Best Smartphone for SHTF...

[8200rpm]

I'm clueless when it comes to smartphones. I was wondering what the consensus is on the best smartphone on the market.

I don't need it for business, but I like the idea of having internet access, maps, and an organizer/calendar on my phone. Some of the iPhone apps seem pretty interesting and maybe even useful. I don't know what I don't know.

So, give me your thoughts. Steer me in the right direction. Opinions and total BS welcome. Thanks.

[GP3]

This will be a iPhone vs. Android thread

iPhone is like a Mac. It does what it's supposed to do, and you can't really dig into the guts to make it faster or screw it up.

Android OS phones are like a PC. It does what it's supposed to do, and you can really dig into the guts to make it faster, or screw it up.

[shellyzsweet]

Oh boy.....smartphones are like guns....everyone has their own opinion on which one to get.

Me personally....I got a BB storm, and I WILL NEVER BUY A BLACKBERRY AGAIN!
I use it for personal use and not buisness related, so I don't have a need for the blackberry security features.

My friend has a droid, she likes it....but seems to thick for me.

I've heard good and bad things about the iPhone.....personally, when my contract is up I'm gonna bite the bullet and have 2 phones, an iPhone 4, and I'm gonna fork out $$ for the droid incredible. I'll see which one I like the best and cancel the other one while keeping the phone. Seems foolish, and wayyy expensive, but I'll have my definitive answer and that in it of itself is worth it for me.

[Jicko]

SHTF, your phone is going to be useless. Go back to the basics..... Communications, utilities, public safety infrastructure is going to be down and overwhelmed faster than you think. And depends on the nature and widespread of the S, you probably should think about how you and your family going to survive thru the initial phrase of the recovery, 24hrs, 72hrs, a wk or a month..... or more....

[GP3]

True... I wouldn't rely on wireless carriers.

[stormy_clothing]

none but of them all an iphone in an otterbox with a solar charger will probably be a good bet for durability and with the number of non phone features like a compass, reader for survival manuals and a flashlight = good stuff.

I am an android fan but in shtf for anything other than cell service which will probably be down anyway iphone

[bigmike82]

You get an Iridium/Inmarsat phone if you actually want communications.

If you want other stuff, grab a Toughbook.

[xrMike]

I think a handheld ham radio will be better in true SHTF.

[XYZ]

"When all else fails," ham radio is the only thing that will be working when SHTF. Katrina is an example, so were the floods and the cell phone outage in Gilroy last year. The only thing to remember is that you and the person you're communicating with both need a license. FRS/GMRS is like CB and works in line of site operation - in an urban environment that's only about a 2mile radius depending on buildings and other obstruction.

[Milsurps]

I think a handheld ham radio will be better in true SHTF.

HF Ham Radio would be even better.

[XYZ]

HF Ham Radio would be even better.

+1. Upgrade from a tech to a general class license and the world literally opens up. No need to worry about a smartphone or repeaters at that point.

[bigmike82]

"The only thing to remember is that you and the person you're communicating with both need a license."
Not in an emergency.

[Loner]

Nexus One obviously. Just wait for the SHTF app.

[KillZone45]

I can guarantee if we have a SHTF/EMP phones will be useless. The best bet is a solar charger for your phone if you want to use a Survival app.

[Kali-Jax]

Know how and common sense will be the smartphone of SHTF.

For work I love my BlackBerry Curve. Older one with the trackball.