# 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:** 2
**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 22, 2011, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/21 "2011-05-22T06:06:26Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Threadshit on your own time. If you don’t have anything constructive to add, mind your own business. :rolleyes: back at you. For your own sake, 5 minutes of using the free version or the demo version will answer your question much better than we can with words, here. ---
**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, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/22 "2011-05-22T07:22:33Z")
This board is for conversations, including sharing experience. Telling me to try it myself with a rolleyes smiley deserves a kick in the crotch. Sure, I could try it myself, but I need convincing that I will get something for my efforts. Right now, I don’t read very much on my phone, mostly because it isn’t compatible with the way I tend to browse. That, and posting isn’t particularly easy. Things that would be significant improvements: 1. Editing window that is sized to my screen, so it doesn’t scroll funny while I’m trying to write (text lare enough to see). 2. Ability to keep one page open with a thread list so I can refer to that list for each thread. That way it keeps the same status of what hasn’t been read and the same order. Otherwise, busy threads keep jumping to the top and changing the thread order, and it’s more difficult to keep track of what I have and haven’t read. 3. Ensure all screen content is presented - fonts, colors, formatting, quote boxes, quote attributions, etc. Basically, I am asking if these are addressed, and any other personal experiences that might be relevant. The topic is “Convince me”. Telling me to just try it is not convincing. ---
**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 22, 2011, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/23 "2011-05-22T07:42:26Z")
Very well. May someone less lazy than I attempt to overcome your laziness 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Anachronism](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@Anachronism](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anachronism)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/24 "2011-05-23T02:42:31Z")
> [@Dog80](#): > > You can simply download the free version and see for yourself. :rolleyes: I don’t see a free version for the iPhone. It would help if people commenting on their experience with tapatalk would say what phone they are using it on. I don’t do a ton of forum reading on my phone but I have been curious if tapatalk is an improvement over safari on the iPhone. ---
**Author:** ![xash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c6cbf5/32.png) [@xash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xash)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/25 "2011-05-23T04:06:26Z")
> [@Anachronism](#): > > I don’t see a free version for the iPhone. > > It would help if people commenting on their experience with tapatalk would say what phone they are using it on. I don’t do a ton of forum reading on my phone but I have been curious if tapatalk is an improvement over safari on the iPhone. In my opinion, Tapatalk offers an improved experience over Safari on iPhone. On iPad, I prefer Safari. These screenshots should make it easy for you to figure out if you’d like it: [http://i52.tinypic.com/v6662w.jpg](http://i52.tinypic.com/v6662w.jpg) [http://i55.tinypic.com/6t2yx0.jpg](http://i55.tinypic.com/6t2yx0.jpg) [http://i54.tinypic.com/2iuuzqc.jpg](http://i54.tinypic.com/2iuuzqc.jpg) [http://i56.tinypic.com/14o0y94.jpg](http://i56.tinypic.com/14o0y94.jpg) [http://i53.tinypic.com/2coquq1.jpg](http://i53.tinypic.com/2coquq1.jpg) [http://i55.tinypic.com/2yn311y.jpg](http://i55.tinypic.com/2yn311y.jpg) [http://i51.tinypic.com/23jjq0i.jpg](http://i51.tinypic.com/23jjq0i.jpg) The two screenshots I didn’t include are my inbox messages and threads in which I’ve participated (you can see the Participated option right next to the Latest option. ---
**Author:** ![MeanJoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanjoe/32/5693_2.png) [@MeanJoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanJoe)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/26 "2011-05-23T15:18:38Z")
I bought it for the iPhone and used it a few times. Mostly I found it to be very clunky and using Safari was a much better experience. I removed it from my iPhone months ago. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/27 "2011-05-23T15:22:01Z")
I got it for my iPod Touch last year and I can’t imagine using Safari to browse a forum now. It’s awful. Yes, you don’t know who quotes are attributed to and no you can’t vote in polls, but you can easily read and easily reply and that’s all I need. It’s not my primary way to access the SDMB but it works like a charm. How much does it cost, like $5? Is wasting $5 going to break the bank? You should just buy it and if it doesn’t work out for you, delete it. ---
**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 23, 2011, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/28 "2011-05-23T16:38:43Z")
Just playing around with Tapatalk. This is my first time posting with it. I don’t know who it was who said you cannot post using the free version, but that is certainly what I am using here on my phone. Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/29 "2011-05-23T17:31:41Z")
I just looked it up. It costs $3. You’ve probably spent more on an unknown ice cream flavor or new drink at the coffee shop. Do it man - jump in feet-first! ---
**Author:** ![Scathach](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Scathach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scathach)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/30 "2011-05-23T20:29:31Z")
You can un install any android app within 24 hours and get a full refund. Worth trying it for a day to see if it suits. (sent using tapatalk btw 😉 ) ---
**Author:** ![Scathach](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Scathach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scathach)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/31 "2011-05-23T20:36:25Z")
Oh, and as for specific improvements, text is better formatted for a phone screen. Going through pages is easier because you don’t have to try hunt and peck for the tiny little advance page icon. Disadvantages are that pretty much everything except text is removed. I find it a vast improvement over dolphin browser or the default browser on my Htc desire. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/32 "2011-05-23T21:24:10Z")
> [@Scathach](#): > > You can un install any android app within 24 hours and get a full refund. Worth trying it for a day to see if it suits. > > (sent using tapatalk btw 😉 ) This is no longer true. You have 15 minutes to try an app from the android market. I actually have tapatalk because I wanted to try it for a day to see if I liked it. I went to return it but I was too late and ended up paying the about $3 for it. > **[Learn about Google Play refund policies - Google Play Help](https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2479637?visit_id=638931679113870399-1472566565&rd=1)** > > Google may give refunds for some purchases made through Google Play’s billing system, based on the refund policies described below. Refund policies are different depending on what you bought, when ---
**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 23, 2011, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/33 "2011-05-23T22:18:10Z")
I thought most of you were on different platforms because of all the talk about paying for Tapatalk, but you guys seem to be on Android devices as well. Anyway, I have had Tapatalk on my Droid X since I got it months ago. I did not paid for the app, and am typing this post on it now. Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk ---
**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 23, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/34 "2011-05-23T22:27:42Z")
> [@Onomatopoeia](#): > > I thought most of you were on different platforms because of all the talk about paying for Tapatalk, but you guys seem to be on Android devices as well. Anyway, I have had Tapatalk on my Droid X since I got it months ago. I did not paid for the app, and am typing this post on it now. > Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk How interesting. When I first got it, there was a free and a paid version. The free version wouldn’t let you post. Now, all I see is the paid version… the free trial ain’t even there for me anymore. _shrug_ ---
**Author:** ![Anachronism](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@Anachronism](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anachronism)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2011, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/35 "2011-05-24T18:23:36Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I just looked it up. It costs $3. > > You’ve probably spent more on an unknown ice cream flavor or new drink at the coffee shop. > > Do it man - jump in feet-first! $3 is not a big deal but I don’t like to waste money or reward developers who make poor apps either. More important is my time, if there is a learning curve I don’t want to waste time figuring it out then decide I don’t like it. Most of the time when I am looking at forums on my phone is because it came up as a result to a search. That said, based on the screenshots _xash_ posted (thanks BTW), I think I am going to try it. ---
**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 24, 2011, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/36 "2011-05-24T21:31:00Z")
Tapatalk is not bad. I like it a little more each time I use it. Takes a little getting used to at first. What I am really beginning to love, however, is swype! I’m using it to type this post and am absolutely amazed with how accurate it is. Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2011, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/37 "2011-05-25T06:24:14Z")
OK, I decided to give it a try. So far, it is not too bad. I like that it fits the screen without having to zoom, and the way the back button works. I am happy with the edit window so far. It works pretty well for straight responses. I will have to see how complex I want to make my posts. I am also trying swype. The hard part is trying to see the letters to select them with my finger in the way. However, it is doing a decent job guessing, so I may try it more. Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2011, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/38 "2011-05-25T06:26:29Z")
Oh yeah, when I searched android market, I did not see a free option. Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2011, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/39 "2011-05-25T06:31:01Z")
You can disable the “Sent from my T-mobile etc…” message in the settings. ---
**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 25, 2011, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017/40 "2011-05-25T07:51:02Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > OK, I decided to give it a try. So far, it is not too bad. I like that it fits the screen without having to zoom, and the way the back button works. I am happy with the edit window so far. It works pretty well for straight responses. I will have to see how complex I want to make my posts. > > I am also trying swype. The hard part is trying to see the letters to select them with my finger in the way. However, it is doing a decent job guessing, so I may try it more. > > Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk I THINK that part of the allure of Swype is that you’re supposed to be able to swype _close_ to the intended letters, that even if you’re off by a few it’ll still guess correctly. At least that’s what I thought when I used it. In the end I found I found Smart Keyboard Pro’s autocorrect/autosuggest to be faster since it brings up long suggested words after you just input a few letters without having you go through the entire motion for the whole word. YMMV, of course. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-what-does-it-get-me/582017.md?page=3)