What phone now?

[bobz]

Danno: What riser said. And also, check around/ ask around for an out-of-service smartphone, that old Nexus 1 that got replaced or whatever, and see if whatever version of Google Maps it ran or can be upgraded to can pre-load a route while on wi-fi; might not work, but worth a try.

Re the iPhone headphones thing, there's an adapter that they include (and sell separately for cheap), so it shouldn't be a big deal. Getting rid of the headphone jack was a key thing that made the new phones a lot closer to waterproof than before.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Seems like a good place to ask this:

If you needed to have a GPS with turn-by-turn directions (google maps or similar) for someone who does not own a smartphone, and only needed it for about 5 days, what would be the best way to go about it? If "get a phone" is the answer, what is the cheapest option for a phone that can do this and a phone service that we can cancel after it's over?

Is the person retarded? I don't they will be able use a GPS if so.

[riser4]

Seems like a good place to ask this:

If you needed to have a GPS with turn-by-turn directions (google maps or similar) for someone who does not own a smartphone, and only needed it for about 5 days, what would be the best way to go about it? If "get a phone" is the answer, what is the cheapest option for a phone that can do this and a phone service that we can cancel after it's over?

Wait, are they renting a car? Get one with the rental? I hadn't really found the need for a GPS until Hertz gave me one by mistake and didn't charge me for it. I was sold after that. NeverLost.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Wait, am I missing something here? Apple didn't change the dock connector, it's still the same one that's been around since the 5 (the "Lightning" version). People bitched about that change when it happened, but I don't hear anyone these days lamenting the loss of the giant old dock connector. If you have an iPhone 5, you shouldn't need a new charger or dock for the 7, right?

Now getting rid of the headphone jack, that's another story. My guess is that in a couple of years it won't be an issue because this will force a lot of folks into wireless headphones and bluetooth connections and they'll get used to it, but it's a pain in the meantime.

I've got a 5s with a cracked screen that I've had for 3 years, and am torn about upgrading. Would like to get the slightly larger screen and more storage (and an intact screen), but other than that I'm fine with the current phone. Having to pay $750 out of pocket is a tough pill.

You could just replace the screen on your 5s for like $30.

[riser4]

Is the person retarded? I don't they will be able use a GPS if so.

Ouch. However, it is a valid point in a way. If they don't have a smart phone or a GPS in the year 2016, there's a reason.

[bobz]

More like $50 or so (google: iFixit 5s screen), and that's do-it-yourself, but still, 3-year-old phone that can be usefully extended for a while (maybe replace the battery while you're in there), why not. Paying someone to replace the screen, I'm guessing runs at least $100, and more if Apple does it.

[Danno]

Ouch. However, it is a valid point in a way. If they don't have a smart phone or a GPS in the year 2016, there's a reason.

She is over 70, isn't that reason enough.

And AaronWright, way to be a dick.

[Danno]

Buy a GPS at a place with a really good return policy and no restocking fee.

this was money advice, thanks. Costco to the rescue!

[MagnificentUnicorn]

She is over 70, isn't that reason enough.

And AaronWright, way to be a dick.

Oooo, burn!

this was money advice, thanks. Costco to the rescue!

Yeah, that's the responsible choice.

But seriously, do you think it's a good idea for anybody, especially and older person, to drive while being distracted and trying to follow directions on a GPS? I think if they can't get a set of written directions and know where they're going ahead of time they probably shouldn't be out driving in unfamiliar territory.

[RShea]

Seems like a good place to ask this:

If you needed to have a GPS with turn-by-turn directions (google maps or similar) for someone who does not own a smartphone, and only needed it for about 5 days, what would be the best way to go about it? If "get a phone" is the answer, what is the cheapest option for a phone that can do this and a phone service that we can cancel after it's over?

You can do this a few different ways. Any inexpensive Android with Google Maps. Use wifi to update the app and then some sort of prepaid account for the turn by turn (CDMA or GSM) should be one way. Freedom Pop has a GSM 30 day trial that would give enough data to last 5 days of normal turn by turn use. There maybe a off line app similar to Google in the Android Google Play store too that will allow off line (no data service required). Prepaid accounts would be available for less than $30 and would be good for 30 days or possibly longer.

Another option maybe one of the Microsoft Windows Mobile phones (Nokia) - one of the map applications (called Here) allows you to download and save to memory over wifi and then do the turn by turn without even needing any plan once it is installed.

[Pegleg]

Danno - are you sure a GPS is really the best way to go here? My parents aren't comfortable with a GPS but are very good with maps/directions, since that's how they've gotten around their whole lives. A simple map with all of the places they're likely to want to go clearly labeled might be simpler and easier for them to use. (I'm picturing the weekend where Stupendous Man left his in-laws in charge of his kids, and I got a call at 7am to come over and fix the TV because they couldn't figure out how to get Spongebob Squarepants to come on. Technology and parents is sometimes a poor fit.)

[bobz]

Elaborating on what RShea said: Yes, of course, get a cheap ($100ish?) Android tablet that includes GPS and WiFi, and supporting the latest version of Google Maps will allow you to preload a route, and (if you know the tricks) preload other stuff too. Pay full price at the T-Mobile store and they might throw in some low-grade wireless data too (that is, even lower grade, ha ha, than the basic T-Mobile data that they'd charge you monthly for). Added advantage: Your kid won't need to borrow your laptop to play Minecraft any more.

[MakersTeleMark]

Tom tom. It works for folks.

[riser4]

Danno - are you sure a GPS is really the best way to go here? My parents aren't comfortable with a GPS but are very good with maps/directions, since that's how they've gotten around their whole lives. A simple map with all of the places they're likely to want to go clearly labeled might be simpler and easier for them to use. (I'm picturing the weekend where Stupendous Man left his in-laws in charge of his kids, and I got a call at 7am to come over and fix the TV because they couldn't figure out how to get Spongebob Squarepants to come on. Technology and parents is sometimes a poor fit.)

Paper maps with directions > GPS >> smartphone

Seriously.

Anyone who thinks adding in the extra complexity of a cheap smartphone is better than a dedicated GPS unit for people who just aren't familiar with tech are kidding themselves. It doesn't matter how simple you make it, they will find a way to screw it up.

Granted, my Dad had Parkinson's and dementia was coming on pretty hard, however he does provide my favorite example. I left my dad at our house alone when he was staying with us while we were trying to get him placed in a facility. He wasn't hungry yet so I put a plate of food in the microwave, typed in the correct amount of time and then taped a piece of paper over the controls so only the start button was visible. There was a note and big arrow on the paper, to the affect of: push here for warm food. When I came home, the paper was removed, the microwave was blinking 12, he had eaten half his dinner cold and then stopped because it really wasn't all that appetizing cold.

[Danno]

Danno - are you sure a GPS is really the best way to go here? My parents aren't comfortable with a GPS but are very good with maps/directions, since that's how they've gotten around their whole lives. A simple map with all of the places they're likely to want to go clearly labeled might be simpler and easier for them to use. (I'm picturing the weekend where Stupendous Man left his in-laws in charge of his kids, and I got a call at 7am to come over and fix the TV because they couldn't figure out how to get Spongebob Squarepants to come on. Technology and parents is sometimes a poor fit.)

nope, not sure, just doing what I am told.

and you may be getting one of those calls from my MIL, but only for directions.

[My Pet Powder Goat]

Help! Samsung recalling my Note7, again!

Samsung is now halting production and replacements till they sort out why the phones are still catching on fire.

I love this phone, and loath to give it up; It's got the screen size, expendable memory, waterproofness, camera, and battery life I want. To top it off im digging the free fitbit2 smartwatch I got with the phone.

Verizon says they'll replace the Note7 with any other model they carry.

Can I keep the N7 and use it till a new one is available? How long till it is no longer supported?

Get anew phone with similar feature.
What's hot? ... Google pixel XL comes out in 10 days.
Anything else have the features I want?

What the fuck should I do?

[Skidog]

Pixel xl fo sho

[goldenboy]

Help! Samsung recalling my Note7, again!

Samsung is now halting production and replacements till they sort out why the phones are still catching on fire.

I love this phone, and loath to give it up; It's got the screen size, expendable memory, waterproofness, camera, and battery life I want. To top it off im digging the free fitbit2 smartwatch I got with the phone.

Verizon says they'll replace the Note7 with any other model they carry.

Can I keep the N7 and use it till a new one is available? How long till it is no longer supported?

Get anew phone with similar feature.
What's hot? ... Google pixel XL comes out in 10 days.
Anything else have the features I want?

What the fuck should I do?

LG V10 (or if you wait, the V20). Fucking love this phone- best camera out there, expandable memory, swappable batteries...

[My Pet Powder Goat]

Thanks for the recs. I don't think the v20 is available with Verizon. After spending the night studying my options I think I'll go with the pixel XL 128gb.

Fuck. I don't want to give up this phone, but it's becoming clear that the Note7 will never be revived. Too much bad press

Eta: also consider a Samsung s7, so I can keep my wireless charger, but everything seems like a downgrade from the NY.

V20 will be avail with Verizon

[Dantheman]

but it's becoming clear that the Note7 will never be revived. Too much bad press

They said as much on NPR this morning. Note7 is 100% dead, possibly even the Note series itself.

[My Pet Powder Goat]

Did I mention I love the Stylus pen!

[My Pet Powder Goat]

OK, went to my local Verizon store today, just to check out some options and bug the sales guys

This go around Samsung and Verizon will be handling everything online, no store visits required Theyre sending out text or emails with instructions and you just pick the replacement of your choosing.

Im torn between the edge7 and pixel XL. I really, really like the level of Waterproofing of the Samsung, (Google only has minimal splash rating) . Also hate to give up my wireless charger.

The XL Has the newest nuget 7.0 OS installed and the much hyped Google assist (I love my "OK, google") the limited 128gb is fine as long as you can store unlimited and free on Google photo cloud. (huge plus in my book)

Anyways, I asked how long till my note7 is bricked and unsupported and the manager said that it'll be "months and months" till it's a issue, I may just keep using it till the new N7 replacement comes out in the spring and get that, but it atleast this gives me some time to check out the XL and V20 with my own eyes.

[stalefish3169]

Just did my first international trip (Nayarit and Baja, Mexico) with Fi and it was fucking awesome. No bullshit extra plan option mumbo jumbo. No rate differences. Got LTE in most cities with more than a few thousand people and 3G in some pretty rural areas. My experience was light years ahead of my trip to Chile with Verizon last year where my cell literally had no service, even after paying an extra $50 and spending too much time talking to people who had no idea what they were discussing. Although the battery life on the 5x is horrendous (like 50% of my old iPhone 6S). Not sure if I'm gonna go for a Pixel yet due to cost because otherwise the 5x is great. Nougat is awesome!

[El Chupacabra]

Just did my first international trip (Nayarit and Baja, Mexico) with Fi and it was fucking awesome. No bullshit extra plan option mumbo jumbo. No rate differences. Got LTE in most cities with more than a few thousand people and 3G in some pretty rural areas. My experience was light years ahead of my trip to Chile with Verizon last year where my cell literally had no service, even after paying an extra $50 and spending too much time talking to people who had no idea what they were discussing. Although the battery life on the 5x is horrendous (like 50% of my old iPhone 6S). Not sure if I'm gonna go for a Pixel yet due to cost because otherwise the 5x is great. Nougat is awesome!

I also just used Project Fi on a Nexus 5X in Mexico, in the Puerto Vallarta area. Worked great.

[El Chupacabra]

Anyone here using the Motorola G4 or G4+ ? I'm looking at the G4 for Mrs. C., who is using my old Samsung Galaxy S5, which is slowly dying. She insists on keeping her phone on Verizon.

Likes, dislikes?

Or any other recommendations for an unlocked Verizon-compatible Android phone that is similarly priced to the G4? Currently it's $179 at Amazon, for the 16gb no-lock-screen-ads version:
https://www.amazon.com/Moto-4th-Gen-...ywords=moto+g4