New CellPhone Shopping

[NightTrainLayne]

I need help. I am currently eligible for upgraded pricing through Verizon for a new phone, but I have been since December, and have not really been interested in switching phones.

I've been very please with my current HTC Thunderbolt 4GLTE, and really didn't see enough of a difference in anything else to justify switching. . .the newer phones don't do much that the Thunderbolt didn't do very well.

That is until Verizon "upgraded" the software on the phone, and now it is maddeningly slow. I just want to throw it across the room sometimes. Verizon can't explain why the software upgrade should slow it down (I don't see that it should, the TBolt has plenty of computing power, and was one of the faster phones when it came out), but now it simply is slow, and it's frustrating to use.

So. .. I'm not sure I really want to do another 2 year contract, just in order to keep my options open. I like Verizon, and have never had a problem with them, but I also currently have unlimited data etc., and I have heard that if I re-up on a new 2 year contract that they will not give me that option any longer.

So my question is three-fold.

1. Which phone(s) should I be looking at? Currently it would appear that the Samsung Galaxy SIII is the best one out there.

2. Where do I purchase said phone without having to update a contract? Any pitfalls to look out for when doing this?

3. Or am I better off just doing another 2 year contract.

[Rex]

I have AT&T, they will sell you a phone without a new contract but you pay full price. So for an Iphone it would be about $600 plus. How much data can you purchase with the difference in price over 2 years?

[BroncoWave]

You can always look for phones on Amazon and Ebay if you don't want to get locked into another 2 year contract. My girlfriend got a really good deal on an HTC Evo on Ebay.

If you don't mind the two year contract though phones are almost always cheaper that way. I don't really know what to recommend specifically but it does seem you are right that the Galaxy S3 is the best one out there right now.

Personally I don't like phones that big as they are a hassle to get in and out of your pocket, but I don't know how you feel about that.

[NightTerror218]

I need help. I am currently eligible for upgraded pricing through Verizon for a new phone, but I have been since December, and have not really been interested in switching phones.

I've been very please with my current HTC Thunderbolt 4GLTE, and really didn't see enough of a difference in anything else to justify switching. . .the newer phones don't do much that the Thunderbolt didn't do very well.

That is until Verizon "upgraded" the software on the phone, and now it is maddeningly slow. I just want to throw it across the room sometimes. Verizon can't explain why the software upgrade should slow it down (I don't see that it should, the TBolt has plenty of computing power, and was one of the faster phones when it came out), but now it simply is slow, and it's frustrating to use.

So. .. I'm not sure I really want to do another 2 year contract, just in order to keep my options open. I like Verizon, and have never had a problem with them, but I also currently have unlimited data etc., and I have heard that if I re-up on a new 2 year contract that they will not give me that option any longer.

So my question is three-fold.

1. Which phone(s) should I be looking at? Currently it would appear that the Samsung Galaxy SIII is the best one out there.

2. Where do I purchase said phone without having to update a contract? Any pitfalls to look out for when doing this?

3. Or am I better off just doing another 2 year contract.

I have heard there is new a Nexus phone coming out soon. These have been highly rated from what I have heard.

[NightTrainLayne]

I have AT&T, they will sell you a phone without a new contract but you pay full price. So for an Iphone it would be about $600 plus. How much data can you purchase with the difference in price over 2 years?

It's not unusual for me to use 3-4 Gigabytes of data in a month.

The new options are 2 GB - $30/month (I pay $29.99/month now for unlimited) or 5 GB $50/month. So, $20/month over two years is $240, but I'd be giving up the unlimited data forever, not just 2 years.

[shank]

i pay 30/month for unlimited too, since i got in early. just waiting for them to loophole me into paying out the ass.

the galaxy s4 is coming out in like april. i'm eligible for upgrade, but am planning on waiting for that to come out i think. haven't researched a lot, but everyone with the sIII loves em that i know and i am not desperate, so i'll wait for the s4.

[NightTerror218]

i pay 30/month for unlimited too, since i got in early. just waiting for them to loophole me into paying out the ass.

the galaxy s4 is coming out in like april. i'm eligible for upgrade, but am planning on waiting for that to come out i think. haven't researched a lot, but everyone with the sIII loves em that i know and i am not desperate, so i'll wait for the s4.

I am on Verizon and I have the Commado. My 2 yr contract ends in May and I am going to look into S4 or possible Nexus 5 (by HTC) could be out. Rumor is Nexus 5 is the next flag ship for google.

[Buff]

If you currently have unlimited data through Verizon then you are grandfathered in and any new contract won't change that (unless they changed their policy from the last time I renewed).

[NightTerror218]

If you currently have unlimited data through Verizon then you are grandfathered in and any new contract won't change that.

Nope. new contract means you lose the unlimited data plan. My wife just went through this about 2 months ago. Her phone literally died so she had no choice. She had to upgrade and lost unlimited data.

[Davii]

Wait a couple weeks NTL. The Samsung Galaxy SIV Is almost out. That means the SIII is about to be CHEAP.

[Buff]

Nope. new contract means you lose the unlimited data plan. My wife just went through this about 2 months ago. Her phone literally died so she had no choice. She had to upgrade and lost unlimited data.

When did that change? I renewed in the summer of 2011 and they told me I'm grandfathered in as long as I'm with Verizon.

[BroncoWave]

When did that change? I renewed in the summer of 2011 and they told me I'm grandfathered in as long as I'm with Verizon.

You are only grandfathered in for as long as you have your current phone. Once you switch phones you lose unlimited data. Same happened to me when I recently switched phones.

[NightTerror218]

When did that change? I renewed in the summer of 2011 and they told me I'm grandfathered in as long as I'm with Verizon.

My wife got a new phone in December, we specifically asked about that. She had unlimited and was grandfathered in as long as she had that phone. But getting a new contract made her get knocked off to the 2GB a month. We figured that was a going to happen, good thing she does not use her phone that much for data.

[Buff]

My wife got a new phone in December, we specifically asked about that. She had unlimited and was grandfathered in as long as she had that phone. But getting a new contract made her get knocked off to the 2GB a month. We figured that was a going to happen, good thing she does not use her phone that much for data.

But I got a new phone, and a new contract, and I retained unlimited data. So I'm just wondering if they completely reversed their policy or if I'm missing something.

[BroncoWave]

But I got a new phone, and a new contract, and I retained unlimited data. So I'm just wondering if they completely reversed their policy or if I'm missing something.

In 2011 they still had unlimited data for first time customers. I know because I was a first time customer in 2011 and got an iPhone with unlimited data. I think they were telling you would be grandfathered in as long as you were on the plan you signed in 2011.

[Davii]

But I got a new phone, and a new contract, and I retained unlimited data. So I'm just wondering if they completely reversed their policy or if I'm missing something.

I believe the change happened late summer 2012. My sister in law got a new phone in August and got taken off the unlimited data, my father in law did the same in late May but retained unlimited.

[gnomeflinger]

If you currently have unlimited data through Verizon then you are grandfathered in and any new contract won't change that (unless they changed their policy from the last time I renewed).

This is the only reason I stay with AT&T. I've renewed my contract twice (been a customer since 2009), upgraded my phone a month ago, and have kept my unlimited data plan.

[Davii]

This is the only reason I stay with AT&T. I've renewed my contract twice (been a customer since 2009), upgraded my phone a month ago, and have kept my unlimited data plan.

Interesting how some people keep it and others don't. I'll stick with Sprint, at least I never worry about my data rates...

[Buff]

This is all very troubling to me. I've been with Verizon since 2000, and when I got a new phone/2-year contract in July 2011 they told me I'd be grandfathered in with unlimited data for as long as I'm with Verizon.

I'm due for a new phone in July - I guess I'll have to shop around if I'm not getting my data.

[BroncoWave]

This is all very troubling to me. I've been with Verizon since 2000, and when I got a new phone/2-year contract in July 2011 they told me I'd be grandfathered in with unlimited data for as long as I'm with Verizon.

I'm due for a new phone in July - I guess I'll have to shop around if I'm not getting my data.

It sounds like either A) The Verizon rep talking to you was misinformed, B) Verizon changed the policy of grandfathering people in, or C) You misunderstood what they said.

It's possible your Verizon rep was trying to tell you in 2011 you'd be grandfathered in only as long as you were using that phone, and either explained it poorly or you misheard.

I have a hard time believing they would promise that you'd be permanently grandfathered in and then go back on that.

[Thnikkaman]

Sounds like I made the right decision switching to Sprint.

[slim]

but I also currently have unlimited data etc., and I have heard that if I re-up on a new 2 year contract that they will not give me that option any longer.


I don't think this is true.

[BroncoWave]

I don't think this is true.

It is true. I have been with Verizon for a couple of years with unlimited data and when I switched phones last month I no longer had the option of unlimited data.

[BeefStew25]

You also said you had a girlfriend, so I will take all that with a grain of salt.

[MOtorboat]

I'm have an Android 2.0 from 2008, and I'm going to use it until it dies, because of Verizon's policy now on unlimited data, or lack thereof.

[BroncoWave]

You also said you had a girlfriend, so I will take all that with a grain of salt.

Good thing I don't give even the slightest shit whether you believe me or not!

[slim]

Well shit....I guess I better take care of my phone.

[BeefStew25]

guys get a Iphone4S! OMG! Where is a penis!

[Softskull]

So NTL, I've been running the Verizon Galaxy III for awhile. I've had strangely no issues. Fast downloads, virtually never drops coverage (although it will drop down to 3G in low density locations) plenty of battery life.

Im sure things will change five minutes after this post.

[Pudge]

Interesting how some people keep it and others don't. I'll stick with Sprint, at least I never worry about my data rates...

I loved sprint until I moved to North Dakota. I couldn't do anything except make phone calls here

[Davii]

So NTL, I've been running the Verizon Galaxy III for awhile. I've had strangely no issues. Fast downloads, virtually never drops coverage (although it will drop down to 3G in low density locations) plenty of battery life.

Im sure things will change five minutes after this post.

Regardless of carrier, the Galaxy SIII is the best phone on the market, I love it. Samsung is whooping Apple right now.

[Timmy!]

I have a now 15 month old moto razr and i still love it (it was the very first of the 4g razrs). Its fast, uber thin, and has a gorilla glass screen and Kevlar weave back. Tough as hell, only phone ive never gotten a case for. My best friend who works on the rigs and kills phones broke two iphone 3s before he took my advice and got a razr, that was a year ago. Only issue is battery life is a bit weak but i understand that issue has been addressed. Id highly recommend the newest version, and i have verizon. All that said, galaxy s's are very nice too.

[BroncoJoe]

3-4 GB per month? Don't you have WiFi at your office? How in the world do you use so much data?

[CoachChaz]

S3 is a monster. The S4 is coming out soon, but the upgrades from the S3 to the S4 are minimal at best. If you're interested talking to your phone on a regular basis, then go for it. The S-Voice feature (similar to iPhone's Siri) is the only major enhancement. That and a 13 megapixel camera. Personally, I dont know if that would be enough to make me pay the difference in cost, so I'd go with the S3. My wife has one and she loves it. Personally, I use the Note 2. It's a huge phone, but it has features that I like and it prevents me from needing a phone and a tablet.

[BeefStew25]

I use about 5 gigs a month. I use mine as a hotspot though. And stream A TON of boi on boi porn.

[Davii]

S3 is a monster. The S4 is coming out soon, but the upgrades from the S3 to the S4 are minimal at best. If you're interested talking to your phone on a regular basis, then go for it. The S-Voice feature (similar to iPhone's Siri) is the only major enhancement. That and a 13 megapixel camera. Personally, I dont know if that would be enough to make me pay the difference in cost, so I'd go with the S3. My wife has one and she loves it. Personally, I use the Note 2. It's a huge phone, but it has features that I like and it prevents me from needing a phone and a tablet.

The III has Svoice. Nobody really knows what the IV will do yet, it's all speculation, but most seem to think it's a robust hardware upgrade (powerhouse chip set), higher resolution, and more advanced motion items.

I will upgrade, but not for a long time, the III is amazing and I have no need for more right now.

[CoachChaz]

The III has Svoice. Nobody really knows what the IV will do yet, it's all speculation, but most seem to think it's a robust hardware upgrade (powerhouse chip set), higher resolution, and more advanced motion items.

I will upgrade, but not for a long time, the III is amazing and I have no need for more right now.

Yes, but the S-voice on the current handsets is really weak. It's pretty much the only thing that was criticized in reviews, so Samsung made the comment that it woulkd be enhanced in newer phones.

[Davii]

Yes, but the S-voice on the current handsets is really weak. It's pretty much the only thing that was criticized in reviews, so Samsung made the comment that it woulkd be enhanced in newer phones.

I haven't used it to be honest. Google Now however, THAT is a bad ass tool. Even if Svoice were more robust Google Now has me sold.

[shank]

I have a now 15 month old moto razr and i still love it (it was the very first of the 4g razrs). Its fast, uber thin, and has a gorilla glass screen and Kevlar weave back. Tough as hell, only phone ive never gotten a case for. My best friend who works on the rigs and kills phones broke two iphone 3s before he took my advice and got a razr, that was a year ago. Only issue is battery life is a bit weak but i understand that issue has been addressed. Id highly recommend the newest version, and i have verizon. All that said, galaxy s's are very nice too.

i have the razr maxx and the battery life is the best of any phone i've ever had, they did a good job when they addressed the issue from the original razr.

I'm in the same boat as buff. I have the unlimited data, but figured they'd screw me out of it at some point. when it comes time to upgrade again, it'll change things if they are going to take my data away.

[CoachChaz]

I haven't used it to be honest. Google Now however, THAT is a bad ass tool. Even if Svoice were more robust Google Now has me sold.

I have an app called v lingo that does all the same stuff...and I never use it. My wife has it too and she uses it all the time and loves it. So, she's not too disappointed about the S4 coming out

[CoachChaz]

i have the razr maxx and the battery life is the best of any phone i've ever had, they did a good job when they addressed the issue from the original razr.

I'm in the same boat as buff. I have the unlimited data, but figured they'd screw me out of it at some point. when it comes time to upgrade again, it'll change things if they are going to take my data away.

I think most phones are getting that way. My Note 2 will last me all day on one charge even with heavy use. The Galaxy S I had before this would have to be charged half way through the day

[Davii]

I have an app called v lingo that does all the same stuff...and I never use it. My wife has it too and she uses it all the time and loves it. So, she's not too disappointed about the S4 coming out

Make yourself use Google now for a free days and you'll never stop. Shit, my phone knows me. While I'm shaving it automatically shows me my drive to work, weather, etc. About 20 mins before I leave work it pulls up the traffic report and map to home. If the wife and I are out it always has a "card" with time and directions home, a list of nearby activities and will even show restaurants near me that I frequent. It does a ridiculous amount of stuff, and the more you use it the more it learns it should do. To the point of reminding me about an upcoming bronco game, automatically.

[CoachChaz]

Make yourself use Google now for a free days and you'll never stop. Shit, my phone knows me. While I'm shaving it automatically shows me my drive to work, weather, etc. About 20 mins before I leave work it pulls up the traffic report and map to home. If the wife and I are out it always has a "card" with time and directions home, a list of nearby activities and will even show restaurants near me that I frequent. It does a ridiculous amount of stuff, and the more you use it the more it learns it should do. To the point of reminding me about an upcoming bronco game, automatically.

I looked up Google Now and it didnt show any apps with that name

[NightTerror218]

i have the razr maxx and the battery life is the best of any phone i've ever had, they did a good job when they addressed the issue from the original razr.

I'm in the same boat as buff. I have the unlimited data, but figured they'd screw me out of it at some point. when it comes time to upgrade again, it'll change things if they are going to take my data away.

I can not buy a Motorola. I have had 2 and never had so many problems in my life with a phone. i went through about 6 of each in a year. They were crap. Wife had same issues.

[CoachChaz]

I can not buy a Motorola. I have had 2 and never had so many problems in my life with a phone. i went through about 6 of each in a year. They were crap. Wife had same issues.

I got the RAZR when it first came out. Never had any problems with it for 2 years. I havent owned any other Motorola phones other than that one

[shank]

the speaker died on my first one after a few months. it was a known hardware issue where the contacts would loosen and speaker would quit working. got it replaced and no issues since.

[NightTerror218]

I got the RAZR when it first came out. Never had any problems with it for 2 years. I havent owned any other Motorola phones other than that one

I think it is just my luck, 3 for 3 all crap (2 were mine, 1 wife's).

[NightTrainLayne]

3-4 GB per month? Don't you have WiFi at your office? How in the world do you use so much data?

I use my phone as a wi-fi hotspot quite a bit, especially when we're out of town. My daughter streams netflix etc. through the wi-fi tether hotspot whenever.

Also, my office network is pretty heavily enforced by my big brother company I work for. No personal use, so no, I don't use wi-fi at the office.

[BroncoJoe]

I use my phone as a wi-fi hotspot quite a bit, especially when we're out of town. My daughter streams netflix etc. through the wi-fi tether hotspot whenever.

Also, my office network is pretty heavily enforced by my big brother company I work for. No personal use, so no, I don't use wi-fi at the office.

Get a separate connection for your personal use. Problem solved.

Oh, and have your daughter read a book.

[NightTrainLayne]

Get a separate connection for your personal use. Problem solved.

Oh, and have your daughter read a book.

She reads plenty. She's in third grade and reads on a 6th grade level.

Why get a separate personal connection if I have unlimited data and a wi-fi hotspot?



_________________________________________________



Last evening I was doing some hunting, and looking at the Android Forums. Almost by chance, I saw a thread about the software/firmware upgrade slowing down Thunderbolts as they were all upgraded at the same time.

It was suggested in the thread that doing a complete factory reset would solve the problem, but it's a hassle because you lose all your data.

I figured it was worth a shot, so I did a full back-up of the phone, and a factory reset. After a couple hours of getting everything restored and getting most of the settings back to where they are I am a happy camper.

The phone is performing as good as ever, if not better! It's like I have a new phone, and it just cost me a few hours of backing up/restoring/setting back up again.

At this point, I'm going to stick with the TB since it's working so well again. Nothing out there is significant enough of an upgrade to warrant changing anything.

Android users, keep that in the back of your mind. If a software/firmware change greatly affects your phone a factory reset might solve your problem. It just requires that you do a full backup or you'll lose your important stuff.

[BroncoJoe]

She reads plenty. She's in third grade and reads on a 6th grade level.

Why get a separate personal connection if I have unlimited data and a wi-fi hotspot?



_________________________________________________



Last evening I was doing some hunting, and looking at the Android Forums. Almost by chance, I saw a thread about the software/firmware upgrade slowing down Thunderbolts as they were all upgraded at the same time.

It was suggested in the thread that doing a complete factory reset would solve the problem, but it's a hassle because you lose all your data.

I figured it was worth a shot, so I did a full back-up of the phone, and a factory reset. After a couple hours of getting everything restored and getting most of the settings back to where they are I am a happy camper.

The phone is performing as good as ever, if not better! It's like I have a new phone, and it just cost me a few hours of backing up/restoring/setting back up again.

At this point, I'm going to stick with the TB since it's working so well again. Nothing out there is significant enough of an upgrade to warrant changing anything.

Android users, keep that in the back of your mind. If a software/firmware change greatly affects your phone a factory reset might solve your problem. It just requires that you do a full backup or you'll lose your important stuff.

Don't get smart with me, gimp.

[BeefStew25]

You guys should try Apple.

[shank]

You guys should try Apple.

lol

[Timmy!]

You guys should try Apple.

Oh no. Not beef.

[BeefStew25]

I saw a dude talking on a 42 inch LED the other day.

[BeefStew25]

Oh no. Not beef.

Work covers mine so IDGAF. I want to talk and get work emails and text with NTL and his wife. All I care about.

[Timmy!]

Work covers mine so IDGAF. I want to talk and get work emails and text with NTL and his wife. All I care about.

My only real issue with apple is the price and legions of douchey Islaves.

[Slick]

Iphones work. Itunes does suck but the phones are fine. Cell phone snobs are the worst.

[Timmy!]

Iphones work. Itunes does suck but the phones are fine. Cell phone snobs are the worst.

Thats kinda my point. 80% of people ive met/know are huge snobs about their iphone.

[Thnikkaman]

What does it mean if I hated Apple pre iPhone?

[NightTerror218]

What does it mean if I hated Apple pre iPhone?

same with me. I have never owned an apple product. Because I hate their OS.

[Slick]

Thats kinda my point. 80% of people ive met/know are huge snobs about their iphone.

Apple snobs are out there, I'm not denying it, but you also can't deny that apple makes good products.

[Thnikkaman]

Apple snobs are out there, I'm not denying it, but you also can't deny that apple makes good products.

Apple makes good software. Then they make cheap hardware, try to patent the shape of a deck of cards, and over charge for it.

[BroncoJoe]

Apple snobs are out there, I'm not denying it, but you also can't deny that apple makes good products.

Honestly, they're no better than the MS based systems out there.

[Slick]

What does it mean if I hated Apple pre iPhone?

I guess I would need to know your reasoning. I hate their commercials, but I don't hate apple products. I have an Iphone, but as per our recent PM's you know I am buying a Samsung Note tablet, and my laptop currently runs on Linux Mint. I don't need all of my gadgets to be able to fuk themselves.

[NightTerror218]

I guess I would need to know your reasoning. I hate their commercials, but I don't hate apple products. I have an Iphone, but as per our recent PM's you know I am buying a Samsung Note tablet, and my laptop currently runs on Linux Mint. I don't need all of my gadgets to be able to fuk themselves.

snob

[Thnikkaman]

I guess I would need to know your reasoning. I hate their commercials, but I don't hate apple products. I have an Iphone, but as per our recent PM's you know I am buying a Samsung Note tablet, and my laptop currently runs on Linux Mint. I don't need all of my gadgets to be able to fuk themselves.

1. Price. I've always been jaded that I can buy a PC with much superior processing power than if I paid more for a Mac
2. OS is just unix with some tweaks and power commands removed. Yeah if you know unix, you can get your hands dirty, but it's nothing revolutionary.
3. The claims in their ads were flat out lies. "Apples never crash", "Apples can't get viruses", etc... It pissed me off that they were making claims that went against the fundamentals of computer science.

They did some pretty revolutionary UI things with the OS, but it's all patented so you can only get it with a mac.

[NightTerror218]

1. Price. I've always been jaded that I can buy a PC with much superior processing power than if I paid more for a Mac
2. OS is just unix with some tweaks and power commands removed. Yeah if you know unix, you can get your hands dirty, but it's nothing revolutionary.
3. The claims in their ads were flat out lies. "Apples never crash", "Apples can't get viruses", etc... It pissed me off that they were making claims that went against the fundamentals of computer science.

They did some pretty revolutionary UI things with the OS, but it's all patented so you can only get it with a mac.

Don't forget they patented their round corners.....

[Nomad]

The cell phone I have is a dinosaur (probably 5 yrs old now) and I can hardly hear the ring or the other person on the other line. I guess I'll be shopping soon. I have no preference whether an iPhone or whatever it's competition is.

What did you get NTL?

[NightTrainLayne]

The cell phone I have is a dinosaur (probably 5 yrs old now) and I can hardly hear the ring or the other person on the other line. I guess I'll be shopping soon. I have no preference whether an iPhone or whatever it's competition is.

What did you get NTL?

I'm still using my Thunderbolt. After I did the hard reset that I posted earlier in the thread, the phone was back to normal.

So, I'm going to hang on to it for a while. I understand that the Samsung Galaxy 4 will be coming out soon. At that point the Galaxy 3 will be cheap. If you can hold out, that might be the way to go.

[Nomad]

I'm still using my Thunderbolt. After I did the hard reset that I posted earlier in the thread, the phone was back to normal.

So, I'm going to hang on to it for a while. I understand that the Samsung Galaxy 4 will be coming out soon. At that point the Galaxy 3 will be cheap. If you can hold out, that might be the way to go.

Yeah, I am a cheapskate when it comes to gadgets. I don't play video games and don't want to be like everyone else with my nose in a phone. It's funny to people watch and 7 out of 10 people are playing on their phones. But I keep getting texts that I can't download because of my phone and like I said the audio is going bad. My sons are having the same issues and my wife has an iPhone, which works great.

I sent my wife out to see what see could find out. I'm not really thrilled to hear the price tag, not that I can't afford it, but to spend the cash each month on phones. Anyway, she's out and about right now, but maybe the folks at At&T can fix or reset my original phone and I'd be fine with keeping it as long as I can receive texts and hear the people on the other end.

[Davii]

I'm still using my Thunderbolt. After I did the hard reset that I posted earlier in the thread, the phone was back to normal.

So, I'm going to hang on to it for a while. I understand that the Samsung Galaxy 4 will be coming out soon. At that point the Galaxy 3 will be cheap. If you can hold out, that might be the way to go.

This is definitely the way to go. The S3 is much better than the newest iphone and once the s4 is available will be cheap. Hell, it's 100$ through Sprint right now.

[Nomad]

same with me. I have never owned an apple product. Because I hate their OS.

What's the OS? I'm not a tech guy, so it makes no difference to me as long as I can call.

My wife went to AT&T and ended up getting me and the boys new phones. They're iPhones, but they cost .99 cents each and only added $30 to the monthly payment for all 3 and activation fee. We've been with AT&T for as long as I can remember.

[SR]

What's the OS? .

Operating System

[Nomad]

Operating System

I wonder what makes a person like one system over the other.

[SR]

I wonder what makes a person like one system over the other.

Features, ease of operation, etc. I prefer iOS over Android.

[slim]

This is all very troubling to me. I've been with Verizon since 2000, and when I got a new phone/2-year contract in July 2011 they told me I'd be grandfathered in with unlimited data for as long as I'm with Verizon.

I'm due for a new phone in July - I guess I'll have to shop around if I'm not getting my data.

Buff, I hope it's not too late, but don't listen to these losers. They don't know WTF they are talking about.

[slim]

OK, that's cool. I was going to do you a solid, but if you want to ignore me feel free to GFY.

[NightTrainLayne]

Oh Hey, I did pull the trigger and get a Samsung Galaxy S4 a couple weeks ago.

And I love it.

I did go ahead and use the upgrade on my Verizon account, which does mean that I lost my unlimited data. However, as it turns out, I did a 6GB shared data plan (we average around 4.5 GB never more than 6 GB), and it actually lowered my bill by about $20/month. I no longer had to pay the ridiculous mobile wi-fi hotspot fee, and it's a cheaper package anyway.

In other words, giving up your unlimited data might not be a bad deal assuming you don't use an ungodly amount of data. . . Joe was giving me grief for using 4 GB, but now I have up to 6 GB for less than I was paying for "unlimited".

[slim]

NTL, you got hosed.

[CoachChaz]

New T-Mobile plans are pretty damn good with the data. And, you only have to pay a minimal fee up front for the phone and pay the balance at $20 a month.

They also took the oney AT&T had to give tham and invested in their service and coverage. I've been with T-Mobile for 10 years and I've had my ups and downs, but I have never been happier with them than I have the last few months.

[Davii]

Oh Hey, I did pull the trigger and get a Samsung Galaxy S4 a couple weeks ago.

And I love it.

I did go ahead and use the upgrade on my Verizon account, which does mean that I lost my unlimited data. However, as it turns out, I did a 6GB shared data plan (we average around 4.5 GB never more than 6 GB), and it actually lowered my bill by about $20/month. I no longer had to pay the ridiculous mobile wi-fi hotspot fee, and it's a cheaper package anyway.

In other words, giving up your unlimited data might not be a bad deal assuming you don't use an ungodly amount of data. . . Joe was giving me grief for using 4 GB, but now I have up to 6 GB for less than I was paying for "unlimited".

The S4 is one hell of a phone. By far, and it's not even close, the best phone available.

[Slick]

Now that I have a Samsung tablet, I knd of want to trade my Iphone in for a Galaxy. I think I can get a Galaxy 3 for free for renewing my contract, but I will have to pay a few hundred dollars if I want the Galaxy 4. Is it worth it Galaxy owners? Is there a huge difference between the 3 and the 4?

[slim]

Now that I have a Samsung tablet, I knd of want to trade my Iphone in for a Galaxy. I think I can get a Galaxy 3 for free for renewing my contract, but I will have to pay a few hundred dollars if I want the Galaxy 4. Is it worth it Galaxy owners? Is there a huge difference between the 3 and the 4?

Very little, as I understand it

[Davii]

Now that I have a Samsung tablet, I knd of want to trade my Iphone in for a Galaxy. I think I can get a Galaxy 3 for free for renewing my contract, but I will have to pay a few hundred dollars if I want the Galaxy 4. Is it worth it Galaxy owners? Is there a huge difference between the 3 and the 4?

Better screen, more memory, better processor, better battery life, better camera, some really good camera functions, etc. It's definitely better than the 3, but it's a step forward, not a bound. The user experience is mostly the same, as one would expect, between all Samsung products, but you will definitely notice the improvements on the 4.

Don't take that to mean the 3 is a slouch, it's a great phone, only bested by the 4 at this moment.

[CoachChaz]

I have a Note 2 and my wife has an S3. My son went and bought an S4 and he is pissed that he paid the extra for it. I've been able to compare them side by side and quite honestly...I can see why he is upset about his decision. The screen is 2/10ths of an inch bigger. They both run about the same speed and my wife's S3 had more running at the same time when I looked at the speed tests. The S4 camera is a little better, but if you arent much of a picture taker...so what? Even if you are, it's not leaps and bounds better. Another upgrade is the networking capability that the S4 has, but as I understand...it only works with other S4's.

At the end of the day, the S4 is technically a better phone than the S3, but is it a few hundred dollars better? Probably not. I remember reading an article somewhere where a rep from Samsung was asked why the rush to release the S4. His answer...demand. People wanted a new product, so they gave them one.

Either way, all you can do is play with both of them and ultimately make up your own mind. Personally...I prefer my Note 2

[Slick]

Thanks guys. I talked to a rep and I have to wait until September 5 to renew if I want a S3 free. Supposedly I will be able to keep my unlimited internet. We'll see.

[BroncoJoe]

S3 will still be better than any iPhone out there.

Plus, the integration between the Google products has surpassed (IMO) Apple.

[BigDaddyBronco]

My iPhone 5 is awesome. Not because it is an iPhone, but because it is 100% free.

[OrangeHoof]

I'm intrigued by Republic Wireless. The hook is you can get unlimited T,T&D for $19.99/mo plus taxes.

But don't jump on board just yet. They will only sign you up if you buy one of their "hybrid" phones that looks first for a wifi network (like in a store or restaurant or your own internet if you have a wireless router. The phones are modified Motorola Defy XT, which use G3 technology that's about 3-4 years outdated and you have to buy a memory upgrade separately unless you want little memory. The phones are tied into Sprint's G3 coverage so you're doing fine there unless you live in the extreme boonies where no cell towers exist.

The phones were overpriced at a ridiculous $249 (that's how they get some of their money back for the low monthly rate) but they have recently come down to $199. Plus, they'll drop the price of the phone to $79 if you'll go up on your monthly rate to $29.99 instead of $19.99 (do the math and your initial savings on the second deal is gone in one year).

Apparently, they are missing their sales targets so they dropped the phone price. They want to get rid of the Motorolas so they can begin offering better phones in the fall.

Now, here are the caveats: The hybrid phones look for a wifi signal first and, if it finds one, you better stay in the range of the wifi signal or your call will get dropped (so don't walk out of the store or restaurant while you're talking). And there is no customer service. This isn't a snide way to say they found the stupidest Indians they could find to man the phones. They have NO phones (ironically, I guess, not even their own). Having no call center is one more way to pare operational costs. But they do have a website with an ongoing knowledge base and a few helpful employees to try and answer your questions.

If you want a phone that gives you the cadillac service of games, videos, aps, tweeting and facebooking to your heart's content for $19.99, this will disappoint you but if you are a more casual user who really just wants a phone with a few aps and to maybe check out YouTube once in awhile, the monthly cost is really attractive if you think you can work around the other drawbacks.

I recently read a brochure from Cricket about a $21.99/mo plan but you have to be signed up on one of the government's welfare plans to qualify. So these are the Obamaphones our tax dollars are paying for and you could sign up at Republic Wireless and pay less for service than a welfare cheat.

[slim]

I have a Note 2 and my wife has an S3. My son went and bought an S4 and he is pissed that he paid the extra for it. I've been able to compare them side by side and quite honestly...I can see why he is upset about his decision. The screen is 2/10ths of an inch bigger. They both run about the same speed and my wife's S3 had more running at the same time when I looked at the speed tests. The S4 camera is a little better, but if you arent much of a picture taker...so what? Even if you are, it's not leaps and bounds better. Another upgrade is the networking capability that the S4 has, but as I understand...it only works with other S4's.

At the end of the day, the S4 is technically a better phone than the S3, but is it a few hundred dollars better? Probably not. I remember reading an article somewhere where a rep from Samsung was asked why the rush to release the S4. His answer...demand. People wanted a new product, so they gave them one.

Either way, all you can do is play with both of them and ultimately make up your own mind. Personally...I prefer my Note 2

This was my understanding as well. I just upgraded and the S4 was like $150 more. Didn't seem worth it, so I went with the S3

[slim]

Oh yeah, I kept my unlimited to plan too.

[Buff]

Talk to me Slim. Apparently I've hit the two year mark and am going to be in the market for a phone in the coming weeks.

I have the Droid 3 because I am attached the the manual keyboard... But short of switching to a blackberry, has everything gotten away from an actual keyboard?

Also, what's the deal with unlimited data? Am I losing it or not?

I suddenly feel so old.

[slim]

Talk to me Slim. Apparently I've hit the two year mark and am going to be in the market for a phone in the coming weeks.

I have the Droid 3 because I am attached the the manual keyboard... But short of switching to a blackberry, has everything gotten away from an actual keyboard?

Also, what's the deal with unlimited data? Am I losing it or not?

I suddenly feel so old.

I think you are going to have to adjust.

I haven't seen a keyboard in like 4 years.

[Buff]

I think you are going to have to adjust.

I haven't seen a keyboard in like 4 years.

Yeah, I figured the keyboard thing I'm gonna have to get used to. What about data though, that's my main concern.

[BroncoJoe]

Talk to me Slim. Apparently I've hit the two year mark and am going to be in the market for a phone in the coming weeks.

I have the Droid 3 because I am attached the the manual keyboard... But short of switching to a blackberry, has everything gotten away from an actual keyboard?

Also, what's the deal with unlimited data? Am I losing it or not?

I suddenly feel so old.

You're with Verizon, right? If so, and you order a new phone through them they will force you to one of the new data plans. If you get a phone elsewhere, you can stay on the unlimited data.

I'd sign into your account on Verizon and see how much data you use on a monthly average. They have pretty good charts and graphs, and most that I've talked to have actually saved money by going with the 6GB or 8GB plan.

[slim]

Buff - you can keep it, but as Joe said, it may not be worth it to you (see NTL's post earlier, for example).

I kept mine, but I am using about 10GB a month...streaming netfilx at home and listening to 104.3 all day at work.

[BroncoJoe]

Buff - you can keep it, but as Joe said, it may not be worth it to you (see NTL's post earlier, for example).

I kept mine, but I am using about 10GB a month...streaming netfilx at home and listening to 104.3 all day at work.

get an internet connection. Geesh.

[slim]

get an internet connection. Geesh.

I don't need one, I have unlimited data :hi:

[OrangeHoof]

Interesting that Hollywood almost abandoned things like plot and good dialogue in order to bring their audiences dazzling special effects they would pay to watch on the "big screen". So what happened? Now these dazzling special effects have to look impressive on a cell phone screen. I just don't understand the appeal of watching movies on cell phones other than the boredom factor of long trips. I'd rather have a laptop.

[Pudge]

Interesting that Hollywood almost abandoned things like plot and good dialogue in order to bring their audiences dazzling special effects they would pay to watch on the "big screen". So what happened? Now these dazzling special effects have to look impressive on a cell phone screen. I just don't understand the appeal of watching movies on cell phones other than the boredom factor of long trips. I'd rather have a laptop.

I don't even own a computer. I use my phone for everything

[NightTrainLayne]

Yeah, I figured the keyboard thing I'm gonna have to get used to. What about data though, that's my main concern.

If you pay for your phone yourself, then you can keep your unlimited data for now.

But if you buy a subsidized phone, they will force you off the unlimited data on your new contract. I ran the numbers, and it made sense to me to give up the unlimited data. Your mileage may vary. For Slim it makes sense to keep the unlimited data and buy his phone out of pocket.

[slim]

If you pay for your phone yourself, then you can keep your unlimited data for now.

But if you buy a subsidized phone, they will force you off the unlimited data on your new contract. I ran the numbers, and it made sense to me to give up the unlimited data. Your mileage may vary. For Slim it makes sense to keep the unlimited data and buy his phone out of pocket.

My phone was only $39 :D

[Rick]

This thread is pretty old, thought i would make a small review on a phone i just bought and didn't feel like starting a new cell phone thread.

Nokia Lumia 928 Windows Phone 8

3495

I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Very fluid, I love the live tiles, if I have a choice I get an app that updates the live tiles incase I want it on my start screen.

Works great as mobile hotspot. I don't have unlimited data anymore so i won't often use this feature but it is nice to have for my wifi only tablet to connect to it when on the road.

Not a ton of apps in the marketplace but so far I have found an app for everything I need. I don't need 1000 different ways to produce a fart noise anyway, I come with one of those built in.

Has MS Office.

Nice that I have been able to uninstall any app that it came preloaded with. This was not the case with a droid I had a few years ago(Droid X).

Battery drains fairly fast when using, I am sure all the live tiles contributes to this.

Standby the battery lasts a long time.

It goes into standby pretty fast, if you get a notification it will take you to your lock screen...but then within a few seconds it will go back to standby. If you have missed the notification there is no LED or anything else to let you know anything came through unless you take it out of standby.

There is a "Glance" screen which is the standby screen. It displays the clock that is very dimly lit to save battery and moves around the screen to avoid burn. This screen would be really nice to have notification icons on...currently does not...rumor is it may soon.

The start screen does not go into landscape mode when you flip it. I am ok with this but it would be nice if it did flip.

Most apps will flip to landscape when using it as such but a few of the MS specific apps will not go to landscape, stay in portrait. Examples are Skype and XBox Music.

Very nice camera on it. Has both a LED flash and for low light has a Xenon flash as well. To save data on it I had to set it so it would only update photos/videos to skydrive(cloud) if on a wifi connection. This is not set by default.

Also for data, keep an eye on XBox Music. I had music downloaded but the first day i used it I was listening to the music on my 5 minute drive to work and it streamed the music instead of using the downloaded version.

That is all for now, have had it about a week now, will let you know if anything crappy pops up.

[Skinny]

I don't know what new phones are like. I wouldn't know the first thing about one. I've had a elcheapo for a couple of years now because i got tired of paying the huge cell bills every month. So i went to Wally World and bought a $55 phone that's just a basic old blackberry layout and pay a $45 a month fee (phone card) for 1000 minutes, 1000 texts, and i get to dabble on the internet a little bit when i'm bored. I don't come close to using up the 1000 minutes or texts. 100% satisfied and i enjoy having the extra money in my pocket every month.

[Ravage!!!]

I don't even own a computer. I use my phone for everything

wow.. I can't even imagine trying to actually do everything on a phone. Looking at the screens and having to adjust the size, the scrolling, the terrible keyboard and search engines... not to mention most the websites aren't even good on mobile. The idea of watching more than youtube on a phone screen makes me cringe.

[Ravage!!!]

I don't know what new phones are like. I wouldn't know the first thing about one. I've had a elcheapo for a couple of years now because i got tired of paying the huge cell bills every month. So i went to Wally World and bought a $55 phone that's just a basic old blackberry layout and pay a $45 a month fee (phone card) for 1000 minutes, 1000 texts, and i get to dabble on the internet a little bit when i'm bored. I don't come close to using up the 1000 minutes or texts. 100% satisfied and i enjoy having the extra money in my pocket every month.

Dude.. upgrade your cell phone at Wally World to Straight Talk. Still 45 bucks a month for unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, and unlimited data... and NO cards. Simply pay through your phone, or, you can have it automatically paid via your card (like I do)...so I never have to worry about it turning off because I didn't realize it was due.

Now you say you don't use your data and texts much and that's cool, but you might as well get EVERYTHING unlimited, and no phone cards, for the same costs. They have some pretty new phones (I have the Galaxy S2) and they just brought out the Iphon 4 for straight talk. You have to buy those outright, but no contract and everything for 45 bucks a month. I've never had a single problem with mine, and always get the same kind of service I had before making the switch (I was with Sprint).

[OrangeHoof]

I recently got a new job and decided I needed a smart phone so I could check weather radar and traffic on the go (long commute but the pay is 50% more than the last job) so I tried to find a phone and a plan that worked for a low-mileage user like me. After not being able to find a good fit with Republic Wireless or Ting, I looked at a company called Consumer Cellular (https://www.consumercellular.com/) which targets senior citizens (you can get AARP discounts). Through them, I bought an LG Nitro P930 that is very similar to the Samsung SII and set myself up on a plan that is $35/mo. I pay $15/mo for 200 cell minutes and $20/mo for 5,000 texts (I'll never use) and 500 MB of data. It is 4G and WiFi compatible and if you are using data on Wifi, that data is free. Only the data used on 4G counts on your plan. They are re-selling AT&T network so the coverage area matches AT&T. The company offers "how-to" videos for every phone they sell and has an app so you can track your usage. You're allowed to change plans on the fly if you are over or way under your plan limits. It also ranks first in terms of customer satisfaction, or so it claims (and they have been good so far).

The phone has a great picture quality and very versatile but it will crash if left on a long time so you can't really use it for streaming movies, not that I'd want to. I can stream some sports broadcasts though and might check out a YouTube once in awhile.


That's not with the AARP discount. I am not a member although I am eligible. AARP tried to sell us ObamaCare so it is on my boycott list.

[Dapper Dan]

Interesting. I've never has a windows phone. I definitely prefer any Android that I've had over Apple. My Android phones have been the Motorola Atrix HD and right now I use a Sony Xperia TL. I prefer the Xperia over the Atrix.

[Rick]

I've never used a iPhone.

The androids I had felt bloated and sluggish.

This windows phone is quite zippy, very nice UI.

The app store to me is the one thing apple/android has over the windows phone so really comes down to how important that is to you. For me, so far, the less apps is fine as I have found everything I need, and I like the UI that much more than the android(again, can't speak for apple), so the app tradeoff I can live with. The app supply is much better than I can find with my Microsoft Surface RT which does have a major app shortage.

[Dapper Dan]

You can change an Android UI to look like a Windows phone.

[Skinny]

Dude.. upgrade your cell phone at Wally World to Straight Talk. Still 45 bucks a month for unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, and unlimited data... and NO cards. Simply pay through your phone, or, you can have it automatically paid via your card (like I do)...so I never have to worry about it turning off because I didn't realize it was due.

Now you say you don't use your data and texts much and that's cool, but you might as well get EVERYTHING unlimited, and no phone cards, for the same costs. They have some pretty new phones (I have the Galaxy S2) and they just brought out the Iphon 4 for straight talk. You have to buy those outright, but no contract and everything for 45 bucks a month. I've never had a single problem with mine, and always get the same kind of service I had before making the switch (I was with Sprint).I misquoted myself on my minutes/texts Rav, the card i get is unlimited for $45. I have the Straight Talk service.

The 1000 minutes/1000 texts is $30 but with no internet service.

Do you have to have a credit card to pay through your phone?

I've seen that service provided (Straight Talk has sent texts giving me that option for me to use) but wasn't exactly sure how that worked.

How much is the Galaxy S2? I saw they had some kind of droid phone available i believe with the slide down keyboard and it was around $200.

[DenBronx]

oSJqBJ1TF-E&feature=player_embedded#t=181

[MasterShake]

oSJqBJ1TF-E&feature=player_embedded#t=181


I love my iPhone and even I thought that was funny! :lol:

Every smartphone makes you think twice once you realize that the "Location Services" like GPS or even the movie showtime apps that know where you are know EXACTLY where you are.

[SR]

I love my iPhone and even I thought that was funny! :lol: Every smartphone makes you think twice once you realize that the "Location Services" like GPS or even the movie showtime apps that know where you are know EXACTLY where you are.

iOS 7 is taking time to get used to but I love it

[MasterShake]

iOS 7 is taking time to get used to but I love it

I like it a lot, too. Took me a while to figure out how to shut down the background apps that are running (to save the battery) though. It used to give you a little minus sign, now you swipe the programs up to shut them down. The coolest thing is the way the screen moves as you move the phone around.

[SR]

I like it a lot, too. Took me a while to figure out how to shut down the background apps that are running (to save the battery) though. It used to give you a little minus sign, now you swipe the programs up to shut them down. The coolest thing is the way the screen moves as you move the phone around.

I had some download problems as did a lot of iPhone 4 users but I got it going. It took me a long time to figure out to swipe up to close apps. Figured it out this morning. The swiping to the left instead of the right to delete emails and text message conversations also threw me off at first.

[DenBronx]

I love my iPhone and even I thought that was funny! :lol:

Every smartphone makes you think twice once you realize that the "Location Services" like GPS or even the movie showtime apps that know where you are know EXACTLY where you are.

Everyone I know really likes it. The GPS location service is a little disturbing, especially if you post photos to facebook. I saw on the news a few weeks ago that if you post photos on facebook of your kids at a park or school or whatever then that can be tracked to exact location. Making it easy for stalkers or sexual predators to find your children. That is the only problem I have with the GPS location tracker.

Also the fingerprint thing. I know the government already has our fingerprints but I also dont like the idea of them tracking my every move. Even if its for security purposes. I would rather swipe to open or something. Thats just me.

But, all of the features seem really cool. Seems alot faster and sort of like having a computer in your hand.


Never bought into the iPhone hype. More of a Samsung Galaxy kind of guy....but you never know that could change. Pros and cons I guess. My brother just got the 64 g one so im going to take a look at it before I decide.


The new Nokia phone has one of the coolest cameras on a phone that I have ever seen. The zoom and twist features are extrodinary! I believe Microsoft just bought out or at least merged Nokia too to make a better smart phone.


Right now I have Samsung.....but it freezes alot on me and I dont like that.

[MasterShake]

Everyone I know really likes it. The GPS location service is a little disturbing, especially if you post photos to facebook. I saw on the news a few weeks ago that if you post photos on facebook of your kids at a park or school or whatever then that can be tracked to exact location. Making it easy for stalkers or sexual predators to find your children. That is the only problem I have with the GPS location tracker.

Also the fingerprint thing. I know the government already has our fingerprints but I also dont like the idea of them tracking my every move. Even if its for security purposes. I would rather swipe to open or something. Thats just me.

But, all of the features seem really cool. Seems alot faster and sort of like having a computer in your hand.


Never bought into the iPhone hype. More of a Samsung Galaxy kind of guy....but you never know that could change. Pros and cons I guess. My brother just got the 64 g one so im going to take a look at it before I decide.


The new Nokia phone has one of the coolest cameras on a phone that I have ever seen. The zoom and twist features are extrodinary! I believe Microsoft just bought out or at least merged Nokia too to make a better smart phone.


Right now I have Samsung.....but it freezes alot on me and I dont like that.

I own both Apple and Windows computers (for hobbies and work) but I've only ever owned iPhones. I tried out a Droid as a work phone and I couldn't stand the UI compared to the iPhone. Some of the other phones out there are pretty neat, I just stick with what I like.

EDIT: One thing I DON'T do is run out and buy each new version. I purposely wait for the major release (such as the iPhone 5 instead of the 4S) and get that 6 months after when all the bugs are worked out. Those that are addicted to Apple make those of us who use it look bad. Kind of like alcoholics.

[Rick]

This thread is pretty old, thought i would make a small review on a phone i just bought and didn't feel like starting a new cell phone thread.

Nokia Lumia 928 Windows Phone 8

3495

I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Very fluid, I love the live tiles, if I have a choice I get an app that updates the live tiles incase I want it on my start screen.

Works great as mobile hotspot. I don't have unlimited data anymore so i won't often use this feature but it is nice to have for my wifi only tablet to connect to it when on the road.

Not a ton of apps in the marketplace but so far I have found an app for everything I need. I don't need 1000 different ways to produce a fart noise anyway, I come with one of those built in.

Has MS Office.

Nice that I have been able to uninstall any app that it came preloaded with. This was not the case with a droid I had a few years ago(Droid X).

Battery drains fairly fast when using, I am sure all the live tiles contributes to this.

Standby the battery lasts a long time.

It goes into standby pretty fast, if you get a notification it will take you to your lock screen...but then within a few seconds it will go back to standby. If you have missed the notification there is no LED or anything else to let you know anything came through unless you take it out of standby.

There is a "Glance" screen which is the standby screen. It displays the clock that is very dimly lit to save battery and moves around the screen to avoid burn. This screen would be really nice to have notification icons on...currently does not...rumor is it may soon.

The start screen does not go into landscape mode when you flip it. I am ok with this but it would be nice if it did flip.

Most apps will flip to landscape when using it as such but a few of the MS specific apps will not go to landscape, stay in portrait. Examples are Skype and XBox Music.

Very nice camera on it. Has both a LED flash and for low light has a Xenon flash as well. To save data on it I had to set it so it would only update photos/videos to skydrive(cloud) if on a wifi connection. This is not set by default.

Also for data, keep an eye on XBox Music. I had music downloaded but the first day i used it I was listening to the music on my 5 minute drive to work and it streamed the music instead of using the downloaded version.

That is all for now, have had it about a week now, will let you know if anything crappy pops up.

As an update to this review, one of the things that had bugged me was the incomplete glance screen.

With the latest update that rolled out to AT&T a couple weeks ago and I was able to update via Verizon today, the glance screen has been much improved.

You can now see notifications of emails, calls, etc, along with the clock.

http://i.nokia.com/r/image/view/-/3251816/mobileXhtml/3/-/Lumia-Black-Glance-Screen.jpg