Community Forums => General Chat => Topic started by: Stogi on September 23, 2008, 07:16:50 PM
Title: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on September 23, 2008, 07:16:50 PM
The dopest phone ever? Or Google's first step into taking over the world?
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on September 23, 2008, 07:50:31 PM
Doesnt look that dope, but i've never been about having a flashy phone. Sounds good and i wish i could find some more info on it... actually i probably can but i'm about to go home from work so i dont want to search for anything.
I'm with Tmobile now and my contract is up come November. I've been dying to get a phone with a decent web browser that isnt overly expensive and the sidekick series just doesnt cut it, and i dont like the feel of blackberries (or the blackberry-esque phone tmobile has, the Wing i believe) so i've been looking into other carriers but everything seems too expensive... If this things any good i might just stick with Tmobile....
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: nickmitch on September 23, 2008, 11:06:37 PM
Doesnt look that dope, but i've never been about having a flashy phone. Sounds good and i wish i could find some more info on it... actually i probably can but i'm about to go home from work so i dont want to search for anything.
I'm with Tmobile now and my contract is up come November. I've been dying to get a phone with a decent web browser that isnt overly expensive and the sidekick series just doesnt cut it, and i dont like the feel of blackberries (or the blackberry-esque phone tmobile has, the Wing i believe) so i've been looking into other carriers but everything seems too expensive... If this things any good i might just stick with Tmobile....
It's an open-source operating system, which is much better than anything Microsoft or Apple put out. Just read this and think of the possibilities.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: nickmitch on September 24, 2008, 12:28:10 AM
The iPhone OS is relatively open-source. You can make apps and have access to the things on the phone, and sell them for free. Or, you could only appeal to Jailbroken phones.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 24, 2008, 12:33:26 AM
They'll have to pry my BlackBerry Curve from my cold, dead hands. I'm very interested in Android (the iPhone has never impressed me, mainly due to its poor battery life, non-tactile keyboard, and lack of basic functionality like copy'n'paste), but I'll likely be going with a BlackBerry Bold when my contract comes up this December.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Shift Key on September 24, 2008, 04:35:56 AM
The iPhone OS is relatively open-source. You can make apps and have access to the things on the phone, and sell them for free.
Its not even an open platform if your app gets banned (http://angelo.dinardi.name/2008/09/20/mailwrangler-and-the-apple-app-store/) because Apple feels threatened by your app (http://almerica.blogspot.com/2008/09/podcaster-rejeceted-because-it.html) or just because they don't see the point of it (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/09/04/apple-rejecting-applications-based-on-limited-utility/).
As for the gPhone, I'm not really interested. I only use my normal phone for calls and SMSs, anything else can be done on a PC. If the application framework is interesting I might dabble in it.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_insanolord on September 24, 2008, 08:32:55 AM
It's from Google so I'm sure it's good, but I've already decided that I'm getting an iPhone. I'm not a Nintendo fanboy, but I'm probably an Apple fanboy.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on September 24, 2008, 09:49:46 AM
I love the fact that you can use all of your phones abilities together; not separate. That's honestly a great step. Also, unlike the iPhone, the GPhone gets more powerful as more people use it.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 24, 2008, 11:22:25 AM
I have an HTC Apache, and it's awesome, HTC makes the best phones hands down. I do like what the G1 can do, but T-Mobile sucks, and their 3G coverage area is absolutely abysmal. Oh well, if it turns out to be pretty easy to unlock the phone and use it with all carriers, then I might get one, because the stuff you can do with the software is absolutely amazing.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on September 24, 2008, 11:24:20 AM
Yea, I hate T-Mobile. I'm with AT&T. If I know the internet, this phone should be unlocked a day after it hits stores.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 24, 2008, 12:20:59 PM
I love HTC phones, they're awesome. For me it came down to the BB Curve vs. the HTC Windows Mobile phone (I forget what it's called, it's the one with the slideout keyboard). I liked the Curve because of its small size and long battery life. Having a full-fledged IE browser in my pocket would be cool, but it's not absolutely necessary. I can do everything I absolutely need to do with my BB Browser.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on September 24, 2008, 12:27:58 PM
I live within their 3g coverage so if i were to get it, i'm good ;) Plus i'm with Tmobile now and never had a problem with their service, or customer service for that matter.
And unlike Shift Key i would use this for standard calls, SMS as well as things like the internet browser. I think i stated in my other post that i'm looking for a phone with a decent web browser. There are plenty of times when i could use something like that, but don't have access to it.
I dunno i'm still on the fence with this one and the other phone i have on my mind.. i gotta decide soon or i'll be w/o a phone at all (until i make up my mind of course)
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 24, 2008, 12:40:19 PM
From what I've read about the iPhone, it's a better mobile device than it is an actual phone. My Curve is rock-solid as a handset.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Pale on September 24, 2008, 01:42:05 PM
All I know is that I'm loving using my iPod touch as a PDA. It does everything I'd ever want (when I'm within wifi). It'd be nice to have all those features everywhere!
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: vudu on September 24, 2008, 02:22:26 PM
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: IceCold on September 24, 2008, 05:40:50 PM
I'm an HTC man all the way - I'm eyeing the Touch HD next. Windows Mobile is definitely archaic (finger use is almost impossible), but they've being trying to mask that with their TouchFLO interface. Apparently it was sluggish with the HTC Diamond but they've fixed all the lag now.
I think you can run Android on HTC phones too. The hardware and design is great. But the built-in GPS is what really sets it apart for me. I have an O2 XDA Orbit (same as HTC P3300) which I bought about a year and a half ago. I think it was their first GPS phone. It has TomTom installed in it and it works amazingly well. Full turn-by-turn directions (none of this a-GPS Google Maps **** like the iPhone has) plus you don't have to pay a cent for it (doesn't use the data plan). It's just like the ones you buy in stores.. except on your phone.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 24, 2008, 06:11:07 PM
BlackBerrys also have built-in GPS (the Bold will have GPS, WiFi, and 3G a.k.a. the Holy Trinity). Do you know how it compares to the HTC stuff?
I believe the HTC Dream is going to be the first HTC Android phone.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on September 24, 2008, 06:55:43 PM
LOL this thread just got way over my head and fast.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Caliban on September 24, 2008, 07:17:01 PM
I wish there was a mobile phone stripped to its essential... a phone.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on September 24, 2008, 07:21:32 PM
They make those, they just don't talk about them on all the tech and gadget sites for obvious reasons.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 24, 2008, 09:00:49 PM
BlackBerrys also have built-in GPS (the Bold will have GPS, WiFi, and 3G a.k.a. the Holy Trinity). Do you know how it compares to the HTC stuff?
I believe the HTC Dream is going to be the first HTC Android phone.
Hmm not sure about the GPS on Blackberry phones - I haven't seen it in action. I tend to stay away from Blackberries mostly because of the form factor - most of them are just too big and clunky. I'm not someone who needs a physical keyboard - I'd rather a sleeker phone.
How's the Blackberry internet browser? Is it easy to navigate without a touchscreen? And do the pages render well? Oh and Internet Explorer is absolute garbage on smartphones - Opera is much better. It's packaged with all HTC phones now.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 25, 2008, 10:08:06 AM
I never liked BlackBerries either before the Curve. The Curve is CRAZY tiny for what it is (a smartphone with a full keyboard). I could have bought the Pearl, but I didn't like the keyboard. The old BlackBerries are hilariously big and clunky. If you're looking for something small, then yeah, touchscreen is definitely your way to go. Eliminates the need for having to dedicate real estate to the keyboard keys.
I'd describe the BlackBerry Browser as "functional" and nothing more. Bear in mind that I bought the Curve for email (my corporate server is BlackBerry, so I can get work and personal email on the same device), not web browsing, so the browser is kind of a neat little extra. However, it can't do Flash, so video is out of the question, and on EDGE it's pretty slow. I can do what I need to do (get to GMail, use the NWR forums, check ESPN.com, etc.) but the entire experience is stripped-down.
I could install Opera, but that's just another application clogging up my BB's memory. I've had it installed in the past and I always had crashes. Maybe I'll try a newer version.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 26, 2008, 12:24:42 AM
The GPS functionality in the G1 is fucking awesome. You can use basically all of the functions at once (GPS, WiFi, 3G/Edge/etc/a, camera). You can turn on the GPS, point your phone at a building, and it will tell you the name of the building, and exactly how far away from it you are. I usually don't buy into hype for **** like this (the iPhone is nothing new, tons of phones do everything it does, and better, the only thing it as going for it is the fact that it's an iPod), but this phone (moreso Android) is fucking amazing.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on September 26, 2008, 12:38:30 AM
That's exactly what I'm saying. There are a lot of phones with the same features, but Android brings it all together.
I can't wait to see what people make.......
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 26, 2008, 02:16:50 AM
That GPS sounds awesome. I was watching one review and they sure weren't fond of the camera, though. They were talking about it taking a ridiculous amount of time to snap the photo, which is apparently a problem on all HTC phones.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on September 26, 2008, 11:25:20 AM
The GPS functionality in the G1 is fucking awesome. You can use basically all of the functions at once (GPS, WiFi, 3G/Edge/etc/a, camera). You can turn on the GPS, point your phone at a building, and it will tell you the name of the building, and exactly how far away from it you are. I usually don't buy into hype for **** like this (the iPhone is nothing new, tons of phones do everything it does, and better, the only thing it as going for it is the fact that it's an iPod), but this phone (moreso Android) is fucking amazing.
yeah that looks pretty awesome but i dont really know how much use i'll get out of it. I rarely get lost when finding somewhere new and traveling outside of my normal area (westhchester/manhattan county NY) would probably mean leaving tmobiles 3g coverage anyway so those features would be useless there.
Still i think i'm leaning towards this phone simply becuase i already have tmobile and it'll be easy to preorder it online and get it shipped to my house. I think it'll come to about $214? i dont remember, i checked the other night its somethign like that. My only real problem with is is texting will be hard to do in certain situations.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 26, 2008, 11:40:30 AM
Is it now the best T-Mobile smartphone, or do they have something better? I'm not familiar with their phone selection.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Plugabugz on September 26, 2008, 11:41:32 AM
Is it now the best T-Mobile smartphone, or do they have something better? I'm not familiar with their phone selection.
I know for T-Mobile UK it will sit alongside the better ones they sell. Now all they need to do is fix the 3G coverage - it's so bad in parts of London i have to force my phone to GSM-only to stop the network auto-pushing all my calls to voicemail and texts getting stuck somewhere.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Caliban on September 26, 2008, 03:29:54 PM
That's actually almost what I want, but it still has features that I would never use. In terms of features all I need is call display, and the ability to keep other's phone numbers for quick calling.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: vudu on September 26, 2008, 03:35:03 PM
Plus, the Nokia 1100 has a built-in flashlight. Psh.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on September 26, 2008, 03:36:52 PM
That's actually almost what I want, but it still has features that I would never use. In terms of features all I need is call display, and the ability to keep other's phone numbers for quick calling.
You don't know what your missing. Sure they seem like stupid features at first, but once you have them in your pocket at all times, they get used..........alot.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Caliban on September 26, 2008, 03:40:35 PM
I'm not saying they're stupid, everyone gets a use out of what they have on their mobile phones. I just have no need for them. It's a communication device first and foremost to me, and something to be used only for such occasions.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on September 26, 2008, 03:51:34 PM
If you think even the Nokia 1100 is too encumbered with extra features, you're just looking for excuses not to have a cell phone. You're not going to find anything cheaper, and you won't even notice those features if you don't look for them.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Caliban on September 26, 2008, 04:04:31 PM
you're just looking for excuses not to have a cell phone.
You might be right about that. I'm not looking for it to be cheaper at all, and I might never encounter such a phone, but at least I can try. Actually this reminds me I should contact a friend of mine that is always on the lookout for cell phones.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on September 26, 2008, 04:16:48 PM
Well, if you're not looking for cheaper, there's Jitterbug (http://www.jitterbug.com/Phones.aspx). They cater to older people, so the phones are as simple as possible.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 26, 2008, 05:20:01 PM
So Caliban, you currently don't have a cell phone? If not, why?
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 26, 2008, 06:11:53 PM
Is it now the best T-Mobile smartphone, or do they have something better? I'm not familiar with their phone selection.
Technically I don't think it's a Smartphone, it's a PDA. The problem with the slow shutter is a problem with (decent) cell phone cameras in general, and really is only an issue if you're not using the flash, like most digital cameras.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Caliban on September 26, 2008, 08:37:46 PM
Well, if you're not looking for cheaper, there's Jitterbug (http://www.jitterbug.com/Phones.aspx). They cater to older people, so the phones are as simple as possible.
$147? lol it seems like a price to rip-off on old folks. Not cheap, and simple could be a cell phone around the $50 range.
So Caliban, you currently don't have a cell phone? If not, why?
I don't have a cell phone at the moment. There are a bunch of reasons why I don't have a cell phone, and the most important is that I don't need one because it would be an investment from my part that I could reap no benefits at the moment. Don't get me wrong though, I fully support and love to see the enhancements in cell phone tech and gadgetry, it's just that there are certain tech tools that I just like to be kept simple and clean. Also, I'm at home a lot, and such benefit in portability functions is just something I already have on my PC where I spend most of my time anyway.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Athrun Zala on September 26, 2008, 09:00:13 PM
(http://www.diosnoslibre.com/foro/images/smiles/cheer.gif) Go Nokia Go! (http://www.diosnoslibre.com/foro/images/smiles/cheer.gif)
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: DAaaMan64 on September 26, 2008, 09:08:32 PM
Hey Zala, you should talk more about being from South America. And also more information about what other countries you've been too, etc. It could be interesting.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 26, 2008, 10:01:15 PM
I don't have a cell phone at the moment. There are a bunch of reasons why I don't have a cell phone, and the most important is that I don't need one because it would be an investment from my part that I could reap no benefits at the moment. Don't get me wrong though, I fully support and love to see the enhancements in cell phone tech and gadgetry, it's just that there are certain tech tools that I just like to be kept simple and clean. Also, I'm at home a lot, and such benefit in portability functions is just something I already have on my PC where I spend most of my time anyway.
If you're not very mobile, you don't really NEED one. The only reason I'd say it'd be good to have one would be emergencies.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 26, 2008, 10:24:29 PM
I actually hate having a cell phone, and to me it's entertainment first (I use SkyFire to browse the internet, and Orb to watch TV), and communication last. If I'm not at home, then I don't want to talk to anyone on the phone...I don't even want to talk on the phone when I am at home.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: nickmitch on September 27, 2008, 11:22:34 PM
I hate talking on the phone. I think texting is stupid. I have an iPhone 3G. I like playing Super Monkey Ball.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on September 28, 2008, 04:00:18 AM
Communication is the most powerful entity we have. Nothing gets done without communication of some sort, whether its a phone, the internet, or just two people talking.
Yes, I hate talking on the phone; but that doesn't mean I don't like the idea of a phone. Especially these days, where you talk to people less often face to face.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 28, 2008, 01:02:29 PM
Actually, here's the phone I'm looking at next:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wky5H1xC6-I
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on September 29, 2008, 10:27:16 AM
So it turns out that Motorola, LG, HTC, and Samsung are backing Android and will use the system in future handsets; Nokia will most likely follow as well.
The advantage of Android for the manufacturers is that they do not have to pay royalties to Google for using the mobile operating system on their devices, reducing the production cost and at the same time benefiting from an open platform. This is something that Apple is refusing to do with iPhone.
Will they kill the iphone?
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 29, 2008, 02:44:48 PM
Hopefully. I really like Windows Mobile 6.1 however, and SkyFire is a pretty awesome web browser. The iPhone...it's just hype.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on September 29, 2008, 04:31:31 PM
Apple and Microsoft are in the same boat. They both want to have final say on what is and isn't made for their platform, and want money off of every unit sold. This means that you can play with them...for a price. Google is a definitely a threat to them because you can play with them without a price. Now it's up them to prove that they can do things just as well as Apple or Microsoft.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on September 29, 2008, 04:43:53 PM
That shan't be hard. Just look at Linux today. There's hundreds of thousands of people that love using Linux and have design great utilities that rival both Microsoft and Apple. (Amarok anyone?)
All Google has to do is make their system viable for small companies looking to make it big.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_insanolord on September 29, 2008, 04:48:34 PM
So the Google Phone is going to have a relatively small group of people who go absolutely nuts over it and worship it but never come close to being dominant in the market, like Linux?
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on September 29, 2008, 04:54:29 PM
The problem with Linux is that it was never marketed right. Apple and Microsoft, to most people, are still the ONLY choices you have when you buy a computer.
It's totally different with phones because it's an entirely new market. There are so many proprietary systems that none one gives a **** if it's Microsoft or Apple or what ever, they just want the features; they just want the power. The iPhone was the first step into a new generation of "companion" phones, but by giving the power to the people, the G-Phone has the ability to blow it out of the water in every single way; because there's no more "guessing" what people want, rather, you just make what you want and sell it.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: mantidor on September 29, 2008, 06:05:52 PM
I am very happy with the Nokia N95 that was given to me for my birthday so I don't look forward to change it. The iPhone screen seduces me a little but I wouldn't change the awesome camera the n95 has.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on September 29, 2008, 09:51:29 PM
Just preordered this today. My contract was up anyway, and this is the easiest way to go right now.
I'll give it a review come Oct. 22
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Athrun Zala on September 30, 2008, 12:27:28 AM
So it turns out that Motorola, LG, HTC, and Samsung are backing Android and will use the system in future handsets; Nokia will most likely follow as well.
I pretty much doubt that, given that Nokia has the incredibly awesome SymbianOS...
Hey Zala, you should talk more about being from South America. And also more information about what other countries you've been too, etc. It could be interesting.
can you be a bit more specific? :)
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 20, 2008, 08:12:38 PM
My G1 was delivered today!!!!
.... to my brothers house in Queens :(
.. and he wasn't home to sign for it. Hopefully he'll be there tomorrow and i'll swing by and pick up my new phone.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 20, 2008, 09:05:43 PM
Hopefully. I really like Windows Mobile 6.1 however, and SkyFire is a pretty awesome web browser. The iPhone...it's just hype.
As the owner of an iPhone I'd like to say that if the iPhone is just hype then I want Nintendo to start making games that are just hype.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on October 21, 2008, 12:34:00 PM
How do you like playing games on the iPhone, insanolord? Is there anything that you think they could do better?
I'm thinking of picking up an iPhone or an iPod Touch (depending on whether or not I actually need the "phone" part of the device), and I'd like to hear another gamer's take on what it can do.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 21, 2008, 01:04:28 PM
UPDATE: Second delivery attempt was a success! My new G1 is sitting in my brothers apartment in Queens to be picked up by me after work. Hopefully he put it somewhere high up where his dogs cant pee on it.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 21, 2008, 01:19:24 PM
How do you like playing games on the iPhone, insanolord? Is there anything that you think they could do better?
I'm thinking of picking up an iPhone or an iPod Touch (depending on whether or not I actually need the "phone" part of the device), and I'd like to hear another gamer's take on what it can do.
There's some fun stuff on there, though most of it would be labeled casual. I've been a bit obsessed with a game called Labyrinth, like the wooden tabletop game where you tilt the playing field to move a marble to the goal. It works amazingly well with the accelerometers. There are a lot of puzzle-type things on the App Store, but not much, at least that I've seen, in the way of action games (though there is one called SolarQuest that I really like), which I think is due to the lack of physical buttons. The iPhone/Touch is certainly not something you want to buy specifically for games, but if you want one for the other features there are some good games available for it.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on October 21, 2008, 01:40:32 PM
There's some fun stuff on there, though most of it would be labeled casual. I've been a bit obsessed with a game called Labyrinth, like the wooden tabletop game where you tilt the playing field to move a marble to the goal. It works amazingly well with the accelerometers. There are a lot of puzzle-type things on the App Store, but not much, at least that I've seen, in the way of action games (though there is one called SolarQuest that I really like), which I think is due to the lack of physical buttons. The iPhone/Touch is certainly not something you want to buy specifically for games, but if you want one for the other features there are some good games available for it.
I've heard about Labyrinth. I've always been skeptical of the iPhone due to its touch and gyro/acclerometer controls; I always felt like that would restrict the input options, leading to a ceiling on game designs (or an over-reliance on stuff like menus).
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 21, 2008, 01:51:30 PM
There is more traditional stuff on there, I remember reading about a port of an old RPG that got good reviews (in the 8 range). I'm really happy today, they released an iPhone version of Lux, which is a clone of Risk, which is a game I always wanted to see on the DS but never happened. I'm sure, also, that we'll see more sophisticated iPhone games as developers learn more about and have more experience with the hardware.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on October 21, 2008, 03:30:19 PM
Apparently Super Monkey Ball was a huge hit. It costs $9.99 and apparently there were 300,000 copies downloaded in the first week. I'm not good at math, but that equals more than the monetary take of the last 5 console Sonic games combined. ;)
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 21, 2008, 07:02:18 PM
You guys must be lost, the thread you're looking for is right (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=25907.0) here (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=21306.0)
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on October 21, 2008, 07:37:28 PM
I think the opinions expressed in that thread would change a little bit in light of this tidbit:
In Q4 2008 alone, Apple sold 6.9 MILLION iPhone 3Gs worldwide. That's a huge userbase for something that's as game-capable as the iPhone. Developers should be taking note.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on October 21, 2008, 07:48:54 PM
Post your impressions, EasyCure. I'm intrigued.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 21, 2008, 07:54:23 PM
I will. Leaving work in the next 10 mins, and heading straight to Queens to pick this up. If i don't post any impressions tonight, its because i didnt have a chance to play with the phone much (work early tomorrow).
Impressions will be coming though, just don't expect anything too detailed in certain areas since i'm not a tech-head. Think of me as your average consumer reviewer.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 21, 2008, 10:27:20 PM
Played with it for about an hour, its awesome!
but this is coming from someone whose had limited time with the iphone and never touched another touchscreen phone. So far i can say i like it better than any sidekick (seeing as its another tmobile phone) but more detailed impressions tomorrow. Forums look mighty nice and load well on here.. hehe
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: NWR_Lindy on October 21, 2008, 10:59:30 PM
Damn, now I really have a Jonesing to get an iPhone/GPhone/BlackBerry Storm.
I'm sorry BlackBerry Curve, it's over.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 22, 2008, 11:02:31 AM
Ok, some more quick impressions!
Sorry if i dont give too much detail here, i still havent really had a chance to play with it other than the hour last night and some time this morning before work. Know, though, that when i say i played with it this morning i mean that i kept hitting the snooze button since i used it as my alarm. The alarm tone i have is a rooster, so that right there is a testament to how awesome this phone is ;) Oh and when you opt to hit snooze, it'll tell you when the alarm will go off again, so i was able to hit it multiple times without fear or being late. Lol this might sound stupid to you but its important to me.
I'll break this down into a few lil segments with pros and cons of each:
Browser: I've only check out the forums and a few google image searches so far, but loading is very fast (thanks to the 3g network i suppose) and navigating is a breeze. Similar to an iPhone you just scroll down by sliding your finger across the screen. Unlike the iPhone, the G1 only has a single point touch screen (like the DS) so the "pinching" to zoom in/out won't work here, instead you have an on screen magnifiying glass you simply tap - or +, as well as an option to show like a zoomed in Mini-map while the full page is displayed, and scroll around the entire page to find what ou like, and zoom in on that particular part. Neat.
Navigation (browser/user interface menus/etc):
Navigation is a breeze up front, but sometimes you have to dig a lil to find what you need. I'll explain in a sec. Everyones copying the iPhones design of having icons scattered on the screen, and the G1 is no different, however upon first starting up you'll only see 4 icons on your main screen, with a tab you simply touch revealing all your other icons/options. This is completely customizable however, as you can cap any open space on the screen and create a shortcut icon. Theres also more screen space than at first meets the eye. You can pan to the left and see theres NOTHING there (so you can create as many shortcuts as you want for music, photos, or applications), or pan to the right and see something handy: A goole search toolbar, right there for easy searches without having to find your browser shortcut! Super neato.
Now when i mentioned you might have to find some things buried within the UI, i mean that you'll be hitting the MENU (physical) button on the phone for a lot of your options. So picture this: I start up my phone for the first time, have to touch the 'pull tab' to display all my applications (browser/email/maps/youtube/etc) and find "contacts" then i see at the top of the screen tabs for "contacts/favorites/call log/dialer". I hit 'Contacts and nothing comes up but the message "you have no stored contacts*" but nowhere do i find how to add a freakin contact. I had to pop open the manual that came with the phone to find out all i had to do was hit the 'Menu' button and all my options popped up. This gets a tad annoying to be honest.
*Note: all the numbers i had stored on my SIM card did not carry over to my new phone, as once turned on you're required to set up a Gmail account (if you dont already have one) and you're told that all your contacts and calenders will be transfered over. Guess since i didnt have one, i had to start from scratch. Super annoying. So theres your warning, if you plan on getting one, Set up a Gmail account and store some info on there beforehand.
I'll go briefly into a few other things here, first one of my major annoyances with the phone.
When browsing the internet; if you plan on doing alot of typing, be sure to keep that QWERTY keyboard out at all times! Why? Well.. Although you can navigate a website with just your touch screen in "portrait" mode (or whatever you want to call it when you hold the phone vertically), theres no on screen keyboard to type with. You'll have to turn your phone horizontal, pop that screen up and reveal your keyboard and type away. Note that when the keyboard is open, and ONLY when its open, will the screen be in its wider format. Thats right, even though it has an accelerometer like the iPhone, it appearantly only works with the Google Maps Street View compass-like function i'm sure you all know about. I haven't tested that feature out mind you, but i'll get back to you on that. I hope theres some sort of firmware update or something that fixes this lil issue, since its easier to browse the internet with a wider view.
Also as part of the navigation, i think i forgot to mention this, the G1 has a trackball similar to that of the sidekick (but smaller) and it helps in navigating link-filled sites much easier. For isntance, take these forums; touching the screen to hit the page number might be hard unless you have the view zoomed in like a maniac, so having the track ball jump from clickable link to clickable link is useful. This is also good on the menus, just scroll and press the ball in to select things.
The qwerty keyboard. At first glace the buttons seem as if they'd be uncomfortable to press, they're not raised much and you get the feeling they'd be too soft and unresponsive, but its not the case at all. Theres a dedicated row for numbers and everything is laid out and spaced together pretty well. My only real gripe is that i'm not used to having a small keyboard like that since this is my first phone to feature one. I've used a sidekick a few times but i'm just not used to it yet. It also doesnt help that the right side of the phone (when held in that position) is longer than the left (thanks to the four face buttons) so your right thumb feels further from the keys than they should. Its pretty uncomfortable in that it feels so much harder to hit the keys than it should be, but i'm sure i'll get used to it eventually.
Quick note: It was a nice surprise to see that the phone came preloaded with a few music tracks, and although i had no idea who these artist were, it did let me test out its capabilities. I didnt try the headphones that came with the phone (usb-headphones mind you..) but you can play songs thru the phones speaker and it sounds surprisingly well. With that said though, i'll never make full use of this feature. I have an ipod as a portable music device so i won't be loading this up with tunes, maybe download a song or two for a custom ringtone but thats it. I'll also never be the type of person to play a song on speaker phone to show off/be annoying. That really pisses me off..
I'll end this here cuz i think i've gone on long enough for a "quick" review. If you guys have any specific questions you want me to answer, or a feature you want me to test, just lemme know and i'll give it my best shot. Remember though, i'm not a tech-head so i won't be able to answer stuff on specs or whatever.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: vudu on October 22, 2008, 01:48:10 PM
Browser: I've only check out the forums and a few google image searches so far
I bet I can guess what you did a search for!! ;)
lolcats, first thing that came to mind.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Spak-Spang on October 22, 2008, 04:03:00 PM
I really want an Android phone...but I am going to wait and see if something comes out compatible with AT&T service.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 23, 2008, 08:36:35 PM
Camera isnt too bad, probably the best camera (on a phone) i've ever had.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l28/ThreeImaginaryBoys/a.jpg) random shot in my room, with bad lighting
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l28/ThreeImaginaryBoys/a3.jpg) shot from work this morning, this is what the phone operators do all day (make up and hair if you can't tell whats going on)
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: vudu on October 23, 2008, 08:43:43 PM
Manhunt 2? Seriously?
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 23, 2008, 09:01:49 PM
yeah, why not? i was looking for a good murder simulator to broaden my technique ;)
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: vudu on October 23, 2008, 09:50:33 PM
Um ... forget I said anything ... ... ....
<backs away slowly/>
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: nickmitch on October 23, 2008, 10:56:06 PM
yeah, why not? i was looking for a good murder simulator to broaden my technique ;)
For what? Your wrists???
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 24, 2008, 11:31:25 AM
You know i normally give you props on a good Emo joke, but that was lame.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: nickmitch on October 24, 2008, 02:17:18 PM
Yeah, I know. :(
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 25, 2008, 02:19:38 PM
its ok. We all have our rough patches.
Not sure if anyones still really following my updates with the phone here, but if you are i have one more nugget of info.
Turns out this thing comes with a 1gb micro-sd card installed that i removed, loaded up with a few mp3s so far and customized as ring tones for a few people now. Sweet! I plan on doing the same with photos for some cool wallpapers. I havent figured it out yet, but i'm pretty sure there must be a way to customize other tones too... i want a specific tone for when i get text messages (a SE from EarthBound), hopefully i'll figure this out soon.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on October 25, 2008, 03:53:09 PM
You should be able to do that.
Hell, I've had this Nokia phone for years and I can do that. For my messages I got the "Mail, motherfucka!" sound bite from Euro-Trip. I've had it for about 6 months now and it still cracks me up.
I can pass it along to you if you'd like.
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: EasyCure on October 25, 2008, 04:06:58 PM
haha that was one of my favorite parts of that movie!
To be honest i'm not playing around with it that much. I tried real quick after figuring out how to add an mp3 as a ring tone (most intuitive thing ever*) but when it didn't work the same way i gave up. Perhaps i'll try uploading a MIDI file onto the phone and see if that works.
*go to your MUSIC app, touch/hold a song, set as ring tone. Boom, you're done. Not only does it set it as your default ringtone, it pops up on your list of ring tones, which is handy for setting individual custom ringers.
Right now i have an 8-bit version of a +44 song that i found on youtube and converted to MP3. If anyones interested, you can find it here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppECuAm7a6g). Even if you're not a fan of the band (or dont know who they are) but are a fan of chip tunes, its worth a listen. I play mega man 9 with this on sometimes and it fits perfectly!
Title: Re: G-Phone
Post by: Stogi on October 25, 2008, 05:15:52 PM
