Database Users

Galaxy Tab: Is it Worth It?

I have the Galaxy S already and love it now it's on 2.2.1...
I have been tempted for the Galaxy Tab for a while but could never justify its expense. Now it appears to be quite a bit cheaper and Im sure I could rustle up some cash to sort out a purchase.
But with a 3 MP camera on the back and still no stupid PopCap games, is it worth it?
It's only a 7 inch screen - so it's quite a bit bigger than the Galaxy S, I guess it could be used for media, surfing the internet, Video etc, and it isn't the size of a laptop like the iPad...
To those who actually have it, what do you use it for?
Perhaps I can invent a solid reason for having more than "Im drooling, so I must get it".

Right now I have and use it as my one and only phone. I also use it for still continuing to learn Android development.
After my Spica got stolen, I struggled for a few months using a cheap Samsung 1080m I got for purchasing a new Samsung monitor, and after months of saving I bought the SGT. It hasn't disappointed me since, and I really think it's worth it because of the devs here in XDA.
If you're following latest tech/gadget news, sales of the SGT hasn't been too good and the return rates are high. But I'm guessing those are the typical consumers who don't go beyond simply buying the Tab and learning how to tweak it -- which should be normal case.
I'm assuming since you're in this forum, you would know your own way into tweaking, flashing ROMs and stuff, and that's a very big plus because honestly right off the box the SGT isn't really that sweet save for the tablet-optimized apps Samsung made.
Now as for how I use it, here's a little bit info about me:
During my undergrad CS course (which I graduated from 4 months ago) I was lucky enough to be part of a ladderized MSCS offering wherein we would be taking BS and MS courses alongside each other so that after graduating BS, we would only have a few months of MS left.
Fast forward, my MS is being paid by a university partner which in turn employs qualified students as full time consultants.
So how do I use my tab, well basically:
it's my primary phone, I bring it to me every where, I never put it inside my bag.
occasionally I would get emails from my adviser telling me I would have to present my thesis in some class, and when I'm on the go I usually just edit my existing documents and presentations on the tab, tweaking a few slides for the audience
I sometimes don't bring anything to presentations other than the tab, since I can load up my slides to thin clients hooked up to projectors deployed in my university, and I can control my slides from the tab
the camera, well, it sucks, unless you're in broad daylight, or in a place with extremely good lighting. i generally use it for taking pictures on random trips with friends, wherein I don't get to bring my SLR.
also used as my portable music player, as well as video player when I'm on the plane
when I'm in the train, which I take everyday for 2 hours back and forth from my house, I use the tab to read tech and research papers for my thesis
work requires me to be in constant communication so my email is always ready when im on the go.
hd games.
For some people the SGT may not be worth it, but for my case, it's worth every single peso I've saved. I think it's even worth me losing my poor old Spica.

The tab was worth it to me
And i use it everyday when im at work and usely watch like 4 too 7 shows on it and browse the net and also listen to pandora on 3g which i use it as my mp3 player and when i use it, it ony uses like 20mbs depends how many music you listen to but so far the 3g was worth it and lasts pretty decent which is ony 2gb but so far i ony used 300mbs of it which i had almost a month now.
I also play games on it, And when i get home i usely still have like 70% and sometimes down too 30% when i use it heavy so battery life is also really good on it which is the main thing for me because i use to take my netbook or laptop with me and the battery's ony lasted 3 too 4hours max so this replaced my netbook and laptop
I use too watch my videos on my zune hd which was nice but going from 3in too 7in is really a big improvement!
And the camera i say its pretty decent which i was suprized when i first took the first pic, And it beats some of my 5 and 6mp cameras, And i haven't had a problem in the dark taking pics sense the flash really lights everything up, Sure it doesn't hold a candle to SLRs but its pretty decent when you just want to take pics for fun or show people pics over the net.
But ya the tab is worth it to me and i also got a great deal from were i bought it from which is hsn so i get to pay payments and will get a 300$ back plus i got 70$ back from them because it didn't have some apps on it which was suppose to come with it, So it will be like 300 something ony

Personally, i'd wait for the Honeycomb equipped Motorola XOOM tablet
Sent from The Chaotic Void

zanderman112 said:
Personally, i'd wait for the Honeycomb equipped Motorola XOOM tablet
Sent from The Chaotic Void
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, it's too big to be used as a phone.

It you get a t-mobile or at&t tab movieyou can always flash it to make phone calls that's a big plus. I have a Vibrant but now its a backup to my tab. I have also installed media hub and i am now building my movie library for when on the go. Very happy and i got it when it first came out and payed full price and not disappointed.
Sent from my SGH-I987 using XDA App

sjdean said:
I have the Galaxy S already and love it now it's on 2.2.1...
I have been tempted for the Galaxy Tab for a while but could never justify its expense. Now it appears to be quite a bit cheaper and Im sure I could rustle up some cash to sort out a purchase.
But with a 3 MP camera on the back and still no stupid PopCap games, is it worth it?
It's only a 7 inch screen - so it's quite a bit bigger than the Galaxy S, I guess it could be used for media, surfing the internet, Video etc, and it isn't the size of a laptop like the iPad...
To those who actually have it, what do you use it for?
Perhaps I can invent a solid reason for having more than "Im drooling, so I must get it".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wait for the xoom!
Its a real tablet with great specs
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G using tapatalk!

Well i first tryed one of those cheapish china made 7" tablets with good specs but once i got it i found out how bad a tablet could be, so 3 days later i went out and bought the SGT and quickly sold the china tablet at a very low price.
Now i am 100% sure that buying the SGT was the best move i ever made and really wish i'd bought it before i bought the cheap one.
Things i use my SGT for are:
Web surfing.
Watching Videos.
Music.
Bank account app.
Games.
Appointments.
Emails.
Navigation (Google Navigation, Copilot).
Comic Viewer/Reading.
Ebook Reader.
News Reader.
BedSide Clock and Alarm.
And my lastest thing is popping to the shops (PC World, Currys, Etc) and using the new Amazon UK App to scan bar codes to see how much cheaper i can get them online.
Phone calls and most texting i still use my HTC Desire, But i do sometimes use the SGT to text as the onscreen keyboard is better to type with.
But now i could not live without my SGT.

The Tab is my only phone, but since I only get 2 or 3 calls a day, that is not important.
Mostly I use the Tab for checking my e-mail, catching up on news, and being in a foreign country (South Korea) I use it to watch English movies and TV programs.
It is also a great e-book reader, music player and, when I can find them, a great game player. (Games are still under pending approval by the government here is South Korea.) It is also a great alarm clock.
When I travel I use a GPS Navigation app to keep track of where I am. When I go by bus, Google Maps keeps me up to date on where I am so I can judge when I need to call my friends to come pick me up. Traffic can get bad here on holidays, and my usual 2 hour bus trip turned into 4 1/2 hours due to Lunar New Year. (Happy Lunar New Year to all of you too!)
I also use it to check on my work papers and do any editing I need. Plus, the two note taking apps, one Speech to text, the other Sketch Memo, come in handy when I have an idea I need to keep.
And finally, the Korean/English dictionary has been a life saver more than once!!
The cameras come in handy when I go to the store and someone asks me to pick up something for them. I take a picture of the item and show it to the store clerks!
In short, I love my Tab, and think that anything bigger would be too big, and anything smaller would be too small. The size fits in my bag or pocket, it is big enough to read on, and the keyboard is usable, although not full size.
I have not rooted my Tab, and have found no real need to do so as the apps I can suit my needs.
I would recommend getting a case of some sort, just to protect it from accidents.

I have been using mine for the last 2 months and it mostly replaced my need for basic things done on the laptop - video, internet etc.
I can only say I am happy with mine, although I am curious as to what will happen regarding Honeycomb.
If nothing, Xoom - here I come

How do you use phone and data at the same time on the Tab?
I put my phones TMOUS sim card in it and only had cell service. The web would take me to a T-Mobile site only using a Euro ROM.

One thing about the xoom tab is, its not a 7in tab, 7in is a great size and i wouldint want anything bigger because if i want something bigger i just go back to my 12in netbook lol but the galaxy tab replaced it so for now on i want 7in tabs. And how would i put a 10in tab or bigger in my pocket? Lol the galaxy tab fits in my big pockets and for the pass 2 weeks i been using it as my mp3 player which i listen to pandora over 3g which is very nice
If i wanted a bigger tab i wouldve just got a ipad but i decided on the gtab and few days later i got my hands on a ipad at work to mess around with and it just seem to big. at first i thought the gtab was to.small when i was oordering it but when i got it i really like the size and its not to small or big.

codewisp said:
Personally, it's too big to be used as a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because its not a phone.
sjdean said:
I have the Galaxy S already and love it now it's on 2.2.1...
I have been tempted for the Galaxy Tab for a while but could never justify its expense. Now it appears to be quite a bit cheaper and Im sure I could rustle up some cash to sort out a purchase.
But with a 3 MP camera on the back and still no stupid PopCap games, is it worth it?
It's only a 7 inch screen - so it's quite a bit bigger than the Galaxy S, I guess it could be used for media, surfing the internet, Video etc, and it isn't the size of a laptop like the iPad...
To those who actually have it, what do you use it for?
Perhaps I can invent a solid reason for having more than "Im drooling, so I must get it".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its worth it, but i suggest wait for MWC.

spirit32 said:
because its not a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a phone in North America.
Most places elsewhere it has phone functionality out of the box. Even in North America, GSM Tabs can be flashed to allow phone calls.
Regards,
Dave

Thanks for the feedback guys.
Sometimes I do wonder about technology. I mean, what can I do better on a Tablet that I actually did before. I mean really, why do I need it?
But there is web browins, video, music, youtube, ebooks, online magazines, note taking, document editing, email and probably a lot more, like get an OBDII connector and you have a car monitor. All on a big 7inch screen.
The £200 worth of media you can get is great too!
Im very very tempted considering the price at the moment, but Im wondering what the next version would bring us.
I hear talk of Dual Core processors. I'd be interested to see if Samsung were really serious, whether we'll get things like full HDMI connectivity, WiFi N, 32 Gig memory on board, Better Cameras and Stereo Speakers.
What is the current Galaxy Tab like for Speakers, TV Connectivity and Wireless?
Can it playback DivX?
Thanks
Simon

Personally, I love my Tab. It has truly changed the way I consume media.
Prior to the Tab, I used to switch between my phone (HTC Desire) and laptop when at home, and used my phone pretty much exclusively when out and about.
Now, I only tend to use my laptop for work, and at home or out I use my Tab for web browsing, video, music etc. My phone (now a Desire HD) has become very much just a phone for the most part, but there are always odd occasions (going down the pub etc) when I don't want to take my Tab with me even though it is portable.
I've had my Tab since it was first released, and I don't regret a minute of it. Having said all that, I probably wouldn't buy one right now, simply because there's likely to be a Tab 2 (and other 7" tablets) coming out very soon, and I would be inclined to wait now until they are released to see (a) if they are much better, or (b) if it causes the Tab's price to drop.
I'm still pretty certain that the Tab will get Honeycomb, and if it does I doubt I will replace it for another few months.
Regards,
Dave

sjdean said:
What is the current Galaxy Tab like for Speakers, TV Connectivity and Wireless?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Internal speakers are ok - not going to win any fidelity awards, but definitely ok.
As to TV connectivity - you have 3 choices:
DLNA streaming
Analogue TV out (via additional cable).
HDMI TV out (via multimedia dock).
Can it playback DivX?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it can.
Regards,
Dave

foxmeister said:
It's not a phone in North America.
Most places elsewhere it has phone functionality out of the box. Even in North America, GSM Tabs can be flashed to allow phone calls.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well im not talking about galaxy tab. im talking about xoom.

spirit32 said:
well im not talking about galaxy tab. im talking about xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry! You're right! Missed that the post you commented on was referring to the Xoom!
Dave

I'm sold on the 7 inch form factor. The camera has actually been outstanding because at the size and shape and the speed that it takes pictures you can really capture stuff you can't get with other cameras. It's blazing fast between shots so even if you take like 1 blurry picture if you keep snapping you get tons of good shots. There is practically no pause between taking shots.. It's crazy. Wish all cameras were like this.
I'm sold on the Camera. If I need better I go to my droid Incredible with the 8megapixel.
I'd like to be able to make phone calls but I have a verizon tab. I doubt it ever happens. Still love the size. LOVE IT... Skype with friends has been nice though.
I'm using it for development as well. I also get like 20 percent discount on the service through work. I pay less for my phone and tab than I would for an iphone.
Honeycomb is in our future I think. I like 2.2 though and it works great.

[Q] my question is, what can it NOT do?

I hear so much about the Transformers incredible capabilities, but I have yet to hear what it cant do? What exactly separates it from being just as good as a computer?
btw, picking up mine locally on saturday. 32 gig, no dock, 10 hours of use, $400.

It cannot fill the void of a lonely life, nor replicate the caress from a beautiful woman, or the sense of wonder when you hear your child speak for the first time.

Left my TF to make me a cup of coffee this morning whilst I took I shower, but when I came back it hadn't even made an attempt to do it.
Very poor Asus!
Regards,
Dave

straxusii said:
It cannot fill the void of a lonely life, nor replicate the caress from a beautiful woman, or the sense of wonder when you hear your child speak for the first time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 heheh

Quality. . @ fox
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

In all seriousnes.. For me it cant edit pictures efficiently in a manner I do on my laptop.. And I wouldnt even dream of dropping a Full HD h.246 video right out of my DSLR on it.. Its not powerful enough to play them let alone even try and manipulate those movie files.. Some day I hope to have a TF like device that will.. Anouther thing is that Video playback from the Browser could be better.. It does well but still isnt anything compaired to my i7 laptop.
Another thing is that in the Browser the keyboard has some serious lag issues that will need to be fixed later on in firmware updates.
Hmm .. I am trying to think of what else.. OH big one..
NO NETFLIX!! I know its comming but this is kinda a real bummer at the moment.
Aside from that I absolutly love mine and I think its the greatest money I have ever spent.. I dont expect it to do the things that my i7 laptop does but then again that is not what I bought it for.. I dont need a monster truck of a computer to go get the groceries ever day ( aka Fackbook, email, daily Forum surfing, blogs, etc)
All in all I love it.. I can throw my DSLR SD card in the Dock and view all my pics while charging my Droid X and/or OG Droid and using my wireless mouse plugged into the other USB port..
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

It can't do the most simplest things such as open a CBR file in file manager.

stcardinal said:
It can't do the most simplest things such as open a CBR file in file manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats nothing to do with the Asus that'd be a android/filemanager thing. If your CBR reading app correctly associates itself with .cbr files then a filemanager would open it.

change .cbr to .rar and most file managers will open the file, or get ACV to read your .cbr files.
back to OP:
The transformer cannot play minecraft (yet).
It cannot edit photos with photoshop.
It cannot play back live tv from a usb tv tuner.
Otherwise I have found a way to do virtually anything that I need it to do.

It can't do anything itself without you.

makec3rt said:
It can't do anything itself without you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah , not quiet as funny since those amusing comments were at the beginning of this thread.

It can't make folders on the desktop.

Can't make usb->serial to work No damn serial port apps yet.

For the life of me I cannot get it to do my laundry, go to work for me, train my cat, CLEAN ITS LITTER, or take out the garbage for me.
and sadly having a Transformer has done NOTHING for my sex life.

ewingt22 said:
I hear so much about the Transformers incredible capabilities, but I have yet to hear what it cant do? What exactly separates it from being just as good as a computer?
btw, picking up mine locally on saturday. 32 gig, no dock, 10 hours of use, $400.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3rd party. No full MS Office suite, cant run my copy of Photoshop CS, etc. With a dual core 1ghz processor it will be capable of running lighter versions of some very powerful desktop apps.
Also, it doesnt make my breakfast for me, this is about the last straw and I might have to return it because people say the ipad makes breakfast.
Digiguest said:
and sadly having a Transformer has done NOTHING for my sex life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yours cant connect to youporn?

Can't give me superpowers...yet...

I have spent most of the day working on mine doing my reports, what it can't properly do is replicate the productivity apps on your PC, like Word & Excel. The Android equivalents do a fair job of allowing you to see & edit most docs, but using tables & more advanced formatting in a WP doc & trying to edit / create charts is beyond the apps at the moment. I doubt MS will bring out an Android Office, so we have to make do with what's there.
Printing is an issue, I can print, but not always the documents I want to & they don't always come out right.
I watch movies & content from Flash sites & spend a lot of time on email & websites like this, all are good (agree that the current browser typing lag must be addressed urgently).
It doesn't have a decent BBC iPlayer app or Sky Mobile app - UK users need to be vocal about BBC & Sky stepping up support for Android tablets.
If you can settle for the fact that the TF is not a PC & wasn't designed to be you will be happy.

ewingt22 said:
I hear so much about the Transformers incredible capabilities, but I have yet to hear what it cant do? What exactly separates it from being just as good as a computer?
btw, picking up mine locally on saturday. 32 gig, no dock, 10 hours of use, $400.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO Netflix!!! With such a beautiful ips screen, Netflix needs to hurry up and optimize their app for HC without all of the security issues!!! Other than that, it does the things I need it to do (browsing, gaming, twittering, facebooking, etc.)
KB does lag and sometimes it takes to switch app between apps!!!

I use PlayOn for Netflix and Hulu. It's not perfect, but good enough in a pinch. It's also not free, but it also allows Hulu which, even if there were an official client, would require Hulu+ at $7.99/month. So, technically speaking Netflix doesn't need to be on the list.
For me, the biggest thing the TF doesn't do, as mentioned, is allow for editing complex documents. I can use it for my fiction writing and blogging (although the Wordpress interface doesn't work sell, so I still need to finish larger blog posts on a PC some of the time), but not for most of my day job work, which requires the ability to create Word docs with headers and footers, tables, embedded Excel spreadsheets, etc. Oh, and PowerPoint support is pretty sketchy across the board, although of the options I've tried so far the included Polaris Office actually does best with Photoshop. And, of course, there's no robust Photoshop and InDesign support, and so I can't do that kind of work on it.
I think the TF makes a great adjunct device to a good desktop and/or notebook. If I were to go on a trip away from my desktop for a week or so, I'd still take my HP Envy notebook with me. On the typical day or overnight trip, however, I just take the TF.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Doesn't do Hulu (as previously mentioned) and it really doesn't like open office files. And if a file transfer that had huge numbers of small individual files fails, you'll have a fun time having to individually delete sub folders (or I did anyways). But I just got mine, so I haven't really found out what it can do, let alone what it can't (aside from all the humorous stuff already covered).
--Jak

[Honest Answers] should i buy a tablet?

hi. i finished school with good grades so my dad told me he will buy me what i want (but not ANYTHING like 1000$ or something)
anyway, i told him i wanted a galaxy tab 10.1
i waited until it arrived then i was going to go and buy it then my bro told me "Do you really need it?"
so i head to the store and before buying it i remembered what he said and i headed home without buying it.
it have been days and i am over my head thinking and especially that i can buy anything else" i need" (but idk what i really need) and that my dad offered me to deposit in my bank account the same price of the tab in case i did not buy it.
here is why i want it: games, web browing , chatting.
do i really need it ?

If you don't have smartphone it will be a whole new world for you and you will love it. Now if you are a techie with a lot of gadgets its simply going to be an accessory, a very convenient one still. then comes all the in depth customizing. It could most likely eliminate the use of others if you can find its use. At the same price you can get a good laptop or even a better super phone. Its all up to your standards of living, if you can use such a product productivly and willing to put the time into getting to understand the product, standard ergonomics.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

i had samsung 7, and now 10.1. For myself i would buy it again. But it wont answer your question.
Read following feature list. If you will use following features regularry, its for you.
- reader : comfortable way to read books ( write anot.) you can keep thpusands of books with variouse format
- light weight : important, if you travel often
-good access to internet, mail, exchange
- remote access over vpn to remote desktop etc
For me, it is useless to have netbook. I have also laptop, but heavy i7 proc, 16Gssd. Its hardly portable, but i run on it network simulation.
Personaly if i would be fresh graduate, i would wait. This market is really new.

I love my Tab but if you don't have a computer or a laptop I would get as lightweight of a laptop that you can afford. A 14 inch screen around one inch thick would be a great portable sized one, I have an HP that size and it is great.
But if you do have a computer/laptop already then the Tab would an awesome addition, but it is really a toy IMO.

Love my tab
I love my Tab. I never bought into the smartphone craze, mostly due to the price of data plans, the Tab allows me into the world of smartphones, just on wifi instead. Between Netflix,games, browsing on the net, reading Game of Thrones on the kindle app, RSS readers I have not used my computer nor my PlayStation all summer long. With all the customization I am very happy with my decision, save for no love from an actual Netflix app or HBO GO.

I say yes and here is way. Tablets are changing the consumption of media, and they do everything from web browsing, email, IM chat, video calls, movies, tv shows, games, media storage, news, books, and on and on. My gtab is playing second fiddle to my iPad right now but it is a really nice convenient way to be connected.

You say you don't really know what you need...so it sounds like there's really nothing you need. I suggest you do buy it! It's pretty sweet! You could use it for many things on a daily basis. You said you finished school, I don't know if you're going back or not, but you can also use it to take notes in class instead of wasting paper.
If you buy it you have 14 days to return it without a problem. If you buy it at a Best Buy they won't even charge you for a restocking fee so give it a try!

While it is definitely true that no one NEEDS a tablet I have found it to be a fantastic device and worth every penny. I was always an apple person and was super excited about the ipad until I discovered it was basically a big phone. So I waited for something more approaching a computer to come along and finally decided on the tab.
Pros
1. Super light weight: makes my netbook seem like a brick. This is majorly useful for heading out of the house and for holding while lounging around or whatever.
2. Fast for email and web browsing.
3. Emulators - plays snes and genesis games... what more do you want.
4. Touchscreen - with keyboards designed for honeycomb e.g. thumbkeyboard it is surprisingly easy to type. Browsing etc feels great.
5. Always on and ready to go (though mac laptops / chrome are simillar)
Cons
1.for writing it is still not quite able to give a good experience (though that should be obvious) it struggles with large documents and Google docs is badly implemented. For instance I was reading a manuscript on here marking places that needed editting using polaris office (included free). It worked nice as a reader but did not inform me that it failed to save the last 20 of my 60+ bookmarks.
2. More bugs and lag than on a fully fledged computer, but not too bad.
3. Not post-pc enough to justify purchase over desktop or laptop depending on what you already have - in terms of what you can do, the tablet is no replacement for either. But if you have them already you will find you use them far less.

My suggestion (as a GTab 10.1 Owner) is... don't buy a Galaxy Tab 10.1
Get a Nook Color... root it, overclock it... etc... you'll learn much more this way and you'll save several hundred dollars
... or get the original galaxy tab 7, which you can find for less than 200 dollars on craigslist.
and maybe get an ipod touch with your extra cash and have the best of both worlds. I dunno, up to you.
Either way, at this point 500 is too much to pay.
I'm disappointed there is no official netflix app, no official google voice support... lack of quality tablet apps, and I'm worried about Samsung supporting the device once the next version comes out.

Consumption v. Production
Nice contrast between pros and cons. About the question, really depends on what you plan on using it for. I think the tab is more often used for information consumption versus production. I use it for work as a sales rep to view email and work files quickly and easily. I tether it through my HTC Inspire and almost always have it connected. Again, more for information consumption versus production. However, I know there is a docking keyboard I may get down the road, and not carry my laptop anymore! And, its cool to pull up videos/pics/industry news on the spot to show clients without the hassle of booting up a laptop...
Jake-CT said:
While it is definitely true that no one NEEDS a tablet I have found it to be a fantastic device and worth every penny. I was always an apple person and was super excited about the ipad until I discovered it was basically a big phone. So I waited for something more approaching a computer to come along and finally decided on the tab.
Pros
1. Super light weight: makes my netbook seem like a brick. This is majorly useful for heading out of the house and for holding while lounging around or whatever.
2. Fast for email and web browsing.
3. Emulators - plays snes and genesis games... what more do you want.
4. Touchscreen - with keyboards designed for honeycomb e.g. thumbkeyboard it is surprisingly easy to type. Browsing etc feels great.
5. Always on and ready to go (though mac laptops / chrome are simillar)
Cons
1.for writing it is still not quite able to give a good experience (though that should be obvious) it struggles with large documents and Google docs is badly implemented. For instance I was reading a manuscript on here marking places that needed editting using polaris office (included free). It worked nice as a reader but did not inform me that it failed to save the last 20 of my 60+ bookmarks.
2. More bugs and lag than on a fully fledged computer, but not too bad.
3. Not post-pc enough to justify purchase over desktop or laptop depending on what you already have - in terms of what you can do, the tablet is no replacement for either. But if you have them already you will find you use them far less.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

*Bump*
so should i get a laptop/ computer or a tab ?

No. You NEED a computer if youre attending another type of schooling. I'd get a tablet later because having a computer has more uses especially for school, where a tab(especially a HoneyComb one) is for play and mobility(or as I call lazyness).
When I had my iPad, I used it for internet because I was lazy to get my laptop out. Went back and returned it (I'm 16, so I have to be allowed to return regardless, within the return period, this case being 3 months ), thought I wanted an iPad 2, bought a laptop, and don't regret it.
Laptops last much longer if you buy the ones $600-$900(they are mainly above average these days).
In short, GET A LAPTOP, THEN A TAP YOU REALLY WANT LATER, like a quad core one hahah.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

hnakhi said:
*Bump*
so should i get a laptop/ computer or a tab ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have all 3. This is order of how much I use each device.
Laptop > Netbook > Tab 10.1
Laptop is still the best for overall productivity.
I like my tablet, but there is no way it could be my only device.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

For games, get an iPad.
Big MMORPGS, got a Laptop.
Web browsing, a 15-17 inch laptop.
If you want it to be portable, iPad/XOOM, Tab 10.1 is too thin and easy to snap, also doesn't take a memory card, XOOM does.
Chatting, all will work.
If you don't have a dual core phone, get a laptop, but get a good one, my Toshiba Satallite for $600, dual core at 2.3 ghz I believe, 4 Gb of ram, 640(really 500)gb hard drive, etc. I don't regret picking my laptop over the iPad 2. Yes, I've had iphone 3g since launch, the 3gs, then 4 until February, had android since(like 5 android phones, all getting better).
I have a strong feeling you will be happy with a computer over a tablet. If not, you got 15-30 days to return But you will want a tablet. go play with a tab at bestbuy, not a game, just see what it can do, the speeds it does. My dads employee lent him a 10.1, I played with it for about 10 minutes, then got bored. Go try it out, tabs are limited, not computers.
If none of that made sense, I explained why to get a laptop.
To answer your Original Post(no, I'm not lazy, I wont us OP), GET A LAPTOP FIRST, THEN A TABLET LATER.
But seriously, he might be right. Do you really want a tab? Go play with one first then tell me what you think.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

matistight said:
No. You NEED a computer if youre attending another type of schooling. I'd get a tablet later because having a computer has more uses especially for school, where a tab(especially a HoneyComb one) is for play and mobility(or as I call lazyness).
In short, GET A LAPTOP, THEN A TAP YOU REALLY WANT LATER, like a quad core one hahah.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the best advice in your case. Unless you already have a nice laptop, get yourself a MacBook Pro, because you'll need it for any school related and/or creative projects you will embark on in the future. Throw Parallels, then Windows, and any games you can think of on it, and you'll be set for a while. MBP may be approaching your dads budget, and I feel for him, but a 13" at Macmall/Microcenter with $50 8GB ram upgrade from NewEgg is the route I'd want my smart, savvy son to take.
If your laptop shreds already, tell dad to find you a $99 HP Touchpad, and spend the rest on an educational father/son trip to Vegas. ;D
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

matistight said:
If you want it to be portable, iPad/XOOM, Tab 10.1 is too thin and easy to snap, also doesn't take a memory card, XOOM does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF? That's a reason for NOT buying a Tab? Because it'll be more likely to break by putting massive force on either side?
I'd also like to see a survey of how many Xoom or Transformer or Iconia users actually, you know, swap SD cards on a regular basis.

I have a laptop (a gaming one at that)
A tab 10.1
and an HTC evo...
I use my laptop quite a bit 4-10 hrs a day
phone about 2-5hrs a day
tab 10.1 >2 hrs a day
so in the end was it worth the 499.99 no, am i glad i bought it yes.
im the kind of person who always has to get something when i see it that looks cool...
I do love how fast and easy it is to surf web and stream music. once i get the logitech Zagg bt keyboard case will i use it for school, yes. I would much rather carry that around than a 17" laptop...
The tab is very convenient when in bed and doing some last minute XDA reading (lol i love this site) or when playing a game on my laptop, to be able to look up something w/o having to ALT+TAB is wonderful... idk about some people but i think its pretty snappy when it comes to browsing the web (w/ dolphin browser)...
start with a laptop or a MBP (they are nice but im still a M$ person) if you go with a Windows machine check out HP's website they always have great GREAT deals on high performance laptops (HP makes very nice laptops and you would be wrong to think any less IMO)
(tons of free upgrades and i think they still have the deal going on where you buy a laptop and get a free 4Gb Xbox)
I love my Tab... only downfall for me is the homescreen/launcher (TW) is pretty laggy... esp when moving apps or creating shortcuts
hope this helps...

OK, I found an article on Engadget and that might answer most of the questions you are looking for. And then you can decide for yourself whether you need tablet or a netbook or notebook, etc.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/21/editorial-tablets-arent-the-third-device-id-hoped-for-fr/
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App

Here's what I'll tell you,
Tablets are a great internet viewing device and fun to pay games on, but they are more of a filler between a phone and a laptop. If you do not have a laptop or your own computer I would suggest the computer.
At this point in time, if I were you, I would get an HP TouchPad for $99 (if you can find one) and play around with it. If you like it then good, if you don't you can sell it on ebay for most likely more than you paid or keep it because it is only $99. Then you have the rest of your money to get a laptop or Galaxy Tab if you find the need for them.

krips2003 said:
OK, I found an article on Engadget and that might answer most of the questions you are looking for. And then you can decide for yourself whether you need tablet or a netbook or notebook, etc.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/21/editorial-tablets-arent-the-third-device-id-hoped-for-fr/
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The writer seems to be someone that hates tablets as a whole.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

opinions on the asus tf300

hi all,
recently my laptop started going up the creak so have been looking for a replacement.
anyway i saw this on offer at argos for 399.99 with dock, and was thinking of getting one, would you say its a suitable laptop replacement or should i get a standard laptop again?
i love android and am not a noob with it which is why i was looking at this haha will still try putting windows 8 on it though since i enjoy using photoshop and after effects but would be nice to have an android tablet to take on the train when im going on long jeorneys to see my dad
anyway thanks
btw if i get one i will be making a userbar for it so if anyone would like it then let me know (see sig for more info)

Had it for two months now and it's Fab
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk 2

whitest0rm said:
hi all,
recently my laptop started going up the creak so have been looking for a replacement.
anyway i saw this on offer at argos for 399.99 with dock, and was thinking of getting one, would you say its a suitable laptop replacement or should i get a standard laptop again?
i love android and am not a noob with it which is why i was looking at this haha will still try putting windows 8 on it though since i enjoy using photoshop and after effects but would be nice to have an android tablet to take on the train when im going on long jeorneys to see my dad
anyway thanks
btw if i get one i will be making a userbar for it so if anyone would like it then let me know (see sig for more info)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a great tablet but it really depends what you are using it for.
As a true laptop replacement, something you plan to use for work that requires third party programmes, it is just not realistic. I have found it has replaced my laptop in most situations that I would use my computer for entertainment (web browsing, youtube, videos etc), but for real work like data analysis, report writing, multiple monitors and true multitasking, my laptop gets the job done in half the time.
As for windows 8, definately dont buy this in the hope that you will be able to put windows 8 on it. I think the chances of that happening are close to zero. Ubuntu maybe, and remote desktop, yes, but native windows 8... i dont think that will ever happen.
All in all I would summarise by saying:
Tablet Pros:
Lightweight
Portable
No heat/moving parts
Insanely good battery life vs laptop
Detachable screen
Touch Screen
More enjoyable as an entertainment and media consumption device
Many games are more accessible, especially with touch screen controls.
Likely to be cheaper than a laptop
Laptop Pros:
Larger screen (for work)
Full OS means you will be much more productive
Most if not all of the advantages of a laptop come from the operating system so i wont expand on this.
It all comes down to one thing - what you want to be using it for.

RolloJarvis said:
Its a great tablet but it really depends what you are using it for.
As a true laptop replacement, something you plan to use for work that requires third party programmes, it is just not realistic. I have found it has replaced my laptop in most situations that I would use my computer for entertainment (web browsing, youtube, videos etc), but for real work like data analysis, report writing, multiple monitors and true multitasking, my laptop gets the job done in half the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fully agree on this, I still use my laptop when I have to create more than just an email. For work the TF300T is only a benefit when it comes to reading a lot of documents. It saves time, for printing documents is not needed. Annotations however are a bit harder to make (as they involve typing on the tablet keyboard), but doable.

ok then brilliant thanks, see i do use it alot for graphic design but only when im out of the house sincei have a dedicated computer for that, other than that it will be for messing around on, playing games, youtube and web browsing so think i will have to get it btw wat do you think on the price?
£399.99 for the tab and dock/keyboard

whitest0rm said:
btw wat do you think on the price?
£399.99 for the tab and dock/keyboard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty good I think ^^
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk 2

i love my gfx and i love my tf300 but the 2 dont mix well lol, photoshop for android is a joke its nothing like the real version, but saying that do you know of any good gfx apps for android???

i dont know any at the moment since my only android is htc wildfire s lol not the best for much of anything haha, will try dual booting windows 8 if possible, then i can run windows for photoshop and android for everything else, will have a look for good gfx android apps though

[Q] Can you still get excited for the tf101? if so, help me!

I've had this transformer since it came out. Dont use it much, except when I need to finish up some work on the road which is the reason why I bought it...having the flexibility of keyboard...
Are you still excited about it? What purpose does it serve you? Whats your favorite feature?
I just bought an HDMI to mini HDMI cable so I could connect it at my in laws T.V and my children can watch Netflix or movies we have purchased on Amazon. Any other use for it?
Thank you for your suggestions.

The TF101 is a great device! I've had it almost as long as it's been out and I still love it. If you are having a hard time finding a use for it then you either didn't really need a tablet in the first place or are not looking at its full potential. I use mine for everything, it has totally replaced my laptop. Android has tons of productivity and office apps, apps for sharing documents and other work, loads of games, eBook reading apps, etc., etc.
Any device can be written off as not necessary, after all people can get along just fine with no electronic devices at all (I used to work and live in a wilderness training camp myself). The key to revitalizing the shine on any tablet is to start using it for everyday things and to try changing the look and feel. Try doing something on it that you would normally do on a laptop or PC, after the initial shift in feel you may find that you like the tablet more. You could also try a new ROM to change the look, feel, and performance. If all of this seems like too much work then maybe you should just sell it and move on...tablets are not the answer for everyone.
Sent from my Asus TF101 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2

If you need others to remind you what you should use your tablet for, then maybe you don't really need one?
I'm not at all saying this to mock you, I purchased a TF101 myself and have the dock too. I use the tablet for Netflix, casual news reading and a little bit of playing games like Machinarium and Rayman Jungle Run. I intended to use it for Skype as well, but the mic volume was always too low so I gave up on that and went back to my laptop for Skype.
My three year old son uses the tablet a lot more than I do for watching videos and playing games in Zoodles Kid Mode.
The dock I use for one thing and one thing only: backup battery when traveling - what a waste of money! (for me)
I like having a tablet even though I'm far from a heavy user and I like my TF101. That said, I'm tempted to get a Nexus 7 and let the Transformer call it a day.

It's convenient, small, and can do everything... well almost. I mostly use it at work to connect to switches, serial ports, etc. That way I don't have to carry the macbook around. Then at home it becomes a remove for my TV device, a portable crappy-game station, a small OGT TV for streaming from the SAN, etc. There's so many uses!

TF101 Uses
dinc2010 said:
I've had this transformer since it came out. Dont use it much, except when I need to finish up some work on the road which is the reason why I bought it...having the flexibility of keyboard...
Are you still excited about it? What purpose does it serve you? Whats your favorite feature?
I just bought an HDMI to mini HDMI cable so I could connect it at my in laws T.V and my children can watch Netflix or movies we have purchased on Amazon. Any other use for it?
Thank you for your suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love my TF101. Best part is the "instant on" feature. When I need to quickly check something quickly on the Internet without waiting for my laptop or desktop to boot.
How about buying a Bluetooth OBD II adapter (less than $20 on Amazon) buy the app "Torque" and for $25.00 you have an excellent OBD2 diagnostic tool. I have one and it works great!
Rodger

I just use my transformer to output video to my TV. Other than that, not many uses. Used to use it a lot more when I was using my Nexus S.
Now that my phone is more superior (in specs) to my Transformer, I use it a lot less and less.
Would I get another tablet? Probably not because it doesn't fit my needs. For some people, it fits into theirs. For me, I use my desktop a lot so a tablet doesn't necessarily replace anything for me. I find some uses for it when I'm reading on the go though, although this semester it wasn't needed as much--others it was more handy.
Just kind of hard to find the balance between tablet and phone usages, in my opinion.
Was extremely excited to flash ROMs and all that on my TF101, but now that the community isn't as active (most has shifted to other devices) this has gone downhill.

bedtime surfing
I only really use mine for bedtime surfing, youtube and occasionally Music. I like playing with different ROMs and now I'm trying to get Plasma Active (Ubuntu.... proper Linux) on it.

I use mine for a multitude of things, from inventory control, web surfing, submitting customer orders, receiving inventory, word processing, spread sheets, games, and more often then not when I am out camping. I go camping A LOT in summer here in Alaska, so it is a lot easier to tote around the TF101 then it is to tote around my 17" Toshiba laptop.
My tf also serves as my GPS in the car when I'm on the road visiting customers. Tethered to my phone just for the web connectivity since I did not get the 3G version. Honestly the TF has changed the way that I use computers and my work. Yes the "instant on" feature is very nice. But the portability and feature rich ability is the sole reason I wanted one.

Let's see: internet, email, netflix, crackle, remote into home pc and most importantly as a head unit in my truck, lol! Since it is my head unit, I use it almost everyday.

diffrnt said:
Let's see: internet, email, netflix, crackle, remote into home pc and most importantly as a head unit in my truck, lol! Since it is my head unit, I use it almost everyday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, you get a WIN and a +1 from me. How exactly do you have it as your head unit? Mounts? Pictars wud be gud....Ja!

diffrnt said:
Let's see: internet, email, netflix, crackle, remote into home pc and most importantly as a head unit in my truck, lol! Since it is my head unit, I use it almost everyday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pics or it didn't happen...