How does the Note II hardware stack up today?

[jacktesterson]

Do people really take notes using the S-Pen?

I could text with the keyboard (Swiftkey) a lot faster than writing things.

 

[dawheat]

Do people really take notes using the S-Pen?

I could text with the keyboard (Swiftkey) a lot faster than writing things.

For me it's being able to still look at people/presenters when taking notes via S-Pen vs. staring at my screen typing notes. Less important, but still useful, I can do more than just type - whether it be drawing arrows/lines to connect ideas, underlining for emphasis, putting in quick stars or such to remind me to go back, etc.

There's probably folks out there who can type on their phones without staring at the keyboard - but I'm not one of them.

 

[pakotlar]

I use the spen quite a bit during browsing. Also helps some with web development, if I need to quickly check hover states or js trigger $(elem).on('hover',...) .

Luckily spen is 100% functional in CM10.1 & roms basd on CM (like Carbon Rom, my personal favorite); only need a replacement for snote if you wish to take notes.

 

[Chocu1a]

Do people really take notes using the S-Pen?

I could text with the keyboard (Swiftkey) a lot faster than writing things.

Every single day. I jot down notes, take orders, make memos from meetings. I use the s-pen at least 5 times every single day. I use it so much that I bought a Note 10.1 to sync s-notes between the two, using which ever is closest to me.
The deciding factor on my purchasing the Note 2 WAS the s-pen.

 

[Eruditass]

How bad do pens work with non-Note devices?

 

[ChronoReverse]

You mean the regular capacitive pens on regular capacitive screens versus the Wacom stylus in the Notes?

It's like crayon versus a pen.

 

[Jinny]

if it makes anyone feel better, everything is obsolete by the time it gets released. snapdragon 800 is in production .

 

[ControlD]

I went to the Verizon store and checked out both the S4 and the Note II for a bit, so now I am stuck debating between the two. I imagine either one would be fine for my uses, but making quick buying decisions isn't one of my strong areas.

 

[s44]

If you have expensive low-impedance earphones, the S4 won't play well with them. The Note 2 definitely will.

You probably don't, but if you do...

 

[ChronoReverse]

Yeah, the Wolfson DAC and amplifier in the Note 2 is a lot more powerful. My Nexus S (Wolfson) can go like twice as loud as my GS4 without distortion (it can go even louder!).

 

[ControlD]

That helps quite a bit. If the audio is better on the Note that is a big deal because a good part of what I use my phone for is audio.

 

[ChronoReverse]

It's not so much better that it's a deal-breaker UNLESS you need the volume (for low impedance headphones).

 

[s44]

Yeah, I have expensive *high*-impedance headphones and there shouldn't be any issue with the S4. It's just the low-impedance/high-current setups that beg for the Wolfson.

 

[ControlD]

My headphones of choice are on the high end of low impedance (32 Ohms), which should be fine with either the S4 or the Note I believe.

 

[ControlD]

I pulled the trigger on a titanium Note 2 yesterday from swappa. Now I just have to hope I can sell my 4S or else this is gonna hurt

 

[poofyhairguy]

Congrats! Let us know what you think when you get it!

 

[jidery]

Writing this post on my note 2, this phone still handles everything I throw at it.

 

[Geekbabe]

I am in the unique position of having many phones placed into my hands regularly. I love my Note 2, the battery life is terrific, I use the S pen daily & the screen size is excellent. I'm very happy with the phone & suspect I will be for quite awhile.

 

[ControlD]

So, I have had the phone for three days now. It did take about a day to come to terms with the sheer size of the thing, but when I went back to my 4S to transfer some data off I realized just how nice that huge screen really is. I do get some strange looks from people at work when I am using it as a phone ...

I held off for about a day before installing a custom ROM and that entire process was much easier than I expected. This thing is so much better than my 4S there really isn't much point in trying to compare the two. I feel like I have total control with this phone and the speed is amazing. Overall, very much a worthwhile upgrade.

 

[bearxor]

So, I have had the phone for three days now. It did take about a day to come to terms with the sheer size of the thing, but when I went back to my 4S to transfer some data off I realized just how nice that huge screen really is. I do get so strange looks from people at work when I am using it as a phone ...

Every once in a while while I'm out, I'll see someone on a Note and I'll walk by and say 'Nice tablet!'

I haven't gotten beat up yet.

 

[s44]

Every once in a while while I'm out, I'll see someone on a Note and I'll walk by and say 'Nice tablet!'

I haven't gotten beat up yet.

Probably because most of them are 5' Asian girls?

 

[ChronoReverse]

The best part about the Note 2 is the battery life. I'm still somewhat disappointed that Samsung didn't pull that off with the GS4.

 

[dbk]

I have a S2 and am finally eligible for an upgrade. I was sooo close to upgrading to the S4 but now I think i'm gonna wait for the Note III to comes out. It wouldn't make sense to upgrade to the Note II, right?

Although, I will prob upgrade my dad's S2 to Note II since he really only cares about the screen size. Note II and Note III screen size should be neglible for him. ha

 

[Red Storm]

The best part about the Note 2 is the battery life. I'm still somewhat disappointed that Samsung didn't pull that off with the GS4.

Me too, I was expecting better from the S4.

 

[ChronoReverse]

Well, I treat my battery extremely harshly. I'll probably pop in a Zerolemon 3000mah battery next year.