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Sorting it all out
- Thread starter Infinite-t
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- samsung captivate
Infinite-t
Android Enthusiast
Lol thanks bro, I appreciate that
OK. I just signed up for an account here so that I can say this.
Most of you people replying are acting like typical Linux freaks!! It is a PHONE and it should just WORK. I work on Linux/Unix for a living. Not everyone who buys an Android phone wants to eff around with rooting, tweaking internal menus, loading random drivers on their computer, etc, just to get the thing to do what it should do out of the box. That is the same problem with Open Source and Linux - LACK OF USABILITY and LACK OF STABILITY. Why do you think my Grandma is using Windows 7 and not Ubuntu?
I am in the same situation with this device. I appreciate that the devs and coders are working on these things, These guys are super-geniuses. But they don't have a sense of making anything "just work". So while they sort it out, I don't have time to waste half my life trying to hack the thing so that I can make some use out of it. Say whatever you want about Apple, but out of the box it actually does what it says it does. What a concept!
Most of you people replying are acting like typical Linux freaks!! It is a PHONE and it should just WORK. I work on Linux/Unix for a living. Not everyone who buys an Android phone wants to eff around with rooting, tweaking internal menus, loading random drivers on their computer, etc, just to get the thing to do what it should do out of the box. That is the same problem with Open Source and Linux - LACK OF USABILITY and LACK OF STABILITY. Why do you think my Grandma is using Windows 7 and not Ubuntu?
I am in the same situation with this device. I appreciate that the devs and coders are working on these things, These guys are super-geniuses. But they don't have a sense of making anything "just work". So while they sort it out, I don't have time to waste half my life trying to hack the thing so that I can make some use out of it. Say whatever you want about Apple, but out of the box it actually does what it says it does. What a concept!
Infinite-t
Android Enthusiast
I have to agree with a good part of that. I expected the Android to be different, and work differently. In fact thats why I bought it and not an iP4, i wanted to try something different and more open ended.
But I think that since it is being marketed as a "Smart Phone" is should function as one out of the box at least on a basic level. not spend 4 days to get it to do something my old razr did 4 years ago. If it was going to be like this they should market it as a "Linux pocket computer" that with tweeking and time can work like a smart phone.
I Just find it a little disheartening that to all the trouble I am having with this thing, to come to this forum, just look 90% of the other threads here are people asking about problems, or issues getting there "smart phone" to be smart.
I hope i can get it to work, i would like to be out of apples grip, but atleast it worked.
Baldilocks
Android Expert
True smartphones are mini computers. Any real smartphone OS like S60, Bada, Android, Blackberry OS, PalmOS are going to have hundreds of settings and tons of customizations. They aren't going to be easy to use out of the box like iPhone OS.
iPhone OS was designed to be nothing more than an application launcher. It is not an honest to goodness smartphone in the true sense of the word.
If you want easy, go to an iPhone or a dumb phone. If you want a mini computer, something you can edit documents while you are emailing and browsing the web, get a smartphone OS.
iPhone OS was designed to be nothing more than an application launcher. It is not an honest to goodness smartphone in the true sense of the word.
If you want easy, go to an iPhone or a dumb phone. If you want a mini computer, something you can edit documents while you are emailing and browsing the web, get a smartphone OS.
infinite I registered just to reply here. I was debating on exchanging my much loved iPhone 4 for a Captivate. Just wanted to try something different.
I was looking forward to customize Android for fun not to have to do it for proper functionality.
I decided after reading a lot of these threads that now isn't the time to leave iOS. Maybe when 2.2 hits and more Android options come to AT&T but I'm just weary of the Captivate and Samsung support in general.
While I prefer the iPhone 4 screen significantly I was very impressed with the feel and look of the Captivate but again I just want it to work. It's cool if you like tinker but it really should just perform out of the box. Im not a noob, I work in IT and could learn, I just don't have the damn time.
Gotta say avoiding a 2mm black seam in low signal areas isn't that difficult. Not to mention I'm a case guy and would buy one for the Captivate as well.
Still a nice phone but like the poster above mentioned some people want to be on Android but don't want to spend time hacking it to work really like it should.
I also am uncomfortable not knowing if my phone will get the latest update.
Hope I don't get flamed as I was really looking forward to making a switch but I can't help but feel this phone is going to give me a bad first impression. Am I wrong?
I've read about problematic buttons, poor battery, gps, random reboots etc
Sure the iPhone 4 has reported problems but I don't have any. Maybe that's something to consider as well, not all phones have the same issues. Bad units maybe?
Today was the last day to return my iPhone. So from here on I'll either buy am Android phone outright and switch around between both or sell my iPhone 4 if something catches my eye, maybe even a captivate if the kinks get fixed. This is a test for Samsung.
I was looking forward to customize Android for fun not to have to do it for proper functionality.
I decided after reading a lot of these threads that now isn't the time to leave iOS. Maybe when 2.2 hits and more Android options come to AT&T but I'm just weary of the Captivate and Samsung support in general.
While I prefer the iPhone 4 screen significantly I was very impressed with the feel and look of the Captivate but again I just want it to work. It's cool if you like tinker but it really should just perform out of the box. Im not a noob, I work in IT and could learn, I just don't have the damn time.
Gotta say avoiding a 2mm black seam in low signal areas isn't that difficult. Not to mention I'm a case guy and would buy one for the Captivate as well.
Still a nice phone but like the poster above mentioned some people want to be on Android but don't want to spend time hacking it to work really like it should.
I also am uncomfortable not knowing if my phone will get the latest update.
Hope I don't get flamed as I was really looking forward to making a switch but I can't help but feel this phone is going to give me a bad first impression. Am I wrong?
I've read about problematic buttons, poor battery, gps, random reboots etc
Sure the iPhone 4 has reported problems but I don't have any. Maybe that's something to consider as well, not all phones have the same issues. Bad units maybe?
Today was the last day to return my iPhone. So from here on I'll either buy am Android phone outright and switch around between both or sell my iPhone 4 if something catches my eye, maybe even a captivate if the kinks get fixed. This is a test for Samsung.
Infinite-t
Android Enthusiast
Dude, Ill trade ya
J/k Im really hopeing i can hack this thing so i can do what i wanted to do with it.
/snark on
If you have to ask, get an iPhone. If for no other reason than to keep the signal-to-noise ratio down in all the Captivate threads. AT&T getting the Captivate was both the worst thing that's happened to Android and the best, all at the same time.
/snark off
I think a lot of what you're having troubles with is just a matter of being TRAINED by Apple to expect certain things as being the way things are done. You're making what I like to call Applesumptions.
But to put this in perspective, I've never used iTunes more than a few minutes, and that about a decade ago when it first came out. I've NEVER done any sort of media syncing to my PDA or smartphone, I simply drag and drop stuff onto the devices. The whole concept of NEEDING a program to move files from one device to the other (beyond the operating system) is foreign to me.
Put me in front of a Mac or PC with an iPhone and I'm sure I could figure it out, but I'd be pissed at Apple through most of the "intuitive" process because it's not the way I was trained.
If you have to ask, get an iPhone. If for no other reason than to keep the signal-to-noise ratio down in all the Captivate threads. AT&T getting the Captivate was both the worst thing that's happened to Android and the best, all at the same time.
/snark off
I think a lot of what you're having troubles with is just a matter of being TRAINED by Apple to expect certain things as being the way things are done. You're making what I like to call Applesumptions.
But to put this in perspective, I've never used iTunes more than a few minutes, and that about a decade ago when it first came out. I've NEVER done any sort of media syncing to my PDA or smartphone, I simply drag and drop stuff onto the devices. The whole concept of NEEDING a program to move files from one device to the other (beyond the operating system) is foreign to me.
Put me in front of a Mac or PC with an iPhone and I'm sure I could figure it out, but I'd be pissed at Apple through most of the "intuitive" process because it's not the way I was trained.
KappaG9
Well-Known Member
SO true! iPhone is nothing more than an application launcher
When you click the green phone icon can you make a call? Yes? Then it is a PHONE and it is WORKING. You don't need to root it or mess with internal menus for it to work. Let's remember that this particular version of this phone was released less than a week ago. The iPhone has been out for years. The only problem I've had is with the GPS. I did a factory reset because I was planning on swapping it for a new one. But for whatever reason the GPS is now working just fine now. The comparison of this phone/iPhone to Linux/windows7 is not a valid comparison at all.
Just my 2 cents. Oh, and I posted this from my Captivate. It's working quite well.
Infinite-t
Android Enthusiast
Well, on the bright side i am slowly getting things worked out, The biggest problem I was having was the corruped drivers that was keeping me from connecting to my PC.
The GPS thing, seems to be working for me.. for now.
The Beautiful Widges App is sick as hell!
I hope to get voice dial nailed down soon.
I am starting to like some of the cool customization things, now that things are starting to work.
Here's hoping, and a big thanks to all who jumped in to give some help and advice!
The GPS thing, seems to be working for me.. for now.
The Beautiful Widges App is sick as hell!
I hope to get voice dial nailed down soon.
I am starting to like some of the cool customization things, now that things are starting to work.
Here's hoping, and a big thanks to all who jumped in to give some help and advice!
Isn't that what all operating system do?? Launch and run applications.......
Baldilocks
Android Expert
Most of them let you manipulate and move data between applications. The iPhone, for the most part, does not. THAT'S the big difference between the iOS and every other smartphone OS.
Not to mention the Samsung hardware is horrible. I am on my fourth Captivate in 2 weeks and I am really wanting to like it but I might just give up.
The first one had a bad antenna, no signal at all, anywhere.
The second one the "back" soft button would not work, would not detect even the most deliberate press.
The third one had an internal memory card fault and wouldn't detect the internal 16gb.
(The second and third ones never even left the store. You want to see an embarassed AT&T manager, try returning a dud phone and having them have to open three new ones before they find the one that actually works.)
Who does quality control on this crap?? Monkeys?
The first one had a bad antenna, no signal at all, anywhere.
The second one the "back" soft button would not work, would not detect even the most deliberate press.
The third one had an internal memory card fault and wouldn't detect the internal 16gb.
(The second and third ones never even left the store. You want to see an embarassed AT&T manager, try returning a dud phone and having them have to open three new ones before they find the one that actually works.)
Who does quality control on this crap?? Monkeys?
Yeah god forbid a potential customer and buyer of the Captivate want to investigate and talk about potential problems I may encounter. Now you may actually have people coming in here and saying things that aren't all positive, is that what you're worried about?
I think a lot of what you're having troubles with is just a matter of being TRAINED by Apple to expect certain things as being the way things are done. You're making what I like to call Applesumptions.
It's not good you to make assumptions either. I run Unbuntu at home. I have a big problem with with Apple and the Jobsian Reality Distortion Field. Never had an iPhone, don't use iTunes, my iPod Nano syncs with Banshee, etc. I'm moving from a old Moto Rizr and I just want an Android phone but I spend enough time trying to get #$% to work on linux for my job and I don't need to waste what precious little free time I have with the same frustrations trying to get a phone that works properly.
I agree with the previous comment, Android should not be marketed as a smartphone. It should be marketed as a pocket linux computer that with enough tinkering and fiddling may be able to behave like a smartphone.
For the Android Advocates amongst us, please don't get your collective rear's up - this thread is about Samsung Captive, not an indictment of the operating system.
Speaking for myself alone, I used to tweak out a WinMobile5-->6 Samsung Blackjack... it had firmware problems too. I could workaround them for the most part, but the rebuild +tweakage took longer than a desktop rebuild.
/Rant
The Captivate, however, has such fatal flaws, it's crippled. If I go back to Apple hardware, it will be with a heavy heart, as Itunes competes directly with Lotus Notes for sh1tt13st software ever and Jobs is a grade-a wanker. With a jailbreak and a little help from the militant iphone community, the sandbox can be expanded, sort of.
One last note, I called ATT about the GPS problem, they in-turn sent me to Samsung, who when I linked them to one of the forums reporting the problem; admitted it was a known issue. No fix date, and at the end of the call, sent me back to ATT. I swear a Packard-Bell engineer headed up the QA of this phone. And again, no lock/unlock button on the front of the phone pfffft....
/Rant off
Speaking for myself alone, I used to tweak out a WinMobile5-->6 Samsung Blackjack... it had firmware problems too. I could workaround them for the most part, but the rebuild +tweakage took longer than a desktop rebuild.
/Rant
The Captivate, however, has such fatal flaws, it's crippled. If I go back to Apple hardware, it will be with a heavy heart, as Itunes competes directly with Lotus Notes for sh1tt13st software ever and Jobs is a grade-a wanker. With a jailbreak and a little help from the militant iphone community, the sandbox can be expanded, sort of.
One last note, I called ATT about the GPS problem, they in-turn sent me to Samsung, who when I linked them to one of the forums reporting the problem; admitted it was a known issue. No fix date, and at the end of the call, sent me back to ATT. I swear a Packard-Bell engineer headed up the QA of this phone. And again, no lock/unlock button on the front of the phone pfffft....
/Rant off
- Problematic buttons: I don't have any issues.
- Poor battery: A lot of people are playing with their phones since it's new. There are same reports of poor battery for the iPhone 4. My opinion is that the battery life could be better but it's about the same as my old iPhone 3GS. Nothing horrendous or unexpected.
- GPS: There is an issue with it locking on quickly indoors. Outdoors it locks on fairly quick but not as fast as my old iPhone. Rumor has it that there's a firmware fix.
- Random reboots: Haven't had any of these issues.
- Samsung has confirmed they will update to Froyo so there's no worry about being stuck with 2.1. And remember that even though Apple updates iOS, not all features make it down to the older phones. For instance, my 3G couldn't do video recording, even though the hardware allows for it.
Bottom line is that I still think the Captivate is better than the iPhone 4. Android is just better integrated. Google Maps is way better on Android than on the iOS. Push email (Gmail, free) is better than MobileMe (pay). The super amoled screen is more beautiful unless you spend all day looking at your screen under a microscope. The customization is off the charts vs iOS, etc. etc.
Yes, this! Maybe somewhere in the world there is one Captivate with a working wifi, working gps, working back button, good battery life, etc, but I've been through four of them and haven't found it yet! If anyone ever finds that one working Captivate, put it in a museum!
Heck no, I'm keeping mine! lol
I have the Captivate and the Iphone4. Actually my wife has the Iphone4 but I do all the itunes syncing etc. My wife is clueless about IOS this and android that- which is why the Apple Iphone is perfect for her. It is made to be a device that many people can pick up and start using. Simple, with only one way to do things, no customization, and only one way to extract and input media into it- Itunes.
I hate Itunes, because the Iphone4 is probably the best phone out right now in terms of quality, camera and screen(debatable). Overall, its an awesome phone, but the fact that you have to use Itunes ruins the whole experience. Thats why I returned my Iphone4 and got the Captivate instead. The wife can keep her Itunes having Iphone4 while I have the freedom to do whatever I want with mine. You can only do what Itunes allows you to do.
In front of me I have the Captivate and Iphone4. I can tell you that I love my Captivate because I make it mine, with my own personal flavor and style. The captivate can play videos and sideload apps and games all day long. The Iphone has to ask permission from Itunes for stuff- boring.
To sum it up-I think the Iphone4 is the best phone there is right now but it doesnt matter because you cant use its awesomeness thanks to IOS and Itunes BS. The Captivate is the second best phone on ATT but it takes the win because it is ANTI-Itunes.
Sorry for my long blabbering- just wanted to share my opinion since I have both phones.
I hate Itunes, because the Iphone4 is probably the best phone out right now in terms of quality, camera and screen(debatable). Overall, its an awesome phone, but the fact that you have to use Itunes ruins the whole experience. Thats why I returned my Iphone4 and got the Captivate instead. The wife can keep her Itunes having Iphone4 while I have the freedom to do whatever I want with mine. You can only do what Itunes allows you to do.
In front of me I have the Captivate and Iphone4. I can tell you that I love my Captivate because I make it mine, with my own personal flavor and style. The captivate can play videos and sideload apps and games all day long. The Iphone has to ask permission from Itunes for stuff- boring.
To sum it up-I think the Iphone4 is the best phone there is right now but it doesnt matter because you cant use its awesomeness thanks to IOS and Itunes BS. The Captivate is the second best phone on ATT but it takes the win because it is ANTI-Itunes.
Sorry for my long blabbering- just wanted to share my opinion since I have both phones.
Itunes is what all the prob are. Just kidding. Listen up, this is Samsungs 1st flagship smartphone. This is Apples 4th. Remember how many issues the Iphone 2G had? It didn't even have stereo BT. We should get a huge update here somtime in aug or a little after. I bet alot of it gets fixed. Just look at the EU version they have had what 3 firmware upgrades. Just give it a bit, its brandnew.
I'm familiar with both phones as well, I agree with your disdain of the Jobsian Effect, but I guess I would rephrase this way:
iPhone 4 is the best phone on AT&T and is crippled by Apple /AT&T/iTunes lockin so that you can't use its full potential.
Captivate is the 2nd best phone on AT&T and it's crippled by numerous bugs (and perhaps a too much of a need for tinkering to make it work to its full potential).
So the question is, in the next year or so, is Samsung going to fix their phone? Yes, probably, eventually. Is Apple going to unshackle the iPhone? Not likely (even if Jobs meets his maker).
Baldilocks
Android Expert
Samsung seems to have some software problems lately. The Eternity, Solstice and Impression were all speedy feature touch screen phones. As soon as TouchPro 2 was introduced with the Mythic, the phone (with better specs than either of the older 3), was much slower and had the same jerkiness.
Samsung would have been best to test these phones more and leave off Touchwiz altogether.
Samsung would have been best to test these phones more and leave off Touchwiz altogether.