3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

I used an Android device for about a week a few months ago and was pretty underwhelmed by the experience, and it seemed impossible to customize the things I wanted to customize. Despite this experience I just bought a Droid 2 Global because work was insisting I get a device that I can use with my work email (Exchange) when I'm traveling and at conferences, and the D2G seemed like the best option available on Verizon (with whom I get a big discount).

Now that I bought it I'm having some second thoughts. I actually like my dumbphone, it is 4 years old, but works great and is pretty darn indestructible, plus I like having a phone that I don't have to charge everyday. So I'm wondering if a tablet exists that I could get just a data package with instead, and continue using my phone as a phone?

* Ideally it should be pocketable (jacket pocket is OK though - basically similar size as N800 although could be a bit bigger)

* Have a hardware keyboard (flexible on this point)

* Needs to have some kind of 3G modem built in, can't spend more than $35 per month for data (work is paying for data connection and that is their limit)

* Would like it to have a good OS (full multitasking, ability to run business productivity software, Exchange activesync, etc...)

Anything like this exist? It needs to be available pretty much right now (taking a trip in early March that I'd need this for).

Need to decide if I should just suck it up and activate the Droid, or return it and pick something else up.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Yup there is a device which does all of that, and...

Has an FM transmitter.
Has an FM receiver.
Has an IR transmitter for pretending to be a TV remote
Has 32GB built in mass storage
Has a MicroSD slot for expanding storage (currently upto 32GB)
5MP camera (HDR capable via extra software)

I could go on, but yup it's the N900, but it is about the only thing out there which meets your requirements.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Except as far as I know I can't get just a data package with it in the U.S? Also the screen is a bit small for my taste, really want something between 4" - 6"

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Yes you can get just a data plan, on either AT&T (2G only) or Tmobile (3G and "4G").

Nothing you can really do about the screen size though. I do find it acceptable for the most part, but I too would prefer a 4-5" screen. There really is no alternative out there, unless you want to suck it up and use Android. Then I would recommend the Dell Streak (which should be a getting a working Honeycomb port soon).

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Do you know the details of the t-mobile data only plan? All I could find on their site was a $50 per month plan which they said was for Windows Mobile phones.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Thanks. Don't know why I wasn't able to find that the first time I went to the site. $40 is getting closer to what my work will pay, might have to see if they will let me bump that up a few dollars a month. If they had an international data plan like they do for the Blackberries it would be a lot more tempting though.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Look around and see Archos's internet tablets. They have many of them with different sizes and capabilities. People also ported MeeGo to Archos devices.

I tend to like Archos 5 and Archos 43, although I've never used any of them. Downside: they don't have any phone connection.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

No data (wifi only), and runs Android, but 5" screen:
http://www.electronista.com/articles...f.the.4.model/
I think it would be a very nice toy, especially if you get one of those 3G hotspot thingies.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Check out the Viliv N5.

clamshell form factor
1.3Ghz CPU (atom)
Windows 7 OS (put any x86 OS on it you want)
4.8" 1024 X 600 screen
32GB SSD
GPS
1.3MP cam
Optical mouse
HSPA option
‘Up to’ 5 hours battery life.
399gm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mrN6SFslTw

I think the N5 is the only device right now that meets all your spec requests; not even the N900 meets the screen size requirement.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

Wow, the N5 does look really nice. A bit pricey and the battery life isn't that great...but otherwise really up my alley. Thanks for pointing that out, I'd never heard about it before. Will have to think on it for awhile though to see if I can justify the expense.

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

14 ounces isn't what I would call "pocketable" -- but you may have a different standard.

I have to say the Archos 43 (and maybe the Samsung Galaxy S Wi-Fi) looks like a likely replacement for my N800.

If anyone has experience with the Archos 43, I'd love to hear from you. The Amazon reviews make it sound pretty appealing. I like the sound of faster browsing, a slightly larger screen, and the nifty loss of more than 70 grams. Apparently you can add an app that gives you access to Android Marketplace and you can pair a GPS receiver with it. Lookin' good to me (though I just might keep waiting ... more good things coming in droves I believe.)

Re: 3G N8x0 alternatives?
 

I just saw another potential N900 replacement... the "W3":

The Magic W3: the mini-PC with phone capabilities that's not a smartphone

No word on pricing or availability yet, but it runs an Atom processor, 32GB storage, 4.8" screen, camera, wifi, bluetooth, 3g, hdmi... the works. Plus it makes phone calls!

It comes installed with Windows 7 on it. The only issue I see is that there is Windows software for making calls, but I don't know if a Linux equivalent exists.