Fred G. Vader
Well-Known Member
So I'm just a few days shy of my 1 month anniversary and thought that I would share my experience so far with the Galaxy Note. To sum it up in a nutshell
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So after 1 Month what do you guys think of the G-Note!
- Thread starter Fred G. Vader
- Start date
Evil.Bonsai
Android Enthusiast
I went from an Atrix to the Note. I had wanted the Dell Streak when it was announced but changed my mind when the delays set in. By the time it was released, it was too out-of-date, and just not implemented very well.
I do love this phone, so far. But after only 5 days, I'm still in 'new' mode. Initial impression is that while I do like the size, I'm thinking a slightly smaller 5" screen (with proportional physical size) would pretty much be the sweet spot. I'm sure I'll get used to the Note's size, in time, though.
I do love this phone, so far. But after only 5 days, I'm still in 'new' mode. Initial impression is that while I do like the size, I'm thinking a slightly smaller 5" screen (with proportional physical size) would pretty much be the sweet spot. I'm sure I'll get used to the Note's size, in time, though.
Fred G. Vader
Well-Known Member
I totally agree bro, I'll still take 5.3" if they can squeeze it into a smaller form factor but if not then I wouldn't be disappointed with a 5.0" in a smaller form factor either.
Very Nice Review Fred.
I too notice the slight lag when opening up certain apps, but it's not a huge deal for me. It's amazing how tons of people complain about waiting an extra 3 seconds for something to open up. I guess in todays age we are spoiled in wanting things to happen instantly. Guess we are spoiled that way. In no way is that directed at you but I've read the same comments on other forums and threads.
The only complaint I have and is more user error is the sensitivity of the buttons on the bottom of the phone. In the beginning and even sometimes now I will accidentally hit the home, or back button...still something to get used to, but again nothing major.
For me personally I can't complain and love everything about this phone/tablet. Coming from an older Black Berry Curve I don't have much to compare it to. For my needs it suits me well, and is everything I need in a phone.
Size has never been an issue for me because I'm not much of a text/msg person, only when needed. The swype keyboard is something else and I prefer it because I have toes for fingers! hahahaha! The size is what attracted me to the phone and the fact that it was a mini tablet really got me interested. This phone for me is more for media applications and video to pass time on my lunch break at work or waiting around. On the business side of things it's a great phablet to work on documents and spreadsheets on the go. I've already been using the Note in some of our meetings with scheduling, notes and documentation. I've owned a GPS in the past, so having one built in i a plus.
Battery is decent, I get a full honest day of usage with medium use and just plug in before I go to bed, but I could see why heavy users complain about the battery life if you are constantly connected, playing games and listening to music. There is only so much you can ask from the battery that comes with the note.
So many things I like about this phone that I'm still discovering. I did my homework on the Note and iphone 4s and have no regrets, and this is coming from a Mac guy. I'm one to own my phones for a good three years then upgrade so I plan on getting the most out of this one for some time.
I too notice the slight lag when opening up certain apps, but it's not a huge deal for me. It's amazing how tons of people complain about waiting an extra 3 seconds for something to open up. I guess in todays age we are spoiled in wanting things to happen instantly. Guess we are spoiled that way. In no way is that directed at you but I've read the same comments on other forums and threads.
The only complaint I have and is more user error is the sensitivity of the buttons on the bottom of the phone. In the beginning and even sometimes now I will accidentally hit the home, or back button...still something to get used to, but again nothing major.
For me personally I can't complain and love everything about this phone/tablet. Coming from an older Black Berry Curve I don't have much to compare it to. For my needs it suits me well, and is everything I need in a phone.
Size has never been an issue for me because I'm not much of a text/msg person, only when needed. The swype keyboard is something else and I prefer it because I have toes for fingers! hahahaha! The size is what attracted me to the phone and the fact that it was a mini tablet really got me interested. This phone for me is more for media applications and video to pass time on my lunch break at work or waiting around. On the business side of things it's a great phablet to work on documents and spreadsheets on the go. I've already been using the Note in some of our meetings with scheduling, notes and documentation. I've owned a GPS in the past, so having one built in i a plus.
Battery is decent, I get a full honest day of usage with medium use and just plug in before I go to bed, but I could see why heavy users complain about the battery life if you are constantly connected, playing games and listening to music. There is only so much you can ask from the battery that comes with the note.
So many things I like about this phone that I'm still discovering. I did my homework on the Note and iphone 4s and have no regrets, and this is coming from a Mac guy. I'm one to own my phones for a good three years then upgrade so I plan on getting the most out of this one for some time.
Fred G. Vader
Well-Known Member
No worries Jemini I know exactly what you mean. A little patience would do a lot of folks some good. It wouldn't bug me so much if it weren't for the fact that the majority of the time there is no delay. But I know things will get better with ICS so I don't let it bug me too much. I hope Android will one day be as responsive as Windows Phone.
I know that sounds weird but I was shocked to find out how zippy and responsive WP can be. I played around with an HTC Titan while I was at the AT&T store waiting for a rep to free up and it was fast as hell! There was absolutely no delay in screen transitions and apps opening. If you ever get a chance to play around with one you'll see what I mean.
WP has its own issues though besides that but I think its going to be a damn good OS after a few more major releases. That's the one good thing about MS being behind in the mobile game is that they are having to play catch up so they aren't cutting any corners. And any improvements/innovations they make will only force Android to improve so its a win all the way around!
I know that sounds weird but I was shocked to find out how zippy and responsive WP can be. I played around with an HTC Titan while I was at the AT&T store waiting for a rep to free up and it was fast as hell! There was absolutely no delay in screen transitions and apps opening. If you ever get a chance to play around with one you'll see what I mean.
WP has its own issues though besides that but I think its going to be a damn good OS after a few more major releases. That's the one good thing about MS being behind in the mobile game is that they are having to play catch up so they aren't cutting any corners. And any improvements/innovations they make will only force Android to improve so its a win all the way around!
Droid_Genius
Android Enthusiast
My feelings in the short of things are, I cant imagine ever using a smaller device again, seriously it feels like a mini tablet lol....Im rooted and got rid of crapware which made me love it more
I've had it for about 5 days as well and so far I am liking it. My previous android was the HTC Desire HD so I am used to a big phone and the Note's size doesn't really bother me. The battery life of the Note compared to the Desire HD is amazing, I am getting 3x more life out of this big phone than with the Desire.
What does bother me is the lack of a really good belt clip because I hate keeping my phones in my pocket, no matter what the size. I have a cheapie belt clip on the way from China at the moment but I am really waiting for an Otterbox case with clip to come out for this phone.
What does bother me is the lack of a really good belt clip because I hate keeping my phones in my pocket, no matter what the size. I have a cheapie belt clip on the way from China at the moment but I am really waiting for an Otterbox case with clip to come out for this phone.
ryandelman
Well-Known Member
I love mine in spite of that it's just too big for a phone.
In other words, I freely admit that this boom-box-sized behemoth is just plain unwieldy (which is something you don't get used to), but I'm so in love with the devices capabilities, functionality and potential that I am willing to deal with how physically impractical it is from a daily-driver perspective.
-Ryan
In other words, I freely admit that this boom-box-sized behemoth is just plain unwieldy (which is something you don't get used to), but I'm so in love with the devices capabilities, functionality and potential that I am willing to deal with how physically impractical it is from a daily-driver perspective.
-Ryan
mmckinnie92
Lurker
I think I am going to return mine today. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the phone. I love the size and the screen and the pen and everything about it, but I find myself missing my iPhone. I loved how it worked with my head unit in my car and charged while it played, how it syncs seamlessly with my MacBook.. Don't mean to turn this into a Note v. iPhone thread, just so happens I am an Apple guy. I'm used to the fluidity of the iPhone.. kind of put a bad taste in my mouth when I had to factory reset my note after 4 days because it was slow and crashing quite a bit. I realize it is a new product and bugs like that happen, but for now I think it's time I part ways with my Note. I'll be sad to see it go!
Have you seen this case? seidioonline.com
It's kinda along the lines of an Otterbox it has the case and then the holster probably not as good as an otterbox, I don't know. I am waiting for an Otterbox too which they say they are working on but I bought one of the ones I linked to above until then cause I like having it clipped to my belt too.
Not sure what your issues are but I'm also a mac guy and I've had no issues whatsoever, perhaps a bad model? Syncs great with all my mac stuff no crashes and it's pretty smooth in my books.
If you plan on going back to iphone why not wait until June/July when iphone 5 is out? I'm almost certain it'll be at least a 4"+ screen.
I would guess the next iPhone will come out in Oct like the 4S did, but who really knows.
kcs7272
Android Expert
I just got a belt holster clip and shell case from ebay for $14.95 and it is excellent. Also it came with a screen protector. The seller is My Gadget Garage
mmckinnie92
Lurker
My iPhone 4 broke last week, that's the only reason I was out for a new phone anyway. I would have waited for the new iPhone to release if I didn't need a phone right now. I just like the idea of iCloud and the compatibility with my car radio more. Just like the iPhone more in general. Did like my Note though. Kinda wished I could have kept both. Oh well!
I love them both. They both have pros and cons. I can't see myself getting rid of either! Lol. Use my iphone for weather, music and books and odd apps here and there. The note for everything else.
My only gripe on the note is how it handles whites in videos. They often seem bluish.
I noticed this as well in some instances, but after adjusting the white balance according to the lighting environment it's better. Usually pretty typical on an "automatic" setting.
It's funny what kind of reactions people give you about the size but soon after they are usually envious
vice86
Well-Known Member
that's the one thing I miss. The iPhone worked with my stock stereo's USB input to show all the track info. My Note can only be plugged in through the AUX input...where no song info shows up on my radio. Sure, its right there on my phone but I liked having it show up on the radio too.
I still use my iPhone 4 in my bedroom for the sound app that isn't available on Android yet. I've tried Android sound apps but none of them are as good as SleepMachine for iOS...which they're currently working on for Android...woot.
I noticed this as well in some instances, but after adjusting the white balance according to the lighting environment it's better. Usually pretty typical on an "automatic" setting.
It's funny what kind of reactions people give you about the size but soon after they are usually envious
Oh? How/where do you make that adjustment?
Exactly! Same thing if you are using an app like Camera FX
For more control you can adjust ISO, exposure, metering, stabilization etc.
Attachments
my battery life is horrible. i have dropped down from lte to hspa. but i honestly just cant go back to a smaller size. i picked up my e4gt and damn near complained for the 10mins i was holding it. i just rooted the note with saurom rc4, customized my screen and apps and keep a charger handy.the phone does get rather hot. i will cont to use hspa unless im around a charger. not a speed junkie at times. but it will be seriously hard to go to another device on screen size alone, im stuck. =)
ryandelman
Well-Known Member
Couple suggestions:
1) USe an app like SetCPU to set the phone to ondemand, if it's not there right now. Saurom might have the CPU running on performance or possibly even OC'd?? Not sure.
2) Get the phone to go into deep sleep when the screen's off; this can make a big difference in battery life. If you're not familiar with how to make this happen, go to XDA and search "deep sleep" under the Q&A thread.
Hope this helps.
-Ryan