Buying a Nexus One in Israel
Hi all, Does anyone know if the Nexus one phones sold in Israel as new (i.e - from stores) are the same hardware as the development phones sold directly from Google? I want to buy such a phone, but Google won't ship to Israel. The development phones have unlockable boot loader, and I want to make sure that the phones I buy will have that too. Any ideas how to make sure I get the right phone? Thanks, Shachar -- Shachar Shemesh Lingnu Open Source Consulting Ltd. http://www.lingnu.com ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il
Re: Buying a Nexus One in Israel
On Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:58:07 +0200 Shachar Shemesh shac...@shemesh.biz wrote: Hi all, Does anyone know if the Nexus one phones sold in Israel as new (i.e - from stores) are the same hardware as the development phones sold directly from Google? I want to buy such a phone, but Google won't ship to Israel. The development phones have unlockable boot loader, and I want to make sure that the phones I buy will have that too. Any ideas how to make sure I get the right phone? Thanks, Shachar No experience with the ones sold in Israel, got mine in the states (second hand). From what I know all (or at least most) android phones are breakable, it's a question of availability of the radio firmware. The most problematic one I know is the sony erricson one, but even that is breakable for a small price. There are several variations in hardware though. Older ones use the amoled screen while newer ones use slcd. There are also two variations in the states with different 3g bands. I think that only pelephone may make a difference regarding preferred channels. My guess is that they are gray imports from probably the states. I'm guessing that the unbranded phones rather than the att / t-mobile / rogers ones (there are also European versions) ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il
Re: Nexus One vs Samsung Galaxy S
On 17/04/2010 08:53, Shachar Shemesh wrote: These have UI improvements from the manufacturers with great features... I have only looked at the Galaxy when it first came out. At that time, I did not spot ANY differences between it and the vanilla Android. What improvements does it contain? Ok, my bad... I was writing from memory and didn't realize there were two different similar sounding phones: Old phone: Samsung i7500 Galaxy aka Samsung Galaxy New phone: Samsung i9000 Galaxy S aka Samsung Galaxy S I was actually talking about the latter. Which will only be released in the summer, I think. For that reason I haven't seen it myself of course, but in terms of UI you can see e.g. a much nicer main menu :) in the 2nd video on this link: http://androidandme.com/2010/03/phones/samsung-galaxy-s-hands-on-wrap-up/ (I should note that the HTC Evo 4G includes HTC's Sense UI, which looks fantastic, plenty videos of this around. You can find it ported to the Nexus One but then of course you're limited to updates to that ROM... some Nexus One features might not work). As for hardware, the highlights here (also from the link above): 1) Super AMOLED screen. Looks amazing, brighter, better contrast, uses less power. See video. 2) Possibly the fastest processor on the market, but it's debatable. It's also 1Gz like the N1 but can draw triangles 3 times a fast. http://androidandme.com/2010/03/news/samsung-galaxy-s-hummingbird-chip-to-have-3x-gpu-power-of-snapdragon/ 3) 8 or 16GB internal RAM. Gadi -- Gadi Cohen aka Kinslayer dra...@wastelands.net www.wastelands.net Freelance admin/coding/design HABONIM DROR linux/fantasy enthusiast KeyID 0x93F26EF5: 256A 1FC7 AA2B 6A8F 1D9B 6A5A 4403 F34B 93F2 6EF5 / / ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il
Re: Nexus One vs Samsung Galaxy S
Gadi Cohen wrote: (I should note that the HTC Evo 4G includes HTC's Sense UI, which looks fantastic, plenty videos of this around. You can find it ported to the Nexus One but then of course you're limited to updates to that ROM... some Nexus One features might not work). I must admit that I found Sense to be underwhelming. On my phone, I'm running the plain Launcher (now rather old - no time to mess with Android right now :-( ). Sense will probably be great for people who use facebook and twitter a lot, as it has very tight integration with these services. As I don't, I don't find the appeal. HTC's decision to make Sense plugins distinct from Android Launcher plugins is, in my view, a lame attempt to prevent people from taking the Sense plugins, and holds no technological merit. The interface is, indeed, nice, but it is implemented as a wrapper around Android, rather than go into Android and change it. As a result, the second you run ANY non-Sense application (which is, let's face it, most of them), the interface reverts to POA (Plain Old Android). I can't escape the feeling that Sense was developed for WinMo, to override Window's horrible non-touch oriented interface, and was ported to Android for the sake of uniformity. That might also explain the different plugins interface. Inside Android, at least, it feels like a shallow casing around the core system, and I prefer the uniformity of having a standard interface throughout the system. 1) Super AMOLED screen. Looks amazing, brighter, better contrast, uses less power. See video. Is it reflective? Usually, the brighter colors are due to a reflective surface, which makes it more difficult to work with. 2) Possibly the fastest processor on the market, but it's debatable. It's also 1Gz like the N1 but can draw triangles 3 times a fast. http://androidandme.com/2010/03/news/samsung-galaxy-s-hummingbird-chip-to-have-3x-gpu-power-of-snapdragon/ So I have to ask about battery time and weight. Shachar -- Shachar Shemesh Lingnu Open Source Consulting Ltd. http://www.lingnu.com ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il
Re: Nexus One vs Galaxy S vs Evo 4G
On 17/04/2010 09:37, Shachar Shemesh wrote: I must admit that I found Sense to be underwhelming. Sense will probably be great for people who use facebook and twitter a lot, as it has very tight integration with these services. HTC's decision to make Sense plugins distinct from Android Launcher plugins is, in my view, a lame attempt to prevent people from taking the Sense plugins, and holds no technological merit. Inside Android, at least, it feels like a shallow casing around the core system, and I prefer the uniformity of having a standard interface throughout the system. No real argument from me, all valid points. But again, this seems to agree with what I said before... Stock Android (or CyanogenMod, etc) is the way to go for technical users, but more vanilla users may well prefer the eye candy of Sense (and it's social integration, although we have some of that in Android 2.1 now) without caring too much about the open source implications. 1) Super AMOLED screen. Looks amazing, brighter, better contrast, uses less power. See video. Is it reflective? Usually, the brighter colors are due to a reflective surface, which makes it more difficult to work with. From Wikipedia[1] (looks like the info came straight from Samsung): The main advantages of Samsung’s new Super AMOLED vs the first generation AMOLED: * 20% brighter screen. * 80% less sunlight reflection. * 20% more battery life. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_AMOLED Somewhere (I guess youtube) you can see the difference between the iphone and the galaxy S in direct sunlight... I remember being very imperssed. 2) Possibly the fastest processor on the market, but it's debatable. It's also 1Gz like the N1 but can draw triangles 3 times a fast. http://androidandme.com/2010/03/news/samsung-galaxy-s-hummingbird-chip-to-have-3x-gpu-power-of-snapdragon/ So I have to ask about battery time and weight. No idea about battery time... Weight (from Google): 118g, sounds good. Looks nice and slim in the video I posted before too. Oh, and I forgot to mention two of the impressive hardware specs of the Evo 4G (besides wimax): * 8 megapixel back facing and 1.3 megapixel front facing camera * hdmi out Gadi -- Gadi Cohen aka Kinslayer dra...@wastelands.net www.wastelands.net Freelance admin/coding/design HABONIM DROR linux/fantasy enthusiast KeyID 0x93F26EF5: 256A 1FC7 AA2B 6A8F 1D9B 6A5A 4403 F34B 93F2 6EF5 / / ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il
Re: Nexus One
2010/4/17 Shachar Shemesh shac...@shemesh.biz: Gadi Cohen wrote: However, for someone who isn't interested in all these things, there are probably better options: The Samsung Galaxy ... These have UI improvements from the manufacturers with great features... I have only looked at the Galaxy when it first came out. At that time, I did not spot ANY differences between it and the vanilla Android. What improvements does it contain? Is this about the Galaxy Icon? Because its specs page (as far as I followed) specifies it doesn't even have WiFi, which I think is a major bummer. --Amos ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il
Re: Nexus One vs Galaxy S
On 17/04/2010 14:49, Amos Shapira wrote: Is this about the Galaxy Icon? Because its specs page (as far as I followed) specifies it doesn't even have WiFi, which I think is a major bummer. Nope, we're discussing the soon to be released Samsung i9000 Galaxy S. Here's a link I hadn't pasted yet: 5 reasons to wait for the Samsung Galaxy S http://androidandme.com/2010/03/news/5-reasons-to-wait-for-the-samsung-galaxy-s/ Shachar, the page also claims improved battery life, citing beyond the super amoled display, the 45nm die size (whereas according to the article most other Android phones are still on 65nm). -- Gadi Cohen aka Kinslayer dra...@wastelands.net www.wastelands.net Freelance admin/coding/design HABONIM DROR linux/fantasy enthusiast KeyID 0x93F26EF5: 256A 1FC7 AA2B 6A8F 1D9B 6A5A 4403 F34B 93F2 6EF5 ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il
Re: Nexus One
On 12/04/2010 13:39, Constantine Shulyupin wrote: How may list list subscribers use Nexus One? I do :) What are your impressions? I absolutely love it. I had a G1 before, and am a big fan of Android. That in itself was a great upgrade, finally having the processor power and RAM to do what I really wanted. Does it worth to purchase? IMHO, definitely. It's a no brainer if you're a techie. It was amazing feeling my first time to get a terminal on the phone and move around just like regular linux, write shell scripts, etc. But even if you aren't, it's a great phone. I have a friend who doesn't know computers at all, and he got it and loves it (although I had to set up the Hebrew, custom ROM, etc for him). There are only three really annoying bugs that I can think of, but they really do happen infrequently and new firmwares (community developed) come out frequently. The Nexus One is arguable the ideal phone for developers and technically orientated people. This is the phone to get if you want to install a regularly developed custom firmware, have the latest Android updates (before they make it to a proper release, which can take a very long time as was the case with e.g. the Motorola Droid), and otherwise screw around with your phone. However, for someone who isn't interested in all these things, there are probably better options: The Samsung Galaxy (which has an AMAZING super amoled screen) and the EVO (which has wimax, but we don't have that here yet, and I could guess we'll get hsdpa+ instead; correct me if I'm wrong). These have UI improvements from the manufacturers with great features... but will get the latest Android updates slower, have less active communities around them, and may be harder to root, etc. But in short, as a technical user, nothing I've ever purchased has ever made me as happy :) Where it worth to purchase? You can buy in Israel for about NIS 3500. You can order directly from Google via mustop.co.il, and you'll end up paying about NIS 2800 I think. Even better is if you have someone coming back from the US. Tax on phones is about 34%, so you could get away with say NIS 2200... big save! Note if you order from Google you get a custom engraving on the back of the phone FOR FREE. I recommend getting the Desktop Dock too. 1) Easy charging (contact points you rest the phone on, no need to jiggle a micro usb in there) 2) Clock mode comes on with a cute bed-side clock :) 3) It has an aux-out you can connect to your hi-fi, connected to the phone via bluetooth a2dp. Ok since no one else has answered yet I'll go all out here. Other recommended accessories: 1) If you want to mount it in your car, look at the stuff at www.proclipusa.com (or wait for Google's). 2) You can get higher mAh batteries here http://www.seidioonline.com/category-s/4025.htm 3) Get a screen protector. For navigation in Israel, check out www.waze.co.il For firmware, www.cyanogenmod.com (comes with needed fonts for Hebrew). Hebrew input, search anysoftkeyboard in the market, or slideit hebrew (quite nice, google it). There is a Hebrew android forum over at www.iandroid.co.il Right, now we're on the same page! Enjoy :) -- Gadi Cohen aka Kinslayer dra...@wastelands.net www.wastelands.net Freelance admin/coding/design HABONIM DROR linux/fantasy enthusiast KeyID 0x93F26EF5: 256A 1FC7 AA2B 6A8F 1D9B 6A5A 4403 F34B 93F2 6EF5 / / ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il
Re: Nexus One
Thanks very much for the review Gadi! Now, can anyone compare it with the Nokia N900? BTW - I heard very warm recommendation for shipito.com for buying from the US. Cheers, Amos On 4/17/10, Gadi Cohen dra...@wastelands.net wrote: On 12/04/2010 13:39, Constantine Shulyupin wrote: How may list list subscribers use Nexus One? I do :) What are your impressions? I absolutely love it. I had a G1 before, and am a big fan of Android. That in itself was a great upgrade, finally having the processor power and RAM to do what I really wanted. Does it worth to purchase? IMHO, definitely. It's a no brainer if you're a techie. It was amazing feeling my first time to get a terminal on the phone and move around just like regular linux, write shell scripts, etc. But even if you aren't, it's a great phone. I have a friend who doesn't know computers at all, and he got it and loves it (although I had to set up the Hebrew, custom ROM, etc for him). There are only three really annoying bugs that I can think of, but they really do happen infrequently and new firmwares (community developed) come out frequently. The Nexus One is arguable the ideal phone for developers and technically orientated people. This is the phone to get if you want to install a regularly developed custom firmware, have the latest Android updates (before they make it to a proper release, which can take a very long time as was the case with e.g. the Motorola Droid), and otherwise screw around with your phone. However, for someone who isn't interested in all these things, there are probably better options: The Samsung Galaxy (which has an AMAZING super amoled screen) and the EVO (which has wimax, but we don't have that here yet, and I could guess we'll get hsdpa+ instead; correct me if I'm wrong). These have UI improvements from the manufacturers with great features... but will get the latest Android updates slower, have less active communities around them, and may be harder to root, etc. But in short, as a technical user, nothing I've ever purchased has ever made me as happy :) Where it worth to purchase? You can buy in Israel for about NIS 3500. You can order directly from Google via mustop.co.il, and you'll end up paying about NIS 2800 I think. Even better is if you have someone coming back from the US. Tax on phones is about 34%, so you could get away with say NIS 2200... big save! Note if you order from Google you get a custom engraving on the back of the phone FOR FREE. I recommend getting the Desktop Dock too. 1) Easy charging (contact points you rest the phone on, no need to jiggle a micro usb in there) 2) Clock mode comes on with a cute bed-side clock :) 3) It has an aux-out you can connect to your hi-fi, connected to the phone via bluetooth a2dp. Ok since no one else has answered yet I'll go all out here. Other recommended accessories: 1) If you want to mount it in your car, look at the stuff at www.proclipusa.com (or wait for Google's). 2) You can get higher mAh batteries here http://www.seidioonline.com/category-s/4025.htm 3) Get a screen protector. For navigation in Israel, check out www.waze.co.il For firmware, www.cyanogenmod.com (comes with needed fonts for Hebrew). Hebrew input, search anysoftkeyboard in the market, or slideit hebrew (quite nice, google it). There is a Hebrew android forum over at www.iandroid.co.il Right, now we're on the same page! Enjoy :) -- Gadi Cohen aka Kinslayer dra...@wastelands.net www.wastelands.net Freelance admin/coding/design HABONIM DROR linux/fantasy enthusiast KeyID 0x93F26EF5: 256A 1FC7 AA2B 6A8F 1D9B 6A5A 4403 F34B 93F2 6EF5 / / ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il
Re: Nexus One
Gadi Cohen wrote: However, for someone who isn't interested in all these things, there are probably better options: The Samsung Galaxy ... These have UI improvements from the manufacturers with great features... I have only looked at the Galaxy when it first came out. At that time, I did not spot ANY differences between it and the vanilla Android. What improvements does it contain? Shachar -- Shachar Shemesh Lingnu Open Source Consulting Ltd. http://www.lingnu.com ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il
Nexus One
Hi, How may list list subscribers use Nexus One? (I know Gilad do) What are your impressions? Does it worth to purchase? Where it worth to purchase? Thanks Keywords: Nexus One, Google phone, HTC, Android -- Constantine Shulyupin Embedded Linux Expert TI DaVinci Expert Tel-Aviv Israel http://www.LinuxDriver.co.il/ ___ Linux-il mailing list Linux-il@cs.huji.ac.il http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/mailman/listinfo/linux-il