12 replies to this topic Post Order

[SkinnySweatyMan]

So I have stepped into the world of smart phones, and got myself a Sony Ericsson Experia Neo, which I managed to get for free at the end of my contract. I have a few "noobie" questions to ask. I have done some reading online and read the manual, but am just a little confused about a couple things

• What version of confectionery should I be on? Its telling me that I'm currently on version 2.3.3, which I believe is gingerbread?
  
• When I want to connect to the internet or be online as such, it will automatically use data from the data bundle I have, I assume this is correct?. So when I come into contact with a wi-fi connection, am I still paying for data? Does the wi-fi connection override the data bundle, whats actually going on here?
  
• What applications are handy? Is there a particular place I should be looking for them, are the applications phone(make) or operating system dependant? I know I cannot use iphone apps.

Many Thanks

[agteros]

Caerus, on 01 August 2012 - 07:35 , said:

So I have stepped into the world of smart phones, and got myself a Sony Ericsson Experia Neo, which I managed to get for free at the end of my contract. I have a few "noobie" questions to ask. I have done some reading online and read the manual, but am just a little confused about a couple things

• What version of confectionery should I be on? Its telling me that I'm currently on version 2.3.3, which I believe is gingerbread?
  
• When I want to connect to the internet or be online as such, it will automatically use data from the data bundle I have, I assume this is correct?. So when I come into contact with a wi-fi connection, am I still paying for data? Does the wi-fi connection override the data bundle, whats actually going on here?
  
• What applications are handy? Is there a particular place I should be looking for them, are the applications phone(make) or operating system dependant? I know I cannot use iphone apps.

Many Thanks

1. Seems like 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) is out for your phone. Not sure about Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.1?)
2. Correct, it'll use your 3G (data). Good idea to get an add-on bundle on your cell number. I'm using around 500mb syncing Gmail, vleisboek, twatter, google+, contacts etc. It should use Wi-Fi when it is available. Saying that, there are not a lot of open Wi-Fi networks in ZA (And you have to tell the phone to scan & connect to open networks - not a good idea in my opinion). So I use 3G when not at home, and at home the phone connect to the Wi-Fi network.
3. All apps are handy Depends what you want out of them, and the phone

[kosmonooit]

In terms of OS versions, just keep it current via the PC app, not too sure what Sony has now. Samsung has Kies which will tell you if there is an update when you connect the phone via USB. You can get all techy with root kits blah blah but hey if it ain't bust don't fix it!

In terms of data use, put some widgets on your home screen to turn on and off Flight mode (which will turn off the 3G data) and there is also  a Wifi goodie to turn that off and on. Rather leave the data off until you need it (also for battery life)

[brad890]

well I've got the sony xperia pro, wanted the key pad. So will try answer some of your questions

Caerus, on 01 August 2012 - 07:35 , said:

So I have stepped into the world of smart phones, and got myself a Sony Ericsson Experia Neo, which I managed to get for free at the end of my contract. I have a few "noobie" questions to ask. I have done some reading online and read the manual, but am just a little confused about a couple things

• What version of confectionery should I be on? Its telling me that I'm currently on version 2.3.3, which I believe is gingerbread?

Not to sure on this answer

• When I want to connect to the internet or be online as such, it will automatically use data from the data bundle I have, I assume this is correct?. So when I come into contact with a wi-fi connection, am I still paying for data? Does the wi-fi connection override the data bundle, whats actually going on here?

as long as your actually connected to the wifi, you shouldnt be charged out of your data bundle, should be the same as connecting a laptop or Ipad etc to your router, but just confirm with your provider

• What applications are handy? Is there a particular place I should be looking for them, are the applications phone(make) or operating system dependant? I know I cannot use iphone apps.

and for apps look on your phone there should be a thing called "play store" you'll be able to browse apps there, ones I find good are endomondo, opera mini, flashlight.

but browse the apps they have categories etc to look through
Many Thanks

[agteros]

For apps some of us use, look here: http://www.thehubsa....3-android-apps/

[SkinnySweatyMan]

kosmonooit, on 01 August 2012 - 07:53 , said:

In terms of OS versions, just keep it current via the PC app, not too sure what Sony has now. Samsung has Kies which will tell you if there is an update when you connect the phone via USB. You can get all techy with root kits blah blah but hey if it ain't bust don't fix it!

In terms of data use, put some widgets on your home screen to turn on and off Flight mode (which will turn off the 3G data) and there is also  a Wifi goodie to turn that off and on. Rather leave the data off until you need it (also for battery life)

I've done this already, I do not seem able to get 3G, its telling me that only EDGE is available, not sure if its my SIM thats the problem, but I used to get 3G with my old Sony with the same SIM I'm using now.

[agteros]

Caerus, on 01 August 2012 - 08:22 , said:

I've done this already, I do not seem able to get 3G, its telling me that only EDGE is available, not sure if its my SIM thats the problem, but I used to get 3G with my old Sony with the same SIM I'm using now.

The modem software, and the modem inside the respective telephones play a huge part in detecting and staying connected to a specific protocol.
If there is newer OS available, consider upgrading!

Edited by RoboCyclist, 01 August 2012 - 08:42 .

[SkinnySweatyMan]

RoboCyclist, on 01 August 2012 - 08:42 , said:

The modem software, and the modem inside the respective telephones play a huge part in detecting and staying connected to a specific protocol.
If there is newer OS available, consider upgrading!

Just found something online where is says that I can upgrade to Android 4.0, is each version referred to as a treat(ice-cream sandwich)? But I need the PC Companion which is telling me that it will take 7hrs to download  a 25mb file .I took the memory chip that comes with the phone out and the software for PC companion is on that and I have left it at the office, so will have to update tomorrow.

I've also found something that can turn off all 3G(data bundle) connections, which is not Airplane mode, but still allows me to be conected via wi-fi only. I was also under the impression that the phone might automatically switch from 3G to Wi-Fi by itself when I am at home or the office, do all smart phone work the same with regards to this?

[Stretch]

i have wifi on all the time when i am at the office or home. can keep my data usage down to 250mb this way - and i sue my phone a lot. I use more than 1Gb of data a month. A lot of that is app updates so make sure you do app updates and app downloads on wifi.

Get yourself 3g watchdog or my free data manager to keep track of your data usage. Not gonna suggest app cos everyone has their preference, but something to look at is the go range of products - go launcherEx anf GoSMSPro particularly

[Stretch]

Caerus, on 01 August 2012 - 08:51 , said:

Just found something online where is says that I can upgrade to Android 4.0, is each version referred to as a treat(ice-cream sandwich)? But I need the PC Companion which is telling me that it will take 7hrs to download  a 25mb file .I took the memory chip that comes with the phone out and the software for PC companion is on that and I have left it at the office, so will have to update tomorrow.

I've also found something that can turn off all 3G(data bundle) connections, which is not Airplane mode, but still allows me to be conected via wi-fi only.

if you keep wifi on and you are in range of a wifi that you connect to - the wifi will overide. you will know what is connected as the little wifi icon will change at the top

[SkinnySweatyMan]

Thanks for all the replies so far, much appreciated, the phone is currently updating to the lastest android version.

I also have also downloaded Avast, are there any settings that I need to be aware or careful of? Secondly, there is now the avast icon in the top left corner, is it possible to take that off? I thought the security was supposed to be hidden yet when I go into applications I can see it there, there is a password needed to access it, but I also have another icon that I had to give a secret name to, that also requirs a password to access. Am I missing something here?

I did all my other application software updates via wi-fi

Another concern I have is that I have set up my email account via gmail application, but how on earth do I logout, not great for security if I happen to lose or have my phone stolen?

I can see how you suddenly become sucked into using a phone and spending a lot of time on it.

[TiBones]

Caerus, on 01 August 2012 - 08:22 , said:

I've done this already, I do not seem able to get 3G, its telling me that only EDGE is available, not sure if its my SIM thats the problem, but I used to get 3G with my old Sony with the same SIM I'm using now.

Within your settings/phone menu there is an option to only use 2g G . Make sure that this unchecked.
You can set up your e-mail independently of GMail (if it isn't Gmail of course). Once you set up a pop or a imap account you have the option to chose whether you log on each time or not. (A pain if you ask me)

[Stretch]

Caerus, on 02 August 2012 - 07:16 , said:

Another concern I have is that I have set up my email account via gmail application, but how on earth do I logout, not great for security if I happen to lose or have my phone stolen?

if mine gets lost or stolen - i use http://www.androidlost.com/ and will remotely track it or format it. my gmail and email downloads to my pc so they wont get much. Also i think you can change gmail settings for your android via your pc. Long and the short of it is that i dont login to anything on my phone

edit: because i am already logged in

Edited by Stretch, 02 August 2012 - 07:49 .