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My Thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy Player

En4cer2k11 said:
I had been wanting a new phone to replace my year old G2, and was thinking about the Galaxy S II. But after learning about the Galaxy Player, I realized I didn' really need a new "phone" necessarily, just a new device. I barely even use my phone as an actual phone anyway. I'm typing this message from my Galaxy Player right now I must say that this device is everything I wanted in a new smartphone while saving about $60 and an extra 2 years that I would have paid for a GS2. I resisted the notion of getting a tablet for a while because I figured it would be very redundant considering that fact that I already have a smartphone AND a NetBook. But this thing is so convenient because of its size. Clearly, it is a tablet. I don't understand why it is not marketed as so. Galaxy TAB 5.0 would suit it better. But the fact that its only 5 inches makes it the only POCKETABLE tablet on the market (to my knowledge). The fact that I also happen to own a T-Mobile wifi Hotspot means that I can literally go anywhere and never be without wifi access. Its the perfect combination!
I opted for the 5.0 because I felt the 4.0 was too close to the size of my G2 and with the same size battery (1300 mah). I wanted something bigger. The screen is perfect for watching videos and I honestly can't see myself even using my phone for media anymore. Its too small now! Lol
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@End4Cer...
Welcome to the 5-0 Club. Ain't it awesome? Just feels like about the best kept tech secret of 2011! I am still frigging amazed at this device. Pocketable, great screen, full gingerbread and no data contract! I've go wifi just about everywhere I go. Plus that great 2500 mAh battery!
 
rbarritt said:
hey all,
i am not a techy and feel like a fish out of water with this thing. I don't understand the lingo and I am not sure what to look under for info - is it a mp3, a notebook, a tablet, a phone?? I got a 5.0 for xmas with the hopes of watching movies on it - especially on the go - only to find out the few Disney titles i have that have a digital copy, I can't download to my 5.0 cause of the DRM (dmr??). Can anyone give me some education on watching movies. The user manual suggests DivX and then having to go through another company to get movies. Read about Zune, briefly, they want me to download silverlight but i dont know about system requirements and the download didn't work anyway. I don't want to be a slave to wifi, truly want to watch a movie whenever. I have a netflix account but I need to be near wifi. i don't want to start spending money to find out the movie wont play back. (I truly just want to download the disney digital copies i have already purchased - i have 3). HELP!!!
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Cannot help on the Disney movies thing, sorry.
What most of us have done over the last decade is amass a personal collection of movies in avi format. Avi is a "container" file format that "holds" video files. Usually this is Xvid (generic) or DivX (proprietary) format. DivX supposedly does more updating and has extra features you can add/pay for, such as some sort of Sound Booster module. Whatever. Regular Xvid is fine. On a PC, you'll need a program called VLC Media Player to play these. Windows Media Player doesn't like them. (of course...because MS doesn't make money on it). But VLC is a GREAT freeware that plays anything you throw at it, video or audio. Google it. DL for free.

Anyway, back to how to actually get avi movies.
Google "Rip DVD to avi format" or "Rip DVD to Xvid"
There is free ware and paid software (for not much money) that will decode a DVD and produce a single AVI file (again, either Xvid or Divx, your choice), for "personal backup copy" purposes. I remember one called "Fair Use Wizard", freeware, with a great deal of technical options for getting things exactly the way you want.

Typically these programs will take about 2-4 hours to complete their task. They make huge temporary files (which can be deleted later) so you need some extra gigs on your hard drive. And they typically produce a single 700 MB (.7 gig) file, with integrated audio. You open that file and watch it. There are no previews, bonus features, or options. it's one file. You play it. That's it. It works. You can fast forward, pause, rewind, but those are pretty much the options. That being said, it works fine. If the "ripper" knows what they are doing (and it's not too hard to figure out) the quality can be VERY good. If not, well, the quality can be less-than-stellar. (pixellating and other artifacts, dark colors and fast-motion areas getting weird, etc).

OK, so you can get freeware, and a DVD, and get some xvid or divx files on your PC. Then copy those to your android device. If you have a 16 or 32 gig microSD card. You can throw 5 or 10 movies on there no problem.

Also, I have heard that there are "bit torrent" sites where audio and videos may be downloaded for free. Xvid and Divx movies included. Vuze is a free client that manages bit torrent content. Google "bit torrent" and "vuze" for more info. I have heard that some people have obtained a lot of content from bit torrent sites but it's a gray area. Technically no one person is loading entire copies of files from any other one entity...however, there is still copyrighted material being transmitted in complex ways, for free, and so there's the rub. Probably some content being shared via bit torrent is good and some is not-so-good technically.

Hope that helps. Netflix works super-well via wifi on the SGP and there's lots of streaming content once you're signed up. Enjoy your player!
 
blackdog709 said:
Robrasta
Can you give a bit of an intro on how to accomplish this?
Thanks
bd
Click to expand...

Hey blackdog, it looks like you and everyone else here is extremely satisfied with the SGP, and I'll add myself to the group, as I've had my SGP 5" for about 2 months, and I couldn't be happier with it.

I originally got it in lieu of a smartphone/iPhone, because the contract on my "dumb" phone is coming up this month, so I figured I'd make the jump. But then I realized that I didn't want to be paying for those monthly data fees, especially when I came across this SGP, which really should be considered a mini-tablet, like others here have said.

Sorry for the long intro, but I have been using Google Voice and GrooveIP (which was $4.99 in the market) for a little while now, but not as my primary phone, I'm still using my old "dumb" phone for most calls.

It's pretty easy to set up, and as you probably know, the Google Voice app is already installed on the SGP, so that saves you one step. Next, I'd go to google.com/voice and sign up for your own unique Google Voice number. Now, I haven't explored some of the other options it offers, such as "porting" your number, which basically moves your existing number from your carrier (e.g. AT&T) to Google Voice. You could just do Google Voice Lite, which I believe lets you keep your existing number, but limits some of the features that you might otherwise get with "porting" it. (Just google "Google Voice account types" and it will get you to a helpful starting chart comparing the choices.)

I went with just getting a new number from Google Voice. So I still have my regular cell phone number with AT&T, and then I have my own GV number separate from that. I did this because if in the future I decide to ditch my normal cell phone (which I would do if I end up moving out of the country for a while as I intend to), I could just use my SGP and GV with GrooveIP as the dialer, as well as be able to send SMS texts from my GV account for free (from within wi-fi access of course). The main function of GrooveIP is that it allows your SGP to function as a phone, and with the included headphones with inline mic, the quality's not too bad. I must say that I really don't use GV much for outgoing calls, only if I'm at home, as well as for texts.

A bit of rambling there, but I hope that helps. In my opinion, spending $5 once on an app has been well worth it and will continue to be so, considering the $ I'll be saving by not having a monthly data plan. I understand it's not for everyone though, especially those who aren't always around a wi-fi signal.
 
@dang
Thanks for that info! Will check it out.
Keep in mind that you, being on AT&T, can swap out your SIM card when traveling using your dumb phone. I did this all across Europe and Russia. There are many services stateside that sell the pre-paid SIM cards and give you a new number. When you dial out, you dial some number in Estonia, and then Estonia calls you back and you get a new dial tone to place your call. It's a bit awkward at first but really works pretty well. Others from back in US or in Europe can dial in to your number without problems or weirdness with Estonia. You recharge minutes via a credit card. Costs vary depending on countries. Some countries you get free incoming, some you do not. Make sure your phone is at least tri-band (I had an old nokia flip 6103) and now have a vintage Motorola Razr quad-band.

Don't forget to copy all your contacts that may be on your SIM card to the phone before changing SIMs.
 
Hello all,
I just signed up today and have been reading tons of posts. Then decided to do a search for the SGP5 and found this thread. So, here's my input...

I have had an original Droid for 2.5 years and it was my right arm. All the cool apps I wanted and needed were on it and I was a happy camper. Then I lost my job! :( We had to do some serious cutbacks to expenses. And guess what got dropped first......the Verizon data plan. I was eligible for an upgrade, but it turned out to be a downgrade to a plain old clam-shell phone with no extras at all.

I was so bummed out!! And I was all set to grab one of the new high -end smart phones!! Obviously, that didn't happen. I felt naked without my Droid!!

Well, long story short...the wife decided I could get a "PDA" to take the place of the Droid...as long as there was no monthly bill involved. Cool! After looking for a couple weeks, I found out about the SGP5. It was love at first sight!!:D It became my Christmas present....the only one! LOL!

So I've been using, exploring, tweaking, testing, downloading and playing with it for about a month now and am still blown sideways at it's capabilities. WOW! What a great piece of hardware.

I can't find anything I DON'T love. Now, I'm a simple man with simple needs, but this thing is turning me into a big geek!! I'm getting into Skype, GoogleTalk, GrooveIP, texting, and on and on. Never knew what I was missing! Ha, Ha! It's a whole new world for me.

And then I find this forum of nice people...and you all are so helpful and polite to each other. I am just thrilled to bits.

I don't know how, but I'll try to contribute whenever I can. This is one COOL place...for sure!!:)

BTW...I found out after I got the SGP5 that I could have still used the Droid the same way I'm using the SGP5...but don't tell my wife!! Please!:eek:
 
marcelf said:
Going to look into if I can stream video to a Tv or from hard drive to this device, DNLA? haven't a clue how to do it
confused.gif



marcel
Click to expand...

I've been using a free app called iMediaShare, which lets me stream videos from the SGP to my AppleTV(2nd gen). It's a pretty straightforward process and works really well for me considering almost all of my videos are in iTunes format, but that's where it might fall short for you unfortunately. This app wasn't able to stream any of my avi files, only the mp4/m4v/mkv files, so if most of yours are in avi format, this app probably wouldn't be a good fit for you since you'd have to spend way too much time converting them in Handbrake or something like that.

But I figured I'd pass it along anyways, and if you happen to a Roku, Xbox 360, or another DNLA device "connected" to your TV rather than the AppleTV like I do, who knows? Those probably allow a wider variety of formats to be streamed through them compared to Apple's tightly-run ship.

Good luck finding an app that works if this one doesn't; I know it made me love this SGP even more once I was able to stream to my TV.
 
marcel,
Plus, you chaps just got Netflix streaming, yeah?
I've found Netflix to be pretty seamless on the SGP.
Sideman,
Welcome to the cool crew.
 
Hello all, I got my SGP a couple weeks ago and love this thing. I travel a lot (live in Sao Paulo) and come to the US all the time... Usually travel to the Tampa area from Miami on the Greyhound... now Greyhound has free wifi.. and I have used SKYPE to chat with my wife in Sao Paulo... amazing.... love it... free wifi and free calls to my wife, plus all the apps available make this a wonderful investment... I frequent a couple of Cigar bars here in the area and yo should see the looks I get when I pull out my SGP...most comments are "Is that the new iPhone?" my response is F**K NO! it's a Samsung Galaxy Player... and take a look... after about 10 seconds... they ask how much? and I am happy to tell them ...hahahah you should see the look on their faces... hahaha is a great way to twist the knife in a fanboy/girl.... I think I should be a sales rep for these things.... take care, Ted
 
Hello fellow SGP users! Nice to see there's a forum thread specifically for this product. I bought my SPG 4.0 several days after Xmas at Bestbuy. I wanted the 5.0 but BestBuy dropped the 4.0 price down to $179 (for one week only). I couldn't resist. My previous pocket tablet was an Archos 43IT. If ANYONE is thinking about buying one of these DO NOT BUY!! It is an utter piece of crap. The only thing half decently useful is the HDMI out port. But, videos do not look that great on a HD TV. But the movies are still viewable enough to enjoy watching. The resistive screen on the A43IT is junk. I wish Samsung came out with these "tablets" last year because it would have saved me $235. Oh well. I stumbled upon the SGP by accident. Being so disgusted with my A43IT I would search the internet every now and then to see if anyone else produced a pocket tablet. Right after Thanksgiving I saw the SGP 5.0 and I ran out to BestBuy to give one a try. It took all of 30 seconds before I was hooked. I thought my A43IT screen was crisp and had vibrant colors. But after I held it up next to the SGP I saw the A43IT screen looked washed and faded out compared to the colors of the SGP. I left BestBuy with the mission of picking up a SGP after the price would dropped a bit. As stated, I wanted the 5.0. When I saw the 4.0 for $60 less than the 5.0 I gave in. Let me tell you. I have not one regret with the 4.0. I love this device. It's everything the A43IT is not. If it had a kickstand and a HDMI out port it would be the absolute perfect pocket tablet. Every single app runs flawlessly. The OS seems bugfree. The A43IT was (and still is) riddled with bugs. The A43IT lacked GPS and that was a feature I really wanted. I did hear the Korean SGP was the only model that has a HDMI port. It's a shame the USA models did not come with this feature. I saw there is a micro USB to HDMI adapter but I have heard it doesn't work with the SGP's. I also saw there is a
1
2400mAh battery that may fit the 4.0. I have not heard any reports if it works or not and I most certainly don't want to fry my device being the Italian swine. The OEM earplugs sound better than Archos earbuds but they still don't do any justice for sound quality. So I use my over the ear Voz headphones ($15) and PowerAmp and I am VERY happy with the sound quality. Overall, I'm one very happy Android user!! THANKS SAMSUNG!!

p.s. the bolded text above are links to the products!
 
And another happy camper!! Welcome, GeoD. I just joined also, and this place is really amazing. Lots of very knowledgeable people, experts and devs hang out here and share their expertise freely.

I got the 5.0 and agree...it's addictive!! Ha, ha! I love finding new things to use it for. Eminently useful and lots of fun to boot.
 
blackdog709 said:
marcel,
Plus, you chaps just got Netflix streaming, yeah?
I've found Netflix to be pretty seamless on the SGP.
Sideman,
Welcome to the cool crew.
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thanks blackdog. I'd have to disagree a little, though. Cool club yes, but also the most unheard of, greatest pocket tablet on the planet club! Although I kind of like that no one else has one!

I've just sold two at my shop. My staff member won the 9.7inch sony tablet at christmas, but he can't play avi files on it, plus it only has internal memory. Showed him mine and now he's selling the sony to BUY a samsung 5.0...

Today I demonstrated some photo techniques to a customer at work (just got my 32GB card for it and have 2GB of pics on it), he thought it cost
 
Hi Everyone,

I am a recent 5.0 player buyer as well, for much the same reasons as everyone else here....Anyway I am not sure my 5.0 is functioning correctly, and as I only have a few more days to return/exchange, I wanted to get some advice from someone else other than a salesman who wont want to process a return.

This is really my first go with this type of an electric device, and my concerns revolve around battery life...everyone talks about how great it is, but I am not experiencing that. I have noticed the following in regards to battery life;

1. On 4 separate occasions, I have gone to bead with out plugging my 5.0 in, by morning it is completely dead.

2. Once the battery is fully charged, there is an Icon in the upper left corner that shows a battery and "100%" over the top of it,despite trying to clear this through the alerts menu, it never goes away, and they 5.0 will power down when the battery goes dead with out a warning. No matter what I cannot figure out how to clear this icon.

3. While listening to Pandora when I study I seem to only get about 30 minutes of WiFi time before the unit powers down.

4. Gaming and internet browsing only seems to last for about an hour as well.

Could this be a hardware issue? A battery issue?

Lastly, if I do exchange for a new player, how do I transfer the apps and calendars I have on this 5.0 to a new one.

Thanks for any help guys, I appreciate it.

Ashton
 
Hi BigRed61. You would get more attention for your issue is you start a new thread...instead of adding to this one. This one's not really an "i've got a problem" kind of thread. The people who could best help you might not see your plea for help.

I'm no expert at all, but it sounds like you have some apps running constantly. If you're not using GPS, turn it off, too. Actually, turn off anything you're not using.

If that doesn't work, I'd return it for an exchange. The battery, or the unit could be defective.

Oh....and I don't know about moving the apps and other stuff. You need an expert for that.
 
Just a note to all.
Our lovely SGT is not available here in Sao Paulo.. at least for another 2-3 months... now the looks I get are really amazing... and the questions (in Portuguese) are about the same as I received in the USA.... and the fanboys/are pissed here... but to no avail... hahahahah especially since the price here is estimated to be around R$1000,00 (includes the conversion to Real (R$) brasilain currency and the 80% import tax).... I still think I should become a SGT sales person... everyone here wants me to go to USA and bring SGT back with me...hahahah life is good....
 
I hear ya, Drted. My son's one of those fanboys. He and I have this little competition thing when it comes to high tech stuff. Always trying to out-do each other. With his income, he can usually stay well ahead of me. But this time I knocked his block off! Ha, ha, ha. He wants an SGP so bad he can't stand it...but has to wait a while to save up for it. :p

I showed it off to a lady that I do tech work for, and she said she would see about getting one the very next day. She was still using an old palm pilot! :eek:

As PCDeb said, these SGPs are a best kept secret. And the ixxx fanboys turn green with envy when they see what these things can do!! LOL!
 
hwllo Sideman, I love to twist the fanboy knife. I have friend (fanboy) here in SP that has always sworn by his iPhone... and yesterday he looked at my SGP... said it was nice.. asked the US price and turned very red... hahahahah... then "wanted to know when I was returning to the USA?"... hinting that he is interested in a new SGP purchase.. hahahahahahah.....I said maybe yes maybe no.. I might just allow him to spend his money... but told him to buy here in Brasil... hahahah.. he was really mad then.. hahahah.... toooo bad, I thought... ah well such is life,
 
BigRed
First thing I'd try is to use Task Manager, kill all apps, and fully-charge overnight. Make sure you reach 95-100%.
If you still have problems, I'd try a reset to factory defaults.

You'll ahve to reload everything of course. I know there are apps like Titanium Backup for backing up data on your device. I don't think that you're going to get apps backed up and reloaded thought. Someone else with real knowledge of this should participate in the discussion; I am far from an expert.

You should not let the battery go to dead. These lithium ion batteries do not suffer from "topping up" like the old niCads. Keep it charged at work, home, car...whatever. Top it up every night.

My battery life has been fantastic. Wake the unit up at about 7:00 AM. Various fairly light email and general use most of the day. Calculator, checking Android Market, bit of browsing, check BBC, more email at lunch, play music for a couple of hours...and so forth all day. Maybe one day out of 5 engage Google Maps with navigation for a half-hour or so. At home, check email, watch netfilx for 2 hours, check email, listen to music for an hour...at 11:00 I would typically be between 20-35% after all that.

Sounds like time is running out on your return period so maybe just return the darned thing. Of course then you will really have to start from scratch. And most retailers won't just take it back; Best Buy wont. Their extended warranty was WAY too expensive. You have to ship back to the manufacturer and , of course, WAIT.

good luck.
 
Im thinking of getting a SGP for my son. I have a SGS2. What version of android does this have. I know it comes with 2.2 but I have been reading that it should get 2.3 can anyone confirm one way or another? Im sure that when I was playing with one in PC World and I looked in the settings it said 2.3. Thanks for any advice.
 
Gav400 said:
Im thinking of getting a SGP for my son. I have a SGS2. What version of android does this have. I know it comes with 2.2 but I have been reading that it should get 2.3 can anyone confirm one way or another? Im sure that when I was playing with one in PC World and I looked in the settings it said 2.3. Thanks for any advice.
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2.3.5 stock
 
UK models come with 2.2 there is no update to 2.3 yet, checked samsung's international site, and no update either. US buyers seem to get 2.3, not sure how.

marcel
 
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