***Why You Can’t Get a Good Phone With Verizon***
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/09/verizon-smart ... »
September 16, 2009
Why does the U.S. carrier known for the best network have the worst smartphones?
Verizon Wireless gets plaudits for its coverage and call quality, but consistently loses out to AT&T, T-Mobile and even Sprint when it comes to getting the newest high-end handsets.
“They lack the star products that their competitors have,†says Avi Greengart, research director, consumer devices for Current Analysis. “They recognize they don’t have compelling devices right now but feel they can make up for it with network quality.â€Â
Case in point: Last week when Motorola co-CEO Sanjay Jha proudly showed off the company’s much-talked ...
(continues)
September 16, 2009
Why does the U.S. carrier known for the best network have the worst smartphones?
Verizon Wireless gets plaudits for its coverage and call quality, but consistently loses out to AT&T, T-Mobile and even Sprint when it comes to getting the newest high-end handsets.
“They lack the star products that their competitors have,†says Avi Greengart, research director, consumer devices for Current Analysis. “They recognize they don’t have compelling devices right now but feel they can make up for it with network quality.â€Â
Case in point: Last week when Motorola co-CEO Sanjay Jha proudly showed off the company’s much-talked ...
(continues)
...
Hmmmm...I have a Blackberry Curve and I like it. I suppose if Verizon had the Pre or the Iphone I might upgrade to them once they were cheap and outdated. The fact that Verizon does not have the best smartphones does not bother me because I could not afford them anyway.
...
Does it still work? Check
Does it allow you to get your email and surf the internet wirelessly? CHeck
Can I make and receive Picture messages? Check
Just because a phone is older doesn't automatically make it obsolete.
Does it allow you to get your email and surf the internet wirelessly? CHeck
Can I make and receive Picture messages? Check
Just because a phone is older doesn't automatically make it obsolete.
...
Not only that...I like to wait until a) the phone is out for awhile and has a positive track record; b) the price comes down....
...
Yes? Now what? Because as the article sums up, they're more concerned with the network. What good is that flashy new gadget if the call doesn't go through?
...
Studies show Verizon works better and runs better then any other network in the US... So yes, Verizon calls are known to go through and you can trust Verizon to keep your call and not drop it.
...
I have used Sprint for 3 years, and have used a Verizon phone for a total of about 20 minutes (dead battery on my phone, didn't have my phone, etc...). I have dropped more calls using Verizon.
...
how is that possible i thought verizon is the only carrier that can place calls! very puzzling 😕
...
Never did I say that verizon is the "only carrier that can place calls". Oh, that's right...YOU did. 😲
...
VZW611LA said:
Studies show Verizon works better and runs better then any other network in the US... So yes, Verizon calls are known to go through and you can trust Verizon to keep your call and not drop it.
I actually get more static on my Verizon phone than on my AT&T phone...I am kinda disappointed, I thought Verizon would be crystal clear calling.
...
ATnT Nokia said:
I actually get more static on my Verizon phone than on my AT&T phone...I am kinda disappointed, I thought Verizon would be crystal clear calling.
Someone is realizing that the grass is not always greener on the other side???
...
BeachSlapped said:
Someone is realizing that the grass is not always greener on the other side???
Ahhh BeachSlapped...G-d bless you...
No, I never really went to the other side. I refuse to pay ETFs to AT&T on my lines. So I am riding out the contracts and then I'll shop around. I'll probably most likely go back to T-Mobile because I had them for years and never had any problems. I only left them because AT&T gave me better corp discounts. Now I know why...
...
Why is my Blackberry loaded with apps (Pandora, Navigator, Yahoo, Google, ESPN, Wells Fargo, etc) that I like and use on the best network, not a good phone?
Verizon just launched the Touch Pro 2, the Tour, HTC Diamond and will be coming out with the Storm 2 and the Palm Pre in a few months.
The writer acts as if Verizon is going no where, which is absurd. LTE with coverage nobody will come close to matching and a partnership with Vodafone and China Mobile for App development (1 billion customers strong)
Verizon just launched the Touch Pro 2, the Tour, HTC Diamond and will be coming out with the Storm 2 and the Palm Pre in a few months.
The writer acts as if Verizon is going no where, which is absurd. LTE with coverage nobody will come close to matching and a partnership with Vodafone and China Mobile for App development (1 billion customers strong)
...
verizon is always behind the times by the time they release something it's old news. Sprint has the HERO coming out next month, and already has the PRE. i guess you did not really read the article 🙄 verizon has NOTHING but lame touch phones and teen txting machines. put down your kool aid and step away maybe you could gain some real perspective.
...
Okay, and T-Mobile has the MyTouch and... 2 BlackBerrys.. maybe 3, Touch Pro 2 for 350.00. Who cares about the Hero on Sprint. Verizon is going to have 4G this year. T-Mobile, 5 years maybe. 🤣
We will have some great 4G stuff very soon. Unlike T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint, Verizon is ready for the future. And it will all pay off.
We will have some great 4G stuff very soon. Unlike T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint, Verizon is ready for the future. And it will all pay off.
...
matonater said:
are you unaware sprint already has 4g
THANK YOU! I was just about to say the same thing.... 🤣
...
matonater said:
are you unaware sprint already has 4g
who cares. its not going to be anything special anyways. Sprints a joke anyways.
...
GREAT EXAMPLE.
i'm from portland, Oregon.
the other day, when going to a comedy show at this place i'd never been to with a friend of mine. she has sprint, and the palm pre. i have an env2 on verizon. She was trying to get directions on the fly, and after five minutes of dropping service and loosing connection, i decided that i'd better step in or we wouldn't get there on time. so i got on my vznav and like that, we had directions. It only took a minute, and i didnt lose service get disconnected.
moral of this story, sprint, even if they have "4g" doesn't have the coverage, so, the idea with rolling out verizons 4G LTE network is to have the coverage that verizon has now, but also to have the fastest.
i'm from portland, Oregon.
the other day, when going to a comedy show at this place i'd never been to with a friend of mine. she has sprint, and the palm pre. i have an env2 on verizon. She was trying to get directions on the fly, and after five minutes of dropping service and loosing connection, i decided that i'd better step in or we wouldn't get there on time. so i got on my vznav and like that, we had directions. It only took a minute, and i didnt lose service get disconnected.
moral of this story, sprint, even if they have "4g" doesn't have the coverage, so, the idea with rolling out verizons 4G LTE network is to have the coverage that verizon has now, but also to have the fastest.
...
GREAT EXAMPLE
I am from Logansport Indiana
I was with Verizon for 3 years and live 30 mins away from work (great coverage where I live none where I work.) I purchased a blackberry storm at full price (dumb move on my part) to upgrade from my Voyager. 0% coverage here, yet Verizon says it is great and would not let me out of my contract due to no service.
There is no Verizon tower for 30 mins in all directions. Nor will they ever get clearance to build towers due to territories. Yet Sprint has coverage for hours in all directions. I ended up paying my ETF and went with Sprint, been happy since (and yes I sell Sprint but had a Verizon phone till I saved up enough for my ETF.)
Moral of this story. Don't believe all that "red" spilled...
(continues)
I am from Logansport Indiana
I was with Verizon for 3 years and live 30 mins away from work (great coverage where I live none where I work.) I purchased a blackberry storm at full price (dumb move on my part) to upgrade from my Voyager. 0% coverage here, yet Verizon says it is great and would not let me out of my contract due to no service.
There is no Verizon tower for 30 mins in all directions. Nor will they ever get clearance to build towers due to territories. Yet Sprint has coverage for hours in all directions. I ended up paying my ETF and went with Sprint, been happy since (and yes I sell Sprint but had a Verizon phone till I saved up enough for my ETF.)
Moral of this story. Don't believe all that "red" spilled...
(continues)
...
Yeah, I agree. Here on the westcoast, Verizon has been my best bet. I get coverage everywhere. On the coast, on the mountain, on the river. Its money.
...
I usually stay out of this type of thread, but please show me the Sprint 4G network. Sprint's map web site is http://coverage.sprint.com
I've looked for the medium-blue color that corresponds to "Sprint 4G Network - works on the following devices." under the "Data, Email, & Multimedia" bar, under the "Sprint Devices with 4G" tab, but don't see anything as I browse through the US map. I don't even see 4G in Kansas City, headquarters for Sprint. So, please, show me where Sprint has 4G.
Oh, and when you click on the "devices" link that's part of that medium-blue color indicating Sprint's 4G coverage, the following device is listed:
USB Modem U300
I guess that means the Palm Pre is out of the question.
I've looked for the medium-blue color that corresponds to "Sprint 4G Network - works on the following devices." under the "Data, Email, & Multimedia" bar, under the "Sprint Devices with 4G" tab, but don't see anything as I browse through the US map. I don't even see 4G in Kansas City, headquarters for Sprint. So, please, show me where Sprint has 4G.
Oh, and when you click on the "devices" link that's part of that medium-blue color indicating Sprint's 4G coverage, the following device is listed:
USB Modem U300
I guess that means the Palm Pre is out of the question.
...
I keep reading comments on this thread about Sprint and their 4G network. I keep challenging people to show me the 4G network, and no one replies.
Interesting.
Interesting.
...
but... they have towers (or rather clearwire does).. so that means they HAVE to have 4g, rite?
😉
😉
...
Once again, "we're gonna have" is not the same as "we have". It applies to 4G and it applies to phones.
The Pre is an awesome phone, and in my opinion kicks anything by RIM to the ground. And I say this as an iPhone user. Why didn't Verizon have this compelling phone first either?
While I think Verizon's awesomeness on call quality is due in part to its tight restrictions on the handsets, the lesson of the article should be that the defections due to people wanting better phones will continue. People will balance a phone they like with a network they may not like so much. I did.
The Pre is an awesome phone, and in my opinion kicks anything by RIM to the ground. And I say this as an iPhone user. Why didn't Verizon have this compelling phone first either?
While I think Verizon's awesomeness on call quality is due in part to its tight restrictions on the handsets, the lesson of the article should be that the defections due to people wanting better phones will continue. People will balance a phone they like with a network they may not like so much. I did.
...
....and while I respect your decision and your right to make it, there are plenty of us who will not "balance a phone they like with a network they may not like..." Believe it or not, not everyone on the planet wants the IPhone.
...
That doesn't apply to just the iPhone. That wasn't my point, it was just an example. As as I said, there are other very compelling smartphones.
Assuming handset exclusivity carries on as before, and the networks work toward pretty much being equal in service and price, the differentiation is the handset.
Assuming handset exclusivity carries on as before, and the networks work toward pretty much being equal in service and price, the differentiation is the handset.
...
Why didn't they have it first?
Have you seen the phones palm's released previously? They were largely junk running WINMO.
As the article said, Sprint was the CDMA carrier (basically the only carrier) that really carried their phone models, so when Palm went for their "Hail Mary" they went with the only carrier that kept selling them.
The Pre seems to be an excellent device, but hindsight is 20/20 and verizon is already working on getting their own version (but Sprint had a 6 month exclusivity agreement)
I have the Tour and I love it. In fact, for me, it is a MUCH better choice than the Iphone would be (I have an ipod touch, and have friends with the iphone, so I am familiar with the interface). I hate texting on touch screens...
(continues)
Have you seen the phones palm's released previously? They were largely junk running WINMO.
As the article said, Sprint was the CDMA carrier (basically the only carrier) that really carried their phone models, so when Palm went for their "Hail Mary" they went with the only carrier that kept selling them.
The Pre seems to be an excellent device, but hindsight is 20/20 and verizon is already working on getting their own version (but Sprint had a 6 month exclusivity agreement)
I have the Tour and I love it. In fact, for me, it is a MUCH better choice than the Iphone would be (I have an ipod touch, and have friends with the iphone, so I am familiar with the interface). I hate texting on touch screens...
(continues)
...
Ditto on the mountain coverage.
Some time back, I was driving with my wife in the rockies. The weather deteriorated quickly, and even though I had slowed down and was being passed by faster traffic, I lost control of my vehicle. I fishtailed a few times, and eventually hit a patch in the road that spun us around a few times before we hit the embankment in the median. Because it was full of snow from the winter, the car's tires hit the hard-packed plow line and flipped our vehicle.
By the time I had released myself from the seat belt and climbed out of the car, a few people had stopped to make sure we were ok. One had called 911 as they saw us spinning further down the highway. I don't have to tell you what carrier has coverage way ...
(continues)
Some time back, I was driving with my wife in the rockies. The weather deteriorated quickly, and even though I had slowed down and was being passed by faster traffic, I lost control of my vehicle. I fishtailed a few times, and eventually hit a patch in the road that spun us around a few times before we hit the embankment in the median. Because it was full of snow from the winter, the car's tires hit the hard-packed plow line and flipped our vehicle.
By the time I had released myself from the seat belt and climbed out of the car, a few people had stopped to make sure we were ok. One had called 911 as they saw us spinning further down the highway. I don't have to tell you what carrier has coverage way ...
(continues)
...
🙄glad you did not have tmobile, sprint or att...good thing you had verizon. was the test man there? 🤣 🤣
...
What a moronic headline and posting. Who determines what is a "good" phone. I have had nothing but good phones from Verizon for many years. My LG4400, LG8000, LG8300 and now the LG9700 were all excellent phones. Sure I would like a iphone. But I hope to get a Samsung Omnia 2 or a HTC touch pro 2 or the Palm Pre when they come out later this year. Azerone if you want the latest stuff go with AT&T and enjoy there lousy network and customer service.
...
Whoa...Azeron was on your side....but anyway, I just reviewed the line-ups of the other providers v. Verizon and I really don't get it, either. I don't see how their phones are that bad. They seem as varied and diverse as anyone else's phones. I mean, short of the flipping iPhone, all of them carry basically the same phones with different names and numbers. What am I missing here? And don't say wifi. We don't need it and we don't care.
...
Don't forget that the newer models also do your laundry for you. The Pre isn't the best at it though.. it uses too much starch
...
Besides the Iphone and maybe the Pre...nothing. My thing is: There is no way that I can leave Verizon and buy new phones for all my lines. I thought about Page Plus' Unlimited Talk and Text offering but by the time I do four lines I might as well stick with VZW and pay the same bill. With Friends and Family I really don't need unlimited anyway. Plus, two of the lines are still under contract.
As far as me getting blasted by fellow VZW'ers...I'm used to it. Because I am not a cheerleader...just a customer, I take a lot of abuse. My thing is it is obvious VZW has the best network and customer service. If they did not BEFORE taking over Alltel then they certainly do now. I just don't see the need to throw that in everyone else's f...
(continues)
As far as me getting blasted by fellow VZW'ers...I'm used to it. Because I am not a cheerleader...just a customer, I take a lot of abuse. My thing is it is obvious VZW has the best network and customer service. If they did not BEFORE taking over Alltel then they certainly do now. I just don't see the need to throw that in everyone else's f...
(continues)
...
I'm hoping that the next year will see a big increase in phone selections.. with the announcement of java support, the new enhanced media phones, etc.. Verizon realizes that their phone selection is lagging behind, especially on the higher end, and they are working to try and compensate for that.
I can't wait until I can start selling Android phones, and windows 6.5 looks really promising, The pre is really small, but the OS looks really cool so I think it will do well.
The iphone I'm still not sold on just because those things are sealed boxes, so if the people have technical issues they almost have to go to an apple store (1.5 hours from here), and 80% of my door swings are technical/bill related (unless I am running a sale). The...
(continues)
I can't wait until I can start selling Android phones, and windows 6.5 looks really promising, The pre is really small, but the OS looks really cool so I think it will do well.
The iphone I'm still not sold on just because those things are sealed boxes, so if the people have technical issues they almost have to go to an apple store (1.5 hours from here), and 80% of my door swings are technical/bill related (unless I am running a sale). The...
(continues)
...
Azeron: "I suppose if Verizon had the Pre or the Iphone I might upgrade to them once they were cheap and outdated. The fact that Verizon does not have the best smartphones does not bother me because I could not afford them anyway."
Try again. I don't want the latest "stuff". I cannot afford it. My days of buying the V710 and Silver Q and getting BURNED on the $269.99 price tag AND horrible phones are OVER. I'm trying to find my LG charger so that I can switch from the Curve back to the 8100 or 8300. Can't afford these bills.
Try again. I don't want the latest "stuff". I cannot afford it. My days of buying the V710 and Silver Q and getting BURNED on the $269.99 price tag AND horrible phones are OVER. I'm trying to find my LG charger so that I can switch from the Curve back to the 8100 or 8300. Can't afford these bills.
...
We have chargers for the 8300..(not as familiar with the 8100, but we might have chargers for that too)
the way our company marks them is an LG3200 Charger, and I think others do as well. if you're in the midwest (Illinois and east) we have stores. But I'm sure other retailers have them somewhere, those phones were so popular, keeping the cords in stock has been a good thing for us.
the way our company marks them is an LG3200 Charger, and I think others do as well. if you're in the midwest (Illinois and east) we have stores. But I'm sure other retailers have them somewhere, those phones were so popular, keeping the cords in stock has been a good thing for us.
...
If you have a charger for the 8300 you have one for the 8100 all the way down to the 3200 through most of the line (not the 4400, 4500, for example). The charger on the bottom (not the side pin charger) on the 3200 was the first version of a similar charger by the time they discontinued that charging system on the 8300. They made a slight modification to the charger at some point, but the chargers made for the 8300 were backwards compatible through the similar chargers back through the models.
Incidentally, the charging component of the LG line was fabricated by a division of "Audiovox" for a very long time. They used the same pin charger on one model, the same flat charger for a long time, and the same "18-pin" charger before LG went ...
(continues)
Incidentally, the charging component of the LG line was fabricated by a division of "Audiovox" for a very long time. They used the same pin charger on one model, the same flat charger for a long time, and the same "18-pin" charger before LG went ...
(continues)
...
Me neither. I have a Palm Centro (no data plan) strictly for the calendar. I don't know what I'm going to do when it breaks because I can't find a phone anywhere on Verizon with a decent calendar that isn't a PDA and they ALL require data now. THAT'S what bothers me about Verizon.
...
this is the best post i have seen here. i would like to know why myself. not only that but why in the hell do none of their phones have wifi? WTF. this is why i am leaving Verizon. Largest carrier, worst phones!!! LOL
...
HTC Ozone
HTC Touch Diamond
HTC Touch
HTC Touch Pro 2
Samsung Omnia
Samsung Saga
All current (or near current) models that have WiFI on verizon's network.
Additionally, verizon announced that their upcoming blackberries will also include wifi, and chances are good that all their new WINMO/Android/WEBOS phones will also include it.
I am sorry that you were dissatisfied with Verizon Wireless, but please refrain from making patently false claims to justify your choices.
HTC Touch Diamond
HTC Touch
HTC Touch Pro 2
Samsung Omnia
Samsung Saga
All current (or near current) models that have WiFI on verizon's network.
Additionally, verizon announced that their upcoming blackberries will also include wifi, and chances are good that all their new WINMO/Android/WEBOS phones will also include it.
I am sorry that you were dissatisfied with Verizon Wireless, but please refrain from making patently false claims to justify your choices.
...
Over the years, just about every HTC-made phone had Wifi, except the 6900 (the original Touch), going all the way back to the Audiovox 6700 (made by HTC). Also, most Samsung PDAs back to the i730 had it, too.
I've had Wifi on most of my Verizon phones in the past six years - granted, I get to use a lot of them because of work - and never once have I been satisfied with it.
I've had Wifi on most of my Verizon phones in the past six years - granted, I get to use a lot of them because of work - and never once have I been satisfied with it.
...
Wifi. I found that the over-the-air speeds (even back in the day) were faster than wifi, and a lot more reliable. Not to mention a battery killer.
...
I can second that about wifi.. I've never seen a device drain so fast than when you use wifi to connect it to a network.
Wifi theoretically gives you faster speeds (depending on the router and how fast the internet is) but it makes your battery life crap. If I have to keep my phone plugged in to browse, is it still a really "wireless" device?
Wifi theoretically gives you faster speeds (depending on the router and how fast the internet is) but it makes your battery life crap. If I have to keep my phone plugged in to browse, is it still a really "wireless" device?
...
You can talk until you're blue in the face. The people screaming "I want wifi" don't have enough brain cells to comprehend these posts. They just don't.
...
