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After having a bit of time to play with my Xoom, I'd thought I'd tell everyone how I felt about the Xoom and whether you should be think of upgrading from your Galaxy Tab.
Build quality
The Xoom is very will built, all the components are solidly put together - there are no rattles or any bendy bits. That said the extra weight of the tablet is definitely noticeable compared to the Tab, and certainly makes reading while holding the tablet in one hand less comfortable - plus you don't really need the larger screen for this use.
The screen does not go quite as bright as the Tab, and is not so readable in sunlight. Also it attracts fingerprints like moths to a light, after an hour of using it it looked worse than an iPad does after a whole day, though you can't really see the fingerprints while the screen is on.
Software
This is the main part I was excited about - there has been quite a bit of hype surrounding Honeycomb. Sadly, IMHO, quite a bit of it is just hype -- the main changes are in the home screen and the task/notifications bar. Both of these work really well, the 3D carousel effect when turning pages of the Home screen is really smooth, and the new notification system works really well giving you a system which works quite like a desktop. Sadly you can't pinch the screen to show all of your desktops at once.
The rest of it though, it is pretty buggy. The settings app and gmail apps have force-closed on me a number of times - these are pretty important parts of the OS and so it's seriously disappointing to see them not quite finished. The Facebook app seems to work for a few mins then crashes and won't work until I restart the device.
The browser is very nice, with proper tabs (and incognito tabs!), but if you dare to switch on Flash 10.2 all the time then the whole thing is no faster than the Tabs browser with Flash enabled -- in fact it's quite possibly worse than my Tab with an OC kernel and the latest leaked ROM.
But main problem is - where is the software? Google made much issue about Android 2.x not being fit for tablets but the truth is all they've mostly done is what Samsung did - the email app now has one pane with a list of your emails in and another showing the content of your email. It's the same with the other apps, nowhere is there an incredibly large difference in functionality between the modified Samsung apps and the new Honeycomb ones.
Sure you get a film editor app, but that was pretty much put in to grab a bit of press after Apple put iMovie on the iPad - I'm sure most people, me included, would prefer a decent photo editing/retouching app more than a pretty basic video editing one.
No free, Xoom optimized apps with the device or a store for them like you get with Samsung.
And then we get to media playback, or rather, the almost complete lack of it. So you've just bought a nice new tablet that will play "HD". Like to play your MKV on it? Nope. AVI? Nope. Xvid? Nope. DivX? Nope. WMV? Nope. MP4 and MP4 only (to the point where you have to rename M4V files to MP4 to make them work even though they are the same thing but with a different extension). Yes I know I can use RockPlayer etc but this simply isn't as good as native support. If Archos could afford it the Moto sure can.
That might not be so bad if there was a store like the Samsung Movies Store or iTunes where I could buy or rent a movie in a compatible format. Except this being a "Google Experience" device there are no apps apart from the few that Google put on there (and aside from film studio that's just upgraded standard Android apps). So you have a tablet that doesn't support that vast majority of media formats used by the largest desktop OS; I feel justified in saying that is a slight fail -- is Youtube supposed to be my entire source of entertainment? It's not like you can call the quality of most Flash videos on the web HD.
The one upside is the tegra 2, and all the nice games it will let you play. Except there are only a couple at the moment, and if the Tegra Zone app is to be believed, most of them won't be out for another couple of months. That said the few that are available are very nice, and run perfectly smooth.
Overall
Overall I'd give the Xoom 7/10. It's good, and the first Honeycomb tablet, but I think it will probably not be in the top 5 come the end of the year.
I can understand some people might buy it over others on the promise of slightly quicker updates, but I'm seriously considering taking mine back and waiting for the Tab 8.9, I have a few more days to play around with it before I decide. Sure it will have customized interface so it might not get updates as quickly, but actually it will do much more out of the box than the Xoom does, and it will still probably do more than the Xoom will even after the Xoom has received an update.
I used to be someone who bought plain Android devices on the basis that they quicker updates (have an NS, had an N1, etc), but a lot of the time it makes little difference. Google doesn't actually release updates often enough anymore for that to be much of an issue, and in some cases these days manufacturers have actually made things better than Google did (e.g. the standard browser in the Galaxy S on 2.2 is far better than the stock browser on a Nexus S on 2.3).
Sadly in this case the bad experience reflects badly on Motorola even though it isn't really their fault - they've had nothing to do at all with the software. At the same time that is their fault - it's their tablet and if I was head of a Motorola I'd want to make sure the software I was putting my name on did everything I wanted and worked properly - Android manufacturers should stop getting so desperate to compete with Apple and actually focus on the quality of their own products.
So my advice would be wait. And possibly in this case don't let the factor of whether it's a pure Google device affect your decision so much -- Honeycomb is still an infant and it really needs some features added on for a full tablet experience.
* I was completely aware the Xoom would come with no added extras like the Tab did when I bought it. I just thought Google would have put more work into making Honeycomb for great for tablets.
That's a pretty accurate description. I went through 2 XOOM's which I bought once they released the WIFI only model, and my experience was the same if not worse. Lots of potential, but they really missed the mark with that one. The second XOOM had a hardware failure and refused to charge, and since I was pretty let down overall, and that needle thin power adaptor is just waiting to snap off, I got rid of it entirely. I bought my first Galaxy Tab WIFI model Monday from Tigerdirect, got it Wed and have used it since and I absolutely love it.
That's an interesting review.
It surprised me that honeycomb still isnt working perfectly. I thought that they would update it regularly.
The Xoom seemed to me, to be a liitle bit too fast released device.
I also agree that it probably wont be the best in the flow of the year - off course.
I think HTC looks quite promising, if they release a bigger version of their Flyer.
Let's see if the Companies learn from the others - if a company releases later, it always has a lower risk of failing, because it can learn out of the mistakes of the others...
And then we get to media playback, or rather, the almost complete lack of it. So you've just bought a nice new tablet that will play "HD". Like to play your MKV on it? Nope. AVI? Nope. Xvid? Nope. DivX? Nope. WMV? Nope. MP4 and MP4 only (to the point where you have to rename M4V files to MP4 to make them work even though they are the same thing but with a different extension). Yes I know I can use RockPlayer etc but this simply isn't as good as native support. If Archos could afford it the Moto sure can.
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This, x1,000. I own an original iPad, and picked up a T-Mo Galaxy Tab for $100 on Craigslist. Once the wifi Xoom came out, I went to Staples to pick one up.
Disappointment doesn't begin to capture it. Such a lovely screen...why, why, why wouldn't you include a Movies app with the tablet? Videos that played flawlessly on the Tab would stutter and whimper on the Xoom. That's just inexcusable.
I also co-sign everything you said about Facebook; I had the same experience with Seesmic.
I bought it on Friday evening. I returned it on Sunday afternoon. I can handle rough edges with software, but this goes beyond that. And selling it for $600? Yeah...not so much.
That said, I'm keeping an eye on the Asus Transformer; $399 is a sweet price point.
rnoboa said:
That said, I'm keeping an eye on the Asus Transformer; $399 is a sweet price point.
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If you're interested, here's my short review of the Transformer, originally posted in the Transformer XDA forum. I do compare it to my Galaxy Tab, so I don't think it's unreasonable to post here!
Regards,
Dave
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I've had my Transformer for 4 full days now, and I've a few comments to make for prospective purchasers.
First of all, a little background - I've had Android phones since the original G1 was released in the US (I was there when it was released), and since then have owned the HTC Hero, the HTC Desire, and now the Desire HD (and a Pulse Mini as a backup device).
I also have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7", which I've been using since October last year and I still think is a fantastic device, so most of my observations on the Transformer (henceforth called the TF) will be in comparison to Galaxy Tab (henceforth called the GT). As an aside, I also have a Toshiba AC100 Android netbook, so I think I have some feel for how the TF will be once the keyboard dock arrives.
Build quality
The TF feels like a really high quality device. I know some people have reported issues with back light bleed etc, but I've had no such issues. The aluminium case is really nice to the touch, as is the back of the device which is a plastic made to look a bit like carbon fibre.
Design - the design is generally really nice, though if I had one criticism it is the size of the bezel is rather large. Additionally, it does feel a little odd holding the device in portrait mode as it comes over as very tall and thin, especially when compared to the GT.
The IPS display is lovely and crisp, though it does seem a little less bright than the display on the GT.
OS and software
This is both simultaneously the best and worst feature that the TF has over the GT. In general browsing use, the TF is much more like a laptop/desktop experience than the GT, and you can see Honeycomb has great potential. However, it does feel very much like an unfinished product.
When the GT first came out, the stock browser was notoriously laggy (fixed in later iterations), and the TF suffers from the same issue - in fact it is worse because whilst the GTs browser was basically just laggy, the TFs browser is laggy and buggy.
Specifically, clicking on links in other applications often causes the browser to pop up, but it doesn't load the new page - this can be fixed by "killing" the browser and restarting it, but it shouldn't be this way. Whilst I much prefer the native browser when it works correctly, I'm now using Opera Mobile for day to day use.
Honeycomb Gmail on the TF is a revelation - it is a far superior client than the client on the GT.
Other minor Honeycomb/TF complaints are:
1. There doesn't seem to be a way to clear all notifications easily.
2. Just getting to the Settings menu is overcomplicated.
3. The keyboards do seem overly large in my opinion, and there don't seem to be enough long press options to get to alternate characters, though I'm aware these are easily replaceable.
4. Overall the TF performance is good, but I don't feel that Honeycomb is taking advantage of the dual core Tegra 2, and thus in general use it doesn't really feel any faster than my single core GT.
Media Playback
This is an easy one - the GT is a better media player than the TF, simply because it natively supports more formats (e.g. DivX).
I'm not unused to transcoding video to H264, as I had to do this often on my earlier Android devices, but with the advent of Cortex A8 class devices with Neon, I found software players like RockPlayer more than acceptable. This does not seem to be the case for the TF, since Tegra 2 doesn't support Neon instructions. However, the AC100 is a Tegra 2 device, and the built-in media player is much better than the stock TF one too, so really I think that Asus should have done more here.
With the TF, I'm back to having to transcode media, and to be honest for the most part that means I'll just my GT instead.
Overall Usage
Here's where it gets interesting!
The TF provides a very different experience to the GT and for the most part it is very enjoyable- when I bought the device, I knew it be mostly be a "coffee table" device, and that the size, weight, and built-in 3G of the GT was going to a distinct advantage over the TF when it comes to travelling.
What I didn't expect is that the GT still holds some advantages at home too.
Put simply, the TF is still too big and heavy sometimes - when I get up in the morning, I usually take my GT off charge and slip it into the pocket of my dressing gown, and this means it goes with me when I go to make a coffee, visit the "office" in the bathroom etc.
Also, late at night, if I want to watch something whilst lying in bed, the GT is simply much more comfortable to hold for any period of time, and coupled with better media support is always going to be the preferred option.
The Future
I don't think it is really fair to judge the TF until the keyboard dock becomes available, because I honestly think this will significant change the nature of the device.
When I first got my AC100, it was running Eclair and to be honest it was pretty rubbish, but it got so much better when Froyo landed.
I can see the TF similarly getting a completely new lease of life once the dock arrives.
Also, Honeycomb does feel like a work in progress, and I'm hoping for regularly updates to this device, which again should improve the experience, along with more Honeycomb specific apps on the market.
Conclusion
I think the TF is a fantastic product and the price is extremely good for what it is. I certainly wouldn't want to put anyone off buying one if they have a genuine interest this form factor. In the UK at least, I think the Xoom has priced itself out of the market massively, which currently leaves the TF as the 10.1" tablet of choice.
The biggest issue for me is that 10.1" tablets are generally too big and heavy, and whilst newer tablets may be lighter, they will still be similarly sized unless they can dramatically reduce the size of the bezel.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9" may well be a better compromise, and I will be looking closely at this once it arrives. However, it won't fit in a jacket pocket, so would still likely just be a coffee table tablet for me.
Ultimately, I think my ideal tablet device would be a 7" form factor device like the GT, similar internal hardware to the TF (dual core, IPS, memory etc), and built-in 3G. Until something like this ships, I think my GT will still be my primary media consumption/browsing device.
Steve Jobs may think that there is no market in 7" tablets, but in my case he's wrong!
Thank you soooo much for the Tab vs Xoom reiew. I was looking at the Xoom a couple weeks ago, but when I saw Sprint marked the Tab down to $199, I bought it instead. Although the Xoom is a gorgeous device, I am becoming quite sold on the 7" size. After using my Tab for a week, I love it! Now if the Xoom was only, say $100 more than the Tab, I may change my mind, but as it is now, it's way too expensive for what it offers out of the box. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me to see the Xoom have a price drop soon.
How bad is Honeycomb? The reviews of the G-Slate, Xoom, and even Eeepad Transformer suggest that Honeycomb itself is... not ready and quite laggy. How does it compare to plain old Froyo on a 7'' Tab?
so if understand correctly, android market does not install the tablet version of gmail or any other app on the galaxy tab?
You will have special section of apps created for the Honeycomb and for 2.2 or 2.3.
Apps that are not suppose to work will not be shown on the Market.
Some apps created for phones freeze or fail to work but overall you can find apps that suit your needs. I would agree that at this point software has rough edges but this is always an issue for the early adopters. The 1st iphone had no software choices at all and it took more than half a year to get something else.
Screen size and resolutiin make Xoom almost a laptop.
I like Xoom but prefer Galaxy Tab because of size and weight.
Recently I was waiting til the new Samsung Galaxy tab was officially announced to see if it would come with sd card and/or usb....which it didnt so now i dont know what i want...I dont want to acer iconia because it just looks ugly...and same thing for the transformer...they both just look like ugly devices to me..so my only other pick is the Moto Xoom which i actually like the way it looks. But is the Xoom worth the purchase...i hear its a lil slow and jerky...has the 3.1 update fixed that issue?? and does the sd card slot work now??
I own a XOOM and my brother has a Transformer. While I agree them Xoom looks better and is more sturdy, I'd much rather the transformer. The included keyboard is a big plus, as well as the built in usb otg connection.
Edit - forgot to mention how very unimpressed everyone outside of the US is with Moto and its approach to updating the Xoom. Also, not a squawk about why its taking so long.
I think you should just go with what you like. The xoom has a keyboard case now. And as for Moto, updates will come when they come. Most people have rooted and updated anyway. There is plenty of support on XDA for whatever you get. You could always wait and see what comes out in the next few months. Newer processors, different screens, and even support from software companies. Remember you dont have to rush, take your time and make decisions you will be happy with.
But is the XOOM still laggy?? and for rooted users are there good roms out that take full advantage of the processors?
Well, thanks to brd, I've got my xoom overclocked and running stable at 1.7 and I have to say with the 3.1 upgrade, even at stock speeds the xoom is smoooooth as silk. I had the iconia and promptly returned it as the bootloader is locked, and the still have released no source code. Full custom roms won't come till I cream sandwich with any android tablet, as Google won't release the honeycomb source code. But owning a xoom, I am pretty sure it will be one of the first to get the upgrade, just as it was the first with 3.1
jase33 said:
I think you should just go with what you like. The xoom has a keyboard case now. And as for Moto, updates will come when they come. Most people have rooted and updated anyway. There is plenty of support on XDA for whatever you get. You could always wait and see what comes out in the next few months. Newer processors, different screens, and even support from software companies. Remember you dont have to rush, take your time and make decisions you will be happy with.
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Well said, I completely agree. The Xoom is the best tablet for "me" and I've owned a few.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
I've had mine for two weeks, I absolutely love it. I have no idea why people are so down on it! I had the acer iconia for a week beforehand, the body was pulling apart, the screen was awful and the shape was just... odd. I trust motorola to make quality products, not just software, that was a huge plus for me. As for the USB and SD card, with google music out now, are you really going to put 32+ gigs worth of info on your tablet?
I use mine for college text books, email, surfing, file transfer, etc and have yet to be even close to disappointed. I don't have any experience with the transformer, but given my experience with a less than quality build of the acer, I would be worried about the quality of the asus as well, just my two cents.
freddyfromutah said:
I've had mine for two weeks, I absolutely love it. I have no idea why people are so down on it! I had the acer iconia for a week beforehand, the body was pulling apart, the screen was awful and the shape was just... odd. I trust motorola to make quality products, not just software, that was a huge plus for me. As for the USB and SD card, with google music out now, are you really going to put 32+ gigs worth of info on your tablet?
I use mine for college text books, email, surfing, file transfer, etc and have yet to be even close to disappointed. I don't have any experience with the transformer, but given my experience with a less than quality build of the acer, I would be worried about the quality of the asus as well, just my two cents.
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Yes, actually the 32 gig expansion would be awesome. I don't want to be forced into paying for Google music just to have a good list of music access able. Then on top of that pay verizon for the data transfer to listen to my own music. I know I can root for it, but initially I wasn't going to root till after the 4g upgrade. I'm rather disappointed, maybe I confused myself expecting to have the SD work soon, and having 4g before any other tablet, but I'm pretty sure I was just mislead.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
The great thing about the Xoom is the AOSP experience. It's unfettered Android. All the other devices have each respective company's own flavor of Android which is something I, and many others hate. As with other devices that are AOSP, it will probably get all the updates much sooner than other devices.
When the Xoom came out I was determined to get it, because I'm a tech-whore and needed to have a device with Honeycomb. When I finally got around to purchasing the Wifi version upon it's release, I found myself wondering what exactly I was going to do with this thing...I couldn't figure it out. Now I use it all the time. I don't regret spending the $600 one bit.
had the Xoom for 5 days now, was a little aprehensive with what I'd read about the screen and lag but I'm so glad I took the plunge. I'm running 3.1 stock on an untouched Xoom, I have no issues with lag and everything is super smooth. I wanted it for surfing, games, comics and video and it is fantastic at these. I'd been using my wife's Ipad for a while and the Xoom just knocks the spots of it in all areas.
The slow and jerky performance is still here, but that appears to extend to ALL honeycomb tablets. Also, this only happens in portrait and upside down orientations. Absolutely no choppiness in my experience with a static background in regular landscape.
Try it for yourself... 0 deg is completely smooth. 180, 90, -90 are all choppy. Do yourself a favor and only use I in native orientation, heh.
Aside from that minor niggle, honeycomb, and the xoom as a whole, are absolute dreams. Coming from a particular competing product, as well as two hacked Android tablets, I can say that the xoom is the first time I've been satisfied with the tablet concept.
Buy one; you won't regret it. After all, you can always return it if you're not crazy about it.
PS. With bigrushdog's kernel, you can use SD.
Absolutely avoid the Xoom. Unless you enjoy paying too much, no updates at all, lack of support, non-functional hardware, etc.
It's incredibly heavy and bulky. The touch screen is not too responsive, and theres significant motion blur, notably on red.
It's also very slow. For my money you'd be better off waiting for quad core tablets. These phone processors simply can't cut it on a larger screen.
Not to mention the Xoom 2 leak.
Sent from my SGH-I897
I say... avoid everything with android 3.0 and beware of 3.1 tablets. why? because there are only about 40 apps that are optimized for honeycomb...optimized not full supported. Its strange for me that big companies arent excited about supporting tablet format (maybe the fact that we are only %0.3 of the users). Also the games that are suppossed optimized for tegra 2 are old apps from the ipad with a little light effects or glom ,etc. but the gameplay still laggy as in the ipad.
Also i like to say that the 3.1 update is a kick in the balls for users and devs. I purchased every game that it has come out from gameloft and they stop wrking after the update, only asphalt 6 after a patch gameloft send me. >Then they send me a link that they werent responsible for faulty updates...and they are right. I downloaded xmen arcade and it happens the same. try reset, hardreset and everything and nothing, support told me to wait for them to fix it or wait for google to fix it...its just the update that messed with games and apps.
My advice if you still going to buy....buy the transformer, they give you more for the money and your not missing anything the xoom have.
If your trying to get into the android tablets, then I would say the Xoom is very nice or the transformer has a attachment to a key bored, How I went on of buying one was I was comparing it to the iPad 2 and I'm a sucker when it comes to lil features like the camera Is way better on the Xoom (Front and Back) The stereo speaker is also a major plus, I like how to plug it to my TV all I needed was a 8$ Mini hdmi wire, Pretty sleek body, the 32gigs of space is plenty I can't seem to even fill 5Gigs of space, Idk why people are crying for the SD slot so much, Just root it and install the kernal, No hacking is required for the Xoom just get what you want and be done. My own thing I don't like about android in general, is their apps. but its w/e
also on the new 3.1, there is next to no lag or you can hack it and make it speedier its all up to you.
Thanks I think i'm going to pick up the Xoom soon! Man Samsung ALMSOT had me sold....they always seem to **** SOMETHING up...its like they can't have their cookie and eat it too, something always have to give....**** they better start eating them cookies lol.. Oh well XOOM it is..
Oh yes, definitely!
Had mine for almost 3 weeks and for me, this is the best $600 investment I've done. Touch screen response is excellent, I have yet to experience any lags and it feels (in regards to quality and workmanship) every bit as I expected it to be. In some aspects, it has even surpassed my expectations in performance and battery life! Not regretting in any sense the money spent and all the accessories I got for it (leather portfolio case, car charger, mini HDMI cable).
At work, I had the opportunity to play with iPads, iPads 2, Playbooks and I do not regret my decision to go with the Xoom. Everything I need to do I can do with it, that was one of the considerations I made while "checking out" all the alternatives out there and I'm really happy with the end result. Using it daily for EVERYTHING, it complements my HTC G2 phone perfectly and can't hardly put it down.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
The xoom is a great device but I don't like that there are two types of screens, neither of which are as good as the in-plane switching TFT design or the PLS in the new samsungs. Vertical viewing angles on the xoom are subpar, especially for the price point, in my opinion.
The light leakage issues on all these tablets is also a concern of mine and seems to be directly related to QC issues with the panel manufacturers.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
Im on week 3. This Xoom wifi is my first tablet but I played with them all and liked the xoom better. I love it. I think the market will come with time. Devs are starting to get into honeycomb. There are a few software quirks with exchange 2003 and FB,for instance, for me, but I have no lag at all and I love this machine.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
This $500 Xoom sales is still ticking..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250829943160
If you are in the US, then maybe.
Otherwise avoid Xoom at all cost.
Also if you don't mind paying overpriced device with non functioning hardware and promised hardware upgrade which is not happened after couple of months.
timo2387 said:
Recently I was waiting til the new Samsung Galaxy tab was officially announced to see if it would come with sd card and/or usb....which it didnt so now i dont know what i want...I dont want to acer iconia because it just looks ugly...and same thing for the transformer...they both just look like ugly devices to me..so my only other pick is the Moto Xoom which i actually like the way it looks. But is the Xoom worth the purchase...i hear its a lil slow and jerky...has the 3.1 update fixed that issue?? and does the sd card slot work now??
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Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
From time to time I read other tablet forums. All I can say is omg people are funny, why buy a product with light bleeds, creaking, bad speakers, random reboots. My xoom has none of those issues, and the part that really gets me is these people just chalk it up to that's just how it is. If I pay 400 or 500 or 600 I want it to work as advertised. I have a brand new jeep I be damn if I have problems with it and just say well that just part of owning a jeep. As long as consumers let the business get away with half ass products then it will continue. Maybe it's just me but I don't feel like light bleeds, random problems are normal at least not at these prices. Sorry just venting.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA Premium App
I kinda agree with you. Pricing isn't everything - build quality is often overlooked by people. When I hold my Xoom in my hands, I feel like I'm holding a solid, serious product. Cheap plastic might be lighter, but it's more fragile, and feels cheaper too.
In this world, I always say you get what you pay for. There's a reason why you can buy a 300$ CheapBrand laptop, or a similarly-specced 400$ SeriousBrand laptop - one of them is much more likely to die on you before the other one.
The Xoom is by all mean not perfect, but I don't see any of the currently available alternatives as being perfect either - they all have their flaws. The Honeycomb tablet market is a brand new one, I'd expect things to get more interesting with second generation products.
Agreed, it's just as I read the xoom forum its mostly people have done something to there xoom not they opened there box and problems were there from the starting point. Xooms not perfect but I have confidence that my xoom will turn on, and will not have bleeds, nor creaking / separation issues.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA Premium App
nthknd said:
Agreed, it's just as I read the xoom forum its mostly people have done something to there xoom not they opened there box and problems were there from the starting point. Xooms not perfect but I have confidence that my xoom will turn on, and will not have bleeds, nor creaking / separation issues.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA Premium App
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Now that I think about it, the only problem I read about with an out-of-the-box Xoom was some dust under the screen. And that was just ONE person. From what I've read, iPad 2 issues were practically an epidemic.
nthknd said:
From time to time I read other tablet forums. All I can say is omg people are funny, why buy a product with light bleeds, creaking, bad speakers, random reboots. My xoom has none of those issues, and the part that really gets me is these people just chalk it up to that's just how it is. If I pay 400 or 500 or 600 I want it to work as advertised. I have a brand new jeep I be damn if I have problems with it and just say well that just part of owning a jeep. As long as consumers let the business get away with half ass products then it will continue. Maybe it's just me but I don't feel like light bleeds, random problems are normal at least not at these prices. Sorry just venting.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA Premium App
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honestly im very happy with my xoom. i rarely ever get any lag and i have had one or two browser crashes, nothing else. I'm an advanced user, been rooting my android phones for years now, and i still dont feel the need to root my xoom yet.... Build quality is great, software is fine too.
Sure, a sd card would be nice, but right now i dont even use a quarter of my onboard storage. 4g would be nice, but in my case i mostly use my xoom on the subway, where 4g goes in and out. its much better for me to have a solid 3g conneciton then switching back and forth between 3g and 4g (like my darn thunderbolt) and having no connection for a minute between each tower
anyway, im a happy xoom owner
I'm happy with my xoom.
I'm a bit happier with my iPad2.
Xoom just feels bulky, heavy, and laggy compared to iPad2.
I bought my Xoom a few weeks before the company I work for decided to give everyone an iPad2. I usually use the iPad now as it is overall just slicker, easier to carry around, and has more polished Apps. I do use the Xoom a lot for music streaming, love google music. And occasionally I'll browse on it because dolphin browser handles flash where iPads fail.
If I were spending money on something, it'd be a tough call. I love android, love my HTC Incredible phone, but the build quality and feel of the iPad is superior. SmartCovers are awesome, it feels clunky to have to find the on-off button on the back of the xoom, etc. I think Android is superior to iOS for sure, but right now we're going through the growing pains of a new OS and a new platform... Can't wait for someone to design hardware with usability on par with the iPad.
Ipad2 is good. But Xoom is better and more functional
biscoradio said:
I'm happy with my xoom.
I'm a bit happier with my iPad2.
Xoom just feels bulky, heavy, and laggy compared to iPad2.
I bought my Xoom a few weeks before the company I work for decided to give everyone an iPad2. I usually use the iPad now as it is overall just slicker, easier to carry around, and has more polished Apps. I do use the Xoom a lot for music streaming, love google music. And occasionally I'll browse on it because dolphin browser handles flash where iPads fail.
If I were spending money on something, it'd be a tough call. I love android, love my HTC Incredible phone, but the build quality and feel of the iPad is superior. SmartCovers are awesome, it feels clunky to have to find the on-off button on the back of the xoom, etc. I think Android is superior to iOS for sure, but right now we're going through the growing pains of a new OS and a new platform... Can't wait for someone to design hardware with usability on par with the iPad.
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My kids love ipad2 that I bought for my wife. However, when I bought them a xoom, they never use ipad2 again.
I'm liking the xoom too.
I wish it had better codec support but I thought about it rationally. I'm not going to have to much 720p stuff with my 1.5mb down dsl connection.
Xoom love
I love my Xoom too. Carry it around all day and keep it by my side while watching TV at night.
I think 97% of the people who have them love them.
Motorola -- not so much.
Mostly because Motorola not only fails to communicate -- they REFUSE to, it seems.
I suspect their lawyers don't want them to talk to customers about non-working parts such as the SD card and 4G because that would provide evidence in any legal proceedings that eventually come about.
And then when owners see the Xoom ( Wi-Fi ) being sold at a 17% discount on Ebay coupled with the lack of communication it makes for unhappy owners.
Does not help Motorolas reputation or to sell more units.
i love my xoom. I gave my Icrap pad to my aunt. I was waiting for a good android tablet and look what I got. The best tablet on the market. Yes it root and clock at 1.4ghz. But look what I can do compare to the icrap apple. Add one new feature every year. Lol its funny to me. I feel my xoom will be around for some years. OK 2-3 years tops but that's how the tech world is. I see alot of new stuff coming soon for the xoom.
I love my xoom and its various customizations. 3 of my friends have ipad 2 and I think they were just going nice and easy because they're not tech savvy enough. Still, how can anyone say the ipad 2 build quality is superior to the xooms? It is not even comparable, I mean what does the light weight have any real meanings beside making the device all plastic? I can glance at the black ipad for a second, but holy ****, the white one looks exactly like an iclone or Iclown from China. Don't even bring facetime and the cameras in the competition. They're useless. And prices of the ipads are wayyyyy over of what they should have been. Anyways, I'm a happy xoomer !!!!
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Kippui said:
I'm liking the xoom too.
I wish it had better codec support but I thought about it rationally. I'm not going to have to much 720p stuff with my 1.5mb down dsl connection.
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Click to collapse
Easily resolved by using Moboplayer or Rockplayer.
OS-level codec support should never be an issue IMHO. I don't see anyone complain that Windows has no built-in support for Matroska, for example
If you ever think your xoom isn't up to par go check out the transformer forum nothing but complaints and people on there 2nd or 3rd replacement due to various problems, and I keep reading its a good buy for the price, not when it comes to my time and stress level. Oh here's the funny part ausu wants you to pay for return shipping if you need a replacement or repair. Really?
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA Premium App
I love my xoom also. I don't care about the sd slot working because honestly 32gbs is more then enough and they don't even advertise about that. The only thing I am missing is my 4G. Even if samsung comes out with their tab who the hell wants to use touch wiz or whatever the hell it is as well as who wants to wait that long for updates? Lets go moto
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
I really, really love my Xoom. I'm one of those people who carry it around constantly. Even when I could use my PC I'm using the Xoom to check my emails, FB and of course, xda. I'm using it on the road for work instead of lugging around a notebook. It's everything I need in a tablet computer, and more.
I started out in November with a Pandigital Novel (eclair) that I rooted and modded to the point where I got bored and gave it to my Mom. In February I sprung for the 1st Tegra 2 tab available at that time, the little orphan eLocity A7-froyo 2.2, a sweet and powerful little tab, but quirky build and short battery life. Still, I rooted and modded and finally gave it to my daughter when I got my Xoom in April. I figure I've been averaging 3 months on my android tablet progression, doubling my expenditure with each purchase, but the Xoom is different. This one's a keeper!
RMerlin said:
Easily resolved by using Moboplayer or Rockplayer.
OS-level codec support should never be an issue IMHO. I don't see anyone complain that Windows has no built-in support for Matroska, for example
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The xoom can't play any 720p file that isn't baseline. Most scene/anime stuff is 720p High Profile which will not play on the xoom.
I cant drop my anime onto it without issues
The 720p stuff I occasionally download wont work without recoding.
Unless you have some sort of solution that none of us Xoom/Transfomer/Acer Iconia users dont know lol?
Hello
I have to agree as I love my xoom also. A quick visit here and my UK xoom is now running 3.1 with full 3g working. SD card slot working a treat and am able to mount and unmount my external hard drive. Not to mention it purrrring along at 1.5ghz .
As for build quality I have no idea why some people are moaning. Its by far the best made and solid feeling tablet out there. I say if people don't like them then sell it and move on.
I love my Xoom. I haven't used any other tablets, so I can't compare. I've never had any problems with the Xoom. And with the 3.1 update, things are even better. I think the browsing experience is excellent especially with Dolphin Browser. Love being able to see flash videos right in the page.
Hoping for more apps to come out as Honeycomb gets more popular. That would be my only gripe, the lack of apps for my tablet.
I had the huawei s7 and the galaxy tab before getting the xoom. i wonder how the devs at google i/o are liking their 10.2 tabs? I hope they stick to using the xoom for developing so we get the latest api's. The xoom2 will probably be out around October with kal-el and who knows what else. tech is moving so fast, I don't expect any device to be current for more than 3 months. I've had my xoom 2 months so... Of all the new tabs coming out I don't see any that will take me away from xoom although i'm interested to see how the HP touchpad does as WebOS was the first smartphone os i used.
Kippui said:
The xoom can't play any 720p file that isn't baseline. Most scene/anime stuff is 720p High Profile which will not play on the xoom.
I cant drop my anime onto it without issues
The 720p stuff I occasionally download wont work without recoding.
Unless you have some sort of solution that none of us Xoom/Transfomer/Acer Iconia users dont know lol?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try Moboplayer? I don't know if it can do it, but it cam play a lot of stuff that the built-in player (and many other third party players too) can't play smoothly. Make sure to install the optimized codec pack on top of it, see what happens. For the Xoom, you want the ARM V7_VFPV3 codec pack.
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
So I was just wondering what is the overall feeling about this tablet? I'm thinking about getting it and i was just wondering if everyone likes it or if its 50/50 or what?
I've owned the Galaxy Tab 10.1, Acer Iconia, Motorola Xoom, and the Transformer. I can say that the Transformer is the best tablet for the money on the market. It's not as sexy as the Galaxy, but it's more functional, far more flexible, and a hell of a lot cheaper.
Always hard to get objective views on a product specific forum.
I'm in a love/hate relationship with it at the moment. I love the form factor and the functionality. I hate the lack of tablet optimized apps/games and the awful build quality.
To me, it feels like a beta product. This isn't a bad thing per-se as I like to tinker.
I like mine a lot, and its definatley the best bang for your buck Honeycomb tablet out there right now. Although I do wish it had the form factor / looks of the Galaxy 10.1, the HDMI out and Micro SD card slot are oh so nice to have, especially for $100 less
The build quality and lightbleed issues are the only downsides to the tablet in my opinion. I got one with a few creaks in the back and some light bleed, but I just look past it. Its not enough for me to sell or go through ASUS to replace it. Still works great for me. Also, not all of the tablets have this, and Im hoping the newer builds have been fixed.
If your thinking about getting one, I would definatley consider it. Great tablet and a great price right now.
Other big plus is that Asus is really quick at getting the Honeycomb updates out. We've got Honeycomb 3.2 already which is great.
rilot said:
Always hard to get objective views on a product specific forum.
I'm in a love/hate relationship with it at the moment. I love the form factor and the functionality. I hate the lack of tablet optimized apps/games and the awful build quality.
To me, it feels like a beta product. This isn't a bad thing per-se as I like to tinker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely feel like im a beta tester, but I dont really consider it a bad thing. I enjoy using new equipment and working out kinks. Just wish i didnt have to pay so much for it . That being said, a lot of the kinks are worked out now from my experience.
Keyboard lag is gone. Havnt had a sleep of death since the first update. Everythings running a lot smoother with the last firmware update.
Its replaced my laptop in class more or less completely. I use evernote and ezpdf to take notes and its wonderful.
do you use any of the attachments?
I got a Transformer and didn't regret, that I bought it. I got it without dock, because I only wanted a nice tablet ... for everything else I have an i7 notebook with 6 GB RAM.
If I can recommend it? Maybe ... depends on what you want to do with it.
Regarding quality control ... it's the fortune of the early adopter nowadays to be a beta tester. Example: I also got me a Galaxy S2 and though I'm very happy with it, the S2 forum here at XDA is full of complaints about QC.
jnad32 said:
do you use any of the attachments?
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The keyboard is the big attachment and its really the selling point of the tablet. If you anticipate ever using it then the TF is the way to go, if you dont anticipate ever using it then you could be happy with the Samsung, albeit with no SD card and costing a lot more.
The TF has a great screen, its flexible and its cheap. Its not built as well as an ipad (or the other android tablets) but I havent had any functional issues with its built, its not like its breaking on me. Its just you can feel the difference in the "tightness" between the two.
Being said I ended up buying a second for the girlfriend, tired of her constantly using mine.
I got mine in the first batch to come out- from TD. I have had no real issues accept a tiny light bleed- build quality is great for mine. no creaking etc.
It has done everything i ask of it and thrown at it. I use mine for about 70% work related with notes at meeting, signatures on contracts, email, polaris app etc. Even skype calling..
Constantly listening to music watching movies etc. Never had any issues with Battery usage.
I think it has gotten better with each update. Yes little bugs here and there after an update ut usually fixed or have work around within 24 hours. That stuff doesnt bother me.
I never got the keyboard because i felt it was an option that i would never really use so i invested in a nice case- ( PDAIR ) I love the concept of the keyboard but just wasn;t going to use itand did no need the extra bulk.
For me never needed to root it yet (maybe down the road ) but for now it is great as stock.
Last thing i will say is there have been alot of new choices out since i have bought it... yes they might have had a thing or 2 that the TF did not have but i never have second guessed my choice.
Good luck.
Well you get 16hrs of battery life with the dock. No other tablet has this kind of a feature at this price point.
The screen quality and responsiveness is in the top quartile of tablets released so far.
I am pretty happy with my purchase. 10x better build quality than the Archos 101 I purchased earlier!
I absolutely love my TF, probably best 399$ I have ever spent on gadget, mine also comes with some light bleed, other than that, build quality is great. Have 2 Ipad2 in the house and they both have worst light bleed.
Would I suggest this tablet to a friend over other Android tablet? Yes, best tablet in the market IMO.
Over an Ipad2? Probably not unless someone familiar with Android and a geek just like me...
tonyz3 said:
I got mine in the first batch to come out- from TD. I have had no real issues accept a tiny light bleed- build quality is great for mine. no creaking etc.
It has done everything i ask of it and thrown at it. I use mine for about 70% work related with notes at meeting, signatures on contracts, email, polaris app etc. Even skype calling..
Constantly listening to music watching movies etc. Never had any issues with Battery usage.
I think it has gotten better with each update. Yes little bugs here and there after an update ut usually fixed or have work around within 24 hours. That stuff doesnt bother me.
I never got the keyboard because i felt it was an option that i would never really use so i invested in a nice case- ( PDAIR ) I love the concept of the keyboard but just wasn;t going to use itand did no need the extra bulk.
For me never needed to root it yet (maybe down the road ) but for now it is great as stock.
Last thing i will say is there have been alot of new choices out since i have bought it... yes they might have had a thing or 2 that the TF did not have but i never have second guessed my choice.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my question to you is my boss has an ipad that we use for our invoices and paper work to get people to sign off on pdf files and what not. Does android have an app that lets you do that? And overall how good is it for work?
I got my U.S. Transformer a few weeks ago, and I enjoy using it very much:
With my PC, most of the time is spent going on the Web, so on the Transformer I just set up bookmarks for my most frequently visited sites in both the stock browser and the Dolphin for Pad (downloaded from the Market) browser and that takes care of my usual browsing needs. Email is now handled through the stock Gmail app, so again most of that can be done on the Transformer side.
For music, I've started using Google Music to upload my stuff, so I can just stream down to my Transformer through WiFi. For videos, I had already encoded a lot of stuff to MP4 format using Handbrake to play on my phone. But with ES File Explorer installed on my Transformer, I can now keep those MP4 files on my networked server and then stream them to the stock video player. This all works great and takes up no local storage.
Games that I had on my smartphone are all installed onto the Transformer and work fine. I've also found that classic game console emulators work quite well on the Transformer.
If I'm desperate to watch Hulu or Netflix (without any hacked or rooted methods), the MyCloud > My Desktop > SplashTop method works acceptably well.
Painting with SketchBook Pro is quite fun with this fantastic paid app, and I'm looking into various do-it-yourself stylus methods to enhance the experience.
I haven't had the need yet to use Polaris Office yet, but after reading user reviews, it looks to be a very capable Office app when compared with other non-free competitors, and I actually appreciate Asus for giving this for us.
The build quality, in my opinion, is quite nice. I don't have any LCD light bleed issues. The LCD itself is great with fantastic viewing angles. The built-in speakers are surprisingly loud. The touch screen is very responsive. And the textured plastic back panel keeps the whole unit lighter and gives it a nice feel.
The only negatives I have are:
Camera - absolutely terrible, especially when using indoor lighting. But I already know that the video and photo taking experience on almost all tablets is not good anyway, so I never expected much. I almost never use the stock camera app. I have Vignette installed on my Transformer for the heck of it, but this rarely gets used either. I leave picture taking to my digital camera and my smartphone.
Browser - for some sites, I get slowdowns with both the stock browser and Dolphin for Pad. With Android 3.1, I experienced quite a bit of force closings with the stock browser. It's improved with 3.2, but it still happens. I find it hard to believe that Google makes such a good browser as Chrome but has such a mediocre one for Honeycomb.
Linux support - the only thing I ask for is the simplicity of plugging my Transformer into my Linux PC and have access to its SD and MicroSD cards. But I have to jump through the hoop of running a few lines in Terminal just to get those drives mounted and unmounted. It's a pain, and I wish it was as easy as the Windows experience.
Since using my Transformer more and more, my smartphone has pretty much been relegated back to being just a phone which is fine. This morning I began charging my Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 once it dropped to 1% battery power...and it had been running on that one full charge for 174-hours-33-minutes! I'll still use the phone for navigation and portable music after I get over the honeymoon period with the Transformer, but right now using my smart phone just isn't the same any more.
So since I've gotten the Transformer, I've made a conscious effort to reduce using my PC and my smartphone, and it's worked out great as a personal computing device. For a business environment, there might not be enough apps to support various needs just yet, but it'll get there, I'm sure. The Transformer is a very good bang-for-the-buck kind of device, and I have no regrets about having it.
Enjoy my tablet a great deal. I actually use it more than i thought i would. Im constantly looking for new apps that will make this into my swiss army knife.
I use splashtop a lot, and now added a Wake on Lan app which now has got me the bright idea to go out and purchase a home server...lol
build quality is definitely not the greatest. Personally, i dont think it compares to the newer tablets coming out. (build)
Dont own the keyboard. Im waiting for a good deal down the road when it drop to around $100. by then, i figure, ill give the TF to my wife (with a keyboard), and ill jump on to the newest tablet. (maybe TF2)
Im a first time android/tablet buyer and user, so i came with no expectations..
Ill know what to look for in my next purchase though.
(so, i guess im a beta tester)
jnad32 said:
So my question to you is my boss has an ipad that we use for our invoices and paper work to get people to sign off on pdf files and what not. Does android have an app that lets you do that? And overall how good is it for work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are applications that let you fill out and/or sign PDF files. Adobe also has an app that converts things to PDF. Ive used my TF to fill out forms and sign them multiple times.
jnad32 said:
So my question to you is my boss has an ipad that we use for our invoices and paper work to get people to sign off on pdf files and what not. Does android have an app that lets you do that? And overall how good is it for work?
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There are alot of choices for this. I use Repligo PDF and love it.After i sign or client signs,on the TF I email it and looks just as clear as original.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.cerience.reader.app&feature=search_result
worth the $4.99 investment,
Love mine, I'm confident I made the right choice. £400 for a tablet-only device is not a wise spend. £400 for a tablet AND a netbook IS thou...
Aside from the keyboard drain (which is being fixed under RMA as we speak), I have no issues whatsoever with my device, and overjoyed with it.
jnad32 said:
So my question to you is my boss has an ipad that we use for our invoices and paper work to get people to sign off on pdf files and what not. Does android have an app that lets you do that? And overall how good is it for work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be very surprised if there is any app that iPad can do, that Android can't, as because of Android's open and less restrictive nature, you won't find missing apps, because "Apple don't like it, or Apple can't make money from it, or it cuts into Apple's buisness".
My TF is all good I have no problems with my tablet, maybe one of the lucky ones or just the fact that those few who have bad units choose to come to forums like this to seek advice and let everyone know how bad their unit is. With the dock it is an amazing bit of kit, I have tried the xoom, Acer and the Gtab, and unless you want form over function the TF is the best of the current bunch. As all the present android tablets running honeycomb are running the same os and internal spec. My own preference would be ports and functionality, screen, speed of updates and build quality. For me the TF ticks all the boxes.
Xoom, highintial price, lack of support and working ports, poor screen
Gtab, lack of ports, slow updates from Samsung.
I like the design of the TF especially when combined with the dock, equal to any high end net book, Asus have done a great job with amazing fore sight, it is original only the Gtab is thinner and that is purely because it is an I pad clone.
I would think the units with defects are no different to apple I pad or even the Gtab on a percentage basis, plenty of apple units go back to their stores.
With regards to being beta testers, we are with regards android for tablets, like we were back in the 90,s with win 3.11. My recommendation to anyone wanting a android tablet with the best all-round functionality at the best price, get the TF.
Had my TF about two weeks now, and am yet to have any issues with it. I love peoples reactions when I undock the screen though, it's brilliant.