Related
i thought i'd ask openly since i've done a fair amount of homework, but i'm still inexperienced when it comes with rooting these devices etc.
i used to be a symbian guy, then switched to htc only winmo phones, and joined this forum back in 04. we would flash custom roms etc etc (i really enjoyed it)
what phone do you guys recommend that's either out now or coming out soon for a US provider? i'm looking for top of the line, super fast, easily rooted, new roms flashed (no encrypted boot loaders etc)
i've been on the iphone since 07 (2g, 3g, 3gs) but the new iphone4 just doesn't impress me very much and i'm ready to finally make the move to (what i believe to be) a better device.
any opinions out there? i'm currently with at&t, but can jump ship to verizon or t-mobile (i kinda like the htc evo, but i always hear people complain about sprint here) and i read the droid x will most likely have an encrypted boot loader, so i'm not sure about verizon either.
I was in the same situation as you last week. I have no complaints about ATT's service in my area and signing a contract with another carrier didn't look too appealing since I've been out of contract since 08.
The Nexus One meets all of your criteria and then some. I do not have that gadget lust anymore, I don't feel that it is incomplete like I always felt with my other devices. Hell the only thing I really felt that was missing from the stock build is waking with the trackball, I too came from an iPhone and it just feels natural as opposed to using the sleep button.
I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the top tier Android offerings right now. They all have strengths and weaknesses but the simple fact that the Nexus One gets the (official) updates first made it an easy choice for me.
thanks for the reply. i've been looking at the nexus one for the same reasons you described... the ability to get updates quickly, and the fact it comes with a vanilla rom. i wish i could get the att version with a discount... it looks like if i go with it i'll need to get t-mobile.
i was a little hesitant just because im not sure how it holds up against the latest round of android devices (due to it being out for a while now) but it definitely looks fairly solid from what i've ready.
i ditto the nexus one..IF you want to stay with ATT..but a very customizable phone is the motorola droid..plus a physical keyboard is a BIG plus for me..but the droid is a little old and you should wait for the droid 2 next month..the thing is..who knows who long is going to take for dev to start working on droid 2...droid already has a large drawer full of kernels, themes, roms..ect
yeh, i think theres just too many phones out/coming out to make a decision. the nexus multitouch problem i keep reading about seems kind of annoying... i played with an evo on sprint today and apparently sprint has extremely slow data in my area (even tho it was full bars on 3g) and the droid x might have a locked/encrypted boot loader which i read will definitely affect the ability to flash roms (so i've read)
almost as bad as car shopping.
thanks guys for all the advice so far.
Hello everyone!
I will buy a new phone this week and i want to know your opinion to decide which model should i decide for.
In relation to Operative Systems, in terms of apps, games, development, contacts, and updates, it's better to chose Android or WM?
And what models do you reccomend in the OS that you indicate?
Thank's!
Unless there's a specific WM application you need (which appears to be the case so far, there is some specific scientific measurement application that does not exist on Android) then I would say go to Android. That is, if you've never used either before: Android all the way.
Model? HTC Desire
Which Phone OS Should I Select?
APista said:
Hello everyone!
I will buy a new phone this week and i want to know your opinion to decide which model should i decide for.
In relation to Operative Systems, in terms of apps, games, development, contacts, and updates, it's better to chose Android or WM?
And what models do you reccomend in the OS that you indicate?
Thank's!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that WM is on its last legs, but I still love it and the HTC phones that use the OS. But just looking at a phone is just the first step. Look at the cost, not only of the phone but of the 2 year service contract (especially with the data plan). For example, the phone may be $200 but the 2 year service may add over $2400 to that cost.
And what about service? AT&T is threatening to limit internet use. Sprint (which has the best Android phone, the Evo) may have poor coverage in your area.
Is there hidden fees? I hear that Verizon still has roaming fees within the US.
So don't just look at which OS is best, look at the whole picture. It can get very frustrating if those monthly bills keep growing or that dropped calls is an issue, or that the use of the internet is limited, especially if you are tied to a 2 year contract.
I recently switched to Android after using WM for over 4 years. I don't regret it a bit. Android is the future.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
It really just depends on your interests. I have a thing for having my phone work exactly how I want it, I make lists of thing I don't like and find solutions for all of my problems. So if your a totally anal perfectionist, wm may just be your thing.
I don't have much experience with android, but my experiences were pretty positive. The only thing that bothers me is the reliance on hardware buttons to go back and home. It just seems like a bit annoying for me. But its definetly the future, there are thousands of apps and very good support across the forums.
For windows mobile, if you like touching and stuff, HD2 is definetly the way.
For android I'm not 100% sure but I hear the evo and desire are good. Personally pretty much all the android phones look pretty much the same to me.
Pretty much, if you want the smoothest, most pretty and reliable experience, go android.
If you want total customisation and be able to modify the device to suit your needs, go
WM.
On the subject of plans and whatnot, I always buy my phones outright and go prepaid since its the best option for me. But its up to you about your plans.
Android wins here. No contest.
I'm not even putting into consideration that WinMo 6.x is no longer being developed.
I'm going to assume that you've used WinMo before and have not used Android yet. If you have, you wouldn't be asking this.
You may have just flashed a new ROM on your WinMo device. You would think it's fast and snappy. But in fact, compared to even an average Android device, your tricked out WinMo device is actually still significantly slower.
http://jason-says.blogspot.com/2010/03/reasons-i-leaving-windows-mobile-for.html
http://jason-says.blogspot.com/2010/04/thoughts-on-android-from-former-windows.html
Suggestions Anyone????
I have two G-Tablets and am working with Android for the first time.
Lost a cell phone today and may have to get another. Have not gone to smart phones up to now. Interested in Android but still plan to use G-Tabs for most of my e-mail, etc. Verizon (used to be Alltel).
What would be a good phone to use with the G-Tablet. Something which is not too locked up and could be used alone or possible tether with tablet. Some of you know the possibilities better than I do.
Thanks for any input.
Rev
I liked the feel of the Droid Incredible, though it is becoming dated. You really can't go wrong with the droid family (or so I hear, I'm on t-mobile), but if you want to wait I would pay attention to CES, some crazy phones being revealed.
Note on tethering, you need to do your homework. Some networks lock down their phones pretty good and make you pay. You can get around most with rooting, but just fyi.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
If you wanna go cheap and not have a contract. Get a Droid 1 off EBay. Easy to hack and overclocked at 1 Ghz runs well.
Not sure but i think droid x is the newest thing???
I was thinking of getting one but am waiting till march.
I am with AT&T and they are locked down on the tethering thing..i hear Verizon lets you tether though?
Can someone verify as i may go verizon/droid (from my old iphone/AT&T set up) in the spring if thats the case.
Thanks folks for your replies.
I am a little disappointed. I thought since the Android phones have been so successful lately that quite a few people would be able to tell me what to watch for and what to avoid.
I expect to get a new phone, but haven't been involved with smartphone enough to know the advantages and disadvantages of the hardware and software.
Still would love to hear from other about current options?!?
Rev
well im on at&t and im using the captivate and i love it! its rooted with axuras rom on it presently. tethering is enabled and i used it all the time.
the phone is faster than my g tab... seems faster.
ive played with the droid x and i prefer the captivate... dad has the x, it seems odd in the hand and i dont like the physical buttons.. the soft buttons have grown on me.
but any of the top smart phones are close..
Thanks to those who replied.
I found several Droid-type smartphones I liked -- but the plans that come with them wound up being too expensive and too limited to be practical for my use. Please I have a network of computers, a laptop, a netbook and two G-Tablets to get mail, download, etc. I just couldn't convince myself I had to have a smartphone!!
Wound up simply buying the wife a new phone she liked that had good visual features that will help with her visual handicap.
So all's well that ends well.
Again, thanks and best wishes for a blessed New Year.
Rev
Another interesting tidbit from the web:
What's the Holdup with Froyo Update? We'll explain...
AT&T is trying to fill the internal SD card with as much bloat as possible, it takes time to make sure the phone will run as crappy as possible.
AT&T and Samsung are both focusing most of their time and energy on their upcoming phones revealed at CES. Samsung is notorious for their slow updates, sometimes they don't even update their phones at all. And AT&T is slow at releasing updates because of having to put all of their bloatware in there
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
The same thing that's been taking so long for it to come out since Day 1. Safe to say I'll never buy another Samsung phone again. Can't wait for the Motorola Atrix 4G to come out. Finally I'll be able to experience Android at it's fullest.
Actually.... http://androidspin.com/2011/01/12/b...samsung-is-holding-the-android-world-hostage/
The full post is in android central in the vibrant section.
Its not Samsung!!!.. 2.2 is out in the rest of the world!! its AT&T and T-mobile.. that slow things down. Canada's Captivate got the 2.2 update... and the phone just came out their a month ago and the phone is the same as the USA Captivate.... and the other Samsung S phones got the update some over 2 months ago...
devho said:
The same **** that's been taking so long for it to come out since Day 1. Safe to say I'll never buy another Samsung phone again. Can't wait for the Motorola Atrix 4G to come out. Finally I'll be able to experience Android at it's fullest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean motoblur and a locked bootloader?
New Captivate noob....
Hello All! I have just ordered my new phone from Amazon and should receive it tomorrow. I hope to figure out how to use it as a modem for my Macbook while deployed for some military training. I have been reading as much as I possibly can about this phone and modifying it and feel like I'm trying to get a drink of water from an open fire hydrant....SO MUCH INFO !! I really appreciate the fact that you guys seem to be helpful and am looking forward to "moding" my new phone. I guess my first question is this: Is it possible to use this phone as an access to the internet for my Macbook laptop? I love this computer but didn't want the iphone 'cause it ain't apple's business (or AT&T's) with what I do with it and I don't like "Big Brother" telling me I can't put certain stuff on it. So, is there an app for using the Captivate as a modem for a Mac? Thanks and I'll deploy soon so hope to get this done by then.
bellssn690 said:
Hello All! I have just ordered my new phone from Amazon and should receive it tomorrow. I hope to figure out how to use it as a modem for my Macbook while deployed for some military training. I have been reading as much as I possibly can about this phone and modifying it and feel like I'm trying to get a drink of water from an open fire hydrant....SO MUCH INFO !! I really appreciate the fact that you guys seem to be helpful and am looking forward to "moding" my new phone. I guess my first question is this: Is it possible to use this phone as an access to the internet for my Macbook laptop? I love this computer but didn't want the iphone 'cause it ain't apple's business (or AT&T's) with what I do with it and I don't like "Big Brother" telling me I can't put certain stuff on it. So, is there an app for using the Captivate as a modem for a Mac? Thanks and I'll deploy soon so hope to get this done by then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can either:
-Pay more per month (I think it's $10)
-Install a custom ROM and do it for free
But yes, you can use it as a hotspot for a laptop.
liquid blue said:
Actually.... http://androidspin.com/2011/01/12/b...samsung-is-holding-the-android-world-hostage/
The full post is in android central in the vibrant section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read this earlier today on phandroid. It certainly sounds plausible, and it wouldn't surprise me at all. I sent a tweet to GalaxySSupport about it - can't wait to see what they say about it.
bellssn690 said:
Hello All! I have just ordered my new phone from Amazon and should receive it tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know if this actually happens. I tried, twice, to order a Captivate from AmazonWireless using their 2-day shipping option. When they failed the first time they promised to send it overnight. That one showed up 6 days later and was refused since I had already gone and bought one on sale at Radio Shack. They suck.
Funny reading that article - they make it sound as though the delay is being blamed on the z4root app. seriously? no matter what they do to the next vers. of android. we will root it
Bottom line is these updates are an extremely low priority for Samsung. Dev's here at XDA put together roms in a matter of days and they do it by hacking apart official (or leaked) software from other phones. Imagine if they had access to the driver and kernel source code like Samsung does? Imagine if they were the people who built the hardware and knew all the ins and outs of it? I realize that Samsung has to test their updates a LOT more than dev's here (where we are often the testers), but its been 6 months since the phone's release and over a year since Froyo's release. Not to mention that Samsung has an IT team whereas dev's here are usually 1 person working in their spare time.
Also I wanted to mention that I don't think that AT&T adds the bloatware themselves; I believe Samsung does it according to AT&T's wishes. The few leaked froyo updates we got for the captivate were AT&Tified with bloat and all. Since those were leaks and not nearly done, there is no way they went to AT&T to add in the bloat. Now, that doesn't mean AT&T can't delay the process. I'd imagine they get a chance to test any firmware Samsung gives them and they can reject it back Samsung, wasting more time.
One last point...Why aren't Android versions more independant of drivers and software? When I upgraded Windows from Vista to 7, everything worked right out of the box. It seems like Samsung would have to switch the Android base, fix a few things, test and release? I have no idea why these updates are so complicated that they should take months to complete...
/rant
TheSopranos16 said:
One last point...Why aren't Android versions more independant of drivers and software? When I upgraded Windows from Vista to 7, everything worked right out of the box. It seems like Samsung would have to switch the Android base, fix a few things, test and release? I have no idea why these updates are so complicated that they should take months to complete...
/rant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what baffles me. Windows runs on all kinds of different hardware configurations with hardware components from hundreds of different manufacturers. Are these phones so very different that each brand and model requires its own specific variant of Android? Isn't that the complete opposite of what Google hoped to accomplish with Android?
I also don't think AT$T do much, if any, of the actual device testing themselves. I think they simply state their demands to the individual manufacturers as far as what bloatware they want on the phone (and what features they prefer to be crippled). They may develop the bloatware, but the OS is the device manufacturer's responsibility. That said, AT$T is just as culpable for the delay of Froyo since they can bring the pressure to bear to get it done if they really wanted to.
Miami_Son said:
This is what baffles me. Windows runs on all kinds of different hardware configurations with hardware components from hundreds of different manufacturers. Are these phones so very different that each brand and model requires its own specific variant of Android? Isn't that the complete opposite of what Google hoped to accomplish with Android?
I also don't think AT$T do much, if any, of the actual device testing themselves. I think they simply state their demands to the individual manufacturers as far as what bloatware they want on the phone (and what features they prefer to be crippled). They may develop the bloatware, but the OS is the device manufacturer's responsibility. That said, AT$T is just as culpable for the delay of Froyo since they can bring the pressure to bear to get it done if they really wanted to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MS have hardware requirements, so they know it will run when they release an update. But at&t stopped htc from giving out an update to the fuze so they could sell the tilt 2 to more people
From a phone
Its probably been said but it's not $am$ung anymore, its AT$T. They have 2.2 but they are "testing" (filling it with bloatware).
Sent from my Galaxy S Captivate...still no Froyo...
To be honest, now that Roger's release Froyo for their Captivate, there is no point to continue to wait for the AT&T release. The Roger's version even has WiFi hotspot, tethering, and the option to install non-market apps out of the box. This is what I am running with a few tweaks here and there. No complaints.
I have come to the conclusion that I will not buy another branded handset from AT&T ever again. I also will probably not by a Samsung product again for a while as well.
The only reason I want a Stock Froyo release for the captivate is to get Samsung to release the GPL required kernel source. With this, our devs can make ROMS that are faster, and more stable. I am HOPING that the release of Rogers 2.2 firmware means that this source code release is imminent. Otherwise we may have to get involved with pestering Samsung to put the source out.
boborone said:
But at&t stopped htc from giving out an update to the fuze so they could sell the tilt 2 to more people
From a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just going to post what was posted in response to this statement on another thread, just in the intrest of not spreading dis-information
Originally Posted by boborone
At&t stopped the 6.5 win mo update for the fuze so people would buy the tilt 2. Why should this be any different?
From a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure where you saw that. It was not a AT&T or HTC decision. Microsoft only allowed official WM 6.5 updates for phones with the "Windows" button on them. Since the Fuze had a "home" button, it did not qualify for WM 6.5. If AT&T had held it back, then other Raphael, Diamond, and/or Blackstone handsets (Verizon TP, etc) would have gotten WM 6.5. In fact none of the Raphael, Diamond, or Blackstone phones got WM 6.5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
boborone said:
MS have hardware requirements, so they know it will run when they release an update. But at&t stopped htc from giving out an update to the fuze so they could sell the tilt 2 to more people
From a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jwood55812 said:
I'm just going to post what was posted in response to this statement on another thread, just in the intrest of not spreading dis-information
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quote. I find it interesting that boborone admits that Microsoft has hardware requirements but doesn't realize that one of Microsoft's hardware requirements for WM 6.5 was that a 'Windows" button was required.
Honestly, I don't know if AT&T has ever blocked a software/firmware upgrade from a manufacturer in order to sell new phones, but I doubt they make enough money by blocking an update to a 1 year old phone to make any difference. As most people have 2 year contracts, they are not going to upgrade after only 1 year. The iPhone seems to be the notable exception to this, but by allowing iPhone users to upgrade to a new version at a discounted rate after 1 year, AT&T is losing more money than by keeping them on the their old iPhone for an extra 6-12 months. AT&T allows early upgrades in order to extend contracts before they expire and garner customer loyalty. Whether or not my 1 year old Fuze got WM 6.5 or not, I still waited 18 months before upgrading to get the extra discount and the availability of official (or un-official) WM 6.5 for my phone had no impact on my decision...it was all about the extra $50 discount.
In short, I don't think the availability (or lack there-of) of Froyo for the Captivate has anything to do with AT&T trying to make money by getting users to replace the Captivate with a phone that runs Froyo, especially since as of today, the only AT&T phone running Froyo is still the Aria which is a cheaper phone, and even when the Atrix/Infuze/Inspire are released, no Captivate owners (that purchased a Captivate with their new phone discount) will qualify for a new phone yet. Delaying or refusing an update to the Captivate (when other SGS phones are getting Froyo) is much more likely to cost AT&T in the long term as dissatisfied customers go to other carriers.
By far the most likely cause of the delay is exactly what has been said (you just need to read between the lines a little). Samsung said that the delay was due to "complexity issues" last week, and this week the delay is to ensure a "smooth upgrade." Those two pieces of information combined with all the reported upgrade problems on other SGS phones and Kies Mini frequently having issues recognizing that a phone is plugged in cause "complexity" and would result in an upgrade that is not "smooth" for the customers.
The Kies mini problems have to be addressed, and since the US is the only country that uses Kies mini, it only affects US carriers. For me, Kies mini only recognizes my phone about 10% of the time on a Windows XP machine. On my Windows 7 machine, Kies (full version 1.5.0.80) recognizes when my phone is plugged in 100% of the time (even when I do not select Kies for the connection).
Hey there folks!
I'm a MotoMan myself (mostly by fate, not choice). I had a Droid 1 which I loved dearly, and now I'm rocking a Droid X that feels like a new phone every day thanks to CyanogenMod nightlies.
Now, thanks to Motorola's dickery, the Droid X only recently received CyanogenMod (bootloaders are awful). But as I said now that it's around, things are like night and day. Not quite as awesome as my Droid 1 since there are still no custom kernels, however I'm still a happy camper.
A few days ago however my sister bought herself a Droid Charge to lock in a 2-yr contract of $30/month LTE. Naturally, I immediately snatched it and began ROM'ing the sucker into oblivion. It's great! I love how easy it is to flash this puppy. You either use Odin, which is relatively painless... CWR, which I already spend most of my time in on my DX/Nook Color.... or the Samsung utility, which is no different than RSDlite for Motorola phones! All familiar, painless territory. And it seems like you can get some pretty customized ROMs rockin'!
So, uh... why no CyanogenMod? It seems like a lot of Samsung phones are lacking the CyanogenModz. Is there a piece of the puzzle I'm missing? Has Samsung installed something devious like a bootloader preventing it? What's going on here?
thank!
Cyanogen mods are mostly RUU mods. HTC in fact. I coming from TMO have used dozens and release a few Cyanogen custom roms. Realistically, the team releases code for phones that they can easily acquire. HTC phones are GSM phones and can be bought anywhere for about 100 bucks. VZW and Sprint phones are CDMA phones that are a lil harder to obtain and need a contract with the company. Easier to get GSM phones because you can unlock them for whatever global service you want to use them on.
The team is easy to get in touch with, but you will probably need to get a fan base together on a certain device and send to them, to get them to be able to write the code for. Hope this makes sense.
Barny Style.
GSM = Easy to get, easy to sale, no company crap to deal with
CDMA = Company needs to turn on, hard for resale since you need a clean esn. Harder to acquire.
I'm not a dev, but I think CyanogenMod uses AOSP as a base, not RUUs. It certainly looks a lot more like stock Android on my HTC Incredible than it does Sense.
That said, the point about CDMA phones being less widely available and used than GSM phones is probably a valid one, as CDMA is primarily a US thing. There is a CM port for a few Samsung Galaxy S phones.
The issue is that Samsung uses stuff that is not compatible with most of the stock CM code, and a lot of hacking needs to be done to get anything simple working. I know that there are a few Samsung phones in the pipeline for CM7 support now, but it took months of work, and there are still several bugs that need worked out. The biggest issue is primarily just that Samsung releases as little source as they have to, and trying to reverse engineer their binary files that are needed is difficult to do as well. However, I do think that there will be AOSP based ROMs for the Charge after r2doesinc starts working on it.
As far as I know they could be working on a Droid Charge port:
http://rootzwiki.com/showthread.php?631-WIP-CM7-for-Droid-Charge
Plus there's more than a few posts in that thread of people saying they'd send in phones for them to dev on. I've never used CM (just got my charge after a first-generation iPhone), but it looks slick as all getout. GummyCHARGED is the closest rom to it as far as I can tell.