The Android Phone Thread

66297 Views 279 Replies 69 Participants Last post by THINKPAINTING, Feb 9, 2012

angus242

Discussion Starter · Dec 18, 2009

I know there are lots of iPhone and BlackBerry users out there sharing info. I wanted to start a thread for Android phones specifically. I figure we can share info about them and the available apps.

I just got a Samsung Moment.

After the first 24 hours, I hated. I have since become more familiar and am falling in love. Coming off 2 Palm PDA phones and a Windows Mobile phone, it was a big change. I suppose I was brain-washed by Billy Gates.

Android is taking a bit to get used to. But as I sit back and get to know it, it is panning out to be pretty damn intuitive.

For example, when you text someone, the entire conversation becomes a single thread.

It's not built around a phone. It's a device with a phone built-in.

The voice mail feature is completely awesome! I'm not sure if it's carrier specific. When I get a message, the voice mail screen looks like a computer media player, with stop and pause buttons. When you click "play" the message instantly starts. No calling your carrier to retrieve messages, no listening to "press 1 for this, 2 for that". It's as if the phone downloads the messages and you're playing it right from the phone. However it happens, it's awesome!

I don't want to get into everything. There's too much to discuss. For now, I'll leave it as I think it's an awesome phone. The Moment is a bit behind with it's Android version; 1.5. I believe the Motorola Droid is on 2.0 or 2.1.

For now, the only problem I have is battery life. I hear it's an issue on iPhones too so for now, I'll chalk it up to a smart phone thing. I just bought my first ever car charger so that should help.

So folks that own Droids, let's hear about them!

Reactions: 3

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jeffatsquan

· #2 · Dec 18, 2009

Motorola droid here . dropped wife off for x-mas shopping daughter and I went to replace her phone dad ends up with droid.

Well after we were going to get her a new phone I was going to be looking for a dig-cam
so the money I spent on the phone was covered not to mention the gps, I-pod, wireless Internet,with e-mail, and those are only the things I might be able to figure out how to use the device is unbelievable.

But you are right the first 24hrs it just sat on the table and I would only look at it out of the corner of my eye totally fumbling with it when it would ring.

The kids have been a great help trying to get me up to speed. My son plays hockey so we do a lot of traveling around the state it usually involves eating out on each trip so we just type in a location and the thing takes you there we ride around in amazement instead of argument that in it self makes it worth it.

I have gotten to the point where I like e-mail better when dealing with customers because when you are on the phone with them the conversations get long and off track (gees i got to go my arm is locked up) e-mail is to the point .

I will have to say I miss my boulder-phone when I am up on the roof with gloves and 2 hats on.

lets hear more.

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Inner10

· #3 · Dec 19, 2009

I tried one out and wasn't impressed, didn't like the touchscreen nav.

I went through the Treo 600, Treo 650, Treo 700, UT Starcomm 6700, then got a blackberry and never looked back.

Thoes that love the Droids and Iphones never used a Blackberry. :thumbsup:

I admit they have unreal "cool" factor.:notworthy

The Coastal Craftsman

· #4 · Dec 19, 2009 (Edited)

My bro in laws wife is a phone rep for big carrier in US and i have a new phone every month if need be. After going through almost every phone on the planet i have chosen a Android HTC and man am i impressed with it. My most used App is the Shop savvy app. I used to have this on a iphone i had for 2 days and i loved it. Didn't love the iphone much though so returned it. But Shop savvy runs perfect on Android. The great thing about Android is the amount of free apps. Far more % of free ones than any other company but thats what Android was albout and to move away from the main stream of paying for everything like on the iphone.

With out Doubt the best UI on the market. Plus you can run multiple applications at once. None of that one at a time like the iphone.

Here the shop savvy link. Try it out if you already ain't. Saves me loads of money each time i decided to buy something. Works on tools a treat also.

http://www.biggu.com/

If you guys come across any good apps let us know.

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angus242

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 19, 2009

Hey Inner, I appreciate your opinion but I was trying to keep this a thread for Android owners to discuss their phones, issues and apps. I know not everyone is gonna like an Android or iPhone.

I do know 3 people with BlackBerrys and I can say, I believe the Android was a better fit for me. I won't say a BB sucks, it just couldn't do everything I wanted it to.

As for apps, thanks BCC! I will look into that one.

The only app I have installed (but haven't used it yet) is TimeCard. I do like to keep track of my hours and previously, I just used Mobile Excel. This program will store the data and then you can export to a spreadsheet (either Excel or in my case Google Docs). I'll post more once I start using it.

Hey Jeff, you found any good apps?

BKFranks

· #6 · Dec 19, 2009

angus242 said:
I know there are lots of iPhone and BlackBerry users out there sharing info. I wanted to start a thread for Android phones specifically. I figure we can share info about them and the available apps.

I just got a Samsung Moment.

After the first 24 hours, I hated. I have since become more familiar and am falling in love. Coming off 2 Palm PDA phones and a Windows Mobile phone, it was a big change. I suppose I was brain-washed by Billy Gates.

Android is taking a bit to get used to. But as I sit back and get to know it, it is panning out to be pretty damn intuitive.

For example, when you text someone, the entire conversation becomes a single thread.

It's not built around a phone. It's a device with a phone built-in.

The voice mail feature is completely awesome! I'm not sure if it's carrier specific. When I get a message, the voice mail screen looks like a computer media player, with stop and pause buttons. When you click "play" the message instantly starts. No calling your carrier to retrieve messages, no listening to "press 1 for this, 2 for that". It's as if the phone downloads the messages and you're playing it right from the phone. However it happens, it's awesome!

I don't want to get into everything. There's too much to discuss. For now, I'll leave it as I think it's an awesome phone. The Moment is a bit behind with it's Android version; 1.5. I believe the Motorola Droid is on 2.0 or 2.1.

For now, the only problem I have is battery life. I hear it's an issue on iPhones too so for now, I'll chalk it up to a smart phone thing. I just bought my first ever car charger so that should help.

So folks that own Droids, let's hear about them!

Sounds like everything the iPhone already has.

Reactions: 2

angus242

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 19, 2009

BKFranks said:
Sounds like everything the iPhone already has.

Ugh,

The iPhone is not available for Sprint. The iPhone data plan will not cost me only $50/month (as it does on Sprint). The iPhone is not something that was an option for me.

Anyone want to talk about Android apps?

KMac

· #8 · Dec 19, 2009

I have a G1 "google phone" and love it. My favorite feature is seamless integration with all of the google apps. The google voice app is great and I can receive and call on both numbers. It's great.

BKFranks

· #9 · Dec 19, 2009

angus242 said:
Ugh,

The iPhone is not available for Sprint. The iPhone data plan will not cost me only $50/month (as it does on Sprint). The iPhone is not something that was an option for me.

Anyone want to talk about Android apps?

Data plan for iPhone isn't $50 a month.

How do you download the apps for Android and how many are available?

angus242

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 19, 2009

BKFranks said:
Data plan for iPhone isn't $50 a month.

How do you download the apps for Android and how many are available?

I understand. I hear (not positive) that the ATT iPhone plan is north of $100. I have a deal where I have unlimited everything except for land line phones calls M-F 7am-7pm, to which I have 1500 minutes for $50.

As for Android apps, I have no idea how many there actually are. To download, there's a link on the phone that takes you to the app market. You can search various ways and download directly from the phone.

The Coastal Craftsman

· #11 · Dec 19, 2009

The iphone is a very limited platform compared to android. If you truly knew either one of them and used either you would pick the android phone. The main thing is that android phone can do a lot more than the iphone. Plus most apps are free for starters. It wont be long before sales of android phones beat the iphone. Still has a long way to go to beat blackberry levels of sales but the blackberry is a true smart phone for business.

Inner10

· #12 · Dec 19, 2009

Hey Inner, I appreciate your opinion but I was trying to keep this a thread for Android owners to discuss their phones, issues and apps. I know not everyone is gonna like an Android or iPhone.

I just wanted to bunk up your thread.:shifty:

The android is what I would concider the ultimate nerd phone. It oozes of cool and has more features then an Iphone. The Iphone is an ipod with a phone and a bunch of apps you can buy to enhance it. The android phones are serious tweaker phones.

I'l admit I'm a bit of a nerd and write my fare share of control drivers and enjoy playing with networking hardware. When I tried the phone I originally though it was going to be better than sliced bread and I would use every feature...but I didn't. The blackberry is a business tool that is made for email/messeges/meetings/voice everything else is ginger bread.

Not hating on your favorite phone, I think they are cool, but after using alot of phones I came back to me beloved blackberry.

Angus, you have to admit though...the windows mobile is a terrible operating system! Where as the old Palm OS was fantastic for its day.

Ohiobuilder

· #13 · Dec 20, 2009

I had the Droid when it first came out at Verizon, after about a month I took it back and switched back to my BB Curve. The Droid is an amazing phone but not nearly as easy and quick to use as the BB, IMO.

The Coastal Craftsman

· #14 · Jan 2, 2010 (Edited)

10

Ok Guys i thought i would add a more detailed rundown of some of the apps i have come across. Im sure some of you have come across these but it will be great for first time users I will add pics in the next few hours.

Currently all these apps are free

Advanced Task Killer free

This app allows you to easily kill apps running in the background to free up system resources.

Bubble 1.8.2

This app gives you 3 different levels and also gives you the option off rise and fall per foot as well as angle.

Metal detector

Does exactly what it says on the box. Pretty impressive and sensitive.

Realcalc

Scientific calculator

Compass

Gives you location and a few different compass types

GPS Speedo

Shows max speed, MPH, and avg speed

GPS Status

Gives pitch/tilt, Magnetic field, G-meter, Speed, Altitude, Last sat fix, Latitude and longitude, Compass, Heading, Orientation, fix/sats and a few more options.

Instamapper GPS Tracker

Allows you to track where your phone is in real time on line. It also allows you to activate via a text message to the phone. It will show you details of where the phone is within about 10ft-30ft and will show you details like speed and location via google maps.

Shopsavvy

This program allows you to scan any barcode from any product and find it cheaper. Can save you hundreds of $ whilst out shopping.

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The Coastal Craftsman

· #15 · Jan 2, 2010 (Edited)

8

Key Ring

Get rid of all them shopper discount cards and have them all stored on your phone. Bar code comes up directly on screen to scan.

Speedtest.net

Connection seem slow? Check with this bandwidth test program.

Pandora

Listen to music of your choice for free through your phone with headphones, connect to your jobsite radio or connect to your car.

Convertpad

Unit converter for almost every conversion on earth

Stocks

Stopwatch

Yellow Book

Find everything and anything with this great app

Shazam

Will tell you the name off almost any song just by hearing a few seconds of it.

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Reactions: 3

Roberts Ren

· #16 · Jan 2, 2010

I have a Blackberry Curve and love it the thing is solid I have dropped it a 100 times thrown it at least 15 times and it still chugging along. I know im hard on phones so I WILL NOT get a touch screen been there doen that and was not good. I would love to have one tons of cool apps but oh well.

Dan_Watson

· #17 · Jan 2, 2010

I pretty much have the same apps as BC. I also have Photoshop mobile, Documents to Go, PDF View, Barcode Scanner, and Google Voice and Mobile Defense

Reactions: 1

The Coastal Craftsman

· #18 · Jan 2, 2010

Roberts Ren said:
I have a Blackberry Curve and love it the thing is solid I have dropped it a 100 times thrown it at least 15 times and it still chugging along. I know im hard on phones so I WILL NOT get a touch screen been there doen that and was not good. I would love to have one tons of cool apps but oh well.

Rob i am the same with phones but believe it or not my touch screens have been great phones. The only one that wernt was the iphone. I put a crack down the side of the screen on that thing in about 2 days just from it being in my pocket. If you get one make sure it don't have a glass screen. I was having issues with my touch diamond the other week and i punched and threw the hell out of that thing. I got so unreliable for no reason at all and i couldn't break it. I put it through some really hard hits also.

But now i also use a silicon case and invisible shield screen guard on my phones just in case.

Mike Finley

· #19 · Jan 2, 2010

I got a black berry curve for free with a 2 year contract, hated it for 3 months and spent $400.00 or my hard earned money to dump it and get a G3 version of the Android that I had to buy, but it was worth it to get rid of that black berry.

What I found was there was a way to do things with the BB but you had to do them the BB way. Which meant endless searching or asking how to do it, then doing it and trying to remember how to do it. The Android operating system I watched about 3 minutes worth of videos and from then on everything was intuitive, you just did what you thought you should do and that is how it turns out it works.

What I love -

Voice search - amazing how good this works with the internet or on google maps.
Google maps - google maps with a touch screen is 1000% better then that horrible interface using the BB
Visual Voicemail (however they need a pause between when you hit play to when it starts since by the time you hit play and bring the phone up to your ear the message has already started playing)
Finance apps are great
Weather aps

What I don't like -

1) Volume - they need to double or triple the volume out put of the phone.

2) Hardwired dedicated button for speaker phone on/off, the hitting menu then selecting speaker on off is two steps and is cumbersome to say the least.

By the way - I don't text or email from my phone, I simply use my phone as a phone.

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The Coastal Craftsman

· #20 · Jan 2, 2010 (Edited)

Mike Finley said:
I got a black berry curve for free with a 2 year contract, hated it for 3 months and spent $400.00 or my hard earned money to dump it and get a G3 version of the Android that I had to buy, but it was worth it to get rid of that black berry.

What I found was there was a way to do things with the BB but you had to do them the BB way. Which meant endless searching or asking how to do it, then doing it and trying to remember how to do it. The Android operating system I watched about 3 minutes worth of videos and from then on everything was intuitive, you just did what you thought you should do and that is how it turns out it works.

What I love -

Voice search - amazing how good this works with the internet or on google maps.
Google maps - google maps with a touch screen is 1000% better then that horrible interface using the BB
Visual Voicemail (however they need a pause between when you hit play to when it starts since by the time you hit play and bring the phone up to your ear the message has already started playing)
Finance apps are great
Weather aps

What I don't like -

1) Volume - they need to double or triple the volume out put of the phone.

2) Hardwired dedicated button for speaker phone on/off, the hitting menu then selecting speaker on off is two steps and is cumbersome to say the least.

By the way - I don't text or email from my phone, I simply use my phone as a phone.

Thats the great thing about the Android phones Mike. My bro in law who is useless with anything that has electronic in the name was using almost every feature of the phone within a couple of days. He turned into a geek for a few days lol.

I ain't found a problem with my volume yet but we may have different phones g3/hero is different style depending on network.

They are by far the easiest smart phone i have ever used.

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