The new GOOGLE terms- have you read?

[Wayne M.]

Just looking for feedback, and to open discussion. I know this pertains mostly to Android smartphone users (like myself), and to users of google's other services. I haven't been able to digest the whole thing, but looks pretty intimidating.

I'm in a fortunate situation where my Wife and I both have Droids, and we're out of a contract presently- looking to reup with new phones. This would be a good time to switch format (go to iphone or back to blackberry).



I know google wants "us" to have a "better" experience, and that includes handling our money, and suggesting what to buy. I refuse to be in that sheep herd.

 

[Jim W]

You need to add one more item in your poll. How about both types of phones, one regular and one smart phone.

My wife has the smart phone and I have the regular phone. My kids do not even call me since they know the phone is off. I use my phone just for emergency or if I need something on the road.

We have the apple I phone for the wife and guess who has to up

date the phone all of the time.

Jim W.

 

[jgillott]

I use a Blackberry right now and am completely happy with it's capability/reliability for both work and personal use. I am inclined to purchase another when the time comes. I am aware that both the Droid and iPhone offer significantly more apps, but for my use, I really don't need all the bells and whistles. The only reason that I may consider an iPhone the next time around is that my work is now 100% Mac based and the guys I work with that have the iPhones, really appreciate the seamless sync of their schedules etc. between the apple devices.



As far as the new Google terms of use are concerned, they really have pushed the edge of the "Big Brother" envelope as far as I am concerned. Even though I am certainly not comfortable with knowing that someone is tracking my use, it would be nieve to think that Google is the only one out there that is or will be involved in such actions. I guess our loss of privacy is something that unfortunately comes with the convenience of information at our fingertips.

 

[morbius]

I know google wants "us" to have a "better" experience, and that includes handling our money, and suggesting what to buy. I refuse to be in that sheep herd.

Google reminds me of the movie "President's Analyst" with James Colbern(think I spelled that right) ..... I do not need google to think for me either !

 

[Wayne M.]

I use a Blackberry right now and am completely happy with it's capability/reliability for both work and personal use. I am inclined to purchase another when the time comes. I am aware that both the Droid and iPhone offer significantly more apps, but for my use, I really don't need all the bells and whistles. The only reason that I may consider an iPhone the next time around is that my work is now 100% Mac based and the guys I work with that have the iPhones, really appreciate the seamless sync of their schedules etc. between the apple devices.



As far as the new Google terms of use are concerned, they really have pushed the edge of the "Big Brother" envelope as far as I am concerned. Even though I am certainly not comfortable with knowing that someone is tracking my use, it would be nieve to think that Google is the only one out there that is or will be involved in such actions. I guess our loss of privacy is something that unfortunately comes with the convenience of information at our fingertips.

How ironic is it that my Wife's droid blew up last night! The display went nuts and then just went black with the whole unit unresponsive...

After church, we ran to verizon to see our fate. In the back of my mind, as a fall back, I have my old blackberry curve that I could swap to for now, but I know she never liked it.

The verizon stores in my area don't stock any iphones at all. While we were there, we were looking at alternatives, and to put it plainly, there isn't much! Blackberry had only 2 models- their display area was only 3 feet long and the touch screen model (closest to droid) wasn't even there. Droid rules at the verizon store!

The wind up is that we reactivated the 'ol curve, synced it up, and now she has it out as I post this. The Verizon dude did confirm that the iphone wouldn't be bound by google's policy in any way, and that it does not support 4G.

 

[jgillott]

How ironic is it that my Wife's droid blew up last night! The display went nuts and then just went black with the whole unit unresponsive...

After church, we ran to verizon to see our fate. In the back of my mind, as a fall back, I have my old blackberry curve that I could swap to for now, but I know she never liked it.

The verizon stores in my area don't stock any iphones at all. While we were there, we were looking at alternatives, and to put it plainly, there isn't much! Blackberry had only 2 models- their display area was only 3 feet long and the touch screen model (closest to droid) wasn't even there. Droid rules at the verizon store!

The wind up is that we reactivated the 'ol curve, synced it up, and now she has it out as I post this. The Verizon dude did confirm that the iphone wouldn't be bound by google's policy in any way, and that it does not support 4G.

Posting my reply of approval on my 2 year old Blackberry Curve. If it dies tomorrow, I'm going to do my best to replace it with whatever the 2012 equivalent is.



Seriously, I read an article on AOL.com the other day that stated they believe Blackberry will cease to exist within a few years. I certainly hope not. It has been the perfect business/personal phone for me.

 

[Wayne M.]

Blackberry truly seems to be the darling of the business world.

 

[Tractorat]

That was where I drew the line in the sand as far as technology. I can make and receive phone calls, send and receive texts. Thats all. If I could have gotten a phone without a camera, I would have.

 

[Nyoest]

I've never used a blackberry but im currently on an iPhone. I'm not one for tech, but this I phone is remarkable. From email notification to the apps I would imagine its hard to beat. Of course you get the apple "buy here pay here" software but it seems to work.

 

[Wayne M.]

We've decided to go for iPhones. We're grabbing up a pair of old 4's (not4S). Actually for a decent deal @ Verizon. The only drawback I see is that no iPhones are on the 4G signal. Seems Apple isn't sold on it yet. Maybe stringing us along for the 5. Another reason not to get the 4S. .

 

[bheiting]

Former Apple board member and now Google CEO, Eric Schmidt essentially stole everything he could get his hands at Apple. Android is basically an iphone knockoff. I like supporting American innovators, not those that steal others intellectual property. I will never buy an Android phone. Now that Apple is getting ready to bring their operating system into the nations living rooms, Google has announced plans to do the same. Hmmm, I wonder how that happened.

 

[dresslered]

That was where I drew the line in the sand as far as technology. I can make and receive phone calls, send and receive texts. Thats all. If I could have gotten a phone without a camera, I would have.

Gotta go along with Tractorat. My company issues blackberries for security reasons, but I had them give me just a basic Samsug... it receives and transmits phone calls, texts, and even has a built in camera (which I don't use). I have a Nikon camera, 65" TV, and a computer for doing all the rest. Besides, I'm sick of nearly getting sideswiped by that kid on the freeway every other day while he is checking his latest tweets.

 

[bheiting]

RIM would be very happy if you bought a Blackberry. They need a killer product desperately. Nearly all of Fortune 500 Co. 's are dumping them for iphones and ipads. I would be very surprised if RIM is in business in two years.