Galaxy Note 2 - poor ergonomics

[hyteckit]

IMO, it's reasonable to complain about the iPhone's size because you only get two options, 3.5" and 4". It makes sense for Apple to produce a larger phone for people that want to stay in the Apple ecosystem and aren't happy with the current offerings. But Apple probably knows better than me

So it's reasonable to complain about the Galaxy Note size because you only get two options, 5.5" and 10". It makes sense for Samsung to produce a smaller galaxy note for people who want the s-pen and s-voice and aren't happy with the current offering. But Samsung probably know better than me.

 

[dalbir4444]

So it's reasonable to complain about the Galaxy Note size because you only get two options, 5.5" and 10". It makes sense for Samsung to produce a smaller galaxy note for people who want the s-pen and s-voice and aren't happy with the current offering. But Samsung probably know better than me.

That's not what I meant. I was referring to all iOS and Android phones in general. There are many Android devices with different screen sizes, whereas there are only two for iPhones. All I'm saying is that Apple should make a larger sized phone for people who want one.

 

[dalbir4444]

I feel like OP might be misunderstanding here about the one hand use thing, so I'll add in a final comment. I personally don't like the screen size of the 4S. That doesn't mean it has ergonomic issues, but just that I am not the target user for the device. Similarly, the OP is not the target end user for the Note 2. That's all there is to it.

 

[stridemat]

MOD NOTE

Open. Please consider what you post before posting.

 

[theluggage]

Agree the 'one-handed' criticism is dumb (buy a smaller phone or get a Farnsworth Finglonger), but otherwise it is possible to like a phone while still seeing room for improvement.

Is that an issue though? They still work exactly the same lit or unlit.

Obviously, once you're used to the phone you know where to press, but if you're using the phone in either of the two landscape modes you do have to engage a brain cell to work out which button to press (I assume the Nexus 'soft' buttons re-orient along with the screen?) - not exactly rocket science, but good UI design should be no-brain-required for the simple stuff.

Also, they're very easy to press accidentally, and should you ever hand your phone to someone to show them something they will press the back button.

 

[theluggage]

It makes sense for Samsung to produce a smaller galaxy note for people who want the s-pen and s-voice and aren't happy with the current offering.

S-voice is also available on the: Galaxy SIII (4.8") and SIII Mini (4").

Having used the s-pen on my Note 2 I can say that the size of the Note 2 screen is a major limiting factor in its usability. Make the screen significantly smaller and the s-pen would be as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike.

So ignoring the tablet (because it isn't a phone) that's a choice between 3 phones, all current models.

Forget those two specific proprietary features and you have Android phones of all shapes and sizes to choose from.

Meanwhile, if you want iOS on a phone, Apple will sell you any size you want provided it's 4" (or 3.5" if you don't mind last year's model).

 

[vaio1990]

Been playing with the Note 2 for over 1 week now. However, there are a few annoying things about the Note 2 design/ergonomics.

Here are some ergonomics issues:

1. one hard use is bad. Impossible to use with one-hand in most instances.
2. placement of power button is awful. I hit the power button by accident multiple times a day. I put the Note 2 in my car cup holder, the the power button gets accidently pressed.
3. The volume buttons are too big and too easily push. Again, pushed it by accident many times. It's one inch long!
4. The touch buttons on the left and right of the physical home button is not a good idea. Often touch those buttons accidentaly especially in landscape mode when viewing webpages or playing a game. My old android phone has 3 physical buttons.
5. Having to take out the back cover and remove the battery in order to take out my SIM so I can swap it into my iPhone 4S.
6. No hold switch.


I'm glad it has a physical home button. I also like the notification light similar to the blackberry. Just wish the light was on top so I can see it even when I have a case on.

Agreed with #4

 

[45commando]

1. one hard use is bad. Impossible to use with one-hand in most instances

,

Grow bigger hands...

I have large hands and I'm lucky enough to be able to touch most of the screen with my thumb while in one handed mode. Lucky me.