Phone Upgrade

[jorluivil]

I'm heading to Verizon next week to upgrade my phone, I'm seriously considering the I-Phone 5 or 4S. One of the main reasons I want to replace my android phone is because of the weak battery life that they have. During most of my fishing trips I carry two batteries, combined they will last me about 6-8hours before they're both dead. The second reason is the fact that LifeProof makes an awesome water proof case along for the I-Phone and an optional floating case which is GREAT for those oops moments when you're on the water. I have a waterproof jacket for my Droid but they really suck, when the case is wet the touch screen does not work very well, I either have to take the phone out of the case or dry the outer jacket in order to use the touchscreen plus the speaker sound is horrible.

I'm looking for some pros and cons from current I-Phone users.

[wiredantz]

life proof case is the BOMB!!!

[danjor]

Get your phone at Costco. After buying my most recent phone there I'm never going back to the Verizon store. Not only did I get the phone cheaper there but I got a bunch of free Accessories, there insurance plan is great and the guy working there upgraded my phone and fixed the paperwork so I did not have to upgrade my plan which saves me $30 a month and I get to keep my unlimited everything plan on Verizon :D

[wiredantz]

Hmmm i see a iphone on the countertop

[jorluivil]

Get your phone at Costco. After buying my most recent phone there I'm never going back to the Verizon store. Not only did I get the phone cheaper there but I got a bunch of free Accessories, there insurance plan is great and the guy working there upgraded my phone and fixed the paperwork so I did not have to upgrade my plan which saves me $30 a month and I get to keep my unlimited everything plan on Verizon :D


10-4, one of my co-workers told me about Costco as well. I couldn't believe all the extra's they gave him and how they 'waived' a whole bunch of fees. I believe they grandfathered his old plan into the new 2-year plan, he was also able to keep his unlimited data plan.

[Biggameaddict]

Iphone for sure. You will never go back!

[danjor]

10-4, one of my co-workers told me about Costco as well. I couldn't believe all the extra's they gave him and how they 'waived' a whole bunch of fees. I believe they grandfathered his old plan into the new 2-year plan, he was also able to keep his unlimited data plan.

Yep, its the way to go. You should have gone on black Friday they had some crazy deals, was trying to activate my phone that day but it wasn't gonna happen. I got the new droid RAZR maxx HD. They don't make any nice waterproof cases that I know of for it, otter case might make one, but they battery life is crazy and it is splash proof/ waterproof at like a couple of feet or something like that, but the main things are the amazing battery life and you can't beat the high def screen, its crazy, looks clearer than my 1080p LCD TV lol

[blitzburgh]

Iphone for sure. You will never go back!

Disagree. I went from the iPhone 4 to a Galaxy Note 2 and while I did love my iPhone, I won't go back to an iPhone until they set the bar again. My GN2 has crazy features and the battery lasts all day long, streaming and doing a variety of other things. Admittedly, you can't go wrong with the iPhone, it's just not the end all be all of smartphones anymore.

[slobslayer]

Iphone for sure.... The battery life on my iPhone lasts twice as long if not more than my droid. I can scan BWE all day and still have three quarters of my battery left. I also ordered the life proof off amazon and love it.

[jorluivil]

BUMMER......Costco doesn't carry I-Phones

[yaker81]

iphone maps suck. Google maps is way better. Apple also sucks because they are not open source like android phones. iphone does not have adobe flash either, which is absolutely lame. I went from a galaxy S2 to the Iphone 4 and wish I never did, But I will agree that the iphone battery life is much better on the iphone.

[danjor]

BUMMER......Costco doesn't carry I-Phones

Sucks

[dbarnett66]

I went with the IPhone 4s recently through an actual Verizon store. Couldn't be happier with the upgrade. Then again, I had a basic phone that sucked, so anything could have been an upgrade.

[ful-rac]

Agreed, the apple maps do suck but they work...apple had a good thing going with google maps, but they screwed up with ios5...but overall iphone, good choice. I do think google maps are going to return to ios soon....hopefully...comon jorge you saw what i could do with my iphone....right in the water...no fear!

[YakMedic]

I stick with Android. Check out the Samsung Galaxy SIII, in a Seidio Obex waterproof case. It lasts forever if the wifi is turned off.

[Mongo Johnson]

1. Plans/Phones: I've just seen a buddy who was way into Android go to iPhone. Then, he recently came back. Part of it was plan flexibility, the other reasons were more latitude with the decice and app's. He did like some of Apples apps due to their closed system. He was wooed by good plan deals he liked at T Mobile.

I've had good luck with Sprint's fees and clarity, but it depends on coverage area. I'm seeing 4 LTE in LB. I thought it was a gimmick, but I bit on the 49.00 Samsung Galaxy S3 and it whoops my able HTC Evo.

2. Battery: For 25 bucks, there are batteries other there that are worth two full charges and are non-denominational in that they work on an iPhone or Android. More expensive versions will do more charges and/or handle tablets.

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=16243&highlight=charge

I stick with Android. Check out the Samsung Galaxy SIII, in a Seidio Obex waterproof case. It lasts forever if the wifi is turned off.

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/693/amelia.jpg

[JohnnyCope]

iphone maps suck. Google maps is way better. Apple also sucks because they are not open source like android phones. iphone does not have adobe flash either, which is absolutely lame. I went from a galaxy S2 to the Iphone 4 and wish I never did, But I will agree that the iphone battery life is much better on the iphone.

Download the app! It is in the App Store for free

[JohnnyCope]

iphone maps suck. Google maps is way better. Apple also sucks because they are not open source like android phones. iphone does not have adobe flash either, which is absolutely lame. I went from a galaxy S2 to the Iphone 4 and wish I never did, But I will agree that the iphone battery life is much better on the iphone.

Google maps is in the App Store for free

[maui jim]

Dont drink the Apple Juice!!!!!:eek::eek::eek:

[ful-rac]

Yep they just came out with the Google maps app today! Get it!

[Redeyejedi]

I'm heading to Verizon next week to upgrade my phone, I'm seriously considering the I-Phone 5 or 4S. One of the main reasons I want to replace my android phone is because of the weak battery life that they have. During most of my fishing trips I carry two batteries, combined they will last me about 6-8hours before they're both dead. The second reason is the fact that LifeProof makes an awesome water proof case along for the I-Phone and an optional floating case which is GREAT for those oops moments when you're on the water. I have a waterproof jacket for my Droid but they really suck, when the case is wet the touch screen does not work very well, I either have to take the phone out of the case or dry the outer jacket in order to use the touchscreen plus the speaker sound is horrible.

I'm looking for some pros and cons from current I-Phone users.
new contract or buying out of pocket?
data plan, text plan unlimited?
how long have you had that phone for?
android phones can "suffer" from battery usage due to open apps. get an app killer, and see you battery increase significantly.

just to add, going to an iphone from an good android is like going from truck with v8 to a 4banger with head issues, and CEL throwing unknown codes.
galaxy s2 blows doors on iphone 5 and leaves the older ones as paper weights.... but i am certain the brandwhores will chime in telling you how much they love their iphone.

[jruiz]

If your only issue is battery life, get an extended battery and make sure your battery is calibrated. There are android apps out there that will calibrate your battery. With a calibrated extended battery, I get 2-3 days of battery life with heavy usage. The app I use is simply called "battery calibration"

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ignisoft.battery.calibration&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5pZ 25pc29mdC5iYXR0ZXJ5LmNhbGlicmF0aW9uIl0.

When the privacy policy and advertising terms come up hit close all time, NOT OK.

I would try the battery calibration first to see if it improves your battery woes before going with a new phone. Then consider an extended battery.

[jruiz]

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/693/amelia.jpg

This actually made me LOL. Thank you for that.

[Drake]

galaxy S3 , awesome battery life better performance and Lifeproof has a case for it.

[ratdog]

I stick with Android. Check out the Samsung Galaxy SIII, in a Seidio Obex waterproof case. It lasts forever if the wifi is turned off.

I agree with this, love mine.

[Salty Dog]

Just jumped from the iPhone OG to the iPhone 5 with the lifeproof case last week.
LTE is stinking fast! I can't tell the difference between it and my cable internet.
Putting it through the torture test right now.The new phone has not crashed or hung up at all.
Got about 8 hours of really heavy internet and app testing in on one full charge.
No lag time navigating through Navionics or any of my maps apps.
Rendering in art and photo apps are instantaneous fast
GPS works pretty good. It marks about 5-10' away from me everytime
Works ok so far.

My iPhone OG lasted 5 years. Still works fine. The battery is a little weak but it can still make it through a whole day of normal use.
It's been through hell without using any cases to protect it. Construction sights, backpacking, skating, and kayaking (with an Alok sac) hasn't done much to it except for a few scratches.
Hope I get the new phone to last that long.

[jorluivil]

I decided to go with

http://blog.inner-active.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/galaxy-s-iii-front-back.jpg



and this

http://cdn-store.shopandroid.com/store_images/product_images/accessories/large/13020.jpg

[Redeyejedi]

nice!
update with review for us!
get that rubber case or whatever you like and a screen protector and zip lock bags you're good to go!

[Biggameaddict]

Disagree. I went from the iPhone 4 to a Galaxy Note 2 and while I did love my iPhone, I won't go back to an iPhone until they set the bar again. My GN2 has crazy features and the battery lasts all day long, streaming and doing a variety of other things. Admittedly, you can't go wrong with the iPhone, it's just not the end all be all of smartphones anymore.
i guess im an apple guy :D. i like apple because its simple to operate and convenient. the new 5's last all day long and take less than an hour to charge. To each his own but i love my iphone.

[Drake]

http://www.lifeproof.com/shop/us_en/lifeproof-case-for-the-samsung-galaxy-s3/?gclid=CO73up-UmbQCFQhyQgod-SwANw

[Mongo Johnson]

Too bad Ameilia couldn't have kept her Lockeed Electra on the ramp until now. Google Maps for iPhone
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2413207,00.asp

:)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/researchers-found-amelia-earharts-plane-debris/story?id=17034766

[bus kid]

8007

[Mongo Johnson]

Costco spiffy consumer thing. Not sure if it will cover a phone too, but it rocks on things like TV and computers.

If you buy a product at Costco using THIER AMEX card, they add a year to your warranty. http://www304.americanexpress.com/getthecard/learn-about/Costco-TrueEarnings

[MuddyMike]

I just went to costco to try to upgrade and keep my unlimited plan. I'm due for an upgrade and have no other phones on my plan.

I overheard her talking to the people before me though and she was saying she could try to grandfather the unlimited plan, but there's a pretty good chance Verizon will reverse it out within a week or 2.

When I spoke with her, she said it wouldn't work for me unless I had paid full price for the phone when I bought it, or some cases if you have multiple phones on the plan. I didn't understand it.

I'd say keep an eye on your plans just in case.

[Mongo Johnson]

I just went to costco to try to upgrade and keep my unlimited plan. I'm due for an upgrade and have no other phones on my plan . . . . but there's a pretty good chance Verizon will reverse it out within a week or 2.

I jumped on the Sprint deal at Thanksgiving that offered the S3 at 49.00. They may do a competitive deal if you call. I've had pretty good luck with their phone staffers as opposed to the helter-skelter of stores. They're somewhat unlimited in their data charges. Plans are flat rate for so many minutes with data included with a flat 10 fee unless you have a dump phone.

Coming from another vendor may give you something to bargain with -- and you might reference the killer deal.

I've had Sprint for a long time around L.A. without issues, though I hear coverage in Seal Beach is yucky.

I've buddies who are phone nuts and have tried most of the main vendors before rotating back to Sprint. They're in LB and Garden Grove.

Another bud who went "all iPhone" has come back to Android via some pretty sweat deals on TMobile, but his call minutes are very low, he does have good data.

[addicted2sp33d]

Doubles as a PFD:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pD254JDQAJU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Redeyejedi]

If your only issue is battery life, get an extended battery and make sure your battery is calibrated. There are android apps out there that will calibrate your battery. With a calibrated extended battery, I get 2-3 days of battery life with heavy usage. The app I use is simply called "battery calibration"

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ignisoft.battery.calibration&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5pZ 25pc29mdC5iYXR0ZXJ5LmNhbGlicmF0aW9uIl0.

When the privacy policy and advertising terms come up hit close all time, NOT OK.

I would try the battery calibration first to see if it improves your battery woes before going with a new phone. Then consider an extended battery.


thanks for that, HUGE increase in discharge performance on a year and half old battery and phone is very rarely off.

[Mongo Johnson]

Tech buddy feedback. He loves rooting his phones etc.

Might be about a different pgm, but take care on ad questions, and tech instructions.

"I don’t use it. I tried one of these apps before and unless you follow the directions exactly and constantly redo the calibration process, your phone will be out of calibration and it will be a pain it get it calibrated again. For example when I screwed up my phone with this type of app it would stop charging at 95% and die at like 5 percent. I had to factory reset to fix it."

[jorluivil]

Ended up going shopping with the wife and kids on Friday and we all got an early Christmas present, I ended up with the Galaxy S3. I didn't realize it at the time but Best Buy sells the Seidio Obex waterproof case for the S3, I was under the impression that it was only available online. I went in today and picked up the case and even got it price matched, walked out the door spending just a little more than $60 for the case compared to $70 or $80 +tax on some of the online sites.

I've been reading reviews for the last few days and although Seidio is the only manufacturer that carries this case it has received from pretty stellar reviews from users and Droid websites.

Overall, the case is slightly larger but not by much and feels comfortable in the hand. The speaker does sound a little distorted when its played at the maximum level and the touch screen does seem to function slightly different, just takes some getting used to. I'm happy with it so far, I'll post some additional info in a few days.

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af96/jorgelvillegas/Fishing%20Misc/20121224_170548.jpg?t=1356400835

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af96/jorgelvillegas/Fishing%20Misc/20121224_171250.jpg?t=1356400792

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af96/jorgelvillegas/Fishing%20Misc/20121224_171218.jpg?t=1356400791

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af96/jorgelvillegas/Fishing%20Misc/20121224_171232.jpg?t=1356400791

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af96/jorgelvillegas/Fishing%20Misc/20121224_171458.jpg?t=1356400818

[YakMedic]

I've been using the seidio obex for the last 2mos. It takes awhile to get used to and the screen loses sensitivity. But after busting 2 phones last year I like the protection it gives.

[jorluivil]

I decided to take the OBEX case back to Best Buy and wait for the Life Proof case to come out, hopefully it will be sooner than later. Since I was going back to Best Buy I decided to do some research and work on some price matching on the Galaxy S3 and boy oh boy did it work out for me and the old lady. I found the Galaxy S3 on Amazon Wireless for $99 so I went to the store and requested a price match, the manager on duty said it wouldn't be an issue matching the price so long as I did the following:

1. Go through the process of placing an order on Amazon(without actually purchasing the phone)
2. Confirm that the final price is lower than what I paid ($149.99 x 2)
3. Print the order and bring it back to Best Buy.

This morning during my lunch break I decided to get on Amazon and go through the entire process, it took about 10minutes but once I was done I had the page showing a final price of $59.99. Got home and picked up the old lady, we went back to Best Buy and luckily the Manager that gave me the instructions was the one that was helping us at the customer service counter. After showing the Manager the printout he says, "No problem" and proceeds to work on the price match. Fortunately, for us, their system was acting up and rather than making us wait he said, "well, I can only match what the computer shows", he prints the receipt showing the total discount and smiles. We ended up getting a total refund of $150 so basically we only paid the tax on one of the phones. Next: look for a price match on the Iphone 5

[bus kid]

I Got home and picked up the old lady,

Does Candy know about said "old Lady"
Lifeproof is a bad arse case but they will not replace your phone if the case fails.

Go see Andy.


http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/the-888/RAM-Aquabox-%28medium%29/Detail