Galaxy Note 2, whose getting one?

Does AOSP support the S-Pen ? Would be cool to see the Note II running the upcoming CM11 ROM based off Android 4.2, but made specifically for such a large screen with S-Pen support.
 
aeroxmax4 said:
a friend of mine bought it, and is huge!! but i like it!
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This is very true! I just went to a tmobile store to check it out. It's definitely big especially being used to a crapphone4. I still want one though. I just need to figure out what carrier I want to go with.
 
rudy said:
I have switched phones many times, I do not believe your rep unless it is another one of the silly special cases for iPhones that no other phone has to put up with.
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The rep said it was only an iPhone 5 issue only. He said we could pick any other phone Sprint has and wouldn't have a problem, but its some bug with iPhone 5 atm, which they are trying to fix. He didn't know how long it would take. At least he was honest and I didn't order an iPhone 5, cause I'd be stuck with it on my line. I could always try to sell it on Ebay to people who don't know, but that'd still suck to have to do that.



Anyways, I talked to my wife and told her the situation. She said that is fine. She said a coworker has the S3 and it is HUGE! I told her to go to Sprint and showed her the Note 2. I told her the S3 is 4.8" and to look at the display size of the Note 2. She said that was too big (yea, that's what she said. :p) I showed her a comparison video of the Note 2 and the S3, which she actually liked the Note 2 at the end of the 2 review videos. So tomorrow we are going to Sprint to see if they have a Note 2 they can give us. If they don't, then I'll order it online.


she mentioned what if she wants to keep the Note 2. I said that is fine and that when it is time to upgrade her line I'll just get me one. I told her she can still get an iPhone 5 on her line at the time, try it out, but if she doesn't like it we can sell it on Ebay and just buy a Note 2 outright with the money from the iPhone 5.


She's really excited about getting the Note 2. I would get myself it if she didn't need a new phone ASAP, but I figured I'd be nice and keep my Evo 3D 2 extra months so she can get a new phone, since her upgrade period isn't that far away.
 
I broke down and went by T-Mobile to get the GN2 today. They had both the gray and white -- I went with the gray. They also only had the 16GB versions, but I've got a 64GB SD card that I put into it. TMo wouldn't sell it without a contract, so I got it with the $30 prepaid plan that offers unlimited web & text with 100 minutes talk. The bonus of this is that TMo also does WiFi calling.

I asked if they would do the carrier unlock, but they said that I had to call the customer care. They seemed to have a policy of forcing you to wait 60 days before unlocking. Phooey on that. I hit cellunlocker.net and had an unlock code in about 30 minutes. The GN2 now works with my work iPhone4's SIM.

The worst part of the deal is that I've been reading that TMo is blocking LTE on the device until their network is ready. According to the AT&T coverage map, I'm just beyond the outskirt of LTE. At least the "4G" works with the GN2 -- I didn't even have that with the iPhone. I do wish AT&T worked with that WiFi calling though since the signal gets weak around work and home a lot.

Oh, I do agree with that Android Police article about the back cover. It is kind of cheap and flimsy feeling. Maybe there will be a decent aftermarket alternative sometime.
 
Webhead said:
I broke down and went by T-Mobile to get the GN2 today. They had both the gray and white -- I went with the gray. They also only had the 16GB versions, but I've got a 64GB SD card that I put into it. TMo wouldn't sell it without a contract, so I got it with the $30 prepaid plan that offers unlimited web & text with 100 minutes talk. The bonus of this is that TMo also does WiFi calling.

I asked if they would do the carrier unlock, but they said that I had to call the customer care. They seemed to have a policy of forcing you to wait 60 days before unlocking. Phooey on that. I hit cellunlocker.net and had an unlock code in about 30 minutes. The GN2 now works with my work iPhone4's SIM.

The worst part of the deal is that I've been reading that TMo is blocking LTE on the device until their network is ready. According to the AT&T coverage map, I'm just beyond the outskirt of LTE. At least the "4G" works with the GN2 -- I didn't even have that with the iPhone. I do wish AT&T worked with that WiFi calling though since the signal gets weak around work and home a lot.

Oh, I do agree with that Android Police article about the back cover. It is kind of cheap and flimsy feeling. Maybe there will be a decent aftermarket alternative sometime.
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So you got the n2 with t mobile to use on att service? Why not just wait a little longer to get the att one?
The t mobile rep was trying to explain the lte deal to me but made no sense. He said no t mobile phone that's available now will support lte. I told him that's weird cause there is info all over the web stating the n2 will have lte with a software update.
It was an interesting trip to t mobile today and thy really wanted my service. I do not think t mobile has enough coverage,but their speed seems o be on par or faster than att non-lte.
 
Well call ahead my sprint store will not have a demo unit till wed.
 
INFRNL said:
So you got the n2 with t mobile to use on att service? Why not just wait a little longer to get the att one?
The t mobile rep was trying to explain the lte deal to me but made no sense. He said no t mobile phone that's available now will support lte. I told him that's weird cause there is info all over the web stating the n2 will have lte with a software update.
It was an interesting trip to t mobile today and thy really wanted my service. I do not think t mobile has enough coverage,but their speed seems o be on par or faster than att non-lte.
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I'm not even sure that I've been in an LTE-covered area. I barely get 1 bar at work or at home as it is. LTE wasn't a major bullet point on my list. The community might figure it out. I do need to get rid of this TouchWiz... A rootin I may go.
 
Going later this afternoon to see if they have it, if not, I'll order it online from Sprint. We're pretty excited! lol
 
If did not already have a my gnex I'd be considering this phone...however, it is ridiculously massive..lol
 
So mad cause we couldn't get it. I called 10 stores and finally found one that had it. We were in the process when she mentioned if I was on Sero. I said yes, to which she then gave me a sad face and said she can't mess with my account at that store. She said I had to go to a corporate store to get it, but they didn't have any. That's after we waited at least for an hour to be helped cause they were so slow with helping people.


I ended up coming home and ordered it over the phone. It'll be here at the latest by Thursday. We messed with the phone at the store some, which it is massive. The wife could have gotten an iPhone (as they said they can work around that bug I mentioned earlier), but she said she wanted the Note 2. She said she'll get used to the size of the phone.
 
Zorachus said:
Does AOSP support the S-Pen ? Would be cool to see the Note II running the upcoming CM11 ROM based off Android 4.2, but made specifically for such a large screen with S-Pen support.
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I'm running AOKP on my ATT note, s-pen works
 
S-Pen works in AOSP (they added stylus support in 4.0) but you don't get the TouchWiz specific applications.
 
ChronoReverse said:
S-Pen works in AOSP (they added stylus support in 4.0) but you don't get the TouchWiz specific applications.
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^This

And FTR, a cheap capacitive stylus will work on any ROM as the phone detects it the same as your finger. The S-Pen, without the specific apps, doesn't do a whole hell of a lot more than a basic stylus, if I recall correctly. Maybe someone here can elaborate on what it does without the apps to give us a better picture.
 
Medion said:
^This

And FTR, a cheap capacitive stylus will work on any ROM as the phone detects it the same as your finger. The S-Pen, without the specific apps, doesn't do a whole hell of a lot more than a basic stylus, if I recall correctly. Maybe someone here can elaborate on what it does without the apps to give us a better picture.
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It is way more precise, you can turn on a small cursor that show where the S pen is hovering when you get it close to the screen. The shift button, is only really useful when using gestures, taking a screen shot, or in the apps meant for the S pen. You can use Wabcom tablet stylus as well with the note and note 2. I only have experience with the stock 2.3, and 4 roms on the Note, and the stock 4.1 on the Note 2.
When it comes to custom roms, it would depend on what they put in the rom. If they don't bother with any of the stuff put in the stock roms for the S pen, then it aside from better precision, the S pen is just another stylus with a handy place on the phone to store it when not in use.
 
This is the best review I've seen yet, http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_2_att_tmobile_sprint_verizon-review-836.php

I've owned my Tmo Note 2 for 4 days now and I'm very impressed. This is my 4th android phone, MT3G / Galaxy S / Sensation 4g.

The size is perfect, I wouldn't want to go any larger or any smaller. The screen is beautiful, I'm glad to be back in a samoled after owning the Sensation 4g. The audio sounds great, both in calls in when listening to audio. This version of Touchwiz isn't what I'd call bloated, everything is fast, convenient, and it has loads of cool features. I run custom roms on all my phones and tablets, but I don't feel the need to rush off and root this one. I think I'll wait to see what the chef's have in store first.

Honestly, I believe that Samsung hit a home run. I don't have any bitches about the appearance or build quality, I think it looks great.

I am tempted to replace the rear cover with one that supports wireless charging,

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1951493

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Gal...22019?pt=Battery_Chargers&hash=item2ec2ab9ba3
 
As an eBay Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
Wow I am impressed with all this positive buzz on the Note II. I had no idea it would be this hot of a device. Sounds like the Note II is more wanted by nerds over the upcoming LG Nexus 4.
 
ITT: All you fuckers that have GN2's that make me jealous I'm on VZW. :(

Anyone really try out the new handwriting recognition software? Is it awesome? :D
 
soulesschild said:
ITT: All you fuckers that have GN2's that make me jealous I'm on VZW. :(
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Amen to that We gotta wait till Nov 29th for this thing to hit VZW stores. Damn this sucks big time, I was looking forward to having my Note 2 before Thanksgiving. We get phones last, we get updates last, but I like VZW coverage, a love hate relationship for sure.
 
I need your guys input on what I should do.

My att contract is up on Nov 5th next week but I do not want to stay with them. The reason why is cause I typically only get 0-1.8 mbps speeds. I do not think its just my crapphone4 because my wifes 4s is better but still sucks IMO.

I do not think I want a contract with anyone and want to keep costs down. Verizon seems to be the fastest, strongest network currently but I really do not want to pay $150 for 2 phone/2yr contract. There are going to be changes in carriers within the next yr. Tmobile has much faster/reliable network here than att and sometimes on par with verizon for speed.

I am currently thinking of either buying the note from tmobile outright and using $30 prepaid plan. I'm not sure if will make a difference, but I was also thinking about waiting till the 9th and buying an att gn2 outright and still use the $30 tmobile plan for now but have the capability to go back to att later when they release lte.

I wouldn't mind going verizon, but I really do not think I want to pay the premium for their service and I honestly do not think I can continue with my ip4 for another month. I also do not want to sign a 2 yr contract when att and tmobile are coming out with lte which should match or surpass verizon.

I just wanted to know what you guys thought or maybe who your carriers are. I live in Colorado so everyones service can be spotty. I am not sure if Tmobiles gn2 will support att's lte or not. I honestly would prefer verizons as it should support all 3 carrier networks.

Thanks
 
INFRNL said:
I need your guys input on what I should do.

My att contract is up on Nov 5th next week but I do not want to stay with them. The reason why is cause I typically only get 0-1.8 mbps speeds. I do not think its just my crapphone4 because my wifes 4s is better but still sucks IMO.

I do not think I want a contract with anyone and want to keep costs down. Verizon seems to be the fastest, strongest network currently but I really do not want to pay $150 for 2 phone/2yr contract. There are going to be changes in carriers within the next yr. Tmobile has much faster/reliable network here than att and sometimes on par with verizon for speed.
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It makes sense that hers does better. The iPhone 4 has a 7.2mbps HSPA radio, whereas the iPhone 4s has a 14mbps HSPA+ radio. While you'll never see those speeds, my wife's 4s can get 8-9mbps on a good day on AT&T. You'll rarely break 3mbps on the iPhone 4.

Going to a faster networked won't help much. It would be like trying to use a cable modem with a 56k. You have a technological limitation. On your next upgrade, you'll likely get HSPA+21/42 and/or LTE. just keep in mind, as far as I'm aware, AT&T HSPA+ is limited to 21mbps while T-Mobile went with 42mbps.
 
Medion said:
It makes sense that hers does better. The iPhone 4 has a 7.2mbps HSPA radio, whereas the iPhone 4s has a 14mbps HSPA+ radio. While you'll never see those speeds, my wife's 4s can get 8-9mbps on a good day on AT&T. You'll rarely break 3mbps on the iPhone 4.

Going to a faster networked won't help much. It would be like trying to use a cable modem with a 56k. You have a technological limitation. On your next upgrade, you'll likely get HSPA+21/42 and/or LTE. just keep in mind, as far as I'm aware, AT&T HSPA+ is limited to 21mbps while T-Mobile went with 42mbps.
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Thanks, I guess I just realized that I do not know anything about phones but I appreciate the info.
I just want to say that I played with the gs3 at the att store which should support the hspa+21 and it was still pretty slow, even the iphone5 was. Speedtest on att's hspa+ was only around 6 mbps or so on the gs3 and ip5. But I understand what you are saying. I honestly think here in Colorado ATT is horrible for data speeds. Ive never really had a problem with voice, only data. I just recently started using my phone a lot on the net and realized how bad it is. Also it seems that with every apple os update my phone gets more annoying.

Either way, I just talked to the boss (Wife) and I am going to buy the tmobile Note 2 tomorrow. I will run tmobile prepaid for a while as I work with a guy that has tmobile and seems plenty fast for me and much cheaper. If I end up not happy with tmobile, I will take a loss on the phone and go verizon.

Thanks again
 
Ive driven all over the southwestern us in the past few months for work and conferences on both att and tmobile prepaid hspa, most recently on the gn2. Tmobiles network is hopelessly faster in every city I visited. At home in southern california there are places I got 1mbps on att and 12mbps on tmobile.

Tmobiles hspa is fast enough to not need lte imo. Also from what I understand the tmobile gn2 supports lte for when tmobile puts it out.
 
EPOQ said:
All I want to know is.....will it fit in a front jean pocket.
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It'll fit as long as you're not wearing your skinny jeans, lol. There are videos showing that it will easily fit your jeans pocket. Just keep in mind that is just a bit bigger than the gs3. It's big but not that big
 
INFRNL said:
It'll fit as long as you're not wearing your skinny jeans, lol. There are videos showing that it will easily fit your jeans pocket. Just keep in mind that is just a bit bigger than the gs3. It's big but not that big
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large enough to make one-handed operation extremely difficult though, that's the only thing that concerns me
 
Quick question to anyone that bought the unlocked T Mobile Note 2, can you use it with AT&T also? I called a local T Mobile store and they are saying that even bought off contract the phones are locked, anyone know about this?
 
I currently own a galaxy s2 me and the girlie, but instead of carrying my nexus 7 everywhere.. i could just get an awesome phablet like this!! We will see what happens with the price point then we will go from there.
 
Local T Mobile store sold me a Note 2 out of contract, slightly above $700, just paid the $25 for cellunlocker, waiting for code; will throw this in my wife's lap and let her deal with the rest.
 
FrostBite said:
Quick question to anyone that bought the unlocked T Mobile Note 2, can you use it with AT&T also? I called a local T Mobile store and they are saying that even bought off contract the phones are locked, anyone know about this?
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I'm pretty sure I've seen people posting that you can use it on straight talk. I'm pretty sure you can use it on att, just might need to get it unlocked or change apn settings.
I can let you know later as I am picking one up tonight. I have att and att straight talk. I'm just not sure yet how to change apn settings but will try to figure it out.
 
mtbush said:
large enough to make one-handed operation extremely difficult though, that's the only thing that concerns me
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For the most part, they fixed that problem by lowering of the power/lock button on the right side of the phone, and including a split keyboard that is about 2/3 the width of the regular keyboard, and can be slid to the left or right side of the screen.

Anecdotal I know, but, the biggest issues my 5'3" baby momma had with the first Note running 2.3, was the wide ass stock keyboard, and to a lesser degree, the high mounted power/lock button.
She has little issue with the new Note 2 and it's split keyboard, and lower power/lock button. It is big, but it is not nearly as bad as many make it out to be.

That said, it is not my only phone. I use a Galaxy S for when I need a small phone. There is a bit of an issue with sim swapping in that the old trusty S uses a mini sim, and the note 2 uses the micro sim. Luckily there are adapters that can be had for super cheap, and cutting a mini down to a micro is as easy as downloading a template, and breaking out a pair of scissors..
 
FrostBite said:
Local T Mobile store sold me a Note 2 out of contract, slightly above $700, just paid the $25 for cellunlocker, waiting for code; will throw this in my wife's lap and let her deal with the rest.
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Out of curiosity, may I ask why you would consider this instead of just buying a non-carrier branded model? The Samsung-oem model has no carrier-branded software on it. Just Google and Samsung, and it gets updates faster straight from Samsung.

The US models do have the advantage of LTE. That's the only thing that I can think of, unless there's something else that I'm missing.
 
You mean why I didn't buy the international version? I'm betting that prepaid (ST via AT&T or TM, or directly through TM) will eventually get access to the LTE networks so I might as well wait the month and pay the $100 extra.

I just got the carrier unlock code 30 minutes ago, pretty fast, wife is working on it since it's her phone; I'm only here to make money :(
 
FrostBite said:
You mean why I didn't buy the international version? I'm betting that prepaid (ST via AT&T or TM, or directly through TM) will eventually get access to the LTE networks so I might as well wait the month and pay the $100 extra.

I just got the carrier unlock code 30 minutes ago, pretty fast, wife is working on it since it's her phone; I'm only here to make money :(
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Just have to hope that whatever LTE bands are supported by those carriers and that phone match. Obviously, if you got a T-Mobile GN2 and you're using it on TMO, you're set. No guarantees it will work on AT&T. Unsure when MVNOs like straight talk will get LTE access.

I understand your gamble though. It makes sense, just not my cup of tea, personally.
 
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