Best Android Phone with Physical Keyboard

[alkah3st]

I'm looking to upgrade my phone from the old HTC1 to a new Android phone but I'm not sure what to go with. (I realize there are other threads for this out there but I have other requirements too...)

All I want is:

- a physical keyboard
- ability to tether the connection to a laptop
- a decent point-and-shoot camera built in

 

[EarlyMon]

Are you in the US with a specific carrier requirement? Or Europe, GSM? Or...?

Could make a difference in the recommendations.

We like our Evo Shift on Sprint, the Epic is another great choice on that carrier.

 

[alkah3st]

Oh yes, I'm in the US.

I don't mind switching to a different carrier, I'm on T-Mobile right now.

 

[Tslide91]

G2 is great. Easy tethering, good keyboard, unique hinge, stock android so you'll get updated for sure, and it's a "G" phone, so their priority for updates is higher than most.

Theres the motorola charm, but I wouldnt recommend it.

Uhm, the sidekick 4g isn't terrible, you may like it.

The cliq 2 doesn't seem too bad.

Go to your local t-mobile store and play with them. You're going to be spending a couple hundred bucks on a phone. Play with them and may sure you get the one you like the best.

 

[Feeshie]

G2 is great. Easy tethering, good keyboard, unique hinge, stock android so you'll get updated for sure, and it's a "G" phone, so their priority for updates is higher than most.

Theres the motorola charm, but I wouldnt recommend it.

Uhm, the sidekick 4g isn't terrible, you may like it.

The cliq 2 doesn't seem too bad.

Go to your local t-mobile store and play with them. You're going to be spending a couple hundred bucks on a phone. Play with them and may sure you get the one you like the best.

The G2 would be the best choice IMO for TMO and it is confirmed to have the gingerbread update soon.

 

[alkah3st]

Thanks for these suggestions! I'll go check these out.

 

[Ngo93]

The Sidekick 4G has the best keyboard in my opinion, but I think that the G2 would be the best choice.

 

[Rominucka]

Try the new Sidekick since you're already on T-Mobile.

The screen isn't that big, but I'd rather forgo screen-size for functionality, fluidity in processing and battery life; and it's really not all that expensive. For me, the only real benefit for a larger screen, besides ascetic purposes, would be the ease it lends to typing on a virtual keyboard. (even though I'm starting to have a good time with Swype, in the past couple of days)

The full sqwerty keyboard is GREAT! The buttons are tacky (meaning they stick a little, ya know...rubber) and they're separated. It's very easy to get used to not having to look at the keyboard while you type on this thing. It has a plethora of designated punctuation keys as well as designated number keys.

If you're that willing to switch carriers for just a phone (which is what I would do too if I wasn't so pleased with the Indulge and Metro's AWESOME signal strength and consistency in my area), the most important thing is to consider which carrier has the best service.

For...
Verizon: Droid 2 Global (no dedicated punc keys or numbers, but has a powerful processor)
LG Ally (has a good keyboard but it's outdated)

AT&T: I don't think they have a physical keyboard phone running Android.

Sprint: Epic 4G (hands down)

TMobile: Sidekick

 

[alkah3st]

So it looks like I should go with Sidekick or G2 if I want to stay on T-Mobile, Epic for AT&T, or Droid 2 on Verizon if I can live with the lack of numbers/punctuation.

You guys are great, thanks for all this feedback!

 

[Tslide91]

Go with the G2, htc>the rest

 

[EarlyMon]

So it looks like I should go with Sidekick or G2 if I want to stay on T-Mobile, Epic for AT&T, or Droid 2 on Verizon if I can live with the lack of numbers/punctuation.

You guys are great, thanks for all this feedback!

Just making sure - Samsung Epic is on Sprint (as is the Evo Shift, similar hardware to the G2).

 

[gunderscorewil]

my $.02

G2 is your best bet in my opinion-> has stock android, a cool hinge (not cool if you like to text in bed), and 4g

TMo: G2, Sidekick, Cliq2, MyTouch Slide

At&t: Dont bother. They best thing they have is the flipout/flipside

VZW: CHOICES...Droid, Droid 2, Droid 2 Global (best imo), Droid Pro

Sprint: Evo Shift, Epic (galaxy s)

 

[MyNamesTooLong]

Oh yes, I'm in the US.

I don't mind switching to a different carrier, I'm on T-Mobile right now.

1. sidekick 4g...sidekicks have always been the best phones for texing
2.mytouch slide...nice big 4 row qwerty
3.G2...keyboard isnt as comfortable as a mytouch slide but it compensates in other ways

 

[Ngo93]

A myTouch 4G Slide is also supposed to be coming out if you'd be willing to wait for that. The specs look pretty good too, the best out of any current slider.

 

[Shaughnessy]

Has anyone tried the Droid Pro? I don't even think I've seen one in the wild.

 

[davidchsw]

A coworker has one and I haven't heard complaints from him. He had a Treo before.

David

 

[gunderscorewil]

Has anyone tried the Droid Pro? I don't even think I've seen one in the wild.

a friend of mine has one. she says she likes it alright