Time to say Goodbye!!!!

[57DRP]

After really wanting a change from Apple, I purchased the GN2 on Oct 2nd. I tried my best to like it and use it for work daily. I am a heavy user of email, phone, calendar and voice dictation.

Although the GN2 looked amazing, I immediately noticed it was not up to the task so ran a GiffGaff sim in it as a second phone till I got used to it. After just two weeks of carrying 2 phones, I left the GN2 in my desk drawer and have not used it properly since.

Now I am selling it and sticking to Apple who have got it down to a tee. Fast, easy to use and responsive. You may hate them but they make work life easier

Thank you all for your advice and good luck. We may meet again if Samsung improve the GN3 or GN4.

 

[menmyjeep]

After really wanting a change from Apple, I purchased the GN2 on Oct 2nd. I tried my best to like it and use it for work daily. I am a heavy user of email, phone, calendar and voice dictation.

Although the GN2 looked amazing, I immediately noticed it was not up to the task so ran a GiffGaff sim in it as a second phone till I got used to it. After just two weeks of carrying 2 phones, I left the GN2 in my desk drawer and have not used it properly since.

Now I am selling it and sticking to Apple who have got it down to a tee. Fast, easy to use and responsive. You may hate them but they make work life easier

Thank you all for your advice and good luck. We may meet again if Samsung improve the GN3 or GN4.

Yeah, two weeks is not enough time to learn Android especially if coming from the iPh***. Takes time to transition. Too bad you didnt dedicate more time to learning the operating system. Android really has a lot of great offerings way and above Apple in many regards.

Good Luck and Good Bye!!!:ciao:

 

[Rippin508]

Sorry it didn't work out for you, but menmyjeep is right. Two weeks is not enough time to get used to Android especially if you are brand new to Android.

In the end though, you need to pick what works best for you. Good luck and feel free to return at anytime.

 

[ScandaLeX]

Sorry it didn't work out for you. I have no idea what a GiffGaff sim is but if I had to know, it sounds like one of those things I would've researched first then used the phone that could meet that need.

I'm curious though- who is your carrier that you can return your phone 7 weeks later as opposed to 14 days?

EDIT: Just realized you said you're selling it.

 

[bengadget]

I learned Android in a day coming from an iPhone. It's as simple or as difficult as the user wants it to be.

 

[57DRP]

Hi Guys, I picked up the Android operating system fairly quickly so this was not a problem but my biggest issues were:

1. Voice recognition in a email or text message did not recognise simple dictation punctuation like new paragraph, full stop and comma. Comma worked only if you said it a few times but by that time it had type the word several times. Siri on the other hand did all this. I use Dragon Natuallyspeaking 12 on my PC which is amazing and I rely on these tools to make my working day more efficient.

2. I have a lot of email sub-folders and scrolling through these to select one was very glitchy unlike the iPhone which runs through them like ice on ice

3. I use an exchange server and the phone on many occasions failed to sync calendar appointments and contacts automatically. Only worked when you manually selected the sync option. This may have been something to do with the poor GiffGaff network, not sure.

3. Video call was unreliable unlike FaceTime

4. Could not move apps to memory card, so no massive advance over my 64GB 4s

5. Weather widget did not update automatically

6. When you choose to view an attachment on an email or a PDF/other file from a website the phone automatically downloads it, you may not want this every time.

7. I use the spotlight feature on the iPhone all the time to search for a contact or an app. The Google Now feature did not feel as smooth.

8. I could not find a preview option on the notifications bar, you had to swipe down to see any new emails or messages

9. S-pen was very responsive but I thought S-Note could be more user friendly when trying to share docs.

10. S-Calendar was a poor attempt by Samsung. Apart from the hover feature it was not user friendly. I am sure there are better Android Calendars out there.

There are many more small things that I did not like. I really tried to like the GN2, although I only used it for two weeks, I often tested it for hours on end. Before people say I am an apple fanboy, believe me I was not happy with the limited changes made to the iPhone 5 so wanted to move but the reality for me is that Apple works and works well. So much so that even when I tried to hate it I couldn't. After all time is money!

 

[redrider39m]

After really wanting a change from Apple, I purchased the GN2 on Oct 2nd. I tried my best to like it and use it for work daily. I am a heavy user of email, phone, calendar and voice dictation.

Although the GN2 looked amazing, I immediately noticed it was not up to the task so ran a GiffGaff sim in it as a second phone till I got used to it. After just two weeks of carrying 2 phones, I left the GN2 in my desk drawer and have not used it properly since.

Now I am selling it and sticking to Apple who have got it down to a tee. Fast, easy to use and responsive. You may hate them but they make work life easier

Thank you all for your advice and good luck. We may meet again if Samsung improve the GN3 or GN4.

Have you sold your phone already? If not how much do you want for it and what carrier is the phone from?

 

[ScandaLeX]

Thanks for coming back to add detail and clarity regarding the things you didn't like. At the end of the day, no one phone is perfect but there's always one that meets our most immediate needs and that's what's most important regardless of the manufacturer.

 

[NeuDroid]

I came to the Note 2 having used iPhones for years. I can't see myself going back unless they release a 5.5" screen device then I'll consider it. Loving android and my note 2 plus tired of Apples yearly "upgrade" gimmicks. Number one thing I found, not specifically in the OP'S case, is that you have to make the switch to Android with an open mind or else you won't like it. People dont like change and in the case of OS transition, its no different.

Ive envied larger phone displays for years and in my case was the motivating factor to make the jumo although my discontent with Apple helped a lot. I'm officially spoiled by my Note 2( plus display size) and its going to take some heck of a phone to pull me away.

 

[evohicks]

I have to say Apple have got a good Os and that can't be denied, but there are restrictions, yes you can overcome this by jailbreaking but not all Apple consumers want, or even know about this. Android on the other hand are completely flexible. Yes there may be bugs sometimes but these are ironed out by updates and these are usually carrier related.
I am not going to slate Apple because they do produce good products, but I did have to sell my latest Apple product to get my GN2, and I haven't been disappointed.

 

[Caloy]

Sorry it didn't work out for you. Tomorrow will be my second week and I still haven't figured everything out yet, and I came from an android device. But if you aren't comfortable or willing to learn what this OS can do for you then you're better off with Apple. It will only prove frustrating for you, in my case, every new things I have discovered with what this device can do has been a delight.

 

[careyst]

I came from Apple and the GN2 is my first Android. Big learning curve but I was so tired of the Iphone and it's simplicity. Everyone is different and everyone wants something different. The GN2 is spectacular and I am loving Android. Not going back ANYTIME soon to Apple.

 

[Risley]

I have been an iPhone user since day one, I converted every family member and friend I know to the iPhone. I am an even bigger user of Macs, I have Mac everything. When the iPhone 5 launched I was bummed out before I even held one in my hands due to the screen size. Then....all the issues with scuff gate, reception, sunken home buttons, bending and warping, loose screens...I gave up. I tried. We opened 7 boxes at my local Apple store over a period of maybe 6 weeks, ALL of the iPhones were damaged coming directly out of sealed boxes.

Now I'm here and there's no turning back. Apple had their day in the spotlight with phones.

I feel the greater flexibility and offerings in different devices with Android and not having that Apple corporate fist telling me what I can and cannot do is awesome.

You really need to give it more time, plus I like many can't wait to see what the S4 turns out like, in the meantime the Note 2 is very much filling the void.

Bye

 

[NeoGrandizer]

To each their own.

I came from Windows Mobile and at first thought using Android was a step back. I just needed to change the way I think and see how different Android works.

 

[ScandaLeX]

I cant lie. My entire immediate family for the exception of one uses iPhones. Some because the iPhone is cool and others because they simply do not have, nor want the time to learn Android and I'm fine with that. To each their own.

 

[sillyrabbitt123]

Thats not fair. N2 is my first Android device and as others have mentioned there is a learning curve . Its not for everyone, some prefer simple and even boring OS and thats why I push my older coworkers towards iphones. I do like itunes and its availability of content but its not enough to keep me with am iphone.

It is fair. 14 posts and a BIG rip into the n2. Hey I am no fanboy of sammy or apple for that matter and yes to each his own [exactly to each his own].

Apple got it right for.....him. he doesnt have to like the n2 i dont care bu it his post reads over the top. just my two cent.

 

[Deleted User]

Best of luck. Android isn't for everyone and neither is the Note. Choice is great and I hope you don't loose too much money from your android experiment.

 

[ScandaLeX]

It is fair. 14 posts and a BIG rip into the n2. Hey I am no fanboy of sammy or apple for that matter and yes to each his own [exactly to each his own].

Apple got it right for.....him. he doesnt have to like the n2 i dont care bu it his post reads over the top. just my two cent.

The OP's 13 other post were all related to the Note 2 and from what I've read his interest in this phone was genuine from the start.
It's not about post count but quality of posts.

 

[drexappeal]

It's like I say to many, the choice is all based on how a person thinks and works and what they find best to suit their own needs. While the OP is welcome to his opinions, I don't think a 2 week timeframe is necessarily a "fair shake" on Android in general. My review of the iPhone and Apple is pretty much the same as his was for the Note 2. I feel that it doesn't quite work as quickly and efficiently for multi-tasking as any android phone.

For me, I am not an Apple hater, but I personally don't like how Apple functions as compared to PC and/or Android (mobile). Apple doesn't allow for as many "quick view" options as Android, including the apps for widgets that allow for faster and more efficient multi-tasking. The fact that I can look at all my homescreens without having to open a single app is what sets Android apart and from everything mentioned by the OP, he didn't seem to use a single widget. The fact that he uses email, phone, calendar and voice dictation...but doesn't mention ever downloading an app that has extremely user friendly widgets that are quick access from the homescreen...that tells me right away that the OP was trying to set it up like an iPhone (which is the biggest mistake for those transitioning from the iPhone). The whole point of Android being more customizable is that it gives you the ability to build the phones UI (whether OEM or 3rd party launcher) to suit a person's needs.

Just so that other iPhone adopters understand what I'm talking about a little further, Much like the OP, email, text, phone, and calendar are extremely important needs for my use of my phone. I use Calendar widgets, text and social networking widgets, contact widgets AND a calendar widget all to see everything at a quick glance from one of the 9 homescreens I can create using NOVA launcher. All of the widgets are interactive to create a quick glance, while also being able to interact with the widget to open the app for more detail.

So, just to give a 'bit of advice for iPhone adopters...if you're truly wanting to understand the value of Android, definitely look into ALL of the functions that are not typical functions that you can have on the iPhone (e.g. Widgets, 3rd party launchers, additional customizations, etc.). Once you learn those, then you can make a better decision as to what works best for you.

 

[Caloy]

Hi Guys, I picked up the Android operating system fairly quickly so this was not a problem but my biggest issues were:

1. Voice recognition in a email or text message did not recognise simple dictation punctuation like new paragraph, full stop and comma. Comma worked only if you said it a few times but by that time it had type the word several times. Siri on the other hand did all this. I use Dragon Natuallyspeaking 12 on my PC which is amazing and I rely on these tools to make my working day more efficient.

Try Downloading Swype Beta... Their speech recognition program is second to none. Again there is a learning curve to use it. They are the makers of Dragon Naturally Speaking, which is the most advanced speech to text program, with some time you can even train it to learn your accent.

2. I have a lot of email sub-folders and scrolling through these to select one was very glitchy unlike the iPhone which runs through them like ice on ice

I have no idea what you're talking about, the transition from main inbox to sub-folders are smooth as butter.

3. I use an exchange server and the phone on many occasions failed to sync calendar appointments and contacts automatically. Only worked when you manually selected the sync option. This may have been something to do with the poor GiffGaff network, not sure.

Can't comment on that. I only sync my emails on exchange servers and it works great. Can't comment on calendar since I don't use ir

3. Video call was unreliable unlike FaceTime

I can't comment on FaceTime, I haven't used it. But do you really use Video calls?

4. Could not move apps to memory card, so no massive advance over my 64GB 4s

But you can move your files to SD card, which can be removed from the phone, When your phone dies, you still have your files with you, you don't have to wait and pay for a tech to recover it for you. I'd say there is some advantage to that.

5. Weather widget did not update automatically

Settings.... LOL at least we have a widget to use. And there are tons of weather widgets at the store if one doesn't work for you.

6. When you choose to view an attachment on an email or a PDF/other file from a website the phone automatically downloads it, you may not want this every time.

Elaborate, what apps are you using? What websites?

7. I use the spotlight feature on the iPhone all the time to search for a contact or an app. The Google Now feature did not feel as smooth.

Not sure what you mean by 'smooth' but Google now is a lot faster ain't it?

8. I could not find a preview option on the notifications bar, you had to swipe down to see any new emails or messages

At the lock screen you will see if you have any new emails, then slide it starting from the email icon, and you're in the mail app already? Can't get any simpler than that.

9. S-pen was very responsive but I thought S-Note could be more user friendly when trying to share docs.

I have to agree with you on this one. But with any program with a lot of features, there will always be a learning curve. I'm still trying to learn the darn thing. But for now I have a different app that I use for Notes such as regular Notepad and to-do list. I can even post my list, or note on my home screen. Simple but not as powerful. Again, you are trying to compare a feature, in which there's an alternative. You just have to spend some time on what you want, and you can make your phone do it. Unlike the iPhone.

10. S-Calendar was a poor attempt by Samsung. Apart from the hover feature it was not user friendly. I am sure there are better Android Calendars out there.

There you go! At least you are learning... LOL

There are many more small things that I did not like. I really tried to like the GN2, although I only used it for two weeks, I often tested it for hours on end. Before people say I am an apple fanboy, believe me I was not happy with the limited changes made to the iPhone 5 so wanted to move but the reality for me is that Apple works and works well. So much so that even when I tried to hate it I couldn't. After all time is money!

Like I said, Android is a very customizable OS. And with a some research and more persistence, you can pretty much do whatever you want in an OS. Clearly you didn't want to spend the time nor the effort to find out how powerful the OS can be. Like I said before, if you just want a phone that will work, and work well, the iPhone is for you. Probably we agree on that.

We do understand where you're coming from. And that's why there's Apple's and oranges (err... Android)... Because some would like Apple, and other's want Android.

Anyway, at least thanks for trying out the OS and we're sorry you didn't like it. But no hard feelings, at least you tried.... Cheers!

 

[57DRP]

It is fair. 14 posts and a BIG rip into the n2. Hey I am no fanboy of sammy or apple for that matter and yes to each his own [exactly to each his own].

Apple got it right for.....him. he doesnt have to like the n2 i dont care bu it his post reads over the top. just my two cent.

I appreciate sillyrabbitt123's comments but rest assured I do not work for Apple and NueDriod, thank you for your support. Talking about work, as a Commercial Property Surveyor I am in and out of the office all day and often come out of meetings with various missed calls, emails and voice messages which need attention immediately. I think this is where the iPhone works for me. When I have time to myself on the weekends and use the GN2 I do enjoy it so don't want to take anything away from it.

I really tried to make the GN2 work for me but maybe in the future I will return. If I could combine features from both, it would be a mega phone for me!!

Thanks Guys!

 

[57DRP]

Have you sold your phone already? If not how much do you want for it and what carrier is the phone from?

Hi Redrider39m, The phone is unlocked but I am based in the UK so probably too expensive to ship!

 

[rdalcanto]

I just don't know how you can go from a 5.5inch screen back to a teeny, tiny iPhone screen....

 

[pool_shark]

To each their own.

I came from Windows Mobile and at first thought using Android was a step back. I just needed to change the way I think and see how different Android works.

Before Android my previous phone was also windows mobile. The only thing I missed was the easy ability to sync my outlook work calendar.

Regarding to weeks to learn Android, seriously?
That makes it seem as if operating an Android device is difficult and requires a training class in order to use it.
My first Android device was the Droid 2. I knew just about everything about it before I went to bed the day I bought it.

I don't understand why people get angry or defensive because someone says they don't like Android.
Android is not my child, it isn't a family member, and I'm not married to it.
If someone doesn't like Android, so. I'm not going to insult them or try to convince them to see things my way. If they ask for help that's different.

 

[Harplayr]

Before Android my previous phone was also windows mobile. The only thing I missed was the easy ability to sync my outlook work calendar.

Regarding to weeks to learn Android, seriously?
That makes it seem as if operating an Android device is difficult and requires a training class in order to use it.
My first Android device was the Droid 2. I knew just about everything about it before I went to bed the day I bought it.

I don't understand why people get angry or defensive because someone says they don't like Android.
Android is not my child, it isn't a family member, and I'm not married to it.
If someone doesn't like Android, so. I'm not going to insult them or try to convince them to see things my way. If they ask for help that's different.

I also migrated from a Windows mobile phone and saw that as one of the basic features that was missing in Android.

I quickly got companionlink and can sync with my outlook perfectly.