title says it, i have a direct line contact with a rep at Stream TV Networks, Inc, the manufacturer of the Elocity Tablets. a few weeks ago i submitted a web inquiry to the support site, stating that i was a user here on the XDA Developers site, and that there was progress being made to better the tablet. i asked that someone take the time to atleast visit this site and if willing to lend us a hand in uncovering the 'mysteries' of the tablet. i didnt hear anything and really didnt expect i would, until earlier today... i got a mysterious call on my cell so i let it go to VM, and forgot about it until just now. i listened to it, and low and behold it was a rep from Stream TV, saying they got my message, and was also visited by someone from XDA while at CES. now im in SW Florida so that visitor wasnt me, but someone out there face to face dropped the XDA sites name.
now i personally am a beginner rom cooker for windows 6.0 thru 6.5 at best, and android is still very new to me, but i would hate to lose this potential contact. im willing to do the leg work, and guess i might need to learn more very fast, but if a developer would like to work with me, and i can get them in contact with the Stream TV rep, maybe we can knock down walls here....
forgive the grammatical and spelling errors, but i need to get this to the community asap
im planning on calling the rep back tomorrow, and find out what he is all about, and how he can help us...
are there any educated questions that might want to have answered? that will help the community improve this product...
its even possible that since they are fully aware of us (XDA) they might even be watching the threads....
imagine, if a new vendor were to actually join the forum and help the community, just imagine the possibilities...
come on down Mr. Robertson (reps last name)...
cpg716 said:
I met with eLocity this past weekend at CES 2011. The new A7 will not be out until Mid Feb to March. There will be a few new A7 models as well as several 10-inch models.
I actually went over my issues with them and they requested me to send them an email outlining them also. They have several updates still planned for this device and are very much behind improving it as well as releasing their new line.
CPG
MyTabletLife.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so it appears that i now know who 'the guy' is that met with them at CES...
I'm the one who contact them, I told them how great this site was and that Dexter should be sent a free Tablet to better and to provide him a job with the company to better this device as they are brand new in the market, I also advised they needed to create forums as this site was the only way of knowing what was to become in the future of the tablet. If i wasn't for XDA people wouldn't even know about it.
It seems a few of us met with them at CES 2011. Which is good. I talked with a few of their staff including the head software engineer there. Like I said, I got a real sense that they are going to work out the kinks that exist in the eLocity A7.
I brought up XDA and that there was work being done on that side and that it was important they didn't abandon their FIRST device as the new ones come out. It would be similar to what Augen did. The eLocity A7 is still ahead of many tablets coming out with its Tegra 2 processor so their is no reason for it to be left behind as if it were obsolete. They did say several updates were still planned for this device.
CPG
MyTabletLife.com
Well... good.
I wrote to tech support a week ago, never got a reply either by phone or email, and I just got my RMA to return the tablet. There's just so much aggravation one can take in this life.
If they keep up with this forum, they could at least provide some kind of firmware info, even if it's not a commitment. Like most techies (which I've managed for 30 years) they're wholly uncaring about the user experience... but the marketing people should know better.
argie said:
Well... good.
I wrote to tech support a week ago, never got a reply either by phone or email, and I just got my RMA to return the tablet. There's just so much aggravation one can take in this life.
If they keep up with this forum, they could at least provide some kind of firmware info, even if it's not a commitment. Like most techies (which I've managed for 30 years) they're wholly uncaring about the user experience... but the marketing people should know better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree. Their tech support so far has been somewhat lacking. I remember calling a few weeks ago to get more information on the firmware patch they released and the "tech" literally went to website and read verbatim what was on the screen. I was like, "I can read the website too thanks." Her response was literally "yeah sorry we don't know anymore than what you do." Yeah....I understand they are a brand new company and are looking to launch a whole slew of new tabs so their focus may be a bit off but they shouldn't forget those that had enough faith in them to invest in their inaugural tablet.
Lindarose84 said:
I completely agree. Their tech support so far has been somewhat lacking. I remember calling a few weeks ago to get more information on the firmware patch they released and the "tech" literally went to website and read verbatim what was on the screen. I was like, "I can read the website too thanks." Her response was literally "yeah sorry we don't know anymore than what you do." Yeah....I understand they are a brand new company and are looking to launch a whole slew of new tabs so their focus may be a bit off but they shouldn't forget those that had enough faith in them to invest in their inaugural tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Lacking" is a mighty nice way of putting it. I would have said incompetent! Heck, they've done more harm than good with all the misinformation they have provided since day one!
Billy
didnt get a chance to talk with the rep until today and heres the highlight of how it went:
Q. why was the google marketplace not installed from the beginning.
A. google was not at the time signing off on tablet machines, thus no digital signature to access the marketplace.
the lead tech for the A7 has informed the rep that GAPPs can run on the tablet, and acknowledges that we appear to be weeks ahead of them with that...
Q. will honeycomb be offerend officially for the A7 when it comes out?
A. for the current version of the A7, no. there are hardware limitations that will not allow for a fully functioning upgrade. if we can port over honeycomb we can and a limited function version.
Q. will the A10 have honeycomb?
A. not initially, but it will be upgradeable officially. and the newer versions of the A7 will be multi-touch and allow for honeycomb.
he acknowledged that their tech support at this time was indeed struggling. they are still working on firmware upgrades for the current A7, and they dont want to force an upgrade everytime they fix something, but rather in patches...
i did ask about some of our other issues such as trying to get clockwork functioning, and our troubles with apps like skype. although i did not get an official stance on how far they are willing to help, he did say i could pass his information along to some* of the active developers to help imporve the product... ive already sent the info along to Dexter, we shall see what happens there.... during our talk i was also informed of some other info that might hep explain our skype issue.... ill fill in that info into the skype thread....
i also expressed my disappointment in the face that GAPPs was not there from the get go, and had i been a common 'plug and play' user, this thing would of gone back immediatly... but i had faith in XDA...
i did encourage them to become active in this thread and let it be known that the manufacturer is truly here to help...
I don't understand why the A7 was launched, then improve upon the next release after many have purchased the original A7. Many purchased the device around their mis-leading hype. I'm not completely dissatisfied with the device, but it would be my last. I'm hopefull some bright enterprising soul will look at this device and squeeze out what ever potential it has.
If the updates are only to fix what should have already been the box, then what's the use? A real update will exploit features and hidden potentials in the device that people want. This would speak volumes to their future and the future of products offered. Two cents worth.
i was not thrilled either hearing about lack of 'official future' for this device... but for $300 it did come with some powerful hardware, solid build (minus the multi touch and unlit buttons)... for what we have now (modification wise) i do feel better about my purchase... i just hope theres more improvments that we can squeeze out of this before the next generation comes out...
also mentioned about some of the lost features after the first update, like loss of sd-card formatting, and why they chose the mounting methods they did with sdcard and sdcard-0
im still using 1.0c version and havent looked at the 1/15 elocity or 1.1 dexter update yet...
rapcon said:
I don't understand why the A7 was launched, then improve upon the next release after many have purchased the original A7. Many purchased the device around their mis-leading hype. I'm not completely dissatisfied with the device, but it would be my last. I'm hopefull some bright enterprising soul will look at this device and squeeze out what ever potential it has.
If the updates are only to fix what should have already been the box, then what's the use? A real update will exploit features and hidden potentials in the device that people want. This would speak volumes to their future and the future of products offered. Two cents worth.
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Click to collapse
I'm of like mind here. I've got a few more days before I need to request and RMA from tigerdirect.
For the most part, this device meets my needs, but the simple fact that elocity can't get simple 2.2 features implemented properly (like apps2sd) is ridiculous. They can't even get the device to report the size of the SD. The screen (even without the multi-touch issues) is pretty horrible. Web pages look ok, but photos look awful.
I'm bummed. I want so much to like this device, but its got a few too many disappointments. Maybe I'll get the Archos A70 - or even the Nook color (is it the same 800Mhz processor in the new Evo Shift?). Not quite as powerful, but much better SW implementation.
sagggas said:
I'm of like mind here. I've got a few more days before I need to request and RMA from tigerdirect.
For the most part, this device meets my needs, but the simple fact that elocity can't get simple 2.2 features implemented properly (like apps2sd) is ridiculous. They can't even get the device to report the size of the SD. The screen (even without the multi-touch issues) is pretty horrible. Web pages look ok, but photos look awful.
I'm bummed. I want so much to like this device, but its got a few too many disappointments. Maybe I'll get the Archos A70 - or even the Nook color (is it the same 800Mhz processor in the new Evo Shift?). Not quite as powerful, but much better SW implementation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, I feel the same. Hardware wise the A7 is amazing, but lack of true multitouch, not so great viewing angles and most important, no future upgrade path is doing it for me.. I will also be rrturning it to BJ (with the extended January 24 return). Elocity can't complain we didn't give it a chance..
I HAD an Archos 70 for a little over a month before the screen broke on me. Those tablets are so thin they tend to be dangerously fragile. In addition, the firmware Archos has put out is terrible, still no certified FLASH from Adobe, and like the A7 almost every good App has to be hacked onto the tablet including the G-Apps package. Also, the A70's performance (only 256 RAM) was sub-par, it would often freeze, reboot, or lag far beyond what I've seen with the elocity A7. Since I loaded Dexters rom, I have been quite happy with my A7, and would not recommend any Archos product to anyone beyond the Gen7 A5 which runs Android 1.6 (donut?), but has a great DVR/TV dock, but obviously does not do Flash. I will say Archos has a larger community, but hopefully XDA and Stream can build on this product and its capabilities.
Please tell to Stream TV Networks about GPL
Let they post kernel sources, like bigger companies did and we will have ability to improve some functions with custom roms
Here list of tables which have or have not kernel sources
http://www.codon.org.uk/~mjg59/android_tablets/
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
I moved on from the Elocity A7, got a Viewsonic G Tablet. Its $379 and with kernel source code the devs have made some great roms. Only negative is the screen.
I moved on from the Viewsonic G Tablet to the Elocity A7. I found the screen and the skin on the Viewsonic G to be unusable. The eLocity with the Dexter mod is a much better tablet.
johng75 said:
Q. will honeycomb be offerend officially for the A7 when it comes out?
A. for the current version of the A7, no. there are hardware limitations that will not allow for a fully functioning upgrade. if we can port over honeycomb we can and a limited function version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From their FAQ page:Q: Will Android 3.0 Gingerbread be supported on the Tablet?
A: We anticipate that the Tegra 2 processor should have the ability to support the future Android release, but we cannot confirm it until Gingerbread has been officially released.
So is multi-touch the limitation that won't allow Honeycomb to run at all? I guess I can't understand why multi-touch would be absolutely necessary to navigate an OS. I thought when Google made a big deal about the upcoming Tegra II tablets being their design standard, that the processor is the critical piece, which would make sense to me. But multi-touch? I'm going to be really upset if I have to switch tablets again. I guess I'll wait to see what the big deal about 3.0 is when its released/reviewed before I go to Craigslist...again....
sagggas said:
Maybe I'll get the Archos A70 - or even the Nook color
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had both before returning the A70 because I couldn't put up without a USB-to-computer cable connection.
I felt the Archos 70 was nearly perfect (light and stylish), but the 256MB RAM kills it. It'll get progressively slower.
The Nook is a great device. I loaded the mod and it was virtually a full-functioning tablet with a fantastic screen and sweet to hold, but the lack of real functioning Android buttons makes navigation possible but awkward. If B&N releases 2.2 and all its goodies, it's a good unit at $249.
For now, I'm tabletless. I'm amazed to me that designers have not started from a list of desirable features. The Nook is really designed as an e-reader and it's a great device as such, but the gTab (which I also returned), A70 and Archos all left out critical features that would have been cheap and easy to include...
Related
Seems every new tab I get has a timer. Some have already gone off months before I even bought it and others will go off very soon.
I am not sure where I am at with this a7 but from all the reviews it seems the timer is about to off with the new elocity a7x. Seems elocity fixed all the complaints about the a7 in the a7x.
What I want to know is why is it important to upgrade and update to newer releases beyond the fact that new features are cool. Why do manufacturers not just give them to us?? I mean when I run Linux on my pc I have about 6-12 months before a release needs to be updated. Then I just re-install the new version and I am going. Why is it with Android that we the users can't just download gingerbread or what ever new release and update our selves? Why do the tab makers not just charge us for a new release. It costs them time and effort to make a new kernel and drivers but beyond that it should not be so tricky. So say they want $20 for Gingerbread to cover the cost of their development. I am on board with that. Why do Tablet makers instead of no updates just charge us like it is a new OS even though we know it is free we also know there is cost to wrote it for our device.
I think from a consumer stand point I would be a much happier customer if I new I would be able to upgrade at least one or two releases on the hardware I have before it is obsolete. I do not mind paying a reasonable fee for the updates just don't leave us out in the cold and do not say their are hardware limitations. Find a solution and make it work. It can be done specially with the hardware on this device!!
I think though the bottom line is, does this device do what I want it to do now?? For me as it is now the a7 does all I want it to do. I can read books, surf the net, listen to music, watch movies and play games. Will the new releases do something this can't do? I can watch flash-youtube, etc. Seems like a complete device.
Of course we all like the newest and latest stuff and that is why I think Elocity should spend the money to support the A7 for future releases. I think they should release a Gingerbread update soon. I would pay $10-15 for it. I think Honeycomb could be a $30 release and so forth. If there is a problem with something not working you could always revert back.
Rob
I agree with the statement...
I second that. I was a little bit disappointed that the new elocity tablets were announced soon after I bought the A7 and was left unsettled whether this was a kind of beta device released to test out the market response and whether it would fade away as soon as the new Android OS's are on the horizon.
I am not sure but is it too unrealistic to expect a life of 1 or 2 years out of this device?
I sent those very sentiments to Elocity directly some time ago. I was on the Amazon waiting list from October 2010 and received the tablet in December after many ups and downs and waiting to get the A7. And now a new tablet, they should give me my money back quite honestly.
It could have been a great device if
1. It had multi touch support
2. The company truly supported the device - it seems to be very limited.
This is the main reason why you see so many developers in the GTablet forum and no this one...I know of many who were itching to get a 7inch device (like myself) but ended up no solely because of the lack of multi touch...
I agree you should return it as Amazon misstated it was multi touch in the advertisement.
rapcon said:
I sent those very sentiments to Elocity directly some time ago. I was on the Amazon waiting list from October 2010 and received the tablet in December after many ups and downs and waiting to get the A7. And now a new tablet, they should give me my money back quite honestly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the multi-touch aspect is a huge selling point for a lot of people
I never said it was not a good device. Maybe the software needs work-That can be fixed if supported. Remains to be seen at this point. I have not dealt with the company personaly so I hope they are reading these forums but I am not encouraged about what I have heard. I think these companies need to understand is it is not just about units sold but happy customers who by word of mouth spread the news of their new tab to friends and family. If I have a bad experience it should be important to the company. Once you have a customer you should do all you can to.keep them within reason.
I think most of the flaws of this device could.be rectified by software. It is a shame that they are not going out of thier way to rectify the situation and work even with forum members help to create the fixes to the software aa needed.
I am hopeful that they will in time address our concerns but we may just have to upgrade soon!
I do want to state that I do like this tab and will only return it iff there is something better ajd about the same price $300-Max!
I Really hope Ginger bread will.be updated on these tabs. I Do not expect 3.0, although it would be nice and should be possible.
Lets make sure that happens and that the hardware is fully utilized like multi-core etc. This is an awesome device so lets get the most of it. The manufacturer should.support our efforts of extending the useful life of the device.
Rob
I guess the simulated multi-touch works for me in web browsing.
Other than pinch to zoom is there something that I can do with multi-touch? I have a Galaxy S and to me the devices behave pretty much the same.
I am disappointed in the poor support. I sent an e-mail and didn't hear anything. That's pretty bad. I'm wondering if ViewSonic is better.
That is the odd thing because from all the reports I can read on the touch screen in this device they all say it supports 1/1 multi touch.
I hope they change their responsiveness to customers but if they have limited resources and are trying to rectify our problems by writing new code and focusing on that then I can understand as long as it is temporary while they address our concerns.
I will be a very happy customer if the new update fixes a lot of our concerns!
Come on Gingerbread and multi touch and wireless n!!
Rob
Be better than the rest
Why waste the time and effort to hit the retail market with a tablet that has great hardware specs only to go sub-standard on software and support? Stream TV guys should be very well aware of how slowly and poorly many of the Android updates and support issues have been handled so, after garnering much attention releasing a Tegra 2 device try to do much much better, you have our attention(and got some of our money too, yeah people bought the tablet go figure).
Dexter is working his butt off but, he didn't create this tablet, we thank him, now OEM shift to a higher gear please. Cut Dexter a nice check, send him a tablet or 3 or 4 to work with and let's see these A7 get some fully functioning update love. Don't backburner this device for new releases and take us into atleast 3.0 as best as this hardware can offer. Maybe a major ROM download and install could fix the A7 and keep Stream looking like a viable competitor...if it works.
I have been trying to stay positive but recently I got interested in these tabs. I hqve gone through three different modelw so far and I really like my a7 but it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth when in a montha time mybrand new device is obsolete and for only $100 more I can get the newer version of this tab which should solve all the shortcomings of the original device.
Why can't they have just come out with their newer models first?
Now as a customer I feel cheated. I think in this case they should have really reduced the retail price or offer existing customers an option for a small fee of $50-$100 to upgrade to the newest base model $50 for the new 7" or $$100 for the larger screen.
That way the company would be offering a fair choice so existing customers do not feel leftout in the cold. It would go a long way when I upgrade after the honey starts to flow.
As it stands now a lot ofthese tablet companies are giving android a bad name by producing products with outdated versions of android with no supported upgrade path. It is deplorable and deceptive to me. I finally found a good device I thought would at least last a year before it was obsolete. Now i find myself in the same position again. I am hopeful that at least if I do not get an offer from streamtv they will actually do their best to keep the a7 relevant and current.
If they do read these forums it would be great if they responded and made a similar offer.
I love my a7 but I paid more for it than I was going to do because 3.0 was coming out so soon. I took a gamble with the elocity a7 because I heard this device would be able to support Honeycomb and i paid the extra money for that reason and now bcause it does not have true multi touch screen it may not work???? Hopefully theywill support this device and figure outa way get the latest software. I mean what good is new hardware if the software can't make use of it?
Rob
I feel the same way "cheated". Thats how the techno world works though. Always chasing whats news. Here i am thinking ive got a awesome new device one day, and the next wishing i would of waited. Very upsetting.
Yeah, I'm a little disappointed about the (supposed) lack of 3.0 support, but I got mine for $300. When I see the pricing of these newly introduced tablets ($800 for Xoom?!) I know that I would never pay that. I'm betting the LG tab will be similarly ridiculously priced, and the only other tab I would consider is the $350 Enspert Identity Tab E201U, which still hasn't shipped. Elocity had to cut corners somewhere to make the price-point. Even though they bet correctly on including the Tegra II (which 3.0 is optimized for), they really had no idea at the time that Honeycomb would require multi-touch. It's a shame, but I can't fault them. I'm still betting on XDA figuring out a way to put 3.0 on the A7...that is IF Elocity will release GPL. That is where we should concentrate.
I hope Stream gets things in order for this tablet, oops just does't go over well when folks spend 300 bucks on your product. I beg them to be responsive and not go technical dodging in regards to what the A7 functionality was meant to be. Dexter is saving their bacon with his mods, the techy types would be mauling the A7 on these boards without the hope Dexter brings to this tab.
Fix your rep Stream by making this tablet worth the money in the experience because, great hardware that runs little of nothing is a waste.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2LLDLIHDUBV84/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R2LLDLIHDUBV84
Let's spread this around and vote it up!!
This is truly an unbiased reviews. It shows the XOOM the way it is, warts and all (not that there are very many warts).
Spot on review.
This is very good review I have no regrets for buying my zoom
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
c1808us said:
This is very good review I have no regrets for buying my zoom
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your 'zoom' better than my xoom?
The review might be unbiased, but it speaks of a very bad no-no about Motorola products: the bugginess of Honeycomb. This is bad because Motorola doesn't support their non-carrier products with updates and bug fixes. This means when Google updates Honeycomb to fix bugs, Motorola will never use it on the Xoom. What you get when you buy the Xoom is all you will ever have.
I'm glad I read that review. I really like the Xoom I played with at a local Best Buy and was contemplating getting one over an iPad2. Now, however, I know Honeycomb isn't perfect. That isn't to say there's anything wrong with Google mobile OSes, they all are buggy in the beginning, but it is a serious issue for the future. I know I would not ever receive any updates from Motorola...and you can't just flash a direct Honeycomb ROM from Google...so I won't bother with it since HC needs work. I will wait for the Samsung Tablet.
Mod edit: Play nice.
Mod edit: Play nice.
Mod edit: Play nice.
Mod edit: Play nice.
Mod edit: Play nice.
Mod edit: Play nice.
Mod edit: Play nice. (No one cares who you add to your ignore list.)
Grow up.
This has to be the most immature thread I've ever had to suffer through reading. Everyone needs to stop flaming each other, or we will remove you from our community.
I'm not closing / deleting this thread (yet), because I believe the original post has a review that should be read. But don't for a minute think I won't take action against disrespectful users.
We're all adults here, right? I'm here to be your moderator, not your babysitter. Grow up.
MartyLK said:
The review might be unbiased, but it speaks of a very bad no-no about Motorola products: the bugginess of Honeycomb. This is bad because Motorola doesn't support their non-carrier products with updates and bug fixes. This means when Google updates Honeycomb to fix bugs, Motorola will never use it on the Xoom. What you get when you buy the Xoom is all you will ever have.
I'm glad I read that review. I really like the Xoom I played with at a local Best Buy and was contemplating getting one over an iPad2. Now, however, I know Honeycomb isn't perfect. That isn't to say there's anything wrong with Google mobile OSes, they all are buggy in the beginning, but it is a serious issue for the future. I know I would not ever receive any updates from Motorola...and you can't just flash a direct Honeycomb ROM from Google...so I won't bother with it since HC needs work. I will wait for the Samsung Tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the second thread I've seen you mention that Moto doesn't update non-carrier devices. Can you provide some reference here? I'm trying to understand how you think that the XOOM isn't going to get updates, especially since it has already received one and there are more on the way. The XOOM is a Google experience device and will get updates, and quicker than the Samsung products which will have to wait for TouchWiz to be pasted over top. After watching many Galaxy S users on carriers in the US wait for Froyo Samsung would be the last manufacturer I'd purchase from.
Back to the review, I also thought it was balanced. iOS is always very polished though it may lack some functionality and features. What it does do it typically does well. The iPad 2 is a device that my wife would appreciate very much and the XOOM is a device that I would prefer and will eventually pick up. I spent a number of years with Nokia Maemo tablets, waiting for Nokia and the community to fix issues and develop. I see a way better experience to come here than I did there.
this sounds like a similar review someone gave awhile ago - I'm still hoping my Xoom comes through next week...
also yes as mentioned - Motorola won't be updating the OS on Xoom - Google will be providing the updates - which is fine - it's one of the good reasons to buy one over the Samsung
great review really... I know the iPad 2 has pros over the XOOM but most pros are due to lack of user knowledge (like interface or apps...) so this is a spot-on review for people like us who know their mobile OS
I can't wait to get mine ... damn best buy canada... april 15th pre-order
Gorgonesh said:
T he XOOM is a Google experience device and will get updates, and quicker than the Samsung products which will have to wait for TouchWiz to be pasted over top. After watching many Galaxy S users on carriers in the US wait for Froyo Samsung would be the last manufacturer I'd purchase from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems a lot of people over here on the Xoom boards are desperately trying to convince themselves that the Samsung tablets will be horribly undated devices. While I can see by their track records that this may most likely be the scenario, they do actually manage to properly update some of their devices. And it should not be that difficult at all to update 2 tablets with little carrier interaction.
Considering the fact that the Samsung tablets have a better screen and a more thinner profile, I would most likely get them over the Xoom regardless of Samsung's interaction.
Gorgonesh said:
This is the second thread I've seen you mention that Moto doesn't update non-carrier devices. Can you provide some reference here? I'm trying to understand how you think that the XOOM isn't going to get updates, especially since it has already received one and there are more on the way. The XOOM is a Google experience device and will get updates, and quicker than the Samsung products which will have to wait for TouchWiz to be pasted over top. After watching many Galaxy S users on carriers in the US wait for Froyo Samsung would be the last manufacturer I'd purchase from.
Back to the review, I also thought it was balanced. iOS is always very polished though it may lack some functionality and features. What it does do it typically does well. The iPad 2 is a device that my wife would appreciate very much and the XOOM is a device that I would prefer and will eventually pick up. I spent a number of years with Nokia Maemo tablets, waiting for Nokia and the community to fix issues and develop. I see a way better experience to come here than I did there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I provided a link in my...erm...second post in this thread, I think it was. My main concern with buying devices of this nature that need updating often is that the makers might tend to disregard their products once they are bought. I'm not rich enough to take a chance on it. Motorola has been known to not support their products over their lifetime so that people will be moved to replace the product with a newer one. Motorola, Samsung, LG and pretty much all of the companies that make devices of this nature do the same. They are in this business with one motive: to make more money. They can't make money wasting time supporting older devices...even though they should. Motorola is in the worse position of them all because they are barely hanging on in the market.
When you know this about a company and then read user reviews that say the same thing, you know there is a serious issue. The link I posted was of a user review on Amazon that says the same thing I do. I already had this knowledge of Motorola prior to reading or knowing of the Amazon user review.
When I made my first post in this section...a completely different thread...I wasn't mindful of this concern with Motorola devices. Then, after having issued the post, I read this thread and started thinking about what I already know and have heard about not just Motorola but all of these device makers. It caused me to have a change of heart about seeking to acquire a Xoom or even the Samsung tablet, when it arrives.
This is why I made additional posts on the matter, to which some people accused me of trolling rather than understanding what had happened. They chose to quickly jump to the assumption I was being a troll rather than contemplating the situation and giving the benefit of the doubt. Their error is not my fault.
I own many Apple products and never respond negatively to people who spit out trash talk about them. I own many other products that get trash-talked from time to time. But I never respond negatively because I allow humans the freedom of saying what they want. They, however, refuse to allow me the same freedom.
Gorgonesh said:
This is the second thread I've seen you mention that Moto doesn't update non-carrier devices. Can you provide some reference here? I'm trying to understand how you think that the XOOM isn't going to get updates, especially since it has already received one and there are more on the way. The XOOM is a Google experience device and will get updates, and quicker than the Samsung products which will have to wait for TouchWiz to be pasted over top. After watching many Galaxy S users on carriers in the US wait for Froyo Samsung would be the last manufacturer I'd purchase from.
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Agreed, I don't know where this perception is coming from.
Also, don't forget that HTC tablets will get delayed updates as well since they'll be running Sense for HC. Looks like Xoom might be the one getting the quickest updates since we're still on the stock HC experience.
I have a birthday coming up in late May. I have a rooted Color Nook which has the feel (and freedom) of the early days of PCs and the Internet (I'm 57) when the idea was knowledge not so much profit. Before the CN I didn't even know XDA existed but their work has me feeling like I'm back in the bulletin board days hacking a 8088 with machine code or scanning phone numbers for unannounced modem connections. Anyone remember when Redhat was the good guys instead of the corporate guys?
Anyway Ive held off buying a iPad2 and am really leaning toward a XOOM, but is it a device "too far?" My laptop is a Dell Studio xps 1645 with an i7 820 and without doubt it was released too early and took two bios updates to get everything working with out auto shutdown every 5 min. Lots of folks returned the units but it is a great laptop now. Stable and fast.
So ... what about the Xoom? Is it the wrong hardware at the right time or can users depend upon Motorola to fix the bugs and end up with a quality machine? I'm six weeks away from plucking some money down on something, so would you guys repeat the purchase? Stick with Motorola?
Most of the issues some people are having are not Motorola but Google Honeycomb. It is a new OS for tablets, basically a 1.0 release. As with any new product version, there will be some issues. It will mature like everything else. Despite some shortcomings, I love it and look forward to the updates and new features in the future.
Forum error: 'Is the xoom good?' thread count overflow.
Seriously, another one?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
I'd do it again. In fact next week I will be doing it again when I get my wife one.
I suspect lots of the bugs are from apps not necessarily intended for honey comb, and HC's lack of optimization in a rush to get a product to an OEM (Read Google to Moto).
I don't have any issues with my Xoom, and I use it as a Laptop replacement. Mainly because I do development work on my desktop, and I don't need a portable device that oozes with power.
Like I said, I don't have any issues at all with my WiFi Xoom. I haven't filled up the available 28 gigs of memory yet, so SD is a non issue for me until I do. But I don't see my self filling it up any time soon since most of my MP3's are on Amazon using CloudPlayer.I should say most of the MP3's I listen to - i have 158 gigs of music- but most of it is useless now that Pandora is around.
I do wish there where more HC friendly Widgets, the home screens are a lot of screen real estate with not much to fill them up right now.
It's not a bust for me because I'm really enjoying it personally. Sure its not perfect, but I'm confident that Google/Motorola will get the bugs worked out.
The amount of stuff that you can mess with is very very limited right now because the source for honeycomb still hasn't been released. The advantage from a nerd perspective is that this is the only tablet out there with a truly tablet-optimised operating system, so the most exciting part is looking at the potential that this thing will eventually have. The problem is by the time the source code hits, it will certainly not be the only tablet running honeycomb, and probably not the most powerful. So if your only goal is to play with the software, then I would hold off on buying a tablet at all. If you want to do that down the line, but in the meantime want a cool, fully functional tablet for what it was intended to do, its a great device, and most of the limitations outside of the OS have to do with the current apps being updated and optimised for tablets, which could literally happen at any time (I check the market for updates first thing every day). I personally use my xoom for everything, and my laptop gets used for modifying my android devices through adb etc., as a bulky and expensive HD, and to make sure my spreadsheets don't look weird before I send them out (won't someone figure out how to put a logo header on a spreadsheet?).
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Honeycomb is a year too late to be in this condition. Im inclined to say it is a bhst.
Sent frk my Xoom
The only bust is this thread.
Please search next time before creating a new thread. This is one of a handful of similar threads.
The eLocity A7 is a 2.2 tablet, so it is being eclipsed by the new 3.0 tablets. But the current A7 prices ($180 used, $240 new on eBay) are much lower than the 3.0 tablets. So I've been contemplating picking one up for noodling around while I am riding around on mass transit. Basically playing Angry Birds, Plants versus Zombies, listening to MP3's, reading Kindle books, and watching videos. As an unlocked device it might also be fun to try other ROM's too. So I am curious about current user's perceptions.
Would you buy your A7 again at current prices?
How usable is it out of the box versus needing to install Dexter's ROM's?
As I understand it, the A7 isn't true multi-touch, but does support pinch to zoom. How limiting have you found this?
Dexter appears to be hard at work on A7comb, but there are bugs. Have user's found this a viable way to use Honeycomb on the A7?
I just bought one the other week for 240 off of ebay and am loving it. Don't feel like there is anything in the same price range that can do what it does. I simply wanted to be able to play nes, snes, and psx roms on the go with an xbox 360 controller, as well as play HD videos and output it through HDMI. So I am happy with my purchase.
I would definitely recommend putting on dexters mod as well as the xbox patch if you have a 360 controller.
I feel though if you don't want the 360 controller support there might be better options for you in this price range that still have hdmi support.
Thanks good to hear. I had heard about the 360 controller support, but I doubt I would use that during the commute.
I would buy the A7 at current prices. I paid $300 when they first appreaed on Amazon becuse I wanted Tegra performance with plenty of RAM and Storage. I would definitely use Dexters ROM becuase it gives you the market. (Three Cheers for Dex)
I use Dolphin HD for a browser and A7 Zooming works just fine just by touching the + - screen icon.
I use the Nook Reader, do email and calendars, surf the web and listen to my favorite MP3. Except for the reader, these are activities I used to do on my little droid. These are much better on the A7.
I also use a Tega2 which is a 10.1 tablet which will run Android or Windows. Right now I am running Win7 Professional and it does everything a Netbook would do. If Windows 8 meets my expectations, I will use it on the Tega2 10.1.
I will be upgrading my phone soon. I am considering a an HTC Thunderbolt setup to take advantage of Verizon's very fast 4G. The Thunderbolt will also act as a mobile Hotspot for my A7 and make it truley mobile.
Price is what you pay; value is what you get. I am satisfied with the value of my A7.
I do have one gripe for StreamTV, makers of the A7. I don't think they understand or appreaciate the value of the Dexter's of this world. Their hardware would be so much more valueable if they cooperated with the XDA community and Dexter and help him realize the full potential of the hardware. I keep hoping StreamTV managment will wake up one day and empower the XDA community with A7's code. Doing so would only enhance the name and value of StreamTV.
I do have one gripe for StreamTV, makers of the A7. I don't think they understand or appreaciate the value of the Dexter's of this world. Their hardware would be so much more valueable if they cooperated with the XDA community and Dexter and help him realize the full potential of the hardware. I keep hoping StreamTV managment will wake up one day and empower the XDA community with A7's code. Doing so would only enhance the name and value of StreamTV
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I know they don't know jack, i talk to two differen person there a lady and guy and none of them have any idea about what is going on with their own product, i mention to the guy about dexter and xda because they have a piece on dexter and xda on their site and they still don't have a clue..
Oh and i would recommend to get the a7 anytime...
efranco47 said:
I do have one gripe for StreamTV, makers of the A7. I don't think they understand or appreaciate the value of the Dexter's of this world. Their hardware would be so much more valueable if they cooperated with the XDA community and Dexter and help him realize the full potential of the hardware. I keep hoping StreamTV managment will wake up one day and empower the XDA community with A7's code. Doing so would only enhance the name and value of StreamTV.
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StreamTV/eLocity are not the manufacturers of this device. The manufacturer is Compal, and eLocity is just a branded reseller.
Also I REALLLLLY suspect that they don't have anything to do with any coding at all, never mind releasing more than they already have... Remember back to when they were releasing kernel source. They blamed the delays on their "overseas programmers". Sure it takes a little reading between the lines, but they couldn't provide anything because the actual manufacturer hadn't supplied them with anything.
Not so much...
It has been a special experience getting these various ROMs that have been giving a much needed level of usefulness to the Elocity A7. If I knew it was going to require all this to get some basic enjoyment out of this device, it would have never been purchased with my tech dollars. Kudos to Dexter and others for making it worth more than a Frisbee but, Archos seems like it may have been a better choice or simply waiting for the dust to settle before buying anything at all.
Multi-touch, which is very standard now and was even on lower powered handsets when this Tab came out, just seems like a must have.
We know tablets work differently than phones but, having affordable large MicroSD cards but a poor access and management solution just blows, perhaps this device was rushed to shelves too soon.
Nice bright 7" inch display with non-backlit keys...this has been aggravating on numerous occasions.
Every once in a while I take a look at that docking port and mumble "one day, one day".
There has been occasions when a daydream about what could be done if the SIM card slot wasn't blocked would pop into my head then that too fades away.
Very grateful for the ear-buds that were included, they really make up for the low volume of the built-in speakers.
There are many great aspects about this tablet but, it's not without it's flawS.
I recently got another tablet, Acer Iconia A500 which i started supporting..
and i can say, that i suspect knowing where the latest COMPAL "picasso" went
Iconia A500 is another COMPAL product, but fully 3.1 compatible and probably 2nd/3rd gen. of compal products..
so if you find a compal picasso dupe, it is probably compatible with acer's latest product. but the devices are now locked (but they can be semi-opened), so its not easy to modify, but it is possible.
anyways, i think thats why the new products are delayed probably where compal put its focus now.. making 3.x tablets..
and to keep topic,
is the IconiaA500 in US, not compable pricewise to $300 ?
Honeycomb on A7, folio100,Vega etc.. are all using semi-GL drivers, which does not work 100% which makes it not perfect, but A7 works prety ok (i havent installed the original mod since my honeycomb install).. but since its not getting drivers made and any new kernel compiled, a real update is far from being made..
Dexter, the Iconia A500 is $450 in the US. If I was going to spend that amount I would likely opt for the Asus at 400 as I think there build quality is usually pretty good.
If I understand the driver issue. StreamTV released the kernel source, but the drivers remained closed source? So the 2.2 binary drivers aren't fully compatible with Honeycomb?
Even with it's super sensative screen and horrible built in speakers I would still go out and buy another one if I had to. It's HDMI out, super fast processor and great price are a good deal IMO.
Martin_H said:
Dexter, the Iconia A500 is $450 in the US. If I was going to spend that amount I would likely opt for the Asus at 400 as I think there build quality is usually pretty good.
If I understand the driver issue. StreamTV released the kernel source, but the drivers remained closed source? So the 2.2 binary drivers aren't fully compatible with Honeycomb?
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In Denmark Acer is actually cheaper ($15), but it has the extra builtin usb device port. and it seems now that the "dolby" feature acer got, it much preferred over assus when it comes to audio.
A7,
the drivers are there, and source is ok. but its an old one, and nvidia adapted drivers differently..and im no that "hardcore" when it comes to drivers conversion where needed..
but it is all there, 2.6.32.9 kernel source is ok, i compiled and used it for some ports.
So dexter the A7 reach its potential with updates, vizio or asus will be my next choice..
netsurge said:
Even with it's super sensative screen and horrible built in speakers I would still go out and buy another one if I had to. It's HDMI out, super fast processor and great price are a good deal IMO.
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Agreed 100%
For the money, it's a great device.
I find every last complaint about it unfounded... If people wanted all the features of a $700+ tablet, then they would have bought one. Don't spend less than half of that and complain because it doesn't have a couple of the same features lol
netstat_EVO said:
Agreed 100%
For the money, it's a great device.
I find every last complaint about it unfounded... If people wanted all the features of a $700+ tablet, then they would have bought one. Don't spend less than half of that and complain because it doesn't have a couple of the same features lol
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The A7 is a super sweet tablet. My eyes are not what they used to be and I really needed something with a larger screen so I bought the WiFi Xoom, and my daughter promptly stole the A7 from me. Size-wise, the A7 is really great (nice and light and a good size for many games) but hard for me to use on the road for work because it has such a small screen. Also battery life is too short, but with the Pal Energizer power pack 8000 (supports 19 v) that can be fixed (though one more thing to carry). Multi-touch is nice but my Xoom is almost too sensitive.
I think each tablet has it's own ups and downs, but I love them both.
Both are also greatly improved by being rootied and customized, so huge thanks to all the developers!
I'm sold, compared to the resistive screen tablets which are not much cheaper, the A7 sounds like a better option. I know about the short battery life, but I plan to use on the T, charge, then then use on the way home.
I'll reply when I become a user which should hopefully be soon.
A7 is a good alternative for now, at the price you can get it! 110%..
if you dont mind the small limitation of android2.2 or semi-3.0 i have given the added value of a A7. its a nice tablet, and i have used it more often than my folio100 ever was in my living room..and it kinda light weight
An aside for anyone thinking of buying a used A7. I've watched several eBay auctions (and won one last night). A 3 month old A7 with case went for $168.50, another a7 failed to meet its reserve and the auction ended at $157.50.
I won an auction for an a7 with case and 16 GB SD card for $190. I figured the SD card and case made it worth a bit more.
So all of these prices are inline with my observation that a used A7 is going for about $180 US.
Martin_H said:
An aside for anyone thinking of buying a used A7. I've watched several eBay auctions (and won one last night). A 3 month old A7 with case went for $168.50, another a7 failed to meet its reserve and the auction ended at $157.50.
I won an auction for an a7 with case and 16 GB SD card for $190. I figured the SD card and case made it worth a bit more.
So all of these prices are inline with my observation that a used A7 is going for about $180 US.
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Lucky.
I paid a little over $300 for my A7, plus a new 16bg mircoSD, plus a case
Well new has a warranty while used is a risk. But if I have a working A7 a week from now (that keeps working) I will feel lucky.
Martin_H said:
Well new has a warranty while used is a risk. But if I have a working A7 a week from now (that keeps working) I will feel lucky.
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Best of luck.
As long as you keep your expectations of it realistic, you'll love it.