>>Just synching my email contacts was a major issue and email is still unpredictable so I wind up using the browser and squirrel mail when I bother at all.

Check out BirdieSync- assuming you use Thunderbird rather than Outlook...

>>As a golfer, GPS was one of the features I was after. I have an app that gives yardages on the golf course that is so kludgy and annoying that I often just pace off the yardages as I used to a caddy. People tell me that the dedicated devices are much better but I don't want yet another gadget.

What phone? GPS isn't accurate down to feet, but it could be a hardware issue rather than an app issue especially if it's defaulting to Google maps or something like that which will be flaky out on the green.

>> One thing that's great is the way the phone connects with the Bluetooth audio console in my car. These weary ears appreciate being able to actually hear people!
If I get another phone it will have to do that.

Right. FWI, my wife's iPhone struggles to bluetooth sync with her car. Swings and roundabouts...