Never had a smartphone, but probably have to move up one day.
Now I need a new En-Ch dictionary (old one died) it is probably easier to get a smart phone than find an e-dictionary with English buttons.
I hear Android has more apps, but I am not really interested in loads of apps or social networking that I don't really do.
I hear that apple have fewer apps, but don't suffer from viruses.
I already feel shackled by technology and just want an easy life. Easy set up and maintenance, not spending hours dowloading updates, etc.
I really want easy to learn.
My needs
Ch-Eng-Ch dictionary with pinyin
light surfing
email
phone
Any advice or recommendations?
I would recommend Samsung. If you dont wanna spend a ton of money you can get a decent one for under 1000 running the latest Android. I got one recently and it does everything I need inc. email, net, pinyin dictionary, social networking, gaming etc
iPhone are compatible with other Apple products predominantly, for example you can't bluetooth between an iphone and an Android device.
I always consider all Apple products to be an option for non-technical users. It's straight-forward and doesn't require as many detailed procedures as Android devices.
You can just set up your iPhone once at the moment of purchase and turn on the option to auto-update your apps. No anti-virus, no firewall or other security software needed, unlike Android. Plus it's mainstream, so you can quickly get answers to your questions.
Are you comfortable with using touch screen? If so, A previous version of the iPhone (4 or 4s, with 8gb) with Pleco Dictionary and Google Translate would be fine.
I miss iPhone.
We should start taking bets!
Tigertiger - I have used every type of smartphone there is and I'm a firm advocate of Android. It is the runaway best value for the money and it is also the least proprietary. The biggest problem in China is that Android phones here don't use real Android. You have to root them and install it. This can easily be done, but only with certain Android phones. I was told that the best thing to do is to go to Shuame.com and look up their list of approved Android phones. If you buy one of them, you can use their software to make the switch.
Oh, yeah...I also thought I'd never be much into apps. (I still don't do social networks.) But, I found that there are so many interesting and constructive things out there, that you can easily get hooked. Have fun with it!
You can also buy an older re-conditioned iphone 4 for less than CNY2k. I use the free off-line dictionary <dianhua> from the app store. It also has a flashcard and character stroke order (animated) feature. For more serious translations - the free google translate app (requires online access though).
But nothing beats long-haired translators for warmth, convenience, and FWBs (maintenance issues aside).
Just to add:
The guy in the shop rooted my Android when I bought it the other day at no extra cost. Chinese bought Androids are bundled with a lot of crap that you will never need. Make sure you ask for them to root it for you so you can delete those unwanted apps easily.
mPRin, is rooting an open topic of discussion for those guys? I haven't needed to get one. (I've bought my Android phones in the U.S. and India.) But, I'm thinking of buying a smaller smartphone to use everyday. I had planned to try to root it myself. Will any shop do it?
As far as I know they will root the phone for free if you buy it in their shop. I think it's pretty much standard. Not even Chinese people want all the useless apps that are preinstalled.
I have no idea how much it would cost if you didn't buy from their store, surely less than 50? ( Pure speculation )
There are 'how to' guides online, but I would be too afraid of bricking my phone to do it myself. Haha.
@tiger I have had Android phones for five years and they have never had viruses.
iPhone 2 Android 2!
