APNdroid switchpro, etc. fully understanging 3g

[kiwiiwik]

Hi there,

hopefully an easy one for those (multitudes of people) who know more about this than me.

Ok, so I can download an app to turn off my 3g at my will, right? ok but i can also use the preinstalled power control widget which allows me to turn off data-sync.
Ok, so as I understand it, turning off data-sync will temporarily stop facebook, email, weather, etc from using my 3g hereby rendering it idle? Or not? Some people talk about 3g being used to boost signal strength? is this really so common? I live in Haarlem, Netherlands, big enough city that I wouldn't imagine this is a problem right? OR is it better to use the power control widget AND an app that turns off my 3g?

Please enlighten me, people. Oh, and yes I'm doing this to squeeze more time out of my battery, lol but you knew that as you are all android users.

Kind regards and look forward to reading replies. Sorry if this is covered elsewhere, I had a quick look.

Thanks,

Rob.\

 

[lunatic59]

Turning off 3G and turning off data sync are two different functions. If you disable data sync your apps like gmail, facebook, weather apps, etc will not go out and update the info until you specifically tell it to. Turning off 3G disables the 3G antenna bands so any data will come in over WiFi or 2G.

If you have marginal 3G signals the phone is going to keep refreshing the connection every time it drops and will drain your battery. If you have a strong WiFi signal but limited 3G, you should turn 3G off, however the WiFi antenna uses power more rapidly than 3G.

What phone and Android version do you have?

 

[kiwiiwik]

Android version un known but I think it is latest, only bought phone last week.

 

[kiwiiwik]

Sorry samsung galaxy s

 

[lunatic59]

Android version un known but I think it is latest, only bought phone last week.

press menu>settings>about phone

 

[lifeonmtv]

Ok, so as I understand it, turning off data-sync will temporarily stop facebook, email, weather, etc from using my 3g hereby rendering it idle? Or not?

Data sync off: apps/widgets won't sync but you can still go online
3g off: won't sync, can't go online.

edit: i thought the stock power widget had both 3g AND auto sync toggles, if it doesn't try an app called switchpro