[Captivate Android Development] RichMD:
Modem design and factors that influence performance

I searched a "bit" to see if anyone posted anything like this but haven't seen it.

I'd like to figure out if there is any "scientific" way to determine which modem will meet each of our individual requirements, etc such as what is most important (GPS, call quality, battery life, etc). First, I will list the "basics" as I understand them, that influence performance. I am making up examples below when I mention certain modems. I've seen the "Every captivate is different" MANY times and I know there are some "small" true differences even within the same batch (contact of the antennae, etc) but I think the vast majority of what appears to be differences between phones is software configuration and other factors such as environmental, etc below.

1) Software compatibility - Make sure the kernel/ROM type and modem type match - I9000 modems with I9000 kernels or both written specifically for the Captivate.

2) Environmental - Depending where you live, 850 may provide the best signal strength. I live in CT and see the best with 850.

3) Signal strength - How far you are from the nearest Cell tower and how much shielding the building you are in provides, etc. Does anyone understand if there are benefits to 1900, etc over 850 IF 850 is available with equivalent strength? Basically, I'm wondering if in a given area I always seem to have the best on 850, wouldn't it be best to lock 850 so it doesn't even try the other bands? Obviously, auto is better if I don't want to change whenever I go elsewhere.

4) Usage type - Are certain modems (KC1, JP9, etc) "designed" for certain benefits? I would "assume" that for a given modem (such as KC1), Samsung focused on the best GPS but possibly at the cost of battery while another modem had other benefits as primary - does anyone have any idea? For a given situation (right near a tower supporting 850 for example) wouldn't a given modem consistently work best for anyone when measuring the same thing - GPS, download speed, etc.

5) Kernel version? If I figure out JQ1 is best in a certain location would a different kernel (Talon or XCal's and particular version) affect which modem works best for a given measurement (download speed, etc)?

I'm wondering if anyone has done any kind of testing and found consistent results such as

A) With a strong 850 signal, JQ1 is the best at download speed

A.1) With a strong 850 signal, KC1 is the best for GPS performance

B) With a weak 850 signal, JP9 is the best at download speed

B.1) With a weak 850 signal, xxx is best...

C) Modem zzz is best at switching to the strongest band to support voice calls but not for data...

D) JK4 is the overall best when each "requirement" is weighted evenly, etc.

E) Modem yyy is best at picking up an 850 signal underground even though it uses more battery, etc. This is an important one to me based on where I work I can't even receive a call in many parts of the building. I'd gladly give up some battery life to have a better signal.

Again, I am just making up examples to illustrate a concept. Has anyone done this kind of testing and can point to a "results" thread?

Sorry for the long post...