No Contract Android Recommendation?

[JayT3]

Hi all,

I am an iPhone user who is interested in picking up an android phone to learn more about the operating system. I intend (at least for the near future) to keep using my iPhone as my "phone" so I'd like to buy an Android phone that would not require me to sign up for a contract in the USA. While it might occasionally be used as a pre-paid phone, I'd mostly use the phone as an android "iPod touch" to learn about the platform.

Important: Must be able to root, modify, and play with. Must be able to run a stable Android 2.2 (even if I have to install it myself). GSM would be nice to compatible as a world phone, but not critical.

I don't need the latest and greatest, but I do need something that I can use to get a strong feel for Android.

What phone would you guys recommend? Here are some options I am looking at.

LG Thrive (AT&T, $179)
LG Optimus T (T-Mobile, $119)
LG Optimus M (MetroPCS, $149)
Huawei Ascend (Metro PCS, $99)
HTC MyTouch 3G (Buy.com unlocked GSM, $149)


Thanks.

 

[bluenova]

Hi there,

Just to add another option your way, as you say you are only really interested in the OS. Did you know the Android SDK has an emulator so you can actually use Android (version of your choice) on your desktop for trying it out and testing apps without having to fork out hundreds of dollars?

Android Emulator | Android Developers

 

[tlbj6142]

Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile both have inexpensive options with no contract that might be worth looking at. Both use Sprint's CDMA 3G network and are NOT world phones.

I've thought about trying Virgin Mobile's plan as it is only $25/month for unlimited data/text and 300 min. I've actually thought that might be a nice Xmas gift for my daughter. I know that would be cheaper than what she costs me now on VZW. Plus she'd get a nice Android phone (older, but still functional).

 

[JayT3]

Hi there,

Just to add another option your way, as you say you are only really interested in the OS. Did you know the Android SDK has an emulator so you can actually use Android (version of your choice) on your desktop for trying it out and testing apps without having to fork out hundreds of dollars?

Android Emulator | Android Developers

Actually, that's a good idea and think I will try it out. However, I still think I'd want a device as with an emulator, I won't get daily use with it and won't therefore get used to its tricks and quirks.

David

 

[JayT3]

Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile both have inexpensive options with no contract that might be worth looking at. Both use Sprint's CDMA 3G network and are NOT world phones.

I've thought about trying Virgin Mobile's plan as it is only $25/month for unlimited data/text and 300 min. I've actually thought that might be a nice Xmas gift for my daughter. I know that would be cheaper than what she costs me now on VZW. Plus she'd get a nice Android phone (older, but still functional).

Virgin Mobile looks nice. I like the cheap $25/month no contract plan. I might try it for a month or two to get the feel for it. The phones they offer are a bit more expensive than what I've mentioned (but still cheap enough to consider.) The LG Optimus V looks nice.

Between these various devices, what do I need to compare to know which hardware I want / need? How do I pick between these various options if I don't care about carrier?

 

[tlbj6142]

I, too, do NOT own an android phone yet. One thing that has confused me a bit is that there appears to be several phones that are the same as other phones but have different names (especially in the mid to low end devices). I've used pdadb.net just to get a more geeky view of the device's specs.

After you look at the specs, I'd jump over to XDA (and/or this forum's device boards) and see if there is a forum for that device (or sister device) and if their are ROMs available (you mentioned you want a root'able phone).

If you do try one of the VM phones, please report back to this thread or send me a PM. I'd really appreciate it.

 

[takeshi]

(nm)

 

[takeshi]

Between these various devices, what do I need to compare to know which hardware I want / need? How do I pick between these various options if I don't care about carrier?

Your needs/wants dictate it just like any other device selection thread. We can't tell you what hardware you want or need. If you can't directly translate your requirements into hardware specs then provide us your needs/wants and we can provide some meaningful recommendations.