Pulling the Trigger

[iPenguin]

So I have a bit of a problem.

I've owned my Incredible for three, going on four months, and for the most part I have liked the phone. I've never really disliked the Inc, but haven't really ever loved it either.

At first I was tempted by the X, but quickly squashed that bug, and then I was hit with the Vibrant and Captivate (belonging to friends), which I instantly took to, despite the issues.

So now the Fascinate has made it's way to Verizon, and my dad, who is the primary line, is offering to take my Incredible and he'll give me his upgrade... But just when I tell myself ''JUMP'', I get hung up on it.

I understand the Fascinate isn't a HUGE step up in terms of performance. I guess I'm paranoid that I'm going to leave something that works for me and end up with something worse, even though I already like the T-mo and ATT variants?

So for those of you that have the phone, is it worth the switch from already owning the Incredible, or for those that swapped the Inc for the Fascinate, how do you feel about it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Gevis]

I had an Eris and switched, it was definitely worth it. I would go for it if your dad was willing to take your Incredible. If you don't like the fascinate, just trade with him.

The biggest thing for me switching from an HTC device was losing Sense and changing to TouchWiz. Sense is amazing. I'm still getting used to TouchWiz.

The screen is large and amazingly clear and bright. There are a few issues, such as GPS and the Bing thing everyone yells about.

 

[tystevens]

And for me, at least, the Bing and GPS things have been non-issues. I can install and use Google Voice search, Nav, and everything else I want, so Bing isn't a big deal for me. My GPS has worked just fine -- I've used it every day since I got the phone. I don't know how it could end up being worse than the Dinc, and if it is, you always have the 30 day return window.

I vote "pull the trigger!"

 

[iPenguin]

I had an Eris and switched, it was definitely worth it. I would go for it if your dad was willing to take your Incredible. If you don't like the fascinate, just trade with him.

The biggest thing for me switching from an HTC device was losing Sense and changing to TouchWiz. Sense is amazing. I'm still getting used to TouchWiz.

The screen is large and amazingly clear and bright. There are a few issues, such as GPS and the Bing thing everyone yells about.

Yeah, my dad could care less what he ends up with. He just wants me to put tethering on it.

Even though I the first thing I did to my Incredible was root it and flash a stock ROM, I did find myself occasionally missing the smoothness of Sense. I do find TouchWiz tolerable... but I might need LPP handy every now and then.

Bing is a complete non-issue to me. Just seems like fodder to throw in my opinion. But GPS... I don't use it all the time, but it's nice to have. I'm crossing my fingers Samsung steps-up as far as updates.

And for me, at least, the Bing and GPS things have been non-issues. I can install and use Google Voice search, Nav, and everything else I want, so Bing isn't a big deal for me. My GPS has worked just fine -- I've used it every day since I got the phone. I don't know how it could end up being worse than the Dinc, and if it is, you always have the 30 day return window.

I vote "pull the trigger!"

I can accept a somewhat wonky GPS. My Incredible wasn't perfect. I just *hope* I don't get a dud.

 

[Bwangster12]

For those of us that are nuts, not having Google Voice Search on the bottom right search button is an annoyance... not rooting that is.

 

[iPenguin]

For those of us that are nuts, not having Google Voice Search on the bottom right search button is an annoyance... not rooting that is.

Slightly off-topic: In case you took my comment the wrong way, I meant it was overblown by people hating on the Fascinate.

But I can understand your annoyance. I wasn't pleased with the Bing decision, but it happened, and it can at least be fixed. Rooting and the like really isn't bad if you can read some instructions. The forums here or XDA are great places to read up and get started.

 

[Vihzel]

I think that you'll be pleased with the upgrade to the Fascinate. Why not try waiting out for later this year when the more powerful phones are released though?

 

[hanano17]

I vote pull the trigger. I had a Dinc, and like you, I was never in love with it. I liked it, but it was missing something...something I've found in the SF. I love it, but perhaps the one thing I notice immediately is the battery life, which is by far better. I'm not high on Sense either, so TW doesn't bother me...in fact I rather like it.

The screen size is just right, nevermind the fact that its gorgeous.
GPS is an issue for some, but overall blown out of proportion and is being addressed an in update (among other things).
Bing is a non-issue for me, even if I didn't root it and replace it with Google (even on the soft key search button).
It may have some lag sometimes loading apps, but then it doesn't lock up or freeze like my Dinc did.
The camera is better than the Dinc as well, both with image and video (720p @ 30fps).
I also really like the Smart Alarm feature.

The only thing I liked about the Dinc that is missing, is the dedicateded shutter key (which was also the scroll button).

 

[iPenguin]

I think that you'll be pleased with the upgrade to the Fascinate. Why not try waiting out for later this year when the more powerful phones are released though?

I'm excited by the prospect of LTE phones around the holidays, but unfortunately I attend university in a smaller phone that probably won't even be getting 4g coverage within a year or two of LTE deployment.

Everyone on our family plan also has an expiration date within 2 months of each other, with my (potential) Fascinate upgrade being the latest. And my dad wants to be able to use us all being out of contract as leverage or if there are better options on another carrier. So upgrading November/December when the stuff starts getting REALLY good isn't part of the deal he's making me.

 

[hanano17]

I'm excited by the prospect of LTE phones around the holidays, but unfortunately I attend university in a smaller phone that probably won't even be getting 4g coverage within a year or two of LTE deployment.

Everyone on our family plan also has an expiration date within 2 months of each other, with my (potential) Fascinate upgrade being the latest. And my dad wants to be able to use us all being out of contract as leverage or if there are better options on another carrier. So upgrading November/December when the stuff starts getting REALLY good isn't part of the deal he's making me.

I'd be surprised if VZW had an LTE ready phone out in time for the holidays. I'd wager an LTE phone making an appearance around April, maybe later. As for coverage, rumor is when VZW goes live, they will be going live big...not like Sprint's Wiimax. It may not be as wide spread as CDMA/GSM, but it supposedly will be in more markets than Wiimax launched with...or has even at that time. But like I said, it most likely won't be a phone, but rather a mifi or something similar.

I didn't upgrade to get my phone, my upgrade is in November (Annual Upgrade at least, NE2 is in June). I just sell my old phones on Ebay usually, but you are giving your dad the Dinc so I guess that's not a good option for you...but you shouldn't be disappointed with the Fascinate!

 

[iPenguin]

I'd be surprised if VZW had an LTE ready phone out in time for the holidays. I'd wager an LTE phone making an appearance around April, maybe later. As for coverage, rumor is when VZW goes live, they will be going live big...not like Sprint's Wiimax. It may not be as wide spread as CDMA/GSM, but it supposedly will be in more markets than Wiimax launched with...or has even at that time. But like I said, it most likely won't be a phone, but rather a mifi or something similar.

I didn't upgrade to get my phone, my upgrade is in November (Annual Upgrade at least, NE2 is in June). I just sell my old phones on Ebay usually, but you are giving your dad the Dinc so I guess that's not a good option for you...but you shouldn't be disappointed with the Fascinate!

Thanks for all the information. My Incredible line upgrade would be around early May if we stick with Verizon, so then this might work out afterall.

Talked with my dad, and he found out he could give the upgrade to my line so he wouldn't have to start another data plan, and he would keep his MOTO slider. So I'm getting the Fascinate. It's all working out too well lol. Thanks everyone for the quick feedback.

 

[droid_head]

Just got my Fascinate and love it. A lot of people ragging on it, but it is simply a beautiful phone and performs well. Every phone has its shortcomings, but as versatile as these new phones are, you can tweak about anything.
The battery life is great, display is amazing, screen setup great, takes great photos and light as a feather.

You'll be happy with the Fascinate. I know something better will come out next month or so, but that's the way it will always be. This phone is good to go for awhile.

 

[tats_06]

Just got my Fascinate and love it. A lot of people ragging on it, but it is simply a beautiful phone and performs well. Every phone has its shortcomings, but as versatile as these new phones are, you can tweak about anything.
The battery life is great, display is amazing, screen setup great, takes great photos and light as a feather.

You'll be happy with the Fascinate. I know something better will come out next month or so, but that's the way it will always be. This phone is good to go for awhile.

Go into menu > settings > display > tap on animations and select no animations...it will speed the phone up