My four-year-old Lumia 1520 is dying, and Windows 10 Mobile doesn't feel like it's far behind it. I'll need a reliable and supported smartphone sooner than later. I want a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.

I love Windows phone, and I don't want to leave the platform. To be honest, if I do venture to Android it will only be with one of my phone lines. My second phone is my trusty Lumia 1020, which I carry as my business line. So, I carry two Windows phones and it is my primary phone, my precious 1520, that is perishing. So if I do join team Android, my 1020 will keep me securely anchored on the Windows phone side of the smartphone landscape as well. So it's really only a consideration of a step into Android than jumping in with both feet. Still, you might be whispering, "No Jason, don't do it." So why would I, long-time advocate and prognosticator of Microsoft's mobile strategy, be looking at Android? Sadly it's a story an increasing number of Windows phone fans have already told. Best VPN providers 2020: Learn about ExpressVPN, NordVPN & more First things first My desire for an Android phone isn't an indication that I believe Microsoft has forsaken mobile. I'm unshaken in my confidence that Microsoft has a mobile strategy (whether it will succeed is another question). Regardless of how often we've been burned by Redmond, many of us still prefer the Windows phone UI and the unfulfilled potential of Live Tiles, OnceCore and UWP. There's nothing wrong with rooting for your love. Even the most jaded among us must admit that if Microsoft really gets mobile and its ecosystem right, then Windows on mobile would be a cool place to hang our hats.

Microsoft needs to leverage partnerships, eSIM and edge computing to position ultramobile PCs I'm convinced Microsoft's banking on leveraging technologies like edge computing, 5G, IoT and the synergy of Windows 10 features for a future device. Those investments combined with full Windows 10 on ARM on potentially foldable hardware and CShell could bring a unique telephony-enabled PC experience to the mobile space. But it's not here yet and could be canceled even if it's in the pipeline. The canceled Surface Mini and MacLaren are proof of that. Whether ultramobile PCs make it to market or not, I'll need a new phone soon. As a techie, I'm not adverse to using "the competition." Last year I wrote that my wife, who uses a Lumia 640, wanted to switch to Android. What I didn't tell you is that I was eyeing the Galaxy Note 7 at the same time. Dodged a bullet there, eh? The only reason I haven't had the latest iPhones and several Android phones over the years is money. Buying all of the new gadgets that catch my eye isn't a cheap endeavor, so my exclusivity to Windows phone has been both by choice and necessity, not blind commitment to Microsoft. Each platform has its strengths. Given my limited resources I've invested in my preferred platform: Windows and Windows phone. But given the dearth of new hardware, the predicted demise of Windows 10 Mobile and the uncertainty of when (or if) what's next is coming; I need to explore my available options. Oh where, oh where have the Windows phones gone? There are few remaining options for the Windows phone fan who wants a Windows phone.

The last Lumia was released in 2016. Thus, my chances of getting a brand-spanking new Lumia in 2017 are pretty slim. I could probably find a Lumia 950 XL for a reasonable price. But, I'd be taking a chance on something refurbished or potentially damaged in some way. Virtually any Lumia I could find online comes with similar concerns. I like the reasonably-priced Alcatel Idol 4 S as well, but it falls in the same boat. The HP Elite x3 for $599 represents the epitome of available Windows phones. As smartphones go, $599 isn't a bad price compared to the $1000 price tags of a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 or Apple iPhone X. But what happens in a little over a year after I've invested $600 in a mobile OS that is no longer supported? Even if Microsoft debuts a Windows on ARM ultramobile PC in late 2018 or early 2019, I wouldn't be ready to invest the approximate $1000 it would surely cost so soon after dropping $600 on an Elite x3. If I passed on that, then I'd be stuck with a relatively "new," but unsupported x3 with no upgrade path. Thus if I wanted to stay with Windows and maintain support I'd have to go with the potential new and expensive offering. That would be a $1600 investment in mobile in about a year's time. No thanks, I have a family. At least if I choose a Note 8, I could count on Android being supported beyond 2018 and wouldn't be compelled to get something new just for support. 'Phabulous' Phablet and stylish stylus I like big phones. When I picked up the 5.7-inch Lumia 950 XL for the first time, it felt small compared to my 6-inch Lumia 1520. Large screens are conducive to how I use smartphones. Web-surfing, messaging, social media and more rank above putting a phone to our ears and yapping away. The more real estate I have, the happier I am.