Sprint or Cingular?

[chayashida]

My contract is over for my Cingular RAZR, and I'm looking at upgrading my phone. I'm currently using a T5. I need to use Palm OS, since there are Palm OS applications that I use daily. I am looking at either the Treo 680 with Cingular, or switching to Sprint and getting a Treo 700p.

The pros for each, as far as I can see it:

Cingular
- better reception
- don't have to change providers

Sprint
- cheaper unlimited data plan
- faster data rate

I don't know how bad the Sprint reception is. I also like being able to switch the SIM card between the RAZR and the Treo, though I don't know how often I might do that.

I plan to use the Internet both to surf from the phone, but I also want to be able to connect a notebook to the phone and surf the Internet that way.

I'd appreciate any input that other 1SRC listeners care to share.

Thanks,

Chris

[kiteandcamera]

Don't overlook Verizon, though the 680 is no yet in their smartphone lineup.

[wellsjs]

In the cellular / wireless world, ALWAYS shop coverage, not price! They're all within a few dollars of one another and if you save $5 a month but wind up settling for so-so coverage you'll not be a happy camper! ;) First pick the service provider whose network is best where you live, work and play. Then shop device, and last of all shop plans and add-on features.

[GadgetGuru05]

I just bought a Unlocked Treo 650 on eBay for just $240. I do have a prepaid SIM from T-Mobile. so no contract, no data transfer etc...
I have an UX50 as well and i hope to be able to use Treo as GPS receiver and use my Earthcumber software on my UX...

I know, i dont go to far with prepaid card and cant use all features but i love gadgets and was tired of my T610. even thats a great phone in a compact package..

As "Wellsjs" said, look for the covrage and service first the price comes with it.
good luck and happy holidays everyone...

[poodle1]

Went 20 rounds with Cingular just today and finally decided to change carrier. Been with Cingular for 10 years--3 cell phones with family plan, 2300 minutes, and 3000 text messages. Talked to "retention" which is the place to go with Cingular-- 4 reps. before I asked for retention dept. had never heard of the 680. Finally got someone who knew the phone...a bit unsure about the deals, but stressed to me that the 680 is considered a pda NOT a smartphone. If you want rebate, or even if you buy it from another source, Cingular forces you into a $44.00 a month unlimited data plan. They didn't offer any other since this is NOT A SMARTPHONE. Even if I switch the SIM card from my Cingular phone I have now, I can't use internet without Cingular's plan (and they recite horror stories about buying the product from anyone but Cingular---this won't work....that won't work etc.).

Fingured out really fast that I was paying Cingular over $500.00 for my $100.00 rebate, and knew this unlimited rate is high compared to other services.

Switched to Sprint today and bought 700p with a wonderful plan and unlimited data for much less than Cingular. The 700p is a better Palm than the 680, so I am pleased though I had my heart set on red 680.

[GadgetGuru05]

wowww, you guys spending so much money on plans... i don't have that need, at least no body calls me or i call others.. :-()
Is there any kinda colorful skin for Treo? i think i saw them somewhere on ebay... it must be somewhere...
any republican with few Chinese slave wants to make money with this new product?

[crazy_smeggie]

Went 20 rounds with Cingular just today and finally decided to change carrier. Been with Cingular for 10 years--3 cell phones with family plan, 2300 minutes, and 3000 text messages. Talked to "retention" which is the place to go with Cingular-- 4 reps. before I asked for retention dept. had never heard of the 680. Finally got someone who knew the phone...a bit unsure about the deals, but stressed to me that the 680 is considered a pda NOT a smartphone. If you want rebate, or even if you buy it from another source, Cingular forces you into a $44.00 a month unlimited data plan. They didn't offer any other since this is NOT A SMARTPHONE. Even if I switch the SIM card from my Cingular phone I have now, I can't use internet without Cingular's plan (and they recite horror stories about buying the product from anyone but Cingular---this won't work....that won't work etc.).

Fingured out really fast that I was paying Cingular over $500.00 for my $100.00 rebate, and knew this unlimited rate is high compared to other services.

Switched to Sprint today and bought 700p with a wonderful plan and unlimited data for much less than Cingular. The 700p is a better Palm than the 680, so I am pleased though I had my heart set on red 680.I think you will be happy with your choice. I am with Sprint and so far, they have been pretty good as a provider.

:)

SMEGGIE :D

[chayashida]

I appreciate all the advice. After trying to think long and hard about it, I ended up making an impulse buy and buying a Treo 680 from the local Cingular store. I have been happy with Cingular's coverage in the Los Angeles area, so I decided that you were right that it's most important to have good cell phone coverage.

The data plan isn't as fast, but I suppose that for the most part, I will only be using the Treo to connect to the Internet when wireless networks are not readily available. The $40/month price tag might be more painful later, though, but at least for the time being, I'm happy with my purchase.

It's a nice phone, and it's a lot better than carrying around the T5 and the RAZR. I'm still not used to the phone and how it works with my Bluetooth headset, but suspect that I don't have it configured right.

Thanks again for all the input.

Chris

[+Kardboard+]

Congrats on your 680! It's an amazing device, but surely will take some getting used to before you're a mobile professional extraordinaire (or a wannabe :p)!