Question to all powerusers about the ergonomy - Xperia Z General

Hi all,
i am considering getting the Z, one thing that concerns me is the ergonomy of the omnibalance design. The flat back and 90° edges don't look comfortable to hold in the hand for a longer time. It's hard to test it in the store because with all the security attachments I am unable to hold it in a normal position...
So what's the verdict from those who use it a lot, specially singlehanded?
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Depends how big your hands are. My hands are near enough 20cm x 10cm and I can hold it perfectly fine for long periods of time.

buy a iphone

I'm around 5 foot 7. I can access everything on the screen though pulling down the pull menu takes a wee bit of stretch when your hand is at the lower part of the screen. The physical buttons are on the side so no problem accessing those. I have no problem with the flat back when handling the handset. The flat and glass back actually make it easier to cling on my finger tips through friction.
Before I bought a tablet, I used to use this to watch tv and webshows, read magazines and books while sitting and lying down for hours.
So ergonomicly, I think the phone is fine.

take55 said:
Hi all,
i am considering getting the Z, one thing that concerns me is the ergonomy of the omnibalance design. The flat back and 90° edges don't look comfortable to hold in the hand for a longer time. It's hard to test it in the store because with all the security attachments I am unable to hold it in a normal position...
So what's the verdict from those who use it a lot, specially singlehanded?
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Click to collapse
You should ask females how the phone feels in their hands since they have smaller hands in general.
I've seen some people complaining about the "sharp" edges, but I haven't found anything bad yet (ergonomically).

take55 said:
Hi all,
i am considering getting the Z, one thing that concerns me is the ergonomy of the omnibalance design. The flat back and 90° edges don't look comfortable to hold in the hand for a longer time. It's hard to test it in the store because with all the security attachments I am unable to hold it in a normal position...
So what's the verdict from those who use it a lot, specially singlehanded?
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Click to collapse
I have quite little hands and actually find it ok. Sometimes singlehanded can be a BIT of a stretch (e.g. if reaching to the top notification pull down) but even that you get used to quickly. I got used to the size within about a week (I'd switched from an iphone 4).

It's very awkward to use one handed. I love my XZ but I'm selling it to buy another Nexus 4 because I mostly use my phone one handed and the XZ is almost impossible to use that way.
If you mostly use your phone with 2 hands it's great though.

Michealtbh said:
It's very awkward to use one handed. I love my XZ but I'm selling it to buy another Nexus 4 because I mostly use my phone one handed and the XZ is almost impossible to use that way.
If you mostly use your phone with 2 hands it's great though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can handle my Xperia Z with one hand just fine. Really depends on how big your hands are and what you're used to.

Related

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.

Returning my Galaxy Note

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?
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5150Joker said:
What if he enjoys watching porn on his galaxy note? Lol
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
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?
Click to expand...
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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Click to collapse
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.
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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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

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.
Sent from my Galaxy Note using xda premium
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 :/
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Oh yeah, and in landscape, you can pretty much only hold it. That definitely requires two hands for input
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
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
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App

Uncomfortable to hold for long periods

Anyone else notice this or is it just me? I need to get a cover for it and that will probably help a lot. It's the shape of the edges, its like they are designed to mess up my fingers. The slick back makes it harder to grip and therefore I have to hold it tighter than I would say my old kindle, thus making the ergonomics worse.
Vibrate said:
Anyone else notice this or is it just me? I need to get a cover for it and that will probably help a lot. It's the shape of the edges, its like they are designed to mess up my fingers. The slick back makes it harder to grip and therefore I have to hold it tighter than I would say my old kindle, thus making the ergonomics worse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup I hate this...I even remove the slide cover to give my hands some slack. I have to hold the tablet with both hands just to make semi comfortable.
perez6991 said:
Yup I hate this...I even remove the slide cover to give my hands some slack. I have to hold the tablet with both hands just to make semi comfortable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey whats the slide cover like? Features etc, benefits too..... is it worth the #20 pounds from currys?:silly:
gagan313 said:
Hey whats the slide cover like? Features etc, benefits too..... is it worth the #20 pounds from currys?:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well IMO I like the way they integrated the actual cover into the tablet itself, it makes a good stand for watching videos and stuff or playing games if you have a gamepad. As for benefits...hmm, protecting the screen may be one. I haven't seen a scratch and I've owned it for a month and a half now (my nexus 7 got hairline scratches in the first week -_-). The only problem is ergonomics, if you hold it incorrectly it makes it uncomfortable to hold after long periods of use. Overall I think its worth the buy.
perez6991 said:
Well IMO I like the way they integrated the actual cover into the tablet itself, it makes a good stand for watching videos and stuff or playing games if you have a gamepad. As for benefits...hmm, protecting the screen may be one. I haven't seen a scratch and I've owned it for a month and a half now (my nexus 7 got hairline scratches in the first week -_-). The only problem is ergonomics, if you hold it incorrectly it makes it uncomfortable to hold after long periods of use. Overall I think its worth the buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for that... Really helped.
I just ordered a case that's designed for the HP slate extreme. Cost me $12. Its a stand and cover and should fix the uncomfortable ergonomics. I'll post a review when it gets here tomorrow.
Sent from my TegraNote-P1640 using Tapatalk
Adding a decal skin to the face and back have helped immensely. Ofc, there's nothing out there that's a custom fit for the Tegra Note, so I just used a the cheapest Nexus 7 skin I could find and it's an incredibly ill fit, but it's an improvement. This tablet is really heavy as ****. I wonder who the genius engineer is that wanted a big magnet on the back cover.
Vibrate said:
Adding a decal skin to the face and back have helped immensely. Ofc, there's nothing out there that's a custom fit for the Tegra Note, so I just used a the cheapest Nexus 7 skin I could find and it's an incredibly ill fit, but it's an improvement. This tablet is really heavy as ****. I wonder who the genius engineer is that wanted a big magnet on the back cover.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HEy could you potentially post some pics of ur tab now with case/skins etc I would want to see what it looks like .....
.........Also I bought an tegra note case just last week and I have tested it out properly..... I have had no issues except to get used to holding it when playing games.... but then I got around it but standing it and putting two fingers either side inside the triangular flap where it stands and rest the two outside fingers on either hand around the triangular flap.... It made it loads easier and comfrtable to play :victory:
gagan313 said:
HEy could you potentially post some pics of ur tab now with case/skins etc I would want to see what it looks like .....
.........Also I bought an tegra note case just last week and I have tested it out properly..... I have had no issues except to get used to holding it when playing games.... but then I got around it but standing it and putting two fingers either side inside the triangular flap where it stands and rest the two outside fingers on either hand around the triangular flap.... It made it loads easier and comfrtable to play :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you won't experience stiffness (tendonitis?) in the fingers. I didn't start to really notice this was going to be a big issue until probably a month into owning it. I'm sure there are other factors involved other than just the tablet, but I can say that I've never experienced tendonitis in my fingers before.
As far as photos, my skin looks like crap. It's all off center. If you're still interested I can post later when I get a new skin and cut it up & apply properly. I think the skin on the glass border shifts around a bit.
Vibrate said:
Maybe you won't experience stiffness (tendonitis?) in the fingers. I didn't start to really notice this was going to be a big issue until probably a month into owning it. I'm sure there are other factors involved other than just the tablet, but I can say that I've never experienced tendonitis in my fingers before.
As far as photos, my skin looks like crap. It's all off center. If you're still interested I can post later when I get a new skin and cut it up & apply properly. I think the skin on the glass border shifts around a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I understand where you are coming from from the fingers side... However i dont really think NVIDIA though the case through properly lol....Only for watching movies and drawing etc.. (Hands free sort of thing.... Although I play on it everyday xD)

Why not just use a back cover to hold all the modules ?

I think that the current solution to the module layout is inefficient.
The area of the partition (marked in yellow) itself equals to at least another small module, IMO, a phone can't have so much 'dead' space and the more features a phone has the better. The partition area and the magnets also add weight to the device which could otherwise be used for more features.
Secondly, instead of 'wasting time' on fancy new features that we've never seen before, they should focus on getting the phone and modules to work together and release it for consumers for now and then later focus on these bleeding edge tech.
Thirdly, if water will spill on the back they could potentially sip through the cracks and get to the connection causing a short circuit and oxidation.
Lastly, the more expensive parts and the time to assemble them means the consumers would have to pay more. The whole point of this project is to make smartphones more accessible by making this significantly cheaper than current smartphones.
I think a back cover with clips or some mechanical locking mechanism to hold all the modules would be a much better solution. It will probably make switching modules a bit more complicated but it shouldn't be harder than changing the battery on a current smartphone (like in the Galaxy S line), in Ara's case it would be like changing several batteries.
TL;DR: I think a back cover to hold all the modules in place would be a much better solution because of the 'dead space' of the partition, weight, water protection and cost.
I think that the modules would also make the phone quite annoying to hold with the current design - the modules themselves seem smooth, but the partitions between them appear to stick out slightly more than the modules themselves, resulting in a bumpy surface. If I do buy an ara phone, I will definitely buy/create a case for it if they keep the current design, purely due to the annoyances created by the lumps and bumps.
I agree
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I agree also. They probably have thought about it also.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The frame does not stick out from the modules from what I saw till now.
I guess there will be back covers that comfort your hold.
I think they decided to use this method mostly because it is different and people will recognise you when you use it. Despite of that, it is significantly smaller than Xperia Z for instance and you should be able to hold it comfortably.
And I like the design, even more that you can print your own covers...
What I question is, how big the battery modules will be....
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Why not 3rd party TPU bumper cases?
That should do the trick, it will hold everything together + protection
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Just as I said.
But the point about water and safety is true... Maybe there will be done kind of "rubbers", ultra thin that tighten the gap between where the shell touches the endo? I guess things like that will spread if the ara becomes a hit
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I agree with the back cover idea but at the same time I do like the look of the design that they've done with it. As for the liquid damage worries, like keenofhiphop said about the rubber, the modules themselves will probably be sealed units with the only opening being the connectors which might make them somewhat waterproof hopefully
GT-i8730 Asseveration 1.0.0
They are definitely not waterproof. You could see at the first Dev con that is just a metal kind of box with a plastic shell, it's like a lunchbox made from aluminum: tight but not waterproof.
I, too, like the design. It's special and while it is the definition of pragmatical, it as well is unique and the fact that you can individually change it by printing shells tops off every other device around here. You don't like the design? Buy a cover...
I heard someone complain about the Epms and why they would not use any mechanics, but that way there will not be trouble with breaking connectors and warranty due to physical activity.
And they do not take up much space and hold tight.
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I think they did not considered the back cover as the primary idea here is freedom of changing the modules quickly and adding new features, like say your battery is dyeing so you replace it quickly with another battery module while on the other hand the back case will make it a little difficult and will cost a little bit of time.
keenofhiphop said:
They are definitely not waterproof. You could see at the first Dev con that is just a metal kind of box with a plastic shell, it's like a lunchbox made from aluminum: tight but not waterproof.
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They are not waterproof - yet. The pre-alpha modules are not ready for prime time. Judging them right now is a little silly. Who knows what will come in the months to follow.
Covers are a good idea indeed, but you never know when Ara might be partition less and actully support the idea of orignal Phonebloks? using Lego like stuff as modules and there base would go in the holes on the main body
I love the design of the phone for the same reason I have a clear window on my PC. If I help build something or if I play a part in putting it together or whatever the case may be, it makes that experience much more personal and I have a lot more pride in the device. If I'm proud of something, then I'm gonna show it off, its as simple as that. So I like the "raw" look of the phone and it's semi-exposed modules.
Yeah. Why not use transparent modules to show of the processor or so
Per Regenbogen von meinem Moto G geKANGt.
I think your supposed to be able to hotswap modules. I don't mind the current design, but it should have some kind of border that goes on the edge of the phone to secure the modules better.
Hotswap or not, they look like they could slide out with very little force. Dropping your phone and having to pick up the dozen pieces doesnt sound that fun. I dont think you should be able to remove your memory module without turning the device off and as such a shell somewhat like a galaxy or whatever would be ideal
The poibt of the EPMs is that they need quite a bit of force to take off, once locked they even demonstrated that...
the critics
Hello everyone,
from what I've read here i can see that some are still thinking the old way about a smartphone.
It should have every new feature and therefore a waste of space for borders is a waste of possibilities. Wrong!
Will you use your camera, high end GPU, LTE, flashlight, fingerprint sensor, WiFi, NFC, audio jack, HDMI port, USB port, speaker's and what ever else your phone has all at the same time? Or will you take pictures and share them over the internet, another time play a game on it and so on.
The medium sized model has 8 slots at the back, i guess WiFi and NFC can go in one, or even together with mobile and LTE. Another is CPU, GPU, camera, battery and sensors like gyroscope. Still at least one left. Maybe for another camera for 3D movies. Or a second battery so you can use it for several days.
If you don't need one, swap it with another one. They are not big, keep them in your purse or so.
Another thing was of they fall off easily. No!
They use electronic magnets to keep them in. When turned off they are very weak but strong enough to hold them in when you move and turn your phone, but nearly unremovable when turned on. A modified version of Lollipop will enable you to change most of the modules while the system is running. A weak CPU and battery are included in the Endo, so nothing will happen. You can guess you will have some kind of menu where you can choose which module you want to remove so the magnets turn off.
Why no backcover or pins to hold the modules?
Because they can wear off or even break. If you want to change modules often, like you have different camera modules for different occasions, a simple one for daily use, one with optical zoom and one with a big sensor for darker pictures, you will damage your phone sooner or later.
The phone normally is 9,7mm thick, same as normal smartphones, a cover would make it thicker. If you like one, get one. They surely will be available, because everything is modular.
It's not waterproof. Why is that a problem for you?
Every less expensive phone is not and this phone is designed for the 5 billion people who don't have a smartphone yet, because it's very cheap and customisable for every need. If you want it waterproof, there surely will be modules or covers available that guarantee you that, but they will cost a bit more, simple.
Why should the first version of a completely new way of handling the mobile hardware market put everything out at the same time. Get this piece of high-tech-art to work smoothly. That's what Google promises. And what they also promise is that everybody can participate in its evolution.
So if you have ideas on how to give that phone a new feature, think it through and try to form it into a sellable solution. This time you can not only complain and hope it's done better next time. No, you can improve it or even invent it.
It's time to use our brains finally!
I agree with that. It is not good enough
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ProjectAraTalk.com - let talk about Google project Ara
xysawq said:
Why should the first version of a completely new way of handling the mobile hardware market put everything out at the same time. Get this piece of high-tech-art to work smoothly. That's what Google promises. And what they also promise is that everybody can participate in its evolution.
It's time to use our brains finally!
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Man, you summarised all what I wanted to say;
The project must start very simple, it's aimed to be sold for the majority of consumers, not adding x, y, x', y', x'' and so on... This way they'll lose a very large layer of consumers, for it requires more knowledge about electronics than the normal.
Afterwards there can be any accessories or additions as you guys want. The hundred step way starts with a step!

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