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I am currently using a Blackberry on AT&T. I am going to buy a new phone next month. I am trying to decide between 1Phone 4 and a Samsung Captivate.

I have been reading reviews and perusing forums and am still on the fence here.

A little background.

I like to play around with gadgets.
I currently have an iPod with a ton of music and podcasts I want to move over
I have a stereo in my car with an iPod hook up but no USB.
My wife is already set on an iPhone


What is the selling point for you? Am I going to be happy either way I go?
I am going back and forth on this, and am just looking for some opinions and input.
 
I returned my iphone 4 and got the Captivate.
ITunes is easier but I've had phone about a week so Im still learning.
Wish this phone was as easy to learn as iphone, you have to dig and search to find out what’s in the corners and in the closet.

The customization and gadgets are plenty!!!!
But 10 days in Im still customizing the phone more than using it..good and bad.

If I had 1 more day to return the phone I would return it and go back to iphone 4.
But I have 20 more days and I want to give this phone a chance.
I’m not alone in here with some skepticism of this phone.
 
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If you like to tinker and play with your devices, Android is the way to go. I am sure that there are programs that would be able to move your music to your Android phone. Since I don't have any iTunes music, I am not sure what exactly you have to do to make it work. The iPhone will be an easy switch for you. It will give you a more polished and seamless experience out of the box at the expense of expriencing something new down the line.
 
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I've been an iPhone user since the 3G came out. I passed over the iPhone 4 in favor of the Captivate. Unless Samsung/AT&T pushes out a fix for the phone, I will be taking it back and getting an iPhone 4.

The Captivate is a slick device. It's a great looking piece of hardware. The screen really excels during video playback. The colors just pop off the screen, and it's extremely bright.

Now for the software. People have been reporting numerous problems with the software, the biggest being the GPS and ungodly lag. Other bugs include SMS timing issues, MMS delivery issues, audio not syncing with video, poor battery life, etc. Some people can give Samsung the benefit of the doubt for this, but I'm not one of them. I bought this phone before I found out that Samsung is notorious for not updating their phones, and so far it's proven to be true. I've emailed them, twittered them, and called them and they've said that they weren't aware of a problem and don't know when a fix would occur.

This is the biggest problem I have with Android. Everyone condemns Apple for being a "walled garden" but with Android, you're not only in the walled garden of the phone manufacturer, but also of your service provider who may take months after an update is finished and tinker with them further. Yes, there is a bunch of community involvement to get the newest ROM onto your phone, but Samsung doesn't release the proprietary drivers for it's phones, meaning you won't see an update until Samsung actually puts work into it and it gets leaked.

You have to decided what you want. The benefits of Android are great (superior multitasking, customization if you're into that thing), but be weary that your phone will most likely not be able to see Android 3.0.
 
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I am currently using a Blackberry on AT&T. I am going to buy a new phone next month. I am trying to decide between 1Phone 4 and a Samsung Captivate.

I have been reading reviews and perusing forums and am still on the fence here.

A little background.

I like to play around with gadgets.
I currently have an iPod with a ton of music and podcasts I want to move over
I have a stereo in my car with an iPod hook up but no USB.
My wife is already set on an iPhone


What is the selling point for you? Am I going to be happy either way I go?
I am going back and forth on this, and am just looking for some opinions and input.

I think you'll enjoy either. I owned a 3GS, and aside from the battery life, it was outstanding. So I'm guessing you'll enjoy the iPhone 4 as much as I liked the 3GS. However, I like the Android OS better. It's alot more "open", in what you can do with it (pretty much limitless). This, coupled with the lack of a removable battery on the iPhone, was a tipping point for me. Including the larger screen on the Captivate.
 
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But be weary that your phone will most likely not be able to see Android 3.0.

This phone meets and exceeds the released "minimum guidelines," I don't see what basis this statement comes from. Until probably at least next spring this will be Samsung's Android flagship, the previous phones were definitely "testing the waters" with little up-front commitment (just based on hype and advertising alone) to match the little post-purchase commitment. If Samsung doesn't follow through with the Galaxy S line, not only will they lose me as a customer, they will show that they have no idea what they are doing from a business standpoint. To me, that is illogical for a company that has risen so far recently. If anyone remembers, they really hyped the Instinct on Sprint a few years ago, and although I hated the phone, they went through several updates relatively quickly that addressed the different issues people found- albeit without much announcement and pomp about the updates and their roll out.
 
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This phone meets and exceeds the released "minimum guidelines," I don't see what basis this statement comes from. Until probably at least next spring this will be Samsung's Android flagship, the previous phones were definitely "testing the waters" with little up-front commitment (just based on hype and advertising alone) to match the little post-purchase commitment. If Samsung doesn't follow through with the Galaxy S line, not only will they lose me as a customer, they will show that they have no idea what they are doing from a business standpoint. To me, that is illogical for a company that has risen so far recently. If anyone remembers, they really hyped the Instinct on Sprint a few years ago, and although I hated the phone, they went through several updates relatively quickly that addressed the different issues people found- albeit without much announcement and pomp about the updates and their roll out.

The way I see it is that Froyo was released in June, and these phones are slated to get it in September-October, a 3-4 month date from Froyo's original release. Gingerbread is supposed to be be released October-November. Samsung, being the company that they are, will probably take the same 3-4 month waiting period to get Gingerbread on the Galaxy S series, in which it will be January-February, and guess what? Samsung has some new phones to sell.

I do think that the sheer amount of Galaxy S phones that are being released, one can logically assume that they'll get Gingerbread, but Samsung is not known for it's updates. Many Android phone owners say it's best to assume that your phone will never get an update, just because of the nature of Android (having to go through phone manufacturers and wireless providers, who all have new phones to sell).

I'm not doubting that Samsung will provide updates, I just think that it's a risk that some people (like myself) are not willing to take.
 
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I was in the same boat... and my conclusion was that although both are excellent phones (with varying problems), the Captivate was the phone for me.

Reasons:
- Gorgeous Screen
- More like a computer than a phone
- I really like the looks of it (it feels really nice to hold)
- Different apps for everything you want to do (media players etc.)
- I like playing with the different emulators
- Froyo will be bringing flash support

If I had chosen the Iphone, it would have been for these reasons:
- Flash for the camera
- SO MANY GAMES

but I wanted a bigger screen, and more access to all the features of the phone.

I sell computers (not on commission), and I honestly think people should get what they need. If you are a Windows person, and that's what you know how to use, why would switch to Mac unless you had a specific reason? People are usually happiest with what they know, unless they're like me and love to learn new OS's and softwares. Does the Iphone really make you happy and comfortable? Are you only considering the Captivate and Android because of this niggling feeling that you SHOULD like the customization and "openness" (it's not actually that open =P) or do you honestly want to try something new and fresh just for the fun of it? If you like to tinker and customise, then go with the Captivate (remember a lot of apps will give you many of the features that the iphone offers, such as doubletwist(itunes-like app). If you want to instead adapt to what Apple offers (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) than maybe give the iphone a chance! Don't let anyone tell you one OS is better than another, they are both good! I've had an Ipod touch 1g for 3 years and I have given it a lot of love. But the Captivate looked like an excellent piece of kit in which to experiment with Android. Try one out and return it if you don't like it!
 
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I was in the same boat... and my conclusion was that although both are excellent phones (with varying problems), the Captivate was the phone for me.

Reasons:
- Gorgeous Screen
- More like a computer than a phone
- I really like the looks of it (it feels really nice to hold)
- Different apps for everything you want to do (media players etc.)
- I like playing with the different emulators
- Froyo will be bringing flash support

If I had chosen the Iphone, it would have been for these reasons:
- Flash for the camera
- SO MANY GAMES

but I wanted a bigger screen, and more access to all the features of the phone.

I sell computers (not on commission), and I honestly think people should get what they need. If you are a Windows person, and that's what you know how to use, why would switch to Mac unless you had a specific reason? People are usually happiest with what they know, unless they're like me and love to learn new OS's and softwares. Does the Iphone really make you happy and comfortable? Are you only considering the Captivate and Android because of this niggling feeling that you SHOULD like the customization and "openness" (it's not actually that open =P) or do you honestly want to try something new and fresh just for the fun of it? If you like to tinker and customise, then go with the Captivate (remember a lot of apps will give you many of the features that the iphone offers, such as doubletwist(itunes-like app). If you want to instead adapt to what Apple offers (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) than maybe give the iphone a chance! Don't let anyone tell you one OS is better than another, they are both good! I've had an Ipod touch 1g for 3 years and I have given it a lot of love. But the Captivate looked like an excellent piece of kit in which to experiment with Android. Try one out and return it if you don't like it!


This is a really great post.
 
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One thing that hasn't been mentioned is price. The Captivate can be bought for $99 at Wal-Mart.com and the Iphone starts at about $200 (excluding Duct tape, but I think that is free now).

To be fair, I have never owned either, not an Apple hater, just like cheaper phones. I do have a few friends that have 3Gs and they all say that the Ios4 has really made their devices worse. None are talking about buying another Iphone.
 
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I was looking forward to the iPhone4 - all set to make it my first smartphone. The problems? Yeah, they caused concern. But the main reason I bought the Captivate can be summed up on one 4-letter word: Jobs. No matter how brilliant he may be, I, as a consumer, don't like to be treated as if I don't have any sense. If he were accountable during his most recent press conference and did a mea culpa about the antenna design being a victim of form over function I would have been impressed that he manned-up. But to point fingers elsewhere (the public and the press) was Deflection 101 and sealed the deal for me.
 
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This phone meets and exceeds the released "minimum guidelines," I don't see what basis this statement comes from. Until probably at least next spring this will be Samsung's Android flagship, the previous phones were definitely "testing the waters" with little up-front commitment (just based on hype and advertising alone) to match the little post-purchase commitment. If Samsung doesn't follow through with the Galaxy S line, not only will they lose me as a customer, they will show that they have no idea what they are doing from a business standpoint. To me, that is illogical for a company that has risen so far recently. If anyone remembers, they really hyped the Instinct on Sprint a few years ago, and although I hated the phone, they went through several updates relatively quickly that addressed the different issues people found- albeit without much announcement and pomp about the updates and their roll out.

I agree, I used to work for Samsung in their tech support group back in the early 90s and they cared about customer support back then, but then lost their way. Now I see they are doing much better and think you will see quick updates from them and a commitment to this line.
 
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I was looking forward to the iPhone4 - all set to make it my first smartphone. The problems? Yeah, they caused concern. But the main reason I bought the Captivate can be summed up on one 4-letter word: Jobs. No matter how brilliant he may be, I, as a consumer, don't like to be treated as if I don't have any sense. If he were accountable during his most recent press conference and did a mea culpa about the antenna design being a victim of form over function I would have been impressed that he manned-up. But to point fingers elsewhere (the public and the press) was Deflection 101 and sealed the deal for me.


Not that I don't see where you are coming from, but it is just a tad silly that the main reason you picked one phone over another was a CEO.
 
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well being a previous iPhone user, I loved it but I tried the Captivate. 3 Days later (today) I returned it and ordered an iPhone4. The GPS on the Captivate would not log on when I needed it. I know people will say "just buy a GPS unit" but I was going to someplace I was sure I knew where it was at but I took a wrong turn on viola, I was lost. Anyway, I ended up having to call for directions since the GPS was a no go on the Cap. Also downloading pics is a pain and saving attachments in gmail sucks, you have to use the web client. so I am going back to iphone.
 
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Not that I don't see where you are coming from, but it is just a tad silly that the main reason you picked one phone over another was a CEO.

Not in my opinion. I know where he's coming from, he doesn't want to give his money to a company/CEO that goes about business in the manner that they do. "You're holding it wrong", "All smartphones have the problem", etc, etc.....I completely understand and feel the same way...
 
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Not in my opinion. I know where he's coming from, he doesn't want to give his money to a company/CEO that goes about business in the manner that they do. "You're holding it wrong", "All smartphones have the problem", etc, etc.....I completely understand and feel the same way...


Samsung Goes Beyond Corruption and Starts Bullying Critics With Lawsuits | Techrights

Samsung Faces Corruption Allegations [Former Samsung Legal Counsel Accuses World's Largest Tech Company Of Bribery, Other Crimes] TFTS – Technology, Gadgets & Curiosities


Just some of the controversies Samsung's CEO has been accused of.
 
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Well, I have both the iPhone 4 and Captivate.

Now as far as music/mp3 player....
The Captivate is almost perfect except one thing..... playlist

It has the best mp3 player in terms of playback (eq, 5.1 surround, effects, headphone controls, notification and lock screen controls, landscape playback). It is better than EVERY android mp3 player on the market place (I've used them all).

But it doesn't recognize .m3u or xml playlist. So, if you plan to use winamp or something like doubletwist to synch your itunes, it will copy all the music over correctly BUT will not have a playlist that is compatible with the Samsung mp3 player.

This is a big shame. I installed Doubletwist on Android but it was not the same. The Samsung has an awesome Wolfson DAC audio processor that works with the Samsung default player.
 
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Well, every single company's CEO has been accused of something, but AT&T's CEO just went straight up to its customers, which was in the millions, and told them they were dumb and conducted a "You fail at holding a cell phone," and "Everyone else does it too" session. Most CEO's are pretty evil in the fact that they're just trying to make the most money possible (no idea how Google is so successful without following the extremely greedy approach), and it's best to just keep quiet. I mean, I've actually never seen the Samsung CEO/know his name, nor do many other people. Best to leave it that way.


Apple, not AT&T.

So what you're saying is that when Apple has a bad CEO, it's ok to base our purchases off of them, but if it's Samsung (or any other non-Apple company), we can just look the other way?
 
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