Making the jump to Smartphones, need some help.

[IIntrude]

Ok my wife and I are wanting to ditch our old phones. We are currently on the Alltell network. Now I am not up on the phone tech, honestly I don't like to talk on the phone much at all, but I like to do other things on them. I guess it may help to know what I am wanting out of a new phone.

Web surfing - love the handiness of checking show times, looking up phone numbers, updating the facebook, Google maps, etc on the go.

Messaging - I dont text a whole lot, basiclly because I hate my Razors keypad. But I do use MSN, AIM, and Gtalk a lot.

Email - would be nice to be able to check my work, and home emails on the phone.

Mp3 - I want a machine that can replace the Touch in my pocket.

Video and Pics - Recently took a train trip and the video on my Touch was a lifesaver. Just rented some movies from iTunes and it was great. Would like decent picture taking ability too.

I would like PDF ability if possible.

I love some of my games and apps for my Touch when it comes to music, I would want a phone with some kind of App offering potential.

Calendar and scheduling and memos - Would love to start being more organized

So here is my dilemma. I have been reading up on various phones, but I would love to here the CoG community feedback. I have read several of the threads here. Based on my needs, I would appreciate some suggestions for my wife and I. I had wanted an iPhone, but we are Alltell and I am still under contract for a while. I have a few options in mind but want to hear some more expert opinions on the topic first. With your help we may be able to go get some new phones tomorrow.

I appreciate any time and help you can offer.

[digitalErich]

I have no idea what Alltell offers in smartphones, but look up the models and then check for CNET reviews...their mobile phone reviews are pretty good, and a number of models have short video reviews. That's where I would start.

[IIntrude]

I have no idea what Alltell offers in smartphones, but look up the models and then check for CNET reviews...their mobile phone reviews are pretty good, and a number of models have short video reviews. That's where I would start.

Been there and done that Erich. I do have a few ideas in my mind based off of reviews and such. But like I said I value your guy's opinions so much more that a site like C-Net.

Alltell carries all sorts of Blackberries, Palm Treos, LGs, Motorolas, and Samsungs.

[Siraris]

I don't know what to tell you, I live in IL and I don't know a single human being with Alltell. If you can't get out of your contract, I would just wait until it's up. If you get a new phone through Alltell, you will most likely have to sign a new contract to get any kind of discount on it (if you are even eligible).

If you can switch to another carrier, I certainly have opinions for you, but if you are with Alltell and staying, then I don't know what to say.

[carnage11]

I thought AT&T bought Alltell. Are they still around?

[IIntrude]

Verizon bought Alltel, but it is still an ongoing thing I think and I don't know enough about it. Anyways it looks like we are going today and most likely will come home with a couple of new Blackberry Curve 8330s. After a lot of digging on Blackberry sites I found several Alltel reviews. Just blows my mind that no one on the site uses Alltel. But alas, I just had to do several hours of research.

[Siraris]

I love my Curve, easily the best phone I've ever had. You will love it.

And yeah, if Alltel is owned by Verizon, it's limited to CDMA, so you're limited in terms of what phones you can use.

[total]

If you don't have access to Android then I would have no issues recommending anything with WinMo 6.1. It doesn't have all the Bells and Whistles but if it is your first foray into the smartphone world you will be content.