Hmpf - I got a present, dammit

Skybird · 12-22-16, 08:50 AM

"Many dogs are every rabbit's death..."

I got a present yesterday, not for christmas, but as a thanks, for I helped that family's kids out of a mess. The father learned that I do not own a smartphone, and he is partner and co-owner of one smartphone shop in nearby Osnabrück - and so i got a smartphone as a present.

Was mach ich denn jetzt bloß...?

Truth being told, some longer time ago I already was considering it, to have a navigator and a good camera in all compactness with me on my tours and trips, as a WLAN-driven device only, like a tablet. I do not want to have a full contract, and could need some minor data volume just to allow asking for train delays while travelling, little things like this and so forth, or to get a map of some train station in all detail. And so this morning I learned that I could have a minimum prepaid data volume for a nickle and a dime, I do not surf with this thing, and so 100 MB and 2 Euros per month and 9 pence per minute telephoning is sufficient, since I hate telephoning anyway, especially mobile. I can beef it up if it is not sufficient. The Osmand software is offering superior maps and good navigation with offline maps stored on the device, i already know it from my tablet, and the GPS sensors are sufficiently sensitive. The camera has 13 MB, a superb semi-pro interface, and shoots surprisingly good photos in good and medium light conditions (its a Huawei P9 lite), the camera really surprised me. Camera also offers nice tricks to compensate, to a certain degree, for lack of light when shooting in the dark. It cannot replace my old analogue SLR equipment of course, but it trumps my old digital 8MB camera by Canon easily - and that is quite a surprise. They do miracles and wonders with those microscopic optics. I did a test-printout in Din A4 an hour ago - and at that size it revealed no compromise in sharpness and contrast (I did some minor picture edits, however, with a very light hand).

Curse of the good deed. Smartphone-resistant Skybird finally got done in. Weep with me, brothers, I'm moving closer to the final doom.

Oberon · 12-22-16, 09:04 AM

kraznyi_oktjabr · 12-22-16, 09:14 AM

Congrats, Skybird!

Remember, you can (usually) choose what you store in that damned device. No need to pack all your precious data into it!

Tango589 · 12-22-16, 09:23 AM

Oh boo hoo, poor little me, I got given a smart phone and my life is SO terrible!!!

Skybird · 12-22-16, 09:24 AM

I will not store anything personal of finance-related in it. Its all full with Google, and even while I can - and have - already deinstalled much of the bloatware it came with, it is not what I would ever consider a "safe" computer environment. No fiscal transactions, data storage, surfing, buying done with this thing.

Huawei at least allows to deinstall almost all bloatware it puts on the device, even some Google softwares, even some Huawei programs. The Galaxy 2 10.1 tablet I got 30 months ago or so was overloaden with crapware - and it could not be removed without rooting the thing, which is no man's land for me.

Just the GPS sensors on the Galaxy work superb, and better than on the Huawei. On this phone now they catch the signals from Russian, American and Chinese satellites very fast, yes - but it seems to be vulnerable to zigzaging a bit when being positioned between two lines of houses. But it is still below the treshhold where you cannot mark your position anymore. The Galaxy 2 10.1 just is better there.

So far I am surprised by the quality of this Chinese thing. Seems Huawai now does on the smartphone market what Fenix, another Chinese company, started to do on the market for top class LED pocket lights some years ago.

Of course also no chatting, Twitter, Emailing via American servers and Facebook. FB and TW were the first two victims of my deletion frenzy.

AVGWarhawk · 12-22-16, 10:06 AM

Hit me up on Snapchat!

Jimbuna · 12-22-16, 10:14 AM

Looks like Santa came early

Wolferz · 12-22-16, 05:45 PM

If you feel the thing tugging on your nose throw it away mach schnell!!!!

Redwake · 12-22-16, 05:54 PM

Congrats on the new phone, being a younger guy I practically grew up with smart phones, they do have there use's. And like stated before you don't have to put anything sensitive in your phone, just stuff like music and quick notes. That's what I end up using my phone for mostly. I'm sure you will enjoy your new phone.

mapuc · 12-22-16, 07:01 PM

I have a smartphone. The first thing I did was to disable almost everything.

I only had Internet open so I could upgrade the phone when started first time. Then I shot it down. Only to be open every 2nd month to see if there's some update to my phone. I also downloaded two games. Games that require no special demand(or what you say in English) other than internet connection. But as mentioned internet is off and I can play those game.

So in many way I'm like Skybird, I do not trust our authorities.

Markus

Mr Quatro · 12-22-16, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skybird

Curse of the good deed. Smartphone-resistant Skybird finally got done in. Weep with me, brothers, I'm moving closer to the final doom.

That is the problem with growing up ... now I will have to get one

Onkel Neal · 12-22-16, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skybird

"Many dogs are every rabbit's death..."

I got a present yesterday, not for christmas, but as a thanks, for I helped that family's kids out of a mess. The father learned that I do not own a smartphone, and he is partner and co-owner of one smartphone shop in nearby Osnabrück - and so i got a smartphone as a present.

Was mach ich denn jetzt bloß...?

Truth being told, some longer time ago I already was considering it, to have a navigator and a good camera in all compactness with me on my tours and trips, as a WLAN-driven device only, like a tablet. I do not want to have a full contract, and could need some minor data volume just to allow asking for train delays while travelling, little things like this and so forth, or to get a map of some train station in all detail. And so this morning I learned that I could have a minimum prepaid data volume for a nickle and a dime, I do not surf with this thing, and so 100 MB and 2 Euros per month and 9 pence per minute telephoning is sufficient, since I hate telephoning anyway, especially mobile. I can beef it up if it is not sufficient. The Osmand software is offering superior maps and good navigation with offline maps stored on the device, i already know it from my tablet, and the GPS sensors are sufficiently sensitive. The camera has 13 MB, a superb semi-pro interface, and shoots surprisingly good photos in good and medium light conditions (its a Huawei P9 lite), the camera really surprised me. Camera also offers nice tricks to compensate, to a certain degree, for lack of light when shooting in the dark. It cannot replace my old analogue SLR equipment of course, but it trumps my old digital 8MB camera by Canon easily - and that is quite a surprise. They do miracles and wonders with those microscopic optics. I did a test-printout in Din A4 an hour ago - and at that size it revealed no compromise in sharpness and contrast (I did some minor picture edits, however, with a very light hand).

Curse of the good deed. Smartphone-resistant Skybird finally got done in. Weep with me, brothers, I'm moving closer to the final doom.

Join us, brother.

We call them "phones" but really, they are awesome pocket computers. A smartphone is a useful tool, but don't worry; having one does not mean you need to or will be addicted to it.

I totally agree with you re: bank and financial info does not belong on a phone. It's too easy to lose it or have it stolen, and if you bank log in is there... yikes. Yeah, banking info can wait till I get home.

vienna · 12-22-16, 10:04 PM

<O>

Reece · 12-23-16, 02:24 AM

What a shame you don't get more of these "Horrible presents".

Lucky you didn't look at him with big soulful eyes!

Skybird · 12-23-16, 07:10 AM

Just for the record: of course I am polite enough not to complain to that family for their way to say thanks.

In fact I think i was quite convincing in showing them my enthusiasm.

In the end I have started to like this thing once I learned I can keep the costs dramatically low and do not depend on internet connectivity at all. I ordered no telephone and no SMS volume (I pay per minute instead if I ever need to telephone), and just a minimal 100 MB per month volume for data traffic, to get weather, train information and such minor things. The navigator is great, the camera is as well, Dido is always with me when travelling and an occasional match of chess or Abalone when riding train is also possible. Nice!

12-22-16, 08:50 AM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,694 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Hmpf - I got a present, dammit "Many dogs are every rabbit's death..." I got a present yesterday, not for christmas, but as a thanks, for I helped that family's kids out of a mess. The father learned that I do not own a smartphone, and he is partner and co-owner of one smartphone shop in nearby Osnabrück - and so i got a smartphone as a present. Was mach ich denn jetzt bloß...? Truth being told, some longer time ago I already was considering it, to have a navigator and a good camera in all compactness with me on my tours and trips, as a WLAN-driven device only, like a tablet. I do not want to have a full contract, and could need some minor data volume just to allow asking for train delays while travelling, little things like this and so forth, or to get a map of some train station in all detail. And so this morning I learned that I could have a minimum prepaid data volume for a nickle and a dime, I do not surf with this thing, and so 100 MB and 2 Euros per month and 9 pence per minute telephoning is sufficient, since I hate telephoning anyway, especially mobile. I can beef it up if it is not sufficient. The Osmand software is offering superior maps and good navigation with offline maps stored on the device, i already know it from my tablet, and the GPS sensors are sufficiently sensitive. The camera has 13 MB, a superb semi-pro interface, and shoots surprisingly good photos in good and medium light conditions (its a Huawei P9 lite), the camera really surprised me. Camera also offers nice tricks to compensate, to a certain degree, for lack of light when shooting in the dark. It cannot replace my old analogue SLR equipment of course, but it trumps my old digital 8MB camera by Canon easily - and that is quite a surprise. They do miracles and wonders with those microscopic optics. I did a test-printout in Din A4 an hour ago - and at that size it revealed no compromise in sharpness and contrast (I did some minor picture edits, however, with a very light hand). Curse of the good deed. Smartphone-resistant Skybird finally got done in. Weep with me, brothers, I'm moving closer to the final doom. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

12-22-16, 09:14 AM	#3
kraznyi_oktjabr Sea Lord Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Republiken Finland Posts: 1,803 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 0	Congrats, Skybird! Remember, you can (usually) choose what you store in that damned device. No need to pack all your precious data into it! __________________ You talk to God, you're religious. God talks to you, you're psychotic. - Dr. House

12-22-16, 09:23 AM	#4
Tango589 Still crazy as ever! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: A little south of sanity Posts: 3,377 Downloads: 180 Uploads: 1	Oh boo hoo, poor little me, I got given a smart phone and my life is SO terrible!!! __________________ Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way...

12-22-16, 09:24 AM	#5
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,694 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	I will not store anything personal of finance-related in it. Its all full with Google, and even while I can - and have - already deinstalled much of the bloatware it came with, it is not what I would ever consider a "safe" computer environment. No fiscal transactions, data storage, surfing, buying done with this thing. Huawei at least allows to deinstall almost all bloatware it puts on the device, even some Google softwares, even some Huawei programs. The Galaxy 2 10.1 tablet I got 30 months ago or so was overloaden with crapware - and it could not be removed without rooting the thing, which is no man's land for me. Just the GPS sensors on the Galaxy work superb, and better than on the Huawei. On this phone now they catch the signals from Russian, American and Chinese satellites very fast, yes - but it seems to be vulnerable to zigzaging a bit when being positioned between two lines of houses. But it is still below the treshhold where you cannot mark your position anymore. The Galaxy 2 10.1 just is better there. So far I am surprised by the quality of this Chinese thing. Seems Huawai now does on the smartphone market what Fenix, another Chinese company, started to do on the market for top class LED pocket lights some years ago. Of course also no chatting, Twitter, Emailing via American servers and Facebook. FB and TW were the first two victims of my deletion frenzy. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert. Last edited by Skybird; 12-22-16 at 09:43 AM.

12-22-16, 10:06 AM	#6
AVGWarhawk Lucky Jack Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a 1954 Buick. Posts: 28,286 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	Hit me up on Snapchat! __________________ “You're painfully alive in a drugged and dying culture.” ― Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road

12-22-16, 09:04 AM	#2
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20

12-22-16, 10:14 AM	#7
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,788 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Looks like Santa came early __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

12-22-16, 05:45 PM	#8
Wolferz Navy Seal Join Date: May 2007 Location: On a mighty quest for the Stick of Truth Posts: 5,963 Downloads: 52 Uploads: 0	If you feel the thing tugging on your nose throw it away mach schnell!!!! __________________ Tomorrow never comes

12-22-16, 05:54 PM	#9
Redwake Electrician's Mate Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Bremerton, W.A. Posts: 139 Downloads: 11 Uploads: 0	Congrats on the new phone, being a younger guy I practically grew up with smart phones, they do have there use's. And like stated before you don't have to put anything sensitive in your phone, just stuff like music and quick notes. That's what I end up using my phone for mostly. I'm sure you will enjoy your new phone. __________________ >Something catchy here<

12-22-16, 07:01 PM	#10
mapuc CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Denmark Posts: 20,545 Downloads: 37 Uploads: 0	I have a smartphone. The first thing I did was to disable almost everything. I only had Internet open so I could upgrade the phone when started first time. Then I shot it down. Only to be open every 2nd month to see if there's some update to my phone. I also downloaded two games. Games that require no special demand(or what you say in English) other than internet connection. But as mentioned internet is off and I can play those game. So in many way I'm like Skybird, I do not trust our authorities. Markus

12-22-16, 10:04 PM	#13
vienna Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anywhere but the here & now... Posts: 7,719 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	<O> __________________ __________________________________________________ __

12-23-16, 02:24 AM	#14
Reece CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Down Under Posts: 34,759 Downloads: 171 Uploads: 0	What a shame you don't get more of these "Horrible presents". Lucky you didn't look at him with big soulful eyes! __________________ *Sub captains go down with their ship!*

12-23-16, 07:10 AM	#15
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,694 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Just for the record: of course I am polite enough not to complain to that family for their way to say thanks. In fact I think i was quite convincing in showing them my enthusiasm. In the end I have started to like this thing once I learned I can keep the costs dramatically low and do not depend on internet connectivity at all. I ordered no telephone and no SMS volume (I pay per minute instead if I ever need to telephone), and just a minimal 100 MB per month volume for data traffic, to get weather, train information and such minor things. The navigator is great, the camera is as well, Dido is always with me when travelling and an occasional match of chess or Abalone when riding train is also possible. Nice! __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.