SQL Business Intelligence Professional

In exasperation with AT&T’s wireless network and (lack of) service, I recently parked my iPhone 3G in favor of Sprint’s HTC Evo.  This is the first phone I have ever owned (missed the whole bag-phone craze of the 1980’s) that required a kickstand.  The display is HUGE.  While 4G is not in my ‘home’ market, I consider Sprint an upgrade for three reasons:

1. The 3G service in my home market has better performance than AT&T.  (Anecdotal)
2. The 4G service in many of the markets to which I regularly travel is frighteningly fast.
3. Finally, the Sprint 4G markets just happen to be AT&T markets where iPhone data and voice were in effect, useless.

So on to the goodies.  This one device has managed to replace an iPhone 3G, Nikon Coolpix 5100 and Garmin GPS in my travel gear.

The 8-megapixel digital camera and HD (720p) video combine to replace an aging point and shoot.  The Android interface provides quick sharing (or I can offload using the micro-usb cable).  I have not seen the selection of camera apps a la iPhone, but I am sure they will come.

Both the Sprint Navigation (included in my cheaper-than-AT&T plan) and Google gps functions have worked very well on a couple of trips.  I have yet to be steered into a lake or shop window.  Additionally, as the ‘maps’ are always current, no annoying Garmin map updates (or map update fees).

On the downside, the battery life…

Sorry, my Evo battery died in mid-sentence.  Seriously, using the radios (GPS, 4G, WiFi) prudently can get 4-5 hours of use from full charge to exhaustion.  Given most of my GPS use is in a car, the adapter will help offset battery drain for that radio.  I can’t imagine using the WiFi hotspot feature in an area without at least power for the phone (wall or 12-volt).  Finally, I can always buy another battery and keep a spare, charged cell to swap in if needed.  Try that with your iPhone.  So as far as this traveler is concerned.  I am sticking with Sprint and the Evo (at least for two years).