Please help clarify a question I have so I can choose a cell phone...

[Guest kavabuggy]

So, I've read of all the posted comments, over a period of several hours, and I just had a question. Before posting it, however, I would first like to give a little background on my interests and whatnot when it comes to mobile devices, in case it makes it easier for you to give me an answer. I apologize ahead of time if it irritates or offends anyone...

I'm a TMobile customer, and have been since they were VoiceStream here in the States. Unfortunately, I think I'm stuck with them until I die, therefore, I'd prefer to not be told "switch to Verizon/AT&T, etc." If you're with them, great. I don't want to start a debate on which cell phone company is the best.

Anyway, I had a Nokia 5300, but felt that it was time to upgrade to a phone for grown-ups. I'm 29, a grad student, currently a reading tutor working on my thesis, and am looking to get a "real job" this summer after I graduate. Although I don't see myself being part of a coporation or even working in an office, I would like to be able to send and receive emails, and I consider myself to be an avid user of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

I bought a Sidekick LX on Saturday, only to have buyer's remorse the following day after realizing the LX was regarded in the online and tech world as a kid's phone. I don't use Myspace, nor do I use Facebook. What's important to me is sending texts, calling people, sending/checking emails, being able to browse the internet when I need to, and being able to personalize the phone (my songs as ringtones, personal pictures as wallpaper, etc.). The latter is something that can't be done on the LX, and it really is the driving force behind my reconsideration of the device.

At a TMobile Store on Monday, I saw the TMobile Wing and Dash, and wondered if either were a better choice than the LX. I'm still within the 14 day return window, so I've been trying to gather as much information as I can to make a final decision about what phone to get. I asked the salesperson what, in his opinion, was a better choice: the LX, a TMobile Wing, or a TMobile Dash? He suggested the Wing or the Dash, and his quick reasoning behind this suggestion (before he took the next customer) was because it ran Windows applications on it.

After reading the posts here and the posts at several websites and other forums, my head is spinning. The only reason why I would consider keeping the LX is because the data plan is affordable for me at approximately $20 a month (and includes unlimited texts, emails, and web browsing), and I don't think I could personally justify paying $30 for a data plan for the Dash, plus another couple of bucks for a texting plan, resulting in $32-35 just to use the phone.

Before getting the LX and the required Sidekick Unlimited plan, I had a text messaging plan that was 500 texts for $3, but has now been taken off my account, as texts now fall under the SK Unlimited plan. Provided that TMobile would let me get that $3 text plan back, and I could get the $6 Tmobile Web plan, would it be correct to assume that I could use this phone with my current voice plan, be able to only pay an additional $9-10 for extra services like internet and texting? I have a 1000 min Family Share Plan, so any way to same money would be great. Also, I think the EDGE network is slow, and I have a router at my house. I would more than likely surf the web on my laptop or desktop, but sometimes someone is occupying the desktop, and I just wouldn't feel like walking upstairs to use my laptop. I carry my phone everywhere, so for quick things, I could use the wifi.

Sorry for such a long post. I would greatly appreciate any responses to my inquiry.

Thanks,

--Trina

[Guest Neil5459]

Hi Trina- as I'm in UK, I may not be much help, but can give general guidance.

From your wilst, you really need a Windows Mobile 6 Professional device, these have mobile versions on Word, Excel and Powerpoint; WM6 Standard has the ability to read, but not easily edit those files.

In your list, the Wings is the one to go for- WM6 Pro and Touchscreen plus WiFi and a hardware keyboard that slides out. The dash is WM6 Standard and is much more limited, though lighter; still streets ahead of the Sidekick though.

T-Mo in US is still well behind Europe when it comes to Windows Mobile phones- you can only hope they release the HTC Touch or Tough Dual son, either of which would suit you well.

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

I would go in a store and give both the Dash and the Wing a good try.

They are both good devices, so it's hard to choose which one to go for. How do you feel about a touchscreen? If you don't want one the Dash is the clear winner, if you do, the Wing. If you're not overly bothered either way, it's down to other factors - size etc.

The Wing, being Pocket PC, is more flexible from a software perspective, but the Dash is probably the more critically acclaimed device, it has great battery life and a great size.

Ah - decisions decisions. Let us know what you choose!

P