Gadgets: Phones, Tablets, & Whatever Else They Come Up With Next!

[shapeshifter]

2 hours ago, EtheltoTillie said:

I have always used the screen protectors and they don’t have an effect on the phone action. I get the cheap ones from Amazon. Like 3 for $10. They’re very expensive at the apple store. 

The last time I used a screen protector was at least 20 years ago, when screen action wasn't always so good, mostly owing to the software. So maybe they'd work. It's just that I remember having trouble with this:

7 hours ago, SoMuchTV said:

The only tricky part is the initial installation - you don't want the least bit of dust or air bubbles - but once it's on you're good to go. 

And it sounds like it's still an issue. 

 

[GHScorpiosRule]

14 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

And it sounds like it's still an issue. 

For the cheap ones, yes. But there are some and I got it from Amazon, where you can place the  phone in a case and it applies it for you. Provides you with the cloth and stickers and wipes to remove the dust. I think mine was like $10.

[shapeshifter]

18 minutes ago, GHScorpiosRule said:

For the cheap ones, yes. But there are some and I got it from Amazon, where you can place the  phone in a case and it applies it for you. Provides you with the cloth and stickers and wipes to remove the dust. I think mine was like $10.

If you can find the link to it (probably under "orders" in your Amazon account?) please share.🙏

[GHScorpiosRule]

1 hour ago, shapeshifter said:

If you can find the link to it (probably under "orders" in your Amazon account?) please share.🙏

Mine was for a four pack and is $20-my bad.

but here’s the link and maybe you can find a single one. It’s also for my new phone 15pro max.

DIMONCOAT 4-PACK for iPhone 15... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDQ9GX9W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
 

[Gramto6]

On 3/1/2024 at 8:44 AM, shapeshifter said:

My iPhone 7+ is no longer able to be upgraded to the latest OS, which I know means eventually forums like this and online word games will lose bits of functionality. Plus, I could really use a better camera.

I have an iPhone 7 and just completed an upgrade to OS 15.8.1 with no problem. Could this be a bit newer model than yours? Am I going to be having the same issue soon?

I really love the size of the 7 and don't want to have to get a bigger phone just because I need to do updates to stay current...sigh. Obviously tech challenged here...

Edited March 3 by Gramto6

[shapeshifter]

45 minutes ago, Gramto6 said:

I have an iPhone 7 and just completed an upgrade to OS 15.8.1 with no problem. Could this be a bit newer model than yours? Am I going to be having the same issue soon?

I really love the size of the 7 and don't want to have to get a bigger phone just because I need to do updates to stay current...sigh. Obviously tech challenged here...

I just wish they could make them lighter weight for aging hands doing crossword puzzles in the night.

My iPhone 7 Plus also recently upgraded to 15.8.1, but the newer iphones (11, 14, 15, etc.) are into OS 17.
But since they are pushing out these upgrades to 15, maybe we don't have to worry about it like in the old days when our older devices wouldn't work well with places like PrimeTimer, or even Amazon. 

Anyway, I just talked to an Apple person about newer models and now have a couple of email links waiting in case my phone dies and I just want to order one.  

[Gramto6]

1 hour ago, shapeshifter said:

Anyway, I just talked to an Apple person about newer models and now have a couple of email links waiting in case my phone dies and I just want to order one.  

Just for older hands, even w/out the nighttime puzzles! I didn't realize the newer phones were that far ahead OS wise.

Could you share those links? I too want to be ready if my 7 up and dies on me. Or if I worry too much about it, and decide to just get a new one and at the same time switch to Consumer Cellular...

Thanks!

[shapeshifter]

25 minutes ago, Gramto6 said:

Just for older hands, even w/out the nighttime puzzles! I didn't realize the newer phones were that far ahead OS wise.

Could you share those links? I too want to be ready if my 7 up and dies on me. Or if I worry too much about it, and decide to just get a new one and at the same time switch to Consumer Cellular...

Thanks!

The actual email links would be based upon me trading in my iPhone 7 Plus with prices "subject to change."
So here are links to the 2 phones in my emails, which I pulled off of the Apple site — one of which I would *probably* purchase if my phone stops functioning:
(maybe buy? I'm still interested in the SE 4 if it comes out before my current phone stops displaying things correctly or the battery dies)

• iPhone 13 (with 256 GB, but maybe I should get the 512 GB?)

• iPhone SE 3 (with 256 GB)

But you should really call Apple and talk to them yourself, because these might not be best for you.
For instance, I chose the color red so I could more easily find it without having to use the Find My Phone app on my laptop when I misplace it, LOL.
But you may use colorful cases.

And your phone service provider might have a better deal.

Or, if you are near an Apple store, go have a look at them and hold them. I still hope to do that.

Regarding "older hands," my problem is decreasing strength and aches if I try to use them too much.
But I still have dexterity.
Yours could be the opposite.
And thank goodness I'm ambidextrous.

But then there's the whole eyesight issue! (My post-cataract surgery lens implants are not standard.)

But my youngest daughter and husband think I should get the newest model phone because it will last the longest — which would be the iPhone 15? 
💰 💸 💸💸

🤷🏻‍♀️

 

 

[Gramto6]

Thanks!

From what little I know about new phones at this point, I think the SE is closest in size to the 7, I really don't want anything much larger.

LOL, I just looked at my storage capacity, I've had this phone since I think 2018 and I have only  used 27.5GB of the 128GBs I have.  Guess I'm not taking good advantage of my phones abilities! I do very little on it, a few calls, few texts, few photos, read emails and Kindle sometimes.

I'm almost embarrassed to say, I carry it all the time as my "Help I've Fallen..." device. I have balance issues and frequently fall. I did have to use my phone's emergency button in Dec 2022, when I fell and couldn't get up. The most embarrassing phone  call ever: "I've fallen and can't get up!" EMT's were here in less than 10 minutes!

Anyway, it is the only phone I have, so I do need it to be working so I have to plan ahead in case the 7 gives up on me.  My needs are few for the phone so don't need a lot of bells and whistles.

I learned some things in this discussion that I wasn't aware of re the upgrades. Glad we had this talk!!

Edited March 3 by Gramto6
dumb random periods

[EtheltoTillie]

On 3/3/2024 at 1:19 PM, shapeshifter said:

I just wish they could make them lighter weight for aging hands doing crossword puzzles in the night.

My iPhone 7 Plus also recently upgraded to 15.8.1, but the newer iphones (11, 14, 15, etc.) are into OS 17.
But since they are pushing out these upgrades to 15, maybe we don't have to worry about it like in the old days when our older devices wouldn't work well with places like PrimeTimer, or even Amazon. 

Anyway, I just talked to an Apple person about newer models and now have a couple of email links waiting in case my phone dies and I just want to order one.  

My iPhone SE is upgraded to 17.3.1.  My old iPad mini is updated only to IOS 15 of some kind.  It's still working, albeit a bit sluggishly, so I'll wait to get a new one.  The new ones are so expensive!  I have the version with cellular service, because I do carry it around with me and need that connectivity.  That adds another $100 to the price. 

[chitowngirl]

Bumped for @peacheslatour 😊

Edited March 23 by chitowngirl

[oliviabenson]

I use straight talk. Cheapest iPhones and service I found. 

https://www.straighttalk.com/all-phones/apple-iphone-11-64gb-prepaid
 

Iohone 11 is $200

[dani7141]

Please recommend a film or protective glass for Samsung. Something durable. My daughter's screen is always scratched. When buying a phone, recommended film, I'm telling them: film quickly peels off. So they recommended a "super durable" one. Okay, two weeks later, part of it has already torn off. I have to buy something again. If you have any reliable product, I will be very grateful. And also, if you have a promotional code for a discount, such as promocodius, it would be great to use it when purchasing.

Edited April 4 by dani7141

[Halting Hex]

I have a serious tech issue that's making me (more) stressed and bonkers (than usual).

Is this the right thread to try and find advice, or should I be posting elsewhere?  Thanks in advance.

 

[Jaded]

On 9/4/2024 at 3:50 PM, Halting Hex said:

I have a serious tech issue that's making me (more) stressed and bonkers (than usual).

Is this the right thread to try and find advice, or should I be posting elsewhere?  Thanks in advance.

If you mention what the issue is someone may be able to help. I may be able to if it's something I know about.

[shapeshifter]

On 9/4/2024 at 4:50 PM, Halting Hex said:

I have a serious tech issue that's making me (more) stressed and bonkers (than usual).

Is this the right thread to try and find advice, or should I be posting elsewhere?  Thanks in advance.

13 hours ago, Jaded said:

If you mention what the issue is someone may be able to help. I may be able to if it's something I know about.

Me too. 
As a retired librarian, my motto is still that I do not know all the answers, but I know how to find answers (most of the time).

 

 

In other news:
The iPhone 16 launches on September 9.

[oliviabenson]

Anyone own a Motorola phone? My provider is giving one for free with a plan. I am considering upgrading my phone especially since I get to keep it. 

It’s Moto g power 5g-2024 

[ginger90]

45 minutes ago, oliviabenson said:

Anyone own a Motorola phone? My provider is giving one for free with a plan. I am considering upgrading my phone especially since I get to keep it. 

It’s Moto g power 5g-2024 

Are you with Straight Talk or T-Mobile? With T-Mobile it’s “free now” but you will be charged $8.25 a month for 24 months from what I saw.

[shapeshifter]

Does anyone here have the new iPhone Pro? I’m wondering about whether the Apple silicone case impacts the audio quality with its tiny openings.

Also, I fell down a TikTok rabbit hole of people showing Apple silicone cases peeling apart — which I can’t help wondering might be deliberately done for effect for TikTok audiences.

Edited October 9 by shapeshifter

[Caoimhe]

I have last year’s and a non-Apple case with tiny holes that don’t impact the sound quality at all for me. I have used Apple’s silicone cases in the past and NEVER had one peel apart. I don’t think I was particularly careful either (cracked a screen once and I shudder to think how often my current phone has hit the floor).

[EtheltoTillie]

How much do those Apple silicone cases cost?  I get the cheapo ones on Amazon.  They start to peel after awhile, so I just get another one.  They do protect the phone very well (I drop the phone often enough), and they don't affect audio quality. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KNL2QFQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

I also get the glass screen cover. 

I like the silicone cases because they give me a good grip when I am holding the phone; I don't feel like the phone is going to slip out of my hands. 

[Caoimhe]

25 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

How much do those Apple silicone cases cost?  I get the cheapo ones on Amazon.  They start to peel after awhile, so I just get another one.  They do protect the phone very well (I drop the phone often enough), and they don't affect audio quality. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KNL2QFQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

I also get the glass screen cover. 

I like the silicone cases because they give me a good grip when I am holding the phone; I don't feel like the phone is going to slip out of my hands. 

Anything Apple is expensive, silicone cases are $49! My phone is in a $35 clear Totallee case which thankfully has protected it through a number of falls (despite it being grippy)! I also have a glass screen protector and am on my second one for this year old phone. I don’t use them on my tablets but always keep the on my phones.

[EtheltoTillie]

2 hours ago, Caoimhe said:

Anything Apple is expensive, silicone cases are $49! My phone is in a $35 clear Totallee case which thankfully has protected it through a number of falls (despite it being grippy)! I also have a glass screen protector and am on my second one for this year old phone. I don’t use them on my tablets but always keep the on my phones.

My silicone case was $10 but they seem to have gone up to $15.  The glass covers are 3 for $10 or so.

[SoMuchTV]

Tell me more about the glass screen protectors. I’ve always gone with the film ones, because glass just seems like another thing that can break, but I seem to be losing my skills of applying them without dust specks or air bubbles. I’m holding out for the new iPhone SE but if/when I get that, I may have to consider switching over to glass. Do the glass protectors have a matte option like film does?

[EtheltoTillie]

1 minute ago, SoMuchTV said:

Tell me more about the glass screen protectors. I’ve always gone with the film ones, because glass just seems like another thing that can break, but I seem to be losing my skills of applying them without dust specks or air bubbles. I’m holding out for the new iPhone SE but if/when I get that, I may have to consider switching over to glass. Do the glass protectors have a matte option like film does?

The glass can crack, but that's the beauty, you can just change them out, they're cheap, and it protects the phone.  They're hard to apply, but you have to stick with it.  I have the old iphone SE. 

I don't know about a matte finish. 

[shapeshifter]

14 minutes ago, SoMuchTV said:

Tell me more about the glass screen protectors. I’ve always gone with the film ones, because glass just seems like another thing that can break, but I seem to be losing my skills of applying them without dust specks or air bubbles. I’m holding out for the new iPhone SE but if/when I get that, I may have to consider switching over to glass. Do the glass protectors have a matte option like film does?

Having spent hours reading reviews and watching videos, it seems the glass screen protectors can also get bubbles and dust specks when applying them. My son-in-law had that happen, but I think he resolved it with the little squeegee that comes with the screen protector kit. 
I didn't see any film protectors when I was looking; just glass. 

My new phone, case, and protector should arrived in about a week. 
I bought the case and protector during the Amazon "Prime" days (Oct. 8-9) and got about 30% off both. 

Cheap plastic/silicone cases like I have on my current phone are now over $10.

[EtheltoTillie]

14 hours ago, shapeshifter said:

Having spent hours reading reviews and watching videos, it seems the glass screen protectors can also get bubbles and dust specks when applying them.

This is what I was referring to above.  You have to clean the phone screen and then apply the glass protector very carefully using the plastic squeegee to push out the bubbles.  It's  a pain to do, but it's not that difficult.  If you buy the expensive ones at the Verizon store, they will do it for you, but there's the tradeoff in cost.  I've learned to do it myself. 

[shapeshifter]

21 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

This is what I was referring to above.  You have to clean the phone screen and then apply the glass protector very carefully using the plastic squeegee to push out the bubbles.  It's  a pain to do, but it's not that difficult.  If you buy the expensive ones at the Verizon store, they will do it for you, but there's the tradeoff in cost.  I've learned to do it myself. 

Plus there's no guarantee that the person at the store will be good at applying screen protectors. 
In my past life I covered at least a thousand paperback library books with VistaFoil (clear, plastic contact paper) and developed a technique to do it without any bubbles. Based on many of the experiences I've read online as parts of reviews, it seems applying these slightly flexible pieces of glass is likewise tricky. I'm guessing my past experience with covering books, combined with my experience framing artwork under glass, should give me an advantage over a Gen Z kid in a store who may not have worked there very long.

But if someone is not good at crafty things, probably best to have the screen protector applied in the store, especially if they will allow you to go back and have it redone if they do a poor job of it.

Edited October 11 by shapeshifter

[EtheltoTillie]

Yes, they would have to fix their own bad job.   But really it's not that hard. 

[Absolom]

They always do it for me at store and they've even pulled one off and gone and gotten another one if it wasn't right.  Arthritic hands and a fiddly task aren't a good match.

[Browncoat]

I am not patient enough to apply my own screen protector, so I let the Verizon folks do it for me.

[SoMuchTV]

I’ve only gotten things online - phones from Apple, accessories from Amazon. So I guess unless I want to buy my screen protector at Apple Store prices, I’ll be self-installing. 

But regarding my earlier question, so far I’m not hearing much difference between glass and film as far as ease of installation. I can say that I’ve had film protectors for several years, and my only damage has been my home button - the one place the protector doesn’t cover. 

[Mrsmaul2021]

I've decided to keep this iPhone until I have no choice but to upgrade.  I keep getting texts messages trying to entice me into getting  the latest iPhone 16 because mine is almost paid off.  I'm not the least bit tempted. 

[shapeshifter]

1 hour ago, Mrsmaul2021 said:

I've decided to keep this iPhone until I have no choice but to upgrade.  I keep getting texts messages trying to entice me into getting  the latest iPhone 16 because mine is almost paid off.  I'm not the least bit tempted. 

I just replaced my iPhone 7 with a 16 because Apple's updates to the older OS were no longer sufficient to work with new apps, and the battery was not holding a charge long enough for me to navigate home. 
This was the first time I bought the most recently released phone. 
All my previous smartphones had been hand-me-downs except the 7, which was free when I joined my daughter's family plan in 2020 when the 11 or 12 was the newest.

I intend to keep this phone about 4 years, or until Apple is no longer updating it to the latest OS, unless something unforeseen happens, either in the realm of technology or personally.

[Browncoat]

The camera on the 16 is amazing.  I have a 13, but there are a couple of folks on my current trip who have the 16 -- even the professional photographers with their giant cameras and long lenses are impressed by the 16.

My iPad won't update to the latest OS, so I'm going to have to get a new one when I return home.

[shapeshifter]

9 minutes ago, Browncoat said:

The camera on the 16 is amazing.  I have a 13, but there are a couple of folks on my current trip who have the 16 -- even the professional photographers with their giant cameras and long lenses are impressed by the 16.

My iPad won't update to the latest OS, so I'm going to have to get a new one when I return home.

I got the 16 Pro for the camera's zoom lens. No regrets. 

I have an old first generation iPad that is basically a brick. But I won it and used it a lot, so no complaints about it either, except that I hate generating waste.