Alternative to iPhone

fionah

Hello, I'm looking for a new phone for my mother. The main things she requires are Internet, Email and Sat Nav.

The obvious choice for me would be the iPhone as I also have it. However, I was wondering if there were any cheaper options out there since I doubt my mum will be using many other apps.

greyster

the htc hero and other andriod phones will automatically get the google maps WITH turn by turn navigation when andriod 2.0 comes out. Its not out yet so the functionality wont be there. Worth getting a HTC hero (or G2 on t-mobile, same phone) for this upgrade.

greyster

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/

fuzzybear01

I bought my husband a tmobile pulse this xmas, has all the features you've mentioned and the screen is same size as the iphone. It currently has 20% off as well. I think it is the cheapest android phone on payg.The insert in the box mentions a £5 a month charge for real-time sat-nav

http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/shop/mobile-phones/phones/pay-as-you-go/t-mobile/pulse-payg/overview/

globalds

I've got the hero which is very good ..

But with lots of people selling the iphone now there may be a price war and you could be lucky with a great offer.

GoodNewmover

fionah wrote: »

Hello, I'm looking for a new phone for my mother. The main things she requires are Internet, Email and Sat Nav.

The obvious choice for me would be the iPhone as I also have it. However, I was wondering if there were any cheaper options out there since I doubt my mum will be using many other apps.

1.HTC
2.Blackberry
3.LG

Clark80

Which feature will get used the most?

E-mail - Blackberry all day long
Internet - iPhone all day long
Sat Nav - Android devices due to the google turn by turn that will be out soon.

Get all three

Also does it matter if it's touchscreen or keys?

Me personally I would look at an iPhone (3G instead of 3GS if trying to save a bit?) and then get the Sat Nav app (co-pilot)

owen1978

Clark80 wrote: »

Which feature will get used the most?

E-mail - Blackberry all day long
Internet - iPhone all day long
Sat Nav - Android devices due to the google turn by turn that will be out soon.

Get all three

Also does it matter if it's touchscreen or keys?

Me personally I would look at an iPhone (3G instead of 3GS if trying to save a bit?) and then get the Sat Nav app (co-pilot)

I've had my Hero for a month now... it does everything! I did plenty of research before i decided and i didnt want an iphone because its actually not that good... The Hero sync with my gmail easily can send & recieve emails - so i wouldnt say that the blackberry has an advantage in this department, internet browsing is a doddle (equal to or imo better than iphone). Yes google nav is coming on the next update but android does have copilot 8 and tomtom is in the pipeline.

Being a IT Tech I have fiddled around with it and too see if there are any major drawbacks, but there are hardly any. Its customizable beyond belief and has plenty of good free apps!
Also recommend using this forum if you need further advice, there is a HTC Hero subforum in there

http://androidforums.com/

Also theres some good awards its won!
http://awards.stuff.tv/awards/gadget-of-the-year
http://www.mobilechoiceuk.co/News/Phone+of+the+year/4114
http://awards.t3.com/categories/phone-of-the-year/wildcard-entry-htc-hero

maxtweenie

globalds wrote: »

I've got the hero which is very good ..

But with lots of people selling the iphone now there may be a price war and you could be lucky with a great offer.

LOL, that made me laugh. There's no such thing as a price war when Apple are dictating the price of the handsets and the tariffs. :rolleyes:

maxtweenie

greyster wrote: »

the htc hero and other andriod phones will automatically get the google maps WITH turn by turn navigation when andriod 2.0 comes out. Its not out yet so the functionality wont be there. Worth getting a HTC hero (or G2 on t-mobile, same phone) for this upgrade.

So, can any Hero be upgraded to Android 2.0?

Kilty_2

maxtweenie wrote: »

So, can any Hero be upgraded to Android 2.0?

Once HTC bother to release the updates - yes - although T-Mobile will no doubt drag their heels with releasing the one for the G2 (they'll need to brand it, etc).

I went from iPhone to a Hero and I'm loving it so far - it's much cheaper than iPhone too on contract at least (much of a muchness PAYG)