How Does the Samsung Galaxy Note Compare with a Tablet?
Much lip service was paid to the release of Samsung’s latest Galaxy model, the Note. While many argued it was an unsightly crossbreed between a tablet and a mobile phone, those many were missing the specific point Samsung were trying to make. According to company representatives, as well as numerous customers who actually purchased the device, the Galaxy Note does not attempt to replicate a tablet, but to emulate one, in a smaller design version. Since we were eager to test this starting point, we compared the Note with a generic tablet, a model that does not exist, but would be a happy medium between Android tablets and the iPad. Curious to see how the Galaxy Note holds up? Read on, to learn our conclusions with respect to the devices’ build, design, display and productivity.
Design
There is not much difference between the Galaxy Note and a portable tablet when it comes to build and design. As a matter of fact, they are greatly similar: the main feature is the prominent touch screen, while there isn’t much to say about the buttons. Both have headphone jacks, apertures for the camera, a power button and a port for inserting the charge and sync jack. And that’s about it. Then, the real question boils down to efficiency in terms of portability. While some will choose to walk around with nothing but a cell phone at hand, others will be more comfortable with carrying a larger bag that can accommodate a portable tablet. Conversely, when it comes to comfort and usability, it’s also a matter of taste. Some will prefer to use a device that can be easily manipulated with only one hand, i.e., a mobile phone, while others like the comparative comfort of setting their device down on a table or any other plane surface, which is specific of the tablet. Whatever you prefer, do remember that both types of items are genuine thief magnets and are best secured through Mobile insurance.
Display Size
Were we to take matters at face value, there is no way the five-inch screen on the Galaxy Note can even begin to be compared with the ten-inch screen of a portable tablet. However, the point worth taking into account here is that this is the first ever smart phone whose display is large enough to even be considered a competitor to the tablet. Yes, you can watch videos in relative comfort off the Galaxy Note, and the amount of time you’ll spend squinting is relatively low, in comparison with other smart phones. However, nothing has yet to match up to the display prowess of the tablet, which is why those who prefer visual comfort are best advised to opt for the tablet.
Productivity
While the Galaxy Note is a worth competitor for any tablet with respect to portability, performance and communication, and even ranks well in matters of entertainment, there is no way it can compare with any tablet in terms of productivity. Yes, it does come equipped with its own productivity tool, but it is a relatively poor one by comparison to Docs to Go and other iWork applications. And yet again, we return to the issue of size: there is just no comparing the screen size on the two devices.
Important Things You Should Take Note of When Buying Mobile Phones
If you are one of those people who’s been living under a rock and is only just beginning to discover the joy and magic of using mobile phones, buying your own phone model can be quite a daunting experience, especially with the wide plethora of choices that can easily overwhelm even the best among us. Below is a list of some of the important things that you should take note of when you go out to buy mobile phones.
First of all, carefully consider your own lifestyle and needs when buying a phone. Older people who only want a phone in order to communicate with colleagues are more suited with basic phone models with call and text features, minus all of the other add-ons such as music players and cameras; while businessmen will usually prefer phones with advanced security and privacy options, plus those with a stable internet connection. Accurately identifying your personal needs will help you narrow down your choices and help you choose the phone that is right for you.
Next consider the amount that you are willing to spend on your phone. High-end smartphones that combine the features of a personal computer with the compact size of a mobile phone will naturally cost more than basic call and text phones, and mobiles with popular brands such as Apple and Samsung are more likely to put a dent on your savings if compared to smaller phone companies.
Lastly, always remember to buy your mobile phones from reliable sellers and stores to prevent being victimized by scammers.
Five Great Money Saving Apps For Your Iphone:
Top Table Restaurant Finding App:If you can’t live without dining out, but are finding all those expensive meals are harder to afford in the current economic climate then you will love this restaurant finding app for your iphone. Top Table not only gives you access to every local restaurant in your city, but it also gives you a rundown of all the best special offers and deals available on the day you want to eat out. The app is free to download and its database of restaurants is massive, meaning you can normally find a great selection no matter where you are in the world.
iXpenselt App:Being able to save your money isn’t just about looking out for good deals. It is also about keeping a close eye on how much you spend day to day, week to week, to ensure that you don’t overspend and get yourself in debt before the end of the month. With an app such as iXpenselt, which charges a nominal fee all of your expenses will be recorded the moment you make them, something which is perfect for business users in addition to those people hoping to just watch the pennies. In addition you are also able to keep all of your receipts on the phone using the in-built camera.
Red Laser App: This ingenious little iphone app basically allows you to turn your iphone into a barcode scanner similar to those you see in supermarkets and retail stores. What this enables you to do is use your phone whilst you shop so you can record the price of the goods you are looking at and then simultaneously go online to check the price and see if you can buy it cheaper online. A brilliant way to save money and free to download.
Voucher Cloud App: Voucher Cloud is a wonderful little free app that allows you to use GPS to both ascertain your location (if you are lost or in a new city or something) and then work out what offers there are in shops and retail outlets near to your location. It covers deals, codes and vouchers for both your local area and nationwide and can save you a small fortune every week on your purchases.
Petrol Prices Pro App: In the current economic climate with petrol prices going through the roof, this app is especially important to the prudent, money saving driver. This app allows you to work out where your nearest petrol stations are and how much they charge for petrol. The combination of these two stats means you get to work out the cheapest petrol in your area taking into account distance as well as price.
Esther is a financial journalist and blogger. She writes about all areas of personal finance from mortgages to credit cards to tax reduction.
Will Your Next Mobile Phone Have Google Wallet?
Google is indeed retaining its supreme reign when it comes to reinventing ways people pay for services and goods. Google Wallet is the proof for this. Google Wallet allows consumers to use virtual credit card information that is stored on a smartphone to pay for services and products. This works by tapping a smartphone against special readers such as PayPass and MasterCard sellers usually installed in their point-of-sale terminals. Here is a list of the benefits of having Google Wallet on your smartphone.
It is better than the plastic credit card. Google Wallet requires a personal identification number (PIN) and automatically locks if it is entered wrong on the fifth time. Meanwhile, if you lose a credit card, the thief can still use it to buy things.- Special offers can be redeemed in an instant. Participating stores use Google Wallet to provide special deals via Google Offers. The app will not charge any transaction fees but it will earn money via advertisements.
- Spending can be tracked with ease. The service keeps record of all your expenses and you can check this from the app any time you want.
- The prepaid card can be used to prevent credit card interest and to control spending. Google Wallet allows you to limit your expenses.
- You do not need to buy a new smartphone. Many models are already equipped with NFC technology but if your phone does not have it yet, you can retrofit it to have contactless payment technology.
Google Wallet also has its fair share of disadvantages. Since it is in the early stages of release, only Citibank MasterCard and Google Prepaid Card are available as the virtual credit cards. If your phlebotomist training store is a partner of the app, you still need to upgrade your point-of-sale at a cost. Subway, Walgreens, Toys R Us and Macy’s are some of the stores that have already supported the app. To add to that, Google Wallet app is only available on Sprint Nexus S 4G.
The search engine giant’s new app does a lot of things and it’s changing the way people buy and sell items in several place already. Google is planning to expand the places where Google Wallet can be used in the near future. Who would have thought that the idea of using the phone to make purchases and make payments would materialize in this time? On top of that, a paperless transaction is a big help to the environment as well, and so Google Wallet is a very promising application. Who knows the next set of smartphones slated to be introduced in the coming year might likely have Google Wallet.
Pros and Cons of Android Devices
Consumers are undeniably having a hard time selecting between Android devices and other famous smartphone providers like Blackberry or iPhone. This is probably because many people do not have sufficient background on each smartphone model and they can see these as one and the same, bearing only different names. Learning the advantages and disadvantages of having Android devices could help if buying one is really a worthy investment.
The Pros:
- Almost all Android models possess removable batteries that allow users to buy extra batteries or swap these out. They also accept SD cards to expand storage and some models also offer physical keyboards.
- You can run a number of various apps all at once on Android. It also has great integration with the apps from Google.
- Downloading and installing non-market apps on Android is simple and easy. One does not have to go through the process of getting approvals for competing phones.
- Android has multiple word-completion options. It also offers seven pages for the home screen.
- The market for Android accessories is huge.
- You can use Android devices to check your mails, browse the net and it can also become an e-reader.
- Android devices provide Bluetooth and USB services that let users connect their phone to their computer.
- Android devices are also Wi-Fi capable so you no longer need to carry your laptop around just to surf the Internet.
The Cons:
- Many Android models have relatively smaller screens than iPhone and not all models have physical keyboards.
- Android models only have 3.0MP camera that does not capture very good pictures.
- You still need to install a syncing app or sync your computer and Android device manually because there is no automatic sync between the computer and the device.
- There are also numerous apps in the market for competitors such as the Apple Online Store.
- Some Android models have limited speeds which may cause typing delays.
- You may also experience some difficulties in searching for the right accessories for your phone model because there are several phones running on Android platform.
- Data on Android devices may cost more.
- Many people select devices operating on Android just to be able to jump into the bandwagon without really knowing the details about the devices and operating systems.
- You may experience a hard time getting yourself familiar with using the device.
- Google could possibly collect more data from you when you use an Android mobile device.