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The dimensions don't tell me anything neither do photo's. The thing looks huge. I have the kaiser currently and I am interested in the Athena and the kaiser when I hold it from the bottom of my palm it reaches to the middle of my fingers(the middle ridges). How far would it go, and how practice is it to place a call? Any user experiences that are good bad? pros cons to it? I'm not looking at reviews because they are usually just to praise gadgets. I want real peoples experiences with it.
Thanks
~~Tito~~
the athena is about the size of my whole hand from base of palm up until end of pinky
its a huge phone but i love it...
everyone always asks me why i carry that thing around... but to me nothing else beats it
i didnt like using the bluetooth headset all the time and found talking directly into the mic with the volume turned down led to frequent complaints about sound quality. If you dont mind using an earpiece most of the time then this shouldn't concern you -i like talking into phones because i'm old fashoned and because it saves battery AND means i don't have to worry about TWO devices being charged before i go to work.
There is always the wired headset, but i think wires are a bit awkward and scruffy.
The size is huge, and certainly a talking point. Everyone who saw my athena commented on its size - usually in a derogatory manner - and i think i started to become known as the 'Big Phone Man'. I did love texting on my athena and didnt care too much what people thought but in the end it was the call handling that got me: you can have all the bluetooth wristwatches, earpieces and headsets in the world but nothing beats having a phone pressed against your ear for me.
For me, the size of Athena is the most optimal one could ever have. The 5 inches screen makes it practical to run realVGA at 96 dpi. (In 96dpi, the fonts are already very very small, but most people -not all- still find the screen big enough) If it is say 4 inches, I believe 96dpi would be quite impractical to use, and I believe most people would find the screen way too small to be used in 96dpi. It fits into standard size shirt pocket without any problem, and is not heavy enough to pull your shirt down too much. I would not buy it if the screen is say just 3.5 inches.
I use the phone as it is without bluetooth, sometimes with wired headset. Sound quality is very good with any wired headset. It is not in the same category of "bigness" as the shift. Athena is truly "body portable", which means you can bring it with you everywhere 27/7. I recommend a good belt pouch for this. I feel that Athena has managed to stay within the very limit of "body portability". Shift, on the other hand, is only "travel friendly" but you would leave it in the hotel once you reach your travel destination, unless you want to carry a backpack or briefcase in your hand all the time.
If you are unsure on how big it is, do what I did before I bought Athena. Measure the dimension and make model of it yourself and hold it to get a feel. (I actually carried the model in my pocket for a few days before acquiring mine). But it is also important not to think of this as a phone. It is a data first, phone second device. The size is superb for GPS, pictures, video playback, internet browsing, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. Smaller screens are just not as useful for these. I would be very very sad if the future model becomes say 4 inches screen only.
I agree with most of your points, though tito stressed call handling and size in his thread and made no mention of data-centic use. I would've disagreed about the Athena's browser capabilities until a few weeks ago but now Netfront 3.5 is here the Athena is a lot more desirable.
I agree about the 'body-portable' statement, though if you're used to very 'pocketable' phones then I wouldn't recommend the Athena, since without a protective case the screen is VERY vulnerable and nigh-on impossible to find a replacement for, even if you can squeeze it in my pocket - which I did, with the occasional scary moment! I like things in my pocket, not in pouches or fanny packs but Tito might be more like you Eaglesteve ;-)
The screen isn't transflective either so not great to view in daylight, though i believe you can buy screen covers to improve this.
I wouldn't disagree that wired headsets work great in terms of sound quality, but I just didn't personally like having wires trailing from my body, nor did i like having an earpiece in at work. I liked the 'feel' of the Athena and thus liked to pick up and hold it when taking calls. This was just my personal preference, and despite having every variation of headset I invariably held the phone to my ear.
The problem was that with both of the Athenas i owned - and indeed my Hermes which has a faulty embedded mic and necessitates loudspeaker use when handling calls - call quality was terrible when holding the device to my head - not from my end but for the other party. Held at the recommended distance as a voice conferencing aid it worked fine, but I didn't want everyone to know what I was saying!
I also disagree about video performance - not great in my experience, but perhaps graphics accelerator support is around the corner which would make a big difference.
If you also intent to use it as an MP3, you would have wired headset if you want the best possible quality sound, so I assume you would carry it with you somehow in your pocket most of the time anyway. (How else do we listen to music on the go?) Actually my version of wired headset is designed such that it hangs like a neckless over me all the time so I simply pick up the earbud and stick it into my ear when needed, and let it hang down like a neckless when not needed. The headset is inside my shirt with only a bit of the earbud wire coming out from the collar. So, it is really quite inconspicuous.
Yes, we do have some very nice browsers coming up. It has made hell of a difference in the past few weeks. It will get even better with Opera Mobile 9.5 and Netfront's final version. Not to mention the Skyfire. We'll be spoilt for choice.
Also, you might want to try Softmaker Office 2008, which is sensational on Athena's big screen. It is available for free download and will be free until end of March. Get it. I just LOVE this on Athena's screen. Read more about softmaker office here: http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/1078
I do not have any problem with my videos. All my videos play very well. They're mostly download from the net, so they might have been converted already though.
I don't have issue carrying the device in the belt pouch. It is very well protected already as I put the screen facing my body. That's how I carried my past devices as well, and had never had any problem. Athena's is not that fragile. Of course, please don't put it in your back pocket and sit on it.
eaglesteve said:
If you also intent to use it as an MP3, you would have wired headset if you want the best possible quality sound, so I assume you would carry it with you somehow in your pocket most of the time anyway. (How else do we listen to music on the go?) Actually my version of wired headset is designed such that it hangs like a neckless over me all the time so I simply pick up the earbud and stick it into my ear when needed, and let it hang down like a neckless when not needed. The headset is inside my shirt with only a bit of the earbud wire coming out from the collar. So, it is really quite inconspicuous.
Yes, we do have some very nice browsers coming up. It has made hell of a difference in the past few weeks. It will get even better with Opera Mobile 9.5 and Netfront's final version. Not to mention the Skyfire. We'll be spoilt for choice.
Also, you might want to try Softmaker Office 2008, which is sensational on Athena's big screen. It is available for free download and will be free until end of March. Get it. I just LOVE this on Athena's screen. Read more about softmaker office here: http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/1078
I do not have any problem with my videos. All my videos play very well. They're mostly download from the net, so they might have been converted already though.
I don't have issue carrying the device in the belt pouch. It is very well protected already as I put the screen facing my body. That's how I carried my past devices as well, and had never had any problem. Athena's is not that fragile. Of course, please don't put it in your back pocket and sit on it.
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I can't fault music playback on the athena - it's really very good, and obviously while listening to music i used my sony bluetooth earbuds which use a necklace design as you describe eaglesteve. I dont think the athena is the most user-friendly mp3 player about though - not for on the move certainly since it is very precarious and fiddly to use the device one-handed. I wish someone would release an iphone thin 5 inch tablet - no keyboard but intelligent autorotate and scroll with a screen just slightly wide.r and just slightly narrorew than the athena. Id get one straightaway, but then nothing's ever perfect is it?? I think if anyone were to make such a device it would be LG
I have an unlimited data plan so data is not a problem. I do not use a case for my kaiser I let it sit naked in my pocket.
Is it faster than the kaiser? Has there been an in depth look to see if it indeed was missing the drivers also? I would like to know this, I would use this as a PC mainly, and my kaiser as an away phone(like using it at school, places where you don't really use the phone that much). How practical is to use data? Does it work well with reception, call quality? How useful is it with games and emu's? How well is it in pockets(naked)? What is the 8gb memory all about, and how is it used?
Please provide some of your experiences and your tips, I would like to know now because I am very reckless with things sometimes. .LOL)
Thanks guys!
~~Tito~~ said:
I have an unlimited data plan so data is not a problem. I do not use a case for my kaiser I let it sit naked in my pocket.
Is it faster than the kaiser? Has there been an in depth look to see if it indeed was missing the drivers also? I would like to know this, I would use this as a PC mainly, and my kaiser as an away phone(like using it at school, places where you don't really use the phone that much). How practical is to use data? Does it work well with reception, call quality? How useful is it with games and emu's? How well is it in pockets(naked)? What is the 8gb memory all about, and how is it used?
Please provide some of your experiences and your tips, I would like to know now because I am very reckless with things sometimes. .LOL)
Thanks guys!
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Click to collapse
I know you don't really believe in review, but I've done a post review which is after 10 months of actual use instead of initial impression. These articles might help you to decide:
Athena's storage: http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/962
Athena's screen: http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/1011
Athena's keyboard : http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/1031
Athena as a phone: http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/1063
More aspects of Athena will be published in due time.
Hopet this helps.
Thanks!! I will look at that!
leoni1980 said:
I can't fault music playback on the athena - it's really very good, and obviously while listening to music i used my sony bluetooth earbuds which use a necklace design as you describe eaglesteve. I dont think the athena is the most user-friendly mp3 player about though - not for on the move certainly since it is very precarious and fiddly to use the device one-handed. I wish someone would release an iphone thin 5 inch tablet - no keyboard but intelligent autorotate and scroll with a screen just slightly wide.r and just slightly narrorew than the athena. Id get one straightaway, but then nothing's ever perfect is it?? I think if anyone were to make such a device it would be LG
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Click to collapse
Actually I use the music player very easily. It sits in my pouch while I use it on the road or when doing shopping. I have assigned the joystick to control it. The four joystick direction will allow me to volume up, volume down, next song, previous song. On rare occasion, if I want to jump to other song, I press the OK button to bring up the playlist, then just touch the desired song. So, there's even no question of one handed or two handed operation.
Anyway, I'm very used to operating Athena one handed. I mentioned many times that I have mastered this artform when entering my golf scores with one hand while pushing my golf buggy with the other hand. I have very small hand so most other people should be able to do better than me. How small is my hand? Well, where our hand joints the forearm there is a wrinkled line. From there to the tip of my middle finger my length is 175mm only. Most of my friend's hands are bigger than mine. It is obviously not as easy as a very small phone, but it is still possible, with some practice.
I agree that the device could be thinner, and do without the keyboard. But I'm not sure about changing the aspect ratio. I've confirmation from users of such devices that there are software compatibility issues. One users mentioned that the compatiblity issues between 800x480 and 640x480 is more severe than between QVGA and VGA based on his experience. I have not used it myself, so I don't know, but I think it is not so problem free.
What exactly does it come with when you buy it?
Different seller package it differently. In my case (or rather my relative's case as they bought my device as a gift for me), I got a wired head set with the ability to accept phone call and change volume, extra stylus, a 3 in 1 stylus (laser, normal pen, and stylus), screen protector (not very good one though, leaves the gap around the edge), usb cable, VGA out cable, car windscreen holder (for using GPS while driving), leather case (a very nice one, I should say, although I never use it since I don't use the hardware keyboard), CD containing the ROM, CD for a Mapking GPS software with one free map of your choice, CD for Sprite backup, GPRS monitor, WorldCard Mobile (a software that lets you use the camera to automatically capture name card details into your contact database), CE-Star (a chinese input software).
Some other retailer gave away iPod or a 17 inch LCD monitor, but I did'nt manage to get that. Earlier buyers also got a bluetooth headset instead of wired one.
Search "smartphones show 31" on youtube, which has some comparisons between an e90 and htc advantage, along with giving a good idea of the size of the device.
cool, whats so different about the x7501? I mean, what would be the benefits of getting it, is it worth it?
X7501 is cheaper i believe. It was brought out with windows mobile 6 pre-installed and does not have a video conferencing camera on the front as it is designed for the u.s. market. I think that's pretty much the only difference.
leoni1980 said:
X7501 is cheaper i believe. It was brought out with windows mobile 6 pre-installed and does not have a video conferencing camera on the front as it is designed for the u.s. market. I think that's pretty much the only difference.
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Click to collapse
Oh, so, its better since I don't need the front camera anyways? I really want it, but I am just narrowing down which version and how it would play out to my standards of a tablet like that( I know what I said, I consider it a tablet because of its size and functionality).
What other perps are there to the device? Other than the screen and camera.
If I live in US, no doubt I'd buy X7501, as I would get local warranty and servicing. It's also cheaper than X7500. It is my understanding from one of the more knowledgeable posters in this forum that Telco in US are not allowed to offer video conferencing services (those in the know might like to confirm this), so it is pointless having 7500. The only issue now is 7501 versus a SSD model that is still unavailable, but may be available in the future in US. Against that, is the possibility that folks here might succeed in finding out how to upgrade X7501/7500 to a SSD drive. Like I said, if it can be done, then the X7501/7500 would certainly be superior to 7510 in my mind because we have all the hardware buttons, which are extremely useful.
Hi, after reading the threads about stereo bluetooth headsets I was just about buying the Motorola S9 ... until I read comments that it's no good for people with glasses.
So I'm back to square one again.
I'm looking for a recommendation for a bluetooth stereo headset with good sound quality for listening to music, which I can use in the car (i.e. at best it should look unobtrusive and should not cover the ears) and which is comfortable for using with glasses.
Any suggestions for me?
BT 8010
jabra BT 8010 is an excellent one i use it with glasses and i have no problems at all, also it has small lcd, phone book, caller ID, equalizer supports A2DP and Bluetooth 2.0 and the best thing at all it's a stereo not mono.
Hi,
I wear glasses full time and use the Motorola S9s.
I wear them upside down and love them. I have tried every headphones from the ones that came with the phone to a pair of Bang and Olufsens.
These are the only ones I can wear comfortably, (although not as they were intended to be worn)
Though when I'm running I tuck the neck band part up under my hat to stop it bouncing.
I seem to be further down the evolutionary chain and wasnt born equipped with those nice ear flap things everyone else has to hold in ear buds.
(I see kids now being born with USB ports)
I use the Sony HBH DS970 - which are now $39.99 where I bought them http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=21191
The do not interfere with glasses at all, easy to control calls - one button to use voice activated dialing, end call, or last number redial. As far as being a music player (I use PocketPlayer from Conduits) it has the buttons to: stop/start, forward/reverse, and power on/off. The volume +/- works for calls or music, depending on when you adjust volume. It will display the number calling you, but really displays nothing else "as is". Battery life for continuous music playback is about 2 1/2 hours. You can charge and use the device at the same time if need be. On standby without being used it would probably last a week.
What I also like about them, is you can use just one earbud if you want. While driving you can hear around you better this way. When you use both, it blocks out other noises pretty well. It looks pretty discreet too - there are no flashing lights, and it just looks like a little MP3 player.
One other thing to consider with the S9 that I didn't think through very well. It may or may not apply to you but maybe others. If you lift weights the S9 is a royal pain. The behind the neck design is no good when lying on your back to do certain lifts such as the bench. I turn them every which way to do my workout and it seems I spend more time messing with my headset than I do lifting.
Chameleon22 said:
One other thing to consider with the S9 that I didn't think through very well. It may or may not apply to you but maybe others. If you lift weights the S9 is a royal pain. The behind the neck design is no good when lying on your back to do certain lifts such as the bench. I turn them every which way to do my workout and it seems I spend more time messing with my headset than I do lifting.
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Click to collapse
Sounds like you need to upgrade to the "S9-D" to take advantage of that time spent messing with the headset.
LaPank said:
Hi, after reading the threads about stereo bluetooth headsets I was just about buying the Motorola S9 ... until I read comments that it's no good for people with glasses.
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I wear glasses full time, and I don't have a problem at all. But my frames are almost wire thin, so that makes a big difference.
If you have a simple wire rim take a look at the Oakley Razorwire. It snapes right on my glasses and folds out of the way when im not using it.
ledridge said:
If you have a simple wire rim take a look at the Oakley Razorwire. It snapes right on my glasses and folds out of the way when im not using it.
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I like this concept, but the BIG question is.... How well do they work? If the person I'm talking to can't hear me, and vise versa, there're just slick looking decoration for my glasses.
http://oakley.ca/pd/5217
Oakley O Rokr Pro...enough said.
I own the itech clip radio http://www.accessoryjack.com/servlet/the-570/i.Tech-Clip-Radio-Bluetooth/Detail and really like it. I bought it because I wanted a built in FM radio, that and I can use whatever headphones I want.
The sound quality is good and the controls are pretty easy to use. The only downside I have found is that I must delete and re sync it every time I want to use it. For some reason, if I don't delete and re sync it, I can only make calls with it. Who knows.
Jeff
LaPank said:
Hi, after reading the threads about stereo bluetooth headsets I was just about buying the Motorola S9 ... until I read comments that it's no good for people with glasses.
So I'm back to square one again.
I'm looking for a recommendation for a bluetooth stereo headset with good sound quality for listening to music, which I can use in the car (i.e. at best it should look unobtrusive and should not cover the ears) and which is comfortable for using with glasses.
Any suggestions for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
contact lenses? laser surgery? head transplant?
Thanks a lot for all the input!
@scharnet: the one you are suggesting looks absolutely great, only those earbuds tend not to hold too well in my ears. It's a shame that Sony doesn't sell this one with a connector for your own headphones.
Having said that, looking through the other products of Sony Ericsson I've seen that the older versions have this feature.
So I'm thinking about buying the Sony Ericsson HBH-DS220. Of course, unfortunately it has limited functionality: No display, it is complicated to adjust the volume, you can only skip tracks and jump back to the last played track. Also, it seems to have a rather week battery.
I hope I still find something better, but maybe I'll have to stick with this one.
I'm getting a pair of JayBird JB-200. They should arrive on Monday so when I get them I will let you know what they are like.
This one looks promising, but I haven't used it:
http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=23116
Can anyone recommend a good (but sensibly priced) BT headset that I can use with my TyTN II and my Nokia E65?
I have a vodafone branded plantronics at the moment but it spent 2 hours in the washing machine
Allen Mead said:
Can anyone recommend a good (but sensibly priced) BT headset that I can use with my TyTN II and my Nokia E65?
I have a vodafone branded plantronics at the moment but it spent 2 hours in the washing machine
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Click to collapse
If you can get a Jawbone 2, I'd highly recommend it. I've gone through countless motorolas, scalas and plantronics but apparently I sound the best on the jawbone, even when doing 100mph on the highway with the music pumped up!
Allen Mead said:
Can anyone recommend a good (but sensibly priced) BT headset that I can use with my TyTN II and my Nokia E65?
I have a vodafone branded plantronics at the moment but it spent 2 hours in the washing machine
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Click to collapse
My old Plantronics (510???) went thru the washer *and* an hour in the dryer about 2 months ago. I couldn't believe when it powered on... and, it's still working to this day.
There went my excuse to upgrade to the Jawbone2!
If you aren't going to be in a noisy environment, you can pick up the Plantronics 510 pretty cheap. It's a little bigger, but pretty comfortable.
If you are like me, work in noisy environment, and want something that does a pretty good job at noise, the jawbone2 is a good choice. It's kind of pricey,
and some people can't get it to fit correctly, but it does its job really well.
I had the jawbone1, and never could get it to fit, and bought a customer ear piece from pilot stuff, expensive, but it makes for a PERFECT fit. It fit the jawbone 2 without any problem.
I would recommend the BlueAnt Z9i
It work pretty well in environments that are a bit loud and you can pair it to both your phones simultaneously.
Motoroal S9s hands down for me.
I just bought the Motorola S705. I am quite happy with, it pairs w/o any problem with my Kaiser, it has a FM Tuner (I wanted one becasue the Kaiser doesn't have radio).
The LCD screen shows the number calling you (not the name saved in the phone, at least I don't think so), as well as the radio and streamed song names (RDS technology). You can of course control the music program (pause, play, etc) but it will not show the name of the MP3 you're listening. Not so critical.
The must is that you can use whatever ears plugs you want cause they are plugged via a normal mini jack 3,5mm .
I did not used it so far to phone so I can't report on the microphone quality.
EDIT: yeah ok for phoning, in a quiet environment the person could hear me well, no pb. But the quality to hear this person was low to medium. That was not sounding so well. It could be a ear plugs issue, could try with others. Anyway a very nice and affordable headset.
Thanks for all your suggestions chaps, much appreciated
Blueant Z9i?
Has anyone used the Blueant Z9i with the Tilt? If so, any problems?
So far I have not seen any bluetooth headsets that look cool while you are wearing them. Usually you look like you have a bug on your ear. This is why I went with the Motorola T505 which is nice as it takes your calls and music from your phone using Bluetooth, then sends the signal to your car stereo using a Powerful FM Transmitter.
I had a Plantronics Headset which worked really well but It looked like something that came fromt eh original Star Trek Series with this bulky thing behing the ear. I also had a Cardo Scala Headset which also worked really well with some of my phones but not so well with others - (Tiny sound on listeners end I was told) This device was bulky right on the ear so it looked like a beetle sitting on my ear. Nothing worse then pulling up beside a car full of hot girls and they look over and see this bulky geeky gadget on you face.
What I would really love is for someone to come out with a bluetooth headset that is like those (I know they are not real) used on Stargate Atlantis) Very discrete.
Actually, the S9s look very cool when wearing them imo. When people look at them, they're just baffled. If you have long hair, they can even be covered and nobody can see them (teachers ).
kareem9nba said:
Actually, the S9s look very cool when wearing them imo. When people look at them, they're just baffled. If you have long hair, they can even be covered and nobody can see them (teachers ).
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Who makes the S9's? I want to take a look. How do they work? Good sound? Complaints from listeners on the other end.
I like the looks of the Apple Bluetooth Headset - They look pretty small; however, all the reviews I have read basically say that the device sucks.
Motorolla makes them and they are flat out amazing. Couldn't ask for a better headset. I rarely ever have it die out (take it to school and it's on almost all the time). The only time i get complaints is when i talk to low (because i'm in a bus) but other than that (outside, home, etc), amazing quality.
The S9s is cool and I have already looked at these for working out with; however, you cannot leagally use this for driving in a car as it sits in both ears.
True, however i have a little work-around for that (works great). Since when you're on a call, voice only comes in through the left side so i just stick the left side in my ear and the right side hangs on my neck (very flexible) which makes it perfectly legal
You could do that but I would find it awkward and distracting. I have a Jabra bluetooth stereo headset that uses regular earbuds and I could technically use this in the car as well letting one of the earbuds dangle, but I don't. I don't like having extra distractions from driving - cords dangling from my head - or in the S9s half of it on the ear and the other half around the neck. I have tried one of these on (S9s) and although it works really well - It was not as comfortable to wear as the Jabra set I bought. I would think that in the car - it would be awkward to turn you head to look over at your blind spot
I use Blueant Z9 for several months. No problems to pair, good sound etc.
The rubber earpiece started to disintegrate recently and today had completely fallen off. Blueant promiced to ship a replacement.
I have the BT8010 from Jabra. Works great, and comes with a slew of features you almost NEVER find on bluetooth headsets (mono a2dp, oled display with battery meter, 30 entry mini phonebook, 8 device pairing, 2 connections at a time, and a detachable stereo earbud that leeches power from the headset for stereo music playback). The only thing i dont like is the lack of Noise Processing. I occasionally get comments about sounding like im in a tunnel if im laying in my bedroom talking, but for the most part, no complaints. Its also just a tick over $30 at Tiger Direct now.
I just went ahead over the weekend and ordered a bulk pack Jabra BT8040 from Newegg.com after hearing good things about it from people I know. It was about $35 shipped, and comes with everything the retail version does, except in a bag instead of a box. Im looking forward to seeing how well it sounds to people I talk to since it has noise processing in it. It also is one of the very few mono bluetooth headsets available that has A2DP and remote functions built in.
If the BT8040 doesnt cure my occasional sound problems that people comment on when talking to them, I think ill try out a jawbone since they are under $60 now and see if that takes care of the problem. Ive heard too many things about how the jawbone2 is not as good at anything other than being smaller than the original. Less battery life, harder to keep pinned to your cheek, etc...
Hey guys i'm thinking of getting the surround and wanted to ask people who already have it what happens when you play music/phone rings when the phone is closed? Does the sound come from the hidden speakers? won't that sound muffled? or what? thx!
From what I can tell, even when the phone is closed the sound still comes from the same speakers. So the sound does seem muffled by the front plate of the phone. However, the quality of the sound is still great for a phone even with the speaker closed. If I'm listening to something, I usually leave the speaker slid out though.
frejos said:
From what I can tell, even when the phone is closed the sound still comes from the same speakers. So the sound does seem muffled by the front plate of the phone. However, the quality of the sound is still great for a phone even with the speaker closed. If I'm listening to something, I usually leave the speaker slid out though.
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So it sounds like you like your phone! would you recommend it?
and on a related note, why is there a speaker grill on the back of the phone too? (see attached pic)
I like the weight and feel of the phone compared to the other thiner/lighter models. It feels like a solid well made phone. I definitely use my phone more for music now and really like the Zune integration. The large speaker bar provides crisp clear sound that remains clear at the highest volume. There are three different sound modes (changed by pressing the silver square button on the speaker bar): Normal, Dolby Mobile, and SRS Enhanced.
Overall I like the Surround, I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of customization (true for all WP7 devices) but I expect that will improve over time. I'm also looking forward to some more great apps.
As for the back cover, that appears to be a vent hole as there is no speaker (at least visibly) behind it.
If you are going to get a WP7 and enjoy using your phone for music/media then I think the Surround is a great choice.
Also found this review which has some good pictures of the back cover removed.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4015/htc-surround-review-pocket-boombox
Hey there,
You don't really notice any muffling of the sound until you slide the speaker out, and even though, I wouldn't say it makes a HUGE difference - a difference yes. I think the phone, while it has a nice solid quality feel, is a bit thick for my liking. Coming from an iPhone 4, then Samsung Galaxy S (super thin), and now this, the Surround almost feels like the Tilt 2. I just ordered the Samsung Focus (I think the HD7 is awesome, but I wouldn't be able to enjoy 3G since I'm on AT&T). I hope the Focus is thinner.
That speaker looking grill is just that, it allows the sound to have an alternative venue to escape in the event that the speakers are covered. Thats what helps keep the sound crisp and clear when the phone is in the closed position. Think if it as a ported sub-woofer box... Well at least thats what the HTC rep told me
CyK1 said:
So it sounds like you like your phone! would you recommend it?
and on a related note, why is there a speaker grill on the back of the phone too? (see attached pic)
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I thought that's what it was for too, but I don't know if it's very helpful.
If you get this phone and use the alarm like me, just get use to leaving the speaker open. It's not really a big deal.
speaker sound
The speakers sound FINE whether open or closed. There is a grill on the back that helps when the case is closed. I think all this stems from a couple of dim witted no talent reviewers who trashed the entire phone on this one caveat.
Despeite what a few of them say, the phone has great audio, great video, great everything, the phone is NOT bulky, the screen is plenty bright with good saturation, the zune software does a great job of converting videos.
The only limitations of the phone are those of the OS and that will certainly improve over time. In fact there are already 2500 apps available, many for free, that extend the abilities of the phone and you can bet your whiskers MS is working on upgrades right now. Someone just put out an app where you can vote on what improvements you want to see next. There are new apps appearing every day so having the phone is fun....that's what we do here...tinker and maximize our toys until the next one comes out ))))
panflute said:
The speakers sound FINE whether open or closed. There is a grill on the back that helps when the case is closed. I think all this stems from a couple of dim witted no talent reviewers who trashed the entire phone on this one caveat.
Despeite what a few of them say, the phone has great audio, great video, great everything, the phone is NOT bulky, the screen is plenty bright with good saturation, the zune software does a great job of converting videos.
The only limitations of the phone are those of the OS and that will certainly improve over time. In fact there are already 2500 apps available, many for free, that extend the abilities of the phone and you can bet your whiskers MS is working on upgrades right now. Someone just put out an app where you can vote on what improvements you want to see next. There are new apps appearing every day so having the phone is fun....that's what we do here...tinker and maximize our toys until the next one comes out ))))
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Not to be a pain, but can you stay on topic? We are talking about the sound when you do not slide the speaker out. No offense intended, just saying...
I failed to mention that the sound is definitely muffled when closed. Is it still loud? Yes, it's fine, but definitely better when slid out.
To be fair to all those considering Note, after all praising (I still do think it's best phone in the world right now), there are definitely drawbacks.
Here is one for example:
The regular phone speaker above the screen (not the loud one on the back) is not pointing sound into one direction. You can even speak on the phone with back side of Galaxy Note put to you ear, you will still be able to hear everything clearly, even on low volume.
On top volume, it is comparable to speaker phone on some other phones, so if you pick up a phone while surrounded by other people (unless you are in very loud place) they will hear the other person.
While in the office, I noticed myself turning volume down a lot when I pick up the phone.
I dont have this kind of problem , my old Nokia phone does.
Sure someone can hear some of the content near the phone you are talking in a dead silent arwa, it's inevitable.
I feel Gnote already perform quite well compare to the other phones, like HTCs in this area
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
to be honest id rather it was loud and have the ability to turn the volume down than it be too quiet and unable to turn the volume up
as my mum used to say,if its cold its better to have a coat and be able to take it off if you get hot than be cold and need a coat and not have one
Richy99 said:
to be honest id rather it was loud and have the ability to turn the volume down than it be too quiet and unable to turn the volume up
as my mum used to say,if its cold its better to have a coat and be able to take it off if you get hot than be cold and need a coat and not have one
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It's not a question of whether badly working phone is better than no phone. It's a question of best phone being of high quality. In this case its potential privacy concern.
I switched from iPhones, where it was not an issue. If you put it tight to your ear in silent room, none else hears the person on the other end. Even on loud.
Like I've said above, on Note in silent room regular speaker (not the loud speaker) is comparable to loud speaker on some other phones. You can hear through the phone! Test yourself, make a call with screen side out, battery cover side to your ear, you might be surprised, that it's practically no difference what side you hold it to the ear, even on lowest in-call volume you can still comfortably speak with wrong side of the phone touching your ear.
I have not tried other Notes than mine, but I seriously doubt that it is one time occurrence, seems to me like an engineering issue, not enough sound insulation behind the speaker, just few thin layers of plastic.
If it is such a privacy concern, why not use a bluetooth headset or earbuds? Why not leave the room instead of taking the call in the room?
I mean there are more options that just sitting there letting everyone else hear your conversation if you feel that you have something to hide. But then again, your talking so they naturally are going to hear at least 1 part of the conversation no matter what. So I fail to see how you can really be concerned with privacy when they hear everything you say anyways, right?
If you were that worried about privacy you would send texts, emails or use an IM program to send messages so that no one knew what was being said or talked about. But since you are willing to sit in the room and let them listen to what at least you are saying, then you are not overly concerned with them at least hearing part of the conversation.
When I get a call that I dont want anyone else to hear I either leave the room, put on my earbuds or tell the person I will call them back when I can talk. So really it isnt about privacy concerns at all, it is just an inconvience for you to know that the speaker is loud. Louder than you are used to at least.
Fuuny that you mention this because i never thought i'll use those bt headsets until i own the Note. Each time i put it in my ear, my worry is not the volume but the number of heads turning towards me and the the sheepish grin that follows.
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A damn proud Galaxy Note owner.
Maybe try turn down the volume and using a case.
I wonder how those HTC phones perform because they all have ear speakers that are wide across the width of the phone itself.
eksasol said:
Maybe try turn down the volume and using a case.
I wonder how those HTC phones perform because they all have ear speakers that are wide across the width of the phone itself.
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Lol..the speaker grill on HTC phone what we call it, is just a gimmick. If we see inside, the speaker none the less is only small portion on the middle side
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
Astrum said:
While in the office, I noticed myself turning volume down a lot when I pick up the phone.
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That's a really good point. Something else to improve in the Note2 along with moving power button!
Sent from my Amiga GT-N7000 using XDA Premium.