# Tapatalk - what does it get me? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 15, 2011, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017 "2011-05-15T19:17:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2011, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/1 "2011-05-15T19:17:15Z")
I have an android phone. I have on a few occassions looked up threads to read and attempt to post on my phone. I can pull up the full web version on my phone, read and scroll. I can even post, though the edit window is a bit weird - it won’t stay centered on the cursor, but centers on the box. And if I want the text large enough to read comfortably while posting, the edges of the box stick off the sides, and it doesn’t focus on the part I’m typing. That’s a bit annoying. Anyway, when logging on through the phone, I get a message that this board is available through Tapatalk. Apparently that’s an android phone compatible browser for message boards. Okay. So what does it do that makes it better than just reading the board via the web? And conversely, what does it not do? Someone else (in ATMB) mentioned it doesn’t show in color. But that’s apparently an old version of tapatalk, and the new one does show color, so it’s just the SD needs to update versions. I’m curious if I should bother. (Would this be better in IMHO?) ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2011, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/2 "2011-05-15T19:39:38Z")
It’s just a different interface, formatted to better suit mobile screens. You have 15 minutes to try it out anyway; just buy it and refund it if you don’t like it. ETA: I bought it and don’t particularly like it, but it’s slightly better than using the SDMB without it. (I only use it for the SDMB). ---
**Author:** ![WarmNPrickly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d78d45/32.png) [@WarmNPrickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WarmNPrickly)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2011, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/3 "2011-05-15T19:45:34Z")
I don’t care for it. I don’t see the advantage. ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2011, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/4 "2011-05-15T19:57:06Z")
I’m typing on Tapatalk right now. I prefer using this when on my phone. I like that it’s fitted to the screen. I like that new posts is the default. I like that there is a participated tab to keep track of threads I’ve posted in. I like that I can set it up to go to the first unread post in a thread, not just first or last. ---
**Author:** ![Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiendish_astronaut/32/3295_2.png) [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2011, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/5 "2011-05-15T21:24:05Z")
You can get a free version that is read only (or at least you can for the iPhone). It is a much better and more user friendly experience than the normal web browser. ---
**Author:** ![Marconi\_N.Cheese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Marconi\_N.Cheese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marconi_N.Cheese)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2011, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/6 "2011-05-15T23:53:31Z")
I got it just for SD too but there are a lot of other forums that support it. It’s well work the 3 bucks or whatever it is. Trying to wrangle forums with a browser the size of a smartphone is like trying to sew with a hammer. Sure, you can do it, but why? Tapatalk is like sewing with a Singer. Or a needle and thread, whatever. I’ve only bought two apps for my phone; Titanium Backup and Tapatalk. (I have no affiliation with either product.) ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/7 "2011-05-16T13:42:51Z")
Tapatalk makes it vastly easier to read on a phone. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/8 "2011-05-16T14:38:22Z")
> [@Marconi\_N.Cheese](#): > > I got it just for SD too but there are a lot of other forums that support it. It’s well work the 3 bucks or whatever it is. Trying to wrangle forums with a browser the size of a smartphone is like trying to sew with a hammer. Sure, you can do it, but why? Tapatalk is like sewing with a Singer. Or a needle and thread, whatever. > > I’ve only bought two apps for my phone; Titanium Backup and Tapatalk. (I have no affiliation with either product.) I just tried sewing with a hammer, and it was impossible! I ruined my shirt and the doctors said the needle in my thumb shouldn’t cause any nerve damage. Why are you lying to me?! ;^) ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/9 "2011-05-16T16:05:08Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > It’s just a different interface, formatted to better suit mobile screens. In what way? How does it work better? > [@ratatoskK](#): > > Tapatalk makes it vastly easier to read on a phone. How? What does it do that is better? I want details. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/10 "2011-05-16T16:39:05Z")
I find using the Dolphin browser free app makes reading and replying very easy. Everything is sized correctly and adjusts to fit in the window just right on every web page I’ve been on, including forums. ---
**Author:** ![Dog80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/11 "2011-05-16T17:28:20Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > In what way? How does it work better? > > How? What does it do that is better? I want details. You can simply download the free version and see for yourself. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/12 "2011-05-16T19:36:26Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > In what way? How does it work better? Stuff fits. ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/13 "2011-05-16T20:51:45Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > I find using the Dolphin browser free app makes reading and replying very easy. Everything is sized correctly and adjusts to fit in the window just right on every web page I’ve been on, including forums. Are you talking about a plugin to the Dolphin browser? Because the SDMB works just the same in Dolphin browser as the stock browser. If it is a plugin what plugin? ---
**Author:** ![WarmNPrickly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d78d45/32.png) [@WarmNPrickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WarmNPrickly)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/14 "2011-05-16T21:28:02Z")
I can’t remember why I didn’t like it, but I removed from my phone months ago. I really never had that much trouble with the regular website. It’s easy enough to expand the text, so I don’t need to be constrained by some program. It’s not like typing is any easier. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/15 "2011-05-16T21:39:55Z")
I bought it and almost never use it. The fact that it doesn’t include the author of quoted text is pretty much a deal-killer, for me. Not sure if that continues to be a limitation of the program itself, or the SDMB is using an outdated version of the server software. I don’t enjoy having to scroll backward through threads to play match 'em up with who said what. ---
**Author:** ![Fubaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@Fubaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fubaya)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/16 "2011-05-16T22:51:52Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > The fact that it doesn’t include the author of quoted text is pretty much a deal-killer, for me. I’m replying with it, must have been an old version our the forum you were using it with didn’t have it enabled. Edit: nevermind, I see what youre saying, it includes the name in the reply but out doesn’t show in the app. I’ve never noticed that. I like it because it keeps all your forums in one place which is easier, for me, than using the browser. Replying is easier because the edit window doesn’t have the sizing problem and you can long tap on a post to reply, quote etc. I don’t see the free version on the market but the XDA-developers app is just rebranded Tapatalk app and there is a free version of that that could give you the feel. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/17 "2011-05-16T23:20:23Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > I have an android phone. I have on a few occassions looked up threads to read and attempt to post on my phone. I can pull up the full web version on my phone, read and scroll. I can even post, though the edit window is a bit weird - it won’t stay centered on the cursor, but centers on the box. And if I want the text large enough to read comfortably while posting, the edges of the box stick off the sides, and it doesn’t focus on the part I’m typing. That’s a bit annoying. > > Anyway, when logging on through the phone, I get a message that this board is available through Tapatalk. Apparently that’s an android phone compatible browser for message boards. Okay. > > So what does it do that makes it better than just reading the board via the web? > > And conversely, what does it not do? Someone else (in ATMB) mentioned it doesn’t show in color. But that’s apparently an old version of tapatalk, and the new one does show color, so it’s just the SD needs to update versions. > > I’m curious if I should bother. I have the free version on my Droid X. It’s fine for reading. As others have stated, using Tapatalk is better than reading the dope without it. ---
**Author:** ![xash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c6cbf5/32.png) [@xash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xash)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2011, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/18 "2011-05-21T21:28:08Z")
I just updated the Tapatalk plug-in on the SDMB, so we now have the latest version installed on the boards. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2011, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/19 "2011-05-22T05:11:12Z")
> [@Dog80](#): > > You can simply download the free version and see for yourself. :rolleyes: Threadshit on your own time. If you don’t have anything constructive to add, mind your own business. :rolleyes: back at you. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2011, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/20 "2011-05-22T05:23:50Z")
I like it because it’s much easier to read threads using it on my iPod than using Safari. I can’t see or vote in polls, which I enjoy doing, but that’s the only drawback. It has been well worth what I paid for it. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017.md?page=2)