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Switched from iPhone 4 to a white note, been using an iphone since 2007, thats 5 years in a row!! after one hour with the note i have no regrets!
who else switched?
the only thing i miss is one app, scramble with friends
I play Words with Friends on Android with people on iPhones.
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Apple makes great MBPs and wireless routers. That's about it. The iphone was good in 2007.
I can't think of a single reason to own one now instead of any Android
remyxd said:
Switched from iPhone 4 to a white note, been using an iphone since 2007, thats 5 years in a row!! after one hour with the note i have no regrets!
who else switched?
the only thing i miss is one app, scramble with friends
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Scramble with friends will make its way to Android eventually. Probably soon.
I switched from 3gs . . . lol.
I actually just popped on the forums to comment on the fact that I am, for one, IMPRESSED by the battery. For how huge this phone is and everything. . . it's utterly amazing. I've been on red for the better part of an hour. Just paid two Kaiser bills (they take seemingly forever to pay) over the phone with speaker phone on and the screen on the whole time. Barely dropped a couple of percent.
I don't have an allegiance to either system but I am torn atm
I really like the idea of the Note:
- GIGANTIC screen
- replaceable 2500 mAh battery
- g-maps navigation
- power control widget
The only problem?
I can't really find anything wrong with my iPhone 4S either...
- Great battery life on the 4S
- I don't mind a 3.5' screen (hell I've even used a 2.7' HP Veer before and have been ok) but I wouldn't mind a 5.3' screen either
- Great camera on both
- Great screen quality on both (love both AMOLED and IPS)
- Both sides have all the core applications I need
- Garmin GPS app gives turn by turn directions
- Siri and Google dictation services are basically a wash
- I don't feel "locked down" by Apples system like most here do. I figure out how to conform either system (iOS or Android) to fits my needs
Decisions decisions...
Just switched from an iPhone 4 to a white Galaxy Note with a blue flip cover. I love it so far. I've rooted it, removed all the AT&T/Samsung Bloatware, Installed Go Launcher and have a bunch of emulators. I regret nothing!
I just switched to the note from an Iphone3gs today. So far the experience has been amazing, wish I switched over earlier!
Another iPhone 3GS convert here... just picked up my carbon Note tonight, and I think I'm in love.
I've been running CM7 on my Nook Color for the last year, so I've had plenty of time to test out the Android ecosystem. Needless to say, I'm ecstatic to finally be 100% free from the confines of iOS, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can do with the Note.
/w00t and stuff
Switched from iphone 4 myself, got the white note yesterday. Its a handful lol, been doing a lot of research on this site since I am a noob.
I'm a big apple and linux user, and my previous phone was an iPhone 3GS. I'm really enjoying the Note so far, and android in a nice new experience for me. I think my favorite thing is how if you feel that something isn't working the way you think it should, there's an app for that.
A lot of the things I've been doing so far have been toward making it do things that the iPhone got right that you never really had to think about, but now that that's all sorted everything is brilliant.
Excelsior!
I've been on an iPhone since the original...this phone was the first one different enough and against everything that apple believes that i know i won't be disappointed when the iPhone 5 comes out....I love it!
Welcome to all of you. You shall not be disappointed with Android. Once some custom ROMs start coming out, our phone will be a beast for a long time...not that it isn't already. Glad you all finally came over from the dark side! Haha.
Switched from a 4s to the Note yesterday. I'm pretty sure it has already ruined me for smaller screen phones. I turned my iPhone on today connected to wifi to play Scramble and it already felt like the smallest phone in the world. My Note is running great and I don't see me going back.
Picked up the Note today at Best Buy at full retail. I currently have the iPhone 4S 64 and here are my thoughts.
The Note is huge but I knew that and it doesn't bother me to much because it fits nicely in my pocket. I have none of the lag issues with the UI some state. The OLED screen is very nice. Blacks are black colors are punchy. The reddish/pinks can be a bit blown out as with any OLED screen I have seen. I can't even tell its a pentile display due to the hi res. The phone is a bit slippery so I will need a case to help with that but then the phone will be even bigger . As with all Androids I have tested, battery charging is slow as hell. Im guessing about 3 hours for a full charge on the Note vs. 1 on the iPhone. I love how I can wake up in the morning forgetting to charge my Iphone. I realize its at 20 percent and by the time I am out of the shower and ready to go its at 60%. The Note took 45 mins to go from 35 to 50% roughly. Also due to the size I can easily do everything with my 4S in one hand. I can with the Note but its a bit awkward and I am afraid I might drop it. I have decent size hands and can grip a basketball in one hand.
With that said, the Note is my favorite Android on the market. If you are an Android fan and don't mind the size then give it a try. I always go back to iOS. Right now since I am swapping my iPhone sim back and 4th all I get is HSPA+4G and not LTE 4G (San Francisco). Supposedly I will need to call ATT to change to an LTE plan but then I am not sure if it will work properly in the 4S. I would not mind keeping both and just switching based on my needs/mood but many of my friends use iMessage so that makes it a bit challenging.
Switched from an iPhone 4. I have no regrets and will never go back!
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note.
richard371 said:
As with all Androids I have tested, battery charging is slow as hell. Im guessing about 3 hours for a full charge on the Note vs. 1 on the iPhone. I love how I can wake up in the morning forgetting to charge my Iphone. I realize its at 20 percent and by the time I am out of the shower and ready to go its at 60%. The Note took 45 mins to go from 35 to 50% roughly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A couple thoughts,
A. This is an apples and oranges comparison because the battery in the Note has a significantly greater capacity, it will obviously take longer to charge.
B. I came to the Note from the Infuse which also had long recharge times because Samsung's charging scripts are conservative. There are ROMs like ZEUS that incorporate different charging scripts and will fully charge that phone in an hour and a half or so.
C. Once a CWM recovery is out for this phone, development will pick up and different governors will come into play which, when incorporated with an ext4 file system, will make the phone faster and less of a battery hog.
Give it time, you will fing your iphone becoming less and less used until you wonder why you haven't sold it. At least that's what happened to me.
--Mike
Sent from one of many Samsung devices.
MobileData said:
Give it time, you will find your iphone becoming less and less used until you wonder why you haven't sold it. At least that's what happened to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use my iPhone more and more as time goes on (and this is coming from someone who is getting the Note soon). My smartphone, doesn't matter iOS or Android, gets tweaked until it takes care of every single electronic need of mine.
I switched from the iPhone 3GS and love most things about the Note so far, especially the size and flexibility. However, I don't like the voicemail function. I much prefer the simplicity of the iphone visual voicemail that is just there and you tap to listen, rather than having to call a phone number to access and then hit a variety of number to retrieve, save, or delete. Maybe there's a visual voicemail app out there??
ap3604 said:
I don't have an allegiance to either system but I am torn atm
I really like the idea of the Note:
- GIGANTIC screen
- replaceable 2500 mAh battery
- g-maps navigation
- power control widget
The only problem?
I can't really find anything wrong with my iPhone 4S either...
- Great battery life on the 4S
- I don't mind a 3.5' screen (hell I've even used a 2.7' HP Veer before and have been ok) but I wouldn't mind a 5.3' screen either
- Great camera on both
- Great screen quality on both (love both AMOLED and IPS)
- Both sides have all the core applications I need
- Garmin GPS app gives turn by turn directions
- Siri and Google dictation services are basically a wash
- I don't feel "locked down" by Apples system like most here do. I figure out how to conform either system (iOS or Android) to fits my needs
Decisions decisions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are equally happy with both os offering, then might i suggest you look at it from a different angle. What hdtv would you buy? A 32 inch HDTV (iphone) or 55 inch HDTV (note)?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717
I know I'm posting this in the AT&T Note forums, so the responses might be a bit biased, but here goes anyways. I was very interested in the Note from the first time I heard about it. Today I finally got around to going to an AT&T store and comparing a few phones. I was very impressed by the Note's screen, but I found it to be just slightly too big. It almost seemed like it would be perfect if it were 5.0 inches, not 5.3. Anyways, I was also very impressed by two other phones: the LG Nitro HD and the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket. I've compiled a list of pros, cons, and prices, focusing directly on comparisons between the three phones. Pros are "+" and cons are "-".
Samsung Galaxy Note ($299)
+ Dat screen! Beautiful large Super Amoled display
+ Great battery life
+ Good development support
- Slightly awkward to type with
- Pen not as accurate as I hoped (perhaps problem with it being a worn out display unit)
- Phone was just too big for my hands.
Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket ($199)
+ Much nicer screen than expected, I was worried the low resolution would be a negative but it was hard to tell to my naked eye
+ Great development support
- Slightly too small
- HD Version coming soon
LG Nitro HD ($99)
+ Very nice sharp, colorful 720P IPS screen
+ $200 cheaper than the Galaxy Note
- Slightly too small
- Poor battery life
- Poor development
I dismissed the HTC One XL because it lacked a removable battery and SD card slot, but I might reconsider it because it seems like it would fit the screen size I'm looking for. I've just been waiting for so long before I was eligible for an upgrade, and the waiting is getting annoying. Is the Samsung Galaxy Note worth the extra cost and getting over the awkwardness? I was convinced I would fall in love with it when I finally got to use it, but that wasn't really the case, so I'm a bit hesitant. Let me know what you think.
Put it this way I paid 650 full price, so I'd say yes lol. Deff worth the extra "upgrade" price compared to those others you listed.
I had the skyrocket, it was a great device, but still prefer the galaxy note. So yes its worth the extra money. The battery life is longer, the screen is just goregous, you can definately notice the difference in screen quality from the 2 especially after using the skyrocket for a few months. My s-pen is accurate as long as i dont have it leaned too far sideways. also got use to the screen size in a day or 2, i can actually 1 hand text with ics keyboard
Wait for the HTC one x if you can. Sounds like that screen size will fit you perfect
I got the note and I m waiting got the one x
Personally, price for me wasn't even a thought. Not that I'm rolling in money... actually the note broke the bank for me. But this is something I use all day every single day. With something like that I don't consider price. It's more a matter of which phone you will enjoy the most and which will be most useful to you.
I am torn as well. I owned the skyrocker prior...the nitro is on sale for 49.99 and you can get the skyrocket refurbs for that price.. .hell the vivid refurb is a penny.
I have a ton of obligations i could put the money towards if I take the note back
I really like it but is it worth it....decissions decissions
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100 bucks extra over the lifetime of the phone comes to $4.16 a month. But for me, it was worth 100 just to play with it in the last month. Love this phone!
jpeg42 said:
100 bucks extra over the lifetime of the phone comes to $4.16 a month. But for me, it was worth 100 just to play with it in the last month. Love this phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I was slow to upgrade. Don't remember the last phone I kept active for two years. Lol.
Disclaimer: This is not advice. It is just something that fell from between my ears.
Thats the other thing i keep telling myself....i have more upgrades coming up lol
biglittlegato said:
I thought I was slow to upgrade. Don't remember the last phone I kept active for two years. Lol.
Disclaimer: This is not advice. It is just something that fell from between my ears.
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Click to collapse
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One word yes!
Sent from the TermiNOTEr! ;-)
Similar to what JPEG is alluding to, the answer to "Is $100 worth it?" is heavily dependent on how you evaluate the situation. I use my phone so frequently and for so many things that $100 is well worth the increased productivity and avoided frustration. Those other phones may be cheaper up front but the cost of the frustration and decreased satisfaction from a cheaper phone every time you use it for the next two years is far larger than the $100 you pay. This is a top shelf phone with a top shelf price.
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Is the Samsung Galaxy Note worth the extra price?
Absolutely to me
Is it worth it.....Hell yeah..... Besides all the great functions other memebers have listed, the ease of quickly pulling up the S note app has gotten me 2 really sexy ladies numbers....LOL.... I love this phone
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I got the phone for $150, but I think it'd definitely be worth full price as well. The screen is amazing and you adjust to the large size in just a few days.
tdude51 said:
Samsung Galaxy Note ($299)
+ Dat screen! Beautiful large Super Amoled display
+ Great battery life
+ Good development support
- Slightly awkward to type with
- Pen not as accurate as I hoped (perhaps problem with it being a worn out display unit)
- Phone was just too big for my hands.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Note worth the extra cost and getting over the awkwardness? I was convinced I would fall in love with it when I finally got to use it, but that wasn't really the case, so I'm a bit hesitant. Let me know what you think.
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Click to collapse
I don't work for AT&T - and your money is your money so I can't tell you how to spend it. But I can address your cons from my perspective.
I agree that it seems slightly awkward to type with... or it did. I tried a bunch of keyboards and settled on Smart Keyboard Pro. I'm now just as fast on the Note as I was in the iPhone 4S. Spend a little time and you'll find the right fit for you and the screen (which may not be the same keyboard you used to use).
Pen accuracy - it'll improve as you adjust to the device. My first couple days with the phone I thought the pen was a gimmick. Now I've come to find it's a great tool and I take a ton of notes with it.
In the store the phone felt stupid big to me. And like you I felt it was just too big for my hand size. Reality is (and many here will tell you) - you adjust to the size and it takes on an almost normal feel. I think your hands are accustomed to the size of your current phone and so anything larger feels, well larger and out of place. Sure no matter what (unless you have Shaq hands) the far side of the screen is going to take an adjustment to reach, but the act of holding and interacting with the device will normalize in a short period of time. For me it was about a week and it stopped feeling awkward. Now after about 2 and half other phones just feel (and look) foolishly tiny.
The short period of time (even if it was an hour or two) in the store with the phone is (for me) - not enough to really get used to the Note or determine how you're going to feel about it. Its a fabulous device that's worth getting to know. Take the 30 days and if you don't like it pay the restocking fee. But I know for me - there's very little chance mine's going back to AT&T to get put back on the shelf.
Now, for one other recommendation: If you get the white - get a case or order the black back from Samsung fulfillment. The white back is slick as snot. I put the black one on and the grip is excellent.
netsyd said:
I don't work for AT&T - and your money is your money so I can't tell you how to spend it. But I can address your cons from my perspective.
I agree that it seems slightly awkward to type with... or it did. I tried a bunch of keyboards and settled on Smart Keyboard Pro. I'm now just as fast on the Note as I was in the iPhone 4S. Spend a little time and you'll find the right fit for you and the screen (which may not be the same keyboard you used to use).
Pen accuracy - it'll improve as you adjust to the device. My first couple days with the phone I thought the pen was a gimmick. Now I've come to find it's a great tool and I take a ton of notes with it.
In the store the phone felt stupid big to me. And like you I felt it was just too big for my hand size. Reality is (and many here will tell you) - you adjust to the size and it takes on an almost normal feel. I think your hands are accustomed to the size of your current phone and so anything larger feels, well larger and out of place. Sure no matter what (unless you have Shaq hands) the far side of the screen is going to take an adjustment to reach, but the act of holding and interacting with the device will normalize in a short period of time. For me it was about a week and it stopped feeling awkward. Now after about 2 and half other phones just feel (and look) foolishly tiny.
The short period of time (even if it was an hour or two) in the store with the phone is (for me) - not enough to really get used to the Note or determine how you're going to feel about it. Its a fabulous device that's worth getting to know. Take the 30 days and if you don't like it pay the restocking fee. But I know for me - there's very little chance mine's going back to AT&T to get put back on the shelf.
Now, for one other recommendation: If you get the white - get a case or order the black back from Samsung fulfillment. The white back is slick as snot. I put the black one on and the grip is excellent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your advice! I'm glad to know that it just takes a little bit of getting used to. I'm very excited about this device, I was just surprised once I finally got my hands on it. I don't really have much to lose with the 30 day return window so I think I'm going to go for it. The development seems to be getting better every day, and I love tweaking my devices and getting the most out of them. I also am in big need of a new device for watching movies, listening to music and playing games (mostly on emulators). I think I will really enjoy doing that with the Note.
I was struggling with the same problem as the OP, just wasn't sure which to go with. I ended up deciding, mostly because I'm signing a 3 year contract, that I would go with the device with the best hardware, being the Note. I was worried about the size possibly making it awkward, but what I've found after owning it for just about a month now is that It's actually perfect.. My hands aren't small, but they're not huge either, and I can use it one handed for 90% of what I use it for, but I love tilting it on it's side and typing with two hands. I owned an HTC Touch Diamond prior to this, it has a stylus as well, and I found I'd always use the stylus for some of the smaller icons, well on the Note I hardly ever have to use the Stylus, just use it for editing photos really. The stylus is hardly noticable, if you use it great, if not then hey it's just an extra.
I think you'll get used to the size very quickly, and once you do, you'll have a super hard time going back to any other phone. I still have my Diamond Touch, use it as an alarm clock hah, and I get SO frustrated trying to manage it's tiny screen, and I remember when I first got it thinking it was perfectly sized haha... Oh how times change.
Imo phones like the Note are the future. I have a samsung laptop as well, 17" beast that I carry around a lot, and they make an awesome pair. It's kind of funny too, as they're both Samsung units, the stock back piece for the Note matches the edges of my laptop. Very esthetic combo. (RF711 laptop if anyone cares. )
( Also I type roughly 100wpm on a regular keyboard, so texting on phones has always been super tedious for me. When I tilt the Note on it's side and use the larger keyboard I can type faster then I ever have on a phone before. It's actually amazing I love it hah. )
I think the note has ruined me!!!! I've been using it for 7 days short of a month now and I have to say I loooooove it!!
I was skeptical of leaving IOS for android. I've played with android b4 setting up my GF's rooted nook color as a tablet
and its really buggy at times, I kept thinking to myself hmmm if the phones are this buggy then I'm gunna hate it!!!
But I took the plunge and haven't looked back since its very smooth and very few bugs. the size was giant to me
at first, but It has really become normal to me now. I pick up my old 3gs and I'm feel like its a tiny little toy!!!! LOL
So I say yes it is worth the price!!! I'm a photographer and I love showing off my photos on this phone!!!
I dont have a note so I cant speak on that front, but I can tell you the LG Nitro is what I would NOT go with. Played around on it a handful of times and every time it was slow and somewhat unresponsive.
If HTC one x is going to be unavailable for your network then go for Note. I moved 4s to nexus galaxy to Note and must say would not swap this device for any othrr device. Of course when One X is available that's a different story.
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I've been in several discussions with users that have come from (or previously owned) the 5 inch HTC Advantage. I see Dell Streak users have a thread to compare/contrast to the Note, so I thought I would do the same for the Advantage. This may help some to decide to move from the Advantage to the Note - or not.
For those that don't know what the Advantage is, it came out 5 years ago - the first phone with a 5" screen. It also included a detachable keyboard, stereo speakers, video port, stylus/pen, and a 8 GB hard drive when most SD cards at the time were below 2 GB. It had its problems, too. Since it was so far ahead of its time it was fairly bulky and heavy even with the keyboard removed. It didn't have a private speaker for phone calls. It had room for a vibration motor internally but it was never implemented even in later models, presumably because it caused problems with the hard drive. The other references in the thread title are the development name, and model names/numbers used by various carriers. Here is the XDA forum for the Advantage: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=351
My personal reaction, as I've told several already, is the Note is by far a better phone. Physical stats, operating system, having things like a private speaker and vibration which the Advantage should have had, all add up. Not to mention that the Note costs 1/3 of what the Advantage did so you have far less to loose. The Note/Android has its deficiencies. I've had to install a half-dozen apps to add features which were built into Windows Mobile - things like incremental ring volume, ability to get more than a single system notification for things like texts and calendar appointments (miss the first one and you've missed your appointment!), or keeping the screen from timing out when it is plugged in or for specific apps. But at least you can extend/improve the OS with apps without unlocking/rooting or flashing to a whole new OS. Which many Advantage owners did including me.
All that said, the Advantage held a special place in my heart. In the 4 1/2 years I used mine, I often told my wife it was the best gadget I had ever owned and I meant it. Which is saying a lot with all the gadgets and computers I've owned since 1984. But the Note is so good that if IT had come out 5 years ago, I'm sure I would be saying the same thing about it right now. Buy one.
I have a x7501 for a few years, but haven't been actively using it in the last few years also (went to iPhone, Android etc). I am interested in the Note, but haven't decided to get one yet.
But I think one fundamental difference is that the Athena is a keyboarded device (you can use it without, but you also loose the stand at the same time). Its stereo speakers and other positioning makes it a mainly landscape orientation device.
I really don't care about its thickness, it's not that bad. It is a bit thick w/ its leather case, but it does that to any other devices anyway.
What I don't like about the Athena: battery life, speed (I'm shocked reviews that said it's fast), photo taken with camera (rear) has off (red) colour (no ROM can fix that). Especially the last piece, it's unforgivable for a $1,500. USD product! The 8GB HDD is both slow, and battery eating, and cannot be turned off.
I just can't say I like it as much as some of you do. I don't hate it, but I don't think it was worth the $1,000. I paid for. If I had paid $1,500. then, I'd have sued them (just kidding).
I lugged the keyboard around for 1 1/2 years, but finally left it on my work desk permanently. Only used it there when I was streaming XM.
I never had a problem with battery life, it would last me much longer than the 12 hours I would go between unplugging in the morning and plugging it back in when I got home. Never had a problem with the camera, either. Good colors all around, not that the quality was that great.
I think you'll like the Note, all the advantages (pun intended) of the 7501 and none of its problems. After you add some apps to tweak the downfalls of the OS.
i'm one, see my siggie
i've had still have that gigantic heavy monstrous HTC 5" for the longest time
still trying to get Android installed on it someday
I had the x7501, then the x7510, and the note is 1/2 as thick, has a "phone" speaker, and besides all of the obvious spec advantages, is lighter and easier to hold. The screen is far more responsive than the old tft pressure technology without the inaccuracy of the iphone/android capacitive blunt-object to write/draw with issue.
all thumbs up for the note... though the Advantage was WAY ahead of its time.
I don't understand these threads. I get that the advantage was way ahead of its time, but it's 5 years old. 5! Would anyone seriously pick the advantage over the note?
I sold my x7501 long ago. Good times, lol.
nstong said:
I don't understand these threads. I get that the advantage was way ahead of its time, but it's 5 years old. 5! Would anyone seriously pick the advantage over the note?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess sometimes people can't let their old devices go.
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This isn't about keeping the Advantage. Its about comparing one to the other for those that are familiar with the Advantage and loved all of its features.
I think it is not about keeping the Advantage / Athena, may be it's partly nostalgia, partly comparing what's missing on current devices (bad things are not missed, I'm talking about things that users might like or prefer):
1. Stereo speakers. How hard can that be? But so far, iPhone doesn't have it, none of my Android phones up to 4.65" have it, my Tablet P by Sony has a tiny mono speaker. Only the Playbook (once had, now sold), and the Samsung Q1 have stereo speakers and good sound.
2. The metal case has pros and cons. It can get dented and discolouring when bumped / scratched, but it made it more sturdy as it is metal. But at least it is unique, and also makes it feel more premium (until it gets dented, like mine, from dropping, that is). Now everything besides iPhones are just plastics.
3. Magnetic keyboard. Now, no more, never seen and all give way to on screen ones, except a few. But those few, including Blackberry, do not want to do a magnetic keyboard, may be it's the cost, or fear of bad contacts. But again, this is very unique and hasn't been replicated. The see thru window to mimic the status bar on it makes it even cooler.
4. External connections for: USB host (only very lately, there are USB OTG for Android devices, before this, support was very poor, mostly only HID stuff), VGA out, cellular antenna, GPS antenna. Granted, the last 3 are not as needed today, and some Android devices have HDMI outputs that replace VGA more or less.
right now, few Android phones can stand on a desk unless with a kick stand case (which is usually the kind I buy, as I want it stand similar to what Advantage can do w/ the keyboard).
I think some clamshell MIDs like UMID / Viliv had come close to the design of Advantage but physically not as cool, no magnetic keyboard etc.
I guess the problem with modern design is that nobody would make a $1,500. device unless it is for industrial or military use, so they have to save cost and won't engage in fancy design and materials. In the case for Advantage, it's HTC flagship product, so they went all out.
Looking at current HTC products now, there aren't anything really special (I'm talking strictly from the physical point of view, since operating systems are all the same across the manufacturers anyway).
People are often amazed when I tell them that the Note is my third 5" phone. I loved the Advantage and the Dell Streak I had before the Note. No way I can go to a smaller screen. Very happy that the rest of the world is catching on to the benefits of a large screen device. And there are things I miss from Windows Mobile. I found it easier to flash ROMs and change the look and feel of the device.
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So I'm getting the AT&T G Note I in a couple of days from a rep that saved me from canceling 4 lines. I haven't been really checking into anything about the device because it wasn't on my radar at all. I recently got the SII Skyrocket and I'm pretty pleased with it, well, I was before the ICS update, but that's a whole other story.
As far as the Note I was wondering how many people do really use the S Pen, I use my stylus/keyboard almost exclusively on my tablet. I will admit that I have smaller hands and I have trouble with one-hand operation with the Skyrocket at times. I'm not a power texter though, I mostly surf, and will be doing a far bit of note taking for school and I tend to jot notes frequently in a small journal I keep in my purse. For my tablet (ASUS TF300) I use a Rocketfish stylus I got out the discount bin at Best Buy, and the only thing I don't like about it is not being able to draw fine lines, and a lot of times it gets in my way. However after trying out several others, I've decided that for about as much as I want to spend I have the best that I'm going to get. That brings about the second part of my question, my stylus has the heft, weight and fits in my hand like a really expensive fountain pen, so I've been wondering if I should pull the trigger on the S Pen holder kit, 60.00 ( have 50% off promo code though) at Samsung and 40 at Amazon. Both of which are quite expensive to me for something I'd probably lose. But since my right hand is still healing from 5 fractures, and I type all day for work, I'm usually in pain at the end of the day, and if I use the Note as much as I think I will the investment may be worth it. So I'd like to hear from heavy users of the Note, do you use your stylus a lot, and do you have or would get the stylus holder kit? If you use another that will work well with the S Pen apps, especially those for note taking I'd like to hear about those as well.
Welcome and hope your fractures heal soon. I've had my note for about 4 months now and really don't use the stylus that much. Others may have a different take. I do use a swype like keyboard which really cuts down on the typing aspect of things.
As for note taking, I am more of an emailer but there is an app called floating note (I think) that is really good. Handwriting notes on it is easy and it stays on top of your screen until you cancel it. Really well done and might be of assistance to you.
All in all, I would wait to plunk down the dollars for another stylus until you have used your note for a while to see if you even need another one.
Again, welcome to the Note section of XDA.
Thanks for the warm welcome. I think I'll do as you suggested try it out first then see if I'll need the pen kit.
The healing is going slow but I'm making progress, or so they say.
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Hello geekygirl!
I got the official Samsung S Pen holder thingy and find it to be too top heavy honestly. The lower half of it is all plastic while the top half is all metal. Makes it awkward to use in my opinion.
I will tell you that since the digitizer used on the Note is of the Wacom variety I've read (but have never tested) that MOST if not ALL Wacom pens will work with the Note. So you might want to look into getting a standard Wacom pen. It should be much cheaper, easier to handle, and you can always keep your S Pen in your Note so you'll never lose it.
As far as note taking goes I would say I have medium to large hands and I still haven't found a proper way to hold the Note comfortably enough to actually WRITE with it efficiently. Unless I feel like burning some time and just doodling little drawings here and there I rarely ever find myself actually using the S Pen functionality. Obviously this isn't the case for all. It's just that in my case, the 5.3" screen is amazing and sight to behold. Makes everything you do seem better and more awesome, however, I still find it too small to actually comfortably use for note taking and drawing. 7" screens are the smallest I can go to actually write and draw effectively. Considering your smaller hands though you might not find this to be the case.
Also using S Memo and S Note I've noticed that the software tends to put a "tail" on the end of the lines when drawing...doesn't seem to want to be 100% accurate with your actual input...it likes to add its own little flare.
As far as the size of the Note goes do keep in mind that it IS definitely made to be more of a two handed device, ESPECIALLY with those that have small hands. I have found that the extended battery/battery cover from Tmart (link) not only doubles the battery life of the Note (which needless to say isn't all that great to begin with) but the hump from the battery cover makes it 1000x easier to hold and handle over all. Plus it's only $10!
Overall though I LOVE my Note and honestly would not and could not go to a smaller phone anymore. Surfing the web, watching videos, reading books are all just leaps and bounds better over "other" phones. Even the Galaxy SIII seems small to me now!
Either way, I hope you learn to love your Note, it really is the best phone out there in my opinion, seconded only by the Note 2!
geekygirl74 said:
I tend to jot notes frequently in a small journal I keep in my purse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is precisely how I use my Note: as a small journal. That and grocery lists, taking notes while on calls, etc.
Don't bother with the stylus holder. Just buy a stylus for a Wacom tablet. I use the one from the Fujtsu Lifebook T4220. You can turn it over and the back automatically functions as an eraser. I also replaced the plastic nib with a felt tip for a more realistic writing feel.
Hi, AndroidVageta ! Thanks for the advice, and I'm the same way about smaller screen phones/ tablets. I had the Kindle Fire 1st gen, an iPod touch (the geek in me had to check it out) that's 3 years old, and an Metro PCS LG Esteem until a couple of months ago. I made the switch to AT&T and got the Skyrocket because of the screen size, and got the ASUS TF300 tablet for school, since then, I haven't used the iPod except for an Alarm Clock and occasionally hook it up to my speakers to play music, sold the phone and I gave my techno illiterate mom the KF who thinks it's awesome . I can't go smaller any more, I need the real estate. I believe I'm going to love the phone way too much. I've been searching out all sorts of info about it since Monday when they offered it. I can't wait, should be delivered tomorrow \o/
bigmout, I was wondering about the Wacom styli, I've been wanting a drawing pad for a couple of years now, but really have never been able to justify the costs since it was just for creating custom content for a game. I've priced quite a few threw Amazon, but have never seen any with the felt tips, that does intrigue me, I like fine tips, even with physical pens. That's the only irking thing about styli IMHO. I've just popped open a tab to search Amazon for the stylus and felt tip nibs now.
OMG GEEKY!!! YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THESE HAVE YOU?!
Monoprice Graphics Tablets
Got a 8x6 inch tablet a few months ago...$40 to my door. Awesome. 1024 levels of pressure, GREAT software and drivers (much less problematic and more customization than Wacom), and GREAT build quality. They work perfectly with all drawing and design programs including Photoshop and AutoCAD among others that I've tried.
Only issues is that the pens are battery powered (but last forever, have the same Ultimate Lithium Energizer in mine that I put in when I got it, and I use it every day, and I've owned it for at least 8 months now) and they only have TWO pen styles...the standard stock pen and the Graphic Drawing Tablet Pen. The pen in the link is the one I use, really a good one. But its the only good one they have. Also there aren't any different tips...just the plastic ones. However, they last forever and it still feels good when using it.
Either way...just thought I let you know about these...just incredibly cheap for something that's basically an off brand Wacom at like 1/4 the price if not less than that.
Here's a good review if you doubt them:
http://frenden.com/the-little-monoprice-graphics-tablet-that-could/
EDIT: Just wanted to add for you and anyone else that might see this that the tablets are produced by a Taiwanese company called UC-Logic. They have different styles of stylus that Monoprice doesn't carry. Actually glad I found this!
Awesome info indeed, 40 bucks I can afford. Btw got the Note and it rocks, the text input is pretty cool, and I believe with time I'll perfect it. I honestly don't think I'll use it much for taking notes for school. I'd be way too tempted. And a quick bench mark test scored this darling right under the TF201. I'd say that's pretty impressive. All smiles over here.
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Hi all.
When this device was launched it was my dream device, but that's more than a year ago. I've been running with the XZU for some time, and am seriously considering making the jump to the Z3TC. As far as I can tell, there's no stronger actor in the same segment in today's market when I consider manufacturer, software, guarantees etc - even the dev scene has some small manner of activity.
After seeing that there was no Z5 Ultra at IFA, I think I need to get this device - but I'd like to hear from users and others if there's any reason not to get it at this point (q3 2015)?
I'll be using this as my main driver, meaning also as a phone. I know the latest Huawei MediaPad can do some of what this tab can, and I'm hearing the nes Sammy tab can make phones too. But Sony's waterproofing and form factor has got me hooked, what say you xda?
Most used tablet I have ever owned. LTE did it for me. No more hunting Wifi.
And I agree about the form factor. Battery life rocks too.
I've been a phablet user since the Note. I moved to the Nexus 6 earlier this year and in August traded it for the Z3TC.
My main use is reading and watching videos. I don't take a lot of pictures or make/receive phone calls. With the N6 and other smartphones there was still too much scrolling around webpages. So it was the right time to make the jump to a small and light tablet which could be carried around all day without worrying about battery life.
I tried the Tab S 8.4 earlier in the year (before the lollipop release) and returned it. The Chrome browser was too laggy, I didn't try or want to use another browser. I was a bit worried about the performance coming from a Nexus 6 but so far have been amazed at how smooth everything is. I'll be holding on to mine for a long time.
I had a Z3 last year and I missed the magnetic charging connector, now I have it back on the tablet. I can use it in a dock beside the bed and at work and with magnetic adapters in the car.
The display isn't as good as the Tab S amoled display, noticeable when watching videos in a dark room. But it feels a lot better in the hand and I prefer the on screen buttons and placement of the speakers.
I just bought mine a week ago. after 8 years of iPhone!!
It's a great size and really good looking!
If you plan to put a custom rom on it you should be careful! My camera does not focus with CM12.1/crDroid.
the sony software sucks but what can you do?.. hehe
It's still a great device and it is my only device now. It's not a real phone though but it works. Headset is recommended
Thanks for the answers, folks!
I dived in and bought myself one too. Have to upgrade my dataplan as soon as it arrives. I couldn't wait until march for the Z5 Ultra which is somewhere down the pipeline. A bit nervous about the rooting process but overall super excited.
I'm thinking about taking the plunge on this too. My second gen Nexus 7 is really starting to show it's age, but I love the seven inch form factor. What I don't understand is all the different variants of this device. I live in Asia, and probably won't get the 4G model, but do want root. My big question is I would like a travel case like my Nexae had...silicone with overleaf cover. It is my sofa device, so only leaves home when I travel. I hate those sloppy covers like everyone has on their iPads with a few cheap elastics in the corners...ugly, heavy, and just bad design. Does anyone do anything like this that for thiis for this device?
https://www.asus.com/Tablet-Accessory/Nexus_7_Travel_Cover