Confusion

flynnboy

I have been thinking about getting a 'smart' phone and now I look into it I am becoming confused because I find 'Androids' 'Tablets' 'Apple' devices andmasybe there are more?

Can anyone be bothered to try and explain what the differences are ?

I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

Tom Dunne

Tablet = big (8 - 10 inches)

Phone = small (fit into your pocket, 5 inches or less)


Identical functionality otherwise. My Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 can make phonecalls. Holding a 10 inch tablet to your ear is rather comical.

flynnboy

OK Tom, that's great, so that rules out a 'Tablet'....... so are the options simply between rival manufacturers of phoners rather than anything more fundamental ?

Tom Dunne

flynnboy wrote: »

so are the options simply between rival manufacturers of phoners rather than anything more fundamental ?

To an extent, yes.

Apple use iOS, which I personally consider more user friendly and restrictive.

With Android phones, the software is more open, so in theory you can do cooler things with it. Also, size and screen type (clarity, density, etc.) sometimes differentiate.

In terms of basic functionality, they are all pretty much identical.

In my own case, I bought the Galaxy Note 10.1 because (a) it has a pen that allows you to draw and write (in handwriting) on it and (b) I can remote control both the TV and my XBMC media center with it. Plus it can do all the other things all the other tablets and phones can do.

pedatron

flynnboy wrote: »

OK Tom, that's great, so that rules out a 'Tablet'....... so are the options simply between rival manufacturers of phoners rather than anything more fundamental ?

Figure out what you need in a phone. Do you need an amazing camera, huge screen or things like that? Figure out what you have to spend and try and get the best bang for your buck. What network supplier are you on? You'll more than likely have to change your tariff to allow you to use your phone features fully .

flynnboy

WEll Pedatron, this brings me on to another fundamental issue which might mean all of my questuions are academic..... my 'connection' ?

Where we are in NW Donegal our Broadband is pathetic. It is slow, very slow, so slow I am not able even to download the shortest of UTube vids. Now, I don't know how smart phones work or connect.... ?? If it is the same as my computer then I guess I will be wasting my money. My computer connects with an o2 dongle and I have no other alternatives, I've looked into them all.

So does this mean a smart phone will be a non-starter ? Wi-Fi.... forget it.

Thanks for your advice

PrzemoF

You'd think about getting a wifi/3G router with external (maybe directional) antenna if the reception is really poor.

flynnboy

So, getting one and having it work is not out of the question then ? If a router is feasible does that make it more expensive somehow ?

advertsfox

flynnboy wrote: »

So, getting one and having it work is not out of the question then ? If a router is feasible does that make it more expensive somehow ?

Unless you have an adaquate internet connection, a smartphone is not feasable. You can get a Mi-Fi router that takes your USB Dongle and converts it into a normal Wi-Fi signal but it's still completely dependant on the quality of the 3G signal - which you say is poor.

Before you make the jump, put some money into trying to find a fixed wireless or satallite provider for internet access and then it will be worth getting a smart phone.