Getting my Note 3 delivered tomorrow but few questions....

[OneZeoN]

Hi

Finally got the money to order a new Note 3 and getting it tomorrow...cant wait!

But would like peoples opinion on a few key things I will be using A LOT on this phone.

1 - What is it like web browsing/general internet use? I do not own a tablet etc so this will be my go to internet device.

2 - How does YouTube handle on the Note 3? I love watching videos of games/tv shows etc I want

3 - Camera? I have 2 kids and looking forward to seeing my pics on this lovely screen

4 - General phone usage/speed all good?

I have also got the Otterbox Commuter case in Glacier coming with the phone and don't use screen protectors as I like them "naked" on the front

I have lots to learn (like s-pen) but these will come over time.

Thanks for any replies

 

[drexappeal]

Hi

Finally got the money to order a new Note 3 and getting it tomorrow...cant wait!

But would like peoples opinion on a few key things I will be using A LOT on this phone.

1 - What is it like web browsing/general internet use? I do not own a tablet etc so this will be my go to internet device.

2 - How does YouTube handle on the Note 3? I love watching videos of games/tv shows etc I want

3 - Camera? I have 2 kids and looking forward to seeing my pics on this lovely screen

4 - General phone usage/speed all good?

I have also got the Otterbox Commuter case in Glacier coming with the phone and don't use screen protectors as I like them "naked" on the front

I have lots to learn (like s-pen) but these will come over time.

Thanks for any replies

1) Internet browsing will vary, depending on what you're trying to do. My "go to" browser is Dolphin Browser because it can be set to always show Desktop Browser (whereas the stock and chrome browser have to be re-toggled every now and then). In addition to that, Dolphin allows for the side-loading of the last Flash apk (prior to Adobe abandoning flash on mobile). Flash is important for both my personal and work life. Another reason I chose Dolphin, over other flash supporting browsers, is due to its ability of loading up bookmarks from chrome browser. The Sync function doesn't quite work properly, but I found a method to load up the bookmarks I currently had (for chrome) onto Dolphin. If I need to do quick reference, then I'll use the stock or chrome browser, but the overall experience has been just fine for me using any of them, depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. I never set a default for which browser I want to use.

2) The Youtube app has improved a lot, since a few years ago. Every now and then, I have issues with it connecting, but works fine (for the most part). Again, this will all depend on what you're trying to do. There are certain videos that are blocked from "mobile" viewing on the app, at which point, I just copy the URL and watch them on Dolphin (e.g. Flash is important for me).

3) Camera never used to be that important a consideration for me, but after having the Note 2 and now the Note 3, the cameras on both have been better than anything else I've ever used. If your kids are young, and you want to take pictures of them while taking a nap/sleeping, there are many of us that use an apk developed on XDA that silences the camera shutter. I have Spring, which doesn't allow for disabling of that sound, but have so many 1-3 year old nephews and nieces that just look too adorable while sleeping and feel the need to take pictures of them, without disturbing their nap/sleep time with a loud shutter sound. Picture quality is more than sufficient. I only shoot in 1080p and don't use the 4k. Since there's no need for me to have humongous pictures, the 1080p shooting is sufficient, but I can see how the 4k shooting for video could be important for some.

4) General phone usage/speed is comparable to the experience I had with the Note 2. I'd say the main difference I've noticed is having the 32gb internal vs. the old standard of 16gb, as well as the additional 1gb of RAM. Now that I've had the phone for almost 6 months, it's definitely better than my Note 2 was at the same point of reference. Strangely enough, I had a better battery life experience with the Note 2, than I've had with the Note 3. Even though the Note 3 only had a slight bump up in size, I still haven't managed to duplicate the battery life I experienced on my Note 2. But, for everyday purposes, it's perfectly fine...especially with strategized use of the power saving functions.

I'd highly recommend getting an ultra thin tempered glass protector. There are many products on the market, but I went the cheap route and purchased one from a top seller on ebay (roughly $7). Ever since I've gotten that, I will never use one of those plain screen protectors again! The one I purchased is smooth, like glass, easy to wipe off and clean, and I still haven't noticed any scratching. I have had insurance on most of my phones, but having the tempered glass protector gives me that added peace of mind, compared to past years relying on SGP (just due to it being the "closest" screen protector for the "glass" feeling). Tempered glass is the way to go, IMO. And never have any problems with the S-pen on the tempered glass.

 

[clitrenta]

Personally I don't use any protection on my Note at all. I never do but I'm also far more careful with it than most people. It isn't all that hard actually. You just train yourself to handle your device a certain way. I've never broken a phone either by dropping it or by being careless with it. I also don't let people use it and I especially don't let the grandkids mess with it. Sorry kids but I don't need to be replacing this thing.

When I first decided I was going to get this phone, I got rid of all other tablets and such that I had except for my Kindle Paperwhite just because I prefer it for reading. I fully expected not to need anything else and I have not regretted my decision. I watch movies/tv shows with Google Play on my Note and it's more than fine for that. I can do just about everything I need to do on it without the need of using a computer or tablet. On ocasion I run into something on a web site that simply won't work on Android but these are few and far between. I have Documents to Go on my Note and I use this for all Microsoft Office functions. I run a lot of my life from this phone. I have apps for my Bank, my Home alarm, My Internet/phone/tv provider (even controls the receivers), eFax (for sending and receiving faxes, Evernote for keeping a record of everything in my life, Cloud storage for easy access to all documents, listen to any broadcast of an MLB Baseball game and even an app that lets me see my medical information such as medications, test results, and appointments AND the ability to contact my health care team with any needs or questions (beautiful app). You can do all of this on a lot of phones but my point here is, it is FAR easier to do it on this huge beast of a phone because of the size, the speed, the capabilities and of course, the fantastic S Pen. I also have an app that allows me to print either at home or from my office to my printer at home. So you see, I only hop on the computer at home on when I run into something that doesn't want to work on my phone or when I just prefer a BIG screen for something. In other words; "I don't need no stinkin' tablet"

 

[thahim]

Everything is awesome

 

[OneZeoN]

Thanks for all your detailed replies....even thahim

Really looking forward to getting it tomorrow (if they hurry up and dispatch it in next few hours!) and learning all the new tips and tricks the Note 3 has.

 

[Sonnydigs]

Personally I don't use any protection on my Note at all. I never do but I'm also far more careful with it than most people. It isn't all that hard actually. You just train yourself to handle your device a certain way. I've never broken a phone either by dropping it or by being careless with it. I also don't let people use it and I especially don't let the grandkids mess with it. Sorry kids but I don't need to be replacing this thing.

When I first decided I was going to get this phone, I got rid of all other tablets and such that I had except for my Kindle Paperwhite just because I prefer it for reading. I fully expected not to need anything else and I have not regretted my decision. I watch movies/tv shows with Google Play on my Note and it's more than fine for that. I can do just about everything I need to do on it without the need of using a computer or tablet. On ocasion I run into something on a web site that simply won't work on Android but these are few and far between. I have Documents to Go on my Note and I use this for all Microsoft Office functions. I run a lot of my life from this phone. I have apps for my Bank, my Home alarm, My Internet/phone/tv provider (even controls the receivers), eFax (for sending and receiving faxes, Evernote for keeping a record of everything in my life, Cloud storage for easy access to all documents, listen to any broadcast of an MLB Baseball game and even an app that lets me see my medical information such as medications, test results, and appointments AND the ability to contact my health care team with any needs or questions (beautiful app). You can do all of this on a lot of phones but my point here is, it is FAR easier to do it on this huge beast of a phone because of the size, the speed, the capabilities and of course, the fantastic S Pen. I also have an app that allows me to print either at home or from my office to my printer at home. So you see, I only hop on the computer at home on when I run into something that doesn't want to work on my phone or when I just prefer a BIG screen for something. In other words; "I don't need no stinkin' tablet"

The medical app sounds very useful...
What app do you use..
Thanks..

 

[Simon_Gardner]

One thing to note about using a browser on the Note 3. Be aware of that screen size (especially held landscape). Many web sites try and serve up their "mobile phone" version to you. With some browsers on the Note 3 you can force them to deliver the desktop version of the site instead which has its advantages.

(I use 4+ different browsers depending on what I am doing.)

And the size of the screen makes TV watching a good experience. I was waiting for my car to be fixed this morning and watched the Sky News breakfast programme on my Note 3 (and using a bluetooth earpiece) while I was waiting at the dealer. Via Sky Go app.

(Ok so I also was using it in a mount on the way down there for the same thing which I am pretty sure is illegal.)

 

[Bexy]

You'll love it. Noticed you're in the UK, did you get it via Scan by any chance?
While you say you don't like screen protectors, I second the tempered glass protector. I have a screen protector on every device I have and a case, in fact I'm not allowed to play with my gadgets til I do, even though I'm really careful, even with case/screen protector on. I didn't have a problem with the screen protector I had on but, switched to a tempered glass one and it feels much better and slightly brighter. I'm sure what you'd get with the phone naked but, with added protection .

It's very good for web browsing. I use Chrome as I use it on my laptop and iPad so I share login details and bookmarks across the board, not to mention being able to see what tabs I have open on one device and then viewing it on another. For example I may look at something at home on the laptop, go out and want that page up on my phone, instead of searching for it, as long as the laptop did a sync before I leave, I can pull the page up very quickly on my phone . For the most part I always request the desktop site as well, rather than use mobile sites as the Note 3 can handle them, not to mention some mobile versions suck!

I don't use YouTube very often but, works great when I have. Have also just got Netflix which again works fantastically .

Camera......I think the camera on the Note 2 which I had before was better but, the Note 3 camera is good as well. When taking pictures of animals/children as someone said above the shutter noise can disturb them so I always quickly put it on vibrate from the pull down menu so it's silent. Not had much luck with fast moving animals though but, that is true for any phone and even my DSLR struggles so can't complain really lol. There's lots of modes on the camera and I do have to admit to having it set to auto. But, I am happy with the picture quality .

Usage/speed - it was fast before, with Kit Kat it's even faster. My only slow down before Kit Kat was going from the camera to the gallery, it always took at least 5 seconds but, I do have a 32GB card which has all my photos from my Note 3 on, along with photos from my Note 2, S3, S2 and probably the HTC Sensation too. Well over 10k photos haha. But with Kit Kat it's so much faster.

Edit, resized but, here's one of the pics I took of my partner's dad's dog: http://i61.tinypic.com/66gda9.png

 

[drexappeal]

One thing to note about using a browser on the Note 3. Be aware of that screen size (especially held landscape). Many web sites try and serve up their "mobile phone" version to you. With some browsers on the Note 3 you can force them to deliver the desktop version of the site instead which has its advantages.

(I use 4+ different browsers depending on what I am doing.)

And the size of the screen makes TV watching a good experience. I was waiting for my car to be fixed this morning and watched the Sky News breakfast programme on my Note 3 (and using a bluetooth earpiece) while I was waiting at the dealer. Via Sky Go app.

(Ok so I also was using it in a mount on the way down there for the same thing which I am pretty sure is illegal.)

Simon, you're quickly becoming one of my Android soul brothers on here with your comments on needing the 128gb microSD (mine keeps getting delayed) and the 4 browsers (me too).

 

[Simon_Gardner]

When taking pictures of animals/children as someone said above the shutter noise can disturb them so I always quickly put it on vibrate from the pull down menu so it's silent.

Always side load CameraMute which stops the idiot bogus shutter noise permanently.

 

[drexappeal]

Always side load CameraMute which stops the idiot bogus shutter noise permanently.

Wow, didn't realize they were forcing the sound in the UK also.

 

[OneZeoN]

Got my phone now and loving it

And yeah I bought the Note 3 from Scan for

 

[drexappeal]

Got my phone now and loving it

And yeah I bought the Note 3 from Scan for

 

[OneZeoN]

Yeah I'll spend a few hours tonight just clicking through and testing things out.

 

[clitrenta]

The medical app sounds very useful...
What app do you use..
Thanks..

It's called MyChart and it's specific to several of the large hospitals in the area (Froedtert, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, etc.). I think I ran across this when I was at the hospital. You may want to ask if yours has such a thing. I absolutely love this because I no longer have to spend hours trying to get something accomplished with them. I go on there and send either the doc or his PA a question and they usually get back to me within 24 hrs. Very little time wasted. I can also see meds and ask for new prescriptions to be issued and any number of other things. It's put out by Epic Systems which I think does many of the IT systems in Hospitals.

 

[clitrenta]

Congrats on joining the club, officially! Now that you have it, I highly suggest taking a day, just to go through all the menus/settings/etc. It'll help you familiarize yourself with all the possibilities (if anything, that's the most intimidating thing, having SO many options).

After you've done that, choosing which apps you'll actually "need" will be that much easier.

While you're doing that, download the PDF manual and read thru it and try things out. You'll never discover everything on your own. The manual is invaluable.

 

[Simon_Gardner]

Wow, didn't realize they were forcing the sound in the UK also.

Some network versions in the US allow you to turn it off and some don't. The international version also doesn't allow you to turn it off - except you can with CameraMute.

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3/782321-camera-click-begone.html

 

[drexappeal]

Some network versions in the US allow you to turn it off and some don't. The international version also doesn't allow you to turn it off - except you can with CameraMute.

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3/782321-camera-click-begone.html

Yeah, I remember ATT is one that allows it. I'm on Sprint, which was one of the first to completely prevent it from being turned off. I just didn't realized that International versions were being prevented from turning off also!

Crazy! I've been using CameraMute, since I first purchased my Motorola Photon (almost 3 years ago). What's funny is, the older version didn't work and I didn't know a revised version had been released, until recently.

 

[drexappeal]

While you're doing that, download the PDF manual and read thru it and try things out. You'll never discover everything on your own. The manual is invaluable.

To add to clitrenta's statement about the manual, one of my favorite additions on the Note 3 is the additional search bar that's in the settings menu. Initially, I didn't think that I'd use it, but it's actually an awesome way to get to a setting that you can't remember the location for. So much faster than going through each tab and scrolling through each tab.

 

[Droid_Genius]

Excellent device for your tastes. Now you won't sleep until it's delivered

 

[Gravytrain]

Always side load CameraMute which stops the idiot bogus shutter noise permanently.

Wow, I cant believe I didn't hear about this before. Thanks!!