SlashGear JP
I switched! Yes indeed, I dropped AT&T and the iPhone 3GS in favor of the Google Nexus One and T-Mobile. I’d made many excuses as to why I put up with the painful AT&T network, from having apps that I needed to do my work to simply the daily habit of using the iPhone. When Google announced the Nexus One last week I wasn’t even overly excited; I knew I wouldn’t be switching until I could rely on it for my day-to-day tasks.
My essentials – such as VPN, an SSH Client with Public Key support and task management that works with our Kerio Mail Server – were not available (or at least not working properly) either as a core feature or a third-party app when Android was back at v1.5 (VPN support was added in v1.6). However things have changed since: VPN (PPTP) support is now available, ConnectBot (the SSH client) has matured, and Moxier Mail works with our Exchange-alternative mail/contacts/calendar setup. While the virtual keyboard is not as good as that on the iPhone, I’m satisfied with what it can do.
On top of my everyday needs, Android gave me what the iPhone could not: native notifications. I know the iPhone has the Push notifications, but I don’t like the idea of relying on third-party servers to notify me to important alerts; I especially don’t like that I have to send out my login credentials in order to get push-notifications (such as with GPush).
As for the hardware, the Nexus One is the fastest Android phone on the market, no doubt about it, paired with great screen with high resolution; it makes other Android phones look cheap. Bear in mind, Google put the Nexus One into the market not to join the ranks of phone manufacturers but to push the envelope in Android adoption, forcing other manufacturers of Android smartphones to create better, faster, and more interesting handsets.
Android’s development cycle is much faster than that of the iPhone, and the open nature of the platform allows for a sneak peek into what new things or fixes can be expected from later Android releases. I like knowing and being able to expect what things are coming down the line; hence why Android matches my own working philosophy.
Don’t get me wrong, the iPhone 3GS is a great phone. I’ve been using one since it was launched last year, but AT&T’s dreadful network pushed me to the edge and what Android has to offer in term of flexibility tipped me over.
I don’t believe everyone has the same requirements as me when it comes to picking up a phone or a carrier; there’s no one single, perfect phone out there for everyone. Once in a while, though, there will be a device that comes close to what you see as a perfect handset. So ignore the hype and FUD, give that phone – any phone – a try and see if it is a good fit for you.
I'm the co-founder of R3 Media LLC, the media company behind SlashGear, SlashPhone, iPhoneBuzz, PhoneMag, AndroidCommunity, and SimplyCraving.com. At R3 Media, I'm responsible for business development, strategy, and building the company’s culture. My background in high performance computing and application development also see me deal with product development of R3 Media’s properties.
9 Responses to “iSwitched: iPhone 3GS to Nexus One”
wclyffe January 12, 2010
I’m happy for you, but with this Google deal on the table you need to be really sure as there’s really no going back. I also put up with ATT at times, but its actually gotten better for me here in LA and I’ve owned all three iPhones, and currently have the 3Gs.
Google Says Nexus One $350 ‘ERF’ Is Necessary
Today, 1:12 PM by Eric M. Zeman
Google sells the Nexus One directly to consumers, with or without a T-Mobile contract. The Nexus One costs $529 without a contract and comes unlocked. In order to receive a subsidized price of $179 (for new customers), T-Mobile requires a two-year contract. It has come to light that customers wishing to break their Nexus One contract early will not only have to pay an early termination fee to T-Mobile ($200 in first 18 months), but also an “equipment recovery fee” of $350 to Google. Those who break their contract in the first 120 days will pay a total fine of $550, which is more than the full retail price of the Nexus One. Today, Google defended its ERF as a method to recapture some of the subsidies it gives contract customers. A Google spokesperson said, “This is standard practice for third-party resellers of T-Mobile and other operators.” This $550 far surpasses Verizon’s $350 ETF, and the $175 ETFs levied by other network operators
NeutralEwdison Then January 12, 2010
Yap, I think in my case, I don’t have to worry about it as I bought the unlock version of Nexus One and signed up with AT&T without contract.
+7twilo123 January 12, 2010
most people are probably not buying unlocked versions so this is a major issue coming up to be repeated for sure by many manufacturers, carriers, etc. everyone will push the envelope until they get a smack on the hand and then they will cry about it and pull back a little. not a good sign of things to come for subsidized hardware. also there is the 3g issue supposedly going around. do you experience this issue for your phone?
NeutralEwdison Then January 13, 2010
No 3G issue so far, hasn’t drop to edge on places I’m using the phone at.
+5Are you using this phone on AT&T? I’m really tempted to get one but at $560 it must be a good deal. I’m on 2 years contract with AT&T with iPhone 3GS but would love to know how it stacks up with iPhone in terms of usability on 2g EDGE. Love to hear you back.
NeutralEwdison Then January 12, 2010
I dropped AT&T for T-Mobile. I did tried it with AT&T Edge for a day or so but it was painfully slow. But if you don’t care about that then it shouldn’t be a big deal. Just don’t spend 250 for ETF on AT&T
+1Oh well guess I should just be patient. Thanks for the insight Ewdison ! Have fun with your Nexus.
+1yes I switched too.. well India doesnt have good 3g yet and 3gs is a still a distant dream, so is droid or nexus one..
Neutrali switched because I use more google than apple products and nexus one integrates with google PIM suites brilliantly
and Notifications are awesome not to mentiion the hardware that all talk about. but my fellow iphone fans who made the switch may be unhappy with the media part or the capabilities of thirdparty apps
colocation services January 21, 2010
I am big fan of apple products although nexus one is superb phone I heard customer service for nexus one is not satisfactory and i will say just be patient because apple is going to launch iphone 3g by mid 2010
-4