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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?
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I guess sometimes people can't let their old devices go.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
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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This Kickstarter project is about to ship:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fusechicken/une-bobine-for-people-who-love-iphone
One of the devices that was tested was a Note, and it performed flawlessly. I backed the project, and will give my review once I get it. Really looking forward to it - works on both desk/countertops as well as in your car.
Be careful when adjusting it, could really bend or break your ports. Otherwise it looks like a cool product. Could see it being great in the car.
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welchertc said:
Be careful when adjusting it, could really bend or break your ports. Otherwise it looks like a cool product. Could see it being great in the car.
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For sure. It looks like they made a nice, fat base for the mini USB connector to rest on. Hopefully it will support a good deal of weight. Supposedly it will even hold it in landscape, which I am cautiously optimistic about.
That does look pretty cool. As the others have said, the microusb port is such a shallow port, it may not provide a lot of support if any when adjusting, or if set at an angle of any sorts. Be curious to hear your review when you get it!
Im not impressed. Micro USB ports arent designed to hold weight.
jimmer411 said:
Im not impressed. Micro USB ports arent designed to hold weight.
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The port doesn't hold the weight. The base does. Same concept as a dock.
meatlocker said:
The port doesn't hold the weight. The base does. Same concept as a dock.
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I watched the videos, I dont see where your getting the idea that the base holds the weight. They only show a glimpse of the iphone connector in one of the videos and it doesn't look any different from my ipad2 cable.
I would love to see a Note held horizontally via USB. Its one thing to position an iphone in every position since the port is 100x more secure and locks to an extent.
This has no base. Your USB port will support the entire wieght of the phone. Won't be long before USB port is loose and ceases to function.
By 'base', I mean 'connector plug'. The USB port is on a large plug which distributes the weight across a larger area than if your phone sat on just the cable end. Still, small port, certainly not made to be jostled around on. I bought mine for my desk, so should be fine. Again, more details when I get the thing.
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meatlocker said:
By 'base', I mean 'connector plug'. The USB port is on a large plug which distributes the weight across a larger area than if your phone sat on just the cable end. Still, small port, certainly not made to be jostled around on. I bought mine for my desk, so should be fine. Again, more details when I get the thing.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
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From what I'm seeing that would only be true if the phone were completely balanced at a 90 degree angle otherwise much of the weight is actually distributed as shear stress against the inside of the micro USB plug which is not good.it needs some kind of backplate to cradle with.
cityhunterxyz said:
From what I'm seeing that would only be true if the phone were completely balanced at a 90 degree angle otherwise much of the weight is actually distributed as shear stress against the inside of the micro USB plug which is not good.it needs some kind of backplate to cradle with.
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I've asked Jon Fawcett, creator of Une Bobine, to drop by this thread and comment on concerns. I think they are all valid.
Hey all. Meatlocker sent me an email to address your concerns. I'll give some info here, but please feel free to ask more questions of me.
We made 2 substantial changes to the standard details around the micro connector that are intended to resolve the issues with all of the weight on the connector. First, our connector housing for the micro is about the same width as a standard iphone cable. The extra width spreads the weight of the phone to a greater area, which places less weight on the connector itself. Also, if the phone is tilted slightly, the phone body will hit the connector housing and stop the phone from putting additional sideways strain on the connector.
The second thing we did was to make replaceable caps on the housing end. These caps adjust the space between the connector body and the tip of the connector. This essentially adjusts how far out the connector comes. These allow us to reduce or remove the gap between our housing and the body of the phone so that the 2 items listed above are as good as possible. We have 3 caps designed to adjust this spacing to keep the phone tight in position. We also have one cap with a right angle bracket to assist with some side-port phones. And we have another cap that leaves a small portion of the traditional micro end sticking out that will let it fit into cases. Each device comes with all 5 caps.
Of course, these won't solve every phone and every usage. But we have tested with 30 different androids, windows, bb's, and feature phones and these have made the difference for most of them. Also, we don't recommend adjusting the position of the phone while it is connected to the cable except for small amounts to get it to the exact right position.
jonfawcett said:
Hey all. Meatlocker sent me an email to address your concerns. I'll give some info here, but please feel free to ask more questions of me.
We made 2 substantial changes to the standard details around the micro connector that are intended to resolve the issues with all of the weight on the connector. First, our connector housing for the micro is about the same width as a standard iphone cable. The extra width spreads the weight of the phone to a greater area, which places less weight on the connector itself. Also, if the phone is tilted slightly, the phone body will hit the connector housing and stop the phone from putting additional sideways strain on the connector.
The second thing we did was to make replaceable caps on the housing end. These caps adjust the space between the connector body and the tip of the connector. This essentially adjusts how far out the connector comes. These allow us to reduce or remove the gap between our housing and the body of the phone so that the 2 items listed above are as good as possible. We have 3 caps designed to adjust this spacing to keep the phone tight in position. We also have one cap with a right angle bracket to assist with some side-port phones. And we have another cap that leaves a small portion of the traditional micro end sticking out that will let it fit into cases. Each device comes with all 5 caps.
Of course, these won't solve every phone and every usage. But we have tested with 30 different androids, windows, bb's, and feature phones and these have made the difference for most of them. Also, we don't recommend adjusting the position of the phone while it is connected to the cable except for small amounts to get it to the exact right position.
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Do you guys have any pictures?
Looks cool...but I don't trust it.
I know the Note doesn't weight a ton, but it seems a little top heavy/big to be comfortably used with this thing.
Hmmm...maybe they could come out with something that'll attach to the USB port and allow the phone to be rested on or something to prevent all the weight from being on the phones port?
jimmer411 said:
Do you guys have any pictures?
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http://www.kickstarter.com/projects...or-people-who-love-iphone/posts/238347?page=2
Lots of good pics there (Note included), along with a video of both the micro usb and iPhone connector in action with a phone.
This is a cool idea, and I like that the maker takes time to come and talk. I understand what he means that the weight is on the plug and the base and it seems like it would work fine under ideal use, but my concern is that I would smack it, hit it, knock it over, something that would cause far more then normal amount of weight on the plug. Im glad to see some innovation though, I may give it a whirl, we'll see.
Managed to get my hands on 2 of these and they are great - if you have a smaller phone. I have no problems with HTC wildfire s or Sony Xperia Ray. When it comes to the rather large Samsung gs3 it is a different story. I have to lean the phone forward to get it to charge and this defeats the purpose of the bobine. Also in portrait mode it doesn't charge just rest against the connector casing.
Great idea for small phones! Just hope they can get a solution for larger devices as the concept is great!
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I just received my SGS3 and it is being charged for now so my first question is an easy one. Does it or doesn't it have microusb? I noticed that the microusb plug is slidely different from my HTC cable and when I tried to use that one, it wouldn't go in. I didn't apply too much pressure of course but enough to realise that it doesn't fit. I was under the impression that MicroUSB should be universal and the same cable works for 3 other HTC devices.
HTC cable works just fine, you know that the micro usb is turned upsidedown?
With the flat side down the cable is plugged in, just saying
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Yes I know. I've been using it for years but it certainly is harder to fit on the Samsung. Maybe if I push harder it will go The one that came with the phone fits just fine though without needing to push hard. Anyway, I'll push harder again.
Asking if it has MicroUSB is not really correct. As with every USB-Type (normal, mini and micro) there are at least 2 different incompatible plugs per size. Talk about uniformity of the USB standard!
The Microusb-A has trapeze-like corners while Microusb-B has rounded corners.
HTC and Samsung both use MicroUSB-B so if both look the same, they match but it might be a tight fit due to differences in production.
d4fseeker said:
Asking if it has MicroUSB is not really correct. As with every USB-Type (normal, mini and micro) there are at least 2 different incompatible plugs per size. Talk about uniformity of the USB standard!
The Microusb-A has trapeze-like corners while Microusb-B has rounded corners.
HTC and Samsung both use MicroUSB-B so if both look the same, they match but it might be a tight fit due to differences in production.
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You must be correct. What I noticed is that they have the same shape and size bit if you look inside, the plastic is a bit larger on Samsung, making the free space inside smaller than HTC and maybe that's why I found it hard to plug in. However, if everyone confirms here that they must be the same, it must be so. I guess people have tried it and it worked.
Do you think if would be a good thing if Samsung created proprietary connectors so we can have more accessories to interface with like car radios, docks, etc.
Proprietary connectors always lead to less accessories, not more. OEM accessories usually aren't that great.
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I vote no. The least common something is, the more expensive it is.
justinglock40 said:
Do you think if would be a good thing if Samsung created proprietary connectors so we can have more accessories to interface with like car radios, docks, etc.
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Which connector is proprietary? If you are talking about the USB connector that isn't proprietary at all....
I vote no for Samsung. The reason Apple ipod, iphone, ipad accessories are so popular is because they are all cross compatible (other than cases). They have only had 2 main platforms, the 30 pin and lightning. If I buy a Bose sounddock now I feel comfortable having it work with the new iPhone in 3 years. This won't work with android and no one wants to be stuck with Samsung with no freedom to go to LG, HTC, Nexus, etc. when they make better products
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I'm not sure if I understand why accessories are contingent on Samsung making a proprietary connector, I've have plenty of phones with a micro-usb connector that have had official docks available - the Droid X to name one. There are plenty of car radios that interface just fine with Android phones via bluetooth or USB control.
I hated the days when every time you upgraded your phone you had to buy a new charger, I'd rather not have to return to that.
wrichards2009 said:
Proprietary connectors always lead to less accessories, not more. OEM accessories usually aren't that great.
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Basically the same reason apple made lightning connectors.
justinglock40 said:
Do you think if would be a good thing if Samsung created proprietary connectors so we can have more accessories to interface with like car radios, docks, etc.
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No, it's much better off to stick with standard connectors so there's flexibility in terms of using third party cables, docks, etc.
What should happen -- and it seems like we're moving towards this -- is consistency in connector location placement. Namely, putting the microUSB port on the bottom and centered on the phone. One reason that things like iDocks can easily be successful is that they work with just about any iPod or iPhone that uses the same charger type (either 30 pin or lightning). The reason they work with any such device is that they all have the port in the same location, so you can know that your device will physically fit the dock.
Not long ago, Android phones had the charging port where it was convenient for the manufacturer, or maybe where they felt it was an ideal location. That makes it difficult to make a generic Android dock however, because you don't know if the port will be on the side of the device, or maybe near a corner, or wherever. It seems to me -- in my admittedly non-expert opinion -- that most devices are now being released with the microUSB port on the bottom edge, and centered. That means 3rd party manufacturers can make docks and the like, and count on more and more people having a device with the port in that location, and thus use that as a reasonable assumption in the design without boxing out many devices.
It's still a lot more difficult to make generic Android docks, however, simply because there is such a huge range of device sizes and form factors. But with the USB port being bottom center, and device thickness seems to be becoming more consistent IMO, it should be easier to make docks that fit many, if not most, phones that are out there.
Three or four years ago everyone in the industry agreed micro USB would be the new standard. Everyone would do it. So no longer would you need a cable for an LG and one for a Samsung. All cables would work. Apple was the only company to decline to do this. F them. Only other connectors I see are mini USB on the occasional gps.
I'm happy with micro USB. Why change that.
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Well, I finally caved and bought a Pixel C. There was nothing my trusty old Manta couldn't do, except hold a charge. I know I could have replaced the battery, but I figured it was time to move on. I believe I used my N10 literally every single day since November 2012 when I bought it.
Its been a month or two now of ownership of the dragon/smaug/ryu for me now.
The good:
Its fast and
Its got crazy battery life. (compared to the beloved Manta)
The bad:
The options for cases were not plentiful, and I settled on one of those dumb apple type tri-fold covers. Its really cheaply made, has sharp plastic corners, and doesn't work very well as a stand
Side firing speakers are bad, as a Manta/Shamu owner I have no idea why everything doesn't have front facing speakers, seriously
No Pogo or even Qi; as a Manta/Shamu owner I only ever had to plug in for fastboot work a few times per year, now I have to fiddle with cords & plugs like some sort of savage
There doesn't seem to be much development going on for it
Would I buy the Pixel C again? Probably. Its primarily a utilitarian device for me for the end-table by the couch. I don't love it like I did my Manta, but it's doing the job.
Special thanks to @scanno for keeping us Manta lovers running on the new hotness for as long as possible.
You've just described how I would expect the transition to a Pixel C to be like. I'm hanging on in there
I bought my Pixel C last May,
I'm with you on the front firing speakers. I can only assume that it had something to do with metal body.
I bought the portfolio keyboard, and love it. I see you don't have that option.
I already had the Nexus 5X for 6 months before I owned the Pixel. I missed the Qi charging for a bit, until I realized that I could get by with just charging my phone on my commutes. The reversible USB-C charging has become second nature for me. Man, it's fast! You will either get used to it, or not. I'd like a wireless charging option, but it's no longer a deal breaker.
Pure Nexus and Dirty Unicorns have full support for the device. That's enough for me.
Edit: I purchased my manta 3-4 months after it was released. KitKat wasn't good. I still own it, but I haven't powered it on since last May.
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Now that hybrid Chromebooks are commonly available I'm never going to settle for a tablet again. Just doesn't make sense. to me anymore.