My not-so-smart phone had a hissy fit at Kununurra. It threw itself from the motel room’s desk to the terrazzo floor when I didn’t instantly get out of bed and switch it off. It now no longer works properly.

I’ve been thinking of getting a smart phone for some time, but am really none the wiser after reading all I can from the internets. I need a “blue tick” phone for remote area use, so that limits my choice a lot.

Seems Apple iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus are pretty much all there are with the blue tick. The Apple is more than twice the price of the Samsung. (Of course there are non-smart phones to choose from, too.)

Your advice about these phones, their operating systems and their user-friendliness (remember I am a techno-eedjot) would be much appreciated. Any comments about whether or not smart-phones are as useful a tool as some people make them out to be would also be welcome.

Thanks… :)

Go the Galaxy.

Divine Angel said:

Go the Galaxy.

.

Reasons?

Android being the better operating system is the main reason.

Divine Angel said:

Android being the better operating system is the main reason.

This x lots.

Spiny Norman said:

Divine Angel said:

Android being the better operating system is the main reason.

This x lots.

… and a shedload more and cheaper accessories that can be had.
Go here for them – www.aliexpress.com

Divine Angel said:

Android being the better operating system is the main reason.

.

What is it about the Android operating system that makes it better?

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

Android being the better operating system is the main reason.

.

What is it about the Android operating system that makes it better?

It’s easier to do nerdy stuff with, but I guess you won’t care about that.
The latest version, Jellybean 4.2.2 is quite slick and good on batteries as well. It’s also generally more configurable than IOS.
You can also load up whatever and however much music you want and never ever have to do battle with the crazy iTunes rubbish software.

As far as apps go, Apple is the better way to go. They have more apps but they censor them; if you want apps of women shaking their bits as wallpaper, go the Android.

The Samsung has Android™ Gingerbread 2.3. Is it difficult to get the latest and get it working?

Apple will shit itself for no reason. Battery life when you upgrade tends to be shit until they get a patch for it.

Divine Angel said:

As far as apps go, Apple is the better way to go. They have more apps but they censor them; if you want apps of women shaking their bits as wallpaper, go the Android.

.

I don’t really want that (never know who might be watching). (I mean, I would want that really, if I knew who would be watching.)

Michael V said:

The Samsung has Android™ Gingerbread 2.3. Is it difficult to get the latest and get it working?

Okay that’s weird.
Yes it’s possible to do an update. Gotta do some nerdy stuff to do it though.

Michael V said:

The Samsung has Android™ Gingerbread 2.3. Is it difficult to get the latest and get it working?

Not hard at all.

Here’s the nerds forum for the Samsung – http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2169

the 4S will update itself automatically when it’s pugged into a computer… You must have iTunes for it to do so. I have never had a problem with iTunes but I know Bill and DO hate it with a passion.

Yep they have JB 4.2.2 for the Samsung – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2242935

And here’s how to update it – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2284737

Not too bad.

Spiny Norman said:

Michael V said:

The Samsung has Android™ Gingerbread 2.3. Is it difficult to get the latest and get it working?

Okay that’s weird.
Yes it’s possible to do an update. Gotta do some nerdy stuff to do it though.

.

Ah, so impossible for the likes of me, then. Bummer.

Michael V said:

Spiny Norman said:

Michael V said:

The Samsung has Android™ Gingerbread 2.3. Is it difficult to get the latest and get it working?

Okay that’s weird.
Yes it’s possible to do an update. Gotta do some nerdy stuff to do it though.

.

Ah, so impossible for the likes of me, then. Bummer.

I got a mate to do my HTC smartphone a while ago, then I learned how to do it myself.
I had a read of the instructions for the Galaxy, it’s pretty straightforward.

Spiny Norman said:

And here’s how to update it – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2284737

Not too bad.

.

“Select Yes to Install
After Install is done Reboot Your Phone
Now you are Rooted”

Uh-oh.

Michael V said:

Spiny Norman said:

And here’s how to update it – http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2284737

Not too bad.

.

“Select Yes to Install
After Install is done Reboot Your Phone
Now you are Rooted”

Uh-oh.

Rooting is good, trust me!
I rooted my brand-new Samsung Galaxy S4 a couple of weeks ago, it’s never been happier.

I really like my Apple :)

I haven’t used anything else so cannot compare, as for iTunes I don’t have music on my phone nor on my computer so don’t have a problem with them.

I am sure my phone can do a lot more than I am aware of but I don’t have the know how. I’m not into 100s of apps, I have useful apps that I actually use.

That’s my input, not much help I’m afraid except I really love my computer and my phone :D

Oh, I like rooting, don’t get me wrong. But phones? Seems kind of strange.

Michael V said:

Oh, I like rooting, don’t get me wrong. But phones? Seems kind of strange.

The phones are ‘locked’ when you buy them, so you can’t do things like uninstall the many useless apps they include.
Once you have root access you can do whatever you like with it. It’s needed to be done so you can put later ROM’s into them.

Spiny Norman said:

Michael V said:

Oh, I like rooting, don’t get me wrong. But phones? Seems kind of strange.

The phones are ‘locked’ when you buy them, so you can’t do things like uninstall the many useless apps they include.
Once you have root access you can do whatever you like with it. It’s needed to be done so you can put later ROM’s into them.

That’s probably a bit advanced for MV at this stage :p

BTW jailbreaking the iPhone lets you do cool stuff too… but again, that’s a bit advanced for MV at this point lol

Thanks.

Speaking of Apps, are they really of value. ie: Do they enhance one’s life? Or are they really just more time-wasting things?

A couple of observations from someone who has recently upgraded from a normal phone to a smart phone…

• Once you have used a smart phone, you won’t go back to a normal one. (Having a web browser in your pocket is more than just a mere convenience.) Then there are all the cool apps that are more than just a gimmick – they turn your smart phone into a genuinely useful multi-tool.

• Buy a case for it, otherwise your new phone will die a similar death to your old one. The good news is that there are many types.

• After using an iphone for a year or so, I’d probably buy an Android based one if I were to spend my own money on one. Apple and I are at odds as to how a smart phone should behave, and android apparently behaves better.

As for options, there are three choices:

• Apple – They seem to “just work”. Most of the time. They have ironically become the “beige box” of the mobile era.

*Android – A lot of people I know use them, and a lot of them get frustrated with them but no more so than I get frustrated with my iphone. Those who really know how to use them love them, but they are the people who love linux.

• Microsoft – A new player. I suspect they will slot in between Apple and android and while they have a lot of potential and have put a lot of effort into getting apps written for their phones, I think they are a too much of an unknown for a first time user.

Divine Angel said:

Spiny Norman said:

Michael V said:

Oh, I like rooting, don’t get me wrong. But phones? Seems kind of strange.

The phones are ‘locked’ when you buy them, so you can’t do things like uninstall the many useless apps they include.
Once you have root access you can do whatever you like with it. It’s needed to be done so you can put later ROM’s into them.

That’s probably a bit advanced for MV at this stage :p

.

Probably at any stage, really. ;)

Michael V said:

Thanks.

Speaking of Apps, are they really of value. ie: Do they enhance one’s life? Or are they really just more time-wasting things?

Little from column A, little from column B. There are tons of games and “fun” apps (like the fart noises) and also tons of educational apps. I have iView and can link it to our Apple TV to watch stuff on my TV (or on my phone if I wanted to).

Carmen_Sandiego said:

• Buy a case for it, otherwise your new phone will die a similar death to your old one. The good news is that there are many types.

Ebay is your friend here. Don’t buy from a store.

Thanks for that, Carmen. :)

Michael V said:

Thanks.

Speaking of Apps, are they really of value. ie: Do they enhance one’s life? Or are they really just more time-wasting things?

Depends on the app. They are just programs, and so come in all sorts of flavours and colours. Many are just time-wasters, but there are some very useful stuff out there.

BTW, if you go Apple, you will need to use itunes to get the apps. Ignore the request for credit card details, use itunes cards instead.

Carmen_Sandiego said:

Michael V said:

Thanks.

Speaking of Apps, are they really of value. ie: Do they enhance one’s life? Or are they really just more time-wasting things?

Depends on the app. They are just programs, and so come in all sorts of flavours and colours. Many are just time-wasters, but there are some very useful stuff out there.

BTW, if you go Apple, you will need to use itunes to get the apps. Ignore the request for credit card details, use itunes cards instead.

.

I was recently in charge of a radiometric survey way out in the bush. The data logger (timestamp, 256 channels of radiometric data from a back-packed scintillometer/spectrometer), 3D GPS positioning, <0.2 second readings) was an android phone with a specially written app. It amazed me.

Michael V said:

I was recently in charge of a radiometric survey way out in the bush. The data logger (timestamp, 256 channels of radiometric data from a back-packed scintillometer/spectrometer), 3D GPS positioning, <0.2 second readings) was an android phone with a specially written app. It amazed me.

Yup, a smart phone is essentially a hand-held touch-screen computer with accelerometers, GPS, wifi/GSM triangulation, compass, bluetooth and is always on the internet. And most software (apps) costs under $5.

Awesome things.

Very handy to have your bank app on your phone. Transfer money instantly. Bank apps are free to download and use.

OK, so smart phones are useful. Thanks.

The value of the Apple is that it just works (most of the time and one doesn’t need to be a nerd).

The value of the Samsung is that it can be customised (if I come to grips with nerdy stuff).

The real value of the Samsung is that it is only twice the price of a normal blue-tick phone, and well under half the price of the Apple.

(I’m now out for the night. Further comments invited.)

Thanks for your help.

I suppose this is a good enough time to list useful (iphone) apps…

• Metroview – an aussie written GPS/Navigation app that means I always have my GPS on me when in a strange city. Kicks a dedicated GPS’s arse in so many ways (except for screen size).

• Skyview – great for looking at the night sky. Free, and pay $2 extra and get a bunch of other stuff.

*mathdoku+ – like sudoku, but harder. Great for when waiting at the airport. (Free)

*Keypass – Store all your passwords. Works the same as the one for your computer, except it will erase the database from your phone after three wrong attempts at the master PIN.

I am disappointed that neither Virgin nor Qantas have a booking management or checkin app for Android or iphone.

Michael V said:

The real value of the Samsung is that it is only twice the price of a normal blue-tick phone, and well under half the price of the Apple.

You will need a data plan for your smart phone for it to be useful, and when you check out the options you’ll realise buying outright does not make financial sense.

Michael V said:

OK, so smart phones are useful. Thanks.

The value of the Apple is that it just works (most of the time and one doesn’t need to be a nerd).

lol.

If you have fat fingers like me, they are a nightmare. I need a larger screen otherwise I’m forever trying to swipe the screen…

Carmen_Sandiego said:

Michael V said:

The real value of the Samsung is that it is only twice the price of a normal blue-tick phone, and well under half the price of the Apple.

You will need a data plan for your smart phone for it to be useful, and when you check out the options you’ll realise buying outright does not make financial sense.

+1

I’ve even worked it out buying on cc, with interest free period etc. Still cheaper to go new + contract, even with Tel$tra.

If you do buy it outright, the best non-contract sim deal is Amaysim. I’m assuming you will need Telstra’s coverage though.

Divine Angel said:

If you do buy it outright, the best non-contract sim deal is Amaysim. I’m assuming you will need Telstra’s coverage though.

If he wasn’t any semblance of coverage out of a capital city, then yes, yes he will.

I’ll second the Android choice.

Woolworths do a good pre-paid deal – 5GB of data plus $500 for calls over 6 weeks for $26.10 on the Optus network.

fsm said:

I’ll second the Android choice.

Woolworths do a good pre-paid deal – 5GB of data plus $500 for calls over 6 weeks for $26.10 on the Optus network.

Danger 1005, danger.

OPtarse barely works in the Styx ‘ere, no chance of having it work where you’ll be going.

MV will definitely need Telstra.

Evening all

Dropbear said:

Evening all

Get into the right thread, newby.

Dropbear said:

Evening all

Hello.

Go for the Android jobby MV.

Or join teh iDoits…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5-Prx19ZM&feature=player_embedded

Have a chat to your colleagues about what apps they use for work, and see if they’re available for both.

For example, I use UpToDate.
http://www.uptodate.com/home
It’s bicycly wiki-med, but written and reviewed by experts – it pretty much does away with textbooks.

I’m sure there are lots of rock apps…

And definitely elstra for reception but I guess you’re already sussed that out.

After extensive research, I bought a fleet of iPhone 4s with really good cases and hitched them to the Telstra network.

I have no passion for Apple nor Telstra but there’s no-one better in Australia.

What’s this blue tick thing then?

I just bought myself a Huawei, which after a couple of hours of playing with seems very nice (works well with my Acer Android tablet), but I have no idea if it has blue tickiness.

The Rev Dodgson said:

What’s this blue tick thing then?

I just bought myself a Huawei, which after a couple of hours of playing with seems very nice (works well with my Acer Android tablet), but I have no idea if it has blue tickiness.

The computer says it’s a “Next G” thing (whatever that is). Pretty sure that my cheap as dirt Huawei won’t do that.

Dear FiVe

optus sent me a new phone when I changed plans, even though I told them I already had a handset, they said, well, this one comes with the package so we are sending it to you.

Consequently I have a brand new, never used htc, windows phone 8s like this that you can have for free. The only thing is that it is locked to Optus (meaning you have to get your plan or prepaid through them) other than that it’s yours if you want it…

or anyone else who wants it…

The blue tick means that a phone is suitable for remote areas, it has a better receiver.
A couple of years ago me the boss were at a remote mine site and my blue tick phone worked fine, it was a Telstra $60 el cheapo but it was blue ticked, the bosses phone was a you beaut smart bells and whistles little expensive number that couldn’t pick up jack outside the towns, so the boss ran up a big bill on my phone.

Arts said:

Dear FiVe

optus sent me a new phone when I changed plans, even though I told them I already had a handset, they said, well, this one comes with the package so we are sending it to you.

PS they actually charged me a delivery fee for the phone I did not want. I sent them a lyrically worded email and they removed the delivery charge, still let me keep the phone and gave me a credit for my next bill.

Arts said:

PS they actually charged me a delivery fee for the phone I did not want. I sent them a lyrically worded email and they removed the delivery charge, still let me keep the phone and gave me a credit for my next bill.

It was worth a try, I s’pose.

Peak Warming Man said:

The blue tick means that a phone is suitable for remote areas, it has a better receiver.
A couple of years ago me the boss were at a remote mine site and my blue tick phone worked fine, it was a Telstra $60 el cheapo but it was blue ticked, the bosses phone was a you beaut smart bells and whistles little expensive number that couldn’t pick up jack outside the towns, so the boss ran up a big bill on my phone.

I hope he showed his appreciation through an excessive end of year bonus for you.

Arts said:

Dear FiVe

optus sent me a new phone when I changed plans, even though I told them I already had a handset, they said, well, this one comes with the package so we are sending it to you.

Consequently I have a brand new, never used htc, windows phone 8s like this that you can have for free. The only thing is that it is locked to Optus (meaning you have to get your plan or prepaid through them) other than that it’s yours if you want it…

or anyone else who wants it…

.

That’s a lovely offer, Arts. I will give it a lot of thought.

:)

It is very difficult to compare the charging/billing systems that Telstra have.

Another question:

How much data allowance do these smart-phones require?

Michael V said:

Another question:

How much data allowance do these smart-phones require?

How long is a piece of string?

I have 4GB included and never use even half of that. You’d probably use heaps. HTH.

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

Another question:

How much data allowance do these smart-phones require?

How long is a piece of string?

.

Yeah, I guessed that. But I would like to get a bit of a feel for it, and I have no real idea.

Getting your email to your phone chews up a lot of data, as does GPS functions and some apps.

Divine Angel said:

I have 4GB included and never use even half of that. You’d probably use heaps. HTH.

.

You reckon I’d use more than you? (No FaceBook, etc)

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

I have 4GB included and never use even half of that. You’d probably use heaps. HTH.

.

You reckon I’d use more than you? (No FaceBook, etc)

You’d most likely be similar to me, Mr V.
I have 200 mb per month on my contract and with normal use I’d get through maybe 20 mb.

Yes, I normally don’t use much when I’m out and about. When I’m home, it automatically connects to the wifi.

Divine Angel said:

Getting your email to your phone chews up a lot of data, as does GPS functions and some apps.

.

I’d‘ve thought GPS is not a network thing, so no data charge. My hand-held GPS uses no telephone network data.

Spiny Norman said:

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

I have 4GB included and never use even half of that. You’d probably use heaps. HTH.

.

You reckon I’d use more than you? (No FaceBook, etc)

You’d most likely be similar to me, Mr V.
I have 200 mb per month on my contract and with normal use I’d get through maybe 20 mb.

.

Thanks.

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

Getting your email to your phone chews up a lot of data, as does GPS functions and some apps.

.

I’d‘ve thought GPS is not a network thing, so no data charge. My hand-held GPS uses no telephone network data.

Depends on the Mapping program, some will download the maps, others store them on the phone.

poikilotherm said:

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

Getting your email to your phone chews up a lot of data, as does GPS functions and some apps.

.

I’d‘ve thought GPS is not a network thing, so no data charge. My hand-held GPS uses no telephone network data.

Depends on the Mapping program, some will download the maps, others store them on the phone.

.

I see now. Thanks.

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

Another question:

How much data allowance do these smart-phones require?

How long is a piece of string?

Long enough to reach the other end.

HTH

Michael V said:

poikilotherm said:

Michael V said:

.

I’d‘ve thought GPS is not a network thing, so no data charge. My hand-held GPS uses no telephone network data.

Depends on the Mapping program, some will download the maps, others store them on the phone.

.

I see now. Thanks.

Sygic downloads all of Australia onto your phone so there’s no extra download out in the field.
Like DA I have my phone set-up to use my wireless network when at home so there’s no usage of mobile data to download large amounts like that.

Spiny Norman said:

Michael V said:

poikilotherm said:

Depends on the Mapping program, some will download the maps, others store them on the phone.

.

I see now. Thanks.

Sygic downloads all of Australia onto your phone so there’s no extra download out in the field.
Like DA I have my phone set-up to use my wireless network when at home so there’s no usage of mobile data to download large amounts like that.

.

The Samsung phone quoted in my opening post does that, apparently.

Mmm, there are still web applications that won’t run on the iPhone. They seem to try to protect their own software from competition.

But the main reason for going the Galaxy would be price, i’truth.