@steev, what beginner advice can you offer to someone who has never had an android device before?

Galaxy S3 btw 

yes, trade it for an htc

yes, trade it for an htc

will do

thanks for the help friend

no, but check out the top apps thread if you're looking for some apps
http://www.yourewinner.com/index.php?topic=13484.msg199711#msg199711

Samsung fetching sucks, your phone is going to break in 3 months.

That aside, here are some of my favorite apps while you're waiting for steev.

Nova Launcher -- My favorite home replacement
1Weather -- Simple, clean weather app
Business Calendar
SwiftKey -- The best keyboard on Android (Trial)
ezPDF Reader
JuiceDefender Plus -- There is a free version, but this one has enough customizability that I suggest it anyway
QRDroid
Google Play Music -- Upload your personal collection online and listen to it from anywhere
TuneIn Radio
SoundHound
Algeo Graphing Calculator
Naked Browser -- Unbelievably fast, so much better than Chrome/etc.
Camera ZOOM FX
Endomondo Sports Tracker
Tapatalk -- Browse yourewinner.com easily
Prey Anti Theft -- Security is always good

This is a pretty good start.  The best thing to do with Android is just play around with it, it takes some work to get the most out of your phone

Don't forget the talking animal apps!

EDIT: When I started typing this, you were not waiting for steev

Note II still goin strong, the volume button issue I was having seems to have resolved itself.

I think it's mostly just the S2 was a piece of poo poo.
Everyone I know who had one has had issues with it.

My brother has a Galaxy Nexus that's been working alright for over a year

Weird, I know at guy from work who has a S2 and he couldn't praise it more. My poo pooty Galaxy W also works perfectly fine

I have a Galaxy SII and the wifi stopped working a while ago (although it somehow recently fixed itself). Also it's not buttery smooth even though it's on 4.1. My next phone will not be a Samsung.

I've had an s4 for a little over 24 hours and so far it's worked great

my only problem with this milestone 2 is the screen has a small lift where dust has been depositing between the screen and the outer glass and it makes it hard to read under bright light

the hardware itself still keeps up fine, running CM10
not exactly a tegra but runs most things i toss at it