[Dark 1]

I'm getting ready for a new phone - my iPhone 3GS is very slow and I need more memory - and I'm eyeing up the Galaxy S3. All accounts seem to have it on a pedestal as being king of the Androiders. Even if I am a little put off by its bargain basement plasticy feel.

Changing platforms however, not to be taken lightly. So as you might expect, I have a few concerns to iron out before I make any final decision.

1. I am an app hoarder. Now I know once upon a time, with Android, apps could only be stored in internal memory, which was a bit crap. I know now newer versions can move them to a memory card, but I've read not all apps can. What's the story there? And if so, 16 gig might be a bit stingy. Is there a 32 gig version on the way?

2. I see there's a new Samsung utility for syncing with iTunes. That's where all my stuff is and I don't fancy changing. Has anyone tried it? I've seen some reports that it's not very reliable.

3. Speaking of syncing, I'm on a Mac, so can it easily sync with Address Book, iCal and iPhoto?

4. Are there any in-car FM transmitter docks that take the audio out of the micro-USB connector? Would be a bit more fiddly than I'm used to if I had to faff around with 2 plugs every time I get in & out of the car.

I may have more questions.

[paulker]

Originally Posted by Dark 1

I'm getting ready for a new phone - my iPhone 3GS is very slow and I need more memory - and I'm eyeing up the Galaxy S3. All accounts seem to have it on a pedestal as being king of the Androiders. Even if I am a little put off by its bargain basement plasticy feel.

Changing platforms however, not to be taken lightly. So as you might expect, I have a few concerns to iron out before I make any final decision.

1. I am an app hoarder. Now I know once upon a time, with Android, apps could only be stored in internal memory, which was a bit crap. I know now newer versions can move them to a memory card, but I've read not all apps can. What's the story there? And if so, 16 gig might be a bit stingy. Is there a 32 gig version on the way?

2. I see there's a new Samsung utility for syncing with iTunes. That's where all my stuff is and I don't fancy changing. Has anyone tried it? I've seen some reports that it's not very reliable.

3. Speaking of syncing, I'm on a Mac, so can it easily sync with Address Book, iCal and iPhoto?

4. Are there any in-car FM transmitter docks that take the audio out of the micro-USB connector? Would be a bit more fiddly than I'm used to if I had to faff around with 2 plugs every time I get in & out of the car.

I may have more questions.

I had a galaxy s3 but returned it under 14 day rule. I have a 4s and while the Samsung is a far superior phone I have an all apple house. The Samsung was too much hassle to integrate. I'm waiting for the iPhone 5

[jabbamk1]

Originally Posted by paulker

I had a galaxy s3 but returned it under 14 day rule. I have a 4s and while the Samsung is a far superior phone I have an all apple house. The Samsung was too much hassle to integrate. I'm waiting for the iPhone 5

Agreed^ I've read a number of reports of iTunes and S3 not working together and that Macs and S3's in general stop recognising each other. However the new utility mentioned in the first post works fine from what i've read and a lot of the problems with macs are being solved. Mac's can recognise the S3 as a hard drive and can sync to iTunes either via Samsung Kies or Easy Phone Sync. So its alright.

In general all (some can't) apps can be moved to the SD Card now. 16GB internal memory is fine. I have over 110 apps and they don't take up more than 2GB. Plus you can add up to 64GB micro SD Card for £40 to make it 80GB total. Much better than paying £200 extra with apple to get the less.

The S3 is much better than the iPhone at the moment. Most of the apps are free that are paid on iOS, so there shouldn't be a huge problem with getting the same apps. It's just whether you have any problems with the apple ecosystem allowing a non apple phone. Should be fine now but i know there are still some problems out there with third party apps like Doubletwist for Mac/S3.

[Dark 1]

Originally Posted by jabbamk1

Agreed^ I've read a number of reports of iTunes and S3 not working together and that Macs and S3's in general stop recognising each other. However the new utility mentioned in the first post works fine from what i've read and a lot of the problems with macs are being solved. Mac's can recognise the S3 as a hard drive and can sync to iTunes either via Samsung Kies or Easy Phone Sync. So its alright.

In general all (some can't) apps can be moved to the SD Card now. 16GB internal memory is fine. I have over 110 apps and they don't take up more than 2GB. Plus you can add up to 64GB micro SD Card for £40 to make it 80GB total. Much better than paying £200 extra with apple to get the less.

The S3 is much better than the iPhone at the moment. Most of the apps are free that are paid on iOS, so there shouldn't be a huge problem with getting the same apps. It's just whether you have any problems with the apple ecosystem allowing a non apple phone. Should be fine now but i know there are still some problems out there with third party apps like Doubletwist for Mac/S3.

But are some of those apps that can't be moved games? Because certainly on my current iPhone, some of them can be over 1 gig each! If too many of those are limited to internal memory, that's a potential concern.

[daclick]

i cant move any of my apps on my S3 to SD card :?

[Mark in Essex]

Originally Posted by Dark 1

1. I am an app hoarder. Now I know once upon a time, with Android, apps could only be stored in internal memory, which was a bit crap. I know now newer versions can move them to a memory card, but I've read not all apps can. What's the story there? And if so, 16 gig might be a bit stingy. Is there a 32 gig version on the way?

I don't believe that you can move apps to the SD card, but I don't see a reason to do it? I have the 16gb version and that gives 11gb+ of room for the apps (more than enough) and then have a 64gb card for music, videos etc.

Originally Posted by Dark 1

2. I see there's a new Samsung utility for syncing with iTunes. That's where all my stuff is and I don't fancy changing. Has anyone tried it? I've seen some reports that it's not very reliable.

I downloaded a free app called iSyncr and it copied all my music to the SD card on the phone with no problem and even gives me all my artwork and playlists off iTunes (you can also upgrade to an over the air version, but I did not bother with this. Also downloaded Rocket Player which is a good music player that works well with iSyncr.

Originally Posted by Dark 1

3. Speaking of syncing, I'm on a Mac, so can it easily sync with Address Book, iCal and iPhoto?

I must admit that I had problems syncing from my old Windows 6.5 phone (HD2), but you should be able to quite easily sync with Google and then that will automatically sync with the phone.

Originally Posted by Dark 1

4. Are there any in-car FM transmitter docks that take the audio out of the micro-USB connector? Would be a bit more fiddly than I'm used to if I had to faff around with 2 plugs every time I get in & out of the car.

I may have more questions.

Have you got Bluetooth in the car (handsfree) as it can stream auto over that, if not there are a lot of STEREOS THAT HAVE BLUETOOTH BUILT IN or SOME OF THESE

Not sure if you have a factory fitted stereo, but the sound from an aftermarket one would be a lot better and Bluetooth sounds so much clearer than FM transmitters being digital.

I could not recommend the phone enough (it's totally amazing and the battery life is great as can get 2 whole days out of it with push EMAIL etc turned off). There is just so many features that you find every single day.

[alanwarwic]

Originally Posted by Dark 1

Even if I am a little put off by its bargain basement plasticy feel.

Does your current GPS work properly in 'Airplane mode' whilst in the pocket?
I recall being told that GPS won't work too well in the pocket yet my plasticy ones always do.

Plastic is certainly the best material to let radio signals through.
For a wonder material, to me it is having a 'Flash moment'.

BTW Bluetooth sound when set to high quality is about equal to 192K mp3. Supposedly raw mp3 can be passed through but this remains unimplemented on the whole.

[CoolboyA]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

Does your current GPS work properly in 'Airplane mode' whilst in the pocket?
I recall being told that GPS won't work too well in the pocket yet my plasticy ones always do.

Plastic is certainly the best material to let radio signals through.
For a wonder material, to me it is having a 'Flash moment'.

BTW Bluetooth sound when set to high quality is about equal to 192K mp3. Supposedly raw mp3 can be passed through but this remains unimplemented on the whole.

The other thing to note is that the 3GS is made of plastic as well. The Samsung is made of higher grade plastics as well to give it a more expensive looking finish.

[Stiggles]

Originally Posted by Dark 1

Even if I am a little put off by its bargain basement plasticy feel.

I find it feels much better in the hand that my old 4S did which i thankfully managed to offload yesterday

[mobile facts]

I'm with you!!!

[TheBigM]

I think you should buy a new iPhone. The SGS3 is a great phone, I'm really impressed by it. But I think given your ownership of a Mac, iphone accessories (do you have an ipod/iphone port in your car?) etc maybe an iphone is best - you'd be able to make use of icloud and things.

[Mark in Essex]

Originally Posted by TheBigM

I think you should buy a new iPhone. The SGS3 is a great phone, I'm really impressed by it. But I think given your ownership of a Mac, iphone accessories (do you have an ipod/iphone port in your car?) etc maybe an iphone is best - you'd be able to make use of icloud and things.

How much space do you get free included on iCloud as you get 50gb free Drop box space with the S3 for 2 years?

Also if the OP is worried about space there would be more memory on the S3 with 16gb of internal and a 64gb card (or could even go for one with 32gb internal memory?

I know what people are saying about having everything Mac in their house though., and but syncing is a lot better than a couple of years ago with Android.

[grumpyoldbat]

I'm surprised no-one ever mentions Missing Sync on here as a solution to sync Android to Mac. MarkSpace have been going for years and have made syncing software for various smartphones over the years. I've used 2 or 3 different versions depending on which phone I had at the time.

If you're not averse to paying for software, it might be a good solution for you: http://www.markspace.com/products/an...c-android.html

[tdenson]

Originally Posted by TheBigM

I think you should buy a new iPhone. The SGS3 is a great phone, I'm really impressed by it. But I think given your ownership of a Mac, iphone accessories (do you have an ipod/iphone port in your car?) etc maybe an iphone is best - you'd be able to make use of icloud and things.

The accessories may be a moot point if the rumours are true about a new dock connector

[Dark 1]

Originally Posted by Mark in Essex

Have you got Bluetooth in the car (handsfree) as it can stream auto over that, if not there are a lot of STEREOS THAT HAVE BLUETOOTH BUILT IN or SOME OF THESE

Not sure if you have a factory fitted stereo, but the sound from an aftermarket one would be a lot better and Bluetooth sounds so much clearer than FM transmitters being digital.

No, I don't. It has to be an FM transmitter, unfortunately.

Right now, I have a Belkin one for iDevises. One plug, simple. But I see Belkin also do a non-iDevise version which needs connecting via 2 plugs; USB for charging and headphone jack for audio. That's extra faff.

Does no-one do one that takes audio from USB?

[Dark 1]

Originally Posted by CoolboyA

The other thing to note is that the 3GS is made of plastic as well. The Samsung is made of higher grade plastics as well to give it a more expensive looking finish.

Yes, I know. But it still feels solid. It's not just about it being plastic. The HTC One X and Nokia Lumia 900 are plastic too, and they feel nice.

It's just the Samsung phones. They feel cheap which puts me off a bit.

I'd guess it's something to do with having a removable back for swapping the battery and memory. And those are very useful features which none of those 'better feeling' phones have.

[Dark 1]

Originally Posted by TheBigM

I think you should buy a new iPhone. The SGS3 is a great phone, I'm really impressed by it. But I think given your ownership of a Mac, iphone accessories (do you have an ipod/iphone port in your car?) etc maybe an iphone is best - you'd be able to make use of icloud and things.

Yes, I know I should wait and see what the new iPhone is like. And I probably will. I know there's a lot of very good reasons I should stay put. But I've just got a bad feeling that it's going to be a bit 'meh'. And while I do appreciate all the good things that iOS offers, it's all counterbalanced by those little irritating constraints that living in a walled garden forces on you. I'm torn.

[alanwarwic]

Originally Posted by Dark 1

I'd guess it's something to do with having a removable back for swapping the battery and memory. And those are very useful features which none of those 'better feeling' phones have.

Does everyone get a fondle-slab emotion when they pick up a darned phone?

It's all passed me by so but is it only there for a certain age range?

[alan1302]

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

Does everyone get a fondle-slab emotion when they pick up a darned phone?

It's all passed me by so but is it only there for a certain age range?

I think it's imprtant for a phone to feel nice in your hand - my Lumia 800 does and feel solid and well made - it's all part of the user experience

[Mark in Essex]

Hi there,

If you are interested there is a thread on another forum of people who switched from an iPhone to a Galaxy S3: HERE

Mark.

[welwynrose]

interesting thread I'm in a similar position got a iphone 3Gs that's on it's way out and trying to decided whether I hold out for the new iphone that should come in a few months or change it now

[neil79]

Originally Posted by Mark in Essex

Hi there,

If you are interested there is a thread on another forum of people who switched from an iPhone to a Galaxy S3: HERE

Mark.

A fanboy site Thats convincing

[Mark in Essex]

Originally Posted by neil79

A fanboy site Thats convincing

Yes, but with ex-iPhone owners in the thread some with good points some with bad against the S3.

Just thought it would be helpful to the OP to decide.

Don't see your point.

[MojoMaster]

Isn't it funny how Apple have so many people "locked" in if they have their devices.

People are too worried about changing any of their products for fear of hassle or incompatibility.

They've been very clever and hooked in a lot of people slowly but successfully, even if some of their products are essentially inferior.

[Dark 1]

Originally Posted by MojoMaster

Isn't it funny how Apple have so many people "locked" in if they have their devices.

People are too worried about changing any of their products for fear of hassle or incompatibility.

They've been very clever and hooked in a lot of people slowly but successfully, even if some of their products are essentially inferior.

If I were to put my Apply fanboy hat on, perhaps I would say taken as a complete package, the fact that Apple's stuff integrates so well, is a sign of superiority, not inferiority. Just putting it out there.