Comments on: Galaxy Note for AT&T Review

By: Moruanyi

Moruanyi — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:25:00 +0000

I would love to have this, but too expensive hey…

By: Usman Asif

Usman Asif — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:52:00 +0000

I have an iPhone 4S. Tried the Note for two days this weekend and boy am I hooked. I was very sorry to have to give it back. I love the form factor (at 6’3″, it seems custom-made for me and vice versa). Android OS GUI puts iOS to shame and I can’t even fathom how much better ICS will be; hopefully icing on what is already a delicious cake.

I shot identical 1080p video simultaneously on my 4S and the Note (one in each hand) and viewed the recordings back-to-back on a 65″ 1080P plasma. To my eyes, Note’s was a tad better. Pictures taken with the two were identical in quality when viewed at 100% crop.

One disadvantage of the AMOLED screen is pretty evident though; it oversaturates the heck out of colors and being an amateur photographer, I really hate that and am surprised at how few of the pro reviewers have pointed that out. With the quality of pics that come from the Note’s 8MP camera, I wish I could view colors as natural as on the 4S’s retina display instead of transfering them to my PC for the same experience. Hopefully, Samsung will address this as AMOLED evolves.

The expandable memory is a huge plus for me (hate that about the 4S), as is the open platform that is Android. Nothing is locked down. I was able to transfer video recordings and pics via bluetooth from an ancient Motorla Krzr I had laying around (Krzr doesn’t do so via USB without Moto’s proprietary software that is now $50 to get, so BT was my only option). The 4S would connect to it without an issue but wouldn’t allow the transfer. The Note did it without raising an eyebrow.

I tested several magazine and news apps (Wired, CNN, USA Today, ABC News) and was blown away by how truly “tablet-like” they were to read. Can’t even dream of that on the 3.5″ screen of the 4S of course. Same with books sampled from Google Books. Emails really pop as well. Obviously a true tablet (I have the iPad 2) is much better in this regard but my 2 year old son loves it so much, I can never bring it with me while traveling on business anymore. So a Note would make for a great compromise and keep me from buying something like a Kindle Fire and carrying that plus the 4S.

I laughed when I first saw the Note 3 days ago at the AT&T store and fully expected to hate it during the trial. Boy do I have an egg on my face now. I now understand why Note has become such a worldwide runaway hit for Samsung.

All the above notwithstanding, the Note isn’t for everyone, as the author wisely points out. But for others (like me), it is perfection. Samsung is genius to recorgnize this niche and offer multiple form factors with its phones.

Surely there are a lot of people in Cupertino who are upset they didn’t think of a “phablet” first…

By: patrik69

patrik69 — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:45:00 +0000

Go back and read the first sentence.

By: Kamms

Kamms — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:10:00 +0000

How is it possible for my note 2.3.6 to upgrade in ICS 4. Please suggest.

Kamms

By: InnoviTab

InnoviTab — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:35:00 +0000

This VINCENT NGUYEN is a flat-out PAID publicist for APPLE. He just gave bias, weak and baseless judgements on the phenominal Galaxy Note while everybody including former iPhone users are in love with it. And from what I read, he heaps praises on just about every apple product he touches. So much for credibility. I AM NOW OFFICIALLY TURNED OFF FROM READING SLASHGEAR REVIEWS! PRAISE RELEASES FOR APPLE ALL THE WAY!

By: Sven Banan

Sven Banan — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Not sure about the US versions, but the international version does come with a stereo headset (with mic), of decent quality.

By: Guest

Guest — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:16:00 +0000

Discovered a hair line crack today on my White AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note SGH-I717. Took it to a corporate store and the manager told me there isn’t anything he can do about it, because it isn’t a known, reported issue. Well I am here to be the first. Hopefully this doesn’t become a common issue and there is some sort of recourse. Meanwhile I will be posting to let others be aware of this possible defect. Otherwise I really love everything about the phone.

By: Note-taker

Note-taker — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 03:15:00 +0000

I have
yet to fumble or drop the Note, normal size limbs and appendages work fine,
what paranoia and hype from the reviewer that seems resistant to new ideas, try
one in hand and see what you think, then decide. Remember the early clamshell
phones with their 2″ SOTA LCD screens? It caused quite a stir when Apple
came out with their massive 3.5″ iPhone, and it has evolved to a world of
extremes. Even typing two handed on an iPad can result in lap slides if you’re
a moron and find it odd that we publicly feel the need to define ‘too much’
like it’s a wall not a cushion. If you think it’s too big, use Bluetooth and
IRIS or give up and use both hands, I think we’re supposed to adapt. Why carry
both a phone and a tablet when with minor adjustments, you can have this cake
and eat it too gem with one device, not optimum for either, but darn close.
Think of the personal protection advantages, it’s a phone and a shield! The SGN
is probably the second (Dell Streak was first) but not the last pho-tab gapper.
As a plus for any Ford fans, this phone integrates flawlessly with 2011 Edge
Synch/MyTouch, even reads you incoming texts while driving and allows replies.
What we need is in depth reviews that discuss how well phone features integrate
with multiple/popular vehicles, I’d be a subscriber.

It’s a
dangerous world, take Notes!

By: Tc

Tc — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:51:00 +0000

Before I say what I have to say I have owned iphones and androids for about equal the amount of time and about relatively the same amount of stress on both OS’s. What you say is true but then again the “average” person is not concerned with ICS and are the least bit concerned with rooting their phone unless it’s for UNLOCKING it for another carrier. The real question boils down to Androids or Apples??? Open source or…” I need to wait another month to unlock because MY DEVICE because the OTA update gave me the latest firmware but those developers boy they’re on it:/.. or “that last itunes SYNC magically updated to the new OS!! NOOOO :( especially for t-mobile users. this really sucks. And what i like about the apple’s O’S you’re never be without updates thats for suree!! but then again that’s depending on if you’re OS even requires one. The android is simple. pop in your SD card, use it, charge it, period. No software installation. Just plug it the usb port and VOILA!!! Different strokes for different folks..Some like apple pies while others like to personally go the Bakery shop themselves to smell the aromas themselves and to see whats on the menu..But um…um..Iphones are still cool though…

By: Bigmouth

Bigmouth — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:49:00 +0000

Actually, I’m hearing the chip has FM functionality, so devs will hopefully be able to enable it eventually.

By: Bharat Garhewal

Bharat Garhewal — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:39:00 +0000

“Samsung also thinks that once we use the Note long enough we’ll get use to it. I’m afraid the jury is still out on this, though I’ll keep carrying it to see if my experience changes.”
Well, did your experience change ?
As for me,the Note was slightly on the bigger side during a fortnight or so but then it became as comfortable as any other phone.I now feel weird if I don’t feel it in my pocket !

By: Shahj77

Shahj77 — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:49:00 +0000

are you are using with international version with AT&T or T-Mobile ? Can you share that experience ? Thanks …

By: Jinesh

Jinesh — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:45:00 +0000

Similar to GS2 it is completely removed from phone. No FM Support, only internet radio.

By: Mari

Mari — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:59:00 +0000

The average person wouldn’t be complaining about the software on the device because they would be perfectly content. I have a g2x that I rooted and am overclocking it at 1.4gHz and guess what? I’m a woman who has NEVER understood these technical terms and so on. I’m a loan officer, so my profession doesn’t require that I be a techie. If you love your phone and want to get the best results, you’re going to figure out how to do these things. If not, then why is that anyone elses fault? And yes, Apple did offer to upgrade your device for you… after you paid an insane amount of money for a phone that looks pretty. Because for some reason, Apple’s hardware is so much less powerful (I’m only able to find “insane” OC speeds of 800gHz on the iPhone, whereas most android devices are aiming to come out with AT LEAST 1gHz) and all because it’s trendy. And the fact that you’d be paying someone to unlock your device is again, your own fault.

I just don’t see the “average” person taking the time to research their device and go through the trouble of knowing how to “update” their device (rooting or whatever else you want to do) and then just saying “Nope. I’m obviously just not able to do this even if a YouTube video could teach my dumbass.” If you’re a phone person, you’re going to have to find a way. At least android gives you the ability to do this. Apple does what again? Oh yeah, they charge you more for crappy outdated hardware (and now they’ll be using Intel chips in some of their devices BECAUSE they can’t keep up with their own) and make it pretty so you look like the trendy and unique person the apple logo makes you think you are.

By: Big Apple

Big Apple — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:22:00 +0000

No one should be driving and tesxing AT ANY TIME. It really pisses me off that it was said in review that the Note is too big to text while driving. No one should be texting and driving at the same time. If it is important, pull over text and wait. Nothing can be that important. Texting and driving causes accidents and at worse can kill. It is worth it. I don’t think so. As for the Note I plan to order mine tomorrow.

By: Bigmouth

Bigmouth — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:06:00 +0000

Is the FM chip gone completely like on the GS2, or is there just no radio app?

By: Jinesh

Jinesh — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:27:00 +0000

Nice review out of the Box But one thing I don’t understand that now a
days there is a trend and companies don’t provide stereo HEADSET even
with expensive phones and charges extra for that. What a height of
Greed. Also I don’t see any reason why AT&T and Samsung dropped FM
Radio receiver chip which is there in International Version. Another
example of Greed by AT&T as it wants you to use internet radio and
suck data and keep paying for it.

By: JunitoNH

JunitoNH — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:52:00 +0000

So let me get this straight, you pay all this money for a phone, especially unlock. Your recommendation to a potential buyer is to root the device. My friends, there lies the problem with Android. The “average” person is not going to go home after work or whatever and do this. Even when Apple didn’t offfer OTA updates, you could go to the store and have it done for you. I know, your a techie and do blah blah blah. Not everyone is a techie, plumber, carpenter etc. New device, new OS period.

By: CMD

CMD — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

I have had the Dell Streak for close to 2 years now (to be replaced by Note in April) I have never had an issue with the size and I have never dropped it. It amazes me how many tech reviewers must be extremely clumsy :)
The Note is just a beefed up Streak with the industry support of a large phone manufacturer.
Yes some people will think you look funny using it as a phone, but trust me, more people will just be interested in the device itself and want to know a lot more about it. I would say that 90% of the people who stopped me to take a look at the Streak said they wanted one, I am sure it will be no different with the Note. (Of course no one knew where or how to buy a Streak, or even that Dell made phones, but the Note is actually in stores!)

By: CMD

CMD — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

By: CMD

CMD — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

By: CMD

CMD — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

By: Billy

Billy — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:41:00 +0000

I have used the international version since December and it is hands down the best smartphone I have had to date. A slim $10 TPU case makes it totally gribble without adding bulk, and it slides in and out of my pocket with ease. I use Evernote on it to easily review and share documents and notes and nothing can compete with the convenience the Note affords me compared to hauling around a tablet. The navigation is absolutely the best and quickest I’ve seen, including Garmin and TomTom. I regularly get 14 satellites because the Note uses the Russian and US gps systems, and the lock time is incredible. I always dock the Note in my car using a $20 cupholder dock and I can see everything on the screen without touching it. Battery life is excellent, and I rarely find the need to swap out the stock battery for the $10 Chinese batteries I got from Ebay. Everyone I meet, including Iphone folks, are stunned by the video display and camera quality; I routinely stream movies from the Note to a 50in 1080p big screen using a $20 hdmi connector. I can now review and add calendar, quick notes, and email without the need for reading glasses or eye strain. The S-pen is a decent amenity, but I find Vocal Note to be my application of choice when it comes to quick notes and reminders. Even then, the keyboard is so damn good (and large) that I use it instead of the very accurate voice option to take notes. In fact, with a recent update, you can now configure the Note to shift the keyboard to the right or the left–depending upon your orientation–so that you can easily do one handed texting and data input. In other words, the keyboard shift makes the keys just as easy to use a they are on a HTC Evo or perhaps the Iphone.

But the truly big secret about the Note is that the more you use it, the better and easier it is to handle. This its why quick reviews are absolutely worthless when it comes to portability. Even an initial handling of the Note in a store just won’t suffice! Most likely, when you first get a Note you’ll feel that it’s size is daunting. But don’t worry, after a few days handling the Note becomes 2nd nature. And one thing is guaranteed: Once you go big, you will never want to go back!

By: Billy

Billy — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:41:00 +0000

By: Billy

Billy — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:41:00 +0000

By: Billy

Billy — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:41:00 +0000

By: average sized person

average sized person — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:31:00 +0000

forgot something about the one hand texting thing,..here’s a little secret but don’t tell anyone……….there is an option to just talk to the note and it will convert it into text!!!!

By: average sized person

average sized person — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:50:00 +0000

I have mine since December (European version) ,..till so far no drops yet,.the only thing I dropped are the tears of laughing when I read the reviewers comments about it’s too large for their hands. Makes me wonder “these guys with small hands must have small peni,..I mean phones” .. and yes I have big hands,.it’s true ” large hands = big phone”:P
But now a serious note ..The only negative thing I could find is that the screen protector cover already starts to fall apart. Other than that it’s a great device!! and o yeah the “20% ” when I can not use it it’s because my girlfriend is using it instead of her iphone because according to her the big screen is more pleasant to look at and it’s easier to hold than the 10 inch tablet,..(she has small hands btw)

By: ph00ny

ph00ny — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:58:00 +0000

I’m not quite as big as you (only 6’2″ asian) but Note is money. Not only do i carry one device instead of two (SGSII/10.1 and SGSII/ipad prior to that), size is just right and the battery life is ridiculous. Screen is gorgeous and sharper than the SGSII it replaced.

I actually got the verizon LTE version of the GNex in january after the note and i just couldn’t get used to the size of the GNex. It honestly was very underwhelming. In fact, my note returned to duty as my primary devices shortly after.

By: ph00ny

ph00ny — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:55:00 +0000

you should read BGR’s review on the note. It’s flat out hilarious

By: ph00ny

ph00ny — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:54:00 +0000

Same reason why verizon iphone is on a different ios version than at&t

Different hardware = different updates

By: ph00ny

ph00ny — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:52:00 +0000

… and they installed vlingo on all of their new devices to allow voice commands (had it on my SGSII as well). Which btw works exceptionally well

By: ph00ny

ph00ny — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:46:00 +0000

I’m sure you will enjoy it. Not sure how the snapdragon version will fare but LTE will more than make up for it. I’ve had mine since november and i actually got myself a nexus on verizon to replace my bb and i still use the note as my primary devices

By: ATP 10035

ATP 10035 — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:21:00 +0000

Totally same case, had nothing but all apple products but they all up for caution on EBay soon and I firmly tink I will never buy another apple products, too bad they losing their long loved royal customers, I knew wen GSII hit the market the game was over all apple can do is controlling media and sue Samsung but people know what showing on and this stupid writer should be sameness idiot we will remember. So long apple and I will only read tech blog with engaget.

By: Juan Gallardo

Juan Gallardo — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:48:00 +0000

I wholeheartedly disagree with the reviewer. Must have small hands. This a perfect phone for people who are tired of squinting at a smaller screen. Additionally my eyes are strained from trying to use the iphone for videos much less reading. As long it’s not the “brick” of yesteryear, the screen size is much welcome for me.

By: Juan Gallardo

Juan Gallardo — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:48:00 +0000

By: Rudy_Rotten_Crotch

Rudy_Rotten_Crotch — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:03:00 +0000

I believe this may be the case with Apple as well. I truly believe they are scared of this product. Take me for example. Lifelong Iphone user, from the very first one, up until the 4. I get my Note delivered to my door tomorrow afternoon, and already have my Iphone sold for pickup at 6pm. Never to touch an Apple product again. I mentioned in an earlier post that everyone has different styles. I do text with one hand, and guess what, texting on the Note one handed was a hundred times easier than on my Iphone.

I’ve read a lot of “reviewers” saying they’d feel stupid holding it up to their ear, but the good, unbiased ones, say that when they hold it up to their ears, people come over and clammer over the phone, wanting to see it, hold it…. they’re amazed. I for one can’t wait to talk on it in public and see the response I get from people. My gut tells me the only giggles will be from people who wish they had one and are jealous, or, of course from Apple fan boys.

So yeah, I wouldn’t put it beyond Apple to be afraid of this phone, and turn words in people’s ear while filling their pockets with coin. This phone, and phones like it, could be an Iphone killer unless Apple does some serious rethinking about what the general public wants

By: Newrevolutionpress

Newrevolutionpress — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:08:00 +0000

I swear someone at Apple is paying so-called “professional reviewers” to write myopic, retarded crap about the Galaxy Note. I’ve never seen so many stupid, wrong opinions about a phenomenal product in my life. First of all, I have NEVER typed on any mobile device with “1″ hand, for all kinds of reasons. Secondly, here is another unbelievably shallow reviewer talking about their concerns for “how they look” talking on the phone. WTF?! Get over it! Who the $%&*(@! cares!!! It’s about functionality, purpose, and form; and this phone is going to kick some serious market-share ass!

By: Star Log

Star Log — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:15:00 +0000

I diagree with the author, the size is not a problem, using a BT headset is common. Put the phone in a pocket or belt case. I have a Galaxy Tablet 7″, use it on AT&T cell as a phone, works great. This is the perfect bridge towards a tablet with cell capabilities. WHO wants to carry TWO devices, i.e. a iPAD, and iPHONE. Very DUMB. Just get one device with both acapbilities. Hoora for Samsung moving in this direction.

By: Ricardo G.

Ricardo G. — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:33:00 +0000

I can use this phone easily with one hand and i love it!