There Can Only Be One!

   Let's be real, the most difficult decision college students face today is what smartphone to buy. Class schedules and homework are now secondary to Facebook stalking your ex or blasting your roommate on Twitter.

    So I've done the heavy lifting for us all and as follows is my in depth account as an owner of both the iPhone and Android, from which you can draw your own conclusion.

     I come from the generation of cell phone users who had to cough to cover the sound of their keypads to text during class because, wait for it, the was no SILENT setting.

    So you can imagine my excitement when I joined the ranks of touchscreen connoisseurs when I got my first HTC Incredible.  It came with all sorts of nifty features including FriendStream, a built in app allowing you to post simultaneously to whichever social medias you subscribe; key term there being built in, unlike the iPhone which requires a credit card for the same feature.

    My favorite part of the Android platform was its ability to personalize the contacts easily for free, specifically ringtones. I know, I know there is some Zuckerberg doppelganger that could hack my way to infinite free ringtones for the iPhone but really, is it worth starring in a "Craigslist Killer" sequel?  

    Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and for my phone the end was an accidental swan dive into the asphalt.  And after a plea of not guilty, I was sentenced to an afternoon at my local Verizon retailer.  

    My initial thought was to simply replace my original smartphone but when I discovered the new iPhone was actually $50 cheaper I decided to try out the competition.

    The aesthetic difference between iPhone and Android apps is, in this reporter's opinion, like watching your favorite sci-fi film on Blu-Ray for the first time. And if you don't believe me, try Androids equivalent to Siri. This brings me to Siri, who I am more than happy to let do all my hands-free calling, texting and pretty much everything for me as Skynet takes over the planet.   

    The iPhone does have one major drawback, which all of us on a strict Top Ramen diet understand, free is always better and the App Store just can't compete with the Android's Marketplace. Angry Birds makes you angry when you have to pay for extra levels.    

    Having experimented in college…with smartphones, I'm happy to say that I have fully converted to the Church of Steve Jobs, which includes monthly tithing. That said I am unable to completely condemn the Android platform, having positively experienced it for myself firsthand.