Related
NOT ME!
I'm yet to get my universal, its on its way
Whats worse, it'll take another 15 days...as my sister is getting it from USA for me...and i'll have to wait till she makes it
I was just freaked out by the number of ppl selling away their devices, and thought i'd just start a thread where all of them give their reasons here...so that we'd know if it was the memory problem, or battery life, or bulkiness or whatever maybe the reason....and will help others making a decision to buy it!
Also, if you're one of those hanging on to the device from a while, and feel that this is "the" device to own, then tell us why!
Keep it nice and concise, bullet points as much as possible for easy reading
S
I'm keeping mine. The 'faults' are mostly little niggling things that can usually be gotten round by various hacks/tweaks people have made. And yeah it's a bit big, but you do get used to it
Positives:
- It's like having a little laptop.
- Connectivity wise it truly has it all - 3G, WI-FI, BT, video calling, SDIO, IRDA, etc. No other device has all of this.
- The WM5 OS makes it very easy to write programs/hacks for, so we will see a lot of these over the coming months.
- The VGA screen has a massive "wow" factor!
- Mini-USB connector and charger are very convenient indeed.
- Full-size headphone/speaker socket.
- Built in terminal services client is VERY useful!
- Awesome little keyboard with very good looking backlights.
- Persistant flash-based storage.
- Battery life is very good, lasts for many days on one charge.
- 4 (FOUR) speakers, and 2 (TWO) cameras! Flash is a nice gimmick too.
Basically for me, the huge amount of positives outweigh the small amount of negatives. Best "phone" I have ever owned.
dreamtheater39 said:
NOT ME!
I'm yet to get my universal, its own its way
Whats worse, it'll take another 15 days...as my sister is getting it from USA for me...and i'll have to wait till she makes it
I was just freaked out by the number of ppl selling away their devices, and thought i'd just start a thread where all of them give their reasons here...so that we'd know if it was the memory problem, or battery life, or bulkiness or whatever maybe the reason....and will help others making a decision to buy it!
Also, if you're one of those hanging on to the device from a while, and feel that this is "the" device to own, then tell us why!
Keep it nice and concise, bullet points as much as possible for easy reading
S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on a side note,
how much is your sister gettin it for for you from the US? did she have to sign a line?
vapor said:
dreamtheater39 said:
NOT ME!
I'm yet to get my universal, its own its way
Whats worse, it'll take another 15 days...as my sister is getting it from USA for me...and i'll have to wait till she makes it
I was just freaked out by the number of ppl selling away their devices, and thought i'd just start a thread where all of them give their reasons here...so that we'd know if it was the memory problem, or battery life, or bulkiness or whatever maybe the reason....and will help others making a decision to buy it!
Also, if you're one of those hanging on to the device from a while, and feel that this is "the" device to own, then tell us why!
Keep it nice and concise, bullet points as much as possible for easy reading
S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on a side note,
how much is your sister gettin it for for you from the US? did she have to sign a line?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bought it at Mad Monkey Boy's Gadgets for 930 USD [qtek 9000]...and 20 USD for shipping to her address...
That makes it a total of 950USD....in comparison to 1350 USD here in India!!!
San
@sl9, I can only manage one day of use from my Exec's battery. I have been very careful with it from new. My Nokia 9500 with similar use can give me twice the life of the Exec battery. With the Exec if you use BT and forget to shutdown PIE you could run out of battery while you think the unit is "off/standby".
dreamtheater39 said:
vapor said:
dreamtheater39 said:
NOT ME!
I'm yet to get my universal, its own its way
Whats worse, it'll take another 15 days...as my sister is getting it from USA for me...and i'll have to wait till she makes it
I was just freaked out by the number of ppl selling away their devices, and thought i'd just start a thread where all of them give their reasons here...so that we'd know if it was the memory problem, or battery life, or bulkiness or whatever maybe the reason....and will help others making a decision to buy it!
Also, if you're one of those hanging on to the device from a while, and feel that this is "the" device to own, then tell us why!
Keep it nice and concise, bullet points as much as possible for easy reading
S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on a side note,
how much is your sister gettin it for for you from the US? did she have to sign a line?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bought it at Mad Monkey Boy's Gadgets for 930 USD [qtek 9000]...and 20 USD for shipping to her address...
That makes it a total of 950USD....in comparison to 1350 USD here in India!!!
San
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow thats crazy man. but thanks for the heads up
I echo everything sl9 has said. The most important positives for me are:
- persistent storage
- WM5 means I never have to use my stylus, except for 3rd-party apps that haven't caught up yet
- full keyboard makes SMS a breeze
- some very useful touches in the software, like the easy switch on/off of BT and WiFi using just a couple of keyboard presses
- flexible and automatic speaker usage depending on the machine's orientation
- the way the thing feels in your hands (cool/cold, solid, 'tight'): it's nice to hold
- the VGA screen for browsing, Excel, calendar, contacts, ListPro and Today screen (I'm in proper VGA mode)
- battery lasts days for me, but I'm probably a lighter user than y'all and now (because most are awful on WM5) have no 3rd-party apps except PocketZenPhone, TomTom and ListPro (per day: 8 hrs Bluetooth, 1 hr phone, 10 SMS, 1 hr general use, 30 mins WiFi browsing)
- stability: Haven't done a reset in a week or so. I never force-close apps, but rely on WM5 to handle it. I have no idea how much program memory I have free, and I don't care: it just works
- Microsoft's contacts app is very good for keyboard-only use: makes dialling a contact easy
- there are some neat improvements in the UI, such as the way BT comes on automatically when you choose 'ActiveSync over Bluetooth', and headset mode is always on automatically if BT is on and the machine has found your headset to pair with
Negatives for me:
- WiFi reception is very poor
- OEM-supplied voice dial is poor. I hate having to record voice tags, and it's not 100% reliable with detection. This could be my HBH-65 headset though. Sometimes the voice dial prompt cuts in when I'm trying to answer a call on the headset :evil:
- Microsoft's calendar app is very very weak, as is PocketIE, and PocketOutlook for emails
- the phone app should scale to VGA properly and it should have a built-in T9 contact finder (the O2-supplied 'Smart Dialler' doesn't take advantage of the hardware keyboard, so is pointless)
- speaking of which, O2's bundled software is pointless and unhelpful
Umm....
- oh yeah: the cameras are still very weak and useful only for taking emergency pictures, such as recording car accidents that you have and newsworthy moments
- the camera flash is useless as a camera flash, but very good as a torch, if only the machine had an easy way of using this feature
- the hardware application buttons aren't as programmable or flexible as they could/should be. I wish we could program each button through the OS for both Press and Press-'n-Hold
Of course a big negative ATM is the lack of 3rd-party apps that are truly compatible with WM5, but this is hardly the fault of HTC or the mobile operators.
So, the hardware is excellent (with the exception of the cameras and WiFi reception) but the OS-bundled software is flawed. Hopefully we'll get ROM updates that will improve things, just like we did for earlier HTC machines.
jah said:
@sl9, I can only manage one day of use from my Exec's battery. I have been very careful with it from new. My Nokia 9500 with similar use can give me twice the life of the Exec battery. With the Exec if you use BT and forget to shutdown PIE you could run out of battery while you think the unit is "off/standby".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then I would say your battery may be faulty. Do you have wi-fi on?
With bluetooth on permenantly, my MDA PRO lasts for 3~ days on one charge. Without bluetooth, it lasts for 4-5 days.
I'm a fairly light user though, 1 short voice call a day on average, although I do open it up and turn on the screen about 10 times a day to check for reminders, text, notes etc.
Perhaps you are a much heavier user of it than I am? Even so, battery life on your device does seem unusually short
@sl9,
Without BT I get 3.5 hours of use with a combination of eBooks, PIM, email & web browsing (50% using 3G). With BT on that reduces to 3 hours. I use my Nokia in a similar was as a phone, ebook reader, PDA, etc. This is my second Universal as I had a JJ before the Exec and the JJ's battery life was a little worst. This level of use is not unusual for a business user who also travels a lot.
SiliconS said:
I echo everything sl9 has said. The most important positives for me are:
- persistent storage
- WM5 means I never have to use my stylus, except for 3rd-party apps that haven't caught up yet
- full keyboard makes SMS a breeze
- some very useful touches in the software, like the easy switch on/off of BT and WiFi using just a couple of keyboard presses
- flexible and automatic speaker usage depending on the machine's orientation
- the way the thing feels in your hands (cool/cold, solid, 'tight'): it's nice to hold
- the VGA screen for browsing, Excel, calendar, contacts, ListPro and Today screen (I'm in proper VGA mode)
- battery lasts days for me, but I'm probably a lighter user than y'all and now (because most are awful on WM5) have no 3rd-party apps except PocketZenPhone, TomTom and ListPro (per day: 8 hrs Bluetooth, 1 hr phone, 10 SMS, 1 hr general use, 30 mins WiFi browsing)
- stability: Haven't done a reset in a week or so. I never force-close apps, but rely on WM5 to handle it. I have no idea how much program memory I have free, and I don't care: it just works
- Microsoft's contacts app is very good for keyboard-only use: makes dialling a contact easy
- there are some neat improvements in the UI, such as the way BT comes on automatically when you choose 'ActiveSync over Bluetooth', and headset mode is always on automatically if BT is on and the machine has found your headset to pair with
Negatives for me:
- WiFi reception is very poor
- OEM-supplied voice dial is poor. I hate having to record voice tags, and it's not 100% reliable with detection. This could be my HBH-65 headset though. Sometimes the voice dial prompt cuts in when I'm trying to answer a call on the headset :evil:
- Microsoft's calendar app is very very weak, as is PocketIE, and PocketOutlook for emails
- the phone app should scale to VGA properly and it should have a built-in T9 contact finder (the O2-supplied 'Smart Dialler' doesn't take advantage of the hardware keyboard, so is pointless)
- speaking of which, O2's bundled software is pointless and unhelpful
Umm....
- oh yeah: the cameras are still very weak and useful only for taking emergency pictures, such as recording car accidents that you have and newsworthy moments
- the camera flash is useless as a camera flash, but very good as a torch, if only the machine had an easy way of using this feature
- the hardware application buttons aren't as programmable or flexible as they could/should be. I wish we could program each button through the OS for both Press and Press-'n-Hold
Of course a big negative ATM is the lack of 3rd-party apps that are truly compatible with WM5, but this is hardly the fault of HTC or the mobile operators.
So, the hardware is excellent (with the exception of the cameras and WiFi reception) but the OS-bundled software is flawed. Hopefully we'll get ROM updates that will improve things, just like we did for earlier HTC machines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
woah! your negatives sure scares the daylights out of me!
- bad wifi reception??? what seems to be the problem???! for me, this is going to be really important!
- bad camera quality? how bad is it??? I saw a few pictures taken from the universal on a couple review sites, and they looked pretty good! am i missing something? (damn i didnt play around enough with the camera when i had the device with me the last week )
S
Well, the WiFi is hard to measure, but the range is nowhere near as good as my HP laptop. I struggle to get a signal on my Exec if I'm not within about 4 metres of my Access Point in my house. (Standard modern house, thin internal wooden walls.) I can use my laptop anywhere in the house (up to 10 metres away) and in the garden too, but no chance with the Universal. I need to move the Access Point.
As for the camera, I guess it's subjective, but I wouldn't rely on it for decent photos. It's OK for times when you just have to record an image but you're not needing to print it out. Here's a comparison between my Universal and a 4 year-old 2 MPixel Canon Ixus300. Both photos without flash, because the Universal's flash has no effect on photos when the subject is more than a metre from the lens. Both photos are at 640x480 and at the same compression level (filesize 38KB). Neither camera is at its native resolution, to make it a realistic comparison.
Edit: moved photos to a new thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=33960
Hmm. Not sure why they don't both appear as thumbnails. :roll:
Forgot to add: Universal was in 'Night' ambience mode.
Edit: Incidentally, when you take pictures at the Universal's native resolution (1280x1024) the quality is better, but the same problems are there: poor light sensitivity, poor light colouration, blurred focus, indistinct details etc.
It's better, but a long way from good.
And don't forget, the Canon camera is old now: 4 years. Just 2 MPixel - only twice that of the Universal.
Edit edit: Moved photos to a new thread so they don't break this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=33960
@SiliconS
thats a nice comparison shot! ( still wondering if you took them both with similar lighting conditions!!! )
i did read that the universal is fairly bad with "colors" as such....guess we have to live with it!
with the wifi range issue....gosh!! 4metres??? tell me your joking please!
S
dreamtheater39 said:
thats a nice comparison shot! ( still wondering if you took them both with similar lighting conditions!!! )
i did read that the universal is fairly bad with "colors" as such....guess we have to live with it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same room. Same lighting. Photos just one minute apart.
It's not really much better than my XDA2. Just bigger resolution. Low-light shots are really not its strong point though. Only by comparison can you see how bad it really is.
dreamtheater39 said:
with the wifi range issue....gosh!! 4metres??? tell me your joking please!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry - I'm serious. Maybe others can confirm, or tell me that mine is worse than theirs. It's hard to measure objectively though.
You have to be kidding about the 4m WiFi range. I have the router placed in my bedroom and i can actually connect 2 rooms away which are in serial. Oh and there are 2 concrete walls in between.
I still get 2 bars inspite of all this. If you call this weak, then i dont know what to say.
Regarding the camera, its oodles better than the xda2 or the xda2s. It is also much better than the JAM, but then again these are not very good standards to compare to. Yes, it is not as good as Nokia or SE but if the camera is the reason one decides not to buy this device, then this device is clearly not for you.
Yeah, the camera sucks. Who cares? The rest of what's on the Uni - the critical stuff - works great. Quality in a cell phone camera is few years off ...
universaldoc said:
You have to be kidding about the 4m WiFi range. I have the router placed in my bedroom and i can actually connect 2 rooms away which are in serial. Oh and there are 2 concrete walls in between.
I still get 2 bars inspite of all this. If you call this weak, then i dont know what to say.
Regarding the camera, its oodles better than the xda2 or the xda2s. It is also much better than the JAM, but then again these are not very good standards to compare to. Yes, it is not as good as Nokia or SE but if the camera is the reason one decides not to buy this device, then this device is clearly not for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi universaldoc!
i currently have an xda2 running on wm5! So when i junk my device and buy a new one, i'd first of all see what are the pluses i get by making such a decision.....
heres what i can count -
1. Awesome keyboard (i really love it!)
2. VGA screen (finally!)
3. Built in Wifi
4. Better Camera
5. 3G support (currently useless to me....but its still good!)
6. The cool factor???
7. 10MB more device root space??
8. I'm running out of points!!!
Having said that....I still have bought my universal (but i'm waiting for it get here :evil: ) only because, i'm a god damned gadget freak and wouldnt mind trading away my spare kidney for one!
I'm just reconfirming my buy....the "reality hits" phase....you know???!!
San
I totally agree with all the positives already mentioned. As far as negatives are concerned, I have none. I love my O2 XDA Exec!
One point I'd like to mention though. My XDA Exec has GREAT WiFi. When I was setting-up my MSN Messenger, my Exec detected 4 different access points including my own. I happen to notice my neighbors' access point which I helped her setup included in the list. Now, she lives about 3 apartments down, so you can just imagine the lenght and obstacles my Exec has to traverse.
I don't have wi-fi yet though hoping to get it sorted in the next month or so. Though on the odd occasion I've switched the Exec's on, I've picked up stuff that must be about 30 - 40 metres away. I know for sure I picked up my cousin's network from around 20 metres outside his house the other week - and he lives in a converted barn with thick interior / exterior walls!
Regarding everyone else's positives and negatives, I agree with most. The camera is a LOT better, and is better than the 2.0MP one we had up to a few months ago. However, it's certainly not the main reason for buying a phone and certainly not in a feature-rich device such as the Exec. The pose factor alone is worth it, especially when sat in laptop mode in the car :wink:
It's 3G. It's an awesome looking bit of kit. One or two niggles in the software that will be ironed out. It's inspired 3 of my colleagues and bosses at work to get one. Less kit to carry around between home and work (no cradle, just a lead). VGA screen - which I STILL look at in awe sometimes. I didn't think I'd get to like landscape mode, but now I LOVE it.
Best XDA by far for me, and I've had most :wink:
Cheers
Ant
if else is positive, the main negative would be the response to incoming phone calls especially thru BT headset :evil: ... you would be lucky to take it from the 1st time ... usually it takes 2-3 sec which is more than enough for the caller to hang up :evil:
Believe it or not ... I use the Universal now only for data activities (e-mail, net, ...) and I have to carry my old i-mate for phone things ... nice scene ... huh ? :x
I can't wait to see a real update for the Radio ROM
ohh ... and a one hell missing feature ... a secondary LCD on the cover to avoid opening the screen just to see who's calling ... a very simple idea you find on almost all flapping mobile phones!!!!
Hi. I think I promised to tell my feelings of the Samsung slab after I got it, so here goes:
tl;dr: I like it very much, almost perfect for what I want it to be.
Specs we all know, so not much point brooding over that.
(EDIT: For those of you who want to know: Froyo.XWJJ3 / Baseband P1000XXJID / Kernel 2.6.32.9)
Price: I'm paying 32.90€/month for mine, no other charges. Unlimited data/calls are part of my earlier contract. I think it's worth it, even though the price is quite high compared to, for example, the states.
First impression: Sturdy, heavy. Perfect size. NICE display.
Usage
Browser: Otherwise butter-smooth (pinch-to-zoon is smooooth), but somehow scrolling is really jerky. I don't like that, but it's not THAT bad.
Camera: Sucks balls. It's easy enough to use and that 7" display is a treat to use as a viewfinder, but really, the camera is bad. Much worse than SGS's. (Still pictures, I haven't tried video.) I haven't really tried in good like outside (hard this time of year here), but inside the pictures suck. No way to say it nicer, sorry.
Interface: I hate TouchWiz. The stupid "you-are-on-screen-#" at the top spoils the look and makes it impossible to arrange widgets so that the topmost looks good. The Application Drawer is .. I don't know.. infernal? If there wasn't LauncherPro Plus available for such a small price, that alone would've made me re-think the purchase. I can't comment on the smoothness of TouchWiz on Tab since I installed LP+ after just about 20min of use. LP+ on the other hand, is butter-smooth. I really like it even though it only supports the standard 4x4 grid of icons (or, with the option I always keep selected, 4x5 grid).
I don't use the included mail client since I only use Gmail. No comments on that. The calendar is really good, it fits my usage perfectly. the Notes app is about the same as in SGS and I couldn't really live without it anymore. I use it too much
The reader's hub is rather pointless here, since the newpaper AND magazine parts aren't yet activated. Only the books work, and since it's the Kobo reader, it only supports the kobo-store and can't import ePubs (at least I couldn't find the option). Sucked balls, but at least Samsung included the "eBook" app by Aldiko.
Which, weirdly, is NOT the same app that is included with the SGS. The Tab's version is waaay better with more options to view/arrange the books and looks nicer with page transition animations. Weirdly though, it takes RREEAALY long to load a book if it has many pages. Much, much longer than the free Aldiko app takes on the same Tab. I like the free app so it doesn't matter that much.
The speakers aren't really that great. Much, much better than SGS, but that isn't much to say, SGS's speakers suck deep. You aren't going to enjoy listening music via the speakers, but I don't think anyone expected that anyway. They are good enough for game sounds and voice calls.
Incidentally, call quality is top-notch compared to Desire or SGS. I can't see why I wouldn't use the Tab as a primary phone al the time (other than the fact that I own the SGS already and carry it with me anyways). If you have something private to talk about, use headset (or a separete phone as I do with SGS. Since they all work with the same contract via MultiSIM, I can use every device interchangeably as they all ring the same time and calls come from the same number regardless of what device I call from.)
Size: YES IT DOES FIT. (sorry) Unlike some other forum members seem to think (and now that I really own the Tab, I REALLY call shenanigans on some parts of that said member's writings, or his sanity, depends) the Tab IS pocketable. I only own TWO pairs of trousers that I can't fit the tab in. I only carry it in front pockets so I can't comment on back pocketing ability) The build quality is SUPERB it doesn't, really doesn't feel like plastic-y like the SGS. When that one member commented something about breaking the Tab in half, he was either Trolling on purpose, or he had been trolled BADLY in the first place. The Tab is really sturdy and I couldn't bend it if I wanted to, much less BREAK it. The front is covered with Gorilla Glass for added protection.
It IS rather heavy, so I don't expect to carry it around in any trousers that don't sport a belt, but that's not really a problem. I don't use jeans at all, so don't know about those.
It DOES NOT recharge when connected to a computer via an USB port. The supplied charger, however is standard-looking adapter that plugs into a mains socket and has an USB-port on the top. I will test to see if the tab recharges from a) two usb ports on a computer connected with y-cable, like some 3G modems need or b) 3rd-party USB-charger like that one Samsung supplied (but goes around 5€ rather than ~30€ for the Samsung one...)
Somehow the Tab downloads/installs programs REALLY much faster than the SGS and it doesn't have the "SGS-lag" Supercurio is so adapt at fixing. I haven't tried any benchmarks for scoring, but based on pure opinion and usage, I'd bet that the Tab DOES NOT utilize the same RFS partitions as the SGS. At least it doesn't act like the SGS, which is all good and cool
The battery lasts long, but with only two days of use I can't comment more. I'll just say that as it came pre-charged and I played with it the whole day, it was only down to ~45% in the late evening.
Please, do ask questions about the Tab and I'll answer as much as I can. And I'll add more info about it after a few more days of use.
Thank you for your feedback here.
I also own it for two weeks now and I 100% agree with your comments and experience .
It is the best android device I ever owned to date (and I owned MANY).
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
I agree about that "best android device" statement. I really like this Tab a lot.
A couple more bits of info:
Sadly, no, you CANNOT recharge the thing with either a) or b) options. I was using a Deltaco -branded 5€ mains-socket -style usb charger rated with 1A and the Tab refused to work. Also same when connected to computer via y-cable adapter that came with Huawei's 3G modem (takes power from both usb-ports).
The supplied charger is rated at 2A, which might be the point here. I'll continue to search for a 3rd-party charger that would work because I really, really don't feel like ordering any number of the original Samsung adapters at that price.
The screen: OK - it's not a SuperAMOLED screen, which I'm DEEPLY in love with in the SGS. It is just pure bliss and heaven watching that 4" screen with so vibrant colors and awesome contrast - nothing even comes close.
But. It's no standard TFT either. I'd say it's just on par with normal AMOLED/SuperLCD screens used in the HTC Desire currently. Definitely better than the HTC Hero's screen. The black is not as black as SGS's SuperAMOLED but otherwise the color reproduction is quite close to that. It's crisp and contrasty enough.
I'm not complaining at all
Thanks for the review man
Its great to see that the battery is up to some heavy usage and that its nice and smooth to use.
As soon as vodafone gets its act together and puts them up for order here, I'll have mine 24 hours after that Still can't believe that its so close to release and there's no prices *grumble*
This has been discussed before... the tab will charge over powered USB. Just very, very slowly.
The USB can be plugged into an Apple Iphone socket and used in the wall as well to charge....
ftgg99 said:
This has been discussed before... the tab will charge over powered USB. Just very, very slowly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'd really like this to be true. But unfortunately at least my Tab doesn't. Or then it recharges REALLY slow, I mean less than 1% in 3 hours. I tried.
Mine just displays the charge icon overlaid by a circle with a slash when connected to any other than the supplied charger.
I don't own an iphone so can't try that charger.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Just a correction, with launcher pro you can have even a 10x10 grid, the option is under homescreen settings
Sent from my Galaxy Tab
Azhad said:
Just a correction, with launcher pro you can have even a 10x10 grid, the option is under homescreen settings
Sent from my Galaxy Tab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not REALLY, no. It's just a grid to arrange the icons, it's not "the real thing". As in, with that columns/rows option, LP just crops/cuts the icons/widgets and sticks them to the screen. MOST of the time this just looks HORRIBLE. There's another option that allows the real 4x5 grid, and that's what I'm talking about. The columns/rows option is just a "virtual" grid over the "real" one.
Ok, I don't make much sense, but try it. I wouldn't keep those options up more than absolutely necessary, they destroy any semblance of nice visuals there is
EDIT: Hookay, TRY before speaking... I was talking with the experience of using that option in the Galaxy S.. on Tab it ACTUALLY looks kinda good... I admit, my fault. -> I'm now using a grid of 6x7 and it looks mighty good - thanks for that mate!
AnttiV said:
Well, I'd really like this to be true. But unfortunately at least my Tab doesn't. Or then it recharges REALLY slow, I mean less than 1% in 3 hours. I tried.
Mine just displays the charge icon overlaid by a circle with a slash when connected to any other than the supplied charger.
I don't own an iphone so can't try that charger.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will charge faster off a powered hub or one of the ports at the back of your pc. Im using a dlink port replicator and when the tab is plugged in i can play angry birds without losing battery...
ftgg99 said:
It will charge faster off a powered hub or one of the ports at the back of your pc. Im using a dlink port replicator and when the tab is plugged in i can play angry birds without losing battery...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always (regarding phones, at least) use a powered hub (or my G19 keyboard, which acts like a powered hub anyways), or the aforementioned Deltaco-brand charger that outputs 1A (double the amount of a powered usb port) but still no dice. My Tab just DOES NOT recharge on anything else that I have available than the supplied 2A-rated Samsung charger. I haven't tried y-cabling two of those, but honestly, that is going a bit too far
Fortunately, recharging the Tab is not that an issue as it is with the SGS, I'm still only down to 52% battery and I last recharged yesterday evening-ish or so. Played with it a lot and read late at night. Been surfing and doing stuff the whole day with it. I'm guessing from current battery drain that I can get around 20h of near-constant use out of it, which is way more than I expected so I'm very happy with it.
AnttiV said:
Since they all work with the same contract via MultiSIM, I can use every device interchangeably as they all ring the same time and calls come from the same number regardless of what device I call from.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please give further information on this ~ as in where you got the SIM's from, how much, what kind of tariff, etc. etc.
I would dearly love to use the same SIM contract on both my Galaxy S & Tab.
Beards said:
Can you please give further information on this ~ as in where you got the SIM's from, how much, what kind of tariff, etc. etc.
I would dearly love to use the same SIM contract on both my Galaxy S & Tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it is kind of standard here in Finland for operators to offer such service. Mine is from Saunalahti. The original contract is from 2006? or 2008 I don't really remember. It includes 3000 min of calls to the same (and parent/sister) operator. Monthly payment is 0€. (it was originally like this because I took a phone at the same time.)
Later I added a data plan to it that's 13.90€ per month, includes unlimited data at unlimited speed (depends on network) and MultiSIM for up to 5 devices total. All features of the original and data plans are accessible from all the five devices simultaneously except sms messages only arrive to the device with the original sim card.
Well, that's it, really.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
AnttiV said:
Well, it is kind of standard here in Finland for operators to offer such service. Mine is from Saunalahti. The original contract is from 2006? or 2008 I don't really remember. It includes 3000 min of calls to the same (and parent/sister) operator. Monthly payment is 0€. (it was originally like this because I took a phone at the same time.)
Later I added a data plan to it that's 13.90€ per month, includes unlimited data at unlimited speed (depends on network) and MultiSIM for up to 5 devices total. All features of the original and data plans are accessible from all the five devices simultaneously except sms messages only arrive to the device with the original sim card.
Well, that's it, really.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks..... Appreciated.
If anyone in the UK has heard of a similar deal I would be very interested.
I'm currently on T-Mobile and they told me they do not do multi-SIM deals.
I seem to remember Tesco selling two cards for one some time back but this has now stopped.
Thanks in advance.
My opinions are here.
Clowneh said:
Yeah I got mine at lunchtime on Monday from CPW on Oxford Street. Came with a free 16GB memory card. I ended up going for the £500 deal + £10 monthly contract.
First impressions are that it's just a big phone. It does everything my HD2 loaded with Android 2.2 does, perhaps a little bit less! My tab does seem to like streaming my mp4 files from a http server even though they stream on my phone. Another minor minor quibble is that the Facebook contacts don't sync pictures with my current contacts but I'm not too arsed about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I can tell, the Tab has almost exactly the same internal hardware as the Galaxy S line of phones, so the only real difference is a larger screen (and no SAMOLED screen). It's also more expensive and less portable.
Does the 7" screen really add all that much to the experience?
Is there any point in owning a Tab in addition to a smartphone?
Disclaimer: I have a Samsung Captivate and I'm trying to justify my lust for the Tab
Portability isn't really diminished as much as you might think. My Tab lives in my inner coat pocket when I'm not at home or at the office. During the day, I even have it in my jeans front pocket quite often. No problem whatsoever, even walking up stairs or sitting at a table it doesn't actually feel uncomfortable.
Postal76 said:
Is there any point in owning a Tab in addition to a smartphone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your case, you couldn't replace your phone with the Tab - the US versions will all have the ability to make and receive calls removed.
So you'd need some sort of phone to go with it, though not necessarily a smartphone.
It's all down to personal preference.
And I understand your angst, I'm in the same position - I really want the Tab but I can't work out how I would use it, it's a bit big to replace my phone with it but I can't see the point in carrying two such similar devices and having to pay for a second SIM for data access.
Whilst the Tab is much more portable than an iPad, I really don't see it as a daily carry device (which in my case is an HTC Desire).
I've been waiting for a decent Android tablet for ages now, and the main reasons that I wanted one are:
1. Surfing at home whilst on the sofa or in bed.
2. Personal Media Player
3. Holidays and business travelling (mostly for both the above functions - not for a commute though as the Desire is more than adequate for that)
If there had been a WiFi only version available in the UK, I'd probably have got that as I already have a mobile broadband contract and a MiFi, but since it wasn't I've just tucked the broadband SIM I was already paying for into the Tab and I can still use it as MiFi - albeit a much larger one. As an aside, I wonder if the WiFi only Tab will ship with the Google Apps, because I was under the impression that Google would not licence these to any device that wasn't a "phone" (i.e. have a cellular radio).
Having now got the Tab, I can see myself playing games on it far more frequently than I did on my phone. Also, for work purposes, it is much easier to use Logmein on my Tab than it is on the Desire so it becomes a very useful remote support tool.
It won't replace my Kindle 3, because an E-Ink device is infinitely superior when reading for an extended duration, and it won't replace my phone as my primary communication device, but it definitely serves other purposes far better (thus far) than either of the other two aforementioned devices.
To the OP - the larger screen and resolution makes a massive difference to the overall web experience. Laying on the sofa this morning browsing the web, I never felt the need to reach for my Macbook laying on the coffee table, which I would often do when using my phone.
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
It won't replace my Kindle 3, because an E-Ink device is infinitely superior when reading for an extended duration, and it won't replace my phone as my primary communication device, but it definitely serves other purposes far better (thus far) than either of the other two aforementioned devices.
To the OP - the larger screen and resolution makes a massive difference to the overall web experience. Laying on the sofa this morning browsing the web, I never felt the need to reach for my Macbook laying on the coffee table, which I would often do when using my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm totally with you on that. I posted some feedback in this discussion thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=9047925#post9047925
I obtained the Galaxy Tab although I use a HTC Desire for some months.
I think, these two Android devices are a perfect combination and the Tab amends all the things I missed with the Desire regarding size.
The Tab is quite ideal for surfing when being aways from my PC (watching TV, traveling, sitting in an office, meeting or anywhere else). Its huge screen allows a real good usage. But it is still small enough to put it into the jacket or trouser pocket if necessary (eg. in case of bad weather). Also compared with the larger IPad, it can be grabed with one hand.
As o2 offers multicard (up to 3 sim cards sharing the same number, allowing user defined call and sms routing and sharing the same data plan with concurrent data use without additional costs except 25 euros for the sim card itself), I can use the Tab to its full extent.
As both use the same os, I can use all the apps I'm used to and which are already installed on my Desire. Moreover, even the paid variants can be installed on both devices. They can share the same information and have the same look&feel.
Yet I did not have any problems with an app not running properly on the Tab.
For surfing, playing a game, reading mails or pds, the Tab is much more suiteable.
And for occasions, where I cannot or will not carry the Tab with me as well as for make phone calls, the Desire is at hand. But due to the capability to dynamicly assign phone/sms calls to a certain sim, I can also leave the desire and do not have to carry two devices.
The battery life of the Tab is (as being used to the poor live of the Desire of 10-15 hours) excellent.
Moreover, when directly comparing Desire and Tab, the receiption of the Tab is significantly better than the Desire's, allowing to use the internet even in areas where the Desire has no signal anymore.
After I finally got OpenVPN also working, my overall assessment is: High price, but worth it's money and an excellent combination together with an Android 2.2 PDA.
akxak said:
As o2 offers multicard (up to 3 sim cards sharing the same number, allowing user defined call and sms routing and sharing the same data plan with concurrent data use without additional costs except 25 euros for the sim card itself)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, such services are not available in the UK.
It would simplify things a lot for me if they did.
Out of interest, can you change the routing of calls and texts at any time?
Step666 said:
Out of interest, can you change the routing of calls and texts at any time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, at any time by a simple sequency entered in the phone independently for calls, sms, mms.
Beside this, a preferred device can be defined which receives calls/sms when connected to the network automatically.
The GSM technology easily allows this as sim card and phone number are connected via HLR and the rights of a single sim card are also defined in the HLR. There can be sim cards booked into the network without having an active phone number.
Thanks for elaborating for me.
I'm really annoyed now that services like that aren't offered here.
I'm actually in the exact same situation as foxmeister/Dave above...
I have a HTC Desire.
I have a laptop (mine being Sony Vaio TZ).
I have an e-ink device (mine being Sony Reader PRS-505).
And also worth noting is that I just put together a grunty desktop PC for my software development.
I thought long and hard as to whether the Galaxy Tab would fit a use-case but for me the most important factor was the recent desktop PC build, which kind of phases the laptop (which is getting a bit old and run-down now). I see my Galaxy Tab as being mainly for couch surfing/emailing, controlling my desktop, and for my travels abroad. My HTC Desire serves the phone/calls, light surfing/emailing on the go, and the Galaxy Tab handles those duties while at home (apart from the calls).
I don't want a heavier 10" device as I find them clumsy for casual couch use (not to mention too heavy for extended sessions). Galaxy tab fits the bill and makes the games like Castle Warriers, Angry Birds, etc that much nicer. It will never replace my Sony Reader though, as that is fine since they are both approx 7" in size they travel well together anyway.
I now have a Galaxy S and a Tab, both feel like completely different devices.
I have the Galaxy S already and love it now it's on 2.2.1...
I have been tempted for the Galaxy Tab for a while but could never justify its expense. Now it appears to be quite a bit cheaper and Im sure I could rustle up some cash to sort out a purchase.
But with a 3 MP camera on the back and still no stupid PopCap games, is it worth it?
It's only a 7 inch screen - so it's quite a bit bigger than the Galaxy S, I guess it could be used for media, surfing the internet, Video etc, and it isn't the size of a laptop like the iPad...
To those who actually have it, what do you use it for?
Perhaps I can invent a solid reason for having more than "Im drooling, so I must get it".
Right now I have and use it as my one and only phone. I also use it for still continuing to learn Android development.
After my Spica got stolen, I struggled for a few months using a cheap Samsung 1080m I got for purchasing a new Samsung monitor, and after months of saving I bought the SGT. It hasn't disappointed me since, and I really think it's worth it because of the devs here in XDA.
If you're following latest tech/gadget news, sales of the SGT hasn't been too good and the return rates are high. But I'm guessing those are the typical consumers who don't go beyond simply buying the Tab and learning how to tweak it -- which should be normal case.
I'm assuming since you're in this forum, you would know your own way into tweaking, flashing ROMs and stuff, and that's a very big plus because honestly right off the box the SGT isn't really that sweet save for the tablet-optimized apps Samsung made.
Now as for how I use it, here's a little bit info about me:
During my undergrad CS course (which I graduated from 4 months ago) I was lucky enough to be part of a ladderized MSCS offering wherein we would be taking BS and MS courses alongside each other so that after graduating BS, we would only have a few months of MS left.
Fast forward, my MS is being paid by a university partner which in turn employs qualified students as full time consultants.
So how do I use my tab, well basically:
it's my primary phone, I bring it to me every where, I never put it inside my bag.
occasionally I would get emails from my adviser telling me I would have to present my thesis in some class, and when I'm on the go I usually just edit my existing documents and presentations on the tab, tweaking a few slides for the audience
I sometimes don't bring anything to presentations other than the tab, since I can load up my slides to thin clients hooked up to projectors deployed in my university, and I can control my slides from the tab
the camera, well, it sucks, unless you're in broad daylight, or in a place with extremely good lighting. i generally use it for taking pictures on random trips with friends, wherein I don't get to bring my SLR.
also used as my portable music player, as well as video player when I'm on the plane
when I'm in the train, which I take everyday for 2 hours back and forth from my house, I use the tab to read tech and research papers for my thesis
work requires me to be in constant communication so my email is always ready when im on the go.
hd games.
For some people the SGT may not be worth it, but for my case, it's worth every single peso I've saved. I think it's even worth me losing my poor old Spica.
The tab was worth it to me
And i use it everyday when im at work and usely watch like 4 too 7 shows on it and browse the net and also listen to pandora on 3g which i use it as my mp3 player and when i use it, it ony uses like 20mbs depends how many music you listen to but so far the 3g was worth it and lasts pretty decent which is ony 2gb but so far i ony used 300mbs of it which i had almost a month now.
I also play games on it, And when i get home i usely still have like 70% and sometimes down too 30% when i use it heavy so battery life is also really good on it which is the main thing for me because i use to take my netbook or laptop with me and the battery's ony lasted 3 too 4hours max so this replaced my netbook and laptop
I use too watch my videos on my zune hd which was nice but going from 3in too 7in is really a big improvement!
And the camera i say its pretty decent which i was suprized when i first took the first pic, And it beats some of my 5 and 6mp cameras, And i haven't had a problem in the dark taking pics sense the flash really lights everything up, Sure it doesn't hold a candle to SLRs but its pretty decent when you just want to take pics for fun or show people pics over the net.
But ya the tab is worth it to me and i also got a great deal from were i bought it from which is hsn so i get to pay payments and will get a 300$ back plus i got 70$ back from them because it didn't have some apps on it which was suppose to come with it, So it will be like 300 something ony
Personally, i'd wait for the Honeycomb equipped Motorola XOOM tablet
Sent from The Chaotic Void
zanderman112 said:
Personally, i'd wait for the Honeycomb equipped Motorola XOOM tablet
Sent from The Chaotic Void
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, it's too big to be used as a phone.
It you get a t-mobile or at&t tab movieyou can always flash it to make phone calls that's a big plus. I have a Vibrant but now its a backup to my tab. I have also installed media hub and i am now building my movie library for when on the go. Very happy and i got it when it first came out and payed full price and not disappointed.
Sent from my SGH-I987 using XDA App
sjdean said:
I have the Galaxy S already and love it now it's on 2.2.1...
I have been tempted for the Galaxy Tab for a while but could never justify its expense. Now it appears to be quite a bit cheaper and Im sure I could rustle up some cash to sort out a purchase.
But with a 3 MP camera on the back and still no stupid PopCap games, is it worth it?
It's only a 7 inch screen - so it's quite a bit bigger than the Galaxy S, I guess it could be used for media, surfing the internet, Video etc, and it isn't the size of a laptop like the iPad...
To those who actually have it, what do you use it for?
Perhaps I can invent a solid reason for having more than "Im drooling, so I must get it".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wait for the xoom!
Its a real tablet with great specs
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G using tapatalk!
Well i first tryed one of those cheapish china made 7" tablets with good specs but once i got it i found out how bad a tablet could be, so 3 days later i went out and bought the SGT and quickly sold the china tablet at a very low price.
Now i am 100% sure that buying the SGT was the best move i ever made and really wish i'd bought it before i bought the cheap one.
Things i use my SGT for are:
Web surfing.
Watching Videos.
Music.
Bank account app.
Games.
Appointments.
Emails.
Navigation (Google Navigation, Copilot).
Comic Viewer/Reading.
Ebook Reader.
News Reader.
BedSide Clock and Alarm.
And my lastest thing is popping to the shops (PC World, Currys, Etc) and using the new Amazon UK App to scan bar codes to see how much cheaper i can get them online.
Phone calls and most texting i still use my HTC Desire, But i do sometimes use the SGT to text as the onscreen keyboard is better to type with.
But now i could not live without my SGT.
The Tab is my only phone, but since I only get 2 or 3 calls a day, that is not important.
Mostly I use the Tab for checking my e-mail, catching up on news, and being in a foreign country (South Korea) I use it to watch English movies and TV programs.
It is also a great e-book reader, music player and, when I can find them, a great game player. (Games are still under pending approval by the government here is South Korea.) It is also a great alarm clock.
When I travel I use a GPS Navigation app to keep track of where I am. When I go by bus, Google Maps keeps me up to date on where I am so I can judge when I need to call my friends to come pick me up. Traffic can get bad here on holidays, and my usual 2 hour bus trip turned into 4 1/2 hours due to Lunar New Year. (Happy Lunar New Year to all of you too!)
I also use it to check on my work papers and do any editing I need. Plus, the two note taking apps, one Speech to text, the other Sketch Memo, come in handy when I have an idea I need to keep.
And finally, the Korean/English dictionary has been a life saver more than once!!
The cameras come in handy when I go to the store and someone asks me to pick up something for them. I take a picture of the item and show it to the store clerks!
In short, I love my Tab, and think that anything bigger would be too big, and anything smaller would be too small. The size fits in my bag or pocket, it is big enough to read on, and the keyboard is usable, although not full size.
I have not rooted my Tab, and have found no real need to do so as the apps I can suit my needs.
I would recommend getting a case of some sort, just to protect it from accidents.
I have been using mine for the last 2 months and it mostly replaced my need for basic things done on the laptop - video, internet etc.
I can only say I am happy with mine, although I am curious as to what will happen regarding Honeycomb.
If nothing, Xoom - here I come
How do you use phone and data at the same time on the Tab?
I put my phones TMOUS sim card in it and only had cell service. The web would take me to a T-Mobile site only using a Euro ROM.
One thing about the xoom tab is, its not a 7in tab, 7in is a great size and i wouldint want anything bigger because if i want something bigger i just go back to my 12in netbook lol but the galaxy tab replaced it so for now on i want 7in tabs. And how would i put a 10in tab or bigger in my pocket? Lol the galaxy tab fits in my big pockets and for the pass 2 weeks i been using it as my mp3 player which i listen to pandora over 3g which is very nice
If i wanted a bigger tab i wouldve just got a ipad but i decided on the gtab and few days later i got my hands on a ipad at work to mess around with and it just seem to big. at first i thought the gtab was to.small when i was oordering it but when i got it i really like the size and its not to small or big.
codewisp said:
Personally, it's too big to be used as a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because its not a phone.
sjdean said:
I have the Galaxy S already and love it now it's on 2.2.1...
I have been tempted for the Galaxy Tab for a while but could never justify its expense. Now it appears to be quite a bit cheaper and Im sure I could rustle up some cash to sort out a purchase.
But with a 3 MP camera on the back and still no stupid PopCap games, is it worth it?
It's only a 7 inch screen - so it's quite a bit bigger than the Galaxy S, I guess it could be used for media, surfing the internet, Video etc, and it isn't the size of a laptop like the iPad...
To those who actually have it, what do you use it for?
Perhaps I can invent a solid reason for having more than "Im drooling, so I must get it".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its worth it, but i suggest wait for MWC.
spirit32 said:
because its not a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a phone in North America.
Most places elsewhere it has phone functionality out of the box. Even in North America, GSM Tabs can be flashed to allow phone calls.
Regards,
Dave
Thanks for the feedback guys.
Sometimes I do wonder about technology. I mean, what can I do better on a Tablet that I actually did before. I mean really, why do I need it?
But there is web browins, video, music, youtube, ebooks, online magazines, note taking, document editing, email and probably a lot more, like get an OBDII connector and you have a car monitor. All on a big 7inch screen.
The £200 worth of media you can get is great too!
Im very very tempted considering the price at the moment, but Im wondering what the next version would bring us.
I hear talk of Dual Core processors. I'd be interested to see if Samsung were really serious, whether we'll get things like full HDMI connectivity, WiFi N, 32 Gig memory on board, Better Cameras and Stereo Speakers.
What is the current Galaxy Tab like for Speakers, TV Connectivity and Wireless?
Can it playback DivX?
Thanks
Simon
Personally, I love my Tab. It has truly changed the way I consume media.
Prior to the Tab, I used to switch between my phone (HTC Desire) and laptop when at home, and used my phone pretty much exclusively when out and about.
Now, I only tend to use my laptop for work, and at home or out I use my Tab for web browsing, video, music etc. My phone (now a Desire HD) has become very much just a phone for the most part, but there are always odd occasions (going down the pub etc) when I don't want to take my Tab with me even though it is portable.
I've had my Tab since it was first released, and I don't regret a minute of it. Having said all that, I probably wouldn't buy one right now, simply because there's likely to be a Tab 2 (and other 7" tablets) coming out very soon, and I would be inclined to wait now until they are released to see (a) if they are much better, or (b) if it causes the Tab's price to drop.
I'm still pretty certain that the Tab will get Honeycomb, and if it does I doubt I will replace it for another few months.
Regards,
Dave
sjdean said:
What is the current Galaxy Tab like for Speakers, TV Connectivity and Wireless?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Internal speakers are ok - not going to win any fidelity awards, but definitely ok.
As to TV connectivity - you have 3 choices:
DLNA streaming
Analogue TV out (via additional cable).
HDMI TV out (via multimedia dock).
Can it playback DivX?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it can.
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
It's not a phone in North America.
Most places elsewhere it has phone functionality out of the box. Even in North America, GSM Tabs can be flashed to allow phone calls.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well im not talking about galaxy tab. im talking about xoom.
spirit32 said:
well im not talking about galaxy tab. im talking about xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry! You're right! Missed that the post you commented on was referring to the Xoom!
Dave
I'm sold on the 7 inch form factor. The camera has actually been outstanding because at the size and shape and the speed that it takes pictures you can really capture stuff you can't get with other cameras. It's blazing fast between shots so even if you take like 1 blurry picture if you keep snapping you get tons of good shots. There is practically no pause between taking shots.. It's crazy. Wish all cameras were like this.
I'm sold on the Camera. If I need better I go to my droid Incredible with the 8megapixel.
I'd like to be able to make phone calls but I have a verizon tab. I doubt it ever happens. Still love the size. LOVE IT... Skype with friends has been nice though.
I'm using it for development as well. I also get like 20 percent discount on the service through work. I pay less for my phone and tab than I would for an iphone.
Honeycomb is in our future I think. I like 2.2 though and it works great.
Looking to get my first smart watch. Around £250.
I would like it to do the following without a having a phone on me:
Pay with tapping.
Track runs via Strava.
Play music (possibly Spotify?).
I would like the following when I have the phone on me:
Email alerts
SMS
Whatapp
Facebook Messenger
Answer / Make calls (would this count as legal hands-free? ).
The Huawei Smart Watch 2 Classic looks to do all this for about £230 (unless someone else can find it cheaper?).
Any other alternatives that can do the above?
Ticwatch Pro is my favorite. I don't own one yet so I can't really back that up, other than on paper and community reviews.
I had the Huawei 2 classic for about a week. The battery didn't get me through the day, and at least for me, the 1.2 inch screen was just too small. It's a really good looking watch though. Had the screen been bigger and the battery lasted a day, I would have kept it no questions asked. Hopefully the 3 whatever fixes those two things. Also, at this point, you *should* be able to find a 2 classic cheaper. Keep looking around. Or wait until Amazon's black Friday week.
OR, do what I did and buy a Fossil Q Explorist HR. I LOVE this watch. It looks great, the battery last more than a day, the screen is 1.4 inches, and super fast charging. Brand new, just came out they go for $250-270 depending on the color and band type. I got the gunmetal with the metal band just because I love that color. I don't even use that band.
OR, wait a couple more months for some smartwatches to come out with the new chip.
WillyShatsWig said:
Looking to get my first smart watch. Around £250.
I would like it to do the following without a having a phone on me:
Pay with tapping.
Track runs via Strava.
Play music (possibly Spotify?).
I would like the following when I have the phone on me:
Email alerts
SMS
Whatapp
Facebook Messenger
Answer / Make calls (would this count as legal hands-free? ).
The Huawei Smart Watch 2 Classic looks to do all this for about £230 (unless someone else can find it cheaper?).
Any other alternatives that can do the above?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, hopefully I am qualified to provide you with a reasonable answer.
I have had Smartwatches since the beginning I think.
My Huawei watch 1 has finally given up after 3 years, a great service, may it rest in pieces (literally) and my backup Sony SW3 just never feels 'right'.
in my search for a replacement, I have since bought/returned or tried the Samsung Galaxy Watch (46mm), Ticwatch Pro (Amazon deal 180£), A fossil gen 3.
The Samsung is faster than a speeding bullet, well made, awesome bezel thingy, and a great screen. But there's bugger all app support, notifications don't work to my liking (eg it notifies of Twitter feed but not the actual message), slow to charge and battery simply not as great as stated and Samsung Pay, doesn't include Halifax (my bank (well not my bank as in I own it, but rather they have all my money)), expensive additional chargers and expensive watch in the first place.
The Ticwatch Pro - uses same tech as all current items and the LED screen cant be seen in low light or dark, and it was the laggiest of all watches owned/tried and isn't particularly cheap.
I didn't want to buy another HW1 so I purchased an Amazon WH special HW2, just to give it a whirl.. £130
Glad I did. Agreed the screen is too small and was a backward step compared to HW1 but this helps with battery life. It doesn't look like anything special (like a mid range Casio). But it is comfortable, all apps work as they're supposed to, cheap to buy, low-cost spurious chargers (£4!), and once you disable a couple of bloatware apps the battery is incredible and Android Pay works (never had this before).
If you can't wait for watches with 3100 chip (and they're unlikely to perform much better, but hopefully have improved staying power, then I recommend the HW2 .... especially an Amazon special.
I'm currently experimenting with different settings to understand battery implications but with 'Always on' set to off, I can get 3 days if careful), currently trying always on, with simple screen and looks like a comfortable 2 days ... which I could never get with my HW1. Additionally I just discovered it has a watch only facility (bit like the Ticwatch) giving you a month's use as a dumb smart watch.
Thanks for the above... I took the plunge and bought the HW2, A-grade second for £170. It turned up still sealed, with all the protectors on it. Great!
However, it looks like I'll be sending it back unused, as Huawei have leaked that they will be release the GT (baiscally HW3) THIS MONTH and it looks gorgeous.
Available in Classic, Sport and Fashion versions. It will have the new Snapdragon 3100 chipset, a bigger screen, be completely water-proof and a much longer battery life. Whether it will be running Wear OS remains to be seen:
https://www.techradar.com/news/first-huawei-watch-gt-photo-leaks-showing-the-new-design
BobDunn said:
OK, hopefully I am qualified to provide you with a reasonable answer.
I have had Smartwatches since the beginning I think.
My Huawei watch 1 has finally given up after 3 years, a great service, may it rest in pieces (literally) and my backup Sony SW3 just never feels 'right'.
in my search for a replacement, I have since bought/returned or tried the Samsung Galaxy Watch (46mm), Ticwatch Pro (Amazon deal 180£), A fossil gen 3.
The Samsung is faster than a speeding bullet, well made, awesome bezel thingy, and a great screen. But there's bugger all app support, notifications don't work to my liking (eg it notifies of Twitter feed but not the actual message), slow to charge and battery simply not as great as stated and Samsung Pay, doesn't include Halifax (my bank (well not my bank as in I own it, but rather they have all my money)), expensive additional chargers and expensive watch in the first place.
The Ticwatch Pro - uses same tech as all current items and the LED screen cant be seen in low light or dark, and it was the laggiest of all watches owned/tried and isn't particularly cheap.
I didn't want to buy another HW1 so I purchased an Amazon WH special HW2, just to give it a whirl.. £130
Glad I did. Agreed the screen is too small and was a backward step compared to HW1 but this helps with battery life. It doesn't look like anything special (like a mid range Casio). But it is comfortable, all apps work as they're supposed to, cheap to buy, low-cost spurious chargers (£4!), and once you disable a couple of bloatware apps the battery is incredible and Android Pay works (never had this before).
If you can't wait for watches with 3100 chip (and they're unlikely to perform much better, but hopefully have improved staying power, then I recommend the HW2 .... especially an Amazon special.
I'm currently experimenting with different settings to understand battery implications but with 'Always on' set to off, I can get 3 days if careful), currently trying always on, with simple screen and looks like a comfortable 2 days ... which I could never get with my HW1. Additionally I just discovered it has a watch only facility (bit like the Ticwatch) giving you a month's use as a dumb smart watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good for your detailed review. I have gone ahead with HW2 and currently getting almost 20 hours battery life including 1 hour of training with BT headset playing so that itself uses almost 30% with GPS on for tracking activities. Would like to know which 2 apps you froze to give you better battery life. On other items my watch is always on power saving mode and connected to BT all the time with Wifi off and GPS off (on when only needed). At night, its on airplane mode.
ChrisMarin said:
Thanks for the above... I took the plunge and bought the HW2, A-grade second for £170. It turned up still sealed, with all the protectors on it. Great!
However, it looks like I'll be sending it back unused, as Huawei have leaked that they will be release the GT (baiscally HW3) THIS MONTH and it looks gorgeous.
Available in Classic, Sport and Fashion versions. It will have the new Snapdragon 3100 chipset, a bigger screen, be completely water-proof and a much longer battery life. Whether it will be running Wear OS remains to be seen:
https://www.techradar.com/news/first-huawei-watch-gt-photo-leaks-showing-the-new-design
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get that watch? i have seen this watch and tho it looks awesome it based on Huawei OS and not on Wear OS. Second thing which killed it for me was the lack of internal storage. It only has 128 mb ROM. Not sure what you can do with it.