Technology catch-all thread

[chw42]

I agree on the expanded memory issue, it's just not that necessary, and adds complexity/non-standard directory structure, except for a minor few applications, such as photography or video, most of which your phone isn't necessary for anyway aside from a select few "check this out" circumstances. People offload data onto drobos, or pc's/macs, not their phones.

 

HSPA+ is ok, but it's not LTE. This is the same as when people said their DSL was fast enough and they didn't need cable or fios. You don't until you have it, then you won't want to go back. I had hspa+, and while its theoretical speeds are great, you never get them. My slow speeds are now on par with perfect HSPA+ speeds, without the latency. It's good enough for now, but the fact is, they're building out LTE networks now, and HSPA+ networks are stagnant, and no new work/expansion is going into them. It's time to move on.

 

Was the device you used HSPA+42 though?

 

There is a big difference between a HSPA+21 device and a HSPA+42 device. My Nexus 4 gets twice the network speeds my Galaxy Nexus got.

[Jake]

FWIW, I frequently make stuff happen in my pocket and/or hand with my iPhone because I forget to lock it. I think the lesson we need to learn is to lock our phones.

[iamshack]

Mounted the 70-inch tv on Saturday...very pleased with it thus far...although I can't get it to pick up my internet for whatever reason...but I can't really see that being a big issue since I probably wouldn't even know what to use the internet for. I guess this is an old moment.

[chw42]

FWIW, I frequently make stuff happen in my pocket and/or hand with my iPhone because I forget to lock it. I think the lesson we need to learn is to lock our phones.

 

I've never liked where the power button on the iPhone is. It makes so much more sense to place the lock button on the side of the device. You end up holding your device with your fingers near the sides at all times. This design makes it a lot easier for you to lock the phone.

 

And I especially don't understand why HTC put their power button on the top left of the HTC One. First of all, it's a bigger phone, so it'll be even harder to lock and 2. do they expect most people to use the phone in their left hand or something? Because I can't imagine locking that phone with one hand when it's in my right hand.

Edited March 18, 2013 by chw42

[RockRaines]

I actually really like it on the top. Its where the mute button was on the old old blackberry.

[Iwritecode]

I have a "dumb" phone but it's got a touch screen and the lock button is on the top on the left. It's easy enough for me to reach up with my index finger and hit it while holding it in my right hand.

[chw42]

I have a "dumb" phone but it's got a touch screen and the lock button is on the top on the left. It's easy enough for me to reach up with my index finger and hit it while holding it in my right hand.

 

How big is your dumbphone though?

 

It wouldn't be a real issue on a smaller phone. On a phone with a 4.7 inch screen, things get complicated.

[chw42]

For those of you who might not like the Xperia Z for whatever reason, Sony's making a 4.6 inch Xperia SP that looks pretty cool. It's pretty much identical to the Z and ZL, except it's smaller. It should be cheaper, too. Instead of $700 unlocked like the Xperia Z, this one might be $500.

 

http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/03/18/so...igh-end-lineup/

Edited March 18, 2013 by chw42

[bigruss]

My parents are looking for a 4g hotspot device so when they are at the family cottage from April-September my mom can pay bills and such online without having to drive to town or whatnot.

 

They initially thought of upgrading my mom's phone (Verizon) to an iphone5 so that the can have the wifi hotspot capability (she currently has no data plan). While a decent option, I'd be concerned with her using any smart phone as she is terrible with technology, plus it's quite expensive for their data plans (around $40 more per month with their crappy shareable data plan pricing).

 

So I suggested that they look into Clear so they can pay $20/mth for 2gb, plus they can just pay for the months they are using.

 

Anybody ever use Clear? Or a similar service provider that would be about the same for costs?

[chw42]

My parents are looking for a 4g hotspot device so when they are at the family cottage from April-September my mom can pay bills and such online without having to drive to town or whatnot.

 

They initially thought of upgrading my mom's phone (Verizon) to an iphone5 so that the can have the wifi hotspot capability (she currently has no data plan). While a decent option, I'd be concerned with her using any smart phone as she is terrible with technology, plus it's quite expensive for their data plans (around $40 more per month with their crappy shareable data plan pricing).

 

So I suggested that they look into Clear so they can pay $20/mth for 2gb, plus they can just pay for the months they are using.

 

Anybody ever use Clear? Or a similar service provider that would be about the same for costs?

 

My neighbors used to use Clear (they might still use it, but I don't know). They said their service usually sucked, but that was like 4-5 years back, so who knows.

[StrangeSox]

Clear sucked in Woodridge 2 years ago, pretty much unusable even though I was supposedly only a mile from the tower.

[Y2HH]

Clear sucked in Woodridge 2 years ago, pretty much unusable even though I was supposedly only a mile from the tower.

 

When it comes to wireless, no matter what company you go with including Verizon and AT&T, the best idea is to always ask around what people have and how good it is. I know in some areas AT&T sucks and in others it's really good, and that goes for all the carriers. IMO, the best idea with this type of thing is to try to research real world use.

[BigSqwert]

Cyanogenmod developers passing on Samsung Galaxy S4

[Iwritecode]

How big is your dumbphone though?

 

It wouldn't be a real issue on a smaller phone. On a phone with a 4.7 inch screen, things get complicated.

 

I guess my phone is a little smaller than most smart phones. But I just picked up a paperback book and held it like I would hold a phone and I had no problem sliding my index finger up the back of it to the top.

 

Maybe I just have long fingers?

[lostfan]

New Phone time... I waited until now specifically. So, the HTC One or Galaxy S4, I really don't know.

[BigSqwert]

If it has to be between those two, I'd go with the One.

[lostfan]

That's where I was leaning before a couple of days ago. My current phone is HTC (it was their flagship phone in 2011, it doesn't seem like that now, lol)

[Steve9347]

New Phone time... I waited until now specifically. So, the HTC One or Galaxy S4, I really don't know.

I reserved the S4 today.

[lostfan]

I reserved the S4 today.

You got a specific reason why? I need something, anything to grab onto to make it seem like I had an actual reason and so I don't feel bad about passing the other one over.

[Jake]

I don't have as much brand trust in HTC, but I think their new One is the best phone available at this point.

[chw42]

I don't have as much brand trust in HTC, but I think their new One is the best phone available at this point.

 

The stupid HTC naming results in lots of puns, intended and unintended.

Edited March 20, 2013 by chw42

[SexiAlexei]

I bought the HTC EVO when it first came out. I had some many problems with that phone that I don't think I'd ever buy another HTC phone again.

 

I had to exchange the phone 3 times, and bring it in to Sprint's repair shop so many more times than that.

 

I'm looking at the S4, but I don't really have a reason besides the fact that I like the S3 from the short time I've used someone elses.

[Soxbadger]

I really like my galaxy3, might be a while before I replace it.

[chw42]

You got a specific reason why? I need something, anything to grab onto to make it seem like I had an actual reason and so I don't feel bad about passing the other one over.

 

Because almost everyone who does not own an iPhone will have one?

 

The S4 is a beast of a phone spec-wise, just like the HTC One. But it really just comes down to personal preference. Which do you hate less, Touchs*** or NonSense 5? I use the word hate because both skins blow. What do you think feels better, plastic or aluminum? Which phone do you think will be updated faster (hint: it won't be HTC)? Do you care for speaker sound quality (cause the HTC One has awesome sound)?

 

If you like build quality, go with HTC. If you want possibly faster software updates, go with the S4. The software on these two phones is more or less the same (although the S4 will come with Android 4.2.2 at launch, the One will not, but it will get it sooner or later (typical HTC)). Also keep in mind that there are rumors of HTC having supply issues, so you may not be able to buy the One until early or mid-April, even if you pre-order.

[chw42]

I really like my galaxy s3, might be a while before I replace it.

 

Sorry, I had to do it.

 

People wouldn't know if you were talking about the Galaxy Note 3 or the Galaxy S3 once the Note 3 does come out in a few months.

Edited March 20, 2013 by chw42