Any opinions on running chrome versus stock android browser?

10/1/2012 4:21:56 PM

Chrome has private browsing (not really sure what that does on mobile) and sync's bookmarks with other mobile devices and your desktop bookmarks if you choose to. I find syncing bookmarks very handy.

10/1/2012 4:27:17 PM

Chrome also has the zoom-in bubble on links if it's not sure which link you tapped so you can confirm-tap the correct link.

I really wish Chrome could go full-screen or at least hide the address bar, though.

10/2/2012 9:47:16 AM

Quote :

"I really wish Chrome could go full-screen or at least hide the address bar, though."

I love that option on the stock browser. I actually don't browse the web enough on my phone to make chrome's synced bookmarks that handy. I can always open up chrome if I wanna use them, but I like the stock browser so I default to that.

10/2/2012 11:25:16 AM

So I installed a Cm10 nightly on my Verizon GS3 last week and was going to upgrade to the newest one last night. Before doing it, I checked to see how to backup my settings/apps/etc. They recommended not restoring a backup from TB because it might cause problems. Do people really set their phone back up every night/week when doing these? Is there another way to do it that isn't a complete PITA?

10/2/2012 12:32:59 PM

Once you install a CM build you don't reflash each time. You just "upgrade". Which doesn't remove any settings. Just like doing a stock upgrade. So you only have to do it the first time.

10/2/2012 12:42:12 PM

With the nightlies, I just install from zip with CWM (don't delete cache, etc) and then repeat for the gapps-jb package. I don't know if the gapps part is necessary anymore with JB, but had to do that with the ICS nightlies. I suppose you could also just use RomManager, but I like it old school.

10/2/2012 6:02:29 PM

Quote :

"Chrome has private browsing (not really sure what that does on mobile) and sync's bookmarks with other mobile devices and your desktop bookmarks if you choose to. I find syncing bookmarks very handy."

I am using the stock Android browser on my Evo LTE and Chrome on my laptop, and the bookmarks sync perfectly. There is a dropdown in the mobile browser that lets you select this option:

10/2/2012 7:44:54 PM

Quote :

"Once you install a CM build you don't reflash each time. You just "upgrade". Which doesn't remove any settings. Just like doing a stock upgrade. So you only have to do it the first time."

Thanks. Just updated and worked great.

Quote :

"I don't know if the gapps part is necessary anymore with JB, but had to do that with the ICS nightlies. "

Nope, it's not necessary any more apparently.

*edit* sweet. They've added the OTA upgrades for CM10 nightlies now. That'll be nice.

[Edited on October 2, 2012 at 10:20 PM. Reason : .]

10/2/2012 10:18:18 PM

Quote :

"I am using the stock Android browser on my Evo LTE and Chrome on my laptop, and the bookmarks sync perfectly. There is a dropdown in the mobile browser that lets you select this option:"

Does it sync active tabs? That's why I like Chrome. I have open tabs on my home desktop, my work computer, and my server. I can see all three sets of open tabs on Chrome on my S3. Not just bookmarks. This is awesome because if I'm looking up a recipe or something and leave my apartment I can just bring up that tab on my phone that's open on my computer.

10/4/2012 12:36:37 PM

It doesn't sync active tabs

10/5/2012 11:57:14 AM

That's what I've found to be the most useful.

10/5/2012 11:57:29 AM

Quote :

"I am using the stock Android browser on my Evo LTE and Chrome on my laptop, and the bookmarks sync perfectly. There is a dropdown in the mobile browser that lets you select this option:"

Freaking beautiful, thanks dude.

10/5/2012 2:15:29 PM

So I had a bad android experience back with the HTC Thunderbolt. Not so much the fault of android as an os but the battery was pure donkey shit, seemed generally buggy (had to restart/do more battery pulls than I thought should be necessary), loaded with bloatware, and there wasn't Mac sync capabilities.

I haven't paid too much attention to android devices but the GS3 looks impressive and I don't know if I can justify dropping the money on the iPhone 5 over my 4. Are the issues I listed with my thunderbolt addressed now? Mainly the battery life and ability to sync with Mac (seriously, how do you not have osx capable software these days?).

10/7/2012 10:53:48 AM

What do you mean by sync?

10/7/2012 12:02:21 PM

Whatever the software that came with the phone to sync your contacts, music, photos, etc

I believe it was called HTC Sync. Whatever it was they only made a windows version and I add to do the rest using third party software. I like being able to just plug in my iPhone and that is taken care of, I assume it is that easy on a pc with an android device.

10/7/2012 1:44:34 PM

Doesn't that just happen when you connect your accounts?

I thought you only physically connect to move files

10/7/2012 1:48:48 PM

Splash Top 2 is pretty good stuff. I am probably late to this but whatev.

10/7/2012 7:43:26 PM

Quote :

"Doesn't that just happen when you connect your accounts? I thought you only physically connect to move files"

Exactly you should never have to connect your phone to your computer unless you're moving large media files. Even then you really don't have to. Music can be done over the cloud. Contacts should never be "moved" from a computer to a phone. Contacts, calendar, etc are all synced to an account (gmail, exchange, etc). You log into your account on the phone and everything is synced. Even when I did have an iPhone I don't think I ever synced it with iTunes unless I was moving music from my computer to the phone.

[Edited on October 7, 2012 at 10:04 PM. Reason : s]

10/7/2012 10:03:53 PM

want

10/8/2012 8:10:16 AM

^ The multi-window feature is pretty nifty. Wonder if Samsung will ever bring that to the GSIII.

Quote :

"Splash Top 2 is pretty good stuff. I am probably late to this but whatev."

Been using the original Splashtop for a while now. Installed Splashtop 2 HD last night and looks good. Doubt I'll pay the $9.99/year for accessing computers not on your local network though.

http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/7/3469348/motorola-mobility-webtop-lapdock-phase-out

And surprised they didn't scrap it sooner.

10/8/2012 8:45:55 AM

Yeah, I am not either, I don't have a practical use for using it off my network, but I do like the pinch-zooming.

10/8/2012 11:22:47 AM

So I bought a Galaxy Nexus on ebay and then realized ... it's with Verizon! Crap! (the item description was misleading in this respect) I was planning to use an unlocked Nexus with T-Mobile. Do I just need to replace the sim card with a T-Mobile version? Or do I need to do something like reboot the phone? Can I unlock the phone myself? HELP!!!

10/10/2012 10:59:36 PM

You're pretty much screwed. Verizon uses a different technology than T-Mobile (CDMA vs GSM), and the two are not interchangeable. There are phones that can be used on both types of networks, but the Galaxy Nexus is not one of them. I hope you didn't pay too much for it because you can buy a brand new GSM Galaxy Nexus directly from Google for $350 that can be used on any GSM network, T-Mobile included (https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=galaxy_nexus_hspa)

10/10/2012 11:15:36 PM

I got the Razr M a few days ago...I was planning on going to buy a case today. Of course, the phone slips out of my coat pocket when I'm bending over to tie my show, and falls literally about a foot to the floor.

The phone seemed fine at a first glance, but last night I noticed the screen was fading at the top. I discovered a small crack (1/2") and the LCD screen has been deteriorating ever since. Looking at the warranty, even if I don't tell Verizon I dropped it, I don't think the warranty will cover it.

Any advice or alternatives before I buy a new one?

10/11/2012 10:12:09 AM

^^ oh nooo! ... I knew about the one from Google for $350 and I was trying to save a couple bucks. The phone is in excellent condition and I paid $285 for it (including a protective case) so I can hopefully make my money back.

PS .... does anybody want to buy a Verizon Nexus for $280??

10/11/2012 2:15:37 PM

^^ call the verizon 800 number and keep bitching about some problem that does not sound like damage, if they mail you a refurb you can send that one back and they will not inspect it, you can just keep the refurb and your original warranty

say the screen is locking up randomly and wont respond, make it sound like a firmware problem, they will make you wipe it and shit, but once they are done with all tier one troubleshooting they will probably send you a refurb

10/11/2012 5:25:31 PM

You can call and add insurance if it hasn't been too long and then call back in a day or two and tell them you just dropped it and need a replacement. You'll have to pay the deductible but it's cheaper than a new phone.

10/11/2012 7:10:09 PM

^shit. That will probably work. I recently activated the phone so I should be able to still add coverage.

Thanks

10/12/2012 10:20:47 AM

Insurance on a smartphone (with Sprint)? $11/month and $150 deductible? I'd rather take my chances.

10/12/2012 1:32:43 PM

Bestbuy is probably the best. It's $10/month with no deductibles and no limit on claims. I only pay ~$65/month for my cell phone bill (on a family plan) so I figured the extra $10 a month was worth the ability to go into any Bestbuy and swap out my phone if it gets damaged.

10/12/2012 1:36:37 PM

Do you have to buy the hone from BestBuy?

10/12/2012 2:02:13 PM

Yeah believe so. I'd buy from Best Buy anyway. They have the longest return policy (30 days) with no re-shelving fee and typically lower prices than any other store and if they aren't lower they price match for any brick and motor store. I was able to get my S3 for $150 before they dropped it to $150 because RadioShack had it for that price.

10/12/2012 3:48:10 PM

Quote :

" Insurance on a smartphone (with Sprint)? $11/month and $150 deductible? I'd rather take my chances."

It's like $6/100 with Verizon on a business plan. It was worth It for me since I'm on job sites with it out all the time. Until I got my iphone I usually went through at least one phone a year.

10/12/2012 5:27:55 PM

Why is the gs3 the go-to "android champion/poster boy"?

Ugly as hell and pentile scene, is it really that much better than the HTC one X?

[Edited on October 12, 2012 at 10:18 PM. Reason : Also if I had to choose I take sense over touchwiz]

10/12/2012 10:18:22 PM

^ more RAM, removable battery, microSD slot, and more carriers for the GS3. The display isn't noticeable during regular use for 98% of people (I came from an iphone and Iiterally haven't noticed it since my first 15 minutes with the phone). Style is a personal preference as is Sense vs TW. Samsung has also already announced JB for the GS3 (& has already started distribution in Asia) and I don't think HTC has said anything more than the One X would eventually get it.

10/13/2012 12:06:05 AM

the One X will get JB. if you're not going to mod the fuck out of it, the One X might be as good of a buy as the S3. i like htc's stock experience better than Samsungs.

10/13/2012 2:16:22 AM

my experiences with the thunderbolt has soured me on HTC, somewhat...but then i have to remind myself that it IS a prototype phone and i knew what i was getting into when i bought it

10/13/2012 8:59:10 AM

I'm thinking about disabling Google Now. All it does it pop-up "X minutes to random place" all the time. It was especially annoying when I was out of town recently.

10/18/2012 2:09:53 PM

it keeps telling me to go to my ex-gf's house haha.

10/18/2012 8:45:09 PM

my GS3 (verizon) has developed a nasty habit of not letting me hear the person on the other end

this happens with incoming and outgoing calls, and all I hear is an echo of myself. with outgoing calls, there is no tone to indicate the call is connected and ringing. the other party can hear me but I can't hear anything besides myself.

i don't have any new apps, no software/rom changes at all... this happens in different locations (different towers) and it usually fixes itself after 2 or 3 retries so it's really hard to troubleshoot

10/19/2012 9:07:51 AM

how do we feel about the chromebook?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=34-131-403

10/20/2012 6:14:22 PM

looks very, very interesting. Definitely a 1000x better product and value proposition that the first gen Chromebook.

I can see getting one of these for my younger cousin

10/20/2012 10:19:05 PM

If it would install .exe files I would most def replace my Asus Netbook with one of these.

10/20/2012 11:43:48 PM

It makes no sense in the new world of affordable, accessible android and iOS tablets. Browser only, below average battery life when compared to tablets, no "apps" or programs. Overall, meh.

[Edited on October 21, 2012 at 12:10 AM. Reason : E]

10/21/2012 12:09:50 AM

Anyone using a custom kernel? I'm using a modified _motley kernel. Its made a decent difference in JB.

10/21/2012 1:39:26 AM

^^ while I can agree on battery life, and even to a degree pricepoint, you've completely missed the point of a chrome book. google is an advertising company, delivering those ads through cloud services. the more services you consume (apps you run) direct from their data center, the more ads they can ship you and the more data of yours they can mine. this isn't a value prop for the consumer, as full on laptops and tablets can allow you the same experience while being more flexible at the same price point.

10/21/2012 11:56:00 AM

He didn't say it made no sense to Google. It just makes no sense to a consumer with more than 2 brain cells wired together.

10/21/2012 12:04:57 PM

^exactly, from a consumer perspective this thing is just stupid.

10/21/2012 1:07:16 PM

While certainly not a huge group, you all are dismissing people who want a device that is even more simple than an iPad and way more simple than any similarly priced android device. My grandma will love this if she is okay with the screen size.

10/21/2012 3:14:43 PM