Database Users

Epic 4g Review Floodgates

Pretty obvious that the phone was intended for an August 20th release date considering all the sites just got allowed to post their reviews. And boy are there tons of reviews. Glad to tell you kind folks, it looks like this is going to be one killer phone!
http //gizmodo com/5613501/sprint-epic-4g-review-the-best-4g-phone
http //www slashgear com/sprint-epic-4g-review-1597717/
http //www pcmag com/article2/0,2817,2367811,00.asp
http //www laptopmag com/review/cell-phones/samsung-epic-4g.aspx
http //www engadget com/2010/08/16/epic-4g-review/
http //reviews cnet com/cell-phones/samsung-epic-4g-sprint/4505-6454_7-34129371.html
http //gear.ign com/articles/111/1116069p1.html
MobileBurn Video Review
http //www youtube com/watch?v=mb7rXruVU-M
http //www youtube com/watch?v=ezNUJx-Lq_M
Now I'm curious what caused Sprint to push it back to the 31st. Ooooooh, that date cannot come soon enough

thanks for the list!

Here is that list but with links.
http://www.gizmodo.com/5613501/sprint-epic-4g-review-the-best-4g-phone
http://www.slashgear.com/sprint-epic-4g-review-1597717/
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2367811,00.asp
http://www.laptopmag.com/review/cell-phones/samsung-epic-4g.aspx
http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/epic-4g-review/
http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/samsung-epic-4g-sprint/4505-6454_7-34129371.html

Thanks for the list, seems to have the GPS issue.(confirmed in the engadget review) Can't wait for the Fix in September!!!

Great list of reviews! I was actually reading the Gizmodo review and rushed here to post it but looks like you beat me to the punch. The phone looks great and the reviews are mostly positive but I'm going to stick with my Evo.

Actually, Engadget is the only one reporting that there is still an issue with the GPS.

From Engadget review:
You also get an SD-to-microSD converter that you'll be able to use with the 16GB microSD card that comes pre-installed underneath the phone's back cover (though you don't need to remove the battery to get at it, which is nice). Why 16GB when AT&T's and T-Mobile's versions only include 2GB? Good question: turns out the Epic only has a little over 400MB of app storage internally -- not the capacious 16GB of the others -- so Sprint compensates by throwing in a beefy card. Though that'll work just fine for 95 percent of users, it's important to note that this means you can't get it up to 48GB of available storage by picking up a 32GB card. Since it's obvious Sprint tried to make this phone as "epic" as possible, it's unclear why they left out that internal capacity; the only thing we can think of is that they simply ran out of room with all of the phone's modifications over the standard Galaxy S like the slider mechanism, the LED flash, and the WiMAX circuitry. Hard to say.
that sucks. I guess with Froyo the 400MB becomes a non issue but after abusing my Captivate with the amount of stuff I already installed seems to just be a bother. Internal storage should of been 2-4g mininum imo. Still looks like it's the best phone of the year.

Update from Engadget
[Update: We just spoke with Samsung, who told us that Google is now requiring that the "use wireless networks" setting for location-based services be turned off by default in Android devices -- in other words, no AGPS unless you manually enable it. Sure enough, we went into Settings, found that it was disabled on the Epic, turned it on, and we were good to go. No GPS bug!]
Weird. I guess that's a "fix", but what if we are in the middle of no where (no cell towers near) we still need real GPS.

willthebill said:
From Engadget review:
turns out the Epic only has a little over 400MB of app storage internally
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually 1GB but I'm not sure how much of that you'll get to use.

It also means the Lag Fix used on the Vibrant/Captivate won't work here. it changes the I/O to write more efficiently by using the same logic used by Motorola. Unfortunately, you need space to do that (1.5 gigs in the Captivate) and it won't happen here. Making this phone the slowest of the bunch.

orateam said:
It also means the Lag Fix used on the Vibrant/Captivate won't work here. it changes the I/O to write more efficiently by using the same logic used by Motorola. Unfortunately, you need space to do that (1.5 gigs in the Captivate) and it won't happen here. Making this phone the slowest of the bunch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Epic 4G reviews didn't mention any speed/lag issues..
The reason for the lag fix in the first place is b/c the Vibrant/Captivate went with a cheaper internal-SD card solution, rather than an on-board NAND solution. link
Does anyone know if the the 1GB ROM on the Epic is an internal-SD or did they hopefully go with NAND?

All Samsung's will most likely use the proprietary file system (RFS), so it's likely the EPIC will have it as well. The thing is that the EPIC may end up the slowest of the bunch because of Sprint's decision to penalize the internal storage.
From a Samsung Site on the Captivate...
"Remember, most phones so far have only had 512mb or 1gb to date for all that stuff anyways, so you've got all that, plus room to spare still on the ROM. That's one thing Samsung did right on this phone hardware-wise, give us that generous 2gb." All except the Epic.
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orateam said:
All Samsung's will most likely use the proprietary file system (RFS), so it's likely the EPIC will have it as well. The thing is that the EPIC may end up the slowest of the bunch because of Sprint's decision to penalize the internal storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, none of the reviews mention any slowness whatsoever. The link I sent in the previous post correlates the Vibrant/Captivate lag with the internal-SD, not the file-system. The jury is still out whether the Epic uses NAND or internal-SD for the 1GB.

Found this is the review so perhaps they did include all NAND with the smaller memory
From slash gear review
Happily, while use of the Galaxy S series was punctuated with freezes and pauses, anecdotally blamed upon the handsets’ use of an internal microSD card for their onboard storage, the Epic 4G seems generally free of such lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The slowness is from the Vibrant and other devices with the larger storage using the slower SD card space to store the data there instead of nand. You can move this with root and su.
Will this happen with the sprint version? No telling but it might be better to only have the 1gb if its all nand and that is the only place the device has to store apps out of the box as opposed to a class 2 POS SD card that was pre installed.
400mb is about what the evo has, that or a little less and with apps to sd its enough.
Also, touchwiz is a terribly coded UI and that is causing a lot of the lag as well. Disabling it and removing it from the device and using a well coded launcher like ADW or launcher pro fixes any lag.
I'm not even going to consider buying this until it has root. Then I'll consider it. Nice that all the reviews are out early though.

I guess it depends on the review you read. Engadget wasn't so nice. They said the GPS issues weren't fixed as much as disabled via software. Also, they ran into performance issues and blamed it on the added bloat of software to handle the front camera, LED flash, and keyboard, using up the internal SD.
"We did, however, notice an occasional hiccup with the phone's many window transition animations where they'd flash or stutter; it was hard to tell whether this was a performance issue or simply a bug"
Also, after being at 97% battery, and using it for only 15 minutes, the battery died in 3 hours while in 4G. making 4G really only good for plug in use.
Overall, this review was more in line with the truth to me since the slash gear one was a little overly loving. I'll wait for a more in-depth review with benchmarks before i decide one way or the other. If they cannot fix the stutter/lag issues because they used up all the internal memory, i wont' get it.

orateam said:
Also, after being at 97% battery, and using it for only 15 minutes, the battery died in 3 hours while in 4G. making 4G really only good for plug in use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow... I like how you quoted the review for some parts, but not this one. You wanted to leave out a key piece of information.
I'll quote the actual review.
"Speaking of battery power, we got 3 hours and 43 minutes of use from 97 percent power to shutdown with the phone in 4G hotspot mode while occasionally interacting with the handset..."
That's right, they ran it in 4G WITH WIFI HOTSPOT TURNED on. The wifi hotspot feature kills the battery on the EVO just as fast, if not faster.

My mistake, I meant 4G hotspot. Geesh, calm down. The point is the same, but i'll elaborate, using the 4G internet, specifically for access via a laptop, is nearly useless unless you're plugged in. I personally don't see 4G as useful for anything else because for surfing the net on my phone, sprint's 3G always seemed fast enough. I don't do anything on my handheld phone that requires massive amounts of throughput. the only use for 4G when I had my EVO was to run it's 20mb speeds to my Ipad when i had it out on travels.

The actual usefulness of 4G speeds or greater is another topic altogether. I only turn it on if I want to pull up a youtube video really quick, or when I'm about to download 9 updates for my apps. Most of the time, 3G is good enough with good signal.

i will add this, sprints normal internet speeds (3G) are the fastest and most stable of all the carriers i've had.
I would rank it like this:
1)sprint
2)Verizon
3)tmobile
4)ATT

orateam said:
"We did, however, notice an occasional hiccup with the phone's many window transition animations where they'd flash or stutter; it was hard to tell whether this was a performance issue or simply a bug"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(my emphasis added)
"The device seems faster, doesn’t hang up or balk when navigating around quickly, and is much, much more fun to use. When we first started to use the EPIC we had to go back to the Captivate to make sure we weren’t losing it –seriously — because the 4G device felt so much quicker. Surprisingly, it’s true. Even the on-screen keyboard on the EPIC feels more responsive. We tried and failed to get the EPIC to stutter like we could (almost effortlessly) with the Captivate; the EPIC even boots faster."
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2010/08/17/sprint-epic-4g-first-impressions/

Now that was fun! Speedtest: Iphone4 200kbs / SGS 1Mbs

Last Saturday I was with a friend of mine who was very proud of his new iphone4 (he is the "I don't care" type). So I was showing to him the AP system and I tethered to him by 3g connection.
So I had an idea (we have the same telco). I asked him: why don't you run your speedtest app (IOS app to check speed of upload download) twice - one with your own connection and one through mine (through tethering). We ran the test and he achieved 1Mbs through the SGS connection. He then ran the test directly through his own 3g connection (same place / telco) and he only had 200kbs.. You should see his face - he was tapping the "run speedtest" button again and again hoping that he would get better results..
Well done Samsung...
Just try it.. You might make them understand that it is not the bad network responsible for the miserable performance of their phones..

I'm getting inconsistent results using speedtest and my galaxy s. sometimes it hits my cellular's limit, sometimes it gives poor results. I'm talking about tapping "test again" and getting a much poorer result (or better), using hsdpa.

I once achieved around 4.5 Mbps download speed on my SGS through HSDPA, though those results vary depending on the current circumstances...

Evans_Prophet said:
Last Saturday I was with a friend of mine who was very proud of his new iphone4 (he is the "I don't care" type). So I was showing to him the AP system and I tethered to him by 3g connection.
So I had an idea (we have the same telco). I asked him: why don't you run your speedtest app (IOS app to check speed of upload download) twice - one with your own connection and one through mine (through tethering). We ran the test and he achieved 1Mbs through the SGS connection. He then ran the test directly through his own 3g connection (same place / telco) and he only had 200kbs.. You should see his face - he was tapping the "run speedtest" button again and again hoping that he would get better results..
Well done Samsung...
Just try it.. You might make them understand that it is not the bad network responsible for the miserable performance of their phones..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
evil you.
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Strangely this seems to be true. My wife complains about her data speed everyday when she was using the 3GS. Recently I bought the SGS for her and her first reaction after days of using was that the data connection lag is gone.

I finally got to see and play with the IP4 today.
In all serious, I don't know what the fuss about the UI or the phone design. It looks like a hunk of junk compared to my galaxy S.
I wanted to send a video file over bluetooth to compare the screens, but it wouldn't work. I only later realised it must be due to Apple relying on itunes to convert/store files on the phone.
Without simple bluetooth file transfer, how stone age.

oswade said:
I finally got to see and play with the IP4 today.
In all serious, I don't know what the fuss about the UI or the phone design. It looks like a hunk of junk compared to my galaxy S.
I wanted to send a video file over bluetooth to compare the screens, but it wouldn't work. I only later realised it must be due to Apple relying on itunes to convert/store files on the phone.
Without simple bluetooth file transfer, how stone age.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think the ip4 hardware and software are pretty smooth and mostly ok.
but such limitations are indeed very annoying. the other day i was like "hey i'll send u the ringtone i made since u like it"
oops, that cannot actually work
and so on.. basically could just share pictures.
then there's the classics "u could watch this <h264 mkv file> report we made in the train" nope, he can't he has an iphone, need itunes + conversion.
and so on.
heck, we also jailbroke that iphone, installed mplayer - nope mplayer jailbroken doesn't support iOS4 yet. theres also a couple of players on the store - but nope, they can only stream stuff and you must copy using hacks from a computer (still no bt transfer)
then.. we had to forward a .odt (like doc) per email on the iphone.. nope.. transferred it to the SGS.. ha. nope! that's one thing which doesn't seems to work on either iOS or android can only attach pictures & vids ><

then this will blow the iphone4 out of the water
stock JH2 ROM, no mod of any kind

Seifer1975 said:
Strangely this seems to be true. My wife complains about her data speed everyday when she was using the 3GS. Recently I bought the SGS for her and her first reaction after days of using was that the data connection lag is gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes I can't get connection. Maybe it's singtel ? lol

Ya I get about 4-5MB down and 2.5MB up here in London Ontario.. both on the rogers network and the Bell network.

you know the funny thing is
my cell phone is faster than my home high speed broadband from both rogers/bell
i'm actually using both of them for load balancing, yet neither of them gets dedicated speed like the SGS can get
at these amazing speeds video call is not a problem at all

dude thats not good.. LOL I have a 15Mbps with rogers with my home internet and get that speed all the time.... but 4-5Mbps with my samsung S is really good.. too... very impressed.. a buddy of mine has the Iphone3GS and he can only get about 1Mbps on the same network.

My previous phone was an SGS, and I recently switched to a badaOS and an iPhone4.
I have no experience of 3G internet over-the-phone, since my company (Voda) in Greece is a bit crap-signaled, but what I noticed for sure is that iPhone 4 has better wifi reception.
And, regarding 720p video, yes, iPhone 4 cannot play mkv files directly, but throwing an mp4 file doesnt need convertion. It directly copies it to the phone.
In general, I respect both companies, Apple for keeping standard quality of OS & hardware, and Samsung for making huge efforts to make the perfect phone. It is obvious that, with Galaxy S, Samsung made a huge leap towards ruling the market, which, I believe, will happen with its next device.

A little disappointed in my 3G speeds. only 3.2 Mbps up and 1Mbps down. Last FW was dedicated to 3G speed, I can't remember what I was scoring back then but it might've been about 2.5 Mbps
Evans_Prophet said:
Last Saturday I was with a friend of mine who was very proud of his new iphone4 (he is the "I don't care" type). So I was showing to him the AP system and I tethered to him by 3g connection.
So I had an idea (we have the same telco). I asked him: why don't you run your speedtest app (IOS app to check speed of upload download) twice - one with your own connection and one through mine (through tethering). We ran the test and he achieved 1Mbs through the SGS connection. He then ran the test directly through his own 3g connection (same place / telco) and he only had 200kbs.. You should see his face - he was tapping the "run speedtest" button again and again hoping that he would get better results..
Well done Samsung...
Just try it.. You might make them understand that it is not the bad network responsible for the miserable performance of their phones..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, they have a faster (potential) wifi connection:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/3891/samsung-epic-4g-review-the-fastest-android-phone/6
Fatherboard said:
I'm getting inconsistent results using speedtest and my galaxy s. sometimes it hits my cellular's limit, sometimes it gives poor results. I'm talking about tapping "test again" and getting a much poorer result (or better), using hsdpa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell me about it, 4 tests in 1 minute, one of them bombed out at around 700kbps
TriC_101 said:
Ya I get about 4-5MB down and 2.5MB up here in London Ontario.. both on the rogers network and the Bell network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mb?
TriC_101 said:
dude thats not good.. LOL I have a 15MB with rogers with my home internet and get that speed all the time.... but 4-5MB with my samsung S is really good.. too... very impressed.. a buddy of mine has the Iphone3GS and he can only get about 1MB on the same network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4-5 Mb?

Aaron8282 said:
Sometimes I can't get connection. Maybe it's singtel ? lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Singtel nowadays getting from bad to worse! Their 3G is becoming very unreliable nowadays, dropping connections like nobody's business.

Am I crazy to think of using the tablet as my only device? (phone replacement?)

I was thinking about getting a T-mobile tablet to replace my phone and netbook. I figured I would use the 3g enabled Skype app for calls and a small bluetooth keyboard as a computer replacement.
The biggest concern would be that it might be hard to bring the tablet everywhere with me, but with a European shoulder bag I probably could carry it with me everywhere just like I would with a phone right?
Anyone out there currently carrying the tablet with them everywhere and making skype calls to replace their phone?

Personally i have noticed that i have not been using my phone as much now that i have the galaxy tab and i dont have a laptop. So my tab has been very useful for me. I hope this helps you.

I am doing this same setup, although keeping my cell phone until the contract is up. I just forward my cell to my Skype number.
The only issue is that Skype does not ring when the GT goes into screen save mode, ie missed calls. Anyone have a solution for this?
Sent from my SGH-T849 using XDA App

I bought an iGo bluetooth keyboard a few years back when I was using a Sony VAIO UX small computer. Didn't work so well with the little UX, because the UX is clunky and bulky compared to the Galaxy Tab.
I dug out the iGo this week, and it turns out it works excellent with the Tab. It does exactly what you want -- it creates a semi-desktop environment, with a more comfortable viewing angle. Here, take a look:
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That clip is removable, for those who have some kind of existing cradle for their tablet and don't need a stand. I use the clip, it works well in both orientations, and folds up with the rest of the keyboard when you stow it. Also comes with a nice case to zip it up in. There are a bunch of them available today on Ebay. Here it is with an iPad:
I would think that this paired with a small bluetooth mouse would give you the complete package.
Edit: The moderator should change the title to "Galaxy Tablet..." since this applies to all GT's, not just T-mobile devices.
Edit #2: here it is, with a BT mouse and keyboard together at the same time:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=836478

ap3604 said:
I currently have a Nexus One and an asus netbook and was thinking about replacing both with a Samsung galaxy tablet and joining the tablet crew here but I was wondering your guys thoughts or concerns.
I figured I could pair a small portable bluetooth keyboard that I have with the galaxy tablet to replace my netbook.
I also figured that I could use skype (the 3g enabled version) on the tablet to replace my phone.
Of course this means I would have to pay $30 for an actual skype number so others could call me back but for $3 per month for unlimited calls it might be worth it.
I was thinking that the biggest concern would be that it might be hard to bring the tablet everywhere with me, but with a European shoulder bag I probably could carry it with me everywhere just like I would with a phone right?
Any reasons I shouldn't do this you could think of?
Anyone else out there already doing this and replacing all of your current devices with the Tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you have to buy Skype while you could use GV+IPKall+SIPDroid for nil? There is a thread for that

does this use up your data plan when you use a gv number or skype? I want to get rid of my evo and use this as a phone without paying out the butt for data.

quattr0 said:
Why would you have to buy Skype while you could use GV+IPKall+SIPDroid for nil? There is a thread for that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the information quattro
I tried the SIPDroid setup on my Nexus One but Skype has been the only one so far that seems to have good call quality over 3g for me
I figure for just $60 for the entire year ($30 for skype # and $30 for yearly unlimited calls) I can live with the $5 per month
I guess the main question would be if anyone currently is doing this setup of carrying the tablet with them everywhere via European shoulder bag and making skype calls to replace their phone???

I'm planning on doing this as well, but I'm not going the Skype Route. I'm going to enable the Voice functionality on the Tab and use it like a phone, I'll just have to wear a spaceman Bluetooth Headset when I'm making calls.

I wish I could go that route. Until the US carriers allow calling from the Tab I'm stuck with two devices, the Tab and my Vibrant. I'm trying to use the Tab more often for texting and general internet so I am using my phone less, however it's a challenge trying to tell people to only text me on one number, and call me on a separate number.
I have no plans of flashing a Euro ROM just to get calls so I'm just going to stick it out and hope that the outcry from the general population will convince the carriers to unlock the calling functionality.

After having my Spica stolen a few months ago, the tab is my only device (save for my work laptop).
I use a blue tooth headset for my calls and music, and I always bring along my charger. I don't think it's a crazy idea at all -- if it fits your purpose then why not. So far it has satisfied my needs for it and despite its size I've actually gotten used to typing on it (considering buying a keyboard, but not now..).
Although take note that I'm using the international version so I can actually make phone calls.

I've had my tab for a few weeks now as my Streak is being replaced
So far I've had no reason to use a mobile. Tab is being used for everything.
Take it everywhere, hardly use my laptop anymore.
Increase resolution and its even better. Used LCD density

drdax said:
I've had my tab for a few weeks now as my Streak is being replaced
So far I've had no reason to use a mobile. Tab is being used for everything.
Take it everywhere, hardly use my laptop anymore.
Increase resolution and its even better. Used LCD density
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why are you replacing streak with the galaxy tab?
what where you missing on the streak?
how different is the streak from the g.tab as far as speed and smoothness?
i'm just curious

kandelai said:
The only issue is that Skype does not ring when the GT goes into screen save mode, ie missed calls. Anyone have a solution for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my problem too. I've asked this several times & never get an answer.
There has yo be a way to keep these voip apps "awake" where they will ring anytime. I've noticed the SIP apps do the same thing too.
Anyone know what to do??

I currently use my Tab as my phone since my Galaxy S has failed twice on me.
Right now its being repaired so I simply flashed the EURO firmware, JMC and I'm set to go.
Take my calls on there, Skype is useless at this point anyways so just enable voice functionality and you get the incredible and increased performance of JMC/D on your Tab instead of the gimped stock firmware with no voice options.
If you wanna use the tab as your full replacement, use the right firmware and just use your mobile plan. Skype is unreliable on the tab.

atomiq said:
why are you replacing streak with the galaxy tab?
what where you missing on the streak?
how different is the streak from the g.tab as far as speed and smoothness?
i'm just curious
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The streak is good and as a phone, better than Tab. BUT overall the Tab is a better device. Feels faster too. Streak has a slightly lower CPU speed. Just under 1GHz
I would say tab is smoother too.
Keyboard on tab is better to use as its larger.
Can't fault larger screen especially as I'm running a better level density 190 instead of 240
Could go a lot lower but 190 is ok for now.

whoisariston said:
I wish I could go that route. Until the US carriers allow calling from the Tab I'm stuck with two devices, the Tab and my Vibrant. I'm trying to use the Tab more often for texting and general internet so I am using my phone less, however it's a challenge trying to tell people to only text me on one number, and call me on a separate number.
I have no plans of flashing a Euro ROM just to get calls so I'm just going to stick it out and hope that the outcry from the general population will convince the carriers to unlock the calling functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you frigging kidding me, that Tab has the function to make cell calls, and the carriers in the USA are blocking it, GAWD, I hate the establishment.

seven2099 said:
I currently use my Tab as my phone since my Galaxy S has failed twice on me.
Right now its being repaired so I simply flashed the EURO firmware, JMC and I'm set to go.
Take my calls on there, Skype is useless at this point anyways so just enable voice functionality and you get the incredible and increased performance of JMC/D on your Tab instead of the gimped stock firmware with no voice options.
If you wanna use the tab as your full replacement, use the right firmware and just use your mobile plan. Skype is unreliable on the tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^
This
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

Sure it does. Voice and video calls.
I bought mine then put sim in from my other phone and that was it.
I'm on o2 carrier in UK. Pity my unlimited plan has ended and now only have 750MB per month, which I'm using up in just 2 weeks!! £5 for an extra 500MB
The Res of 1024x600 is equivalent to ipads 720
Now I've increased LCD Res it feels like 800. Tab is ideal when u increase the density

seven2099 said:
I currently use my Tab as my phone since my Galaxy S has failed twice on me.
Right now its being repaired so I simply flashed the EURO firmware, JMC and I'm set to go.
Take my calls on there, Skype is useless at this point anyways so just enable voice functionality and you get the incredible and increased performance of JMC/D on your Tab instead of the gimped stock firmware with no voice options.
If you wanna use the tab as your full replacement, use the right firmware and just use your mobile plan. Skype is unreliable on the tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but dont you have to sign up for a voice+data plan with your carrier?? That's all extra $$ and kinda defeats the purpose of using the Tab (with its cheap data-only plans) in the first place doesn't it??
The problem is all the voip & sip apps for Android suck donkey balls. If they were solid then we could all just do away with extra voice plans in the first place & use something like Google Voice + a sip app (or just use Skype).

I'd already got a mobile voice and data plan with my other phone (upgraded from iPhone to Streak) so just took sim and put it in tab. My tab is not locked to any carrier.
I can use my sim in streak or tab

Going nuts! with the limited space :( and other annoyances...

i think i'm hitting my limit here.
not sure if i can last a few more months with this limitation... (keeping fingers crossed for the next best thing that runs on 1700+2100)
i'm using Dropbox (3 GB) to ease the pain
i'm using Fiabee (1 GB) <--- that's nothing, it's like a drop in a bucket
i'm using Subsonic (not very useful, as it still uses local storage to catch the songs)
i'm using mSpot (same as Subsonic, easier to use, no need for server)
I'm using Picasa (but is useless unless you have actual space to take pictures)
I'm also using pixelpipe (yet another media sync that catches stuff locally, which also consumes local space)
the only real solution i see is to be able to plug in an USB flash drive to the SNS, and play my medias from there.
unfortunately that is out of the question at the moment, as no one have been able to get it working yet via USB storage driver
The problem with both dropbox and fiabee is their download rate is not fast enough to make them a viable Streamer
not to mention, you can't even access the files until you have downloaded them, which also makes it pointless as you (me) have no free space left to receive the files anyways
It's not fun (a very tedious task), having to keep uninstalling a bunch of apps/games every time i want to check out another app/game, or deleting a whole bunch MP3s / Videos that you use often, only to have to download them again a few minutes later.
on the SGS the 2 GB space for Apps/Games + MKV, DIVX and other media support on the SGS was like a GOD sent, also the extra microSD support really opened up the phone to all kind of possibilities.
unfortunately the SGS has its own demons as well like dying internal SD, GPS issues, bad file system, etc, etc, just to name a few.
seems like currently i'm stuck between the sword & a rock
......... i'm slowly starting to regret getting the SNS:
- main issue limited space
- unable to natively do Video Call other phones like Nokia, LG, Samsung
- no gorilla glass (already got a deep scratch with a minor drop, the old SGS went through a lot of dips without a single scratch)
the only positive thing i like the SNS:
- 2.3 OS
- the phone actually works without dying internal SD issues

is this a common thing are many people running out of space with the nexus s? i thought there was ample room with this phone with the new internal storage. i'm confused.

AllGamer said:
i think i'm hitting my limit here.
not sure if i can last a few more months with this limitation... (keeping fingers crossed for the next best thing that runs on 1700+2100)
i'm using Dropbox (3 GB) to ease the pain
i'm using Fiabee (1 GB) <--- that's nothing, it's like a drop in a bucket
i'm using Subsonic (not very useful, as it still uses local storage to catch the songs)
i'm using mSpot (same as Subsonic, easier to use, no need for server)
I'm using Picasa (but is useless unless you have actual space to take pictures)
I'm also using pixelpipe (yet another media sync that catches stuff locally, which also consumes local space)
the only real solution i see is to be able to plug in an USB flash drive to the SNS, and play my medias from there.
unfortunately that is out of the question at the moment, as no one have been able to get it working yet via USB storage driver
The problem with both dropbox and fiabee is their download rate is not fast enough to make them a viable Streamer
not to mention, you can't even access the files until you have downloaded them, which also makes it pointless as you (me) have no free space left to receive the files anyways
It's not fun (a very tedious task), having to keep uninstalling a bunch of apps/games every time i want to check out another app/game, or deleting a whole bunch MP3s / Videos that you use often, only to have to download them again a few minutes later.
on the SGS the 2 GB space for Apps/Games + MKV, DIVX and other media support on the SGS was like a GOD sent, also the extra microSD support really opened up the phone to all kind of possibilities.
unfortunately the SGS has its own demons as well like dying internal SD, GPS issues, bad file system, etc, etc, just to name a few.
seems like currently i'm stuck between the sword & a rock
......... i'm slowly starting to regret getting the SNS:
- main issue limited space
- unable to natively do Video Call other phones like Nokia, LG, Samsung
- no gorilla glass (already got a deep scratch with a minor drop, the old SGS went through a lot of dips without a single scratch)
the only positive thing i like the SNS:
- 2.3 OS
- the phone actually works without dying internal SD issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks like you have a lot of media that you use often. That should have been your number one concern when making your phone buying decision. 1gb for apps should be more than enough space but maybe im kidding myself. And if you needed a phone with more storage space for media there were/are plenty of options available. just sounds to me like you didnt do your research beforehand. IJS

RogerPodacter said:
is this a common thing are many people running out of space with the nexus s? i thought there was ample room with this phone with the new internal storage. i'm confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's just me
not every one is a heavy user like i am
lets just say the phone is replacing my laptop, and i'm trying to do everything i was able to do on my laptop on the phone (which it can)
but the problem is the limited space
if it had the microSD support like its counter part Galaxy S, then it would have been a breeze to just swap another microSD to access the files you want quickly

tarusdg said:
looks like you have a lot of media that you use often. That should have been your number one concern when making your phone buying decision. 1gb for apps should be more than enough space but maybe im kidding myself. And if you needed a phone with more storage space for media there were/are plenty of options available. just sounds to me like you didnt do your research beforehand. IJS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Return it before the 30 days and buy yourself a phone with an sdcard slot. There is not much that can be done after it gets full.. hopefully 32gb will be enough

tarusdg said:
looks like you have a lot of media that you use often. That should have been your number one concern when making your phone buying decision. 1gb for apps should be more than enough space but maybe im kidding myself. And if you needed a phone with more storage space for media there were/are plenty of options available. just sounds to me like you didnt do your research beforehand. IJS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not the case, i just though i could live with the limitation, but in the end it's not working out as planned.
still, i'll hang on to the SNS until a dual core with SAMOLED comes out, then i'll make my move.
this is the only Solid and stable Samsung phone so far, going back to a SGS Vibrant is like playing with fire
... I just needed to vent a little
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Use AudioGalaxy. I have 80gigs of music on my PC available for streaming to my NS. No caching needed.
My other suggestion, get a dedicated PMP.
-Nexus S

@AllGamer
Honestly, mate, I'd suggest returning/sending your Samsung Nexus S back if you still can. I've watched your post history over the last week or so and every other post seems to be a gripe about the Nexus S(like this one) or wishing that you had something from the Galaxy S lineup. Its clear that this phone is not a good fit for you and you should go back to your SGS device, whatever it may be.
I'm not trying to start a flamewar, call you out, or disrespect you or anything. I just think you'd be happier with a Vibrant or what have you. Different strokes for different folks.

nxt said:
Use AudioGalaxy. I have 80gigs of music on my PC available for streaming to my NS. No caching needed.
My other suggestion, get a dedicated PMP.
-Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip. But do you know of anything similar that doesn't require your computer to be on?

nxt said:
Use AudioGalaxy. I have 80gigs of music on my PC available for streaming to my NS. No caching needed.
My other suggestion, get a dedicated PMP.
-Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's a good food for though, i'll try it out

unremarked said:
@AllGamer
Honestly, mate, I'd suggest returning/sending your Samsung Nexus S back if you still can. I've watched your post history over the last week or so and every other post seems to be a gripe about the Nexus S(like this one) or wishing that you had something from the Galaxy S lineup. Its clear that this phone is not a good fit for you and you should go back to your SGS device, whatever it may be.
I'm not trying to start a flamewar, call you out, or disrespect you or anything. I just think you'd be happier with a Vibrant or what have you. Different strokes for different folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't worry mate
all comments are welcome.
I did play with the idea of getting the the SGS vibrant SGH-T959, i might even trade my SGS i9000 for the SGH-T959
Currently i'm toying with the idea of converting the SGS i9000 to use the SGH-T959 radio http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=908120
in the end if i can find some Software alternative, then perhaps i can go on a few more months longer and switch to the next best phone all together, assuming they will support 1700+2100

"i'm using mSpot (same as Subsonic, easier to use, no need for server)"
hey man,did you update mspot??? recently.
they do stream from server now,without downloading it on your phone.
all my mspot(xept covers/albumart folder) are empty even after playing 30 songs.

When did you sign up for Fiabee? They upgraded my account to 15 GB on new years for being "one of the first to try it" or something like that.

AllGamer said:
not the case, i just though i could live with the limitation, but in the end it's not working out as planned.
still, i'll hang on to the SNS until a dual core with SAMOLED comes out, then i'll make my move.
this is the only Solid and stable Samsung phone so far, going back to a SGS Vibrant is like playing with fire
... I just needed to vent a little
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, I can understand that.

AllGamer said:
it's just me
not every one is a heavy user like i am
lets just say the phone is replacing my laptop, and i'm trying to do everything i was able to do on my laptop on the phone (which it can)
but the problem is the limited space
if it had the microSD support like its counter part Galaxy S, then it would have been a breeze to just swap another microSD to access the files you want quickly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah well.. then I'm sorry but you did a bad job @ requierement engineering for your new device ;-)
well anyway. you should get some decent $$ on ebay for the nexus

Well, you could get an android pmp like archos 43. Nice device with sd card, and can obviously download music. Its their new, smaller line. 2.1, but hey. Its a pmp.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

jazz145 said:
yeah well.. then I'm sorry but you did a bad job @ requierement engineering for your new device ;-)
well anyway. you should get some decent $$ on ebay for the nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the Nexus S sells for a lot more here locally than on eBay
so i have no problem at all letting it go, but as i posted a few message above
the SNS is the most solid device so far released by Samsung, that being said
i find it very hard to find another phone with SAMOLED display that can beat the SNS, as the Vibrant is not very good else i've swapped the SNS for the SGS in a heart beat.
i still have another SGS here with me, but it's not compatible to 1700+2100

AllGamer said:
the Nexus S sells for a lot more here locally than on eBay
so i have no problem at all letting it go, but as i posted a few message above
the SNS is the most solid device so far released by Samsung, that being said
i find it very hard to find another phone with SAMOLED display that can beat the SNS, as the Vibrant is not very good else i've swapped the SNS for the SGS in a heart beat.
i still have another SGS here with me, but it's not compatible to 1700+2100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you can eat everything for $40 FTW!

Galaxy S II

Hi, I was an andorid user and when i had one i loved it too bits then came windows phone 7 and im not going to lie i loved that more, however I am due a upgrade and the sheer power of the new andorid phones overpower windows phone 7 handsets and adter watching some youtube videos web browising is faster. However I have a few questions, would you recommened it? How is the batter life with e-mail updates constant/instant and few web browsing. My old android x8 had soem lag, has this now been sorted due to the power or is it jsut andorid os?
Thanks

Here's some things to consider with the SGS2. Some of what's listed effects different users to different degrees.
- Display
There's a band on the left side that seems discolored on a gray background at 20% brightness in the dark. Some see it in everyday use, some don't. I'd venture a guess that more don't or the hue and cry would be louder. If you're anal retentive about your display, check out the 60 page thread.
- Wi-Fi
Seems wonky for some users. It may be equipment specific (EG: router) or strangeness with a particular handset. There's a couple of threads running on that.
- 2G/3G/4G
There's some connectivity issues depending on what network you're on. Make sure your location and/or carrier aren't ones people may be having issues with.
- Audio
If you're an audiophile there's a couple of threads on audio performance which, due to a number of factors, has been deemed by pros to be below that of the original Galaxy.
- Camera
There's a bunch of threads on stills and video. Read them if you're a heavy camera user. Biggest issue now is a pink spot showing up photographing white backgrounds in natural light.
- Battery
Average at best. As things currently are, plan on 10-16 hours depending on how you use the phone. There's an issue in 2.3.3. that effects dual-core phones and Samsung's issuing an update to 2.3.4. any day now which is supposed to correct it.
Based on the way I (and only I) use the phone I'm very happy and the above issues either don't bother me or don't effect me. The phone's fast, the display is beautiful, and it's a great all around device. Compare your hot buttons to those of others and if you think you're good, by all means get the phone.

Don't forget the color banding, gradients don't appear smooth but look banded like they did in the 90's with 16 bit color

godutch said:
Don't forget the color banding, gradients don't appear smooth but look banded like they did in the 90's with 16 bit color
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a thread on whether the phone's fully using its 24bit capabilities via the display. The theory is that when software is directly addressing the screen its fine. When drivers get involved it drops to 16bit. The same thing happened to the Nexus S and was fixed in 2.3.4. We're hoping the same thing happens.

I would just like to that all you for your comments, so far all the problems are actully scaring me lol. However with all these problems would you still reccommened this phone? If so do you like it more than your previous andorid phone?
Thanks

andoridkiller said:
I would just like to that all you for your comments, so far all the problems are actully scaring me lol. However with all these problems would you still reccommened this phone? If so do you like it more than your previous andorid phone?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problems i have none of the above and suggest the ones that do are in a minority as always .
Choice is yours but remember that a forum like tis does not get may saying its brilliant by its very nature those that perceive a problem post those that dont have the problem dont post .
Plus the posters of xxx problem always manage to post multiple threads saying exactly the same .
jje

JJEgan said:
Problems i have none of the above and suggest the ones that do are in a minority as always .
Choice is yours but remember that a forum like tis does not get may saying its brilliant by its very nature those that perceive a problem post those that dont have the problem dont post .
Plus the posters of xxx problem always manage to post multiple threads saying exactly the same .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 nicely put
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App

andoridkiller said:
I would just like to that all you for your comments, so far all the problems are actully scaring me lol. However with all these problems would you still reccommened this phone? If so do you like it more than your previous andorid phone?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look, if your just using it as a device that can phone, text, take pics when you need that arent for a magazine or something, play some tunes whilst you are on the bus or whatever, do some modding if you are that way inclined then buy it. If you are fussy about anything like that find something else. People will always find problems with devices like this as they are used to better maybe or compare it to a device thats is specifically for playing music or taking photos. This is a great phone, best i have had and i am well pleased. Just my opinion anyway.

Im so tired of people summing up everyones experience. I have a sgs2 from first batch and I have none of the problems youll find on the first 2-3 pages of threads. Remember like the member above me said, people with complaint threads will post before a postive thread. Complaint threads will get the most attention and see the most post. There might be less then 10 members actually having the problem if you read through the thread.
Display: gradients on screen is really only not that noticable unless your anal. Only time I see it is when I open xda app(takes ages to load on brown screen) and others are seeing it on the intro to angry birds. Not while actually playing but the intro lol. Screen is beautiful and works 99.9% correctly.
Wifi: I have no issues with connection or speed. I download lost of big files daily. Mostly mixtapes and other files usually around a 100mb+. I get connection and my 15-20mbs download no matter where im at in my house.
2g/3g/4g/ My device stays connected through 3g all day. When im actually downloading or using data it switches in 1sec to H+. Real world usage is really fast in North florida but if im playing with speedtest apps I will get mixed reviews.
Audio- I start my music at work around 9am everyday. I work with loud ass dogs and other various animals on a daily basis. Never had a problem with audio coming through my handset and I use the included headphones. At 50% I can hear my audio over barking dogs. In my vehicle with my 2 12s and 1000w amp you can hear me from a block away. Easily matches my wifes iphone4 if not better with poweramps eq.
Camera- No issues here. Just getting back from short trips to jacksonville fl, orlando, and north georgia(mostly ATL) and no pink spots on my photos.
Battery life is all user to user. I myself have the luxury of charging my phone over night unlike others on the website. I can do my heavy using from 9-6 everyday and still have 30-50% when I get home. Music is always playing through headphones(9-6) 2 emails checking hourly, check xda 1000times, browse atleast 20 websites throughout the day and other numerous stuff and can make it home after a work day. If I was anal I could get 2days out of my phone before it actually dies. Remember with android most problems are User Error.
Unless you are in love with Sense, theres no phone that can match it until the next sgs comes out.
BarryH_GEG said:
Here's some things to consider with the SGS2. Some of what's listed effects different users to different degrees.
- Display
There's a band on the left side that seems discolored on a gray background at 20% brightness in the dark. Some see it in everyday use, some don't. I'd venture a guess that more don't or the hue and cry would be louder. If you're anal retentive about your display, check out the 60 page thread.
- Wi-Fi
Seems wonky for some users. It may be equipment specific (EG: router) or strangeness with a particular handset. There's a couple of threads running on that.
- 2G/3G/4G
There's some connectivity issues depending on what network you're on. Make sure your location and/or carrier aren't ones people may be having issues with.
- Audio
If you're an audiophile there's a couple of threads on audio performance which, due to a number of factors, has been deemed by pros to be below that of the original Galaxy.
- Camera
There's a bunch of threads on stills and video. Read them if you're a heavy camera user. Biggest issue now is a pink spot showing up photographing white backgrounds in natural light.
- Battery
Average at best. As things currently are, plan on 10-16 hours depending on how you use the phone. There's an issue in 2.3.3. that effects dual-core phones and Samsung's issuing an update to 2.3.4. any day now which is supposed to correct it.
Based on the way I (and only I) use the phone I'm very happy and the above issues either don't bother me or don't effect me. The phone's fast, the display is beautiful, and it's a great all around device. Compare your hot buttons to those of others and if you think you're good, by all means get the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

intruda119 said:
Display: gradients on screen is really only not that noticable unless your anal. Only time I see it is when I open xda app(takes ages to load on brown screen) and others are seeing it on the intro to angry birds. Not while actually playing but the intro lol. Screen is beautiful and works 99.9% correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you call this "not that noticable" I give up :
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(Nexus One vs S2 @ "the Impossible Game" )
Do you think this is a normal IQ for a High End device like the S2?
As to Angry Birds 1 & Rio (and other games too) it is not only noticable in the intros my friend ... if you play them you will see !

Yeah I consider that not noticable in my book.
1st photo is a picture of the battery charging when phone is turned off if I'm correct. I don't stare at my screen when its just charging. In my real world use ill never see that long enough to annoy me.
2nd pic is when its connected to kies. When I actually use keis I'm not looking at the phone. I'm not saying its not there but the first 2 pics is not something I see daily. Im guessing the 3rd is a game but I don't play it. But the gradient is there.
I'm pretty sure I've heard its a software issue and not hardware. I find the pictures you posted funny. It shows me how hard it is to reproduce the gradients. But like I've said before I must have crap standards to accept a phone with imperfections. Can't believe I spent 700 on the best phone out to date.
To me this is a small issue that's resolved with a software update or one of the amazing devs come up with something. We don't have a ton of choices and I rather have gradients on a FEW screens vs what HTC is doing.
I understand that im a early adaptor of a device. Things may be changed/fixed in the next couple of months like nfc or something.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

intruda119 said:
Im so tired of people summing up everyones experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your solution is to sum up yours and assume your individual device and personal expectations trump all? All hail the king.