General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Need some technological advice. [View all]sharp_stick
(14,400 posts)You're about to be swarmed by Apple fanboys and Android nuts who smell blood in the water.
Before you get consumed by them take a few minutes and figure out what you need and what you want. When you're looking at apps try to find some that you like and see where you can find them. Some apps are specific for a specific system only but in general the big ones are available for all.
Windows, iPhone and Android simply refer to the operating system of the phone and any of them will provide you with phone service, a GPS service and some apps.
Windows phones seem to be trailing the Apple (iPhone) and Android but all three are easy to find.
IMO your first visit should be to your current providers website or store where you can take a quick look at what's available. Most of the big providers (Verizon, ATT etc.) offer all or most of the phones. If you go into the store you can usually handle the phones and play with them a bit too. Just don't fall for the upsell...you know the "Sure the Samsung Galaxy 3 is available for only $49.00 but if you drop $200 you get an extra 1/8" of screen space.
If you don't like your provider check with some others. Check out a mall kiosk or Costco if you're a member - some pretty good prices there.
Good luck, and for what it's worth I just upgraded to the HTC One (android) last month and I love it, but if all you want is something basic you can do it for a lot less money. For what you mentioned in your OP you could probably do very well with a lot of the "no charge" smartphones. A quick look at my Verizon page shows 8 basic smart phones for less than $10 for the phone itself.
I have the HTC One on Verizon, it's a recent Android phone and it's absolutely beautiful but it's $200 down with a two year contract.
Have fun.