Database Users

[INFO] So far, I am impressed - I think ASUS has a potential winner, here

Early feelings, keep in mind -- I've only used the device for a few hours.
- IPS screen is wonderful. Beats out the Xoom and it's the first thing I tested. I don't have an iPad(2) to compare it with, but if my R10 is any indication the screen is probably similar to an iPad, at least the screen angles and color balance. Yellows are yellow, not a bluish yellow.
- 16:10 screen is the best screen for comics. Yep, I'm all about comics. Superior to an 4:3 screen (sorry Apple).
- microSD card actually works. Moto, you reading this?
- ASUS Reader supports epub. Drop them into the ebooks folder, and they "just work" (assuming no DRM, of course). Give me a night mode and this would easily replace Aldiko for me (and if there is a night mode, I just haven't found it yet).
- When you force Portrait mode, the power button is on the top. They got that right, they could have just as easily screwed that up, but they didn't. And I like the power button on top vs. in the back (Xoom).
- Speakers sound good, and are not in the back.
- It's aesthetically pleasing. I like the ridges on the back and the edges. And brown is almost a welcome change in a world of black and white. It LOOKS good.
- It's US $400 for the 16GB device. That's the most important thing of all. Remember, the Viewsonic GTablet was $400 until recently and that doesn't have a GPS, an IPS screen, a 1280x800 screen, 1GB of RAM or Honeycomb support (although it does have 32GB onboard). And the 32GB Wifi Xoom is $600. I think some of these tablet makers will need to take a long hard look at their price points as ASUS is about to alter the tablet market.
Is it perfect? Nope. I hate the proprietary cable, the lack of a real AC adapter for charging, the lack of a full USB port on the tablet itself, the problematic video playback (so far), and of course Honeycomb itself needs some work. And, unlike an iPad or even a Xoom, accessories are non-existent right now and even the dock and the device itself is as hard to find as an iPad2, right now. But, time should correct at least some of these things. I think this thing is going to fly off the shelves and today's insanity was just a taste of things to come - assuming some major defect doesn't manifest itself, of course.

I don't trust a lot of people but I trust Roebeet.
I'll be mainly using my TF to read comics as well, so the 16:9 screen seems like a winner.
Robebeet, can you post some more screenshots of internal comic pages on the device? Also does it take a long time for the pages to load or to turn the pages?

I totally disagree!!!
Well, until I get my hands on one, and then I'll get back to you. LOL. For now I'm just enjoying the Xoom, and poking with the Gtab.
We'll see...

stcardinal said:
I don't trust a lot of people but I trust Roebeet.
I'll be mainly using my TF to read comics as well, so the 16:9 screen seems like a winner.
Robebeet, can you post some more screenshots of internal comic pages on the device? Also does it take a long time for the pages to load or to turn the pages?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
16:10 not 9. Just didn't want people confused. I think 16:10 is going to be better when using thumb keyboard of swiftkey beta for tablets.

Great job!
One question,does it have backlight bleeding problems?
Thanks!

Thanks for the information dude, glad you got yours.
Question:
The MyLibrary app, when its in landscape mode, does it auto double-page (like a book) or you can select single page (zoom in, etc. while in landscape)?

Roebeet,
Are you the guy who did custom ROMs for the NI ADAM? If so, do you think a different ROM would allow playback of high profile video, or are we doomed to forever have to convert them beforehand?
Thanks!
PS- I love the ASUS too. I sold my ADAM (ah, dear of PQi screen) and my iPad 1. The only thing I'm missing is AirVideo frankly.

roebeet said:
the lack of a real AC adapter for charging
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question: what do you mean by this?
Thanks,
Dave

roebeet said:
Is it perfect? Nope. I hate the proprietary cable, the lack of a real AC adapter for charging, the lack of a full USB port on the tablet itself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally I loathe proprietary cables as well, but I don't think you can knock them for this since it charges at a higher voltage than standard USB can accommodate.
That said... I think Asus would have a winner if the rest of us could actually get out hands on one.

How is the gps? I'm thinking of selling my xoom for the transformer if it matches the xoom wifi's gps strength or better.

stcardinal said:
I don't trust a lot of people but I trust Roebeet.
I'll be mainly using my TF to read comics as well, so the 16:9 screen seems like a winner.
Robebeet, can you post some more screenshots of internal comic pages on the device? Also does it take a long time for the pages to load or to turn the pages?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still not as fast as I'd like, but it's because of the apps I use, NOT the device. I have yet to find the perfect cbr/cbz reader for Android.
Visual360 said:
I totally disagree!!!
Well, until I get my hands on one, and then I'll get back to you. LOL. For now I'm just enjoying the Xoom, and poking with the Gtab.
We'll see...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Xoom is not a bad device - but I didn't like some of the design choices and, at $600 for the 32GB Wifi, it's about to be overpriced. I think Moto is going to need to drop that by at least $50, very soon
foxmeister said:
Question: what do you mean by this [AC Charger comment]?
Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GTAB , Adam and Xoom have a separate AC port. So, I can charge it and connect it to my PC at the same time, with the USB cable. You can't do that with this tablet - you'd need the dock to do that.
It becomes annoying very quickly as you have to basically put the device aside and charge it. It basically forces me to buy the (non-existent so far) keyboard dock.
iAndroidFan said:
Great job!
One question,does it have backlight bleeding problems?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far I haven't noticed any - I do have a stick pixel, though.
donatom3 said:
16:10 not 9. Just didn't want people confused. I think 16:10 is going to be better when using thumb keyboard of swiftkey beta for tablets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. The GTAB is 16:9 and is too long for comics. And 4:3 (iPad, and my R10) is too wide. 16:10 is the sweet spot for comics reading.
dotpro said:
Thanks for the information dude, glad you got yours.
Question:
The MyLibrary app, when its in landscape mode, does it auto double-page (like a book) or you can select single page (zoom in, etc. while in landscape)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It auto double pages - I don't see an option to change it (that's one bad thing about the app - very few options. I just wish it had a night mode. But it is FAST).
More pics:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

I got mine yesterday... Very pleased so far.
1st, the screen is awesome. Absolutely destroys the Xoom and Galaxy Tab. The iPad screen might be a little better, but not much. It's lighter than I expected, and the build quality seems really good to me. I know some reviews commented on it, but just think Asus netbook quality.
When I first started the device it already had an update. Not sure what it fixed. Very speedy using the web browser. Tried a few apps, then downloaded the game Samurai II which I had seen in some Honeycomb YouTube videos. Signed up for the Amazon App Store. Much nicer than the Marketplace, although it is a lot better than when I used it about a year back.
So far I'm really liking Honeycomb. I think this tablet is totally worth the $400. Can't wait until I get my hand on the dock. I put in a 16gb microsd and it works perfect. Also really happy there was 12gb+ free on the device from the start...
EDIT: Very disappointed Zinio isn't available on Android yet. I thought I read it was.

roebeet said:
The GTAB , Adam and Xoom have a separate AC port. So, I can charge it and connect it to my PC at the same time, with the USB cable. You can't do that with this tablet - you'd need the dock to do that.
It becomes annoying very quickly as you have to basically put the device aside and charge it. It basically forces me to buy the (non-existent so far) keyboard dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased a USB 3 Cable that has the correct amount of pins needed to be used as an extension cable (Male to Female) with the Asus charger, so with a 2 meter cable i can now sit on the sofa with it plugged into the charger to get full charge whilst using the transformer.
Saves having to put it down close to a power point to charge it with the silly short cable that it came with.

Do you have. A link for the cable please
LEEDROID DESIRE HD using XDA PREMIUM

jimbob1971 said:
Roebeet,
Are you the guy who did custom ROMs for the NI ADAM? If so, do you think a different ROM would allow playback of high profile video, or are we doomed to forever have to convert them beforehand?
Thanks!
PS- I love the ASUS too. I sold my ADAM (ah, dear of PQi screen) and my iPad 1. The only thing I'm missing is AirVideo frankly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we need a Tegra 3 for that. All these T2 devices are going to have this same problem, I think.
Hi-Def video is not high on my list of needs, so it doesn't bother me too much. If XVid AVI's work, then I'm fairly happy. But I would like to see it work, regardless. WMV's, for example, are broken - I believe the Xoom is the same. And I bet WMA's are broken too, just like the Xoom.
rndll said:
How is the gps? I'm thinking of selling my xoom for the transformer if it matches the xoom wifi's gps strength or better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the Xoom's is better, but I have to test it more. I'm in my "man cave" and the Xoom GPS actually worked there. Not so on the Transformer. It also likes to eat battery life so I actually turned it off, for now.
EDIT: I went upstairs and it STILL doesn't work. I have this same issue with the Adam, but the Xoom is definitely better. The compass works, though.

Keep in mind that it may take 10-20 minutes for a new GPS to get it's initial fix and download the satellite ephemeris data, assuming a good signal. Once it has that, subsequent fixes will be a whole lot faster, unless it has been months since you turned it on and the data is too out of date.
I'm finding the GPS on the TF to be good, it works in my basement for example, where my LG Optimus will not lock on. I can't compare to the Xoom though.

I haven't been able to get my hands on this device yet. From what I can tell Asus sent out 60 total to retailers in Canada, so the odds were not good.
I am glad to see that Roebeet's on board. He's the reason I bought and enjoyed my Gtab. I'm also a big comic reader and have about 11,000 digital comics just waiting to be read on my TF, when and if I can get one.

Prof-KOS said:
I haven't been able to get my hands on this device yet. From what I can tell Asus sent out 60 total to retailers in Canada, so the odds were not good.
I am glad to see that Roebeet's on board. He's the reason I bought and enjoyed my Gtab. I'm also a big comic reader and have about 11,000 digital comics just waiting to be read on my TF, when and if I can get one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading cbr's/cbz's on this thing versus the GTAB is like night and day. The GTAB used to give me a headache. I really am an IPS convert - I want to see the yellowing of the pages. Of course, I expect that when there's a 10 inch OLED or color eInk device in two years, I'll port over to that. But right now IPS is king.
Now just get me an Android device that has "smell-o-vision" so I can get that new comic smell, and I'll be all set.

Download Twonky. It is completely free, and with a strong wifi signal, streams content to Apple TV without problem.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

combat goofwing said:
Do you have. A link for the cable please
LEEDROID DESIRE HD using XDA PREMIUM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what i got on eBay for £3.49 - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200582349334&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

[Q] Experience of reading books on transformer

Hi
I am confused...
I just spent a day with the iPad2 and a Galaxy Tab (the first edition) have to say I was very impressed with reading PDF books from the iPad but not so much from the Galaxy which is running 2.2
I am Android through and through and want to stick with an Android but want the experience I had with the iPad2 when it comes to reading ebooks from it.
I have been looking around and the Asus Transformer looks impressive with a decent price.... I also know it has Honeycomb as I understand its more tailored for tablets than the previous versions and the experience is far better. Much better than what I have used with 2.2. One thing from my research that lets Android down is there are not many apps which are tablet ready but slowly this will come.... That's not too much of an issue for me as my primary use will be ebook reading and internet use.
I dont see the point in buying just an ebook reader, for a few extra hundred I can get something which will offer a lot more and features that I would make use off.
If anyone uses the transformer as a book reader. What are you thoughts?? Is the experience good. I held one the other day in a shop and it felt initially quite bulky but I suppose I could get used to that....
Thanks

I bought the transformer to use it as an ebook reader, and i can tell you its really good.
there are some very nice ebook reading programs like the stock mylibrary which is basically like iBooks, and there is aldiko which i highly reccomand, because you can set text size, color and marging and page color etc. to make the reading comfortable.
i read a few books from it and with the right brightness/color setting it wont hurt your eyes too much or something like this. the text is crisp and nice and reading is in general a pleasant experience from the transformer screen.

I've been using the kindle reader. Great for reading 4 books so far. And quick to get new books. Have it on my desire HD too so I can put the eee pad down go out and read a few pages while out and about.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

I agree im currently writing an ebook and tested out various formats on various apps on the TF overall quite a good experience when reading

I settled on Moon+ reader, so far I have had no issues.

If you want to read e-books, then do not buy this product. IPS panel is not intended for reading but the comic is a nice read. If you want to read, then buy an electronic book reader.
Try for example, to read for several hours on a computer screen. It is not easy (eyes will to hurt).

It's definitely nice as a book reader. I finished the entire Storm of Swords book on this one,so I can vouch for its useability
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Truthfully it is not a great ereader. The form factor is good for magazine and PDF but not for books. Also very reflective in bright light and not dim enough in darkness.
What was wrong with original galaxy tab?
My nook color is my default reader over my transformer as its screen while same tech has higher contrast less glare and can get it darker for night reading.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk

Count me in the group confirming that it's great for eBooks. I use Google's own Books app, and am currently reading my fourth entire novel on the Transformer. The screen dims enough to be comfortable for me even with white pages in a completely dark room, but is bright enough to read basically anywhere I'd be comfortable trying to read in the first place. No, it's not *quite* as easy on the eye as a dedicated reader, but it also does a whole hell of a lot more, and frankly the page-turning motion in Google's app makes it feel more like a book than the dedicated readers do to me.
Just so you know I've got enough experience to know what I'm talking about, here's what I've read on the Transformer, in order. They're all paperback versions, based on the ISBN numbers. All of these were read for the first time, so I didn't skim them, I read them properly:
* Terry Jones: Douglas Adams' Starship Titanic (257 pages, I'm an old-school Douglas Adams fan who finally decided I should give the novelization of his game a try.)
* Tom Clancy: The Hunt for Red October (499 pages, been meaning to read Clancy for years and never got around to it. Was happy with my first eBook experience, so gave it a try.)
* Tom Clancy: Red Storm Rising (637 pages, liked my first Clancy experience, so stuck with it.)
* Tom Clancy: Patriot Games (518 pages, I'm currently about 200 pages in, accounting for the differences in page numbering because the books reflow to fit the screen orientation / selected font size and spacing.)
So in total, I've read almost 1,600 paperback pages on the Transformer since May 4th -- and all of the Clancy was within the last month (I was on an overseas vacation for the Jones book, so read it much more slowly.) That means I average about 50 paperback pages per day on the Transformer since returning from my trip, which I couldn't do if it wasn't comfortable.

I thought it may help what my usage will be for reading books on a Transformer.
I am an IT professional and do a lot of self training reading IT reference books (majority in PDF form) and I use a my PC to actually do the tasks mentioned in the book.
if you can imagine I will have the transformer on stand of some sort and will referring back and forth to the transformer for reading the book or notes....
Does that make sense??
I don't intend to be reading novels but mainly for research and training guides..and this won't be on a daily basis either..
Thanks

PatrikSelin said:
If you want to read e-books, then do not buy this product. IPS panel is not intended for reading but the comic is a nice read. If you want to read, then buy an electronic book reader.
Try for example, to read for several hours on a computer screen. It is not easy (eyes will to hurt).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is a bit misleading. ANY device with any kind of LCD panel won't be as comfortable for longer reading sessions as an e-Ink reader. It also won't be as good in direct sunlight. That's not an indictment of the TF itself, which is excellent as an ebook reader compared with other tablets of similar size (and the few ounces difference of, say, the iPad 2 or GT 10.1 won't stop one from wanting to prop it on something after awhile).
I have a Nook 3G reader, and I do prefer to read on it for longer sessions and when I have sufficient light (because of course it has no backlighting). I also use the Nook for reading late at night, because theory says it's best to avoid emissive screens like tablets, notebooks, TVs, etc. right before going to sleep.
Another good use for the TF is if you're reading books that you need to annotate. Works great in the Nook app (and Kindle, for that matter), and notes and highlights sync to other devices.
So, in short, the TF's as good as any other 10.1" or so tablet, and better than a few because the IPS screen allows for more flexible viewing angles.

ranjb said:
if you can imagine I will have the transformer on stand of some sort and will referring back and forth to the transformer for reading the book or notes....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah! Pretty much the perfect way to use the TF as an ereader. I wanted to point out what size of books you would be holding with different devices, but if the plan isn't to actually hold the TF.... well, awesome
Still, I took a picture:
http://i54.tinypic.com/210f4hu.jpg
Those are a 2nd generation Kindle, a 7" Galaxy Tab, and obviously a Transformer. The books behind have (roughly) the same weight as the device in front of them. There is an audio cd to compare size. The Kindle is 294 grams, the Galaxy Tab 382 and the Asus 695.
That said, the Kindle sucks for anything that isn't an ebook, especially PDFs

For novels eink readers are your best bet. For graphic novels or textbook you can't go wrong with a tablet. It should be worth noting eink readers of 5in and bigger can be used to read black and white comic by using epubbuilder and importing each image as a standalone chapter in epub format.
Sent from my Transformer TF101

frosty5689 said:
It should be worth noting eink readers of 5in and bigger can be used to read black and white comic by using epubbuilder and importing each image as a standalone chapter in epub format.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know that. However, this is what i know http://foosoft.net/mangle/ the Kindle can read images and that software is made for the exact purpose of optimizing them so to read manga/comics very easily.
Still, the Kindle is a trainwreck with PDFs that aren't just an image or just text, so it dosen't really help the OP.

I spent about six hours yesterday reading a book using the kindle app and I was pretty pleased with it.

Canadoc said:
not dim enough in darkness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Screen Filter to make my screen dimmer when reading in darkness.

ranjb said:
I am an IT professional and do a lot of self training reading IT reference books (majority in PDF form) and I use a my PC to actually do the tasks mentioned in the book.
if you can imagine I will have the transformer on stand of some sort and will referring back and forth to the transformer for reading the book or notes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say it'd be great for that. Adobe's PDF viewer is free and fast / stable for me, if you're working on a PC LCD then having a similar tech on the tablet would be a positive advantage (set similar brightness and your eyes don't need to adjust looking back and forth, unlike an eReader screen). Only potential issue is reflections from bright office lights, depending on the environment where you're planning to use it, although if you have a good adjustable stand you can affix the tab to, that's easily solved (and if I can use the tab outdoors in bright ambient light, which I can, I'm sure anything indoors is workable.)

It's great for reading books, Kindle app is the same as on iPad. Brightness can be dim enough to not affect wife sleeping next to me, especially on Sepia background.
All ebook readers on the iPad are available for Andriod, just pick one you like. Due to competing formats, you may end up with three ore more, depending where you buy books or download epubs/pdfs.
The only thing I would ever replace this with is a Kindle DX, but who wants to pay that much for a tech toy that does only one thing? For the same price, I have a full blown tablet running Andriod OS.
It of course will not be as easy on the eyes as e-ink technology, nor look good in bright sunlight. Then again, who reads in bright sun? That's why we have trees!

Iconia as an eReader

Anyone here use the Iconia as an eReader (among other things)? I was thinking of getting the Nook Color since I need a reader, but since with the Target deal this is only 50 dollars more expensive, the Iconia suddenly became tempting. I'm worried about the size and weight though. Is it easy to read for 1-2 hours straight? I tried one at BB and after 15-20 minutes it was still OK, but I wonder if it isn't too heavy/awkward to read on.
Please post your experiences about using eReaders on the Iconia

I've read a couple of books on mine, they were purchased through google market and read with google books. I enjoyed using it this way and will do so in the future. As far as weight goes, the tab isn't any heavier than a good sized hard back book. I use the acer cover which has a built in stand so that helps with the weight as well.
The big question is how your eyes hold up to the lcd screen. The eink displays cause much less eye strain and are fully viewable in sunlight, the tabs screen will definitely give some eye strain if used for hours on end, and will be less visible in sun light.
Edit: the nook color is an lcd screen as well.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

harveydent said:
Anyone here use the Iconia as an eReader (among other things)? I was thinking of getting the Nook Color since I need a reader, but since with the Target deal this is only 50 dollars more expensive, the Iconia suddenly became tempting. I'm worried about the size and weight though. Is it easy to read for 1-2 hours straight? I tried one at BB and after 15-20 minutes it was still OK, but I wonder if it isn't too heavy/awkward to read on.
Please post your experiences about using eReaders on the Iconia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's WHOLLY dependant on personal taste. I do not find it too heavy even for 4-5 hour reading session, I often have such streaks when I'm reading stuff, but I also know many other people who would find to bit too heavy.
One thing that would make it better as primarily an eReader though would be non-slippery back, like for example gluing a really thin sheet of porous gum on it. It might not look as fancy, but it would be much easier to hold even with one hand.

Dusto79 said:
and will be less visible in sun light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my experience it's wholly unusable in sun light.

Thanks for the replies!
The sunlight glare isn't a concern since ALL LCD tablets have that problem, to varying degrees.
How does it handle pdfs? And any good ereader apps aside from the Amazon/Nook/Google apps?

harveydent said:
How does it handle pdfs? And any good ereader apps aside from the Amazon/Nook/Google apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's plenty of software for reading PDFs, just try them all and choose the one you like the best
Can't help you with ereader apps though, I don't use those. I am 100% PDF.

It really depends on what you are planing on reading. If it's mostly text based stuff (novels, etc.), an eInk display is the hands down winner. Once you start tossing PDFs and CBRs into the mix then a color LCD tablet becomes a better option.

I have both so I'll chime in.
If you're purchasing a LED Ebook reader then go for Iconia.
But if you're looking for an eInk display then go for it. The battery on Iconia is awsome but even a great battery can't compare to an eInk display.
The other thing is reading in sunlight and eye strain. I love both my ebook and Iconia but I mostly read books on ebook.
Edit: I forgot to mention. If you're into comics or anything that has lots of pictures than stick to a tablet.

I sold my Nook color after I got the a500. I find reading on either to be about the same - however web browsing is much better on the Acer. At first I didn't know if I would like the side by side view while holding the Acer in landscape but it quickly grew on me. I agree if you are considering LCD get the Acer - if you like eink don't consider the Acer.

I have an Iconia and a Kindle3.
While I can read on my tab, the kindle provides a much better reading experience for me. I do get eye strain from my tab in about an hours time- I read on the eink display without any strain at all for hours. The difference is all about the lcd vs. eink. I personally, never considered the weight of either an issue. I must be the only one that rests their book/tab/reader on something while they read our use it. If I read in bed I stand the reader upon my chest. If I'm surfing the internet I rest the tab up on my lap while on the sofa or on the table while sitting. Weight is not an issue for me either way. Ultimately I use the tab for recreational purposes (email, internet, games) and the reader to read. I wouldn't want to give either up.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

I've been using mine to read books on Nook and also Moon+ Reader. It works pretty well, just a tad on the heavy side for me.

Google jetbook lite if you want something portable and 100% readable under full sunlight. I've been using this for years. Works great. The best part of this is it reads just about every ebook format under the sun. Even the highly priced kindle can't do this.

Eye Strain
I can tolerate reading on my Iconia, but I do not like the glare from room lights when I read at night. Weight is not an issue. E books are great. I may eventually buy a Nook or kindle with e ink. However, tablets can do so much more than e readers. I have no regrets about my Iconia purchase.

I have used this, a nook color and a sony reader (eink). I prefer this to the other two. I do a lot for my reading in low light situations, so the eink is kind of a pain in this situation since it needs an external light. The nook color is nice for reading, but I don't like it as much for web and tablet functions. The only reason I still keep the nc around is android can't support nook kids books yet.
I usually use the nook app to read books and get them from barnes and noble. Bn gives away a free book every Friday. And I've been reading a lot of them.
The weight has not been a big issue for me.
Hope this helped
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

harveydent said:
Thanks for the replies!
And any good ereader apps aside from the Amazon/Nook/Google apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FBReader is my personal fav + Calibre on the PC to do conversions to epub.

I have an original nook (eink, preiously had a sony ebook) and an iconia. I find the eink displays superior to the iconia for reading ebook formatted files made to reflow, and makes for easier reading in general. The tablet is superior for most pdfs, largely owing t the screen size (as most pdfs as formatted for 8.5"x11").

I had question regarding this actually. I'm trying to collate all the ebooks ive downloaded from various sources into one app I can use for reading (i was thinking lumiread). I was wondering if there is a way to do this for books downloaded from the borders australia android app. specifically, in which directory would the books be located so I can read them in lumiread

holdup said:
I had question regarding this actually. I'm trying to collate all the ebooks ive downloaded from various sources into one app I can use for reading (i was thinking lumiread). I was wondering if there is a way to do this for books downloaded from the borders australia android app. specifically, in which directory would the books be located so I can read them in lumiread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe lumiread is one of the readers that lets you go into settings and choose what folders to scan for ebooks, AND you can exclude folders, which is really nice.
In terms of features and how they perform, Lumiread is one of my favorite readers.
Nook would be #2 and Kindle #3.
They all are similar. Lumiread has the eye candy presentation of your "books" on shelves like the ipad, but that's all personal taste of course.
To answer the ops question, its a great ereader. Eink is still better for strictly reading ebooks at long sessions, but the iconia is a great option if you are looking for an LCD device. I find the trade off between weight a very viable option because of everything else it can do.
Acer is coming out with a 7" tablet soon, so if weight is a HUGE factor for you, you could go for that. If you go with a Kindle, you are stuck with Amazon books only tho, you can't sideload books yourself.
There are also some great news reader apps on Android and they make magazines and newspapers unbelievably AWESOME if you are looking for other things to read.
Hope all this helps. I have about 200 books on mine.

It sounds like a plan, but if you are a hard core reader its not a good one
Yes of course there are some fantastic apps out there for reading via the iconia, and they look (and sound) fantastic, but at the end of the day the iconia or any other tablet is NOT an ereader.
As for the nook, again it is abit in-between, with that colour screen etc.
In short, I have a kindle. It looks rubbish, is grey scale and can do nothin but show text!
But thers's the trick. Read inside or outside, it is light, you can put your own downloaded books on to it, there is a hack to put your own cover/screen/personalise it. It is very light, can play mp3 externally or via headphones while you read and off-course last but not least - 30 days of CONTINUOUS READING without recharge!!! Now that is an ereader right there.
A kindle and a samsung galacy 10.1 (or an iconia wearing galaxy brains rom) and you are good to go.
Now you can show your missus this post and you will have a good excuse to let her know that you actually need both
Enjoy
MJ-12

MJ-12 said:
and can do nothin but show text!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's something why I could never use one of those devices: I read a lot of technical books that require the ability to show images. Oh, and yes, I do read comics and manga too

Just got the 10.1? Here's what to get! Apps and accessories.

The following apps and accesories are the best of the best that I've found thus far. It is my opinion that these work with the note 10.1 to increase productivity. I am not giving a review on all my apps, just the ones I find specific to the note with a emphasis on work/school.
Apps:
Dropbox
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dropbox.android
If you don't already have dropbox setup your missing out. It is the easiest way to sync all your files from your laptop, to desktop, to phone and back again. It auto uploads your camera pictures and most apps have a build in support for dropbox. Did I mention you get 50 gb for 5 years with your Note?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alternatives: Box , Google Drive
ASTRO File Manager
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.metago.astro
I have to say the built in file manger does work great for most things, however I've grown accustom to astro and its interface/features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alternatives: ES File Explorer , My Files (built in) , Solid Explorer
ezPDF Reader Multimedia PDF [paid]
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=udk.android.reader
This is the most full function PDF reader that I've found. It really does it all and takes full advantage of the spen. It also can read epubs so you can make it your ebook reader. Its no slouch as a ebook reader either. I have to say this is a must have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alternatives: Adobe Reader
S Note
Look I'm just putting this here because I'd prefer it to lecturenotes which it seems a lot of people prefer. I find everything I need in S Note and find it easy to use. I'm not going to recommend lecturenotes but i'll include a link to the trial so you can see for yourself. I do recommend trying it before buying https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.acadoid.lecturenotestrial.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alternatives: LectureNotes , Evernote
NeoSoar eBooks
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.neosoar
This has become my go to for epubs. It does everything I want and nothing I don't. Simple. Clean. Efficient. I know a lot of people like Moon+ and Aldiko, however after purchasing both I was extremely disappointed. Try them all for yourself, my feeling is you'll be back to NeoSoar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alternatives: Moon+ Reader , Aldiko Book Reader
Thumb Keyboard [paid]
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beansoft.keyboardplus
This keyboard is the best solution to on screen typing for all tablets. The spread keyboard works far better then what Samsung tried to do. Easily hold your tablet in landscape and type flawlessly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alternatives: SwiftKey 3 Tablet , Float and Split Keyboard
Franklin Planner [paid]
I haven't yet used Franklin Planner for anything but toying around, however its beautiful interface and s pen integration has intrigued me. This app is found only in the Samsung market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda premium

Accessories:
USB OTG Connection Kit & Card Reader
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006DQWIKK/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00
I'm not going to say that this is the best USB/Card reader on the market because its not. This is the best priced USB/Card reader for how much I and probably most will use it. Of course I would prefer the OEM products however I just don't see spending $30 on something I barely use.
The problem with this card reader is that it falls out of the 32 pin port pretty easily, which can be extremely frustrating. For god sakes it $5 though and for that price i will deal with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anker® Ultra Slim Mini Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ONMDYE/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00
Once again price, price, price! This keyboard works great and I like the macbook look. It's small enough to fit just about anywhere your tablet will (its about 1/4 in. longer). Just as with the card reader, I'm not going to be using this all the time so the decent quality and price are the major factors here. Hey you might be replacing your laptop with your tablet so you may want a high end keyboard,but thats not what I'm doing here. That is not to take anything away from the quality of this product which is great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OEM Samsung Case
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Elect...58364685&sr=8-5&keywords=note+10.1+case+white
I love this thing, I think mostly because its beautiful. Don't get me wrong it is functional but it looks good, really good! It has a magnet in the back for standing, however i find myself in positions that require it to stand with the leg out and pushing against my lap for a higher viewing angle. It is not completely protective of the tablet but it does do a pretty good job. I'm sure you can find lots of reviews and youtube videos showing you every angle of this case.
The problem people have with this case is that its hard to get at the moment. The prices have skyrocketed due to high demand. Well let me tell you how I went about acquiring one for 34 dollars. First of all you need to monitor prices (I use www.camelcamelcamel.com which monitors amazon prices for me and e-mails me when the price reaches a given goal). I waited till the case was down to $34 dollars, went to a local bestbuy and did a price match. The reason why I didn't just order from Amazon was it was out of stock and has been for a while now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kenneth Cole Reaction Messenger Bag
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UN46KW/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
Great all purpose bag for school and or work. It has 3 main pockets that easily fit my macbook pro, tablet (with all accessories), pens, pencils, protractor, ruler, calculator, charger for both laptop and tablet, cell phone, spare battery, textbook, with room for a lot more. Oh yeah and its sexy as hell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S Pen W/ Eraser
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/ET-S200EBEGSTA
I ordered this along with a few other items from Samsung and have just recieved my package.... with a item I didn't order and no S Pen. Just my luck.
Anyways I'm pretty excited about this and if your planning on taking notes in class I think that this is a must. To be able to flip over the pen to erase on the fly is crucial to keeping up with those fast talking professors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda premium

Evernote, in my opinion, is one of the best note-taking app across all OSs, and its free .
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5ldmVybm90ZSJd
The Skitch app/addon for Evernote is also very useful because it allows you to add sketches/handwritten notes to your notes in Evernote. It is also free.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote.skitch&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5ldmVybm90ZS5za2l0Y2giXQ..

How do you NOT have LectureNotes as one of the best apps to have here?
Man.. It's probably my go-to app on this tablet!

He has mentioned why he does not have lecturenotes and has posted a link
It his personal preference if likes snote better then so be it

I second the lecture notes nomination.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

I have handed you two votes of thanks Ryan, not because it gave me something new but because it was evidently clear you made effort in getting your information across....:good:

Great initiative!
My addition will be:
CloudOn att Play, an app that gives you almost the full MS office into your tablet for editing and creating various types of office documents on your cloud services like Dropbox/Drive/Box etc. And as far as I can tell even all the more unusual shortcuts like Ctrl+D for super or subscript works. It gives you a panel with the F and Ctrl keys at the top of your software keyboard, if you aren't using a hardware one that is.
Freeware!
Autodesk Sketchbook, preferably the paid version for tablets. Makes painting and drawing on the tablet an absolute joy since it's supporting pressure sensitivity. Costs a few bucks depending on your location.
Google translate, no further explanation needed.
UC Browser HD, the best browser I've tested so far! Supports alot of finger gestures that makes browsing an absolute joy. Freeware!
Touch Retouch, an app that removes unwanted photoboms almost automatically. Try the freeware version, it's even recommended in the Note 10.1 tips and tricks app from Samsung!
Edit: Of course, the XDA app even if it kinda goes without saying.
Simple Calendar, the best app for making calendar widgets imo!
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda app-developers app

Oops, sorry, I didn't see the Lecture Notes link there. Guess I missed it, my bad.

samir_a said:
He has mentioned why he does not have lecturenotes and has posted a link
It his personal preference if likes snote better then so be it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually i personally like the original using s_note. Its been great but only thing is samsung did not impliment more options to their most importand application..

I would add Allshare Cast hub/dongle, Airdroid, Estrongs File explorer, Flipboard, Pinterest, Sketchbook Pro, Servers Ultimate to the list also.

^^ yes i second that..airdroid v2 is awesome and is a must!

asdfuogh said:
How do you NOT have LectureNotes as one of the best apps to have here?
Man.. It's probably my go-to app on this tablet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've installed LectureNotes and uninstalled and installed a couple times now and I just find myself using S Note again. It's just my preference, though I did mention it in my reviews because I know it has a large following.
I'm thinking of adding links for alternatives under all of the apps I listed. I do like that it has opened some discussion for apps that people prefer to the ones I've chosen to use which i think is great.

thanks for this,
note arrived to day so kind of info was why I stopped by :good:
R

RandomAwesomeGuy said:
Evernote, in my opinion, is one of the best note-taking app across all OSs, and its free .
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5ldmVybm90ZSJd
The Skitch app/addon for Evernote is also very useful because it allows you to add sketches/handwritten notes to your notes in Evernote. It is also free.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote.skitch&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5ldmVybm90ZS5za2l0Y2giXQ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't evernote have only cloud storage @$45/year? Sd storage would be much preferred I would think, followed by Dropbox.

Stoney60 said:
Doesn't evernote have only cloud storage @$45/year? Sd storage would be much preferred I would think, followed by Dropbox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes for the premium account but the free account gives you 60mb of photos/PDFs a month, and 250 notebooks, and 100,000 note cards. After you read my first sentence, you will think that it isn't a lot, I once did. But if you have 5 classes that would be 250(notebooks)/5(classes) = 50(notebooks per class). Thats seems like a lot. Then if 100,000(notecards total)/50(notebooks per class) = 2,000(notecards per notebook). I think that 2,000 notecards per notebook is a lot. I have about 4000 notecards, and still have 96000 left.

I don't know how the X-plore file manager doesn't get more love, dual-pane, drop box integration etc, I've tried them all and that's far and away the best IMO.

FlamingGoat said:
I don't know how the X-plore file manager doesn't get more love, dual-pane, drop box integration etc, I've tried them all and that's far and away the best IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I partially agree. For a 10.1 tablet a dual-pane file manager is much better than a single pane one and it eases many operations.
Anyway I prefer Total Commander.
I've used for ages (say... 15 years (?) ) Total commander for Windows and only lately I found out there was an Android version too! It works great for me.

sphere314 said:
I partially agree. For a 10.1 tablet a dual-pane file manager is much better than a single pane one and it eases many operations.
Anyway I prefer Total Commander.
I've used for ages (say... 15 years (?) ) Total commander for Windows and only lately I found out there was an Android version too! It works great for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
total commander is what i can not live with. this is a true must-have app.

Reading comic books?

I've seen conjecture that the 12.2 should be great for reading comic books, but has anyone done so? If so, can you relate the 12.2 comic reading to the 10.1 experience? Have had a Toshiba Thrive for nearly 4 years but time to upgrade. Comic book reading (especially getting an entire page on the screen at one time with large enough text to read it) is important to new purchase. Thanks for feedback.

ritchea said:
I've seen conjecture that the 12.2 should be great for reading comic books, but has anyone done so? If so, can you relate the 12.2 comic reading to the 10.1 experience? Have had a Toshiba Thrive for nearly 3 years but time to upgrade. Comic book reading (especially getting an entire page on the screen at one time with large enough text to read it) is important to new purchase. Thanks for feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, actually I got one two days ago and I'm still wondering if I keep it or not (don't really need a tab). One of the things I did meanwhile was reading comics. I read several of The Walking Dead comics using the free version of ComicRack, holding the tab vertically. This was one of the few things so far where my 5.5" Note 2 really didn't com close to being useful.
The size is just perfect, very crisp image, really good. You can read the whole page perfectly, using 100% of the screen. I used the volume up/down buttons to skip pages so almost didn't have to move at all.
The only problem is that it is a bit heavy to hold that way, but I guess even a 10 tablet would be, or an 8. None is as comfy a a book. Still, the reading experience itself is excellent.

This is my 3rd tablet, which I primarily use for comics.. I have about 10k comics that I store on it.. I started with the Ipad (which I never liked because of the screen shape), then the Transformer, and now this.. and I am in love.. With the Transformer I had to use a rooted app to use up the entire screen.. That's not needed on this..
The day I got it, I put the same comic up on my 12.2 and 10 inch and what a difference.. Brighter, the text is a little crisper and it gave me that little bit of size bump that I've been wanting for the past few years.. Scrolling the Comicrack menus is super smooth and fast..
I'm not sure why I see so many people saying how heavy this thing is.. After reading some reviews originally, I was worried.. But the 12" is just as heavy as my old 10" It's really not heavy or awkward at all.. Unless you read your books while walking down the street I guess..
For me personally, who owns this just for comics, It's as perfect as it gets..

Thanks to you both. The note 12.2 is only a few grams more than the hefty Thrive. Even though I unlock and root everything, I really don't worry about this device because my son doesn't care. He chose an iPhone because of some music syn. app but didn't even want ipad air because of comic reading. He'd never consider any computer but Apple. For a tablet, it's android. His brother (also imac and macbook pro) says his android N4 provides more productivity for his needs than his iPad 3.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I also had a Thrive, then a Voyo A15 to read comics...As soon as the 64 gig version is available, I am getting this. I also appreciate the comments above...it seems like this is the tablet I have been waiting for. I might just wait for the LTE version just for the Snapdragon, though. I can't wait to read on this thing!

The size is almost a 1:1 for comic book size. I took a photo of my NP12.2 with an actual comic book over the screen and the screen is slightly taller.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
It's easy to read a comic full page with no zooming/scrolling. Even two page spreads are readable in landscape without much zooming/scrolling needed.
I find the comic reading experience is supurb. (Im using Comic Rack). The screen is just beautiful! Perfectly sharp, colors are vivid and nice inky blacks.
An obvious downside is ephasized when you hold the tablet in portrait... it's heavy! Holding it too far toward the bottom puts the full weight on your hands. To me it's a minor gripe... everything is so nice about this tablet that the weight is an easily acceptable trade off.
For extended reading you'll want a reader with good tap controls to prevent a lot ofawkward balancing-while-swiping due to the weight.
Now I pretty much don't want to read comics on anything else.

If the price was $500 and it was marketed solely as a video viewer/comic book reader, i would tell people to run to their closest store. Reading comics on the note pro 12.2 is the best experience i've had on a tablet. No need to fidget with zooming, just read and swipe pages. Everything is bright, colorful and crsip. The weight is not that bad in my opinion, it weighs about the same as a ipad 3.

I had a Nexus 10 before this and both so far has been great for comics, so whichever you get, the Note 10.1 or the Pro, you should love it. For me, larger is better, so the couple of inches does make a difference.
Also, with the $25 Google Play credit you'll receive, get the full version of ComicRack. Best reader out there.

The screen is great and the few graphic novels I have through the Kindle app look outstanding in full screen, it's just a damn shame that the marvel unlimited app is bad and only utilizes half of the screen. Really hope they fix it, but I'm not holding my breath.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

mva5580 said:
The screen is great and the few graphic novels I have through the Kindle app look outstanding in full screen, it's just a damn shame that the marvel unlimited app is bad and only utilizes half of the screen. Really hope they fix it, but I'm not holding my breath.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't the marvel unlimited a derivative of the comixology app? That app works fine for me....
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

Buji said:
Isn't the marvel unlimited a derivative of the comixology app? That app works fine for me....
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Marvel unlimited is the app for the subscription they offer to their back library as well as comics that have been released a few months back.
That comixology app worked fine, but the unlimited app just doesn't use the whole screen. Not even close, actually. Pretty disappointing that the regular marvel app works properly and the one that requires a subscription of you to use doesn't.

mva5580 said:
The screen is great and the few graphic novels I have through the Kindle app look outstanding in full screen, it's just a damn shame that the marvel unlimited app is bad and only utilizes half of the screen. Really hope they fix it, but I'm not holding my breath.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was absolutely shocked at how poor the marvel unlimited app looked on here. I'm really disappointed and hope this gets fixed soon as this is a perfect format for the app if it functions properly. I can deal with the bugs that the android version has always had, it usually just requires a few extra clicks to load something a second or third time, but having the scren size look the same on 7 inch or a 12 inch tablet is too much.
Out of curiosity, what other sources do people use for comics? The marvel unlimited account is my only experience with digital comics and I'm enjoying catching up on series that I haven't read in 20 years but I have a hard time seeing people paying $3-$4 per issue for new digital comics. Is this common? or our there other types of subscription services that people use?

resipsa said:
...
Out of curiosity, what other sources do people use for comics?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me, I use comixology and the dark horse app. Comixology's higher definition comics look amazing on the notepro.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk

Haven't decided on 12.2 yet but use Perfect Viewer as we have the files already.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Here is a review that includes showing how comics look on the note pro if someone need to see it in action to help for a decision http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HbnTSojBJtg
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