Due to updates I have tailored my review so readers can quickly spot what info/section will be most helpfull to them:
Section I: General Information (22 Nov 2011)
Section II: Some accessories: Chargers and Cases (24 Dec 2011)
Section III: Data for T-Mobile Users (14 Jan 2012)
Section IV: Some other 5" Minitab phones (28 Feb 2012).
Section V: Tidbits (07 Mar 2012)
***** Section I: General Information (22 Nov 2011) *****
I have had my Galaxy Note for over a week now and have completely deserted my Nexus S. Concerns about size or whether it will fit in my pocket are long gone. Any sense of what people may think when I hold it to my ear have completely disappeared and I hardly get any weird looks from anyone anyway except to ask to see the device and marvel over it.
Pros: (Updated 3/21/12)
- Fantastic specs.
- Beautiful to behold.
- Fast, fast, fast (1.4GHz Dual Core Processor).
- 5.3" HD Super AMOLED screen makes every thing easier to do and beautiful to look at.
- Ideal phone for those who mostly text/chat/email/web but need to have phone capabilities handy (I use the
Motorola HX550 Universal Bluetooth Headset, Black which allows me to talk and still do stuff on the Note).
- Excellent Battery life of 20 to 40 hrs (I recommend you first get a baseline of the battery life before you add too many apps. Watch especially the widgets you add, I have found a couple to be battery drainers).
- Movies and pictures looks brilliant. As to be expected, movies will drain your battery faster.
- Apps are more functional and a lot of fun to use.
- A dream come true for frequent travelers as it will definitely reduce the number of devices you carry on trips. For example, I don't even travel with my kindle anymore as the kindle app is easy to read on the Note.
- S pen (S Memo): Comes in handy for jotting down quick notes and lists. You can also share these notes via your favorite messaging app. A few days ago, I lost my s-pen; cost $30 to replace :(
Samsung ET-S100EBEGSTA Stylus Pen for Galaxy Note with Samsung SGH-i717 - Data Cable - Retail Packaging - BlackCons: (Updated 12/31/11)
- May not be ideal for those that spend the majority of their time talking especially because of its size. The advantage of the device is when you interact with it.
- Only edge (2g) for T-mobile USA users. This may not be an issue if you spend the majority of your time in fast wifi environments. (See section III of the review for some information of data speeds).
- It does feel fragile and I fear dropping it.
- Web browsing hugs battery life. For example, visiting several web pages over a 10 min span reduced my battery life by 4 to 5%. My usual web use on an average day is about 30 minutes so I don't feel the drain that much (see comments for more details). Also, using the Note as a GPS with google maps is a big battery drain - be sure to use a good car charger when you do GPS over long distances.
Conclusion:
The Galaxy Note is a beautiful device in all ways and a big brother to the successful SGS2. It now tops the small class of similar devices started by the Dell Streak (See Section IV for a list of some other 5" devices). These devices in the 5 to 6 inch category are not your classic smartphones or tablets so don't try to pigeon hole them into one of these extremes. You have to view the Note as we did the SUVs when they first came out. The Note is a perfect fit for those who mostly text/chat/email/web and want phone calling capability. It is also a dream come true for travelers as it will definitely help reduce the number of devices you carry on trips. It has quickly become my #1 device.
***** Section II: Some accessories: Chargers and Cases (24 Dec 2011) *****
Accessories:
** Phone Charger **:
My phone came with a British 3-prong charger (Output 5V/1A) which I have since replaced as it is bulky and requires a US adapter. If you are looking for an American (US) style charger you can try one of these, all of which I have, and match exactly the 5V/1A output of the original charger:
* Samsung USB Travel Adapter (ETAOU80JBE): (Updated 4 May 2012)
Samsung OEM 1.0A Original Home Wall AC Travel Charger Adapter + USB 2.0 Data Sync Connect Transfer Charge CableAmazon now carries an original OEM adapter that works perfectly with the Note - yay!!!. It costs about $8, much cheaper than the 15 bucks I bought mine before it became listed on Amazon.
*
PowerGen 1000mA Heavy Duty USB Charger & USB Cable for Apple iPhone 4 4s / iPhone 3Gs 3G:
The PowerGen cost me $6. Surprisingly the one with the regular USB micro cable costs $8
PowerGen 1000mA Heavy Duty USB Charger & Micro USB Cablefor Sprint EVO Shift 4G / Sprint EVO 4G. I don't need the extra USB cable so got the one with the iphone cable for $6 and gave the cable to my son. This cube shaped charger has a similar feel and size to the Samsung charger above at less than half the price. I have not had any problems with it.
*
Power Bug & Cable -ipod/iphoneThe Power Bug charger costs about $9. It is a bit bulkier that the other two above and has a glowing blue light around the usb port that some may find annoying. Other than that it is made by Phillips (a well known brand) and the outlet prongs fold in.
I use all three chargers - one at home, one in the office, and one in my travel bag and have not had any issues with any of them.
** Inexpensive Cases **
There are several expensive case for the Note for around $40, however, if you are looking for something inexpensive but decent until the prices drop or want to try a range of product types before settling on a final expensive one, here are some inexpensive alternatives to try:
* The Dynex DX-PC502 is a soft pouch case that measures 4x6 inches which is made for 2.5" hard drive. The Note fits nicely in this case. I got this on sale for about $5. It has a flap covering with velcro to secure it. It has a net pocket on the back that you can put a few light accessories. I personally use this when I am going through security at the airport. This was my first purchase as a case protector. You may find this pouch helpful if you carry your note in a shoulder bag or purse but I would not recommend it if you carry your note in you pocket. There's also a hard case variety but it is a bit too bulky IMO.
* I also have a slim hard case for the Dell Streak Black Dell PU Leather case cover for Dell Streak Mini 5. This Streak case nicely fits the Galaxy Note. It is well constructed and looks very decent for $13 total (far less expensive than the $35 to $40 cases currently out there). It will also take your Note with a gel covering. However, be aware that the case does have a small Dell logo on it (hard to see unless you are up close). I have a small name tag which I have now stuck over the Dell logo and the case looks really nice. Be aware that this case does not have a belt clip/loop. I use this case as a protector when I stick the Note in my back pocket. I get a sense of added comfort not thinking I'm putting stress on the phone when I sit down.
* I recently purchase a gel cover for $7
Black S-Line Soft TPU Gel Case Cover For Samsung Galaxy Note / i9220 GT-N7000. It does take away some of the beauty of the phone (as any gel cover will do IMO, but I get a bit more comfort that my Note is more protected from drops.
For now, both the gel cover and the slim hard case meet my needs to protect my Note. I use the dynex soft pouch more to store my accessories (charger, cables, etc.).
***** Section III: Data for T-Mobile Users (14 Jan 2012) *****
This is some info for those that want the Note but have to stay on T-Mobile and can't switch to AT&T. I have collected some data speeds around my area (I am sure this will vary from area to area). I am fortunate that T-mobile is testing 3g/H+ on their 1900MHz band in my area (around Oxford Valley Mall, Fairless Hills PA) but not my home :(.
Here's the data I collected:
TYPE ... PLACE ..... PING ..... DOWNLOAD ...... UPLOAD
Edge ... Home ...... [385 ms] .. [199 kbps] .... [195 kbps]
3g ...... Town ...... [50 ms] ... [2,009 kbps] .. [1,108 kbps]
H+ ...... Town ...... [119 ms] .. [5,866 kbps] .. [1,240 kbps]
WiFi .... Home ...... [36 ms] ... [19,658 kbps] . [11,237 kbps]
As you can see, Edge is pretty slow. Since, I am with WiFi 95% of the time (at home and in the office) I do not feel the disadvantages of Edge that much and I do get 3g/H+ in some areas when I am in town. So IMO if you are around fast wifi the majority of the time, and have to stay on T-mobile, the Note is still a great phone to have. For those that want additional info on the areas that t-mobile is testing 3g/H+ on the 1900MHz band used by the Galaxy Note, please see Howard Forums under the T-mobile section "Post here if you have noticed 1900MHz 3G on an iPhone or other device".
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