Related
First off, let me say that i'm no fan of Apple and I really can't stand Steve Jobs. Yes, i've bought his products, but I hate being told what to do once I give him my money. I like customization. I like options. Hence, I do not like Steve Jobs.
I was very excited about the Xoom. I checked online every day for information about it since it's announcement. I had very high expectations and, even though the price tag was higher than I wanted to pay, I was the first to buy it at my local Best Buy.
Now, with that being said. I'm coming up on my 14 day return policy and am debating if I should keep it. I am new to this forum and have been reading through all the threads and learned a lot. However, in my learnings, I have also found things that concern me.
To start, let me tell you why I bought it. I had an iPad before and I mainly used it for online browsing around the house. For movies when I go on trips. And I wanted to use the Xoom for all of that, but also as my work and personal organizer. For easy access to business plans and work integration.
Here's where I'm having problems. If these are things that I should expect to be fixed with updates over time, then great. If not, then I'll have to find another option.
1) The Tegra Processor. I read on here that the Tegra Processor is what is preventing the Xoom from playing my divx movies. Now, I have gotten them to work on RockPlayer. But it has that watermark in the top left hand corner and my status bar at the bottom of the xoom never fades out. Also, and this is the biggest problem, the quality doesn't look good. It looks like their is a subtle light grid in the background. Almost like the original LCD's you saw in airports back in the day. When I first heard about the Tegra issues, I was just going to return the Xoom and get another Honeycomb tablet, but then I saw that all of the Android Tablets will have one.
2) The Browser. I did the trips where you go into debug mode and tell the Xoom to view all webpages in Desktop mode, but there are still a few sites that will only show me the mobile mode. Also, I like to have my bookmarks sorted by the order in which I visit them, yet the Xoom seems to randomly organize them for me. Kinda annoying.
3) Accessories. The only thing that I loved about my iPad was not the unit, but the Apple portfolio case. The motorola porfotlio case is just bulky, scratches the unit, and the latch is loose at best. I've found some nice leather cases online, but none that fold over and cover the screen. Yes, I have a screen protector. But, even those I can't find a good one with anti-glare.
4) eMail. I use exchange and apparently my work email is one of the ones that won't work on the xoom. I had to get Roadsync, which is okay, but I just prefer to use the default, integrated email/contacts/calendar programs. My EVO is perfect for this.
5) Widgets. Seriously, what's the deal with having cell phone sized widgets on a 10.1" screen. LauncherPro is nice, but still has custom icons like it's a phone, which I find to be in the way.
I know that most of these things seem small. But when you drop $800 on a device because you expect atleast the same functionality as your smaller cell phone, you come to have higher standards. I knew about Flash and the SD card issue going in, but the rest is bothersome. I know i'm an early adapter and with that comes quirks.
In any case, you all are 1000x smarter than me with this thing. I will take whatever advice you have.
1. Touchdown for tablets is great for email.
2. Some sites might not have updated their pages yet.
3. Apple always gets the third party love but more and more products are coming online everyday check Amazon
4. Being this is Google's flagship devise you have to believe this will be supported with updates and the file types should change
OK, first off, I agree with alot of what you have said, your right the software is a bit buggy at this time, again at this time. What you have to consider is that that this is an android device, and by that I mean it does not have all the overage that alot of companies put out on top of the overall software that make it look nice and neat, to include custom apps and infrastructure, but this also means that it is much easier to update. Half the time lost between when an actual Android update comes out and the time it takes for your device to get that update is due to all the crap that the company puts on top of the original Android infrastructure.
Give it a bit of time and I am sure that most of your problems can be worked out to you satisfaction due to them being software and not hardware problems.
Also take into account that since Motorola chose to use this clean interface it makes it much easier to modify by the hacking community , which is definitely something that an iPad cannot due.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
virgil1528 said:
1) The Tegra Processor. I read on here that the Tegra Processor is what is preventing the Xoom from playing my divx movies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any CPU/GPU can play video so long as it supports the right codecs. Have you tried transcoding to a supported codec?
xlGmanlx said:
1. Touchdown for tablets is great for email.
2. Some sites might not have updated their pages yet.
3. Apple always gets the third party love but more and more products are coming online everyday check Amazon
4. Being this is Google's flagship devise you have to believe this will be supported with updates and the file types should change
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
+1 for Touchdown. It is fantastic for exchange, I use it on both my Evo and Xoom.
If this wasn't a Google Experience device, I'd say your complaints would carry more weight.
However, Google has always done a good job of keeping their GE devices updated and at the forefront.
This device only just came out, I'm fairly sure they will get things handled fairly quickly.
As far as the apps/widgets go. This is still a new device and platform. All android tablets are going to suffer from the same right now. However...again... this issue is largely due to the limited time the device/platform has been available. Within a few weeks...I'm sure we'll see a lot more apps/widgets (even the ipad had limited selection out right). Just think of what it'll be like in a couple of weeks/months with more custom apps/roms/kernels etc...
I had buyers remorse for the first evening...not for any particular reason...and now I can't put it down. Not to mention my wife (who has an iPad), won't shut-up about when she is getting her Xoom
So I would say hang on to it, but that's just me. Do what makes you happy
I've come to the decision that I'll be taking mine back on the 13th day.
I've tried to really give it love and get use out of it, but tablets just don't really fill any niche except "web browsing on the couch".
I'm a sysadmin by day, and although I've carried the Xoom with me every time I step away from my desk, it just hasn't served a single purpose on the job. I had imagined it would be neat to dial into servers using RDP, but the interface is just horrible. I'm much better off just dialing into the server in question at any desk I'm in front of. I'm never more than 8-12 feet from a desktop machine, so there goes that.
Pulse news reader is basically the killer app, but is hardly worth 1000 (799 + tax + extra charger + 129 protection plan against drops for 1yr + case).
Motorola certainly hasn't won me over on the price especially considering I prepaid for it on the first day I could (at two different best buys just to cover bases), and then people who *DIDN'T* do that had a chance at 200 dollars off that was honored in the end. Ridiculous.
I had intended to pick up android development for tablets eventually, but I can hold off and stick with honing my Python until these come way down in price or offer some more functionality.
That's too bad, this has taken over as my laptop and let's me have a mobile office so to speak
For RDP I use Remote RDP light and it works credibly, but if your looking for true RDP functionality then you have to have a mouse and keyboard, and guess what, you bought a tablet with a touch screen interface, you can buy a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you want, but that just means more devices to carry around. A tablet, any tablet, will not be the proper interface for RDP, it can't, it is not a PC with all the perifials. A tablet, as far as RDP is concerned, is a device to do what you have to do when a PC is not around and a cell phone is impractical. As a network administrator I can do some of the emergency things that I need to accomplish while out on the town with my tablet, reading a book, surfing the web, commenting on a blog, watching a movie, all without lugging a laptop.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Yeah, unless you wanted to leave the mouse and just use the tablet as a touch screen with a keyboard your better off with a laptop. But like you said in a pinch its tough too beat
richardjr said:
For RDP I use Remote RDP light and it works credibly, but if your looking for true RDP functionality then you have to have a mouse and keyboard, and guess what, you bought a tablet with a touch screen interface, you can buy a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you want, but that just means more devices to carry around. A tablet, any tablet, will not be the proper interface for RDP, it can't, it is not a PC with all the perifials. A tablet, as far as RDP is concerned, is a device to do what you have to do when a PC is not around and a cell phone is impractical. As a network administrator I can do some of the emergency things that I need to accomplish while out on the town with my tablet, reading a book, surfing the web, commenting on a blog, watching a movie, all without lugging a laptop.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Usmc7356 said:
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't imagine I'll walk away and never look back, but now I know what they're good for (and not good for) and when the price wars drive these down to 400ish I'll scoop one up again. : /
Not all tablets are create equal, and sometimes it takes having one first hand to validate all the information out there and how it applies to your situation
ixobelle said:
I don't imagine I'll walk away and never look back, but now I know what they're good for (and not good for) and when the price wars drive these down to 400ish I'll scoop one up again. : /
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return your Xoom and buy it in 6 months for cheaper price
Or probably there will be a new kind of better Honeycomb tablet at that time.
Usmc7356 said:
Keep the tab. U will love it in 6 months when everything is revamped
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
codeman05 said:
Well said.
+1 for Touchdown. It is fantastic for exchange, I use it on both my Evo and Xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded the free version of Touchdown this morning after reading this thread. Could you explain to me why it is so great? I haven't had time to use it extensively but maybe you can quickly list some advantages over the stock mail client?
Thanks!
I understand your frustration and you ultimately need to do what makes you feel most comfortable. Most of your issues are software related and you know things can only get better with updates. Google has a lot riding on Honeycomb so I expect updates to come fast and often.
1) The Tegra Processor - Seems like your issue is not with the Tegra but with how the codecs handle Divx. Software update could fix this but also developers can do wonders.
2) The Browser - Software update again. The browser is a great starting point and, with some minor tweaks, will be fantastic.
3) Accessories - As more Xooms sell, more 3rd parties will have a business case to make accessories for it. I'm thinking that when the Xoom wifi and Xoom for Europe are released (indications say that will happen at the same time) then we'll see a flood of new 3rd party goodies.
4) eMail - Software update. ALTHOUGH, I'm not 100% sure this is a priority for Google. People complain that they wish the AOSP phones went a step further with their Exchange implementations. Still, the chances are you'll be ok moving forward.
5) Widgets - This is a microcosm of the entire app market right now for Honeycomb. Devs need to start updating their apps with Tablets in mind. Again, more people owning Honeycomb, more reasons for devs to get on it.
The point I'm trying to make is the only way for the Xoom to go is up. As more people buy, more attention the aftermarket will pay to it. If previous Android versions are any indication (and they are,) this is a snowball effect. It'll just get bigger and bigger.
As to the RDP: I use the XtraLogic Remote Desktop app and it works wonderfully, completed designed around the touch interface.
Between Remote Desktop and ConnectBot, I've found a million uses for this as a sysadmin. I don't know how you haven't found a single use for it.
Hello Xoom owners,
I have been closely following the progress of the Xoom and am excited with what I'm seeing. I plan on purchasing the Wifi version when it releases in April. The reason I am interested in the Xoom is the productivity aspect of it, i.e. typing and web browsing. I'm not too worried about video playback or apps right now. My question to you is, how proficient is the Xoom in these categories? I need this tablet to be as much of a standalone device as it can be (unlike another tablet that needs to be plugged into itunes). I am happy to see usb mounting because this will help file transferring even more. I used pages on the ipad and was moderately impressed. Any opinions? How does the Xoom match up to the ipad in writing and the web?
Thanks in advance!
Sent from my Epic 4G
same concern
i hav same concern, i guess xoom is much better than ipad2 coz of productivity, right now i dont care about apps. i want to browse faster...is it the ultimate machine to browse ??? one more thing can i use netflix thru browser
thankx
freddyraptor22 said:
i hav same concern, i guess xoom is much better than ipad2 coz of productivity, right now i dont care about apps. i want to browse faster...is it the ultimate machine to browse ??? one more thing can i use netflix thru browser
thankx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Xoom has zzero productivity apps, no word processor no excel. Honeycomb will Bea great os once they get rid of the lag, until that point apple really does win because it just works. Now i have a Xoom and the I pad 2, I love them both and trying to pick which one to return is ggoing to br vvery hard.
mchimney said:
The Xoom has zzero productivity apps, no word processor no excel. Honeycomb will Bea great os once they get rid of the lag, until that point apple really does win because it just works. Now i have a Xoom and the I pad 2, I love them both and trying to pick which one to return is ggoing to br vvery hard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Documents to Go is available on android and iOS platform. What makes you claim that Xoom has zero productivity apps?
I have Documents to Go and although it's not optimized for Honeycomb, I haven't had any problems with it. I'm looking forward to a tablet version but for now I don't have any complaints.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
What about Google Docs? Is the standard html5 interface accessible?
I also use documents to go on the XOOM. No problems at all making word and excel docs. It also does power point, but i don't.
mchimney said:
The Xoom has zzero productivity apps, no word processor no excel. Honeycomb will Bea great os once they get rid of the lag, until that point apple really does win because it just works. Now i have a Xoom and the I pad 2, I love them both and trying to pick which one to return is ggoing to br vvery hard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is just for the "I need a word processor NOW" effect then go with the iPad. From what I've heard the Pages, Numbers, and Keynote apps are pretty sweet. If you want a great overall experience of a real OS, however, you should stick with the Xoom. I love how I can play around with it. And since I have no urgent need to write a lot or crunch numbers on the Xoom (that's what I have my laptop for for now) I will wait until something really effective comes out. For now I'm stuck with the Documents To Go which is very basic but at least I can open and view documents decently. Yes, it's the paid version.
bwcorvus said:
I also use documents to go on the XOOM. No problems at all making word and excel docs. It also does power point, but i don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAHA! I would say what you get from D2G in regards to PowerPoint is more comparable to a very pathetic "PDF" version of a .ppt(x) file. No animations, picture effects are messed up, etc. BUT, if you have plain and simple presentations you can view them OK.
Shadomastr said:
Hello Xoom owners,
I have been closely following the progress of the Xoom and am excited with what I'm seeing. I plan on purchasing the Wifi version when it releases in April. The reason I am interested in the Xoom is the productivity aspect of it, i.e. typing and web browsing. I'm not too worried about video playback or apps right now. My question to you is, how proficient is the Xoom in these categories? I need this tablet to be as much of a standalone device as it can be (unlike another tablet that needs to be plugged into itunes). I am happy to see usb mounting because this will help file transferring even more. I used pages on the ipad and was moderately impressed. Any opinions? How does the Xoom match up to the ipad in writing and the web?
Thanks in advance!
Sent from my Epic 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesnt match up at all. You just have to be patient, or go with the ipad. I chose the latter, but I'm impatient.
freddyraptor22 said:
i hav same concern, i guess xoom is much better than ipad2 coz of productivity, right now i dont care about apps. i want to browse faster...is it the ultimate machine to browse ??? one more thing can i use netflix thru browser
thankx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No netflix thru the browser because Netflix uses silverlight which has no android port.
I have no problem waiting for the word processing to get better on the xoom. I'm not planning on writing papers on this thing, maybe just rough drafts but it needs to have something. Probably going with the xoom, just having second thoughts after seeing the ipad 2.
Sent from my Epic 4G
docs.google.com works for me. i'm not doing anything with word docs and excel docs that cause any problems. i rely on docs.google.com for my cr-48 too. or at least i did. since the xoom arrived the cr-48 isn't getting much lovin'.
Okay i e-mail quickoffice to see if they're offering a honeycomb version of their suite
they made a tablet version specifically for notion ink adam as shown here:
so here what they said
"Hi Kam,
Quickoffice is indeed available on the Motorola XOOM. The app ships preinstalled on the device, and is currently available in view-only mode. Quickoffice for Honeycomb will be available soon, offering editing functionality as well. Please stay tuned!
Best,
Katelyn
Katelyn Perkins
LEWIS PR – Global Communications "
slshults said:
docs.google.com works for me. i'm not doing anything with word docs and excel docs that cause any problems. i rely on docs.google.com for my cr-48 too. or at least i did. since the xoom arrived the cr-48 isn't getting much lovin'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ill take it haha
my Android SDK 3.0 lets me access GoogleDocs, just like the browser
I want to hear from Xoom users some advantages on getting the Xoom. I currently have an iPad 2 and it's cool but there is no JB for it yet. I saw some articles on Google IO today and was amazed at the USB host support which would make it awesome for emulators.
What are some advantages you guys think would be? I currently own an Evo so I'm familiar with Android. I'm more interested in knowing the cool things you can do with it. I found someone in CL who is interested in trading his Xoom for my iPad 2. Thanks.
Reason #1, it gets you away from Kool-Aide drinking mac-bots who think everything has to be white.
Anyone else have a constructive response?
gqstatus0685 said:
I want to hear from Xoom users some advantages on getting the Xoom. I currently have an iPad 2 and it's cool but there is no JB for it yet. I saw some articles on Google IO today and was amazed at the USB host support which would make it awesome for emulators.
What are some advantages you guys think would be? I currently own an Evo so I'm familiar with the Evo. I'm more interested in knowing the cool things you can do with it. I found someone in CL who is interested in trading his Xoom for my iPad 2. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those of us who show our loyalty to google will be rewarded with land and women once the takeover is complete.
Additionally, flash is neat, USB hosting, I'm fairly siked about google music. Greater customization. I'd wait to see how 3.1 runs but it looks very promising in the dev notes.
you are not bound to itunes, you can customize your UI, your notifications wont interrupt you, its positioned to be compatible with a ****load of other devices, hdmi ready, amazon and sony love android
gqstatus0685 said:
Anyone else have a constructive response?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is that not contructive? Apple confines you to their standards. Time to open up and do what the user wants to do....Coca-cola taste a ton better than Kool-Aide
Best advice I can give you is just read the reviews and see if you like it. Seriously read up.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Upcoming ice cream sandwich!
Sent from my Evo using XDA Premium App
http://cameradojo.com/2011/04/20/my-take-on-android-tablets-vs-ipad/
dunno why you need convincing ... just check out the features and play with one at a best buy.
Is Google Body available for the Xoom? I'm interested in that. I'll still have my 1st gen iPad so I don't mind trading it in. Are their any cool things you can do with it like connecting bluetooth devices, etc?
One thing I hate about the iPad 2 is the camera. I took a picture of my daughter up close and it was so blurry I thought she was a UFO. I think it's rated at under 1MP.
MitchRapp said:
dunno why you need convincing ... just check out the features and play with one at a best buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I played with one at Best Buy but it was molested beyond recognition. There was so much stuff scattered all over the screen I didn't have the patience to look through it. I wanted input from someone who owns it and has played with it for over a month.
Are the apps catching up? What I mean by this is are there a lot of tablet apps out yet or just phone apps.
gqstatus0685 said:
Is Google Body available for the Xoom? I'm interested in that. I'll still have my 1st gen iPad so I don't mind trading it in. Are their any cool things you can do with it like connecting bluetooth devices, etc?
One thing I hate about the iPad 2 is the camera. I took a picture of my daughter up close and it was so blurry I thought she was a UFO. I think it's rated at under 1MP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see, something you could have easily checked online Google Body is one of the "made for Honeycomb" apps. It was released along with the XOOM.
gqstatus0685 said:
I played with one at Best Buy but it was molested beyond recognition. There was so much stuff scattered all over the screen I didn't have the patience to look through it. I wanted input from someone who owns it and has played with it for over a month.
Are the apps catching up? What I mean by this is are there a lot of tablet apps out yet or just phone apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plenty of tablet apps and "tegra HD" apps available.
Also, pretty much every app I've tried that didn't specify Honeycomb support worked anyways. the "HD" games are spectacular (youtube "pinball HD honeycomb" ... it's 2.99 USD (2.84 CDN haha) and it rocks.
multitasking, much better webexperience than safari, flash support
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Starting a thread like this is just to fan the flames of fanboyism. Don't come on this forum and try to stoke fires. Go try them out and make your own decisions.
I actually purchased the Ipad 2 and received it about 2 weeks ago. It took me less than a week to call Apple and request and return package. I then went into Best buy and purchased a Xoom.
Here are the reasons why:
- FLASH: I watch videos online all the time, and most of them are sites that use flash
- Being able to just download a mp3, an image, or even videos right from the browser and save it wherever I want to
- Being able to open the downloaded file with the app I want
- Being able to connect my Xoom to my PC at work and transfer whatever file I want
- Being able to customize my homescreen to my liking
- Notifications
- Widgets (I just hated that fact that I always had to go to the settings to activate bluetooth or wi-fi for example
- Now with Honeycomb 3.1 announced, I'm really not regretting buying the Xoom
h_zee13 said:
I actually purchased the Ipad 2 and received it about 2 weeks ago. It took me less than a week to call Apple and request and return package. I then went into Best buy and purchased a Xoom.
Here are the reasons why:
- FLASH: I watch videos online all the time, and most of them are sites that use flash
- Being able to just download a mp3, an image, or even videos right from the browser and save it wherever I want to
- Being able to open the downloaded file with the app I want
- Being able to connect my Xoom to my PC at work and transfer whatever file I want
- Being able to customize my homescreen to my liking
- Notifications
- Widgets (I just hated that fact that I always had to go to the settings to activate bluetooth or wi-fi for example
- Now with Honeycomb 3.1 announced, I'm really not regretting buying the Xoom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm going to pull the trigger and do the trade. I still have an iPad 1st gen so I can fall back on the apps I love like Netflix. Hopefully they hack other OS's on the Xoom like Linux. Thanks for all the positive responses from the few of you who weren't just looking to increase your post count.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
In short, it's not quite a slick as the iPad 2 and there are nowhere near enough tablet specific apps, but imo the browser is better, it's more customizable, google maps is far better as is the multi-tasking. But you should know that HD videos will require re-encoding due to the Tegra2 chip and it's limitations.
I think the biggest reason you have already mentioned in your post.
Jail-break.
iPad2 is a Jail. It needs to be broken.
I used to be an iPhone user (3GS and 4G).
I am sick of being told you should do things this way and if you don't , you are screwed.
Xoom and all other android device brings me "freedom" in what I OWN.
Specifically in terms of functions
0. Flash
1. You get much better camera (5mp back, 2mp front facing)
2. You have the rights to root it, install customized roms/themes
3. You can install third party apps freely.
4. You can flash kernels to overclock your CPU to 1.5Ghz while iPad 2 is stuck at 1G max
5. You have strong Dev community to create stuff. as long as there is a need. Apparently it requires certain level of computer proficiency but from what you mentioned, you definitely have it.
6. You have google rolling out more and more exciting updates and with an open source concept, the market share of Android will bypass iOS by much and developer community will definitely notice this part of the market and create apps (commercial apps) around it.
7. many apps you know what is going on because you can see source code.
8. To someone who may worry that iPad apps are more than Honeycomb apps, I think at the current rate of brining new apps to platform, it wont be a problem a few months later at all.
9. Oh, you can install and dual boot Ubuntu in it.
I want to buy a tablet and I'm hesitant between the 10.1 and the iPad 2. I'm no expert and they both seem somehow identical to me, in your opinion what are the main differences and your recommendations. Thanks in advance!
Asus Transformer Prime
I'm just a junior member here, too, so I'm hoping not to get flamed on this one, but...
the biggest difference between the SG Tab 10.1 and the iPad2 is going to be the OS. Android vs iOS, the age-old debate.
I personally prefer Android, due to the possibility to delve into the innermost workings make adjustments, tweaks and change stuff to the way I like it. iOS is a bit cleaner, and faster, but without some serious hacking you can't change very much of the inner workings. Its like buying a Lambo or an old muscle car (a GTO for example), they're both going to be fast...but chances are, if you want to modify or adjust something, its going to be a hell of a lot easier on the muscle car (Android). Whereas when you open the Lambo's (iOS) hood, you only see plastic housing which hides all of the real machinery.
Sure, the hardware specs are also going to vary a bit, but that's misleading because Apple products can do a lot with a lot less. But they're both going to be fast tablets, that basically have the computing power of an average notebook (excluding enterprise or gaming laptop).
But the reason I wanted to reply, is to suggest that you wait a month (or a couple of weeks) and check out the Asus Transformer Prime. The hardware specs are sic, and (again, on paper) dwarf the SGTab and the iPad. Don't get me wrong, I wanted a SGTab until about 2 weeks ago, too. But the Asus will beat them both, if my assumptions are correct.
The biggest advantage of the Asus...quad-core processing (with an alternate 5th) and the latest version of the Android OS. Ice Cream Sandwich. (disclaimer: you could probably load ICS onto the SGTab, but in doing so you might void a warranty)
My advice, hold out a few more weeks and investigate all options (read: Asus Transformer Prime).
Not sure why you would come to a Samsumg Tab forum to see if people would recommend the iPad... But seriously, there may be other places on the web where you would get a balanced view. I love the Samsung.
Jim
When people ask me for a recommendation the first questions I ask are, "Do you have a Smartphone and what OS is it, iOS or Android? How invested (paid apps) in your OS are you?" and, "Exactly what are you planning to use the tablet for?"
Once they answer those questions then I can give them an honest opinion.
Me? I was looking for something to replace my 11.6" netbook for travel and general email/internet use. My 10.1 is perfect for my needs. Spent a week in NYC with my Tab and didn't miss the netbook once. (plus getting it for $100 off at Staples didn't hurt either)
Please google the following, it might give you some help on your research:
Tech supremacy blogspot (Why Android)
It just talk about Android OS and Apple's iOS and it applies on both Phones and Tablets.
Regards
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda premium
sean is here.
I have checked the Asus on GSM Arena and the specs are great but does not make much difference to me compared to the SG Tab 10.1 and the iPad 2.
Jay Evans
I have a Samsung Galaxy Ace phone with Gingerbread. I have very few paid apps on my phone. I plan to use the tablet for entertainment and simply being online; emailing, Facebook... etc
So, what do you recommend?
tommydorsey
I just trust the forum here, and I thought many who had already purchased the SG Tab 10.1 and considered the iPad 2 as well, and would have some good pointers.
Willy318is
I read the article, it's helpful, thanks man!
So you will basically just buy the tabled and use it as is.. you dont care about modding or anything like that.
I would recommend the ipad then.
sean is here. said:
I'm just a junior member here, too, so I'm hoping not to get flamed on this one, but...
the biggest difference between the SG Tab 10.1 and the iPad2 is going to be the OS. Android vs iOS, the age-old debate.
I personally prefer Android, due to the possibility to delve into the innermost workings make adjustments, tweaks and change stuff to the way I like it. iOS is a bit cleaner, and faster, but without some serious hacking you can't change very much of the inner workings. Its like buying a Lambo or an old muscle car (a GTO for example), they're both going to be fast...but chances are, if you want to modify or adjust something, its going to be a hell of a lot easier on the muscle car (Android). Whereas when you open the Lambo's (iOS) hood, you only see plastic housing which hides all of the real machinery.
Sure, the hardware specs are also going to vary a bit, but that's misleading because Apple products can do a lot with a lot less. But they're both going to be fast tablets, that basically have the computing power of an average notebook (excluding enterprise or gaming laptop).
But the reason I wanted to reply, is to suggest that you wait a month (or a couple of weeks) and check out the Asus Transformer Prime. The hardware specs are sic, and (again, on paper) dwarf the SGTab and the iPad. Don't get me wrong, I wanted a SGTab until about 2 weeks ago, too. But the Asus will beat them both, if my assumptions are correct.
The biggest advantage of the Asus...quad-core processing (with an alternate 5th) and the latest version of the Android OS. Ice Cream Sandwich. (disclaimer: you could probably load ICS onto the SGTab, but in doing so you might void a warranty)
My advice, hold out a few more weeks and investigate all options (read: Asus Transformer Prime).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The big question is what does that quad core get you. It is no easy task coding a thread efficient app. gods it took like 6 years before any core advantaged apps came out for the pc and those are still far n few to this day. Reality is most of your android apps in the next 2 years will be single threaded which means all things being equal frequency not core count is your performance driver. You might get some advantage in multitasking but that remains to be seen how the os takes advantage of the cores
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
I used to have an iPhone 3GS and a iPod Touch 3G 64GB. After moving to an Android device (phone), and later on getting the Samsung Galaxy 10.1" wifi model, I am extremely happy that I switched to Android. It's so much less locked down, and the flexibility is there to do just about anything.
* Manage the filesystem
* Live wallpapers
* Widgets
* Arbitrary device <--> device bluetooth transfers
* CPU overclocking
* Install custom ROMs with root access
* Custom recovery ROM (make full system images)
* etc.?
The only major complaint I have is User Interface (UI) performance, however I am confident that Ice Cream Sandwich will be solving much of that with GPU UI rendering. I really can't wait to get a solid build of ICS on my Galaxy 10.1 ... it's going to be incredible! The hardware is *perfect* except for the lack of a SD card slot -- either way, that doesn't bother me too much. I can store a full season of TV shows on the smaller 16GB size.
tl;dr Get the Samsung Galaxy 10.1"!
pcgeek86 said:
...the flexibility is there to do just about anything.
* Manage the filesystem
* Live wallpapers
* Widgets
* Arbitrary device <--> device bluetooth transfers
* CPU overclocking
* Install custom ROMs with root access
* Custom recovery ROM (make full system images)
* etc.?
tl;dr Get the Samsung Galaxy 10.1"!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats why I got the gtab 10.1
But from what M_Shaaban said he doesn't want to do any of that with his device. He just wants to read email.. facebook and browse the internet.
Dont you think the ipad will be a smoother experience for him ?
jfassad said:
Thats why I got the gtab 10.1
But from what M_Shaaban said he doesn't want to do any of that with his device. He just wants to read email.. facebook and browse the internet.
Dont you think the ipad will be a smoother experience for him ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For right now, probably yes. If you think longer term, once he gets a tablet, he may end up wanting to do more with it, once he realizes what it's capable of.
IMO, the iPad is nice and easy because Apple just blew up an iPod. With the same restrictions, the biggest is still having to rely on outside sources provided by apple. So if your on a plane you wont have access to documents and other such files that an iPod would not support.
Galaxy Tab using Android can run completely independant. And I think that's how people get confused. Trying to make it work like an old palm or apple device. ”How do I make it work with my computer”. My answer is always , I don't! Except to transfer large volumes of media or documents. Free music downloads? Yup. Torrenting? sure. Document viewing, editing and creation and stored locally? Done. If you want a cloud service you can choose from a variety of sources for that. And the best part for me? Using Gmail syncing, my tab, RAZR, and even my BlackBerry and N8 are in sync OTA (meaning cross platform abilities). My computer is literally for storage these days. Or flashing Odin or other hacker style stuff.
iPad vs SGTab
I didn't mean say that the quad core will make all the difference. Point well made, to multi-threaded apps. I've only been coding for about 3 years, and have only been recently introduced to multi-threading. I say 'introduced' because I've basically only seen it in a classroom environment as basically a proof of concept. We never got into the useful aspects of it. But I would think that multi-cores could dramatically improve multi-tasking. But again, I'm a layperson in these respects and not ashamed to admit that I'm in this conversation over my head.
I think the biggest advantage (aside from weight, dimensions, and aforementioned computing power) of the Asus over the SGTab is ICS. ICS does have some pretty cool features and although the Asus is being shipped with Honeycomb, its upgrade ready. This could be better for a novice user in that he could receive the upgrade without having to root brand new hardware.
For your requirements of facebook, email and internet, I recommended an iPad 2. It's simple, easy to use, and pretty much works out of the box. No tinkering required (or allowed). It has a better GPU, too, if you decide to do a little mobile gaming.
If eventually, you decide you want more out of tablet than what iOS can offer, you can always sell it and get an android tablet. Apple products are easy to sell and have, generally, a higher resale value compared to android devices.
As for me, I'm immensely enjoying my Galaxy Tab 10.1. I thought about waiting for the Transformer Prime, but I realized that for my needs, the Galaxy tab is more than capable. Email, internet, books, comics, movies and the occasional wind-up knight.
M_Shaaban said:
I want to buy a tablet and I'm hesitant between the 10.1 and the iPad 2. I'm no expert and they both seem somehow identical to me, in your opinion what are the main differences and your recommendations. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To help you understand more about two tablets I would suggest that you give the community a bit more information on what you gonna do with the tablet?
Is it just for basic stuff? (Internet,Email,Videos)
Or are you going to use it more for gaming?
Pretty sure that once you clarified that, people would start helping you properly.
I needed a tablet, to write, surf, multimedia device, etc. As I also needed a new phone I wanted them to link easily.
I purchased the GT 10.1 3G 16GB for about USD 650/- and added to it Samsung Galaxy Y for about USD 125. The screen resolution of the phone is not the greatest, but I don't care as I carry normally in any case the tablet.
For less then USD 800, I got an in my opinion excellent phone and a great tablet, which do everything I need. Had no problems with Norton rings, or any light leakage worth mentioning. Market is great. Even Adobe Touch applications came earlier on Android market then the Apple App store. This maybe tells something about what the future holds.
Apple is known for selling outdated tech for outrageous prices. So, if you are not a diehard apple fan, I would think thrice, before I dump my money into something which is not only expensive for the tech offered, but also limits my choice for the simple reason, that the former CEO of Apple, believed that all customers are complete idiots who can not make a choice for themselves.
Ipad is so limited, no Widgets, no flash support, even email is limited to attach photos only unless you use a third party application to send a document file for example, if you received a wmv file by email for example you cannot play it because it's not supported by apple...
Android is simple to use and you can do everything you need.
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk
I appreciate all the valuable input. I need to ask about gaming, how about the graphics and available games? Does the Galaxy Tab 10.1 offer a good gaming experience and HD games?
If you like being told what to do, go for the iPad.
If you like being in control of what your device does, go for the GT10.1.
Hello Vibe community,
I need opinions.
My two current tablet options are asus transformer tf300 and dock or Nexus 7 and keyboard. Heres a link to the possible keyboard for the Nexus: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00695OFE2
Im not looking for specs or price, i need to know what people think of convenience; i mean ill be carrying these in a bag, or possibly on my arm, ill be using them while walking, sometimes while in class, other times on the bus etc..
honestly i dont know if you guys will be able to help here but i do ask that you contribute something to tip my hand so that i dont spend hours wondering if i made the right choice myself and letting it ruin my experience.. thanks
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
Here is a thread similar to yours.
Can a tablet replace a laptop?
Here is my post from that thread too.
Woodrube said:
Well I don't have a TF300 but I do have a TF101 and all-in-all, I am extremely happy with it. In fact I use it more than my laptop. However, I do still use my laptop as a repository or sorts for hosting, downloads and some other Android-type things that a tablet just can't do.
There have been some stability issues with the whole line of Transformers in one form or another. But if you are experienced enough to figure out that it is not a hardware problem, then they all can be fixed one way or another.
I had always thought that tablets were nothing more than just large phones but then I used a friend's Xoom and realized that there was much more to them than that. So, I searched and searched and read and read some more about all types of tablets and what would best suit me. I wanted to know about support (XDA type support), Rooting, development as well as manufacturer support, O/S updates and basic compatability with my daily life.
After all that was done, I decided to purchase the TF101 (in Feb of this year) and have been happy with it. Later, I eventually bought a keyboard dock and between that and my usage patterns, it has beyond outstanding battery life (3-5 days with moderate use). There are several apps that emulate Xcel, Word, microsoft family as well as Polaris. Can watch HD YouTube vids just fine too. I had jury duty a few weeks ago and while I was waiting, I watched Netflix for about 3 hours and didn't put a dent in my battery life and it didn't get hot either.
Storage is unbeatable. Tablet comes with 16/32gb (I have 32gb version), External Micro-SD (up to 32gb) and the dock holds up to 32gb full-sized SD. So if you do the math that is 96gb of storage on a tablet.
I know you are thinking about the TF300 but this is my POV from the TF101. I say pull the trigger on it. You already have the laptop so it isn't like you have to choose between getting one or the other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woodrube said:
Here is a thread similar to yours.
Can a tablet replace a laptop?
Here is my post from that thread too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks alot Woodrube; so you would say that a transformer would probably work best for me?
im just not sure that id ever use the transformer without its lapdock so im wondering if itll just be a bogged-down version of a netbook... the Nexus with keyboard, on the other hand, would be used separately when i just need portability and together when i need a 'laptop' of sorts.
Thanks for the opinion
You'd think that you would use it more as a laptop than a tablet, but that is the beauty of the dock. It comes off. I use mine as a tablet more than a "laptop", but I am not in college anymore. So mine is totally recreational. I bought mine in February at BestBuy for $399 for the 32gb one. Then while cruising Ebay one night,I found a dock for $70 (retail was $150). So I got the dock on the cheap.
I do use OfficePro and apps like that but I don't use it as a reader at all (for books and stuff). There are a few of us that have Transformers, of one fashion or another. Mr_Psycho, me, Globespy, Manus all have TF101's, DougFresh and Shreddintyres both have TPrimes and another RC friend of mine actually developed the exploit to root the entire Transformer line.
Obviously the N7 is a Google Experience device, so there is all that too. If you want anything more specific,feel free to PM me about your needs and what they might be and I can shoot you some more info and some app links.
Either way,one thing that I would suggest is to get you hands on both. They are cool,but are also very different from your phone-type use (if that make sense). Plus the chiklet style keys are a bit difficult to adapt too. I find that I mistype more than normal. But I use a full keyboard at work, have a laptop at home and my TF's dock,all with different sizes of keys and pressure points. Head over to BestBuy or MicroCenter and test drive one for a bit. Could probably go to Starbucks or school library too.
Woodrube said:
You'd think that you would use it more as a laptop than a tablet, but that is the beauty of the dock. It comes off. I use mine as a tablet more than a "laptop", but I am not in college anymore. So mine is totally recreational. I bought mine in February at BestBuy for $399 for the 32gb one. Then while cruising Ebay one night,I found a dock for $70 (retail was $150). So I got the dock on the cheap.
I do use OfficePro and apps like that but I don't use it as a reader at all (for books and stuff). There are a few of us that have Transformers, of one fashion or another. Mr_Psycho, me, Globespy, Manus all have TF101's, DougFresh and Shreddintyres both have TPrimes and another RC friend of mine actually developed the exploit to root the entire Transformer line.
Obviously the N7 is a Google Experience device, so there is all that too. If you want anything more specific,feel free to PM me about your needs and what they might be and I can shoot you some more info and some app links.
Either way,one thing that I would suggest is to get you hands on both. They are cool,but are also very different from your phone-type use (if that make sense). Plus the chiklet style keys are a bit difficult to adapt too. I find that I mistype more than normal. But I use a full keyboard at work, have a laptop at home and my TF's dock,all with different sizes of keys and pressure points. Head over to BestBuy or MicroCenter and test drive one for a bit. Could probably go to Starbucks or school library too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats actually a great idea, going to test them out.. I'm going to do that and see what i think. Thanks again bro, youve been a big help
Like Woodrube I have a TF101 as well. Besides when I capture video and render, I use my tablet 90% at home. It has 100% replaced my laptop, 90% replaced my desktop, and 20% replaced my work desktop. I use my desktop and NAS to store files, so having 44GB~ of space is not a problem (which on a tablet shouldn't be anyway.)
I would say that a tablet should be able to do what you are looking for, but I would get a feel for them in person before buying. I could not live without a tablet the size of the TF101, but my wife would not go above 7 inches (she loves her Nook and plans on replacing it with the Nexus 7 most likely).
badxkarma said:
Like Woodrube I have a TF101 as well. Besides when I capture video and render, I use my tablet 90% at home. It has 100% replaced my laptop, 90% replaced my desktop, and 20% replaced my work desktop. I use my desktop and NAS to store files, so having 44GB~ of space is not a problem (which on a tablet shouldn't be anyway.)
I would say that a tablet should be able to do what you are looking for, but I would get a feel for them in person before buying. I could not live without a tablet the size of the TF101, but my wife would not go above 7 inches (she loves her Nook and plans on replacing it with the Nexus 7 most likely).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i went to best buy and the 10 inch ones def felt way better in my hand. I decided on the galaxy note 10.1 because i can take my math lecture notes on it and save paper
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
buy note 10.1 its super good for college....
akarshfrevr said:
buy note 10.1 its super good for college....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i think i will, thats for the input
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
Do you mind if I ask what field you are going into? If it is a technical field you might have a real need for a laptop instead of a tablet that is all I was thinking about.
ZieferD said:
Do you mind if I ask what field you are going into? If it is a technical field you might have a real need for a laptop instead of a tablet that is all I was thinking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im going for a BS in physics.. at least for the first 2 years, i dont anticipate needing a laptop
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
younix258 said:
Im going for a BS in physics.. at least for the first 2 years, i dont anticipate needing a laptop
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that is true and there should be a computer lab for any software they require you to use.
When I went to college the first time, I was going for a BS in physics too. I got all the way with only 4 classes until I graduated. Then I cracked and couldn't do any math at all. I couldn't even add up golf scores or bar tabs. Quit school for 2-3 years and went back and got my history degree.
This was a long time ago, but when I was in the program, was the same time that Linux (not Unix) came out and when I first learned about kernels and command lines. I still dabble in the physics program. Actually, I have employee access the the internal CERN website (don't ask) and I am on there quite frequently.
Younix, if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. Also take a look at my profile, you'll see something funny in my "Interests" section.
Woodrube said:
When I went to college the first time, I was going for a BS in physics too. I got all the way with only 4 classes until I graduated. Then I cracked and couldn't do any math at all. I couldn't even add up golf scores or bar tabs. Quit school for 2-3 years and went back and got my history degree.
This was a long time ago, but when I was in the program, was the same time that Linux (not Unix) came out and when I first learned about kernels and command lines. I still dabble in the physics program. Actually, I have employee access the the internal CERN website (don't ask) and I am on there quite frequently.
Younix, if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. Also take a look at my profile, you'll see something funny in my "Interests" section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow huge coincidence huh? Saw the advanced physics thing.. nice lol.
So what do you think? Is it a good career/degree choice?
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1