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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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. : /
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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
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codeman05 said:
Well said.
+1 for Touchdown. It is fantastic for exchange, I use it on both my Evo and Xoom.
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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.
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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
Looking for a tab for my wife. Not only does she get a gift, but I get something to tinker with =)
There's a nook tablet in the trunk of my car. The hardware specs were better, and with the nook color's history, well...I leaped before I looked. The bootloader lockdown makes me a sad panda.
See, I dont want a weaksauce e-reader. I want a tablet! So, with a KF, I can put CM 7 on it (is that a honeycomb build?) and I'll basically have an acceptable tablet experience.
Should I return the nook? Does CM7 run stably on this thing? Are the hardware limitations (esp the lack of sd card port) really that restricting? Should I perhaps buy an actual tablet like a galaxy tab or a xoom?
I appreciate your input!
Duely blundered from my thunderdolt
CM7 is not running with sound, if she can handle that....
This sounds like getting her a shirt in your size and style for Christmas, not much of a gift imo.
Get her something SHE wants, not something YOU want.
(that said, I really like my Kindle Fire. I have not rooted as I actually like the amazon interface and it does everything I want it to do by sideloading apps off of my phone through dropbox. Read all of the issues people are having after rooting or messing with this or that before you get crazy with her device)
Rooting itself is trivial...
I got one of these for my wife.... She had a real hard time using it, not because there was Any issues with the unit, actually it did everything she wanted... The trouble was when she wanted to use it, she had to pry it out of my hands.
I got my own.
While I didn't root her's before I did it on mine, that was more because she didn't need anything other than what it came with. And I wanted to make sure I was not going to mess something up.
So I did all the experimenting on mine, and after doing that, I had no issues with rooting hers to add some "extras". She just keeps it in unroot mode to do all her stuff and stays in the default UI that comes with the Kindle Fire.
At $199 (actually I got mine for $123), it is hard to justify not just getting your own and let her have the present you provided.
I think it is a way cool device... and play with (my own) all the time. She uses her's daily for ebooks, videos, netflix etc..
+1 don't buy her toys for yourself.
I got my wife a Nook Color a few months back that she uses daily. She'd call out a hit on me if I so much as thought of rooting it. I think it's still on 1.3 firmware, but I'm not going near it to find out.
Thanks for the input.
I see what you guys are saying, but it's not what you think. A lot of her family members have gotten ipads, and she wouldn't mind getting a tablet too. We mutually agreed that 500 was too much, and well, I dont subscribe to the maccult.
She always steals my phone to play games on. I have a thunderbolt, and she has an iphone 4. She once made mention that if she could get her favorite games from my phone on a tablet of her own...well, now that would be something.
Since an N64 emulator capable of playing Mario 64 (one of the allures of my phone for her) isn't included off the bat, I'm merely saying I'll enjoy doing the needed mods to this thing.
At 200 or 250 a pop, the price is right, no?
Duely blundered from my thunderdolt
Dannar said:
Thanks for the input.
I see what you guys are saying, but it's not what you think. A lot of her family members have gotten ipads, and she wouldn't mind getting a tablet too. We mutually agreed that 500 was too much, and well, I dont subscribe to the maccult.
She always steals my phone to play games on. I have a thunderbolt, and she has an iphone 4. She once made mention that if she could get her favorite games from my phone on a tablet of her own...well, now that would be something.
Since an N64 emulator capable of playing Mario 64 (one of the allures of my phone for her) isn't included off the bat, I'm merely saying I'll enjoy doing the needed mods to this thing.
At 200 or 250 a pop, the price is right, no?
Duely blundered from my thunderdolt
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Sideloading is enabled by default on the Fire, so you could load emulators and whatever off-market apps you like without much effort.
Definitely get the KF over the NT if you plan on toying around with it. The Fire's development has picked up in the past few days and I'm sure we'll see a fully working ROM (hopefully CM9) very soon.
I personally have an Acer A100, but got one of my less tech inclined friends to buy a Fire and let me tinker with it until I'm satisfied, then I'll turn it over. So I can definitely relate to the allure of toying around with someone else's devices.
Root it, install Go Launcher EX, install Android market, install Dolphin browser, install Swype, then unroot.
Configure go launcher ex to your taste, then make it the default desktop. Make Dolphin the default browser.
You now have a tablet with the best of both worlds, as you can access all of the Amazon content, including prime videos.
littleemp said:
Definitely get the KF over the NT if you plan on toying around with it. The Fire's development has picked up in the past few days and I'm sure we'll see a fully working ROM (hopefully CM9) very soon.
I personally have an Acer A100, but got one of my less tech inclined friends to buy a Fire and let me tinker with it until I'm satisfied, then I'll turn it over. So I can definitely relate to the allure of toying around with someone else's devices.
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This.
As a previously very happy Nook Color owner, I was hoping that the NT would get hacked, but that effort seems to have stalled and all the devs are jumping on the NT bandwagon.
Even if the NT gets hacked in 1-2 months, all the devs seem to be getting Kindle Fires now ... and I know from experience that ROM development with only 1-2 devs is not pretty (especially if they eventually lose interest in your device).
I would also get a kindle fire over a nook just because there will be ;ore developpers dedicated to the device. Although, look around the web, HP is going to sell a few touchpads for 99$ on ebay Friday, so you might check it out.
Hello Vibe community,
I need opinions.
My two current tablet options are asus transformer tf300 and dock or Nexus 7 and keyboard. Heres a link to the possible keyboard for the Nexus: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00695OFE2
Im not looking for specs or price, i need to know what people think of convenience; i mean ill be carrying these in a bag, or possibly on my arm, ill be using them while walking, sometimes while in class, other times on the bus etc..
honestly i dont know if you guys will be able to help here but i do ask that you contribute something to tip my hand so that i dont spend hours wondering if i made the right choice myself and letting it ruin my experience.. thanks
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
Here is a thread similar to yours.
Can a tablet replace a laptop?
Here is my post from that thread too.
Woodrube said:
Well I don't have a TF300 but I do have a TF101 and all-in-all, I am extremely happy with it. In fact I use it more than my laptop. However, I do still use my laptop as a repository or sorts for hosting, downloads and some other Android-type things that a tablet just can't do.
There have been some stability issues with the whole line of Transformers in one form or another. But if you are experienced enough to figure out that it is not a hardware problem, then they all can be fixed one way or another.
I had always thought that tablets were nothing more than just large phones but then I used a friend's Xoom and realized that there was much more to them than that. So, I searched and searched and read and read some more about all types of tablets and what would best suit me. I wanted to know about support (XDA type support), Rooting, development as well as manufacturer support, O/S updates and basic compatability with my daily life.
After all that was done, I decided to purchase the TF101 (in Feb of this year) and have been happy with it. Later, I eventually bought a keyboard dock and between that and my usage patterns, it has beyond outstanding battery life (3-5 days with moderate use). There are several apps that emulate Xcel, Word, microsoft family as well as Polaris. Can watch HD YouTube vids just fine too. I had jury duty a few weeks ago and while I was waiting, I watched Netflix for about 3 hours and didn't put a dent in my battery life and it didn't get hot either.
Storage is unbeatable. Tablet comes with 16/32gb (I have 32gb version), External Micro-SD (up to 32gb) and the dock holds up to 32gb full-sized SD. So if you do the math that is 96gb of storage on a tablet.
I know you are thinking about the TF300 but this is my POV from the TF101. I say pull the trigger on it. You already have the laptop so it isn't like you have to choose between getting one or the other.
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Woodrube said:
Here is a thread similar to yours.
Can a tablet replace a laptop?
Here is my post from that thread too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks alot Woodrube; so you would say that a transformer would probably work best for me?
im just not sure that id ever use the transformer without its lapdock so im wondering if itll just be a bogged-down version of a netbook... the Nexus with keyboard, on the other hand, would be used separately when i just need portability and together when i need a 'laptop' of sorts.
Thanks for the opinion
You'd think that you would use it more as a laptop than a tablet, but that is the beauty of the dock. It comes off. I use mine as a tablet more than a "laptop", but I am not in college anymore. So mine is totally recreational. I bought mine in February at BestBuy for $399 for the 32gb one. Then while cruising Ebay one night,I found a dock for $70 (retail was $150). So I got the dock on the cheap.
I do use OfficePro and apps like that but I don't use it as a reader at all (for books and stuff). There are a few of us that have Transformers, of one fashion or another. Mr_Psycho, me, Globespy, Manus all have TF101's, DougFresh and Shreddintyres both have TPrimes and another RC friend of mine actually developed the exploit to root the entire Transformer line.
Obviously the N7 is a Google Experience device, so there is all that too. If you want anything more specific,feel free to PM me about your needs and what they might be and I can shoot you some more info and some app links.
Either way,one thing that I would suggest is to get you hands on both. They are cool,but are also very different from your phone-type use (if that make sense). Plus the chiklet style keys are a bit difficult to adapt too. I find that I mistype more than normal. But I use a full keyboard at work, have a laptop at home and my TF's dock,all with different sizes of keys and pressure points. Head over to BestBuy or MicroCenter and test drive one for a bit. Could probably go to Starbucks or school library too.
Woodrube said:
You'd think that you would use it more as a laptop than a tablet, but that is the beauty of the dock. It comes off. I use mine as a tablet more than a "laptop", but I am not in college anymore. So mine is totally recreational. I bought mine in February at BestBuy for $399 for the 32gb one. Then while cruising Ebay one night,I found a dock for $70 (retail was $150). So I got the dock on the cheap.
I do use OfficePro and apps like that but I don't use it as a reader at all (for books and stuff). There are a few of us that have Transformers, of one fashion or another. Mr_Psycho, me, Globespy, Manus all have TF101's, DougFresh and Shreddintyres both have TPrimes and another RC friend of mine actually developed the exploit to root the entire Transformer line.
Obviously the N7 is a Google Experience device, so there is all that too. If you want anything more specific,feel free to PM me about your needs and what they might be and I can shoot you some more info and some app links.
Either way,one thing that I would suggest is to get you hands on both. They are cool,but are also very different from your phone-type use (if that make sense). Plus the chiklet style keys are a bit difficult to adapt too. I find that I mistype more than normal. But I use a full keyboard at work, have a laptop at home and my TF's dock,all with different sizes of keys and pressure points. Head over to BestBuy or MicroCenter and test drive one for a bit. Could probably go to Starbucks or school library too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats actually a great idea, going to test them out.. I'm going to do that and see what i think. Thanks again bro, youve been a big help
Like Woodrube I have a TF101 as well. Besides when I capture video and render, I use my tablet 90% at home. It has 100% replaced my laptop, 90% replaced my desktop, and 20% replaced my work desktop. I use my desktop and NAS to store files, so having 44GB~ of space is not a problem (which on a tablet shouldn't be anyway.)
I would say that a tablet should be able to do what you are looking for, but I would get a feel for them in person before buying. I could not live without a tablet the size of the TF101, but my wife would not go above 7 inches (she loves her Nook and plans on replacing it with the Nexus 7 most likely).
badxkarma said:
Like Woodrube I have a TF101 as well. Besides when I capture video and render, I use my tablet 90% at home. It has 100% replaced my laptop, 90% replaced my desktop, and 20% replaced my work desktop. I use my desktop and NAS to store files, so having 44GB~ of space is not a problem (which on a tablet shouldn't be anyway.)
I would say that a tablet should be able to do what you are looking for, but I would get a feel for them in person before buying. I could not live without a tablet the size of the TF101, but my wife would not go above 7 inches (she loves her Nook and plans on replacing it with the Nexus 7 most likely).
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Click to collapse
Yeah i went to best buy and the 10 inch ones def felt way better in my hand. I decided on the galaxy note 10.1 because i can take my math lecture notes on it and save paper
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
buy note 10.1 its super good for college....
akarshfrevr said:
buy note 10.1 its super good for college....
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Click to collapse
Yeah i think i will, thats for the input
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
Do you mind if I ask what field you are going into? If it is a technical field you might have a real need for a laptop instead of a tablet that is all I was thinking about.
ZieferD said:
Do you mind if I ask what field you are going into? If it is a technical field you might have a real need for a laptop instead of a tablet that is all I was thinking about.
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Click to collapse
Im going for a BS in physics.. at least for the first 2 years, i dont anticipate needing a laptop
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
younix258 said:
Im going for a BS in physics.. at least for the first 2 years, i dont anticipate needing a laptop
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that is true and there should be a computer lab for any software they require you to use.
When I went to college the first time, I was going for a BS in physics too. I got all the way with only 4 classes until I graduated. Then I cracked and couldn't do any math at all. I couldn't even add up golf scores or bar tabs. Quit school for 2-3 years and went back and got my history degree.
This was a long time ago, but when I was in the program, was the same time that Linux (not Unix) came out and when I first learned about kernels and command lines. I still dabble in the physics program. Actually, I have employee access the the internal CERN website (don't ask) and I am on there quite frequently.
Younix, if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. Also take a look at my profile, you'll see something funny in my "Interests" section.
Woodrube said:
When I went to college the first time, I was going for a BS in physics too. I got all the way with only 4 classes until I graduated. Then I cracked and couldn't do any math at all. I couldn't even add up golf scores or bar tabs. Quit school for 2-3 years and went back and got my history degree.
This was a long time ago, but when I was in the program, was the same time that Linux (not Unix) came out and when I first learned about kernels and command lines. I still dabble in the physics program. Actually, I have employee access the the internal CERN website (don't ask) and I am on there quite frequently.
Younix, if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. Also take a look at my profile, you'll see something funny in my "Interests" section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow huge coincidence huh? Saw the advanced physics thing.. nice lol.
So what do you think? Is it a good career/degree choice?
Sent from my SGH-T959 running 4.1.1
Just wanted to know if you guys are still rooting for Barnes & Noble and it's product development efforts.
Check Engadget's hands-on videos here:
Nook HD
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/26/barnes-and-nobles-nook-hd-7-inch-android-tablet-hands-on-video
Nook HD+
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/26/barnes-and-noble-announces-nook-hd-9-inch-tablet-we-go-hands-on/
I personally thinking about getting the Nook HD which looks really great... but then again, the Nexus 7 has a front-facing camera. I'm still thinking about it.
Looks awesome, if you're a tinkerer. Assuming it's rootable and there are good ROMs for it. I don't think it's going to do so well with the average consumer though. B&N just doesn't have the clout to provide the best user experience. The price alone is pretty compelling though. Yes, having no camera is sad, how often do you really use it though? Plus the Nook has an SD Card slot which is so cherished by many.
I'm considering purchasing my first tablet, and I'm on the fence between the Nook HD+ and the Kindle Fire HD 8.9. The biggest influencing factor for me is how much/often it gets quality ROM releases, which is impossible to predict. If I knew the Nook would get good ROMs, the price would be the deciding factor. I would jump on it instantly. Right now I'm leaning toward the Nook, and hoping the ROMs will come.
The HD+ looks great! Lets hope for an unlocked bootloader. the $269 for a 16GB model makes it a winner in the 9" category.
{I do hope that they 'll make available to European buyers this time}
Pluses for me:
1) Price - both the HD and HD+
2) Relatively light weight
3) Expandable micro-SD storage
Minuses:
1) (and a big one) proprietary connector!
2) +/- locked bootloader (probably like Nook Tablet). Not impossible to work around, just harder.
Lack of front-facing camera (on the HD+ especially) is a meh for me. Would make sense if the Nooks had a built-in Skype-style app.
Just my $0.02.
New BN Tablets
A Mighty "Hooray"!!!
I actually cannot believe that my long wait for an affordable HD tablet with an 8.9 (actually 9 inch) screen is now here courtesy of BN!
Having a screen that was the size equivalent of a "trade paper (back)" has always been my goal for both reading and video purposes.
Under $300., with excellent performance stats, and with at least ICS 4.0 makes my mouth water. No camera is simply not an issue for me and with my Galaxy Nexus, tethering is a breeze for those few times when I might need cellular access.
I cannot imagine what a rooted version with JB would be like. I would want at bare minimum to have this be dual bootable, especially in light of the "potential" of the new BN video service.
Of course one needs to see some thorough reviews first but this is the first unit to meet all of my internalized criteria to move me off of my original and rooted (dual boot) NC. Hardware "dreams" can all too frequently become major disappointments!
I am currently running both 1.4.2 and CM 7.2 with both dual booted from the internal eMMc. I do almost all of my book reading with it. It is a tolerable form to use (size wise) in terms of my personal reading experience (also video). Have never liked it for magazine viewing or browsing.
9.7-10.1 have always been larger than I wanted to tote around and this new HD+ now has nailed my personal "sweetspot"!
Looking forward to seeing how it performs in the real world and how quickly it can be rooted and modified.
I was just getting ready to step up tot he table when I saw the emails today.
Now I just don't know, I think I will wait and see if it can be rooted. I use my Kindle app way too often
to not have it anymore. My rooted Nook Color will have to suffice, I'm sure that the devs will get on this one soon!
I don't want to give up my Nook Color case though! LOL
It has the same weak point as the previous Nooks (which I have been happy with for 2 years)
How hard is it to add a Microphone (for Skype, Free Phone Calls, Voice Search etc)?
That would make it perfect, without a need for another device.
traumadog said:
Minuses:
1) (and a big one) proprietary connector!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B&N claims the proprietary connector lets the tablet charge faster, if that eases your conscience. But we all know it's just a way to get people to spend on accessories.
my only qualms is the lack of a camera....
if they are truly trying to target Amazon and try to compete they need to include a Camera on the tablet at least....not necessarily the HD but c'mon...9" tab without a camera....a lot of people won't buy it simple because of that...i'm not one of those people but it still will deter customers...
other than that...price and looks and specs are all top notch imo and if i do upgrade to a bigger tablet i will probably go with the HD+
foshoshin said:
B&N claims the proprietary connector lets the tablet charge faster, if that eases your conscience. But we all know it's just a way to get people to spend on accessories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only positive of this one is that the previous super-duper multipin connector broke so easily that heck, I'm happy to try another type of connector if it actually might not break off after a few weeks of use.
Overall though...if the boot loader can be cracked (presuming there is one, which I suspect there will be since B&N just doesn't get they'd be a lot better off incentivizing people to buy product rather than attempting to force them to when they just don't have the inventory to compete) $299 for a 32 GB 256 DPI is somewhat ridiculous. Glad I haven't bitten on the Nexus 7, and we'll have to see how the big Kindle with the small data plan looks, but B&N may have just done it again on the performance/price point game even if this is never going to appeal to the plug it in and turn it on market.
What's a chance of this thing getting a CM10? I want a good high res 9inch android tablet with sd slot for a while now. Well I would prefer SDXC over microSD though. If this one have lock bootloader, then what can we expect? Decrapified ICS maybe?
Bluetooth?
Anyone know if any of the new Nooks have BT - seems that they will be missing a lot if they do not. Samsung, IPad, Google, etc. mostly all have Bluetooth.
docfreed said:
Anyone know if any of the new Nooks have BT - seems that they will be missing a lot if they do not. Samsung, IPad, Google, etc. mostly all have Bluetooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many sources I found are saying that they do indeed have bluetooth.
Unless you had developers mad scrambling to code up a new locked bootloader, I would assume the new nook tablet HD will come with the same bootloader as the one on the nook tablet that is already out now, which has the bootloader already cracked. If that is the case then it would be ready for customizing with a custom firmware as soon as it is released.
From the way some of the developers are working away with the cyanoboot app for the nook tablet I would assume the new nook tablet HD will come with the same bootloader, their has been lots of activity up in the nook tablet XDA forums recently with that app.
I am seriously thinking of getting the new nook tablet HD when it comes out here in a few months just for the hardware specs.
~~~~~~~~~~~
If you guys want to try to get cyanogenmod endorsed for this upcoming device I made a few threads up in the cyanogenmod forums at these links here you should start bumping. http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/59466-nook-tablet-discussion-thread/
And this thread here too. http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/59468-request-cm-10-and-cm-11-for-the-nook-tablet/
~~~~~~~~
Bumping those threads over in cyanogenmod showing some interest in getting a forum up for the nook tablet and the new nook tablet HD would help get things rolling for this new device. I feel this new nook tablet HD has lots of potential with others helping out to become the next new device to develop on, like how the nook color took off last year.
Who doesn't love car analogies?
I'm guessing u-boot (the bootloader) on the Nook HD will be locked down, just as the NT was, and that they will have made bauwks' hack impossible. I think the security tends to improve (from their point of view) with each iteration, so I assume bauwks' bootloader bug-fix will have been undone.
I happen to believe the N7 is a far, FAR superior tablet option for just about everyone. IMO, the Nook and KFire are a bit like selling you a sports car with the tires removed and brake pedal welded down and marketing it as a four seat, five-speaker CD-player (that only plays BN and Amazon CDs). And Amazon's "radio" plays ads when you turn it on.
This is the reason I've never bought (indeed, never used) a NookTablet, and have no intention of buying or using a locked KFire either. I find the artificial restriction to use the product to its full capability to be extremely condescending and cynical to the customer. And I see the locked bootloader as a major design flaw. Yes, Amazon and BN need have to have a business model to make money, and I support their right to do so. But notice that Google actually trusts its customers -- even encourages them-- to experiment and push the boundries of what they think you can do with YOUR computer that you bought with YOUR money. It's almost like Google actually believe in themselves as a company... trusting that they have a good software experience and content offerings that beat the competition. And they may be right. Because, it's funny-- with all the hackers out there, I haven't yet heard of any N7 (or any device) owner who elected to "close down" their tablets with an effort to try to run BN's or Amazon's OS so they can experience the fully-limited, tightly-controlled e-book experience.
Anyway, the above is just my opinion at the moment. Who knows, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised and the Nook HDs will be unlocked... but I doubt it.
meteorrock said:
Unless you had developers mad scrambling to code up a new locked bootloader, I would assume the new nook tablet HD will come with the same bootloader as the one on the nook tablet that is already out now, which has the bootloader already cracked. If that is the case then it would be ready for customizing with a custom firmware as soon as it is released.
From the way some of the developers are working away with the cyanoboot app for the nook tablet I would assume the new nook tablet HD will come with the same bootloader, their has been lots of activity up in the nook tablet XDA forums recently with that app.
I am seriously thinking of getting the new nook tablet HD when it comes out here in a few months just for the hardware specs.
~~~~~~~~~~~
If you guys want to try to get cyanogenmod endorsed for this upcoming device I made a few threads up in the cyanogenmod forums at these links here you should start bumping. http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/59466-nook-tablet-discussion-thread/
And this thread here too. http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/59468-request-cm-10-and-cm-11-for-the-nook-tablet/
~~~~~~~~
Bumping those threads over in cyanogenmod showing some interest in getting a forum up for the nook tablet and the new nook tablet HD would help get things rolling for this new device. I feel this new nook tablet HD has lots of potential with others helping out to become the next new device to develop on, like how the nook color took off last year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fattire just erased all my doubts about getting the N7. My mind's made up! I'll go and get the N7!!!
Sent from my BlackBerry 9700 using Tapatalk
fattire said:
I'm guessing u-boot (the bootloader) on the Nook HD will be locked down, just as the NT was, and that they will have made bauwks' hack impossible. I think the security tends to improve (from their point of view) with each iteration, so I assume bauwks' bootloader bug-fix will have been undone.
I happen to believe the N7 is a far, FAR superior tablet option for just about everyone. IMO, the Nook and KFire are a bit like selling you a sports car with the tires removed and brake pedal welded down and marketing it as a four seat, five-speaker CD-player (that only plays BN and Amazon CDs). And Amazon's "radio" plays ads when you turn it on.
This is the reason I've never bought (indeed, never used) a NookTablet, and have no intention of buying or using a locked KFire either. I find the artificial restriction to use the product to its full capability to be extremely condescending and cynical to the customer. And I see the locked bootloader as a major design flaw. Yes, Amazon and BN need have to have a business model to make money, and I support their right to do so. But notice that Google actually trusts its customers -- even encourages them-- to experiment and push the boundries of what they think you can do with YOUR computer that you bought with YOUR money. It's almost like Google actually believe in themselves as a company... trusting that they have a good software experience and content offerings that beat the competition. And they may be right. Because, it's funny-- with all the hackers out there, I haven't yet heard of any N7 (or any device) owner who elected to "close down" their tablets with an effort to try to run BN's or Amazon's OS so they can experience the fully-limited, tightly-controlled e-book experience.
Anyway, the above is just my opinion at the moment. Who knows, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised and the Nook HDs will be unlocked... but I doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well spoken. The only thing that holds me back from getting a Nexus though is the limited storage space. But others might not be so picky on storage. I just love the additional storage space on the nook series and that they give you that microSD slot. 64 GB storage on top of the 8 GB on the nook color I have right now.
I am the kind of kid that needs at least 100 full music albums and 20 or so more movies on the go, and riding on the school bus does not supply wifi for that cloud of theirs. Yet I know I am the minority. Give me moar storage, lol. I know lots of others living in rural areas and/or traveling in parts of the world not covered by wi-fi also find that extra storage given by the included microSD card slot is a must have. And that is TONS of people.
~~~~~~~~
So nexus 7 is also trying to shut out a part of their business to others by limiting storage on their top devices, and not including an internal storage slot. I am sure they know that or they would of released a device to include more additional storage for others.
Thanks for helping develop for us in any case <fattire> I hope to see you develop on the nook tablet too. { Non cynical comment of course }
~~~~~~~~~~
You are right on that locked boot-loader, did not think of that. I am sure they will submit a patch on that locked boot-loader to defeat that hack. Such a shame. There might be some tablet being developed right now by Google that will give others the option to add storage and the newest android builds, I just do not understand why its taking so long or if they are deliberately holding back on releasing such of a device to force others into "cloud" use. I am sure it does not cost that much to implement that hardware on a device, I would buy it even at a few dollars more.
docfreed said:
Anyone know if any of the new Nooks have BT - seems that they will be missing a lot if they do not. Samsung, IPad, Google, etc. mostly all have Bluetooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will have Bluetooth. Here is a specs list straight from B&N, LINK, section 1.2 - 1.5 is all most people will care about.
meteorrock said:
There might be some tablet being developed right now by Google that will give others the option to add storage and the newest android builds, I just do not understand why its taking so long or if they are deliberately holding back on releasing such of a device to force others into "cloud" use. I am sure it does not cost that much to implement that hardware on a device, I would buy it even at a few dollars more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it's the 2nd one. Google purposely trying to force customer to use cloud storage. The problem here is that we also have greedy telecom on the other side that will nickle and dime your for every GB if they could and they have no incentive to improve their network capacity & coverage. We also have a weak FCC that don't do much. FCC should have done away with itself license spectrum and force the telecom to be a dumb pipe and every one just be like MVNO. That way we end up w/ more competitive market rather than oligopoly market. Sure if we have affordable unlimited LTE everywhere right now, then cloud storage make a lot of sense. And that if we aren't gonna saturate the bandwidth. Imagine even if everyone pulling movies and music over the LTE network in metropolitan area, the network would suck so hard that everyone will be pulling less than 1mbps. I don't think Google will have a new tablet anytime soon or w/ removable storage for that matter. Not until google realize that they are fighting with the wireless telecom and they have to be a telecom themself.
doubtful
meteorrock said:
Unless you had developers mad scrambling to code up a new locked bootloader, I would assume the new nook tablet HD will come with the same bootloader as the one on the nook tablet that is already out now, which has the bootloader already cracked. If that is the case then it would be ready for customizing with a custom firmware as soon as it is released.
From the way some of the developers are working away with the cyanoboot app for the nook tablet I would assume the new nook tablet HD will come with the same bootloader, their has been lots of activity up in the nook tablet XDA forums recently with that app.
I am seriously thinking of getting the new nook tablet HD when it comes out here in a few months just for the hardware specs.
~~~~~~~~~~~
If you guys want to try to get cyanogenmod endorsed for this upcoming device I made a few threads up in the cyanogenmod forums at these links here you should start bumping
~~~~~~~~
Bumping those threads over in cyanogenmod showing some interest in getting a forum up for the nook tablet and the new nook tablet HD would help get things rolling for this new device. I feel this new nook tablet HD has lots of potential with others helping out to become the next new device to develop on, like how the nook color took off last year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HIGHLY doubtful! they'll update the bootloader just like they did with the tablet, and, if you think otherwise, no offense, don't kid yourself
also... nook tablet has been out for almost a year and STILL only has nightlies (let alone a beta). again, no offense, but i'm seriously losing hope of EVER seeing a final version of cm10 (with a working 3.0 kernel (let alone bluetooth, mic, hw video accelleration) :\