Best products from r/ProjectFi

http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Windshield-Smartphone-iPhone-Samsung/dp/B00I58VAZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452626153&sr=8-1&keywords=car+mount+arkon

I got this arkon originally for my nexus 6 because it was one of the few that would hold the behemoth. I liked it enough that I'm still using it with my 6p.

There are a number of advantages I've found.

1. It clamps a small area so you don't have to worry about it pressing buttons, blocking the camera or the fingerprint sensor.
   
   
2. It's mostly a one handed affair getting the phone in and out, depends how tightly you lock the arm that lets you rotate and tilt the phone.
   
   
3. That tilt/rotate ability. I leave mine just slightly loose so I can preposition the phone's angle and orientation depending on where the sun is, what kind of app I'm using, stuff like that. This is a common feature among car mounts, but this one actually holds the phone in position while still allowing adjustment. No need to tighten or loosen the nut.
   
   
4. The arm is long enough that the phone can be closer to me as well as being angled slightly down. This is great in the summer so I can lower the arm over my vents to keep the phone cool. As we know, when it's hot, you're using navigation and the phone is charging things get hot and phones slow their charge when hot. Being able to actively cool it is a nice bonus. In the winter I can raise the arm up so it's no longer in front of the vents. This is really dependent on where you mount the phone and your car though.
   
   
5. It has one of those super sticky suction cups so it never falls off and it mounts to textured surfaces.
   
   
6. It's pretty unassuming. It's not as bulky as many mounts and is really simple in design.

I looked at the coverage map and my area is pretty well covered with 4G but I was just wondering if anyone experienced dropped calls, poor phone quality, weird network slowdown,etc. Overall, Project Fi looks like a pretty good package. What would be the best method of getting a phone? I want to spend as close to $300 for a phone as possible so the 5x looks like the one to go with but do these phones go on sale sometimes or would it be best just to buy it through Google?

Edit: I'm thinking of getting this phone which should be a huge upgrade since I am going to be coming from a Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Any feedback from the 5x? Is this a decent price?

http://www.amazon.com/LG-Nexus-5X-Unlocked-Smartphone/dp/B0178GE4FU/ref=sr_1_3?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1464462522&sr=1-3&keywords=nexus+5x

The options on the Pixel 2 are either, get 2 USB-C to 3.5mm adapters, replace headphones with Bluetooth versions, or buy Bluetooth receiver adapters for your headphones (like BlueAnt Ribbon). The USB-C adapters are nice, but you lose the ability to charge and listen at the same time. Also note that you need a Pixel compatible USB-C adapter (not all are).

While you may not think there was a reason to remove the 3.5mm, the reasons are:

• it removes a fair amount of the interior of the phone, leading to more room for other components or battery
  
• it allows for thinner phones (the headphone jack was the thickest part after the switch to USB-C by a full mm)
  
• it removes a hole into the phone thus making it pass water and dust tests more easily
  
• the headphone jack was the most likely thing to break on the phone as it can easily be torqued (this is why Apple had that thinner casing to provide slight strain relief)
  
• no headphone jack means the screen can get closer to the edge (less bezel)
  and Finally
  The quality of the audio through your headphone jack wasn't as good as you think. It was still a digitally compressed signal going over decoder, DAC, and amplifier before being sent over your headphones. The OG Pixel apparently sounded pretty bad over the headphone jack. The USB-C adapter has a decoder and all built into the adapter (hence the incompatibility with some adapters). There's also the fact that aptX compression is pretty high quality (close enough you'll almost certainly never notice unless playing FLAC files and probably not even then) and current aptX Low Latency versions are within broadcast television audio/video sync time.
  
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WVGTH2D/ looks like a decent choice.
  
  Finally, camera comparison. Note that there's better software than the stock one available now that will bring them closer as Google is pushing some of the algorithms of the Pixel 2 to other phones. That stated, the Pixel 2 is typically the top rated Android camera (losing only to iPhoneX typically). The big advantage of the Pixel 2 isn't the quality, but the speed. It can take pictures as fast as you can press the button (as it's really in burst mode anyways and just changes the duration of the burst).
  https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pixel-2-vs-moto-x4-project-fi,review-4848.html
  
  In the end, the Pixel 2 is a premium phone at a premium price. The Moto X4 is a mid-range phone at a mid-range price. X4 is more bang for the buck and Pixel 2 is the luxury model. Both are very good for their level.

if you don't want something huge i am loving this little ravpower flashlight charger i got on sale for $10 a year ago. i always know where my flashlight is, and it can charge my phone mostly full no problem. flashlight is super bright, and it's nice having the charger have an actual purpose beyond just charging.

https://amzn.com/B0084Y47SK

another great portable charger i have is their filehub/router/charger - the WD03. it has SD card slots, USB port, and ethernet port on a 6000 mah battery. you can plug in a 256GB thumb drive or portable hard drive, connect to the driver over wifi, then stream/copy/paste wirelessly. ethernet port means you can plug into a hotel ethernet port and have your own wifi network, works great with a chromecast on a hotel TV. it uses standard protocols like DLNA so you can use any file explorer, no need for proprietary apps to access the drive like the other wireless hard drive products. this thing was a godsend when i had my 32GB nexus 5, not so much these days with a 128GB 6p and a tablet with a 200GB SD card in it.

https://amzn.com/B00T5XQE3U

This. It actually works. I would never have even thought of trying to run Project Fi on my ancient 3G AT&T iPad 2 if I had not read the post from monkeytrain42. These are the steps to get it up and running:

1. The Project Fi sim will be a nano, and the iPad 2 uses the older micro form factor, so while you are waiting for your sim to arrive from Google you need to purchase a nano to micro adapter. Amazon has a bunch of different sellers for them, but be sure to check the expected delivery dates, because I saw that some would not have arrived for weeks. I bought mine from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSOUQXM? and the adapter arrived before the sim itself.
   
   
2. Install the sim into the adapter and eject the old one. There is a short video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-kSp267vK8 which sounds like it is being narrated by a six year old, but the steps are correct. Make sure you pay attention to the alignment of both the sim holder and the sim itself so that you can reinstall everything correctly.
   
   
3. Once I had the new sim in and put in my WiFi password, WiFi worked immediately, but the cellular data did not. I could check this by turning off WiFi in Settings > General and trying to load a web page. I reset the network connection to clear out any old AT&T information: Settings > General > Reset (at the bottom of the page) > Reset Network Settings
   
   
4. When the iPad came back up I was still not getting cellular data. The problem turned out to be that the iPad 2 is so old it cannot automatically populate the information the new sim needs. After a bit of looking around I found the answer. Go to Settings > Cellular Data > APN Settings. In the APN box put in h2g2 Leave the Username and Password boxes blank.
   
   With that, both 3G and WiFi worked like a charm. I had replaced that old iPad 2 with a Samsung WiFi-only tablet over a year ago, and had to go digging around in a closet just to find the old thing. It is large and heavy and thick, but it works great, and now when I am out and need to get connectivity where there is no WiFI, the old iPad is once again my go-to gadget.
   
   Thank you for the suggestion monkeytrain42
   

+1 for the iOttie!

This one was a little more expensive, but I love that I just have to push the phone towards the back, and it snaps the arms in place. It holds my Nexus 6P with cruzerlite case just fine. When it's time to remove the phone, then you squeeze the sides. The idea here is that you can easily place it on the mount with one hand.

http://amzn.com/B00JRGOKQ8

> Heck yes. I read somewhere that GCS was a Nexus/Pixel exclusive app. Glad I'm wrong.

All the "Designed for Fi" phones do the switching.

> 2 TB should be more than enough. Probably more expensive than the phone itself.

LOL, yes.

> 256 should be more than enough.

Probably

> You got a case you'd recommend?

I am kind of gentle on my phones (but not too gentle), I drop it about once a month, so I always get a clear silicone case at Amazon (for all my phones). I like the clear ones since they "reveal" the beauty of the phones. I got this one and it's really sleek. I dropped my phone a couple of times, and nothing happens. I gave that case to my gf since I thought it was very "thin" and got myself this. It's bulky and ugly, but I am sure it's good "protection" since I am not as delicate ad my gf. So, it depends on what type of user you are.

The one I was looking at is http://www.ebay.com/itm/162200904842?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

What I ended up ordering is https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0JY15V/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll post back here when I get mine and get it working, but take a look at the amazon reviews, there has been some success with using this adapter with Linux. Hopefully it's pretty reliable while using a Fi data sim.

I was looking for a tectured edge case, I first got this one -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075V3QB1J/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

but it did'nt stick in my hand well so I tried this one -

https://www.amazon.com/Starhemei-Anti-slip-Absorption-Protective-Armor-Black/dp/B0761GJHKN/ref=sr_1_79?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1518484762&sr=1-79&keywords=moto+x4+case
and the rough edge stuck in my hand better. its a 2 part case and I removed the outer shell with the kickstand on it and just use the inner case, still has all the protection.

It looks pretty good to me. Great fun!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FU98R1E/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

TBH, I haven't even tried either of those scenarios. But yeah, the SMS integration is the one area that needs some improvement. That said, I quickly adapted to just using the GV app for SMS. It has been a very small price to pay for the convenience of using my GV# instead of the one I got assigned on TMO.

While I'm yacking about GV, let me throw this out as well. I've used an Obihai device that I've used with another Google Voice number as my landline for years. After I ported my Fi phone number back to GV I was able to add that number to my Obihai as well, so now my cellphone calls come through on my landline as well. And the Obihai even allows me to set a distinctive ring for each line. Although I'm not a big proponent of Fi these days, I remain a big fan of Google Voice.

That's a good question. How do I check which profile is being using for my car? Can I change the profile?

​

What baffles me is all functions of the phone (calls, podcasts, MP3s) work perfectly with my Jeep - just

not voicemail playback.

​

I didn't mention this, but I've used a MPOW Bluetooth receiver (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078TD6D72/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) for the last year and it works fine with the phone and the car speakers (via the AUX port).

​

Thanks

not sure why you need/want Pixel. if you want/need it, get it. also, not sure why you're with Fi. sounds like it may not be worth it, but i don't know.

since you used the term 'gtfo' my intuition is you already know your answer.

but let me suggest you buy a great phone for around $200 and use it with /r/mintsim.

i haven't had bleeding edge in a while because ... why. they are all damn slabs of plastic and i don't use a ton of data because i don't social :D sounds like you don't use a ton of data either. pixel's camera is pretty decent but i'm guessing the htc and xperia i linked are better.

Headphones:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GWU8FTK/

I really wanted one with a boom mic, I feel like they are superior.

Obitalk:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BUV7C9A/

So what I do with this is it's connected to my router via Ethernet and then via RJ9 (regular phone cable) to a wireless phone base. I have three wireless handsets, just traditional phones. For the cost of $50 bucks for the hardware you basically have free VOIP via Google Voice for life.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Headphones-TaoTronics-TT-BH07-Waterproof/dp/B06ZYX6Y1T

​

TaoTronics TT-BH07 are great and even a great price.

I've been using this case since I got the phone, pretty minimal but has protected it from a few drops.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072N3WT4J/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/Motorola-Unlocked-Cellphone-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B01E9EZFWA

https://smile.amazon.com/Motorola-Nexus-XT1103-Unlocked-Smartphone/dp/B01MCWSRVQ

---

Never forget to smile again | ^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I bought the Poetic case which is similar to an Otterbox Defender but slimmer. So far I like it a lot.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BHJXSKY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this is what I ordered. No band 12 but is that really a huge deal?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0JY15V/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_dp

I don't need a crazy fast connection, this is for an Android head unit that needs data to run maps and maybe stream a little low quality music on Play.

I've used the ToughArmor case for my last couple of phones and REALLY like it!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074716J2T/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I'm very happy with the Spigen case I bought: https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Rugged-Resilient-Absorption-Carbon/dp/B072N3WT4J/ref=pd_sbs_107_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B072N3WT4J&pd_rd_r=ZMQEAPCQW7EKSKY2S5HY&pd_rd_w=QVS1X&pd_rd_wg=CFdEa&psc=1&refRID=ZMQEAPCQW7EKSKY2S5HY

$229 for a refurb phone on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Unlocked-Cellphone-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B01E9EZFWA

Or $199:
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Nexus-XT1103-Unlocked-Smartphone/dp/B01MCWSRVQ

People who use their phones for streaming need to be on a plan that fills that need without worry. That won't be Fi unless you find a compromise with offline music and video.

I'm considering getting a multi-function FileHub. I like/need some of the other features and the streaming using a large capacity microsd will be gravy.

http://www.amazon.com/RAVPower-Versatile-Wireless-Portable-Companion/dp/B00T5XQE3U/ref=pd_sim_147_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=315GfVLqPUL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1R0KX13JX828WZ385PC1

+1 for the Spigen

I found this one from Huawei works for the data sim. Also, pick up an adaptor.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0JY15V?ref%5F=oh%5Faui%5Fdetailpage%5Fo04%5Fs00&redirect=true&psc=1&pldnSite=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R25GJJW?ref%5F=oh%5Faui%5Fdetailpage%5Fo03%5Fs00&redirect=true&psc=1&pldnSite=1

Not sure about a physical store, you can try:

• Craigslist
  
• one of those stores that buy/sell used phones/electronics, there's usually at least one in each city. Once you're done you can re-sell it to them and you can think of the price differential as your rental fee.
  
  Alternatively:
  
  
• $199 Nexus 6 at amazon link
  
• $ 59.99 BLU R1 HD at Amazon this will only work for Data, voice in/out will be through hangouts; not ideal but it's something.