I am more interested in a consumer electronics man. Still, I could not imagine a long time to spend four or five hundred euros for a mobile phone that must fall off only once and then is broken. My "compromise solution" since May 2011 was the Samsung Galaxy Ace, at the me but the little internal memory and the lack of Flash compatibility disturbed.
For me rethinking end of April 2012 brought a generously sized Amazon gift voucher as well as the announcement of the new Galaxy S3. However, I chose the Galaxy Note. After all, why "pay display when the score of 5.3 for 425" to 600 euros for a device with 4.8-inch screen is? The technical and functional innovations in S3 seemed not worth the extra cost.
Amazon afforded the usual touch quickly and I was thrilled in every way, to me in the darkened living room noticed the evening a pixel error in the center of the display. For a device that still has an official retail price of 699 euros, which must not really be ?! I called the very friendly and easily accessible Amazon Hotline. After consulting with her boss, the employee had to tell me that a single pixel errors still lie within the tolerance range and no shortage performing. Therefore, no exchange is possible only - as on every order - a return on my part and the refund of the purchase price. Return and refund (credit on the voucher account) folded easily. However, the brief acquaintance had with the music already causes that I in no way wanted to again be satisfied with my Galaxy Ace.
Again order from Amazon but I did not want too. So I went to the local "Soo! Must technology" business, where the music should cost 434 Euro. When I pointed out that the price according to the website amounts to 425 euros, the price tag was changed immediately and I got the note at the lower price.
This time, no pixel errors !!! Therefore - according to the date of manufacture of the battery - a considerably newer machine (in March 2012 compared with November 2011. Amazon). The Android version was played up 2.3.6. An update on the few days later asked by Samsung ICS 4.0.3 went smoothly and directly via WLAN, without Samsung's KIES software. The problems often described with the battery performance I did not then. On Friday, 13.07.2012, I have updated to 4.0.4. This time I had to install KIES however only. OTA was the update for me (yet?) Available. With the latest firmware the score runs super smooth and without any problem.
I'm commuters and use the touch mainly traveling on the train as music and video player. But I have installed a 64 GB microSD card, which is now filled to about 60%. Together with a good set of headphones or the Logitech Mini BoomBox has a great mobile stereo system. When I have the envelope Blumax leather case. The bears on little and reliable protection.
All apps I passed only on the internal memory of the note, so there are no problems when replacing the memory card. Space is indeed enough available!
The integrated pen the note I need rare. But he is a nice gag (you can write memos as before "by hand" and put on the display) and was quite an additional selling point for me.
The music is an excellent navigation system with a fast and accurate GPS positioning. Even reading e-books and e-papers on the large display makes fun. Of course you can see on a 7 "screen all over again bigger and better. But I wanted a device that is suitable for everyday use and with which can make calls without Head Set. The music fits into your pocket and also in the back pocket of jeans. My original idea to keep the Galaxy Ace as a "leisure mobile phone", I soon abandoned. The music is always with you. And that Ace now has my son.
Is there something to criticize the touch? Not really. It falls on. Man is asked about it. But with the current trend to XXL-Phones will this place soon.
The question remains: I'm going to buy even the score 2? Probably yes. But not immediately after publication, but only if the value for money is good. The still slightly larger screen at probably almost identical external dimensions is an argument. On the other hand, I like the new, Apple's allegations of plagiarism statement supporting, curved Samsung design is not as good as the clean lines of the Ace and the note. But we wait and see. Currently I am using the touch in any case fully satisfied.
Addendum of 27/07/2012:
For the music, another software update has been released (from 4.0.4 to 4.0.4 XXLRG XXLRK), the time does not change the Android version, but concerns Samsung's own firmware. It aims to improve the performance and the score gets an optimized keyboard. The update worked for me only about gravel. During the upgrade KIES lost contact with my touch and asked me to disconnect the USB cable and remove the battery from the device. While I was pondering whether I should really do this, the score went down automatically and rebooted. After installing the second attempt worked.
However, in the course of the update also six programs are forcibly uploaded. HRS Hotels, Hugendubel, kaufDA Navigator, Lieferheld and myTaxi appear under Settings / Applications as "installed" apps, you can therefore delete them. When updating the Galaxy Ace in GB 2.3.6 the HRS app was a forced update that could not be removed without root privileges. Samsung has therefore learned something. It finances its updates via the installation of so-called bloatware, but the user leaves at least the decision on which of the apps he wants to keep.
That playbooks can not be removed as also newly played app without root, should be explained by the fact that it is an original Google application that will in future probably be found on all Android devices.
Addendum of 07/09/2012:
Samsung has once again provided an update to the note (from 4.0.4 to 4.0.4 XXLRK XXLRQ), with which the user interface is largely adapted to the Galaxy S3. The update is worthwhile, however, then all individually added homescreen app shortcuts and widgets need to be reinstalled.
An update to Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) is fixed for the end of the year promised. This update policy can be very positive from a customer perspective, but also smart from Samsung. Although some customers will thus later buy a new device, but it is more likely to back one of Samsung.
