Returning my Galaxy Note - Galaxy Note GT-N7000 General

I was really excited for GNote's release and grabed one from neweggs at $789 in a blink.
Having used it for three days, and tried really hard to persude myself, I finally decided to return it. just thought to share my 2 cents.
I am not in any bit concerned with hold it against my face to make phone call. It does look kind of strange, but I don't care.
to start with, I have perfect vision, and average size hand for a man. I can use Inspire 4.3 screen with one hand entirely and comfortably.
The main reason against GNote is the loose of single hand operation -- believe me, with GNote, you will need you both hands for 80% of normal operation if you are not one of NBA players. with your current phone, try to restrict you finger motion to its own side of screen, and you will see if you can live with it.
Since my fingers can barely wrap around it, it does feel insecure on hand, and need fingers to actually 'hold' it with a bit of force. the other option is to rest it weight mostly on little finger. either way, my fingers get tired quickly. with inspire 4g, most weight supported by wrapped fingers without much notiable force.
Unlike larger tablet, which can be held by bezel, GNote's bezels are too thin to hold securely. two long sizes are too thin to hold. one size with buttons. the the only size is the top (speaker phone side), but also too thin to feel secure or not to actually touch screen with any motion.
But if GNote offers unqiue functions , I am more than willing to live with two-handed inconvenience, unfortuantely,
a). high resolution + large screen. I read magazine Zinio on my android, not to mention web browse etc. therefore I care a lot about clarity etc -- and I have perfect vision. but, the high resolution means nothing in practics. yes, it is more clear, but in the sametime, if I do not zoom in, I still can not read in Gnote, no difference from in Inspire 4G. yes, for Zinio reading, I can tell individual characters in GNote now, while in Inspire 4G, they are blur. but I still need to zoom in in GNote to actually read. in others words, the 5.3 inch size stll can not offer un-zoomed reading, the characters are just too small, inspite of how high the resolution is. Once zoomed in, I can see no difference between inspire 4g and GNote. The same for web browsing.
In 7 inch one such as nook color, I do not need to zoom in and can actually read entire page.
movie watch is a better experience in Gnote, but had to compare back to back to feel the different from 4.3 inch screen. not big benefit.
s-pen is a useful function and it works fairly well. in fact, my struggle of whether to keep GNote is not for the large screen but my desire for stylus. but there are only two apps that can effectively use it. and as a content consumption device, I don't see s-pen is so useful that I can live with the incovenicne of the two hand operation.
Again GNote is a novel product with unique features. I am sure many people will find its function worth all the inconvenience and cost. but for me, I will go back to my humble inspire 4G for now. If Samsung puts s-pen on a 4.5 inch screen device with same width of current 4.3 inch screen phone, it would be no brainer for me.

hhspiny said:
Since my fingers can barely wrap around it, it does feel insecure on hand, and need fingers to actually 'hold' it with a bit of force. the other option is to rest it weight mostly on little finger. either way, my fingers get tired quickly. with inspire 4g, most weight supported by wrapped fingers without much notiable force.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd - maybe it's because I have bigger hands, but the note doesn't touch my little fingers at all, usually. my hands are kind of in a handshake position, with my fingers slightly extended.
The note rests against all my fingers - in landscape mode I might curl my index fingers around the top of the note.
- Frank

Yes the one handed operation is tougher but it's merely a very minor irritant compared to the many cool things I like about this device... One of them being size.

I can nearly use it one handed. Best way is to have one hand grip it while the other is used for typing our other tasks.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

What purpose do you have for needing to be able hold and operate the Note one-handed? I really don't get this issue that some people are using as a negative for the Galaxy Note. Even the smaller 4.3" Galaxy S2 I use one hand to hold it and the other hand to operate. Outside of circumstances where you shouldn't be using your phone to begin with like while driving down the road why does the other hand need to be free during operation?

Twohothardware said:
What purpose do you have for needing to be able hold and operate the Note one-handed? I really don't get this issue that some people are using as a negative for the Galaxy Note. Even the smaller 4.3" Galaxy S2 I use one hand to hold it and the other hand to operate. Outside of circumstances where you shouldn't be using your phone to begin with like while driving down the road why does the other hand need to be free during operation?
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Click to collapse
What if he enjoys watching porn on his galaxy note? Lol
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Lotta reasons....It's a mobile device... We walk holding items in other hand, and standing on bus, could go on... With scenarios where one handed operation is really handy.
Oh but perhaps I shouldn't be using it then?
][/B]
Twohothardware said:
What purpose do you have for needing to be able hold and operate the Note one-handed? I really don't get this issue that some people are using as a negative for the Galaxy Note. Even the smaller 4.3" Galaxy S2 I use one hand to hold it and the other hand to operate. Outside of circumstances where you shouldn't be using your phone to begin with like while driving down the road why does the other hand need to be free during operation?
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5150Joker said:
What if he enjoys watching porn on his galaxy note? Lol
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then being restricted to using both hands to hold the Note is probably a good thing.
---------- Post added at 10:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:13 PM ----------
rockky said:
Lotta reasons....It's a mobile device... We walk holding items in other hand, and standing on bus, could go on... With scenarios where one handed operation is really handy.
Oh but perhaps I shouldn't be using it then?
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Click to collapse
I wouldn't if you care anything about the $700+ device in your hand. Walking around using your phone in one hand while your carrying and doing things with the other is the reason so many people drop their phones. One user on this board has already shown how the screen on his Note shattered when he dropped his.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1338544&highlight=car
If you want one handed operation for the Note while sitting at your desk then get the Samsung dock.

Dude.... You were born with 2 hands for a reason ----> galaxy note
With that said, im just a normal sized dude and i can quite comfortably use mine with 1 hand in all the same use scenarios as with my nexus s. Even with my nexus s i naturally wanted two hands for some things, and of course i still do with my note, but its not as if i feel i need 3 hands, as if this were the case it'd obviously become a problem

dannstarr said:
Dude.... You were born with 2 hands for a reason ----> galaxy note
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Now that was funny!

I *can* use the Note one-handed (I can wrap my hand around the Note and my thumb and "gesture" finger can just about touch), but I prefer, as has been mentioned in this thread, holding it with one and operating it with another.

yeh I find it quite annoying to not be able to use it with one hand.
especially when i am in public transport and have to hold onto something with the other hand. Its usually in public transport that I have to take my phone out and kill time too so thats really annoying.
So i can either use my note with one hand and risk dropping it, or i can use it with both hands and drop myself

So were you allowed to return it? I also saw that only exchanges are allowed on newegg for the Note. I was going to purchase mine at newegg but saw it cheaper on eBay.
I have no second thoughts about returning. This screen is just right for me web browsing, gaming, and watching videos.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

If those are the only reasons you can think of to return your Note, then that shows how flawless this baby is.
Size isn't for everyone. But, Bigger is ALWAYS better.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

xAnimal5 said:
If those are the only reasons you can think of to return your Note, then that shows how flawless this baby is.
Size isn't for everyone. But, Bigger is ALWAYS better.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So by your logic "better" isnt for everyone!?

Go big or go home....kidding aside, op is having buyer regrets and is rationalizing the return. Let the man/woman do as he/she wishes. But one advantage to having a high resolution device is it's ability to fit more information on the screen at one time, of course it'll look the same if it s zoom in.
Sent from my note

Let me know if you want to sell it

victorlht88 said:
How is it even possible to have a 4.5inch screen with 4.3inch width? wth?
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he means the width of current 4.3 inch phones, not 4.3inch width
A different aspect ratio, like 16:9 instead of 16:10
The width of a 16:10 4.3" phone is around 2.28 inches

Why are people so concerned about using one hand. If you must use one hand then this phone is not for you, buy a smaller one. simple

victorlht88 said:
How is it even possible to have a 4.5inch screen with 4.3inch width? wth?
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Width of a phone with 4.3" screen. Thinner Bezel lets 4.5" screen fit where 4.3" did before.
I hear the OP's thoughts loud and clear. I thought long and hard the first few days I was using mine and wondered if I wouldn't be happier going back to a 4.3" device. The GSII is really a great device and I love its thinness and light weight; one handed browsing in bed is great, holding it between thumb and middle finger with thumb on bottom and middle finger on top, and fore finger used for navigation and link clicking.
Turns out I can effectively do this with the Note as well. And I actually do use the larger, higher res screen. 1/2 to 2/3 of the time I actually browse the web NOT zoomed in. It's just barely large enough for me to browse without zooming in. A higher res 4.3" or 4.6" screen would be tempting (galaxy nexus...) but I think I'd still have to zoom in for comfortable viewing.
I'm probably going to get the galaxy nexus for my girlfriend (the international version and put her in straight talk, not the lame ass locked down Verizon version) and switch phones with her for awhile, but I'll probably be fiending for my Note before long.

Related

Is this about "form follows function"?

Those who have already got the Note, what was your primary requirement/logic for the choice?
I am looking for couple of major factors. Is it the screen size that sucked you to buy? Is it the display resolution, the raw horse power? Or just too excited about using a stylus ala S Pen?
or is it about an image - an attempt to create an identity in the crowd?
How do business man/executives/IT managers feel about this phone? I think Note's main target demographic are those guys.
rd_nest said:
Those who have already got the Note, what was your primary requirement/logic for the choice?
I am looking for couple of major factors. Is it the screen size that sucked you to buy? Is it the display resolution, the raw horse power? Or just too excited about using a stylus ala S Pen?
or is it about an image - an attempt to create an identity in the crowd?
How do business man/executives feel about this phone? I think Note's main target demographic are those guys.
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Click to collapse
I was attracted by larger screen, S memo and processing power. Yes, I am a business person and work constantly using a smart phone. Had a SG2. This is better-larger screen helps with e mail and web research especially working on issues related to the company web site. I can get more of a desk top view and really see the problems clearly. I can take screen shots and add notes as well as draw and sketch as necessary.
Coming from a Dell Streak...I was never going to use a phone smaller than 5".
I used my Streak a lot in the train watching Movies. I use it quite a lot around the house doing web browsing and Youtubing
My reason for the Note from the Streak is because of the Super Amoled screen. I have fallen in love with the Amoled screen since my first Samsung Phone (I8910)
so...there you go, some of my reasons.
ps. 5" phone is not that big....seriously
I have heard this statement - once you use a large screen, you can't go back to anything smaller. Very true as I myself found with GS2.
Do you think that the S Pen would be truly useful in long term? Do you feel that it's a gimmick or does it actually help with whatever you normally do?
I've been waiting for years for the stylus to make a proper comeback. I want what my Tablet PC can do but in a smaller form factor. Hopefully this is a step in the right direction. Also, I've been using my Galaxy Tab as my phone so I hope the smaller screen isn't too much of a step back.
ilovemyjasjar said:
I've been waiting for years for the stylus to make a proper comeback. I want what my Tablet PC can do but in a smaller form factor. Hopefully this is a step in the right direction. Also, I've been using my Galaxy Tab as my phone so I hope the smaller screen isn't too much of a step back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using my EP121 less since I got my note. Once Win 8 gets officially released, that might change a little.
rd_nest said:
I have heard this statement - once you use a large screen, you can't go back to anything smaller. Very true as I myself found with GS2.
Do you think that the S Pen would be truly useful in long term? Do you feel that it's a gimmick or does it actually help with whatever you normally do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the moment I don't really think the stylus and note taking function would be that useful. I think I would still prefer the normal pen and paper. But maybe I will change my mind after I get the phone
and ....YES...definitely recommend you to upgrade to a 5 inch....it's big...but not too big
I remember back in the Streak forum....a lot of us were saying that we wouldn't mind someone come up with a screen size that's a bit bigger than 5 inch...maybe like a 5.5 inch would be Perfect...I guess Samsung must have heard us
Form and function in harmony
I relate to the Bauhaus aesthetic.
This device surely is designed to function well but it is beautiful in it's design.
Not just beautiful without function.
To me, great beauty is form and function in harmony and the GNote is.

Handling question to owners of the Note

Does it make the Note easier to handle than other large devices because you can use it two handed all the time. I don't get the ergonomic problems I got with my SGS2 when using my tablet because I use it two handed. Does this apply to the Note that it's actually better to use in this respect because of this?
Hi Superchimp,
I got my Note today. Having it physically in my hands now, I am not sure I understand all these questions/hesitations/fears about the size. Sure, it is slightly bigger than the competition, but it is not huge. It is very easy to hold in one hand, type with both thumbs either in portrait or landscape, and I am short-sized with rather small hands.
And it is an excellent device in all respects.
And on top of that it fits very easily in a trousers' pocket too...
So don't worry, if you are interested, go for it, you won't regret it.
abergon said:
Hi Superchimp,
I got my Note today. Having it physically in my hands now, I am not sure I understand all these questions/hesitations/fears about the size. Sure, it is slightly bigger than the competition, but it is not huge. It is very easy to hold in one hand, type with both thumbs either in portrait or landscape, and I am short-sized with rather small hands.
And it is an excellent device in all respects.
And on top of that it fits very easily in a trousers' pocket too...
So don't worry, if you are interested, go for it, you won't regret it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. Could it be used all the time two handed, as I think for me because of the problem I have with my hands, this would actually be a preferred method of use. As I have mentioned before I used to get a lot of pain in my hands using the SGS2, but don't generally get this with my iPad even though it's bigger and heavier, I believe for myself that this is because it can be used two handed.
Super Chimp said:
Thanks for that. Could it be used all the time two handed, as I think for me because of the problem I have with my hands, this would actually be a preferred method of use. As I have mentioned before I used to get a lot of pain in my hands using the SGS2, but don't generally get this with my iPad even though it's bigger and heavier, I believe for myself that this is because it can be used two handed.
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It's very easy to use two handed, I prefer to use it this way and now with the note I spend less time typing my texts than ever.
SNiiPE_DoGG said:
It's very easy to use two handed, I prefer to use it this way and now with the note I spend less time typing my texts than ever.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for that confirmation. I think I will get the Note because of this, plus it's cheaper than the Nexus. As I am big person, hopefully it will not look too out of place in my hands.

How you feel about Galaxy Note's size

Hi, I got my Note today and it feels very big in my hands, I'm coming from T-Mobile GS2.
Did you guys get conferable after a while with the size?
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I have pretty large hands, and the note feels perfect in them. Everything else just feels too small now.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
I love it, and the size is perfect. It fits my shirt and pant pockets. The only issue is that my thumb doesn't quite reach the other side of the screen at times... gets sore haha.
Yes! Stick with it. I also have a skyrocket which is the same size as your phone. The more you use the GNote, the more you will get used to its size. Give it a few weeks. Everything else else will feel small after that time!
Came from HTC HD2 4.3"
Love this 5.3" Galaxy Note.
Comfortable with it and real good as a phone & mini Tablet.
Its feel GOOOOOODDDDDDD!!!!!!!
(^___________^)
♥♡♥♡♥♡♥
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
samomamo said:
Hi, I got my Note today and it feels very big in my hands, I'm coming from T-Mobile GS2.
Did you guys get conferable after a while with the size?
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Click to collapse
My hands are probably smaller than average and so it felt a bit big in my hands at first. Within a few days I'd gotten totally used to it, and holding my HD2 then felt very strange!
Pockets were fine from day one.
Hang in there and it'll be fine
Surprisingly comfortable using the big sized note. I think the size has been exagerated a little
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I love it but to say it feels normal or good in the hand as a cellphone is nuts. Its freagin big you either can deal with it or not.
Thanx for all of you for replying my brother's. I was already thinking what have I done
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This screen eats all the screens. I got the Galaxy nexus last week and I didn't like it. The screen was yellow and narrow. So I sold it.
This NOTE has the best screen period! For now.
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This is one of the nicest pentile displays. I miss the clean LCD looks of the SAMOLED+ display, but the viewing angle of the Note display is amazing! I was afraid it would get greenish or purple at extreme angles.
Overall, this is a great balance between phone and tablet. I intend to turn this thing into a little computer.
Eagerly waiting for CM7 or CM9.
falconeight said:
I love it but to say it feels normal or good in the hand as a cellphone is nuts.
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Click to collapse
In what way does the phone feel unusual/bad in your hands as a cellphone?
Dialing numbers? Just curious.
I got used to the size almost immediately - but then again, I'm not really a one handed phone user. If you are, the new 'one handed dialpad/keyboard' in the recent firmwares might be useful.
- Frank
it didn't feel weird when i first bought it (2 weeks ago) but it was different. now everything else feels smaller, i own an ipod so after using my phone and then when i go to my ipod to play games it feels super small. only sad thing about the phone is the keyboard is f'ing annoying, i tried tumblring on my phone and like a million mistakes whereas my ipod doesn't make such mistakes but the screen is too small to post long posts so i finally changed the keyboard to smart keyboard which i think is the best
Any still using original Samsung keyboard????
Like the rest here, everything else feels small after using the Note! With it's HD screen and slim design, it blows everything away.
It's a lot easier than carrying an iPad around everywhere.
People say to me its massive, I honestly don't notice anymore. Its perfect. You soon forget.. I do remember the first time I held it. I thought omg!! Huge! Lol..
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My previous phone was a dell streak 5" (with mugen battery 4800mah). GSN is 3x faster, 2x lighter and smaller dimensions than streak. Fantastic!
samomamo said:
Did you guys get conferable after a while with the size?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read someone else say that when you get used to the size that you can't do without it. He was right. The phone is huge. After a couple of weeks its no big deal. But the advantages of the big screen becomes normal and you couldn't do without it.
So give it a couple of weeks and see how you go. If its no good then maybe the soon to be released 4.6" Sony Xperia Ion with narrower 16:9 screen will suit better. Or Galaxy Nexus if you can live without SDHC expansion.
Sent from my Amiga GT-N7000 using XDA Premium.
I remember when I upgraded my HTC Desire S to SGSII that it fell so big and I had a hand ache for a week. The same happened with Note - it takes week to get used to it but after that (as for others), everything else looks small and Note seems like normal phone to me.
But there's one thing - gel transparent S cover (mine is red). I had it on my SGS2 ans I bought it for note also, because those phone are so thick and light and yet so Smith, that it feels uncomfortable to hold them - I always feel that they sooner or later slip and fall from my hand.
The S cover has rough sides, so it feels better and it prevent the phone from sliding on the table also. Another thing is, that it has little edges over the display (it's 1mm thicker thanbthe phone, so if you put your phone on the table display down, it sits on the rubber edge ans not the display itself.
Try it for yourself
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One hand operability

Just to quell any concerns of soon-to-be owners: It can be done. It can be used with one hand. I'm not a giant (about 6'1", slightly above average) and I'm coming from a 4S, so I'm not used to huge phones. You literally just have to grab it differently than you would a tiny phone.
I don't understand why all reviewers grab this phone like a murder weapon, and grip the crap out of it - and then try to use their thumbs to grab the adjacent corner of the screen. Wtf? Of course that's not gonna work. I can reach the top corner, but I splay my fingers across the bottom of the phone for better control. I'm sure the people who really love this phone and use it as their daily drivers figured that out within the first day and are happy as can be.
Long live the big screen.
I agree, in the beginning I found that it was a bit difficult to handle even with my large hands but as soon as I got used to holding it "like I'm supposed to", which took me like ten minutes, using it with one hand has been a breeze!
Now it feels weird to hold smaller phones, I tend to try to clench them with just my palm.
Hahaha that's exactly what I was doing earlier. They do start to feel like tiny toys
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The size is not a problem for me using it with one hand, the only issue is my hand (or rather pinky) starts to hurt after a while holding it lol. Got used to the SGS2 too much I guess
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One handed use is not an issue.
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i think i may have to improve my dexterity on this one, lol.
But the thing is with smaller phone I can grip the other side with the 4 other fingers, while with my Note if I want to comfortably use it with one hand, my other 4 fingers can only slightly grab the back of the phone to allow my thumb to move comfortably (that is can reach the other side of the screen with my thumb), and I'm scared of dropping Note holding it like that
alias3800 said:
Just to quell any concerns of soon-to-be owners: It can be done. It can be used with one hand. I'm not a giant (about 6'1", slightly above average) and I'm coming from a 4S, so I'm not used to huge phones. You literally just have to grab it differently than you would a tiny phone.
I don't understand why all reviewers grab this phone like a murder weapon, and grip the crap out of it - and then try to use their thumbs to grab the adjacent corner of the screen. Wtf? Of course that's not gonna work. I can reach the top corner, but I splay my fingers across the bottom of the phone for better control. I'm sure the people who really love this phone and use it as their daily drivers figured that out within the first day and are happy as can be.
Long live the big screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have smallish hands but I can easily operate it with 1 hand but the 'safety level' of operating the device with my small hands is close to 0. Soon after I switched to land scape mode with the use of ADW EX and use the phone almost exclusively in landscape mode but with 2 hands mostly.
I don't really need it but people with one hand issues should try button saviour on market.
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Haha yeah I know what you mean, I would say my safety level drops quite a bit. Walking around outside and holding it like that for a prolonged time wouldn't be the smartest thing to do..
And I don't know if it matters, but I bought the white one and what was supposed to be a glossy, slippery back actually provides a good amount of friction (for whatever reason) when I hold it.
I just bought the zagg shields for this, to hopefully add to that friction and not take away from it. I'd hate to put this in a case and have it be even fatter :/
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Oh yeah, and in landscape, you can pretty much only hold it. That definitely requires two hands for input
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Agreed, had it for a week now. All my typical things I use to do: one hand, in pocket, holding on to other things and phone, watching yottube in bed while falling asleep, music listening while doing other things so loose and simple touches - all work fine -- many better. There is something amazing that the larger screen ( see more, more is big, less zooming in and out) along with the real estate for interacting that this phone gives you - that is a game changer. Also the voice input tools are huge ( vlingo and gvoice) , work great with this build and dual processor -- so I am doing much more with voice ( most of my email writing , commands to get stuff or do stuff). And of course the best is the spen - its precision and accuracy are so MUCH better than touch. Touch is great for fast and casual, but sometimes you are sitting ont he couch or desk or standing leaning against a wall where you plan to do over a minute of browsing, scheduling, email answering - I find the pen rocks a these times. In fact see this page on xda, look at the smallest icons you want to hit ( next page, ...) I do not have to zoom for any of them, I can hit the all (like 1 pixel accuracy with the spen) - saves me huge wasted zooms and moves and misses. Love this phone - again it is a gamer changer.
I didn't have a problem using the Note with only one hand. But the problem is that if you're walking then it might drops easily. Si I found a great compromise, I bought a silicone cover which adds more grip. And it saved me once after I dropped my Note being on my bike. The Note didn't get any damage whatsoever.
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Definitely can be used with one hand
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKbE2fmcErs
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note using Tapatalk
I'm 5ft 11 and don't have particularly big hands. I have no problems using the Note one handed.
Like some others, it's more about adjusting your grip and supporting rather than strangling the phone! It is a little tricky to text while walking etc but it's do-able.
I've actually started finding other phones with their tiny screens and keyboards difficult to use! ;-)
emuX said:
I'm 5ft 11 and don't have particularly big hands. I have no problems using the Note one handed.
Like some others, it's more about adjusting your grip and supporting rather than strangling the phone! It is a little tricky to text while walking etc but it's do-able.
I've actually started finding other phones with their tiny screens and keyboards difficult to use! ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here. After getting used to the big screen I don't want to go back to something smaller.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note using Tapatalk
tbh, I still find one hand typing with the note an issue. I doubt i have ladies size hands, but reaching out to P needs some adjustment..
Tried swype?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note using Tapatalk
Lol. My old iPhone appeared as baby phone after just days of Note :-D
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What is a "phablet" anymore?

I had three people tell me the Note 3 would be too big. I would hate it. This, of course, was based on their opinion of holding the Note 2 and being put off by the size. I get it, it's not for everyone. It may not even be for me. Two years ago, I know it wasn't. But today, I might be coming around.
A relative of mine had the first Note. At the time I had the Evo 3d. I remember being so put off by that monstrous phone that I thought no way could I deal with something as big. But then I got a Galaxy Nexus. And now I've held the S4. And I see the G2. And I have to wonder, is this really a HUGE phone anymore?
Below on the left are the phones I've owned with the GN being the current. On the far right are the current choices for top in the Android world. Is the Note 3 bigger than average? Yes, but not so much anymore. Now it just seems like it's ahead of the curve.
So is this really a device in a different category due to it's size, or is this just progress?
My original smartphone was the Droid eris. I then moved to the Galaxy Nexus, and at first i thought the screen was pretty big, but I got used to it within a week lol...
fast forward to last week, when my nexus died... I have me beat up old eris and I cannot wait to have a big screen again lol...
yes, the note is big, but that much bigger than current phones, whereas the original note was gigantic compared to the current phones of the day.
I have the Note 1 and think its great, but like you said people go what the hell you need a phone that big. Then I show them how much more I can do because I have a bigger screen and 9 out of 10 people after go, "that not so bad after all". Just need to think beyond only calling and texting
Handling it should be no problem for you seeing that you're used to a gradual increase in size...and if you think note is big see the z ultra in person XD..you won't understand till then
3 years ago I bought s1 and everyone told me that my phone is too big to use comfortly.:laugh:
Ergonomically, there is a huge difference and more relative to hand size and finger length. The main function for a lot of people is phone and text. Most prefer one hand operation most of the time in that regard. Previous size progression did not breach this function for most people until the phablet, hence the term.
Phablet is a fair and accurate term for most people. Either choice depends on the user and nobody else. If I did not have a tablet, I would get the N3, since more display and IMO, a better all-in-one if no tablet. I though have a Excite 7.7, TF300, Nook HD+ and iPad 4. I will stick with the S4, but would not be surprised if there is a S800 refresh of some form for the S4.
I have the (original) Note, bought it when they first came out, before it was even evident that any of the US carriers would offer it. So I didn't even have a chance to see one in person before I ordered it. I mocked up the phone by gluing two pieces of corrugated cardboard together, cut out to the same size as the Note. It fit in my pocket, and didn't feel awkward holding it to my face, so I ordered it. Once I got the phone, I loved it, and wouldn't go back to something smaller. However, I also don't want anything larger, as I do feel this pushes the limits of what comfortably fits in my pockets in certain clothes or activities. In fact, I wish they would have rounded the ends of the N3 more like the S4 just for that reason. But it really took no time at all for the size to seem normal to me. Of course, I grew up holding the Bell "trimline" phones to my face, so the Note is an amazing shrinking of technology from that perspective. When I first got the Note, I did get occasional "is that a tablet or a phone" questions, but not so much any more.
Size is not a big factor nowdays even more for those who seek the best experience
I am in full agreement with most of you on this matter. Basically my thinking and reasoning is this: I want the best (IMO) smartphone but at a reasonable size, so I want to look at Galaxy S4, LG G2, Sony Z1,Nexus 5 and Note 3. But hey, these mobiles are quite big and in my case in which I have small hands, it is difficult to operate them in one hand. So in essence, all these smartphones are big for me so the size factor is almost eliminated and therefore I am only after the total power, experience and functionality from those smartphones! Therefore I think Note 3 is the winner! Not to mention that Z1 is almost reaching the Note 3 dimensions but having only 5 inch display, so Note 3 at least is exploiting the big screen at an optimum level compared to its size! Now I hope the battery life of this beast will be great and at least to be on Note's 2 range.
SAVVAS. said:
I am in full agreement with most of you on this matter. Basically my thinking and reasoning is this: I want the best (IMO) smartphone but at a reasonable size, so I want to look at Galaxy S4, LG G2, Sony Z1,Nexus 5 and Note 3. But hey, these mobiles are quite big and in my case in which I have small hands, it is difficult to operate them in one hand. So in essence, all these smartphones are big for me so the size factor is almost eliminated and therefore I am only after the total power, experience and functionality from those smartphones! Therefore I think Note 3 is the winner! Not to mention that Z1 is almost reaching the Note 3 dimensions but having only 5 inch display, so Note 3 at least is exploiting the big screen at an optimum level compared to its size! Now I hope the battery life of this beast will be great and at least to be on Note's 2 range.
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This is exactly where I'm at. I just want the best phone. And at the moment, the Note 3 looks like it. It just happens to be a bit bigger than average. But I think much of the stigma of holding the "phablet" to your head is gone with the Note series. I mean, is it maybe a half inch longer and quarter inch wider than the S4? Not so noticeable anymore.
dscline said:
I have the (original) Note, bought it when they first came out, before it was even evident that any of the US carriers would offer it. So I didn't even have a chance to see one in person before I ordered it. I mocked up the phone by gluing two pieces of corrugated cardboard together, cut out to the same size as the Note. It fit in my pocket, and didn't feel awkward holding it to my face, so I ordered it. Once I got the phone, I loved it, and wouldn't go back to something smaller. However, I also don't want anything larger, as I do feel this pushes the limits of what comfortably fits in my pockets in certain clothes or activities. In fact, I wish they would have rounded the ends of the N3 more like the S4 just for that reason. But it really took no time at all for the size to seem normal to me. Of course, I grew up holding the Bell "trimline" phones to my face, so the Note is an amazing shrinking of technology from that perspective. When I first got the Note, I did get occasional "is that a tablet or a phone" questions, but not so much any more.
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I cut out cardboard last night for the Note 3 size... Glad I'm not the only one who obsesses over things like this.
I think we've become desensitized to devices the size of the Note (all three are similar as is OG Pro). I've been using a N2 for eleven months and it’s become "normal." It's not normal though. One-handed operation was and still is a pain in the a- and I've got fairly large hands. I was recently visiting some friends and family in another state and they all had iPhones (at least a dozen of them) in various shapes and sizes. I felt like Gulliver with my N2.
I would never buy anything larger that the Note to use as my only phone. I have a large tablet so don't need my phone for the majority of my consumption. I'm betting others increasingly have 7-10" tablets too. And at least with a Note you can justify the larger screen as anything smaller would make multitasking and inking impractical. What’s the justification for the XZ Ultra?
So what problem does something like the XZ Ultra or even the One Max really solve? They create a portability problem if they are someone's primary communication device. I guess the problem they solve is not having to buy and/or carry both a phone and a tablet. But a 5.9-6.6" display is still too small for a tablet which is why the 8" form factor is the fastest growing. And God knows 5.9-6.6" is laughable as a communication device.
It kind of reminds of pre-gas crisis times where gargantuan SUVs were the biggest selling segment and people that didn’t need them bought them purely because "bigger was better" and the statement they made - “mine’s bigger than yours.” I think phones larger than the N3 will find their niche but I think once the novelty wears off people that buy them and use them as their primary device will come to their senses.
Other phablets are just "big smartphones." The Note is an honest to goodness productivity machine. There are plenty of options in terms of larger smartphones, but there is only one (well 3 now) Note.
hdad2 said:
I cut out cardboard last night for the Note 3 size... Glad I'm not the only one who obsesses over things like this.
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I am glad I'm not the only one who did a cardboard cut out
The phone is just a feature
Bah, I got the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 3G (T-311). Why bother with tablet + phone? Just carry one device. But seriously, it really depends how important the phone function is to you. For those who only take the occasional call, the bigger the screen, the better. The Sony SBH52 handset will take care of the rest.
joe_dude said:
Bah, I got the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 3G (T-311). Why bother with tablet + phone? Just carry one device. But seriously, it really depends how important the phone function is to you. For those who only take the occasional call, the bigger the screen, the better.
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Talking isn't the limiting factor to me. I don't talk much, I text, email, and browse much more. I could hold an 8" screen up to my face and talk, but it would be an issue fitting that into many of my pockets or keeping on me for certain activities. The Note is about as big as I'd want to go for someone who prefers to just drop it in a pocket & go.
dscline said:
Talking isn't the limiting factor to me. I don't talk much, I text, email, and browse much more. I could hold an 8" screen up to my face and talk, but it would be an issue fitting that into many of my pockets or keeping on me for certain activities. The Note is about as big as I'd want to go for someone who prefers to just drop it in a pocket & go.
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Short answer: Cargo pants/shorts
What I did was get a belt pouch that was designed to carry a small tablet. Easier to take out while sitting down, and no wardrobe malfunctions. 8) It leaves my hands free, which is the important part. But again, it depends on each person's needs. I wanted one device to do everything, including remote desktop.
joe_dude said:
Short answer: Cargo pants/shorts
What I did was get a belt pouch that was designed to carry a small tablet.
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I suppose if I could or wanted to wear cargo pants to every thing I did, that would be an option. It's rare (read: never) that I'm interested in sporting some kind accessory to carry my phone in. For those who are willing to dress around their phone, then sure, size isn't really an issue. May as well carry a full tablet around. Heck, you can make calls on a laptop if you want.
dscline said:
I suppose if I could or wanted to wear cargo pants to every thing I did, that would be an option. It's rare (read: never) that I'm interested in sporting some kind accessory to carry my phone in. For those who are willing to dress around their phone, then sure, size isn't really an issue. May as well carry a full tablet around. Heck, you can make calls on a laptop if you want.
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Yeah, 8-inch tab is about the biggest that can be held in one hand. Even then, it is a bit extreme. It's kinda like heading back to the days of carrying a ghetto blaster. Totally retro, man!
staryoshi said:
Other phablets are just "big smartphones." The Note is an honest to goodness productivity machine. There are plenty of options in terms of larger smartphones, but there is only one (well 3 now) Note.
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I agree. I've been a Samsung user for years, and I have to say that the gradual changes that they've made with the S series and now the Note series have been nothing but benefits. It's crazy, I didn't even know until recently that Samsung offers phones even larger than the Notes: the Mega has a 5.8 inch screen in diameter, and the second one in that series is at 6.3.
BarryH_GEG said:
I think phones larger than the N3 will find their niche but I think once the novelty wears off people that buy them and use them as their primary device will come to their senses.
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If you don't care about one handed use, and i don't, then the biggest practical phone is the one that still goes where your current phone goes.
I could easily go a bit bigger than the note 3. I know several girls who have the note 2 that carry the phone in their purse and there is no reason they couldn't go bigger as well.
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