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Official Samsung accessories bought at your local phone shop are pretty damn pricey. Unless you've got money to burn, there's always better ways to get often exactly the same stuff.
I thought this would be a good thread to share how to get good deals on things...
Chargers, cables, cases, docks, mounts, bluetooth, whatever.
No low-quality garbage, I'm talking about legitimate bang-for-the-buck stuff.
I'll start on chargers and cables - a few deals found at Amazon:
Official Samsung USB cable - normally $19.99. Amazon has it for $1.82 with free shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XXUOQI
I bought one - it's genuine Samsung, just like your stock shortie.
Official Samsung car charger/cable - normally $19.99 or more. Amazon has it for $5.82:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UB279A
I bought this too - also genuine Samsung.
The best for last - probably the best deal I've found so far-
Official Samsung wall charger + USB cable. Normally $29.99, Amazon has it for $3.28 including free shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049IE70I
I bought one of these too to have a charger at the office - also genuine Samsung.
Hate that your USB cable is too short? Doesn't reach from your wall plug to your nightstand or dresser? Extend it by 6 feet - $2.17 and free shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00182CIB8
I bought one of these too - not genuine Samsung, but does the job nicely.
All this stuff cost me about $13 grand total, including taxes and shipping.
What deals do you know of?
Also, from this thread: (there's a video review)
The best price you can find for the epic touch specific windshield mount is $39.99.
The Samsung Infuse windshield mount fits our phone perfectly, it's the same form factor, and you can take advantage of a carrier that isn't even yours:
walord said:
...the current price at AT&T online is $17.99 +tax, free 2 day shipping.
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...ails/?LOSGId=accessoryBucket&q_sku=sku5190308
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And, there's a discount code you can use on top of that:
1lazysheep said:
i googled for promo codes and found this link. you have to click through to get the 25% off. ends up being only $13.49 for just the car dock with free shipping.
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...are&siteId=RC1iBbFoGm8-J4YSWEzc_kj8khG9G4A6xQ
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Or, if you buy it from the AT&T store in person, you can pick up a desktop dock for one cent as a bundle deal with the windshield mount:
imdbui said:
Just went to the AT&T store to pick up an Infuse car dock... rang up as $17.50. The sales guy tried to sell me the desktop dock as well. I asked how much it was, so he scanned it and it rang up for $0.01. There's a bundled discount when you buy both together. So I paid $17.51 total for the car dock and desktop dock.
thanks for the tip OP, car dock works great! Desktop dock is a little snug, but it fits.
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If you look at that thread, you can see a video review of the windshield mount, and see how you can modify the desktop dock since that one is apparently a little snug with our phones... but for $0.01, I'll take it and modify it, or live with it snug.
I found this 16GB Class 2 Samsung Micro SD card for 14.99 w free shipping on this website: http://mobile.dailysteals.com/
But it's only available for a limited time.
I went to local ATT store today, 50% off car dock, but no bundle deal (and only 25% off) on the desktop dock...as said above, would shave down desktop dock, but not for $30!
D700 (original epic) charger also works for our batteries, doubles as a desktop stand
$12.99 + Free Shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Batte...Q4/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1319849643&sr=8-24
2x Anker Battery Sprint Samsung SPH-d700 Epic 4G + Chgr 1800mAh (about 1750mAh each in reality)
$17.99 + Free Shipping:
EBAY http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-Anker-Ba...628805?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item4cf9648485
That's a great deal on those batteries, but I wish the charger was a more intelligent charger. I wish I could have one of those at work and one at home, so I could have an extra battery on the ready, without having to worry about how long it's charged and whether I'd unplugged it.
Do you say 1750 because you notice less time than the stock battery?
Edit:
I found this on Amazon - anyone know anything about Hyperion? These are 1800mAh batteries, plus a smart charger, and batteries that themselves have some overcharge protection built in...
http://www.amazon.com/Hyperion-Spri..._11?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1319850493&sr=1-11
That seems like a solution to let you have a battery on the charger at work, and/or a battery on a charger at home, with the charger doing the work of controlling the charge to prevent overcharge.
Sweet - IF Hyperion batteries are what they say they are.
Anyone?
infuse car dock which works perfect with the et4g is like 18 dollars, and the home dock rings up for a .01.
geolemon said:
Do you say 1750 because you notice less time than the stock battery?
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No, I don't see any time difference between the OEM and the the Anker 1800mAh batteries in run time, but my batteries never get near to running out by the end of the day. These Anker batteries are well reviewed by the original Galaxy S owners and have been tested to be about 1750mAh. They are the only after-market batteries that I know of that come anywhere close to their claimed capacity.
If you want a good charger for our batteries, anything for the OG Epic, Captivate, Vibrant, i9100, etc will work...
groovekids said:
I went to local ATT store today, 50% off car dock, but no bundle deal (and only 25% off) on the desktop dock...as said above, would shave down desktop dock, but not for $30!
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For reference, in my local store it didn't work when they scanned the car dock, then the desk dock, but when they scanned the desk dock then the car dock, the desk dock came up for $.50 (car dock was $17.01).
So for those who don't get the expected deal, it's worth asking them to scan in a different order, as different locations have produced different results.
The desk dock comes with a charger. The car dock doesn't.
Bump...
Let's keep this thread alive... any contributions welcome to help your fellow Epic 4G brothers and sisters find the biggest bang for the buck.
i bought one of those samsung official car chargers, and within a few days it stopped working, got a replacement and it did the same. Went with one of the lighter to usb port adapters then a regular samsung usb cable and that seems to be working fine. I have had zero problems with the usb cables though.
Under $3.00
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051ZJA64/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details
Pete
2nd this. this charges SUPER FAST. probably not good for the battery, but if you don't wanna wait 6hrs for the phone to charge, this is the solution.
akak1997 said:
2nd this. this charges SUPER FAST. probably not good for the battery, but if you don't wanna wait 6hrs for the phone to charge, this is the solution.
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If you hit the "Quote" button, we'd know which post you were replying to, and thereby, which item
I got the Xtreme Guards full body protector from Ebay. I actually had to go back and change it to a full body instead of just screen as I was typing this. haha
For under $4 the full body protector seems like a steal. For under $1.50 the screen protector seems like they're giving them away.
Though, I will say I've heard mixed reviews.
Full Body:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/22085532922...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_2709wt_1397
Screen:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/32076063550...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_2417wt_1397
Great thread. Thank you.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Tough Case Deal
Still waiting on mine (they expect stock after the 29th):
http://www.theaccessoryking.com/cas...epic-touch-4g-case-mate-tough-case-black.html
These cases must be decent, since most places seem to run out. But if you have to wait, you may as well wait for the best price.
Sam Snug,
Do you think that this really offers twice the protection (and sincethe cost but it is only $10 or so more, cigarettes nowadays...) over the tpu-cases offerings? Also, what kind of added bulk as well as "ease of use" issues does it have. Meaning, does it slide in and out of the pocket easily, come on/off easily and withstand on/off often without stretching?
I have a number of stock batteries that I rather change out than charge my phone. I use a stand/charger (samsung brand) and rarely plug my phone in to charge. So the case withstanding these multiple switch out moves is necessary. Simply put, for the protection (I have dropped my phone many times with the tpu case from 2-4 feet and just light scuffing. My phone with a steinheil screen protector could go in a box and be sold as new... I strongly suggest this combo, as these phones DO NOT do well in drops. Sure the screen may survive drops well, but the edges of the phone get gnarly and nasty. My first one was pretty beat up after about 5 or 6 drops (glad it malfunctioned and I got a new one for free really!) and my new one, had this treatment of case/screen protector within 24 hours of taking out of package.
Hope this helps someone....
JC
very nice thread, wish I had found it before I bought some accessories
Jameson JC said:
Sam Snug,
Do you think that this really offers twice the protection (and sincethe cost but it is only $10 or so more, cigarettes nowadays...) over the tpu-cases offerings?
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I can't really say, given that I have yet to receive my order, but there are many good comments about this case around the internet, including in this forum. You can search (Google & XDA) for the terms:
Tough Case Case Mate CM017002
If you add 'reviews' to the search terms and you'll find several video reviews.
At the present, I do have the combo you speak of (TPU and Steinheil). However, I prefer a greater degree of protection so that I don't have to treat it with 'kit gloves'. The TPU case doesn't provide that, IMO. All that I've read leads me to believe that the Tough Case will. We'll see. I'll report back to this thread after I've received it (likely the beginning of Dec.)
Also, what kind of added bulk as well as "ease of use" issues does it have. Meaning, does it slide in and out of the pocket easily, come on/off easily and withstand on/off often without stretching?
I have a number of stock batteries that I rather change out than charge my phone. I use a stand/charger (samsung brand) and rarely plug my phone in to charge. So the case withstanding these multiple switch out moves is necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure how Tough Case will stand up under frequent removal, or how easy it might be to get on and off. As earlier mentioned, I'll know more after I have it in hand. I'll be keeping the Steinheil on.
What is truly worth the money? There are so many posts on batteries and people dont seem to be able to tell whats good and whats not...
Also what is a good place to get a 100% working DATA cable like the one that came with the phone. Mine stopped working.
Pivo187 said:
...Also what is a good place to get a 100% working DATA cable like the one that came with the phone. Mine stopped working.
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I use the usb cable that came with my wife's LG Optimus - works great!
I didn't want to risk a no-name cheap extended battery off of eBay, so I ended up paying full price for my Sprint 2600maH and it's worked well. My brother grabbed a cheap one off Amazon and didn't have any problems with his though, but his doesn't last quite as long.
Thanx for replies I pmd you. Also where can I get a cable? mine is messed up!
You can get a cable almost any where that sell computers I have seen them at Staples Walmart almost any whre.
Pivo187 said:
Thanx for replies I pmd you. Also where can I get a cable? mine is messed up!
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sprint store, amazon, ebay, radio shack. you get what you pay for. cheap is not better. get a good cable and you'll get better data rate, better charge, and a happier phone.
amiblindyet said:
sprint store, amazon, ebay, radio shack. you get what you pay for. cheap is not better. get a good cable and you'll get better data rate, better charge, and a happier phone.
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Completely untrue. Buy any cheap cable. You won't notice any difference. Gild plating, shielding, wrapping...it's all just good marketing.
Just find one on monoprice or ebay. If you spend more the cable may ladt longer but its not gonna make your transfers and charging faster.
amiblindyet said:
sprint store, amazon, ebay, radio shack. you get what you pay for. cheap is not better. get a good cable and you'll get better data rate, better charge, and a happier phone.
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Click to collapse
Cheap can be great. http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10303&cs_id=1030307&p_id=5458&seq=1&format=2
They have them in other lengths too. The 28/24AWG Cable w/ Ferrite Core ones are better than the thinner ones (28/28) they have though, particularly if you want a longer length. I found they sometimes had trouble charging at 1A (when paired with a 1A charger), but even they get the job done, if a little slower on the charging. The 28/24 ones work great -- I have a 15 footer.
So far the most reliable and reputable brand i came across on forums is Mugen Power brand, you can check their fan base on facebook yourself, and read some user comments there. Or ask questions.
http://www.facebook.com/MugenPowerBatteries
It is a pretty strong community for such a product as batteries, and apparently their customer support is very good, they exchange stuff if there are any problems etc. FYI: on facebook they also give out discount codes.
And i read some of their higher capacity extended batteries make phones last at least 3+ days with excesive use. The record i came across was 85 hours from 4800mAh battery with heavy use so i guess Mugen proves the price/quality tag alright!
links for Evo 4g models, check them out tell us what you think:
http://www.mugen-power-batteries.com/htc/htc-evo-4g.html
There are some good steals on Moto's site right now including a Motorola power pack for 10 bucks (down from 40) and a bluetooth controller for also 10 bucks (down from $100)!!! Go check it out!!
http://www.motorola.com/us/shop-all-clearance/
jhnl33 said:
There are some good steals on Moto's site right now including a Motorola power pack for 10 bucks (down from 40) and a bluetooth controller for also 10 bucks (down from $100)!!! Go check it out!!
http://www.motorola.com/us/shop-all-clearance/
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Grabbed myself a power pack to keep around for my GF. Her phone likes to die on her in the middle of the day because she is always on it
jhnl33 said:
There are some good steals on Moto's site right now including a Motorola power pack for 10 bucks (down from 40) and a bluetooth controller for also 10 bucks (down from $100)!!! Go check it out!!
http://www.motorola.com/us/shop-all-clearance/
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Awesome find thanks for sharing!
Sent from my Nexus 7
I was going to pick up an HDMI cable for $2.99, but then the shipping was going to be $10.95. LOL.
Anybody know if this cable is anything special, or can I get a generic one from Monoprice?
Also, that Bluetooth remote thingy looks interesting, but I can't really imagine that I would use it much. Anybody have one of these?
Moto's $11 shipping is really killing their accessory sales. I just can't see paying almost $30 for another set of screen protectors.
Thanks for the heads up. Picked up 3 battery packs, the headphones, the Bluetooth remote, and HDMI cable.
Gonna have to teach my parents how to use the battery packs lol.
The cable only works for the droids, not the moto x from what I know
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
The sale is still on and the shipping is $10.95 for 2-day, $4 for "standard". I just ordered a few things.
isn't this a better deal for a charger = http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Universal-Portable-Battery-Packaging/dp/B008RZYN8A/ref=pd_sim_sbs_cps_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=17ZY177MKVBSVQDSKA7W
cbalt said:
isn't this a better deal for a charger = http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Universal-Portable-Battery-Packaging/dp/B008RZYN8A/ref=pd_sim_sbs_cps_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=17ZY177MKVBSVQDSKA7W
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amazon link says $13.95 + free shipping on orders over $35... Unless you have amazon prime shipping is $5.74.
$13.95
+$5.74
--------------
$19.69
So no, $19.69 is not cheaper than the $9.99 plus $4 shipping costs from Moto.
I ordered two packs, one for me, one for my daughter, total was like $26 after tax and shipping.
got myself a pack too, well, its for my girlfriend. Her S3 is always dying, so i thought this should help the problem a bit...
ballisticn8 said:
amazon link says $13.95 + free shipping on orders over $35... Unless you have amazon prime shipping is $5.74.
$13.95
+$5.74
--------------
$19.69
So no, $19.69 is not cheaper than the $9.99 plus $4 shipping costs from Moto.
I ordered two packs, one for me, one for my daughter, total was like $26 after tax and shipping.
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The one on the moto site is a P793 with only 1400 mAh, while the one on the Amazon link is a P893 with over 1800 mAh. They're both too small to be of any real use, even @ only $10. I managed to grab a 5,000 mAh pack for $15 a while back.
At first I thought it was a super hot deal, but after researching about the products, they look like crap.
The battery is only 1400 mAh and according to a picture of the product, it only outputs 5V @ 500mA rate.
I also wanted the Bluetooth Smart Controller, but reading it, looks like it's pretty useless flop.
Flip Stand looked good as an original OEM device, but reading some reviews it's also crap.
The only thing I want is the HDMI cable, for times I want to hook up my phone to a TV, but one cable plus shipping, I don't think it's worth it.
edit: Got the HDMI cable while ordering moto bluetooth streaming device (was $20), it's actually a microHDMI to HDMI cable. This is not a microUSB-shape cable. Works for my XE-500T tablet though.
hp79 said:
At first I thought it was a super hot deal, but after researching about the products, they look like crap.
The battery is only 1400 mAh and according to a picture of the product, it only outputs 5V @ 500mA rate.
I also wanted the Bluetooth Smart Controller, but reading it, looks like it's pretty useless flop.
Flip Stand looked good as an original OEM device, but reading some reviews it's also crap.
The only thing I want is the HDMI cable, for times I want to hook up my phone to a TV, but one cable plus shipping, I don't think it's worth it.
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Yeah, I picked one up along with a couple of sets of $3 headphones. It is a low-capacity battery, but in decent packaging to carry in a briefcase or backpack. It certainly is not a multi-charge your device option, but if running low, it will get you through the day. This is my first phone that I can not carry a spare battery with me for - so this was a reasonable option at a cheap price. Obviously they are clearing these as they have the newer higher-capacity ones on the site.
I just bought the p4000 for 21 on eBay.. Kinda glad I did..
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
hey guys!
im looking for a recommendation for a portable charger, like me i assume some of you prefer the cheap and smart solution rather than the pricy and branded solution (we are, after all, android people, and not apple) so i wanted to avoid big expensive brands, i looked at limefuel but im not sure i want to spend 30USD on this. (and shipping to israel is another 25USD)
looking for something new, small and simple that i can spend 10$-20$ on, that is compact enough to fit in my side pockets (for 3/4 pants and such) but something i can rely on to extend my battery life.
TL;DR
looking for a portable charger you've used and can recommend, under 20$
any recommendations will be welcome!
thanks!
Under 20 is gonna be a crap shoot. I use this one for backpacking and climbing trips. It's lighter than most solar chargers and I've had zero issues with it so far. It fully charges my N5 four times before it needs to be recharged.
http://www.amazon.com/RAVPower-Lightning-Thunderbolt-Incredible-connectors/dp/B00861BX7E/ref=sr_1_4?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1405791240&sr=1-4&keywords=rav+power+charger
For me I have a slew of portable chargers for my multiple devices, but I always revert to the Anker Slim ones. I have a 3200mAh one, my wife has claimed ownership of it so I had to buy another one. However, they don't make that older version, but now has the 4500mAh version. I always suggest these because they have a built in micro usb cable as well as usb ports to charge different devices.
I just ebayed it up and looks like they are running low on stock and I only see the 4500mAh version being sold for more than its worth lol. So hold off on it. I bought mine for $20 free shipping in the US.
Maybe get this? You can use your own cord, but the price is decent for 3000mAh. Not sure about shipping though.
http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Ultra-C...sim_pc_23?ie=UTF8&refRID=1HVN6JDJRF3C1CTBRJ5H
Here's a well reviewed one. It's 4800 MAH, so only 2 full recharges, but that'll probably get you through most trips..
http://www.amazon.com/Targus-Generation-Smartphones-Warranty-APB27US/dp/B005MR5GCI/ref=pd_ybh_4
Even cheaper at newegg if you're okay with refurb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...5&cm_re=targus_battery-_-75-986-455-_-Product
I bought this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CW5359E/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's lipstick sized, and will only give you one charge, but it charges the phone very quickly. And is cheap.
I say spend a bit more and buy a quality Anker portable charger. Superb customer service in case you are having trouble with their portable batteries.
So, I bought this because well, slickdeals had a sale on it:
https://slickdeals.net/f/10356516-i...me-warranty-for-25-99-ac-free-shipping-amazon
AND because Amazon had free shipping and a discount and free return and a lifetime warranty.
the thing is about the same size as a mophie
IT WILL NOT LET YOU SYNC ONLY CHARGE. I FOUND THIS OUT THE HARD WAY. NO DATA PASS THROUGH AT ALL. WOULD BE NICE FOR THEM TO SAY SO
It is not waterproof
Will interfere with NFC when on the device
IS harder to get on and off than a mophie (jeez, I thought I was going to break the connector or the case itself trying to put it on my s8+)
DOES get hot when you use it, very hot when turned on, had to take it out of my device out of my pocket because it was so hot
I wanted to update that the iconic does NOT charge even with a cable at quick charge while the mophie if plugged into a cable will quickcharge
However, for a knockoff, it IS cheaper than a Mophie with the discount making it about $26 whereas the Mophie runs about $99, HUGE difference there.
personally, I'd stick with the mophie ony because it's easier to get on and off but not doing that very often, however, you CAN take the top of the mophie off if you want to use NFC, this case you cannot.
IS it worth it? You need to decide if the price is worth the name as opposed to the price being tantamount to the capacity.