My Treo Can Find A New Life on the Frontlines of Global Health, But What Should I Replace It With?

That's a video I took at NTC after dinner when we all wandered into the Apple Store. I realized that I was the only one in the group who didn't have an Iphone.  I've been using a Treo600 for five years and waiting for it to die before getting the next phone.

It's so old that it is retro now.

It's time to let go.   And, I just heard about a way to give my old treo a new life on the frontlines of global health!

FrontlineSMS:Medic today launched Hope Phones, a nationwide mobile phone collection campaign supporting mHealth programs at medical clinics in over 30 countries. The campaign will make use of old cell phones in the US to provide phones for clinics and healthcare workers in the developing world.

According to Hope Phones, cell phones are valuable tools in the battle to reduce disease and illness. The field of mHealth - the provision and coordination of health-related services via mobile communications - is blossoming in response to a global shortage of healthcare workers and the demonstrated impact made by simple, mobile tools.

Hope Phones will make use of the nearly 450,000 cell phones discarded every day in the US. HopePhones.org allows donors to print a free shipping label and send their old phone in to The Wireless Source, a global leader in wireless device recycling. The phone’s value allows FrontlineSMS:Medic to purchase usable, recycled cell phones for healthcare workers.

Okay, that makes it easy.  But what should I replace it with?

But, should I succumb to the Iphone? 

I posted this on Twitter and the advice boiled down to this:

• IPhone lovers came out of the woodwork in larger numbers
• One or two warned that Iphone is candy, avoid it.  Instead get a Nokia or Android.

It strikes me that I didn't ask the right question. I should be asking - What SmartPhone will best support my mobile work flow and communications needs?

• Browse web
• Ability to access my google docs, calendar, and gmail - not only read, but edit
• Ability to read/respond on social sites - FB, FF, Twitter, etc
• Decent Phone
• Ability to type well
• Good camera, doesn't have to be video but that would be nice
• Entertain me when I'm bored in airports

Well, when I saw that Creative Whack Pack is an app on the IPhone, I though that airplane time might be more fun.

Considering ...

Nokia N97 (not out yet)
Nokia E71
IPhone  (when is next version out?)
Android

I need to look at the costs, carriers, and actually feel the phones in my hands.

Comments

[Sue Waters]

IMHO nothing currently beats iPhone for the mobile web and all applications that make social networking (e.g. for Flickr, Twitter, WordPress for iPhone, Facebook, Fring, Skype etc). Surprisingly it is really easy to multi task on an iphone. With so many cool applications you can add to your iphone you never get board traveling (that is often when I tested out new applications).

But if you want a phone, are less fussed with the mobile web and social networking you might choose different phone. I borrowed my friend's PDA the other night (I used to have one myself) and instantly I realised how much slower and harder the tasks I take for granted are on her PDA.

[Gayle Thorsen]

Next generation of iphone comes out in June.

[Tresha Thorsen]

how funny. i just noticed the last name of the first commenter and we share the same last name...but i don't think relation...who knows. i'll have to ask her.
for the specific needs you've identified, i've had zero probs with my iphone.
i never owned a smart phone before this one so i don't have experience with say a blackberry or treo.
if you're already an at&t customer, it behooves you to wait til your due for an upgrade. Either style phone will be $200 less if you're already eligible for the upgrade (last I checked).
Keep us posted on your findings...and your choice. Have fun sifting thru the options. :)

[Stephen]

I've been through exactly the same challenge... last year my Treo600 developed a nasty yellow splotch on the screen. Time to go.

To get wifi, easy syncing, 2megapixel camera and video, decent screen size, full querty keyboard, I got a Nokia 61i - it's an excellent phone. I didn't think GPS or FM radio would be any use to me, so I didn't get an Nokia e71 (superceded by e73, I think).

On the downside, I wouldn't use it to edit google docs as the screen is too small. While there are more programmes available though a variety of outlets they are a bit difficult to find and rate - I think the Apple Apps store would beat distribution of Symbian apps by a long way.

Finally, Nokia's free ovi.com service for syncing address book, calendar, etc is a useful back-up and handy if your phone slips out of your bag onto the car floor and you wonder where it has gone. Probably won't be long before they charge.

Ah well, as you tell I'm geek at heart.

[Bobbi Newman]

Don't forget the Palm Pre, it will be out sometime this summer

[Beth Kanter]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to give my Treo a new life after we move to California is about 5 weeks! Gives me some time to consider this switch carefully. My only issue with the Iphone is the ability to type on it ....

[Dan]

Take a good look at the Palm Pre (due out on June 6th). It is quite compelling as an iPhone competitor, and it has a slideout keyboard (out the bottom). I am ready to choose one as well, and it will either be the iPhone or the Pre.

Checkout www.engadget.com for some videos on the Pre if you are curions.

[Amy Jussel]

Totally agree with your hesitancy on the keyboard, Beth.

I DO have an iphone and have even looked at the "bigger keyboard" app to see if it does the trick, as I tend to 'fat finger' going too fast.

App side of it is quite fun and I'm doing recon for usefulness of NP potential for Shaping Youth. Our tween team adds freebies to it everytime I set it down and I've bought a few apps to test the philanthropic platform (e.g. iPhorest app to plant real trees via virtual ones) etc.

SOOOOOOO thrilled you're moving to California (selfish lass, I am!) and wonder where you're landing, specifically. Good luck w/the transition!