My Latest Gadget – Samsung Galaxy S
I’ve been wanting an Android device for sometime now because I want to start writing apps (or atleast start learning to write apps). I finally settled on the Galaxy S, but the HTC Desire came very close.
Theres just no comparison to my Samsung Omnia i900 and I’m glad to be rid of Windows Mobile 6.1.
The Galaxy is running Samsungs TouchWiz 3.0 and I had read a lot of bad reviews about it while researching the phone, but so far I’ve had no issues with it. Although I suppose anything is better than WinMo 6.1.
There are a few small issues with the phone but overall I’m really happy with it. The main issue I had was USSD messages (for checking your balance etc) were not working. I read somewhere that it’s Samsungs Mobile Tracker that breaks it. Mobile Tracker is for locating your lost/stolen phone among other things. Disabling this feature fixed the problem. This has apprently been fixed in the 2.2 firmware.
I use USSD for mobile banking and haven’t had a problem with it on the Galaxy S (only the rare network timeout) so I’m surprised that it’s been a problem for you. Admittedly, I don’t have Mobile Tracker enabled so that may have something to do with it; it’s certainly worth investigating.
Otherwise I’m enjoying the Galaxy S. I’m in no way a developer but have created 3 Android apps by following the App Inventor tools and tutorial. It’s fascinating!
How is your battery life on your Galaxy? I received my handset about a month ago and the battery doesnt make it past 2pm (after charging overnight) Im not sure if its a faulty battery or if its normal… I had the HTC Hero before and it usually lasted until late evening. Same usage on both phones….
Thanks
Matt
Mine will usually last a full day, although it can sometimes last the 2nd night and I charge it the next day (depending on usage).
I make/take very few calls but I do use a lot of data (email, browsing, twitter, etc)
There are some useful tips out there for increasing battery life like only using 2G, disabling wireless, etc, etc. Read here:
http://www.amitbhawani.com/blog/tips-increase-samsung-galaxy-s-battery-life/
My General setup is:
Wireless: on
3G: on
GPS: off
Bluetooth: off
Vibration: very low
touch tones: Off
Live Wallpapers: no
Auto-Sync: off