I'm back, here's what I learned

[nickdalzell]

MP3 Music Download on Play Store has free downloads and is ad-supported

Never thought tethering was possible on iPhone. it has been awhile though so it may not have been available then.

Mike, this is my problem with Android--the total lack of quality control. at least Apple is made to work on quality hardware which has never disappointed me. Android remains fragmented and installed on the cheapest devices that could hardly pass for dumbphones. for a comparable Apple replacement, you'd spend $100 or so more to get an Android. i'd stick with the cheaper alternative. when my ZTE finally does die, i'm getting an iPhone. the cheapest non-subsidized handset here in town is still running Froyo. not even close. everything else is $599 or higher. same or more expensive as an iPhone. and none of it can replace the retina display.

 

[dan330]

MP3 Music Download on Play Store has free downloads and is ad-supported

Never thought tethering was possible on iPhone. it has been awhile though so it may not have been available then.

Mike, this is my problem with Android--the total lack of quality control. at least Apple is made to work on quality hardware which has never disappointed me. Android remains fragmented and installed on the cheapest devices that could hardly pass for dumbphones. for a comparable Apple replacement, you'd spend $100 or so more to get an Android. i'd stick with the cheaper alternative. when my ZTE finally does die, i'm getting an iPhone. the cheapest non-subsidized handset here in town is still running Froyo. not even close. everything else is $599 or higher. same or more expensive as an iPhone. and none of it can replace the retina display.

as long as you have a plan!

 

[Hadron]

I'm not convinced about your pricing Nick: here in the UK an unlocked, SIM-free Galaxy Note 2 (16 GB + SD) is

 

[Stuntman]

Every time I play with a friends iDevice, I end up wanting to bash the device against a wall in frustration. Unless you're willing to give yourself over to Apples way of doing everything completely, the devices are so limiting. It also come down to which system you're most familiar with. That's always been my frustration with many tech journalists who proclaim iOS so intuitive. It's intuitive to them because it's what they're using every day. Then they will proclaim Android as non intuitive, mainly because it doesn't work like iOS.

I have felt the same frustration. My wife got a free iPhone, so I had to move her contacts and ring tone from her old Galaxy Q to her iPhone. The process to do both of these seem unbelievably convoluted. Meanwhile, when I had to move contacts from her previous phone to her old Galaxy Q, it was just so easy. The same with putting a ringtone (an MP3 file) on it.

i am not sure my opinion matters but i had an iPhone 3GS long before i had any Android device.

for me stability, overall UI smoothness and battery life takes precedent over customization and widgets, etc. sadly this is where i miss my iPhone. it was a lended device that i eventually gave back for two reasons 1) the battery kept going to self-discharge mode once or twice a week, so when i would go to use my phone, it wouldn't wake up, only displaying the dead battery logo and 2) someone else at work needed it more than i did so i gave it back.

i miss the iPhone's speed, overall touch response, and lack of crashing. i never EVER had to reboot my iPhone. i often reboot Androids a few times a week, and i get far more crashes in Android than on iOS. the Android has a problem with touch accuracy, no retina comparison, and lag. keyboard lag is horrid. battery life in an Android phone is around ~24 hours tops or maybe a day and a half. the iPhone could go at least 3 days in standby.

I would say that when the iPhone 3GS was out, Android phones, even higher end ones at the time were not as good as the iPhone in terms of stability, and responsiveness. If you compare the current models of high end phones from Android with the iPhone 5, you will find that the Android phones have come a long way. I haven't had to reboot my Android in over 2 months and the only reason to reboot it was that it got an OS update.

It appears your phone is a ZTE Avail from what I can tell. I checked out the info on it and it does appear to be a rather low end phone. I would not expect the same smoothness you would find on higher end phones.

Regarding stability of iOS vs. Android, one thing about iOS is that when an app crashes, it does its absolute best to hide the fact that it crashed from the user. With Android, it actually informs you that something went wrong. It is possible that a iOS apps crashed many times and you wouldn't know that they crashed.

 

[sherri]

The iPhone may be great, but if it needs iTunes, I am out!

Long standing hatred for iTunes. Daughter had an original iPod. Set up iTunes account on my PC. She bought many songs, due to always asking for iTunes gift cards for holidays, birthdays, special occasions, etc....IPod died. Got her another. Guess what? At that time, you could only install your music bought from iTunes on 1 device!!!! Even now, there is a limit.

Bite me. If I go into a store and buy a CD, I can put a copy on my laptop, desktop, phone, 3 kids phones, burn a copy to keep in my car, etc...Not with iTunes. And before someone states this isn't legal, it is. I am not redistributing the CD (this would be for profit)...

I seriously nearly disowned my sister, her husband and son when they got iPhones. Nephew likes my daughters Stratosphere better! Especially the mp3 applications....

 

[dan330]

Sherri.. i think there is a way for you to take the files out of itunes .. so you can use them in other devices.. legally.

i of course do not know how.. never owned an apple device.
but others here can help...

 

[siggy1964]

I've got a question. I have a friend that had to do a factory reset on her iPod and lost her music. Can I put her music on a SD card using my mp3 download on my phone then download it in her computer then install it on her iPod?

 

[mikedt]

MP3 Music Download on Play Store has free downloads and is ad-supported

Is that actual MP3 downloads, or just streaming? So you can play the free music from Google Play off-line.

Never thought tethering was possible on iPhone. it has been awhile though so it may not have been available then.

Been available since 2008, with the iPhone 3G AFAIK. But it's always depended on the carrier, if they activate that feature or not. And usually you have to pay extra to tether with an iPhone. But then with many phones and carriers, you have to pay an extra fee for PC tethering.

Mike, this is my problem with Android--the total lack of quality control. at least Apple is made to work on quality hardware which has never disappointed me.

Yup, Apple devices generally are really nice. However they're also quite expensive and only Apple makes them. There's an iPhone 4S and an iPhone 5, and that's it for iOS phones. I believe the iPhone 5 starts at $650 in the US(unsubsidised), unless you commit to having a locked iPhone on a stiff mandatory two year carrier contract. and they're around equivalent of $850 here.

Android remains fragmented and installed on the cheapest devices that could hardly pass for dumbphones.

Not everyone can afford a $650-$850 cell-phone here. All those budget, and mid-range Androids are good enough for the peasantry and proletariat of China, i.e. for those who can't afford the luxury Apple iPhones. Down in Shenzhen and on-line, I can buy a 4inch ICS Android phone for about $40 bucks now, It's probably crap, will probably have all those issues you described earlier, and will only last maybe a year at most.

I don't think of it as fragmentation, I tend to think of it as there's an Android phone to suit every pocket and budget.........unlike Apple.

EDIT:

Like this girl I met on the bus this afternoon...

She seems quite happy with her cheapo "MI" Ice Cream Sandwich whatever it is. She and millions of others like her, could just never afford to own an Apple iPhone.

for a comparable Apple replacement, you'd spend $100 or so more to get an Android. i'd stick with the cheaper alternative. when my ZTE finally does die, i'm getting an iPhone. the cheapest non-subsidized handset here in town is still running Froyo.

That sounds like they're carrying a limited range and/or old stock. If you're out in the boonies or something, can't you buy a phone on-line, like from Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy? TBH I don't think there's any manufacturers making Froyo, or even GB phones now, or very few at least. It's all pretty much ICS, with JB starting to appear in increasing numbers.

not even close. everything else is $599 or higher. same or more expensive as an iPhone. and none of it can replace the retina display.

Is that what's available locally to you, in your town? Suggest you buy on-line instead.

 

[sherri]

Sherri.. i think there is a way for you to take the files out of itunes .. so you can use them in other devices.. legally.

i of course do not know how.. never owned an apple device.
but others here can help...

Back then there weren't. They now allow up to 5 devices. But, you can burn a CD from iTunes, rip it back to PC (which removes the DRM) and then put it where you want it....I will never own another Apple device, as long as iTunes is used.

 

[sherri]

I've got a question. I have a friend that had to do a factory reset on her iPod and lost her music. Can I put her music on a SD card using my mp3 download on my phone then download it in her computer then install it on her iPod?

Her music should be in her iTunes account. She can log in to that, and connect the iPod and sync. Or, if she had the iCloud based thing, she should be able to log into iTunes from iPod and sync...

Is that actual MP3 downloads, or just streaming? So you can play the free music from Google Play off-line.
.

There are many mp3 apps on app store. They are not streaming. Download entire song, play in any music player of your choice. No internet or data needed to play the downloaded song, but obviously needed to download song. My favorite is Music Paradise. Biggest selection of music I have found.

 

[9to5cynic]

Nice summary, and I agree with everything except maybe the app thing. I'm sure there are quality free apple apps as well as there being crap ones - just like android. Though, you're right 100% about sources. And the fact that if a developer for android is booted from the market for whatever reason, they can host their file on their own site and give it away there (or sell it I suppose).

I know I've gotten a few apps from a developer's site in the past, totally worth it

Oh, and nice to have you back!

 

[ardchoille]

Well, I bought my Droid Razr HD Friday morning. It's now Monday evening and I've only had to charge my new phone twice.. and my battery is now at 70%.

This phone is fast and smooth, no lag at all, and I've been using it somewhat heavily for social networking and web surfing. WiFi, GPS and social updates (email, facebook, twitter, Google plus, tumblr, etc.) are always enabled.

This phone is amazing. Those of you who have had a bad experience on android devices compared to iphones really need to try a high-end android phone. This Droid RAZR HD cost me $20 (not a typo) after trading in my iPhone 4S - another reason I'm staying with Verizon.

 

[mikedt]

There are many mp3 apps on app store. They are not streaming. Download entire song, play in any music player of your choice. No internet or data needed to play the downloaded song, but obviously needed to download song. My favorite is Music Paradise. Biggest selection of music I have found.

I'm sure there is. But are they legal though? That's what I was trying to get at. Are they distributing free copyrighted MP3s with the copyright holder's permission? Music Download Paradise by "AndroidFreak" is actually a search tool, what songs it finds and downloads could well be infringing copyright. AFAIK it's apps like that, that Apple doesn't allow into the iTunes Store and iOS. And Phandroid forum rules forbid the discussion of illegal activities as well.

 

[EarlyMon]

I'm sure there is. But are they legal though? That's what I was trying to get at. Are they distributing free copyrighted MP3s with the copyright holder's permission? Music Download Paradise by "AndroidFreak" is actually a search tool, what songs it finds and downloads could well be infringing copyright. AFAIK it's apps like that, that Apple doesn't allow into the iTunes Store and iOS. And Phandroid forum rules forbid the discussion of illegal activities as well.

Quoted for truth. And they're cracking down on this, don't think that they aren't.

 

[Gmash]

Google Play is riddled with MP3 download apps. I'm not sure how they are legal, but Google must not have a problem with them being there. Heck, my Galaxy S3 has one built in.

 

[EarlyMon]

Google Play is riddled with MP3 download apps. I'm not sure how they are legal, but Google must not have a problem with them being there. Heck, my Galaxy S3 has one built in.

They come and go, I've seen a number get pulled, while others stay. I was referring to internet service providers and the RIAA, along with the government.

 

[NYCHitman1]

Welcome back bud!

 

[dibblebill]

This is mostly directed to Nick: That lack of control over the phone market is why I HAVE an ANdroid phone. I don't get expensive Android phones. Look at my signature. I get a darn good TABLET, then get cheap phones that do the basics (track gas mileage, google searches, etc.) because I don't want a fancy-pants phone. My current one cost me 30USD... Without a contract. I like the lack of hardware mandates. If you want hardware mandates, get a Nexus, to be honest.

 

[dan330]

This is mostly directed to Nick: That lack of control over the phone market is why I HAVE an ANdroid phone. I don't get expensive Android phones. Look at my signature. I get a darn good TABLET, then get cheap phones that do the basics (track gas mileage, google searches, etc.) because I don't want a fancy-pants phone. My current one cost me 30USD... Without a contract. I like the lack of hardware mandates. If you want hardware mandates, get a Nexus, to be honest.

only issue with your strategy...

my phone is ALWAYS with me.
tablet... only when i am at home or office.

so.. i need my phone to be able to do a lot.

 

[dibblebill]

only issue with your strategy...

my phone is ALWAYS with me.
tablet... only when i am at home or office.

so.. i need my phone to be able to do a lot.

It always differs from person to person. My tablet's with me almost everywhere,b ut I generally don't use high-power apps out on the go.

 

[ardchoille]

I own this phone and a kindle, and this phone goes everywhere with me. For my needs this phone can do everything except Photoshop. So I really have little need for desktop or laptop machines anymore.

 

[nickdalzell]

i will admit the cheaper Androids are easily replaced if broken (unlike an iPhone) but they are no replacement. i would rather have one which doesn't give me a migraine, frustrate me or cause me to angry tap. i had to modify the crap out of my ZTE to make it useable but it is made well. it has survived me angrily throwing it against walls, which means it's quality made and rugged. something needed in the work environment i am in (mechanic). but for tablets i prefer my iPad. my phone is just an MP3 player and occasional email/web browser. the use of it as a phone is extremely low. however it is no replacement for an iDevice for more involved stuff (games, stability, RAM use, etc) it just lags. any cheaper tablet lags. when i need the speed and smoothness, my iPad is used. i am not a fanboy. i use all of them. Android, Microsoft, Apple, etc. each has a purpose.

 

[ardchoille]

Android phones are the same as every other product made. A low-end automobile versus a high-end automobile. Or a low-end bookcase made from fiber board versus a high-end bookcase made of oak. It helps to look at electronic devices as an investment.

 

[xmr405o]

Hey Ardochoille! Glad to have you back. It's good to have experiences in different OS's and other manufacturers. I know I am an Android guy forever because of the things I like and want to do with my phone. Wifey on the other hand, I think she's gonna go Apple soon. I hope she finds the same appreciation of Android if/when she does leave.

 

[nickdalzell]

Android phones are the same as every other product made. A low-end automobile versus a high-end automobile. Or a low-end bookcase made from fiber board versus a high-end bookcase made of oak. It helps to look at electronic devices as an investment.

Well if i am paying the same price either way it will be Apple. i would seriously hate to take the risk on a $599 Android tablet and find out i can still see pixels, and am still bugged by lag and a less than stellar touch response. anything cheaper is obviously full of all the above. even a $599 Android tablet lacks some things and i cannot change others. i cannot remove the ANR prompts when apps get slow. i cannot get application notification badges (outside of text, call and email if using a payware launcher) and the keyboard is unable to keep up with my rate of typing.