His and Hers Android.

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T-Mobile G2: Ryan’s review

After lots of anxoius waiting, we finally have our shiny new G2s. Remember, we have both been using G1s that we got on launch day two years ago, so we were definitely due for an upgrade. And man, is the G2 an upgrade. I’m really loving it so far, and have almost no issues with it. It’s a seriously solid device, and one I would recommend to anyone. It does have a few minor flaws, but on the whole, it’s an excellent phone. Let’s take a look at it in a bit more detail.

Hardware
The G2 is a remarkably solid device. It quite honestly feels like one of the most professional and elegant devices I’ve ever used. It looks great, and the combination of metal and soft-touch give it a polished, professional look that feels great in the hand.

The hinge on the G2 is a very unique design that hasn’t been used before. HTC calls it the Z-Hinge, with the screen lifting up slightly before snapping back down to expose the keyboard. There are widespread complaints about the hinge being too loose, and it does indeed feel looser than you’d expect. But it hasn’t bothered me yet. I have yet to experience a time when the hinge performs poorly, or the “looseness” has any negative affect. I think it’s just a different type of hinge than what we’re used to and it’s going to take some adjusting to acclamate to it. Sliding the hinge open with one hand is easy, and I don’t find it accidentally opening by itself in my pocket.

Like the other recent high-end devices from HTC, the G2 has a super-LCD screen with touch buttons below it. I was initially very skeptical of the idea of touch buttons, especially after reading complaints about how easy they can be to hit accidentally on the Nexus One. But I’m happy to report that they aren’t causing any problems. In fact, I’m finding them very easy to use, and they work great. The screen is gorgeous, especially compared to the G1 I’m used to. It’s not quite as vibrant as the Samsung screens, but it looks great inside and out.

One of the G2’s stand-out features is its hardware keyboard. A physical keyboard is a requirement for me, and the G2 is the first high-end device since the G1 that has had a keyboard I’ve wanted to use. There have been others, of course, like the MyTouch Slide, or Motorola Backflip, or even the new Droid 2 that have all had physical keyboards. But there was always a compromise…either the keyboard was good and the device was underpowered, or the device was excellent and the keyboard lacking. The G2 is the first device in a while that has really delivered on both fronts.

After using the excellent G1 keyboard for the past couple years, the G2 keyboard, as excellent as it may be, is taking me some time to get used to. It’s the same adjustment period whenever a new device is used, but things like not having a dedicated number row, ALT buttons being in a different place, special characters being on different keys, etc. that is proving to be a slight challenge to get used to. On the whole, however, the keyboard is rock solid, and has lots of nice additions, like the three quick keys that can launch applications or activities, a dedicated @ button, and a www.com button.

The G2 camera is a 5MP model that can also shoot 720p HD video. In my tests so far, it has performed quite well. It’s no DSLR replacement, and the audio quality is average at best, but it works better than any cameraphone I’ve used before. And as they say, the best camera is the one you have with you. The G2 camera may not win any quality awards, but it definitely gets the job done, it’s very fast, and the flash works very well for low-light shots. It’s far and away better than the G1 camera.

The G1 (and Nexus One) had a trackball, similar to those BlackBerrys have been rocking for years. The G2 does away with the ball and instead sports a touch-sensitive pad on the front. This can be used for scrolling down lists, moving the cursor in text boxes, selecting icons, etc. It performs extremely well, and I haven’t found myself missing the ball at all. The touchpad looks considerably sleeker, and it even has an LED border that pulses slowly for notifications…too slowly.

This is one of my biggest complaints about the G2, actually. The G1 had a notification LED at the top that would flash different colors depending on what type of notification you received. And it flashed frequently enough that I could glance at the phone without turning it on and know what was waiting. On the G2, though, all notifications flash the trackpad border the same color (white), and it pulses so slowly as to be pretty useless for quickly glancing to see if notifications are present. This means always waking up the screen to see what’s going on. A small gripe, but definitely a valid one.

Another minor gripe is the location of the power-button. I realize that almost every single recent smartphone, including the iPhone, has the power button on the top right of the device, but after using a G1, the button placement is annoying. To have to push the top button, then slide to unlock often means doing some hand shuffling, whereas the G1 was a simple matter of just pushing the menu button twice. Even if the G2 could be turned on by pressing the trackpad, then sliding to unlock…oh well.

The G2 is the first device to operate on T-Mobile’s new HSPA+ network, which delivers 4G speeds. The device is capable of reaching speeds of up to 14MBps, while actual speeds will be slightly less. My tests have delivered somewhere between 5 and 6MBps down, and around 1MBps up, which isn’t as fast as it could be, but it’s way faster than the G1, and the network will only get faster with time. From a practical standpoint, webpages load extremely quickly, apps from the Market download so fast that I almost don’t even see a “downloading” notification, and file downloads (from Listen, for example) finish much faster than they used to.

There are also a few extra features that the G2 has that most would likely take for granted. It has a screen that handles multi-touch perfectly, it has a standard headphone jack, it has an ambient light sensor, and also a proximity sensor. All of these have become staples on modern smartphones, so there’s nothing revolutionary here. But coming from a G1 which had none of these, they feel new to me…and they’re so great to have.

The final hardware note worth mentioning is the battery door. The G2 has a solid soft-touch housing with a metal battery door. The door is asymmetrical and has a dedicated release switch. The switch is firm and hard to hit accidentally. But it makes removing the battery door extremely easy (especially compared to the G1). And it looks really good to boot. Now if replacement batteries would just come down in price…

Software
The G2 runs stock Android, exactly as Google intended it to be. It doesn’t have any custom skins, homescreen replacements, etc. bogging it down, and it’s very refreshing. I know there are some people who prefer HTC’s Sense skin, or Samsung’s TouchWiz skin, but I am definitely not one of them. The G1 had stock Android, and I grew quite fond of it. Devices that run stock generally receive software updates much faster than those that don’t (though not always), and it just generally feels better to start with the pure Android experience. If I want to customize it, I can do it myself.

Browsing with Flash is amazing, too. It’s so fast and smooth that I honestly forget its there. It feels just like desktop browsing, and I’ve already gotten used to it. It’s really nice not having to worry about whether a website is going to load properly or not. Kudos to Adobe and Google for making it work so well.

Of course, no experience is perfect, and the G2 is no exception. T-Mobile made one change to the OS which has angered a lot of people: they removed wireless tethering. This is a feature of stock Android, but carriers almost always remove it or charge extra for it, for obvious reasons. The fact that it is MIA on the G2 has caused a lot of people to cry foul and say it’s not really stock Android. Personaly, I don’t mind that it’s not included, and I completely understand the reasoning for its removal.

Another gripe is the plethora of pre-installed apps. The G2 comes loaded with all of Google’s various apps, and not just those, like Gmail and Maps that come on (almost) every Android phone. The G2 has Finance, Listen, MyTracks, Earth, Goggles, Voice, etc, in addition to some T-Mobile added apps like MyAccount, Photobucket, etc. And not a single one of these can be removed. Sure, the G2 has plenty of app storage, but it’s frustrating to be forced into accepting apps you don’t use. Again, this isn’t much of an issue for me since I use most of Google’s apps anyway…and it’s not nearly as bad as the crapware that comes pre-installed on some other Android devices.

Conclusion
The G2 is one of the best, fastest, and most solid Android phones on the market. It doesn’t have the biggest screen, or the fastest processor, or the most powerful camera, but it’s a quality device nonetheless, and can more than hold its own with the big boys. It’s perfect for me, and is so much better than the G1 as to be hardly worth comparing the two.

There’s been some drama surrounding hacking the G2, but new devices always take time to crack and I’m confident the excellent hackers will find a way sooner or later. The few minor shortcomings aren’t a big deal for me, and it’s quite honestly the best phone I’ve ever owned.

I have yet to encounter a time when the G2 locks up, or runs slowly. It plays all of the high-graphic games very well, handles multitasking with ease, and lasts all day on a single charge. It’s an awesome upgrade for anyone else still rocking a G1, or anyone who wants an extremely fast and solid device that runs stock Android.

There have even been rumors lately that T-Mobile is preparing an update that enables WiFi calling, and wireless tethering. That remains to be seen, but if true, it will make an already excellent device even better.

Overall, I’d give the G2 a 9.5 out of 10. It isn’t without its flaws, but it’s perfect for me, and I would recommend it to anyone.
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Acer Aspire E 15 Laptop 15.6 Inch Full HD Review

If you are looking for the best laptops under 500 Consumer Reports, the Acer Aspire E15 is one of the best choices. It is from a brand you can trust, so you can be confident about its performance. However, like other laptops within the same price point, this may lack the power needed for more demanding applications and the features are very basic.

In this short Acer Aspire E15 laptop review, we’ll let you know some of the key features and what to expect with this model. We hope that this will make it easier for you to come up with a well-informed decision.

Price that Won’t Hurt the Wallet

One of the best things about this laptop is its price. It will make a good choice for an entry-level laptop, especially among students or casual users. Surprisingly, compared to other laptops within the same price point, the Acer Aspire E15 can prove to be better in many aspects.

A Chunky Interior with a Heavy Body

If you are after portability, this may not be the best choice. At 15 inches, you can expect that this is going to be chunky and heavy. Carrying it around can be quite a burden. It is also quite thick, which adds to its bulk. The thickness is 1.19 inches while the weight is 5.27 pounds. We also did not like the large bezels, which is far from the minimalist design of its newer competitors.

Dim Display That Affects User Experience

While it comes with a Full HD display, there are many users who noted that the display is quite dim when used in low-light environments. However, with the right conditions, such as during the day in a well-lit room, the display can be justifiable, especially considering the price of this laptop.

Comfortable Keyboard for a Good Typing Experience

One of the best features in this laptop is the comfortable keyboard, which also comes with number keys. At the center and lower part of the keyboard, there is a large trackpad, which is also surprisingly responsive considering the performance of most of its competitors. The keys are also well-spaced and springy, which makes them comfortable to use. However, we did not like how the keys are quite thick.

Audio Performance Has Room for Improvement

The laptop comes with a loud audio at the maximum volume. However, the sound quality is poor. It appears distorted at times, especially when playing loud music. This is one area where the laptop can use some improvement, especially for those who will be using it mostly for entertainment.

Strong Battery for a Budget Laptop

One of the most common complaints about cheap laptops is that they have inferior battery. With the Acer Aspire E15, however, that is not exactly the case. The battery can last for a full working day depending on the usage. In some tests of local video playback, the battery lasted for 12 hours. Meanwhile, it lasted 9 hours for web browsing test. To add, you will also love how the battery can be charged quickly.

Incredible Price-to-Performance Ratio

The performance of the laptop is way beyond what we expect from its price point or from most of its competitors. It is far from being the most powerful, but if you are on a budget, the Acer Aspire E15 is more than sufficient.

It is powered by an 8th generation Intel Core i3 processor. To add, it features 6 GB of RAM. The performance is pretty much decent, allowing it to handle up to ten open tabs in your preferred browser.

The Good

  • Solid battery
  • Has a large touchpad
  • User-friendly keyboards
  • Easy to open case for expandability

The Bad

  • Large bezels
  • Has a lot of bloatware
  • Inferior display

Conclusion

As we have noted in this Acer Aspire E15 laptop review, it may be far from perfect, but it offers the best bang for the buck. There are some problems, such as the poor display and the chunky body. Nonetheless, the pros outweigh the cons. From the solid battery life to its decent performance, there are many reasons to fall in love with this laptop beyond its price.

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A Double DIN Head Unit or a Single DIN – Which one is Better

Single DIN and Double DIN are the 2 major radio sizes which characteristic on modern motors. They are also popularly written as 1 DIN and 2 DIN. The system became standardized by way of the German Standards organization Deutsches Institut fur Normung, or DIN for quick. Though each structure has been popular inside the beyond, in recent years, 2 DIN has far outstripped 1 DIN as the layout of choice for car manufacturers. So it could be effectively said that one size is certainly advanced to the opposite, barring some exceptions.

If your car has 1 DIN slot, you can’t put a 2 DIN deck in it. But conversely, 2 DIN slots are huge enough to house 1 DIN decks or head units. So the query of a preference among both sizes most effective arises if your vehicle has 2 DIN and you need to pick a brand new head unit. So right here are some compelling reasons why 2 DIN head units are higher than 1 DIN.

A Double DIN Head Unit or a Single DIN

They are Bigger

This is the single and maximum truthful solution to the question: what makes 2 DIN exclusive from 1 DIN. Everything else springs from this number one distinction, which includes both blessings as well as a few minor negative aspects. If you stack together two 1 DIN decks, you may get the dimensions of a 2 DIN deck.

The width of the 2 head devices are the equal (7 inches), however, concerning height 2 DIN is double the scale of a 1 DIN deck (four inches vs. 2 inches). All that greater space can be applied for along with increasingly more advanced functions, lots of which cannot be introduced to at least one DIN, especially due to the gap regulations.

2 DIN Slot is More Compatible

Due to the scale regulations, the smaller 1 DIN slot cannot accept a 2 DIN deck. If you have got a vehicle with this sort of slot, your simplest option if you want a 2 DIN head unit is to shop for another car that has this slot. But when you have an automobile with double-DIN, you can position a head unit of your preference. Remember, the slot is massive sufficient to house two single DIN head devices.

A larger screen is less complicated to see and less complicated to manipulate while riding.

Double DIN Slot Has More Storage Space

If you pick out to install a single DIN in a double DIN slot, you grow to be dropping on a variety of advanced capabilities. But thanks to the greater area in this slot, you do get extra garage area as a saving grace.

2 DIN has less complicated controls

When you’re using, small buttons on the deck can be exceptionally difficult to identify and manage. In visitors, this could be quite dangerous as properly, as you can just take your eye off the road. On a double DIN unit, the improved space translates into larger and extra visible manipulate buttons. They are smooth to spot and press, regularly without even taking your eye off the street.

DVD/CD Players with Digital Display

This used to be a massive advantage that Double Din head units had over Single DIN. We say “used to” because, with the march of time, the CD/DVD players also are heading down the route that becomes taken by using cassette players a few years in the past. But at the same time as they are nevertheless around, this counts as a stable benefit for two DIN. The extra area guarantees that you get huge presentations with masses of statistics and functions like equalizers and playlists.

Video Screens With HD

In latest years, this selection has revolutionized the manner we use our vehicle head devices. Features like rear view digicam feeds, which had been observed most effective on luxurious automobiles, can now be found on even finances fashions. All you want to do is purchase a head unit with superior video playback abilities. These days, the 1080p capability has started out to grow to be the norm.

Many head units have capabilities like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to seamless hook up with your smartphone.

Touchscreens with Smart Features

When skinny mobile phones have such advanced features, why need to present day head devices be any specific? Thanks to the more display actual estate to be had on 2 DIN decks, producers have started out together with capabilities of advanced touchscreen gadgets in their modern-day head devices. These fashions have many features you’ll expect from an iPhone or an Android device. They include superior contact screens, effects processors, apps support for a software program like CarPlay, GPS and navigation software, and plenty more.

Advanced Connectivity & Networking’

As a continuation of the last factor, current double DIN head gadgets also recreation the ever-present internet and WiFi connectivity, alongside other wi-fi technologies like Bluetooth. They also have a wide variety of connecting slots like USB and micro-USB, AUX, and SD playing cards. Along with the internet, these slots offer several exclusive methods to play your preferred tune while you are riding.

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A Few Quick Tips About Best Double Din Head Unit (2018)

A vehicle may be a first-rate region to experience music, however many commuters nonetheless placed up with marginal sound great that they had by no means tolerate at domestic. Others assemble best double din head unit for their automobiles, and then make commonplace set up errors that keep the machine from attaining its complete capability.

The satisfactory automobile sound systems depend on respectable gear and touch information. I’ve put together a few recommendations on a way to improve the sound to your car, with recommendations for each easy manufacturing unit structures and greater sophisticated setups. You do not need to live with horrific sound in your car. Even the best enhancements in your automobile sound device set up can yield substantial effects.

A Few Quick Tips About Best Double Din Head Unit

Tip #1: Replace your vehicle’s speakers

In most cases, the audio system is just about the final thing a producer thinks approximately whilst designing and building your car. Factory audio structures are becoming higher over the previous few years, but many so-called “premium” structures nonetheless use exceedingly less expensive amps and audio system that do not deliver pinnacle-notch sound.

You can make a big difference on your system’s sound great with the aid of putting in a nice set of aftermarket audio system. You’ll listen tighter bass and greater standard readability, and you may maximum in all likelihood observe info you have by no means heard before in songs you have regarded for years.

Replacement audio system come up with a maximum bang to your dollar, so they may be an exquisite first step on the road to higher sound. And if you want to realize the excellent car audio system for bass, see tip #five.

Tip #2: Select higher quality in your track files

Yes, you may keep extra song documents in your tune participant if you use more compression, and they will sound k when you’re listening through earbuds. But you lose a few high- and occasional-frequency information whilst you compress your music, together with a number of information that makes your tune exciting. And, on a terrific car audio machine, you could surely inform that some thing’s lacking.

Don’t settle for the default putting when growing your files. If you need to apply your iPod, smartphone, or MP3 player in your automobile, attempt the use of as little compression as possible. The higher the bit price, the better your music will sound thru your car’s gadget. And in case you circulate song, discover the settings for your favorite music app to step up your audio high-quality.

Tip #3: Bypass your song player’s built-in virtual-to-analog converter

A virtual-to-analog converter, or DAC, has the process of converting virtual data — zero’s and 1’s — into analog song alerts. Your song participant’s built-in DAC typically does a very good enough activity for casual listening with earbuds, but it does not supply the same degree of overall performance you could get from the extra superior DACs found in lots of contemporary better car stereos. Fortunately, if you could connect your iPod or telephone in your aftermarket stereo via a USB cable, you are probably capable of pass your device’s DAC. It depends on the individual stereo, so make certain to check the stereo’s “Hands-on Research” info at the Crutchfield internet site for affirmation.

Tip #4: Use Dynamat or some other sound deadening fabric

By lowering vibration and street noise, Dynamat does things to make your system sound better.

First off, a door panel isn’t always the first-class region for a speaker — the skinny metallic vibrates as your track plays, which affects the accuracy of the sound. When you connect Dynamat in your door panel, it deadens the one’s vibrations and creates an extra strong platform to your speaker, more just like the wood baffle on a domestic speaker.

Second, have you ever noticed how your system sounds truly right at 25 mph, but receives a little harsh when you hit 60? Road noise tends to masks the decrease frequencies first, so your machine sounds overly vibrant while you switch it up at highway speeds. Dynamat lowers indoors noise tiers to your car so that you don’t have to turn your song up as loud while you’re using. You’ll listen to greater musical detail, and your amps might not need to work as difficult. And it really is all desirable.

Tip #5: Add an automobile amplifier

When buddies question me, “What are the best vehicle audio system for bass?” My answer is usually: “An amplifier.” That’s due to the fact irrespective of how true your speakers are, you may get their satisfactory performance by way of including extra energy (inside their performance specs, of the path).

A separate amplifier will provide more easy energy than any automobile stereo, and that’ll make a night-and-day distinction in sound best. Your gadget will sound better, whether you pay attention to Mahler at a conversational stage or Megadeth grew to become as much as 11. An amplifier is vital to getting best double din head unit in your automobile.

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Android Auto Head Units: The Best of Your Smartphone within the Vehicle

What is Android Auto? Android Auto is the easiest and most secure way to use your cell phone within the automobile. It gives you larger icons and takes benefit of your phone’s voice to manage features to provide you get admission to greater of what your phone can do.

In this article, we will explore how it works and, extra importantly, the way to make Android Auto work on your automobile.

Android Auto Head Units

Is your telephone well suited to Android Auto?

So, here’s the factor – not each Android telephone is well suited with Android Auto at this factor. I found that out fast through beginning the Google Play app save on my Motorola DROID MAXX phone and selecting the Android Auto app for download (it is required for using Android Auto). Instead of an “Install” button, I saw a message that examines: “Your tool isn’t well matched with this model.” A bummer, for positive, but better to recognize now, than after putting in a stereo in my sprint.

If you’re within the market for a new smartphone and need to pick one that’s an Android Auto fit, ensure it is walking on Android 5.0 Lollipop or above. And attempt to download the app onto your cell phone as a way of double-checking your cellphone’s compatibility.

How do you get Android Auto in your automobile?

Android Auto will simplest paintings on well-matched double-DIN touchscreen car stereos. So, both you purchase a new car into which it’s been manufacturing facility-hooked up, or you can deploy this type of Android likeminded head gadgets in your vehicle. Once you have installed the stereo, you’ll need to update its firmware to make certain compatibility with the contemporary Android phones jogging on Lollipop 5.Zero+. Don’t worry, it is a pretty pain-loose procedure as long as you have got a pc, a web connection, and a USB force or SD card available. Go to the stereo producer’s website for instructions and details, or if you bought the stereo from us, name Crutchfield tech aid.

Android Auto and Bluetooth

For Android Auto to work along with your cell phone, you may want a Bluetooth® reference to your Android-friendly head unit if you want to send and get hold of cellphone calls as well as for notifications like calendar activities; and you’ll want a stressed connection through the micro USB-to-USB cable that came along with your telephone for more complicated records switch. I propose shopping for a prolonged micro USB-to-USB cable for an everlasting set up on your automobile. Because all the touchscreen receivers offering Android Auto have rear-mounted USB ports simplest, you may want to plug in that cable throughout set up so that you’ll never need to touch it once more and run it to a vicinity with easy access.

Everything you like about Android for your car stereo

Now, the laugh part. If you’re acquainted with Android’s Google Now card layout, which offers you frequently updated, customized info for your smartphone, then you may be a fast learner with Android Auto. A properly-designed interface gives you a card-primarily based home screen, quick access to Google Maps, telephone capability, and music selections. You’ll have touchscreen control over all features, however, the biggest advantage is Google’s voice manage for making calls, sending texts, trying to find music, setting guidelines, and a lot greater, all arms-free.

How do Android Auto works

Get a fingers-on look at Android Auto as Harry from Pioneer walks you thru its capabilities on a Pioneer NEX Series stereo in the video below.

And Pioneer isn’t the handiest powerhouse that offers Android Auto. Check out our complete selection of vehicle stereos compatible with Android Auto.

Android Auto Tip: Thanks to Android Auto, a like-minded DVD receiver will become a brilliant fee by sneaking voice-controlled Google Maps navigation out of your cell phone right into a non-navigation receiver.

The trouble with extension cables

Many human beings record that USB extension cables have compromised the capability of Android Auto on a variety of automobile stereos. Please be aware that the use of a USB extension cable can create troubles. For first-rate consequences, use simplest the stereo’s USB cable coupled in your cell phone’s charging cable. You may need to buy a second telephone cord to leave inside the vehicle.