I was in Best Buy this weekend when i came across the Acer Iconia. It is a nice little device and it has a lot of potential. I decided to do a little research and come to these forums to get more information.
Here is what I know:
W/O rooting it will support FAT 32 HDD, has a lot of trouble with different video formats, can only playback 720. The camera as not the greatest. Acer provides the updates so you can expect little to no updates by their history (Asus is not much better as I had an Asus O!Play and the support was horrible).
Once rooted you can enable ntfs support.
My question is if it can shoot video in 1080p and it can only playback 720p what happens to the video you watch from your recording? is it getting downsampled? This seemed like an inconsistency to me. Also, is the video issues due to Honeycomb? I would have to think this is true because other users have had success on xoom or the asus eee transformer.
As i was researching i saw the Toshiba ANT. It is basically all the same specs except optimized more for media. Since it is not in stores yet I do not have a lot to compare.
Do other users have any thoughts on these two (Acer from use and TOshiba from reviews?).
Should I just wait until the Toshiba is available? Is Honeycomb going to get a little more mature with an update?
I currently have a rooted EVO and love it. I am adverse to the iPad due to the lack of expandable media and proprietary video chatting.
For my tablet I am looking for 1080 playback, 1080 HDMI out, support for a lot of profiles (but I am willing to handbrake if needed like i did for my evo). Ideally rooting (the Acer is super easy to root), use the apps on my evo on my tablet (I know i have to wait for the honeycomb versions), USB Support for ex journal or ntfs, DLNA support (Twonky is what i use), Video chatting that works (I haven't got a video chat app to work on the evo).
I know its a long list but for the money, I do not want to be disappointed at the lack of features or issues that a lot of these tabs are having.
Thanks for any help and suggestions.
Don't think you will be able to compare the two until the Toshiba comes out and people get their hands on it. I like the Acer, but the biggest problem I'm having right now is the SD card access; you can't see it in Windows, and so far I haven't figured out how to make my media programs store to it. As far as the 720p vs 1080p issue, from what I understand you have to have a screen bigger than 26" or so to be able to tell the difference, so I'm not worried about that one.
This tablet will be a lot better when they unlock the bootloader and the devs start working their magic on it.
Bboy486,
Just an opinion. I just bought an Acer. I studied what I could find
on the Xoom, Acer, ASUS Transformer, Toshiba and Samsung Galaxy
Tab 10.
The all have deficiencies and advantages.
-- Xoom costs too much IMO.
-- ASUS doesn't have USB on tablet and I need that.
-- Samsung also doesn't have (won't have?) good connections.
-- Toshiba has full-size SDCard (I think I remember) but price is suppose to be....
My point is not to provide details on the tablets, but to show that there is no such
thing as a perfect tablet.
IMHO, the Acer Iconia A500 provides the most features I need -- mini and full-size USB, HDMI type d out, microsSD card, very good screen, HC, etc. And the price is
good at $449 too.
I'm sure eventually there will be a better one come along. I'll just have to decide
then whether or not to buy it.
Meanwhile, I'm gonna have some fun!!!!
Rev
P. S. -- The Acer so far is not extremely mod-able. But if it is good for daily use I can
live with that and keep playing with my G-Tablets.
P. S. S. -- Someone was talking about only 720P. If I remember correctly, Acer says it will
have a patch out to up that to 1080p early summer!!??? I think I read that.......
Get Moboplayer in the market for your videos needs. it also has codec's to download so get those too. nuff said
Also the Toshiba looks twice as thick as the Acer. http://www.thetoshibatablet.com/
I would say wait for the Nexus Tablet which is suppose to be release this year. It would make sense to buy Googles development tablet.
We can see updates to Honeycomb directly from Google.
*We know from the past some carriers/manufactures are terrible when releasing OS updates.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2383447,00.asp?kc=PCRSS03079TX1K0000585
SmittyRN said:
Don't think you will be able to compare the two until the Toshiba comes out and people get their hands on it. I like the Acer, but the biggest problem I'm having right now is the SD card access; you can't see it in Windows, and so far I haven't figured out how to make my media programs store to it. As far as the 720p vs 1080p issue, from what I understand you have to have a screen bigger than 26" or so to be able to tell the difference, so I'm not worried about that one.
This tablet will be a lot better when they unlock the bootloader and the devs start working their magic on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Smitty
That is the problem. We don't know when the Toshiba will hit stores or availability. I also do not know what Toshiba historically is known for with software updates. I know from experience the Acer > Asus but < HTC.
On your SD issue, is the card formatted Fat or Fat32? I know this is a Acer Iconia limitation.
When I was referring to 720 vs 1080 i meant the formats of my movies. So for example, if i had a 1080p movie, will the Iconia downsample the video to 720, or give me an error that it cannot play it? I read a bunch about the Iconia having a lot of issues with file formats. My Evo for example can play a 1080p movie with Rockplayer. Works well. Do not need to handbrake the file if I do not want to.
Bootloader - is that the same a the recovery and clockworkmod? I saw a post about an easy root method and a ntfs fix (this might also help you!)
butchconner said:
Bboy486,
Just an opinion. I just bought an Acer. I studied what I could find
on the Xoom, Acer, ASUS Transformer, Toshiba and Samsung Galaxy
Tab 10.
The all have deficiencies and advantages.
-- Xoom costs too much IMO.
-- ASUS doesn't have USB on tablet and I need that.
-- Samsung also doesn't have (won't have?) good connections.
-- Toshiba has full-size SDCard (I think I remember) but price is suppose to be....
My point is not to provide details on the tablets, but to show that there is no such
thing as a perfect tablet.
IMHO, the Acer Iconia A500 provides the most features I need -- mini and full-size USB, HDMI type d out, microsSD card, very good screen, HC, etc. And the price is
good at $449 too.
I'm sure eventually there will be a better one come along. I'll just have to decide
then whether or not to buy it.
Meanwhile, I'm gonna have some fun!!!!
Rev
P. S. -- The Acer so far is not extremely mod-able. But if it is good for daily use I can
live with that and keep playing with my G-Tablets.
P. S. S. -- Someone was talking about only 720P. If I remember correctly, Acer says it will
have a patch out to up that to 1080p early summer!!??? I think I read that.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"-- Toshiba has full-size SDCard (I think I remember) but price is suppose to be...."
--- Not sure if i follow your point here? The prices are 450, 500, and 550 or 600 for 8, 16, 32GB models. They were on amazon, bb, and newegg, but they can change I am sure.
"IMHO, the Acer Iconia A500 provides the most features I need -- mini and full-size USB, HDMI type d out, microsSD card, very good screen, HC, etc. And the price is good at $449 too."
--- I assume you haven't had issues with the FAT 32 limitation of HDD (all my drives are NTFS or ext Journaled. What if you want to play a BluRay RIP? I do agree the price is decent, that is why I am interested.
What do you mean not mod-able? You can root, and i am sure there are themes and launchers available ala OS 2.3.
Do you know where you read about the patch? I have a bad history with Asus and promises of 1080p support on devices. My Acer Revo Atom 230 was also suppose to do 1080, but realistically it can do 720p without a sweat. But Acer promised with FLash 10.1 and hardware acceleration is would work. It didnt though.
akademik09usa said:
I would say wait for the Nexus Tablet which is suppose to be release this year. It would make sense to buy Googles development tablet.
We can see updates to Honeycomb directly from Google.
*We know from the past some carriers/manufactures are terrible when releasing OS updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@akademik09usa
I hear you. There is always going to be something coming out if one waits. I waited for four years for the iphone on verizon. Went to Sprint last summer after 9 years on Verizon and got an evo. I could have waited but I love me phone most of the time after getting comfortable with Android.
Anyway, sorry for the tangent. Your post got me thinking, which updates are you referring to? If the Acer for example is rooted and i take an OTA then it will unroot the phone. I was told do not accept OTA updates and wait for the rom.
Is there a difference. The beauty of Android is that the great devs on this forum with custom roms include updates to the OS.
At least that is my understanding. Am I off base?
Bboy486 said:
@Smitty
That is the problem. We don't know when the Toshiba will hit stores or availability. I also do not know what Toshiba historically is known for with software updates. I know from experience the Acer > Asus but < HTC.
On your SD issue, is the card formatted Fat or Fat32? I know this is a Acer Iconia limitation.
When I was referring to 720 vs 1080 i meant the formats of my movies. So for example, if i had a 1080p movie, will the Iconia downsample the video to 720, or give me an error that it cannot play it? I read a bunch about the Iconia having a lot of issues with file formats. My Evo for example can play a 1080p movie with Rockplayer. Works well. Do not need to handbrake the file if I do not want to.
Bootloader - is that the same a the recovery and clockworkmod? I saw a post about an easy root method and a ntfs fix (this might also help you!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My card is FAT32. I can see the card via Astrofile, I just have no option to save things to it via any apps. I'll live with it for now, hopefully some custom ROMs will be coming along soon.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA Premium App
rog152 said:
Get Moboplayer in the market for your videos needs. it also has codec's to download so get those too. nuff said
Also the Toshiba looks twice as thick as the Acer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure the thickness bothers me. I am planning on carrying a portable HDD with my media so the Weight is not too much of a concern. Otherwise I would just get an iPad2.
Isn't moboplayer the same thing as rock player?
Bboy486 said:
Not sure the thickness bothers me. I am planning on carrying a portable HDD with my media so the Weight is not too much of a concern. Otherwise I would just get an iPad2.
Isn't moboplayer the same thing as rock player?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had better luck with Rockplayer than moboplayer
Related
Hello,
I just received my Toshiba folio 100 with android 2.2. I'm trying to install 10.1 version of adobe flash since 2 hours but without success.
Has anyone already done it?
There's no Android Market on this device. I've downloaded the 10.1.95.2 apk file and installed it, but it froze my browser.
Any help would be welcomed.
Thanks,
Pedro
Sorry I can't help as I don't have one but when did they launch and where can you get one? How much?
How are you finding it? Would love to hear a review.
It has Opera Mobile 10 doesn't it? would that version work for other phones as well?
cmit37 said:
Sorry I can't help as I don't have one but when did they launch and where can you get one? How much?
How are you finding it? Would love to hear a review.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that great, and not coming to the US either.
Toshiba Folio 100 preview
By Paul Miller posted Sep 2nd 2010 12:21PM
http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/toshiba-folio-100-preview/
We just got to handle the Folio 100, after witnessing it bolted to a wall earlier, and we have to admit that it's lighter and thinner than it looks at first glance. Unfortunately, it still feels pretty cheap, and we're not sure how much we trust ourselves one-handing something this large and fragile seeming. Our brief glimpse of Toshiba's custom skin on here was most depressing -- it's not final, but we're not sure why Toshiba is even bothering showing anything in this abysmal state. The bits we've seen of Toshiba's market (for music, apps, e-books and so forth) look a bit better, but as far as we know there's no official Android Market on this thing -- a kiss of death for almost any Android device. Toshiba's biggest failure here, however, is probably the LCD it sourced for this tablet -- the screen looks as cheap and low res as could be, and while a €399 list price is decent for a tablet this size, it hardly seems a good excuse to stoop to KIRF-level components. Hit up the gallery for all the angles, along with some comparison shots with the mind share monopolizing iPad.
Update: We just heard from Toshiba's US team and there are apparently no plans to bring the Folio 100 stateside. Given our lackluster first impressions, we can't say we're all that upset by that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't seem to find anywhere this Toshiba Folio can be purchased yet, it's apparently supposed to be released October 2010 for £329.
A dump of that Opera Mobile should be interesting as it's not going to be out yet for Android publicly probably for a little bit longer. It's been shown off since February and here's a video on the Galaxy S. It's the same guy in both videos but his hair seems to have green since February in the latest one.
Are there any other reports of Opera Mobile being preloaded on any other device?
About the Adobe Flash though, the press release here [PDF] advertises it's Adobe Flash 10.1 trueness so I would assume it's pre-installed like on the Froyo Galaxy S update (albeit not the latest version, it's always updating being Flash and all).
If you're trying to install it from a provided APK and it's crashing maybe it's because the NVIDIA Tegra2 the tablet's supposed to have is a dual core chip and Adobe needs to provide a special version for it (don't trust me on this).
Currys in Croydon has one on display. I had a play with it and haven't been very impressed.
Good:
- Android 2.2
- We plugged in a USB keyboard and it worked instantly and the sales advisor said that a USB mouse worked just as well.
- The Toshiba file browser makes it easy to access the USB port and the SD card (Full sized SD slot I think)
- Has four buttons on the side but I like the fact that you have to press them deliberately to activate them rather than just accidentally brushing over them and closing your app like with my Galaxy S.
- Tegra 2
Bad:
- It looks really cheap and the LCD panel is like one of the cheapest netbook panels you can find on the market. The Galaxy Pad and the iPad were displayed next to it and they just made it look even cheaper
- Fonts don't look very smooth
- I couldn't get flash websites to play when just switched on. I found an apk of 10.1 and installed it however it started to crash the android browser. The sales assistant said that he would look into enabling flash. I'll check back in a few days to give flash on BBC iPlayer a go.
- Barely any apps installed by default. - I'd forgive the app problem in the case of the Vega due to the much lower price but is not forgiveable in the case of the Folio when it looks like a Asda's own brand electronic photo frame and it costs £330
- Swiping through the interface didn't feel any smoother than on my Galaxy S
If the Vega turns out to be a better quality product I will probably get it.
cmit37 said:
The Galaxy Pad and the iPad were displayed next to it and they just made it look even cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you live that the Galaxy Pad is on display? What country / store?
I got my Folio 100 today, and im looking forward to do some real nice modding here, and first get Market app working, as done on Eken M001, so that experience can easily help us here..
I know from my motorola and htc, that the flash player 10.1 you can download, does a model check, and is , as far as i know, only working on N1,desire,droid,milestone phones, maybe that check is no longer present..
cmit37 said:
- It looks really cheap and the LCD panel is like one of the cheapest netbook panels you can find on the market. The Galaxy Pad and the iPad were displayed next to it and they just made it look even cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pricetag on it, is also for us in Denmark like 50% percent off almost.. so comparing to another galaxy pad or little cheaper ipad, im not sure you can expect LG lcd inside such a model, but ill see if the quality is acceptable.
most of them can be calibrated anyways, so if its a color issue, it can be fixed.
cmit37 said:
- Fonts don't look very smooth
- I couldn't get flash websites to play when just switched on. I found an apk of 10.1 and installed it however it started to crash the android browser. The sales assistant said that he would look into enabling flash. I'll check back in a few days to give flash on BBC iPlayer a go.
- Barely any apps installed by default. - I'd forgive the app problem in the case of the Vega due to the much lower price but is not forgiveable in the case of the Folio when it looks like a Asda's own brand electronic photo frame and it costs £330
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All this is without modding, lets just get the modding started, and ill think less of what Toshiba accomplished and look at others when their packs are in place.
cmit37 said:
- Swiping through the interface didn't feel any smoother than on my Galaxy S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? what exactly do you mean? i got Galaxy S, and if you already state its just as good, im looking forward to it
how can it be bad?
Paul22000 said:
Where do you live that the Galaxy Pad is on display? What country / store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in UK
Dexter_nlb said:
? what exactly do you mean? i got Galaxy S, and if you already state its just as good, im looking forward to it
how can it be bad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know - I just expected the Tegra 2 Dual Core to just obliterate the single core CPU in the Galaxy S. I have no doubt that the Folio is a great platform to loads apps on I just expected a lot more of it considering it costs £130 more than the Advent Vega in the UK.
That said if someone gave me one I would sing it's praises
Have you gotten any good 3D games on it? I'd love to see how good the Tegra 2 is.
I think I saw an article today saying that Toshiba rushed to get the Folio out and didn't include Flash. It is or it should be downloadable from the Toshiba Market and the second batch due in Q1 2011 will have it installed by default.
On a side not I upgraded my Galaxy S to Froyo today and it is so cool playing all flash content, chrome2phone etc
cmit37 said:
Have you gotten any good 3D games on it? I'd love to see how good the Tegra 2 is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not yet, it has so far been more technical, and trying to root it, and get into recovery so i can somhow make a proper backup of the device before i start changing everything..
cmit37 said:
I think I saw an article today saying that Toshiba rushed to get the Folio out and didn't include Flash. It is or it should be downloadable from the Toshiba Market and the second batch due in Q1 2011 will have it installed by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and no, i looked at the system partition right now, there is no flash apk's and no libs indicating any flash support.
Dexter_nlb said:
not yet, it has so far been more technical, and trying to root it, and get into recovery so i can somhow make a proper backup of the device before i start changing everything..
and no, i looked at the system partition right now, there is no flash apk's and no libs indicating any flash support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Toshiba is expecting to release flash for the FOLIO during next week (expected 10th). This should be available through Toshiba Market.
/Kevin (DK)
Out of all the Android tablets the only 2 that shine is the Toshiba Folio 100 and the Advent Vega.
Why?
Well firstly they're both >8.8" so you get a generous dose of screen-estate and the form factor is still nimble/small. These could substitute for netbooks but 7" tablets cannot imho.
Secondly they're generous in they're offerings (BT, Wifi, HDMI, USB host, SD slot) and high-performance.
I live in Australia so we always get devices a little later than US/UK. So for me the availability does not matter as the transaction would occur through the internet.
I may be importing an Advent Vega or a Toshiba Folio 100 ... so I am eagerly waiting for reviews (none available yet, just Google'd).
What will be the general deciding factor would be:
1) Display.
We know that Froyo supports only upto 600p. We know both devices have 10.1" TFT screens, so I hope they've kept the gloss to a minimum.
We know Toshiba Folio 100 has a 600p display and the Advent Vega was leaked to have a 600p resolution. However, in a recent video (@3:20) the PR says videos play above 720p but below 1080p on the Vega. This implies 1366x768 resolution which would mean (once Gingerbread is ported) sharp graphics, no need to convert videos, possible to watch digital TV.
These are huge advantages over the Folio 100, but it could've been said accidentally and he may have meant to say "the device can playback more than 720p but less than 1080p content via videoOUT but not on the device screen". If this is the case its upsetting because Tegra2 is supposed to be able to smoothly playback 1080p video ... so this implies a performance bottleneck (most likely by a smaller 512Mb RAM, if not then a lack of drivers).
2) Performance.
I've already gotten into the subject; which one has more RAM? Both have the same Tegra2 SoC which is supposed to be blazing fast, but if it only had 512Mb RAM it would only be as fast as the current-highend (Galaxy S, Desire Z, Droid2). And would mean it might jitter at the performance-intensive applications we currently have, and one's we will have in the future.
3) Battery life.
We don't know the REAL battery life on either device, must wait for reviews.
4) General build/features.
They're pretty even as far as "hands-on" describes but the Toshiba is slightly ahead because it has an SD slot (cheaper cards) than Vega's microSD. Also the Toshiba has a removable battery which the Vega may not have (unknown at the moment). The Toshiba has 3G connectivity, which the Vega lacks but may get in 2011Q1.
5) Price.
Wait and see.
Currently I'm hooked on the Advent Vega (name reminds me of Vegeta) and the prospect of a 720p tablet. I don't care much for the price, if the Advent Vegeta really gets a 720p screen and 1GB RAM I would easily overlook its shortcomings (No Market, No 3G, microSD, nonremovable-battery, plastic build) I would be happy to pay in the iPad range
.... I will get Market hacked, MIUI loaded, tether (I've already got 2GB/month on my GalaxyS) hehehe
I got mine yesterday. I think they are a little on the crazy side releaseing this table so early as people will give it negative feedback based on their expereince. This device is not ready for the general public. If your technical you can work you way around it, but you need to be at developer level to get this performing to its bes. Im going to hang on to mine for a while, although no flash player or sound when im playing video files and a slightly dodgy HDMI port are worrying me.
be nice if we could get a folio device section on here....
second that with the need for a Folio section
Has anyone had any problems with the DNLA or UPnP? I cant get mine working when all the other devices like xbox, archos and pcs all find the UPnp server
I had the Folio 100 for a while but returned it, I started a thread on Modaco with all my info.
Short version:
Current flash APK crashes _hard_ it will not work without an update from Adobe or Tosh (or the OEM that really made it)
All the games I tried wouldn't run at all. Either they were trying to rely on /mnt/sdcard (which doesn't exist due to the way they mount the internal memory), the opengles lib segfaulted (Look like the drivers are alpha quality) or they used the Android market call-home anti-piracy check, which fails due to not having the market.
Also the deep power-save it goes into could get stuck (and would always kill adb when the screen went off)
The OS is signed with the SDK _test keys_ (talk about amateur mistake)
IMHO, combined with the _terrible_ screen I'd steer clear until the software is updated at the least.
I think that we need a Folio section too.
A Test2 build seems to be out ...
Working for live stream of the F1 practice.
Still beta as it managed to reboot the Folio just now
CHECK YOUR TOSHIBA SERVICE STATION PEOPLE FLASH PLUGIN BETA AVAILABLE!!!!!!!
Working well on BBC Iplayer!
Hey All Geeks
So, i decided that it's time to get a tablet, and finally found that Android 3.0 is the long-awaited, dream OS for me. But here is where the problem kicks in (Bad English?). Xoom and GTab2 (Easier name) are bothi running the almighty Honeycomb... so now i'm confused which one to get? i've been thinking for a week now, but my experience isn't as your (Geeker people and Devs ) experience and i thought i would ask you if you don't mind. So, far what i want is: Continuous Development ( because i'm NOT a Dev so i'm putting my faith in you guys and going with the tab you're choosing)
Extra's:
Pro's of Gtab2:
Design is Gorgeous...
Light weight...
Con's of Gtab2:
No SD Card
No MicroUSB
Pro's of Xoom:
MicroUSB
SD Card
Con's of Xoom:
Typical Design (not really bad but not innovative)
bad rear camera position
In short:
I DO want the GTab2 for the Design BUT will i regret getting that for the missing of Micro USB (which is my most concern) and SD Card (Which isn't REALLY bad but bad)
Q2: Which one will have MORE development (assumption)?
(for Xoom Forum): UNLOCKABLE Bootloader means ONLY for Devs? if so, as a normal human (xD JK JK) will i be able to do custom ROMs?
Help!
LOL the Topic i posted at Xoom forum is really ALIVE (better development sign?) BUT the winning device isn't the Xoom xD it's actually the GTab2 lol IF ONLY SAMSUNG included SD Card slot and MicroUSB T_T Or IF MOTO improved the design and provided 1080p recording and playback that would be THE PERFECT Device and they would OWN the market with either devices... but PERFECTION is even BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE
Very long debate...
I'm getting a tab. Its beautiful, deving will be there, not like tab 1, and its going to kick ass.
I have to say that now having two of these tablets to choose from I am really torn :-(.
I love Moto specs and Samsung looks.
To be completely honest because of that I am already very disappointed with both.
My major fear is that if I will buy one of them I will have this disturbing and annoying thought at the back of my head that I made a mistake... should have gone for the other one It is not good considering the price of both devices... with this kind of money one should have 150% of satisfaction.
Moto... Samsung.... I HATE YOU BOTH! :-(
devil snake said:
Q2: Which one will have MORE development (assumption)?
(for Xoom Forum): UNLOCKABLE Bootloader means ONLY for Devs? if so, as a normal human (xD JK JK) will i be able to do custom ROMs?
Help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speaking as Nexus One and Nexus S owner, I can say that the power of 'fastboot oem unlock' is a force to be reckoned with...
That said, this is XDA, and you can be sure that both will be hacked and modded. Since they're so similar in terms of specs and quality, I would go with the prettier one, but that's just me. The USB issue isn't that bad, the last I heard about the issue was that it had USB functionality through its dock port--meaning you just need a special cable.
I do not mind USB in the dock. I do not see many thing I would have to connect to tablet directly. HDMI I also do not care about - it is a mobile device for me to watch and surf on the go, not a local NAS player. But lack of SD card support seems like a very big issue and not only to me (everywhere I look ppl are complaining about this).
What I would love is to see an explanation from Samsung why??? What was the logical process behind this decision not to include this port. Hey, SAMSUNG, please tell us why?
Maybe Honeycomb can't handle more then 32GB of storage. And the Tab have 32GB internal memory already.
The XOOM have a sd card slot. Only problem is that is not activated when you buy it. So maybe Android is not compatible whit more memory then 32GB.
I personally have problem to decide witch one to get. Witch one of does have the best screen? And will GT be Xvid certified?
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Well, form me this device was about (mainly) about media consumption. I do have Asus 1201N bot it is just tu big... but my Wife's NC10 cant play the movies I do watch.
Tablet that I will buy has to give me access to Hulu (free) as PC does. Has to work on batteries for approx. 8h (that is why I do not have tablet with Windows, as I said I already have netbook) and play divix (all kinds) nicely. Since I do go for holidays (from time to time) and I plan to use built in camera I need storage space
32GB is simply not enough and since Xoom has problem with playing 720p videos (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=968308&page=3) I am simply devastated. I did not buy an iPad (because of the issues above), I am waiting for over a year and what... nothing :-(.
Please tell me I am wrong
I almost jumped on the Xoom train yesterday.... They had a 25% off glitch coupon going and I missed it by like 5 - 10 minutes.
Don't worry... 2nd of March they will get a first reason to lower prices (a bit). I expect Apple to laugh (in a laud matter) at all those things that were supposed to give us an iPad killer and are not with us yet . And if thing will continue to go the way they do with Honeycomb and Xoom (more and more issues + more features "coming soon"). Ppl will refuse to pay $800 for something that is "almost" ready
Do you think (since hardware is the same) GT10.1 will have the same problem with playback of video as Xoom has (everyone is complaining about it!!!)? It would make him bigger than GT1 and worse :-(.
For Tegra 2, 2h of video that works on tegra 2 takes approx. 8GB of storage... this is unacceptable :-(
Links you might want to take a look at (seems all tablets with T2 inside are useless as an mobile entertainment device):
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4144/...ra-2-review-the-first-dual-core-smartphone/14
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4181/...-a9s-coming-to-smartphonestablets-this-year/3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=968640
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=970428
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=968640
Seems that issue is with 720p as well :-(
Concerning video playback I think Samsung does a better job. Like on the galaxy s, where they play a lot of video files with no additional software, meaning they included the necessary codecs.
Is the lack of SD card slot a sure thing? I suppose in the videos there is no visible slot along the sides...in my daydreams you can screw the samsung logo off the back and reveal the hidden sd slot! A guy can dream?
Daydream update: Since the logo is big, when you screw it off, there's actually 2 sd card slots. Yeah! Not deluding myself at all.
I am afraid it is :-(.
First I fell in love with Xoom and than I saw Galaxy Tab 10.1 OMG i looks awesome...
But now reality strikes... no sd card slot... and since you can not play (straight away) stuff you can download... GOD! I was so hoping to swap my netbook fro tablet :-(
This is especially painful as in all ads and information that is exactly what you are being offered. Not a word that video support is limited compared to what last years netbooks and older tablets (Archos 101, Galaxy Tab) can do :-(
At the moment (if above will get confirmed, and it will :-( ) I am thinking again about tablet with windows on-board (although I really hate this idea as I do not need BIG system in a device like this) or hoping for 10" Playbook.
Both Xoom and GT10.1 so close to perfection... ehh :-(
Soyou are saying that neither Samsung Gtab 10.1 nor the Xoom can play video like the Samsung Galaxy S i9000?
Tegra 2 can not play high profile mkv videos and this is one of the most popular formats to download HD stuff...
Go to rslinks.org or other sites and see what you can get... without spenidng extra time for re-encoding it will not play :-(
I got over 500GB stuff on my NAS drive - no way I will waist time to change format of that all just so I will be able to spend 700 euro
Idea for me was that it will be able to replace my netbook and will give me longer bat. life. Well it can not :-( And it is twice as expensive. Because iPad do/did only part of what I require I haven't bought it.. same here. You can (well.. you will be able to) watch flash but videos only in specific format. Who has time for that?
One would think that what we are talking about is pretty basic stuff and I thought that was the main idea behind tablets:
- web browsing on the go like at home
- full multimedia support
- long battery life
- limited weight
Something that has not been offered so far (windows tablets - limited batt. life, iPad - other limitations .
Correct.
You forget one point: acceptable price point ( i think the honeycomb tablets are a little to expensvie)
And one negative point for windows tablets: often they have a fan
I dont mind the price... it is the same as the iPad. I understand that for a gadget like that you pay Premium - OK. (of course if it would be free I wouldn't complain! .
I do know about fan in the Windows tablets... I got Asus 1201N that gets really hot sometimes... tablet with fan is out of the questions (imagine to shake a hand with someone after watching a movie!)
Another thing is that "BIG" stuff i do on desktop any way so I do not need full windows (heavy system) on a tablet.... I do not need photoshop or dwg editor. But I want web pages to look like they are supposed, I want to read without magnify glass, I want to watch a movie (without thinking before if it will work), listen to music, look at the pictures, etc... Just normal things Maybe play a game once in a while...
I was also considering one of these two tablets, but then i found the Acer Iconia A500. It has the same specs as Xoom and Galaxy 10.1, but WITH MicroUSB, SD Slot and HDMI. And, from what I can see, around half the price!!
Well, if all this is true, I know what I'm getting!!!
If this thing does not have USB port, how can we sync or copy files to the internal memory?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
It will have USB connectivity through the propriety port, and I would be surprised if there won't be a dock that offers hdmi connectivity also.
We also have to wait and see if samsung will offer an accessory like the iPad and xoom (or soon to be introduced) that can be plugged into the propriety port allowing sd cards to be connected or even an external USB drive. I really hope so. That would be ideal.
The tab 10.1 doesn't have all the ports we want built into the unit, but there is a benefit of that......the weight and size is notably reduced, far lighter than any of the upcoming tablets.
The weight is a big thing for me as I currently carry my iPad around in a small bag and any weight loss would be welcome
Ok,
I am in the market for a tablet, and hate apple with a pashion. That being said, it leaves me with the options of many good android alternatives.
I am torn between this and the Motorola XOOM tablet. IMO the Acer has a piss poor build quality (though I know alot like it...).
Which is best straight out of the box? I can flash custom roms ofc, but would prefer to stick to stock software for the first 6 months anyway.
I am also considering getting it without the dock as I dont think it would be something I would use much....mabye I am wrong...lol.
Anyhow, whats the TF like running stock software?
Thanks,
Danny
Sorry, should have said, I want a tablet to showcase my amature photography, watch movies and to surf the web
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Asus appears to be better than Moto at tying software to hardware. Their support for software has also stomps all over Moto.
The stock firmware on the TF is perfect for every day usage. Paired with the keyboard dock, I have no problems using it like a regular laptop. It's a powerful piece of hardware that plays nicely with all of my existing storage devices, and even a few of my game controllers. I did end up rooting it anyway, though, just so that I could block ads and disable tap to click on the touchpad.
Photo viewing works flawlessly, provided you can store your photos on a SD card or external hard drive, which you would then plug into the TF. At this point the support for plugging in an actual camera is a bit spotty, no telling whether or not it will work until you try it. Movie support is sort of a mixed bag, as it all depends on which video playing app you use. Personally I like to rip all of my Blu ray movies so that I can watch them from my hard drive, so I use Handbrake to re-encode them all so they can be played natively in the stock Google video player. If instead you have a lot of videos in unrecognized formats like xvid, you'll need to test them with a third party video player.
earlyberd said:
The stock firmware on the TF is perfect for every day usage. Paired with the keyboard dock, I have no problems using it like a regular laptop. It's a powerful piece of hardware that plays nicely with all of my existing storage devices, and even a few of my game controllers. I did end up rooting it anyway, though, just so that I could block ads and disable tap to click on the touchpad.
Photo viewing works flawlessly, provided you can store your photos on a SD card or external hard drive, which you would then plug into the TF. At this point the support for plugging in an actual camera is a bit spotty, no telling whether or not it will work until you try it. Movie support is sort of a mixed bag, as it all depends on which video playing app you use. Personally I like to rip all of my Blu ray movies so that I can watch them from my hard drive, so I use Handbrake to re-encode them all so they can be played natively in the stock Google video player. If instead you have a lot of videos in unrecognized formats like xvid, you'll need to test them with a third party video player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all my xvid and divx flawlessly in rockplayer and even stream from a NAS using upnplayer
what will you use app wise to show of your amateur photography? The stock gallery? Are there better apps out there?
wilbur-force said:
all my xvid and divx flawlessly in rockplayer and even stream from a NAS using upnplayer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MKVs doesnt play audio, decodes video though.
I bought a Xoom first, then an Ipad 2 and have now settled with the Transformer. In my opinion (discounting the Ipad 2 as it's far too limited so I passed that onto the wife ) the Xoom and TF'er are pretty much the same......
the differences which set them apart as the spec are virtually identical are:
- thickness of the tablet
The TF obviously wins this and whilst it may not be the worlds biggest issue, you can definitely 'feel' the difference when you are holding it in your hands and the additional weight of the Xoom can make your arms ache after a while...basically, it's not the most comfortable tablet to hold.
- SD card support
The 3.1 update for the Xoom didn't include the SD card fix so as long as the tablet is stock it is still unsupported (Google still working on the update as far as I'm aware). I know there are fixes and work arounds available but this would depend on what your intentions are regarding modding/rooting etc. The TF'er has it working out of the box so you could drop up to a 32Gb Micro SD card in on day 1. Definitely a bonus and as the OP mentioned a vanilla tablet for the first 6 months in their current state this could be a big issue for the Xoom especially for a photographer who needs storage space.
- Price
Definitely the biggest thing for me...not because I'm on a shoe-string but because of the fact that the tablets have the same O/S, the same spec, the same features and the same software......why would anyone take the Xoom over a TF?, especially with a considerable hike in price and the TF has a much nicer screen which is a major feature of the tablet in itself.
Basically you can't go far wrong with either, but if you're gonna drop £380 or $399 on a tablet then get the one which is $100 cheaper than the current competition.
......and that leads me on to arguably the biggest feature of the TF. The dock. Whilst it may not be a requirement to a lot of people, or something that adds a lot of interest....the flexibility is there to have the TF'er as a notebook replacement - and it also means additional storage space is available via the SD card slot, USB ports which in my opinion will also offer future flexibility as device/accessories/peripherals can be added in the near future with the relevant support.
All in all, a 16GB TF at £380/$399 can have a 32Gb micro SD, and 64GB SD (or another 32GB Micro SD with adaptor) and offers twice the flexibility of the Xoom whilst offering a virtually identical base-feature set. After owning them all, it would be a no-brainer for me. I've not become a fanboy or anything daft like that and wouldn't 'slag' the Xoom off but in a direct comparison with the TF it's virtually identical, so I'd go with 'bang for buck' and flexibility. The TF gets both points by quite a large margin.
What did you find limiting about the iPad 2? Genuine question. I have a tf and ipad2 and I feel they both have limitations.
h00ligan said:
What did you find limiting about the iPad 2? Genuine question. I have a tf and ipad2 and I feel they both have limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In comparison to the TF (or large majority of Android devices)
Connectivity - no USB/storage devices meaning there is no option but to get apps/data/movies transferred to the tablet etc via a wireless connection or 3rd party application.
Requirement of additional peripherals for HDMI/cameras etc whereas the TF can take a direct connection or plug in the micro sd card directly for transfer.
The dependency on iTunes for some functionality. ie I'd be reluctant to take my Ipad2 anywhere for an extended period of time without a laptop for backup and updates etc. Another example that infringes on this is if you want to copy friends data/music then it's much more difficult to do this with an Apple IOS than it is with Android due to the bluetooth and connectivity issue.
Customisation - speaks for itself.
Don't get me wrong, I agree that every device has its limitations including the TF'er. The Ipad is a lovely bit of hardware, definitely has the better app store, more polished apps and better UI overall but the issues I listed above are restrictive to me personally and if I had to make a choice (which I don't) and could only take one of them, I'd select the TF in a heartbeat because of these points.
ASUS is hands down better than the xoom under every circumstance.
HOWEVER, if you're not interested in the dock (and the functionality it offers) for the TF or having a micro-sd card on the tablet itself, then you should probably go for the galaxy tab 10.1.
It's a $100 more than the TF but it supposedly has a better screen, is lighter and some people are saying that it has better build quality than the TF also.
Just don't get any android tablet other than the TF or Galaxy tab 10.1, especially if you're trying to show off your photography.
starplaya93 said:
ASUS is hands down better than the xoom under every circumstance.
HOWEVER, if you're not interested in the dock (and the functionality it offers) for the TF or having a micro-sd card on the tablet itself, then you should probably go for the galaxy tab 10.1.
It's a $100 more than the TF but it supposedly has a better screen, is lighter and some people are saying that it has better build quality than the TF also.
Just don't get any android tablet other than the TF or Galaxy tab 10.1, especially if you're trying to show off your photography.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the TF has a much better screen. Look at any video reviews. I remember in a comparison I saw, both the TF and Xoom had the same wallpaper. The TF showed every color, while the Xoom washed out and showed a blend of white...
Since you're going to use it to show off photography, the SD reader in the keyboard dock would come in handy. I found my TF to be very snappy and responsive. I cannot stream pictures and movies correctly, but that's because I don't know how
SwiftLegend said:
Actually, the TF has a much better screen. Look at any video reviews. I remember in a comparison I saw, both the TF and Xoom had the same wallpaper. The TF showed every color, while the Xoom washed out and showed a blend of white...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But he didn't even mention the Xoom... he did however compare the TF with the Samsung Galaxy tab 10"
And here i offer a little insight: seems that Samsung loves to have over saturated screens. That could actually be an issue, if the tab has to be used to show photographs... I know that if I set brightness at maximum on my 7" galaxy tab, skintones ends up in the douchebag tan kind of orange. On the other hand, low brightness makes for nice and vivid colours.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
I'd say the TF is the all-round winner for your photography needs:
- It has a much better screen than the Xoom, so that's out.
- It's cheaper than the Samsung
- It has a working AND existent microSD card on it (should be invaluable for transferring pics if your camera also uses microSD. Also if you DID want to to root and flash a new ROM, the Samsung's out again (is this their "No Root" ploy?)
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Thanks paradaz
AlexTheStampede said:
But he didn't even mention the Xoom... he did however compare the TF with the Samsung Galaxy tab 10"
And here i offer a little insight: seems that Samsung loves to have over saturated screens. That could actually be an issue, if the tab has to be used to show photographs... I know that if I set brightness at maximum on my 7" galaxy tab, skintones ends up in the douchebag tan kind of orange. On the other hand, low brightness makes for nice and vivid colours.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This over saturated screen on the 10.1 will drive me nuts not only viewing photographs but also watching movies. Its sound like that vivid mode u see on lcd. Some people prefer that look on their tv maybe that why led lcd sell so great. I prefer that natural look you see on plasma tv.
Wow, thanks for the replies guys!
The Galaxy tab was never going to be an option for me with the lack of being able to use removable storage.
Looks like the transformer will be my weapon of choice! Although you are now making me reconsider getting the dock as well....
My reasons for not getting the dock where;
1. It would be another item to cart around. I will be generally only using the tablet so will probably get a leather cover for it. If I where going away I would need to also bring the keyboard as well, perhaps in a separate case?
2. Low stock in the UK at present...i can drive 2 miles and pick up the tablet only package.
Although I didn't know it had an SD card reader! That coupled with the additional battery capacity is rather appealing!
To answer an earlier question, I have no specific app in mind to show off my photos... Can anyone else advise if there is better options than the stock gallery? I use lightroom on my PC, but would imagine nothing similar is available on android.
Also is it possible to convert mkv's to play on these tablets? 95% off all my digital media is in mkv format.....
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
djglenn1337 said:
Also is it possible to convert mkv's to play on these tablets? 95% off all my digital media is in mkv format.....
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mkv is only the container so many third players like moboplayer are able to open mkv files..
what's really matters is the codec used inside the container, as of now, the TF on 3.1 is able to hard-decode H264 720p High profile and 1080p base profile..
you can use handbreak to encode media files if necessary:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1060825
djglenn1337 said:
Also is it possible to convert mkv's to play on these tablets? 95% off all my digital media is in mkv format.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do know some people seems to be experiencing problems with mkv's. Unsure what codecs (video/audio) their mkv's might have, because I played about 30 different mkv's made by different people with and without soft-subs and I've not experienced any hitches or glitches to either sound or video.
All I use is moboplayer and start them - plays flawlessly.
Hi, just bought the above but already disappointed with the price / performance ratio and think of returning it for a xoom as I can get double the disk space for £80 less money + I get a HDMI port.
I am finding it cannot proccess 1080p video on youtube which it is supposed to be able to do, it can do 720p but suprisingly using DICE it can do 720p high profile movies files (mkv) pretty well to, overlcocked to 1.6 (not getting hot) it can almost do 1080p high profile too.
I know the limitaions with Terga regards to video but I thought it was supposed to be able to 1080p youtube as this is main or base profile.
Any other advantages / disadvantages?
Are there any fully working 3.2 wfi UK ROMS?
Cheers.
what is the point to watch 1080 on 10.1 inches screen? I just don't understand. btw, xoom can't play 1080 YouTube videos either.
da.trute said:
Hi, just bought the above but already disappointed with the price / performance ratio and think of returning it for a xoom as I can get double the disk space for £80 less money + I get a HDMI port.
I am finding it cannot proccess 1080p video on youtube which it is supposed to be able to do, it can do 720p but suprisingly using DICE it can do 720p high profile movies files (mkv) pretty well to, overlcocked to 1.6 (not getting hot) it can almost do 1080p high profile too.
I know the limitaions with Terga regards to video but I thought it was supposed to be able to 1080p youtube as this is main or base profile.
Any other advantages / disadvantages?
Are there any fully working 3.2 wfi UK ROMS?
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read this thread for info on watching 1080P on Xoom:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=17470643#post17470643
tritran18518 said:
what is the point to watch 1080 on 10.1 inches screen? I just don't understand. btw, xoom can't play 1080 YouTube videos either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are two reasons I can think of from the top of my head.
1. No need to convert 1080p videos if that is what someone already has.
2. Someone may want to use Xoom to playback a video to a 1080p TV.
Techno79 said:
2. Someone may want to use Xoom to playback a video to a 1080p TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HDMI port hast only 720p output, so this makes no sense.
btw i am not able to play 1080p main profile without lags
Iceananas said:
The HDMI port hast only 720p output, so this makes no sense.
btw i am not able to play 1080p main profile without lags
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok, I didn't realise this aspect. I would want my tablet to be able to output 1080p via it's video out connectivity.
The other point still stands, some people have 1080p videos as part of their video collection. As there's many other devices that can support full 1080p video. It would be really annoying for those people to have to convert these videos and store two copies (one at 720p and another at the 1080p). It's far easier if their tablet could play 1080p so you can throw anything at it and it'll just play it.
This thread is interesting.. I was about to get the Galaxy Tab 10.1 because of the much better screen and lighter body weight..
Should I keep the Xoom instead??
For 1080p don't buy anything now, wait for kal-el.
Managed to brick my Xoom last night whilst installing an boot image (dont ask for details I may cry) so I am taking it back for a refund today as PCworld have kindly agreed to do so. ( I may have ommitted a few details of the fault with the device).
One definite advantage to the samsung is odin, no silly bollocks with adb and 20 step rooting and unlocking, piece of piss on the tab, although have you seen the root on the eepad transformer?, yeah you only need to do it once but what a faff.
I have decided my only problem with the Gtab is (I can live without the HDMI onboard and even USB) is space, with a couple of movies, two audio books and only 4 games I was already running out of space with no means to upgrade, this is a apple-esque fail and I have to say they deserve all the **** they are getting in the courts for apple copying, it just is an ipad 2 running android.
da.trute said:
Managed to brick my Xoom last night whilst installing an boot image (dont ask for details I may cry)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share details
BTW:I Have flashed 9 times factory image.
If you do rihtly rooting or installing custom recovery or even going back to stock is just 5 minute process.(Touch wood)
rohit3192 said:
Can you share details
BTW:I Have flashed 9 times factory image.
If you do rihtly rooting or installing custom recovery or even going back to stock is just 5 minute process.(Touch wood)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are going to have to trust me its deader than a Diana.
da.trute said:
One definite advantage to the samsung is odin, no silly bollocks with adb and 20 step rooting and unlocking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, "adb" (and "fastboot") is what Google (and everyone else) uses and works perfectly. Odin is some Windows-only hack, not sure how that's an "advantage" at all?
originally I was waiting for the Galaxy tab but the more I read on it, and seeing the price, I decided to go with the xoom for the following reasons in no particular order.
1. Xoom is pure android, I suppose this doesn't matter for all you flashers but it does to me.
2. Ports, and internal sd card slot, usb, hdmi. all of these are extra peripherals on the tab and I don't want to go searching for them when i need them, again might not be a problem for some but it is for me.
3 Price. for the same price as a 16gb tab you can get a 32 that includes all of the ports so more bang for my buck imo.
Advantages of the tab over the xoom..
1 weight, the tab weighs nothing the xoom can break your wrists off depending how you hold it. I've gotten used to manipulating my xoom now so it's no longer an issue but still an advantage the samsung has over xoom
2 screen res. samsung make beautiful screens, much more beautiful than the xoom. Not that the xoom is aweful it just looks like crap next to a galaxy, but then so does everything.
my opinion make of it what you will
Samsung screen is color rich but I think Motorola screen has natural colors.
Sometimes colors on Samsung feel artificial.
Captain Geezer said:
originally I was waiting for the Galaxy tab but the more I read on it, and seeing the price, I decided to go with the xoom for the following reasons in no particular order.
1. Xoom is pure android, I suppose this doesn't matter for all you flashers but it does to me.
2. Ports, and internal sd card slot, usb, hdmi. all of these are extra peripherals on the tab and I don't want to go searching for them when i need them, again might not be a problem for some but it is for me.
3 Price. for the same price as a 16gb tab you can get a 32 that includes all of the ports so more bang for my buck imo.
Advantages of the tab over the xoom..
1 weight, the tab weighs nothing the xoom can break your wrists off depending how you hold it. I've gotten used to manipulating my xoom now so it's no longer an issue but still an advantage the samsung has over xoom
2 screen res. samsung make beautiful screens, much more beautiful than the xoom. Not that the xoom is aweful it just looks like crap next to a galaxy, but then so does everything.
my opinion make of it what you will
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers for the feedback. The 2 issues I have with the Xoom are weight and screen.
I think waiting for Kal-el is probably the best thing for me to do, although I am interested to see what the Gtab7.7 looks + speed wise when its released.
My Xoom isnt really that bad IMO, I've got the internal 32Gb + SD 32Gb storage, which certainly beats out the Gtab10.1 for sure.
I currently have the Asus prime and love the tablet, but it doesn't work for my needs as a multimedia device on the go. With the blue tooth and streaming video/audio issue, my main purpose of it is no longer functional. I could careless about the gps.
I was looking at the Acer 500 tablet. I know it would be a tegra2 compared to the tegera3 and there is the 510 model just released. After the mess that is happening with the prime I'm hesitant to try another brand spanking new model right out of the gates. I don't mind yesterdays technology if it's proven to work and tweaked already. Plus it should be a bit cheaper.
So my question is, how do you owners of the Acer brand of tablets like your devices? Particularly the media abilities of it. I use youtube, stream tv shows, stream cartoons, and internet radio. Being able to use my blue tooth headset is my sore spot and is what I'm looking to rectify with a different tablet.
I do some gaming but not much on the android platform has really taken me yet. If these Acer models play Order and Chaos then it would be a boon.
Thanks for any suggestions or advice.
THere are video limitations with 1080p . mosy 720 will play fine. Streaming for me works well,of course some of the roms are better then others.I will not make comments on any of them. I would say read the forums of those roms.Order and Chaos does actually run very well on my A500. as with most other android games. I can also say my Bluetooth motorola hd 9 headset works flawless.
Good Luck .
Its OK
I have an a500, video and audio streamig works fine, same goes for bluetooth, I hate how the browser auto closes when it runs out of memory specially when watching heavy loaded web sites (I mean heavy Flash content).
I am on stock 3.2.1 rom, no root.
I love the big usb port as I can connect almost anything, I have a USB hub and can connect 4 things at the same time (memory, keyboard, mouse and gamepad).
Sound is good, not top best but is ok.
No good 1080p playback as Erica already said.
No GPS issues unless you go for custom roms.
Planned to update to ICS by the end of the month.
I like my A500 but I would never go from a Prime to an A500.
I don't have any issues with my device per say. I run netflix, crunchyroll, etc. on there and I use plex as well as tversity so 1080p videos and anything out of the scope of compatibility for my tablet from my library aren't an issue for me. Like you, I use it for multimedia purposes and I am satisfied.
My unwanted 2c is you just wait for a patch that makes you LOVE your Prime. It took several software revisions before Acer got it right with Honeycomb on the A500 and Tegra3 as well as ICS is brand spanking new so I'd give it a bit more time. I stuck with the A500 because I liked it and I found the USB port useful but as I said, I would not go from a Prime to an A500 for the mere fact that the Prime is technically speaking, a newer device with better/faster hardware and a better screen....even if you THINK you don't care about Tegra3 vs. Tegra2, once Asus gets the software refined, overall it will be better than the A500. If it's a case where you have some disposable dollars and are thinking of getting the A500 in the interim, go ahead; but if you're going to swap/exchange the Prime and then buy an A500 I would heartily advise against it.
Good Luck to you, whatever you decide.
As for me, here is what I can say about the A500 :
- for the videos, I'm used to ripping my DVDs and blu-rays so I can read them on the tablet. My favorite format is MP4. Nothing special to say about DVDs, but as for the Blu-rays 720p main profile works fine (high profile does not), just as 1080p low profile (both main and high profile won't be readable with a comforable frame rate). It's also a matter of bit rate : for 720p main profile, 3500 Kbps is almost perfect, 4000 Kbps is fine 90% of the time but it can get really laggy for some minutes at times. For 1080p low profile, 5500 Kbps was fine, haven't tested anything else yet because anyway good 1080p compressed movies weighs like 8GB and with FAT32 you're supposed to be limited to 4GB. No noticeable quality differences with the tablet screen anyway, and very little on a large TV screen given the compression, so to me 720p main profile remains the best choice.
- Sound is surprisingly good but mic really (and I mean really) sucks. Barely usable.
- Screen isn't as accurate as on other tablets. It makes no differences at all for a normal use but if you intend to handwrite it is still possible but not perfect.
- Battery life is fine for me, but it lasts less than others. Like 6 to 8 hours in video, the same for a standard use (internet, reading,...).
- The screen is good, but again not as good as the Asus's screens or iPads and Galaxy tabs ones.
- The USB port is a huge feature for me, it works just fine with my NTFS external hard disk, with all my USB keys, with all my USB PC controllers (that are already set the right way !), with my keyboard, my mouse, and my USB hub so I can use my keyboard and mouse at the same time on the tablet !
- With Honeycomb, internet browsing is a little bit too slow and lacks smoothness for me with the default browser (I'm used to great smoothness and speed with my SGS 2), so I chose to use Dolphin Mini, which is fine. Hope the ICS update will fix that though.
In conclusion it's a good device but for 2011, you're likely to be disappointed coming from a Transformer Prime. Better wait for the A510 or the A700 to my mind.
Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm going to hold on to the prime for another 2 weeks or so and see how the 510 is holding up. It's always the customers that find the little quirks which are not noticed by the manufactures in their testing phases.
Thanks again!
sureeee
fsured said:
I currently have the Asus prime and love the tablet, but it doesn't work for my needs as a multimedia device on the go. With the blue tooth and streaming video/audio issue, my main purpose of it is no longer functional. I could careless about the gps.
I was looking at the Acer 500 tablet. I know it would be a tegra2 compared to the tegera3 and there is the 510 model just released. After the mess that is happening with the prime I'm hesitant to try another brand spanking new model right out of the gates. I don't mind yesterdays technology if it's proven to work and tweaked already. Plus it should be a bit cheaper.
So my question is, how do you owners of the Acer brand of tablets like your devices? Particularly the media abilities of it. I use youtube, stream tv shows, stream cartoons, and internet radio. Being able to use my blue tooth headset is my sore spot and is what I'm looking to rectify with a different tablet.
I do some gaming but not much on the android platform has really taken me yet. If these Acer models play Order and Chaos then it would be a boon.
Thanks for any suggestions or advice.
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i really love my tab
it supports all my needs
but on a500 you have to use external 3g modem (i dont use 3g on my tab)
if 3g is important i would rather a501
but the other things about it is really good
i use it for media too. i even dont use my pc since ive got it
and about the 1080p video playback
hardware codecs are kinda laggy but i use software decoders and its ok