What is the best cell phone for a referee?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by The R

Obviously it needs texting features.

I'm not sure that's "obvious."

I use a phone for calling, and a spreadsheet for tracking games, revenue and expenses and a calendar to track the schedule.

[Time2Ref]

I use my phone for making calls and voice mail. It has a calendar, but I don't use it. I already have too many calendars to keep up to date.

If all the officials got a nextel, then we could talk to each other on the wakie talkie feature for free (free...right...., at no additional charge). So if the folks you need to talk to already have Nextel, then that's the way to go.

As things go, DROID, (I think it's Droid) just put out a new phone to compete with the iPhone. The reviews are good. At this early stage, they don't have as many applications. But, that will change. You can do videos or pictures with a better camera than iPhone's camera. Upgradable memory. Plus, I think they may be on the Verison network. They have good coverage. If you get the 3G(4G) package, you can connect to the internet anywhere. Check/Send email. Get weather radar, directions to the game, check sports reports, login to the scheduling system, login to this forum, etc. With touch technology, sending txt messages is breeze. Plus, it plays music and movies. And surprisingly enough, you can make calls and receive voice mail.

Of course, I want one....but

OK.....commerical over.....like I said, I just read this article....

[The R]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I'm not sure that's "obvious."

I use a phone for calling, and a spreadsheet for tracking games, revenue and expenses and a calendar to track the schedule.

Bob I assume that everyone works some rec league games and receives assignments via text as well as communicating with partners via text. I guess that may not be the case.

So in your opinion a phone is only used for conversations so most all models would work?

All the things you have listed is what I am asking.. Is there a phone that does that better than others?

[Mark Padgett]

Cell phone!?!?! I just progressed from using messengers on horseback to the telegraph!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by The R

Bob I assume that everyone works some rec league games and receives assignments via text as well as communicating with partners via text. I guess that may not be the case.

So in your opinion a phone is only used for conversations so most all models would work?

All the things you have listed is what I am asking.. Is there a phone that does that better than others?

I don't get anything via text. Our schedules are done in arbiter online, and we are told to actually talk to our partners before the game. There are enough folks who don't text, I don't text anyone who hasn't told me it's ok.

Now, I can't wait for the arbiter app for my Blackberry Storm.

And don't mind Padgett. He's still grumpy he can't find any more Carrier Pidgeons.

[The R]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I don't get anything via text. Our schedules are done in arbiter online, and we are told to actually talk to our partners before the game. There are enough folks who don't text, I don't text anyone who hasn't told me it's ok.

Now, I can't wait for the arbiter app for my Blackberry Storm.

And don't mind Padgett. He's still grumpy he can't find any more Carrier Pidgeons.

Snaq all my HS assignments come through the arbiter but all my rec league assignments come via text. I guess it is faster to text times and day then to have a conversation.
We are supposed to actually talk to our partners too but the growing trend of text as a communication medium is taking over and lots of refs just text the time they will be there. Again I guess it is faster than a traditional conversation.

So how do you like the Storm? Does it do spreadsheets at all?

[Zoochy]

You realize that cell phones will critique your game.
After the game, pick up your phone. I bet it will have a message like..
"Missed 5 calls"

[dsqrddgd909]

Originally Posted by Zoochy

You realize that cell phones will critique your game.
After the game, pick up your phone. I bet it will have a message like..
"Missed 5 calls"

Ba-Dum-Bum

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Zoochy

You realize that cell phones will critique your game.
After the game, pick up your phone. I bet it will have a message like..
"Missed 5 calls"

That would be a good game for me.

[Zoochy]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

That would be a good game for me.

I guess yours would read.. Missed 10 calls?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by The R

Snaq all my HS assignments come through the arbiter but all my rec league assignments come via text. I guess it is faster to text times and day then to have a conversation.
We are supposed to actually talk to our partners too but the growing trend of text as a communication medium is taking over and lots of refs just text the time they will be there. Again I guess it is faster than a traditional conversation.

So how do you like the Storm? Does it do spreadsheets at all?

I've had it for three months now (right before the Storm 2 came out), and I'm starting to get used to it. I don't work rec league, so I don't know how the local rec leagues hand out assignments.

Last year I may have had one or two partners text me, but that was after we talked and only to update their expected arrival times.

[JRutledge]

The phone that works and the official is capable to use. That is all that matters.

Peace

[BktBallRef]

iPhone.

I've suggested to the folks at ArbiterSports that there should be "an app for that." They said it's down the road.

The latest iPhone OS has copy/paste, so you could copy those text messages into your calendar.

The iPhone can be setup to work with Microsfot Outlook, GMail, Yahoo!, AOL, etc. in the time it takes you to type in your usermane and password. No server addresses, SMTP, POP3, or any of that other crap to enter.

If you buy online at AT&T Wireless, you can get an refurb iPhone for less than $100. Just as good and the same warraty as the brand new one.

BTW, Blackberry sucks. I've had both.

There is no other choice IMHO.

[referee99]

Highly recommend.

All members of the associations I belong to in the contacts file.
All venues loaded as well, easily viewed in Google maps.
Web access to solve problems. Can access reftek.. haven't tried arbitersports on it.
Email from assignors can be responded to in seconds.
The mapping is huge. All pertinent information available at fingertips.
Again, highly recommended.

[Vinski]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Now, I can't wait for the arbiter app for my Blackberry Storm.

Snaq, is there a specific app that is going to be available for the Storm?
I’m looking very closely at the Strom 2 that was just released. Mostly for its browser capabilities. I want a good browser so I can access my schedule on the Arbiter and email. However, if there is a specific mobile app available for the Arbiter that will work on the Storm or other smart phones I would be very interested in that.

Oh ya, I might use it now and then for making phone calls.