Three Towns Forum

Members' Lounge => Science and Technology => Topic started by: DaveR on November 07, 2010, 08:01:41 pm

Title: Mobile Phones
Post by: DaveR on November 07, 2010, 08:01:41 pm
I just bought a new mobile, a Nokia N8, and am amazed at how fast technology is moving along.

You can....*takes deep breath*...access the Internet, write your emails, use it as a GPS system, play music, play games, watch tv/films, a 12megapixel camera, HD camcorder, word processing, spreadsheets, broadcast radio, listen to radio...oh, and make phone calls! The list goes on and on.  :o

(http://www.hardwaresphere.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/nokia-n8-camera-phone.jpg)
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Yorkie on November 07, 2010, 08:08:30 pm
I have a mobile phone that just makes phone calls - how square is that?       ¢¢##
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Bellringer on November 07, 2010, 09:57:24 pm
I don't understand half the functions on my mobile but that's because I don't use them often enough to get "in the habit". If I have a problem I just ask my 10 year old grandson - it never fails!!
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 07, 2010, 10:38:46 pm
I've not got one at all! I've had several but can't get on with them  :rage:
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on November 08, 2010, 12:51:30 am
Your are missing NOTHING Andy,  they are the scourge of modern times..... they are more negative than positive, ... the vast majority of calls and texts that are made on them are frivolous rubbish, .... and they make teenagers incredibly ignorant.

They also cause a lot of arguements between Mr and Mrs Fester.

Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Trojan on November 08, 2010, 05:09:39 am
Your are missing NOTHING Andy,  they are the scourge of modern times..... they are more negative than positive, ... the vast majority of calls and texts that are made on them are frivolous rubbish, .... and they make teenagers incredibly ignorant.

They also cause a lot of arguements between Mr and Mrs Fester.


After the Mrs and I have had an argument, we usually carry it on by texting each other.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: dontheturner on November 08, 2010, 09:40:34 am
Had several in the UK,  but they ruin the art of spelling, and try having an argument, when the Wife.s mobile starts, and she is jabbering away in Thai language!  Impossible

 0h!  and make nice people rude.  Just my opinion.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Pendragon on November 08, 2010, 04:49:31 pm
I don't know what I'd do without my mobile. I'm gadget mad, Mine like yours Dave does everything. Not keen on the iphones though as they're too big.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 08, 2010, 05:10:57 pm
I don't know what I'd do without my mobile. I'm gadget mad, Mine like yours Dave does everything. Not keen on the iphones though as they're too big.

sounds like a Swiss Army phone, I might considor getting one with a built in toaster!  L0L
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Ian on November 08, 2010, 06:41:00 pm
Quote
I'm gadget mad

A technophile, then  *&(
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Trojan on November 08, 2010, 07:39:20 pm
I don't know what I'd do without my mobile. I'm gadget mad, Mine like yours Dave does everything. Not keen on the iphones though as they're too big.

sounds like a Swiss Army phone, I might considor getting one with a built in toaster!  L0L

 _))*



Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Trojan on November 08, 2010, 07:42:08 pm
Quote
I'm gadget mad

A technophile, then  *&(

Have you had your gadgets inspected recently Pendragon?
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Pendragon on November 08, 2010, 07:51:54 pm
no Trojan, I feel like a new woman now, all sorted mate
 _))* _))*
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Trojan on November 08, 2010, 07:53:07 pm
 _))* L0L $lol$
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Yorkie on November 08, 2010, 09:31:30 pm
MUMMY!!!!!!                          :weeping:
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: brumbob on February 13, 2011, 11:03:39 am
Ugly mobile phone masts which blight the landscape could soon disappear forever,  replaced by tiny cubes which you can hold in your hand.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356449/How-clever-cubes-tiny-hold-hand-spell-end-ugly-mobile-phone-masts.html#ixzz1DprUdTUF (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356449/How-clever-cubes-tiny-hold-hand-spell-end-ugly-mobile-phone-masts.html#ixzz1DprUdTUF)

The 'lightRadio cube' is the size of a Rubik's cube - vastly smaller than the ironing-board-sized antennas  found on mobile phone masts.
These tiny devices could be attached to lampposts, buildings or telephone poles as single cubes or in clusters, connected to the mobile phone network with optical fibres.

Perhaps this will finally get rid of 'black spots' in the mobile network  :)
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Ian on February 13, 2011, 11:10:02 am
A always thought the biggest problem with phone masts was the need for height. This article seems to suggest that the masts might stay in place - only the ironing board antennas will be reduced in size.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: suepp on February 13, 2011, 01:00:31 pm
Can anyone recommend a handset that  can access the internet using my Pay as You Go Nokia Simcard,  My current handset is far too small for the touchscreen function to work effectively so would prefer one with a large screen not necessarily touchscreen, I have no idea of the differences between phones etc  :-[
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Pendragon on February 14, 2011, 12:18:41 am
The Samsung Tocco is a good large screen touch phone. It will cost you about £60 at the most in Phones 4u.  To use the internet a touch phone is best to be honest.  Don't be a bloke about it though, read the manual  ;D
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: suepp on February 14, 2011, 12:38:12 am

sorry I should have said Vodaphone not Nokia!

Thanks for the advice, i will check it out on Saturday  my last phone was given to be by my daughter, no manual but it was quite good, then it broke and I got a cheapo one from Asda, but it's so small only a child could feasibly use the touch screen on it  :rage:

Not that good at reading manuals I have to admit  ???
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Pendragon on February 14, 2011, 12:47:09 am
If I were you I would buy the tocco and go on o2 if you want to use the internet. o2 do a deal £20 a month, unlimited text, unlimited web use and 300 mins any network or landline call time plus you can keep yr number and phone other o2 users for nothing. Vodafone costs a fortune to use the net as do other networks they tend to charge by the day. Not a good idea on pay as you go. I was on vodafone for years but seriously you can't beat the pay as you go deals on o2. I changed my youngest over from voda tpo 02 at christmas saved me a small fortune Suepp.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: suepp on February 14, 2011, 12:52:24 am
I'll look into it thanks! I've got lots of credit at the moment and have got bonus credit too, so I will have to  use that up first,
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: DaveR on February 14, 2011, 08:36:06 am
I pay £20 a month (sim card only) to the dreaded Vodafone and get 500mb Internet, unlimited texts and 600 inclusive minutes. Bought the phone (Nokia N8) on Ebay.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on February 22, 2012, 09:58:44 pm
Mrs Fester has been offered an upgrade for the mobile provided by her employer.
She has a choice of two, and both appear to be quite different devices.
We have had a quick mooch around on Google to compare, but there doesn't seem to be a strong consensus either way.

The choices are;
SAMSUNG  I 8 700
HTC  Wildfire.

One is an Android Phone (Don't ask me??) ... and the other is Windows based.

I was wondering if any techno-head Forum members had any strong preference either way?  Any recommendations?
Just so you know, the three most important things Mrs F needs to do with this device are,
1, Make business calls
2, Send / receive emails.
3, Regular summon up share price updates from the internet FOR ME!

So, camera quality and music etc are not such a big deal for her.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: DaveR on February 22, 2012, 10:02:22 pm
They're both rubbish....if that helps any.  &shake&
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on February 22, 2012, 10:08:33 pm
That's no help whatsoever.... as they are the only options available.   So TRY AGAIN!  ;D
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 22, 2012, 10:36:36 pm
Get an iphone! (I will get one when I get the chance!  ;D )
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: SDQ on February 22, 2012, 10:42:32 pm
Once you've had an iPhone you'll never go back!
Fester, Google 'GSM Arena' and you should get reviews
on almost any handset on the market.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on February 22, 2012, 10:59:09 pm
I give up.... it appears that no one is listening.  :'(

The choice is between those two phones, they are allocated by her employer.   Eeeny meeny miney!

Its like having a list to choose for the company cars I had in the past.... always Fords, Vauxhalls etc... and I wanted a Jaguar, but I couldn't have one could I?  Oh no....

Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: SDQ on February 23, 2012, 12:32:15 am
Basically, both phones will meet your 3 demands so I
guess your only problem is Android vs Windows. There
is probably no definitive answer as everyone is different
so I don't think it matters, just get the one she likes the best.

As for the Android vs Windows question:

Choosing between these two great operating systems isn't an easy task, as we've discussed they're both great performers, with a myriad of virtues to keep you up to date, entertained and in control of your daily life. Where the divides do occur they're minor, leading us to happily endorse either of these great pieces of software.

The best way of deciding which platform is right for you, is to weigh up your personality and demands. If you're a techy person, who wants to milk more out of their smartphone, customise it and generally push it beyond its out of the box state, then Android is the one for you.

But if you're keen to pick up your new device and utilise it to its full potential with minimal fuss, you'd be best advised to look at Windows Phone 7. One thing's for sure though, whichever one you choose you're in for a fun time.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: TheMedz on February 23, 2012, 09:31:33 am
Apparently I don't know anything about phones as I've got an HTC Wildfire S and I'm very happy with it.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on February 23, 2012, 09:57:06 am
Cheers guys!
My faith in human nature is restored...
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 23, 2012, 10:42:26 am
I've been looking on the Which website for you, the HTC is probably the best of the two, if you want to see more, pop over and you can see the reports for yourself  :)
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: born2run on February 23, 2012, 06:26:22 pm
The HTC Wildfire s is infuriatingly flawed! In theory it could be as useful as an I phone - (you can get pretty much all the same apps) and you can plug in as much memory as you can get on a memory card. However nearly all apps have to be installed on the internal memory which is ridiculously small. Meaning realisticly you can use about four or five apps before your memory gets 'full' and you have to delete.

I used to have one - lost it and got an I phone off e bay for £120 - best money I ever spent

On another note. Is there anywhere in town that repairs phones? As my I phone has got water damaged and now the bottom of the screen won't respond to touches meaning I can't use certain apps  :'(
Hoping it just needs opening up and emptying out so to speak
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: TheMedz on February 23, 2012, 08:35:48 pm
Sorry Fester I was wrong. I must be using the 10 or 12 apps I've got installed on mine incorrectly then because I don't seem to have a problem.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Yorkie on February 23, 2012, 09:31:45 pm
One of the first apps to install is The Cloud.    WiFi availability all over the country! ZXZ
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: DaveR on February 23, 2012, 09:50:19 pm
One of the first apps to install is The Cloud.    WiFi availability all over the country! ZXZ
Agreed. $good$ All Wetherspoons pubs use The Cloud, as do places like McDonalds, Club 147, Kings Head in Llandudno.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: born2run on February 23, 2012, 10:03:16 pm
The one that irks me is BT open zone - my phone automatically connects to it whenever it's in range. But as I have to subscribe and pay for it it doesn't work. Instead it just turns off my 3g and I have to go through the pain of turning my wi fi off. Very annoying.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: SDQ on February 23, 2012, 11:03:41 pm
I had that problem so I turned off the 'Ask To Join'
setting so it now ignores everything but my home
WiFi network.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on February 23, 2012, 11:05:35 pm
Medz, Merddin, B2R... and all.
Thank you for you comments and advice here.
We also go some good feedback on the HTC Wildfire from our good friend and neighbour today.  (Cheers Linda  ;) ;) )

So.... I think Mrs F has a good idea which way to go now.

She had better be quick, because her colleagues will snap them all up !
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: DaveR on February 24, 2012, 08:29:08 am
The one that irks me is BT open zone - my phone automatically connects to it whenever it's in range. But as I have to subscribe and pay for it it doesn't work. Instead it just turns off my 3g and I have to go through the pain of turning my wi fi off. Very annoying.
If you go into WiFi settings when it pops up, you can select it and 'forget this network', I think.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: SDQ on July 16, 2012, 11:53:29 am
Has any other iPhone user out there got one of these odd emails in their inbox?

I was just clearing some old emails when I noticed a rogue one at the bottom of the list. It's from No Sender, has No Subject & no content but it's the date it was sent that caught my eye, 01/01/1970! Worried it may signify some sort of virus or Trojan I Googled it & it seems to be quite common with others having one dated 31/12/1969.

Common conception seems to be it is harmless & is caused by a glitch in the software caused by something called Unix Time/POSIX time which can be explained in Wikipedia if you so wish but it just gave me a headache. I just thought I'd mention it in case anyone else came across it in the future & had the same fears as I did regarding a virus.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 26, 2014, 11:58:19 am
iPhone 6 v Samsung
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Ian on September 26, 2014, 12:17:06 pm
Apparently, out of the billions of iPhones sold Apple have been contacted by 6 about bending.  That's six users. It seems that a lot of people see Apple as a cash cow and want to bring it down.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: SteveH on September 26, 2014, 12:22:27 pm
Here’s the real reason iPhones are bending

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/uri-geller-identifies-the-real-reason-the-iphone-6-bends-2014-09-24 (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/uri-geller-identifies-the-real-reason-the-iphone-6-bends-2014-09-24)
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Mikethewatch on September 26, 2014, 06:09:48 pm
Can't understand anyone giving that idiot the time of day !
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Ian on September 26, 2014, 06:16:50 pm
Don't you like a Magic show, Mike?  WWW
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on September 26, 2014, 09:31:52 pm
The 'Contacts' stored on my iphone are vitally important to me in my job, and are growing in number everyday.

Therefore I am paranoid in case I should lose the phone.

Please could someone explain to me (step by step) how I might save or back up these contacts externally.
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: SDQ on September 26, 2014, 11:32:34 pm
The 'Contacts' stored on my iphone are vitally important to me in my job, and are growing in number everyday.

Therefore I am paranoid in case I should lose the phone.

Please could someone explain to me (step by step) how I might save or back up these contacts externally.
Thanks in advance.



If you back up your phone to iCloud (you get 5gig free) it stores everything from the phone (contacts, apps, etc...) so if you lost it you just get another handset, sign into your iTunes account and you download the backup which will clone your original phone. It's the same process you go through when you upgrade to a newer iPhone.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Ian on September 27, 2014, 08:19:48 am
That's right, and if you're using an iPhone, F, you can also sync it with the iMac / tablet / Laptop you have by connecting it through the charging lead and using iTunes to perform a back up. On Apple stuff this ability to keep everything in sync is really useful.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on September 28, 2014, 09:07:41 pm
Thanks Ian and SDQ,  I thought iCloud might be the answer.
But.... I don't actually know HOW to use iCloud!   So, where do I start?
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: SDQ on September 28, 2014, 09:32:50 pm
Thanks Ian and SDQ,  I thought iCloud might be the answer.
But.... I don't actually know HOW to use iCloud!   So, where do I start?


Go to :-
Settings  -  iCloud  -  Backup  -  Back Up Now

You may need to turn on iCloud Backup before the last step & you must be connected to Wi-Fi to perform the backup. If you've never done it before it may be a good idea to make sure the phone is on charge in case it takes a long time. Subsequent backups will be quicker as you'll only be backing up anything new since the last one.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on September 28, 2014, 09:38:56 pm
Cracking instructions SDQ,  I will get right on it..... then return to Scrabble in due course!  $good$ $good$
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on September 28, 2014, 09:52:45 pm
Cracking instructions SDQ,  I will get right on it..... then return to Scrabble in due course!  $good$ $good$

Done.... and it took 3 minutes,  I presume that I will have to back up regularly?  No sign of an auto back up feature.
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: SDQ on September 28, 2014, 11:28:55 pm
Cracking instructions SDQ,  I will get right on it..... then return to Scrabble in due course!  $good$ $good$

Done.... and it took 3 minutes,  I presume that I will have to back up regularly?  No sign of an auto back up feature.


It should auto back up regularly if you charge your phone at home with the Wi-Fi on. If not you get a message telling you the phone hasn't been backed up since...
I get that a lot because I'm a naughty boy and usually charge mine at work!  $smack$
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: DaveR on July 01, 2015, 10:46:49 am
Customers using the Three Network in Llandudno now have the delights of 4G.  $good$
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Fester on July 01, 2015, 12:32:27 pm
Indeed... 4G in town today,  but, 3G half a mile out to sea on the Pier!
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: SteveH on June 15, 2021, 02:16:39 pm
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed it is investigating Apple and Google over their dominant position in the mobile phone market.

It is "taking a closer look" at the "effective duopoly" the two firms have.

That includes the operating systems Android and iOS, both app stores, and Safari and Chrome web browsers.

Officials are examining whether the pair are "stifling competition across a range of digital markets".

"The CMA is concerned this could lead to reduced innovation across the sector and consumers paying higher prices for devices and apps, or for other goods and services due to higher advertising prices," the authority said.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-57484720 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-57484720)
Title: Re: Mobile Phones/BT changes
Post by: SteveH on October 21, 2021, 09:19:33 am
Major phone upgrade could affect thousands of North Wales households
It will mean landline calls won't be able to be made during a power cut and will impact services such as medical alarms and telephone boxes

Elderly people could be left with no communication during power cuts after a major phone upgrade by BT which will lead to all calls being made over the internet by 2025.

Millions of customers will be pushed online for the first time or forced to rely on a mobile phone instead.

The upgrade also removes the ability to make landline calls during a power cut which the National Grid has warned could happen more often as a result of increased demand.

It will also impact other services that rely on the existing telephone network such as medical alarm systems, phones in lifts, payment terminals and red telephone boxes.

But experts have raised concerns that millions of older and vulnerable households who are not online, do not have a mobile phone or live in a rural area with poor connectivity are at risk of being left behind.

Around two million homes across Britain do not have access to the internet while another half a million households do not own a mobile phone.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/major-phone-upgrade-could-affect-21912165 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/major-phone-upgrade-could-affect-21912165)
Title: Re: Mobile Phones
Post by: Hugo on November 25, 2021, 01:06:52 pm
Fears for millions of people over BT proposals to axe traditional home landlines
Pensioners groups have warned that the plan could leave millions of people vulnerable


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fears-millions-people-over-bt-22265546 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fears-millions-people-over-bt-22265546)
Title: Re: Mobile Phones and BT changes
Post by: SteveH on September 08, 2023, 09:24:17 am
An update on the above 2021 story.....

BT ditches traditional landlines despite fears for elderly users
One big problem with these new phones is that they don't work if the power goes out or your internet stops working

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/bt-ditches-traditional-landlines-despite-fears-for-elderly-users/