Smartphones

[Iron]

Thanks - I just thought I'd check that it wouldn't be like texting on old-style phones, which I always found a bit of a pain!

Do I also get the on-screen keypad if I'm using Teamviewer?

Jeff

lcd keypad on screen, see attached images

[TheTub]

I have Windows 7 professional on my home PC and the iPhone4 with iTap RDP. I've seen the Blackberry and it seems OK. Although I know of 2 Blackberry users who now have the iPhone and they wish they had switched sooner. I've never seen an HTC so can't comment on those. But I can honestly say the iPhone4 is the best gadget I've ever owned and cannot say a bad thing about it.

I can connect to my home PC without any problems from anywhere with an internet connection - although I had to set up IP forwarding on my router to route incoming links to my computer and you have to tell Windows that you would like to accept incoming connections (go to system then 'remote settings').

Only Windows 7 Professional (and maybe Vista Pro) can host incoming connections. So if you do not have this you will need to upgrade.

[Iron]

According to the iTap website (http://itap-mobile.com/itap-rdp/details), it's possible to get the software to work with other operating systems (even though it is a bit of a ballache if you have XP Home, as you need to purchase an additional piece of software!).

Jeff

Only Windows 7 Professional (and maybe Vista Pro) can host incoming connections. So if you do not have this you will need to upgrade.

[andyfuller]

Do you not find the lack of flash on the IPhone annoying when using it to surf the web? Also are the antenna/reception issues really an issue? Can't say I want to have to put the rubber band thing around a phone?

Also can the Iphone be used for tethering? Where it creates a local wifi hotspot to allow you to connect to the internet on say your netbook over the phones wifi hotspot?

[Morph]

I think the iphone 4 does have an LED flash.

[jimrobo]

a lot of websites now code in html 5 so its not as much of an issue as it was at the start. Yes there are times when I would have liked flash, especially a year or so ago, but realistically I haven't really missed it. I actually haven't even noticed the lack of flash recently. Everything I have used it for has been available in html5

[andyfuller]

Cheers Jim - do you know about the tethering? Cant seem to find anything about it.

[jimrobo]

i haven't tethered mine but I am pretty sure it is possible but it is network dependant and it is a lot more expensive to use the tethered data. I think with O2 you have to buy the tethering bolton to be able to tether it.

I just use my portable router with my 3g dongle I already have

edit: I am pretty sure if you jaibreak it you can tether no problems

[TheTub]

Do you not find the lack of flash on the IPhone annoying when using it to surf the web?

No. I've not really noticed this at all. All the video streams that I use - the BBC iPlayer, SKY, YouTube and more have iPhone apps or don't use Flash for video. Other Flash apps usually have a workaround. But I have to admit I don't understand Apple's stance on this.

Also are the antenna/reception issues really an issue? Can't say I want to have to put the rubber band thing around a phone?

Not noticed this either. Media hype I reckon. But I always have cases with my phones. I haven't got the rubber band case so can't comment on that.

Also can the Iphone be used for tethering? Where it creates a local wifi hotspot to allow you to connect to the internet on say your netbook over the phones wifi hotspot?

Tethering is easy. It's easy to switch it on and off. But as jimrobo says, I avoid using it due to the expense.

I think the iphone 4 does have an LED flash.

Thanks morph - I don't think this is the type of Flash Andy had in mind..

[andyfuller]

Cheers for the replies guys.

Cheers Morph but not the flash I meant

Sounds like the lack of flash isn't really an issue - I would mainly be using video in the way Tub describes so it seems like no issue.

You say tethering is very expensive to use but with three on the one plan you get all you can eat data with no caps so won't cost anything extra - or have I missed something?

The Tub you say it is very easy - can you point me in the direction of somewhere that explains it? DI don't really want to 'jail break' my phone to achieve it.

I want the tethering so I can use it as a back up incase of powercut while trading so I could exit using my laptop. I have an £8 a month 3G dongle that I currently use for this but my thinking is I may as well put this £8 towards a better phone - should work okay?

[SilentDave]

For text entry anyone with an android phone should install Swype - it's incredibly quick to type.
Currently in free beta (is OEM'ed on Samsung Galaxy)and have been using it with no problems at all http://beta.swype.com/
Once you've used it you'll be wondering how you ever did without it!

[andyfuller]

For text entry anyone with an android phone should install Swype - it's incredibly quick to type.

It was recommended in this months Stuff mag - looks good.

[oddstrader]

its like this Andy - your eyes set upon the most beautiful woman you have ever seen, you watch almost in slow motion as she moves majestically towards you, you instantly fall in love with every thing about her and after some time you eventually pluck up the courage to ask her out, sadly she refuses but tells you that her sister is into you and would be happy to go on a date , now she is pretty! sure! she is fun yes! but she is not her sister!!! , and that Andy is the difference between the iphone and her sister!

[andyfuller]

Hahaha quality post

[Morph]

Hi,
Andy,
Sorry for not reading your earlier post properly re flash

I don't find the lack of flash an issue at all. In fact I surf less and less due to the plethora of free or cheap apps where that issue is dealt with work-arounds using youtube. An example would be the Racing UK app.