PhoneArena Knows Best #1
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Interestingly, we announced that we're accepting your questions just two days ago, and we've already seen some very impressive interest from you (read: our inbox is full of mails)... which is a great thing that can only delight us! Initially, we thought we'll be answering only 1-2 questions per post, but if we do so, it might take forever to answer all of your inquiries, so we decided to expand the post a bit, featuring more of your questions.
If you want to ask us something about your phone/tablet, or anything mobile-related, feel free to do so at:
When can I expect a mobile version of PhoneArena?
Should I get a Wi-Fi-only or a 4G iPad?
Is it worth buying an Android tablet right now?
(and some more...)
My name is Muhannad and I wanted to ask you guys the following questions...
1) When can I expect a mobile verison of PhoneArena? The desktop version gobbles up too much of my data.
2) Can you please explain the differences between HSPA+, 4G LTE and LTE Advanced? Also, what are the speed differences?
3) Should I get a Wi-Fi only iPad? Because I don't see the need for a 3G/4G version when I have decent 3G speeds on my phone which I can use to create a Wi-Fi hotspot.
4) Is it worth buying an Android tablet right now? ICS is a great improvement over Honeycomb but I still feel like the Android Market/Play Store lacks quality apps, and a great variety of content which Apple's iPad provides (iBooks and iTunes mainly).
5) Is the extra weight very noticeable in the 'new' iPad and a turnoff when you pick it up?
6) What phones do PhoneArena staff/editors/reviewers...etc. use? If it's an Android then what ROM are they using?
7) I do realize that tablets haven't reached a stage where they can replace laptops completely but which can replace a laptop more better, an iPad or Android tablet? Having a file manager is of huge importance to me which the iPad clearly lacks.
That's all I could think of right now, it would be greatly appreciated if you answer these questions.
Thanks!
PhoneArena: Hi Muhannad! Here are the answers you're looking for:
1. It will come, we promise! Sooner or later... :)
2. Basically, HSPA+ is a 4G network, which is an upgrade of 3G HSPA. The thing is that they managed to enhance the tech so that it delivers 4G speeds, making it comparable to the other 4G network technologies of today. Probably the most widespread of those 4G technologies is LTE. LTE is still in the process of deployment around the world and is yet to achieve its full capacity. LTE stands for Long-Term-Evolution, which also means that the tech is designed so that it will be improved over the course of time. LTE-Advanced will be a major overhaul of LTE, and is expected to take mobile data speeds to a whole new level. Currently, LTE-Advanced is expected to be deployed sometime in 2013.
3. If you want mobile data on your iPad, getting a 4G/3G iPad will be the more convenient solution. However, if you don't mind using Mobile Hotspot with your smartphone, there's no reason why you should pay for a 4G/3G iPad. In this case it'll be better to get an iPad Wi-Fi.
4. Whether it is worth buying an Android tablet right now depends on how you plan to use it. Android tablet still lack the content ecosystem of Apple's iPad, so you won't be able to enjoy so many quality games, apps, magazines, etc. If you plan to use the tablet mainly for media consumption, an iPad will be the better option.
5. No, it's not that noticeable at all. The iPad has never been among the lightest tablets out there, so the little extra weight isn't that much of a problem now.
6. We use lots of stuff and change it often. We use mostly iPhones and some Android devices like the Galaxy Nexus. As far as tablets go, the iPad seems to be our tablet of choice, though we do have some Android ICS-running TouchPads here (this thing flies!).
7. Whether a tablet can be a substitute for a laptop depends on how you use your laptop. If you're just browsing the web and listening to music, a tablet can replace your laptop right now. However, if an open file system is of utmost importance to you, an Android tablet will be the better fit.
Which will be the dominant mobile browser?
Will the tablet eliminate the notebook?
Or all three will remain a choice for the mobile users?
Will the tablet market surpass or eliminate the notebook laptops?
It's still early to say if the tablet will eliminate the notebook. We believe that tablets will eat into desktop and laptop sales to an extent, but we can still see professionals using notebooks for their work stuff for a long time to come.
Which is the better combination: an iPhone and an Android tablet, or an Android smartphone and an iPad?
It is really cool that you are launching a new column "PhoneArena Knows Best."
I came from Europe and I used to subscribe to a Cell Phone Magazine that did that and I missed that much...not anymore!
My Question: I think I've tried most mobile OS, Linux, Android, WebOS, Symbian, Blackberry, Windows 7 and I really liked Android the most and than iOS.
I want to keep them both, like a tablet and a smartphone but not sure if I should get an iPhone and Android Tablet or Android Smartphone and iPad?
Thank you!
Should I upgrade now to the Galaxy Nexus or RAZR MAXX, or wait for the DROID Fighter?
Thanks!
Maher
As for the DROID Fighter, unfortunately, nothing is really known about this handset right now, and we aren't sure if it's indeed right around the corner, or will actually have to wait a bit longer to see it. To tell you the truth, if we're in dire need for a new smartphone, we wouldn't wait for a handset, of which we know nothing about (besides the fact that it'll be carried by Verizon).
OK, people, this was the first round of our new "PhoneArena Knows Best" column. We really hope that you found it interesting and useful! Of course, we'd appreciate it if you share your feedback in the comments below. Just tell us what you think about the whole thing - the content, the layout, its usefulness...
And, of course, should you have any questions, or there's something about your mobile life that's troubling you, feel free to drop us a line at phonearenaknowsbest@gmail.com, because PhoneArena knows best!
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25 Comments
1. remixfa posted on 21 Mar 2012, 06:56 12 1
you basically just admitted that the bulk of the staff minus michael uses an iphone as their daily device. here comes the iphonearena jokes.. oi. lol
I have a question. the mantra of tons of better apps on the ipad vs an android tablet keeps coming up. Exactly what apps are they? I havent had a had an "app need" that wasnt filled well by one of the apps in the android market for my tablet. Are you talking sheer numbers or is there a handful of specific apps that you have in mind that are just awesome and missing on android?
3. hepresearch (unregistered) posted on 21 Mar 2012, 07:30 4 4
Can a person use a device and NOT be biased towards it? I would hope that the answer is "Yes". It doesn't bother me if the majority of PhoneArena staff use iPhones and iPads, as they are clearly doing well at remaining balanced and fair, and iOS has a good history of delivering stable and consistent performance... I, personally, would not likely pick an iPhone for myself, but if I ever had a job where I was given, or required to have, an iPhone for work use, I would not complain too much.
Sometimes the whole iPhone majority thing kind of bothers me because of the peer-pressure in my neighborhood at home, but it is not going away any time soon, and I'll learn to live with it.
5. remixfa posted on 21 Mar 2012, 08:17 3 0
not likely. a person just buying a device to buy it might not get invested in it, but that's not the type of people that populate this site and write for it. people that spend so much time looking over specs and app comparisons and such are inherently invested in the products showed. bias is inevitable.
some people are biased towards OS, like miz or gallito or andro, some people are biased towards specs like myself, someone else may be biased towards design cues or percieved value... the point is everyone that visits these type of sites are biased in some way.. even you.
6. hepresearch (unregistered) posted on 21 Mar 2012, 08:30 0 0
Okay, but I guess that what I am trying to say is that we can have personal favorites, and even make recommendations, without having to hate on other platforms, and while still being able to respect the good in other platforms. I know I can do this... I'm an equal opportunity critic! I have not seen any evidence to suggest that PhoneArena staff are not like me in some ways. I don't mind personal bias... I had a favorite in Symbian for years, but my point is that a real professional can seperate their personal bias (which ought to be based on their own wants, needs, research, and experience) from their professional unbiased approach. I have not seen much deviation from this on the part of any PhoneArena staff who have written. You are right that it does still happen everywhere and anywhere, but it has not been nearly as bad here as in other forums I've visited in the past, or anywhere near as bad in my own home town that I deal with every day.
8. remixfa posted on 21 Mar 2012, 08:37 2 0
lol don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I go for the iPhonearena jokes myself.. they are a lot more even handed than they were a few years ago with exceptions here n there.. however there are still a few peeps that throw iphonearena jokes any time they make any article that seems pro apple... and admitting that the bulk if the staff uses iPhones is just fuel for their fire. kinda like when miz used to change from one erotic wrestler avatar to another.. it would increase the amount of jokes about it. lolz.
11. hepresearch (unregistered) posted on 21 Mar 2012, 08:41 0 2
Then let them make whatever jokes they want to... who really cares?
9. hepresearch (unregistered) posted on 21 Mar 2012, 08:38 0 0
Just to clarify, since I cannot edit my last statement directly at this time... A "professional unbiased approach" will also rely on personal research and experience, but will throw out your own personal preferences in favor of considering the possibilites for everyone in general, and will also be compared against, and included in, a general analytical concensus (an industry-accepted standard of sorts). So, there will always be a difference between a personal bias and a properly-professional unbiased view.
12. hepresearch (unregistered) posted on 21 Mar 2012, 08:45 0 0
One more clarification that I could not edit-in... a true professional is someone who can have their own personal bias and still appreciate, report on, and believe in an unbiased view, and who separates the two at all times.
7. PAPINYC (limited) 4 days ago posted on 21 Mar 2012, 08:31 3 0
No, he's not 'talking sheer numbers'; he's just talking Shē€p numbers. Personally, I agree with you, I haven't felt any kind of void whenever I've had an game App' desire in the Android Market; they, apparently, just play different games and do different things on their tablets. I've seen many of them on the subway with their iPads, though, they never seem to be playing any games just using it as an oversized Kindle. Or, listening to music; I guess it is just a big iPod, after all.
19. ZEUS.the.thunder.god posted on 21 Mar 2012, 11:24 3 0
so the most knowledgable/appreciated person of PA uses an android and everybody else an iphone. i guess any regular user can tell the difference just by looking at the post if its written by Micheal H. or by anyone else. but thats okay i guess
24. W.P._Android_in_that_Order posted on 21 Mar 2012, 19:07 1 0
Thats so true! When i read an article and think to myself, "wow, that was the best article i've read in a long time," the article was inevitably written by Michael Heller. To sum it all up, i agree with you completely.
2. hepresearch (unregistered) posted on 21 Mar 2012, 07:23 4 0
I am going to enjoy reading this column regularly... thank you for bringing this great idea to life!
4. deacz posted on 21 Mar 2012, 08:15 5 0
Remixfa brings up a good point here, what are those magical apps that we andriod ppl are missing?
As a side point do anyone actually play games or use programs on a tablet? isnt most ppl using them like me?, ie stream or copy pirated movies to them, read with kindle and watch flash/youtube content.
10. remixfa posted on 21 Mar 2012, 08:40 1 0
I mostly read and play games on mine. then again it's main purpose for me is studying and using my college ebooks on it so I can study in the go... sadly I know that the ebook experience for my current book publisher is much better on the ipad.. for now until the official Android app is released.
13. Muhannad posted on 21 Mar 2012, 08:45 0 0
Thanks a lot for answering my questions but you made a mistake in writing my name!
16. protozeloz posted on 21 Mar 2012, 10:33 3 0
I'm Liking this new project of yours, PA keep it up
on the other hand when we might have a forum section (overhaul) and images allowed on posts?
17. AdamW33 posted on 21 Mar 2012, 10:56 0 4
HTC Rezound is better then both the Nexus and Razor Maxx.
23. Cwebb posted on 21 Mar 2012, 17:39 1 0
In some ways its better than the Maxx and the Razr, but not the Nexus
18. rhinoceros posted on 21 Mar 2012, 10:58 0 1
Dead on concerning owning Android phone and iPad. Will never understand why anyone would have both
22. downphoenix posted on 21 Mar 2012, 15:55 0 1
best of both worlds? It would make more sense to own both of the same though since many app purchases can be transferred to both devices.
21. hobble posted on 21 Mar 2012, 13:40 1 0
It will be interesting to see if the mobile version of iphonearena will be cluttered with battery draining ads.
25. nghtwng68 posted on 21 Mar 2012, 23:42 1 0
Thanks for posting my questions Phone Arena.
(Which will be the dominant mobile browser?)
Have to say you just keep getting better and better by engaging your audience with not just contant news, but interactive ways like Phone Arena knows & Cool Images sections.
Keep it up!
26. Hildy posted on 22 Mar 2012, 16:18 0 0
Great start. I appreciate contrary opinions as long as we both recognize that mine are right and yours are wrong. And as far as nghtwng68's comment on "contant news" (which I will take to mean constant news) he's spot on. PhoneArena has now surpassed PCWorld Latest Technology News a sometimes even beats Gizmodo as the top RSS feed in my reader. Keep it up.
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