SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com> writes:

> Robert A. Fink, M. D. wrote:
>
>> 4. The Apple iPhone appears to be a nice piece of equipment, but it
>> has several shortcomings, including having to work through iTunes,
>> battery replacement problems, a "mediocre" phone (by report), not
>> compatible with 3G service (I use ATT's Laptop Connect service); and
>> it remains relatively pricey.
>
> The iPhone is actually not all that pricey, but it's limited in
> functionality. Definitely wait for the new 3G model if going with the
> iPhone.
>
> The best choice is the HTC Tilt 8925 / TyTN II (Kaiser). This is far
> more fully featured than the iPhone, with 3G, voice-dialing, GPS, and
> a better OS. It's about the same price as the iPhone because you get a
> discount for a contract renewal.


I have the 8925 Tilt and use it primarily for travelling on
business. It is Windows Mobile 6 based. The data rates are
outstanding, people I talk to on the speakerphone report that it
sounds outstanding (though the weenie speaker is prone to distortion
on the listening end). On the downside, the camera sucks, and
it's a touch screen PDA first, and a phone second with all the
attendant user interface issues.

As for using it was a PDA, it includes outlook and does that
brilliantly. I've yet to pay for the software to convert over my Palm
Desktop datebook into Outlook so it can sync to it, but I'm getting
ready to as I start to use the phone more. Integrated GPS + Google
Maps makes the Tilt a lot of fun.

Being able to run wififofum on the Tilt and look for wireless access
points, and log their GPS location is kinda novel. War driving in a
calculator, if you're so inclined.


BUT, when I'm at home, I much prefer to carry my Motorola Krzr instead
of the Tilt just because the size difference, and I prefer to have an
exposed keyboard on the phone and not have to slide or deal with a
touch screen for dialing and hanging up, etc.

The iPhone which I've also used is a far more satisfying interactive
experience verus the Tilt with the speed of the display and
responsiveness, and such, but its apalling lack of HSDPA data support
makes it pretty worthless for tethering. Once the iPhone has
integrated GPS and 3G data support though, the Tilt will feel like an
also ran.

If my company forces the BlackBerry Curve on me, I won't be too
upset. I like its keyboard versus the Tilt in that you dont' have to
Tilt it to get at it, but obviously the BlackBerry isn't nearly as
flexible a device, lacks GPS, doesn't have an 802.11 radio in it,
isn't as open a software platform, etc.


--
Todd H.
http://toddh.net/