Padfone or G-Nexus-7 combination
I've been using a SIM-free (unlocked and rooted) Motorola Atrix 4G with the lapdock everyday as my "daily-driver" phone/laptop solution since April of last year. I used the webtop, and later on, a modded version of Gentoo with Google Docs and Libre Office to get things done. I work at a university, so if I need something other than regular office software, I just use one of the hundreds of workstations I have access to on our campuses-- I've never experienced the so-called limitations that the lapdock+phone combo presents, and the fact that I ride very crowded trains in Tokyo precludes me from bringing my $1500+ laptop around everyday.
So when the Asus Padfone came out, I was sure that this would be my upgrade path! A phone that goes into a tablet that clips onto a keyboard. Brilliant! But hang on-- now there's the Nexus 7... Pure Google, and OPEN... That plus a Galaxy-Nexus... hmmmmm.... Could that also do the trick??
Well, there's always "let's wait and see a few more months..." But the obvious happened a week ago-- my Atrix's screen gave up the ghost... Sure I can plug it into HDMI, and use the lapdock just fine, but I can't use it as a phone... GRRRR!! Oh, and check out my location to the left-- I live in JAPAN, but I travel a lot, and go back to the US every year; actually, I'm going home in a week for a month!! So I NEED a phone either just before I go, or when I get there....
REQUIREMENTS:
- SIM Free (unlocked): I travel. A lot. Internationally. I needs my unlock!
- Multi-band support: Japan uses 2100MHz for HSPA+, and so does most of Asia. The US is 850, 1900, 1700... I'd like to find a phone that supports both of these... The Padfone will only support the Asian frequency, but nothing in the States-- I'd be stuck on 2G back home for a month... I can tolerate that though because I'll at least have AT&T hotspot support. The G-Nexus of course has a PENTABAND 3G radio (why the F don't other phones <other than the iPhone> have this same radio?!) so it'll work with whatever network I throw at it.
- Open bootloader/Rooted: One of the things I really enjoyed about my Atrix was being able to tweak tweak tweak. The Nexus devices don't need an explanation here-- They're designed to root and tweak. The Padfone can be rooted now--but it's bootloader is locked... But with the exotic tweaks made to get the tablet and phone UI to work, I doubt I'd use a custom ROM anyhow.
- Tablet/Phone combo: I got spoiled by my Atrix. Being able to use a physical keyboard to respond to an incoming text message is really habit-forming. Especially if I need to type it in Japanese. Of course the Padfone would win here... Not sure if there's an app that lets you see the text and MMSs on a phone through a tablet though. The other obvious thing here is that the Padphone *IS* the tablet, once docked into the PadStation. No tethering, no separate data plan, no hotspot needed. The G-Nexus-7 combo would see me tethering the G-Nex to the Nex-7. Is there a simple app that can make an on-demand data connection between the two happen at will?
- Updates: This is what pissed me off about Motorola. The OG Atrix's Tegra 2 processor can more than handle ICS, but here it is almost 6 months later, and nothing. Luckily I can get Kang builds, but certain things just don't work for me--for example Chrome crashes ALL the time. Camera sucks, etc. Hence, I'm over using another Moto device. Obviously the Nexus duo will ALWAYS get the latest and greatest; no-brainer there. Asus? The TF series got their updates to ICS within the first 3 months IIRC. Since Jelly Bean is just a point update, perhaps the Padfone will see an update in the fall sometime--I can live with that.
- Ease of use: Not the OS, but the physical pieces... The G-Nex-7 combo is easy in the way that both are able to use the same charger (micro USB). Padfone just nests together. I like how the Padfone keyboard has USB ports and an SD card slot... Not to mentin BATTERIES galore. It's hard as hell trying to find a place to charge my phone all the time, and sometimes I'd just use the Moto's lapdock as a battery charger!
- Price: this is the kicker... The Galaxy Nexus/ Nexus 7 Combo will come out to less than US$600 when bought from the Google store. Even buying from a grey-market distributor in Taiwan, I can't buy the Padfone/PadStation/Keyboard combo for less that US$1000... I have barely that much to spend though.
Friends, I need some help deciding! Here are my pros and cons for each device as it stands today. I'm posting this in the Padfone, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7, and my old Motorola Atrix forums as well. I want some good honest and thoughtful opinions-- no haterism, flaming, or retardedness please. This is an extremely important purchase for me, and needs to be done ASAP.
As always, thank you so much for your opinions!
$200 for the N7 + $350 for the GNex is way better than the almost a thousand for the Pad phone with tablet dock + keyboard dock. (You can buy a laptop with the difference) The main advantage of the Padfone is the monster battery and you don't need to carry 2 devices, but everything else is just "meh"
Review from the Verge:
The PadFone nails the idea, but misses on the execution to the point where it feels more like a tech demo than a viable product. There are enough performance issues and app interface problems that I began to avoid using the PadFone as a tablet, and even the phone itself has some underwhelming specs for a supposedly high-end device. I want badly to be able to ditch my laptop, set up a dock at work and a tablet at home, and just carry my phone everywhere knowing I can get done whatever needs doing. The PadFone hints that we're not far from that day, but proves conclusively that it's not here yet.
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Click to collapse
In the end though, it's really up to you. If you miss the all-in-one option of the Atrix, maybe it's worth it. If you can live without it, GNex + N7 is the best option
The gnexus or the nexus 7 should be the best option . Although it might not be the perfect solution for your requirements.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
harveydent said:
$200 for the N7 + $350 for the GNex is way better than the almost a thousand for the Pad phone with tablet dock + keyboard dock. (You can buy a laptop with the difference) The main advantage of the Padfone is the monster battery and you don't need to carry 2 devices, but everything else is just "meh"
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True, I've seen this too. thanx.
So what are some ways I can make the tablet/phone combo a "cohesive" solution? For example, someone showed me a way to use SMS on the tablet via a software link to the phone... (of course I also use Google Voice in the US too, so there's that)
But what about being able to tether the two together? Not by a hotspot, but some sort of "on-demand" tethering? For example, I'd rather use the big screen of the tablet when navigating maps, but there's no cellular connection. Is there an app that would have the two connected via low-power bluetooth all the time, then when the tablet needs an internet connection to do something, it can send a signal to the phone and create a hot-spot (or since these are 2 jellybean devices, wifi-direct link) on demand?
For $1000 the Asus parade is a no go. For $600 it would probably be a nice experiment. For $600 I am sure the nexus x2 would inconveniently meet your needs and wants and somebody will come out with a phone/tablet case combo to wirelessly tether the nexus combo into an interchangeable video/keyboard combo. Would be cool for the geek factor too. Is it a keyboard or a monitor. You decide. :what:
butter and jelly please...
^^ Now that would be impressive ^^
I could just "make" this happen actually- All I'd need is a smallish keyboard... hmmm....
starrwulfe said:
^^ Now that would be impressive ^^
I could just "make" this happen actually- All I'd need is a smallish keyboard... hmmm....
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Maybe the inventor/craftsman in you could make a homemade version that would make any fruit logo devotee cringe at your awesomeness. No patents included.
butter and jelly please...
I love this dilemmas. I have had the Droid Bionic, HTC phone and Motorola phones and I have never been happier than with my Galaxy Nexus. Stock is the way to go. The Nexus 7 is a tablet and not a phone though. So if your looking for a phone. I would say, go with the Galaxy Nexus. There is a reason Apple is trying to stop Google from selling it.
Mike @ Guy4Tech.com
Galaxy nexus
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Gnexus + iPad 2
bash me all you want, but android tablet apps suck and that's all that matters.
I would say the Gnex/Nexus 7.
The dev community on the Nexus devices is just insane. Plus, because it is a nexus device, it gets updates the fastest. Also, seeing this : http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/6/3064317/asus-padfone-review , I honestly wouldn't get a padfone.
No bashing here man. That's a valid setup too. As long as I can tether to the G-nex for data out in the wild, that's all that matters. Not to mention, half the people I know are on iSomething, so I can IM them thru imessenger and facetime.Need to check Wi-Fi only prices though. No need for 2 data bills.
Sent from my SBM005SH using xda app-developers app
starrwulfe said:
No bashing here man. That's a valid setup too. As long as I can tether to the G-nex for data out in the wild, that's all that matters. Not to mention, half the people I know are on iSomething, so I can IM them thru imessenger and facetime.Need to check Wi-Fi only prices though. No need for 2 data bills.
Sent from my SBM005SH using xda app-developers app
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G-nex seems the best to meet your requirement. You can always tether it to either your Nex-7 or iPad2 depending upon which one meets you needs (app wise).
I am using G-nex on SBM and wi-fi only iPad2. The G-nex is almost always in hotspot mode. Ofcourse you might want to invest 2-3k yen in a good external battery.
^^Ahh, a fellow Softbank user who doesn't use a Softbank phone!^^
I know if I get the G-nex, I'd be getting the 3800mAh battery as well from Seidio. What external battery do you recommend? Of course we live in the land of Akihabara, Yodobashi Camera, and more-- but this Zagg Sparq seems like the ticket to me... Can charge both tablet and phone at the same time, and it's only $50 right now too! Hmm...
Since you're doing the same thing I want to do, what is your experience like with battery and speeds? Also have you been able to use Softbank's WiFi spots with the iPad?
starrwulfe said:
^^Ahh, a fellow Softbank user who doesn't use a Softbank phone!^^
I know if I get the G-nex, I'd be getting the 3800mAh battery as well from Seidio. What external battery do you recommend? Of course we live in the land of Akihabara, Yodobashi Camera, and more-- but this Zagg Sparq seems like the ticket to me... Can charge both tablet and phone at the same time, and it's only $50 right now too! Hmm...
Since you're doing the same thing I want to do, what is your experience like with battery and speeds? Also have you been able to use Softbank's WiFi spots with the iPad?
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I can't comment on the seido battery but I have had great experience on my Verizon nexus on the oem extended 2100 battery. Perhaps you would be fine with the Samsung 2000 hspa+ battery. I have found after market batteries to be very hit or miss. Another great thing about the OEM extended battery is it doesn't really make the phone any thicker and it feels good in the hand. I actually prefer the feel over the stock battery.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
ArmanUV
I have the iPad 2 also. The apps on the iPad are much better and even act better on iOS. That is why I am very hopeful with the Nexus 7.
Developers will finally be able to developed on an open and pure platform. I hope to see some improvements soon
Mike @ Guy4Tech.com
kizuki.buy said:
G-nex seems the best to meet your requirement. You can always tether it to either your Nex-7 or iPad2 depending upon which one meets you needs (app wise).
I am using G-nex on SBM and wi-fi only iPad2. The G-nex is almost always in hotspot mode. Ofcourse you might want to invest 2-3k yen in a good external battery.
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Click to collapse
I don't suppose you would be able to share your APN settings? I have an iPhone 4 but want to use my Nexus with my iPhone SIM instead. Do Softbank ever catch tethering to iPads?
Guy4Tech said:
ArmanUV
I have the iPad 2 also. The apps on the iPad are much better and even act better on iOS. That is why I am very hopeful with the Nexus 7.
Developers will finally be able to developed on an open and pure platform. I hope to see some improvements soon
Mike @ Guy4Tech.com
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Click to collapse
I am also considering the nexus 7 over upgrading my original iPad as it'd be much smaller and I'm hoping for some real developer improvements.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Get a transformer and dock. not a prime they suck at GPS, WIFI, BT)
And GN (can't beat a flawless phone for a cheap price).
Matching phones and tabs is overrated. You know what, buy the transformer, if you don't like it, just return it
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
There's a very simple rule to remember when buying an Android device:
Nexus > Not Nexus
I've found this out the hard way.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
The Nexus combo by far.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I think I might buy a GSM unlocked Galaxy Nexus for my sister..she's still using a MyTouch 4G on T-Mobile ..(stock) and still in a old contract plan but that's coming to an end soon..
So does this phone still run fast on stock Google software? Is Google still putting out updates to it?
And what's a good price for it? It can run on either AT&T or T-Mobile in the U.S correct?
Lastly what's the stock battery mah rating? And what's the biggest mah battery in mah I can fit in there for the stock back door?
Thank you kindly.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Bump?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
ztmike said:
I think I might buy a GSM unlocked Galaxy Nexus for my sister..she's still using a MyTouch 4G on T-Mobile ..(stock) and still in a old contract plan but that's coming to an end soon..
So does this phone still run fast on stock Google software? Is Google still putting out updates to it?
And what's a good price for it? It can run on either AT&T or T-Mobile in the U.S correct?
Lastly what's the stock battery mah rating? And what's the biggest mah battery in mah I can fit in there for the stock back door?
Thank you kindly.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
1. It still runs fast, but not amazingly fast as before. Google somehow made 4.2 heavier in every possible way and the only reason the Nexus 4 doesn't lag is because it's fighting its way through it.
2. Don't know. I don't live in the US.
3. 1750 mAh? You can get an extended battery in a range of charges. Even up to 5000 mAh.
Keep in mind this phone has a couple downfalls that prevent me from reccomending it at this point in time.
The speaker is quiet, the radios are weak, the camera is relatively bad in all conditions besides sunny days and the battery life is terrible, not too mention it is verging on two years of age and will lose Google's official support most likely very soon.
If you can stomach these issues than by all means get her the galaxy nexus as it is still a decent phone. I know based on my sisters usage that battery life is a large priority to her, I am not sure how much your sister uses her phone but I doubt she would be happy charging her phone twice a day.
If I were in your shoes I would save up the extra $100 or so and get her a nexus 4 as it will be more future proof regarding hardware specs and official Google support.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I have lost my note 2 on holiday and dont have insurance so should I buy a note 2 and sell is to get the note 3 in september ? I have a s3 at home that I can trade in to get the note 2 for 430 thing is the charging port is broken and needs replacing so if I was to stick with the s3 its 250 to have it replaced I dont know what to do
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I think you already know the answer to that. It's not possible to survive without a smart phone and you'll be able to recover more money by selling a note 2 than an s3 that you spent $250 to repair.
Sent from the mighty Note II
I wud suggest to just buy a spare battery and battery charger for your S3 and just switch batteries every night. $250 is not worth spending on repairing it!
Insane Devil said:
I wud suggest to just buy a spare battery and battery charger for your S3 and just switch batteries every night. $250 is not worth spending on repairing it!
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Like what he said, just get a spare bat and charger coz thats what I did and i never use my charger anymore lol.
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Hi, this is my first message on the wonderful XDA: I'm from Italy. I use the Note 2 for a lot of actions, and the S-Pen is very important for business actions, so I'll remain with the note family. Now I have some customization frim the modding world on my Note 2 and I find new power sides of it: I"ll analize with attenrion the new features of the Note 3 to compare them.
I"ll not analize other phablet, because I use a lot the S-Pen, one of the typical feature of the Note family. Bye
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using xda app-developers app
My personal opinion would be to wait for the Note 2, but I know September /October feels like a lifetime from now. I'd fix that Note 2, use it till the Note 3 then sell it.
I recently had some water damage to my charger port, about $70 to get repaired.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I would expect to note3 but it sure is late and does not come out in September with these samsung already know that do not meet much your dates.
Hi,
I'm looking to pick-up a Bell Note 2 in the next few days(goodbye Atrix & Gingerbread!), and just wanted some tips from experienced owners.
(ie best cases, kind of official/unofficial support, known hardware defects to look out for, regrets/sastfactions).
Thanks
Note 3 in 3 weeks. Just chill. Thats my recommendation.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Cryingmoose said:
Hi,
I'm looking to pick-up a Bell Note 2 in the next few days(goodbye Atrix & Gingerbread!), and just wanted some tips from experienced owners.
(ie best cases, kind of official/unofficial support, known hardware defects to look out for, regrets/sastfactions).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can grab a GN2 or a Note 3! But keep in mind that if you the Rom flashing type then you'll probably want to GN2. Because development is excellent for this device.. I must say. Lots of great devs working on the beast!:thumbup:
But for the NOTE3 development might now start right away until the bootloader gets unlocked. Kinda like on the S4 release...
Just my 2¢®
jindelic said:
Note 3 in 3 weeks. Just chill. Thats my recommendation.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
That doesn't mean the bootloader is going to unlocked! So meaning development will be moving slow on that device! Because Sammy was talking about locking down they're bootloader's..
And personally it's not that big of an upgrade from the GN2 imho!!!!:what:
FYI
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4
jindelic said:
Note 3 in 3 weeks. Just chill. Thats my recommendation.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
It's a quirk of my plan.
Only partially subsided phone, so the Note 2(or S3) are only $75 whereas this years models(HTC One/S4) are going to be over $300.
Any further advice? Case recommendations?
Well, I got my N2 about 8 months ago and couldn't be happier with the device itself or the custom community.
What I do think could be better is the selection of cases and accessories. In planning on getting a seido surface case and holster soon, it's the best way to keep the rig protected and easy to reach at the same time.
But, the note 3 is on the way, and yes, it's most likely going to be half the retail price on contract. That's the big question, get the note 2 while it's cheap or wait and get the note 3 at launch or shortly after.
Either way I think the note 2 is a great device and you really can't beat the Dev community that comes with it. The note 3 has new security and it's still to be seen if it'll be easy to crack it. And beyond a few hardware tweaks, it's not that big of a deal when you can get the note 2 for around a third the price on contract.
1] ROGERS • T0LTE-CAN • HellyBean • JellyBAM!
2] ROGERS • T0LTE-CAN • STOCK
Eun-Hjzjined said:
Well, I got my N2 about 8 months ago and couldn't be happier with the device itself or the custom community.
What I do think could be better is the selection of cases and accessories. In planning on getting a seido surface case and holster soon, it's the best way to keep the rig protected and easy to reach at the same time.
But, the note 3 is on the way, and yes, it's most likely going to be half the retail price on contract. That's the big question, get the note 2 while it's cheap or wait and get the note 3 at launch or shortly after.
Either way I think the note 2 is a great device and you really can't beat the Dev community that comes with it. The note 3 has new security and it's still to be seen if it'll be easy to crack it. And beyond a few hardware tweaks, it's not that big of a deal when you can get the note 2 for around a third the price on contract.
1] ROGERS • T0LTE-CAN • HellyBean • JellyBAM!
2] ROGERS • T0LTE-CAN • STOCK
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Click to collapse
This^^^^^^^^^ sums it up very well!
If your a hacker, flasher, techie guy, then go for the GN2. Big development section!!:thumbup:
If you're into latest new technology then grab the GN3...
Just my 2¢®
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4
Got my GN2 from Bell back in January. Couldn't be happier with it. Here are some things that come to mind:
Some of the features like Multi-window and S-Pen functionality are only available on Samsung-based (Touchwiz) ROM's. Some people don't care for the pen and flash AOSP ROM's like CM10.1, which have been in development for a while now and work quite well. Personally I find myself using the S-Pen and multiwindow a lot, so I stick with Touchwiz ROMs (you can always switch to Nova or another Launcher if you don't like the cartoonish look of Touchwiz).
If you'd like to stick to a Samsung based ROM, check out Miscom's N7105 Ultimate ROM in the Android Development section. He basically takes the Samsung ROM from the international LTE version (which gets updated more frequently) and adds in useful bits like extending the Multiwindow functionality to any app (its restricted to a few Google and Samsung apps on the stock ROM). Gives you a stock feel while being more optimized and feature packed.
I don't know if its been patched, but the LTE GS3 and GN2 models had a simple way to sim-unlock through some dialer-code settings. Multiple claims that it worked just like that. If its still around, it might be worth a shot.
By default, a double-tap of the home button is configured to launch S-Voice. Not only does S-Voice suck, but it also introduces a delay when you tap the home button once to go back to the homescreen. You can disable the double-tap option from S-Voice settings to get rid of the delay.
I'm not aware of any specific hardware defects. Some stock ROMs had glitchy apps but I've been using the modified stock ROM pretty much from the start.
I personally don't use a case, so I can't help you there.
If you plan on using a car charger, make sure you get a quality, high-output one. The Note 2 has a big battery and charging can be very slow on the usual flea-market chargers. I use a Motorola one that I got from Amazon. Its not as fast as the 2A wall-charger that the phone comes with, but its still decent. It can actually charge up the phone even while its being used for navigation/phonecalls etc. Most car chargers can only maintain the current charge level when in use.
If you need more storage, a 64GB microSD card is a good option and works without hassles. Bought one last year for ~$50 on Boxing Day. I listen to a lot of Lossless music (25+ MB per file) so the extra storage helps.
If you feel the need for it, the Smart Dock also works as advertised. HDMI output + three USB ports. I can confirm it detects keyboards, mice, USB flash drives and external hard drives just fine. Can easily playback 1080p video from external drives over HDMI.
Thats all I can think of at the moment You can't go wrong with the GN2. I am holding off on the Note 3 upgrade and the only thing I may miss is the higher resolution screen. In terms of performance and everyday use, I'm happy with my GN2.
I am debating pros / cons.
I figure I could sell my note 3 with its extra battery, extra charger, side travel battery charger for 450/500.
But is it worth it? You lose USB 3.0, have to buy all new parts... Love to hear your opinion. Right now I use the s cover and carry an extra battery at all times. Utilize Alliance Rom and it has been love ever since.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
I'm doing it for the better screen resolution...
J3ff said:
I'm doing it for the better screen resolution...
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Click to collapse
But is that really worth a new phone. I really liked the USB 3.0 what else do we really gain with the note 4. The alliance tom is so perfect. Haha I want someone to sell me why it's better. Looks the same with less features.
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dpoverlord said:
But is that really worth a new phone. I really liked the USB 3.0 what else do we really gain with the note 4. The alliance tom is so perfect. Haha I want someone to sell me why it's better. Looks the same with less features.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
I like the 30 min fast charge to 50% and shorter full charge.
I also like the ultra power mode cause I have been stuck with not much battery left and that would help.
Hoping connectivity will be better always had some issues with the note 3.
Screen res. I use my note more then I use a pc for everything.
Never used usb 3 had an older mac laptop that didn't support it.
On edge so was able to do without paying anymore for the note 3, no 30 buck upgrade cost, only first payment and taxes which just gets added to my normal bill. No benefit not upgrading when your on edge after you get passed the pay out point of the year. Granted the new edge screws you with more then a year to wait for the pay off point.
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One thing that might help you decide is knowing that you may not get $450-$500 for your Note 3 and accessories. Mint condition ones with accessories (several with more accessories than you'll have) are going for between $290 and $400 on Swappa right now. eBay runs a little higher, but in the end you'll probably make less after eBay takes their cut. With the release of the Note 4, the prices will continue to slide. Unless you're able to find someone locally who doesn't realize what the current resale market for the device really is, you're probably not going to make what you think you'll make on it.