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Archos Tablets vs Galaxy Tab

I'm sure the Galaxy Tab will be slightly more powerful... But I can't believe by much.
The Archos Tablets are coming out late September-mid October.
There will be many different sizes... 10.1", 7", 4.3"... etc.
I see people saying the Galaxy tab will cost more than 600$. That's absurd.
All of Archos's tablets are <$300
I own a Vibrant, and believe me, I love it. But I personally will be getting an Archos 10.1 . $299 isn't asking for much.
What do you think.
http://www.archos.com/products/ta/index.html?country=us&lang=en
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Of course I am expecting some sort of hack to run the Market on the Archos... that's honestly the only down side but not necesarily a deal breaker.

I would be really hesistant to get an Archos tablet - they've been putting these out for a little while now, but their track record has not been great. Maybe this will change with their new designs - I hadn't heard or read up on the Archos 70 - but they just released the Archos Home 7 a few months ago, and it was not particularly well received.
EDIT: The Archos spec sheet says they are using an ARM A8 based processor, so it could be on par with the A8-based Hummingbird in terms of CPU power - no mention of what GPU is being used though. The GPU on the Hummingbird is an absolute (mobile) beast.

I honestly was about to buy a Z-180 til i heard of the Archos.
And yes... the GPU on the Galaxy S's are supreme...
10.1" Galaxy Tab = king. 7" is too small for me for a tablet. Tablet = halfway between smart phone and netbook. 7" tablet = halfway between smartphone and tablet. Lol

Spec wise, id say the Gtab has a great edge just because of its on board gpu. What you need to think about is how much of a difference that makes to you.
If you just want normal stuff, then no big deal. If you want to play 3d games or play true high def content then the Tab looks way better. If not then well.... The opposite.
Personally I think the archos is just for watching stuff, and the Tab is more of a daily driver.
I wouldn't think about pricing just yet, because until we get numbers from samsung, everything is bull****. Just cast it from your mind.
For me, the Tab is the right size. The appeal is that it'll fit in a coat pocket, or you can just toss out into a bag. 10 inches is huge (anyone who just smirked: shame on you!) and although the nice big screen is ok at home, to me its just impractical in public, particularly since you have to grasp it, not just let it rest in your hand.
Finally, does the archos have a phone in it? That would make.a difference to me to be honest.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Yeah it's all down to personal preference about 7" or 10"... A tablet would be more of an 'at-home' thing for me... My phone is for the go aha.
I'm sure the Archos would be able to handle some 3d games though. We'll see...
They both hop on the 1GHz. I don't know much about Archos GPU though.

andershizzle said:
Yeah it's all down to personal preference about 7" or 10"... A tablet would be more of an 'at-home' thing for me... My phone is for the go aha.
I'm sure the Archos would be able to handle some 3d games though. We'll see...
They both hop on the 1GHz. I don't know much about Archos GPU though.
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Click to collapse
Oh yeah, the archos should handle the games and stuff as well as an equivalently specced phone, its certainly no slouch. Just the tab is 'better'.
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I'm in the same dilemma right now too...not sure whether to go with the archos 7 inch or 10 inch....or whether to buy the galaxy tab....and a major deciding factor will be the pricing of the tab once its announced...

Yes if the Tab is any more than 400 I probably will go with the Archos... Can't beat $299

The only thing about the GPU in the Hummingbird is that there is nothing to do (yet) with all that power. It's in a league of it's own when it comes to graphics horsepower, and until we see more Android devices take up the PowerVR SGX540 GPU, I doubt we'll see anything take advantage of that power.
Hell, unless/until we start playing games at 720p on TV/Monitors via HDMI, it's not entirely clear we need that kind of graphics processing either. Take a look at the "Epic Citadel" tech demo of the Unreal 3 engine running on the iPhone 4 (which uses the less powerful PowerVR 535 I think) to see what can be accomplished with a GPU with 1/3 the power of the Hummingbird.

Comparing things like that cross platform is fairly useless.
There ate several things that can run on my iphone's old hardware and i know if it were in Android with the same hardware it would run like a dog. Look at Symbian. Very.few Symbian phones use "modern" hardware, but Symbian has no problem with lag.
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mesasone said:
The only thing about the GPU in the Hummingbird is that there is nothing to do (yet) with all that power. It's in a league of it's own when it comes to graphics horsepower, and until we see more Android devices take up the PowerVR SGX540 GPU, I doubt we'll see anything take advantage of that power.
Hell, unless/until we start playing games at 720p on TV/Monitors via HDMI, it's not entirely clear we need that kind of graphics processing either. Take a look at the "Epic Citadel" tech demo of the Unreal 3 engine running on the iPhone 4 (which uses the less powerful PowerVR 535 I think) to see what can be accomplished with a GPU with 1/3 the power of the Hummingbird.
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If you put it like that, then I'd say that the added GPU power adds a degree of future proofing. I suspect that what with the slew of droid based tablets arriving, people will start developing things that take advantage of the screen size. Particularly since tablets have a lot more battery so you can game for a lot longer, and thus might be interested in prettier visual.
Food for thought anyway.
The equivalent 7" archos is a great looking device tho. Although, can someone fill me in on a few things (i know nothing of the devices). Firstly, the spec just says the GPU is '3d OpenGL' but doesn't say the actual chip set. Would like to know what it is. Secondly, it says up to 250gigs, and I assumed that was a choice of internal flash-drives, but the spec sheet has 8gig flash and 250gig HD. Does that mean you connect a HD with USB or a changeable 2.5" drive or something ?
Certainly would help me understand

As long as it has decent quality and runs latest stock android.
Sent from galaxy s. JG4 + oneclick lag fix version 2.3

BigJayDogg3 said:
Comparing things like that cross platform is fairly useless.
There ate several things that can run on my iphone's old hardware and i know if it were in Android with the same hardware it would run like a dog. Look at Symbian. Very.few Symbian phones use "modern" hardware, but Symbian has no problem with lag.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Uh, like what specifically?

Heavy gunner.
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LostAlone said:
If you put it like that, then I'd say that the added GPU power adds a degree of future proofing. I suspect that what with the slew of droid based tablets arriving, people will start developing things that take advantage of the screen size. Particularly since tablets have a lot more battery so you can game for a lot longer, and thus might be interested in prettier visual.
Food for thought anyway.
The equivalent 7" archos is a great looking device tho. Although, can someone fill me in on a few things (i know nothing of the devices). Firstly, the spec just says the GPU is '3d OpenGL' but doesn't say the actual chip set. Would like to know what it is. Secondly, it says up to 250gigs, and I assumed that was a choice of internal flash-drives, but the spec sheet has 8gig flash and 250gig HD. Does that mean you connect a HD with USB or a changeable 2.5" drive or something ?
Certainly would help me understand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's an 8GB Flash Memory 7" tablet, expandable with Micro SD, and then there's a 7" tablet with an actual internal 250GB Hard Drive.
The 10" has a 8GB internal (micro SD expandable) for 299$ and 16GB internal (micro SD expandable) for 349$

Ah ok I get ya.
I assumed that it was one device with aftermarket add ons *facepalm* the 250gig version sounds pretty GOOD in theory at least
WARNING - LONG POST AHEAD
Anyways, I think what will make the real difference to the choice will be how much you want mobile data. There seems to be two schools of thought on how to use a tablet device here:
a) Those who would be wanting a tablet to augment their current device.
b) Those who see a small form factor tablet as a total alternative.
For those in camp A, the archos has to be a better device. Not only because of cost, but the extra capacity is definitely a head turner.
For those in camp B, the Tabs 3g radio and actual phone capabilities wins the game hands down.
Personally I am much more of a B. I would certainly be happy with an archos. However, since Im not the kind of person who would use it at home, it'd only do service as a media device on long trips. And it'd make me happy in that capacity.
However, since the Tab offers that same performance (less capacity, but I can't see why I would ever need to load up 250gigs of anything) and extras, I just see myself using it more. In my head I can see me using it to hold my notes or whatever I'm working from, and then I can just kick over to a web browser to find what I need or take calls or whatever, all in one device. Of course, I can still use my phone as a phone and my Tab the same as the archos, but I have the choice.
I think that the times I am sitting on a station waiting for a train or whatever, I would kick myself for not having the data use, and anytime where I have to scrabble through my pockets for my phone.
Am still waiting on pricing of course. If the Tab is ridiculously priced (I maintain that this isn't likely to happen) then I may well say screw it and get an archos or indeed another tablet, because much as I love the tab, I'm only willing to pay so much for what I see as the bonuses of using one. If the Tab is competitively priced against the archos, I can't see why anyone would buy the archos (unless they are comitted to carrying a silly amount of media), because even if you never use the added 3g functionality, you know its there. I figure a lot of people will be waiting on the pricing, because if the Tab is say 50-100 bucks more than the archos, its a no brainer. 100-150 more, and its a personal preference. Any more than that and its to much.
The TLDR version:
With my lifestyle, the phoneness of the Tab makes it a real winner. To others, perhaps not, but then again we all have to make our own choices as to what device/s fits for us
MOD EDIT IN BOLD.

LostAlone said:
Ah ok I get ya.
BJD3's abbv. version.
I'd like a tablet that can replace my phone.
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This is exactly the same boat im in. Id have to get one off contract since i just bought a captivate and plan on keeping it.
My thing is i just refuse to pay for two data plans, especially when i have AT&Ts grandfathered unlimited plan. And without 3G i can't justify the purchase of a tablet to myself.
So for me to even consider a tablet, it would HAVE to include a telephone. This is one reason i was so excited about the Streak, nut Dell kept dragging their feet bringing it to the US.
At this point, the Tab hits all my check marks, it just has to be priced somewhere south of 550 USD.
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I currently own and use an Archos 5IT 5" android tablet.
Hardware wise, it outperforms the T-mobile Galaxy S that my roommate uses, with a processor that is clocked at 600mhz. I do not remember the chipset information off the top of my head, but it is a TI chip that has some solid power on the graphics side, and OpenGL support is available now with the latest firmware updates.
The biggest issue with Archos 5IT is that while updates have been constant for the device, there is no plans to put Android 2.0+ on the device, it is currently running 1.6 and will continue to do so until a 3rd party is able to port over something newer.
The new Archos tablets will not have any "phone parts" included in them, that is part of the reason for the lower price.
It will also include their standard Archos Media Center addin, which is a rather nice full function media application that runs overtop Android on the 5IT. I use their built in media center application over any Android based ones due to its simple UI and built in access to network shares, and all in all its pretty solid.
Otherwise, I have had nothing but good things to say about the device, in spite of its few quirks, most of which are being addressed with the newest models.

I plan on using my Vibrant's "MobileAP" for 3g Data on Archos if ever needed. Why pay for two plans? Heh. So the phone capabilities don't mean much for me. Even then it'd be an at home kind of system.

Ill admit the Archos is a good tablet, but two things keep me from getting it.
It lacks a multitouch screen, and it doesn't have a 3G connection.
While I'd prefer a capacitive screen, but if the screen is like the one in my Fuze, i can deal with that, and as I've said, i can't justify a tablet if any size if it diesnt have a SIM card slot.
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Underwhelmed by the Xoom (a fair assessment imo)

Let me start off by saying that I am no 'company fanboy' of any sorts, but rather a 'gadget fanboy' who tries to assess devices as objectively as possible.
I am current owner of a rooted Droid X (running gingerbread theme, undervolted, overclocked, with sysctl enabled, ~ approx. 2 days batt life on extended)
No, I am not teed about the current lack of flash, sd card support. thats not my gripe.
* My main gripe is a hardware limitation. I just find it heavy to use after prolonged use (after 20 min of continuous usage).
* I find the screen to be subpar compared to its main competitor, the iPad, which uses a IPS display resulting in a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks, wider viewing angles, and better color reproduction
Xoom, Viewsonic G-tablet, iPad1
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* I find holding the xoom to be an uncomfortable affair compared to the iPad1. Now, I am an iPad1 user as well. I'm starting to realize why iPad has a thicker bezel. It makes it easier on the user to hold and use.
* Native google apps are buggy. I wasn't able to play a lot of YouTube videos, and the Google Maps application with vector support was surprisingly choppy. Everyone zoom into San Francisco until the buildings show. Tilt it so you can see a lot of the buildings. Start scrolling. Its pretty choppy. For some this is barely an issue, to me, it irks me.
To those that are on the fence for a tablet, and are a current Android smartphone user, I would highly recommend the iPad2 as it is lighter, thinner, and cheaper than its main competitor, the Xoom. Not to mention the 100k+ native iPad application support. And whats wrong with diversifying your OS portfolio? If you think about it, who woulda thought that an Apple product would be cheaper than its main competitor?
I don't mean to knock on the Xoom, but its just not ready yet, and I'm extremely worried that tablet developer support on android will not be as successful as the iPad due to android tablet pricing ($800, no wifi confirmation yet, $539 pricing is still a rumor).
Personally, I'm on the fence with this device. All the Xoom needs is time, so that the bugs can be closed and application support increases. Not to mention the root community on the tablet will explode hopefully in the near future. To be honest, I would LOVE to have an undervolted, overclocked android tablet that can give me almost twice the batt life. I'm still deciding whether to return this and get the iPad2.
However, I do find the xoom's 1280 x 800 16:9 form factor to be superior than the iPad when it comes to web browsing. The web browsing experience on the xoom is phenomenal.

Insanely unnecessary thread. Threads like this have saturated this website. extremely redundant. come on

Opinions
Assholes

dudeimgeorge said:
Insanely unnecessary thread. Threads like this have saturated this website. extremely redundant. come on
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its an opinion. so had i made a thread only praising the xoom would that be unnecessary as well?
you can easily not respond to it. the post was created in order to garner discussion. thats all.

iPad doesn't have 100k+ native apps, it has 65k... I think your preference on the thicker bezel is also just that, preference. I prefer the Xoom's smaller bezel. Viewing angles on the Xoom are an issue for you? I'm looking at might from an off-angle right this moment and can still read the screen fine. Also, what are you using to judge the color representation? Any kind of professional tools, or is this just your eyes, which are far from what I'd call accurate?

aohus said:
its an opinion. so had i made a thread only praising the xoom would that be unnecessary as well?
you can easily not respond to it. the post was created in order to garner discussion. thats all.
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Yes, it would be unnecessary. People who like the Xoom like it, people who don't, don't. There's plenty of reviews out there on professional sites that people can go to.

I was with you for a minute, until your advertisement for the iPad 2.
The Honeycomb SDK has been out for LITERALLY LESS THAN 2 WEEKS. Developers couldn't really develop until they got their own hardware as the emulator sucks. There is one honeycomb device, do you think there will never be any others? I find the app argument really weak. Give it a couple of months and there will be several Honeycomb devices, probably a 3.0.1 or 3.1 android update.
Maybe you can live with the limitations of iOS, but I cannot. Those poor notifications send me into a rage.

Your assessment is just opinions how you feel about the device. When people are looking for an actual review they are going to read your crap and get a bad impression. The ipad cant really be classified as a tablet since there is no real difference between it and an iphone besides size. The only thing apple has is apps and a tablet should be about more than just apps. Android offers a different experience as a whole. But you just mention basically how much your hand hurts because you lack some muscle strength to hold something that weighs the same amount as the original ipad.

aohus said:
its an opinion. so had i made a thread only praising the xoom would that be unnecessary as well?
you can easily not respond to it. the post was created in order to garner discussion. thats all.
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Click to collapse
dude are you stupid? what you just said is exactly what i claimed as redundant. Had he written this days ago, specifically on the launch date, well this would be a great NEW THREAD. Opinions are great, but having multiple batches of the same crap bloats this forum and is just lazy. go out of your way and look for the countless people who are voicing their beautiful opinions on what they think about this product. all this is garnering is redundancy, and you are no better, hot shot

Elysian893 said:
iPad doesn't have 100k+ native apps, it has 65k... I think your preference on the thicker bezel is also just that, preference. I prefer the Xoom's smaller bezel. Viewing angles on the Xoom are an issue for you? I'm looking at might from an off-angle right this moment and can still read the screen fine. Also, what are you using to judge the color representation? Any kind of professional tools, or is this just your eyes, which are far from what I'd call accurate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
one can easily find the difference in display quality by the naked eye. If that isn't enough, there are multiple reviews stating the iPad's display is better in terms of contrast ratio, black levels, and color depth.
As for the bezel issue, thats a fair statement to make, its a user preference.
The viewing angles on the iPad IPS display is definitely wider than the Xoom's LCD display. But seriously, i wouldn't consider that a 'dealbreaker.'

Bauxite said:
The Honeycomb SDK has been out for LITERALLY LESS THAN 2 WEEKS. Developers couldn't really develop until they got their own hardware as the emulator sucks. There is one honeycomb device, do you think there will never be any others? I find the app argument really weak. Give it a couple of months and there will be several Honeycomb devices, probably a 3.0.1 or 3.1 android update.
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Click to collapse
Right, and this is what i stated in the OP
aohus said:
All the Xoom needs is time, so that the bugs can be closed and application support increases. Not to mention the root community on the tablet will explode hopefully in the near future. To be honest, I would LOVE to have an undervolted, overclocked android tablet that can give me almost twice the batt life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

dudeimgeorge said:
dude are you stupid? what you just said is exactly what i claimed as redundant. Had he written this days ago, specifically on the launch date, well this would be a great NEW THREAD. Opinions are great, but having multiple batches of the same crap bloats this forum and is just lazy. go out of your way and look for the countless people who are voicing their beautiful opinions on what they think about this product. all this is garnering is redundancy, and you are no better, hot shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lets not engage in personal attacks here.
the vitriol and negative remarks is atrocious. I would have expected this kind of behavior from apple fanboys. seriously. do we have to be so insecure that we can't critically judge our own product? a shame really.
i'm anxiously awaiting LG, Samsung, and HTC to make its honeycomb debut. Already eyeing the 8.9 inch sammy tablet thats supposed to be very thin and light. we shall see

Xoom is way ahead of its time. The software stack it relies on is way to buggy. From various report on this forum, it can barely play any decent HD video clip and Netflix support is non-existent (probably will never arrive). Yes, over the time the software will improve and stablize. But at its current state (buggy software, no Flash and no microSD support), it is not worth the premium price it is asking for, IMO.

I have a Xoom and a SmartQ R10 (same IPS screen as the iPad). I did a comparison on Slatedroid: http://www.slatedroid.com/index.php?/topic/15865-screen-angles/
The IPS screen, imo, is better. I didn't use graphics and guides to figure this out - it was strictly with my naked eye.
As for the iPad(2), my biggest beef remains which is the walled garden approach to doing things that Apple forces on us. I am not a hater - I own MacOS SL and I love that OS - I personally think it's better than Windows 7. But iOS is a different animal, entirely.
I owned an iPad for a few days, so some examples of what I'm talking about:
- You can't even boot into the iPad until it's connected to iTunes. There's just something blatantly wrong with that way of thinking, imo. I need a desktop OS to use my tablet for the first time.... huh??
- Crippled audio and video support. No AVI, no FLAC, no Vorbis, no MKV etc etc. Yes, you can download (paid) apps to fix this, but why should I have to? Even MS started supporting Xvid AVI's in their Zune HD, last year - and this is MS we're talking about, the king of proprietary lock-down.
(Note: Before the reply of "that's because Apple doesn't support piracy", let me explain what I do. My purchased DVD's are ripped to Xvid AVI's as a standard, or MKV's if I need multiple audio tracks or subs. I made a decision years ago on these formats, as it offered the best compatibility at the time. As for music, I backup my CD's to FLAC and made the decision to use Vorbis as my Cowon music player supports it, it's easier to transcode because the codec is free to use, and it offers better quality than MP3's. But Apple thinks I'm a pirate because I don't use their codecs? I prefer freedom and choice).
- File sharing versus drag and drop. Seriously, why does Apple do this? It's my device, can't I just drop files into it? Are you so afraid that I might use it to play pirated videos that you have to lock this down?
- That HDMI dongle. Seriously, that's just pathetic. Why is so hard to just add a micro-HDMI connector to the iPad2?
- No Flash. EVER. Because Stevey-J has a problem with Adobe, his users pay for it. Don't tell me iPad users don't want it, because we all know that they would like support, deep down inside. Given the OPTION (and I stress that word) of having it if you wanted to, most would choose it. If you don't want Flash, then just don't install it. But give us the option of either / or.
- No external storage. Granted, the Xoom is missing this feature right now, but USB Host mode work (I just confirmed it) and the hardware is there. Apple doesn't add a microSD slot for two reasons - one, because they don't want you actually bypassing their draconian lock-down policies. And two, because no external storage = more money for them for their 32GB / 64GB devices.
The Xoom is FAR from perfect, don't get me wrong. But I suppose it all depends on how you plan to use your device. I tried the iPad1, and I hated it. But that's just me.

Dude who wrote this .....I agree with you
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

roebeet said:
As for the iPad(2), my biggest beef remains which is the walled garden approach to doing things that Apple forces on us. I am not a hater - I own MacOS SL and I love that OS - I personally think it's better than Windows 7. But iOS is a different animal, entirely.
I owned an iPad for a few days, so some examples of what I'm talking about:
- You can't even boot into the iPad until it's connected to iTunes. There's just something blatantly wrong with that way of thinking, imo. I need a desktop OS to use my tablet for the first time.... huh??
- Crippled audio and video support. No AVI, no FLAC, no Vorbis, no MKV etc etc. Yes, you can download (paid) apps to fix this, but why should I have to? Even MS started supporting Xvid AVI's in their Zune HD, last year - and this is MS we're talking about, the king of proprietary lock-down.
- File sharing versus drag and drop. Seriously, why does Apple do this? It's my device, can't I just drop files into it? Are you so afraid that I might use it to play pirated videos that you have to lock this down?
- That HDMI dongle. Seriously, that's just pathetic. Why is so hard to just add a micro-HDMI connector to the iPad2?
- No Flash. EVER. Because Stevey-J has a problem with Adobe, his users pay for it. Don't tell me iPad users don't want it, because we all know that they would like support, deep down inside. Given the OPTION (and I stress that word) of having it if you wanted to, most would choose it. If you don't want Flash, then just don't install it. But give us the option of either / or.
- No external storage. Granted, the Xoom is missing this feature right now, but USB Host mode work (I just confirmed it) and the hardware is there. Apple doesn't add a microSD slot for two reasons - one, because they don't want you actually bypassing their draconian lock-down policies. And two, because no external storage = more money for them for their 32GB / 64GB devices.
The Xoom is FAR from perfect, don't get me wrong. But I suppose it all depends on how you plan to use your device. I tried the iPad1, and I hated it. But that's just me.
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You have summarized this very consistently as opposed to the OP. It is getting really bad in this forum that I have to ask whether it is worth to visit.

knut150 said:
You have summarized this very consistently as opposed to the OP. It is getting really bad in this forum that I have to ask whether it is worth to visit.
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some of his points are a little off. i agree with many, but as far as codec support goes, the xoom tablet does not have much codec support. you can't play FLAC, Vorbis, MKV's natively on the Xoom, so its the same for both iDevices and the Xoom tablet.
However, that being said, it doesn't mean its the fault of honeycomb, thats motorola's decision to not support various codecs.
i'm just trying to be rational. it really comes to this.
Either Wait, and see how the other honeycomb tablets turn out
OR, if you need to buy a tablet now, you essentially have two choices when it comes to premium tablets, the xoom or the iPad2.
so you have $800 vs $499 at the moment.
a device thats thinner and lighter, cheaper compared to a singular $800 tablet with a better OS (honeycomb).

aohus said:
so you have $800 vs $499 at the moment.
a device thats thinner and lighter, cheaper compared to a singular $800 tablet with a better OS (honeycomb).
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Wrong. $729 compared to $800. 3G vs 4G upgradable + expandable memory
The wifi Xoom isn't out yet so you can't compare a wifi only iPad 2 to the Xoom just yet.

Any post that starts off with "I am not a fanboy" is a really good warning that you're about to read a post by a fanboy who doesn't want to be thought of as a fanboy.
Heavy? Don't you find a hardback book to also be heavy if you're wasting energy trying to hold it up for 20 minutes? Get the motorola cover which has a built in stand and use it. or put a throw pillow on your lap and rest it there. The iPad 1 weighs 1.5lbs. The Xoom weighs 1.6lbs. You really think that additional ounce and a half makes more than a negligible difference? Any object of more than about 1/4 pound will start to feel heavy after 20 minutes. The product you're complaining about here is not the Xoom. You're complaining about gravity and your arms. There are multiple work-arounds available beyond those I mentioned above.
Judging from the screenshots you're primarily using your Xoom in Portrait mode, most likely because that's what your Portrait-centric iPad taught you to do. Your Xoom and Honeycomb are both Landscape-centric. Try to make the switch. You'll have a better experience.
"I would highly recommend the iPad2"
Why would anyone take advice about a product from someone who has never touched or used that product?
"I don't mean to knock on the Xoom"
Yes you do. That was the whole point of your post.

aohus said:
some of his points are a little off. i agree with many, but as far as codec support goes, the xoom tablet does not have much codec support. you can't play FLAC, Vorbis, MKV's natively on the Xoom, so its the same for both iDevices and the Xoom tablet.
However, that being said, it doesn't mean its the fault of honeycomb, thats motorola's decision to not support various codecs.
i'm just trying to be rational. it really comes to this.
Either Wait, and see how the other honeycomb tablets turn out
OR, if you need to buy a tablet now, you essentially have two choices when it comes to premium tablets, the xoom or the iPad2.
so you have $800 vs $499 at the moment.
a device thats thinner and lighter, cheaper compared to a singular $800 tablet with a better OS (honeycomb).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct - I was mixing my GTAB experience with my Xoom experience. After the fact I realized that the Xoom is actually more crippled codec-wise than my GTAB. That's a surprise.
Vorbis does play OOTB however, I'm a heavy Vorbis user. But the video support is bizarre - MKV works, but only to a point. Depends on the audio / video codec inside. And Xvid AVI's do NOT work, which is worse than my GTAB. FLAC doesn't have OOTB support but apps like Rockbox can fix that.
My bigger point is that the Xoom at least allows you to copy the files and then use an app, if available, to run the content. The iPad doesn't allow that - you have to have the app in advance (usually not free) and then use iTunes file sharing to move the content over. It's much less efficient.
I did do some audio / video testing on an iPad, so I know what was available and the cost for the apps. Vorbis, in particular, really annoyed me because that's my audio codec of choice. The Xoom actually sees Vorbis files, AND reads their tags. That's actually better than my GTAB.
Bad marks on Xvid AVI's, though - I hope that will be fixed. There's no WMA / WMV support either -- that could just be a build.prop change, however.

[info] So far, not at all impressed

I picked up this tablet mainly to play around with app development, but I must say, I am seriously underwhelmed. No Netflix, no skype video, can't get my DISH sling player to work on it, my digital copy movies won't even load, other movies which I have burned are choppy, seems evey time you jump back to a list (app store, settings uninstall, etc) you get put at the top of the list instead of where you left off, no native network sharing support, the micro sd is not hot swapable, many of the aps in the app store are hlf baked, haven't figured out how to do a mass clear of notifications (and this is a much applauded feature, where is the stinking "clear all"), the browser zoom is kind of quirky, and when I clicked the email link to reset my password for the XDA site here, it went into this wierd hypnotic flickering fit and I had to kill the browser session
...yada, yada, yada
Seriously, I don't know how anyone can even begin to copare this to the ipad (1 or 2), for all of the Apple bashing I have seen, all I have to say is "It just works". If I bought this to actually use in place of what I do with my IPad, and not to learn and try my hand at Android development, it would be on it's way back to the store right now or listed on eBay.
Even though it is only an iPad 1, it is HANDS DOWN WAAAAYYYYY BETTER. Steve can rest assured, even at this point in the game, if this is what the competition hads to offer, the iPad's future is quite secure. I mean, 5 minutes with Garage Band on the iPad and you realize it is like comparing a BMW to a Chevy Comaro. Yes the Camaro may look cool, but it is not nearly the same level of refinement and quality.
As it stands right now, I would classify the transformer as a novelty at best. Great idea having the ability to dock it to a keyboard, but I so wish they had used this concept on the ep121 (which I also own) as originally teased in the press kits as it would have truly provide a best in class device that could cross between a work horse and media/gaming device.
I really wanted to like this too. So sad, as the hardware and form factor are really quite nice.
Perhaps it may yet mature, but I see a lot of iffy post on Tegra 2 supporting DRM or MP4 support which allows me to play any of the movies in my video library.
But hey, it'll play flash content. Whooptedo

Different strokes for different folks. An iPad would serve no purpose for me. iPads have been out for nearly 2 years and I have had no desire to own one. I wanted a Transformer from the day I saw it mentioned on Engadget.
Garage Band is not a big deal. I've had it on my Mac since 2005, so using it on a tablet doesn't thrill me. Not sure what the real point of your post was. Coming on an Eee Pad TF forum and bashing the product you just bought, but everyone who purchased this over the iPad had a reason to do so and an iPad doesn't appeal to most of us or we certainly could have and would have purchased one.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Honeycomb is still early in development...it's only going to get better...

Garage band is just an app. try to compare iOS to honeycomb, most important is what the OS can do

the iPads been out for about one year and honeycomb is still in its infancy and I like my transformer heck I'm typing on it now but I have some light bleed and a dead pixel so I may replac it soon

I would never waste my money on an iPad because I do not want to connect the iPad to a PC to do almost everything. What's the point of owning a tablet if it cannot be used as a standalone device?
But hey, many people like the simplicity of the iPad and like being imprisoned with iTunes.

First of all the SD card is hot swappable.
Second of all, I own an iPad 2 and yes it's more buggy but it's a lot more functional. The iPad is nice and all but iOS is NOT a tablet OS. Honeycomb is. Dvd rips should play fine with moboplayer. HD videos play smooth after encoding with handbrake, keyboard is amazing and I have had no browser trouble.
One thing is for sure I wouldn't suggest the transformer to technologically impaired people ( like yourself), just like I wouldn't recommend any android device for them. If you want simplicity the iPad is nice, it does what you probably want to do smooth and easy. But if I want to type up an email or take notes or do anything related to content creation and not just consumption, I'll pick the transformer any day.

Haters gonna hate.
Garage Band? Seriously? GB's for kids. If I really wanted to make some music, there are better progs out there i'd want to use and I wouldn't be using an ipad.
I think the op was expecting too much. He knew what he was getting into before he got it and if he didn't, then he didn't do his due diligence and research. It looks like it's just not for him.
I on the other hand am quite impressed. Just the concept and form factor are pure win. The fact that future Tf's will be dockable with the dock are sound. The pad meets my needs even though I knew going in that high profile would be a problem, i'm content with it in that I barely use it to watch movies. If I want to watch a flick, it's gonna be on the big screen and I have an Xbox and PS3 to serve my Netflix and Hulu needs.
I knew it wasn't perfect and it's being worked on, but like someone else stated, it's only gonna get better.

1. I also own a ipad, but if I want to add a movie,song or app....Itunes comes to mind..you have to be connected to a seperate device...a stand alone item the ipad is not.
2. You mentioned you where developing for the android system. GOLD MINE...DEVELOP for this new and fledgling market. I repeat....new and fledgling market. I remember the first ipad was 3.11 ios if I am not mistaken. And there was plenty of phone apps for the iphone..then the ipad..does this sound like history repeating it self?
3. You mentioned about movies...i remember for the ipad...there where no movie apps in the begging and had to hit that 2x icon in the screen of a iphone app on the ipad.
4. IMO the screen is better than the ipad...try reading in portrait with a ipad or even landscape. I am refering to the IPS.
5. You mention you where underwhelmed, of course you are...these are the first gen devices..Xoom, tab, iconia and transformer....qnd so on...as a developer you should now the first gen devices usually are not what we want or expect.
6. I can put a movie on my micro sd...or a song...or even a document..give that same sd card to a friend at work and we can share. Try that with a ipad.
7. Hardware is more fluid on the ipad..time will heal that....there are more selection for the android system.gpu wise..intel, nvidia, texas inturments, quallcom....etc
8. Last but not least...flash support...how many businesses use flash?....Alot...not every company can support different types of needed web sites...(flash, silverlight, etc..). I do give kudos to apple for single handly creating the tablet market as we know it..but just like as history again repeats itself...it will be a matter of time before androids will out number apple products. Flash support is huge...i know you don`t believe that...but you are so used to the ipad..you never noticed. Also, one more point but maybe it does not count..not everybody can afford a ipad...

I like the part where he said he hadn't figured out how to clear notifications so rather than look it up, he complained.
I had an iphone and dropped it for android over a year ago with absolutely no regrets. I contemplated ipad, but simulator the iPhone, i wanted a stand alone device and no iTunes. I rooted my phone and then installed a custom rom and downloaded music all while riding the train with no computer. Just did the same for the tablet sitting on my couch.
I think the only way i could show more lovefor android is to get a little green guy tattoo. There'san idea.... (pauses working netflix to hot swap memory card for music and googles tattoo parlor locations).
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

PS- i streamed music and movies over my network first thing out of the box with the preinstalled app.
No love for Apple fan boys who would rather flame than get their facts straight before complaining.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

jgermuga said:
I picked up this tablet mainly to play around with app development, but I must say, I am seriously underwhelmed. No Netflix, no skype video, can't get my DISH sling player to work on it, my digital copy movies won't even load, other movies which I have burned are choppy, seems evey time you jump back to a list (app store, settings uninstall, etc) you get put at the top of the list instead of where you left off, no native network sharing support, the micro sd is not hot swapable, many of the aps in the app store are hlf baked, haven't figured out how to do a mass clear of notifications (and this is a much applauded feature, where is the stinking "clear all"), the browser zoom is kind of quirky, and when I clicked the email link to reset my password for the XDA site here, it went into this wierd hypnotic flickering fit and I had to kill the browser session
...yada, yada, yada
Seriously, I don't know how anyone can even begin to copare this to the ipad (1 or 2), for all of the Apple bashing I have seen, all I have to say is "It just works". If I bought this to actually use in place of what I do with my IPad, and not to learn and try my hand at Android development, it would be on it's way back to the store right now or listed on eBay.
Even though it is only an iPad 1, it is HANDS DOWN WAAAAYYYYY BETTER. Steve can rest assured, even at this point in the game, if this is what the competition hads to offer, the iPad's future is quite secure. I mean, 5 minutes with Garage Band on the iPad and you realize it is like comparing a BMW to a Chevy Comaro. Yes the Camaro may look cool, but it is not nearly the same level of refinement and quality.
As it stands right now, I would classify the transformer as a novelty at best. Great idea having the ability to dock it to a keyboard, but I so wish they had used this concept on the ep121 (which I also own) as originally teased in the press kits as it would have truly provide a best in class device that could cross between a work horse and media/gaming device.
I really wanted to like this too. So sad, as the hardware and form factor are really quite nice.
Perhaps it may yet mature, but I see a lot of iffy post on Tegra 2 supporting DRM or MP4 support which allows me to play any of the movies in my video library.
But hey, it'll play flash content. Whooptedo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Netflix is true, but it's coming. It only works with a several devices (officially) and Netflix is working on adding more devices as I type this.
No Skype video. True. That isn't the tablets fault. Blame Skype.
Not familiar with DISH slingplayer, but to be honest, DISH sucks. HBO Go and Showtime Go work with some cable providers.
Honeycomb can play low profile encoded HD movies. You would know this if you looked into it before buying the tablet.
SD card is hot swappable. Does the iPad even have an SD card slot (without having to pay $30+ for some adapter)?
It's obvious you're sold on the iPad. So why in the hell did you buy an Android tablet? Just to bash it on fan forums?
I have no issues with the useability of my Asus Transformer which will only get better with time. Have fun with your limited and regulated iPad.

Netflix works with a minor tweak and why is no skype a hang up with many other options, like google chat or tango?
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

seshmaru said:
First of all the SD card is hot swappable.
Second of all, I own an iPad 2 and yes it's more buggy but it's a lot more functional. The iPad is nice and all but iOS is NOT a tablet OS. Honeycomb is. Dvd rips should play fine with moboplayer. HD videos play smooth after encoding with handbrake, keyboard is amazing and I have had no browser trouble.
One thing is for sure I wouldn't suggest the transformer to technologically impaired people ( like yourself), just like I wouldn't recommend any android device for them. If you want simplicity the iPad is nice, it does what you probably want to do smooth and easy. But if I want to type up an email or take notes or do anything related to content creation and not just consumption, I'll pick the transformer any day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cmon, I have been in the IT field for over 15 years. I am a died in the wool early adopter and was using a smart phones and a tablet PCs long before they were hip and mainstream.
Technically challenged? No, I have a family and I am time challenged and although I enjoy tinkering, sometimes I just want something to work with having to waste a whole of energy on it.
Everybody keeps saying Honeycomb is a REAL OS, so exactly what does that mean to 90% of the users out there? I have owned a tablet computer for over 6 years now (started with the motion computing products) and unless I am taking notes (with a stylis I might add), browsing the internet, reading an ebook or watching a movie I am going to want a keyboard. But along with that keyboard, I want real integration with all of my work stuff. Like for instance, running Eclipse, Toad, .Net, Oracle, SQL Server (etc, etc) or any number of other deveploment tools? Therfore, to me a real OS still means UNIX, OSX or Windows. iOs AND Honeyomb are not.
I am not here just to bash, I am here to offer some levity to others who may read this forum and get the impression the transformer (and I should really be saying Honeycomb and/or the Tegra 2 platform) is omething that it is not. To be fair, it has some pretty serious limitations (as does the iPad) and in my opinion, it has not still yet reached maturity for broad market adoption. Having heard all the buzz about Android and how well it has done in the phone arena, I did truly expect a bit more. And they way the Xoom and Galaxy tabs are being marketed, it seems they are trying to hook the mass market, and I think many people will be disappointed.
Perhaps some people will find a way to get work done with a Honeycomb machine. I still see it as an entertaimnet piece first and foremost, and in that context, the iPad does a better job with less hassle.
Me? I am going to break out my ep121 and wince when I have to go running for the power cord after 3 hours.
Regarding video playback, I have over 100 movies whcih have already been ripped, and while most of them do play, they are choppy. Figuring my hourly consulting rate and what it would take for me to ttranscode all of them, I could buy a couple iPads. It's jsut not worth it.
I guess I am also a bit disappointed that the transformer has so much potential (great display, decent sound in stereo no less, good price, great form factor (albeit with the keyboard dock that is still near impossible to buy), low weight, great battery life, so all in all I'd love to have it be my amainstay machine, but realistically, it's going to sit on the shelf still most of the time as a testing platform while I lug around my ep121.
And to correct something I said earlier, yes I suppose the SD card is hot swapable, but you need to unmount it before removing it from it's slot. I got used to being able to just unplug it as you can with Windows 7.
And please, this is a computer when all is said and done. No need to insinute I am "impaired". Why people get so worked up about what is better then this that or the other thing is as baffling to me as the sports fanatics who get in fist fights when someone badmouths their team. I am offering an opinion for others to consider.

jappetta99 said:
PS- i streamed music and movies over my network first thing out of the box with the preinstalled app.
No love for Apple fan boys who would rather flame than get their facts straight before complaining.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MM, yea. I have hundereds of digicam movies as well as feature flicks. On that preinstalled app, they all get thrown into the same list. Can I search or sort that list, ahh no.
On top of that, all of the feature films are on the same NAS and they don't show up. Why? No clue. Porbably has something to do with the encode settings not being supported. And those that do show give me a "fail to load" when I click on them. Why? Again, no clue.
What was that you said about facts? I am not flaiming, these are facts.
And because I own an Apple product I am a fan boy? Is this a fact? My household is mostly microsoft and it is my preferred OS above both Apple and Android.

jgermuga said:
Cmon, I have been in the IT field for over 15 years. I am a died in the wool early adopter and was using a smart phones and a tablet PCs long before they were hip and mainstream.
Technically challenged? No, I have a family and I am time challenged and although I enjoy tinkering, sometimes I just want something to work with having to waste a whole of energy on it.
Everybody keeps saying Honeycomb is a REAL OS, so exactly what does that mean to 90% of the users out there? I have owned a tablet computer for over 6 years now (started with the motion computing products) and unless I am taking notes (with a stylis I might add), browsing the internet, reading an ebook or watching a movie I am going to want a keyboard. But along with that keyboard, I want real integration with all of my work stuff. Like for instance, running Eclipse, Toad, .Net, Oracle, SQL Server (etc, etc) or any number of other deveploment tools? Therfore, to me a real OS still means UNIX, OSX or Windows. iOs AND Honeyomb are not.
I am not here just to bash, I am here to offer some levity to others who may read this forum and get the impression the transformer (and I should really be saying Honeycomb and/or the Tegra 2 platform) is omething that it is not. To be fair, it has some pretty serious limitations (as does the iPad) and in my opinion, it has not still yet reached maturity for broad market adoption. Having heard all the buzz about Android and how well it has done in the phone arena, I did truly expect a bit more. And they way the Xoom and Galaxy tabs are being marketed, it seems they are trying to hook the mass market, and I think many people will be disappointed.
Perhaps some people will find a way to get work done with a Honeycomb machine. I still see it as an entertaimnet piece first and foremost, and in that context, the iPad does a better job with less hassle.
Me? I am going to break out my ep121 and wince when I have to go running for the power cord after 3 hours.
Regarding video playback, I have over 100 movies whcih have already been ripped, and while most of them do play, they are choppy. Figuring my hourly consulting rate and what it would take for me to ttranscode all of them, I could buy a couple iPads. It's jsut not worth it.
I guess I am also a bit disappointed that the transformer has so much potential (great display, decent sound in stereo no less, good price, great form factor (albeit with the keyboard dock that is still near impossible to buy), low weight, great battery life, so all in all I'd love to have it be my amainstay machine, but realistically, it's going to sit on the shelf still most of the time as a testing platform while I lug around my ep121.
And to correct something I said earlier, yes I suppose the SD card is hot swapable, but you need to unmount it before removing it from it's slot. I got used to being able to just unplug it as you can with Windows 7.
And please, this is a computer when all is said and done. No need to insinute I am "impaired". Why people get so worked up about what is better then this that or the other thing is as baffling to me as the sports fanatics who get in fist fights when someone badmouths their team. I am offering an opinion for others to consider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You love the iPad. Go return the Asus and enjoy your iPad. Done deal, you eat your burger, I eat my sandwich. No need to convince people in the ANDROID forum to despise an Android device. We know the pros and cons of iOS and Android/iPad and Android devices. Did you expect love coming to XDA and saying the iPad is better? Cmon. People here are users who like the openness of Android and Android devices.
By the way, being in the IT field doesn't mean much.

jgermuga said:
And to correct something I said earlier, yes I suppose the SD card is hot swapable, but you need to unmount it before removing it from it's slot. I got used to being able to just unplug it as you can with Windows 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to correct your correction, you don't *have* to dismount it to swap it. Since it's FAT32 formatted, you can just pull it out an insert another without issue.
Not bashing your post though - there's nothing wrong with having an opinion. Personally I think the iPad is a fine device, but it is not for me - and I own 3 Macs! It's also fair to say that Honeycomb has all the hallmarks of a beta level product, rather than a finished product. However, it's also fair to say that when the iPad was launched it do so with iOS 3.2, which really wasn't optimized for tablets at all.
Most tablets are generally for content consumption, not content creation - and I include the iPad in that mix. However, the TFs keyboard does lend itself well to content creation though it's fair to say that the apps are not there yet.
One thing it is excellent for is remote server access via VPN and RDP, which is my primary usage outside of content consumption.
It's horse for courses though - in my opinion, the EP121 is a total waste of time as a device as it is just a keyboardless PC rather than a tablet with a poor battery life.
It's bigger and heavier than my Macbook Air with a poor battery life, and I would have absolutely no use for one for those reasons - your mileage clearly varies of course, so if it works for you all well and good!
There's far too much unreasoned iOS bashing on these boards - there are plenty of reasons not to like Apple and its products, but it does produce good quality, strong products, and the iPad/iPhone is no exception to this.
My mum wanted a tablet just this week, and my advice to her was iPad all the way, even though I wouldn't have one myself. My wife wanted a new phone a few weeks ago, and now she has an iPhone 4 which she absolutely adores.
Regards,
Dave

jgermuga said:
Cmon, I have been in the IT field for over 15 years. I am a died in the wool early adopter and was using a smart phones and a tablet PCs long before they were hip and mainstream.
Technically challenged? No, I have a family and I am time challenged and although I enjoy tinkering, sometimes I just want something to work with having to waste a whole of energy on it.
Everybody keeps saying Honeycomb is a REAL OS, so exactly what does that mean to 90% of the users out there? I have owned a tablet computer for over 6 years now (started with the motion computing products) and unless I am taking notes (with a stylis I might add), browsing the internet, reading an ebook or watching a movie I am going to want a keyboard. But along with that keyboard, I want real integration with all of my work stuff. Like for instance, running Eclipse, Toad, .Net, Oracle, SQL Server (etc, etc) or any number of other deveploment tools? Therfore, to me a real OS still means UNIX, OSX or Windows. iOs AND Honeyomb are not.
I am not here just to bash, I am here to offer some levity to others who may read this forum and get the impression the transformer (and I should really be saying Honeycomb and/or the Tegra 2 platform) is omething that it is not. To be fair, it has some pretty serious limitations (as does the iPad) and in my opinion, it has not still yet reached maturity for broad market adoption. Having heard all the buzz about Android and how well it has done in the phone arena, I did truly expect a bit more. And they way the Xoom and Galaxy tabs are being marketed, it seems they are trying to hook the mass market, and I think many people will be disappointed.
Perhaps some people will find a way to get work done with a Honeycomb machine. I still see it as an entertaimnet piece first and foremost, and in that context, the iPad does a better job with less hassle.
Me? I am going to break out my ep121 and wince when I have to go running for the power cord after 3 hours.
Regarding video playback, I have over 100 movies whcih have already been ripped, and while most of them do play, they are choppy. Figuring my hourly consulting rate and what it would take for me to ttranscode all of them, I could buy a couple iPads. It's jsut not worth it.
I guess I am also a bit disappointed that the transformer has so much potential (great display, decent sound in stereo no less, good price, great form factor (albeit with the keyboard dock that is still near impossible to buy), low weight, great battery life, so all in all I'd love to have it be my amainstay machine, but realistically, it's going to sit on the shelf still most of the time as a testing platform while I lug around my ep121.
And to correct something I said earlier, yes I suppose the SD card is hot swapable, but you need to unmount it before removing it from it's slot. I got used to being able to just unplug it as you can with Windows 7.
And please, this is a computer when all is said and done. No need to insinute I am "impaired". Why people get so worked up about what is better then this that or the other thing is as baffling to me as the sports fanatics who get in fist fights when someone badmouths their team. I am offering an opinion for others to consider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems like you picked the few things that the TF doesn't excel at and singled them out in an attempt to downgrade the device.
The Ipad is not perfect and neither is the TF. Same goes for ios and honeycomb.
Which device is better? Who cares, they're both great and have their pros and cons (which you should of known before hand unless you just shell out money for new devices without doing research) to each his own.
P.S from my experience, a lot of people love the ipad but the majority of people that I know (about 6 or 7 personally) who own both a TF and Ipad 2 prefer the TF over the ipad in most scenarios other than sitting on the toilet and playing plants vs zombies.
Once again, to each his own. People should have enough sense to weigh the pros and cons before purchasing something, let them decide if a device is right for them or not.

jgermuga said:
Seriously, I don't know how anyone can even begin to copare this to the ipad (1 or 2),
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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Do me a favor. Turn on your ipad and without touching a single icon, tell me what information is at your fingertips. The weather? The latest news on the war in iraq? Your stock prices? What your friends are up to? What time your dentist appointment is?
Not going to happen...

[Q] Do you still recommend the Galaxy Tab purchase?

I need a Honeycomb tab and I thought this Samsung was the best, but I've read a lot of complaints about it.
Now, after all these issues, should I go on with the purchase or do you think it's better to wait for something else? Thanks a lot
Frankie

that would depend on what you need. if you're looking for a multimedia device that plays just about everything out there, the archos 101 is better - but it has a crappy screen and locks up if you do more than one thing at a time.
if you need a netbook replacement, the transformer is the way to go. just be wary about the dock. it drains about 3-7% when docked,not in use and not charging. some reports says that if you let the dock drain it will not charge up again.
the galaxy tab 10.1 is a good general use tablet. where i find that it shines is reading comic books. the over saturated screen makes the colors really pop. plus being so thin, it feels like you're holding a comic. it also has the best screen of all the hc tablets currently. down sides are browser bookmarks that randomly change (not present in other tablets) and possible dust in your screen.
the two hc tablets have the same downsides of all hc/tegra2 tablets. poor selection in media playback, some bugginess with apps not working or crashing, browser gets bogged down with javascript heavy sites...
in my opinion, the gt10.1, or any hc tablet is just a good plaything for now (i'm not saying you can't be productive with it). hopefully by the end of the year a more complete product, software and hardware-wise, will be available.

I voted NO ...
If you know me from this board, I was trying and trying to get one imported from US (I live in Europe), but I got string of issues for that. Well, that's not the reason that I do not recommend this device, not at all. However, I took that as blessing in disguise
You know, I have no problem at all with the hardware. I don't mind Tegra 2 and I even prefer Tegra 2 compare to Exynos (mainly because I want THD gaming more compare to watching video). Also, I don't mind for not having SD card. And I really love the form factor, slim, thin, slick!
Now, why I don't recommend this tab?
Well, mainly because I am not sure with the current state of Android Honeycomb! I keep reading issues and bugs (?) on this new OS. For example: The slow (lag) text input on web browser, I don't think I can live with this issue because I use web browser a lot (right now, I am using my wife's iPad2). For me, this is crucial issue. From what I read, this is Honeycomb bug/issue as other tablets are experiencing the same.
So, yeah, I am now taking a break from finding my dream Android tablet. Until Google fixed this issue and other quirks on Honeycomb (like the sluggish performance on launcher, 4GB file size limit etc.). Which I think the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich will address all this.

I voted no.
I like my galaxy tab, but honeycomb still has a long way to go. I bought it mainly for browsing the net and it can hardly do that correctly. lol

gogol said:
Which I think the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich will address all this.
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I too think that the current generation of Android tablet software/hardware have been rushed to market to compete with iPad/iPad2. While Android and the manufacturers have done an excellent job for the given time frame, I think the 2nd generation of software/hardware will be a massive improvement. Google are taking their time to release Ice Scream Sandwich which is reassuring. The fact they haven't released source code for Honeycomb just further supports this. And while even the 2nd generation of tablet hardware will have issues as well, I think the main issues will be resolved regarding Android integration on tablet (i.e. performance).
I know full well that waiting for the next generation is a never-ending game but allowing the 1st generation to pass and waiting upon the 2nd generation isn't a bad strategy.

I vote yes.
Granted, honeycomb still has some work to be done (hopefully with the 3.2 update "in a few weeks"), but I'm more than happy with mine. I haven't really experienced the keyboard lag people are talking about, so I can't comment there, but I wasn't happy with the sometimes jittery motion while swiping through home screens. Installed adw launcher and I'm loving how fast it is now.
Early adoption sucks.. I owned a xoom before this, so maybe I can appreciate it more. That being said, I also have an ipad and ipad2 in the house, and I would take this any day of the week.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

I think you should just pick one up and see how you feel about it. Many will say dont bother, and many will say its the greatest. Personally I love mine, regardless of the state of Honeycomb I'm in it for the long run. But its best you form your own opinion and now based your purchases on others completely.
Sent from my ThunderBolt

my question exactly, I can get it at a local dealer - decent price BUT no local warranty - he promises to ship it back and handle everything if it goes wrong ! should I take the leap or should I wait or just pick up the Transformer instead?

Really depends on the user.
No - to my parents, sisters, wife, other newbs. The ramp is still just a bit too steep still on .any. Honeycomb tab device. Froyo is much more completely baked as a general consumer-ready OS.
Yes - to any enthusiast who wants to dig into the device, config/customize/root, etc.
Maybe TouchWiz will add a little to the newb acceptance factor...

There are certainly some quirks with HC on the tab. I didn't seem to have as many issues with 3.1 on my Xoom. However, there isn't a better screen or sound out there right now. All my complaints are software related and will either be corrected by Google or out developers. I give it 2 thumbs up.

I voted "Yes" even though I disagree with the way the option is written. The Tab has issues, of course, but its more than usable. Maybe I just have mine set up better than some, but I have almost no problems at all with anything on the device. The Tab is neither buggish nor slow, so I really don't see how anyone could credibly choose the "No" option.

Yes, I would buy a Galaxy Tablet...
...after ICS and next wave of tabs have come out, so I can pick it up on Black Friday for $250 and put CM8 on it!
No early adopter am I... oops I mean

I voted yes, but it all depends on what you expect from a tab.
It is running an OS designed for small, portable devices.
I look at it like a 'handyman' device; a jack of all trades, and a master of none. It plays games, but not as well as a console. It browses the web/email, but not as good as a netbook. It handles business needs for working with documents, but not as well as a PC.
I just don't understand why so many people expect it to be a laptop replacement.

IF you're uncomfortable with the uncertainties behind Honeycomb and IceCreamSandwich:
-AND aren't willing to root, don't buy any Android tablet now.
-AND ARE willing to root OR don't mind Honeycomb:
--AND value expandibility over fit and finish or low cost, get a Transformer.
--AND don't need expansion, want a more polished tablet, and don't mind paying more, get a Galaxy Tab.
--AND don't need expansion, don't mind some rough edges, want to get your feet wet in Android without spending a lot, and are ok with Gingerbread, get a Nook Color to root.

He states that he needs a Honeycomb tablet, so stop voting NO because you think HC is not mature.
YES! GT10.1 is the best Honeycomb tablet out there bar-none!

pokey9000 said:
IF you're uncomfortable with the uncertainties behind Honeycomb and IceCreamSandwich:
-AND aren't willing to root, don't buy any Android tablet now.
-AND ARE willing to root OR don't mind Honeycomb:
--AND value expandibility over fit and finish or low cost, get a Transformer.
--AND don't need expansion, want a more polished tablet, and don't mind paying more, get a Galaxy Tab.
--AND don't need expansion, don't mind some rough edges, want to get your feet wet in Android without spending a lot, and are ok with Gingerbread, get a Nook Color to root.
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Can you put this into an IF-THEN-ELSE statement? I can I think follow it better that way..

e.mote said:
Can you put this into an IF-THEN-ELSE statement? I can I think follow it better that way..
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Those aren't allowed in General.

Yes, absolutely.
Does honeycomb have some issues? Yes. That being said this is a beautiful device and in my opinion, worth the price over the other HC tablets just for a refined form factor. Awesome screen, very polished design.
I bought this device to be able to quickly access news, email and calendars, to be able to view office documents in meetings without having to drag my laptop around, and lastly to entertain myself on flights. This device does all of those perfectly. Even iPad 1&2 owners that have stopped by to check the device out were absolutely blown away.

Wow, the wording on this poll is pretty extreme - the best you can say about the Tab is that it's "still usable." Well I've had mine for a week now, and I absolutely love it. Having played with every other Android tablet out there, as well as the iPad, I think it wins hands down.
1. I don't get what people dislike about Honeycomb. It has so many features and is much more intuitive than my Froyo phone; why aren't people complaining more about the iPad's lack of a widget architecture? That's HUGE in my experience. iOS just gives you a screen with a bunch of icons, and jumping from app to app, while we have sophisticated widgets that put enormous functionality right on the home screens.
2. Flash is important. A few quick hacks and you can also watch Hulu (lame that it's not automatically allowed, I admit). But there is Flash on half the sites I visit, and the Tab does a great job with it. Having used Flash on a couple phones previously, I can say this is a big leap forward with 10.3 and the Tegra 2 processor. I can't imagine why every reviewer doesn't disqualify the iPads on that basis alone - it's a deal breaker.
3. In terms of other Android tablets, the Tab 10.1 has by far the best screen I've seen - it's beautiful. And the thin/light thing really makes a difference to me when it comes to a tablet that you have to hold in your hands 90% of the time you're using it. Plus, it's just a much more attractive design than the others I played with. I like the Transformer's additional ports and keyboard dock, but I have a laptop and a netbook and I don't want a tablet to substitute for those. I want it to be a tablet. That's what the Tab 10.1 does best.
In sum, it's not "still usable," it's the best tablet currently on the market.

markp99 said:
Really depends on the user.
No - to my parents, sisters, wife, other newbs. The ramp is still just a bit too steep still on .any. Honeycomb tab device. Froyo is much more completely baked as a general consumer-ready OS.
Yes - to any enthusiast who wants to dig into the device, config/customize/root, etc.
Maybe TouchWiz will add a little to the newb acceptance factor...
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I think this sums it up. Android lacks the polish of iOS, but it's so damn fun exploring the endless possibilities of Android. Provided it's software related, there's also another option that works just as well or better. I have faith that any issues that currently exist will be resolved in due time. The hardware is great and I can work with the software.

motorola xoom vs sony tablet s

Hi,
I am new to the world of tablet & I am going to buy my first tablet & got stuck with two choices - xoom & sony tablet S (ruled out tab 10.1 due to lack of expandable storage option). can you guys please suggest on this? (p.s. - android OS is not new to me)
Also, I would be grateful if you guys can inform me about the 3G frequency band being used in xoom. Also, please let me know what type of SIM being used in 3g xoom for ex - normal SIM card or U-SIM.
p.s. - didn't found any thread for this comparison

Both tablets aren't really very smooth.
Of the two, its hard to choose. The sony tablet looks very nice.
As the owner of the xooms, the display is dull and poorly calibrated, unbearably ugly heavy and fat. Shadowgun isn't completely smooth. Playable, but not smooth.
Live wallpapers does not work, UI still lag. Sony tablet also didn't get such rave reviews
You sure you need so much space? Please consider the samsung 10.1, due to the ****ty screen of the xoom I didn't even bother putting videos on the tablet.
32GB sounds enough I seldom use my sd card too.

Mine has a good screen, the weight is fine, live wallpapers work fine and ICS is on par with iOS.

The Xoom's panel is really bad.
I wouldn't think like that if I also didn't own a Galaxy S2. Comparing the 2 panels is like comparing a V12 Ferrari to a V8 Mustang on a racetrack. Obviously the Mustang is pretty and powerful, but once you have them side by side competing against each other, you come to think that the once mighty Mustang might be just a cheap POS when compared to the almighty Ferrari V12.
The other downside of the Xoom is the lack of 1080p output on the micro-HDMI port. I can connect if to my big LED TV, but all I get is 720p.
It has many obvious advantages over the Galaxy Tab 10.1, but if image output (either on its display or on TV) is important to you and a deciding factor, rule the Xoom out.

ccaian1 said:
Both tablets aren't really very smooth.
Of the two, its hard to choose. The sony tablet looks very nice.
As the owner of the xooms, the display is dull and poorly calibrated, unbearably ugly heavy and fat. Shadowgun isn't completely smooth. Playable, but not smooth.
Live wallpapers does not work, UI still lag. Sony tablet also didn't get such rave reviews
You sure you need so much space? Please consider the samsung 10.1, due to the ****ty screen of the xoom I didn't even bother putting videos on the tablet.
32GB sounds enough I seldom use my sd card too.
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I would return the Xoom if you are not happy with it. I love my Xoom and wasnt expecting the best of the best when I purchased it. The build quality of the Xoom is far superior over any other Android Tablet out there right now. Maybe the screen isnt the best or some other asepects but that doesnt bother my. It does what I want it to do. Enjoy. Thanks

hotdude2411 said:
Hi,
I am new to the world of tablet & I am going to buy my first tablet & got stuck with two choices - xoom & sony tablet S (ruled out tab 10.1 due to lack of expandable storage option). can you guys please suggest on this? (p.s. - android OS is not new to me)
Also, I would be grateful if you guys can inform me about the 3G frequency band being used in xoom. Also, please let me know what type of SIM being used in 3g xoom for ex - normal SIM card or U-SIM.
p.s. - didn't found any thread for this comparison
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For us to better help you, I would suggest listing things that are important to you.
Then instead of people complaining about things only they care about, you can actually get some usable opinions.
Also,the Xoom uses a standard SIM. Not sure about the bands it uses.

ccaian1 said:
Both tablets aren't really very smooth.
Of the two, its hard to choose. The sony tablet looks very nice.
As the owner of the xooms, the display is dull and poorly calibrated, unbearably ugly heavy and fat. Shadowgun isn't completely smooth. Playable, but not smooth.
Live wallpapers does not work, UI still lag. Sony tablet also didn't get such rave reviews
You sure you need so much space? Please consider the samsung 10.1, due to the ****ty screen of the xoom I didn't even bother putting videos on the tablet.
32GB sounds enough I seldom use my sd card too.
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Click to collapse
I completely disagree with you, regarding the performance of the Xoom.
My experience is the opposite. On EOS ICS, especially, my Xoom is super smooth, fast and responsive. I have a good screen. I can do everything I want with my Xoom. I don't have all the troubles reported by owners of other tablets, including the Transformer Prime. I don't know the Sony tab but, the Xoom is a terrific device...even better than when it was first released, because of the software development.

Also have to disagree with ccain1,
the xoom is a nice product, performance wise even on stock ICS the performance is great, no lag, very smooth. apps are snappy.
as for the screen, majority say its dull, but thats because its not as contrasty as the samoleds that people regard as the holy grail of screens, the screen does the job, looks fine with movies, youtube and games. its just a heavy duty LCD screen.
they arent many niggling issues that other tabs suffer from that many complain about. (transformers dock/battery issues, 10.1s screen "oil mark" defects/all other tabs lack of updates)
Plus the Xoom, is considered a nexus device, which is why its the only tab released last year that officially running ICS. and likely will continues to receive updates.
You also gotta realize that is this complaint/fix heavy forum. Most things you read hear unfortunately will be negative, people don't come to brag about how things are great too much, only to complain and look for fixes.
bundled with a 32gb mSD you max out at like ~60GB of usable space.
easy to unlock/root
it is kinda heavy tho buts a 1st Generation tab, @ 1.7lbs, same weight as the first gen ipad

Only have the wifi version of the Xoom so can't tell you anything about its 3g. Have never tried the Sony model so can't give you an opinion on it. However, what I can tell you is that the Xoom has taken me completely by surprise. I was lucky enough to pick up a cheap xoom at the airport and within one day I had rooted it and put a custom rom on it. It was really easy even for a non-techie like me. And when the ICS custom roms started appearing it was not a problem putting that on it. It's a whole new experience from Honeycomb.
All in all I can only recommend the Xoom. Unless you can get the Sony model a whole lot cheaper I can't see the reason for you not getting a Xoom

Don't get the Sony. Made of plastic, even the screen is plastic, not Gorilla Glass like the Xoom. There's no development on the Sony and is not very popular. ICS on the Xoom is very very good.

I was also considering between these two and I finally chose xoom. It is cheaper and the screen is gorilla glass.

I don't what you are looking for in the Xoom so like others I will give you my opinion based on my needs. I am middle aged business man not interested in rooting and playing games on the Xoom. I use it for travel and work when I don't need my laptop. I have the 4G version so still on Honeycomb. All the griping about lag, delays and fingerprints is just that gripes. If someone thinks a tablet should be the end all to all of the computer needs well they are not very realistic. Got a problem with fingerprints then get a screen protector or a stylus pen. Need to access your laptop from afar, download an app and there you go. Wanna watch a movie on the plane no problem works great. Do you want to read in bed it works great. Good battery life and one last thing I would rather have a little bit heavier device that is built better then save a few grams for a plastic device.

KGOKnicks said:
I don't what you are looking for in the Xoom so like others I will give you my opinion based on my needs. I am middle aged business man not interested in rooting and playing games on the Xoom. I use it for travel and work when I don't need my laptop. I have the 4G version so still on Honeycomb. All the griping about lag, delays and fingerprints is just that gripes. If someone thinks a tablet should be the end all to all of the computer needs well they are not very realistic. Got a problem with fingerprints then get a screen protector or a stylus pen. Need to access your laptop from afar, download an app and there you go. Wanna watch a movie on the plane no problem works great. Do you want to read in bed it works great. Good battery life and one last thing I would rather have a little bit heavier device that is built better then save a few grams for a plastic device.
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Agreed!!
Minus that im a younger geeky dude that like to expirement with rooting and getting my hands dirty unlocking the true potential out of our devices, The only thing I hate about the Xoom is motorolas lack of not being able to give there customers the support we deserve and for releasing other newer products before perfecting the ones that have been released!!!

KGOKnicks said:
I don't what you are looking for in the Xoom so like others I will give you my opinion based on my needs. I am middle aged business man not interested in rooting and playing games on the Xoom. I use it for travel and work when I don't need my laptop. I have the 4G version so still on Honeycomb. All the griping about lag, delays and fingerprints is just that gripes. If someone thinks a tablet should be the end all to all of the computer needs well they are not very realistic. Got a problem with fingerprints then get a screen protector or a stylus pen. Need to access your laptop from afar, download an app and there you go. Wanna watch a movie on the plane no problem works great. Do you want to read in bed it works great. Good battery life and one last thing I would rather have a little bit heavier device that is built better then save a few grams for a plastic device.
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Click to collapse
I agree.... I purchased my Xoom on day one and haven't looked back. With the HC upgrades and now ICS it's like I have a brand new top of the line device.
Even with all the new tablets being released I have yet to see one that is as well made as the Xoom.