iPhone/Android, Apple or Google?

Post by **Jed** » July 9, 2011, 3:25 pm

I'm defintely sold on the Samsung Galaxy S2: specs crush the iPhone 4, etc., but to be fair the iPhone has been out a while now.

UNfortunately, just checked in Nong Khai; expecting them in 2-3 weeks...

Has anyone by any chance seen the Galaxy S2's in Udon?

If so, lemmeno PLS. Cheers.

Post by **KHONDAHM** » July 10, 2011, 11:39 am

Wife has the Galaxy S2. I have an iPhone 3GS. After playing with the S2, I am no longer a die-hard iPhone fan. I'm waiting to see what the next iPhone can do as the 4G is not worth the upgrade over a 3GS.

The primary drawback with the S2 is no video over Skype. Fahgetaboutit. There is Tango as an alternative, but all my contacts (and subscription) are on Skype. Another thing I abhor about the S2 is that a gmail account is REQUIRED. Not just that, but I used my gmail account as a temporary account to set up the phone and now I am unable to remove or change it. Even worse, somehow all on it's own, it appears to have rifled through the hundreds of pics on my wife's phone and selected a picture of me alone and applied that to my gmail profile for the world to see. So, if that is not proof that elves are actively accessing my wife's phone remotely (says they can in the licensing agreement, too), then I do not know what is. Beware your privacy with an Android.

I've since changed my gmail password on all devices except tue S2, but now many critical apps don't work on her phone anymore. Things like location based apps. Suspicious indeed. I will have to copy everything then do a factory reset to sort everything out.

Post by **Jed** » July 10, 2011, 12:23 pm

After playing with the S2, I am no longer a die-hard iPhone fan.

I take it that you must like the S2 quite a bit then?

Good to know about Gmail & Skype - thanks for that info. It takes a lot of research to learn all these details, which one normally learns the hard way: after buying the thing, through experience.

Still not enough to sway me back towards the iPhone 4 though, and I'm told the iPhone 5 may come in about 6 months...

Both have disadvantages, but at least Samsung lets you modify, adapt, and even handle their phones; i.e., you can expand the memory another 32GB if you like, you can change the battery yourself!, etc., not to mention it just generally has better specs overall at the moment, dual-core processor, etc.

And I do like the bigger size phone/screen as well that the S2 has. Reckon it'll do the job until Mr. Jobs pulls another rabbit out of his hat.

Though both companies should really ease up on the control and greed. I want Skype, I want other apps, I want control! And I don't want any company rattling around connecting up all my data and exposing it as they like.

Cheers KD for the good tips.

Post by **Jed** » July 10, 2011, 12:49 pm

BTW, KD, where'd you buy your S2?

Nong Khai shops tell me no earlier than 20 July.

Sister-in-law in Bangers checked today, and they say they'll get them around the 18th.

Maybe they had them before and sold out? Or you bought it elsewhere?

Cheers.

Post by **erikr_** » July 10, 2011, 1:08 pm

Skype with video on the Android is on its way, first android devices are already working wih it. Rest of the main devices will follow soon

Post by **KHONDAHM** » July 10, 2011, 4:18 pm

@Jed
Bought the wife's phone at the big little phone shop opposite the big lot in town. From the land office, take Posri east, turn left at the 2nd light (big lot will be on your left). After the next light, the big little phone shop will be on your right.

I like the S2 a lot. It is superior to the iPhone in many ways including those you listed. BUT the big red flag about it is privacy goes out the window. I posted somewhere about that is the price one must pay for buying a phone with an OS developed by the world's biggest marketing franchise (Google). Expect them to exploit the hell out of your info...

@Erik
I would not bet the farm on Skype video showing up on Android anytime soon. Microsoft bought Skype in May and it is no secret that Steve Balmer frigging HATES Google and probably bought it just to F Google over for stealing all of Microsoft's best and brightest over the years. Here's the msm take on the purchase:

http://www.businessinsider.com/why-micr ... ins-2011-5

In any event, as per usual, expect MSFT to rape Skype, load it with features nobody really wants, and assimilate it into it's Borg Collective...

Post by **wfoster** » July 11, 2011, 1:01 am

I bought a Samsung Nexus S and must say I am very impressed with it. Many of the apps that I get free cost money on the Iphone. I does everything I wanted and many many things that I had no idea a phone can do. It even took my pulse this evening.

It has the latest Android sofware and can handle the vidow. I has Adobe Flash which allow many internet sites do there thing. I do not believe the Iphone supports Flash Player.

I suggest you check it out before you make your decision.

I am sure you will enjoy any of the new toys (smart phones).

Post by **BobHelm** » July 11, 2011, 3:01 am

I don't think there is really much difference between Android & Apple as an operating system at the moment.
The current big difference is in Applications. Tons more currently on Apple, because it has been running longer, but Google is catching up fast & will overtake Apple on FREE applications quickly.
Apple are just not interested in the free stuff for its' customers & likes to keep a vice like gripe on what will work on its' products.
Google have defaulted on the promise that Android 3 would be open sourced. It has some good reasons for doing that & if the next full version (Ice Cream) is open sourced then I think everyone will forgive them. That is not due to be released until late in the year.
There is a bit of a battle with that wish. Software products are notorious for falling behind schedule. It is vital that it is released long enough before Christmas to allow manufacturers to get it into their equipment. Android 3 was seen by many in the industry as being Google's equivalent of Vista. Some good ideas but poorly executed. Android 4 will have to regain their reputation by being a great product from day 1 - not an easy thing to do with time constraints as well.
The great news is that Google have promised that it will work on all equipment using an older version of Android - although, obviously, some facilities might not be available on very old equipment because of hardware constraints.

Apple also have year end upgrade plans afoot, they will, undoubtedly, be impressive but it will still be 100% do it Apples' way or forget it. Android, at least when it goes open source, will offer a huge variety of personalisation that Apple just cannot with its current approach to life...

Post by **KHONDAHM** » July 11, 2011, 4:08 am

I think there are those (myself included) who actually appreciate Apple's limitations. It makes for less of a target for hackers and malicious code as these devices become ever more powerful and ubiquitous. That is definitely an increasing area of concern - or should be. I find it ironic that people are now viewing Apple as the new Microsoft in that regard. It wasn't that long ago when Apple was the geeks' darling and Microsoft was the sinister dictator.

As iOS moves users to the Cloud, consumers are cheering rather than revolting. My how times have changed: "Yippee! All my personal info, pics, and videos will be warehoused in a central computer in lawd knows what country accessible by lawd knows who! Yippee!" (?!?) A far cry from a few years ago when the feeling was "It's my info and NO you can't have it!". Somebody's propaganda machine has certainly been busy and effective...

ibid my posts about the other half (Android users) giving full access to their info to Google. As for those who use Facebook, I will say only this: "Mooooooooo..."

Post by **BobHelm** » July 11, 2011, 4:40 am

To suggest that Apple are the golden innocent of hacking into the private data of individuals who use their systems is plainly untrue to anyone who ever reads the news....Or is that alright as it was an 'accident' that they were only keeping customer data for a year, rather than something less...
I don't think anyone with any knowledge of operating systems has ever viewed Apple as 'the geeks darling'. Rather the opposite, it has always been deeply controlled by the company to an extent that Microsoft senior employees must salivate about.
To also suggest that Apple users are exempt from hacking & virus is also a lie, or a myth perpetuated by the company.
The only 'safe' operating system is Linux - not unsurprisingly open source. These days Apple has to release as many system fixes as Microsoft.
I don't think anybody, apart from corporate users, is embracing the cloud or think it is anything apart from the 'big boys' finding a new way to screw the consumer. Thankfully open source software ensures that it is not necessary to follow this path as an individual.
If & when Android goes open source it will enable third party suppliers to create software that gives the control back to the user in a way that Apple will never permit...

Post by **thrilled** » July 11, 2011, 6:36 am

Is there anyone tight with their money.I have A $10 phone,no smart phone.I spend $27 A month for service.I don't need net on A phone

Post by **KHONDAHM** » July 11, 2011, 7:05 am

I'm assuming you know OSs and therefore are aware that both Apple and Linux are derivations of Unix. The seemingly "invincibility" and elegance of Unix since before even Apple adopted it's core is the reason why geeks touted Apple over DOS. As one of those geeks (and we can talk layers and bits within each OS if you'd like), I can tell you everything I've stated is a matter of historical record. Just Google reviews from old geek mags. Was the Apple hype overblown? Sure it was. Was/Is the Apple OS vulnerable to attack, sure it has been attacked. However, until the open source movement and back in the good ole days, hackers and crackers would find ways to attack DOS, and turn around and find solutions to protect Apple's OS. That is just the way the community operated. Microsoft was the Empire and Apple was the Rebels. Period. Again, just look it up. I would for you, but why bother?

To say "The only 'safe' operating system is Linux" is a wee naive. What makes Linux 'safe' is it's openess policy for people who find flaws to be heard, acknowledged, and contribute to the hundreds if not thousands of fixes that go into keeping it "safe". Absent the openess policy, it's just another imperfect and flawed OS. To be sure, Linux is not truly open source if the flavor of whatever variation one runs is distributed by a company. That company could insert whatever code they wish and that warm fuzzy feeling of safety and protection goes out the Windoze (lol - well, I thought it was cute).

In any case, it is a subject for a different thread. So, I will desist hijacking this one and go back into lurker mode. Cheers!

Post by **BobHelm** » July 11, 2011, 2:39 pm

The fact of the matter is that at the PWN 2 OWN hacking contest both Apple & Microsoft quickly fail.
Linux does not. That is the 'real' world, not some shady theory

That company could insert whatever code they wish

That would be just about the dumbest move anyone associated with Linux could possibly commit & would destroy them and their reputation for ever..

The current Apple OS are related to UNIX as you say - in the same way that the English language is related to Latin...

Post by **parrot** » July 11, 2011, 7:56 pm

What's the utility in owning a 3G/4G capable phone in a country that doesn't do 3G/4G? Judging from the latest news in the BP about DTAC being an alien organization and TOT reportedly going back to square one in its 3G wireless broadband plans (http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tel ... e-says-tot) Thailand doesn't seem to be any closer to 3G than it was a few years ago.

Lastly, I always enjoy watching Apple devotees argue why their product is better than others....even when their product can't do what others can. Just an observation.

Post by **BobHelm** » July 11, 2011, 8:04 pm

My understanding with 3G is that if it enters a place where that service is not available it automatically switches to what is available - e.g. 2G. As you suggest parrot it is hardly a situation that allows the customer to exploit the equipment to its fullest.

I agree that the 3G situation in Thailand is rather beyond a joke now. I would have thought that the last Government would have sorted the licences out & it is a disappointing indictment that even something like that remained in limbo.
I wonder if the fact that a previous PM made his fortune playing with phones means that everyone is too busy looking over their shoulder to just get on & resolve the issue. It should, after all, stick a fair few baht in the Government coffers. Which I would have thought they would have been delighted with...

Post by **KHONDAHM** » July 12, 2011, 8:46 am

BobHelm wrote:The current Apple OS are related to UNIX as you say - in the same way that the English language is related to Latin...

Ok, so it is clear that your understanding of OSs is limited. Let's let your comment be the last word on the issue as continuing a discussion beyond a user's depth is rather pointless.

As for 3G - IMHO, the new gov't should skip 3G and go straight to 4G. I've noticed that 3bb wifi coverage has expanded rather nicely around Udon. For THB 99/month, one can enjoy unlimited broadband in pretty much any popular place on any wifi device (account is portable). Tesco, Central, Big C, airport, hotels, night spots, hospitals, etc., etc. With that sort of coverage (locally, at least), I'm sure not missing 3G... :-"

Post by **BobHelm** » July 12, 2011, 3:05 pm

Oh dear...

Yet another poster who goes into personal attack mode once they are losing the argument.
So sad...

Post by **Mike-the-rat** » July 21, 2011, 12:22 pm

Hiya , got the Samsung Galaxy S2 on contract in UK ....love it! Got high speed wi-fi where I work so am able to download apps and watch bbc i-player etc on phone. Some really good HD videos for this phone on You Tube. My workmate bought the "S2" a couple of weeks ago & as soon as I saw it I was hooked, since then nearly everyone at work is getting one!!!. Had an I-Phone (3 & 4) not that thrilled with the I-Phone ended giving it away to my son.I'm due back in Udon in October and have bought a HTC wildfire for the thai girlfriend it's a nice straightforward "smartphone" she's not too impressed with touch screens though so I may end up keeping it and get her a "cheap n chearfull" from the local tallard...........

Post by **jackspratt** » July 19, 2012, 8:35 am

I am sure all those lucky iPhone owners out there will be thrilled with this bit of news from the world's biggest company*

:

iPhone 5 to have smaller socket: reports

Apple's new iPhone will have a revamped charging socket, meaning existing accessories will be outdated.

Reports this morning claim Apple has been granted a patent for what is believed to be the new dock connector on the iPhone 5..............

....... The new design will mean changing all accessories, including speaker docks and chargers.

The new port looks similar to micro USB, the standard supported by all other phone manufacturers. Apple's version has a triangle-shaped wedge at one end, which should stop users plugging in the cable the wrong way round.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wo ... t-reports/

*(by capitalisation - give or take)

Post by **BobHelm** » July 19, 2012, 9:18 am

Well, in fairness to Apple there is some sense in it..
I have a Galaxy mini phone & it has (as the name would suggest

) a 'mini, mini' USB type inlet for the charger & pc connection.

It is impossible to 'guess' which way the device needs to be plugged in.
While there are minute differences to the plug end these are, as far as practically seeing the difference, impossible to determine with the human eye as the socket that accepts the plug is recessed. However it does only fit one way. that means 'trial & error'.

While I have not succeeded in breaking one yet, or, worse, the phone that I am trying to plug in, I am convinced that day is awaiting me.

It is the only fault that I find with the phone, by the way, but it does seem to me something that could have been so easily avoided with even a little thought at the design stage.

The other day I bought myself a new external hard disk. It is USB 3 compliant as well as USB 2. The end that plugs into the computer is the same USB connection as before, but the end that plugs into the unit is impossible to get the wrong way round. However as slimness of equipment seems to be of paramount importance this would never catch on for a phone or tablet, so some 'new' design is probably a sensible concept....although I would wholeheartedly agree that is probably thought 2 behind this the Apple change..