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Early adopter woes...

jeffyo

Android Enthusiast
Oct 1, 2008
368
9
SF Bay Area
So far as an early adopter I'm not as impressed as I thought I would be. I think the release of the G1 would have been better if they had spent some more time on beefing up the hardware.

Cons
1. The phone itself is flimsy and not what I would think as sturdy.
2. The OS is slow due to certain apps running in the background.
A. Because the phone is taxed the experience is diminshed. Choppy browsing, crashing, etc
3. Battery life is the worst!!
4. As open source as this handset is it's still just like all the others. Locked down to specific vendors and contracts.
5. I'm an att user and having an unlocked G1 is not what I thought it would be. The internet is ok. Service sucks. 3G is the way to go "if" u got it.
6. Navagating the phones settings is troublsome unless u create shortcuts.
7. If u do create shortcuts then u use the valuable realestate of the phone and may forfeit other app shortcuts. The realestate issue is my biggest annoyance. What happened to customizing?

Pros
1. Well intagrated with google services out of box without any additional apps needed.
2. The apps are very cool and fun to play with.
3. If ur an advanced user then rooting ur phone can create an even greater experience w. The SDK.
4. Camera is great. I mean barcode scanning must require a certain level of resolution right. Takes great pictures.
5. Its keyboard was hard to get used to but I prefer it to any touch screen.
6. There is a following for the phone and anyone can get tech help easily. +++
7. I haven't figured out the best way to set the phones sound up for quick profiles but maybe someone can help me with that. The speaker isn't bad and video I'm still trying to get up with super C but it seems it should work and that always good.
8. Future pro is that android will have flash @ some point this year ya!

Summary:

I don't think I would buy this phone over an iPhone. The iPhone is faster sleeker and well integrated with most of the services the G1 has and apps too.

Just my thoughts
 
So far as an early adopter I'm not as impressed as I thought I would be. I think the release of the G1 would have been better if they had spent some more time on beefing up the hardware.

Red are issues you describe that I have not seen or statements I do not agree with, blue are my comments:

Cons
1. The phone itself is flimsy and not what I would think as sturdy.
2. The OS is slow due to certain apps running in the background. Which ones? I've noticed some slowness if WiFi and Bluetooth are on at the same time, otherwise it's zippy.
A. Because the phone is taxed the experience is diminshed. Choppy browsing, crashing, etc
haven't seen this at all.
3. Battery life is the worst!!
4. As open source as this handset is it's still just like all the others. Locked down to specific vendors and contracts. This doesn't make sense, open source means you have access to the source code. Nothing more. Vendors and Contracts do not diminish the fact that you have full, open access to the source code.
5. I'm an att user and having an unlocked G1 is not what I thought it would be. The internet is ok. Service sucks. 3G is the way to go "if" u got it. You're on ATT, that should explain your service issues. The phone can't be blamed for ATTs service.
6. Navagating the phones settings is troublsome unless u create shortcuts.
7. If u do create shortcuts then u use the valuable realestate of the phone and may forfeit other app shortcuts. The realestate issue is my biggest annoyance. What happened to customizing?
What real estate? I've got tons of shortcuts and nothing saying that I'm in any danger of running out of room for shortcuts. Folders are the key. Any other phone would have similar issues, there's only so much you can put on a desktop. I've customized mine quite well.

Pros
1. Well intagrated with google services out of box without any additional apps needed.
2. The apps are very cool and fun to play with.
3. If ur an advanced user then rooting ur phone can create an even greater experience w. The SDK.
4. Camera is great. I mean barcode scanning must require a certain level of resolution right. Takes great pictures.
5. Its keyboard was hard to get used to but I prefer it to any touch screen.
6. There is a following for the phone and anyone can get tech help easily. +++
7. I haven't figured out the best way to set the phones sound up for quick profiles but maybe someone can help me with that. The speaker isn't bad and video I'm still trying to get up with super C but it seems it should work and that always good.
8. Future pro is that android will have flash @ some point this year ya!

Summary:

I don't think I would buy this phone over an iPhone. The iPhone is faster sleeker and well integrated with most of the services the G1 has and apps too.

Just my thoughts

-iPhone cannot run more than one app at the same time. That's why it's so fast, it can't multitask. If you want to check your calendar, you have to close your email.

-iPhone can't cut, copy or paste. This is a basic function that Pocket PC 2003 could do.

-iPhone devs are restricted, the barcode scanner won't be on the iPhone, as devs are not allowed to access the camera, the same issue exists with many other apps.

-iPhone's memory is static. You cannot add more, ever, you have to spend the money on a new device.

-Does iPhone have a cupcake development team working on improvements and updates for current handsets --- or is iPhone going to save all those features (like cut and paste, stereo bluetooth, etc) for the iPhone 4G, 5G, 6G etc?

Android has been out 6 months, only within the last month have paid apps appeared, curious that Apple didn't advertise it's app market until about 2 months ago. iPhone has been out more than a year, at least, and is on it's second unit already. Check out the apple forums, Apple has just as many issues as other devices, it's just that with fewer Mac heads, you hear less about them. Also the flash and social status of iEverything makes for a very forgiving customer base. Go to the Mac store, tech support (AKA, The Genius Bar) is always busy, you have to make an appointment to make sure you actually see someone, they're that busy.
 
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I have to agree with most of what OP said.

The unit to me, is extremely flimsy. I am one of at least 3 people on this forum that have had the glass lens-cover crack IN MY POCKET. When I removed the broken glass, I was amazed to see how thin it is. I honestly believe that most peoples lens covers WILL eventually break. Just flexing the back cover in the lens area slightly will do this.

Several others have had the main screen crack. My phone has an issue where the touchscreen does not sense correctly and I have to hit the red button and then unlock the screen again to have it track correctly. (Anyone else seen this behavior?)

Several times a week I lose all network connectivity (no 2g,3g, wifi) and only a reboot will restore it.

These are a few issues that come to me off the top of my head.

That being said, I do think Android has a TON of potential, and I personally would not be able to use a phone without it after having used it; but it does seem to me as if Google/HTC/T-Mo set the bar fairly low for this initial offering. It feels very much to me like a beta release (both hardware and software), as evidenced by the fact that the software is currently labeled as RC, Dev lingo for "release candidate", a term generally used for pre-release software being tested for release. Guess who is doing the testing for them? ;-)
 
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but it does seem to me as if Google/HTC/T-Mo set the bar fairly low for this initial offering. It feels very much to me like a beta release (both hardware and software), as evidenced by the fact that the software is currently labeled as RC, Dev lingo for "release candidate", a term generally used for pre-release software being tested for release. Guess who is doing the testing for them? ;-)

I agree there. But its one hell of a beta that I feel is far better than iPhone 2.0.
 
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raven, sounds like you have a bad unit. My question is, why haven't you returned it for one that doesn't have the touchscreen issue?

Like any $400 piece of equipment, I keep mine in a case, and I don't go breakdancing with it in my pocket. Not accusing you or anyone else of anything, but it's rather hard to believe that merely walking around, standing up, sitting down, with the phone in your pocket will do this much damage. You expect us to believe that everyday movement will result in this sort of damage? They would not survive the shipping process.

I'm accident prone, and more than once I've pulled my g1 from my pocket with the case upside down, having it slide right out of the case and onto the ground. No shattering, no cracked screen.
 
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Did those of you who are complaining about flimsiness get their phones in the initial production roll-out in the Fall of 2008? I just got my phone last week. It's dated 2/2009 and it's very solid. Only the screen moves, and then only on its hinge. The only complaint I have is that closed, it doesn't line up perfectly at the sides so it looks a little shabby if you really scrutinize it. Just a little.

Apps seem fast. Some 3rd-party apps have crashed but this is to be expected. No loss of network or any of the wireless services. Haven't had to reboot my phone since I got it.

This is why I waited 6 months to get my phone. I always wait for "ver. 2" of a product, for them to get the production kinks out. I work for a company that makes consumer products and I see what happens between the first and second mass-production runs.

- The Inspector
 
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The touchscreen issue only reared its head last week. However, the lenscover cracked shortly after my buyers remorse period was up, and Tmo told me "you should have bought insurance". As I said, I have seen posts from at least 2 other folks on this board about cracked lenscovers, so it definitely is an issue.

I have been careful with the phone, but I could have bumped up against something to cause the crack. However I still maintain that the lenscover is crazy thin. I am not exaggerating when I say it it's not much thicker than a light bulb; and I'm convinced that you could easily crack it just by flexing the back cover too much when you remove it.

This was indeed one of the launch phones as well, so they may have tightened up mfg since then, but I can only go by the unit that I have.

Another issue that I just remembered (that happens on both my wife's phone and my own) is that on maybe one out of ten calls, there will be no audio on one end or the other. Again, neither one of noticed this at first because we don't make alot of calls on the phone. I forward all my calls to my office number so that my receptionist can answer for me during work hours. In all fairness, my razr did this as well, though not nearly so often; maybe this is a Tmo issue and not a G1 issue.
 
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it's rather hard to believe that merely walking around, standing up, sitting down, with the phone in your pocket will do this much damage. You expect us to believe that everyday movement will result in this sort of damage?

Trust me, I was just as surprised as you when I took it out of my pocket and saw the cracked lenscover. I can't vouch for anyone else but I most definitely did not use mine as a hockey puck, or play hacky sack with it. If you choose not to believe me, there's not much I can do about it.
 
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The touchscreen issue only reared its head last week. However, the lenscover cracked shortly after my buyers remorse period was up, and Tmo told me "you should have bought insurance". As I said, I have seen posts from at least 2 other folks on this board about cracked lenscovers, so it definitely is an issue.

Wait, 3 people have a complaint and that qualifies as a trend? At this very moment there are 110 users reading or posting to this forum (that's not the total number of users, just those participating at this moment). By what logic does 3 people constitute an issue? I guess the same logic that insists that something strong enough to break equipment is merely a "bump".

The touchscreen issue is enough to get a warranty replacement, you should look into it. Don't mention the lenscover, just that your G1 has a touchscreen issue. They should replace it.
 
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I laugh my butt off at Mac bashing. I love my Mac stuff and for very good reasons. I just picked up a G1 because the iPhone probably won't suit me. I spend half the year in the U.S and it is too locked down for me, i would need to buy two... and that is a fault, sure.

However, the lockdown of Apple achieves something very important... reliability and a consistent user experience along with tight integration with iTunes. I have an iPod so i can forgo that even though i would rather like it. The iPhone does indeed knock spots of the G1 in style, but that is icing.

It does have a barcode scanner.

As for Mac forgiveness... nope. With such high quality comes huge outcry when they get things wrong. Which they do, and admit to. Then fix very quickly.

Copy and paste... well, knowing Mac they would not put it on unless it was perfect. If you have used an iPhone you will know that just using the touchscreen is sheer pleasure. The G1 does not go that far, although it is rock solid and well done. Update... copy and paste is in 3.0 software.

Basicall i think the reson i love my G1 is because i knew not to expect an iPhone. It is a different animal. Open source is fantastic, but being locked into something that seeks perfection and knows how to get their is also fantastic... it's just a case of what you want from your phone and what suits.
 
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2. The OS is slow due to certain apps running in the background.
A. Because the phone is taxed the experience is diminshed. Choppy browsing, crashing, etc
3. Battery life is the worst!!
Yes, so is there anyway of disabling background processes on Android? Is there some kind of background process manager? I have an iPod touch and no background processes- and I'm OK with going from program to program. I'd be willing to sacrifice some functionality gained with the background processes on the G1 for better battery life.

4. As open source as this handset is it's still just like all the others. Locked down to specific vendors and contracts.
This is due to all the fanatics that preach open source- I think people then get the wrong impression. Like another poster said, just means that the source code is available. You can still have problems.

I laugh my butt off at Mac bashing. I love my Mac stuff and for very good reasons.
Totally agree with you. Love my iPod. Why spend so much time bashing Apple? Enjoy the G1, enjoy Android, and work to make it better. Cupcake is coming, CTIA is coming up- be happy! If anything, bash HTC/T-mobile for not BRINGING THE GORRAM HTC MAGIC TO AMERICA!!!! :mad:
 
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I laugh my butt off at Mac bashing. I love my Mac stuff and for very good reasons. I just picked up a G1 because the iPhone probably won't suit me. I spend half the year in the U.S and it is too locked down for me, i would need to buy two... and that is a fault, sure.

However, the lockdown of Apple achieves something very important... reliability and a consistent user experience along with tight integration with iTunes. I have an iPod so i can forgo that even though i would rather like it. The iPhone does indeed knock spots of the G1 in style, but that is icing.

It does have a barcode scanner.

As for Mac forgiveness... nope. With such high quality comes huge outcry when they get things wrong. Which they do, and admit to. Then fix very quickly.

Copy and paste... well, knowing Mac they would not put it on unless it was perfect. If you have used an iPhone you will know that just using the touchscreen is sheer pleasure. The G1 does not go that far, although it is rock solid and well done. Update... copy and paste is in 3.0 software.

Basicall i think the reson i love my G1 is because i knew not to expect an iPhone. It is a different animal. Open source is fantastic, but being locked into something that seeks perfection and knows how to get their is also fantastic... it's just a case of what you want from your phone and what suits.

Since when does honestly appraising the flaws with apple amount to "bashing"? Apple admits it invents nothing new. They admit they just redesign other people's ideas and add a few small features, a lot of flash, and market the hell out of it. Reliability has nothing to do with it. If there were as many Macs as PCs there would be almost the same amount of complaints. Ask anyone who works in IT, mac ain't anywhere near perfect. It has as many problems as PC, they're just different problems and fewer Mac heads make it appear more reliable. Like I said, they have an overly forgiving fanbase, why else would you call a reasoned critique bashing? Why else would you offer up this "Copy and paste... well, knowing Mac they would not put it on unless it was perfect." Riiiight, becaue copy & paste is such an advanced feature it needs years to develop. Wow, it took them until version 3.0 to add copy and paste? Neat, so it takes Apple what, 6 years to catch up to a basic feature of the Pocket PC 2003 operating system? :D
 
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A few of the points raised constitute as Mac bashing... one being the whole flash and social status thing.

I work with computers more heavily than most, web development, video editing and media production in general and a fair bit of general IT and i can tell you from my experience being mac-centric increases productivity in massive amounts - since i swapped i would conservatively say i have gained 1/2 - 3/4 of a day a week to actually work rather than take care of dumb stuff i shouldn't need to... wether it's rebooting a slowing down system to clean reinstals periodically to virus and spyware protection to just being able to find files.
Of course, i wouldn't dream of running a large business or a bunch of servers on Mac - that's when you are into tools for the job, but then... that's what dual booting is for - reducing the need for windows or Linux.

But, you do put forward some good points. With the cut and paste thing... when apple do cut and paste, it will not be clunky as it is on Windoze systems... that's why i say they will do it right.

As for innovation, well... yes and no. Apple are responsible pretty much for home computers getting into the publics hands and demystifying them. I believe Windows stole the folder system? The first home computer not to have a tower... the iMac. Turning the MP3 player into an easy to use stylish piece of hardware complete with iTunes, the largest distributer of music in the world... i would say that was fairly innovative. Bringing desktop publishing to the world, that was apple. Steve Wozniak is known as the father of home computing for a reason...

Compare that with Windows, a monopoly company that relies on that rather than any form of innovation, and well... yeah. That's how you end up with Vista.

Maybe i misused the word perfect ;) but Apple pretty much lead the way when it comes to tech, and rarely do anything unless they are going to do it better than anyone else or just plain lead the way... wether its an MP3 player, a SMART phone or copy and paste.

The iPhone is an awesome example of what it is, and the one that broke the whole game open and lead the rest of the crowd playing catch up. The iPhone deserves a hell of a lot of respect, it's innovation has led us to Android and forced the other players to up their game considerably.

The more i am using the Android, the more i think i made the right decision taking it over the iPhone... i think it is going to grow wildly in functionality even if you do have to wade through a bunch of crap applications. I love the G1 for Android and a physical keyboard. If i wanted a music player built in i would have gone iPhone, if i didn't particuly feel the need personally for a physical keyboard it would have been iPhone. I love that between Android and the iPhone you are going to have two platforms pushing each other for functionality but coming from two completely differant production values. The G1 with Android to me is a fun social/work crossover... if i just wanted fun and social with a bundle of style it would have been iPhone.
 
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All this back and forth... the answer is simple if your are an apple fan no matter what anyone says you'll consider it bashing... all apple fanboys do and the same goes for android fans... as far as apple products leading the way or being better that just isn't true, the only advantage or superiority apple truly has is advertising....... If you doubt it, I would highly recommend you compare features, performance and price across the board.......
 
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All this back and forth... the answer is simple if your are an apple fan no matter what anyone says you'll consider it bashing... all apple fanboys do and the same goes for android fans... as far as apple products leading the way or being better that just isn't true, the only advantage or superiority apple truly has is advertising....... If you doubt it, I would highly recommend you compare features, performance and price across the board.......

AGREE !!!

and ... remember An Apple a day won't keep Android Away :D
 
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It's true.

But what was this thread about?
You can pretty much derail any thread here with the mere mention of the iPhone or Apple in a post.


Yeah guess it's true half way through the thread it goes crapple all over the place.... Not to worry the early adopters who didn't realize they were going to be the beta testers will eventually be made happy with more and more being added and fixed with every OTA..... perfection takes time even in open source!
 
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Yeah guess it's true half way through the thread it goes crapple all over the place.... Not to worry the early adopters who didn't realize they were going to be the beta testers will eventually be made happy with more and more being added and fixed with every OTA..... perfection takes time even in open source!

True, but they have to get a move on it. Frustration and bad reviews spread faster than good reviews. Not a good thing for the Android movement.

Personally, I think it would be better to do OTAs monthly, just to fix one or a few things. Like OTA for increased stability one month. Then another one for improved performance of the GPS, etc. They're little and may fix only one thing, but they add up for the consumer and gives the impression that Android is constantly being improved. Right now if you have trouble with your G1 it's easy to feel like Google/HTC is sitting on their hands until the next update (which they're not).

I'm hoping that cupcake will propel the G1/Android to the forefront and brush off that early-adaptor-beta view that people have of it.
 
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my last word on Apple:

"Apple has never really invented anything new. They didn't invent the PC, the MP3 player, downloadable music, and certainly not the mobile phone. The Mac, iPod, iTunes, and iPhone are all successful because they were late to market..."
"Today, the iPod doesn't make your music sound better, provide better battery life, or save you money. What it does is make Apple fans."
both are quotes from Steve M. Chazin - former Apple Marketing Guru and Author.
http://www.marketingapple.com/Marketing_Apple_eBook.pdf
 
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my last word on Apple:

both are quotes from Steve M. Chazin - former Apple Marketing Guru and Author.
http://www.marketingapple.com/Marketing_Apple_eBook.pdf

Like I said earlier, you can derail any thread with the mention of Apple, people just seem to talk about Apple naturally here. Android users seem to have a chip on their shoulder when it comes to the Apple iPhone, why I don't know :thinking:

At least you can depend on them for interesting links. There really should be an Apple subforum so that everybody can get their say in. I'm here to learn more about Android, not the iPhone, or about Apple.

Anyways, the early adopter woes will hopefully soon be over with cupcake. I hope the HTC Magic has fixed many of the issues with the G1, I'm actually looking forward to see what Samsung's handset looks like- touchwiz dock for Android anybody? That would be pretty sweet.

Does anybody know of background process managers in the works? Besides a reset?
 
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