Electronics

[Marp]

I looked at the Galaxy and got excited when I saw the home key but alas it does not have the notification light like my LG Ultimate.  As one that is not tethered to my phone I am dependent on that little light to let me know I've missed a call or message.  So hard to give that up,.

Otherwise, reading the manual there are a lot of nice features.  Anyone interested in the manual can find it at: 

http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201607/20160726002127375/TFN_SM-S320VL_SKY_EN_UM_FINAL_...

[Venezia]

@Tadaki - A few phones will support both GSM and CDMA (like the newer iPhones).  I doubt that the Galaxy would, but the only way to know would be to contact the manufacturer or (perhaps) Tracfone.  Personally, I've never found the presenters on HSN to be very knowledgeable about the product they're selling, so I wouldn't rely on what they said.

You can google it and get a lot more information.  Just type in "will phone support both GSM and CDMA".   You can include the specific phone model to try to narrow it down.

[Tadaki]

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@Venezia wrote:

@Tadaki - A few phones will support both GSM and CDMA (like the newer iPhones).  I doubt that the Galaxy would, but the only way to know would be to contact the manufacturer or (perhaps) Tracfone.  Personally, I've never found the presenters on HSN to be very knowledgeable about the product they're selling, so I wouldn't rely on what they said.

You can google it and get a lot more information.  Just type in "will phone support both GSM and CDMA".   You can include the specific phone model to try to narrow it down.

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Thank you!  I didn't realize there was a "global phone" that would support both.  I took your advice and went to the Samsung site.  In the specs under Battery it says CDMA, which is what I wanted.  So I'm definitely thinking about getting this one. 

http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/all-other-phones/samsung-galaxy-sky-16gb--tracfone--sm-s320v...

[sueinsf]

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@Marp wrote:

I looked at the Galaxy and got excited when I saw the home key but alas it does not have the notification light like my LG Ultimate.  As one that is not tethered to my phone I am dependent on that little light to let me know I've missed a call or message.  So hard to give that up,.

Otherwise, reading the manual there are a lot of nice features.  Anyone interested in the manual can find it at: 

http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201607/20160726002127375/TFN_SM-S320VL_SKY_EN_UM_FINAL_...

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@Marp I've seen other people comment on how much they like this feature on their LG.  Since I don't get a lot of messages on my tracfone, I don't know that that would be essential for me.  Other than a notification light, is there another way it indicates there is a message? 

[Julius Seizure]

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@sueinsf wrote:

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@Marp I've seen other people comment on how much they like this feature on their LG.  Since I don't get a lot of messages on my tracfone, I don't know that that would be essential for me.  Other than a notification light, is there another way it indicates there is a message? 

It will make a sound when you first get a text message or receive a voicemail. It will only sound once so if you're not near the phone when it happens you won't hear it. You will have visual indications on the screen of a text that hasn't been read, a call that was missed, or a voicemail that is waiting.

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[Marp]

@sueinsf, Millerband is exactly right about other methods of notification.

Since my phone is usually on a desk or dresser and sometimes ignored for a couple of days (I don't use it much) the flashing light is invaluable in alerting me that I missed something.

The color of the light can also be customized to a particular contact or group.  For example family flashes green but others might be yellow or if not in my contacts red.  I immediately know if it something I need to check or can ignore until I'm ready.

[sueinsf]

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@Julius Seizure wrote:

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@sueinsf wrote:

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@Marp I've seen other people comment on how much they like this feature on their LG.  Since I don't get a lot of messages on my tracfone, I don't know that that would be essential for me.  Other than a notification light, is there another way it indicates there is a message? 

It will make a sound when you first get a text message or receive a voicemail. It will only sound once so if you're not near the phone when it happens you won't hear it. You will have visual indications on the screen of a text that hasn't been read, a call that was missed, or a voicemail that is waiting.

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Thanks @Julius Seizure and @Marp.  My guess is that a visual indication would probably be fine for my needs but I do see how the color coding of the light would be a really nice feature.  When I very quickly scanned the manuel, I also found - Flash notification: Set your camera light to blink whenever you receive a notification. 

I'm going to watch the presentation (although they really don't give much valuable info) and see if I want to upgrade to this phone.  My one concern is that I really want something simple and hope this doesn't take too long to figure out in terms of set up and usage.  Than again, if my needs are simple (I don't expect to be downloading lots of apps) then I would guess it is pretty easy to figure out.  How hard can it be to set up contacts, make and receive a phone call and send a text?? 

[Tadaki]

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@CinNC wrote:

I bought this phone also - for 3 reasons - the 16gb memory and the fact that you can replace the battery and it's Android Marshmallow. I also do a lot of online searches for reviews prior to purchase. (and I used Visa checkout w/coupon that brought the price down to $99)

My Moto E battery died and I ended up with 2 phones around $50 because I really wanted the Galaxy S5 and refused to pay $400+ for a tracfone. 

Like my current LG but it's on a GSM network and we live in the country on the edge of coverage. Moto E was CDMA Verison and worked better. 

Mostly I just use it for texting, saving photos and a few phone calls so I always have lots of minutes. 

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Thanks for the info about VISA checkout.  Never heard of it before, but I also saved $20.  

[Marp]

@sueinsf, do you already have an Android smartphone?  If so once you sign into your Google account your phone will pretty much set itself up and your contacts and any apps you may have installed will be available on the new phone.  Making calls and texting will be much like what you are used to with perhaps a few new options.  You will quickly be good to go.

BTW, I will be watching the presentation too.  I have a few months before I either have to add time or upgrade but it isn't too early to start. 

I'm really happy with the LG Ultimate but the OS is old so missing a lot of features Marshmallow offers but boy will I miss that little light lol.

[sueinsf]

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@Marp wrote:

@sueinsf, do you already have an Android smartphone?  If so once you sign into your Google account your phone will pretty much set itself up and your contacts and any apps you may have installed will be available on the new phone.  Making calls and texting will be much like what you are used to with perhaps a few new options.  You will quickly be good to go.

BTW, I will be watching the presentation too.  I have a few months before I either have to add time or upgrade but it isn't too early to start. 

I'm really happy with the LG Ultimate but the OS is old so missing a lot of features Marshmallow offers but boy will I miss that little light lol.

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@Marp  My tracfone for personal use is an LG that is a few years old -- LG840, and I don't believe that is an Android.  So this will be my first time setting this all up.  I do know that once I do, it will be easy to move contacts and apps next time.

Maybe there will be another phone coming up in 2017 that will have the light.  HSN seems to do a bunch of tracfone TSV's and usually a couple are LG -- maybe their next model will have that.  Although I'm not sure the Treasure did -- I think that's when I read that people missed that feature...