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Almost want to switch to Evo...
- Thread starter Iczer
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- samsung epic 4g
This its what I like to see!
One of the selling points of the EPIC vs. the EVO, iPhone 4, and the other Galaxy S devices is the full QWERTY keyboard. The EVO is a great device as well, and I like the HTC Sense UI better than the TouchWiz 3.0 UI on the EPIC. It has a larger screen than the EPIC so the on-screen keyboard keys are larger. It can also tether to more devices than the EPIC can and has HDMI-out.
I have to agree that you can't just buy a phone based on specs alone. It's like buying a car because of its specs and not test driving it or looking at it. How bout that for analogy? =). But the keyboard alone is not the only factor to consider or detract you from buying the Epic. Based on all the Galaxy S reviews, Galaxy phones in general are faster and smoother. So those things compelled me to try the Epic since I had to see it for myself. I already have an Evo so I thought I'd give myself a week to compare so I can determine which I would like better. I came from a TP2 so I was used to the keyboard and thought a keyboard would be a plus. I initially bought the Evo because it was the best android phone that Sprint had to offer at the time and I sacrificed not having a physical keyboard.
So my thoughts after having the Epic for a week. As smooth as it was and as nice as the screen was, I felt the keyboard was not as great as the TP2 and the phone felt very flimsy with it. And it just really got in the way. Just as the OP mentioned, when pressing the power button the keyboard moves. The buttons are also too firm compared to the TP2. Lastly, after having the Evo for a few months, I've gotten used to the on screen KB and felt the Epics keyboard actually slowed down my typing since they require more pressure compared to my TP2. But that wasn't the deal breaker. The whole keyboard design is just bad IMO. If it didn't feel so flimly and move so easily then it would've been fine and I would've just not use the keyboard. So along with that and because Evo having Froyo, larger screen, and kickstand, the Epic went back. But had I not purchased the Epic I would've always wondered if it was a better phone for me.
So my thoughts after having the Epic for a week. As smooth as it was and as nice as the screen was, I felt the keyboard was not as great as the TP2 and the phone felt very flimsy with it. And it just really got in the way. Just as the OP mentioned, when pressing the power button the keyboard moves. The buttons are also too firm compared to the TP2. Lastly, after having the Evo for a few months, I've gotten used to the on screen KB and felt the Epics keyboard actually slowed down my typing since they require more pressure compared to my TP2. But that wasn't the deal breaker. The whole keyboard design is just bad IMO. If it didn't feel so flimly and move so easily then it would've been fine and I would've just not use the keyboard. So along with that and because Evo having Froyo, larger screen, and kickstand, the Epic went back. But had I not purchased the Epic I would've always wondered if it was a better phone for me.
ConceptVBS
Well-Known Member
Well, to be clear, my comments were directly aimed at the very first paragraph of this thread, which (to me) makes it very clear that the OP did not want a keyboard to begin with and obviously wanted a more Evo-like phone. If that's the case, then buying a phone with a keyboard he obviously did not want at all seems odd.
I understand buying a phone if you don't mind having the keyboard (even if you don't intend to use it) or if you actually want a physical keyboard. But buying the Epic knowing full well that having a keyboard is exactly what you don't want just doesn't make sense to me. Not trying to be an ass or start a fight, just (re)stating what I said and what I think others were trying to say as well.
I understand buying a phone if you don't mind having the keyboard (even if you don't intend to use it) or if you actually want a physical keyboard. But buying the Epic knowing full well that having a keyboard is exactly what you don't want just doesn't make sense to me. Not trying to be an ass or start a fight, just (re)stating what I said and what I think others were trying to say as well.
Droidone
Android Enthusiast
That's a mouth full. The epic is not better just based on specs. The epic is plagued with more problems and that's what the normal consumer will find out causing then to return it. The flimsy slider mechanism will not last on the epic. I would choose a vibrant, fascisnate, or captivate over the epic because of no movable parts
toomuchgame441
Android Expert
I've got to admit, I was dead set on getting the Epic when I first heard about it. I thought I'd be able to deal with TouchWiz, can't do it after getting use to Sense UI on the Hero. Typing on the hardware keyboard for the Epic wasn't great, I know I probably have to get use to it but the onscreen keyboard, I dunno, required less effort. After playing with one at the Sprint store for like 40 mins, lol... gladly an Evo sat right beside it, the Epic didn't wow me.
What caught my attention was the HTC Desire Z which is like the G2, has Sense UI with keyboard "pop out". But I doubt it will be coming to Sprint. So for now, not sure about jumping on the Evo even tho HTC does a great job with Android and the Epic has too many issues to sell me. Back at square one with just waiting for another device to drop. I'll stick with my mighty rooted Hero for the time being.
What caught my attention was the HTC Desire Z which is like the G2, has Sense UI with keyboard "pop out". But I doubt it will be coming to Sprint. So for now, not sure about jumping on the Evo even tho HTC does a great job with Android and the Epic has too many issues to sell me. Back at square one with just waiting for another device to drop. I'll stick with my mighty rooted Hero for the time being.
dbpaddler
Android Expert
Personally, I give no credit to either of your posts.
Kelmar
Done by choice
Everyone prefers different items about phones. We all obviously appreciate android, why can't that be enough?
Seriously guys, to each there own! Personally, I prefer the Epic but my wife loves her Evo. There is nothing wrong with that! I mean, if she wanted a stupid flip phone it would be her choice and what she wanted.
Let it go already....
Seriously guys, to each there own! Personally, I prefer the Epic but my wife loves her Evo. There is nothing wrong with that! I mean, if she wanted a stupid flip phone it would be her choice and what she wanted.
Let it go already....
So-Low Da Don
Android Enthusiast
I actually don't want a kb but I will live with it because I want everything else on the phone and coming from a stock 2.1 hero (which makes me want to cry every time i use it) these little bugs and keyboard problems won't bother me at all, plus the kb will come in handy for some games
dbpaddler
Android Expert
Hey, those that think they know everything are extremely annoying to those of us that actually do... 
Enjoy the Evo. It's a good phone. I'd be using it as my main phone if it had a keyboard. Shame the Desire Z is a small screened underpowered phone. The keyboard is pretty sweet on it. So is the one on the new Nokia slider. Nokia makes some sweet hardware.
Enjoy the Evo. It's a good phone. I'd be using it as my main phone if it had a keyboard. Shame the Desire Z is a small screened underpowered phone. The keyboard is pretty sweet on it. So is the one on the new Nokia slider. Nokia makes some sweet hardware.
PDAGuy
Newbie
Actually, to hit on something someone else pointed out earlier, my only complaint with the Epic is where the power button is. If it were on the top of the phone, I'd have no complaints but as it is I'm adjusting to how I have to hold the phone to hit it. Seems silly they could put a keyboard on this phone and not move that button somewhere that doesn't require adept fingers not to slide the keyboard open. /shrug
dbpaddler
Android Expert
It's funny. The way I hold it, the bottom edge of the phone is always wedged into my hand (left or right) so the slider doesn't budge when I hit the power button. Or my thumb or index finger is on the top left and the other finger is pressing power. Dropping your finger a millimeter or two could really solve the problem.
So as Steve Jobs would say, you're just holding it wrong
And if anyone really wants the slider to be non functional, a few dabs of crazy glue (gel form) in 2 or 3 spots along the sides would do the trick. And of course it's completely reversible with a small amount of nail polish remover. You'd need just enough to break the bond and then could wipe it with a cotton ball.
So as Steve Jobs would say, you're just holding it wrong
And if anyone really wants the slider to be non functional, a few dabs of crazy glue (gel form) in 2 or 3 spots along the sides would do the trick. And of course it's completely reversible with a small amount of nail polish remover. You'd need just enough to break the bond and then could wipe it with a cotton ball.
I think the Epic will be even better when Froyo is released. As snappy as it is now - imagine the performance boost with the Just In Time compiler from Froyo. I have both the EVO and EPIC - I love both equally. The 30fps on the EVO is more noticeable after I use my Epic, but I still love the EVO's giant screen.
pakiplayer421
Newbie
I had both Epic and Evo and I absolutely do not use or need keyboards, However I kept the Epic. Main reason was Because of the Advanced GPU.
Regardless, the Epic connected to 4g is 5 secs while the Evo took 25-35+ secs. Whats the point of 4g if you have to wait that long to connect to it. For me and many others we are impatient for video streaming to start(heck I barely like to turn 4g on, let alone wait 35 secs extra). Another thing was the Epic's Screen was more vibrant, whereas the evo was washed out. The Epic was actually more versatile and realistic on day to day use even though the Epic is thicker. This is simply because it is lighter, contains more grip and had rounded edges. Myself and others thought of the Evo as a tablet and felt it was not as good for real day to day use because of its weight(felt like it would slip out of hands).
I can connect to GPS instantly on the Epic and I have gotten used to the power button(my screen doesnt slide open when i push it anymore, dont understand why other people cant figure out the right method to push it).
The Epic and Evo are both great phones, I do like the Evo's Kickstand and it seems more solid. I especially like sense UI. But I am a gamer and I want the best GPU/CPU so that way I dont get owned by Hardware fragmentation and not be able to run the latest apps.
A problem I do have with the Epic is that it makes squeeky noises when i push hard on the touch screen(i hate that), but it could just be my epic. Also, as I dont really use the keyboard, it does come in handy for gaming and typing in login/passwords (very annoying on VKB). But I would still like a slip on gel case to cover up the entire phone and lock down the keyboard.
Regardless, the Epic connected to 4g is 5 secs while the Evo took 25-35+ secs. Whats the point of 4g if you have to wait that long to connect to it. For me and many others we are impatient for video streaming to start(heck I barely like to turn 4g on, let alone wait 35 secs extra). Another thing was the Epic's Screen was more vibrant, whereas the evo was washed out. The Epic was actually more versatile and realistic on day to day use even though the Epic is thicker. This is simply because it is lighter, contains more grip and had rounded edges. Myself and others thought of the Evo as a tablet and felt it was not as good for real day to day use because of its weight(felt like it would slip out of hands).
I can connect to GPS instantly on the Epic and I have gotten used to the power button(my screen doesnt slide open when i push it anymore, dont understand why other people cant figure out the right method to push it).
The Epic and Evo are both great phones, I do like the Evo's Kickstand and it seems more solid. I especially like sense UI. But I am a gamer and I want the best GPU/CPU so that way I dont get owned by Hardware fragmentation and not be able to run the latest apps.
A problem I do have with the Epic is that it makes squeeky noises when i push hard on the touch screen(i hate that), but it could just be my epic. Also, as I dont really use the keyboard, it does come in handy for gaming and typing in login/passwords (very annoying on VKB). But I would still like a slip on gel case to cover up the entire phone and lock down the keyboard.
Vipfreak
Android Enthusiast
I just got an EVO, it's the first phone I've had that didn't have a keyboard. I sometimes want one but with the talk to text feature it's not so bad. Oddly, I like the kick stand the most. I constantly play with it and I also use it when I'm holding it since it help keep it more secure in my hand.
yes. it's called "No Lock" it's in the app market.
Volume rocker wakes the phone w/o needing to slide to unlock it. The only time I use the power button is to turn it on/off.
lxy33
Well-Known Member
Agree! I am super picky and I have been going back and forth whether I should switch to EVO or keep my EPIC, but I went to play with an EVO yesterday and did not like the screen--it's a really nice phone, i love the size and grip BUT it's a little boring--maybe because I'm use to the EPIC's features....I love the brightness of the epic and as much as I don't like the keyboard I do catch myself using it from time to time... the ONLY thing I dislike about this phone is the power button---but I've finally gotten the hang of how to use it without it sliding--I do notice that the screen will wobble eventually, loosen up. But I guess I can't complain, no phone is perfect. Just a little frusterating--especially when you pay full price and have to wait for the rebate. bleh! Overall Epic is awesome!
If you get the $59 unlimited plan with a $34 data plan, full plan with unlimited texting, it iis only ten bucks more than Sprint. If you get a Army discount or Loyalty or College discount then they are equal
I would not leave where you are now, even tho I can't stand Sprint
There are no phones now worth it, ,in other words That much different. All similar
you should sell online and suck it up in order to get the best phone you like
fwiw, if you would move, I LOVE my Vibrant
dbpaddler
Android Expert
but...on t-mobile you need to get the unlimited plan because you don't get free mobile to mobile to any carrier. With sprint, most don't need the unlimited plan because the only minutes you ever pay for are peak land line minutes. I know for work, I even have some on the 250 minute plan and overall they're talking over 1000 minutes per month with no overages. And then you're assuming you the guy doesn't have any discounts with Sprint.
And you really should check coverage first before making any kind of switch. Grab a cheapo phone off of ebay or craigslist or some nearly free promo prepaid and give it a spin for a week to see how coverage is.
If you have good service and have a good plan, it really makes no sense to jump carriers for a phone, especially when on Sprint you're only locked in for a year instead of two. You have more opportunities to get a hold of new tech with your old phone having greater resale value than with the other carriers where your subsidized purchase locks you in for 2yrs.
And you really should check coverage first before making any kind of switch. Grab a cheapo phone off of ebay or craigslist or some nearly free promo prepaid and give it a spin for a week to see how coverage is.
If you have good service and have a good plan, it really makes no sense to jump carriers for a phone, especially when on Sprint you're only locked in for a year instead of two. You have more opportunities to get a hold of new tech with your old phone having greater resale value than with the other carriers where your subsidized purchase locks you in for 2yrs.