My introduction to the iphone 5s

tuna55 wrote:

kylini wrote: I'll second the mini computer comment. Here are a few things that you might appreciate: 1) You can still have good protection from drops with a slimmer case. I'm a huge fan of Magpul's offerings, which has the added bonus of gunporn in your pocket. https://store.magpul.com/category/125

That is cool. It is difficult to tell the differences between the offerings. Which one of them has a screen protector?

Screen protector is useless. The glass on the i5 is Gorilla Glass and is pretty damned stout. The edges of the phone are more prone to damage due to the aluminum case.

Klayfish wrote: I realize all the things a smartphone is capable of, but they don't entice me enough to make it worth it. For me, my phone is just that...a phone.

Meh, they're both tools to be used. Some people like one, some like another. I'd actually have to look up on my phone to remember the last time I used it as a phone.

Klayfish wrote: I had it less than 2 weeks and was ready to throw it in the nearest body of water I could find...i.e. toilet.

Ths toilet is precisely where a smartphone is most useful.

PubBurgers wrote:

Klayfish wrote: I had it less than 2 weeks and was ready to throw it in the nearest body of water I could find...i.e. toilet.

Ths toilet is precisely where a smartphone is most useful.

But he got rid of the gay porn

I admit, I was also a late adopter. I finally made the move from flip phone to iPhone about 3 years ago.

Battery life was good at first and then fell of the cliff. It was bad at home, the office and even when out of town. Finally I made an appointment at the Genius Bar. The Genius looked it over, did a few things, and then said, "I can't find any problem with the phone, but sounds like you're not happy. Do you want a new phone?"

Here's the kicker: It was close to closing time, and I hadn't backed up my phone. He said to go home, back it up, and come back. He'd mark my account that he offered a replacement phone. Soon after, battery life went back to stellar. I went back for my appointment but instead had them look at something on my laptop. I'm still on that same iPhone 4S. I charge it every other day if need be.

It was at 100% this morning. Now it's at 95%. Since this morning I have sent a few texts and checked e-mail once. I might have looked at Facebook, too.

I try to forget that part of the story. Let's just say that this guy and his friends liked to play Twister. Naked.

That's the only way to play with the wife.

Grtechguy wrote:

I try to forget that part of the story. Let's just say that this guy and his friends liked to play Twister. Naked.

That's the only way to play with the wife.

Perhaps with the wife, but not with three of your guy friends.

I have a flip-phone with no camera. Unusual for a 24 year old. And I don't want anyone to think I'm a crumudgeon who thinks technology is the worst thing ever--far from it. I just don't see the value in paying an extra $360 a year for what is essentially a hand-held computer, when it is extremely rare that I'm away from either my work laptop, home laptop, or fiance's iPhone. And frankly, when I'm away from the computer (and I mean by that, not at my desk or not at home) I'm at an autocross, on the golf course, fishing, driving, playing hockey, or working out (swimming). The phone would not enhance my life at all in any of those situations.

Now all that being said, my next phone will likely be a smart phone, just because I would like a camera, and non-smart phone's with camera's are getting harder and harder to find.

mtn wrote: I have a flip-phone with no camera. Unusual for a 24 year old. And I don't want anyone to think I'm a crumudgeon who thinks technology is the worst thing ever--far from it. I just don't see the value in paying an extra $360 a year for what is essentially a hand-held computer, when it is extremely rare that I'm away from either my work laptop, home laptop, or fiance's iPhone. And frankly, when I'm away from the computer (and I mean by that, not at my desk or not at home) I'm at an autocross, on the golf course, fishing, driving, playing hockey, or working out (swimming). The phone would not enhance my life at all in any of those situations. Now all that being said, my next phone will likely be a smart phone, just because I *would* like a camera, and non-smart phone's with camera's are getting harder and harder to find.

Well said. I feel very similar, but am much older than you. I didn't enjoy my experience with one, but I'm not "against" them. But the reality is I'm near my work or home computer most of the time, and if I'm not then I typically don't want to/have reason to.

turboswede wrote:

tuna55 wrote:

kylini wrote: I'll second the mini computer comment. Here are a few things that you might appreciate: 1) You can still have good protection from drops with a slimmer case. I'm a huge fan of Magpul's offerings, which has the added bonus of gunporn in your pocket. https://store.magpul.com/category/125

That is cool. It is difficult to tell the differences between the offerings. Which one of them has a screen protector?

Screen protector is useless. The glass on the i5 is Gorilla Glass and is pretty damned stout. The edges of the phone are more prone to damage due to the aluminum case.

I agree. I've dropped the phone a few times already in my garage and outside without any screen issues. Neither of these have a screen protector.

The Field case is their standard offering. Single stout layer with no nonsense. The Bump case has an extra layer of softer rubber inside if you're really paranoid, which adds a grey outline to whatever color you pick. It's not substantially thicker; I own both and love both.

Exactly two issues: 1. the camera will get linty in your pocket (just rub it off before shooting) and 2. the corner likes popping up a hair in my pocket due to my thick, chubby legs (just pop it back into place).

Here's the Field case in fall orange:

Battery life will be worse. You must charge it constantly. To use and enjoy, you will have to change that thinking. At your desk, plug it into a charger. At home, plug it into the charger. None of them will go for the days of pocket life like the old simple flip phones.

As a phone, a smart phone just isn't very good. A flip phone like you're used to is a superior device. But, a smart phone does much more. When you learn to start exploiting that more, it becomes addictive. From games to GPS, news, movies, books, tools, etc.

Note that phones in general will die quicker if you are in a poor reception area. This seems doubly so for smartphones.

But by far the biggest killer is screen brightness/how often the screen is on. Its too bad you can't get an android, specifically a nexus model. My nexus 5 kills my previous iphone and samsung galaxy s3 for battery life time, simply due to the fact there is less bloat and apps available to kill all the other apps that are running that I don't want running.

Just crossed a year with an iPhone, and a couple of weeks ago, got a second thanks to being part of a work pilot program. So I carry two around...

I also hate the otterbox cover, as just mentioned, not only is it bulky, it also gets a TON of lint. One of these days, I'll replace it. One other thing that I don't like about the otter case, the ear feel- that edge really pushes on your ear oddly when you are on the phone.

As a phone, they sure have a lot to be desired for. Especially the battery life. As a tool, the more I use them, I'm finding a slot for one. I got my personal one just before going to Europe, and having it over there really was nice. I managed to get it unlocked, which meant that I just went to a store, got a new SIM card, and done. And as a traveller, a mini computer with GPS is really, really handy. Especially if it also takes really good pictures. And plays music. And gives me distractions (games, books, web surfing, etc).

I have learned to deal with the battery- between chaning the power requirements to being used to charging it. Tolerable.

My new work one is interesting. Being a work phone, the apps you can get are very restricted. So basically it's a phone I can read my e-mail and have as a planner. That IS useful, but it should be better, I think. Needs some document stuff (again, apps are through work only, so I can't just get them from iTunes).

I think I can go back to not having a smart phone. But having a device that does as much as it does is pretty nice. The work one- we'll see. But I hear that everyone will get them. Why? Dunno.

i have had iphones since the 3gs, upgrading every other year (currently a 5s). the 3Gs and 4s started getting slow and having battery life issues towards the end of the time i had them. the 5s has been much better from the get-go as far as battery life and overall speed of the device. It only has to be charged every other day unless I use a lot of data streaming music or watching videos.

I've fiddled with android phones a bit, but the way things work on them just never seemed intuitive to me.

One week into a Samsung Galaxy S5 and I love it, still has that new phone smell. Basic apps so far, no WiFi on, Bluetooth synced to vehicles, 2G data plan. It replaced a Droid X2 that started going a little wonky after app updates and 2.5 years, battery issues too.

First flip phone in '04... how'd I ever manage w/o that, then a second, then the Droid. Rather have data than not... one of the best tools in the 'ol tool box. Use most of my data at work, of course the luddites think I look everything up on the internet. Makes my life easier so go berkeley yurself. I still consider myself a dinosaur btw.

Having a camera is good too, autoload pics to the bucket, edit and post. Whoodathunkit, says the 55 y/o who remembers rotary dialing and party lines.

Many moons ago, I read a book on time management. One thing that stuck with me was avoiding dead time, like standing in line at the bank or waiting for a plane to take off. People who were prepared would be happy and/or productive because they would have something to read or do. The book recommended carrying a book or articles to read, or a notebook to work in...it was written before cellphones.

The iPhone to me is the ultimate tool for avoiding dead time. When I am sitting and waiting for something, I can be making to-do lists, shopping lists, writing notes, researching, reading, communicating, etc etc etc. I can also capture things with voice notes, pictures, reminders, videos and bookmarks for later processing. It is a great time-shift device and organization tool. The more you use it, the more you will realize how much better life is with it.

Screen protector is useless. The glass on the i5 is Gorilla Glass and is pretty damned stout.

It may be stout, but I've scratched the heck out of glass with keys and seashells in my pocket, or having it slide in the saddlebag up over a steel rivet. Things like that are why for me, screen protectors do work.

Now, if only someone made a screen protector that could be put on by mere mortals without air bubbles, and was truly transparent.

I can't make myself spend more than $1 on a new phone, so that means I'm rocking an 8GB iPhail 4. Since the 4 likes to crack screens when you look at them crosseyed I put mine in a Ballistic case and it hangs off my belt. I refuse to put a phone in my pocket. http://www.goballisticcase.com/shop/apple/iphone-44s/hard_core/#.U-Jz7vm-3Po This thing has seen it dropped from 6-7 feet and kicked as it bounced. Not a single issue.

I've pretty much always kept my phone on my belt....

foxtrapper wrote:

Screen protector is useless. The glass on the i5 is Gorilla Glass and is pretty damned stout.

It may be stout, but I've scratched the heck out of glass with keys and seashells in my pocket, or having it slide in the saddlebag up over a steel rivet. Things like that are why for me, screen protectors do work. Now, if only someone made a screen protector that could be put on by mere mortals without air bubbles, and was truly transparent.

True, but I don't put anything in the same pocket with the phone, just too damned bulky. Keys and/or wallet are usually on the right, phone on the left. Especially if I'm wearing cargo shorts or pants with plenty of pockets.

I usually have the phone in my pocket while working on or under cars, grinding, sanding, etc. and aside from a few bits of dirt that has managed to get in through the vent on the bottom, I've not had any issues with any of my phones (granted, I've not had a i4, just the 3G/3GS and 5).

To each their own.

Amongst the whole fam, we've had a total of 8 iPhones (4x 3GS, 4x 5) and have only had 1 cracked screen when one of the 3GSs got stepped on. It was a $15 Amazon part and 15 minute replacement job, and functioned identically to the original for another 2 years at least.

alfadriver wrote: One other thing that I don't like about the otter case, the ear feel- that edge really pushes on your ear oddly when you are on the phone.

The general bulkiness was irritating, but the sharp crease across my ear was the deal breaker. I had it for one day.

I wanted to get this case

because it's just plain cool, but it doesn't protect the screen. I think I'll get the tire tread one posted earlier.

Didn't read all the thread, but there is a TON of things you can do to extend battery life.

Turn off "push" notifications, bluetooth, WiFi when you aren't near a network, etc. When I first got my iPhone 5 it would go two days on a charge and I used A LOT.

I've had good luck with life proof cases on my 4s and now on the 5s. A little but bulkier than some, but I think thinner than otter box.

I may have missed it earlier, but there are several things you can do to improve battery life:

-you can turn off cellular data for apps that you don't use unless you are on wifi

-you can turn off auto refresh for Apps

-set email to manual refresh, unless you need push or frequent checking for new email.

I have an iPhone 5s and leave Bluetooth and wifi on all the time. Even with poor cell service at work I can get a full day out of it.

I have an 8gb 4S and typically charge it every second day. But I don't Farcebook or surf with it, or at least not very often. I do check my bank accounts etc a few times a day (after uncovering the last debit card sniffing that went on I am VERY careful), text some, check the weather forecast etc. I have to text a fair amount for various stuff. It's been on and used all day since about 7am, still shows 62% right now at 9pm. My kid uses hers pretty constantly and like me it's charged every second day.

I did have to learn to shut apps off, if they continue to run in the background they'll gobble battery life and some of them won't turn themselves off. For instance if my text app is off, I get a text and answer it it of curse turns on that app. But when the screen goes back to saver the app is still running so I have to double tap and swipe to send it away. Of course Apple does this so it'll be 'convenient'.

I also have a big shock resistant case but that's because yes I am a clumsy oaf and can most definitely drop stuff. Might be a little inconvenient but compared to destroying the phone, well, gimme the case.

tuna55 wrote:

dculberson wrote:

tuna55 wrote: The battery life is abysmal. I charged it yesterday around this time, and the battery died before my alarm was supposed to wake me up.

Charge it every night. On the gay sex pics, you know you can delete them right? Or was it a sanitary issue with the phone involved in some of the photos? ;-) (okay, I just grossed myself out a little)

Did you want me to send them to you?

Wait, This means you kept the pictures...

Well well well Mr Tuna