Recent content by ras47

  1. ras47

    Best selfie monitor?

    I always use the front facing camera.
  2. ras47

    Anyone else feel phone upgrades are getting boring?

    They're all following the Apple model for upgrades, releasing small incremental updates - both software and hardware - while we queue up to buy. Maybe Ive gotten cynical in my old age but it sure looks like the manufacturers are just working to separate us from our Benjamin$.
  3. ras47

    Question Contacts sync app recommendation

    Yes, sync with Google Drive. And if you ever change phones and the contacts don't transfer automatically you can simply sync the new phone to your Google Drive.
  4. ras47

    Looking for new device for travel purposes

    The Pixel 9a seems like a steal at $350 (on sale on Amazon).
  5. ras47

    Question Best place to buy New Factory Unlocked Older Model Phones.

    Swappa is the only place I trust now. I've sold a few phones there, bought a few, and never a problem.
  6. ras47

    Let's see your Pixel 8 and 8 Pro photos!

    Bucknell University's Academic Quad
  7. ras47

    Green Screen of Death.

    Years ago I bought a Google Pixel 5, direct from Google. This was just as they discontinued the Pixel 5 and launched the Pixel 5a. I was taken aback by how quickly Google dropped the P5 and distanced themselves from it, removing all traces from their website. It developed the same screen...
  8. ras47

    If you could pick just one phone from all you've had......

    2003: BlackBerry 7230 2004: BlackBerry 7105t :) Those were the days. Everybody in business was using BlackBerrys. No social media. And BBM was a great BB-BB messaging app. Secure and reliable until RIM abandoned the BB7 OS and moved to BB10, then Android. In modern times I had a Pixel 3XL and...
  9. ras47

    Question How good is Gmail's service, both in terms of technical reliability and tech support?

    My Gmail has only been affected by wide-spread outages, which occur rarely. And they do not often last long.
  10. ras47

    Anyone getting "Server unreachable" error when trying to make call?

    Verizon. I was in the parking lot at work, 11:00 PM, and I usually get decent coverage there. 2-3 bars of 5G, occasionally only LTE.
  11. ras47

    Anyone getting "Server unreachable" error when trying to make call?

    This happened to me last week --- on an iPhone! A quick restart seemed to reset my network parameters and it's been fine ever since.
  12. ras47

    Favorite devices ever used?

    BlackBerry 7290 It was a combination of the technology - putting your email in your pocket - that really hooked me. Back then nobody else knew how to do this with any reliability. Simple times - no social media, minimal attachments on email and text messages. And as for a "status" device...
  13. ras47

    Problem with app

    I have Flight Radar on an iPhone and it runs perfectly - no freezes at all. This could be a case of the iOS version getting more attention than the Android version. Try deleting the app from your phone and downloading a fresh copy. This will ensure you have the latest version. We use an app...
  14. ras47

    Question What are some good flagship androids under $200?

    I've had excellent experiences buying and selling on Swappa. Sellers are carefully verified and you get what is listed - condition, included extras (if any), etc.
  15. ras47

    Question What do these vertical lines mean?

    Hardware failure. Could be the screen or perhaps the motherboard. Happened to me on my first Pixel 5, bought directly from Google. I ended up with a full refund from Google and bought a used/mint Pixel 5 on Swappa.