If you have followed my posts, you know I am a gadget geek, and am the perfect example that “the only difference between a man, and a boy is the price of his toys” is definitely true. I enjoy the gadgets I use, they all have strengths / weaknesses, and are best for certain tasks while not so good for others.
After having used my current crop of toys extensively, which device would I keep if I could only have one device?
I love the Samsung Tab, it is great for videos, web browsing, and all apps look great on its quality 7″ screen. It also fits in my winter jacket pocket for easy mobility. The Tab supports Flash, and does a fine job displaying Flash videos as long as you have a good cell connection, or WiFi. I do feel like I have full web access with the Tab unlike another device which claims full web access, but does not support Flash. I take the Tab with me every day to enjoy videos, browsing etc. while out.
The Samsung Sprint Galaxy S Epic 4G is definitely one of my favorites as well. I love the physical keyboard, the Super AMOLED screen is fantastic, 4G is superfast, and the phone is very stable / reliable. When / if this device is upgraded to Froyo with Flash support, it will be superb.
The Nexus One is, dare I say, elegant. I am impressed with its overall feel / looks, its speed, and I do like the trackball as well as the pure Froyo experience. Like the Tab, the Nexus One plays Flash videos fine as long as you have a good cell connection, or WiFi. I have two Nexus One’s, one I take with me everyday, and one in my bedroom for mobile access while upstairs.
The HD2 / HD7 are impressive as well. The 4.3″ screens are great for videos / browsing, both devices are well built / feel good in the hand even with the large screens, and both have been stable / reliable. The HD2 has all the classic power user features I crave, while the HD7 has the nice Metro UI which is fluid, smooth, and fast. Unfortunately, the HD7, like all WP7′s, is missing too many features I require. Hopefully, Microsoft will soon rectify this dearth of power user features as I feel WP7 has the potential to return Microsoft to prominent mobile player again.
The Samsung Vibrant is similar to the Epic 4G but has no keyboard, and of course, no 4G although HSPA+ has been very fast in certain Boston locations even approaching the speeds of the Epic 4G at times, but not consistently.
Now the iOS devices. – Although well made, the iOS devices are too restrictive to be my daily drivers. I need file access in order to easily transfer files among my plethora of devices, and iOS does not allow this without jailbreaking. I also dislike using iTunes as the main conduit for the various iOS devices, and want a microSD card slot. The iPad is nice, but its lack of Flash, restricted file access, and overall bulk / cumbersomeness prevent it from being the mobile device I take with me for videos / web browsing while out. The iPhone 4 is nice as well, but its restricted nature, and small 3.5″ screen prevent it from being my daily mobile driver. After using larger screen devices, the 3.5″ screen on the iPhone 4 seems small almost toy like in spite of its acclaimed Retina display. Ditto for the iPod touch 4G. The SIM (with adapter) from my iPhone 4 has found a home in the Dell Streak for the last two months. All of the apps I desire (and more) are available on the Android Market as well.
Now my choice for the one gadget I would keep if I had to discard all others, the Dell Streak. Although I prefer videos / web browsing on the Tab’s 7″ screen, the Streak is my next best device for watching videos / web browsing. The Streak fits in all my pockets unlike the Tab which only fits in my winter jacket pocket, and weighs quite a bit less than the Tab. The 4 / 4.3″ devices are nice for video / web browsing as well, but the Streak is one step better due to its 5″ screen. The Streak also fits in my hand well, and makes phone calls unlike the US based Tabs which do not. Although I use my devices primarily for data, I do make the occasional phone call. All my current devices have nice screens, but I am really impressed with the Streak’s screen. It is a joy to use for videos, web browsing, and all my favorite Android apps look great. I make my choice while the Streak is still at Android 1.6 with the Dell UI enhancements (which I like). When / if Froyo / Gingerbread are officially released for the Streak, its ratings will skyrocket particularly if it plays Flash videos as well as the Tab, and Nexus One currently do. The best overall device for me from connectivity, usability, form factor, weight, video viewing, web browsing, quality of screen, app availability, and pleasure to use perspectives is the Dell Streak. If I could only keep one device, it would be the Dell Streak even with 1.6.
Fortunately, I do not have to make the choice, and can continue to use all the devices for the tasks they are best at performing. My choice is based on the features, performance level, and form factor that are important to me as well as the tasks I wish to accomplish on my mobile devices. Your opinions, desired features, required tasks, and ratings may be different.
Although I would welcome your comments, I have comments turned off because I was being inundated with spam replies.