The Bay Area Native

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By Justin Marshall

If you live in the Bay Area or any other fast paced metropolitan city chances are you have a smart phone. For those still flipping out your Moto Razor it may be time to upgrade. There is no be all end all to phone, though many attempt to coerce you to believe the “all hail Apple” stigma. In today’s world, with so many turning to smart phones as a way of life, the phone you use is just about as subjective as what kind of car you drive. Here are a few comparisons of the leading smart phones, accompanied with a chart of raw specifications to help you when you make your choice.

Coverage

We all know how very important it is to have coverage, without it your phone is just a cool mp3 player/ game console. In order to have that constant connection to your Facebook or twitter account, or by the offhand chance you want to connect with someone by a phone call, the bars are essential. It is a widely known fact that Verizon has the best 3g data coverage; with At&t and Sprint trailing shortly behind. It’s a good idea to check out the coverage in your area for each company before choosing, because the signal varies by region.

Operating System

The Iphone 4 sports Apples OS, which has been described by many as intuitive and easy to navigate. Apple products are great at being user friendly when it come to the interface and user experience. Sprint’s Htc Evo currently has the upgrade to Google’s Android 2.2 operating system, compared to Verizon’s Droid X only having Android 2.1. (for now, at least) Google has created a very open source operating system for Android, allowing users to customize and craft their phones to their linking. It may not be as user friendly as Apple OS, but Android isn’t as restrictive as Apple with the available applications. You can jailbreak your Apple iphone at www.jailbreakme.com. Jailbreaking allows users to have a less restrictive experience on the Iphone, although Apple does not suggest it and it may cause you to lose reception and/or security.

You can see for yourself any additional differences in this chart. With the selections of phones, it really is a give and take; figure out what you truly want. If coverage is be the most important to you, logically you would lean toward Verizon’s Droid X. If being the most cutting edge is your thing, the latest Android operating system 2.2 is exclusive to the Htc Evo. Or if having a sleek, small, lightweight phone is what you desire, then the Iphone would fit nicely in your designer jean’s pocket. My biggest suggestion is to try before you buy, and not to base your choice on hype. Everyone has varying opinions and ideas on which operating system and shape is the best for them. So, since we all have our own view of genius, and now that you know the facts, ask yourself: Whats the smartest phone for me?

Specs

	AT&T	Verizon	Sprint
	Iphone 4	Droid X	Htc Evo
Operating System	Ios 4	Android 2.1	Android 2.1, 2.2
Screen Size	3.5 Inch IPS @ 960X640	4.3 Inch TFT @ 480X854	4.3 Inch TFT LCD @ 480X800
Size	4.5 x 2.31 x 0.37 inches	5.02 x 2.58 x 0.39 inches	4.8 x 2.6 x 0.5
Memory	512MB RAM	512MB RAM	1GB ROM 512MB RAM
Processor Speed	1GHZ	1GHZ	1GHZ
Storage	16GB/ 32GB internal	8GB(up to 32 GB w/ micro sd)	8GB(up to 32GB W/micro sd)
External Storage	None	Available	Available
Rear Camera	5 mp 1.75 micro, flash	8mp w/ autofocus dual flash	8mp w/ autofocus dual flash
Front Camera	Vga	None	1.3 mp
MIFI- Hotspot	None	Available	Available
Second Mic	Yes	Yes	Yes
Video Resolution	720p 30fps	720	720 20fps
Adobe Flash	Never	Coming with Fro Yo 2.2	Flash lite
Weight	4.8 ounces	5.47 ounces	6 ounces
Wi-Fi	Available	Available	Available(wireless n w/ froyo 2.2)
Fm Radio	None	Available	Available
Tv Out	Apple Av Cables	Hdmi Out	micro Hdmi
Bluetooth	2.1 + Edr	2.1 + Edr	2.1 + Edr
Sim	Micro Sm	None	None
Price	$199/$299 w/ 2 year contract	$199 w/ 2 year contract and rebate	$199 w/ 2 year contract and Rebate