Autonomy

Kitty - you should go with the iphone for simplicity of use and that "it just works" - Mrs Auto is probably similar to you in terms of tech / gadgets and the iphone is her favourite thing now....

The Samsung S2 (which I have) and the new S3 I think are better devices - but for ease and what you want go with iphone.

Re: apps on Samsung - Google Play made this all so much better....

typical

Another vote for iPhone - I'd never buy one myself, but they are incredibly easy to use and great all-rounders.

(To my mind the easiest phone to use at the moment is the Nokia N9, but they're getting very hard to find and are a bit of a dead-end, development wise.)

I wouldn't buy a Windows Phone 7 phone now.

Blue Cat

iPhone

Oyibopeppeh

I just recently got a little gadget called a Newkinetix NK100 - it's a universal remote control IR adaptor which works with iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch.

It cost £41 off Amazon, is the size of 1/3 a credit card (and about 8mm thick) and is easily the best Boys Toy I've bought in a long time.

All you have to do is to load an App called Re, plug in the NK100 into the charging slot of the i device and then follow the dead simple programming wizard. I set up all the various bits of my home cinema in less than 15 mins and the macro for each activity (like "Watch Cable" or "Listen to Music") all worked first time.

It also has multi-room facility and the programming set up can also be transferred to another person's i device just by sending an email, meaning that only one i device has to be programmed.

If you're looking for a good first easy to use universal remote, or just want something that's more flexible and functional, this gadget is highly recommended.....provided of course you have the Apple devices!

The only downside I've found so far is that for iPad it will only display in portrait orientation, so if you have your iPad in a case connected to a BT keyboard, it's tricky to read.

mikewot

I have the Nokia Lumia 800 Windows 7 phone, purchased here in Dubai. It is supported by the Nokia manufacturers stores (about 4 in Dubai). Cracking phone and I wouldn't touch an iAnything, closed architecture meaning only Apple can produce stuff for it. Loads of free apps available for the windows phone :-)

Victor Meldrew

I was asking the same question about a year ago (iPhone 4S or Galaxy S2). I went for the Galaxy S2 which I still have.

Like you, I am not a super tecchie, but have quickly got used to having a high tech mobile. However I probably don't fully use it as much as I should. I do like the S2, but actually do not like the exterior design of the new S3.

I bought an iPad 3 in April and think it is great (again I put a thread on BE to get background opinions).

Because of this, and from talking to friends who have the 4S, I am going to wait til the iPhone 5 comes out (looks like it will be around Sept/Oct) and then change either to the new iPhone 5, or a cheaper 4S.

I think you will find that people feel equally strongly about either the Samsung or the iPhone. The Samsung got the vote on the thread I put on. The iPhone seems to get the majority of the vote on this thread

Bahtatboy

A knicker designer simply must have an iPhone, dahhhhhling.

Bob

There's no quality control on the iPhone either and it's just as much of a security risk.

So that's really just being a bit of a boogie man.

Makes sod all difference to most people.

pythonista

Apple's engineers are real "Amateur hour" when it comes to security, even worse than Windows. iPhones are definitely the most consumer friendly of the various smart phones though, as long as you don't try to do anything clever!

Purdey

I'd go with the iPhone too but not now - wait till iPhone 5 is released in October or so.
You *could* pick up a Galaxy 2 for around AED 1600/1800 now and run with that until Oct. If it's fine for you then keep it. Most of the apps are available on both platforms and the screen is way better (bigger) than iPhone 4.
Unless most of your phone use is calls and text/emails/IM etc the the BB9900 is still tops (IMHO) although showing its age.

mikewot

scrubbedexpat141

Yes. The most successful ever mobile/smart phone series was made by "Amateur Hour" engineers.

Jesus wept there is no hope for you in life.

kittycat1

ok I phone it is- now do I buy it here or in the UK? or online?

scrubbedexpat141

Just buy it on the Apple store here, arrives quick and is fine.

Eeyore

So if you want quality control on an Android phone, you have to stick with a single app store. Hmmm... I thought that was a disadvantage of the iPhone...