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ipad or tablet, for a parent

if it were anyone else, id tell them how much apple sucks, and youll have no flash, free stuff, or any options.. but since its for my mom, who only knows the basics of a computer, would something without any options work better? i mean theres only one way to do things on an ipad.
ive never used a tablet before, but own a galaxy s2 and love it.
its my understanding the galaxy tab isnt as good as the s2 tho, and of course it doesnt have the samoled+ screen. i know the galaxy tab has a faster processor, and double the ram of the ipad, but as far as simplicity, or ease of use, screen quality, ect?
can the ipad use google talk video/voice chat?
thoughts and opinions please

i think ipad 2 is easy to use for a parent..

+1
Even though I am an android fan, Apple products are great for their ease of use.

What about the Amazon Fire? Well spec'd and about the size of a paperback, perfect for getting your folks into using it for reading then gently move on to web browsing etc with it.
Much cheaper than an iphad too.

can anyone comment on the UI, how smooth is honeycomb vs ipad? specs suggest it should be the galaxy tab, but it doesnt always work that way

ipad is bigger and easier to see for older people

soraxd said:
can anyone comment on the UI, how smooth is honeycomb vs ipad? specs suggest it should be the galaxy tab, but it doesnt always work that way
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Chap at work has gotten himself a tab and used it so much more he sold his ipad.

Just ignore the specs, it doesn't really work that way.
I mean, you get smoother UI and apps from an iphone than you get from some Android phones that have twice the RAM and a dualcore CPU.
(And the ipad2 has as good a CPU as any Android tablet, and its GPU smokes all of the Android GPUs!)
But yeah, I'd go for ipad or ipad2. Not only is there ease of use, there are also WAY more tablet apps for ipads than for Android tablets.
(I own an Iconia myself)
Your mom will also have a really easy time with buying music and movies if she wants that, and don't forget that other big Apple advantage: Futureproofing.
With an ipad she'll be good for OS upgrades for the next three years.

I personally wouldn't buy any apple product right now, it's companies like them that I refuse to support. If apple had it's way they would patent the idea of breathing oxygen... but it's not just apple that is the problem, it is the consumer that is willing to pay for a name that is the problem. You will only be supporting apple's lawsuits by purchasing their products.
In my honest opinion, anything will the apple name on it is overpriced, you are limited with what you can do, and you become a part of their "walled garden"
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Mattix724 said:
I personally wouldn't buy any apple product right now, it's companies like them that I refuse to support. If apple had it's way they would patent the idea of breathing oxygen... but it's not just apple that is the problem, it is the consumer that is willing to pay for a name that is the problem. You will only be supporting apple's lawsuits by purchasing their products.
In my honest opinion, anything will the apple name on it is overpriced, you are limited with what you can do, and you become a part of their "walled garden"
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youre preaching to the choir man, i know all about apple, and how they operate, i totally go off on people who use iphones.. but i realize that they are far more simple, which in most of our cases, is not something you look for, but in the case of something for my mother, who calls me up on the phone every now and then asking me how to save a picture she found on the internet, i dont think open source is really something she use lol..
if even xda members think ipad is smoother, i think ill look into it.
tho i am wondering, theres no flash right?
and isnt the apple browser slower than the android?

Well first off, just because apple puts a lower case "i" in front of it, it doesn't suddenly become a not-a-tablet. iFad ***IS*** a tablet. I wish that people would start calling it more generically (more *appropriately*) as "apple tablet". Every time someone puts an "i" in front of something, it makes me want to BARF.
As far as ease of use goes.... AVOID crippled apple. The only reason it might seem easy to use is because it doesn't actually do anything!
You have other options as far as tablets go...
Have you looked at B&N Nook?
Have you looked at Amazon kindle (the new one that runs android)?
These have simplified UI's, but are still fairly functional tablets. And the nice thing about them (at least the nook, no word yet on the kindle since its so new), is that if she wants a more COMPLETE tablet, you can root and customize. Cyanogenmod 7 runs on nook color!
*** You also save a butt-load of $$. Nook color is $250. I think Kindle is supposed to go for $200.
BOTH run Android.

I own an ipad 2 myself. To be honest I wasted 600$ for it I rarely use it. One thing I realy like about ipad that it runs smooth and there more apps out there for it compared to android tablet but, recently I notice android market is getting a lot better and they are cheaper to buy also it runs flash. So buy what fits your parents preference.
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soraxd said:
if even xda members think ipad is smoother, i think ill look into it.
tho i am wondering, theres no flash right?
and isnt the apple browser slower than the android?
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As for the "walled garden" thing, that's not really a bad thing for kids and heh, some older folks. You know what I saw in the Android Market the other day? (And not just hidden away somewhere, it was in the top grossing list)
An app called Peter North Redecorator or something, named after the famous pornstar, where you get to eh.. put semen on a picture from your phones memory. Cute, eh? Maybe not something most people, or their parents would like to get thrown in their face when checking out the top grossing apps? So besides the quality assurance, the whole walled garden has its place.
But yeah, the iPad IS smoother than even my 3.2 tab I hate to say. Browser is just as fast on the iPad, if not faster. Also seems quite a bit more stable.
There's no flash, but there are different apps and browsers that make you play Flash videos or access Flash websites. But pretty much all the sites I've ever visited have a Flash alternative, where they play html5 video instead or something similar, so you won't ever get to miss the Flash.
Another thing to consider: I don't know how your parents use mobile banking and different sites, but there are alot more apps like that for iPad than Android. Meaning: Most of the banks they go to and stores they visit and so on, will have iPad apps, but no Android apps, which might make a difference.

ipad
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p45_noob said:
i think ipad 2 is easy to use for a parent..
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When will people stop going on with generalised crap like this. If your parent can use a computer or a phone they can use pretty much ANY tablet. If they can't Use either it wopuld take them about the same amount of time to learn the BASIC functions of both devices. Stop repeating this crap because you heard it on T.V / Apple press release. Some people make it sound like you need a doctorate in mechanical engineering to operate an android device and a gold star from a kindergarten teacher for an idevice. STOP believing and repeating this crap
For example:
http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-help/25343-cant-get-my-new-ipad-work.html
OH NOES!!!!! LURNINZ CURVEZ TOO HIE HELPZ APPPLEZ DUZZENT JUZT WURK OMG!!!!112111111121111112112 [email protected]@ MURE DAN 5 MINZ OV LURNINGS AND SETUPS!!!21123qy6
Edit: Oh and a usability assessment between the two from a self proclaimed ios user. http://spyrestudios.com/android-vs-ios-a-usability-battle/
And http://www.cravingtech.com/android-vs-ios.html
There now can people please stop talking BS?

As much as it pains me to say this, I hate Apple, but if you're buying for your parent/grandparent, get them an apple product. The reason I say that is because they're far more user friendly than anything else out there.
I will say this.. I hate Apple products because of how locked down it is, but I work technical support over the phone and Apple products are the easiest to work with, hence why I say get them an Ipad.
*curls up in a corner and cries*

krazie805 said:
ipad
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I think I too love android. so I will Tablet.

I was going to get the Thinkpad Tablet for my Dad, however I think it would be better off holding it off until next year when Windows 8 tablet comes. A proper OS is much better than a mobile OS IMO.

Usualsuspect182 said:
I am incapable of reading one post above me or supplying evidence for my general rehashed marketing statement. But I know ipads are easy to use cause thats what apple say. One day I will attend the university that all those 5 year olds who know how to use android devices must have attended.
*curls up in a corner and cries*
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10 chars......

I wouldn't even recommend a tablet. They are a luxury not a tool.

The Android tablet makers are doing it wrong...

NOTE: If you are looking to troll, insult the intelligence of users of any platform, or flame in any way, then you are in the wrong thread.
To understand why "true" Android tablets (read as tablets besides the Fire) are struggling to gain market share, one must first consider why the iPad, and the Kindle to some extent, has been so successful, and why people choose to use a tablet instead of a laptop in the first place. It has nothing to do with specs. It has to do with three simple words: "Ease of use."
With little effort or thinking required, anyone can pick up an iPad without it being headache inducing or bad for your blood pressure. A good example is Netflix. I don't even want to start the Netflix app on the Transformer Prime. It is painfully slow and non-responsive. On the iPad, the Netflix app with the same exact layout is as smooth as butter and arguably one of the best ways to consume Netflix content. No constantly having to glance at the battery, no rampaging through forums trying to find out why your device is constantly rebooting. It is just you and your tablet having a relaxing, intimate experience.
Unless the Android tablet makers straighten out the reboots, the app issues, the wifi issues, etc before worrying about specs, then Android on tablets is destined to go the way of the Zune.

in the case of netflix, that's netflix's failure, not Android's or the tablet makers.
as for "ease of use", if you think an Android tablet is too hard to just pick up and use, you must be especially inept. both my 56 year old mother and 72 year old step-father picked up my Transformer and were tapping and swiping away like they'd been using a tablet for years, no hiccups at all.

The biggest problem with Android tablets is shoddy,poorly optimized software and lack of apps. Android is nowhere near as smooth as iOS(ICS better than Honeycomb but still nowhere close to iPad), which really degrades the user experience. There is also a severe lack of tablet specific apps, and certain apps run fine on one tablet,but not another even though the hardware is identical. The only way Android tabs can compete is on price, which is why Kindle Fire was able to gain traction. No one I their right mind will pay the same price for an Android tablet that will be obsolete in a few months, and may not receive OS updates. Google really dropped the ball by making Honeycomb such a steaming pile of dung and launching overpriced junk like the Xoom to take on iPad 2, horrible first impression to say the least.

As said above me, the problem is indeed the lack of apps and optimizations for the tablet with both size and hardware specs.
The only reason for that, is that Android 3 was rebuilt from scratch, iOS, which was old and popular already, was simple "streched" over the screen of the iPad. Even the hardware is the same.

Google didn't release the zoom Motorola did. As for honeycomb vs ios, ios is for all purposes the same exact operating system released on the first iPhone. The advancements have been few and far between, and always behind the time. Google actually changed everything, yes some of it did not come out perfect, but honeycomb is a unique ui from gingerbread, froyo, etc. I have some issues with my honeycomb tablet but the limitations of ios out weigh my issue with honeycomb. The ipad is a great product with an offensively boring operating system
Netfilx runs on my tablet with out any lag whats so ever, and I experience no reboots unless I am pushing it with over clocking and what not. Apple makes a one size firts all product. One screen size, one processor, one clock speed, one os, one ui. Most people who complain about android made a poor choice of the device they purchased, then blame the operating system for the performance. With Apple there is one tablet.
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Manufacturers
You are definitely right. The downside about Android is not the actual software but in a way how many devices and manufacturers there are. With So many Android devices coming out every other week, it would be almost impossible for Google to be able to take their software and mod it to every new device. With Apple they have one tablet and are able to focus on making things work perfectly on that one device, no other device specs to throw in.

The iPad sells because it is made by Apple and their customers are very loyal to the brand. Developers for the iPad only have 1 (or 2 if you count the 1st gen iPad) device to test on, so there should be no problems. Android app developers have many different devices which means there is a greater chance for issues, but this is not Google's fault or even the tablet maker's fault, it's the app developer.
Android has had quite a few updates in the last few years, both UI and Linux kernel. iOS on the other hand still looks like 2007 with some newer apps included. The tablet versions of Android are still pretty young. Even if the ratio of Android tablets to phones doesn't take off, getting everyone on ICS should help out stability of tablet apps.

sarreq said:
in the case of netflix, that's netflix's failure, not Android's or the tablet makers.
as for "ease of use", if you think an Android tablet is too hard to just pick up and use, you must be especially inept. both my 56 year old mother and 72 year old step-father picked up my Transformer and were tapping and swiping away like they'd been using a tablet for years, no hiccups at all.
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When people are having to read forums and sometimes open up their device to get wifi to work correctly, that is not easy to use. You may not be having this issue, but there are hundreds in the prime forum having it. People use the tablet because it is a more enjoyable experience. If the laptop is more convenient, they will use that instead, which is why people don't want to use Android tablets. They are headache inducing trying to figure out why nothing is working like it should. They have great specs, but software is more important on the tablet form factor.

kingsway8605 said:
When people are having to read forums and sometimes open up their device to get wifi to work correctly, that is not easy to use. You may not be having this issue, but there are hundreds in the prime forum having it. People use the tablet because it is a more enjoyable experience. If the laptop is more convenient, they will use that instead, which is why people don't want to use Android tablets. They are headache inducing trying to figure out why nothing is working like it should. They have great specs, but software is more important on the tablet form factor.
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Your issues are not android software related. You should of read the same forums you are talking about before purchasing the device and you would of been aware prior. Because of the fragmentation of android there are plenty of sub par decvices on the market. It is up to the consumer to make a smart decision as to which to purchase.
this is all a matter of prefference so the argument can just go round in circles. If I was to win an I Pad 2 in a raffle I would not even take it out of the box before I sold it and used the proceeds to get an android device

mcord11758 said:
Your issues are not android software related. You should of read the same forums you are talking about before purchasing the device and you would of been aware prior. Because of the fragmentation of android there are plenty of sub par decvices on the market. It is up to the consumer to make a smart decision as to which to purchase.
this is all a matter of prefference so the argument can just go round in circles. If I was to win an I Pad 2 in a raffle I would not even take it out of the box before I sold it and used the proceeds to get an android device
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And you missed the whole point of my OP.
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mcord11758 said:
Your issues are not android software related. You should of read the same forums you are talking about before purchasing the device and you would of been aware prior. Because of the fragmentation of android there are plenty of sub par decvices on the market. It is up to the consumer to make a smart decision as to which to purchase.
this is all a matter of prefference so the argument can just go round in circles. If I was to win an I Pad 2 in a raffle I would not even take it out of the box before I sold it and used the proceeds to get an android device
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So you're in a small minority of people who want to waste their cash on a barely functional device running junky software. I'm pretty sure that the vast majority of people would take an iPad over an Android tablet unless it's much cheaper with a comparable ecosystem ala Kindle Fire.

I don't see the Android tablets ever surpassing the iPad. In the tablet market, the "just working" is even more of a powerful concept than the phones since tablets are generally an extra expense.
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I think the real problem is that people don't want tablets, they want an Ipad. I have never been sold on the tablet craze. My screen is 4.5 inches, why would I need more? I truly believe that this is why Apple keeps the Iphone so small, to almost make a tablet a necessity.

kingsway8605 said:
And you missed the whole point of my OP.
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No I get it, you have problems with your tablet and are assuming the issues are symptomatic of android
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mcord11758 said:
No I get it, you have problems with your tablet and are assuming the issues are symptomatic of android
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No you don't get the point of my OP. The forums for each of the popular tablets, the app selection, and Android market share prove they are symptoms of Android on tablets.
Google and the tablet manufacturers do not get why the tablet form factor became popular in the first place. This is the point of my post.
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My apologies for the bickering, although I do not agree with the premise I respect your position. I have a company iPhone and purchased an android tablet as I prefer the platform. I have a htc flyer and for half the price like it more than my wives iPad. In the end that is just me though

kingsway8605 said:
No you don't get the point of my OP. The forums for each of the popular tablets, the app selection, and Android market share prove they are symptoms of Android on tablets.
Google and the tablet manufacturers do not get why the tablet form factor became popular in the first place. This is the point of my post.
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Isn't that the same thing everyone said about Android on phones when it released?
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SiNJiN76 said:
Isn't that the same thing everyone said about Android on phones when it released?
Swyped using my Pinky
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Tablet market is not the same as the phone market. The reason Android gained traction is because carriers needed something to combat the iPhone and it was the best alternative at the time. Android gained market share because carriers embraced it since it put them back in the driver's seat, they could take out features,install loads of crapware and modify the OS to their heart's content. The majority of Android phones sold aren't premium handsets, but low to midrange phones of the BOGO or free with contract variety. Meanwhile tablets are typically not bought with a contract and wifi models are far more popular, which cuts the carriers out of the loop. This puts vendors in a precarious position,because they can't rely on carrier subsidies and can't compete with Apple on price due to their purchasing power. Trying to push an Android tablet at $500+ is an automatic fail because there aren't enough Apple haters or hardcore geeks who are pretty much your only market at that price point. The fact that W8 is also looming on the horizon and looks to be a much better tablet OS than anything that Google is bringing to the table doesn't help either.

More and more Android tablet makers are getting it right, starting now, just the way Google is getting the Android experience to match up to the iOS experience. It is true iOS was light years ahead in terms of beauty, simplicity, ease of use, performance etc - but Google (with Android) and many of the tablet makers (Samsung, Amazon, and now even the ODMs/OEMs in rest of the world) are catching up in terms of the OS experience - ICS is quite simply amazing, and one can't say it is horrible compared to iOS, even if one loves iOS.
The reason why many people complained about Android, rightly so, is caused by the fact that Android didn't dictate what hardware it must be run on, allowing manufacturers to make compromises/mistakes on the hardware (processor, memory, display etc) whereas Apple ensured the hardware is just as good as the OS, and even more than that Apple knew the internals of iOS and its processor/hardware really well from before, and could ensure the best optimized experience. With more manufacturers learning more about Android now - they are becoming more sophisticated in their engineering - and the Android experience will continue to flourish. And not just Google's own flavor of Android, but fork-offs like those of Amazon (and maybe others like Samsung?) may result in even more special things!
Its certainly an exciting time for Android, and in general, consumer electronics. As coders, I hope we all can add to this and bring great products to life!

As an avid android phone user, as well as a android tablet user, after comparing it with an iPad, my only gripe with my android tablet is the lack of productivity applications.
I can't seem to find one that fits my needs well enough. Most productivity apps (e.g. note taking, office applications) seems to be subpar and not a worthy laptop replacement. I haven't found a worthy office application on the iPad either. However, for note taking with a capacitive pen, iPad do have applications that performs pretty well, and those are mighty useful from the feel of it. This is my biggest gripe about the android tablet. This is coming from a university student, and of course it is probably less related to business based in terms of note taking.
Productivity aside, I love using my android tablet to watch shows, moboplayer is simply one good media player that is really convenient, unlike the iOS. As for games, there are hardly any games worth playing on the mobile platform. If I wanted proper games, I'd pick up my DS or PSP along the way rather than playing some half assed game on iOS or Android. This is my personal opinion of mobile platform gaming, most of the games are largely boring, that being said, there are some A grade games being ported off PC indie games that are worth playing on the mobile platform. Other than that, the general population of games arn't exactly worth playing.

Android vs Apple, voice you opinion...

What to say to apple fans trying to manipulate a layman, into buying an apple, in laymen terms? Or what's the ultimate android to apple bash? Or what's the best reason to buy android vs apple? One of the main reasons I wanna know what other people would say, especially to their friends or family. I've never touched a Mac nor will I ever so I can't really say anything but tech specs, so that's my main reason to start this thread. Plus... I also wanna hear if other people are as sick as I am just hearing the freakin word, "Apple".

jr71x said:
What to say to apple fans trying to manipulate a layman, into buying an apple, in laymen terms? Or what's the ultimate android to apple bash? Or what's the best reason to buy android vs apple? One of the main reasons I wanna know what other people would say, especially to their friends or family. I've never touched a Mac nor will I ever so I can't really say anything but tech specs, so that's my main reason to start this thread. Plus... I also wanna hear if other people are as sick as I am just hearing the freakin word, "Apple".
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before i use Apple, i thought it is the best phone, but after i use apple iphone 4, i find it is good but with so many limitions, cannot download the useful apps is not good.till now, i can only download the apps from app store. while android is much better than iphone, my husband's galaxy s2 hd lte is good enough.

Why is there an apple sub forum in xda. Wont it be a head ache for the mods to get the spam out of it?
Ontopic. My brother has an apple and he can't stop bragging about it. Apple this apple that. I don't know what so big of a deal with it. Its also costs damn too much. I do accept its a bit fast and little stuff but that would be cause I have a wildfire.
Also it only varies based on its memory Rom (or whatever they call it) . No different styles no different sizes. But android ranges from big to small powerful to low powered.
Maybe I say this cause I only used android but I'm not gonna use iPhone any time in the future.
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Customisation is Android's Strong Point!
I would say try an iPhone and try an Android phone - the iPhone will let you do so much, but then it will give you a brick wall which you can't jump over. The Android phone, on the other hand, will give you a blank canvas which you can turn into a Picasso or a Rembrandt, depending on your tastes.
Android = customisation, at its best.
iPhone = standardisation and closed ecosystem (at its best).
It all boils down to preferences anyway. I'd stick with Android though. I just can't stand the fact that iPhone's UI is a glorified app drawer. BORING.

I purchased an iPhone 4 the first month it came out. I had never owned a smart phone before this. I thought it was fun to play around with but I eventually got really bored of it. After 3 months I really didn't understand the hype behind the phone. I gave it to my dad and went back to my 5 year old Sony Ericsson which was WAAAAY more customizable than the iPhone, even though it was very old. With the iPhone I felt like someone was cutting my steak for me and cleaning my mouth, but with the Sony Ericsson I could choose whatever type of Steak I wanted and make it myself, constantly trying new seasonings. I know that was a terrible metaphor, but whatever.
In January of last year I picked up an HTC Inspire 4G. The first month my grades dropped because of how much fun I was having. I rooted it, installed a custom ROM, playing GBA/SNES/N64 games, and did everything I could do on my PC on my phone. I even edited microsoft word documents before sending them to my teachers straight from my phone. It was a whole new world. I could literally do anything with my phone.
Over the summer I bought a Galaxy S2 i9100, and I still have it. Best. Phone. Ever. Created. I skype with my friends using the front facing camera, watch HD videos while exporting to my HD TV, and connect a mouse and keyboard and surf the web while on vacation. I even leave my laptop at home when I travel on short trips now. I just hook up the phone to the hotel's TV and browse the web.
So the reason I prefer Android is that you can do anything you can on an iPhone and a lot more. IOS is discovering an alien civilization deep within space while Android is finding an empty planet and colonizing it.

Deltatiger said:
My brother has an apple and he can't stop bragging about it. Apple this apple that. I don't know what so big of a deal with it. Its also costs damn too much. I do accept its a bit fast and little stuff but that would be cause I have a wildfire.
Also it only varies based on its memory Rom (or whatever they call it) . No different styles no different sizes. But android ranges from big to small powerful to low powered.
Maybe I say this cause I only used android but I'm not gonna use iPhone any time in the future.
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+1 for everything

@ ComradeNF I like your last paragraph... Thanks for responses, keep it going;-)

@ arzku, I agree as well.

Kerosine said:
I would say try an iPhone and try an Android phone - the iPhone will let you do so much, but then it will give you a brick wall which you can't jump over. The Android phone, on the other hand, will give you a blank canvas which you can turn into a Picasso or a Rembrandt, depending on your tastes.
Android = customisation, at its best.
iPhone = standardisation and closed ecosystem (at its best).
It all boils down to preferences anyway. I'd stick with Android though. I just can't stand the fact that iPhone's UI is a glorified app drawer. BORING.
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Nice...
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Android Rocks
Hands down Android ....
Apple is just UI & the Brand they have managed to create over the years.
Android is the best that that could happen to Mobile devices...

From my "experience" (@Israel) most people with iphones are those who use their PCs just for facebook, they just dont want anything "complicated".
Android is more of a thinking man's platform (imo!)
Once a friend of mine bragged that the iphone is simple & small while android (galaxy nexus) is too complicated, messy and huge.
It made me chuckle cuz most people (including him) have huge cases on their iPhone's making it bigger and uglier than my HTC desire, which survived, and continues to kickass w/o a case for almost two years now.

nebsif said:
From my "experience" (@Israel) most people with iphones are those who use their PCs just for facebook, they just dont want anything "complicated".
Android is more of a thinking man's platform (imo!)
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A friend of mine recently just upgraded from the iPhone 3Gs to the iPhone 4s. When I found out, I was all, "uhh, I've shown you what Android can do." To which my friend responded, "Yeah, but all I really do on my phone is check Facebook & Twitter."
Just saying, if that's all I did on my smartphone, I wouldn't spend the extra money a month for a data plan. I would just have a regular flip phone.

quietpopcorn said:
Just saying, if that's all I did on my smartphone, I wouldn't spend the extra money a month for a data plan. I would just have a regular flip phone.
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iAgree. But I think iPhone(along with all Apple products) makes some kind of ego for the owner. Other people think they are rich and elegant etc.
But as we all know, it's not cool to own an iPhone

Deltatiger said:
Why is there an apple sub forum in xda. Wont it be a head ache for the mods to get the spam out of it?
Ontopic. My brother has an apple and he can't stop bragging about it. Apple this apple that. I don't know what so big of a deal with it. Its also costs damn too much. I do accept its a bit fast and little stuff but that would be cause I have a wildfire.
Also it only varies based on its memory Rom (or whatever they call it) . No different styles no different sizes. But android ranges from big to small powerful to low powered.
Maybe I say this cause I only used android but I'm not gonna use iPhone any time in the future.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using XDA App
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Actually, iPhones don't cost more than any other Android super phones. People just think iPhones are expensive because they don't offer a lot of bang for your buck.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (SGH-i777) using XDA Premium.

Apple is a novelty item now a days. Just to show off that they have it.
In the early days, it was the thing to have because it had all the apps and all the things people would want but now that Android is growing and developing more, it's almost the same for normal users. Of course the android needs to be on even grounds with the apple phone to be considered. ie iPhone 4 to Sg2, Razr, nexus.
For Normal users, if they don't customize the rom, and use it is as is. I think Apple would be the most useful for them.
For "Advanced" users (I use advanced lightly), the Android can do a lot more than Apple in terms of customization and useage.
Personally I'd go with Android. I thought about getting an iPhone but in the end I chose the galaxy S.

PeartFan40 said:
Actually, iPhones don't cost more than any other Android super phones. People just think iPhones are expensive because they don't offer a lot of bang for your buck.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (SGH-i777) using XDA Premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.digitec.ch/ProdukteVergleichen1.aspx?artikel=225742,209918
uuh, oh rly?
i see a difference of whooping 300.- here

Shush...
Given the kind of feedback that's coming out I suggest we keep this thread under the radar, lest Apple decide to sue us for breaking one of their patents.
Considering the patents they have, I wouldn't be surprised they patented "the ability to have an opinion on a smartphone and its real value" by now! They typically use that patent to spread wrong ideas against Android phones (forceclosing issues, copying, etc) and in favour of their product (the "innovative" FaceTime for instance, new notification system, etc) to their sheep..er.. I mean, customers.

My Opinion
My own feeling is that the iphone is great for those who want an item that comes out of a box in a usable form that they can conform to.
The android is best for someone that wants to customize their phone to their likes, and for the tasks they will perform.
My wife would probably do great with an I-phone, She has an android, but she has never changed anything about it since the second day she had it.
I am always trying roms, kernals, and apps to make my phone perfect for me.

my gf recently got her first android.
after a day she asked me if she could change that stupid lockscreen from samsung to something.. more useful.
i showed her widgetlocker
now her lockscreen looks cooler than mine... xD
thats something what would've been impossible with an iphone..

Kerosine said:
I would say try an iPhone and try an Android phone - the iPhone will let you do so much, but then it will give you a brick wall which you can't jump over. The Android phone, on the other hand, will give you a blank canvas which you can turn into a Picasso or a Rembrandt, depending on your tastes.
Android = customisation, at its best.
iPhone = standardisation and closed ecosystem (at its best).
It all boils down to preferences anyway. I'd stick with Android though. I just can't stand the fact that iPhone's UI is a glorified app drawer. BORING.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The biggest thing that annoys me with apples OS is the lack of a dedicated back button and the functionality that goes along with it. Its very annoying to open a link in an email and then have to manually go back to the email app. Very disorienting. Every other mobile os has some way of accomplishing this.

The iPhone can't be on the top forever, can it?

It seems that ever since January of 2007, when Apple revealed the rumored iPhone that they have been on top of the mobile game. Even before the phone was even for sale, it literally became the most hyped device in the world. Well its been over 5 years and Apple continues to control the mobile tech game.
But this can't last forever can it? Let's think about the mass popularity of Blackberrys and Sidekicks. Blackberry is a dying brand and sidekick's aren't even relavent in 2012.
Check out this article that explains a few new technologies in development as well as some proposed concepts that can make Apple the old thing.
"The iPhone was a life-changing device for many. Nobody can deny Apple’s ingenuity. But just like Apple wiped out the competition in 2007, any manufacturer could harness an advanced technology that could make the iPhone a thing of the past."
[Article] : http://brobuffet.com/2012/07/13/the-next-tech-takeover/
Tell me your opinion
Do you believe the Apple iPhone will continue to be the most popular device? Or will something eventually come along in 5-10 years and just take over the market?
I think this is a big question because many of us speak of how Apple will eventually have the iPhone 10 but we never consider the competition.

I personally feel that apple has its days numbered with the following that certain android based phones are gathering. HTC and Samsung alike are well on their ways to EVENTUALLY topple apple.
I give it three years, apple wont be on top, but will still be relevant. Unless apple changes the game a bit, 10 years and we may be saying "apple who?" There's only so many times you can sell a different variation of a general idea.
Just my opinion
Sent from my LG-MS690 using xda premium

People choose iPhone due to awesome user experience having no performance glitch. Project Butter brings that to Jelly Bean. So, I think.. Android is going to take crown this time.
What I like most: Android users have big choice of hardware specs. If you purchase any digital content from Play Store (or, Amazon App Store), you can use them on large no. of devices which is not true with iTunes case!

SachinShekhar said:
People choose iPhone due to awesome user experience having no performance glitch. Project Butter brings that to Jelly Bean. So, I think.. Android is going to take crown this time.
What I like most: Android users have big choice of hardware specs. If you purchase any digital content from Play Store (or, Amazon App Store), you can use them on large no. of devices which is not true with iTunes case!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to mention the amount of customization you have with an android device. If you're rooted, customization is endless.
Sent from my LG-MS690 using xda premium

I have but one statement to add to this:
If HTC and Samsung wasn't doing so well in the smartphone market, why does Apple keep trying to sue them for anything they can?
Hell, even the Gooapple v5, although a Chinese knockoff, is still a better phone to me just because it runs Android and not iOS.
Say or think what you may, but android should be able to corner the market inside of 12-18 months based on the amount of users alone. No more desktops, no more laptops, and net books with touchscreens that run Android 3.2 for those that want a keyboard...
The future is in your hands, brandish it like a weapon and show it off to every iPhone user you know.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app

fyi , Android owns over 50% of the world market for the last 2 years at least. Its now around 61% and only 29% for Apple.

I just came from an iPhone 4 to an HTC one x as my first Android device. Just about everyone I actually know that's closely related to me has an iPhone as well.
One thing I've noticed about them is that they don't really seem to care what the latest features of Android are compared to the iPhone. Even when I gloat about what my phone can do compared to their's they just don't seem quite as convinced or impressed by it.
Their only argument for staying with the iPhone is the app store, which I must agree is quite impressive. The also seem to have a misconception that Android is hard to navigate or use compared to iPhone. to some degree it is true, but I wouldn't say it's hard, its just not as user friendly as ios.
Apple will probably retain a lead until they mess up big time with their phone. I feel that moment is coming soon. The os look and feel is extremely outdated in my opinion. They need a new layout for their home screen and something different to keep it fresh.
Also I would like to mention from a personal experience that iPhone is great out the box whereas Android isn't good until you root and throw some great roms on it.
I'm tired of typing on my phone now.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

No, they won't. Samsung outsold Apple in Q1 this year. It will happen again. Instead of innovating Apple seems content to litigate and steal, meaning that they aren't bringing anything fresh to the table. People will eventually get tired of shelling out money for new iPhones with almost no appreciable differences. What will the next iPhone offer? A slightly larger screen, UI upgrades stolen wholesale from Android, maps purchased from elsewhere, and most likely 4G. Nothing cutting edge and nothing that isn't already offered in a plethora of forms in other devices.
Granted, it will take some people time to break away, especially those heavily invested in iOS apps, but it will happen. If all Google offered from its Nexus line were the same phone year after year with only minor changes how many Android users would see any need to continually upgrade? If Android users had no choice but to buy a new device every two years so that it could actually function on the newest OS how many of us would continue to support them? Androids weak point has been manufacturers and carriers not getting the new Android versions out to devices, but as devs have made clear the hardware itself is plenty capable of utilizing whatever Google brings us. That's something that iOS can't claim. Heck, even a number of newer iDevices had major issues with iOS 5. Dinosaurs will die and Apple is sounding its own dirge by refusing to stay competitive and treating its customers like idiots.

enviii said:
Also I would like to mention from a personal experience that iPhone is great out the box whereas Android isn't good until you root and throw some great roms on it.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't quite say so.
Android can run widgets, live wallpaper, custom lockscreens, different launchers, change default apps like MMS/SMS, browser, dialer, camera, etc., out of the box no rooting required.
iOS needs to be jailbroken for those features. And they still don't have widgets, except for those "widgets" in the notification pulldown (which was a complete copy of Android 1.5).
The iPhone 5 will supposedly have a 4 inch screen. The original galaxy S phones from 2010 had 4 inch screens, and the OG Droid from 2009 had a 3.7 inch screen which is bigger than the current iPhone (4S).
Apple will fall soon. A couple of years give or take
Sent from my MB508 using xda premium

MissionImprobable said:
No, they won't. Samsung outsold Apple in Q1 this year. It will happen again. Instead of innovating Apple seems content to litigate and steal, meaning that they aren't bringing anything fresh to the table. People will eventually get tired of shelling out money for new iPhones with almost no appreciable differences. What will the next iPhone offer? A slightly larger screen, UI upgrades stolen wholesale from Android, maps purchased from elsewhere, and most likely 4G. Nothing cutting edge and nothing that isn't already offered in a plethora of forms in other devices.
Granted, it will take some people time to break away, especially those heavily invested in iOS apps, but it will happen. If all Google offered from its Nexus line were the same phone year after year with only minor changes how many Android users would see any need to continually upgrade? If Android users had no choice but to buy a new device every two years so that it could actually function on the newest OS how many of us would continue to support them? Androids weak point has been manufacturers and carriers not getting the new Android versions out to devices, but as devs have made clear the hardware itself is plenty capable of utilizing whatever Google brings us. That's something that iOS can't claim. Heck, even a number of newer iDevices had major issues with iOS 5. Dinosaurs will die and Apple is sounding its own dirge by refusing to stay competitive and treating its customers like idiots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Androids strength is also a weakness. Variety and choice comes with a price. Apple's sole control over their device and OS allows them to easily roll out updates, whereas with Android, Google, in a way, is at the mercy of manufacturers and carries. Or perhaps it's the other way around?
So what if ICS and JB take while to get official support. Open source development takes care of that problem. In fact, I think it's safe to say that user/ community made ROMs are probably better than official releases.

my girlfriends sister's boyfriend has an Iphone, and he said he wants to get the new one. Now my girlfriends sister wants to get an Iphone also. Listen to the reasons behind their wants.
boyfriend - I want the new Iphone because I can easily sync my music from itunes
girlfriends sister - I want the new Iphone just because (we all know its because her boyfriend has one LOL)
is this really what apple has going for them? easy sync of music, same OS on every device, little bit bigger screen and a new maps app because they're mad at google for "stealing" from them? apple is a garbage company that over-prices everything and gives their customers a piece of **** in a box.
oh get this LOL also my girlfriends sister has had an IMac laptop or whatever you call it for a couple of years now, 2 times she had to change the hard drive. that is hella sad considering the hard drive is one and only piece of permanent storage pieces in a computer.

enviii said:
Their only argument for staying with the iPhone is the app store, which I must agree is quite impressive. The also seem to have a misconception that Android is hard to navigate or use compared to iPhone. to some degree it is true, but I wouldn't say it's hard, its just not as user friendly as ios.
p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree. If someone can't figure out how to connect to wifi with an android phone, they're not going to magically figure it out if you hand them an iPhone. The process is the exact same no matter which platform you are on. I guess most people haven't tried ICS, because it is just as easy to use as any other OS.
In fact, in a few ways, Android is more user friendly. For example, making a ringtone from an mp3 is fairly easy on Android. Doing the same in iOS or WP7 is a nightmare. Managing music is easier if you know how to drag and drop into folders. Once they start putting NFC chips in bluetooth devices, pairing will be super easy for Android too.

iPhone screen size = 3.5" = $600
Android equivalents in terms of screen size:
Galaxy Y = 3.0" = <$30
LG Optimus Me = 2.8" = <$10
Lenovo A60 = 3.5" = <$30
See. ALL of the iPhones android equivalents are LOW END phones! They are all GB/FroYo! In terms of screen size, Apple needs to step up and release a 4.3" iPhone ASAP.

OptimusLove said:
iPhone screen size = 3.5" = $600
Android equivalents in terms of screen size:
Galaxy Y = 3.0" = <$30
LG Optimus Me = 2.8" = <$10
Lenovo A60 = 3.5" = <$30
See. ALL of the iPhones android equivalents are LOW END phones! They are all GB/FroYo! In terms of screen size, Apple needs to step up and release a 4.3" iPhone ASAP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung makes the panels for the iPhone... I would love to see apple go to another vendor, increase screen size and start selling those phones, just so Samsung can sue them for patent infringement due to screen size and technology... that would be the lol of the year!
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app

what if iPhone gets Android, can someone port it.....lolz..

People already have booted Android on iPhones. Android is open for anyone who wishes to develop and use it.

MissionImprobable said:
People already have booted Android on iPhones. Android is open for anyone who wishes to develop and use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true, and proof can be found in the case of all the Gooapple units sold. Its essentially the same as an iPhone with the exception of the processor AFAIK...
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app

I also see the iPhone lagging behind its competition in the future. What game changers did Apple introduce to the iPhone
in the last years? FaceTime? lol
They can't come up with something special every time they release a new one. They are also very limited with the way they can
change the whole thing. It's no coincidence that they stuck with the same screen size for so long. If you make it bigger it's not
really "the iPhone" anymore. I think they are very careful with making such drastic changes which, as I said, limits their innovation.

MissionImprobable said:
People already have booted Android on iPhones. Android is open for anyone who wishes to develop and use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah Android is open for anyone, but this doesn't grants officially update's for all smartphone!

misbah711 said:
what if iPhone gets Android, can someone port it.....lolz..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://code.google.com/p/iphodroid/

I'm thinking of going to the dark side...(Android/Apple confliction)

I love Android. I've been using it for two years now on five different devices and I've been able to watch it grow out of the awkward Gingerbread "teenager" stage into an amazing OS in ICS/Jelly Bean.
But, recently, I bought an iPad. It wasn't my first choice. I actually bought a Nexus 10 first but due to horrible backlight bleed issues and general boredom in the OS (I found Android to be much more uninteresting on the 10 than on my Nexus 4 and 7 for some reason) I returned it and eventually settled upon the iPad. And I'm not going to lie...I absolutely love it. It's ridiculously fast, fluid, sexy, and the screen is calibrated better than that of the Nexus 10. Sure, the homescreen is boring, but I've found I spend little to no time on the homescreen whereas I do much more on my Nexus 4 and 7.
Then my mom bought an iPhone 5. And so the story progresses. I've been playing with it a lot recently. The screen is pretty good, it's as fast as my iPad, the external speakers are perfection, and the general feel of the device is premium. At first I was bothered with the screen size (I still find it awkward in landscape), but I've grown used to it and actually found myself sort of liking the smallness of it (which is something I've always hated in iPhones). After all, I have my iPad for a larger screen.
And now, lastly, I'm getting a Mac pretty soon. I've always loved OS X. That really isn't anything new, to be honest. I'm not a huge fan of Windows and find it to be clunky and bloated after a few months of usage (after a year, none of my Windows computers have been as functional as they were when I first purchased them). So I'm selling my Windows laptop and buying a Mac Mini, something I'm really excited about. And the idea of pure integration between my computer, tablet, and phone sounds...well...mesmerizing. Fascinating. All of those types of adjectives.
So here I am on XDA, hounding around the Galaxy S4 forums, thinking "Well, this phone looks great, but what if I bought an iPhone?" And the fact that I'm thinking that terrifies the geek in me. For the last two years you would be hard pressed to find a bigger Android fanboy than myself. And now I'm considering having all Apple devices (except for the iPad Mini; clearly the Nexus 7 is superior to that overpriced and under-speced junk). Is there anyone here who can persuade me to stick around with Android? Maybe buy a Galaxy device (I have found AOSP to be pretty boring, lately)? I honestly don't really know. But I have an upgrade, and the last thing I want to do is waste it. I'm not a huge fan of shelling out $600 every time I want a new phone and can't upgrade. Anyway, if anyone can help me with this decision, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

My only big thoughts:
1) If you think the iPhone 5 speaker--singular, not plural--is great you must spend the majority of your time in a sound-amplifying box
2) On the OS front, to each his own, but I find Mac OS to be ridiculously quirky.
Honestly, there aren't any phones that that amaze me. For one, I hate the lack of QWERTY devices. Secondly, it's as if every company intentionally falls short with two or three major points on their flagships as if they couldn't comprehend that they're lacking.
I'm not sure how much fun a geek is going to have going the the Apple darkside, but whatever works.

MissionImprobable said:
My only big thoughts:
1) If you think the iPhone 5 speaker--singular, not plural--is great you must spend the majority of your time in a sound-amplifying box
2) On the OS front, to each his own, but I find Mac OS to be ridiculously quirky.
Honestly, there aren't any phones that that amaze me. For one, I hate the lack of QWERTY devices. Secondly, it's as if every company intentionally falls short with two or three major points on their flagships as if they couldn't comprehend that they're lacking.
I'm not sure how much fun a geek is going to have going the the Apple darkside, but whatever works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the iPhone 5 has two speakers. Or at least it looks like it does. And, of course, the sound isn't amazing. But for a phone it's very, very good.
I'm personally not a fan of QWERTY phones, but I don't understand why many aren't made anymore considering there definitely is a market for them.
And that's also a problem. I really like romming, hacking, etc.
I honestly think I'm just going to end up going with the S4. I feel like I'd love the iPhone and the integration for a month or so and eventually end up getting bored and hating it. Integration between my computer (the Mac Mini) an iPad should be enough. But I'll probably continue to play with my mom's iPhone. It's still a pretty interesting device and I find it to be very well built and fluid.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

It's your life and your money - wear only Ed Hardy and drink only TAB, anyone who really cares doesn't have much of their own to care about.
I had a Macbook for a few years and I didn't die.
I've been really unimpressed with Apple's products lately. iOS just feels horribly dated to me and the synching wasn't that amazing from what I experienced - I can do better on Android these days though I bet Apple has caught up.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

jtc276 said:
I believe the iPhone 5 has two speakers. Or at least it looks like it does. And, of course, the sound isn't amazing. But for a phone it's very, very good.
I'm personally not a fan of QWERTY phones, but I don't understand why many aren't made anymore considering there definitely is a market for them.
And that's also a problem. I really like romming, hacking, etc.
I honestly think I'm just going to end up going with the S4. I feel like I'd love the iPhone and the integration for a month or so and eventually end up getting bored and hating it. Integration between my computer (the Mac Mini) an iPad should be enough. But I'll probably continue to play with my mom's iPhone. It's still a pretty interesting device and I find it to be very well built and fluid.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you this. I have an iPhone5 that was provided to me by my work. It was great at first. I went from from an Iphone 3g to Android and thought I would never turn back. After my Evo 3d I've grown to loath my Evo3d and couldn't wait for the S4.
With this said after about two weeks of using the iPhone I have grown bored and annoyed with the device. Since it is a work phone I am not allowed to jailbreak or do anything "illegal" with it. I prefer to have a nice clean desktop and quick launches that I have grown use to on my EVO3d. With that said after the beauty of the iPhone 5 (and I'm not taking anything away from it), I have come running back with a new appreciation for the Android device. I still hate my Evo3d, but I don't take it for granted for what I can do on the device. Even if I were to jailbreak the iPhone5, the one thing that wouldn't change is that I would still be limited to the same OS with its basic limitations. Even with Winterboard the device wouldn't be able to do 50% of what my outdated Evo can do.
This is just my opinion and feelings but as a daily use I would hate it. Since I only need to check emails and use it for a few work items I can deal with the iPhone.

U ll be bored from ios in 2 months...haha u can't customize it like android...ios doesnt has freedom like android...it looks faster than android because of real time priority...and android has normal priority...nothing else
Sent from my MT11i using xda premium

Owned the 1st iPhone and a 3GS. Both unlocked and JB'ed. Then made the jump and moved to a Galaxy S2.
I couldn't go back. There are just too many limitations and restrictions. Some of the most simple processes on android are a task on the iPhone.
Everything requires hoops and leaps compared to Android, unless you don't mind doing it Apples way. I HATED itunes. Simply throwing some mp3's on an sd card and putting it in my android phone was pathetically liberating after years with an iPhone.
If you just want to use twitter, facebook, send emails, and download some games, then you'll be fine.
But everything is proprietary and what you see is what you get.
IOS looks great and the build quality on the 5 is fantastic, but, that will get overshadowed in time imo. I strongly believe cosmetics are half the reason people own the iPhone. It screams quality, but personally, the limited and restricted functionality sticks out to me much more.
That's my .02.

Yeah I agree with u 100%
Sent from my MT11i using xda premium

I don't think I could do a Macbook again because I'd need to dual-boot Windows to get half the things I want to work. At least Linux has a strong community that's invested in creative solutions (don't have native Netflix ? That's okay, we found a way!) and it can be taken as an environment that forces you to learn - I did not get that spirit from Mac, it was much like Windows but with more limited software and a different GUI.
I do harbour a special hate for the Mac GUI. It just looks so "1980s" to me, it looks like what I'd expect from a new and still developing technology - which made it awesome back when it first came out but it needs to move on.
I built my own Windows computer for $500 and am very pleased that it can play the video games I want very well - and if anything breaks I can repair it myself and I can upgrade components as I choose - it will grow with me for years. No, I wasn't thrilled about Windows but I've had this thing for almost a year it's doing fine.
I don't hate Mac, I really don't - if they start thinking differently I'd consider them again.

If you want to carry something and relax go to apple... But for me I like missing up and with andriod you are always able to discover something new.. Its more exiting
Sent from my Xperia Arc S using xda app-developers app

No Iphone threads please
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1883519
Thread Closed