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At the risk of being attacked for being a total noob, I must say this.
<rant>
I have an ipad.
I have an iphone 3gs. Apple won't let me tether the iphone 3gs to my ipad, because they are evil and greedy (for no other reason).
And because they are evil and greedy, I've chosen to buy another phone (htc desire) that I was told would wifi tether because it was running the latest version of android bla bla bla. You get the picture.
I should have done my home work. Turns out, I have to root the phone? Which could brick it, and cause a nightmare of issues. Also, the wifi tether doesn't actually work properly. You have to manually assign an ip address and can only use WEP. Bah!
HTC doesn't even support syncing the phone to a MAC. You can tell they are really interested in gaining market share (not).
Am I the only person who just wants this phone to tether to an iPad and do the other normal phone things with no hassle? I'm all for advancing technology by way of bricking your expensive phones etc. But sometimes things should 'just work' *laughs at self for saying something so apple'esque*
</rant>
Just plug it up with the USB... the Desire has built in tethering capabilities.
Nope.
Whiterin said:
Just plug it up with the USB... the Desire has built in tethering capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With a macbook, no it doesn't.
With an iPad. Definitely not.
wtf
p.s. This isn't a Theme and App topic, so to the mod who moved it. wtf?
This is about android development for the HTC Desire.
Blame Steve Jobs for that. He does not allow it.
This is not Android issue.
Sirako5 said:
With a macbook, no it doesn't.
With an iPad. Definitely not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gogol said:
Blame Steve Jobs for that. He does not allow it.
This is not Android issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's not an Android issue, but android exists to offer alternatives to Steve Jobs and apples monarchy. So I was hoping somebody would figure out a way successfully create a wifi tether application that works without rooting and potentially bricking the htc desire. Maybe the android people at google could make this an out of the box feature, to cut into apple's market share.
Well, if tethering is disabled on apple devices, then it's probably not going to work (for very long at least) even with a root or a new feature.
When your phone creates a wifi network, how would the apple device know what it is? If you ensure your wifi network is a standard protocol, the mac, iPad whatever can't tell. It just connects, provided the phone does the wifi part properly.
iPhone developers created myWi, works with no issues at all. Costs $10 bucks.
I'd pay $20 bucks for a working version on the HTC Desire.
wifi tether work after rooting.. install "wifi tether", you can find it in android market..
then read this guide:
1) started wifi tether on desire
2) connect iPad (or any other device) to desire wifi network
3) set ip static on iPad (or any other device):
IP address 192.168.2.100
subnet mask 255.255.255.255
gateway 192.168.2.254
dns 192.168.2.254
4) ping with terminal emulator command :
ping 192.168.2.100
5) killed ping
6) goto safari (or any other internet browser) and surf on web .....
100% working
Yeah,
I get that you can get it working, and I appreciate your tips.
However the point remains, that as a consumer, and purchaser of a phone that is meant to compete with the iphone. I should not have to root my htc desire, and screw around with ip addresses and subnet masks, just to get this phone to do something my iphone can do.
Get it?
Your iPhone can't do it though. If it could you wouldn't be ranting in here, would you?
If you are unhappy with having to actually do something that requires very, very little effort then I suggest you stick to Apple products.
Both apple & HTC disable these options for many reasons. At least you can by pass this block in your HTC via rooting. Just follow all the great advice from these forums and you'llbe safe. And if you brick your phone it sounds like you can afford a replacement as you already have a iphone, ipad, htc, etc
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randomsuffix said:
Your iPhone can't do it though. If it could you wouldn't be ranting in here, would you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My iphone CAN do it. It's called mywi. I explained this in the first post.
randomsuffix said:
If you are unhappy with having to actually do something that requires very, very little effort then I suggest you stick to Apple products.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unhappy that HTC doesn't make the phone sync with a MAC by default. I'm also unhappy that creating a wifi from the phone is something you need to root the phone to do. I'm also unhappy that to do it on a HTC Desire requires additional steps which include ****ing around with ip address's and subnet masks.
I'm right when I say, that HTC and the Android community need to spot the market share and steal it.
Not everyone can be bothered figuring out how to download roms and root phones. If this functionality came out of the box, it would be a major selling point.
I'm unhappy that HTC doesn't make the phone sync with a MAC by default. I'm also unhappy that creating a wifi from the phone is something you need to root the phone to do.
I'm right when I say, that HTC and the Android community need to spot the market share and steal it.
Not everyone can be bothered figuring out how to download roms and root phones. If this functionality came out of the box, it would be a major selling point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the things you stated would be sweet to have. I've rooted my Desire just to tether and to run Apps from SD. However, WiFi tethering still isn't hassle free. Sure I'll use it if I really have to, but at this point it certainly isn't something.to show off to people. Symbian phones can do it without hacking, using Joikuspot app (currently $5). Come to think of it, doesn't the Palm Pre also offer WiFi tether out of the box?
I've had the Desire for 2 weeks now, I kind of like it, but find that Android isn't really much more open than iPhone OS. On a jailbroken iPhone, I can do pretty much everything, I can on my rooted Desire, except for the obvious things as is LED flash and Flash Lite in the browser. None of which are really great.
About syncing with your Mac, comming from an Apple only set up I had the same issues. I suggest you try googling for SyncMate and you probably already know DoubleTwist for syncing media.
As last word of advice, keep your iPhone, I sure will mine.
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Sirako5 said:
I'm also unhappy that creating a wifi from the phone is something you need to root the phone to do. I'm also unhappy that to do it on a HTC Desire requires additional steps which include ****ing around with ip address's and subnet masks.
I'm right when I say, that HTC and the Android community need to spot the market share and steal it.
Not everyone can be bothered figuring out how to download roms and root phones. If this functionality came out of the box, it would be a major selling point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're unhappy about this, you're unhappy about that. You can be unhappy as much as you want but that's how it's working right now. I know that it's a hassle using Wi-Fi tether on the desire right now. But it'll get better. You can't just say "Make it so" and expect it'll be done. The guys on this forum are trying the best they can. You don't like it there are alternatives.
And as you said in the first post, you would have known all these issues if you informed yourself better before purchasing the phone, and not complain that this is somehow a problem that android or the devs here created.
You are wrong and sound stupid. Wifi tethering is not free nor is it an option so if you want it you have to root your phone. Why should wifi tethering be free? Not to mention the palm pre plus and palm pre pixie come with the app from Verizon, the sprint versions do not. The evo comes with sprint hotspots. If you don't have a hot spot app blame your carrier not android moron.
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
Your iPhone can't do it though. If it could you wouldn't be ranting in here, would you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My iphone CAN do it. It's called mywi. I explained this in the first post.
If you are unhappy with having to actually do something that requires very, very little effort then I suggest you stick to Apple products.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unhappy that HTC doesn't make the phone sync with a MAC by default. I'm also unhappy that creating a wifi from the phone is something you need to root the phone to do. I'm also unhappy that to do it on a HTC Desire requires additional steps which include ****ing around with ip address's and subnet masks.
I'm right when I say, that HTC and the Android community need to spot the market share and steal it.
Not everyone can be bothered figuring out how to download roms and root phones. If this functionality came out of the box, it would be a major selling point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If ya can't be bothered why bother getting one in the first place. And people come here for help with rooting and ROM s that's what the whole sites about.
If you not rooting or have questions rooting related then ask on a forum for USERS not devs.
Sooo glad I never went an got a iPad poo. Even better the HP tablets out soon.
An if your out with it ipoo just sit in McDonald's and get free WiFi or just buy a WiFi router..........
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Sent from my HTC Desire
If you don't have a hot spot app blame your carrier not android moron.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it doesn't have anything to do with the carrier if one's not living in the US. I can tether my phone as much as I want. In Europe we pay for data volume not for the way we use it. Sadly the US trends seem to be spreading to the EU more and more, so maybe one day our freedom of consuming mobile data will end also.
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Sounds like you should have just bought an old 2nd hand crappy winmo 6.1 device and used the wifi tether on that with the sim out your iPhone.
You people are ****ing nuts. (Excluding the nice mac user who wrote some nice things about his experience)
If we could go back a few hundred years, you'd be the kind of people trying to convince yourselves and others, that the african american slaves should be happy with what they've got, and that the right to vote and full pay is pie in the sky and shouldn't be free.
If HTC and android figured out a way to make wifi tether come out of the box, do you think HTC phones sales would drop? or increase?
If HTC offered supported software to tether and sync their phones to macs, do you think their phone sales would drop? or increase?
I'm not asking for something that is impossible or expensive. It is not included out of pure laziness. It's not included because you're happy with what little you get for free from the hard working developers in this community who are working on it, because there is no alternative.
To the iphone guy who advised I keep my iphone. You're right. I will. It was stupid of me to expect HTC and android could come close to replacing it. And I imagine this will continue to be the case until HTC learns to take care of their apple users who are wishing to defect.
Hi guys,
After checking all the reviews, discussions and spent quite some hours in the store playing it, I can definitely feel the new era of tablet is coming. The 7" display is perfect for reading and the weight is not a burden for single hand holding. But the thing is I already have a i9000 (Galaxy S vibrant from Bell Canada using on Fido) with 6GB of mobile data. I am currently debating if I should jump in the TAB bandwagon now... Can someone share some thoughts on the following:
1. What's the future of Galaxy tab? I've been reading quite a lot of online articles and lots critics are saying the current android versions are yet to be ready to be served as "tablet" OS. What do you guys think?! I am pretty sure tab will get 2.3 in early next year but will it be getting 3.0 as well (official, not by XDA-gods)?
2. Like I mentioned, I already have a i9000 with me all the time, I really do not think it will be good idea to swap the sim card between teo devices all the times. I believe many of you here have a nice smartphone (android/iphone/BB...) with data plan. Tell me, how do you manage two "smart" devices with one sim card so you do not pay data twice!?
3. To be honest, I do not see myself talking with a 7" tab upside down. I know there're bluetooth solutions (hand free), but any other thoughts?! I saw someone's review on the SE liveview, but I personally think this device is yet to be matured but the device got very good potential in the future if they keep developing it. Did anyone try to pair bluetooth hand free+liveview+tab all three at the same time? So when liveview vibrates I can quickly answer the call with bluetooth handfree...
4. Are you happy with your wifi only tab?! I will be traveling to US soon, where can I get a good price on wifi only tab other than ebay?! If I cannot manage two devices with one sim card, I think a wifi tab is not a bad choice... worst comes worst, I will use mobile AP on my i9000 to share data with tab.
Thanks for your sharing, any comments will be greatly appreciated.
cheers!
To answer question 2 I set up my mobile as a wifi hotspot and connect with my tab.
In the new year there will be a load of new tabs on the market, perhaps its wise to hold off until then.
The galaxy tab will be in the sales by then anyway
Sent from my ZTE-U V880 using XDA App
Replied inline.
ymlccc said:
Hi guys,
1. What's the future of Galaxy tab? I've been reading quite a lot of online articles and lots critics are saying the current android versions are yet to be ready to be served as "tablet" OS. What do you guys think?! I am pretty sure tab will get 2.3 in early next year but will it be getting 3.0 as well (official, not by XDA-gods)?
Does it really matter if it gets 2.3 or 3.0? You should always buy a device for what it does NOW, not what it could do. And the Tab does a whole helluva lot right now, today, with 2.2. Anything else would be gravy.
That said, it'll get 2.3 at the very least.
2. Like I mentioned, I already have a i9000 with me all the time, I really do not think it will be good idea to swap the sim card between teo devices all the times. I believe many of you here have a nice smartphone (android/iphone/BB...) with data plan. Tell me, how do you manage two "smart" devices with one sim card so you do not pay data twice!?
You know, I have a Galaxy S as well, been using one since July, best smartphone I've ever owned, love it.
But you what else? Since I picked up the Tab 3.5 weeks ago, I barely use the SGS for anything besides voice calling, and glancing at the weather.
Since I might use something like 30 voice minutes a YEAR, I'm seriously contemplating saying goodbye to the SGS, sticking that voice-data (and free US data roaming) SIM in my Tab and dropping the tablet data-only/Canada-only plan .
3. To be honest, I do not see myself talking with a 7" tab upside down. I know there're bluetooth solutions (hand free), but any other thoughts?! I saw someone's review on the SE liveview, but I personally think this device is yet to be matured but the device got very good potential in the future if they keep developing it. Did anyone try to pair bluetooth hand free+liveview+tab all three at the same time? So when liveview vibrates I can quickly answer the call with bluetooth handfree...
You can get vibrating bluetooth earpieces.
4. Are you happy with your wifi only tab?! I will be traveling to US soon, where can I get a good price on wifi only tab other than ebay?! If I cannot manage two devices with one sim card, I think a wifi tab is not a bad choice... worst comes worst, I will use mobile AP on my i9000 to share data with tab.
There is no such thing as a WiFi-only Tab right now, probably won't be for at least another month, and if/when it is released you'll have to hack it for Market support, guaranteed.
Also, don't count on using that mobile AP for longer than about an hour before the i9000 is drained.
Prices will come down a bit on the 3G versions of the Tab, but not a lot. The price drops in the UK were simply adjustments to bring them more in-line with US pricing, not as a panic or market correction.
I'd always recommend paying the price premium for the 3G version over the mythical WiFi-only version because doing so means you don't have to wait, you can enjoy your Tab immediately, and you have more options. Use it without a SIM and it becomes a WiFi-only device at that point, with the option to use 3G if the need arises.
Keep in mind that nobody besides Samsung has any idea what price point the WiFi-only version will come in at, if it is actually released. How can it be much cheaper than the 3G version? A 3G radio and antenna array costs only a few dollars...not hundreds. Even Apple, just about the worst gougers ever in the electronics world, only charge a $75-100 premium for the 3G version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
roy8846 said:
To answer question 2 I set up my mobile as a wifi hotspot and connect with my tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having major problems trying to do this, and keeping my Tab will depend on me figuring out why my mobile wifi hotspot phone works with regular computers but not my Tab
Been ready to throw the Tab off a cliff because it makes no sense when it has WEP connectivity but can't see my phone's WEP hotspot.
Suleeto said:
I am having major problems trying to do this, and keeping my Tab will depend on me figuring out why my mobile wifi hotspot phone works with regular computers but not my Tab
Been ready to throw the Tab off a cliff because it makes no sense when it has WEP connectivity but can't see my phone's WEP hotspot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Galaxy Tab does not detect my HD2 router, I tested several softwares of the Android Market, but none connected, someone were finding the access point, but none was connecting. That is the worst!
We need a hack or something to do this work.
But my HD2 connects with the Galaxy Tab wifi router!
The galaxy tab does not see adhoc networks. You would have to use a mobile ap. Hope this helps.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
cnuckols1 said:
The galaxy tab does not see adhoc networks. You would have to use a mobile ap. Hope this helps.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true, however some phones can create real infrastructure wifi networks like the Nexus One.
I was planning on waiting till the wifi version of the tab came out to get it and just tethering it to my phone but I ended up picking up the sprint version and I have to say that I'm glad I did. I'm paying the 30 a month for data but for me it's worthwhile. I know that better tablets will come out but I'm OK with getting a new tablet in another 1-2 years.
I have a galaxy s and the first days I used the tethering option to conect via wifi and worked perfectly.
Now what I do is different. I purchased a double line sim, wich lets you use your sim card in two different devices at the same time including the data plan.
My carrier is Orange in Spain but I suppose all carriers have this option because more and more cars are being sold with stereos that let you insert you sim.
About the future of the tab, its sure its going to be upgraded to gingerbread and to be honest I don't need anything with more power, for the use I give it its perfect and will be for some time.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Well I've had mine for 2 months now and I can unequivocally say go for it.
The device in my opinion works best with a data-only pay as you go plan.
The tab is pretty rubbish as a phone (I find using wired or bt headsets just makes me look like a loonier and generally uncomfortable considering its size), but as an independent 3g/ edge device it saves my phone battery and gives me the option of having a connection even deep in the Russian countryside.
Agps is also important if you drive a lot using navigation, and it wont be available with the wiring only version.
Re usability - with a few simple tweaks I now have a device that runs silky smooth. No less so than my sisters ipad. My browser doesn't lag. My battery lasts 2 days with light use. My email client downloads and opens all attachments and my video player plays almost every file I throw at it. My device is dlna enabled and my initial distrust of the size has turned to a point of pride.
As I've said before, with android, there really is no spoon. It is the finest mobile tablet experience for the road. For home use you should really consider a 10+ inch, windows 7 slate.
Considering the nature of android apps, the only benefits you will see from holding off and buying a tegra 2 powered tablet that's due out in the next few months are higher benchmark scores and lower prices.
In terms of overall build quality, samsungs commitment to updates (there are already TENS OF FIRMWARE versions available) and general awesomeness, I would say tab.
cnuckols1 said:
The galaxy tab does not see adhoc networks. You would have to use a mobile ap. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive my ignorance but what is a "mobile ap" and can it be done on my WM (Tilt 2/Rhodium) phone so I can get a data connection from the phone to the Tab?
Yeah I got the tab within a week of its release in my country and yes it cost a bomb but its worth every penny paid for it! I simply love the size and portability of the tab and the fact that I can have an almost desktop level experience on it!
I love the fact that I can browse the web in full, watch videos embedded in sites, YouTube, javascripts, downloads work great, I can stream music or watch movies or read books or manga or comics, take it out for navigation while driving...the full web experience on the go! The yiuchscreen works like a smooth dream, overall device build quality is awesome...i can check all emails and other stuff...What can be better....
Sure Gingerbread may or may not improve the experience but as it stands now Froyo works like a dream on the tab...the idiot Google spokesperson who commented that Froyp was not optimized for tablets need to be kicked for shooting of his mouth!
For me the Tab is the best device till date - the power of a PC in a compact form factor...I rarely use my PC or netbook or laptops or other mobile devices nowadays...when I need to do something on the net, I reach for the tab!
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Go for it, it's worth every penny you spend on it
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
I think Google very much queered the pitch for devices like the Tab when they said that Android was not optimized for tablets.
An example can be found here, where it says:
According to Barra, Android market apps "just wouldn't run" on a tablet-oriented platform, as Froyo was simply "not designed for that form factor."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I must say that I've not found an app yet that doesn't run on the Tab, though I'm sure they do exist. However, this is no different to any Android phone - there are apps that will run on some phones but not on others, even though they have the same Android version.
This comment is the real deal though:
"We want to make sure that we're going to create a application distribution mechanism for the Android market, to ensure our users have [the] right experience," he added.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no formal "section" in the Android Market for Tablet apps, making it hard to find tablet specific versions - this is true!
However, everyone has picked up on the "not optimized" comment and it gets rolled out all the time by people who basically have never used the Tab in anger.
To be honest though, I think that you can consider the Galaxy Tab running Froyo akin to the iPad running iOS 3.2 - the iPad became a much improved device when iOS 4.2, but was still perfectly fine on iOS 3.2. We should see the same with Gingerbread/Honeycomb.
Regards,
Dave
Thanks guys for the support, yes, I am unboxing my tab right now and darn, I am pretty happy for it (now). But I do use my SGS quite a lot (20 min+ talk) so I need a better management between the phone and tab. I think I am a bit greedy and wish I have data eveywhere and on all my devices.
I personaly think the mobile OS evolves faster than what I can imagine and seriously after the house, car, and then soon kids, a device that will only last 6 to 8 months with further upgrade to me is waste of money. For $650CND+tax, I hope it could last me minimum a yea...
Action plan:
1. Get it unlocked and rooted.
2. Flash it to Euro+Bell modem (mine is Rogers)
3. Find a nice case (no profolio) with kickstand (any recommendations?)
I also think Mobile AP will drain way too much joice from the battery even though I have two spare batteries but it will be not so conveinent in the long run...
ymlccc said:
I think I am a bit greedy and wish I have data eveywhere and on all my devices. ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol...welcome to the club...I have a second sim from Vodafone with an unlimited data and voice plan, under the corporate plan and the service provider keeps on cribbing am not using the voice plan...
I have found the battery to last longer by reducing the screen brightness between 15-20%...
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
I know this is an android only forum, but I have a quick question regarding android xoom vs ipad. I have only had android phones up until now, never an iphone. I played on an ipad over the last 2 days and I am wondering which would be better suited for a corporate environment? What I mean by that, is I plan on using whichever tablet I get for taking notes in meetings, adding events to my calendar quickly and other various "utilities" based applications that would come with a daily corporate life. I know the ipad has had a full year of apps being released over the android, but how long do you think the android will take to get an equivalent amount of utility based applications out? As somebody that has never owned an apple product before, should I just go with the android even though the market scene is lacking and not sure when it'll start gearing up, or should I get an ipad for my day to day use?
I am asking this here because I really wanted a xoom until I heard about the lack of applications that I could even use. The ipad was fun and has a ton of applications, but I want more of a PC like feel (which I think the xoom would give off). I have read that lots of you on here already have an ipad, of course I would wait for the ipad 2, what do you think?
schnoz said:
I know this is an android only forum, but I have a quick question regarding android xoom vs ipad. I have only had android phones up until now, never an iphone. I played on an ipad over the last 2 days and I am wondering which would be better suited for a corporate environment? What I mean by that, is I plan on using whichever tablet I get for taking notes in meetings, adding events to my calendar quickly and other various "utilities" based applications that would come with a daily corporate life. I know the ipad has had a full year of apps being released over the android, but how long do you think the android will take to get an equivalent amount of utility based applications out? As somebody that has never owned an apple product before, should I just go with the android even though the market scene is lacking and not sure when it'll start gearing up, or should I get an ipad for my day to day use?
I am asking this here because I really wanted a xoom until I heard about the lack of applications that I could even use. The ipad was fun and has a ton of applications, but I want more of a PC like feel (which I think the xoom would give off). I have read that lots of you on here already have an ipad, of course I would wait for the ipad 2, what do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would wait for what the ipad2 is going to offer and also see if the xoom gets any updates while you waiting for ipad2 launch. I think this will give you a couple months to decide if you have that much time. Are you needing things like coporate sync and exchange too?
Yes. Both. It would be nice to sync up with my Google stuff, but I honestly don't use it that much. I would probably use that stuff more if I had an android tablet. I just really don't like the idea of having everything go through iTunes. But if the IPad would work better for what I need, I guess that is something I would have to overcome.
One thing we are playing with in the office is Citrix receiver for Android. I am using it on my Droid X and in a pinch its great to get me Remote Desktop to my servers and the app from what I have seen is on both platforms so if you have Citrix I would look into that. There are other solutions such as logmein etc. One thing we are patiently waiting to see if it will work is using the HDMI dock connected to a monitor and the BT KB and using it that way. I would love to see some sort of mouse support added similar to what the Atrix is going to offer. I think accessories will be the driving factor in the future of either. Not a real definitive answer but its ideas we are kicking around hope they help.
Citrix admin here... we have been standing up a LOT of senior management on the mobile receiver so it was the first thing I tested on my Xoom. Unfortunately it crashes every time you try to connect I emailed the Citrix receiver product manager already to ask him what's up.
Good luck if your corporate environent uses Proxy and MS Exchange. We've been trying lots of different Android devices (still waiting on the Xoom). The only thing that has worked somewhat consistently is my G-Tablet running a custom rom.
Unless 3.0 has change things, I suspect Android tablets are still not very corporate friendly.
gksmith said:
Good luck if your corporate environent uses Proxy and MS Exchange. We've been trying lots of different Android devices (still waiting on the Xoom). The only thing that has worked somewhat consistently is my G-Tablet running a custom rom.
Unless 3.0 has change things, I suspect Android tablets are still not very corporate friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly have you had trouble with? I've got over a dozen Android devices synced without any issues (other than the initial sync with Droids) in our Exchange environment.
I also synced the Xoom as I walked out of the VZ store without any hiccups whatsoever.
First off, let me say that i'm no fan of Apple and I really can't stand Steve Jobs. Yes, i've bought his products, but I hate being told what to do once I give him my money. I like customization. I like options. Hence, I do not like Steve Jobs.
I was very excited about the Xoom. I checked online every day for information about it since it's announcement. I had very high expectations and, even though the price tag was higher than I wanted to pay, I was the first to buy it at my local Best Buy.
Now, with that being said. I'm coming up on my 14 day return policy and am debating if I should keep it. I am new to this forum and have been reading through all the threads and learned a lot. However, in my learnings, I have also found things that concern me.
To start, let me tell you why I bought it. I had an iPad before and I mainly used it for online browsing around the house. For movies when I go on trips. And I wanted to use the Xoom for all of that, but also as my work and personal organizer. For easy access to business plans and work integration.
Here's where I'm having problems. If these are things that I should expect to be fixed with updates over time, then great. If not, then I'll have to find another option.
1) The Tegra Processor. I read on here that the Tegra Processor is what is preventing the Xoom from playing my divx movies. Now, I have gotten them to work on RockPlayer. But it has that watermark in the top left hand corner and my status bar at the bottom of the xoom never fades out. Also, and this is the biggest problem, the quality doesn't look good. It looks like their is a subtle light grid in the background. Almost like the original LCD's you saw in airports back in the day. When I first heard about the Tegra issues, I was just going to return the Xoom and get another Honeycomb tablet, but then I saw that all of the Android Tablets will have one.
2) The Browser. I did the trips where you go into debug mode and tell the Xoom to view all webpages in Desktop mode, but there are still a few sites that will only show me the mobile mode. Also, I like to have my bookmarks sorted by the order in which I visit them, yet the Xoom seems to randomly organize them for me. Kinda annoying.
3) Accessories. The only thing that I loved about my iPad was not the unit, but the Apple portfolio case. The motorola porfotlio case is just bulky, scratches the unit, and the latch is loose at best. I've found some nice leather cases online, but none that fold over and cover the screen. Yes, I have a screen protector. But, even those I can't find a good one with anti-glare.
4) eMail. I use exchange and apparently my work email is one of the ones that won't work on the xoom. I had to get Roadsync, which is okay, but I just prefer to use the default, integrated email/contacts/calendar programs. My EVO is perfect for this.
5) Widgets. Seriously, what's the deal with having cell phone sized widgets on a 10.1" screen. LauncherPro is nice, but still has custom icons like it's a phone, which I find to be in the way.
I know that most of these things seem small. But when you drop $800 on a device because you expect atleast the same functionality as your smaller cell phone, you come to have higher standards. I knew about Flash and the SD card issue going in, but the rest is bothersome. I know i'm an early adapter and with that comes quirks.
In any case, you all are 1000x smarter than me with this thing. I will take whatever advice you have.
1. Touchdown for tablets is great for email.
2. Some sites might not have updated their pages yet.
3. Apple always gets the third party love but more and more products are coming online everyday check Amazon
4. Being this is Google's flagship devise you have to believe this will be supported with updates and the file types should change
OK, first off, I agree with alot of what you have said, your right the software is a bit buggy at this time, again at this time. What you have to consider is that that this is an android device, and by that I mean it does not have all the overage that alot of companies put out on top of the overall software that make it look nice and neat, to include custom apps and infrastructure, but this also means that it is much easier to update. Half the time lost between when an actual Android update comes out and the time it takes for your device to get that update is due to all the crap that the company puts on top of the original Android infrastructure.
Give it a bit of time and I am sure that most of your problems can be worked out to you satisfaction due to them being software and not hardware problems.
Also take into account that since Motorola chose to use this clean interface it makes it much easier to modify by the hacking community , which is definitely something that an iPad cannot due.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
virgil1528 said:
1) The Tegra Processor. I read on here that the Tegra Processor is what is preventing the Xoom from playing my divx movies.
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Any CPU/GPU can play video so long as it supports the right codecs. Have you tried transcoding to a supported codec?
xlGmanlx said:
1. Touchdown for tablets is great for email.
2. Some sites might not have updated their pages yet.
3. Apple always gets the third party love but more and more products are coming online everyday check Amazon
4. Being this is Google's flagship devise you have to believe this will be supported with updates and the file types should change
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
+1 for Touchdown. It is fantastic for exchange, I use it on both my Evo and Xoom.
If this wasn't a Google Experience device, I'd say your complaints would carry more weight.
However, Google has always done a good job of keeping their GE devices updated and at the forefront.
This device only just came out, I'm fairly sure they will get things handled fairly quickly.
As far as the apps/widgets go. This is still a new device and platform. All android tablets are going to suffer from the same right now. However...again... this issue is largely due to the limited time the device/platform has been available. Within a few weeks...I'm sure we'll see a lot more apps/widgets (even the ipad had limited selection out right). Just think of what it'll be like in a couple of weeks/months with more custom apps/roms/kernels etc...
I had buyers remorse for the first evening...not for any particular reason...and now I can't put it down. Not to mention my wife (who has an iPad), won't shut-up about when she is getting her Xoom
So I would say hang on to it, but that's just me. Do what makes you happy
I've come to the decision that I'll be taking mine back on the 13th day.
I've tried to really give it love and get use out of it, but tablets just don't really fill any niche except "web browsing on the couch".
I'm a sysadmin by day, and although I've carried the Xoom with me every time I step away from my desk, it just hasn't served a single purpose on the job. I had imagined it would be neat to dial into servers using RDP, but the interface is just horrible. I'm much better off just dialing into the server in question at any desk I'm in front of. I'm never more than 8-12 feet from a desktop machine, so there goes that.
Pulse news reader is basically the killer app, but is hardly worth 1000 (799 + tax + extra charger + 129 protection plan against drops for 1yr + case).
Motorola certainly hasn't won me over on the price especially considering I prepaid for it on the first day I could (at two different best buys just to cover bases), and then people who *DIDN'T* do that had a chance at 200 dollars off that was honored in the end. Ridiculous.
I had intended to pick up android development for tablets eventually, but I can hold off and stick with honing my Python until these come way down in price or offer some more functionality.
That's too bad, this has taken over as my laptop and let's me have a mobile office so to speak
For RDP I use Remote RDP light and it works credibly, but if your looking for true RDP functionality then you have to have a mouse and keyboard, and guess what, you bought a tablet with a touch screen interface, you can buy a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you want, but that just means more devices to carry around. A tablet, any tablet, will not be the proper interface for RDP, it can't, it is not a PC with all the perifials. A tablet, as far as RDP is concerned, is a device to do what you have to do when a PC is not around and a cell phone is impractical. As a network administrator I can do some of the emergency things that I need to accomplish while out on the town with my tablet, reading a book, surfing the web, commenting on a blog, watching a movie, all without lugging a laptop.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Yeah, unless you wanted to leave the mouse and just use the tablet as a touch screen with a keyboard your better off with a laptop. But like you said in a pinch its tough too beat
richardjr said:
For RDP I use Remote RDP light and it works credibly, but if your looking for true RDP functionality then you have to have a mouse and keyboard, and guess what, you bought a tablet with a touch screen interface, you can buy a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you want, but that just means more devices to carry around. A tablet, any tablet, will not be the proper interface for RDP, it can't, it is not a PC with all the perifials. A tablet, as far as RDP is concerned, is a device to do what you have to do when a PC is not around and a cell phone is impractical. As a network administrator I can do some of the emergency things that I need to accomplish while out on the town with my tablet, reading a book, surfing the web, commenting on a blog, watching a movie, all without lugging a laptop.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
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Click to collapse
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Usmc7356 said:
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
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I don't imagine I'll walk away and never look back, but now I know what they're good for (and not good for) and when the price wars drive these down to 400ish I'll scoop one up again. : /
Not all tablets are create equal, and sometimes it takes having one first hand to validate all the information out there and how it applies to your situation
ixobelle said:
I don't imagine I'll walk away and never look back, but now I know what they're good for (and not good for) and when the price wars drive these down to 400ish I'll scoop one up again. : /
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Return your Xoom and buy it in 6 months for cheaper price
Or probably there will be a new kind of better Honeycomb tablet at that time.
Usmc7356 said:
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
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codeman05 said:
Well said.
+1 for Touchdown. It is fantastic for exchange, I use it on both my Evo and Xoom.
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I downloaded the free version of Touchdown this morning after reading this thread. Could you explain to me why it is so great? I haven't had time to use it extensively but maybe you can quickly list some advantages over the stock mail client?
Thanks!
I understand your frustration and you ultimately need to do what makes you feel most comfortable. Most of your issues are software related and you know things can only get better with updates. Google has a lot riding on Honeycomb so I expect updates to come fast and often.
1) The Tegra Processor - Seems like your issue is not with the Tegra but with how the codecs handle Divx. Software update could fix this but also developers can do wonders.
2) The Browser - Software update again. The browser is a great starting point and, with some minor tweaks, will be fantastic.
3) Accessories - As more Xooms sell, more 3rd parties will have a business case to make accessories for it. I'm thinking that when the Xoom wifi and Xoom for Europe are released (indications say that will happen at the same time) then we'll see a flood of new 3rd party goodies.
4) eMail - Software update. ALTHOUGH, I'm not 100% sure this is a priority for Google. People complain that they wish the AOSP phones went a step further with their Exchange implementations. Still, the chances are you'll be ok moving forward.
5) Widgets - This is a microcosm of the entire app market right now for Honeycomb. Devs need to start updating their apps with Tablets in mind. Again, more people owning Honeycomb, more reasons for devs to get on it.
The point I'm trying to make is the only way for the Xoom to go is up. As more people buy, more attention the aftermarket will pay to it. If previous Android versions are any indication (and they are,) this is a snowball effect. It'll just get bigger and bigger.
As to the RDP: I use the XtraLogic Remote Desktop app and it works wonderfully, completed designed around the touch interface.
Between Remote Desktop and ConnectBot, I've found a million uses for this as a sysadmin. I don't know how you haven't found a single use for it.
I want to hear from Xoom users some advantages on getting the Xoom. I currently have an iPad 2 and it's cool but there is no JB for it yet. I saw some articles on Google IO today and was amazed at the USB host support which would make it awesome for emulators.
What are some advantages you guys think would be? I currently own an Evo so I'm familiar with Android. I'm more interested in knowing the cool things you can do with it. I found someone in CL who is interested in trading his Xoom for my iPad 2. Thanks.
Reason #1, it gets you away from Kool-Aide drinking mac-bots who think everything has to be white.
Anyone else have a constructive response?
gqstatus0685 said:
I want to hear from Xoom users some advantages on getting the Xoom. I currently have an iPad 2 and it's cool but there is no JB for it yet. I saw some articles on Google IO today and was amazed at the USB host support which would make it awesome for emulators.
What are some advantages you guys think would be? I currently own an Evo so I'm familiar with the Evo. I'm more interested in knowing the cool things you can do with it. I found someone in CL who is interested in trading his Xoom for my iPad 2. Thanks.
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Those of us who show our loyalty to google will be rewarded with land and women once the takeover is complete.
Additionally, flash is neat, USB hosting, I'm fairly siked about google music. Greater customization. I'd wait to see how 3.1 runs but it looks very promising in the dev notes.
you are not bound to itunes, you can customize your UI, your notifications wont interrupt you, its positioned to be compatible with a ****load of other devices, hdmi ready, amazon and sony love android
gqstatus0685 said:
Anyone else have a constructive response?
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How is that not contructive? Apple confines you to their standards. Time to open up and do what the user wants to do....Coca-cola taste a ton better than Kool-Aide
Best advice I can give you is just read the reviews and see if you like it. Seriously read up.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Upcoming ice cream sandwich!
Sent from my Evo using XDA Premium App
http://cameradojo.com/2011/04/20/my-take-on-android-tablets-vs-ipad/
dunno why you need convincing ... just check out the features and play with one at a best buy.
Is Google Body available for the Xoom? I'm interested in that. I'll still have my 1st gen iPad so I don't mind trading it in. Are their any cool things you can do with it like connecting bluetooth devices, etc?
One thing I hate about the iPad 2 is the camera. I took a picture of my daughter up close and it was so blurry I thought she was a UFO. I think it's rated at under 1MP.
MitchRapp said:
dunno why you need convincing ... just check out the features and play with one at a best buy.
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I played with one at Best Buy but it was molested beyond recognition. There was so much stuff scattered all over the screen I didn't have the patience to look through it. I wanted input from someone who owns it and has played with it for over a month.
Are the apps catching up? What I mean by this is are there a lot of tablet apps out yet or just phone apps.
gqstatus0685 said:
Is Google Body available for the Xoom? I'm interested in that. I'll still have my 1st gen iPad so I don't mind trading it in. Are their any cool things you can do with it like connecting bluetooth devices, etc?
One thing I hate about the iPad 2 is the camera. I took a picture of my daughter up close and it was so blurry I thought she was a UFO. I think it's rated at under 1MP.
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see, something you could have easily checked online Google Body is one of the "made for Honeycomb" apps. It was released along with the XOOM.
gqstatus0685 said:
I played with one at Best Buy but it was molested beyond recognition. There was so much stuff scattered all over the screen I didn't have the patience to look through it. I wanted input from someone who owns it and has played with it for over a month.
Are the apps catching up? What I mean by this is are there a lot of tablet apps out yet or just phone apps.
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Click to collapse
Plenty of tablet apps and "tegra HD" apps available.
Also, pretty much every app I've tried that didn't specify Honeycomb support worked anyways. the "HD" games are spectacular (youtube "pinball HD honeycomb" ... it's 2.99 USD (2.84 CDN haha) and it rocks.
multitasking, much better webexperience than safari, flash support
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Starting a thread like this is just to fan the flames of fanboyism. Don't come on this forum and try to stoke fires. Go try them out and make your own decisions.
I actually purchased the Ipad 2 and received it about 2 weeks ago. It took me less than a week to call Apple and request and return package. I then went into Best buy and purchased a Xoom.
Here are the reasons why:
- FLASH: I watch videos online all the time, and most of them are sites that use flash
- Being able to just download a mp3, an image, or even videos right from the browser and save it wherever I want to
- Being able to open the downloaded file with the app I want
- Being able to connect my Xoom to my PC at work and transfer whatever file I want
- Being able to customize my homescreen to my liking
- Notifications
- Widgets (I just hated that fact that I always had to go to the settings to activate bluetooth or wi-fi for example
- Now with Honeycomb 3.1 announced, I'm really not regretting buying the Xoom
h_zee13 said:
I actually purchased the Ipad 2 and received it about 2 weeks ago. It took me less than a week to call Apple and request and return package. I then went into Best buy and purchased a Xoom.
Here are the reasons why:
- FLASH: I watch videos online all the time, and most of them are sites that use flash
- Being able to just download a mp3, an image, or even videos right from the browser and save it wherever I want to
- Being able to open the downloaded file with the app I want
- Being able to connect my Xoom to my PC at work and transfer whatever file I want
- Being able to customize my homescreen to my liking
- Notifications
- Widgets (I just hated that fact that I always had to go to the settings to activate bluetooth or wi-fi for example
- Now with Honeycomb 3.1 announced, I'm really not regretting buying the Xoom
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Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm going to pull the trigger and do the trade. I still have an iPad 1st gen so I can fall back on the apps I love like Netflix. Hopefully they hack other OS's on the Xoom like Linux. Thanks for all the positive responses from the few of you who weren't just looking to increase your post count.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
In short, it's not quite a slick as the iPad 2 and there are nowhere near enough tablet specific apps, but imo the browser is better, it's more customizable, google maps is far better as is the multi-tasking. But you should know that HD videos will require re-encoding due to the Tegra2 chip and it's limitations.
I think the biggest reason you have already mentioned in your post.
Jail-break.
iPad2 is a Jail. It needs to be broken.
I used to be an iPhone user (3GS and 4G).
I am sick of being told you should do things this way and if you don't , you are screwed.
Xoom and all other android device brings me "freedom" in what I OWN.
Specifically in terms of functions
0. Flash
1. You get much better camera (5mp back, 2mp front facing)
2. You have the rights to root it, install customized roms/themes
3. You can install third party apps freely.
4. You can flash kernels to overclock your CPU to 1.5Ghz while iPad 2 is stuck at 1G max
5. You have strong Dev community to create stuff. as long as there is a need. Apparently it requires certain level of computer proficiency but from what you mentioned, you definitely have it.
6. You have google rolling out more and more exciting updates and with an open source concept, the market share of Android will bypass iOS by much and developer community will definitely notice this part of the market and create apps (commercial apps) around it.
7. many apps you know what is going on because you can see source code.
8. To someone who may worry that iPad apps are more than Honeycomb apps, I think at the current rate of brining new apps to platform, it wont be a problem a few months later at all.
9. Oh, you can install and dual boot Ubuntu in it.