Considering the Samsung Fascinate and Verizon? Well Please do!!

[ladybell]

Go ahead and CONSIDER THE SAMSUNG FASCINATE AND VERIZON!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok so I have had this new Fascinate for about two months.  I was a avid blackberry (crackberry) fan for many years but became increasingly annoyed at little things my blackberry would do or would not do over my ownership.  So I get this Fascinate and had to return the first unit within 3-5 days because my first one had an overly sensitive speaker which disturbed my callers (not me my end was crystal clear).  Done! My poor inexperienced newbie of a rep managed to get me through on a new phone and my callers were much happier to have clear calls.  Me too since it helped them to stop yelling at me. Tier 2 tech support did what they could, validated my issues and simply helped to get a replacement.

This phone has allot of features I am not used to.  The whole android world is a completely new game for me and I know I am not the only one.  I came to this forum along with forums for android central and new-Samsung-phones and I have learned a great deal about what my device will do.

However this forum (with a few notable exceptions) can taint the average purchaser.  I was with ATT for 10-15 years.  No true complaint other than the bill at the end of an untimely contract period and dropped calls.  But I needed more service area and switched to Verizon.  I haven't requested allot of Verizon Customer Service but when I have I have found the tier 2 tech support to be much improved over in store assistance. Although there is one store local to me that has a gem of an employee.

The screen on this phone is great (size, color clarity).  The clarity in videos is shocking.  The MENU BUTTON IS MY FRIEND!  Not to mention the MORE area on many screens. The camera has so many more features than I expect and takes great pics.  Sure some of the bloatware is less than desirable but last I checked most smartphone owners get this so it's nothing new. The phone is relatively easy to set up and yet I learn something new ALL THE TIME.  Apps are plentiful and download easily.  Email accounts are easy to set up.  Contacts from Microsoft Outlook are attainable although not with the ease of BB/RIM but with help can be done.  Gmail is different but another good source for back-up.  There is lots of storage space on this device.  The ability to Skype on this phone is a great feature to have. The GPS for me has locked on to my locations easily and that is great since I travel and require this. Bluetooth synced up quick and easy. The size of the phone is great.  Swype is a great way to text.  Speak to text is awesome.  There are lots of reasons to consider this phone. The processor is pretty nice as well.

The cons as you can read in many posts here are upset hopefuls for the new 2.2 froyo update.  Whatever.  It will come when it comes.  Oh and the cradle that only outputs with the new upgrade.  Wait for the upgrade.  BING. This is the default search.  So just don't push the button if you don't like Bing.  Add the Google page as your main browser page or add a Google widget to your screen.  All this BING junk is completely avoidable.  Battery life..... well..... I got lots more time out of my blackberry battery.  You know why?  Because it wouldn't do have the stuff this phone can do.  It literally took all day to download some apps to that old device and the screen was too small to view all the things I can view now.  Websites come in all the way unlike what I experience with BB.  The touch screen allows for zooming and so forth.  So yeah.  My playing with the darn phone eats up battery life.  Just get the extra chargers.  Really?  I had just as many for my blackberry.  No big deal.  When you travel allot you just get use to it. 

So let's here from the people who LIKE the device, who don't just want to post to fuss about what they DON'T HAVE.  Some people get bad customer service because they are bad customers, some customers get bad service because the CS reps are poorly trained.  It's a crap shoot.  To those of you who have helped me with my recent questions, I really do thank you for the input.  For those of you considering the Fascinate ... I think it's fascinating personally but you should just go test it out for yourself. 

[bigfrank69]

Glad to hear positive feedback about the fascinate which i also love but so much negative talk about it scares me being I've had for more than a month now and cant exchange. So thank you Ladybell and I agree great phone and will wait for update Froyo plus I do have a car charger now.

[ladybell]

Just tired or hearing allot of negative too.  I think the phone has great features. I haven't found any software that didn't need tweaking or upgrading at some point.  Or some electronic device that was free of defects. Thanks for even replying.  It seems the only threads on here that get the most replies are the train wrecks. 

Just think if there are people looking for a switch they should at least get some real feedback from current users. 

[bigfrank69]

Oh I love ya for all you have said now for the rest to read it and think about all the good the phone has for us. Fascinate #1

[homerunholt]

Like sending many pics with one topic to multiple addresses - how???

[Indianchief]

Homerunholt.......first,bring up your pics, hit menu (bottom left), you will notice then the pics have a grayed out check box in the corner of each pic, tap multiple pics to get a green arrow indicating selected, share, email, hit contacts when the cursor is in the "to" line, select multiple addresses by tapping and getting a green arrow next to their name, submit, subject, send.  Hope this helps.  Have a nice day. 

[steveanderson13]

---

ladybell wrote:

  I came to this forum along with forums for android central and new-Samsung-phones and I have learned a great deal about what my device will do.

However this forum (with a few notable exceptions) can taint the average purchaser.

So let's here from the people who LIKE the device, who don't just want to post to fuss about what they DON'T HAVE.  ... I think it's fascinating personally but you should just go test it out for yourself. 

---

Thank you for the enlightening post and an upbeat, positive attitude.  I don't even have that phone but still enjoy reading the posts and trying to help out.  But you are right and I have noticed a difference between this forum and the "generic" ones.  The generic ones seem better because the people want to solve problems by helping each other.  They are much more enjoyable and educational to read.  That goes way back to bulletin boards and chat rooms.  I sometimes wonder if there are propaganda wars going on and many get caught up in it.  Not to deny issues because there are certainly those.  But I would hope the forum would be used to address problems that can be solved; not those that can't.  

[bigfrank69]

Steveanderson13 please list some of the other forums, I would like to check them out. The more the better I think with more ideas and problem solving from others.

[steveanderson13]

---

bigfrank69 wrote:

Steveanderson13 please list some of the other forums, I would like to check them out. The more the better I think with more ideas and problem solving from others.

---

Sure, ok this is my favorite because it is well organized, there are a lot of knowledgeable people, they are enthusiastic and sincere and excited about what they do.  

http://androidforums.com/samsung-fascinate/

If you would like to know more about anything or everthing Howard Forums is a good place.  They cover a LOT.  It is a good place to ask questions. 

http://www.howardforums.com/forum.php

xda is much more technical.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=718

The Saumsung site does not seem very navigable or interactive, although I was able to find instructions today on another phone when I couldn't on the Verizon site.  The "community" doesn't compare.

http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/SCH-I500RKAVZW?

[Anonymous]

---

ladybell wrote:

Go ahead and CONSIDER THE SAMSUNG FASCINATE AND VERIZON!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok so I have had this new Fascinate for about two months.  I was a avid blackberry (crackberry) fan for many years but became increasingly annoyed at little things my blackberry would do or would not do over my ownership.  So I get this Fascinate and had to return the first unit within 3-5 days because my first one had an overly sensitive speaker which disturbed my callers (not me my end was crystal clear).  Done! My poor inexperienced newbie of a rep managed to get me through on a new phone and my callers were much happier to have clear calls.  Me too since it helped them to stop yelling at me. Tier 2 tech support did what they could, validated my issues and simply helped to get a replacement.

This phone has allot of features I am not used to.  The whole android world is a completely new game for me and I know I am not the only one.  I came to this forum along with forums for android central and new-Samsung-phones and I have learned a great deal about what my device will do.

However this forum (with a few notable exceptions) can taint the average purchaser.  I was with ATT for 10-15 years.  No true complaint other than the bill at the end of an untimely contract period and dropped calls.  But I needed more service area and switched to Verizon.  I haven't requested allot of Verizon Customer Service but when I have I have found the tier 2 tech support to be much improved over in store assistance. Although there is one store local to me that has a gem of an employee.

The screen on this phone is great (size, color clarity).  The clarity in videos is shocking.  The MENU BUTTON IS MY FRIEND!  Not to mention the MORE area on many screens. The camera has so many more features than I expect and takes great pics.  Sure some of the bloatware is less than desirable but last I checked most smartphone owners get this so it's nothing new. The phone is relatively easy to set up and yet I learn something new ALL THE TIME.  Apps are plentiful and download easily.  Email accounts are easy to set up.  Contacts from Microsoft Outlook are attainable although not with the ease of BB/RIM but with help can be done.  Gmail is different but another good source for back-up.  There is lots of storage space on this device.  The ability to Skype on this phone is a great feature to have. The GPS for me has locked on to my locations easily and that is great since I travel and require this. Bluetooth synced up quick and easy. The size of the phone is great.  Swype is a great way to text.  Speak to text is awesome.  There are lots of reasons to consider this phone. The processor is pretty nice as well.

The cons as you can read in many posts here are upset hopefuls for the new 2.2 froyo update.  Whatever.  It will come when it comes.  Oh and the cradle that only outputs with the new upgrade.  Wait for the upgrade.  BING. This is the default search.  So just don't push the button if you don't like Bing.  Add the Google page as your main browser page or add a Google widget to your screen.  All this BING junk is completely avoidable.  Battery life..... well..... I got lots more time out of my blackberry battery.  You know why?  Because it wouldn't do have the stuff this phone can do.  It literally took all day to download some apps to that old device and the screen was too small to view all the things I can view now.  Websites come in all the way unlike what I experience with BB.  The touch screen allows for zooming and so forth.  So yeah.  My playing with the darn phone eats up battery life.  Just get the extra chargers.  Really?  I had just as many for my blackberry.  No big deal.  When you travel allot you just get use to it. 

So let's here from the people who LIKE the device, who don't just want to post to fuss about what they DON'T HAVE.  Some people get bad customer service because they are bad customers, some customers get bad service because the CS reps are poorly trained.  It's a crap shoot.  To those of you who have helped me with my recent questions, I really do thank you for the input.  For those of you considering the Fascinate ... I think it's fascinating personally but you should just go test it out for yourself. 

---

So let me get this straight.  You get "tired" of hearing people voice their disatisfaction with the Fascinate and thus wanted to create a thread where people can voice the so called positives.  Yet in your statement you single handedly try and trivialize the problems that many Fascinate owners have.  You also single handedly talk down to the people voicing those concerns here.  You also have the guts to tell people to go out and spend more money on a device to make it work "normally"?  What kind of crap is that?  No one should ever have to spend extra money like that.  If you have to "not use" your device to preserve the battery life or go out and spend money on "more chargers" then the device was designed poorly.  Also, just because you can tolerate the device don't have the attitude with people that can't tolerate and thus voice their valid concerns here.  Just because you have it set and ran through in your mind on why you tolerate the device or like the device does not mean you should expect others to feel the same way you do which is exactly what you're doing in your statement.   You like the device? You're happy with it?  Good for you....but, dont be so condescending.  If anything, with all the complaints you see on forums, it should actually tell you something like...gee, maybe there is a lot of really unhappy users out there that are upset because of bugs, lack of timely updates and so forth.  Try and keep that in mind.

[steveanderson13]

---

SBacklin wrote:

So let me get this straight.  You get "tired" of hearing people voice their disatisfaction with the Fascinate I didn't read this in the original post.  Did anyone else?

 Yet in your statement you single handedly try and trivialize the problems that many Fascinate owners have.  You also single handedly talk down to the people voicing those concerns here.  I didn't read this either.  Did anyone else?

You also have the guts to tell people to go out and spend more money on a device to make it work "normally"?  Money for a car charger?  That is bad?

 don't have the attitude with people that can't tolerate and thus voice their valid concerns here.  Just because you have it set and ran through in your mind on why you tolerate the device or like the device does not mean you should expect others to feel the same way you do which is exactly what you're doing in your statement.  Did the poster mean that?  Perhaps it is the incessant, never-ending, repeated, complaining, threatening, hostile, blaming, shortsighted, demanding, belligerent, negative tone to some posts that the OP wished to counter with their own experience, especially coming from a Blackberry and another carrier.   

.but, dont be so condescending.  If anything, with all the complaints you see on forums, it should actually tell you something like...gee, maybe there is a lot of really unhappy users out there that are upset because of bugs, lack of timely updates and so fortIh. Don't know how a different experience is condescending. Sometimes we learn from others.  The unhappiness is obvious--bugs are normal, the Fascinate may be worse for some, I don't know, I wouldn't have kept it with a bad GPS; it would have been returned for another phone or carrier.  What is a timely update?  What is the standard?  I already know the various companies records--it's been published.  

Please others chime in.  One thing the OP said that is definitely true--other forums are made better by the users.

---

[SCarVZW]

I've been doing a lot of research (too much actually) the past couple weeks on what kind of new phone I wanted to get.  I had the LG Venus, loved it with all my vain heart, but it was time to get a smartphone with better texting ability.

I read all about the 2.2 update delay and almost decided to get either the Droid X or Incredible.

When I went to the Verizon store to check them out one more time before making my purchase, they just didn't suite me.

I gravitated back to the Samsung Fascinate and fell in love again.  I reminded myself that I mainly use my phone for calls, texting, and music playing.  Only real new thing I was looking forward to are the apps.  I live 3 minutes from work, so I didn't need a supercomputer in my pocket.

The phone just feels so great in my hands and the 4" screen is perfect.  Anything less wasn't enough and 4.3" was too big.  Or maybe I just hated that camera hump on the Droid X. 

The AMOLED screen also makes my eyes glitter like a gold-digging hoochy. 

My wife will soon tire of me pausing TV so I can shoot my phaser, ignite my lightsaber, or any other silly thing I find next. 

The only trouble I've had with the phone is my apps mess up quite often.  My drum apps will stop playing sound as well the other ones mentioned.  I don't know if that's the 2.1 or the quality of the apps, but I don't think I've had any real issues.

I'm very happy with this phone.  The speaker plays my music louder than the LG Venus (iPhone speaker is pathetic!) so brushing my teeth and break time at work is even better than before!

Thank you Wal-Mart for selling it for $53.

[LBell]

Holy buckets.  You got your phone for $53.  So amazing.  I imagine your app issues are actually with the apps.  But do for your own sake keep an eye on the performance and consider adding a antivirus or security app such as lookout or the other to protect your device.  And although you don't need a mini computer in your pocket.  FYI the processor on this phone is blazing fast and you can search the internet with ease and multi-task while you are doing that as well. 

Pun intended .... My phone is fascinating! 

[bigfrank69]

SBacklin I say very good to voice your opinion and when I did VZW warned me and wanted to delete me so I have to watch what I say. You are right as the others with a positive for the phone but I think the positive ones just dont want to see all the whining and would rather wait for the updates and fixes without ruining their day being frustrated about them. You know the phone is very nice and all phones have issues and the people will never be 100% happy with anything you give them not even a new car.

[ladybell]

You know there always has to be someone to try to rain on my parade.  No big deal.  I didn't intend the thread to be condescending so if you felt I was talking to you, they have counselors for that dear (Sbacklin or S blackin or whatever your call name is).  The reality is to me that there are allot of people who will just never be satisfied.  That's a shame.  Heck I am one of those people from time to time myself.  But I see no need in getting on a forum thinking that if you bash the providers and manufacturers to the points that I had read here that it will get you anywhere but ticked off and stuck in a thread of who can use their vocabulary to try and impress others with your ability to just sound crappy and irritated. 

I came to the forum to learn tips and tricks on how to get the best out of my new phone.  I want to learn and what I have learned so far is pretty great.  Are there some bugs with the devices and/or service?  Well yeah.  I think you and some others have made that painfully clear.  But I am glad you have.  The complaints about the update or lack thereof, customer service issues, misinformed sales reps, frozen screens, GPS issues and so on have informed me of things I need to pay attention too or avoid or at least they give me to tools to correct an issue that is similar should I experience it.  So I am not bashing your frustrations or posts.

The Samsung Fascinate is a nice device.  And to share in a comment that I read in another forum, "I'd punch a kitten to get froyo myself" but I can wait, learn to use what I have and I am proud to show off my phones ability compared to others.  It's clearer, faster, more receptive and responsive than many of the phones my colleges have.  So to conclude  reread the subject matter and at least let potentials consider the device.

[roachman55]

Well said Ladybell I am behind you all the way

[ladybell]

GUESS WHAT?????

I JUST FOUND SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS COOL.

Might be a little thing to some but did you know that in video mode, you can actually zoom in and out while shooting the video???  Super cool.

Oh and if you touch the camera and reel button in the top left corner you can can limit the size so the video can be sent eaier in a MMS? 

[PJNC284]

yeah the volume rocker works to zoom in and out in camera and video mode.  I accidentally found that out like a month after I got the phone. 

[ladybell]

I know that is cool right?  You know it's funny because one of my actual complaints about the phone was the lack of a manual.  I had a lack of a manual on my new laptop too!  Go figure.  Someone out there trying to save the trees finally and now I have an issue?  Anywho.  If I had gotten a big ole 175 page manual to go with this phone to read in small print I would have just put it in the closet and figured it out as I went anyway!  LOL  I like finding hidden things I can do.  That was a cool one. 

[Jax_Omen]

I agree with the TC that the whining over Bing is ridiculous. I don't think I've *EVER* pressed the search button on my phone, and I don't even have a bing'd phone! When I want to search, I open the web browser and go to google, same as on my computer *shrug*...


Regarding 2.2, however... *points at sig*... Adobe Flash, App2SD, Bluetooth Voice Dialing, and most importantly, the new Java Compiler are major, major features that honestly, every single competing android phone has had for over half a year now. Add in the fact that the Galaxy S phones run on the RFS filesystem, which is what causes that random stutter you get sometimes when doing simple things like scrolling webpages or playing music... The fact that we're stuck with such outdated and/or flawed software unless we hack our phones is downright OFFENSIVE. Samsung treats it's customers like second-class citizens and even though their hardware is seriously topnotch (best screen of any android phone, bar none, best graphics chipset of any phone at launch, mine has a fantastic keyboard, great cameras... etc), I will never buy another samsung phone because of their software support.

[ladybell]

Jazi Joi... I know just what you mean.  This phone is great.  If the update makes it any better which I hear it will, how cool will that be too.  Thanks for chiming in.  I just want to bring this back to the forefront on the forum because well quite frankly I wasn't done wanting to here what people like about this phone.  Now I am sick to death of all the whiners who keep flooding the forum board with poor pitiful me whining.  I'm up to my tool bar in ridiculous threads about Froyo and oh that dumb 20 year old kid lied to me at the store.  Tired of the lack of personal accountability for the fact that so many people it seems purchased a phone for a feature it didn't have and have somehow created this thread to "put it in writing" well after the date of purchase that they were lied to. SO.................................. back to the topic.

My camera rocks! My web browsing is fast.  Oh and guess what .... I got flash because I can download it from my cool market place!  Oh yeah!  It's easy to set up.  Fun to learn on.  The screen is big, vivid and sensitive enough to perform well with every touch.  My GPS is spot on.  Blue tooth is easy to set up and very responsive.  My processor kicks your processors you know what (for right now of course).  My phone is highly customizable as compared to other overrated smartphones.  My phone storage is just right. Speakers are great.  Battery life is very comparable to other smart phones.  My notifications tab is very handy.  The functionality of the phone is great.  My calls are crystal clear. 

My service is great.  With my previous provider I was guaranteed dropped calls or lack of availability in certain areas but hey, if I traveled outside the USA it worked great, but let me think.....in this economy, I'm not hoping from country to country so whatever.  My plan and rates are suited for me based on my activity history which was reviewed and worked out with me by a responsive sales representative.  My customer service calls have been handled as they should.  No real complaint.  I do not feel like any of these providers really beat each other on the customer service side of things. Hate to say it but I think all of them are super great for the newbies they entice but lack a little luster for those already loyal.  My husband last provider, was laughable.  Couldn't take calls inside our house and we live in a huge urban area where all other providers can work if the phone is behind a brick wall.  Heck some providers really only work in heavy populated areas.  That's right. Don't travel to the woods.  Don't venture too far away from that city.  You know where you frickin phone service would REALLY COME IN HANDY should you get lost because that tree looks just like every other one.  LOL 

All I am saying is the grass is not always greener on the other side but for this device and this provider I think they have plenty of great qualities and just enough faults to let you know they are not perfect. 

For any of those who simply want to whine about your updates, please take it to the appropriate forum.  This thread is for those who would like to tell why this device and provider is a good choice for them.   Oh and did I mention the camera?  Great pics. Lots of great features with the camera.  Not that it replaces my camera but it's convenient and works great.