Getting the Note this week and wanted to know about the stylus - AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note I717

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.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app

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.
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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.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app

Related

Wacom Bamboo Stylus

Just found a new stylus by wacom,bamboo stylus
http://www.wacom.eu/index2.asp?lang=en
Looks promising, should be due out this month. It has the thinnest nib of any stylus on the market, and since I take alot of stylus notes (maple paint and genial) I think this is a must have for me.
I have ordered it from their site, delivery is within 14 days, i am currently using the Boxwave one but like this one because it is the size of an average ball point pen which I would prefer. Hope it works as well as or better than the Boxwave. I went for it because of wacom's reputation.
Can be ordered from here:
http://eu.shop.wacom.eu/Bamboo/Bamboo-Stylus/Bamboo-Stylus?c=9149
ordered a dagi one as the bamboo looks pretty pricey for.....a possibly better designed rubber nub. I use a wacom tablet and know they make some nice stuff, but it doesn't seem to be much different than the cheaper alternatives out there.
The dagi should be interesting with the clear tip and red dot so you can see where you're pointing, gonna play around with autodesk sketchbook mobile with it.
lacrossev said:
ordered a dagi one ....The dagi should be interesting with the clear tip and red dot so you can see where you're pointing, gonna play around with autodesk sketchbook mobile with it.
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I am interested to hear how this one works out. I am currently using a targus which works great for me. but want a little more precision. Please update this when you get it....
Think will order one, will give a review of it when received, but probably be a few weeks before I get it
does the wacom pen work with the TF-101? I am confused....
bdangol said:
does the wacom pen work with the TF-101? I am confused....
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Its not anything that will work like a wacom tablet + their stylus. This is just a regular capacitive stylus with the nub at the end of it, it just so happens that wacom makes it. Theres no interactivity between the stylus and the device other than the contact of the nib. So yea, it will work fine with the TF101, as will all capactive styli on the market today.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
tonyz3 said:
I am interested to hear how this one works out. I am currently using a targus which works great for me. but want a little more precision. Please update this when you get it....
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It takes a little getting used to to hold it properly and to put the right pressure to get that disc centered, but once you do, the lines start at or very close to the dot, depending on whether i am holding it right. It takes a bit of getting used to, and seems more suitable for drawing and sketching. This is because if you're doing quick swipes i.e. quickly jotting down notes you might not get the disc centered before the tablet registers the touch, causing a fairly inaccurate input.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
lacrossev said:
It takes a little getting used to to hold it properly and to put the right pressure to get that disc centered, but once you do, the lines start at or very close to the dot, depending on whether i am holding it right. It takes a bit of getting used to, and seems more suitable for drawing and sketching. This is because if you're doing quick swipes i.e. quickly jotting down notes you might not get the disc centered before the tablet registers the touch, causing a fairly inaccurate input.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
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That doesn't sound too promising. I'm expecting mine to be delivered on Monday. Was going to use it for handwrite note taking
I ordered the DAGI too.
I'll also provide feedback once I receive it.
mias1 said:
That doesn't sound too promising. I'm expecting mine to be delivered on Monday. Was going to use it for handwrite note taking
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Well the way I see it when u are handwriting your movements should just follow your first stroke. I tried writing quickly and found the dot to be useless because I'm writing so fast I'm just going by muscle memory instead of trying to aim it
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
I really cant wait to hear what you guys think of the stylus.
Acually, it all depends on how well the transformer can be used to handwrite/inking for me if im going to buy it or not. =)
Discusbass said:
I really cant wait to hear what you guys think of the stylus.
Acually, it all depends on how well the transformer can be used to handwrite/inking for me if im going to buy it or not. =)
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I have received mine today and can give a little feedback on how I am finding the stylus in use.
The stylus itself is really nice to hold in the hand, its weight is just right and it actually feels like you are holding a good quality pen. I expected it to be a little longer, more like the size of a standard size ball point pen however it is just a little bit shorter than this. Having said this, because of the way the weight is distributed on the stylus, it does not feel uncomfortable in the hand and feels very natural.
The end uses a small rubbery nib similar to others available however is considerably smaller when compared to the Boxwave stylus which I also use. This allows for more precision when writing and placement on the tablet.
To test handwriting, I used Tabnotes which is available on the market as a trial. My findings are that the stylus can definitely be used for handwriting and produces very acceptable results, I can confidently say that the writing produced from it resembled my true handwriting (Which is not very tidy by the way but is unique to me).
There is a slight screen sensitivity issue which I think is related to the transformer and not the pen. When you place dots on top of the letter i or strike through letters like t, you need to apply a bit more pressure (not excessive) or it may not register on the tablet.
I used a similar test on my HTC desire HD (DHD) and this is where the quality of the stylus was really highlighted. On the DHD, straight away I noticed that the screen was more responsive, the stylus seemed to glide effortlessly on it's screen with minimal pressure being applied and the results were near enough 100%. I used writepad to test on the DHD which converts your handwriting into typed text and my handwriting was recognised instantly.
Hopefully the upgrade to the honeycomb software will address the sensitivity issue on the transformer which if it does will make the Transformer an ideal platform for handwritten notes. Having said this, in its current form it is still very usable, all it means is that you have to use slightly more pressure on the transformer. I am also assuming that this will work even better on the Ipad2 because the screen sensitivity is no doubt better on it.
I hope this has been helpful, any queries about the stylus, let me know and I will try to help before you take the plunge and buy it.
Edit: I have since writing this, used it on my wifes Ipad2 and as I thought it gave very similar results as the DHD where the results were equal i.e. almost 100% accuracy.
I have also added some pics where I have compared the size of the Boxwave stylus against the Bamboo stylus and another pic showing the size difference of the nibs on each.
HasC said:
I have received mine today and can give a little feedback on how I am finding the stylus in use.
The stylus itself is really nice to hold in the hand, its weight is just right and it actually feels like you are holding a good quality pen. I expected it to be a little longer, more like the size of a standard size ball point pen however it is just a little bit shorter than this. Having said this, because of the way the weight is distributed on the stylus, it does not feel uncomfortable in the hand and feels very natural.
The end uses a small rubbery nib similar to others available however is considerably smaller when compared to the Boxwave stylus which I also use. This allows for more precision when writing and placement on the tablet.
To test handwriting, I used Tabnotes which is available on the market as a trial. My findings are that the stylus can definitely be used for handwriting and produces very acceptable results, I can confidently say that the writing produced from it resembled my true handwriting (Which is not very tidy by the way but is unique to me).
There is a slight screen sensitivity issue which I think is related to the transformer and not the pen. When you place dots on top of the letter i or strike through letters like t, you need to apply a bit more pressure (not excessive) or it may not register on the tablet.
I used a similar test on my HTC desire HD (DHD) and this is where the quality of the stylus was really highlighted. On the DHD, straight away I noticed that the screen was more responsive, the stylus seemed to glide effortlessly on it's screen with minimal pressure being applied and the results were near enough 100%. I used writepad to test on the DHD which converts your handwriting into typed text and my handwriting was recognised instantly.
Hopefully the upgrade to the honeycomb software will address the sensitivity issue on the transformer which if it does will make the Transformer an ideal platform for handwritten notes. Having said this, in its current form it is still very usable, all it means is that you have to use slightly more pressure on the transformer. I am also assuming that this will work even better on the Ipad2 because the screen sensitivity is no doubt better on it.
I hope this has been helpful, any queries about the stylus, let me know and I will try to help before you take the plunge and buy it.
Edit: I have since writing this, used it on my wifes Ipad2 and as I thought it gave very similar results as the DHD where the results were equal i.e. almost 100% accuracy.
I have also added some pics where I have compared the size of the Boxwave stylus against the Bamboo stylus and another pic showing the size difference of the nibs on each.
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first of all thanks for the review on the stylus but, please, can you show some video or picture on this handwriting?
Thanks
danielcmacedo said:
first of all thanks for the review on the stylus but, please, can you show some video or picture on this handwriting?
Thanks
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Sample added to my orginal post to show sample of note using my handwriting and a new note taking app which is soon to be released called "Tabnotes", at the moment a trial is available and the output quality has been reduced until the software is relesed by the developer who is busy finalising the software.
Ps sorry about my bad handwriting, been typing now for years and it has somewhat gone down hill ever since...
HasC said:
Sample added to my orginal post to show sample of note using my handwriting and a new note taking app which is soon to be released called "Tabnotes", at the moment a trial is available and the output quality has been reduced until the software is relesed by the developer who is busy finalising the software.
Ps sorry about my bad handwriting, been typing now for years and it has somewhat gone down hill ever since...
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That looks awesome, im going to use it for marking up pdf drawings in the field. If i can keep somewhat a straightish line its a winner.
@ Delecron:
You can draw lines using Repligo reader or EZpdf which also allows you to draw in freehand if necessary.
HasC said:
Sample added to my orginal post to show sample of note using my handwriting and a new note taking app which is soon to be released called "Tabnotes", at the moment a trial is available and the output quality has been reduced until the software is relesed by the developer who is busy finalising the software.
Ps sorry about my bad handwriting, been typing now for years and it has somewhat gone down hill ever since...
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Looks good- I also recently been using Tabnotes with a Targus which works great. I LOVE Tabnotes- it definitely has some great potential. Any idea when the full version will be released. I am sick of looking at the Trial version smack in the middle of the papers..
tonyz3 said:
Looks good- I also recently been using Tabnotes with a Targus which works great. I LOVE Tabnotes- it definitely has some great potential. Any idea when the full version will be released. I am sick of looking at the Trial version smack in the middle of the papers..
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Had an email from the developer a couple of days ago where he apologised for not getting back to an email that I had sent him when he first put the software on the market where I requested from him a few changes such as having the undo and other tools at the top instead of having to select them via the menu option. He has done this and made a few other changes that enhance the software e.g. the little arrows on the bottom corner on the right to position the writing area etc.
Hopefully he should be releasing the full version fairly soon because he also advised that the reason for late response to emails was because he is hard at work improving the software before release which in his estimation is a couple of weeks.
I am checking for software updates daily for Tabnotes as I too can see the potential of this program and it is definitely my first choice for producing hand written notes on my tablet.
Too costly, even though the quality is there I just can't pay that much. Probably going to buy a few of these.

Flyer/View vs. Galaxy Note

Screen sizes are not significantly different (especially after the lost pixels due to the Honey bar), IMO, plus the Note will get ICS in the near future. Also, having experienced with both Wacom and N-trig digitizers, I generally favor Wacom (which is what the Note has). Of course there is a huge price difference between these two at this time, but the Note is also a phone right out of the box (unlocked version is about $650, and AT&T version with two year plan is $300).
So what do you think? Worth shelling out the extra money for the Note? Or remain faithful to the Flyer/View?
Get both! Its what I'm doing! BTW If you get a new two year contract you can take another $100 off the Note price, link through retailmenot
I guess it depends on whether you actually use the stylus for writing BC if you do, I think that the apparently small screen difference will probably be quite apparent. I've never tried out the note, so I could be wrong....but looking at the engadget review writing sample, it looks like I may be correct.
I use the stylus quite a bit. Honestly, for serious inking/annotating for professional purposes (I am a college professor), anything less than a 10-inch screen just looks too small to me, so I use my ThinkPad Tablet. For lighter inking/note-taking, the Flyer is better, also because it is significantly less bulky than the TPT. In this regard, I think the Galaxy Note may be a good substitute.
I'm intrigued by the idea of having both. But personally still on the fence about whether the Note is too big to be practical as a phone.
On a side note, I think its ironic that the stylus is coming back to smartphones (LG is copying the idea also). Everyone was all like "its so cool that the iPhone came out and you don't need the stupid stylus to poke the screen". Now people are realizing that they have some really useful and cool applications, and never should have gotten rid of them. Sure the stylus concept is updated, but the basic idea is the same.
redpoint73 said:
I'm intrigued by the idea of having both. But personally still on the fence about whether the Note is too big to be practical as a phone.
On a side note, I think its ironic that the stylus is coming back to smartphones (LG is copying the idea also). Everyone was all like "its so cool that the iPhone came out and you don't need the stupid stylus to poke the screen". Now people are realizing that they have some really useful and cool applications, and never should have gotten rid of them. Sure the stylus concept is updated, but the basic idea is the same.
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Yeah, I used to try so hard not to have to use the stylus on my Windows Mobile phones. Now I am like, huh...really...styluses are cool now.
Since I haven't touched either yet I don't have much to add. But I was just debating this before I recently ordered the Flyer. With the Note around $600 (no contracts for me) and the flyer at $200 it was just easier to take a chance on the Flyer. If the Note fails at taking notes then what did I just buy? If the Flyer fails my kids get a new toy. And I am hoping to do more writing than I think I'd want to do on 5".
The review of the Note on The Verge says that the Note has the better pen then the Flyer, accuracy etc. fwiw.
ive only had my note for two days, and i havent used the stylus much yet, but if im making a call id peg the flyer pen as more accurate
Pressure sensitive stylus are useful. The plastic stick palm pilots had allowed poor ui choices
I've been using both. The Note has far better accuracy in writing than the Flyer in my opinion. In addition, the ability to zoom in in portrait mode is much better for fine details. I still can't understand why the Flyer doesn't have this.
That being said, the Flyer's Evernote integration is still hands-down better. The fact that it seamlessly integrates with meetings and reminders as well as automatically syncs with Evernote makes it a lot easier to move between devices with. Also, having the erase button on the stylus is really convenient.
In the end, I'll probably end up replacing my Flyer with the Note just because the Note is a lot more convenient and I only have to carry around one device, but there are still some nice features to the Flyer that you can't find on the Note. Hopefully, Samsung can replicate some of the great functionality HTC worked into the Flyer.
I did take some comparison shots in case anyone was looking at it from a size standpoint. You can find them on my Google album -https://plus.google.com/photos/101248606811583627981/albums/5711273582828842705
Wow, those are great comparison shots. Thank you so much for posting them. I am receiving my Note tomorrow to replace my trusty old Nexus One. I am really pumped-up now!
I have both the Note and the Evo View. I use the Note as my main driver and a phone. My Evo View is used for times I need bigger screen to watch movies or surf the net or play games... I guess I can do all those on my Note but I baby my Note so it doesn't get abuse while my View gets toss around. My kids watch videos on the go on it. It's nice to have the 7" screen for kids to play on as well so that they don't touch my Note.
I do like the pen input better on the View since it's got a bigger screen to draw on and ink as well as better intergration of selecting options for the pen. As far as accuracy and lag... I think they are pretty similar... slight lag and okay accuracy.
Oh..and battery on the View last a lot longer since I have it in airplane mode and wifi on only. It last about a week with about 6 to 7 hour screen on time. During standby.. it only drops about 1% in 24 hours.
If I had to choose just only one device, then it would be the Note though since it can do everything that the View can do. But it is also a lot more expensive as well. My Note was $500 more than the View unless you get the Note on contract then it's only about $100 difference then. But if you just want a tablet with stylus input ability, then I would get the Flyer/View while they are on clearance.
I just tried the Note yesterday and here are my impressions:
1) TAKING NOTES: C-
The thing that struck me the most odd about the Note is that they call it the "Note" and yet have engineered it in such a way as actually taking "notes" on it is almost impossible.
If you are like me and like to rest your fat old palm on the screen as you are writing, the Note simply will not work for you. I assumed that the Engineers at Samsung would have done something clever like disabling the hard buttons at the bottom of the screen anytime the s-pen was within an inch of the screen. But no, they didn't. If you attempt to write notes and your palm hits the hard buttons at the bottom, literally all hell will break loose on the screen. You simply cannot take notes. It is impossible. With the View, after a while you sort of get the hang of resting your palm on the screen in such a way to not trigger the keyboard or menus, but with the Note this is simply not possible.
One HUGE benefit of using the View to take notes is the ability of the pen to quickly highlight typed text. I LOVE this. The s-pen on the Note does not have this ability (that I could tell anyway).
Horrible, horrible implementation by Samsung.
2) SPEED: B
The thing is slow. This REALLY shocked me given the specs but there is no way the Note I tried was nearly as quick as my View. When I scrolled webpages I even saw the dreaded checkerboard pattern occasionally. I was shocked.
3) FORM FACTOR: A+
The size is nice and it's light and thin. I use a bluetooth headset anyway so would never be holding it up to my face and looking like a dork.
Conclusion:
Overall nice device but needs some serious software tweaks to be a contender.
P.S., Guess, what? The Sprint Rep told me that he heard from TPTB that Sprint will be getting the Note this summer.
Did you try the Unlocked International version? Or the AT&T version?
Flaco05 said:
Did you try the Unlocked International version? Or the AT&T version?
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AT&T Version.
I have both the note and flyer. I use the two Devices interchangeably.
Aside from the clicks noise the pen makes on the flyer screen, it's pen is still better IMO. it has eraser on it - v convenient. Taking screenshots is more straightforward. When. Taking notes, u can just continue to write, page extends to accommodate writing. On the Note however, u must open up a new page after first is full. you must also save the first full page separately...as separate document. Being able to just continue writing on the Flyer is an advantage for note-taking at meetings. But, you need somewhere to put your pen, on the flyer, there's no stylus slot option..
Screen and camera - in some respects is leaps and bounds ahead on Note; brighter images. Although, flyer is still v good for brightened. Flyers have advantage though with regard to current quality control. In snore forums you will notice several concerns about pixilated dark images on stills and videos. Also, concerns about artifacts on some Note screens - visible on dark grey backgrounds.
Calendar - Note has more functionality and pen can be used to arrange calendar appointments - I don't think this can be done on flyer.
Seven screens on Note vs 5 on Honeycombed HTC flyer. However, the note will never be able to touch the Flyer for screen transition animation and weather animation. If you like your bling, it's got to be the flyer, no competition.
Battery...I have been finding the note battery much much better than my flyer battery. With note on low to moderate use, I can go for 2 days. With the flyer, it's only a day. Difference is really apparent when upping use to moderate.
They are both good in own ways. If u can get flyer dirt cheap, buy it alongside the note. If not, stick with Note. Note wins as it easily works as multifunction device. But Flyer is more of a Web-surfing, video and brief note device. Even for the 32GB 3g flyer, phone functionality is difficult (pls correct me if I've got this wrong - as I have wifi-only Flyer but have read moans on 3g threads). So if phone accessibility and quality is important, go for Note. But of you're floored by minor quality control flaws, go for the HTC.
Sent from my 32GB GT-N 7000 using xda premium
whmcal said:
But Flyer is more of a Web-surfing, video and brief note device
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I've had my note for a couple of days, and the above review is pretty much spot on. I'd like to also add that the Note, despite its size, still feels like a phone, with additional note-taking capabilities and a nice screen. The Flyer, on the other hand, feels more like a small tablet (which is exactly what it is!)
Since I had them both, I would prefer using view than note. I bought note when it first released in my town. And I became so frustated after several days using it due to its form factor isn't note taking friendly. So I gave my note to my wife, and I bought the view. and yes, I am very satisfied with the view.

[Q] Should I go with the Note?

Just looking for some opinions here. I currently have a Samsung Focus which was my first true smartphone. I've used a bunch though including the S2 and the iPhone 4s. I honestly think windows is the best OS out of the 3. But the 2nd gen of windows phones don't have much to offer above the focus, so I don't see it being worth it to grab a new windows phone. Also the weak marketplace is a killer especially when my friends are constantly usings apps like ptt and various *** 'with friends' games.
But I had every intention on probably sticking with a new Windows phone until I heard of this phone. Just because it offers something regular phones don't.
Advice? I'd also like opinions on the size. Not how it feels in your hand, I could care less. But how it fits in pockets, the weight... whether or not you can carry it around like you could carry your old phone.
How's the music integration? Zune wasn't fantastic but I quite liked it. I use my phone every day as my mp3 player at the gym. Does it function well? And back to the last question on size... could I fit it in a pair of gym shorts? (not cardio)
How much better is browsing on it? Do you find yourself using the internet much on it, or still always using a laptop if you have it? I thought I'd be using it all the time with my focus, but with the 3.7" screen i never do unless I'm not around a computer.
And are there any integrated bonuses that this phone has that the SII or other similar smartphones don't have? (aside from the notes app).
Thanks a lot guys. I don't expect you to answer everything but just looking for as much advice as I can get.
Its a big phone, if you gonna wear it with gym shorts, depending on the activity it could slip out of you pockets. Phone is super light, easy to fit in pockets unless you wearing skinny's. Besides the s pen options, internet looks great on it, i use it often.
Music is like any other android, but i use power amp which i recommend. As far as advantages....SIZE...the screen is just bliss and typing on it is just great for big or little fingers. Hope this helps.
I went from a Samsung Captivate to a Focus and now the Note. Honestly you might be dissapointed with the Note. Not because the phone is bad but the Windows Phone 7.5 is just soo smooth. When I used the Focus that phone never crashed, battery life is awesome and everything it did it did well.
The only knock on Windows was the lack of app support. I really missed the apps and games that I had on Android that is why I went back. In the end I might go with Galaxy S2 or Skyrocket. The only reason I will leave the Note is that it is difficult to work the phone with one hand.
If you get passed that and the size the phone is great.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
blazablaz said:
Its a big phone, if you gonna wear it with gym shorts, depending on the activity it could slip out of you pockets. Phone is super light, easy to fit in pockets unless you wearing skinny's. Besides the s pen options, internet looks great on it, i use it often.
Music is like any other android, but i use power amp which i recommend. As far as advantages....SIZE...the screen is just bliss and typing on it is just great for big or little fingers. Hope this helps.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I'd use it for weight lifting only, so I won't be running around or anything. I weighed my focus and its over 5 ounces and supposedly the Note is about 6. So as long as it physically will fit in my pocket I think it should be ok.
What do you mean by 'aside from the pen options internet looks great'? Or were those two statements unrelated.
jev3gs said:
I went from a Samsung Captivate to a Focus and now the Note. Honestly you might be dissapointed with the Note. Not because the phone is bad but the Windows Phone 7.5 is just soo smooth. When I used the Focus that phone never crashed, battery life is awesome and everything it did it did well.
The only knock on Windows was the lack of app support. I really missed the apps and games that I had on Android that is why I went back. In the end I might go with Galaxy S2 or Skyrocket. The only reason I will leave the Note is that it is difficult to work the phone with one hand.
If you get passed that and the size the phone is great.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely noticed the lack of 'smoothness' when messing around with the Galaxy 2 compared to my windows phone... and this is one reason I believe windows is superior... or at least has the potential to be. But there are so few things I actually do with my focus aside from text and listen to music. Screen is too small to browse, no apps to mess with. I also love customization and miss that factor with windows, so that might be fun to have an android.
Also I'm not a traveler or on the go user, so using with one hand shouldn't be an issue.
Can you guys fit the phone in all 4 jean pockets? Or only front, only back?
Think I'd get odd looks if I got a 4 point chest harness and secured it right in the center of my body? or is it not that big..
Really? You come to a Note forum and ask if you should get a Note. What is your expectation? Think we will all tell you NOT to get it?
Hell YES! Even without ICS on this phone it crushes everything. Pending you know how to mess with it a bit with a root/overclock/rom yada yada yada. Ive already gotten into 5 convos with people about it since ive gotten it last week. And all 5 after getting it in their hand said they want one .
kimtyson said:
Really? You come to a Note forum and ask if you should get a Note. What is your expectation? Think we will all tell you NOT to get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
notice how others gave useful info and answered some of my questions
i'm not necessarily looking for you guys to decide for me but i had a few key questions and also was wondering if there are any main points i'd be missing leaving windows, or strong points i'd be gaining going to the note.
also i watched a video where the guy was using the stylus for writing and his finger for everything else. i'd imagine you can use the stylus to click on anything you could with your finger, right?
My opinion, the primary reason to move to the Note from the Focus is simply if you want the larger form and access to more apps. As you know, the Windows OS is very efficient and functional, aimed at getting the job done with some flair but not having to constantly fiddle with the the UserInterface. It is quicker and if you like it, I'd stick with it.
My college son has owned the Samsung Focus for over a year now and he really likes it...so do I. In fact on my prior Samsung 4'5" Infuse I often used the "launcher 7" app on my 'droid to simulate a windows phone. I'm playing with it now on my Note.
I can't carry my Note like my prior phones. But that is ok with me. I do put carry it in my front left/rear pockets but when I get it the car it comes out and sits in my car. But that's ok.
Gym shorts? it would probably fit but I certainly wouldn't exercise with it...although you could job/run with it using one of those armbands.
Browsing? I use the browser all the time, it's great. Rarely use my laptop.
The pen is cool...and I use it often to take notes, draw ideas, etc. However, I think an update is needed (and supposedly coming) to help smooth out the interface.
kimtyson said:
Really? You come to a Note forum and ask if you should get a Note. What is your expectation? Think we will all tell you NOT to get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
This is the best phone ever and Android is the best OS, period.
Opinions on size? Nothing but good, here's the highlights to spare you some time:
I have beg hands, fits me perfectly. Wife has tiny baby hands, she can hardly hold it.
You feel a little weird holding it to your head the first day or so, after that you dont notice.
Splitscreen...oh yea, one of my favorites. Go to landscape and some of your comms go split screen. Email is way easier when you have the lest on left and preview panel on right. Same for you text message screen. Theis is a great way to skim through.
Usability - The white model is a little slick on the back, can cause to slip out of your hand. Solution is a case that most use, but if your like me and like the naked look most of the time then the easy solution is full body skin. I applied a "armor Suit" which is a wet application. This typically leave a grippier almost rubber like feeling left. Awesome for the back, I can lay mine on my flat hand and almost stand it straight up and down before it slides. Some don't like the feeling on the screen but I don't mind it at all and actually prefer it now.
Pocketability- Easy, very easy actually. It's a very flat phone so I carry in back or front pocket with no problem at all. Folks that may have problems would be women who typically have smaller pockets on jeans and slacks and guys who wear skinny nut huggers.
Everyday use - Every app seems easier to use. Games are a blast since you have more room to use virtual sticks without covering most of the screen up (some awesome games on sale right now for $0.50)
Accessories - Suprisingly alot for as new as it is. Lots of metal back plates (got a green one on the way), leather cases, holsters, things of this nature. It helps that the international version has been out a little longer and there are accessories such as the dock that work perfectly fine with out AT&T version. Plus generic slips and pouches made for the Dell Streak 5 often fit our device, sometimes with very slight alterations. Generic batteries, docks, and chargers are out too. Most of these accessories are cheap. I bought a silicon cover, full film protector, 3 batteries, charger, and metal back cover, all for under $40 off amazon from several vendors and thats with shipping.
Development - It's quite slow at the moment, but it almost always is. We're all waiting for ICS (Ice Cream Sandwhich) wich some say is coming soon and others say its not. The phone functions fin with Gingerbread, it's just most of us Android addicts demand the newest OS by any means possible. It'll pick up, it always does.
hope this helped some!
---------- Post added at 09:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 AM ----------
PS the S-Pen will make you a master at "Draw Something" game.
Draw something was what initially gave me the idea for the phone Then I started looking into it and now I'm really thinking I'm going to get it. I definitely have to go into my local store first and try it out and put it in my pockets, etc. Hopefully I can get a deal too.
I actually hope ICS doesn't come out for a little while. I like change and being able to mess around with new updates. So since this will be my first droid it'll leave me plenty of time to mess around with it, then when ICS comes it'll feel like a whole new phone once again.
And with some android devices, can't you actually load windows 7.5 on it?
I throw iron all the time wearing basketball shorts aka Gym shorts or sweatpants using my note. I will time to time use my old ipod touch that has a cracked screen being i can toss it around without worry.
But i can easily use my Note without problem in my shorts while working out. I also am a goalie for a mens ice league and have it in my pocket while i dress.
As far as carrying it around normally. Its cold by me currently so i always am wearing one of my bubble zip up vests with a zip pocket i put it in.
I also have a bad habbit of actually holding my phone in my hand wherever i go like to the store etc, etc. So i have a bad habbit of putting it down and not grabbing it and walking away . Luckily i have my GF with me most of the time to "Re-trace" my steps or ask "Do you have your phone" lol. But ive put it in my Nike swishy pants before without a problem.
Some/most people mostly those who don't actually have the phone or have even held one make it out to be like its a foot long and 3"s thick lol. Out of 5 people that i have let hold the phone. Normal sized people not Giants lol. The first words out of their mouth are either wow is so nice or wow is so light and thin.
Its even getting to the point with me the phone is starting to look normal sized!!! 5.8" screen on the Galaxy Note 2? HAaha. there is a tiny bit of room to expand the screen and not the actual device itself it seems. Like for example a good 1/4" or so if they got rid of that ugly ugly AT&T stamp on the top!
Awesome man, that's great info.
A question on the physical glass for the screen.. how is it? I'm not a fan of screen protectors. My focus had what I think they called gorilla glass. It's two years old and theres maybe one minuscule mark on it. Will the note hold up like that or will it need a protector with long term use (long term s pen use as well)?
According to everything I've read - it has gorilla glass. But it's not nearly as good for being anti-scratch as say an iPhone 4s from what I've seen. I've had mine less than a week and have tiny scratches all over the screen. I had my iPhone 4 for a year and had barely anything noticeable.
I set it down (face down - stupid I know) on my desk at work once. Scratched the heck out of it. It's a smooth desk surface so I'm not sure WTF happened. Other than that just into an otherwise empty pocket.
So either I have one with a faulty display - or a screen protector should be considered a pre-purchase item.
Ok. I'll just get one and have them put it on in store. think the main reason i hate them is i always F them up.
SGP GLAS-T
cgibsong002 said:
Awesome man, that's great info.
A question on the physical glass for the screen.. how is it? I'm not a fan of screen protectors. My focus had what I think they called gorilla glass. It's two years old and theres maybe one minuscule mark on it. Will the note hold up like that or will it need a protector with long term use (long term s pen use as well)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
netsyd said:
According to everything I've read - it has gorilla glass. But it's not nearly as good for being anti-scratch as say an iPhone 4s from what I've seen. I've had mine less than a week and have tiny scratches all over the screen. I had my iPhone 4 for a year and had barely anything noticeable.
I set it down (face down - stupid I know) on my desk at work once. Scratched the heck out of it. It's a smooth desk surface so I'm not sure WTF happened. Other than that just into an otherwise empty pocket.
So either I have one with a faulty display - or a screen protector should be considered a pre-purchase item.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cgibsong002 said:
Ok. I'll just get one and have them put it on in store. think the main reason i hate them is i always F them up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get an SGP GLAS-T screen protector they work better than anything out there. I had a SGP oliophobic film and after a week it was all scratched up from the S-pen I went an complained and they returned my money and told me about pre-order for Glas-t and it is the best screen protector ever. It is crystal clear, hard surface ( so s-pen works well with no scratching), I get alot less face oil and finger prints than other protectors (don't know why but stays cleaner) and it self installed just made sure screen was clean and droped it on by accident and it came out with no bubbles it is th most expensive protector I got but well worth it.http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...0PTkDw&usg=AFQjCNEQuEHZN7W18XKdkXZchjZgmdngXg
Just an FYI on the SGP GLAS-t -- they sell them through their Ebay store with free shipping. They also sell through Amazon - so if you have Prime you get free shipping there too. It was over $40 to buy through their site - $35 from Ebay.
JGuinan007 said:
Get an SGP GLAS-T screen protector they work better than anything out there. I had a SGP oliophobic film and after a week it was all scratched up from the S-pen I went an complained and they returned my money and told me about pre-order for Glas-t and it is the best screen protector ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got mine in yesterday. I was definitely a little pessimistic about how good a glass protector would be not to mention very concerned about the one chance to get it right install. Happy to say that the install was super simple (I have a couple tiny bubbles but nothing worth crying about) and so far it's excellent for writing on the screen.
We'll see how it lasts over time - but my initial impressions are very good!

Is the Samsung Galaxy Note worth the extra price?

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
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA App
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!
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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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Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA App
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.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
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
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA Premium App
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.
Click to expand...
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.
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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.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

Why'd you buy the Galaxy Note 2?

I need more excuses to get this phone.. I mainly want it because of the screen size, the S-Pen also looks like (although sort of gimmicky) and the processor/RAM combo.
What do you use the phone most for? What are you most impressed/disappointed with?
Thanks!
So I would stop carrying (and losing) small rite in the rain notebooks around.
I had the DNA. Great phone in its own right. Went to the AT&T store to play with the Note 2 before it came out on Verizon. The only advantage the DNA had was the 1080p screen and it wasn't even that noticeable.. you would really have to try hard to notice the difference.
The larger screen, larger battery, and the better accessory/dev support made it almost a no-brainier to switch. I don't have a large music collection or listen to it much but I know the SD card was a just plus for this phone too vs the DNA.
The S-pen is cool I guess but it really is kind of a gimmick in my mind. Its fun to doodle on sometimes though.
Haloman800 said:
I need more excuses to get this phone.. I mainly want it because of the screen size, the S-Pen also looks like (although sort of gimmicky) and the processor/RAM combo.
What do you use the phone most for? What are you most impressed/disappointed with?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The s pen, to me, is not a gimmick. I use it for taking notes at work, games, and many other things. The screen and size as you mentioned are good but the antenna is was better than the s3. This phone is screaming fast. The battery is amazing.
I am most impressed with the factions of the s pen. I never thought I would use it as much as I do.
I'm seriously not dissapointed about anything with this phone.
Sent from my SCH-I605
I bought it for the screen size, battery, and spen...best smart phone ever hands down....GN2>GS3>DNA
droidstyle said:
I bought it for the screen size, battery, and spen...best smart phone ever hands down....GN2>GS3>DNA
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That sums it up. Battery was a huge factor for me. I wanted something that would last me through an entire busy day, without having to have a backup battery. The screen is awesome, and the s-pen is finding more and more use everyday.
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Mostly the screen size, but if it had a bad battery or processor I would have gone with the DNA.
I will be getting this phone because it has a purpose. I'm not just getting a great phone, I'm getting a phone that I can draw with. I'm getting a phone I can multitask with. I'm getting a phone I can be productive with.
This is why I prefer the Note 2 over the DNA. The DNA looks sleeker and performs a little better, plus the size is more suited to me. But there's just something... lacking about it. It doesn't have a purpose. It's really a phone designed to be a phone (albeit a good one). Samsung had something more in mind with the Note 2. It's packed with features which, overall, aim towards making you more efficient at getting things done on the go. The DNA is not like that. It was inspired by Ferraris, says HTC, and that's basically what it is. It's a Ferrari, where the Note 2 is more like a pickup. The DNA looks good and performs well, where the Note 2 is just about getting stuff done.
I don't know about you guys, but I like getting stuff done. Note 2, I choose you!
If you call the note 2 a pickup then its a pickup and the motor as a couple of turbos and a shot of nitrous.
I wanted my S3, just more so, and this is it I also noticed once I had a larger phone I was using it more as my de facto tablet when it wasn't handy to have my ipad around. Also, I loved using Android more and more but no android tablet was nearly as good as the phones. Add in an actual digitizer and things really took off.
When the phone was announced I didn't think I'd bother, I thought the screen would be worse and the locked bootloader sucked. The 2nd part is true, but everything else is better than I imagined.
The s-pen is much more than a gimmick. I love it! The "air view" feature is really mouse hover-over functionality.
You can access drop-down menus on websites, get info on all kinds of things You hover the cursor over, not just within Samsung apps but I even just noticed it works in Titanium Backup.
I setup remote desktop to control my PC from anywhere and the s-pen is perfect for this, feels just like using the mouse in the way it behaves and the button works to right-click!
Your Samsung account also gives you Allshare Play which will stream music and video from your computer at home without lag (tried using RDP for this but very laggy)
..and after setting up and messing with all that stuff for hours today and also using multi-view to simultaneously watch YouTube and browse XDA, still 49% battery left!
This thing is a beast. I'm coming from a HTC Thunderbolt though so that may explain my enthusiasm
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I got it for the "my phone is bigger and can beat up your phone" status. haha
Just got the phone today, all I can say is Wow. It's pretty much just a bigger, better version of every other Android phone I've ever owned. it only froze up twice (my fault both times) and everything is just amazing, the screen, the battery (I was coming from a Razr MAXX so this was a concern), I can even see the potential for the S-Pen. This phone is a beast, I have absolutely no compaints.
I had always liked the Note original because of the size. In addition, I can't seem to own a phone for more than a year. I was fast approaching that. But the fact there was multiview, the S-pen, screen size, and processing power trumped my Galaxy Nexus.
nosit1 said:
I had always liked the Note original because of the size. In addition, I can't seem to own a phone for more than a year. I was fast approaching that. But the fact there was multiview, the S-pen, screen size, and processing power trumped my Galaxy Nexus.
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Same here. I am a vzw user and droooled over the note. So when I heard this was coming out, I was interested but not sold. I was however sold when I saw how powerful this thing was, and how it is very close to the s3. However, because I do like a new phone every so often, to appease the wife (and because I have to pay retail due to my grandfathered unlimited data plan) I need an AT LEAST 1 year phone, 1.5-2 would be splended. I love bigger screens, dont mind the weight, since my phone is usually docked, and I dont talk for hours on end. The pen, Im not sold on because its real sensitive and seems like a burden but may use it more often if I can get it resolved.
Now hopefully we can unlock the bootloader, and I am yet again, gambling with the fact that I hope updates and custom roms will keep this thing afloat for a while, I know the hardware will keep up.
#1 reason: Battery size. (Life)
#2 reason: The main raw stats; quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM.
I was basically sick of my iPhone and it's little screen and locked OS. I will say it was reliable but too vanilla. I chose the Note 2 because it was faster, bigger screen, expandable memory and customizable. I've had I for about 2 weeks now and though it was a bit of culture shock for the first few days I can tell ya t is an outstanding device...stock. I 've been lurking in the dev forums watching the progress of the root for my VZW n2. Probably gonna root this thing and get even more satisfaction out it.
When I first laid my eyes on the original Note I knew I wanted this style of phone. I was was a big stylus user back in the windows mobile days and the idea of having a precision pointing device was a dream come true within Android. And the people that tell you otherwise are the same folks that prefer a game pad over a mouse and keyboard in a first person shooter; the s-pen is more accurate than my fat fingers. Combine that with the huge beautiful display, speed and Samsung's software enhancements over stock Android it's a winner.
My next option would have been the DNA but that device is just a phone. I want more than a phone with a pretty face.
I was satified with my GS3 until i walked into a Verizon store this week & saw the Note 2 & GS3 sitting side by side & i was like !! Long story short the GS3 is going back this week & the Note 2 is on the way. Plus the battery life is way better on the Note 2.
I haven't decided to buy just yet. I'm waiting to see what happens with the bootloader, and what effect porting cyanogenmod to this device will have on the SPen.
I've been using my Droid X for almost 2 and a half years, and I'm ready to upgrade. Reasons are the specs, the screen size, and the stylus.
I'm not sure I understand all of the comments from people who say the stylus is a gimmick; that's like saying a Wacom tablet is a gimmick. Some of the features that Samsung has built into the device that use the stylus might be gimmicky, but the stylus itself is quite useful for those of us who want a precision pointing device for drawing, note taking, etc.

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