Considering an Android phone... options?

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#658024 18-Jul-2012 21:30

Lol, fair enuff i suppose.

I just keep a charger next to my bed...

oxnsox

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#658042 18-Jul-2012 22:02

timmmay: ....snip...... Or buy the Razr Maxx, or the Samsung version when it eventually comes out. I prefer Samsung.

And of course neither of those come with Vanilla Android.....
My last hard key Qwerty phone was an E-71, but I got used to swype on a touch screen. Easier to use on my SII than on a 7inch Tab. Try one of your workmates SIII's (if you can) and see what you think.

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#658123 19-Jul-2012 06:16

oxnsox:
timmmay: ....snip...... Or buy the Razr Maxx, or the Samsung version when it eventually comes out. I prefer Samsung.

And of course neither of those come with Vanilla Android.....
My last hard key Qwerty phone was an E-71, but I got used to swype on a touch screen. Easier to use on my SII than on a 7inch Tab. Try one of your workmates SIII's (if you can) and see what you think.

Yeah. I agree. Although the screen has a bigger keyboard I actually find it easier to type on my phone using swype than on my tablet using the on screen keyboard. You might be pleasantly surprised how quickly you can type. The big issue I find coming from a hardware keyboard is that you have to constantly look at the keyboard to type. I could type and walk without falling over with my E71.

Now I stumble, trip my way around the place with swype... :-)

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timmmay

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#658141 19-Jul-2012 07:59

I guess I could manage to stop to txt! Swype is good for many things, but a standard keyboard might be better for a phone. Any thoughts? How quickly can you switch keyboards?

Handle9

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#658154 19-Jul-2012 08:35

OT but you can get pandora onto your ipod touch to tide you over. You need to do the us app store work around but you don't need a credit card and it works fine on my ipad.

timmmay

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#658159 19-Jul-2012 08:36

Do you have a link for the Pandora workaround Handle? Might be a good stopgap, thanks :-)

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Handle9

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#658165 19-Jul-2012 08:44

You need to log out of the itunes store on itunes then scroll down to the bottom. You'll see an NZ flag, click on that and select the US app store. Follow below for the rest.

http://www.ghacks.net/2009/02/09/create-a-free-us-itunes-account-from-any-country/

timmmay

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#658166 19-Jul-2012 08:45

Great thanks :)

timmmay

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#658628 19-Jul-2012 18:09

Handle9: You need to log out of the itunes store on itunes then scroll down to the bottom. You'll see an NZ flag, click on that and select the US app store. Follow below for the rest.

http://www.ghacks.net/2009/02/09/create-a-free-us-itunes-account-from-any-country/

So you have to create a new iTunes/apple account to do that? It doesn't seem worth it, especially if I have to set up the iPod again. Or am I reading it wrong?

Handle9

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#658716 19-Jul-2012 21:45

You can run a device with multiple accounts on it. I have apps from the US account and the Nz account running on the same device. All the US apps are free though (Netflix, Pandora etc). I just change the pc account I'm logged into to download.

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#658739 19-Jul-2012 22:15

Ah ok, interesting, thanks :-)

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#658813 20-Jul-2012 03:09

2-4 days: only option is Motorola Razr MAXX or another phone with 3rd party larger battery pack and extended battery backplate.

eg.

4800mah S3 / 4500mah S3

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

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#658815 20-Jul-2012 05:50

timmmay: I guess I could manage to stop to txt! Swype is good for many things, but a standard keyboard might be better for a phone. Any thoughts? How quickly can you switch keyboards?

Like you when I was looking to move from a hard keyboard to a smartphone I was adamant I wanted a fixed keyboard, slide out or whatever but at that stage the range wasnt that good. Now I have swype I hate having to go back to hunt and peak on a physical keyboard on the rare occasion I need to sort someones phone out, like anything really once you get used to it its fine.

Re changing keyboards in Android its just a matter of long press in the app you are using (email, text etc) and the input method pops up and you can swap keyboards.

Re charging, also thought this would be a PITA but not at all, as you can charge from any USB port I have a cable at work if need be, cable with cheap USB/fag lighter in the car.

If you are concerned about having to charge at night you can use your phone as an alarm clock and set it go into flight mode when in its charging dock (if you dont calls while you sleep) The S3 offers heaps of possibilities with its NFC to this type of thing as well.

The other big thing often overlooked with the S3 is wireless charging, initially these will be pricey I think but it wont be long before OEM charging pads are released.

Good luck in the search.

timmmay

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#658914 20-Jul-2012 09:52

Thanks for all that. Here's a few random questions:
- Does the S3 or Maxx have an alarm clock built in that works when the phone's off? Or do you just have to put it into flight mode to prevent incoming calls?
- How's the Maxx quality and usability?

I may wait for the next Nexus and see how that is, I like the idea of plain Android instead of the extra layers.

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#658924 20-Jul-2012 10:10

Why turn it off? I just mute my phone next to my bed. Alarm still goes off but i hear no notifications.

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