So. I have updates on the mobile phone saga that is Ian. As mush as I liked my Shine plus, I was having a lingering issue where it had a “falling out” with my carriers network. At sporadic moments, my calls would drop, I could not dial out, people would phone me and they would hear a message about “Client not available”. I tried my best to work with my carrier and debug the issue. Replaced phone, SIM card, logged times and zones… nothing helped.
So 3 months later my patience was at an end. I still presently don’t know if it’s a network issue, or a problem with that run of phones. In any case, not the point of this article. After a lot of Internet searching for a phone number, a call to the Office of the President of my carrier yielded results. Lets hope I no longer have these issues…
The executive client care offered me a new phone of my choice and some credit on my account. So I am here today to tell you about the Samsung Galaxy S. This phone came with Android 2.1, which I promptly upgraded to 2.2. I have never been a proponent of on screen keyboards. I like to press buttons, what can I say. Call me a luddite if you will, but it’s lies! :)
Given this phone has a 1Ghz CPU, I figured I would not be plagued by the resistive screen, inefficient OS, choppy keyboard function I used to have on my Samsung Omnia Windows phone. So far, I am getting by, and not having any major issues with the on screen keyboard. Although I do have to say I like the “swipe”
Rather than tapping out each letter, I simply put my finger on the first letter of a word and drag it about the keyboard area. The phone figures out the rest. I took a quick look on the marketplace, and it seems as though this software is not available for download. Even paid. I suppose this is a Samsung thing. SAMSUNG, SELL THIS APP!!! I would pay up to $25 for this app personally. It’s a god send for on screen keyboards.
Ok, enough about the keyboard. Lets talk about the phone. If you have a Samsung Galaxy S (Mine is the Fascinate) I would recommend you update your OS to 2.2. There was immediate speed boosts and a pep in its step. The update took only about 25 min. In the end, I didn’t even loose any data. The worst that happened was that I lost my home screen setups. Not a big deal. Although, you should always backup your data before applying any updates. You should always backup your data, period! I should add a little beef I have here. To be able to apply the updates to this phone, I had to use the Samsung supplied software. Just when I thought we were approaching a time when we could get away with using Windows, I got sidelined. I am a primary Mac/Linux user. I actually had to dust off my windows computer to do this. Damn you Samsung! So you will need Windows to do this the “proper way”
Now with 2.2 you can move applications to the SD card, or internal SD storage, rather than polluting the OS space. Further to that, there is Flash integration within the browser. Although, I still have some issues running flash videos, I was really hoping that would go away…
On the 2.2 update you have a couple more widgets, and a “Desk” home and a “Car” home screen. But enough about Android… These things are the same in all Android 2.2 phones. Lets talk a little about the hardware.
Its big. It would not be a stretch to call this a pocket tablet. Its quite thin, however, I have big hands, and it’s a bit of a stretch for me to swipe down the notification screen. If you have little hands, then this unit may not be for you. Well, expect issues with single-handed operations. It certainly meets my criteria for a mobile device. Simply put, they are, expandable memory, and changeable battery. In this case, I will let go of my keyboard fetish! It just works. Voice quality is good. I only had one instance where I could not hear my caller, but that was on a slushy downtown street, and the caller was just quiet to begin with. I have had no complaints about callers not being able to hear me, so I will chalk that up to good :)
This phone has the guts to keep up with my most demanding moments. It is not uncommon for me to have the following active.
Grooveshark (streaming)
Email (gmail and work)
ThinkFree Office (editing a spreadsheet)
All while downloading an app….
During all of these activities, there wasn’t a moments hesitation moving between applications. It just works. If you are a camera user, this phone has no flash. This is not skin off my back, but to some, this may be an issue.
I would highly recommend a case, as I fear this device may be reminiscent of 3.5” floppies. For those geeks among us, if you drop a 3.5” floppy with the right force, and in that sweet spot, she blows apart in many pieces. :) Get a case, I fear this device will to the same.
With the silicone case, the power, and volume buttons are a chore to operate. But since its so thin, I would recommend it. You are not adding much to the device.
All in all, this is a great device. Its size flat, is made up in that its thin. If you have small hands, I suggest you spend some time in the store trying to hold it and move your fingers around the device to ensure you will not have issues with the stretch involved to touch all areas of the screen.
As usual folks, if you have any questions, comments, please just ask and I will do my best to answer! Happy New Year!!!
