Total Pageviews

Showing posts with label android. Show all posts
Showing posts with label android. Show all posts

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Galaxy nexus...dopest dope you've ever smoked

Screen: 4.65 inches of HD. The first thing you notice and impossible to forget.
Processor: Clocked at 1.2 ghz for the CDMA version. Most likely this chipset is capable of 1.7 to 2.0 ghz as the sprint version is clocked at 1.5. Android has actually had a fast and smooth experience since the release of the bionic, this phone is no different.

Build quality: the galaxy nexus build quality leaves a few things to be desired. First I've noticed that the glass is not nearly as strong as gorilla glass, and dropping your phone on concrete will absolutely fuck it up. Adversely my droid x was dropped on concrete a few times and the screen still shows no visible scratches. On the other hand, the phone is incredibly lightweight and easy to handle. The touch screen is the most responsive of any that ive used thus far, and it also self cleans. This speaker volume initially left something to be desired but that was quickly rectified through the use of volume+

Camera: my experience with the camera is that it is actually incredibly good. Most individuals were having problems with focusing are forgetting to focus between shots. In that regard the galaxy nexus camera is no different than any dslr. The added bonus of being able to take pictures while shooting video also comes in handy.

Pure Google Device: What I believe to be the most important feature has nothing to do with the hardware. In fact it has little too do with the current software to be honest. As someone who is no stranger to rooting I have found ways to update my software in as timely a manor a possible. Now I can be sure of receiving the most up to date software. without waiting for verizon or the manufacturer. Who unfortunately are slower than a previous president whom shall not be named.

Battery Life: I've heard alot on this subject the past few weeks. I find that most of the people who complain miss some key points...

First, 4g radios and their subsequent architecture are fairly new. The beauty of android is that you can turn that radio on and off as you see fit. Just so we're clear...4G WILL KILL YOUR BATTERY. so if your not doing any downloading just turn it off. Save us the hassle of listening to you whine.

Secondly, take some time to understand how your phone works and what uses up the most battery. Android is not here to coddle you. It's here too make you smarter and more productive.

Having said that, battery life is right where I thought it would be for a phone with this screen size, processor speed, and signal speed. I assure you though....it will only get better with updates and improved batteries.

Icing on the cake: If your worried about support, don't be. There are many beginners out there who are asking the same questions. there are even more people like myself who are willing to answer those questions. The community for the nexus is just like it was for the OG droid. (Huge and helpful) ((that's what she said))

Definitely the dopest dope I've ever smoked.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

My 1 day samsung galaxy tab review

I bought the Tab yesterday for 199.  I needed a laptop but couldn't see myself carrying something as big as a laptop around regularly. I constantly use docs to go and after a few minutes of using the tab in the store, I figured the 7-inch screen was big enough to do work comfortably.

Your probably wondering why I didn't get a Xoom.  At 599 I just couldn't pull the trigger. Ill have Android 3.0 in a few days with the help of the Modding community, and the price of the Xoom will inevitably drop. This is especially likely as other manufacturers release products with more enticing price points. 

So I chose the tab, truthfully in spite of the specs. http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab/SCH-I800BKAVZW Again at 199 I'm thinking the tab will suffice for now.

Usability:  once you get used to its heft the tab is easy to deal with, but its definitely too heavy for its size. The screen is very responsive and the tictile buttons on the bezel are just sensitive enough.  These are things we expect from a major manufacture. The screen is wonderful. Colors are vibrant and crisp as Samsung screens tend to be these days. I am definitely disappointed that there is no proprietary usb port on the tab. I was looking forward being able to just plug in my keyboard.

Software: Thanks to Swype I don't think I'll ever actually need a keyboard. Android 2.2 is a great operating system, but its well known that 3.0 is the first Android OS designed specifically for tablets. The processor speed is definitely adequate and the minor changes made by samsung are intuitive.  It's definitely disappointing that I have a tablet but can't use the tablet specific apps in the market.  If you're willing to wait for samsung to update the device more power to you, but I only made purchase knowing I could make honeycomb happen sooner.   Keep an eye on this blog for a link to update instructions. 

In summation the Tab is a good device but if you've got the money get the xoom.  If you
you don't mind a few shortcomings the tab comes at a great price through verizon.


Thursday, April 1, 2010

Recent Revelations Android 2.1

First of all I am a firm believer in knowing the facts before endorsing a product. So, having received the most recent OS version to date I can honestly say that Choosing an iphone 3GS over a Droid would be a serious step backwards in terms of current technological capability.

Though the CDMA Droid Does not do Overseas calling on VZW's Network you can get an unlocked phone and throw any sim in there you'd like. Yes there is a GSM version of the Droid going to AT&T. So Droid does all networks. But don't forget, voice + data requires a 3G signal, and we know that's hard to find on that other network.

Do we need to discuss being able to remove a battery as apposed to not being able to remove it? Or how about the fact the the Droid has better battery life regardless?

Do we need to discuss the smaller screen size, smaller screen resolution, smaller camera resolution, lack of flash with the iphone? How about that the Droid comes with "gorilla glass." Look that stuff up.

The physical keyboard is wonderful. Don't let its initial flatness fool you. As you use the keys they become more and more like a blackberry's.

The phone is not complicated. I admit I initially steered any non tech types toward the Eris as it was still android but I felt HTC did a lot of the Heavy lifting for you with their Sense UI interface. I was shocked to find they'd gotten the Droid anyway because of its noticeable durability and large screen size. They use their phones daily with no problems. I've never gotten a call saying "I don't understand how to do this."

I want a beta program not in my app store but available on the developers website. Done. Iphones can't do that.

My Droid transfers files effortlessly between my CPU and my PS3 with USB, with no applications needed. Iphone doesn't.

Iphone And Droid have the same major chip set (its true). Droid has a stand alone GPU on top of that. Bet you didn't know that. (similar to XBox and PS3...yeah droid is PS3)

The Dalvik Engine for android, which is not even in use yet, runs applications 3 times faster than current speeds. This again does not require a hardware update, only software. Your Droid will run these programs.

I've seen a Droid who's user wanted it to mimic the iphone UI. I've seen several that mimic HTC's Sense. I've even seen some windows mobile setups (believe it or not). Sweeter Home allowed me to design something like the new windows mobile 7 ..... 3 months ago. The iphone doesn't change after you buy it. Hell it has barely changed since conception.

I want my third party music program to run in the background while my navigation guides me. Done. Oh wait I forgot I'm using a third party keyboard to do one touch voice to text at the same time. Iphone definitely doesn't do that. Can you even use a third party keyboard with those? Some would say: who would want to? Those are the people who want you to stop asking questions and just buy.

Applications on the SD Card. Android 2.1 is the first step in terms of giving android phones the ability to run applications from the SD card. It has been confirmed on several occasions that new hardware will not be necessary and this hurdle will be cleared by software update. Droid runs apps off the SD Card. iphone doesn't have a removable one. If Yeyo (bought his droid 3 days ago) wanted to update to 64 gigs (like he told me he wanted to do last night) he'd need a whole new "idont." His roomate came in and pulled out his Iphone. After 5 minutes of him not contributing to the conversation he got up and left. That happens a lot now. Especially when you start talking about beta programs. To Iphone owners that means a "jailbroaken" or hacked phone. You're either all in that discussion or your out.


Now the most important part for all you app mongers. The new "portable app engine" will allow android phones to run Palm Pre and Iphone applications. Now how big is your app store?