Thinking to buy an android device...

Hi guys!

I am thinking about buying an Android device for field work. I don't need to have the latest or fastest device since my main phone will remain my BlackBerry! ;)

Here is what I need to have/do:
- Sync my gmail contacts
- Receive/manage/send e-mail (using work IMAP mail server)
- Opening PDF, Word and Excel docs
- Having Dropbox and Evernote
- Largest screen possible
- Camera
- Wifi/Bluetooth
- Ability to be network unlockable/unlocked (since I am traveling all around the world)
- NFC is not mandatory but would be really appreciated

Keep in head that field work mean: working on industrial sites... dust, vibration, oil, water and moderate hit/shock are all danger that the phone need to face.

Thanks for your help!

I recommend a Samsung Galaxy Note. It isn't the latest, most powerful device, but it does have the biggest screen. It will be the most capable older device as well as the most reliable and will be able to do all you want and much more. It does have NFC, too. Being an older device with a refreshed model on the horizon, the price will be a bit lower.

I have a Motorola Droid RAZR Maxx. It supposedly has internals that are coated for water resistance. Its a rugged build. And not the latest and greatest so the price is in the mid tier now if on contract. No NFC. But NFC has very limited use until Apple gets on board or devices get cross device NFC features in my opinion.

Plus the RAZR Maxx has a huge battery. Goes a couple of days if needed.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9930 using Tapatalk

You don't want a Galaxy Note 1 if it's the US model... That phone lags....

Sent from my Xperia T

papped.... more details would be appreciated...

The US galaxy note 1 has a weaker processor than the international version and lags in many areas, even just general UI use. The Note2 has a much better processor. A lot of phones fit your criteria though..

If you really want the largest possible screen, just get a galaxy note 2, but imo the Note series is too big in general. Otherwise there's a bunch of options in the 4.5"-4.8" screen range.

Yeah this is also my opinion about the note series... I already have a playbook to use when I don't bring my laptop, a 9810 (that I want to save because rock dust is not so good for phone).

The goal of having another phone is to spare my 9810 on the field... So I am able to take picture, send/receive SMS, call and emails.

Today I bought a really cheap Samsung Galaxy Ace that should do the job really well... Reviews seems good and the price was awesome for a work phone.

Lg nexus coming in 2 weeks. One model will be affordable since its 8gb

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I would go with the Sony Xperia series. The Xperia Go and Arco S are both water and dust resistant. IP67 and IP57 rated, respectively. These are rugged phones.

Or if you can wait, the Xperia V:

"Besides water resistance, the Xperia V carries some impressive-sounding specs, from a 13MP camera to a 4.3" HD Reality Display powered by Sony's Mobile BRAVIA Engine. Here's a full look:
Xperia� V
4.3� HD Reality Display powered by the Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 for razor sharp clarity
13 MP fast capture camera with full HD video recording.
Latest generation 1.5GHz dual core processor for improved battery life, fast performance and ultra sharp graphics
LTE for the fastest data download speeds (in markets where technology is available)
Easy connectivity with One-touch �One-touch� enabled by NFC
Clear audio+ for the highest level of sound quality
PlayStation� Certified
Android version 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Will be upgraded to Android version 4.1 (Jelly Bean) following launch. Detailed timing to follow
Highest levels of dust and water resistance in a smartphone (IP55/57+) ensure protection from the effects of immersion up to 1m for 30 minutes
MHL connectivity for viewing content on a big screen without the need for a charger
Available in Black, Pink and White colours
Launching globally Q4 2012"

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/08...ion-certified/

I have a Xperia T, no lie its pretty slick...

Sent from my Xperia T

yah I've got an outdated pro. sony's got some really nice looking phones.

Thanks twstd.reality!

I will look out what does Android look like. I am already setuped over blackberry and I won't change since it offer me so many feature and I have the chance to buy my devices straight from RIM (so no hardware/network/feature lock).

I android satisfy me for work time, I'll probably switch the ACE for an Xperia since I already know it will survive my job and will have a great camera!

Thanks for your infos!

The GS3 would appear to meet your needs as well. The Note 2 when it is available will also be a great choice for multi-tasking, content creation and consumption. I still have a 9900 for work but I almost never take it with me except to meetings and during business hours.

Originally Posted by jcp007

The GS3 would appear to meet your needs as well. The Note 2 when it is available will also be a great choice for multi-tasking, content creation and consumption. I still have a 9900 for work but I almost never take it with me except to meetings and during business hours.

Well I read about it... The only problem is that I didn't wanted to pay for an expensive phone as my first android device since it will only be my work phone... How ever if I like Android, I'll think about switching to a newer/more expensive device(Probably Sony Xperia because it is waterproof) after the coming out of BB10 devices.

I would love to be able to let my phone in my office, but since I've been promoted as Foreman, I need to take pictures of job/troubles, to be called/SMSed at anytime during my work time(sometimes even after) and sometimes getting e-mails with blueprints and tech drawing attached for on the field troubleshooting.

Blackberry is my choice when coming as phone/tablet since it is effective, have data compression, good battery life, do it's job without being too fancy and it is lot more safer than others platform when it come to data encryption(industrial secrets ;) ). The only reason why I decided to go android this time is to be prepared in case of RIM can't survive after launch of BB10. This way I'll already be ready! But to be honest I am waiting so much to see the new BB10 devices and have them in my hands (of course one for work and one for life)!

Originally Posted by Xop777

Well I read about it... The only problem is that I didn't wanted to pay for an expensive phone as my first android device since it will only be my work phone... How ever if I like Android, I'll think about switching to a newer/more expensive device(Probably Sony Xperia because it is waterproof) after the coming out of BB10 devices.

I would love to be able to let my phone in my office, but since I've been promoted as Foreman, I need to take pictures of job/troubles, to be called/SMSed at anytime during my work time(sometimes even after) and sometimes getting e-mails with blueprints and tech drawing attached for on the field troubleshooting.

Blackberry is my choice when coming as phone/tablet since it is effective, have data compression, good battery life, do it's job without being too fancy and it is lot more safer than others platform when it come to data encryption(industrial secrets ;) ). The only reason why I decided to go android this time is to be prepared in case of RIM can't survive after launch of BB10. This way I'll already be ready! But to be honest I am waiting so much to see the new BB10 devices and have them in my hands (of course one for work and one for life)!

The Ace you bought is perfect for your purposes as described. I would have recommended smaller phones like it had I understood your "largest display size" comment. The Galaxy Ace is a great choice. Pantech has an inexpensive phone called the "Flex" that is a robust and powerful phone for very little money - on contract.

Congrats on your choice. :)

Thanks Marty_LK

I'll go for the Ace and test drive android! If I like and BB10 is not what it is suposed to be, then I'll switch to a better Android phone... Is there anyway to buy Android phones unlocked from a well known place ? (I mean without passing by a carrier)

Originally Posted by Xop777

Thanks Marty_LK

I'll go for the Ace and test drive android! If I like and BB10 is not what it is suposed to be, then I'll switch to a better Android phone... Is there anyway to buy Android phones unlocked from a well known place ? (I mean without passing by a carrier)

Absolutely! You are in luck. Amazon is the premier plaace for all things mobile. And unlocked phones are plentiful there.
Amazon.com: Unlocked Phones: Cell Phones & Accessories

I'd look for a Galaxy S2. Not too old and still a very good phone in my opinion.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9780 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Marty_LK

Absolutely! You are in luck. Amazon is the premier plaace for all things mobile. And unlocked phones are plentiful there.
Amazon.com: Unlocked Phones: Cell Phones & Accessories

Yeah but the problem is that in most case those phone as been unlocked from a carrier... Since it as been bought from a carrier most of the time use you need to use that same network due to blocked/unavailable frequency on the radio chip. Most of these phones are unlocked from Rogers... Where I live there is only 3providers... and only 2 viable... Rogers (Shi**y signal since they have almost no tower in the area), Telus and Bell that use the same towers (they provide a very good coverage) and have different frequency than Rogers. When I go outside the country I need to have a fully functional radio chip to be able to use almost any network/providers depending of where I am going....

looks like you're in canada. try here: http://www.canadagsm.ca/index.php

or this one:http://www.expansys.ca/

Awesome Thanks twstd.reality :)

The Xperia T is pentaband hspa btw. I ordered mine from clove UK since it's not out in the US and I don't have to pay VAT since it's import.

Originally Posted by Xop777

Awesome Thanks twstd.reality :)

no worries. :)