prophet01

That's regrettable. I hope you might change your mind in the future and share your knowledge.

Thanks anyway.

It's such a shame that Iomatopo doesn't wish to partake in a mature discussion about such a fundamental, important but imperfect element of Android, effecting every user.

Choosing instead to misrepresent, distort, quote out of context, exaggerate and point blank refuse to honestly address others' views ala "strawman fallacy" style of debate.

Contrary to the the view presented at post #10 above, that the only way to deal with apps containing permissions that make you feel uncomfortable is to simply not use them i.e. take them or leave them, apps and their permissions can be managed and fine tuned by the user.

Many apps continue to function normally when certain permissions, originally required to be accepted on installation, are set to denied after installation. It's up to the individual to determine what they are comfortable with. If the app doesn't function when the users selected permissions are denied then the user can decide whether or not to enable the permission or uninstall the app and try to find something else that they are comfortable with.

I refer again to the following article which explains the imperfections of the permissions system far better than me and others on this thread. http://androidunderg...s-you-even.html

So on your own PC, you go through every program's permissions to control everything it does/can do?

No.

So why do you care what perms they have on your phone? If Android didn't tell you, you wouldn't care.

I care about the permissions because in giving my explicit acceptance, which I must do to use the app, I am giving my explicit permission to do whatever the permissions says it can do if I give my permission.

How would you know what I would care if Android didn't tell me about the permissions, which it does so bit of an odd thing to say. You must be truly gifted.

And what do you care what I care about?

Do you have anything to say about permissions that would help us innocents on our path?

It's such a shame that Iomatopo doesn't wish to partake in a mature discussion about such a fundamental, important but imperfect element of Android, effecting every user.

Choosing instead to misrepresent, distort, quote out of context, exaggerate and point blank refuse to honestly address others' views ala "strawman fallacy" style of debate.

Contrary to the the view presented at post #10 above, that the only way to deal with apps containing permissions that make you feel uncomfortable is to simply not use them i.e. take them or leave them, apps and their permissions can be managed and fine tuned by the user.

Many apps continue to function normally when certain permissions, originally required to be accepted on installation, are set to denied after installation. It's up to the individual to determine what they are comfortable with. If the app doesn't function when the users selected permissions are denied then the user can decide whether or not to enable the permission or uninstall the app and try to find something else that they are comfortable with.

I refer again to the following article which explains the imperfections of the permissions system far better than me and others on this thread. http://androidunderg...s-you-even.html

So on your own PC, you go through every program's permissions to control everything it does/can do?

No.

I would agree that if you are planning on rooting it is very much worth doing a *lot* of reading first - don't just follow the first set of instructions you find. I say this because Samsung made a bit of a howler with the S3 firmware which can easily result in bricking the Note if you don't use the right kernel.

It's easy enough to work around, but toxic if you don't follow the instructions precisely.

I would recommend you don't try rooting for the first time unless you have done your homework and are extremely comfortable with the process.

Good advice. Wasn't intending on doing anything in the short term but learn and wait.

Hi Pib

Just a quick reply as out and about. I agree, for a newcomer like me to android rooting looks quite daunting although the more i read and begin to understand the less daunting it becomes.

I managed to find a very good forum thread about rooting my phone which, as you know, is a relatively new model. I'll take time to try to understand the procedure as fully as possible before attempting but i'm heartened by the number of successes i read about in the thread which is 3 months long.

It's such a shame that Iomatopo doesn't wish to partake in a mature discussion about such a fundamental, important but imperfect element of Android, effecting every user.

Choosing instead to misrepresent, distort, quote out of context, exaggerate and point blank refuse to honestly address others' views ala "strawman fallacy" style of debate.

Contrary to the the view presented at post #10 above, that the only way to deal with apps containing permissions that make you feel uncomfortable is to simply not use them i.e. take them or leave them, apps and their permissions can be managed and fine tuned by the user.

Many apps continue to function normally when certain permissions, originally required to be accepted on installation, are set to denied after installation. It's up to the individual to determine what they are comfortable with. If the app doesn't function when the users selected permissions are denied then the user can decide whether or not to enable the permission or uninstall the app and try to find something else that they are comfortable with.

I refer again to the following article which explains the imperfections of the permissions system far better than me and others on this thread. http://androidunderg...s-you-even.html

Iomatopo

From what can be gleaned on this forum about your nature I think it's safe to assume you are being deliberately obtuse/mischievous and not as dim as your questions portray you. I shall, however, attempt to humour you.

"What app is causing your dismay?"

As I state in the post, "pretty much, without exception, all apps"

"Which permissions are causing your dismay?"

All permissions unnecessary for the functioning of each app.

"I suspect you may be dismayed, although unaware of it, when you turned on your Android phone, and created a Play account."

Unsure about what this line means but I didn't turn on the phone (shop owner) neither have I created a Play account, as far as I'm aware.

"It might be too late now, but I would have thought you might have done some research on Android BEFORE making a purchase?"

Too late for what. I'm perfectly happy with my unit and its OS as it does all that I expected of it based on the research that i did do BEFORE making the purchase.

Sporting banter aside, the point I was attempting to make was that as excellent as the Android platform clearly is its users are being exploited (and the majority appear happy to be exploited) by Google and app developers alike. Not unsurprising.

The sentiments expressed in the first few paragraphs of this link probably expresses my view more succinctly

http://androidunderg...s-you-even.html

So, for me the way to go for now is to root and install LBE Privacy Guard. Unless, of course, further information forces a change of mind.

Cheers

Thanks for the input, much appreciated.

Whilst it's quite clear that you are by far more knowledgeable than me in these matters I must challenge your statement that my "suspicions are unfounded".

The below thread would appear to disprove your assertion that units are not disabled as a number of the posters appear to have successfully enabled the previously disabled 850Mhz frequency on their units.

http://androidforums...0-galaxy-s.html

Having taken the plunge and bought a Samsung Galaxy S Advance, off I went to the Google Play store to search for my first app to download. Specifically, a SMS app.

It was here that I first encounter the world of 'permissions'. My initial reaction was dismay that pretty much without exception, all apps require what appears to me to be an unnecessarily wide ranging level of access to important device functions and data.

After doing a bit of net research about permissions I was equally dismayed at the generality of the permissions explanations.

Equally dismaying to me is the apparent acceptance by the majority of users of these permissions.

Whilst I accept that the user must accept responsibility for the the downloading and use of apps a considered decision is impossible without the requisite information.

I'd be interested to hear the views of others more experienced with apps.

I went to a few independent box shifters who all had 3G restricted frequency units (either 850MHz or 900MHz) so not interested but I suspect that the frequencies are simply disabled and could be altered to suit.

I seriously doubt if any units are 3G restricted, this would be a first. Yes, the box/label may be "customized" for different retail channels here, and this only highlight the 3G band(s) that particular channel partners' (i.e. TWZ, 900 MHz 3G, AIS) service provider offers. In fact, the unit would support 85 MHz as well. The unit is not somehow restricted with specialized software.

I got a quote for a Samsung Galaxy S Advance for 11,000 THB from a counter shop, (extended adopted family relative) in Seacon Square (via SMS this morning). She basically gets the product from a wholesaler and makes money on any ancillary products, as she has some monthly top line revenue targets.

When I used the word "restricted" i meant preventing the unit from being used by certain carriers due to what I suspect from my little bit of research that the units have had certain frequencies disabled, either the 900 or 850MHz frequencies as I alluded (i.e. restricted from being able to work on certain frequencies.)

Thanks for the idea but not sure there'd be any chance of finding exactly what I require. Off back to UK for a short trip so will be able to bring back exactly what I need.

Have PM'd you.

Thanks for all the posts, and especially Pib for some great PM'd information.

I went ahead and bought the Galaxy S Advance unit a couple of days ago and have no regrets. Just loving it.

I went to a few independent box shifters who all had 3G restricted frequency units (either 850MHz or 900MHz) so not interested but I suspect that the frequencies are simply disabled and could be altered to suit.

However, went to the Samsung shop downstairs at Big C (Phuket) and had a chat with them. They confirmed that the units they sold were able to operate on all 4 3G frequencies and I could therefore use any service provider. So Dtac over here on 850MHz and GiffGaff (O2) in UK on 900MHz. Bingo.

They wanted 13,000 for the unit but I haggled down to 12,500 + protective case + screen protector.

Cheers all.

Ha, now looking at the place on the map I know it well. That's where we buy our acrylic sheet for suspended shelving and sign boxes.

I asked the owner last week about acrylic tubes and rods. He said only in Bangkok

Oh well, it was worth a try.

Cheers.

Ok thanks. Will drive over this morning.

Can't find anything on Google for Phuket Plastic. Any chance of some co-ordinates?

Is it this intersection and hospital 7.896008, 98.384796

Cheers

Just spotted your response. Thanks for that, I'll go take a look tomorrow.

Assuming you require 3G and want to stay with DTAC/Happy, or might be contemplating a move to TrueMove H then make sure whichever phone you select supports 850 MHz 3G.

I think there are two different versions of the Ace 2 available here in Thailand, one supports 900/1900/2100 MHz 3G (I8160) and the other supports 850/1900/2100 MHz 3G (I8160L).

http://www.thaimobil..._2.asp?str_ad=y

I think the Samsung Galaxy S Advance (I9070) only supports 900/1900/2100 MHz 3G.

http://www.thaimobil...vance_i9070.asp

http://www.gsmarena....-review-732.php

Phones here are not subsidized, for the most part, so you should really source the phone from a box/wholesale shop, then choose the service provider which you think offers the best service, coverage, plans. price, et al.

http://www.thaivisa....-maps-thailand/http://www.thaivisa....-service-plans/

An SGS2 (I9300) or SGN (I9250) might offer the best price/performance, and last for 2+ years, but these are a bit outside the OP's budget.

According to gsmarena and Samsung the Galaxy S Advance (I9070) has 3G quad band capability (same as S3)

http://www.gsmarena....dvance-4469.php

So, is it not simply a case of enabling the desired frequency on the unit?

Anyway, after yesterday's window shopping session and playing with a few units I've pretty much decided to increase my budget to 12,000Bt and go for the Samsung Galaxy S Advance.

As Monty stated compared with the Ace 2 it has a faster processor, AMOLED screen, 8gb internal memory and is quad band so no problem with choice of carrier either here or on my regular jaunts back to the UK.

Hi, I was reading your thread and I used to think just like you - I understand where you're coming from that you don't want to go high-end as you don't see any need or use for the functions. I shunned high-end smartphones, never purchased an iphone, but recently shelled out for an S3. The real question is, what can't it do? If you aren't aware of the possibilities you'll see no need but it's really changed how I live and work. It's worth investigating as even the companies themselves don't advertise the full capabilities of their devices, the instructions are slim. Have a look on youtube videos.

Who knows what I might find useful when I start getting to learn how to use the functions and the android o/s of this mid range (but still powerful) new phone/computer. The point for me is that I can justify to myself the expense of 12,000Bt but cannot justify the expense of a top of the range phone without knowing I will utilise it to the full

Some time in the future, when I've become sufficiently knowledgeable, it may well be that I can justify the expense of a top of the range unit, but by then who knows what other alternative devices will be available.

Anyway, after yesterday's window shopping session and playing with a few units I've pretty much decided to increase my budget to 12,000Bt and go for the Samsung Galaxy S Advance.

As Monty stated compared with the Ace 2 it has a faster processor, AMOLED screen, 8gb internal memory and is quad band so no problem with choice of carrier either here or on my regular jaunts back to the UK.

Yes, it seems a bizarre sort of logic to deliberately alienate existing and potential customers and even more bizarre not to incorporate the latest software into newly released products after having upped specs.

Would love to know the rationale behind these decisions.

Try Chalong Aluminium and Glass

Stick these co-ords into Google for location: 7.841711,98.349631

Thaicbr

Yes, I believe both use Gingerbread and there doesn't appear to be any concrete confirmation of future upgrades to ICS or JB.

To be honest, although it would be nice to have the latest OS, it's not a deal breaker as I'm new to Android and as you say GB is perfectly adequate.

Monty

Precisely the reasons why I'm considering paying an extra 2000Bt for the S Advance, which was suggested by another BM on another thread.

Also, having seen prices today for an S2 it's got me thinking even more.

Decisions, decisions.

Guys, thanks for all the input, all appreciated.

Galaxy Ace 2 remains on top for me after reading more detailed reviews listing pros and cons and comparisons with other manufacturer's offerings in the same price bracket.

'Er indoors has a Galaxy Ace Plus, which she generously allowed me to play with for 5 minutes (under constant supervision), and I would be happy with it so I'm sure that the higher spec'd Ace 2 will be wholly satisfactory.

Also toying with the idea of paying 2000BT more for the more higher spec'd Galaxy S Advance. Anyone have any thoughts or comments on this idea.