Which phone to get

[davidpm]

I'm sure this is pushing is a bit, asking the sailing forum about a recomendation for a phone but the truth is that my last phone I selected primaraly because it was waterproof.

The one I have now is an older model of this phone Set Your Location

I am now due to work pressures being squeezed into a smart phone.
I am on Verizon and am thinking of a iphone or a thunderbolt.

This is what I think I got figured out so far:
On the verizon network you can't get a call and stay on the net at the same time on the iphone but you can on the droids.

The thunderbolt is bigger but not necessaraly sharper. Anyone know if it makes a difference.
The thunderbolt has 4g capability but I live in CT which is still 3G.
The thunderbolt is supposed to have poor battery life especially with 4g

From a sailing point of view:
How do the two phone handle charting?
Any other apps that might tip the scale.
What about waterproofing
What about the camera?

I work for a programming company but I doubt if I would buy a Mac so I could develop for the iphone.
The cell phone we carry might just be another sailing tool so what do you think?

[hellosailor]

"David, AFAIK it won't matter what phone you use, a normal Verizon phone uses CMDA2000 technology and none of those--none--can simulaneously handle data and voice. If someone says a particular phone actually can do that on Verizon, ask to see it actually being done before you believe it.

Cameras? Almost all the smartphones have decent ones. Exactly what they do varies. But there are also Otterboxes and other cases that can make a lot of the phones water-resistant. If you want a native water-resistant phone, there are very few on the market, from any carrier. And most don't come anywhere near the feature set of the more delicate phones.

None of the "4g-ish" networks in the US is actually 4G according to ITU standards for the planet. Partly because our speeds are all too slow, partly because so few do simultaneous voice and data. The ITU generously redefined (lowered) their standards to prevent the US cellcos from all going to jail over the abuse of "4G".

Charting? Well...I've tried EZ NC on a smartphone with a large screen. Ever try catering a formal dinner party with a Kenner EZ Bake Oven? (VBG)

[sidney777]

See if you can get phone to act as modem for your laptop and tether to your computer . But, you know your needs and tech info more than I do.
I used a cell phone like this for coastal cruising in Florida and it was great for info, charts, weather, phone calls.

[CaptKermie]

Make sure the sreen is sunlight readable, on some phones the bright sun will wash out the display so you can't read it.
iPhone will accept several chart programs that you can use the phone to navigate with and it is very popular.
If you are an Acvtive Captain fan the windows version of phones will run AC and provide you with plenty of cruising intel.
Be careful of getting locked into a long term contract because your new phone will be antiquated and obsolete before your contract runs out.