My new Tilt

After many years as a Treo user, my battery finally died and I was faced with a choice: get a new battery (for something like $50) or buy a brand new phone.  Talk about an easy decision!  So which one to get?

First, I had to choose a carrier.  I've been on Verizon for a long time, but my need to do international travel eventually forced me to switch to AT&T (and their GSM network).  Then I looked at the various AT&T phones (yes, including iPhone) and ultimately decided to get the "best Windows Mobile device", which according to the reviews is the Tilt.

I've been using it now for a month or two and here's what I like:

• Much, much faster than my old Treo.  Internet speeds routinely faster than 1Mbs.
• Way, way more memory, including RAM, so I can run more apps simultaneously
• Built-in GPS.  If you haven't used Window Live Search Mobile, you should immediately stop what you're doing and download it right now.  You will not be disappointed.  It uses my GPS receiver to show high-res images of my location.  I love putting the phone in the backseat while I let the kids watch exactly where we're driving.
• Built-in WiFi: it saved my life during my trip to Costa Rica, where I was able to regularly get on line without exorbitant international data charges.

What I don't like:

• no built-in RJ-11 jack (or any kind of audio-out), making it hard to connect to my car's audio.
• slide-out keyboard.  At first, I thought I'd prefer the larger size over the Treo, but I find myself missing the ability to type without opening up the device.
• No sound switch.  If you're in a meeting where you need to switch to vibrate, you'll need to unlock the phone and do it through software.  Worse, if you turn off the device completely, there is a startup sound (and no override) when you repower it.  Gotta be careful.

I'm still in the "new" stage, playing with and learning new features.  Oh, and the battery lasts pretty long for me -- usually about two days if I don't talk much.  So it'll be a while I think before it starts to die [and gives me another excuse to upgrade!]