Samsung Gear S (Verizon)

I'm about to head to bed but thought I'd copy my notes on my initial experience with the Gear S:

Could not find the Samsung Gear app, even when using Samsung's instructions at http://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00038393/239278/.  I found that the problem was Chrome...it wasn't seeing the 'download' icon.  Using the OEM browser, I was able to see it.

Next issue I ran into was that the phone wouldn't pair with the watch.  The instructions never said to go into the phone's BT screen and attempt to pair the device.  As well, once the Gear app is opened, it takes over the screen...this implies that the Gear app needs to be used to initially pair the phone with the watch.  I found that when I go into the phone's BT settings and try to pair the phone with the watch, it downloads and installs 11 new apps, but still won't pair with the watch...the watch won't accept the 'OK' clicks to accept the pairing.

I got fed up and kept hitting the 'OK' prompt on the watch when trying to get it to accept the pair attempt...I hit it maybe 4-5 times rapidly and it THEN began to pair.

I also ended up not seeing the "activate" screen, so the watch was only seeing limited 3G and was set to roam.  I performed a factory reset and after the watch rebooted, it was a night and day difference, where the watch could be navigated without hesistation or voice prompting.  I was able to activate the watch and configure mobile usage for 'auto only'.  

I'm not even sure I should compare the Gear S to my Pebble (non-Steel).  I've pretty much retired my Pebble.  I'll either put it away with my other gadgets or try to sell it.  Maybe one of my daughters will want it.

I don't think I'll ever see a week's worth of usage (on one charge) with the Gear S, although I did fully charge it today...the watch is currently at 68%.  I went into the watch's settings (Settings/Connections/Mobile networks/) and set "Gear networks" to auto switch, which will only use mobile broadband when I or an app needs it (phone calls and such).  I've got the watch set to auto-dim as well.  The charging cradle actually holds a charge, although I don't know if it'll fully charge the watch's battery from empty.  The phone charges pretty quickly if you're not using it while it's being charged.

So far I've set up the Gear app to notify the same apps that I'd configured to notify on my Pebble.  I can get a view of my G-mail e-mails but I'm not sure I'm ready to use the default e-mail application on my Note Edge...I'm used to using the G-mail app, but the watch doesn't have an app for that.

I've set up my voice-mail and have to remember the watch's phone number.  I don't foresee using the watch as a standalone smart device any time soon.  I don't even think I'll be using the watch's phone features.  To set up voice-mail, I had to call the VM number using the watch.  The speaker is loud enough to hear with ease, although I've no idea how well the microphone works and if it has good noise cancellation.

The watch has a native browser as well, but I have to use the Gear app to install it.  I don't see the need to use the watch as a web browser.

I'm curious about the texting/messaging features, though.  I attempted to type a text and while the virtual keys were extremely small, I didn't do any typos, so I guess the keyboard is good enough.

The watch is hefty, but I'm enjoying it thus far.  I worry that I'll bang it against something accidentally (I opted out of insurance for the watch -- Verizon's insurance is expensive!).  I'd rather not use a screen protector...that's more hassle than it's worth (I tried to put one on my Pebble but removed it soon after, as it was annoying).

I'll be setting it up to my liking over the next week...there's so much to configure that I'm a bit overwhelmed.  I might do a quick video review of it later, as well.

For now, I'm impressed enough to say I think I'll keep it.  Initially, when I was having issues setting it up, I was irritated enough to where I was thinking on returning it ($399 for something that was giving me immediate issues...uhmmm...no), but I'm OK now.  :)

UPDATE:

I've not run into any problem with the smartwatch, so far.  I have noticed that with set to auto switch  between BT and using the mobile network, I end up with 15-20% battery use in a 24-hour period.  This is without using the watch as a phone or web browsing with it.  I typically only look at it when someone texts, when I'm notified of an incoming e-mail, or when I'm looking at the time (pretty much how I was using my Pebble).

I've also noticed that my dog likes to lick the watch...her tongue activates the watch!

UPDATE 2:

I usually sit or stand with my arms crossed...I can't do that with this watch.  My arm's skin ends up activating the screen, which sometimes enables widgets or other watch tools.  They should build some type of logic where the screen won't activate if at at certain angle.

Verizon Customer Service Issues, Samsung Gear S

I reported awhile back that I upgraded my daughter to the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge.  We had to return her phone because the display was showing a thin green line going down the center of the screen.  It initially showed after I took it out of the box, but disappeared the next day.  My daughter told me that the display issue had returned maybe a week later.  I began to research how to get the phone replaced.  Verizon has no real guidance on how to do such a thing...the box contained return instructions (in case we changed our minds about the phone)...it said nothing of if the phone were damaged.  There was nothing on their website.

Two days before the two-week return period expired, I decided to bring it in to a local corporate store.  They sent me to another store because they didn't have a replacement in stock.  I went to the other store and when trying to describe the display issue, they asked me if I were a Verizon employee (the store I initially visited didn't ask me this).  I told them, "Yes."  They told me I couldn't be helped and that I had to call Verizon Customer Service to get a replacement.  Keep in mind that this is two days before the return period expires, around 7PM.  I returned home and asked online help for assistance.  They couldn't help but gave me a number to call.  When I called the number, and after walking through a menu system that was not intuitive, I got someone who began to help but then told me that I'd have to call back the next day during core duty hours because they weren't staffed to assist me.  By this time it was 10:30PM.

I called the next morning and they walked me through the RMA process, told me where to get a return shipping label, and also told me that I had to ship it and have it post-marked before midnight that night.  I packed up the phone and took it to the local Post Office and got a shipping and tracking receipt, just in case.

That was almost two months ago.  I checked my bill last night and the RMA'd phone was charged to me (WTF).  I'm pretty sure it's because they received the phone after the two-week return period.  I'm awaiting to visit a Corporate store to get it sorted out physically...I'm tired of dealing with phone queues and being transferred (I called several times the first night I was seeking assistance and was disconnected twice).

I haven't had issues with Verizon until now (I'm a long-time customer and employee).  When employees buy phones, they receive discounts.  Verizon uses a different system to process billing of phone purchases and upgrades than they do with non-employees, but this process is convoluted and isn't documented.  I spent a LOT of time trying to determine who to call and when to call.  Another thing:  If you upgrade online, your two-week return period doesn't start until after you've received the phone (shipping days don't count), so I was within the 14-day period (they've the shipping day in their system).  None of this is mentioned anywhere on their website.

If I find that they're going to stick me with the bill after going through all that, I'll immediately withdraw the money to cancel every single line and move to a different carrier.  Almost every phone I have on the plan is a Verizon Edge phone (all but one).  I'll just pay for the 3 Edge phones and 1 contracted phone...better to do that than to give Verizon $350/month the next 2 years.

I've also ordered a Samsung Gear S watch from Verizon.  I bought the watch last night.  After seeing my current Verizon Wireless bill, I almost didn't buy this watch.  I paid full price ($399) instead of having the watch under contract ($349).  Why?  Because I didn't want to have to deal with a contract device if I have to leave Verizon over this recent billing issue.  As well, the difference is only $50 between the two.

I can't wait for this watch.  It is a stand-alone device, meaning it can be used without being tethered to a smartphone (my Pebble needs to be tethered).  I can make and receive calls from the phone.  I can listen to music directly from the phone, with or without a BT headset.  I can get notifications on the phone.  I can't do much of that with my Pebble.  The con is, I *might* get 2 days of battery life from it and will have to carry a charging cradle and micro-USB cable around with me (I can charge the watch while going to/from work and I can also do it while at work).  Functionality-wise, the Gear S is well beyond my Pebble, plus the Pebble was already returned once because of a display issue (the replacement watch has been showing similar issues, though).

I'll review the watch and post it here once I receive it.

UPDATE:

Verizon straightened up the billing for the phones.  My wife called them and got it sorted (luckily, I made sure to get receipts when I mailed the phones back to Verizon...had Post Office and UPS tracking numbers and receipts).  In fact, one was already in the process of being credited back even before my wife called.  Verizon gets a big thumbs-up this time.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

For my daughter's birthday, I upgraded her phone from an HTC One M8 to a Samsung Galaxy Note Edge.  I actually opened the box for her and ensured it had a full charge so that when she came home, from school, she'd be able to immediately play with it.  That she did!  I actually resisted the urge to play with it while it was charging, so she was able to enjoy the whole factory setup experience.

Just seeing her phone made me want to upgrade mine and I did just that!  I upgraded from my Note 3 to the Note Edge.

I was actually on the fence on whether to get the Note 4 or the Note Edge...decided that it wouldn't hurt to try the Edge and if I found to not like it, I could always 'edge up' to something else a bit later.

Some observations:

• The Edge consumes quite a bit more battery power during the day compared to my Note 3 and my daughter's M8.  This might be due to the quad display.  It consumes less power when in power saving mode, but it's nowhere near what it was with the Note 3.  There's also the ultra power saving mode, which I haven't tried yet...I'm not sure if it hobbles the phone too much (it also goes to grayscale).
• It takes some time to get used to the phone's display edge.  I keep thinking that it's about to slip out of my hands.
• The phone will get hot when using it while the display is on.
• Quick charges are ridiculously fast!  This is good, since this phone consumes power quickly.
• There's no Android 5.x for the Note Edge yet (or, at least I haven't seen the upgrade prompt for it yet).  This phone is currently at v4.4.4.  It may not seem to be a big deal, but I got a taste of 5.x on my Note 3...loved it and currently miss it dearly on my Edge.
• Verizon only had the phones in Black...I'm not sure if White was promotional or if they ran out of stock when I bought the phones, but there was a two week gap between buying the two of them, so if there was a stocking shortage, you'd think that it wouldn't last two weeks.
• There aren't many phone cases available for this phone, currently.  My daughter has the Samsung wallet cover.  I have the Verizon shell/holster combo w/ kickstand (which I had for my Note 2).  I'd much rather have an Otterbox Defender on this phone, but until they're available, I'll be happy with what I currently have.
• There was at least one app that I had on the Note 3 that wasn't detecting the user config file on the SD card that came from the Note 3.  I had to manually grab the config from the Verizon Cloud and overwrite them on the SD card for them to work (mainly Tasker).  mSecure also had a problem taking imported backup and I ended up having to manually copy over a backup.  I exported a copy of the database to G-mail and imported the G-mail copy without issue...wouldn't work with the Edge, as the app kept complaining that it couldn't see G-mail's SMTP server.  I didn't have that issue with the Note 2 and 3.
• The fingerprint reader is better than what reviewers are stating.  I've been using it with little issue...it's pretty accurate.
• The heart monitor is iffy...I'm not sure if it's precise but my pulse is usually higher than average, and it's right in that regard...I wouldn't use it in place of a dedicated blood pressure and pulse monitor, though.
• No problems using my Pebble watch...BT is BT, I guess.
• It doesn't feel any bigger than my Note 3, although it's slightly bigger.

I haven't messed with the S-Pen yet.  I have fiddled with setting up the Edge...that's gonna take some getting used to.

Now, there was an issue with my daughter's Edge.  I plugged it in when I first removed it from the box and it had a green line in the middle of the screen, going from top to bottom.  It disappeared the first day of use, then returned and stayed after that day.  I'd been trying to find out how to return/replace it and Verizon has NO documentation on how to do that...it's not included on their My Verizon pages nor does any information regarding returning/replacing or troubleshooting come with the phone.  I visited 2 different stores and got no help.  The first store didn't even check my account, I don't think...they saw that they didn't have any Edge phones to swap with mine, so they sent me to another store that was 1/2 hour away.  I got to that store and they immediately told me that they couldn't pull up the account.  I had to call their employee assistance line to request a replacement.  They treat employee accounts differently and that's what really irked me...I'm not just an employee.  I'm a damned customer.  These phones and the service isn't cheap...I deserved better service than I got.  I ended up spending at LEAST 3 hours in two stores last night.  Then I came home and was on the phone for another hour, being bounce around different tech teams.  I also spent another hour on the phone today, as well, but I finally got the right person and they were able to assist me in getting a new phone sent to me.  This could've been done yesterday without all the traveling and phone time if Verizon had understood how to help me...they didn't know a thing.  I was so ticked that I almost considered moving to a competitor ASAP.  Verizon needs to do a better job at customer service (I've said this many times to friends and colleages)...the run-around I got last night was pretty ridiculous.  They also need to make the custom replacement process for employees more transparent than what it currently is, because it's hardly transparent.  They need to make it so that the employees feel like customers...I felt like a damned leper last night.  And on top of that, I had to rush ship my daughter's phone back to them since this was the 14th day of ownership...if they'd know WTH they were doing yesterday, I wouldn't have been quite as rushed.

We'll see if the new phone is without problems...it'll be here tomorrow.

Lollipop!

So, both of my phones (work and personal) got upgraded (OEM -- I don't root or try various ROMs on my phones...I need them to be dependable and as stock as possible) to Android 5.0 within the last seven days.

There are distinct differences in the UI between them, with the work phone being an HTC One M8 and the personal phone being a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (both Verizon phones).

I was underwhelmed with the One, but I also don't usually tinker with it since it's the work phone, so I can't really notice the new changes since I wasn't really familiar with the old options and features.

With the Note 3, there's a slew of UI changes, but I don't see much difference in the system options/configuration.  I've not yet noticed things such as excessive battery usage or bad phone reception.  I did notice that I had to re-enable some of the features I had selected prior to the Lollipop upgrade.  I also noticed an easter egg.  If you go to Settings/General/About Phone, click "Android version" multiple times, click the lollipop multiple times, then click/hold, you'll see a version of the Flappy Bird game and be able to play it!  There are some new features in the Security settings, too, like reactivation lock, "Send security reports" and "Security policy updates."

I'll report any anomalies or good stuff I discover.


UPDATE:  And I saw this article today, showing how much of a dramatic difference each Android 5.0 experience is per device.  It's good to know I wasn't the only one that noticed this.  A snippet:

This dive into Lollipop revealed something very clear to me: Manufactures are, in fact, doing Android no favors. I've already posted my take on bloatware, and I stand firm on that with Lollipop. But even minus what most would consider bloatware, manufacturers are robbing consumers of the true Android experience, and Lollipop is a perfect example of that.

Anyone who experiences the jump from KitKat to Lollipop should get the platform I had on the Nexus, rather than the HTC M8. After the very long wait for the Lollipop upgrade, some users are going to be disappointed--not because of what Google has done (because what Google has done is brilliant), but because of what the manufacturers have done to the latest iteration of Android.

I agree.

How's the Note 3 holding up? Other stuff as well!

Well, I'm happy to say that my Note 3 experience has been pretty good, so far.  About the only thing I've noticed that I don't like so far is the bloatware that comes with the phone and the fact that Samsung did away with the facial recognition lock screen configuration (not that that's a huge deal, given that this option isn't the most secure unlocking mechanism, but none are 100% secure...as well, facial recognition is two-factor; the face and a PIN are used to unlock the phone).

Also, I was hoping to see that Find My Mobile was actually functional for US phones...sadly, it is not, just like the Note 2.  Yes, there are tons of apps out there that can assist in finding your lost/stolen mobile, but the Samsung solution is free, native to the Galaxy phones, and offers a crap-load more features (for free) than any other free solution you can find on the Play Store.  That being said, I'm now using Prey, which I was using with my Thunderbolt (and laptops).  That's the only free solution that I've found offers near the same amount of features as Find My Mobile.  Another thing:  I've a Norton AV subscription (it includes three licenses).  It isn't cheap at all, IMO.  Well, they offer a mobile app with AV/lock/lost features...it's not included in the price of the PC solution, although they sure as hell market it within the PC solution's GUI (that's how I knew about it).  That's extremely annoying, but it was probably something I didn't need, either...a true AV solution would hog system resources and I'm only looking for something to with features to use in finding lost or stolen phones.

I'm growing used to the Otter Defender case.  The built-in screen protector still doesn't sit well with me, but I've found that if I'm quick with the stylus, it isn't as intrusive to the stylus experience.

I've taken some pretty good pictures with the Note 3 so far and have even doe some video of my son's MMA exams (I captured some slow-mo footage of moving nunchaku).  The video settings layouts are a bit confusing to navigate.

The Note 3 really doesn't have all that much more to offer than the Note 2, IMO.  The only drastic difference are the video settings...there are some seriously high offerings if you want to capture good video.  Is that worth an upgrade from a Note 2?  It depends on how much of a video nut you are (not everyone cares about having the latest specs as far as video capturing is concerned).

Another thing:  I spent a ton of time in creating several themes using the Next launcher on my Note 2.  I lost those when I went to the Note 3.  I ran a back-up but the Next developer should have it backed up to SD card as well (and have the name and location of the backup noted somewhere within the configuration).

I also got my oldest kid an HTC One M8 (she had an iPhone but wanted to go Android).  She loves it.  It is a beautiful phone...I couldn't stop telling her and the store consultant that.  The only thing I didn't like about that phone is that the battery is not removable.  I'm not sure about the 4 Ultra Pixel camera...it's more marketing than anything, and I'm pretty sure it's not going to out-shoot my Note 3.  I love the Sense UI, as well.  I have not played with it all that much since I got it for my daughter, but one evening I'll have her unlock it so that I can play with it a bit.

I've still been wondering about the LG G3 (and even the G2).  I was actually considering the G2 when I was trying to decide which phones to consider.  It's cons were:  non-removable battery and no SD slot.  The G2 is also a free phone (as a contract phone)...I have no idea how much they're charging for it as an Edge upgrade.  The G2 has the same hardware as an S4...it's VERY fresh as far as hardware is concerned.  I think most people couldn't stomach the volume and power buttons layout, which is why it's a free contract phone with Verizon.  I might even consider seeing if I can buy an unlocked G2 as a spare phone (they shouldn't cost too much on Craigslist or eBay).

The G3 is due to be released this summer (it's already been debuted).  I'm predicting mid-July as a Verizon release date.  I'm on the Vz notification list so that I'll know when they decide to sell it.  I want to check it out.  It may well replace my Note 3 (and soon).  I'd have to pay at least 50% of my Note 3 before I can  "edge up", though.  The G3 is a great phone and will be running a ground-breaking display.  It'll be using the SnapDragon 801 series CPU in the US.  It has a removable battery and a micro-SD slot that'll take 128GB cards. (!!)  It's almost as big as a Note 3.  While it doesn't have a stylus, I rarely use the Note's stylus anyways.

Edged Up...Also Got the Note 3!

So, my daughter's 13th birthday was yesterday.  The wife and I got her an iPhone 5S (which is what she wanted).  While we were at the Verizon store, I was told that I was eligible for the Edge program (I will not explain Edge here...most Vz customers will know what Edge is).  I was curious, as I'm tired of always being locked to a phone for 2 years, so I had the Vz shop explain everything to me.  I believe the Edge program would benefit people who like to upgrade ahead of 2 years.  So, I went home and did some thinking.  I'm aware that the Note 4 will eventually be out...I always miss these releases.  I almost decided to wait until my contract with my Note 2 ended (that wouldn't have been a bad idea, either).  I did some research online and it was very difficult for me to decide which phone I'd like to upgrade to, because the Note 2 is THAT good...seriously.

There were two other phones that caught my eye that I could get through Verizon:  The HTC One Max and the LG G2.  The thing I didn't like about the Max was that it is just a big HTC One M8.  It is also extremely large at 5.9" in display area...that might've been too much for me.  Those cons weren't the kickers, though.  The kicker was that the back camera was 4MP (really???)  And a phone that big (I hate the word phablet, so I won't be using that term) needs a stylus.  The LG G2 looks like it would've held my interest...it has LOTS of features and the phone appears to be more responsive than the Galaxy S4 (probably due to Samsung's Touchwiz bloat).  The Note 3 is better than both of them, although I was willing to compromise (but only to an extent).

I ended up getting the Note 3.  I might've been happy enough with the HTC One Max, but I would not have been happy with that camera.  I came close to getting the G2, though.  What lured me toward the Note 3 was the fact that I was already familiar with the Note 2, which would help me when using the Note 3.  Also, the phone on the Note 3 is spectacular and has slow-motion (120fps) capture and 1080p 60fps capture as well.  The charging/syncing port is different, too (using USB 3.0 now and has a funky new port that can still use a regular micro-USB cable to sync).

I got the black version and got an Otter Defender case (will have to sell the Note 2 Otter Commuter case that I have).  I sorely missed the belt clip, which the Commuter case doesn't use, but I could never find a Defender case for my Note 2 in local shops.  One thing I don't like about the Defender is that built-in screen protector...my stylus doesn't like it at all, so I've been using my finger when texting.  I was tempted to cut out the plastic, but I'll try using it for a few weeks instead of being hasty.  Another thing:  I got my daughter a Lifeproof case for her phone...that damn thing was expensive, but I wanted no excuses that she got it wet or broke it.  I wanted to get one for my new phone, but apparently they aren't making them for the Note 3.  That's OK, though, because it doesn't have a belt clip.

For some reason, migrating my data to the new phone took forever, but I've been using the Note 2 heavily the last year, so there was much more data that had to be pushed to the new phone.  As well, I was never near wifi for it to complete the syncing (was shopping after I got the new phone).

My next purchase will be a larger microSD card (64GB).  I ran upon the limit of my 32GB microSD card several times the last 12 months.  I might also look into another battery, because I'm using a Pebble smartwatch now and I have to keep BT on for it to work with my phone...my phone is sucking down battery power bigtime.  I 'm lucky if I can get 10 hours of usage out of it.  If I don't touch the phone, battery life is fine, though.

There was also an Android update waiting for me when I got my hands on the phone (v4.4.3).

Other than getting all my apps installed on the new phone, I've not played with it yet.  I still need to get the Next launcher running again (will have to customize a new theme).

I'll post up any new findings I discover/experience.

Galaxy S III bug bypasses lock screen, allowing access to personal data on Home Screen

http://bit.ly/Yd4P4C

The lock screen on your phone may not be doing a good job of keeping intruders out. A new bug has been found on the Galaxy S III that can let users bypass the lock screen and access phone data that resides on the home screen.

This issue also affects the Galaxy Note II.

Bought Samsung Galaxy Note II

I finally got the chance to replace my aging HTC Thunderbolt.

The Thunderbolt was actually fine until Verizon pushed a 4.0 firmware update (without my knowledge and without prompting me first...if I'd have known, I'd have done some research and postponed the update).

The update caused issues.  ICS is designed for multi-core CPUs.  The T-bolt is single-core.  After the update, I noticed serious lag in response times when clicking on objects.  2-3 seconds of lag, in some cases. I decided to restore back to the factory settings and wipe the microSD card of data.  Even after doing that, there was still lag (although not as much...but it was much more random).  As well, the battery was draining more quickly than it used to...power consumption was already kinda bad without adding ICS.  Sometimes the phone would shut down with little warning.  At first, I thought it was a system crash, but began to notice that the battery was dead, even when showing at least 50% power.  I don't know if the battery needed to be replaced, but I wasn't about to buy a new one when I was close to being eligible for an upgrade.

So, I was due for an upgrade.  The window of the upgrade would open on 3/9.  I'd been researching the last 4-5 months and had set my eye on two phones:

Samsung Galaxy SIII
Samsung Galaxy Note II

For those that don't know, both of these phones share the same hardware.  The Note II is bigger, though.   The SIII has a 4.8" screen and the Note II has a 5.5" screen.  The SIII is sold in a 16GB version and 32GB version.  The Note is only sold as a 16GB version.

I decided multiple times on the SIII 16GB version (I'd add my 32GB microSD to expand the storage), but I kept going back to the Note II and changing my mind.

**Another thing (treat this as a warning):  do not get these phones from Verizon.  They're a lot more expensive than 3rd party vendors such as Radio Shack and Best Buy.  As of 3/5/2013, both Best Buy and Radio Shack sold both SIII versions (the 16GB version for $99 and the other version for $199 -- Verizon sold the 16GB version for $199, AND Verizon only sold the 16GB version).  Both of those stores also sold the Note II for $199, whereas Verizon sold it for $299.  No-brainer for me...do not buy from Verizon.

So, I decided to get the Note II.  I wanted a traditional color, so I got the gray one.  I got it yesterday afternoon.

First, it is a BIG phone.  It is big, but I love the size of the screen.  The extra space is an asset.  It is also highly configurable.  I thought I liked ICS on the Thunderbolt (it was nice...it was just that it appears that ICS didn't like the phone's hardware)...  My Note II is running v4.1.1 (stock ROM, which I'm happy with).

I haven't found anything that I dislike about the phone so far, and I'll looking hard.

I got a case for it as well, the Platinum Series Kickstand Case.  At first, I wanted the Samsung flip case, but I read reviews that said that they're not durable.  The case that I got is pretty hardcore, but it is hard to remove the bottom portion...not a problem until you have to install or remove the microSD card or battery.

As well, the battery capacity is outstanding.  I can probably go 24 hours without recharging the battery, with heavy usage.  Wireless reception is very good.  4G reception still needs to be tested (I only have average reception when I'm at home, due to the distance of the tower from the house), but I shouldn't have a problem with that.

All my apps work fine on this phone (I've a crapload of apps, both free and paid).

The camera is outstanding.  The screen renders colors the way that most Samsung products do...extremely well.

All I have to do now is get insurance coverage, as I've read that it's a fragile phone.  I'll cancel my T-bolt coverage and add the Note II instead.

Overall, I'm very happy with this phone.  I'll be studying up on its capabilities by joining web forums that cater to this make and model.

I may donate the T-bolt, but may play with it to experiment with ROMs.  I'll have to get another microSD card before I do that, though.  At this point I should probably just donate it, because, really, my older iPhones are more capable than the T-bolt.  I liked the T-bolt but it got old rather quickly (was already an old phone when I first got it).

** I'm referencing US-spec models.