Tablet Nexus 7 Wi-fi+3G 32GB Unlocked by Google

I have had this tablet for over three years and I use it so much that it has already paid off the 300+ bucks I paid when it was released. 

The renewed version of the Nexus 7 is an improved version of this one, so mind that this review is for the former version of the same product. However, many of the wonders of this handy tablet are still a trademark of the new versions. 

This a very portable device, light and small to carry around but also big enough to have a roomy screen to read, watch videos, play video-games, browsing, emailing and so forth.

The screen has one of the highest resolutions out there, even though it is not the latest tablet in the market, and the images are crisp, neat and the colours vivid and wonderful. Touching is intuitive and responsive with most things, a bit sluggish with games and that is the game's fault (tested by me!)

The 32GB memory allows you to download and play comfortably medium-sized games and apps and it is more than enough for every day use. The 1GB RAM memory is OK (the new model has 2GB), I would have liked it bigger, but I have never found a problem with this one despite using the tablet daily for many different purposes and having many apps running at the same time.

This tablet is extremely easy to use, with barely two buttons to operate. The upper one is Power/Standby button, and the lower is Volume/Up and down. The only tricky thing is to introduce the SIM card in the almost invisible lateral card slot.

I find this tablet perfect for travelling regarding portability and because it has both wi-fi and 3G, so you can swap then to your liking. I usually use free wifi spots  while holidaying or travelling, and the wi-fi works smoothly. I use the 3G SIM card at home with a data plan and a times, and with my router's wifi at others. In short it is very versatile!

If you a regular book reader this is also a fantastic tablet. I have a proper Kindle device and I have barely used since I bought this tablet. Kindle for Android is way nicer, way colourful, way neater, way clearer, and way better for your eyes than the original Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite, and the only decent option if you read graphic novels or illustrated books on a regular basis.
 
My tablet has fallen onto the floor several times, bounced like a hero, and I have never had a problem with the screen, in fact, not even a scratch! Perhaps it was the carpet :O

DOWNSIDES
> The old version of the tablet, mine, has no expandable memory as there is no SD card slot. However, 32 GB is a lot for a tablet. I have tons of apps, many of them quite bulky, and I've never felt I needed more. If you are a serious gamer, well, you might need much more!
> The battery takes a while to recharge. If it is completely empty you will need about 5-6 hours. The battery lasts about one day of  full use if you are connected to the Internet and keep it in standby, but it runs out quickly if you play games.
> Unlike the new Nexus 7, the model I have has no frontal camera or phone capability (beyond Skype via web), so you cannot install messaging programs like LINE, WhatsUp, WeChat, you cannot take photos (just of yourself with the front camera) and cannot install programs like Instagram.
> The sound is clear, great with earphones, but not its best feature. However, if you don't use these, you will notice that the clarity and sound volume varies depending on the position of your tablet, especially if you are moving or frolicking around in bed, as the sound's speaker is just a tiny one a the bottom of the device. Move your table around until you get the sound as it should be!
> The main problem I had in the past are problems associated with the updates of the OS. I have had three major upgrades of Android since I bought it. The first two upgrades improved immensely the performance of my tablet and I was extremelly happy. That was until the Lollipop upgrade. As this is an 'old' tablet, the new system is slugging my system down and affecting responsiveness to touch. Moreover, the device used to start-up in about 10 seconds, and now it takes one minute on the clock!
>  The battery is not removable or accessible, and no life expectancy is mentioned anywhere. 

TIPS
> When you first buy this, the 3G does not work, as the device uses wi-fi for initial settings. That is the tablet's bossy decision! So, even though my 3G SIM card was properly inserted and activated, the device would not set up. Use a free wifi spot in your city if you don't have wi-fi at home.
>  You reboot by "constantly" pressing the Power button for at least 15 seconds. The machine will reboot then. I have rarely found necessary pressing the button 15+ seconds. Simple trick, but it works every time!
> Ditto if after recharging overnight your tablet does not switch on by the normal slight pressing of the Power button. Don't panic. Press if for at least 15 seconds, and problem solved.
> Avoid using landscape mode unless necessary (games and some graphic books use it by default, so there is no way around that) because I have found this setting to be associated with a series of crashes that rarely happen while using portrait mode.
> Press the Power and Sound buttons at the same time to take a screenshot of your screen. Forget those stupid apps asking you to root your tablet's system, blah blah blah. There is no need!
> Use the Sound button to pass page in your Kindle (tick that option in the Kindle settings) if you want.
> The tablet gets hot while gaming. Use a cooling surface as a support, a table hard mat, or a hard-cover book, a china tray will cool down the machine fast.

***

Despite its age, and not being the latest 'it' thingie, this tablet is well designed and it is way superior to many of the tablets in the same price range, or over, regarding versatility and quality. Even more expensive tablets have worse features and less screen resolution than this 'old' Nexus 7. I use this tablet all the time, and no major problem to this day, despite me having travelled with it to many many countries and carrying it with me every single day in my bag.

I absolutely love my Google Nexus 7! Asus is the builder of this table, so Kudos to the compmany for producing such a sound awesome piece of gadgetry.

Read More

Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo Dual Sim Unlocked GT-19060

This phone was released internationally about 3 years ago, when I purchased it, but the realease was not global. I think Samsung did so on purpose. Because, let me tell you, this is an awesome phone for a trifle of a price and has many of the features of a good  galaxy S3!

Soundly built, tough, durable, the Galaxy Grand Neo DS has a roomy 5in screen, a good image resolution and colours, fluid touch and responsiveness, and it is quite flat and lightweight. Some of the Samsung pre-installed apps are fabulous, like the voice recorder and the memo and calendar. 

This phone is for you if you:
 > If you have a budget and your life doesn't revolve about your phone, but you want to enjoy browsing, have a good bunch of apps and light games. 
> You regularly use 2 SIM cards (one for calls, another for data; one for work another for home; one for your country another for your holidays overseas). I find the dual SIM so useful, and I have experienced so many advantages having this system, that I don't want to go back to a 1 SIM card only phone again.
>You want to switch between SIM cards easily, and be able to receive data or calls when you are using the other one.

MIND
= When you have the two SIM cards installed, the secondary one will only have GSM capability, while the primary will be WCDM/GSM capable.

DOWNSIDES
> Mostly the RAM memory, so you cannot download too many bulky apps or too many apps in general.
> The Camera is just OK, not good quality and terrible in interiors or when there is poor lighting.
> One thing that annoys me is the network range antena, so I loose my connection when I am in the metro or in the basement of a shopping centre, and switching on/off data usage is not that fast. Besides, when I use the flight mode, once I turn it back on, my Internet settings are not working and I have to reset them. It could be my carrier, but this does not happen with my new phone and I use the same carrier.

TIPS
= The lateral window tab can sometimes interfere with the keyboard when you are writing (most annoying!), so you need to reposition the bar manually by pressing it a bit down and sliding your finger up or down to the position you want.
= Vibration or silent mode saves you tons of energy.= If you want to use your phone as a Wi-Fi Hotspot, press the Wi-Fi Hotspot button in the toggle bar and follow the simple instructions written on the screen. Tadah!

Read More

OPPO R7 Plus phone by Oppo

7.5/10 (at times 8/10) I know you like it precise...

I got this phone recently, my first Oppo, and I have a mix of feelings about it. He is a hot guy but he is also a bit dumb at times. There are things that I truly love, but others that are a bit ploff-ish to me. Here it goes, my experience in using my new pal.

HITS
> The  phone looks like an IPhone or the last Samsung with its round edges, golden case and metal build. Glossy. Large. Super-flat. Crafted with love. The good thing it will cost you half the price of most super-duper phones out there. 
> Battery is awesome! and charges fully in less than an hour; 15 minutes of charging will get you a long call. The battery lasts for two days easily especially if you have good energy-saving settings. You won't find the need to to run to the closest power point because it is 6pm and you mob is exhausted after 12 hours.  Example, I had my mobile 100% charged on Mon and the battery was at 12 the next day before bed.  
> Huge 6in screen, bigger is better always! Perfect for people with poor sight or who want to use the phone as a phablet for reading and browsing comfortably.
> Awesome resolution, detail and vibrant colours.
> Very good camera with plenty of shooting settings, and with a selection of lovely filters so you don't need to install any extra app unless you really want.
> Very responsive to touch, and silky feeling when gliding your fingers over.  
> Fast processor, so apps open/close fast, the network tools activate and deactivate in a second, and everything runs smoothly, almost as if you were using your laptop.
> 4G lite capable. If your phone carrier is not capable and a bit 'retarded', Oppos loves it the same.  
> The phone comes with some goodies that one usually gets from the apps store: torch, cleaner program, compass, eye filter, apps-locking system, back up and restore system, clear memory tool, a mini-office pack called Kingston Office, a free theme and wallpaper store, and, of course, the basics from Mr Google.
> The world at your fingers, literally. You can do most things just with your fingers not just touch. Double tap to lock and unlock if you want, use gestures for whatever you want, or use the fingerprint reader to unlock locked apps.
> Very accurate and flexible finger print reader. It doesn't matter if you don't always plant your finger in the same way.  

EXTRAS
<< A silicone transparent case is included in the box. Gift oh oh moment. Not a flashy case but it does the job and lets your original phone bling to bling! 
<< I got a super-duper Oppo's powerbank for free as they didn't have the selfie stick included in the offer. The powerbank is very stylish, flat and well designed ad has the plugging cord incorporated into the edges, so you don't have to carry any cable when you go out. I am very happy with the switch as I am not into selfies. You can always kiss my rear :O.

MISSES
> ColorOS system is a freak of an OS. ColorOS over Android OS sounds to me like a pony copulating with a race horse. Sorry if the analogy offends you. ColorOS is simpler and easier to operate than pure Android, also less polished and organised, but also has way better graphics and better gesture functionality. Good news, Oppo has realised that customers want something different and are listening and working on a new remix. They are launching an new freaky system that is closer to the original Android but keeping the improvements of ColorOS. Win-Win. The release of the new system for this specific model, is according to Oppo, around beginning of 2016.
>> I bought this phone because it is advertised as having double SIM and SD card. Well, that is incorrect (euphemism for a lie) and a pain in the butt taking into account the price and that this is 2015. The card slot allows two Nano SIM cards or one Nano card and one SD card. That is like so very three years ago in design dudes! My previous phone, which was a low range Samsung, was way smaller than this one, and had two SIM slots plus another for the SD card. Bigger is not always better :)
> No apps drawer. I was in dismay. Where is it, where is it? No 'is it'. The phone has  a widgets drawer and plenty of empty room in the other drawer containing the Oppo Music Player, but you cannot add anything there, because it is locked. Silly. Perhaps it can be done, let's check the manual... This being the case, the apps you download are left on the pages (the last page in your mobile) randomly, so you need to create folders and place them there, or to download a drawer app to get what any Android phone has.   
> The battery cannot be extracted or replaced when the fatal moment arrives. How long is the battery life? Seeeeecreeeetttttt! Check the manual.... No, you have to contact CS for them to tell you what to do or so the tiny booklet says. WTF!  
>  Their charger is not universal, so if you forget yours at home and decide to recharge your Oppo with a normal one you can do it, BUT it will take ages. 

MIND
>>> The phone uses a Nano SIM not the mainstream micro SIM. This means that most probably you will need to change SIM card. Nohworrees  Ring your carrier, mention change of phone and the need of a nano and they'll tell you to buy a nano and, once you have it, they will swap the numbers and keep your credit and plan information. Easy Peasy Missy. You might lose your contacts if you save them there, so take the precaution of backing them up before the swap. It took five minutes to swap my card, and it was operational not even an hour later. So nothing to worry about. Just be aware. 
>>> The SIM tray is opened by introducing a needle-like pin into the tiny hole beside the tray (located on the right edge, top area, of the phone), which ejects it. Where is the pin? Well, you might notice it immediately but I did not as it is inserted totally flat upon opening, looking like a drawn Oppo logo, on the top of the phone flat case. Here it is

>>> Screen shot is easy to take. Don't waste your time and bites downloading any app. Press at the same time the volume and power buttons. The first time you do that you will get an overlay informing you how to select just part of the screen. My screenshot of today: 

 

BLONDY MARY DEESEES UNBEELIFABOL
The tiny printed instructions booklet is worthless. A few multilingual pages with little information, not even a hungry frog will swallow that. The booklet says, go to your phone for further info and check the manual. You go there, and surprise surprise!... nothing. I contacted Customer Service asking for a PDF of the manual: sorry sorry, manual is not available addeesverimowmen. If you want you can get it. Oh really, wonderfool. So you have to go to url so and so, download the manual, install an installer to install the manual and then install the manual. Ha ha ha, no joke; this is a classic WTF! Loving the manual...

*** 

I am always looking for alternatives to Apple and Samsung or any other company that monopolises the market. Oppo is a promising cool young company doing innovative things, offering mid range sexy good phones at decent prices, with a very enthusiastic team of designers (mostly inspired but they have their moments like everybody else) that needs a bit of more common sense and launching phones and OSs when they are ready not months earlier. Oppo already has my money, my love is growing, but I like it hot. 
 
Full Specifications and photos from Oppo's site here.

 ***

 WAYS TO SAVE TONS OF BATTERY LIFE IN YOUR OPPO
After many months of constant use of my Oppo, I have found that, since switching on and off some features works fast and wonderfully, you better keep off some features that will suck your battery. 
+ Switch off the GPS unless necessary. Most of the  time is not.
+ Switch off the Wi-Fi unless you are going to use it or using it.
+ Switch off the Data connection unless you are going to use it. If you keep it on while idle, it will suck up part of your battery. Using data all day long is one of the highest suckers of energy.
+ Switch off the screen auto-rotation functionality. Some apps (books and some games) automatically rotate the screen even if you have that option switched off. This doesn't happen often.
+ Unless really necessary, switch off all the sounds: new sms sound, new email sound, typing sounds, calendar sounds, most notifications sounds.
+ Unless really necessary, keep your mobile on vibration or silent. I do that during working hours and in the evenings and night, so I am not interrupted. But when I am not, the phone consumes way more energy, just because that option is on.
+ Activate the power saving function.
+ Bear in mind that high brightness of the screen and keeping the screen on for a long time consumes a huge amount of energy.  

***

TROUBLESHOOTING
I keep my phone on all the time, as if it was a land line. At times, after many days without switching off, the phone does funny things, like I start to have problems with the Internet connection, or some functions or apps seems to behave oddly, or the battery seems not to recharge normally. Solution: Restart your phone or switch it off for 1-2 minutes and switch on again. I have found that this a great magic wand that solves everything!   

*** 

UPDATE MARCH 2016
After a few months of constant use, I have to say that this phone ticks all the boxes that I wanted a medium-range phone to tick. The downsides I mentioned above are still there, I got used to the lack of drawer and how the phone organises files, but now I am familiar with that and is no longer an issue. The overall performance of the phone and the life of the battery are great, the phone is great for light gaming, and the the inbuilt connectivity is great. I constantly switch between WI-FI and prepaid data, use flight mode on and off, and everything works timely and smoothly. The more I use my Oppo the more a I love it and the more I want this company to do better. It would be great if they made a new version that allowed a double SIM card plus a memory card. I love the KingsoftOffice pack, which works greatly for every-day use, and costs you nothing. I don't like the in-built weather app as I like other weather apps better. The in-built mail app, which worked greatly until last week, began doing funny things and I realised that it can't be upgraded or reset; there must be a way to do it, but there is no manual of instructions. However, there are many mail apps on Google Store and that is never going to be a problem. 

I still think that extractable batteries are way better for consumers than in-built ones. It is just better for company to have it the other way around. Extractable batteries are way better for consumers, gadget companies know that and don't want that. Especially with Oppo, you don't want your in-built battery to fail, not even before the life of the battery comes to an end, because this is a 'small' company with a still small infrastructure and reduced customer service. How long does this battery lasts? We don't know because they don't want to tell us, not eve approximately. I have the same problem with my Google tablet. I prefer extractable rechargeable batteries. They could have sophisticated long-life powerful extractable ones if they wanted, Oppo or any other company, but they don't.

Read More