Database Users

"Front Facing Camera" without ripping open your device

I posted this over at AndroidForums on the Vibrant board. I figured I would post it here too.
No, you won't be able to use this everywhere. (Unless you have a portable TV).
1. Connect your Galaxy S to a TV/monitor/etc. using these:
Amazon.com: Microsoft Zune 30GB, 80GB, 4GB, 8GB AV ( Audio Video ) RCA Cable - 4.5 Feet: Electronics
2. Go into options and turn TV Out on.
3. Go into your Video chat app. Place the phone backwards so the regular camera is facing you.
4. You can now look at the TV/Monitor to see who you are talking to while they can see you because your camera is facing you.
Perhaps you thought of this, maybe you didn't. I did it this afternoon. It's fun!

haha clever, didn't think of that.

Very clever indeed.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

richiehd said:
I posted this over at AndroidForums on the Vibrant board. I figured I would post it here too.
No, you won't be able to use this everywhere. (Unless you have a portable TV).
1. Connect your Galaxy S to a TV/monitor/etc. using these:
Amazon.com: Microsoft Zune 30GB, 80GB, 4GB, 8GB AV ( Audio Video ) RCA Cable - 4.5 Feet: Electronics
2. Go into options and turn TV Out on.
3. Go into your Video chat app. Place the phone backwards so the regular camera is facing you.
4. You can now look at the TV/Monitor to see who you are talking to while they can see you because your camera is facing you.
Perhaps you thought of this, maybe you didn't. I did it this afternoon. It's fun!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And for that trouble I will use my laptop with a built-in webcam.

Or you could just stand in front of a mirror...

wow thats for the info! Will try it when i get home
btw what chat app are we talking about here? Sory for the noob question
Also, is there a way to turn the phone into a webcam?

denny_1986 said:
wow thats for the info! Will try it when i get home
btw what chat app are we talking about here? Sory for the noob question
Also, is there a way to turn the phone into a webcam?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search "Droidcam Wireless Webcam" in the Market. There are others as well but this one has the best reviews I believe.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

lqaddict said:
And for that trouble I will use my laptop with a built-in webcam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, hey, hey. Be nice. Some people don't bring their laptops with them everywhere. I always have my phone and TV Out A/V wire with me.

niceeeeeee idea.

Call this guy "MacGyver".....Brilliant!

Jeez, the FFC mod is probably less trouble and less expensive, too. Taking apart a Vibrant isn't exactly rocket surgery - the parts either clip on or are attached with a small cable + clip. A novice could do it in five minutes, ten with extreme care. Hardly "ripping apart", and you can even find complete teardown videos on YouTube. Even the camera itself is trivial to install - no soldering or special tools required, save some cheap solvent to remove the paint.
But hey, for those who can't he bothered this is certainly a viable, if inconvenient solution.

Good idea
I ll give it a try

jbacon617 said:
Jeez, the FFC mod is probably less trouble and less expensive, too. Taking apart a Vibrant isn't exactly rocket surgery - the parts either clip on or are attached with a small cable + clip. A novice could do it in five minutes, ten with extreme care. Hardly "ripping apart", and you can even find complete teardown videos on YouTube. Even the camera itself is trivial to install - no soldering or special tools required, save some cheap solvent to remove the paint.
But hey, for those who can't he bothered this is certainly a viable, if inconvenient solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's also the best solution for people who do not wanna VOID THEIR WARRANTY. LoL.

thats just like a webcam very different from the front facing camera, the whole point of having a front facing camera is we can video chat anywhere.

Great idea! Thanks!
Any tips on the best app to use for video chat? I'm new to Android. I saw qik (sucks.. for me anyway) and knocking live..
Sent from my T-Mobile Vibrant

[INFO] Got Acer Iconia A500

So, I called BestBuy today to see if they have the Transformer in stock. The girl said no but she did note that they have "the Acer one." I realized it's the Iconia A500 that's suppose to release on Sunday. The manager was willing to let me open it and play with it. I ended up buying it.
It has few things over the Xoom (current have) and the Transformer it seems.
-NVIDIA’s ULP GeForce graphics on top of Tegra2
-Full USB on the tablet itself
-I heard rumors of the microUSB slot is also an inactive LTE 4G sim slot (not sure about this.
The screen is slightly better than the Xoom when compared.
I'm going to go back to Best Buy and compare to the Transformer on Tuesday if they get them in see how the 2 fair. We are looking at $50 difference.
Iconia A500 has full standalone GPS (it's advertised on the box). It also vibrates for gaming and notifications. Screen is not bad at all.
In the 2nd picture, Iconia is on top. Will post comparison later when it's fully charged.

Apparently, transformer does not have GPS chip in it. That is a real deal breaker.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

dumon said:
Apparently, transformer does not have GPS chip in it. That is a real deal breaker.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sure, many sources say it does. I think all official Honeycomb devices are going to have standalone GPS chip by default. The Xoom Wifi didn't have GPS advertised but, I put Copilot in it and it navigated perfect. I tethered to my phone, and Google Navigation was flawless. Don't worry about it. Transformer is going to have it too.

dumon said:
Apparently, transformer does not have GPS chip in it. That is a real deal breaker.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get this information please?
As far as i know that you need Wifi connection to set up destination and stuff. After that you can be out of wifi range you can still get tracking via gps. Also if there is map on your device the gps can work with that too...
Also Iconia dont have Gorilla glass. Which for me is a big plus for Transformer.

dumon said:
Apparently, transformer does not have GPS chip in it. That is a real deal breaker.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was confirmed yesterday by Anand that it DOES have GPS hardware - he confirmed with Asus. It should function just like the (edit) WiFi (/edit) Xoom does - for Google Maps, it needs a data connection (to stream map data)... but it should otherwise be able to pick up a GPS signal.
There are a few threads here talking about it and providing links and quotes and such... I just figured I'd try and mention this early on in this thread.

shin lucifer said:
Where did you get this information please?
As far as i know that you need Wifi connection to set up destination and stuff. After that you can be out of wifi range you can still get tracking via gps. Also if there is map on your device the gps can work with that too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, it's a full GPS chip, stupid engadget has been falsely spreading bull about the Transformer tablet like wild. The map data is not stored locally, that's all.
Anyway, OP... is the screen s-ips? I'm holding out for the Transformer, but kinda curious...

dumon said:
apparently, transformer does not have gps chip in it. That is a real deal breaker.
Sent from my htc hd2 using xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it has gps!

gordec said:
It has few things over the Xoom (current have) and the Transformer it seems.
-NVIDIA’s ULP GeForce graphics on top of Tegra2
-Full USB on the tablet itself
-I heard rumors of the microUSB slot is also an inactive LTE 4G sim slot (not sure about this.
The screen is slightly better than the Xoom when compared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Tegra 2 devices have the same ULP GeForce graphics. If they didn't, they'd have no use for a screen.
I haven't heard the rumors about the microUSB being an "inactive LTE 4G sim slot," and that really doesn't make much sense to me.
About the screen being better, that's interesting. I can't wait to compare the Transformer's to the Xoom's when I get my Asus hopefully next week. I'll report in when I do.

Wow, I didn't know the Xoom had a yellow tint like that.

We've already had 5 threads on this Yes, the transformer has gps.

LTE future 4G
From Slashgear recent review:
"There’s a removable cover at the top (or the side, however you’d like to look at it,) that reveals your SDcard slot and future functional slot for LTE SIM card. You can jam up to 64GB of memory on an SDcard in that first slot, while the SIM card slot remains inactive for now."
http://www.slashgear.com/acer-iconia-tab-a500-review-20147156/
Fact or fiction. You be the judge. Pretty exciting thought though if it's true.

Gordec, comparison aside, how do you find that the Iconia fits what you expect out of a tablet? Any surprises (good or bad) in there for you?

gordec said:
From Slashgear recent review:
"There’s a removable cover at the top (or the side, however you’d like to look at it,) that reveals your SDcard slot and future functional slot for LTE SIM card. You can jam up to 64GB of memory on an SDcard in that first slot, while the SIM card slot remains inactive for now."
http://www.slashgear.com/acer-iconia-tab-a500-review-20147156/
Fact or fiction. You be the judge. Pretty exciting thought though if it's true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that makes some sense and it's how things are configured on the 3G Xoom. I'd been referring to your OP that said the "microUSB" was going to double as an LTE SIM card slot.
The big question would be, though: which carrier would allow the use of the tablet on their network without any branding? Normally, they like to sell these things themselves, although of course there are unlocked cell phones that aren't branded either.
I wonder if perhaps a place for a slot is there but will only be functional on a carrier-branded version one day? For example, the Xoom has the same space on the wifi-only version where the 3G version has a functional LTE SIM slot.
Does any Acer documentation confirm that the wifi-only version will one day be able to convert to a 4G version on a carrier? That would certainly be a plus...

dfin13 said:
Wow, I didn't know the Xoom had a yellow tint like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It probably doesn't have it. It's the effect of bad white balance of the photo. Or it could be viewing angles related (but in reality it will never be that bad).

Magnesus said:
It probably doesn't have it. It's the effect of bad white balance of the photo. Or it could be viewing angles related (but in reality it will never be that bad).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all the moto droid phones I've played with had a yellowish tint, even the cameras had the tint. the xoom was no different.

jamerican413 said:
Gordec, comparison aside, how do you find that the Iconia fits what you expect out of a tablet? Any surprises (good or bad) in there for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's lighter than the Xoom but the construction doesn't feel as expensive and sturdy as the Xoom or Ipad even though the back suppose to be aluminum. It's not bad but not great. Otherwise, it feels the same as Xoom There is no Acer custom UI at all, just pure Google experience tablet.
Wifi, GPS and USB both work as is described. My old Western Digital MyBook Syncs pretty well. Some review say external HDs don't work, but mine worked fine. It supports FAT or FAT32 only though. My NTSC USB jump drive didn't read.
Overall I would say little nicer screen than the Xoom. The experience is the same. Full USB is a big plus for me. I have to see what the Transformer's IPS screen looks like though.

wynand32 said:
Does any Acer documentation confirm that the wifi-only version will one day be able to convert to a 4G version on a carrier? That would certainly be a plus...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, Acer's manual doesn't mention it. It doesn't even mention that the Sim slot is there, just say microSD slot. I'm too lazy to call Acer.
I don't see a significant advantage of the Iconia over the Transformer on paper.
Iconia:
Pros:
- full USB
- Dolby sound
Cons:
- possibly less stellar screen
- $50 more
Transformer
Pros:
- IPS screen
- $50 cheaper
Con:
- no USB on the tablet
I wouldn't even place the whole ghost sim slot into your decision making. I doubt this version would support 4G.

gordec said:
Nope, Acer's manual doesn't mention it. It doesn't even mention that the Sim slot is there, just say microSD slot. I'm too lazy to call Acer.
I don't see a significant advantage of the Iconia over the Transformer on paper.
Iconia:
Pros:
- full USB
- Dolby sound
Cons:
- possibly less stellar screen
- $50 more
Transformer
Pros:
- IPS screen
- $50 cheaper
Con:
- no USB on the tablet
I wouldn't even place the whole ghost sim slot into your decision making. I doubt this version would support 4G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sound doesn't matter one bit, by the way the transformer has "SRS 3D" sound. In reality they're all just tiny speakers with subpar sound.

Thanks for the info, OP. Please keep us updated on your thoughts on the Iconia. I was looking into the Iconia and was disappointed to not find many comprehensive reviews out on the Interwebz on it.

gordec said:
It's lighter than the Xoom but the construction doesn't feel as expensive and sturdy as the Xoom or Ipad even though the back suppose to be aluminum. It's not bad but not great. Otherwise, it feels the same as Xoom There is no Acer custom UI at all, just pure Google experience tablet.
Wifi, GPS and USB both work as is described. My old Western Digital MyBook Syncs pretty well. Some review say external HDs don't work, but mine worked fine. It supports FAT or FAT32 only though. My NTSC USB jump drive didn't read.
Overall I would say little nicer screen than the Xoom. The experience is the same. Full USB is a big plus for me. I have to see what the Transformer's IPS screen looks like though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So... do you think you like it enough to keep it, knowing there are a sea of tablets coming down the pipeline?

[Q] regarding internal 3G HSDPA UMTS

so after doing weeks of research i found out the unit being used in the Acer a501 which is the 3G model. If you see a teardown you will see there is a port to plug it into a mini pci inside. The unit is GTM661/669 Mini PCIE look on alibaba or google it.
i can order a bunch of them but would like to find help for the software side.
GTM661/669 Mini PCIE should be supported by a500 but i'm not sure. i Know this is the unit they also use in the xoom 3G.
any help or insight is appreciated
anyone have any idea where i can begin

the difference between 501 and 500 unit are not just a missing GTM661/669 Mini PCIE card inside, there is no SLOT (not soldered) to insert such card, and there is not slot (not soldered) to put the sim card.

there is a pcie slot
sanaell said:
the difference between 501 and 500 unit are not just a missing GTM661/669 Mini PCIE card inside, there is no SLOT (not soldered) to insert such card, and there is not slot (not soldered) to put the sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for your input but there is indeed a pcie slot in the middle of the unit, if you look at any of the teardowns you will see it right in the middle. Some even have a placeholder PCIe card in there.
ok so i've done more research and this is what i have so far, i know the a500 and a501 are the exact same unit minus 3G card. I know firmware are the same, and i know that the a500 has a pci-e port for the GTM661 3G card.
i know the a500 has a set of 3G card drivers, i know all the setup on the a500 is there such as network search and such. I just need someone to figure out how the drivers will work and if they are there already. I'm a hardware guy not that fluent in android yet

I'd like to know how you "know" the things you say you "know".
Plus, can you post any pictures that state specifically what you say you know?

Would also be interested in that. However, as I am not such a hardware guy I would be happy to see a step-by-step tutorial of how to do it.

as i mentioned in my first post, if you bother to even kindly read it, it clearly says to look up on google for acer a500 teardown. I can not post links because i am new, it wont' let me, also i know because i own one and i have it open on my lap right now. please be constructive i don't really need pessimists commenting on this. thanks
it's fairly straight forward, the antenna is already in there it just needs the card and the simholder card all being sold by Embedded Works Corporation. It'll cost around $150 for a full 3G/4G setup

I can only find 1 teardown and I don't see what you see. To me, it's clearly devoid of any 3G capable hardware or slots or PCB chips.
But if you do it, kindly post the results.

You are an hardware guy maybe, but... what the hell you want exactly?
ordering a bunch of card for sell them... 150$??? are you nuts, the A501 will not cost +150$ over the A500 (actually it does not cost more than 100$ over but that is information)
so if I summarize
*** We need to buy a 3G module
*** We need to tear down our tablet
*** We need to solder (if we got the skills)
*** We not insure that works
*** We will waste time... humm nonsense.. insanity.
Now REAL information, with picture.
First stop google... it's not an exact science...
THERE IS NO 3G Antenna on the A500. the following schematics will prove it.
THERE IS NOTHING RELATED TO 3G inside the A500
sure the form factor is the same, but it's like a "common" shape then depends the elements you include makes the things, more ram, more sdcard space etc... CPU... well
THERE IS NO SLOT FOR PCIE INSIDE THE A500 (JMIN2 3G connector is not soldered)
YOU NEED TO SOLDER A SIMCARD SLOT (JP2 SIM connector is not soldered)
YOU KNOW NOTHING
by the way I do have the schematic of the A50x series... so I think I do know better.
A501
1 LOWER CASE INCL. CAMERA GLASS FOR 3G 60.H6002.001
2 USB SUPPORT PLATE 33.H6002.002
3 USB BOARD 55.H6002.002
4 BATTERY BT.00207.001
5 MAINBOARD MB.70500.041
6 ANTENNA 3G-AUX 50.H6002.007
7 ANTENNA WLAN 50.H6002.005
8 DC-IN CABLE 50.H6002.001
9 LCD SUPPORT PLATE FOR 3G 33.H6M02.001
10 LCD BEZEL N/A
11 TOUCH PANEL CABLE 50.H6002.004
12 LCD Panel w/CONTROL BOARD 6M.H6002.001
13 LVDS CABLE 50.H6002.009
14 CAMERA 2M 57.H6002.001
15 ANTENNA GPS 50.H6002.008
16 MIC SET 23.H6002.001
17 ANTENNA 3G-MAIN 50.H6002.006
18 SPEAKER L+R 23.H6002.002
19 ERICSSON F5521GW LC.21300.056
20 DOCKING BOARD 55.H6002.001
21 DOCKING BOARD FFC 50.H6002.002
22 USB BOARD FFC 50.H6002.003
23 CAMERA HOLDER FOR 5M CAMERA 42.H6002.001
24 CAMERA 5M 57.H6002.002
25 CAMERA GLASS FOR 5M CAMERA 60.H6002.002
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A500
1 LOWER CASE INCL. CAMERA GLASS FOR 3G 60.H6002.001
2 USB SUPPORT PLATE 33.H6002.002
3 USB BOARD 55.H6002.002
4 BATTERY BT.00207.001
5 MAINBOARD MB.70500.041
6 ANTENNA WLAN 50.H6002.005
7 DC-IN CABLE 50.H6002.001
8 LCD SUPPORT PLATE FOR W/O 3G 33.H6002.001
9 LCD BEZEL N/A
10 TOUCH PANEL CABLE 50.H6002.004
11 LCD PANEL w/CONTROL BOARD 6M.H6002.001
12 LVDS CABLE 50.H6002.009
13 CAMERA 2M 57.H6002.001
14 ANTENNA GPS 50.H6002.008
15 MIC SET 23.H6002.001
16 SPEAKER L+R 23.H6002.002
17 DOCKING BOARD 55.H6002.001
18 DOCKING BOARD FFC 50.H6002.002
19 USB BOARD FFC 50.H6002.003
20 CAMERA HOLDER FOR 5M CAMERA 42.H6002.001
21 CAMERA 5M 57.H6002.002
22 CAMERA GLASS FOR 5M CAMERA 60.H6002.002
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't you see a difference ?
there the 3G module and Antenna
ERICSSON F5521GW LC.21300.056
3G CARD Huawei EM770W-Rev2 LC.21300.066
HUAWEI EM820W LC.21300.068
ANTENNA 3G-MAIN 50.H6002.006
ANTENNA 3G-AUX 50.H6002.007
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and MotherBoard are
Mainboard A501_16s Nvidia Tegra 250, W/3G&CPU&RAM MB.70500.041
Mainboard A501_32s Nvidia Tegra 250, W/3G&CPU&RAM MB.70500.042
Mainboard A500_16s Nvidia Tegra 250, W/O 3G W/CPU&RAM MB.H6000.001
Mainboard A500_32s Nvidia Tegra 250, W/O 3G W/CPU&RAM MB.H6L00.001
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here some picture of the A501 with 3G Module and antenna
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=15327043&postcount=1
then
go on kid install on your A500 the 3G but please.... send all picture from start teardown until 3G working well (with timestamp and money spend)
PICTURE FROM A500
Where is the slot ?????
{
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"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
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}
Understood ???

Jesus! Sanaell! Do you need to be so aggressive???
Whats wrong with someone THINKING abit or being enthusiastic about something?
Oh sure just hammer him down with NO NO NO NO NO thats how humanity evolves quicker with naysayers like you? Go home and take a bubble bath and take a nap.
Christ!

Johnny0906 said:
Jesus! Sanaell! Do you need to be so aggressive???
Whats wrong with someone THINKING abit or being enthusiastic about something?
Oh sure just hammer him down with NO NO NO NO NO thats how humanity evolves quicker with naysayers like you? Go home and take a bubble bath and take a nap.
Christ!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
You both sound like you know more than me but a little latitude and a pinch of diplomacy wouldn't go amiss. Put downs like this just put people off contributing and no more contributions = no development.

I thought it was pretty clear that the OP wasn't going to take any questioning or disagreeing without throwing up his fists in offence. read #6 - it says it all about his attitude.
Clearly the OP didn't know what he was talking about even though he claimed time and time again that he "knows" things while sanaell up and provided proof that contradicts what the OP was chastising everyone else about not believing.
I think sanaell did it just right for yet another user who refuses to read what others have said time and time again, doesn't care to back up their claim in any way and who's basically just talking out their ass for whatever reason.

Sure it is irritating to see the same topics being put up on and on and on different threads but there is only 1 moderator.
And SINCE there have been so many threads why doesnt Sanaell just say so? Instead of going on and on on a topic he hates? Doesnt make sense.

Well thanks for the input
i got it working natively, all that were too stupid to open the damn thing and see what's in front of them and instead blow off their steam on people trying to do a good thing well your SOL. i'm closing this thread and leaving this ridiculous site, this is worst then a hanging i tell you, you people should be kicked out of here as well, and to the people who where helping and put very positive comments thanks you very much for you help, advice and questions. Keep on researching. The hardware is the exact same between the two and all you have to do is insert the 2 cards. Native support is given already in the firmware.

mnaderi said:
i got it working natively
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*cough* bull**** *cough* without pics *sputter* *cough*
Like I said before, if you do it, post the results otherwise you're just talking out your ass.

guess what genius, no soldering needed, it's a pcie slot under the unit, i already got it working so guess what your wrong senior member. it's amazing how your have lasted so long being so rude to people. Do you really thing that a large manufacturer like acer would make 2 different models. well thanks for your input if i can call it that.

sad sad people
gammaRascal said:
*cough* bull**** *cough* without pics *sputter* *cough*
Like I said before, if you do it, post the results otherwise you're just talking out your ass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what are you talking about , i already showed you there is a pcie, the card, and the simholder, you want me to put it together for you at your house to believe me, like i give a **** what you think you ignorant asshole, just because you can't read or understand what a pcie slot is it's my problems. http://www.androidtablets.net/forum...77-whats-under-hood-acer-iconia-tab-a500.html
you know what i just don't care what you people do, i just wish i could close this thread down so i get no more HELP form the senior members. Great help thanks, you should be given a medal.

mnaderi said:
i already got it working so guess what your wrong senior member.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know why you keep ignoring the fact that you haven't posted proof. Either you're lying or you're missing what I've said twice.
If you get it working, post the results.

gammaRascal said:
I don't know why you keep ignoring the fact that you haven't posted proof. Either you're lying or you're missing what I've said twice.
If you get it working, post the results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i will when i get the 3G setting fully enabled, as i posted originally the internal units will not bring up the 3G setting automatically like the USB models, also since the original simholder is impossible to find you use the aftermarket unit from that exact site. Now for just one minute look at it form my side, what have you and the other senior member put in to call it help. You want to see proof fine i will show you all the picture when i take them but until someone here grows up and starts solving the problems with the software as i mentioned originally i don't see why i would give a damn to help others when i already put so much into this.
also calling people fake or saying it's bs because you don't know much or understand things about the unit is not help. On every other thread people help to solve a single problem on this one thread everyone is trying to ****ing grill me to prove the have a bigger ****, well you don't. If it's bs how did i know the model number of the 3G unit, the pcie slot, the simcard holder that is needed, the fact that 3G setting will not automatically come up with the PCIe models. at the end of the day i have a 3G model and it has some ups and downs what you have is a lynching mob!!! again thanks for your input

mnaderi said:
i will when i get the 3G setting fully enabled, as i posted originally the internal units will not bring up the 3G setting automatically like the USB models, also since the original simholder is impossible to find you use the aftermarket unit from that exact site. Now for just one minute look at it form my side, what have you and the other senior member put in to call it help. You want to see proof fine i will show you all the picture when i take them but until someone here grows up and starts solving the problems with the software as i mentioned originally i don't see why i would give a damn to help others when i already put so much into this.
also calling people fake or saying it's bs because you don't know much or understand things about the unit is not help. On every other thread people help to solve a single problem on this one thread everyone is trying to ****ing grill me to prove the have a bigger ****, well you don't. If it's bs how did i know the model number of the 3G unit, the pcie slot, the simcard holder that is needed, the fact that 3G setting will not automatically come up with the PCIe models. at the end of the day i have a 3G model and it has some ups and downs what you have is a lynching mob!!! again thanks for your input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're just being argumentative. It's okay to be wrong - that's how we learn.
Until you can provide some proof (even a picture of the internal setup you'd done) then really, why argue? We're just asking you to post some pictures = we all know that's not hard to do.
If you don't have it working internally, that's fine. We can understand that will take some time - but at the very least, lets see some shots of the card in place - at least that alone would sate the naysayers. Myself included. Then we could wait patiently while you work on the software side of things - heck, you might even get some love from some devs if your attitude changes and you get a little more proactive.

If I'm understanding this all, the OP claims to have installed a 3G device that is not identical to the unit fitted to the A501 and hence the software does not work with it?
So if he provided a guide on how he managed to do this, it would enable other people to do the same and then facilitate the development of the kernel and/or software in the ROM's to be able to utilise this 3rd party hardware.
Of course if the cost of the parts and risk of fitting was too high, then most people wouldn't bother and simply purchase the A501 in the first place. If it cost under $50USD you'd probably have quite a few people interested.

Wifi strength

Does anyone else have issue with the strength of the wireless radio on these. My signal is absolutely terrible. My phone gets better signal by A LOT. I am on the latest update not rooted.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA App

is the iconia slower than u r phone when surfing?

xceebeex said:
Does anyone else have issue with the strength of the wireless radio on these. My signal is absolutely terrible. My phone gets better signal by A LOT. I am on the latest update not rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep
In my back yard, the A500 cant 'see' my AP but my HD2 can (albeit only 1 bar BUT it is still usable)

Yup mine sucks as well... much worse than any of my phones.
I even tried put a copy of "iwconfig" into /system/bin
and then downloaded "Wifi txpower" from the market.
This gave me some control over the power output of the wifi card.
Except that my card was already at full power, so it did'nt improve anything,
I can at least lower power to conserve battery now...
I think a hardware mod to the internal antenna is what is really needed, although I don't think it's been done yet...

What specific versions are you running?
I keep signal (3-4 skulls) outside my flat and in the lift for about 2 floors.
Nothing wrong with the antenna (located at the lower lt corner of the tab).

Moscow Desire said:
What specific versions are you running?
I keep signal (3-4 skulls) outside my flat and in the lift for about 2 floors.
Nothing wrong with the antenna (located at the lower lt corner of the tab).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean what versions am I running? I have the latest 3.2.1 running and the wifi has never been good. If I had known it was going to be this bad I might have returned it. I think I am outside my return window though since I bought it on Thanksgiving.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA App

Bad, has been bad, and always will be (in my opinion). I have several of these and they are worse than other models. I've tried several ROM's and they don't make a difference. So therefore, I've come to the belief that it's the hardware.
TD

timmyDean said:
Bad, has been bad, and always will be (in my opinion). I have several of these and they are worse than other models. I've tried several ROM's and they don't make a difference. So therefore, I've come to the belief that it's the hardware.
TD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what I was afraid of. I am not sure if I should try and sell this and get something else or just deal with it, but it is certainly annoying and makes it pretty useless when it can't pick up wireless.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA App

Are there any other tricks that might get the wifi working better? Can rooting and installing a different ROM help?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA App

aw crap, I was hoping for a software fix :/
My reception is abysmal. My laptop gets 4 out of 5 bars from my laptop, my crappy phone gets full bars of wifi, and my tab gets... 1-2 bars. It fluxuates from which way I hold it if I get any reception in the bathroom at all.

The first unit I bought had a defective Wi-Fi but was able to exchange it where I bought it for a functioning unit. Unfortunately, the new one is not spectacular but it does indeed work around my home, upstairs, downstairs and outside though the signal is pretty poor.
Must be a short or overly shielded antenna. My Droid X cellphone has excellent reception and three laptops have excellent reception albeit with multiple internal antennas.
Need to find an A500 tear-down online to see what it looks like inside to see what the antenna arrangement is. If it's somehow modifiable then it can likely be improved though you'll have to take it apart
Or search for a USB Wi-Fi that is usable with Android and this device!
Sounds like a design flaw to me.

qhorque said:
Must be a short or overly shielded antenna....
Need to find an A500 tear-down online to see what it looks like inside to see what the antenna arrangement is. If it's somehow modifiable then it can likely be improved though you'll have to take it apart....
Sounds like a design flaw to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was thinking.
Here's a teardown...
xxx.techrepublic.com/photos/cracking-open-the-acer-iconia-tab-a500/6279615?tag=nl.e101
xxx.techrepublic.com/blog/itdojo/acer-iconia-tab-teardown-easy-to-service-3g-ready/2861?tag=nl.e101
I think this is where the Antenna is located...
xxx.techrepublic.com/photos/cracking-open-the-acer-iconia-tab-a500/6279615?seq=47
I can't post links yet, so just replace the xxx with www

Yeah, that looks like it and it looks like it's strung out along the top in landscape (or right in portrait). It's a bit away from the edge of the case but not buried too deep. It looks like a standard antenna length as compared to a laptop. Interesting that it's weak. Maybe the WLAN card is just a crappy performer. I'll have to look up that part number and see what its specs are.

Seems someone found a fix.....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1418875
~Sent from my Droid SuperCharge~

I just tested my a500 and HTC Rezound with wifi analyzer to compare and in the same location my rezound was at -40db and the a500 was at -65db so this is obviously a signicant issue.

Try setting the 11G channel number on your wireless router to something different. I had big problems with mine when the router was set to auto. I changed it to channel 6 and it started working great.
Not sure if the antenna is more sensitive to certain channels than others.

spike1969 said:
Try setting the 11G chann el number on your wireless router to something different. I had big problems with mine when the router was set to auto. I changed it to channel 6 and it started working great.
Not sure if the antenna is more sensitive to certain channels than others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt that is the issue since the channels are so close in frequency. Either way, neither my router nor access point are broadcasting on channel 11.

MK802+ Android Stick $39.99 with free shipping!

I found the MK802+ for $39.99 with free shipping!
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/In-S...GB-RAM-4GB-ROM--Better-Than-MK802-307558.html
Android 4.0
Allwinner A10 w/ Mali400
4GB Storage
1GB of ram
802.11 b/g/n
It comes with:
HDMI cable
USB cable
AC adapter
English Manual
It also includes some bonus items:
4-port usb hub
usb 3d sound adapter
This is a very good price for the MK802. Even better when you consider the extras.
I'm buying one to have around as an extra dual booting android/linux box.
(I already own 1 mk802, several UG802, and 1 MK808.)

I've been interested in these for a while, and I have been waiting for this price point. How do they work? Do they do everything your phone/tablet can do. I would be interested if it could play a game like Batman The Dark Knight Rises Game (or something as intensive). Also how does something like Onlive work? Any browser crashes?

Snagged two and an air remote
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2

(I already own 1 mk802, several UG802, and 1 MK808.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any posibility to upgrade the mk802+ to jelly bean? Speed diference is noticeable compared to the mk808?

Thats a really good price considering they give you some nice accessories to go with it. You could attach it to a monitor and keyboard/mouse and have a really cheap thin client desktop running Android.
Any one else notice the Engrish on that page, "Get this MK802+ NOW,Throw your Dumb TV!!"
Not sure how well this would work if I throw my TV. :laugh:

Decided to go ahead and get 2 of these. Basically give someone a cheap computer for mostly browsing and email. Very portable.

There are some bad reviews online with that seller, they say do not purchase from them and they are affiliated with some other stores bad stores as well.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2

Personally I've not had any problems with geekbuying.com, but as always if you're not comfortable then don't order from them.
You're more likely to get what's described from them than you are from a random aliexpress seller.
IMHO many bad reviews for chinese sellers are for cheap tablets. People expect way too much out of those tablets.

I bought a wireless mouse/keyboard which is recommended with it and it worked at first but the mk802 won't see it now. I've also tried 3 or 4 wireless mice with most not working. Is that normal?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2

just got my 2 today. a first there was a wifi lag problem but after fixing that everything working great. youtube and netflix working perfect. would be nice to have bluetooth on this but other then that it would just fine. also they sent me my order twice so instead of just getting 2 I got 4 of these for $75. Was $80 but use the $5 code. so 4 of these for $75 can't beat. 1 for my mom; 2 for the kids and 1 for me. Saved me form having to buy tablets.

zaiaku: why don't you tell them that?

just loaded jellybean on this thing and it's great. out the box everything works great but don't expect much of a wifi strenght from this thing. Most phones have a much better range. After putting jellybean on it definitely worth it. Smoother, more responsive; more options. no change in netflix but much more control in youtube.

Is it easy to put jb on this? Is it rooted your device?

Can anyone tell me if IP can works full screen on this ?
Cause I really need to run surveillance cams on TV with this.
PS: 32 " TV.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2

gado45 said:
Is it easy to put jb on this? Is it rooted your device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very easy. From everything I ever had to root and flash this was very very simple. I did the first one and my 10yo daughter did 2 of the other ones. Takes around 5min from start to boot.

Zaiaku said:
Very easy. From everything I ever had to root and flash this was very very simple. I did the first one and my 10yo daughter did 2 of the other ones. Takes around 5min from start to boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds great!! I really want one of these sticks, dont know if I buy the mk808 or just wait for the latest one with quad core cpu and bluetooth
Enviado desde mi SGH-I897 usando Tapatalk 2

Can you use a usb mouse or keyboard with this? Seems like the perfect thing to add to one of my HDTVs. Plus thats really cheap.

754boy said:
Can you use a usb mouse or keyboard with this? Seems like the perfect thing to add to one of my HDTVs. Plus thats really cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use a usb mouse and key board or use a bluetooth dongle and use bluetooth which is what I'm doing now. So far the only problem I've seen with this thing is the range from the router. My phones and tablets and computer have a much larger range then this.

Zaiaku said:
Yes you can use a usb mouse and key board or use a bluetooth dongle and use bluetooth which is what I'm doing now. So far the only problem I've seen with this thing is the range from the router. My phones and tablets and computer have a much larger range then this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense, its hard to fit a decent sized antenna in there, and at $40 I doubt the money is spent engineering a great antenna setup like inside phones. There are USB to ethernet adapters out there that work with Android, I wonder if external USB wireless adapters would work.

Sounds great!
That looks like an awesome deal! Definitely planning to give it a try. Thanks OP