Database Users

[Q] Debating a Return before Wednesday

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.

Give me some reasons why I should get a Xoom and trade my iPad 2

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.

Iconia A500 Vs Ipad (Fun, Joke, Cartoon)

From Thailand, some little cartoon.
What happen when you just buy a brand new external HDD and you own a tablet...
here the daylife of one Ipad User and one Acer A500 User.
Enjoy
No translation now, but if requested I will translate.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=htt...ent/uploads/2011/06/Final-Cartoon.jpg&h=d7593
Translation :
ACER --- 1. got the Korea's series from my friend
IPAD 1. got the Korea's series from my friend
ACER --- 2. plug the USB and loading movies into Iconia tab.
IPAD --- 2. find the slot to plug the USB for loading movies.
ACER --- 3. la la la ...~ lie to a bed so happy
IPAD --- 3. Umm... if must be to use computer must will use i-tune.
ACER --- 4. 555 series're so funny.
IPAD --- 4. (in figure..."after 15 minutes") Download i-tune before. - -"
ACER --- 5. eiei (^_^)
IPAD --- 5. -_-" why don't be install ? must be convert file to mp4 before.
ACER --- 6. Today is ok, going to sleep.
IPAD --- 6. going to convert the series before ... and wait...
ACER --- 7. will going to copy file to HD before to get the series back to my friend.
IPAD --- 7. (in figure..."1 chapter uses time 30 minutes and 10 chapter uses time 300 minutes !!!) going to convert the files to i-tune .... and wait
ACER --- 8. have a slot to plug the SD Card... chill chill ~
IPAD --- 8. Zzzzzzz sleeppp Zzzzzzzzzzz
ACER --- 9. and sleep Zzz
IPAD --- 9. it's end and going transfer series to ipad.
ACER --- 10. Zzzzzzzz
IPAD --- 10. Full memory !!!
Translation will be done asap. be patient.
Notice that อิอิ and 555 mean simply LOL

Apple products are a joke. They're a NO to everything.
No bluetooth
No file manager
No widgets
No memory...

Bec07 said:
Apple products are a joke. They're a NO to everything.
No bluetooth
No file manager
No widgets
No memory...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I disagree, but the iPads, iPhone, and last two Touches have bluetooth. They all have memory as well, just no way to expand it.

Yes but you can't send files or contacts unless you jailbreak and pay for fancy apps.
Why don't they send it out without a sound driver so we have to jailbreak and pay for it too?

4dthinker said:
Not that I disagree, but the iPads, iPhone, and last two Touches have bluetooth. They all have memory as well, just no way to expand it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did they make people pay for a os update to use the hardware alresdy in the phone too
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

I know it's fun to bash Apple but tbh, I think the iPad iOS is far superior to HC.
The tablet experience even on the original iPad is sooo much nicer.
Why do u have an Acer tablet I hear u ask. Cos I have a weird requirement in that I want to have mouse support for RDP.
Tbh, if Apple ever gave the iPad proper mouse support (without jailbreaking), there's no way I'd use HC it's so buggy. They never will tho.
Can't send files to it? Pretty much every single half decent app has a multitude of ways to send over files to it.
For example, Goodreader can use GDocs, Dropbox, other file repositories, wifi, ftp.... you just type the IP into your browser, select your file and press upload.
Even on my Acer, I use that kind of facility if I am in a wifi zone cos it's faster than using memory stick.
Not quite sure why people are talking about paying for iOS updates. Haven't had to pay for a single update since iPads came out.
My point is, don't be critical about iOS/iPad when HC is so buggy that it's laughable. I'm sure some of you will say, but HC has only been out 6 months... but what's that go to do with the price of fish?
I also wonder if we'll be able to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich when that comes out (which I'm guessing is what HC should have been if Google hadn't rushed it).
Don't get me wrong, I'm a Google fanboy. I got rid of MS Exchange at work and implemented Google Apps 2.5 years ago and never looked back.
But to say that HC is as slick as iOS.... not even close.

please stay on the humor tone
do not start an iWar

+ 1 for translation please.

MrBoingy said:
blah blah blah
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no proper way to send files to it. I come from the dial-up age and although you might not realize it wi-fi and 3G isn't everywhere and it always costs money.
For people who do get out much (eg. photographers) Bluetooth, SD cards and USB ports are essential.
For office rats and students they also matter. Don't know ab your teachers but mine were always reluctant to share emails and phone no's. We always got the learning materials via USB sticks.
Also when having bluetooth, why upload and wait for the other lamer to download? Ever heard of streaming?
Then there's smoothness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn3duaQhIOA
See, I don't need an app for that, there's already a cool widget, so no, dragging around a few desktops that work and fell like windows 95 is not smooth for me.
It was ok 15years ago and with a keyboads. On a tablet I need more.

Translation first post.
Stay on the "fun" not on the "flame"

sanaell said:
Stay on the "fun" not on the "flame"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you think the comic itself is "flaming", too ?
One could create a comic where the iPad wins all over the Iconia.
Still nice to see a comic about tablets, thanks for sharing and translating!
edit: regarding the flames in a joke thread: i am so waiting for the day when people will finally realize that no product is perfect and everything has its pro's and contra's, depending on the user's needs.
not sure i will live that long

MrBoingy said:
I know it's fun to bash Apple but tbh, I think the iPad iOS is far superior to HC.
The tablet experience even on the original iPad is sooo much nicer.
Why do u have an Acer tablet I hear u ask. Cos I have a weird requirement in that I want to have mouse support for RDP.
Tbh, if Apple ever gave the iPad proper mouse support (without jailbreaking), there's no way I'd use HC it's so buggy. They never will tho.
Can't send files to it? Pretty much every single half decent app has a multitude of ways to send over files to it.
For example, Goodreader can use GDocs, Dropbox, other file repositories, wifi, ftp.... you just type the IP into your browser, select your file and press upload.
Even on my Acer, I use that kind of facility if I am in a wifi zone cos it's faster than using memory stick.
Not quite sure why people are talking about paying for iOS updates. Haven't had to pay for a single update since iPads came out.
My point is, don't be critical about iOS/iPad when HC is so buggy that it's laughable. I'm sure some of you will say, but HC has only been out 6 months... but what's that go to do with the price of fish?
I also wonder if we'll be able to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich when that comes out (which I'm guessing is what HC should have been if Google hadn't rushed it).
Don't get me wrong, I'm a Google fanboy. I got rid of MS Exchange at work and implemented Google Apps 2.5 years ago and never looked back.
But to say that HC is as slick as iOS.... not even close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just dont like apple products due to their fan base, see they join forums deciated for another product and tell them that the product they like is bad and udderly useless.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

see the slight difference between humor and flame is not given to everyone.
sometimes making fun of someone seems to be sooooooo baddddd...
well.
and sure someone could make something reversing the situation and I will laugh same.
I do like when "comparison" occur with real life situation it's more funny than reading
"my device is the best, yours is a ****"
Note: and this cartoon has been published by ACER Thailand themselves...

What would make you get one?

Hi everyone
I haven't posted / lurked the firums here since back when I baught my original nexus one phone.
Shortly after that the iPhone 4 and eventually the 4s came out and I have found it hard to go back to android ( I liked the simplicity of iOS)
Lately i am getting over the struggle between Apple and the hackers that allow customers do do what they want with their device. ( I always have my iPhone hacked just so I can run the tweaks apple don't provide)
The apple tv pairs quite nicely with my iPhone and I have also hacked that to run plex so I can stream from my pc.
Development for plex on apple tv is slow and usually buggy due to apples restrictions and every update means developers need to wait for a jailbreak before they can continue development..
Which brings me to the point of this post. The nexus q just might be what I need to come back to android.
These are what would convince me to come back
1. Streaming from pc not just from google play ( I believe it's already being worked on / almost done )
2. Plex / other apps like airtight working ( I believe they should eventually)
3. This would be the icing on the cake. Being able to start a movie / tv show that is on my pc over 3G. Eg. Tge girlfriend is at home and wants to watch a movie but is not too tech savvy so I load plex or a similar app on my phone while I'm at work and select a movie from my library that is on my pc at home and it starts playing on the nexus q!
Should these become a reality I would buy a galaxy s3 and a nexus q right away.
What other things would MAKE you buy a nexus q?

Well only two reasons prevent me from buying one.
Nexus Q is not available in Europe
No Music/Movie/TV Shows in the german Play store
So without the ability to stream whatever I want without the Play Store, it is quite useless at the moment. As soon as stable Custom Roms allow me to stream over WiFi and/or run XBMC I'll import one.
I like the Design, the basic Idea and well, Android. I just don't get why Google kind of messed this up by leaving it up to the Community to make this Ball of any use.

I am hoping the awesome devs have this thing cracked wide open with opportunity soon.
As for the leaving it to the community i kind of like the idea. Its like Google saying we trust the community and don't want to influence them one way or another so they gave them pretty much an empty slate to work with.

You can do music. vpn into music.google then it activates.

I just wish this thing wasn't $299.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

sonikot said:
You can do music. vpn into music.google then it activates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have activated music, however I can't order anything since checkout does not let me buy stuff with my credit card. Besides that I'd have to use a proxy 24/7 which slows down everything. That is not the kind of "experience" google wants to deliver and I don't want to have it either.
It is time that Google goes global with those things, can't be that hard...

greyphil said:
I have activated music, however I can't order anything since checkout does not let me buy stuff with my credit card. Besides that I'd have to use a proxy 24/7 which slows down everything. That is not the kind of "experience" google wants to deliver and I don't want to have it either.
It is time that Google goes global with those things, can't be that hard...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is the problem lies with the content deals being restricted by geographic region. Blame the content owners.
---------- Post added at 10:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 AM ----------
I say a realistic price would spur my purchase. $99.

Frankly, with my PC connected to my TVs and audio receiver already, and my phone, tablets, etc already able to connect to my PC and/or TV, I just don't see an advantage to this device.

I'm sure the new nexus q will have some awesome features, I'm not sure about the ones you need but the wonderful thing about android is I'm sure one of our great developers will make that all possible. I have the q and I like it, I'm definitely going to need some more features to really love it but what I have now is great... Especially because it's free.
The new one will most likely be cheaper and have more features I think that it will be better than the Apple tv.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

sRDennyCrane said:
Frankly, with my PC connected to my TVs and audio receiver already, and my phone, tablets, etc already able to connect to my PC and/or TV, I just don't see an advantage to this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed
Sent from my Nexus One using xda premium

Samsung Phones
If you own Samsung devices, just get allshare.

I have a ps3 and I can stream content to it via Wi-Fi from my PC or my nexus 7.... really no reason for a Q. If I were to get it, it would be because it looks cool.
Sent from my Nexus 7

Logomotph said:
I have a ps3 and I can stream content to it via Wi-Fi from my PC or my nexus 7.... really no reason for a Q. If I were to get it, it would be because it looks cool.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I was pretty excited about the Q when I first saw it. I liked the design, the size of it etc but the reviews had me thinking I was better off with my PS3 set up.

hey
has anyone hacked one of these to do other things

Someone needs to buy/donate one of these for a capable dev for Christmas.

jrdoming said:
has anyone hacked one of these to do other things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course. The thing that I did immediately was get SqueezePlayer running on it. This allows the Q to play local music over the network in just about any format (e.g. mp3, 24-bit flac, etc.). Control is handled by an app on your phone/tablet like Orange Squeeze, Squeeze Commander, Logitech Squeezebox Controller, or by pointing your browser to the Logitech Media Server's web interface. Oh, by the way, this also works with Squeezebox apps (e.g. Spotify, Pandora, Rhapsody, Slacker, MOG, etc.). Checkout the list here: http://www.mysqueezebox.com/appgallery
The Q has a ton of potential right out of the box and is easily worth what it is going for on eBay these days - if the user is savvy enough to exploit its potential.

I think the Q was the perfect device for a place like a bedroom where you'd otherwise just have a simple shelf unit (or I do at least). It's more convenient and a bit cleaner than always connecting your phone to the aux input. Plus, it's nice to be able to control it remotely.
The only thing is that it's too expensive. It's priced as a high-end device, but in most of us already have a "high-end" solution for this sort of thing (ie: a PC or similar) which can do a lot more. A device like the Q needs to be [just a bit] cheaper so that it can compete with a shelf unit. Though I realize I'm not the first one to say this.

Nexus 7 College Student

I'm a college student that owns a Galaxy S III, and will have a 16 GB Nexus 7 when it arrives tomorrow. In addition to playing games, I'd like to be productive on the tablet.
What apps, or functionality, do you think college students could benefit from greatly?

What you studying?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

ereaders such as ebookdroid

And office suit like QuickOffice
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Google Drive will be a big part of the productivity. I wouldn't be any productivity suites since Google just bought one of the most popular ones. They will probably incorporate it for free.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I bought the Nexus 7 specifically to use it in college classes. I got the Logitech Android Keyboard along with it and so far I'm really pleased with how well it's made, despite the Nexus 7's finicky bluetooth.
I tried out a few different note-taking apps and honestly, the one I like the most so far is ASUS SuperNote. It seems to work out great with both typed and handwritten notes (especially when used with a stylus! )

Can.I.Haz.Jelly.Bean? said:
I'm a college student that owns a Galaxy S III, and will have a 16 GB Nexus 7 when it arrives tomorrow. In addition to playing games, I'd like to be productive on the tablet.
What apps, or functionality, do you think college students could benefit from greatly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just graduated and these tips helped me greatly. So here goes...
For note-taking, stick to a laptop. Yea, you can download various apps, buy bluetooth/wireless keyboards for your nexus 7 but why?? stick with what you got. Use onenote with your laptop to take notes & record simultaneously (search youtube for more detailed tips on onenote).
- Get familiar with google calender. (Keep a designated "personal" calender where you might wanna keep important dates, doctor appointments etc. Then another calender "school" where you will input midterms, exams, assignment dates with reminders. Google calender is awesome. .... ** I suggest "business calender" app for aggregating all your calenders eg "bills", "personal" "college" etc.
- Dropbox - Don't carry flash drive's with you to campus. Put all your assignments for school in appropriate folders (1st year > science > bio ...) on the cloud. I use dropbox. You can easily use cubby, box , skydrive, google drive/docs. Other than your usual word papers, powerpoint notes from professors..**.I suggest you keep a folder for college with your academic calender + resume + GPA calculator etc. This way you can make additions to your resume as your go along your academic career. Plus you have access to stuff like your resume at all times in case you need to email it to a professor, internship, etc.
- Evernote - Evernote is powerful. It's up to you how you use the software which consequently can confuse beginners since they feel lost. I personally use it to store important documents, passwords logins(encrypted offcourse), make checklists (what stuff to bring to your dorms), shopping lists. I have a notebook for my "college" > where my college docs are located according to course. Then for "dental school "> where all my loan information, housing leases's etc. **Check out CAMSCANNER app (buy the pro version) to take scans of important documents and send them to dropbox/evernote/email etc. ... Get in the habit of keeping everything organized right from the start!
- You wanna get stuff done? you need a to-do list app. Take your pick at any of the top ones... Remember the Milk, Astrid etc. I personally prefer Astrid. It sync across my phone, nexus 7, & computers.
- Mint - to keep your finances in order (bank accnts, credit cards, etc. ).
- Another vote for Quick Office /Pro - to open docs like word, ppt, excel etc . It also can access & sync across the major cloud services like dropbox, drive etc.
- Splashtop Remote - I think its 5 bucks but worth it if you need functionality to stream your computer to your tablet. I use it to open flash sites (noobroom) & access my hard-drive remotely.
(optional) Tasker - Google it. Buy it if automation interests you.
Hope this was helpful and not a random rant.

ateebtk said:
For note-taking, stick to a laptop. Yea, you can download various apps, buy bluetooth/wireless keyboards for your nexus 7 but why?? stick with what you got.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I bike to campus and my laptop weighs 9 pounds, while a Nexus 7 is pretty much insubstantial. Got the tablet because it would be cheaper than buying a new laptop, and it's really comfortable to type on. Sync Google Drive using wifi on campus, and my notes are ready for me on my computer the second I get to my apartment. Easy.
As for productivity, WolframAlpha is an amazing app for math classes, just waiting for them to update it for Jelly Bean.
Sent from my SGH-I997

Yeah, I bought mine for use at college, and the essentials are a good keyboard you like, a note-taking app you will actually use, and stickmount so you can edit from flash drives on the go. Oh, and a really sturdy stand, if you don't have a stand case. Beyond that, to each their own. I spent five bucks on a screenwriting app, but that's a pretty niche buy. Go look for your textbooks on every e-reader site you can (all but one of mine is Kindle). -Ara
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

rowanparker said:
What you studying?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Communication. More specifically, I'm majoring in Organizational Communication
Lennyuk said:
And office suit like QuickOffice
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks very nice! I don't think this will come in handy too often, but it looks like on that rare occasion it will come in handy! It's very unfortunate that the Nexus 7 has no sort of HDMI output. That's my only gripe about the phone as far as I can tell before getting it. However, my Samsung Galaxy S III will be compatible with an MHL adapter, so that may come in handy for making presentations!
kangxi said:
Google Drive will be a big part of the productivity. I wouldn't be any productivity suites since Google just bought one of the most popular ones. They will probably incorporate it for free.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Docs is great. However, formatting can sometimes be a bit funky. I'll save a doc from Google Docs, and it will look different in Word. Formatting is VERY important to me to save documents in specific formats such as APA and MLA. If in the wrong format, it could lead to plagiarism, which would lead to academic dishonesty on my record/failing grades/waste of thousands of dollars. I need to make sure everything is perfect, and Google Docs doesn't have that at the moment. At least, I could never get everything to look the same as Microsoft Word.
farmerbb said:
I bought the Nexus 7 specifically to use it in college classes. I got the Logitech Android Keyboard along with it and so far I'm really pleased with how well it's made, despite the Nexus 7's finicky bluetooth.
I tried out a few different note-taking apps and honestly, the one I like the most so far is ASUS SuperNote. It seems to work out great with both typed and handwritten notes (especially when used with a stylus! )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to learn how to install .apk files manually. However, that app looks very cool! Between having to work with a tablet and a bluetooth keyboard, wouldn't it just be easier to use a laptop though?
ateebtk said:
I just graduated and these tips helped me greatly. So here goes...
For note-taking, stick to a laptop. Yea, you can download various apps, buy bluetooth/wireless keyboards for your nexus 7 but why?? stick with what you got. Use onenote with your laptop to take notes & record simultaneously (search youtube for more detailed tips on onenote).
- Get familiar with google calender. (Keep a designated "personal" calender where you might wanna keep important dates, doctor appointments etc. Then another calender "school" where you will input midterms, exams, assignment dates with reminders. Google calender is awesome. .... ** I suggest "business calender" app for aggregating all your calenders eg "bills", "personal" "college" etc.
- Dropbox - Don't carry flash drive's with you to campus. Put all your assignments for school in appropriate folders (1st year > science > bio ...) on the cloud. I use dropbox. You can easily use cubby, box , skydrive, google drive/docs. Other than your usual word papers, powerpoint notes from professors..**.I suggest you keep a folder for college with your academic calender + resume + GPA calculator etc. This way you can make additions to your resume as your go along your academic career. Plus you have access to stuff like your resume at all times in case you need to email it to a professor, internship, etc.
- Evernote - Evernote is powerful. It's up to you how you use the software which consequently can confuse beginners since they feel lost. I personally use it to store important documents, passwords logins(encrypted offcourse), make checklists (what stuff to bring to your dorms), shopping lists. I have a notebook for my "college" > where my college docs are located according to course. Then for "dental school "> where all my loan information, housing leases's etc. **Check out CAMSCANNER app (buy the pro version) to take scans of important documents and send them to dropbox/evernote/email etc. ... Get in the habit of keeping everything organized right from the start!
- You wanna get stuff done? you need a to-do list app. Take your pick at any of the top ones... Remember the Milk, Astrid etc. I personally prefer Astrid. It sync across my phone, nexus 7, & computers.
- Mint - to keep your finances in order (bank accnts, credit cards, etc. ).
- Another vote for Quick Office /Pro - to open docs like word, ppt, excel etc . It also can access & sync across the major cloud services like dropbox, drive etc.
- Splashtop Remote - I think its 5 bucks but worth it if you need functionality to stream your computer to your tablet. I use it to open flash sites (noobroom) & access my hard-drive remotely.
(optional) Tasker - Google it. Buy it if automation interests you.
Hope this was helpful and not a random rant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GREAT post! Thanks for the suggestions! I will utilize a lot of these apps. I already use Google Calendar. I have my personal calendar, and calendars for different organizations on campus that I'm involved in. It's nice to have everything work automatically between my phone, computer, and (as of tomorrow) tablet. Considering Google Calendar is compatible with almost every device out there, everyone should be using it.
Dropbox is great. I just wish that AT&T did their deal with Samsung to get AT&T users the free 50 GB of online storage. I have a feeling I'll be using Dropbox for some things and Google Drive for some things to make sure I have plenty of cloud storage.
I've never bothered to look into Evernote. I've heard only great things about it though. I guess it will be worth looking into.
Astrid looks good. I used to just use the notes app on my iPhone to get things done. As I got things done, I'd delete them. I'll look into this app though. Might as well give it a try.
Tasker... I can't even tell what this app is!
Anyway, thanks for the suggestions.
My goal herei s NOT to replace my laptop. I feel many people are eager to replace their laptops with tablets, and it ends up making their lives more complicated with all the services and accessories they need. I'm looking to make my tablet COMPLIMENT my life right now. The Nexus 7 is not at all a laptop replacement. Right now my life involves me making a daily commute to an internship, taking lots of classes, and working with different organizations around campus. This tablet I hope will enhance everything that I do, boost my productivity, and.... be good for playing some games! A goal I have this year is to go 100% paperless. I don't think I'll be able to do it, but it would be darn awesome if I could do that between using note taking apps, cloud storage, and other services. I want everything digital. If it gets too complicated though, then my Nexus 7 will just become a fun entertainment device for when I want a break.

This is normal.

If you can download the apk's on your laptop, use AirDroid to throw them to your nexus 7. Great thing about AirDroid is that you don't need to download and install it on a computer, its all Web Based.
Also thank you all for these great tips, its going to be my last year in highschool and I'd like to be very prepared for college/uni(for those folks in Europe).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Shamushand said:
Because I bike to campus and my laptop weighs 9 pounds, while a Nexus 7 is pretty much insubstantial. Got the tablet because it would be cheaper than buying a new laptop, and it's really comfortable to type on. Sync Google Drive using wifi on campus, and my notes are ready for me on my computer the second I get to my apartment. Easy.
As for productivity, WolframAlpha is an amazing app for math classes, just waiting for them to update it for Jelly Bean.
Sent from my SGH-I997
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I obviously don't know what your school is or your major. But what do you do when you take a real math class that actually requires you to use Matlab or Maple IN CLASS as part of a lab or any number of extensive math programs? Or requires you to use any number of specialty programs (CAD, Labview, etc...)?

Can.I.Haz.Jelly.Bean? said:
My goal herei s NOT to replace my laptop. I feel many people are eager to replace their laptops with tablets, and it ends up making their lives more complicated with all the services and accessories they need. I'm looking to make my tablet COMPLIMENT my life right now. The Nexus 7 is not at all a laptop replacement. Right now my life involves me making a daily commute to an internship, taking lots of classes, and working with different organizations around campus. This tablet I hope will enhance everything that I do, boost my productivity, and.... be good for playing some games! A goal I have this year is to go 100% paperless. I don't think I'll be able to do it, but it would be darn awesome if I could do that between using note taking apps, cloud storage, and other services. I want everything digital. If it gets too complicated though, then my Nexus 7 will just become a fun entertainment device for when I want a break.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're looking at this the right way. Every device is suited well for certain things and not so well for others. I've found my N7 to be awesome for kicking back and playing games, poking around online, and doing a few lightweight tasks here and there. Most serious productivity, however, is best left to laptops, just like most serious gaming is best left to consoles or PCs.
There have been a lot of great app recommendations and I can't add many; I've been out of college for three years and a lot has changed since then. All I can suggest is what I did when I first got mine: copy over everything you have on your phone that you think you'd use, and slowly start adding things you think you'd like better on the tablet. Also, keep an eye on some of the blogs (RSS is good for this), as most of them post app recommendations now and then. It'll never replace your phone or laptop, but over time you'll find things that you like doing best on the tablet and it will end up complementing both quite nicely.
On another note, I can at least help with manually installing .apk files. Just go into Settings -> Security and check the "unknown sources" box. After that, all you have to do is open the file you've downloaded and follow the prompts.

rman726 said:
I obviously don't know what your school is or your major. But what do you do when you take a real math class that actually requires you to use Matlab or Maple IN CLASS as part of a lab or any number of extensive math programs? Or requires you to use any number of specialty programs (CAD, Labview, etc...)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He could always use a VPN and RDP solution.

If your college provide specific, it will be a must install
Also you may download some sort of study management apps, like istudiez/ihomework on iOS or Yesterday on Palm. I am not sure if android have similar apps in market

Evernote
Sent from my oc'd cm10 nexus 7

mi7chy said:
He could always use a VPN and RDP solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't recommend that. I've tried remotely operating Matlab with my Transformer Prime, and coding with lag is not so hot. Even with a mouse the interface is a bit too wonky for heavy duty work.
Take notes? Certainly a tablet can handle the basics. I'd recommend Handy Notes for written (or hybrid written/typed) notes...waaaay better than SuperNote (but costs 0.99 cents). I've tried ALL of them and that's the only one that I think has an intuitive interface for handwriting and isn't laggy (I'm looking at you FreeNote). Plus it allows lots of formatting options.
If you just want to type, any of the word processors will do. I'm perfectly fine working with Google Drive's word processor. Presentations are fine as well--just stay the heck away from spreadsheets.

Three_Bob said:
If you can download the apk's on your laptop, use AirDroid to throw them to your nexus 7. Great thing about AirDroid is that you don't need to download and install it on a computer, its all Web Based.
Also thank you all for these great tips, its going to be my last year in highschool and I'd like to be very prepared for college/uni(for those folks in Europe).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, ok. I didn't know that .apk files are the apps themselves. Still learning some things. =P I'll give Asus's program a try then! I think that taking notes on a tablet will be a lot tougher than handwritten notes. I'll give it a try though! Couldn't hurt. It's part of my goal of going 100% paperless. If my notes are digital though, I'd like to be able to upload in the cloud to access them on my phone and laptop. (Not sure if Supernote lets you do that. I didn't check.)
bushpilotwannabe said:
You're looking at this the right way. Every device is suited well for certain things and not so well for others. I've found my N7 to be awesome for kicking back and playing games, poking around online, and doing a few lightweight tasks here and there. Most serious productivity, however, is best left to laptops, just like most serious gaming is best left to consoles or PCs.
There have been a lot of great app recommendations and I can't add many; I've been out of college for three years and a lot has changed since then. All I can suggest is what I did when I first got mine: copy over everything you have on your phone that you think you'd use, and slowly start adding things you think you'd like better on the tablet. Also, keep an eye on some of the blogs (RSS is good for this), as most of them post app recommendations now and then. It'll never replace your phone or laptop, but over time you'll find things that you like doing best on the tablet and it will end up complementing both quite nicely.
On another note, I can at least help with manually installing .apk files. Just go into Settings -> Security and check the "unknown sources" box. After that, all you have to do is open the file you've downloaded and follow the prompts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
x-magic said:
If your college provide specific, it will be a must install
Also you may download some sort of study management apps, like istudiez/ihomework on iOS or Yesterday on Palm. I am not sure if android have similar apps in market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the way I make myself study is through procrastination. I'm a horrible procrastinator, so I learned to use it to my advantage. I start off every homework/study session by watching an episode of a show I like. Then I make a short goal for myself (like memorize 5 terms if it's memorizing, or get a certain amount of sources for a research paper), and then I watch another episode. Then I make another short goal. I just use my horrible procrastination to an advantage. By the end of everything, I watched a whole lot of TV, and I got a ton done. Thank you Netflix.

Buy a BT keyboard that works for you: that means it should be portable and comfortable to use. If it's too big you'll never pack it in your bag, and if you don't enjoy typing on it it'll never make it out of the bag. Don't go for one of the cramped, squishy rubber key ones you see on eBay or Amazon third party sellers, or a gimmicky keyboard case. Unless you have baby hands no 7" tablet keyboard case will be practical for tapping out more than a couple of emails. Read reviews, buy from a place that makes returns easy, and try a few out. I like the HP Touchpad keyboard, but there are many others out there too.