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To the owners, Is Note 10.1 worth buying?

To the owners, Is Note 10.1 worth buying?
Coming from SONY TABLET S !!!
Really didnt enjoyed good android experience on any of the tablets, do would u rate Note 10.1?
Why m hesitant is:
1. Nexus 7 price point
2. Love for Sony, Xperia Tablet coming
3. M'soft Surface, if priced well hell yeahh...
sent from seXperia S

xperiax10.awesome said:
To the owners, Is Note 10.1 worth buying?
Coming from SONY TABLET S !!!
Really didnt enjoyed good android experience on any of the tablets, do would u rate Note 10.1?
sent from seXperia S
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Click to collapse
Since we bought it I would say we thought it was worth buying. I think the real question is do you think it is worth buying? That depends on what you plan to use it for.

Hell yes its worth buying to me. I would rate it a solid 8.75-9.0

I'm on a flight from Portland to Dallas writing this. I have the Note in portrait mode in multview connected to GoGo Wi-Fi. In the lower panel I have XDA open in a browser window and am watching a movie in the upper panel. No lag, no hiccups, pretty amazing.Try doing that on any other tablet. The guy sitting next to me (who's an ass) has an iPad and I can see him looking out of the corner of his eye in amazement. The more I use the Note the more impressed I am.

I am coming from TFP and it worth every penny.

Sony to Samsung
I was in the exact same boat as the OP. I had (still have) the Sony tablet and upgraded to the Samsung. Final verdict - Mixed bag.
The samsung is immediately and obviously faster than the Sony. The screen is of course slightly larger as is the tablet in general. The one thing you will be blown away by coming from the sony is the audio on the Note. The speakers are loud and placed directly on the front of the unit. I don't know if you are one of the people effected by the low audio problems with the Sony, but if you were you will be smiling from ear to ear.
As for all other aspects, the wifi signal strength is much improved, but the screen will be a mixed bag as well. While it is brighter, it will at first appear less crisp since it is essentially the same resolution of the Sony, but the Sony had those pixels squeezed into a smaller screen, so they were higher density. Does this cause any problems? Not in the least. The screen is still bright, crisp and easily viewed from a wide angle. I have read that Samsung "tweaked" the screen somehow so that it was not the same as every other screen out there in this resolution, and if so...it shows. Text is not as sharp as on the higher definition screens or the iPad, but it is sharper than it was on the Sony.
Web browsing is LEAGUES better than it was on the sony, and the apps that support the sPen are generally pretty decent. If you are using this for a multimedia device or games...look no further. The benchmarks for this tablet in those area are awesome. If you are a graphics artist or dabble in those things, the included photoshop is good, and I imagine will only get better with the first Samsung and Adobe updates.
Now the downsides...first, for the price, the screen really should have been better...but as I said, it's nowhere near being bad. The back of the unit is shiny plastic, so it's a fingerprint magnet...but it's upside is that since it's plastic, it has stronger wifi reception and gps. The pen that is included does NOT have the eraser you may have seen in some videos, but it does tuck away into the unit nicely and comes with several spare tips and a few varieties of them.
The biggest downside...and honestly for me it's 50/50. I started using my sony as a universal remote for every device in my home. The Samsung has such a remote, and in theory it should be FAR FAR better than the one on the sony....BUT...it only worked for the fist 30 minutes I set it up and never again. I searched online and only read more horror stories about that software (not the hardware...the note itself has no issues with its IR transmitter...only the included program). I updated the software and tried a thousand ways to fix this...but no joy. The built in software is supposed to not only control devices, but provide a visual guide of all the shows on TV, information about them, and learn your preferences much like a TIVO, but once it starts developing issues, they never seem to go away. But as with everything, YMMV, so take that with a grain of salt. I use ATT Uverse as my provider, so it may just be issues with them (although that would not seem to be the case online).
To sum it all up, I am happy with the purchase. At the moment, Amazon has a deal going on the 32GB version that is only $528 I believe, as opposed to the $549. The company providing it charges no taxes and only $8 shipping, so that's a HUGE savings. Would I purchase the unit again? Without hesitation. I picked mine up on the first day it was available, and only the 16gb version was available. I am planning on returning the 16gb and picking up the 32gb. So not only would I buy it again, but...I really am buying it again! LOL.
Hope that helped a little. If you have any questions, fire away

Totally
I had the tf300 and its not even close. The s pen is so useful and the software is much better than my last one. Highly recommended. I have not tried the tf700, but if outed like the tf300 this is the tab to beat.

As you already have a Sony tablet, I wouldn't buy the Note right now. Sony has their second attempt, Xperia Tablet, expected next month.
Wait and see how that plays out.

Hmmm, even the reviews are not very impressive considering the price tag..
sent from seXperia S

*Omnipresent* said:
Hell yes its worth buying to me. I would rate it a solid 8.75-9.0
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I really like my Note. IMO, If you're buying it for some reason other than the active digitzer + stylus combo, you've probably bought it for the wrong reason. If you buy this tablet, you're buying it for productivity.
I took mine with me to class today, was able to write some very solid looking notes quickly and easily, while simultaneously recording audio. It has a few cons, like the cameras occasionally being terrible, and the back being made of what feels like a cheap plastic, but as far as I'm concerned the pros (digitizer + stylus, side-by-side app viewing, quad-core Exynos beast + 2GB RAM for multitasking) outweigh the cons by far.
Hell, the only reason I ever bought either the iPad or iPad2 was that I had this hope that I could somehow find a good, accurate stylus that would let me take notes in class and ditch my paper-and-pen notebook. With the Note 10.1, I've found that tablet. I already love it more than I ever loved my iPad(s).
Did I mention it's great for note taking?! :silly:

Many of us bought this for the pen. In this aspect it's peerless. Combined with this, it's also very good in most other ways.
People are complaining that it should have a higher resolution screen, I disagree. Reason: My eyesight isn't all that great, and to me the difference is minimal, and I would rather have the quad horsepower dedicated to the pen, and other functions rather than screen real estate.
In a year or so, the higher resolution tablets will be standard, but until then i'd rather have it this way.
Whatever. :laugh: The point is: this tablet is fairly perfect for what I wanted: A pen interface, in the iPad/Galaxy format.

xperiax10.awesome said:
Hmmm, even the reviews are not very impressive considering the price tag..
sent from seXperia S
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I think it's really interesting how the "professional" reviews don't match up at all with the real world hands-on experiences of the people on the forums. The way I see it, I don't even bother with reading reviews anymore when you can get much more thorough and unbiased reviews from the good folks here on XDA.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

NessLookAlike said:
I really like my Note. IMO, If you're buying it for some reason other than the active digitzer + stylus combo, you've probably bought it for the wrong reason. If you buy this tablet, you're buying it for productivity.
I took mine with me to class today, was able to write some very solid looking notes quickly and easily, while simultaneously recording audio. It has a few cons, like the cameras occasionally being terrible, and the back being made of what feels like a cheap plastic, but as far as I'm concerned the pros (digitizer + stylus, side-by-side app viewing, quad-core Exynos beast + 2GB RAM for multitasking) outweigh the cons by far.
Hell, the only reason I ever bought either the iPad or iPad2 was that I had this hope that I could somehow find a good, accurate stylus that would let me take notes in class and ditch my paper-and-pen notebook. With the Note 10.1, I've found that tablet. I already love it more than I ever loved my iPad(s).
Did I mention it's great for note taking?! :silly:
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I'm considering the upgrade of my tab10.1 to the note to use it taking notes in my classes as well. How the palm rejection works when you touch the screen with the hand who is writing? And, maybe it is the response at the first question as well, can i disable all the touch input excepting the active digitalizer of the s-pen? It would be perfect to me in that case :cyclops:

aNard said:
I'm considering the upgrade of my tab10.1 to the note to use it taking notes in my classes as well. How the palm rejection works when you touch the screen with the hand who is writing? And, maybe it is the response at the first question as well, can i disable all the touch input excepting the active digitalizer of the s-pen? It would be perfect to me in that case :cyclops:
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Click to collapse
Palm rejection is perfect, at least in the S Memo app that comes stock with the Note. Until other market apps are updated to support the Note, S Memi will probably be the one or two apps you'll want to use to take notes.. but it really is perfect. The app itself has a few quirks, but I'm sure they'll be ironed out over time. This morning when I was taking notes, it felt weird to leave my hand resting on the screen, and I was concerned my palm would get lots of grease on the screen -- but nope, everything was fine! It takes maybe 5 minutes to get used to. And yes, you can disable all touch input except the digitizer. There's a button for it in the note-taking app.
It really is that good for taking notes.

Thank you, I think you've settled the final word over my tablet upgrade with that post and your reassurances
Inviato dal mio Galaxy Nexus con Tapatalk 2

I didn't buy this for the pen.. I bought it cause it has the most powerful processor you can get in a tablet.
And that should last me quite awhile.

What is striking me as wierd is the mixture of reviews for the Note 10.1.
Gizmodo absolutely ripped into it and recommended against purchasing it while others seem to love it.

i the verge and gizmodo married they would make a new website called
ibiased.com
period.

It really comes down to what you want it for. I feel pretty sure they went with a less dense screen to improve speed, especially with the pen.
Browsing on this is as fast as with my laptop on Ethernet.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2

habs101 said:
i the verge and gizmodo married they would make a new website called
ibiased.com
period.
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Click to collapse
Agreed, cant they put their apple fanboy status aside.
Walt Mossberg I felt gave the note a very fair review. Given that he is an apple fanboy my opinion of him is even greater because the review was very objective.

The Tablet You Should Buy (at least Consider...)

I'm pretty savvy when it comes to technological purchases - Unfortunately, I am also WAY TOO anal when it comes to my devices and I like them to look, act, respond, and treat me right...Anyway, over the past several weeks, I have been incredibly torn about which new 10" tablet to purchase and would like to share my journey - Slightly condensed...
It all started with my giving away my beloved XOOM to a close friend - He needed a tablet, limited funds, does a ton of sh*t for me, so off it went - The XOOM Wi-Fi was perfect - A bit heavy? Yes. Kind of outdated with its dual core? Sure. Nevertheless, the screen was crisp, no light bleed, never rebooted itself, and only froze once in 6 months - Not bad.
I needed to buy a new tablet....
Seeing as the XOOM (essentially) isn't for sale, at least mainstream-like, anymore, I first tried....
The ASUS TF700T Infinity - Not bad (internally) but the QC over at ASUS must truly suck! Light bleed around all four corners and 2 sides at the main boot screen, a slight "squeak/creak" when the screen was depressed too firmly, you get the picture. It was fast (enough) for a quad core CPU running ICS, but I found the ASUS tweaks of the FW boring and, coupled with the QC horrors, it went back. I actually exchanged the unit for another, unopened TF700T in the hopes I just got a bad member of some ill-fated batch. WRONG! Number 2 was number 2. Screen/light bleed was actually worse and the screen rippled if I pressed the back of the stupid thing. Well, I have given up on the TF700T and, sorry to say, ASUS as a brand.
Second up was the SONY Xperia Tablet S - Not bad at all - Nice screen, cool tweaked FW out of the box, quad-core, etc., etc., etc. Only slight bleed from 2 corners while I watched a movie but wasn't too bad (even for someone as scrutinizing as myself). But, if you're like me, you NEED a screen protector. You NEED a nice case. So off to Amazon I went and ordered 3 cases, knowing I would return the 2 I decided against. I swear to you all - each case forced me to remove the unit from said case for charging. Nuts! I also started to hate the SONY "water-resistance" covers that I had to pry off to charge the thing (don't bite your nails) and change the full size memory card - The full size memory card was just kind of weird in and of itself...Anyway, while none of this is really SONY's fault (and I DO like their products), back it went along with the other accessories - Oh yeah, maybe it's me (doubtful though) but I could not get a quality screen protector on it to save my life - Bubbles galore!
A week went by....
Still no tablet....
Then I was fuc*i%g around with my Galaxy S II, a phone I have enjoyed for almost eight months and one that has NEVER given me the slightest problem whatsoever and I "remembered"....Hey man! Samsung makes tablets! Right? Hell yeah, they do, and a quick trip to my local BB introduced me to the G-Tab 2 7 and the Note 10.1. I LOVED the price of the 7" tab ($249) but really wanted to stick with a 10" screen. I fiddled with the note and was in love - Not with the $499 tag, but it all looked so damn cool (in the store). Well...Yes. I bought it, Amazon(ed) screen shields and a case from MoKo and off to the races...Again. But, now, with the S-Pen!
First, I was able to find a TON of accessories for the thing from screen protectors to cases. I ordered a 3-pack of the Acase anti-glare shields and the MoKo PU Leather stand case - Admittedly, I screwed up 2 of these protectors - But it's a 3-pack so I had one more shot. With a little more time taken, Scotch tape and compressed air, I got the perfectly cut third one on 100% - And YES! The S-Pen works perfectly with the shield in place. trust me!
Then I slid it into the thoughtfully crafted and well-designed case from MoKo/Amazon and was pleased to see that I didn't even have to open the magnetic flip cover to charge it - AWESOME!
Now...I needed to turn it on (after inserting a nice Class 10 16GB card of course)
Guess what? Screen boots with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 text in white on a PITCH BLACK screen. yeah - It's black, like it should be. There isn't any light introducing from the corners nor ghostly images emanating from the side. It's just right. Simple, but right.
Like my GS2, it booted past the initial screen quickly and set-up was smooth sailing - An easy root, movie-watching test, quick benchmark (I won by the way) and I knew I had a keeper.
For what it's worth, SAMSUNG continues to earn MY business and will continue to (as long as they keep doing what they do). I don't give a rat's A## what others say is 'acceptable" concerning light bleed, creaking screens, etc. Let's face it. It's NOT acceptable at any level and, for $499 retail, it's also insulting. If one company can do it right, so can another one -
Sorry for rambling and thank me if this helps you buy your next tablet
PS - No! I do not work for nor am I affiliated with SS in ANY way!

I'm happy you found a new tab you like. Samsung GS2 user here as well. My phone is actually being fixed under warranty at the moment...
Anyways, wanted to reflect on my experience as well. After 4 weeks of using GN I plan on sending it back next week. I gave it an honest try but iust couldn't get past lag and stutter. I also tried a 2nd unit which had less lag , which was still there though, but had a less responsive pen. I decided to keep unit 1 hoping I can live with it. It's just too annoying to be dealing with random lag especially considering all the horse power this tab packs, so back it goes. I don't wanna take a chance with my $$$ waiting for JB to see if it fixes the lag.
Someone had said on this forum that there's no android tab out there under 500 with no lag. If so and considering GN specs I think it's gotta be android itself then. Hopefully JB fixes it. I'm gonna try Nexus 7 but don't have much confidence in that reading about all the QC issues. If that doesn't work out I may have to sit back and wait for android on tabs to mature a bit. I might consider larger screen on my next phone if it still not there.
I hope my experience is an isolated case. So enjoy your GN if all is working fine.

When i hear these comments about lag and stutter i just shake my ahead. Absolutely ZERO lag or stutter for me. Tablet is faster than my laptop.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2

There is lag and stutter?
Either you got a faulty tablet or you have loaded up some CPU hogging app.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk 2

@SM05
The issue is not typically Android - it's usually companies like Samsung or HTC or ASUS or whatever that change Android by putting on their "skin" that inevitably slows down and hinders Android. When running vanilla Android on phones and tablets alike, I've never seen lag. ICS, and especially JB, are just speed demons.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

Great review... great story! You gave me the entire visual on that write. Thank you.

Got an S3 and a Note 10.1. Had Tab 10.1 previously. PErfectly happy with all of them.

mitchellvii said:
When i hear these comments about lag and stutter i just shake my ahead. Absolutely ZERO lag or stutter for me. Tablet is faster than my laptop.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2
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Agree with you. Nothing wrong with mine.
O.P. Great review btw
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA Premium HD app

The only slight lag i ever noticed on mine was when changing homescreens with the standard clock/weather widget updating ....once i replaced it with HD widgets the lag disappeared...never noticed any lags in progs ...in fact from my point of view this tab is super fast ))

The only lag I have noticed is when trying to type in a website based forum. However I think that is more due to the websites slow servers than the tablet. Typing in Tapapalk is very responsive.
I just wish more of my favorite blogs used Tapatalk.
Good idea for an app. Make an app which allows a user to type into a pop up text box and when done, sends the text all at once to the blog text box.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

mitchellvii said:
Good idea for an app. Make an app which allows a user to type into a pop up text box and when done, sends the text all at once to the blog text box.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
That's what Windows tablets do. It's called the Tablet Input Panel (TIP). One can make corrections and edit with pen strokes before committing the text to the text box.

mitchellvii said:
The only lag I have noticed is when trying to type in a website based forum. However I think that is more due to the websites slow servers than the tablet. Typing in Tapapalk is very responsive.
I just wish more of my favorite blogs used Tapatalk.
Good idea for an app. Make an app which allows a user to type into a pop up text box and when done, sends the text all at once to the blog text box.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its called copy and pastenlol
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda app-developers app

TonyBigs said:
That's what Windows tablets do. It's called the Tablet Input Panel (TIP). One can make corrections and edit with pen strokes before committing the text to the text box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good idea. Will have go suggest that to Samsung.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

dr.m0x said:
There is lag and stutter?
Either you got a faulty tablet or you have loaded up some CPU hogging app.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
There is in my case. Both tabs had it. I cannot imagine getting 2 "faulty" units in a row. Forgot to mention thst the 2nd unit creaked like crazy, which was another reason I decided to keep the 1st one, til now that is.
I install apps very conservatively. Been actually running the similar set of apps on my GS2 with no issues, on a custom GB rom to be fair though. Ftr, I've got: adobe reader, flash, kindle, color note, crackle, dropbox, engaged, imdb, skies air, shazam, stocks, timeriffic, weather channel, USA today + a few Google apps. Nothing fancy and nothing crazy running in the background. Home screen has 2 pages, Main 1 with 2 widgets like weather for instance, which is set to not periodically refresh and 1 more widget on another page. Some stutter occurs while scrolling in settings app for example and sadly is noticeable even after a full reset.
So it's gotta be a software problem, ie either android on tabs or Samsung's version of it. I simply don't see how such a high end specs and quality wise hardware could be a culprit. And assuming that's the case it can then be fixed. I hope GN will get better for the rest of you and ones with a similar problems. Enjoy your tab.

I enjoyed reading this article. Before purchasing my Note 10.1, I was a firm antagonist of tablets in general. I have a phone; I have a computer; why would I need some awkward middle device that lacked the power if a computer and the functionality of a phone? It wasn't until I was limited to my computer screen (which is a 50" tv in a room with no desk) when doing homework, due to my books being digital, that I knew I needed portability, and a phone is just way too small. I was holding out for a Surface device, but then saw the Note 10.1. After much debate (with the final justification being the price of school books being similar to the cost of this device, AND it would save me much money on paper, pencils and such) I ordered the Note 10.1 on amazon.
It wasn't available for demo in any local stores, so I played around with similar tablets, like the transformer. I was disappointed with the lag and the freezing, which worried me. I realised that that were demo units, so held my final verdict for my new Note when it arrived
Once I received it, I was blown away. Aside from the folder bug, it was flawless ( Samsung quickly came out with a small update ota to fix it within a day or two! ). It ran way fast, had an operational screen time 10 hours on a single charge with heavy use, and was feature rich. Best of all, this was all without any kind of root. Suffice to say, I kept it. Not only has it almost replaced my computer (still need it for Borderlands 2) but I barely use my phone anymore as well. You can now officially call me an android tablet advocate, with the Note 10.1 being my first recommendation.

I also have an iPad 2 which is really nice. But the Note is actually better in most ways. It's faster, and has a really good OEM case, something the iPad lacks, even though I have a very nice case for it (cases are important I think).
Anyway, it's the pen that trumps the iPad.
Got to Love Wacom.
I think i'll buy the LTE version if it ever shows up.

Thanks for a nice post on your experience, good to see others are enjoying their GN.
I've gotta also post a response here because I had to say that the performance of my GN is flawless, it is quite amazing how fast and smooth it is - I never expected it to be this good, as they should all be for that matter.
I was so close to ordering a TF700 but decided to wait for a GN.

Your galaxy note 10.1 2014 edition experience - pro's and con's

Hello I created this thread to share each of our thoughts, opinions, and feelings about the device so far.
I'll start.
Pro's
So far I really like this device. The screen display is the best I've seen so far.
One of the best features is multi tasking. The screen size makes perfect sense for doing so compared smartphones.
The main reason I ordered this tablet is because of college. Reading articles and textbooks are great due to 1080p display and it's pixels per inch.
My magazine/flipboard is a great integration into touchwiz ui even thought it feels laggy at first.
Con's
Though this is branded as a high spec device, I did notice some minor lag which doesn't bother me to much. But for a high end device and it's asking price, it's unexceptional!
Missing certain note 3 features like nfc, usb3.0
Physical buttons personally isn't the best idea. When I use this device in portrait mode, my fingers sometimes might hit them.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

Anyone want to share your impressions and experience about the device so far?
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

Pros
- SPen
- Multi Windows Feature
- Hardwarekeys
Cons
- very hot around the camera (in Potrait Mode its to warm for me, on the other side is the home button)
- lags are often (Chrome, Firefox extremly. other Browser ok but not for a tablet for this price)

Agree almost entirely with op. Hopefully custom toms get rid of lag.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

I'm coming from the TF700, so I'm in heaven.
My pro's, beside not having extreme lag like my Infinity, are the screen and, also, the feel. The TF700 used to dig into my hands when I was holding it between my thumb and forefinger. This device is smoother on my fingers; when I hold the device in the same way, the device doesn't cut into my hands.
My cons are basically using Touchwiz (this is my first Sammy-d, so I have to become adjusted and figure out where to go to adjust settings and what-not. I also don't care for the physical buttons, because I'm constantly changing from portrait to landscape, and vice-verse.
But, overall...I'm very happy; I'll put up with the little things as long as I have a tablet that will do what I tell it to do, instead of waiting for an eternity.
:laugh:

Pros: screen is awesome. S pen seems better than original, stock video player does better job with media server
Con's: Listening to all the people who probably do not even own the device talk about lag!
I propose that you have to prove ownership of note 2014 to post a complaint about lag AND show video proof.

Oh yeah!? Well....... I say anybody NOT having lag should also prove it with video and at least two ghost apparition sightings. It IS nearing Halloween

Just to let you know the resolution is higher than 1080P.
I agree with Most of your list though
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk 4

Pros:
-Display (as everyone has already mentioned).
-Design is sleek and much more comfortable and easy to handle than the previous model. I love the hard buttons and it works well with me. One issue I have heard about though is that the main menu button isn't receded so sometimes when pressure is applied to a case around that area it will wake up the tablet. As I don't have a case yet I can't confirm that this is an issue, but I believe just be running my finger over the button.
-S Pen (for the most part)
-And despite what many have said this thing is generally very fast. It's only within some applications that it gets a little laggy and I'm hoping that this will improve with software updates.
Cons:
-Mainly the software. I hate the new S Note. So much in fact, that I purchased Lecture Notes without having received my galaxy perks (which I"m still waiting on actually). Also I was a little disappointed that the air command wasn't customizable as I had heard it would be (or maybe I just haven't figured out how to do that yet). Taking screen shots with the lasso and s-button seems slower than it was in the older model, but I love that there are more options to shape the outline more cleanly.I'd also really love to be able to uninstall or disable some of the bloatware, like mymagazines. I'm sure it's a great app, but I personally have no need for it.
-There are hardly any accessories out for this baby yet. I'd feel a lot more comfortable with a case.
-The back of the tablet gets a little warm, but not so warm to the point where I'd be concerned about it. I've had laptops that would get uncomfortably hot so maybe I've just been desensitized to this issue.
And the biggest problem I've had with this thing... the thing that has actually made me consider returning it is the customer service. I have not gotten my perks yet and contacted them several times only to get the run around. Each time I called back I found out that they had taken my information incorrectly and I honestly feel like they were toying with me. I spoke with one rep who seems more genuine than the others and said I should get them by Thursday so I'm holding out hope. There is no way I'll take this thing back, but if I dont' get my perks I may reach out to a friend who works for samsung in Korea. It'd be an awkward convo though cause I haven't spoken to the guy in years.... 대한민국!

May be off topic (I am not writing a review) but I think 'lag' in general on this device is unacceptable. If you're advertising a powerhouse piece of technology and it stutters in an internet browser then something is wrong. Using a different launcher to reduce 'lag' is also unacceptable as it shouldn't even be there in the first place! Hopefully new firmware irons out the kinks (I'm sure the lag isn't tablet-related as it just needs some optimization)

rushless said:
Oh yeah!? Well....... I say anybody NOT having lag should also prove it with video and at least two ghost apparition sightings. It IS nearing Halloween
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As someone with both the this device and an HTC one, I can say that the note certainly lags more. It's not something that's major, but it's certainly noticeable if your coming from something smoother.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk 4

rushless said:
Oh yeah!? Well....... I say anybody NOT having lag should also prove it with video and at least two ghost apparition sightings. It IS nearing Halloween
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recorded a video on my crappy iphone, but i can't transfer it and i refuse to install that memory hog of crap itunes to get to it. I should be getting a note 2 in the next couple of weeks so i'll take a video then. is there anything in particular that you wanted me to do on it?
I admittedly dont' do too much on it besides browsing and taking notes. The worst I've seen the lag is when I have a webbroswer open and I'm writing in lecture notes. the writing shows up a second after i've written something and that is a bit annoying. Over all though I think people are being too critical of the lag. It's not so bad that it's keeping me from working on it (with the exception of using split screen between lecture notes and the default browser.
Besides for this tablet it's all about the s pen. if it wasn't for that i wouldn't have bothered with a tablet at all. I think smart phones are good for when you're on the move and if i'm going to sit down to watch a movie or do some gaming... well that's what i've got my laptop for. I don't live in a big city with good public transportation, but i could easily see myself just using my phone to watch a movie on a train or bus. I wouldn't bring out a tablet for that even if I owned one.

Sitting next to my rooted S3 running AOSP 4.3 it's a bit laggier. That's undeniable, IMO, and I'd argue that it's because of Samsung's bloated OS additions. It's not a device problem, I don't think.
However... I could not possibly care less. It's attractive, feels AMAZING in the hands (why is everyone complaining about the back?? I don't even want a case!!), the speakers are burly, the screen is superb, the stylus with the art apps can make stuff that looks like it was tone with a Wacom tablet, the cameras are SURPRISINGLY solid, it multi-tasks more like a PC than any tablet I've ever seen, and it's just... a joy to use.

gina$zanboti said:
I recorded a video on my crappy iphone, but i can't transfer it and i refuse to install that memory hog of crap itunes to get to it. I should be getting a note 2 in the next couple of weeks so i'll take a video then. is there anything in particular that you wanted me to do on it?
I admittedly dont' do too much on it besides browsing and taking notes. The worst I've seen the lag is when I have a webbroswer open and I'm writing in lecture notes. the writing shows up a second after i've written something and that is a bit annoying. Over all though I think people are being too critical of the lag. It's not so bad that it's keeping me from working on it (with the exception of using split screen between lecture notes and the default browser.
Besides for this tablet it's all about the s pen. if it wasn't for that i wouldn't have bothered with a tablet at all. I think smart phones are good for when you're on the move and if i'm going to sit down to watch a movie or do some gaming... well that's what i've got my laptop for. I don't live in a big city with good public transportation, but i could easily see myself just using my phone to watch a movie on a train or bus. I wouldn't bring out a tablet for that even if I owned one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems a lot of us sometimes forget the TRUE bottleneck of Android: The byte code Dalvik layer. This type of coding is not exactly multithread friendly and IMO seems amazing as good as the current passive cooled chipsets can do what they already do. Case in point, I never would have thought back in the G1 days emulators would be as efficient (MAME, PSX, PSP, N64). Then again, those apps are designed to not be multi-tasked.
IMO the issue is not as much the hardware or OE rom, but the platform itself as far as having global impact to software. iOS is not much better and ALSO lags. Such is the price of balance: Platform security (iOS andDalvik constraints), passive cooled devices, battery efficiency, etc.

Pros: Beautiful screen
feel and weight in your hand (compared to the previous version - which wasn't bad either)
S-Pen is less laggy and the finer screen allows for more precise writing/drawing
Cons: S-Note. I want the old version back.
Physical buttons. I really miss the natural "awareness" of where they are as compared to the old one where they were always at the
bottom of the screen.
Battery life isn't as nice as the first (alot more pixels to push I guess)
Lack of accessories (I'd really like a case)
Lack of root. I REALLY miss the 'add anything' multiwindow support'
I've waited a long time for a note 10.1 with this resolution but I'm considering returning it

I returned mine to BB. For a high end device and the associated high price I didn't find the performance acceptable. Hoping for this or that doesn't cut it for me. If it doesn't perform up to expectations out of the box, it goes back. I'll keep using my better performing Nexus 10 until version 2 of that device comes out.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app

Count me among the disappointed... I got mine on launch day, and it's slower than last year's note 10.1.
New S Note is inexplicable.
Occasionally it hangs up and is unresponsive for at least a minute. (Happened in my beloved Lecturenotes as well as others)
Try this for a demo of the lag, I use LectureNotes with double tap zoom mode... open a note, double tap to enable zooming, pinch to zoom to 200%. Now double tap again to zoom back to 100% and watch it stutter. You can keep double tapping to switch between 100% and 200% and see the terrible lag. Do the same on last year's note 10.1 to compare.
It's not good enough. I expected this to be an upgrade!
I love the display, I love the more compact form factor, and I'll get used to the new buttons eventually.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app

BigStuart said:
Count me among the disappointed... I got mine on launch day, and it's slower than last year's note 10.1.
New S Note is inexplicable.
Occasionally it hangs up and is unresponsive for at least a minute. (Happened in my beloved Lecturenotes as well as others)
Try this for a demo of the lag, I use LectureNotes with double tap zoom mode... open a note, double tap to enable zooming, pinch to zoom to 200%. Now double tap again to zoom back to 100% and watch it stutter. You can keep double tapping to switch between 100% and 200% and see the terrible lag. Do the same on last year's note 10.1 to compare.
It's not good enough. I expected this to be an upgrade!
I love the display, I love the more compact form factor, and I'll get used to the new buttons eventually.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Key words: launch day. I know it's ****ty that a new device gets rolled out with imperfect software, but that's what this is. An update or two and this will be perfect. The 10.1, by the time we all upgraded, had a lot of updates to it that ironed out its issues.

SomeGuyDude said:
Key words: launch day. I know it's ****ty that a new device gets rolled out with imperfect software, but that's what this is. An update or two and this will be perfect. The 10.1, by the time we all upgraded, had a lot of updates to it that ironed out its issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're probably right, but it's shameful that the new note is slower than the old one, launch day or not.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app

BigStuart said:
You're probably right, but it's shameful that the new note is slower than the old one, launch day or not.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a few culprits here.
1) Software just plain isn't optimized for all the cores. Think about the tech advances from the old G1 to now. Are our devices now as much faster, proportionally speaking, as they are more powerful? Not by a long shot.
2) Was the launch day 10.1 2012 faster? I don't think. But that goes back to what I said earlier.
3) I feel like the new OS is just bloated as all hell. The device isn't slower, the burly Touchwiz is. It's like getting a brand new laptop and it takes longer to start: the PC isn't the problem, it's the new Windows.

Need non samsung biased opinion. SGN 10.1 2014 or IPAD AIR

Hey guys...im thinking its time to get a tablet. My choices are between the above 2. Now i know what each can do and what each cant do and who is better at doing it. Im leading towards the Sammy. But im worried about lag...i hate it and feel in todays world with techkno there shouldnt be any. I have the gs4 and its a great phone but its lag makes me wish i went with the htc one. Ive never had an apple product always strictly google. I do NOT root so im not looking for an answer as to JUST ROOT IT. Is there enough lag to make one shy towards the ipad air?

No
---------- Post added at 05:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:07 PM ----------
I mean, sometimes you can feel a little bit of lag but it's not annoying. By far the android tablet with less lag. If you think a little bit of lag can annoy you, go iPad.
That being said, you don't need to be root to disable the bloatware and boost your tablet.

skillzo1 said:
But im worried about lag...i hate it and feel in todays world with techkno there shouldnt be any. I have the gs4 and its a great phone but its lag makes me wish i went with the htc one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the SGS4's performance bothered you the N10.1-14's will too. The N10.1-14 has a faster and more powerful CPU/GPU and an additional 1GB of RAM but all the additional Note-series features consume a ton of resources; even in the background with open threads in anticipation of being called. My N10.1-14 is not as fluid as my N3 running the exact same apps, syncs, and configuration. The N10.1-14 has a 10.1" display pushing 299 PPI while my N3 has a 5.7" display pushing 388 PPI. That's a hell of a lot of additional load for the N10.1-14 to carry using the same h/w as the N3.
Now i know what each can do and what each cant do and who is better at doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you know the main reason (outside the app and content freedom of Android) to get the N10.1-14 over an iPad is its unique productivity and creation tools a lot of which are centered around S Pen. If those things matter the occasional millisecond of transition lag won't bother you. If you're all about consumption buy the iPad. I still recommend it to my non-Geek friends who could care less about productivity or freedom and are more interested in getting content spoon fed to them, checking Facebook, and sending e-mail.

BarryH_GEG said:
If the SGS4's performance bothered you the N10.1-14's will too. The N10.1-14 has a faster and more powerful CPU/GPU and an additional 1GB of RAM but all the additional Note-series features consume a ton of resources; even in the background with open threads in anticipation of being called. My N10.1-14 is not as fluid as my N3 running the exact same apps, syncs, and configuration. The N10.1-14 has a 10.1" display pushing 299 PPI while my N3 has a 5.7" display pushing 388 PPI. That's a hell of a lot of additional load for the N10.1-14 to carry using the same h/w as the N3.
Then you know the main reason (outside the app and content freedom of Android) to get the N10.1-14 over an iPad is its unique productivity and creation tools a lot of which are centered around S Pen. If those things matter the occasional millisecond of transition lag won't bother you. If you're all about consumption buy the iPad. I still recommend it to my non-Geek friends who could care less about productivity or freedom and are more interested in getting content spoon fed to them, checking Facebook, and sending e-mail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I def like the freedom of android and the S pen features. Love the screen display and multiwindow. I just dont know with the lag. It just irks me. I hit an app...i dont want to wait for it to open...i dont want it to be all glichey. It shouldnt happen...not with these specs. I look at apple and just appreciate how smooth it is but then the SGN just has more overall. Even though i will never use most of them like smart stay and stuff and i turn most things off it still will lag like my gs4. I also have my animations off and yes it still lags...it is such a turn off. Like a super model with jacked up feet.

skillzo1 said:
I def like the freedom of android and the S pen features. Love the screen display and multiwindow. I just dont know with the lag. It just irks me. I hit an app...i dont want to wait for it to open...i dont want it to be all glichey. It shouldnt happen...not with these specs. I look at apple and just appreciate how smooth it is but then the SGN just has more overall. Even though i will never use most of them like smart stay and stuff and i turn most things off it still will lag like my gs4. I also have my animations off and yes it still lags...it is such a turn off. Like a super model with jacked up feet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're asking the wrong forums if you want an unbiased opinion. But In my experience, I've had the GS4 and GN 10.1 2014 and neither of them lag for me. The only place where there may be slight lag is the home screen and you could always just change the launcher to nova or something else. My GN10.1 is not rooted and has little to no lag unless theres a poorly programmed app or if its installing an app in the background. But iOS also has its share of poor apps but the iOS system is better at hiding glitches from users and closes the apps rather than giving you a force close popup.

A search would have produced what you needed. The Sammy does sometimes lag. Get an iPad.
Steve

You can always buy both and return the one you like the less.

swaggerjacker said:
A search would have produced what you needed. The Sammy does sometimes lag. Get an iPad.
Steve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine never lags
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Why not just read the Pro's and Con's thread?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2482756

I have both SGN 10.1 2014 and an iPad. I actually think that the iPad has lag with iOS7, due to the transition animations (noting they effect all applications). The only issue that I have with the SGN 10. 2014 is the wake up responsiveness - sometimes immediate, other times (from deep sleep) can be 1-2 seconds. Note that I don't use TouchWiz, and have used both Nova and Action Luancher.
My suggestion is that lag isn't the differentiator in your decision.

Thanks for the replies everyone. This is what im looking for. I have read other threads and watched many videos on both. Im going to have to play with both. Maybe buy both like someone mentioned and return the one i least like. But i dont wanna get hit with a restocking fee.

Amazon is the way to go. No restocking fee.

I have the GN 10.1 2014 and my wife has the ipad air. I don't notice much difference in lag but the ipad is definitely much smoother. I think you won't go wrong either way but if a stutter free experience is really important to you, you might be more comfortable with the ipad, especially if the GS4 seems laggy to you.

skillzo1 said:
Hey guys...im thinking its time to get a tablet. My choices are between the above 2. Now i know what each can do and what each cant do and who is better at doing it. Im leading towards the Sammy. But im worried about lag...i hate it and feel in todays world with techkno there shouldnt be any. I have the gs4 and its a great phone but its lag makes me wish i went with the htc one. Ive never had an apple product always strictly google. I do NOT root so im not looking for an answer as to JUST ROOT IT. Is there enough lag to make one shy towards the ipad air?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both tablets are great. Note has the S-pen, while IPad may be more sleek. Again, as I always say, Android is far more customizable than IOS, but if u like the simplicity, go for IPad. Good luck!
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. replies with quotes will be replied to faster.

well I'm replying on the 10.1 2014 right now I decided to go ahead and give it a chance. I have to January 15th to bring it back to Best Buy no restocking fee. So far i notice a little lag but im loving customizing it...and the screen is just gorgous.

Good choice! Root, tarp and clean room if you keep it
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

I had the same problem few days ago, I finally decided to sell my new GN 10.1 and go for the older GN 8.0 which has the best of the two worlds, Openness and s pen of the GN 10.1 and smoothness and lightness of iPad air, all for half the price .. yeah

I have both the 10.1 '14 and the Air. I prefer the note because of the android ecosystem, and we kept the Air for my wife. She absolutely loves it.
you can't beat the Air for build quality and smoothness, but the 10.1 is much more usable to me.
I say buy both.

Kimo377 said:
I had the same problem few days ago, I finally decided to sell my new GN 10.1 and go for the older GN 8.0 which has the best of the two worlds, Openness and s pen of the GN 10.1 and smoothness and lightness of iPad air, all for half the price .. yeah
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And a PPI of 189 which is 37% less than the N10.1-14. The display on the N10.1-14 is its biggest selling point. For people who can live without S Pen the LG G Pad 8.3 has 273 PPI, a larger display than the Note 8, costs less, and even comes in a GPe version for the lag freaks.

I own both, and it all boils down to user preference really. They Note is a great tablet that allows for tons of customization. Yes, stock it has lag. The iPad Air is a great tablet as well though, if you just want to turn it on and use it.
Spend some time using both and you will quickly come to a decision.

Do not upgrade to Tab S3!

Folks if you are thinking of upgrading to the Tab S3: do not do it, it has a massive power drain bug that is likely a hardware issue at this point:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s3/how-to/wifi-power-drain-bug-please-report-to-t3624872
I miss my good old S2.

Wouldn't touch it - don't like the available sizes. Happy with my 8" Tab S2.

...........
I wasn't interested in it either. The breakable glass back totally turned me off, as well as the unimpressive processor. I don't think Samsung put the proper effort into it, except for designing the price tag, and my two Tab S2's are going good, and if the screen didn't break my older Google Nexus 7 would be too. What I have been ogling is the new Ipad Pro 12 or 10, tho I never owned an Apple product before.

penguinjoe said:
Wouldn't touch it - don't like the available sizes. Happy with my 8" Tab S2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree penguin. Battery isn't great, but ergonomically, the 8" is the best tablet you can get. You can hold this for ages and your wrist doesn't get tired.

Masteryates said:
Totally agree penguin. Battery isn't great, but ergonomically, the 8" is the best tablet you can get. You can hold this for ages and your wrist doesn't get tired.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have two Tab S2's, the 8 and the 9.7. For my purposes I now prefer the 9.7. The easiest to hold tho was my old Google Nexus 7, even though it was heavier it was narrower and my hand could grip it.

Bullwinkle J. Moose said:
I have two Tab S2's, the 8 and the 9.7. For my purposes I now prefer the 9.7. The easiest to hold tho was my old Google Nexus 7, even though it was heavier it was narrower and my hand could grip it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that you could get your hand around a Nexus 7 but that was at the expense of screen. On websites, this was a pain. That's why I think the Tab S2 8" is the best of both worlds.

Masteryates said:
I agree that you could get your hand around a Nexus 7 but that was at the expense of screen. On websites, this was a pain. That's why I think the Tab S2 8" is the best of both worlds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both the gen 1 and gen 2 Nexus 7's and agree that while the size was nice for gripping, I much prefer the additional real estate and general quality of the 8" S2 display. I use a Moko case that has a handle to facilitate holding the S2 - I don't have big hands and I also kept hitting the screen with my fingers and palm when holding with one hand.

sparksd said:
I have both the gen 1 and gen 2 Nexus 7's and agree that while the size was nice for gripping, I much prefer the additional real estate and general quality of the 8" S2 display. I use a Moko case that has a handle to facilitate holding the S2 - I don't have big hands and I also kept hitting the screen with my fingers and palm when holding with one hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sparks. I find that because the S2 is so light, I don't need to hold as much of it to feel secure in my hand. I'd say I've medium sized hands. I think the 9.7" version would be a different proposition all together.

...............
sparksd said:
I have both the gen 1 and gen 2 Nexus 7's and agree that while the size was nice for gripping, I much prefer the additional real estate and general quality of the 8" S2 display. I use a Moko case that has a handle to facilitate holding the S2 - I don't have big hands and I also kept hitting the screen with my fingers and palm when holding with one hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, and I like the real estate on the 9.7 even more. I've even been ogling the new 12" Ipad, but like I said I don't even know how to work them. I'll have to look into the Moko case. What I do now is use no case at all except for transport, but a glass shield to protect the screen. Seems to me that the added weight of a case defeats the purpose of these ultralight devices, but a case with a convenient gripping handle might be good...
PS It's a hassle posting on here: "the string you entered for image verification doesn't match"......huh? what string? It just says check box if you're not a robot and I did (and so would a clever robot!)

Bullwinkle J. Moose said:
I agree, and I like the real estate on the 9.7 even more. I've even been ogling the new 12" Ipad, but like I said I don't even know how to work them. I'll have to look into the Moko case. What I do now is use no case at all except for transport, but a glass shield to protect the screen. Seems to me that the added weight of a case defeats the purpose of these ultralight devices, but a case with a convenient gripping handle might be good...
PS It's a hassle posting on here: "the string you entered for image verification doesn't match"......huh? what string? It just says check box if you're not a robot and I did (and so would a clever robot!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two years ago I bought an iPad Air 2 even though I've never been a fan of Apple products - I've had a lot of Android devices and my home PCs/laptops are Windows. But I must admit I am very impressed with the iPad- very polished and very stable. The iOS ecosystem has a lot I don't like - the sandbox approach to file management for one - but a lot of the apps available are extremely well done and sophisticated. Look at "Complete Anatomy" for one - I tried it out of curiosity and didn't buy the full edition but it is absolutely amazing. My doctor saw it and said he wished he had it in med school. My last large Android tablet - an Asus TF700T - was a PoS that I only used for screwing around with custom ROMs; it was pretty but it's performance was terrible. My brother has the 12" iPad and it is very nice and could make a good work machine. But I'm a retired S/W Systems Engineer (started in '71!) so work is foreign to me ...

Sparksd - Was it hard to learn to work the Ipad coming over from Windows and Android? I'm lazy and don't want to put a lot of effort into learning a whole new system...besides I' m already all tuckered out just from reading that 4-letter word you so rudely wrote...eek!...work! I don't see anyone else putting together such a nice tablet as Apple, though.

Bullwinkle J. Moose said:
Sparksd - Was it hard to learn to work the Ipad coming over from Windows and Android? I'm lazy and don't want to put a lot of effort into learning a whole new system...besides I' m already all tuckered out just from reading that 4-letter word you so rudely wrote...eek!...work! I don't see anyone else putting together such a nice tablet as Apple, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was quite easy. In fact, what originally got me interested was when my 94 year-old Mom was given an older iPad by my nephew and she was able to use it on her own. I don't think I would have left her with an Android device or PC. The most difficult aspect to get used to and understand was the iOS file management philosophy but once I read up on it and got a couple of file management apps (FileBrowser, GoodReader, and Documents) I could deal with it.
And apologies for using the word for That Which Should Not be Spoken Of. Retirement is great!

I may give it a try, Spark. If I do I'll buy it at Costco. I'll have 90 days to decide if I want to keep it then. Plus Costco extends the warranty by a year.

To be honest, unless you have an existing investment in Android or Android apps, or have a specific need that Apple doesn't support, the iPads are better tablets. They are built better, work smoother, and have much better battery life over all. I am the lone hold out in my family with a Nexus 7 and a Galaxy Tab S2 (because the N7 is starting to get creaky)
The only issues I get from my family, who are uniformly Apple users, are that printing directly from apps doesn't work right (generally solveable by using the Brother print app), occasionally the bluetooth will glitch and cause the music player to start automatically, and Safari will crash under moderate load. Dolphin generally solves that latter issue, though I'm not sure how. Oh, and there are no obvious ways to block ads outside of the web browser. That's it - really. Otherwise, they love the things. We have upgraded through the iPad 2 to the iPad Air and now my wife is on an iPad Air 2.
Given Google's lack of interest in tablets and tablet software, the only thing keeping me on Android tablets is the fact that I own a lot of Android apps and games for them, and several reasonable firewall and privacy apps are available for it. Obviously, as an XDA member, I tend to prefer a higher level of control and modification of my devices, but if I were suggesting something for a non-technical user, I would point them at the new iPad 5. (unless they want to do art or technical work, then an iPad Pro 9.7")

jshamlet said:
To be honest, unless you have an existing investment in Android or Android apps, or have a specific need that Apple doesn't support, the iPads are better tablets. They are built better, work smoother, and have much better battery life over all. I am the lone hold out in my family with a Nexus 7 and a Galaxy Tab S2 (because the N7 is starting to get creaky)
The only issues I get from my family, who are uniformly Apple users, are that printing directly from apps doesn't work right (generally solveable by using the Brother print app), occasionally the bluetooth will glitch and cause the music player to start automatically, and Safari will crash under moderate load. Dolphin generally solves that latter issue, though I'm not sure how. Oh, and there are no obvious ways to block ads outside of the web browser. That's it - really. Otherwise, they love the things. We have upgraded through the iPad 2 to the iPad Air and now my wife is on an iPad Air 2.
Given Google's lack of interest in tablets and tablet software, the only thing keeping me on Android tablets is the fact that I own a lot of Android apps and games for them, and several reasonable firewall and privacy apps are available for it. Obviously, as an XDA member, I tend to prefer a higher level of control and modification of my devices, but if I were suggesting something for a non-technical user, I would point them at the new iPad 5. (unless they want to do art or technical work, then an iPad Pro 9.7")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with your assessment. I do like the level of control and modification that Android gives but that's the engineer in me who likes to really play around with the settings, ROMs, etc. As a "tablet user" though, give me my Air 2. It just plain works well and as I mentioned earlier, the level of polish and sophistication in a lot of available apps is outstanding. I'll always have Android devices but my next tablet upgrade would be another iPad. The S2 is a big upgrade from my Nexus 7 (and it blows my Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T away) and is fun to use but my Air 2 is a better tablet. And this is from a guy who never thought he would buy an Apple device.

Yeah, I've been deeply disappointed by Google's lack of interest in tablets. I was hoping that after all the effort that went into Honeycomb they might actually reach parity with iOS, but nope. It is all still phone centric.
What is more baffling is that Samsung hasn't picked up the slack either, and despite being "Galaxy" devices, the Galaxy Tabs aren't really being treated that way. I still like my Tab S2, and it is at least as good as my wife's iPad Air 2 in terms of performance, but it isn't anywhere near it in terms of battery life. That last one is frustrating because it's a tablet. Make the thing a millimeter thicker and put a real battery in it. Our old iPad 2, despite being practically geriatric at this point, outlasts my Tab S2! (I keep it around as a Facetime client)
Same with my phone - I could tolerate an extra few millimeters if it meant the battery lasted longer. I really hope this thin fetish ends at some point...

jshamlet said:
Yeah, I've been deeply disappointed by Google's lack of interest in tablets. I was hoping that after all the effort that went into Honeycomb they might actually reach parity with iOS, but nope. It is all still phone centric.
What is more baffling is that Samsung hasn't picked up the slack either, and despite being "Galaxy" devices, the Galaxy Tabs aren't really being treated that way. I still like my Tab S2, and it is at least as good as my wife's iPad Air 2 in terms of performance, but it isn't anywhere near it in terms of battery life. That last one is frustrating because it's a tablet. Make the thing a millimeter thicker and put a real battery in it. Our old iPad 2, despite being practically geriatric at this point, outlasts my Tab S2! (I keep it around as a Facetime client)
Same with my phone - I could tolerate an extra few millimeters if it meant the battery lasted longer. I really hope this thin fetish ends at some point...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't look good these days for the overall tablet-only market, with a greater emphasis on hybrid and detachable devices - look at the Surface and where Apple is going with their Pro line. I think Google sees their niche in Chromebooks, which leaves Samsung as the big Android player. And if I'm an app developer, I'd be focused on either targeting phones (Android or Apple) or Apple tablets, not Android tablets, making Android tablets even less desirable as an end-user device. (Regarding battery - charged my Air 2 last night and this morning it was still at 100% with Bluetooth, WiFi, and location all enabled. Usage drain is also better than any other device I've owned.)

jshamlet said:
Yeah, I've been deeply disappointed by Google's lack of interest in tablets. I was hoping that after all the effort that went into Honeycomb they might actually reach parity with iOS, but nope. It is all still phone centric.
What is more baffling is that Samsung hasn't picked up the slack either, and despite being "Galaxy" devices, the Galaxy Tabs aren't really being treated that way. I still like my Tab S2, and it is at least as good as my wife's iPad Air 2 in terms of performance, but it isn't anywhere near it in terms of battery life. That last one is frustrating because it's a tablet. Make the thing a millimeter thicker and put a real battery in it. Our old iPad 2, despite being practically geriatric at this point, outlasts my Tab S2! (I keep it around as a Facetime client)
Same with my phone - I could tolerate an extra few millimeters if it meant the battery lasted longer. I really hope this thin fetish ends at some point...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to disagree Jshamlet. The thing that made me buy this tablet was the weight, and I notice how heavy any other tablet is when I holding. Maybe Samsung could attempt something like last years Motorola phones where there is a back plate which includes a battery, giving the best of both worlds?
---------- Post added at 11:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:48 AM ----------
jshamlet said:
Yeah, I've been deeply disappointed by Google's lack of interest in tablets. I was hoping that after all the effort that went into Honeycomb they might actually reach parity with iOS, but nope. It is all still phone centric.
What is more baffling is that Samsung hasn't picked up the slack either, and despite being "Galaxy" devices, the Galaxy Tabs aren't really being treated that way. I still like my Tab S2, and it is at least as good as my wife's iPad Air 2 in terms of performance, but it isn't anywhere near it in terms of battery life. That last one is frustrating because it's a tablet. Make the thing a millimeter thicker and put a real battery in it. Our old iPad 2, despite being practically geriatric at this point, outlasts my Tab S2! (I keep it around as a Facetime client)
Same with my phone - I could tolerate an extra few millimeters if it meant the battery lasted longer. I really hope this thin fetish ends at some point...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to disagree Jshamlet. The thing that made me buy this tablet was the weight, and I notice how heavy any other tablet is when I holding. Maybe Samsung could attempt something like last years Motorola phones where there is a back plate which includes a battery, giving the best of both worlds?
Talking of picking up the slack, I'd love One Plus to put there foot in the door. Samsung have had there chance......

Hi folks.
I was close to buy an iPad air 2 also, but:
- no GPS
- expensive
were the two reasons that I preferred the tab s2 instead. Also, I found it for a very good price.
I agree that for general usage the iPads are better tablets, I would never buy my mother an android, but for an engineer like me, with low budget, this was a better choice.
The alternative for me was to an even cheaper tablet, like Amazon fire, but the quality is even lower.
And I think the screen of the Tab S2 is amazing.

mauricempc74 said:
Hi folks.
I was close to buy an iPad air 2 also, but:
- no GPS
- expensive
were the two reasons that I preferred the tab s2 instead. Also, I found it for a very good price.
I agree that for general usage the iPads are better tablets, I would never buy my mother an android, but for an engineer like me, with low budget, this was a better choice.
The alternative for me was to an even cheaper tablet, like Amazon fire, but the quality is even lower.
And I think the screen of the Tab S2 is amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its funny that I bought my 65 year old mother a Nexus 4 back in 2012, thinking it would be too complex. She loved that phone and took an even bigger risk by replacing it with a Huawei P9 Lite. She's now an Android FanGranny and snaps at my sister whenever she suggests getting her an iOS device.