SOS To Nexus One Owners

[Jon C]

Hello, Internet. I'm new, on T-Mobile, and I need your help.

I probably should've asked these questions a long time ago. But as it stands, the clock is counting down, and the opportunity to own Google's official phone is coming to pass.

I've been in love with the idea of the N1 since it was announced. I had one in my checkout every week since then. What stopped me?

Reports of multitouch tracking issues, 3G reception and so forth.

I'm on T-Mobile, using a Galaxy S (Vibrant). I love the phone, but I have noticed that the compass does not work at all, the GPS radio is not very good and the general reception is not great. As amazing as the CPU/GPU and screen are, this is unacceptable to me. I don't know if this is going to be fixed by Samsung, and I only have 30 days to return the device. I also don't want to miss my chance to own Google's phone, should I need to return the Galaxy S. So I'm obviously stressing out. Had Google not decided to scrap the N1, I would probably wait and see what happens. As it stands, I want to make my final decision within a week, so as to not miss out on my chance to order a Nexus One.


Here are my questions:


1. Has the multitouch tracking issue (use 'Multitouch Vis Test' in the market) been solved by Google, or by a custom rom / community code?

2. Have the reception issues been resolved?

3. Can you still use T-Zones (cheap internet plan) with the Nexus One?

4. Is the AMOLED screen really that big of an issue in the sun (this SAMOLED on the Galaxy S is literally perfect IMO -- if you've seen it, how does the N1's screen compare)?

5. Is the car dock awesome? It looks awesome, but I've read that it will sometimes not charge the phone.

6. Have you experienced any issues (problems) with the Digital Compass, or other sensors?


Any help would really be appreciated. If you could use YouTube videos to illustrate your points, I would love you forever. Thank you so much, in advance.

 

[Drhyde]

1) There is a bit of multi-touch and general touchscreen unresponsiveness, but it isn't as bad as most make it out to be.

2) I never had the reception issues that everyone else had and I believe Google stopped trying to fix it because it was likely more on T-Mobile's end (upgrading towers and all)

3) Yes you can. Make sure you have a log in on their site, change your phone to any old dumbphone (the N1 isn't on their site), sign up for cheap web, change APN settings to internet2.voicestream.com (also add a second APN epc.tmobile.com if you want to receive MMS) and viola, you have cheap internet (and with Froyo USB tethering and hotspot).

4) The screen does suck in direct sunlight, but is possible to see to some degree. If outside, I'm usually in some form of shade.

5) Don't have this yet, but I want it. I have the desktop dock and it's nice and allows you to hook the N1 to a stereo. With the news that Google is going to stop selling the N1, I think I need to jump on getting this real soon. As far as the car dock, video reviews are out there if you search for them. From what I have seen, the dock is incredibly well made and allows you to hook up the headphone port (if you use an AUX port for MP3) and the camera for taking vids of driving (for whatever reason you would do that). I think from what I have watched it would be worth it.

 

[Jon C]

Thanks for the reply.

Would you mind detailing your Multitouch experiences, to give me a better sample? For example, download 'Multitouch Vis Test' off of the market place to test axis swapping. Any other problems with the touch buttons, or the screen just freaking out?

 

[Mostly Harmless]

The only issue I have with the multi touch screen is the axis swapping. It's pretty well documented (android central has a nice video on youtube showing it) and does happen every once in a while. Other then that I don't really have any issues, the screen is pretty responsive.

The screen in sunlight is just bad, any bit of shade goes a long way to help. The only time I am really looking at my phone in direct sunlight is on my boat. Other then that I simply don't find myself looking at it all that much in this condition.

The N1 is an awesome phone. I specially like the vanilla android. But I think you are in a tough boat. It's now 7 months after the N1 came out and phones are now starting to pass it technology wise (this is a pretty big accomplishment for the N1, 7 months as the king!). While I don't have any plans on trading my N1 anytime soon, if I was in the market for a new phone right now the combination CPU, GPU and super amoled screen would really attract me to the Galaxy S. Samsungs history with updates and there not having the option to run stock android would make me think twice. Tough choice!

 

[techdaring]

N1 have less multitouch.

 

[macprv]

I own the N1 and the vibrant... and in my opinion if you are not into gaming, the N1 would be my suggestion.. touchwiz is just ugly, it does have some nice tweaks, but there are some bugs. Gpu performance in the vibrant is awesome, and multitouch works just fine. But the N1 feels just solid, not just hardware wise, but in OS/UI as well.

 

[techdaring]

N1 just for working, email web browsing, GPS , not for the gaming.

 

[anthny680]

The only problems I find with my att nexus one is:

1. Wifi can't keep a connection with 90% of routers, and requires a homemade app to fix since Google hasn't yet addressed the issue. This apparently effects most if not all nexus one's manufactured over the past 3-4 months.

2. In certain areas upload speeds will be less than optimal due to the att hsupa upload bug. This problem also effects iPhone 4's and a fix is expected soon.

Other than these two issues I find my n1 awesome. I don't really game so the touchscreen hasn't bothered me. Oh, the in ear phone volume could be a little louder.

 

[grainysand]

There's no problem with wifi in my experience if you set the sleep policy to "never." Can't comment on 3G reception, since that varies widely from area to area and radio versions.

The multi-touch is a problem only with games that involves axis snapping. Otherwise, it's not an issue.

No problems with the proximity sensor and accelerometer. Has that ever been an issue for anyone, ever?

In-call volume can be adjusted up with a custom kernel. I don't do it, myself, as I don't fancy becoming deaf (and with the custom adjustment on, I just turn the volume down).

The major flaw, IMO, is the speaker volume. Less than optimal, and quality isn't amazing. Still, scientific tests proved it better than the 3GS, so whatever.

 

[rhonin]

Came from a 3GS to the N1 - AT&T
So far other than games the N1 is far superior....

Have only had one issue that is driving me nuts - not major though..

At times during texting, (in portrait mode), touching any keyboard key on the next to bottom row will activate the bottom row key instead.
Closing the app and reopening solves the issue and it is infrequent.

For all else this is a sweet phone!
and 2.2? if you don't have it, get it!

 

[Deathwish238]

Hello, Internet. I'm new, on T-Mobile, and I need your help.

I probably should've asked these questions a long time ago. But as it stands, the clock is counting down, and the opportunity to own Google's official phone is coming to pass.

I've been in love with the idea of the N1 since it was announced. I had one in my checkout every week since then. What stopped me?

Reports of multitouch tracking issues, 3G reception and so forth.

I'm on T-Mobile, using a Galaxy S (Vibrant). I love the phone, but I have noticed that the compass does not work at all, the GPS radio is not very good and the general reception is not great. As amazing as the CPU/GPU and screen are, this is unacceptable to me. I don't know if this is going to be fixed by Samsung, and I only have 30 days to return the device. I also don't want to miss my chance to own Google's phone, should I need to return the Galaxy S. So I'm obviously stressing out. Had Google not decided to scrap the N1, I would probably wait and see what happens. As it stands, I want to make my final decision within a week, so as to not miss out on my chance to order a Nexus One.


Here are my questions:


1. Has the multitouch tracking issue (use 'Multitouch Vis Test' in the market) been solved by Google, or by a custom rom / community code?

2. Have the reception issues been resolved?

3. Can you still use T-Zones (cheap internet plan) with the Nexus One?

4. Is the AMOLED screen really that big of an issue in the sun (this SAMOLED on the Galaxy S is literally perfect IMO -- if you've seen it, how does the N1's screen compare)?

5. Is the car dock awesome? It looks awesome, but I've read that it will sometimes not charge the phone.

6. Have you experienced any issues (problems) with the Digital Compass, or other sensors?


Any help would really be appreciated. If you could use YouTube videos to illustrate your points, I would love you forever. Thank you so much, in advance.

If you want this phone new, you need to get it now. Google received it's last shipment last week...after that they will no longer be selling the Nexus One directly.




1. I believe this problem still exists...but it's never affected me in day to day use.

2. I have no reception issues and never had. I have a T-Mo Nexus on ATT

3. Yes, friend of mine has $5/mo unlimited on T-mo w/ his N1.

4. The screen isn't super vibrant outside, but it's easily readable without having to strain my eyes and looks pretty decent. It looks a lot more awesome indoors, but unless you're practically blind you should have no issues with the gorgeous AMOLED screen outdoors with Auto-Brightness on. I walk around campus a lot and in the Texas sun(it's a bit brighter and more intense down here)...no issues with seeing my phone's screen.

5. Don't have one

6. I haven't had any issues with this phone. Other than needing more HDD space...but I'll solve that later this year with a 32GB MicroSD.