Stupid smartphone/3G/Android question

[mjohnson]

Here in New Mexico, I feel pretty much bound to Verizon. The other networks' coverage don't satisfy us for our numerous roadtrips across the great empty voids of the southwest (ATT may cover >97% of Americans, but our whole state makes up less than 1.5% of the population). Until things change -- we're Verizon customers.

I'm looking at a smartphone, likely the Droid or one of the nicer HTC ones. If I'm stuck without a quadband (GSM-capable) phone, obviously I can't use my phone as a phone in the UK. The thing is, most of these smartphones have WiFi. Is that normal-plain old-just like my netbook WiFi? Could I use my (now nonphone) smartphone in the UK at a WiFi hotspot or at my hotel?

I'm getting a new phone tomorrow and going to Scotland for two weeks on Saturday. I need some limited connectivity and would _love_ to leave the computer behind.

Thanks,
mike

[red-beard]

Yes. Even without a SIM card, you can turn the phone on and use it with Wifi. But not as a phone.

Also, there is VOIP software out there for both Android and WM phone. So, you might be able to use your new phone in hotspots. WM and Android both have skype applications as well.

[island911]

The HTC TouchPro2 supports GSM (World phone). Verizon is giving some pretty good deals on this phone. I've had one for a 18 months or so. ...it's been great. It has the WVGA screen (800x480 pixels) which is a bit too high resolution, unless you have really great vision. But, you-tube vid's are super sharp.

[mjohnson]

Originally Posted by island911

The HTC TouchPro2 supports GSM (World phone). Verizon is giving some pretty good deals on this phone...

Best of both worlds! I'll give this a look... My wife has a Droid and I like the UI a lot. Will likely have something tomorrow.

[red-beard]

Actually, you want the HTC Imagio. It is newer, WM 6.5 vs. 6.1 for the TP2. Imagio supports a 32GB SD card, HSPA to 7.2 MBps, 5mp camera, 480x800 touch screen. And it is also dual mode CDMA and GSM

http://www.htc.com/us/products/imagio-verizon#tech-specs

[LENELSA]

I have the Motorola Droid and my wife has the HTC Incredible.
Both GREAT phones.

[red-beard]

Wow! The HTC Incredible has fantastic specs! And an AMOLED screen in 480x800! Wow! Too bad it is CDMA only.

[island911]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Actually, you want the HTC Imagio. It is newer, WM 6.5 vs. 6.1 for the TP2. ...

IMO the HTC cab for WM6.5 makes the phone worse. I had 6.5 on my phone only to find that the transcriber feature was NLA. ...not a 6.5 thing, but an HTC move. Anyway, WM6.5 isn't going to give an HTC user any new coolness, unless they switch off the HTC Touch-Flo interface - then WM6.5 might be better than 6.1. --tho, it is Windows Mobile 6.5 vs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional ...if it matters.

I do like the Imagio. Not having a slide-out keyboard makes it lighter and thinner.

[island911]

This might help.

Compare

The Imagio has a higher resolution camera, and FM tuner, IIRC.