Expert: DebiN - 9/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I am planning on purchasing the HTC Touch Pro, as my HTC Tytn II just broke, but I wanted to know which was better: Sprint's or Verizon's? I was looking at the pictures for both phones on their sites and they look a little different. Verizon's is more sharp looking, while Sprint's is more curved. Are there any other differences between the two phones? Whether it be hardware or system specs, battery life, durability?

Thank you very much.

ANSWER: They are both exactly the same device. One is branded by Sprint and the other by Verizon but there is only one TouchPro. I would choose the carrier the carrier that gives you the bear network experience since the device is the same. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello,
thanks for the previous reply. I'm currently thinking betweet verizon and their touch pro or att and their fuze. I have an idea a need to know if it would be wise. what if I just got the $30 data plan from att, and because fuze is windows mobile, get Skype and buy their 2.99 unlimited called plan? I dont need texting, just voice and data. Would this not save me money? what would be the downside of this plan?

Thank you

Answer
None of the carriers permit Skype to be used on their data network so if you are able to use it, it would be at your own risk. The minimum voice rate plan is 450 minutes and $39.99. AT&T won't sell you a Fuze without a voice and data plan. You are going to be hard pressed to try to save any money this way. The minimum you will pay is $39.99 for voice and $30.00 for data, no matter what you do. What will save you money is calling people with AT&T (or them calling you) since mobile to mobile and nights and weekends are free. AT&T also has rollover minutes making it less expensive than Verizon since you don't lose your unused minutes. I would choose my carrier based on who has the best coverage where I live and work and travel and by how many of my friends and family have the same carrier. The device should be the next choice, not device first and network second - at least that's the way that I would do it. If you don't have a good network and coverage, then who cares what device you have if it won't work properly for you. If you are going with AT&T, have your considered an iPhone? I would choose the iPhone over the Fuze any day of the week. The plans are the same price and the 3G iPhone is only $99.99, the new 3GS is $199.99. Both are cheaper than a Fuze.  I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN