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Upgrading to a Nexus 5

After serving faithfully for the past ~2.5 years, my Galaxy S2 is being replaced with a Google Nexus 5 (16GB version).

Although the S2 is still working pretty well (especially after the Cyanogenmod upgrade), it’s starting to suffer from some hardware problems with the buttons. It’s already been sent in for one repair and probably not worth the time or cost to send in again.

We’re switching over to Ting mobile service (<- referral link), which was another reason for me to get the Nexus 5. Ting’s pricing model is appealing, which is the main reason for switching. Based on current usage, the cell phone bill can be cut by about half with Ting’s pricing.

There isn’t much that comes in the Nexus 5 box. The phone itself, wall wart and USB cable. Since I got it from Google, the SIM card was a separate acquisition.

When I first got the S2, it was a humungous phone, especially compared to the Cliq the S2 was replacing. The Nexus 5 is even longer than the S2, although fortunately the width is about the same as the S2.

A Samsung Galaxy S2 next to a Google Nexus 5

The Nexus 5 is marginally thinner than the S2 and has a nice rubberized grippy back. I doubt I’ll notice it much after I put it into whatever case I’ll be getting for it.

Samsung Galaxy S2 sitting on top of a Google Nexus 5 for size comparison

So far the only thing I don’t like about the Nexus 5 is that the battery isn’t replaceable, which is something I like. It’s much easier to pop in a fresh battery than it is to find a place to plug in and wait for the phone to charge. Fortunately I have one of those big 15 Ah battery packs that I can use for charging USB devices. I’ll probably be carrying that with me more often now.

I think I’ll like this phone.

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The workbench

Thought I’d show off some pictures of the current state of my workbench, now that I’ve started to build up some inventory. No current projects on it yet, but I’m planning on finally getting around to building the Softrock Ensemble RXTX kit.

Parts storage. Going to need more space soon. Up top are a couple of storage bins with wall warts and wires. I think I’ll need another parts bin soon. Below that is the test gear: oscilloscope, Heathkit signal generator, DMM and some tools.

A bookshelf containing electronic tools and boxes of electronics parts

The one bookcase on the right needs me to put in another shelf or two. More parts bins and stuff that needs to be put away properly.

Parts bins and electronics components

The workbench itself is starting to get a little cluttered.

Tools hanging on pegboard mounted on a wall and a workbench

The Radio Shack soldering station has been working out pretty well, especially after I replaced the stock tip. It’s not fancy, but it gets hot enough to melt solder, which is really what counts. I’ve found that yogurt cups make great containers for holding components while I’m working on a project. An old paint brush is very useful for sweeping up the dust, wire trimmings and little bits of solder that end up on the bench.

The Astron RS-35A provides a nice source of 13.7V power for the bench, although I’d eventually like to get a variable power supply so that I don’t have to keep rummaging through the wall warts to find something suitable.

The only problem with having the workbench in the garage is that temperature control isn’t that great. A little portable heater for the winter and a box fan for the summer come in pretty handy though.

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Showing its age

The Camry is starting to show its age with parts giving out from old age and wear and tear. Had a big chunk of the driver’s side door handle break off when I went to open it a couple weeks ago. Earlier this week it started to develop a bit of a rough idle so we took it in to the shop to have it looked at. After a big tune up and a new fuel filter, it’s running a lot smoother now. While it was being checked out they also found a coolant leak in the radiator and possibly the thermostat. That’s something else that will have to be fixed before I road trip to Charlotte for Southeast Linuxfest next weekend.

If you’re looking for a place to take your car, the people at the Firestone on Savannah Highway in West Ashley, next to East Bay Deli, are phenomenal. Great customer service there.

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Southeast Linuxfest 2014 soon!

Just a little over a week to go before the 6th annual Southeast Linuxfest kicks off. The final schedule is now out and I’m looking forward to catching a few of them as I roam around being the photographer.

New this year is the Craft Beer Bottle Share (not an official part of SELF though). Bring a bunch of your favourite craft beers along, share them with other craft beer afficionados, and try the brews other people bring.

Still time to register, and as usual SELF is free to attend.