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It's been a struggle for me from day one to like Xperia S after using Arc for a very long time. Performance wise there are no issues with S.
Out the box it did have the WOW factor. My friend got white and I went with black and I personally liked white and I wish I ordered it.
Why I want to get back to Arc?
1. I don't know how much longer it takes me to get it but those capacitive buttons need to be pressed couple of times for me. Especially the back button. I don't know if it's because I am a lefty. But even other buttons, I seem to have to try second, third time and it only gets worse in total darkness.
2. The design doesn't look as nice as in pictures. Feels like an HTC phone. It only looks cool on the back side.
3. The USB flap is a joke and it definitely won't last long for me.
4. The bottom bezel is just too wide as I expected.
5. Front camera doesn't look well designed. You can see metal petals around it making it look like a rushed design.
6. Just too thick after enjoying the sleek curvy Arc.
7. Wish ICS around the corner I think Sony rushed this product which is mostly designed for Android 2.3.7. There is no need for those Capacitive buttons when I don't find they need spot on touch. It's like hitting a bull-eyes for me with back button.
Some Pros
1. Camera responsiveness is amazing.
2. Sleep SE UI which I love and can be had on Arc as well.
3. Transparent strip is super cool design idea. I might actually consider Xperia P after I read user reviews.
Give it a 2nd thought
Aren't u being a little bit harsh on the device
U may be right with some things about the design but it doesn't make it horrible to ditch it that soon...
- the capacitive buttons could be handled by doing a slide motion on it and that gives a dynamic more comfortable move and would be a lot easier for u than righties
- the design is more than awesome, yes not like the arc but it's really neat and every model has to be different than the other, that's life, and so what it's like htc (amazing devices)
- the flap is useful for making the device more sleek and avoiding dirt which ruins most devices in the future, and it is durable and not that fragile as u think, it will last don't worry
- the bottom bezel is nothing of any concern, i advice u not to look at the bottom!
- u may be right about the front camera but not that obvious and could be tolerated
- the thick design makes it more sturdy and well fitted design to hold in hand!
- ICS is not so far away from now, and being it not present out the box is to make u appreciate the device more well in every aspect after the upgrade!!
IMO, enjoy this magnificent phone and look at its bright side and the many more pros of this master piece!!
sevoflurane said:
Aren't u being a little bit harsh on the device
U may be right with some things about the design but it doesn't make it horrible to ditch it that soon...
- the capacitive buttons could be handled by doing a slide motion on it and that gives a dynamic more comfortable move and would be a lot easier for u than righties
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this tip. The slide seems to nail it now .
I believe you are right about the design issues though. So much so that am now in a quandry over my imminent upgrade.................
kitsVA said:
It's been a struggle for me from day one to like Xperia S after using Arc for a very long time. Performance wise there are no issues with S.
Out the box it did have the WOW factor. My friend got white and I went with black and I personally liked white and I wish I ordered it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for feeling that way(I wanted to sound like a Sony rep which I am not )
Why I want to get back to Arc?
1. I don't know how much longer it takes me to get it but those capacitive buttons need to be pressed couple of times for me. Especially the back button. I don't know if it's because I am a lefty. But even other buttons, I seem to have to try second, third time and it only gets worse in total darkness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine were OK from the begining and then I used the slide trick and made it much better.
2. The design doesn't look as nice as in pictures. Feels like an HTC phone. It only looks cool on the back side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the white one and it looks nicer than video and no where close to HTC. This is much more solid that the arc and it looks nice in front (maybe since I have the white one I can see the contrast of black screen with white bezel).
3. The USB flap is a joke and it definitely won't last long for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, and thats why I liked Xperia P but I didn't like Xperia arc usb either, just the big hole that it was like a misplaced design.
4. The bottom bezel is just too wide as I expected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isn't it as wide as upper part of the phone? If you are saying it is long then its because of that transparent part and whatever is inside that bottom. I wish they could do something about it but one issue I had with arc was that bezel is very low and I would hit stuff on screen all the time for no reason. Not to give credit to long bezel on Xperia S. maybe little bit shorter than this.
5. Front camera doesn't look well designed. You can see metal petals around it making it look like a rushed design.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be less visible, maybe they wanted to show off that their phone has a front facing camera in marketing ads before release..
6. Just too thick after enjoying the sleek curvy Arc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree.
7. Wish ICS around the corner I think Sony rushed this product which is mostly designed for Android 2.3.7. There is no need for those Capacitive buttons when I don't find they need spot on touch. It's like hitting a bull-eyes for me with back button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would rather to illuminate the buttons on screen and only use the capacitive buttons instead to give more room to screen itself.
ICS should be around corner (beginning of April)
Some Pros
1. Camera responsiveness is amazing.
2. Sleep SE UI which I love and can be had on Arc as well.
3. Transparent strip is super cool design idea. I might actually consider Xperia P after I read user reviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All those + I am with you for Xperia P. I wish Xperia P had a little bit bigger screen and I wouldn't mind other stuff.
Happy to have Xperia S in white.
Thanks for your review.
Noticed the button response when looking at it in store. Right handed and found it a little unresponsive to my touch. Design is super cool though. Just wish they had waited and released shipped with ics. Looks promising, worries me the amount of them that have been damaged by people, just dropping a small height.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
Nimche said:
This is much more solid that the arc and it looks nice in front (maybe since I have the white one I can see the contrast of black screen with white bezel).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Build quality is way better than Arc. I just played with my friends white Xperia S again and the bottom bezel doesn't feel long mainly because of the white bezel contrasting from the black screen/glass part of the phone. Looks like I might actually sell black and get back on white. I did this same crap with my Arc. Rushed for Silver from Japan and sold to only get the darker one
All those + I am with you for Xperia P. I wish Xperia P had a little bit bigger screen and I wouldn't mind other stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After using Arc for so long and now S and with Galaxy Nexus for few weeks, 4" sounds tiny these days . I hate cases but I might just consider one for S. Few more weeks with the phone and I believe the sensitivity of the buttons will probably get better due to Muscle Memory
I have just got my xps it is great no issues at all
Everything is perfect I dont know why people are unhappy dont they know what they want out of the handset I do I am a powrr user this phone is the best out there and it is sony u cant go wrong people
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk
So go back then.
I don't know why you feel you should like this phone, taste is subjective. If you don't like it, send it back and stick with the Arc or buy something else.
Don't know where you are or how your bought the device but in the EU the distance selling regulations allow for return within 7 days (apart from damage/misuse obviously) even if you just change your mind. Assuming you ordered online, just do that.
So I just have one concern as the title says moving to the sony line and that's the lack of physical / off the screen home/back/menu buttons. I've gone from a Galaxy S, to Galaxy S II, to iPhone 5.. now I'm heading back to Android on my personal phone as I've got a 5S from work.. and I'm really ready to give sony a try after years of Samsung.
The only thing I am very nervous about is the fact that there is no physical home button on the Sony, meaning that effectively you're losing out on a fixed portion of the screen for a home / menu /back button instead of it being fixed in the bezel / frame of the phone and out of the way of your display area. I dont understand why this isn't talked about more often in reviews about the sony. Isn't this effectively eliminating a normally useable portion of the screen's resolution? also if the phone locks up.. where as before you could count on a hardware home button to try and force some action.. what happens with the sony implementation?
I realize that this is similar to the Nexus 5, but I guess this could be directed to both phones, it seems to me like, (correct me if i'm wrong as I've stepped away from android after the galaxy S II for the past year or so) if you fire up a full screen video game, the home/menu/back UI software buttons will just be there in the software at all times taking away from the full screen experience of the screens. Isn't having a hardware button a significant benefit not only for full screen real estate, but for quick access to task management and home (example, what steps do i need to worry about with the sony to get out of a full screen movie and immediately to the desktop with no home button?) instead of one button press which I can access blindly anywhere, i have to press a few targeted screen commands?
I really feel like there are strong points to be given for a hardware home / menu / back button, to recap, 1.) more real estate can be used on the screen at all times for the rest of the UI, 2.) not as quick no look access to task manager / multitasking / home 3.) significantly worse full screen gaming experience due to the persistent ui / on screen softkeys.
This is the only thing thats tipping me towards the Galaxy S 5, I guess i wanted to ask what your real world usage with this sony implementation is like and if you feel it is really a hinderance or not. Thanks!
nickbarbs said:
So I just have one concern as the title says moving to the sony line and that's the lack of physical / off the screen home/back/menu buttons. I've gone from a Galaxy S, to Galaxy S II, to iPhone 5.. now I'm heading back to Android on my personal phone as I've got a 5S from work.. and I'm really ready to give sony a try after years of Samsung.
The only thing I am very nervous about is the fact that there is no physical home button on the Sony, meaning that effectively you're losing out on a fixed portion of the screen for a home / menu /back button instead of it being fixed in the bezel / frame of the phone and out of the way of your display area. I dont understand why this isn't talked about more often in reviews about the sony. Isn't this effectively eliminating a normally useable portion of the screen's resolution? also if the phone locks up.. where as before you could count on a hardware home button to try and force some action.. what happens with the sony implementation?
I realize that this is similar to the Nexus 5, but I guess this could be directed to both phones, it seems to me like, (correct me if i'm wrong as I've stepped away from android after the galaxy S II for the past year or so) if you fire up a full screen video game, the home/menu/back UI software buttons will just be there in the software at all times taking away from the full screen experience of the screens. Isn't having a hardware button a significant benefit not only for full screen real estate, but for quick access to task management and home (example, what steps do i need to worry about with the sony to get out of a full screen movie and immediately to the desktop with no home button?) instead of one button press which I can access blindly anywhere, i have to press a few targeted screen commands?
I really feel like there are strong points to be given for a hardware home / menu / back button, to recap, 1.) more real estate can be used on the screen at all times for the rest of the UI, 2.) not as quick no look access to task manager / multitasking / home 3.) significantly worse full screen gaming experience due to the persistent ui / on screen softkeys.
This is the only thing thats tipping me towards the Galaxy S 5, I guess i wanted to ask what your real world usage with this sony implementation is like and if you feel it is really a hinderance or not. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Nick, yeah I see your anxiety, for a while I had the same.
To be honest the fact that there is no home button, aesthetically, for me is a massive plus. I love the idea of just a blank slate where everything is controlled from the screen. I actually hated the samsung implementation of having a touchscreen PLUS hardware button PLUS capacitive buttons. To me that's extremely messy. The all-touchscreen phone is the ultimate minimalism, and I think it's this minimalism that is attractive and impressive as tech goes forward into the future. Hardware buttons on the front face are becoming (and should be) a thing of the past.
In relation to the screen real-estate problem, which I too will have when I get my xperia z2, you should do what I plan on doing and download an app called GMD AUTOHIDE. Youtube it.
There are many others but from youtube this looks the most fully featured. You need to be rooted, but once you have it you can hide and summon the software keys at your leisure (and in different ways), thus using the full screen real estate when you need to and bringing the buttons back easily with a slide up or some other gesture.
Youtube it, it looks awesome.
ps. if you're afraid to root or just don't want to, there are certain apps that support android's 'immersive mode' which means when launched the software keys hide anyway.
It's the way Google have been pushing since ICS, and to be fair it is a good way of doing things. It enables larger screens for movie playback for a start. Instead if thinking it as a waste of screen real estate, think of it as buttons being a waste of bezel. The buttons will always be buttons, but with on screen buttons, the space can be used more. In regards to the hardware button being an override for crashes, I've had a nexus 7 (2012) since launch, and it's never ever been a problem.
Once you get past the need for physical touch, the on-screen buttons will be God sent. Not only does that allow the screen to be bigger, but you can customize the button and do other cool stuff.
I think a number of phones cross platforms are heading towards no physical button.
edge3uk said:
It's the way Google have been pushing since ICS, and to be fair it is a good way of doing things. It enables larger screens for movie playback for a start. Instead if thinking it as a waste of screen real estate, think of it as buttons being a waste of bezel. The buttons will always be buttons, but with on screen buttons, the space can be used more. In regards to the hardware button being an override for crashes, I've had a nexus 7 (2012) since launch, and it's never ever been a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree somewhat that google has been going this way, but disagree that it's a good way of doing things and also disagree that it enables larger screens.
** Disclaimer ** these are just my opinions
1. I see Google's Nexus phone (yes I've owned 2 of them) as a framework for Android, not so much what it wants all other Android manufacturers to go. For example, the SD-Card. No Nexus devices come with an SD-Card. Does this mean that SD-Cards will die on Android? As we can see, their inclusion is becoming more widespread, not the other way around.
2. Agree that hardware buttons aren't ideal. However, I see nothing wrong with capacitive buttons. Make them generic shapes so users can assign custom actions to them. It would free up space, allow everyone to be happy, and allow for things like swipe-2-wake with little to no battery penalty.
3. Capacitive buttons were removed on the HTC M8, did the bezel go away, no. I think the LG G2 is the phone with the smallest bezels on record and it still has plenty of space for capacitive buttons below the screen.
With all that said, I don't think it's a big deal to have on-screen buttons. They work the same and with android making the UI elements transparent it doesn't feel as bad as before when it really felt like it cut down on screen space. Honestly, I don't know what was so wrong about the original 4-way capacitive button layout from a few generations back. Menu, Home, Back, Search. I'd love for someone to explain to me how searching for 3 dots or if there's a pullout pane on the left or right is better than always being able to press a menu capacitive button.
se1000 said:
I agree somewhat that google has been going this way, but disagree that it's a good way of doing things and also disagree that it enables larger screens.
** Disclaimer ** these are just my opinions
1. I see Google's Nexus phone (yes I've owned 2 of them) as a framework for Android, not so much what it wants all other Android manufacturers to go. For example, the SD-Card. No Nexus devices come with an SD-Card. Does this mean that SD-Cards will die on Android? As we can see, their inclusion is becoming more widespread, not the other way around.
2. Agree that hardware buttons aren't ideal. However, I see nothing wrong with capacitive buttons. Make them generic shapes so users can assign custom actions to them. It would free up space, allow everyone to be happy, and allow for things like swipe-2-wake with little to no battery penalty.
3. Capacitive buttons were removed on the HTC M8, did the bezel go away, no. I think the LG G2 is the phone with the smallest bezels on record and it still has plenty of space for capacitive buttons below the screen.
With all that said, I don't think it's a big deal to have on-screen buttons. They work the same and with android making the UI elements transparent it doesn't feel as bad as before when it really felt like it cut down on screen space. Honestly, I don't know what was so wrong about the original 4-way capacitive button layout from a few generations back. Menu, Home, Back, Search. I'd love for someone to explain to me how searching for 3 dots or if there's a pullout pane on the left or right is better than always being able to press a menu capacitive button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely understand what you mean. The fact the M8 has the bezel and onscreen buttons is a major factor as why im not getting one. It's ridiculous. On-screen buttons do allow more screen in a same-size device, which is a better way of saying what I was trying to say. I'm all for on screen buttons.
For the record, more devices may be including sd card slots, but with kitkat, it's a bit of a pain in the arse. I'll be okay, I don't like so many apps installed, I'm quite tidy, but 16gb and an sd card seems to have replaced 32gb, which could be used for whatever you liked. I don't want to have to root my Z2, Im kinda looking forward to getting a phone that just does everything I want it to out if the box. I have a one X at the minute, and the capacitive buttons are brilliant, but I'd trade the space they take up for more screen in a second.
se1000 said:
I agree somewhat that google has been going this way, but disagree that it's a good way of doing things and also disagree that it enables larger screens.
** Disclaimer ** these are just my opinions
1. I see Google's Nexus phone (yes I've owned 2 of them) as a framework for Android, not so much what it wants all other Android manufacturers to go. For example, the SD-Card. No Nexus devices come with an SD-Card. Does this mean that SD-Cards will die on Android? As we can see, their inclusion is becoming more widespread, not the other way around.
2. Agree that hardware buttons aren't ideal. However, I see nothing wrong with capacitive buttons. Make them generic shapes so users can assign custom actions to them. It would free up space, allow everyone to be happy, and allow for things like swipe-2-wake with little to no battery penalty.
3. Capacitive buttons were removed on the HTC M8, did the bezel go away, no. I think the LG G2 is the phone with the smallest bezels on record and it still has plenty of space for capacitive buttons below the screen.
With all that said, I don't think it's a big deal to have on-screen buttons. They work the same and with android making the UI elements transparent it doesn't feel as bad as before when it really felt like it cut down on screen space. Honestly, I don't know what was so wrong about the original 4-way capacitive button layout from a few generations back. Menu, Home, Back, Search. I'd love for someone to explain to me how searching for 3 dots or if there's a pullout pane on the left or right is better than always being able to press a menu capacitive button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This domino effect wherein all your favorite things might fall one after another has nothing to do with whether physical nav buttons are a good idea. I personally hate not having an SD card myself but it just isn't an argument for or against the nav button type. Also the battery penalty is meaningless as you could as easily have any portion of the screen sensitive to swipe or tapping as you ca the cap buttons with exactly the same power draw. You might notice that two of the three upcoming flagship phones now have tap to wake/sleep.
Your last point I agree with, there is plenty of space for four buttons which I preferred while still having room for a button to show dynamically like the menu button often does. This is as the fellow you quoted said one of the best parts of not having physical or cap buttons. On my N5 I use four and move them where I want them. Sure you could do that with caps but what you couldn't do is please everyone. I could have one button up to five in any combination since there is no limitation of having the cap buttons themselves deciding the manner. You should also be aware that the phone can produce the buttons on the fly and use the area as screen instead which actually works pretty well in use.
In the end I guess I deal with it by liking it better.
se1000 said:
I agree somewhat that google has been going this way, but disagree that it's a good way of doing things and also disagree that it enables larger screens.
** Disclaimer ** these are just my opinions
1. I see Google's Nexus phone (yes I've owned 2 of them) as a framework for Android, not so much what it wants all other Android manufacturers to go. For example, the SD-Card. No Nexus devices come with an SD-Card. Does this mean that SD-Cards will die on Android? As we can see, their inclusion is becoming more widespread, not the other way around.
2. Agree that hardware buttons aren't ideal. However, I see nothing wrong with capacitive buttons. Make them generic shapes so users can assign custom actions to them. It would free up space, allow everyone to be happy, and allow for things like swipe-2-wake with little to no battery penalty.
3. Capacitive buttons were removed on the HTC M8, did the bezel go away, no. I think the LG G2 is the phone with the smallest bezels on record and it still has plenty of space for capacitive buttons below the screen.
With all that said, I don't think it's a big deal to have on-screen buttons. They work the same and with android making the UI elements transparent it doesn't feel as bad as before when it really felt like it cut down on screen space. Honestly, I don't know what was so wrong about the original 4-way capacitive button layout from a few generations back. Menu, Home, Back, Search. I'd love for someone to explain to me how searching for 3 dots or if there's a pullout pane on the left or right is better than always being able to press a menu capacitive button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely understand your worry, but as said, you can change your mind pretty quickly. I went from a Xperia X10 Mini Pro (with physical navigation buttons) to a Xperia S (capacitative nav. buttons), and now coupled with a Tablet Z (on screen navigation buttons). First improvement I had from the X10 MP to the XS, was that even with tight spaces (pockets, or whatever), the buttons weren't pressed by accident. The capacitative buttons on the XS are a bit hard to press at first, but you easily get used to them. Unlike Samsung's, they don't offer a high change of also being pressed by accident when holding the device.
Now, with the Tablet Z, with only on screen buttons, it was a worry for me at first, having both status bar and navigation bar, using more space. However, after a bit, I got used to it. With the awesome Double Tap to Wake function, I almost never need to reach the power button anymore. Sometimes, I even get myself trying that on the XS, and wondering why it isn't working, only to then realize it doesn't have that function lol
When using media apps, like video players, gallery apps, etc, the buttons either hide completely or, with 4.4 devices, enter the Translucent Mode, where the bars have a gradient and the content can be seen under it. To bring them back, or swipe the status bar down once, or touch the screen once. So, in the important cases, they just go away, not taking your precious real screen state.
Regarding capacitative buttons, like you said, aren't that much of a big deal. But, believe me, switch to on screen buttons and you will see how better it is. When you don't need it, they simply go away. Also, it uses much less internal space to put them on the screen than capacitative ones. Last, but not least, they don't stop working
Regarding the HTC One M8, if you look at teardowns pictures, you will see that the "extra" bezel was needed to fit the components inside the phone. There's so much tech inside such a small body. It's not easy to put all of that inside that. If they were to reduce the bezel, they would need a ticker device. The Xperia Z2 has a quite big bezel compared to other devices, but like the M8, there's so much tech inside that body, that they need to sacrifice on something to compensate on others. Part is also due the OmniBalance design, that demands some harmony, symmetry.
Lastly, part of the answer to the 4 button vs 3 dots is based on what I said earlier, regarding accidental touches, etc. But, most importantly, is so that the user KNOWS there's another menu there, that they can access. With my old X10 MP, I took 1 to 2 months to really understand the use of that third button on the device. When I pressed it and saw a menu pop, I was like "Ohhh, so there's more stuff here!". That was the main idea, at least from what I know.
Btw, sorry for the huge post...
Also, some manufacturers are taking advantage of on-screen buttons to make really small bezels. Check out the LG G2 and the Moto X. Their bezels are small enough that putting physical buttons there would be extremely awkward, so you end up with a smaller device/larger screen (however you want to look at it) thanks to on-screen buttons. I have a feeling phone designs will increasingly move in that direction.
when the screen gets big, having a dedicated home button will be really awkward to press when you are holding the phone near the middle. i thought i will never able to escape from the home button from the galaxy line, but after using nexus 4, i could never go back to using the damn home button...
theclueless said:
when the screen gets big, having a dedicated home button will be really awkward to press when you are holding the phone near the middle. i thought i will never able to escape from the home button from the galaxy line, but after using nexus 4, i could never go back to using the damn home button...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your comments- looks people do have views on this but many of you are fine with it - can anyone confirms how these software navigation keys will behave in games and movies ? Do they ever disappear ? How do you get them back if so?
Thanks - I'm feeling a bit better about trying it out ...
nickbarbs said:
can anyone confirms how these software navigation keys will behave in games and movies ? Do they ever disappear ? How do you get them back if so?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost all movie apps will cause them to disappear. This has been a feature of Android for quite a while now. You just tap the screen and they come back.
A few games/apps also cause them to disappear. This is a new feature of Android as of KitKat (4.4) known as "immersive mode," so there are limited games/apps that support it. You get the controls back by swiping from the top or bottom of the screen, but simply tapping or swiping elsewhere on the screen will not bring them back, so you can continue using the app/game in full-screen.
so, bit the bullet and bought a logitech pro keyboard on sale for 100 bucks at best buy. overall, i'm not impressed by it, and will be returning it for a refund.
the case itself is adequate for the job, though somewhat annoying to use. it fits the tablet, although its not as sturdy as i'd like. when opening the case, its very easy for the device to pop out of the tabs. closing the cover, the ends don't quite align up with each other and it takes a few moments of fiddling with them to get them properly seated together. despite the presence of magnets, the device doesn't turn off when the cover is closed. even though there are little rubber pads toward the end, even a little pressure will push the device into the keys. since i keep my tablet in a backpack most of the time, i'm worried that this will cause damage over time to the device. a possible work around would be to fit a piece of felt between the device and the keys before closing the case.
the keys themselves feel solid, and the typing experience is good. response time and key spacing are fine. didn't have any trouble pairing the device.
there are two main reasons why i'm returning it. first, the macro keys that let you pull up the browser, email, etc. cannot be customized. want them to map to different apps? tough noogies. they gave me the runaround at logitech support on this, until ultimately admitting there's no official way to fix the issue. (there's some process involving rooting, freezing, blah blahbity blah that doesn't work for everyone... no thanks.)
second, when using the keyboard, a semi-transparent black bar appears along the bottom of the screen that covers whatever is already there and makes that area of the screen untappable. so things like the task manager and close all apps are unusable since this bar covers them. i've included a pic, though it may be a bit hard to see it. you can get rid of it by hitting the back button, but every time you touch another key it comes back. turn the keyboard off and the bar goes away... turn it back on, and the bar comes back as soon as you hit a key. this problem is the deal-breaker for me. changing launchers didn't fix the problem, happens in both touch wiz and nova. since i haven't seen any mention of this problem before, i don't know if its a one-off thing just affecting me or if others have this problem as well.
bummer.
-lq
Very sorry you are having problems with that keyboard. I use it and am very happy with it. No fit problem here. Haven't had any problems with tablet coming out of the case either. That black bar problem looks like a defective keyboard maybe. Try to return it to Best Buy. I don't know of any keyboard that has programmable keys for this tablet. Maybe a standalone Bluetooth keyboard might have this capability but then you would not have that protective case that the Logitech has.
With regards to the black bar issue, out of curiosity are you using a custom software keyboard for on-screen keyboard use?
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
That black bar looks like the type-suggestions bar... check your settings, specifically the settings --> controls --> language & input --> keyboard&input methods --> Default --> turn off the 'use on-screen keyboard' toggle.
And if you're using a third party keyaboard (that isn't swiftkey), check the settings, there might be a setting for suggestions with keyboards.
treetopsranch said:
Very sorry you are having problems with that keyboard. I use it and am very happy with it. No fit problem here. Haven't had any problems with tablet coming out of the case either. That black bar problem looks like a defective keyboard maybe. Try to return it to Best Buy. I don't know of any keyboard that has programmable keys for this tablet. Maybe a standalone Bluetooth keyboard might have this capability but then you would not have that protective case that the Logitech has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ended up returning it. now i'm looking at the amazon basics blue tooth keyboard (cheap!) and the samsung cover keyboard (not cheap!) honestly, i can learn to live with the macro keys problem... but its good to know that the black bar issue isn't a widespread thing.
-lq
ShadowLea said:
That black bar looks like the type-suggestions bar... check your settings, specifically the settings --> controls --> language & input --> keyboard&input methods --> Default --> turn off the 'use on-screen keyboard' toggle.
And if you're using a third party keyaboard (that isn't swiftkey), check the settings, there might be a setting for suggestions with keyboards.
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Click to collapse
thanks for the suggestion; was hoping it would do the trick, but unfortunately it didn't. i wonder if it has something to do with using the keyboard and the bamboo stylus at the same time? i tried using only one at a time, but that didn't do any good either.
-lq
muzzy996 said:
With regards to the black bar issue, out of curiosity are you using a custom software keyboard for on-screen keyboard use?
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
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nope, i use the samsung keyboard. mostly cuz i'm lazy. :cyclops:
-lq
Hi,
I´m really eager to know if LG finally is smart like Samsung and HTC, to use the space below the display for control keys instead of wasting part of the screen. Come on LG, it´s not so hard to learn! I am not willing to carry a large, unhandy device which is not even capable of using the complete screen for displaying contents.
Buy a Samsung then. I prefer soft keys. Hardware keys are retarded.
Is this the first time you've used an Android phone? The old ancient phones used capacative and hardware buttons, on-screen buttons are the newer way of interacting with your device that is replacing capacative and hardware buttons. The benefits of course mean you can have smaller bottom bezels, the buttons can hide when using immersive apps like videos and photos, they can change based on your preference or when the OS gets updated, etc.
Physical and capacative buttons are archaic.
Well, not the smartest kind of an answer but that was to be expected - fanboys even would argue bull**** to gold.
Seems you never used a modern smartphone with these softkeys integrated in screen but below the display.
Its not very hard to understand, that this is the way to get the most of the surface area of a smartphone.
No question the g5 will have software keys. I have to say after bouncing between LG and Samsung phones I much prefer Samsung's setup. The bottom bezel on my v10 isn't any smaller than that on my note 4, so LG could easily integrate capacitive buttons on their devices. Yes the software keys disappear in certain apps, but that just means it takes another swipe or tap to get them to reappear, which is only adding an extra step to exiting an app.
I also much prefer Samsung's home/fingerprint sensor setup. You can turn on the screen with the home button (no need for double tap to wake,) and when using the fingerprint security you can still unlock the phone when it's laying on a desk or in your car cradle without having to input a pattern or pin.
I'm not saying software keys are an absolute deal breaker, but they offer no benefit compared to capacitive keys and have several drawbacks.
Thank you rivera02,
thats the best description about it, you brought it to the point.
Its not that Samsung smartphones are absolutely best, I think the G4 has many advantages like the changeable battery and the sdcard slot. But every oem builds in certian disadvantages, so everybody has the choice to take what annoys him or her the less
Bluecharge said:
Well, not the smartest kind of an answer but that was to be expected - fanboys even would argue bull**** to gold.
Seems you never used a modern smartphone with these softkeys integrated in screen but below the display.
Its not very hard to understand, that this is the way to get the most of the surface area of a smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, they aren't softkeys if they are below the display, they are capacative keys. They can not change, they are printed into the phone itself. And yes, I had an S6 and Note 5 so I know well what they are like. Having to physically press a button is really annoying when trying to press it one handed, where the phone is already delicately balanced in your hand. For the capacative buttons, I much prefer on screen keys that disappear when you don't need them, and ones that you can change at will or when Android gets updated.
geoff5093 said:
First off, they aren't softkeys if they are below the display, they are capacative keys. They can not change, they are printed into the phone itself. And yes, I had an S6 and Note 5 so I know well what they are like. Having to physically press a button is really annoying when trying to press it one handed, where the phone is already delicately balanced in your hand. For the capacative buttons, I much prefer on screen keys that disappear when you don't need them, and ones that you can change at will or when Android gets updated.
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Hi geoff5093,
sorry that was my misunderstanding. You're right and I didn't mean hardwarebuttons but capacitive keys below the display. I personally think, that disappearing softwarekeys have much disadvantages, because you have to make them appear and this often interacts with the app you were using to this point. With capacitive keys below the screen they are available whenever you need them, they don't need any display space and they don't interact unwantedly with the before-used app.
The ideal way may be both of them. Capacitive keys below the screen and aditional softwarekeys for whoever likes to have an idividual layout. But I think that nobody would do this, as there seem not to exist any mod for additional softwarekeys e.g. for Samsung or HTC devices.
Softkeys have their benefits. They can be customized, moved around, even their appearance can be changed. However they DO waste screen space. Whenever these comparisons come up people claim that phones with sofkeys can/do have smaller bezels and that "sofkeys disappear when you don't need them anyway". The former is simply not true. Capacitive buttons take up so little space that you could fit them in any phone with softkeys. As for the latter, softkeys are still there 95% of the time I'm using the phone. Browsing/texting/using the dialer, they are still there making the usable screen noticeably smaller. It's the only thing I actually like about Samsung phones. Note 5 and Nexus 6P share the same screen size and yet the Samsung is smaller in hand AND has a larger usable screen area because no space is ever wasted on softkeys. LG G5 with sofkeys and 5.3" screen would mean roughly the same usable space as 5.5" LG G4 and also a more compact device. The bad thing is that in the case of this particular phone it would mean these modules would need to come with integrated capacitive buttons as well.
geoff5093 said:
Is this the first time you've used an Android phone? The old ancient phones used capacative and hardware buttons, on-screen buttons are the newer way of interacting with your device that is replacing capacative and hardware buttons. The benefits of course mean you can have smaller bottom bezels, the buttons can hide when using immersive apps like videos and photos, they can change based on your preference or when the OS gets updated, etc.
Physical and capacative buttons are archaic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't even buy a phone if it has hardware buttons. It's not 2011 any more.
I kinda like soft keys actually, I never have to bother with which way is up when operating the phone in landscape and less oops I've hit the home/back key scenarios. I've done the whole HTC/Samsung/Sony/LG round from actual buttons, capacitive buttons and some weird capacitive dot thing.
If only they could figure out a better way to make buttons appear when in full screen. That's the only complaint since sometimes it will miss.
Someone above said home button is better than double tap to wake. Wat a BS, lol. Are you from samsung or what? Following this approach, I am wondering why you did not say there should have been numeric hard keys to dial instead of touch screen.
I left Samsung because of that button. Got tired of the button waking the phone and then accidentally unlocking phone. Then making accidental phone calls and answering them. Love softkeys! Makes my phone look sleeker
Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk
hardware keys are lame and waste internal space and bezel. software keys for the win!
Nobody wrote about hardwarekeys.
First read, then write. Some of you never will get it.
capacative and hardware buttons, are the best for me.
on-screen buttons sometimes don't disappear when playing some games or sometimes on app's aswell.
they should have all 3, capacative and hardware buttons and on screen button.
if you want to use capacative or hardware botton use it. and if you don't like it then use on screen button by going to the setting and change it. like. like onePlus Two did.
Waxim1 said:
Someone above said home button is better than double tap to wake. Wat a BS, lol. Are you from samsung or what? Following this approach, I am wondering why you did not say there should have been numeric hard keys to dial instead of touch screen.
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No doubt. That is one of the most bizarre posts I have ever seen. Double tap to wake is a must for me now and any phone that doesnt have it is nearly a deal breaker. It is definitely better than hitting home and there is truly no way to logically argue that it is and yet somehow someone is trying.
Sorry but I did not get the message of this thread. Even a device with capacitive keys needs place for those keys, not on the screen but on the device that will increase the size of the phone. Biggest screen on the smallest device is possible only with softkeys. And these can be hided by the system in particular application in order to use the entire screen.
Bluecharge said:
Well, not the smartest kind of an answer but that was to be expected - fanboys even would argue bull**** to gold.
Seems you never used a modern smartphone with these softkeys integrated in screen but below the display.
Its not very hard to understand, that this is the way to get the most of the surface area of a smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...like my Oneplus Two...:good:
AMDZen said:
No doubt. That is one of the most bizarre posts I have ever seen. Double tap to wake is a must for me now and any phone that doesnt have it is nearly a deal breaker. It is definitely better than hitting home and there is truly no way to logically argue that it is and yet somehow someone is trying.
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Click to collapse
Lol well to each their own, but I think arguing that it's more convenient to tap a screen twice than to tap a button once is a pretty illogical argument. Much more so when you take into account the fact that LG has never gotten the double tap feature to work with one hundred percent accuracy.
Is Z5 compact's torch as weak as Z3 compact's? I'm on S4 mini and I was planning to buy the Z5 compact but i'm really used to my powerfull torch and i can't deal with a weak one like Z3 compact's. So if I move to Z5c will I miss my torch?
Thanks!
I'm afraid the torch is pretty weak. I can't compare it to the Z3c, but to the Z2 and Z1c. It's much darker than the torch of the Z1c and about as weak as the Z2's torch (maybe even a little weaker).
kwstas 13 said:
Is Z5 compact's torch as weak as Z3 compact's? I'm on S4 mini and I was planning to buy the Z5 compact but i'm really used to my powerfull torch and i can't deal with a weak one like Z3 compact's. So if I move to Z5c will I miss my torch?
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
I tried using mine yesterday.. It's just as bright as pulling up text messaging with a white background and using your screen for light.
I just switched from the s4 mini. Im kind of regretting it but after almost 3 years the amoled had worn out so bad I had permanent keyboard and status bar. If you're a big root user then you might reconsider as well, no xposed as of current.. I'm leaning towards the s5 mini now but really wanted the z5c to work. The s4 mini is the best phone I've ever had, kind of funny because on paper it doesn't stack up anywhere near the competition but it performs way above it lol
Edit: found a mod for the torch/camera flash. It's bright as heck now.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/mod-torch-boost-led-power-using-z1-t2886705
civicsr2cool said:
I tried using mine yesterday.. It's just as bright as pulling up text messaging with a white background and using your screen for light.
I just switched from the s4 mini. Im kind of regretting it but after almost 3 years the amoled had worn out so bad I had permanent keyboard and status bar. If you're a big root user then you might reconsider as well, no xposed as of current.. I'm leaning towards the s5 mini now but really wanted the z5c to work. The s4 mini is the best phone I've ever had, kind of funny because on paper it doesn't stack up anywhere near the competition but it performs way above it lol
Edit: found a mod for the torch/camera flash. It's bright as heck now.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/mod-torch-boost-led-power-using-z1-t2886705
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest i'm not planning to buy Z5c right now cause it's still not cheap for me...truth is that i was Z1c user for 8 months,when 2 weeks ago it broke...so now i'm using an S4 mini...The truth is that i didn't expect so damn good behaviour from this phone! at first i thought i would miss my Z1c...Well i do,but just in terms of battery life (yeah,s4 minis battery sucks next to Z1c).
So Z5 compact's torch is so damn weak without root and zip file installations? that's a pity!