[Vanhackspace] Motorola Milestone, Rogers data plan?

[Tim Bray]

Well, I have something to offer on this subject.

The Milestone is a really good phone except for the keyboard.  The
screen is a little smaller than the N1 but has excellent multi-touch
accuracy, and many people think the audio's quite a bit better, both
for music and telephony.  The keyboard has been generally poorly
reviewed.

My personal experience is that Telus CDMA has better island coverage
than Rogers.  On Keats Island, where we have a cottage, Telus is
plenty strong and Rogers/Fido is borderline.

I don't use 1G a month but I spend most of my time in wifi range.  -T

On Sun, May 2, 2010 at 7:56 PM, Jack Bates <jack.bates at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all - is it kosher to poll the list for some consumer advice?
>
> I plan to order this Android phone from buy.com,
> http://www.buy.com/prod/motorola-milestone-droid-unlocked-smartphone-android-wifi-5-mp-camera/q/listingid/74605880/loc/111/214342176.html
>
> - and get a $35/month, 1 GB data plan from Rogers
>
> Anyone have strong opinions about either this phone or this data plan?
> Know if I need to be careful about getting a phone that's compatible
> with local service providers?
>
> This is my first mobile phone...
>
> I considered the Milestone, the Google Nexus One, or an older Android -
> maybe off Craigslist
>
> Nexus One and Milestone seemed about the same? About the same screen,
> OS, price. About the same battery performance (not great?)
>
> Chose the Milestone because it's got a hard keyboard, so more screen
> while typing
>
> Rogers, Telus, Fido, and Bell all offer data-only plans intended for USB
> sticks - but apparently I can buy a SIM card ostensibly for my "USB
> stick", bring it home and install in my Android
>
> Plans all about $30 - $35/month for 500 MB, $35 - $40/month for 1 GB
>
> Can't tell the difference between Rogers' and Telus' coverage from the
> maps on their sites
>
> (Aside: the Wind company looks awesome, but think it'll be long time
> before they offer service on the Gulf Islands...
>
> My reason for getting a mobile is I started spending about 9 hours each
> way commuting to Cortes Island, and internet on my netbook while
> commuting would be awesome
>
> Instead of spending ~$200 on a USB stick for my netbook, might as well
> get and Android and use it to tether?
>
> Among advantages of Android over USB stick is I could check ferry
> schedules, etc. w/o hauling out the netbook
>
> One advantage of USB stick is it's "HSPA+" (reportedly 21 Mbps) vs.
> "HSPA" (reportedly 7.2 Mbps) - don't think any "HSPA+" Androids are
> currently available
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