Leaving at&t... I Need Some Advice

[Jake]

In a nutshell, I have this on going text messaging issue with at&t that needs to be fixed. Well I'd like to stay with at&t, but they refuse to open a trouble ticket because there is an unlocked phone on the account, even though it's not on the line with the issue. There's a lot to the story but I'd rather not get into it because at&t simply refuses to fix the problem, though they are letting me cancel without ETF's. So now that I have three GSM devices (Bold, iPhone 3G, and Nokia E71), I don't want a carrier that I can't use them on. So I'm going to be starting service with T-Mobile very soon and I'm stuck between the G1 and the Curve 8900. I know Matt has the G1 and his son has the 8900, so hopefully he can help me out. Basically, I just want to know if there's anything I should know before starting service, if Best Buy is a good place to start service (no T-Mobile stores here), etc. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Matt]

I don't know about Best Buy and T-Mobile, Jake. Best Buy here doesn't sell T-Mobile.

Since you like your Bold I think you would be best off with the 8900.

[Jake]

I don't know about Best Buy and T-Mobile, Jake. Best Buy here doesn't sell T-Mobile.

Since you like your Bold I think you would be best off with the 8900.

The 8900 seems like the "safe" choice for me, so I think I'm gonna try the G1 first and if I don't like it then I'll get the 8900. I LOVE the App Store and Android has something similar, so that's a huge deal for me. I'll probably go to Best Buy today and pick up a G1 to use side by side with iPhone to make sure T-Mobile's coverage is going to work for me before I port the numbers.

I wish at&t could fix the problem, but according to them, they've "exhausted all options."

[Matt]

I don't understand. You made it pretty clear that you didn't like the "chin" and the asymmetrical aspect of the G1. Why even consider it?

The G1 is going to seem huge next to an iPhone, but remember it does have a physical keyboard. Also, Android Market is not nearly as extensive as the App Store.

[Jake]

I don't understand. You made it pretty clear that you didn't like the "chin" and the asymmetrical aspect of the G1. Why even consider it?

The G1 is going to seem huge next to an iPhone, but remember it does have a physical keyboard. Also, Android Market is not nearly as extensive as the App Store.

Oh I do still hate the body of the G1, but Android intrigues me. I thought the Android Market was equal to the App Store... That's probably going to be a deal breaker. I'll still check it out when I go to Best Buy, but I'll probably end up with the 8900. Thanks again, Matt.

One more thing that I've been searching for but I've found several different answers... Does G1 have on screen keyboard yet? I know that Cupcake isn't out yet, but is there one available in the Android Market?

[Matt]

There are a few in the Android Market.

Give me a second and I will post some screenshots of the ChompSMS on screen keyboard which I think will look familiar.

Android Market is like the App Store, but not as many apps yet.

[Jake]

Thanks!

[Matt]

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh236/MattPDX/chomp.png

and in Landscape

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh236/MattPDX/chomp2.png

That is only there for email and sms. Browser (for now) still needs the hardware keyboard.

[Jake]

Awesome!!! Thank You, Matt.

The software keyboard is a huge deal to me for texting because I want to be able to fire off a quick SMS without needing to open the device. For email I would probably use the hardware keyboard, but it's definitely nice to have that option.

[Matt]

Yeah ChompSMS is a free download and they are always making improvements.

You can check at www.chompsms.com

[jschu22]

This is of course my opinion, but the 8900 is a joke compared to the Bold. And one I don't think you will find to be particularly funny.

It's too bad you're leaving, especially with iPhone 3.0 coming up soon.

[rilharri]

Hey Matt, will tmobile support unlocked phones ?

That might be a good question jake

[Dave B.]

Hey Jake, why don't you just sign up with t-mobile and then unlock your iPhone to use on the t-mobile network? Maybe I'm wrong but I was pretty certain the newest software has been broken by the iPhone dev team for use on other networks

[Quill]

He could use unlocked phones on T Mobile but I bet Jake is picking a carrier branded phone since he is probably going to sign a contract. Might as well get a phone if you have to sign a contract ... unless T Mobile offers no-contract service on post-paid plans. That's something I don't know.

Good luck Jake. Sorry you're not getting your issues resolved.

Quick question, though: have you only talked to them on the phone? I find that online tech support is much more capable when trying to resolve an issue like you're having with at&t.

[Matt]

This is of course my opinion, but the 8900 is a joke compared to the Bold.

I am curious as to why you think that. The screen is only mildly smaller but with a better resolution. Strong processor as well.

If you mean because it lacks 3G, okay I will give you that. It does however have UMA and Jake doesn't live in a 3G area anyway.

[Dave B.]

He could use unlocked phones on T Mobile but I bet Jake is picking a carrier branded phone since he is probably going to sign a contract. Might as well get a phone if you have to sign a contract ... unless T Mobile offers no-contract service on post-paid plans. That's something I don't know.

Good luck Jake. Sorry you're not getting your issues resolved.

Quick question, though: have you only talked to them on the phone? I find that online tech support is much more capable when trying to resolve an issue like you're having with at&t.

Yea, for some reason I'm thinking that t-mobile does offer no-contract service but now that I think about it I could be wrong. But yea, great point. If you're gonna get a discount while signing the contract, why not?
Personally if I were you Jake, I'd stick with the Blackberry. I don't wanna say that you would be disappointed by the G1 coming from the iPhone, cause the G1 is a great phone, but it's just not the same (to me). Maybe it's just cause I'm so used to the iPhone that I couldn't get a great feel for the G1 but like I said, it's still a great phone.

I guess if you want something that is strictly proven for great functionality than get the Blackberry but if you want something that's good with functionality (probably not as great as a Blackberry) AND want a phone with some 'wow' factor that you don't see many people holding, grab the G1.

That's just my opinion though!

[Jake]

This is of course my opinion, but the 8900 is a joke compared to the Bold. And one I don't think you will find to be particularly funny.

It's too bad you're leaving, especially with iPhone 3.0 coming up soon.

I used the Curve 8900 extensively today and while I definitely don't consider it a joke when compared to the Bold, it did have a very different overall feel in regards to the software. There is something about the Curve that just feels like it's geared far more toward the general consumer (which it obviously is), but it lacked the professional feel. Don't get me wrong, it's a great little device, but it just isn't for me. My Bold is my professional powerhouse and my iPhone is the most fun device on the market, so I've been searching for a happy medium, and I think that might just be the G1.

Hey Jake, why don't you just sign up with t-mobile and then unlock your iPhone to use on the t-mobile network? Maybe I'm wrong but I was pretty certain the newest software has been broken by the iPhone dev team for use on other networks

I'm definitely going to. I'm going to unlock my iPhone within the next couple days, but I'm absolutely going to keep it. It isn't being replaced.

He could use unlocked phones on T Mobile but I bet Jake is picking a carrier branded phone since he is probably going to sign a contract. Might as well get a phone if you have to sign a contract ... unless T Mobile offers no-contract service on post-paid plans. That's something I don't know.

Good luck Jake. Sorry you're not getting your issues resolved.

Quick question, though: have you only talked to them on the phone? I find that online tech support is much more capable when trying to resolve an issue like you're having with at&t.

I'm sorry too, because I was truly very happy with at&t. It was just one of those things that was so frustrating on both ends because nothing either of us did fixed anything. At first, at&t was being extremely difficult about the situation, but I'm happy with the resolution. Obviously, I still wish that at&t would've been able to fix the problem so I could stay, but that just didn't happen.

And yes, I did talk to online technical support as well. I actually had 14 calls total regarding the issue, which is a bit ridiculous because nothing should ever take that many calls. Unfortunately, it took a while to get a rep who could credit such a large amount (about $400). The final call was this morning, which I had to wait for before I could port the numbers (which I did this afternoon). The lady I spoke to ultimately made the decision on what exactly to credit and identified herself as a "representative of the at&t Presidential Office."

Yea, for some reason I'm thinking that t-mobile does offer no-contract service but now that I think about it I could be wrong. But yea, great point. If you're gonna get a discount while signing the contract, why not?
Personally if I were you Jake, I'd stick with the Blackberry. I don't wanna say that you would be disappointed by the G1 coming from the iPhone, cause the G1 is a great phone, but it's just not the same (to me). Maybe it's just cause I'm so used to the iPhone that I couldn't get a great feel for the G1 but like I said, it's still a great phone.

I guess if you want something that is strictly proven for great functionality than get the Blackberry but if you want something that's good with functionality (probably not as great as a Blackberry) AND want a phone with some 'wow' factor that you don't see many people holding, grab the G1.

That's just my opinion though!

I haven't had my G1 long enough to give a definitive opinion, but I'm pleasantly surprised. It really isn't nearly as big as it seems, but it also isn't as sleek or as compact as iPhone. The way it feels in the hand, though, simply can't be beat. So far, the software is smooth and blazing fast, the screen is right up there with iPhone, the camera is great, call quality is very good, and the keyboard works quite well. So while I can't say with much certainty because I've had it for such a limited amount of time, the G1 is actually a very impressive device. Plus, I got the white version, which automatically makes it gorgeous.

[Aurakles]

This is of course my opinion, but the 8900 is a joke compared to the Bold.
Outside of 3G, exactly what makes the 8900 worse than the Bold?

[King_Tee]

I used the Curve 8900 extensively today and while I definitely don't consider it a joke when compared to the Bold, it did have a very different overall feel in regards to the software. There is something about the Curve that just feels like it's geared far more toward the general consumer (which it obviously is), but it lacked the professional feel. Don't get me wrong, it's a great little device, but it just isn't for me. My Bold is my professional powerhouse and my iPhone is the most fun device on the market, so I've been searching for a happy medium, and I think that might just be the G1.



I'm definitely going to. I'm going to unlock my iPhone within the next couple days, but I'm absolutely going to keep it. It isn't being replaced.



I'm sorry too, because I was truly very happy with at&t. It was just one of those things that was so frustrating on both ends because nothing either of us did fixed anything. At first, at&t was being extremely difficult about the situation, but I'm happy with the resolution. Obviously, I still wish that at&t would've been able to fix the problem so I could stay, but that just didn't happen.

And yes, I did talk to online technical support as well. I actually had 14 calls total regarding the issue, which is a bit ridiculous because nothing should ever take that many calls. Unfortunately, it took a while to get a rep who could credit such a large amount (about $400). The final call was this morning, which I had to wait for before I could port the numbers (which I did this afternoon). The lady I spoke to ultimately made the decision on what exactly to credit and identified herself as a "representative of the at&t Presidential Office."



I haven't had my G1 long enough to give a definitive opinion, but I'm pleasantly surprised. It really isn't nearly as big as it seems, but it also isn't as sleek or as compact as iPhone. The way it feels in the hand, though, simply can't be beat. So far, the software is smooth and blazing fast, the screen is right up there with iPhone, the camera is great, call quality is very good, and the keyboard works quite well. So while I can't say with much certainty because I've had it for such a limited amount of time, the G1 is actually a very impressive device. Plus, I got the white version, which automatically makes it gorgeous.

Jake head on over here http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=446 If you want to learn how to pimp out your G1. I had mines rooted 2 hours after i bought it.

[Quill]

I finally played with a G1 about a month ago and it's the only device with a touch screen that even compares to the iPhone's and the only OS I like as much as BB and iPhone. So I am not surprised you went with that Jake. Have fun with it. :)

Let me know if you ever want to sell the Nokia. ;) LOL

[Matt]

Rooting the G1 isn't all it's cracked up to be.

[Jake]

Jake head on over here http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=446 If you want to learn how to pimp out your G1. I had mines rooted 2 hours after i bought it.

Thanks, I'll check out the site.

I finally played with a G1 about a month ago and it's the only device with a touch screen that even compares to the iPhone's and the only OS I like as much as BB and iPhone. So I am not surprised you went with that Jake. Have fun with it. :)

Let me know if you ever want to sell the Nokia. ;) LOL

Yeah, it surprised me as well. For some reason I thought the G1 would feel more like beta software and that it wouldn't be as robust as it is, but I was very wrong.

And I'll let you know about the Nokia. Anthony was using it but he got a Sidekick yesterday, which he likes, but he loves my G1, so I think when I go back to Best Buy I'm gonna buy him a black G1 (because it needs to be a different color for us to tell them apart). That being said, I doubt that he'll use the Nokia anymore once he gets the G1, so we'll probably sell it. And if we do decide to sell, you'll be the first to know.

Rooting the G1 isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Yeah, I don't plan on rooting it. Coming from an iPhone, the G1 feels like it has no restrictions what so ever. :lol:

[jschu22]

Why I consider the 8900 a joke compared to the Bold? Again this is my opinion but it's because other than the screen quality (which is only slightly better really, at least in my opinion), the 8900 doesn't do anything better than the Bold. I know many wont consider this to be a "joke" but for a newer device I expect more. Even taking into account the lack of 3G, I found it to lag more often, which was very disappointing. Additionally, the Bold is also arguably the best RIM handset from a hardware perspective which is a shame because I did like the size of the 8900. Flimsy plastic battery door? Ugh.

When it comes down to it, my feelings about the 8900 are my fault because I expected more out of it being the latest Blackberry, instead of what I should have thought- that it is intended for the masses and not the more critical high-end user.

[Jake]

When it comes down to it, my feelings about the 8900 are my fault because I expected more out of it being the latest Blackberry, instead of what I should have thought- that it is intended for the masses and not the more critical high-end user.

That's exactly what I was trying to say but couldn't find the words. The 8900 is a fantastic consumer device, but it's just that, a consumer device. In a BlackBerry, I need something more powerful, which I why I stuck with the Bold and chose not to opt for the 8900.

[Jake]

As with all my device-related threads, I have lots of pictures to share! :D

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/JakesPhonePics/G1%20Pictures/100_0481.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/JakesPhonePics/G1%20Pictures/100_0483.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/JakesPhonePics/G1%20Pictures/100_0512.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/JakesPhonePics/G1%20Pictures/100_0516.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/JakesPhonePics/G1%20Pictures/100_0517.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/JakesPhonePics/G1%20Pictures/100_0518.jpg

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/JakesPhonePics/G1%20Pictures/100_0531.jpg

[Matt]

Make sure to visit http://androidcommunity.com/

[Jake]

Make sure to visit http://androidcommunity.com/

Thanks! I already joined Android Central and there wasn't much information, unfortunately, so I was looking for something better. I just joined Android Community and it seems to have a lot more content, so I joined there as well and cited you as my referrer.

Also, Matt, what color is your G1? Black?

[Matt]

Yes black. White wasn't available for pre-order.

[Jake]

Yes black. White wasn't available for pre-order.

Oh that's right, was brown available at launch as well? And do you like the white version better?

[Matt]

The bronze was yeah. I actually like the UK white version that is all white.

[Jake]

The bronze was yeah. I actually like the UK white version that is all white.

I'd love an all white version too, but only if the back of the device was soft-touch. Are all the G1 colors soft-touch on the back?

[Matt]

Not the UK versions.

[Jake]

Not the UK versions.

Oh, that sucks.

Are you familiar with the "Open Home" application? It looks very appealing but before I bought it I wanted to get your take on it.

[Matt]

I don't know about Open Home. I chose aHome. I know there are several themes for Open Home.

Also, you can go here http://www.cyrket.com/ to view all the apps on your computer.

[Jake]

I don't know about Open Home. I chose aHome. I know there are several themes for Open Home.

Also, you can go here http://www.cyrket.com/ to view all the apps on your computer.

Thanks! That's really helpful (and saves battery life).

I downloaded Open Home lite but I think I'm going go ahead and get the full version.

[Jake]

Also, Matt, is there an easy way to take screenshots?

[Matt]

Not really an easy way. You need a rooted phone or do it thru the sdk.

I can't explain that in text. Give me a call on a different phone and I will walk you thru it. It is easy but hard to explain.

[Jake]

Wirelessly posted (Jake's Phone: Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 1.1; en-us; dream) AppleWebKit/525.10+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0.4 Mobile Safari/523.12.2)

Not really an easy way. You need a rooted phone or do it thru the sdk.

I can't explain that in text. Give me a call on a different phone and I will walk you thru it. It is easy but hard to explain.

K, thank you. I'll text you before I call to make sure you're available.

[Jake]

Initially, I had planned on unlocking my iPhone to use on T-Mobile, but now I don't think I'm going to. My G1 is the only device I've had that feels like it can replace my iPhone. I'm not crazy about the hardware and I'm never going to be, but Android is simply brilliant. I never expected to enjoy it as much as I do.

[MizzBBri]

Well now, I'm a little upset with you Jake! You went to the dark side! LOL Just kidding, I was looking @ it myself...but only because my phone was stolen (I got a new one of course) but now I was just looking for nice back up devices...not having a phone for three days period was brutal...alas, that's what happens when you sell all your devices.

What do you think of T-Mobile so far?

[Jake]

Wirelessly posted (Jake's Phone: Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 1.1; en-us; dream) AppleWebKit/525.10+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0.4 Mobile Safari/523.12.2)

Well now, I'm a little upset with you Jake! You went to the dark side! LOL Just kidding, I was looking @ it myself...but only because my phone was stolen (I got a new one of course) but now I was just looking for nice back up devices...not having a phone for three days period was brutal...alas, that's what happens when you sell all your devices.

What do you think of T-Mobile so far?

T-Mobile is a truly remarkable carrier. I liked AT&T a lot, but customer service doesn't even begin to compare. T-Mobile's CS feels more like an actual person, not a robot. Coverage isn't as good as AT&T, but it works where I need it to. Overall, I'm extremely happy. The G1 is also fantastic and the first device I can put in the same league as iPhone.

[Jake]

Wirelessly posted (Jake's Phone: Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 1.0; en-us; dream) AppleWebKit/525.10+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0.4 Mobile Safari/523.12.2)

I'm going to miss my G1. While it was a great device, it didn't quite fit my needs. I had to charge it usually three times per day, a reset or two, and several "force quit" error messages. Android is an amazing OS and I think it'll do really well, but I'm not sure that it's ready for primetime. With such a tight schedule and loads of medical information, the stability wasn't quite there just yet. One thing that surprised me about the G1 is that the organizer wasn't even as robust as iPhone. Android is marketed as being completely open and not locked down, but that's a double edged sword because it doesn't have enough standard applications (like something as simple as a video player). So once the Market is built out further, Android will be absolutely incredible, but until then, it just won't work for me. So that leaves me needing a new phone to go along with my contract, but the only other device I like on T-Mobile is the Curve 8900, so that's what I picked up. It's insanely small and seems to do it's job pretty well, though I don't know whether it'l be my main phone yet or just a spare.

[DJRider]

Jake You have been a gypsy lately. lol You have to find a home again for your cell phones!

[Jake]

Wirelessly posted (Jake's Phone: BlackBerry8900/4.6.1.114 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

Jake You have been a gypsy lately. lol You have to find a home again for your cell phones!

I can't help it! :lol: I think a big mistake of mine going into my G1 purchase was that I expected to it replace my iPhone, but oddly enough, my Curve II is a much better replacement, even without the great touchscreen. I'm able to use my Curve as a fantastic multimedia player while still effortlessly taking down the more professional tasks.

[GoldenBlaze]

Wirelessly posted (Jake's Phone: Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 1.1; en-us; dream) AppleWebKit/525.10+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0.4 Mobile Safari/523.12.2)



T-Mobile is a truly remarkable carrier. I liked AT&T a lot, but customer service doesn't even begin to compare. T-Mobile's CS feels more like an actual person, not a robot. Coverage isn't as good as AT&T, but it works where I need it to. Overall, I'm extremely happy. The G1 is also fantastic and the first device I can put in the same league as iPhone.

If T-Mobile had better reception at my house, I would still be with them. Their CS is the BEST!!! Noone other carrier can compare to how outstanding they are. If they had more towers I would have never left them. I'm glad you are enjoying the T-Mobile experience as I did years ago.

[Jake]

Wirelessly posted (Jake's Phone: BlackBerry8900/4.6.1.114 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

The Curve 8900 has an AMAZING camera, here are two pictures I took with it. I'm posting this from my Curve, so hopefully no quality is lost.

http://mob266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/JakesPhonePics/IMG00029-20090330-1206640.jpg

http://mob266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/JakesPhonePics/IMG00024-20090329-1458640.jpg

[Matt]

I think the quality was lost thanks to the forum software. The camera on the 8900 is great. I wouldn't say amazing, but above par is easy to say.

[Jake]

Wirelessly posted (Jake's Phone: BlackBerry8900/4.6.1.114 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

I think the quality was lost thanks to the forum software. The camera on the 8900 is great. I wouldn't say amazing, but above par is easy to say.

That sucks. I agree though, amazing was a bit much, but it's certainly a great camera by any standard. It excited me more because it's the first BlackBerry with such a good camera. The G1 camera dissappointed me a little bit, but there was an app from the Market (called Photo Snap I believe, though I'm not 100% about the name) that made a world of difference in terms of quality. It surprised me that software alone had such an impact.

[Matt]

Oh the camera on the G1 is awful! I have been the first to say. SnapPhoto helps a great deal but still.

HTC just doesn't do good cams.

[Jake]

Here's a larger version of the picture.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/JakesPhonePics/IMG00024-20090329-1458.jpg