A few questions (prospective buyer)

[UsinMyIllusion]

Hey guys, I originally posted this over at the Precentral.net forums, but I wanted to get your opinions too.


I am thinking about switching from an Apple Iphone (ATT) to a Pre with Sprint. But I have a few questions for the experts before I jump into a contract.

1. Is it true that while I am browsing the web, all my calls will go to voicemail?
2. I've been reading alot about how the Pre feels flimsy or cheaply made, any truth to this?
3. Is there any way that I can listen to Sirius (Specifically Howard Stern) on the Pre?
4. Has there been any date thrown out yet by Palm as to when more apps will be coming? Specifically Facebook, Myspace, News, PocketTunes.
5. Has anyone used the airave? How is it? Does it help with voice and data? Or just voice?
6. Why would you recommend the pre over the iphone?
7. Is it worth switching to Sprint to get this phone?

[nem0nic]

1) I wasn't sure until I tried it myself (I have 2 cell phones). No, if you're browsing a web page and you get a call, it rings and a notifier pops up.

2) If you think anything plastic is cheap, then you'll think the Pre is cheap, because it's made of plastic. Other than that, mine is fine. I know there were quality control issues with some of the original release phones, but I don't imagine you would get one of the first run at this point. I don't know how long it takes Palm's factory to do a line change, but it seems reasonable to me that they've probably had time to correct the more obvious issues.

3) Apparently there is, and a guide on Pre Central, but it involved transcoding the audio on your home computer. So it's not native support. Might also look into a solution involving Classic emulation now that 1.1 is out. I'm a 100/101 fan as well!

4) Not that I know of.

5) Currently, Airave is good primarily for voice. It supports the slower (non EVDO) data rates. Apparently, Sprint has promised to offer the first EVDO femtocell device, but I don't know if that will involve the current Airave or new hardware. Seems like it might be as easy as "uncapping" the device.

6) The iPhone is the most compelling device out there for most users. I personally picked the Pre instead because I detest iTunes and wanted a phone that was smaller than the iPhone. If you decide on a Pre, know that it is a work in progress and won't fully develop for quite a while. That said, there have been MAJOR releases in the last month (the device's first month) that promise a robust app development environment.

7) I switched from Verizon to Sprint for the phone, but only after researching Sprint's coverage here. A single month isn't enough time to judge a cellphone provider, but I'm happy with their service so far (and yes, I've already received my first bill).

[dd214]

I have had the Storm since day one and just got the Pre as well.

I love the Pre. The only big down side I have seen is Sprints network sucks. Other then that, the OS blows away the 4.7.0.148 Storm software.

[xxxxpradaxxxx]

Originally Posted by UsinMyIllusion

1. Is it true that while I am browsing the web, all my calls will go to voicemail?

No-

2. I've been reading alot about how the Pre feels flimsy or cheaply made, any truth to this?

This would be subjective. Even the Bold feels a bit flimsy to me. I don't like that the battery cover is creaky. Even the curves plastic feel, and clicky/wobbly keyboard irks me.

3. Is there any way that I can listen to Sirius (Specifically Howard Stern) on the Pre?

Not sure-

4. Has there been any date thrown out yet by Palm as to when more apps will be coming? Specifically Facebook, Myspace, News, PocketTunes.

Not sure- But the app store is still in beta, and it doesn't offer much.

5. Has anyone used the airave? How is it? Does it help with voice and data? Or just voice?

Don't know-

6. Why would you recommend the pre over the iphone?

I wouldn't. The Pre is cool, but gets annoying pretty quick. I prefer the iPhone's "pseudo keyboard" over the Pre's retardedly small keyboard.

7. Is it worth switching to Sprint to get this phone?

Not unless your absolutely sure you want a Pre, and want it NOW.

1 0 char ^

[Swoopster]

UsinMyIllusion..below in my bold-font words you'll find my response. I hope it helps.

Originally Posted by UsinMyIllusion

Hey guys, I originally posted this over at the Precentral.net forums, but I wanted to get your opinions too.


I am thinking about switching from an Apple Iphone (ATT) to a Pre with Sprint. But I have a few questions for the experts before I jump into a contract.

1. Is it true that while I am browsing the web, all my calls will go to voicemail? No; not true.
2. I've been reading alot about how the Pre feels flimsy or cheaply made, any truth to this? As prada stated; this is truly a subjective response. I however do feel that the Pre could have been produced in a more 'non-flimsy/cheap' manner...however the build quality wasn't a dealbreaker for me. The build quality isn't so bad to be a dealbreaker in my opinion.
3. Is there any way that I can listen to Sirius (Specifically Howard Stern) on the Pre? I don't know.
4. Has there been any date thrown out yet by Palm as to when more apps will be coming? Specifically Facebook, Myspace, News, PocketTunes. I don't know. The app selection is pretty bare for now.
5. Has anyone used the airave? How is it? Does it help with voice and data? Or just voice? I don't know.
6. Why would you recommend the pre over the iphone? I do feel that the iphone is a pretty neat/sexy device...I was close to getting one myself; particularly the 3GS-model since it now has video recording/faster processor/copy and paste. However I decided not to go w/ ATT because I was getting more bang for the buck on Sprint's network (more minutes/data-use/features for the money); all this in a device that in my opinion is on the same echelon as the iphone. So in short; if you don't care for the 'sexy-status-symbol factor' that is attached with the iphone...I definitely would recommend the Pre over the iphone. The dealbreaker for me wasn't the device comparison; it was moreso the plan/price comparison.
7. Is it worth switching to Sprint to get this phone?

If you'll end up paying less amount for data and voice over what you're paying now...YES it is worth switching over. It isn't worth switching ONLY because of the Pre; however coupling the device with the service/price..yes it is worth it indeed.

Originally Posted by dd214

I love the Pre. The only big down side I have seen is Sprints network sucks. Other then that, the OS blows away the 4.7.0.148 Storm software.

It's annoying when people say what I underlined above; you should add in there that it may suck for you based on where you live. Not all providers have solid network/coverage everywhere...it depends. Sprint may be strong somewhere where Verizon, ATT, etc. may be weak; and vice versa.

[xxxxpradaxxxx]

Originally Posted by Swoopster

It's annoying when people say what I underlined above; you should add in there that it may suck for you based on where you live. Not all providers have solid network/coverage everywhere...it depends. Sprint may be strong somewhere where Verizon, ATT, etc. may be weak; and vice versa.

+1 The one statement to end all carrier wars.

[BzB]

Originally Posted by UsinMyIllusion

Hey guys, I originally posted this over at the Precentral.net forums, but I wanted to get your opinions too.


I am thinking about switching from an Apple Iphone (ATT) to a Pre with Sprint. But I have a few questions for the experts before I jump into a contract.

1. Is it true that while I am browsing the web, all my calls will go to voicemail?
2. I've been reading alot about how the Pre feels flimsy or cheaply made, any truth to this?
3. Is there any way that I can listen to Sirius (Specifically Howard Stern) on the Pre?
4. Has there been any date thrown out yet by Palm as to when more apps will be coming? Specifically Facebook, Myspace, News, PocketTunes.
5. Has anyone used the airave? How is it? Does it help with voice and data? Or just voice?
6. Why would you recommend the pre over the iphone?
7. Is it worth switching to Sprint to get this phone?

if you have a bold and an iphone you would be making a very bad decision switching to the pre. the bold may not have the fancy ui the pre has, but beats it in overall functionality. same goes for the iphone.

i had the pre and returned it. i'd say save yourself the headache and stick with what you have. then again you can try it out for 30 days just to prove to yourself how bad it really is. you probably won't need the whole 30 days to figure that out though.

[xxxxpradaxxxx]

While I agree that the Bold and iPhone offer a better user "experience"-

I don't think your painting a "fair" picture of the Pre.

There are some users that are perfectly happy with their Pre's.

It really comes down to preference, as do all smartphones.

[BzB]

i'm speaking from both preference and experience.

the people who are happy with the pre are dwindling fast. very few people i know who got the pre still have it. the people i know that still have the pre, got one as their first smart phone so they don't know any better.

sprint thought it would be a big deal and is now realizing they got fools gold.

the op did ask for opinions...

[nem0nic]

if you have a bold and an iphone you would be making a very bad decision switching to the pre.

I think the Bold feels like something you would buy at one of those tacky "bling my phone" kiosks inside a mall. The pleather and chrome gives it a cheap feel. And of course, the underlying OS is typical clunky RIM. The email is fantastic - until you have rich content. The messaging is great - as long as you are only talking to other BB owners. The browsing is fine - as long as you're using a 3rd party app and not RIM's pathetic browser. And you get to pay extra for the pleasure of using the Bold.

I'm not going to tell anyone that a Pre is better than an iPhone. I think the iPhone is really the best thing out there right now. But if you have a problem with either AT&T or Apple, then the Pre is really the most complete device I've had my hands on. The calendar and messaging is amazing out of the box - no 3rd party apps needed. And after the update enterprise email and calendar are fantastic. The fact that this capability is native and doesn't require extra apps is a big plus after coming from Blackberry because of RIM's combination of limited application space and the Storm's tendency to leak memory like a sieve.

Plus, I'm really just enjoying owning a phone I don't have to reboot daily.

[dd214]

Yeah but the Pre OS is way better then the Storms.......

[nem0nic]

True. The Storm is an utter disaster of a phone. It shames RIM and it's carriers. The fact that it made them a quick buck at the expense of their reputation and their users is just icing on the fail-cake.

[BzB]

I don't understand why you all are so angry. The op asked for opinions on the pre and I told the truth. You guys should be thanking me for exposing how sub par the pre really is. I swear some of you are so ungrateful.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[nem0nic]

Your opinions aren't particularly well informed, and you come off like a do*che trolling these forums. Your posts carry the kind of failure only a Storm apologist can deliver.

[BzB]

i owned the phone. i'm more than qualified to comment on how bad it is. fortunately i came to my senses and didn't let the palm fanboys try to convince me it would get better, kind of like how rim tricked the storm owners.

trick me once shame on you, trick me twice shame on me. no way i'm getting tricked again. good try palm!