones. My opinions/observations are as follows:

I feel the real advantage of 3G and upcoming 4G and forth is the ability to do more than one thing at once on a phone. Leave a page downloading in the background while you talk, as a scenario.
3G gives us more bandwidth and a greater coverage area of those speeds. I think WiFi has an inherent advantage in close quarters for that area you're in, the signal is usually stronger and the transfer rates are better. In my limited experience WiFi has been faster than 3G on the same device, that being a few iphones. Unfortunately we're not at the point where a lot of cities have built up their infrastructure to provide city wide WiFi and even when we get there rural areas will lag behind.

What I would like to do is a side by side comparison of say the same phone downloading a page on EDGE and then on 3G (toggling the 3G connectivity to do so obviously).
But really, surfing on your phone is out of necessity, don't we do our "heavy" surfing on a PC? A quick and effective google search on my BB answers most my questions, a jump on Live Search if I'm not near my cars' nav, some IM'ing on various clients to stay connected... do I really needs fast transfer rates? I would like to have it yes, but I don't really need it, I get by. Maybe you need an aircard for your laptop?
For me, the Jav will do just fine, if you absolutely need the fastest speeds then you should definitely get yourself a 3G device and the Bold is more likely than not your next BB.
Good luck either way!

[gregerator]

Yeah, this is all just what if type stuff and future of phones... I'm wondering if Cell technology won't just end up using WiFi and VOIP instead of CDMA and GSM style technology. I really have nothing major I do on my phone. I have nothing major I do on my laptop. I don't travel for work, It's all just casual and the Jav is most likely where I'll end up. My curiosity is just getting the better of me. Speaking of laptops, and this is off my thread topic, do you konw anything about the Acer Aspire One XP Netbooks? Was looking into getting one and wanted second, third, fourth etc opinions...

[uberspeed]

I would think WiFi networks with handoffs between carriers at one point would be great, but dunno if it'll happen. World uses GSM, yet we have entrenched CDMA carriers in the US.

As for Laptops, I'd go Dell (check the outlet as well for good deals), Lenovo (formerly IBM) is now spotty, I'd stay away from Toshiba and Sony, HP is solid, Gateway has great features at the price. If you travel go Dell as they're sturdier, if not Gateway will do you just fine. Acer is just too much of an unknown for me, I wouldn't risk it.

PS. I've been in IT for 17 years and have seen them all come and go. Entire sales forces demanding Sony VAIO's and having to return them all after a few weeks and them falling apart on the road lol IBM was awesome for a long time but pricey until Lenovo bought that division and subpar now. HP has matured and learned from the Compaq acquisition. Gateway is what I bought my wife since she's not travelling with it, feature packed at the price point plus you can get 18 months no interest financing from Best Buy. Dell is what my current company buys and I've taken them apart myself and they're solid. Toshiba's fry all the time, too many friends have returned them multiple times with overheating issues. Hope this helps.

[gregerator]

The info is greatly appreciated. My use is really basic. I'm going back to get a Masters and my HP laptop battery is dead so I have to leave it plugged in. It's ~50 for a new battery... I should probably just go that route but i'll check Gateways as I'm always good for an upgrade.

[uberspeed]

Good luck on your endeavors sir!