I owned an IPhone for a number of years and recently got a android galaxy
II.
First comment is that they are all slippery suckers. 16 year old has
destroyed a number of phones just by dropping them out of his pockets.
Deep pockets are a must (that is literal). Look after them and don't drop
them. I drowned one and apple replaced it for a reasonably cheap fee
($250 at the genius bar) a definite plus.
The iPhone has some great features however over a period of time the
software burdens your phone and it simply stops working because it is
overloaded. Call pick up does not work at times (iPhone 4 the same)
When I bought the iPhone I thought laptop tethering would save me a 3g
modem, I unfortunately went with Optus who charge to allow access, I have
since moved to Virgin that does not. So read your plan. also look at the
chunks they charge in, virgin charges in small increments, others charge
for a large chunk even though you use a small one.
It is definite that Telstra has the best coverage, Optus (hence a few
others like virgin) are OK and Vodafone is the worst. For example
Heathcote to the city on the train with Optus internet does not work about
50% of the time, especially around Oatley station. So make sure you have
good 3g coverage at work and at home.
Wifi is essential, my iPhone 3gs just stopped connecting, heard the same
problem from a number of other people as well. Upgrading apps on Wifi and
searching is so quick.
I also decided the camera was important, your needs may vary but I never
have the camera when I need it. Flash and a good pixel size is important,
8+ depending on what you want.
Screen, the larger the better the galaxy SII is huge, so you better have
big pockets. The screen is crisp but battery is terrible. I installed a
juice defender and it is now far better. I find the screen on the galaxy
better than the iPhone. Read a document with small text to compare.
Android negatives.
Calling seems more cumbersome than the iPhone. Android favourite is a
name you then have to pick a phone number, IPhone is a number that just
dials.
You seem to be left alone a bit when you are setting up your phone, iPhone
seems to be better documented / easier. For example how do you get spell
correct to work?
Samsung KIA did not install on Windows XP, worked on Windows 7. So the
setup utilities are not as good. ITunes is much easier to drive than KIA.
Notice that most people hate KIA, not surprised.
email is not as friendly. Changing password on exchange account is not
automatic like it should be. Reading the internet other mail clients are
better, not bothered yet. Mail purges off when you pull all your mail on
your desktop, so it is harder to keep those notes for later.
Still have not figured out cut and paste.
Overall I am very happy to have switched and I love the big screen and can
put up with the bad battery life.
Ken
-----Original Message-----
From: Rod Butcher
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 8:42 PM
To: slug@slug.org.au
Subject: [SLUG] Android-based smartphones - any drawbacks ?
I need to have a smartphone as part of my job needs me to be be able to
use and be familiar with all the new social media & communications
tools. Initial research indicates that Android-based phones have the
highest market share and are best value for money. And of course I like
Linux. Are there any things they can't do or can't connect to/interface
with, which other proprietary systems can ? Any serious comparison
documents I can study ?
thanks
Rod
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