User Review History
wkwilsonb's review of the Samsung Galaxy Note
original version, submitted Jun 25, 2012, 7:19 PM:
Samsung's Innovative and Impressive Tablet/Smartphone
Samsung solved the matter of choice that I faced regarding whether to either spend money in getting my first iPad/tablet, or in upgrading my 4 years old Windows (HTC Fuze) smartphone. My Samsung Galaxy Note, SGH i717, with Android version, has been the innovative and impressive answer. Two months ago, while visiting my carrier's (AT&T) store, it was Samsung Galaxy Note's impressively large screen display that drew my attention. Then followed was a demonstration of the Samsung S-Pen, which transformed handwriting with this device into a neat and electronic notepad. Since using this smartphone, overall, my experience has been very good. The phone's signal and voice quality, including the speaker phone, have been very good in my home location, which is Central New Jersey and the New York
City metropolitan area, via the AT&T 4G/LTE network. So far, no dropped calls. The phone's battery has lasted reasonably well, considering loaded features and my personal usage. Despite this phone's large size, I found it reasonably comfortable to hold in my hand, which is medium sized, plus the device easily fits into my pant's (e.g., jeans, dress pants) or coat pockets. To Samsung, I would care to point out what may be a minor concern. When powering off the phone while the device is connected to a power source (charging), I must be mindful that the phone will power on again on its own if unplugged. Powering off/on takes no added concern if the phone is not charging. Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Note comes with many useful Android apps and other features. I have no experience with other most recent and comparable smartphone OS's and features, but I'm satisfied with this phone.
Pros:
* Impressively large screen display (5.3")
* Unique Samsung S-Pen hand/note writing
* Pocket sized mini tablet
Cons:
* Pricey phone introduction, considering rapid changes, upgrades and depreciation.
* A large phone may not be desirable for some
edited May 22, 2013, 10:47 AM to the current version:
Samsung's Innovative and Impressive Tablet/Smartphone
Samsung solved my choice: whether to spend money for my first iPad/tablet, or to just upgrade my old Windows (HTC Fuze) smartphone. My Samsung Galaxy Note, SGH i717 has been the innovative and impressive answer. While visiting my carrier's (AT&T) store, it was Samsung Galaxy Note's impressively large screen display that drew my attention. They demonstrated the Samsung S-Pen, which transformed this device into an electronic notepad. The phone's signal and voice quality, including the speaker phone, have been very good in my home location, which is Central New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area, via the AT&T 4G/LTE network. There are only rare and usually unexplained dropped calls. The phone's battery lasts reasonably well, considering loaded features and my personal usage, but I like to keep a charge and a spare. Despite this phone's large size, I found it reasonably comfortable to hold in my hand, which is medium sized, plus the device easily fits into my pant's (e.g., jeans, dress pants) or coat pockets. To Samsung, I would like to share the following concerns. When powering off the phone while the device is connected to a power source (charging), I must be mindful that the phone will power on again on its own if unplugged. Powering off/on takes no added concern if the phone is not charging. Configuring the headphone jack and the charge/usb connection at opposite ends of the phone, makes the phone awkward to handle or position while in use. Power and volume buttons on the sides should be recessed, to avoid accidental depressing. I've been able to twice upgrade firmware on this phone, now to the Android Jelly Bean version 4.1.2.
Pros:
* Impressively large screen display (5.3")
* Unique Samsung S-Pen hand/note writing
* Pocket sized mini tablet
Cons:
* Pricey phone introduction, considering rapid changes, upgrades and depreciation.
* A large phone may not be desirable for some
