Database Users

Another review of the Galaxy Tab - Sprint

hey don't be grading me on this
It’s too small!! It’s too big for a phone!! It’s too expensive!! Google says Android isn’t meant for tablets!! Seems to be what a lot of people are saying to bash the Tab, whether they have actually used / seen the device we do not know but my guess is no. A lot is riding on this device as it is the first ‘true competitor' to Apple’s iPad. The question is does the Tab hold up to this high standard that Apple has put in place? I think it is important to know that the Android OS on the Tab hasn’t been completely reworked to look like a tablet, whatever that may be. It seems like that comment from Hugo Barra, director of products for mobile at Google, was taken a bit too far. The software that comes on the Galaxy Tab is pretty much the same stuff you would see on your typical Galaxy S phone or any other Andoird device. Only a few apps have been modified to take use of the extra real estate. If you already own an Android device you will immediately be at home with your Galaxy Tab as it delivers the same experience you would expect on your phone.
Initial Impressions
The first thing you will notice about the Tab when you hold it is that it is a very solid device. That seems to be what everyone who’s held mine has said, and it’s true! Its 7” size actually fits really well in your hand. Holding it with one hand and using the other for surfing the web is pefect. Contrary to what people say, having a device in this size just feels better, and more natural. The Tab is very easy to hold and very easy to type with in portrait - you don’t feel like you are stretching your fingers across the screen to hit the keys and I would consider this very important. The screen offers a much higher PPI over the competition which in turn offers stunning clarity. Now I must note that the Galaxy Tab does not offer S-AMOLED. Rumors say that this may change, but don’t let that deter you from your purchase.
Pricing
Ah, pricing. Here’s where a lot of people start to complain that it is ‘too expensive’. To be fair, look at mobile phones. Off contract they are about $500. Sprint and T-Mobile both offer this device on a 2 year contract for $400 (may have to go in store for off contract prices), while ATT offers it for $650 and VZW offers it for $600 with pay as you go data plans (no contract price offered). This seems to be pretty fair... it is good to have options. Comparatively, Apple starts their 16GB iPad 3G for $650 with a no on contract price. 32GB and 64GB devices add about $100 to the price. I’ve also noticed a lot tend to confuse the price of the iPad WiFi to the Galaxy Tab. Saying iPad starts at $499. Well, yes, it does, but we need to compare apples to apples. There is no WiFi offering as of yet for the Tab so let’s not compare it to something that that is in a different class. So pick your flavor, would you rather get the device cheaper and be locked in a data contract or would you rather pay more and pay data as you go. Side note: Personally these devices should not be locked into a 2 year contact. Actually, I think all mobile devices should be 1 year only. Life cycles of electronics are far, far less than 2 years, but I digress.
Hardware
The hardware. CPU/GPU combination is one of the strongest in the market. The Tab has the same CPU and GPU that’s found in other Galaxy S phones. The device has a MicroSD slot for user upgradable memory (up to 32GB), volume rockers, an off button (which I wish was on the top and not the side arg), and has capacitive buttons to go back, home, search, and to access settings of an app. NOTE: It would be really nice if the capacitive buttons stayed on when the screen was lit because in the dark it’s hard to find them. A front and rear facing camera is also included. The front features a 1.3mp camera and the back features a 3.2mp camera. Maybe Samsung skimped on the rear camera… but you aren’t going to be replacing your point and shoot so this is not a deal breaker. I would have been nice to see all the effects in the camera settings like the ones seen on the Galaxy S phones. Quadrant scores are only about 1000, which seems a bit low for a device that is a lot more powerful than most devices on the internet. There is a fix for this which takes scores over 2000 but overall people say the device just feels the same (from what I read). Over all the hardware is top notch.
Not going to go into memory because some carriers have different specs.
Software
The device ships with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and features Samsungs TouchWiz UI. The overall feel of the TouchWiz UI is pretty good but it would be nice to have a few more options with the app drawer though. Rather than scrolling left or right to view apps it would nice to have the option to switch to up and down scrolling. I also am not fond of the background square behind the app. My biggest issue with the TouchWiz UI is that you can’t switch which homescreen your home button goes to. You can add up to 9 screens but you can’t change the fact that number 1 is always the home screen. With it like this you can only scroll to the right from home, not left and right.
The default browser has no home button. What’s up with that? That’s a pretty big letdown. Brower performance is not stellar either. Sites that have flash can be very laggy. Being a tablet and having that extra screen real estate shouldn’t mean that sites are forced to their mobile variant. Some mobile sites don’t even have the option to do to desktop and when you are trying to view flash content (like TV shows) this can be frustrating. I recommend downloading Dolphin HD this browser seems to fix some of my issues sans the mobile site issue. The Tab comes with Swype as the standard keyboard. I don’t love it and I don’t hate it because I do use it sometimes, but the one thing that bothers me with Swype is when you tell it to predict words from the settings and then you type, it puts the words in this box rather than in the field you are typing in. With it this way I feel I am constantly making errors when I type. The Tab also has the Samsung keyboard installed. I like this one a little better but I can’t seem to figure out how to turn off the vibrating when I type. The text box for corrections keeps popping up and down when corrections are needed and it can get pretty frustrating because it moves the window you are looking at. After some research Smart Keyboard Pro fixed all my problems.
Bottom line, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is a solid device and lives up to my expections. Whether you buy it out right or on contract you will definitely love it. The pros out weight the cons and the really most cons are really just me be being picky.
Pros:
• Solid device, feels good in hand.
• Easy to type with, very mobile and light.
• Battery life is great.
• Hardware is top notch.
• Screen is great and very clear.
• Has both front and rear cameras.
• Different carriers to choose from.
• Android 2.2.
• Some stock apps are made to be more tablet friendly.
• Great for reading books.
• Very minimal bloat with Sprint version.
• Gorilla Glass for screen
• Sends and receives unlimted SMS, MMS (with data plan).
Cons:
• Not many apps made specifically for the device. Yet.
• Stock browser performance sucks, no home button.
• Samsung connector – Not necessarily a negative but mini or micro USB would have been nicer.
• Swype could use some work / no default Android keyboard.
• Phone feature taken out for US users.
• No way to assign home screens to home button. Default home screen is panel 1.
• No WiFi 'only' model.
• 2 year contracts if purchased on contract. Where’s the 1 year?!
• Emails disappear randomly.
• Samsung seems to be lagging on 2.2 for the other Galaxy S devices, will the same be true when 2.3 comes out for the Tab?
• Video Player FC on me about 6 times when watching a movie. Movie rented from Media Hub with $50 credit.
The device is definitely worth an 8.5/10. Expect the device to get better when updates are put out/new OS arrives.

I could not agree more....I initially regretted the purchase only because I felt like I didn't really need it as is still the case, but I love it nonetheless. I too have a sprint version.
The browsing experience left a bit to be desired, but Dolphin HD does help out a bit. As time passes, support for the tab will grow and we'll start seeing many more dedicated apps
Even though not perfect, I'd still pick out over an ipad any day
Sent from my SPH-P100 using XDA App

I have used the galaxy tab for a 2 weeks. I have never regretted. I have used it for reading email, ebook, surf internet and internet chat. The user experience is good.
sent from Sgp Galaxy Tab

+1 on nearly everything.
What I understand is that the connector for the tab its a PDMI port which is to become the new standard for portable media devices. If so, this shows excellent insight by samsung, ans in the future we will be able to take advantage of new accessories and tech.

Download Dolphin HD browser for faster performance.
On some versions of the Galaxy Tab (Verizon), you can set Home screens.

makami19 said:
+1 on nearly everything.
What I understand is that the connector for the tab its a PDMI port which is to become the new standard for portable media devices. If so, this shows excellent insight by samsung, ans in the future we will be able to take advantage of new accessories and tech.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dell is using it on the Streak as well, I believe.

ConceptVBS said:
Download Dolphin HD browser for faster performance.
On some versions of the Galaxy Tab (Verizon), you can set Home screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we are gonna need someone to rip out the touchwiz apk

Croak said:
Dell is using it on the Streak as well, I believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The port on the Streak is not the same as the Tab. I believe that the Streak is PDMI.
Regards,
Dave

I agree with pretty much what you said. I got rid of touch wiz and use launcher pro. It's much more customizable. One of the things I notice on the kb (swype at least) is when I go on forums and double tap a word to edit I can't select the word. Not sure why. On others like typing a url outre other things I can select it. Just not in forums context. Weird.

mach330 said:
I agree with pretty much what you said. I got rid of touch wiz and use launcher pro. It's much more customizable. One of the things I notice on the kb (swype at least) is when I go on forums and double tap a word to edit I can't select the word. Not sure why. On others like typing a url outre other things I can select it. Just not in forums context. Weird.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have LauncherPro on my Incredible, but I installed ADW on the Tab and it seems to be doing well.

Excellent and honest review. I think the Tab is the least worst tablet out there, which is praise indeed. Lots of others will join the party in the next few months but Samsung have made a very good first effort. Like the OP, it annoys me when people compare this device to the cheapest wifi-only iPad. This device has much more capability. A better comparison is to the latest smartphones, and right now I can pick up a Tab for less (often a lot less) than say an HTC Desire HD or an iPhone 4 (this is unlocked prices in the UK). In that context the Tab is good value. Shame the iPad mania has blinkered people to this situation.

Even with more use I love my tab. I'm hoping 2.3 makes it to the device. Being it was made for a 'galaxy d'oeuvres phone it would be interesting to see what comes out of this.
Sent from my Droid Incredible

Is Multitasking Really This Slow?

Check out the video on verge review, the multitasking is horribly slow and painful to watch. Can someone verify the performance of multitasking?
http://www.theverge.com/2012/8/15/3243546/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-review

I also wanted to check with people who has the Note 10.1 if the device is actually so slow.
Verge video: http://youtu.be/sNkKc81Ug34?t=2m50s
Start at 2:50 to check how much it lags. Can someone try the same in his note and reply.
cheers!

hot_spare said:
I also wanted to check with people who has the Note 10.1 if the device is actually so slow.
Verge video: http://youtu.be/sNkKc81Ug34?t=2m50s
Start at 2:50 to check how much it lags. Can someone try the same in his note and reply.
cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried exactly what you see in the youtube video.
Yes, there is a little little Lag, but not as horrible as it was shown there.
There was a little system update, the first time i started my Note. Maybe this fixed it.

devilffm said:
Yes, there is a little little Lag, but not as horrible as it was shown there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's lag in the sense that it takes a second initially for what you've written to be displayed. It captures what you're doing immediately the lag is in having it appear. There's some bugs in the s/w because there's a hell of a lot going on behind the scenes that's never been implemented before. Hopefully Samsung cleans them up with updates.
The Verge was pretty tough on the Note. TW is a love/hate proposition and if you hate it you really should skip the Note completely. It's what's tying everything together so you'll lose multi-view and other features if you run a vanilla ROM. I do disagree with their conclusion that's it's a Tab 2 with a pen. It's nothing like the original G-Tab in performance, the display, version of TW, materials, or feel in the hand. I have them side-by-side and you really notice a difference (for the better). Bottom line is if you're not in to the benefits of multi-view or the S-Pen and just want to use the Note like a typical Android tablet it may not be the best choice. Especially at a starting price of $499.

BarryH_GEG said:
It's lag in the sense that it takes a second initially for what you've written to be displayed. It captures what you're doing immediately the lag is in having it appear. There's some bugs in the s/w because there's a hell of a lot going on behind the scenes that's never been implemented before. Hopefully Samsung cleans them up with updates.
The Verge was pretty tough on the Note. TW is a love/hate proposition and if you hate it you really should skip the Note completely. It's what's tying everything together so you'll lose multi-view and other features if you run a vanilla ROM. I do disagree with their conclusion that's it's a Tab 2 with a pen. It's nothing like the original G-Tab in performance, the display, version of TW, materials, or feel in the hand. I have them side-by-side and you really notice a difference (for the better). Bottom line is if you're not in to the benefits of multi-view or the S-Pen and just want to use the Note like a typical Android tablet it may not be the best choice. Especially at a starting price of $499.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More like a millisec in lag.

You know, those guys of the Verge did some kind of silly gestures and they did it so fast... I don't think anybody will do that kind of stuff in a regular use...
Enviado desde mi GT-I9300 usando Tapatalk 2

iZan23 said:
You know, those guys of the Verge did some kind of silly gestures and they did it so fast... I don't think anybody will do that kind of stuff in a regular use...
Enviado desde mi GT-I9300 usando Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They drew squiggles and tried scrolling the browser up and down. If that's too extreme for the Note, then that's pretty sad.

Jellybean will fix all that and make it smooth like butter.
"Project apple" in order to get the same smoothenss as ipad..
Sent from my GT-N8000 using Tapatalk 2

Verge is basically an apple fellatio shop. I think they'd lose half their audience if they had a bad review of an apple product or a good review of any apple competitors.
For example:
Galaxy S3 = 8.5
iPad = 9.3
One X = 8.4
Macbook Air: 8.8
Thinkpad X1 carbon: 7.5

upperkingjr said:
Jellybean will fix all that and make it smooth like butter.
"Project apple" in order to get the same smoothenss as ipad..
Sent from my GT-N8000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but this will take some time for an update i think
Gesendet von meinem GT-N8000 mit Tapatalk 2

Can you write on one side (using SPen) and scroll a web page on the other side (with a finger), in the same time?
Thx.

Yes and no. It is true that when having applications side by side the context switch takes a moment. But it doesn't feel like the tablet can't keep up. In fact if you use a floating S-Note window there's none of this lag. Even if you have several floating windows plus a floating video plus two applications side by side the tablet is still totally responsive. There seems to be plenty of horsepower, so it's unclear why there is this delay with side by side context switch.
Sent from my GT-N8000 using xda premium

mdalacu said:
Can you write on one side (using SPen) and scroll a web page on the other side (with a finger), in the same time?
Thx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
df1tn said:
Yes and no. It is true that when having applications side by side the context switch takes a moment. But it doesn't feel like the tablet can't keep up. In fact if you use a floating S-Note window there's none of this lag. Even if you have several floating windows plus a floating video plus two applications side by side the tablet is still totally responsive. There seems to be plenty of horsepower, so it's unclear why there is this delay with side by side context switch.
Sent from my GT-N8000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you? Please, test this.

df1tn said:
Yes and no. It is true that when having applications side by side the context switch takes a moment. But it doesn't feel like the tablet can't keep up. In fact if you use a floating S-Note window there's none of this lag. Even if you have several floating windows plus a floating video plus two applications side by side the tablet is still totally responsive. There seems to be plenty of horsepower, so it's unclear why there is this delay with side by side context switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this. Playing a 1080P MKV video in Pop up play and resizing it and moving it around the screen causes absolutely no lag or stuttering. I'm guessing (hoping) that any lag that's happening in side-by-side views will be corrected via updates. It's certainly not the h/w (CPU and/or RAM) that's causing it.

mdalacu said:
Can you? Please, test this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and no again. Only one window receives input at a given time. However, both applications do run simultaneously. E.g. if you have flash video running in the browser window and you switch to the note window the flash video will continue playing without stuttering when you scribble in the note window. There is a blue line at the bottom of the window that currently receives input.
BTW the verge guy also missed the fact that the keyboard can indeed be switched to handwriting (or voice)
Sent from my GT-N8000 using xda premium

upperkingjr said:
Jellybean will fix all that and make it smooth like butter.
"Project apple" in order to get the same smoothenss as ipad..
Sent from my GT-N8000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope so, but if there's one thing I've learned about mobile devices over the last couple of years, it's this: **Never buy a device on the promise of future software updates.**

warmonked said:
I hope so, but if there's one thing I've learned about mobile devices over the last couple of years, it's this: **Never buy a device on the promise of future software updates.**
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true. Never get a product thinking about future upgrades. I wonder how XDA devs would make use of the S-Pen in their customer roms.

Samsung promised today, at the NYC conference, that n8000 will recive JB.

I wanted to get the tablet, but I am not very sure now.
I will probably wait for 2nd version as I think it could have been much better. I don't want 7-inchers like Nexus7 which basically is just a e-reader with Tegra3. I think they couldn't optimize the software yet. And A15 SoCs like Exynos 5 is very near, I think it would be foolish to spend on even a quad core A9. Very much interested on the new midgard T604 GPU.
I am also pissed about some of their product design philosophy:
1. Why replace the default mail client?
2. PCWorld mentioned that you can't attach anything in outgoing gmail messages. The only attachment option there is for the Gallery, which means that you can't take notes (or create a document in the Polaris Office app) and then send it via your Gmail account anywhere else. What kind of screwed-up policy is that?
3. S Planner instead of default calendar. When google already creates something for you, why change it when you can't make it better? You waste time and money to develop something which is worse than the free app you receive from google? What sort of product managers approve such thing?
4. Those icons that Samsung uses look so cartoonish now. It's been a long time now, I think we deserve a change in basic layout. They should bring something fresh, it's just so stale. I am not going to compare to Sense 4/4.1 as it's a totally different discussion.
5. Why have so many useless widgets when I see it is causing a lag. There is obvious drop is framerate when there are many widgets in the homescreen.
6. Display resolution is not on my top priority, but would be for many other people.
7. Someone drop that fuc^^ng blip-blip sound. I know we should be able to disable it. My point is why have something which is irritating for many people.
Don't Samsung take feedback from users or from forums? Ok, so you want to skin the device and differentiate it, fine. We can get the idea behind having their own identity and their own apps. But what is the point to use inferior choice when you have something clearly better available for free? You don't want to use stock. Ok, good. then make something more refined. I was so excited about the S-Pen. It looks good, S-Note also looks very decent. But some other things don't look so promising.
/big rant

On the Engadget review
Mutlitasking seems fast. and they taxed the processor with a lot of windows open.
the verge is very biased site. If it is not an apple product forget it.
even when the theverge authors were at engadget same ****, they were biased.
even slashgear multitasking is way way faster than theverge

[Q] What is meant be "pure Android"? How does Note hardware hold up over time?

[Q] What is meant be "pure Android"? How does Note hardware hold up over time?
Hey guys. I am new here. I recently ordered an Asus Transformer Infinity. Got it, but sent it back RMA for an issue with the brightness control (bought it refurbished). In this waiting time, I've been going back and forth with more interest in the Note 10.1 and Nexus 10 due to the fact that they run smoother, less lag, less problems etc.
The Nexus 10 interests me, but the multi tasking for me (a graphic designer, photographer, videographer, media consumer, multi app user, etc) is almost a deal breaker.
What is meant by people saying that Nexus 10 is pure Android vs something like Samsung's custom interface? Does that suggest that one cannot get the same "look" with widgets, have the same customizing functionality, etc? Does "pure Android" actually run better overall? I've only played around with both in the store (Staples) for like 5-10 minutes at a time on few occasions.

TyrantT316 said:
Hey guys. I am new here. I recently ordered an Asus Transformer Infinity. Got it, but sent it back RMA for an issue with the brightness control (bought it refurbished). In this waiting time, I've been going back and forth with more interest in the Note 10.1 and Nexus 10 due to the fact that they run smoother, less lag, less problems etc.
The Nexus 10 interests me, but the multi tasking for me (a graphic designer, photographer, videographer, media consumer, multi app user, etc) is almost a deal breaker.
What is meant by people saying that Nexus 10 is pure Android vs something like Samsung's custom interface? Does that suggest that one cannot get the same "look" with widgets, have the same customizing functionality, etc? Does "pure Android" actually run better overall? I've only played around with both in the store (Staples) for like 5-10 minutes at a time on few occasions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
poor android isn't fun. not touchwiz, no s-note, no multitasking like we have on our galaxy note. pure android may run better but i'd prefer custom interface.

TyrantT316 said:
Hey guys. I am new here. I recently ordered an Asus Transformer Infinity. Got it, but sent it back RMA for an issue with the brightness control (bought it refurbished). In this waiting time, I've been going back and forth with more interest in the Note 10.1 and Nexus 10 due to the fact that they run smoother, less lag, less problems etc.
The Nexus 10 interests me, but the multi tasking for me (a graphic designer, photographer, videographer, media consumer, multi app user, etc) is almost a deal breaker.
What is meant by people saying that Nexus 10 is pure Android vs something like Samsung's custom interface? Does that suggest that one cannot get the same "look" with widgets, have the same customizing functionality, etc? Does "pure Android" actually run better overall? I've only played around with both in the store (Staples) for like 5-10 minutes at a time on few occasions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you go to youtube and watch video review for both tablets?

Pure android is the AOSP android, the interface that Google has built for android. It is very light and highly customizable. Of course it's a bit faster and smoother than the general customized android, but with the Note's hardware, you won't feel the heaviness of the customized interface.
In the Note 10.1, there are tons of tweaks and customizations built into android - starting with the very basics of Touchwiz, S Note, our beloved Multiview and even to more complex things like Download Mode. But it hasn't lagged even for a second, yet provided an unbelievable experience never seen before in tablets. Plus, even Samsung's Touchwiz is highly customizable, and if you want, you can install a launcher like Apex for a closer to "pure android" experience while maintaining all of the features.

Manufacturers like to put there own skin over android(touchwiz-samsung, motorola-blur). It changes the way the interface looks and functions. They also add apps that you can not uninstall unless you root the device. Nexus devices do not have this added bloatware ,there for are considered pure android. Honestly like the other person posted pure android is a little lacking in features. Besides, if you don't like the interface that is on your device you can always get a 3rd party launcher(apex, adw, launcher pro, holo launcher, next launcher, and so on). I use Holo Launcher on both my phone and tablet.
You will however get the latest version of android first on Nexus devices because its a google product. I'm not sure how long they support their old devices.
I have a Note 10.1, and use it for sketching on the go. The s-pen and multi-view are features that put it far above the other tablets on the market. The biggest complaint about the Note 10.1 is that the resolution is low compared to other tablets of the same size. It is noticeable but not as bad as some people claim. I find it fine for normal use and only notice it when watching HD video, but even then its acceptable.

tritran18518 said:
Why don't you go to youtube and watch video review for both tablets?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have actually watched a lot of videos and even played with them both in store. I guess I was more curious as to whether app availability/compatibility and customization (widgets, wallpapers, folders, folder naming, etc) were somehow different or disabled with Samsung's touchwiz interface. I didn't go into in depth customization in store.

hatrSe Buffalo
rtan73 said:
Manufacturers like to put there own skin over android(touchwiz-samsung, motorola-blur). It changes the way the interface looks and functions. They also add apps that you can not uninstall unless you root the device. Nexus devices do not have this added bloatware ,there for are considered pure android. Honestly like the other person posted pure android is a little lacking in features. Besides, if you don't like the interface that is on your device you can always get a 3rd party launcher(apex, adw, launcher pro, holo launcher, next launcher, and so on). I use Holo Launcher on both my phone and tablet.
You will however get the latest version of android first on Nexus devices because its a google product. I'm not sure how long they support their old devices.
I have a Note 10.1, and use it for sketching on the go. The s-pen and multi-view are features that put it far above the other tablets on the market. The biggest complaint about the Note 10.1 is that the resolution is low compared to other tablets of the same size. It is noticeable but not as bad as some people claim. I find it fine for normal use and only notice it when watching HD video, but even then its acceptable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll look into the launchers if I really want to "play" with it more. I guess I want my cake and eat it too...I'd like a tablet that works right out of the box with some nice features, but I am also into messing around with various apps and such to customize the device, use it like a computer, etc...The Asus Infinity felt like that, but lags quite a bit..I am going to miss the build quality of it though
The resolution is a bummer...I was playing with the Note 10.1 and the Nexus 10 side by side in store...I see the difference...plus the Asus Infinity I recently purchased is full HD which looks great too..however, I am sure I would get used to the Note 10.1 screen once it's on its own...it's like buying an HD tv...of course the one next to it in store may look a little sharper...but once it's in your home and the only one there, you won't be comparing it, you'll be using it

TyrantT316 said:
Thanks. I'll look into the launchers if I really want to "play" with it more. I guess I want my cake and eat it too...I'd like a tablet that works right out of the box with some nice features, but I am also into messing around with various apps and such to customize the device, use it like a computer, etc...The Asus Infinity felt like that, but lags quite a bit..I am going to miss the build quality of it though
The resolution is a bummer...I was playing with the Note 10.1 and the Nexus 10 side by side in store...I see the difference...plus the Asus Infinity I recently purchased is full HD which looks great too..however, I am sure I would get used to the Note 10.1 screen once it's on its own...it's like buying an HD tv...of course the one next to it in store may look a little sharper...but once it's in your home and the only one there, you won't be comparing it, you'll be using it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy SGN10.1, I recommend you install Multi Window Manager.
Multi Window Manager will extend the SGN10.1 Multi Window feature as you can add as many Apps you have to the Multi Window List.
But remember that some apps were designed poorly / fullscreen / oddly sized / un-resize-able that can't be use use with Multi Window feature.
Note:
That app need ROOT

Updated software for 10.1 + 12.2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZP0Bos0plE
I noticed this video posted yesterday by GSMArena giving a quick review of the new Note 12.2 Pro. What struck me was that it doesn't appear to have the new UI and button layout that we have seen on other 12.2 Pros. This would strongly suggest to me that the new UI software update has been added as an after thought and should mean that we'll see it on our Note 10.1s.
There are other recent videos where people who have been sent review odules of the Note 12.2 don't have the new UI or the "Recent App" button... http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-NotePRO-12.2-Preview_id3537
I'm now really confused as to what Samsung are playing at. Have they released 2 versions of the Note 12.2 Pro? One which looks exactly like the 10.1 with updated software and another version which has a new button layout as well as new software? Or, are these review models "old" prototypes, that have been ditched in favour of the new design/software all together?

We might not see the magazine UI any time soon, actually.
*** To me it's a big plus since it was only "pretty" without much function. At least from what I saw throw CES footages. ( I do not need to see all these samsung widgets update with their push on their Samsung hub goodies.)
The the UI is refreshing, but we might see stuff that leans away from that of what we saw at CES.
http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-may-dump-windows-like-magazine-ui-downplay-custom-apps-7000025779/
Google doesn't seem to like the new Samsung stuff. However, I must say - the Samsung Touchwiz aesthetics are the next in line for the "worst looking interface", right behind iOS 7. It needs to update ASAP.

Alasdair91 said:
I'm now really confused as to what Samsung are playing at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Join the club. The manual is what you need to go by and it has the new "recent apps" capacitive button in it.
It doesn't mention M-UX by name and instead introduces the concept of "Content home screens [M-UX]" and "Classic home screens [TW]. So it's possible that the sample in the GSMArena video was pre-production and the decision about moving from menu to recent apps for the capacitive button wasn't finalized yet. That sample also could have both Content and Classic home screens available but GSMArena set the home page to a Classic home screen.
Samsung should have introduced the recent tasks button on the N10.1-14, called it the Note|Pro 10.1, shipped it without M-UX, and then introduced a "Premium Suite" to bring it up to the level of the other 2014 premium tablets that were announced later. From the leak we appear to be getting 4-window Multi View and I'm assuming the rest of the updated Multi View features with it. So they'll either have to customize the N10.1-14 compared to the rest of the 2014-line to retain the menu button's function or damn the torpedoes and keep the existing icon and make it perform the "recent apps" function and hope existing users are capable of figuring it out.
Here's the Note|Pro 12's manual if you want to review it...
http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/c...28617/SM-P900_UM_EU_Kitkat_Eng_D06_140124.pdf
---------- Post added at 01:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:20 PM ----------
soys4uc3 said:
We might not see the magazine UI any time soon, actually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then Lucy's going to have some 'splainin to do. The UK watchdogs and tribunals won't be thrilled that a feature Samsung's marketing on their e-commerce site was never intended to be offered. And in a reasonable time after it was added to the site thus influencing people's purchasing decisions.

Alasdair91 said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZP0Bos0plE
I noticed this video posted yesterday by GSMArena giving a quick review of the new Note 12.2 Pro. What struck me was that it doesn't appear to have the new UI and button layout that we have seen on other 12.2 Pros. This would strongly suggest to me that the new UI software update has been added as an after thought and should mean that we'll see it on our Note 10.1s.
There are other recent videos where people who have been sent review odules of the Note 12.2 don't have the new UI or the "Recent App" button... http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-NotePRO-12.2-Preview_id3537
I'm now really confused as to what Samsung are playing at. Have they released 2 versions of the Note 12.2 Pro? One which looks exactly like the 10.1 with updated software and another version which has a new button layout as well as new software? Or, are these review models "old" prototypes, that have been ditched in favour of the new design/software all together?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From their review:
"However, since our prototype unit didn't come with the latest version of TouchWiz, so its UI is slightly different from what the final units will have. We'll be updating this chapter when we get a completely finalized unit."
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

toyanucci said:
From their review:
"However, since our prototype unit didn't come with the latest version of TouchWiz, so its UI is slightly different from what the final units will have. We'll be updating this chapter when we get a completely finalized unit."
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what makes me think it even more likely the 10.1 will see the newer software too. If the 12.2 was originally made unning the exact same software as the 10.1, then there is no reason as to why the 10.1 wouldn't get it.

Alasdair91 said:
This is what makes me think it even more likely the 10.1 will see the newer software too. If the 12.2 was originally made unning the exact same software as the 10.1, then there is no reason as to why the 10.1 wouldn't get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup! I just want it to come out now! Lol. And though I would love Magazine UX, the main reason I want it is the optimization of the software. Check the review below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yl6XLkmlVY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
That's the NotePro wifi only (exynos) final software and hardware. The software is butter smooth, same exact hardware as our note 10.1 2014. Doin basic stuff like in the video above I get lags and glitches which is annoying, so looking fwd to this update forealz!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I installed tsf on my Galaxy Note 2 recently. It is also butter smooth. Maybe you can try it on your 10.1

toyanucci said:
Yup! I just want it to come out now! Lol. And though I would love Magazine UX, the main reason I want it is the optimization of the software. Check the review below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yl6XLkmlVY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
That's the NotePro wifi only (exynos) final software and hardware. The software is butter smooth, same exact hardware as our note 10.1 2014. Doin basic stuff like in the video above I get lags and glitches which is annoying, so looking fwd to this update forealz!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just realize that this video is showing the Snapdragon 800 variant... Sad that Samsung can optimize their own CPU better than another company's...

alias747 said:
Just realize that this video is showing the Snapdragon 800 variant... Sad that Samsung can optimize their own CPU better than another company's...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The review is of the exynos version, the reviewer is incorrect. If you notice on boot it says P900, that's the exynos version, also when he shows the right side there is no sim card slot. All wifi only (simless) versions are exynos.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Big thx for the links. But that magazine ui is pathetic in my opinion. It's just some square widgets for Samsung apps only and flipboard shortcuts. Zero added functionality or efficiency improvement over regular android home screens. There are way better tools to configure and customize your homescreen in the play store.
It's just another thing I'll disable/uninstall with titanium backup. Thx for nothing Samsung they should have put all that design and programming effort into refining and tuning their apps like s note etc. Samsung is making products that fit my needs very nice in terms of hardware and Android fits my needs in terms of software anyway. But on the software side Samsung is just throwing stuff at you. They never stick to anything. They release a new design and instead of improving it, they throw it away and start from scratch usually going into opposite directions. At least that's how it feels...
The Android launcher is amazing. And all the custom launchers in the play store make it even better. Stop trying to fix it Samsung. It ain't broken!
Looking forward to Bugfixes and performance update though.

clouds5 said:
But that magazine ui is pathetic in my opinion. It's just some square widgets for Samsung apps only and flipboard shortcuts. Zero added functionality or efficiency improvement over regular android home screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android sucks on displays over 7-8". As it is, Google's done nothing to help maximize the additional screen real estate and improve the user experience on large format devices. If fact, throwing a phone UI on a 10" tablet actually makes it worse. M-UX is Samsung's attempt at improving the Android tablet experience. Edge-to-edge widgets at least make better use of the display and size to increase the amount of info that can be shown on a single page and within a single widget. How well it works, how big an improvement it is, and whether it's a good or bad idea comes down to execution (both initially and over time). So to your point it could be a disaster or it could be great. I'll withhold judgment until I get to see how it works with the way I configure my tablets.
I can't think of a worse device for Android purists to buy than any Samsung Note-series. In edition to the normal Samsung gee-gaws it's got all the S Pen and advanced Multi View stuff piled on. KNOX now makes it worse because you place your warranty at risk to root and mod a Samsung device. People who don't like Samsung's s/w shouldn't buy Samsung devices and then complain after the fact. It's not like they didn't know what they were buying. It's like buying a diesel car and saying it's "awful" compared to a car with a conventional gas engine. This may be shocking but I like some of Samsung's s/w editions a lot more than some of their Google-native equivalents. There wouldn't be a Note-series if it were up to Google. So people should buy what makes them happy and if they're purists they definitely bought the wrong device if they're in this forum.

BarryH_GEG said:
Android sucks on displays over 7-8". As it is, Google's done nothing to help maximize the additional screen real estate and improve the user experience on large format devices. If fact, throwing a phone UI on a 10" tablet actually makes it worse. M-UX is Samsung's attempt at improving the Android tablet experience. Edge-to-edge widgets at least make better use of the display and size to increase the amount of info that can be shown on a single page and within a single widget. How well it works, how big an improvement it is, and whether it's a good or bad idea comes down to execution (both initially and over time). So to your point it could be a disaster or it could be great. I'll withhold judgment until I get to see how it works with the way I configure my tablets.
I can't think of a worse device for Android purists to buy than any Samsung Note-series. In edition to the normal Samsung gee-gaws it's got all the S Pen and advanced Multi View stuff piled on. KNOX now makes it worse because you place your warranty at risk to root and mod a Samsung device. People who don't like Samsung's s/w shouldn't buy Samsung devices and then complain after the fact. It's not like they didn't know what they were buying. It's like buying a diesel car and saying it's "awful" compared to a car with a conventional gas engine. This may be shocking but I like some of Samsung's s/w editions a lot more than some of their Google-native equivalents. There wouldn't be a Note-series if it were up to Google. So people should buy what makes them happy and if they're purists they definitely bought the wrong device if they're in this forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you on some points. Google indeed hasn't done anything to improve tablet experience. But for me there is enough customization available through the play store to change that.
I also agree with Samsung devices being bad choices for purists. I have a different idea about Android in general. When I choose a product I primarily look at the hardware but I want to be in charge of the software. That's why I could never buy an apple product. You're not happy with the soft keyboard? Go f*** yourself. i got this tablet because it has exactly the hardware I want. But in terms of software you have less and less freedom with Samsung... Some of their stuff is amazing some of their apps are just annoying and bad. And that is OK as long as you can get rid of them or replace! M-UX seems a step in a different direction with deep integration. As I said as long as I can delete/change it I don't care what they do.
So I agree, it's nice that Samsung is trying. But like this with only a handful of options for the widgets it's just a waste of time and resources. I used the magazine app a few times already. But it's just a launcher for flipboard. It doesn't add anything it only makes it look nice. And I always choose functionality over looks. That's just how I am

clouds5 said:
Some of their [Samsung's] stuff is amazing some of their apps are just annoying and bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed.
I used the magazine app a few times already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about today's My Magazine or the new Magazine UX. They have nothing in common other than a block layout and "Magazine" in their name.
M-UX seems a step in a different direction with deep integration. As I said as long as I can delete/change it I don't care what they do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far based on the media the worst case scenario is you have to have at least one M-UX page and the rest can be "classic." The M-UX page doesn't have to be set as "home" either. I'm still reserving judgment until I can play with it personally. I have 21 widgets and 12 of them are Samsung's. If those 12 widgets have been made more interactive, provide more info, and are better aesthetically I'll probably be happy. If not I'll probably end up with one M-UX page (probably my home screen) with the basics like weather, e-mail, messaging, social on it and set the flanking pages up in classic just like they are today. I'm not saying M-UX is the answer to Android on 10+" tablets but I am giving Samsung credit for some innovation in trying to make content more suitable for large format displays. The jury's out until we all get to form our own conclusions based on some hands-on time.

BarryH_GEG said:
Agreed.
Are you talking about today's My Magazine or the new Magazine UX. They have nothing in common other than a block layout and "Magazine" in their name.
So far based on the media the worst case scenario is you have to have at least one M-UX page and the rest can be "classic." The M-UX page doesn't have to be set as "home" either. I'm still reserving judgment until I can play with it personally. I have 21 widgets and 12 of them are Samsung's. If those 12 widgets have been made more interactive, provide more info, and are better aesthetically I'll probably be happy. If not I'll probably end up with one M-UX page (probably my home screen) with the basics like weather, e-mail, messaging, social on it and set the flanking pages up in classic just like they are today. I'm not saying M-UX is the answer to Android on 10+" tablets but I am giving Samsung credit for some innovation in trying to make content more suitable for large format displays. The jury's out until we all get to form our own conclusions based on some hands-on time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool to see you can have folders in magazine ux too
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

BarryH_GEG said:
So far based on the media the worst case scenario is you have to have at least one M-UX page and the rest can be "classic." The M-UX page doesn't have to be set as "home" either. I'm still reserving judgment until I can play with it personally. I have 21 widgets and 12 of them are Samsung's. If those 12 widgets have been made more interactive, provide more info, and are better aesthetically I'll probably be happy. If not I'll probably end up with one M-UX page (probably my home screen) with the basics like weather, e-mail, messaging, social on it and set the flanking pages up in classic just like they are today. I'm not saying M-UX is the answer to Android on 10+" tablets but I am giving Samsung credit for some innovation in trying to make content more suitable for large format displays. The jury's out until we all get to form our own conclusions based on some hands-on time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See i use one single Samsung widget but that is the beauty of Android. Every device is unique because every user can customize it exactly for their needs. But I can certainly live with a m-ux page. Even if it's just to show it off to my apple worshipping friends
You're right. Let's wait and see until we have it in our hands. Maybe I end up liking it as well.

clouds5 said:
See i use one single Samsung widget but that is the beauty of Android. Every device is unique because every user can customize it exactly for their needs. B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Came over to this reading about M-UX - nice quotations about androids beauty.
I use 0 widgets...only single 1 page of NOVA launcher with app shortcuts - stock rom, rooted - and heavy debloated. I really like to sit my apps in ram, not to be killed by heavy TW launcher and heavy fancy widgets and bloat - all of my apps that i really use open instantly where i left them - and i am really just a 10 apps user. (Yes, but most used one is JumpDesktop to remoting to my server - so 95% of work is done on Windows machine .

A review of TabPro 8.4 is out with some screenshots of the M-UX or whatever you wanna call it:
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_pro_8_4-review-1042p4.php
I think that looks kinda neat, and could be somewhat useful if it's fast.

C2Q said:
A review of TabPro 8.4 is out with some screenshots of the M-UX or whatever you wanna call it. I think that looks kinda neat, and could be somewhat useful if it's fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends on what Samsung's included widget and shortcut wise in M-UX. If it's a lot of stuff that's highly used it should be cool. For folks that use a ton of third party widgets not so much. I wonder is Samsung's publishing a M-UX API so third parties can provide M-UX widgets also? I hope we get the revised notification panel and other menus. The one's we have just look goofy on such a large display.
It'll be interesting to hear the board's opinion of M-UX once more people are using it. Even in this thread it's pretty clear how varied people's use of apps and widgets are. Time will tell...

BarryH_GEG said:
Android sucks on displays over 7-8".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree with many of the sweeping statements made in this post.
In the last couple of years ive seen play up their tablet support from almost nome to sections dedicated to tablets.
What in the heck is an android purist? Is this some sort of apple hybred? Ive been on android for four years and this is pure nonsense. An os is to serve you not you the os .
As for "worst tablet", of the seven android tablets i own this is the best experience ive had. My desire is to have the best tablet and tablet experience for my needs. I want extra memmory features "pure android" doesnt support. I have always thought a pen may be the best imput for a tablet. "Pure android"? I could go on.
What makes this tablet different than all the other large android tablets? Its the features? If this tablets features fit your needs then it may be the "best" android tablet for you. If not not.
Yes i would like more flexibilty from samsung to trim tablet down. I dont like button layout. No its not perfect, but its pretty darn good.
Woody
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

woodsonmh said:
I disagree with many of the sweeping statements made in this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Certainly your prerogative.
In the last couple of years ive seen play up their tablet support from almost nome to sections dedicated to tablets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android's been awful at scaling apps between resolutions and display sizes. It's up to the individual app developers to figure out how to get their apps to display properly rather than have the OS manage it. Here's an example of viewing two apps I use for local supermarkets in landscape, the viewing orientation by design for 10" tablets. Ironically both are produced and managed by WebGrocer on behalf of the respective brands. Do you think this is the user experience people with large format tablets should be having? Would you find something like this in the Apple App Store?
Which of these two navigation/notification bar approaches are best for a 10" tablet where the user's hands are typically closer to the bottom? The first one with tiny text placed at the top because it was originally designed for phones or the second placed at the bottom which was designed for tablets and now retired?
What in the heck is an android purist? Is this some sort of apple hybred? Ive been on android for four years and this is pure nonsense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An Android purist, at least to me, is someone who thinks whatever Google feeds them is what God intended and anything Samsung, HTC, Motorola, LG, and Sony do to alter or supplement Android is the worst form of blasphemy. If it weren't for Samsung's additions to Android, especially S Pen and Multi View, I'd seriously consider Apple products. Yes, you give up flexibility and openness but at least the apps are consistent, well designed, vetted before being made available, and simply and predictably work. I'd never own a Nexus device because I think the UI is bland and flat and I think in many cases OEM's do a better job than Google with specific apps (EG: Gallery, Camera UI, Dialer).
An os is to serve you not you the os . As for "worst tablet", of the seven android tablets i own this is the best experience ive had. My desire is to have the best tablet and tablet experience for my needs. I want extra memmory features "pure android" doesnt support. I have always thought a pen may be the best imput for a tablet. "Pure android"? I could go on.What makes this tablet different than all the other large android tablets? Its the features? If this tablets features fit your needs then it may be the "best" android tablet for you. If not not. Yes i would like more flexibilty from samsung to trim tablet down. I dont like button layout. No its not perfect, but its pretty darn good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, don't understand this section.

Nexus 9 Alternatives - Your Opinion Matters!

Hi everyone.
I'm very excited for getting a Nexus 9 this year, at this could be my first 4:3 Android device, and I'm generallyinterested in how this device would get incorporated into my everyday life.
However I'm kinda in a struggle to justify the 550$ for the 32GB LTE version (well, that's probably a common thing now) AND considering I'm planning to get the LTE version - I'm kinda worried that this model may not be the quickest one to receive the updates, as is seen with the N7 LTE, which by the way STILL hasn't gotten a 5.0 official ROM, and there's already 5.0.1 out, plus the fact that T-Mobile announced today that it's getting delayed, so basically I might not even be lucky enough to get one before Christmas (as I live outside the US).
All of this has me thinking - are there really good alternatives to Nexus 9 today?
I know there are great tablets such as Tab Pro 10.1 and Tab Pro 12.2, as well as Xperia Tablet Z2 and I think Asus has one or two good 10-inchers out there - all of the listed have failry great specs, have KitKat on board, and pack LTE inside them.
But the Nexus has me in because of the pure AOSP I'n getting with it, along with guaranteed 2 years of updates ahead
So, if you can give - please give me a list of 9-10" tablets that apply to the following requirements:
- Priced about the same as N9 LTE
- Have a 32GB or an SD-card expansion option
- Have the latest version of Android
- Have LTE support
- Have a moderately good development community, at least so the device would have an AOSP build available (such as CyanogenMod, for example)
Thanks in advance!

You have basically described the nvidia Shield except for the screen being 8 inches instead of 9.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app

Nvidia shield tablet is perfect
Hit Thanks if I Helped
-_-NAMELESS ROM 1+1-_-

I forgot to mention that I am currently rocking Nexus 10 and Nexus 7 LTE, and I am looking for a replacement of both of these tablets with one device, that's why I also looked at Nexus 9, and ideally the device should have a big display
Shield Tablet just doesn't cut it for me as the screen is too small + it's not really convenient for productivity usage such as Evernote

Fatal1ty_93_RUS said:
I forgot to mention that I am currently rocking Nexus 10 and Nexus 7 LTE, and I am looking for a replacement of both of these tablets with one device, that's why I also looked at Nexus 9, and ideally the device should have a big display
Shield Tablet just doesn't cut it for me as the screen is too small + it's not really convenient for productivity usage such as Evernote
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If big display is primary concern get the Nexus 9, but make sure you get it from somewhere you can get a replacement easily.

Do note that WiFi version already have unimpressive battery life, wonder how much poorer LTE version will be.

I'd consider an iPad Mini Retina, they're cheap right now, or an iPad Air.

Stresa said:
You have basically described the nvidia Shield except for the screen being 8 inches instead of 9.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The shield community still seems a bit early/immature. Not really much development going on.

LG G Tab 8.3 Google Play Edition

Deltadroid said:
LG G Tab 8.3 Google Play Edition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How well did the SD 600 behave its a bit old SoC!!im also looking for a tablet....im pretty consern about the battery life..as a nexus user i don't want to look over and over again about my battery stats..

The SD 600 seems to play very nicely with CM12. I actually bought the locked (but hackable) v500 model and the Google Play Edition is the v510. Both models are good, but the v500 might have a little more international support.

http://www.androidauthority.com/rumor-htc-release-new-tablet-based-nexus-9-573555/
Here's an interesting future option.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

Imho, there isn't another tablet that will rival the n9 when all things are considered. I didn't want to cough up the money as I honestly feel that the n9 is overpriced because of its limited storage, mind you I have the 32gb version. 32gb is really low for a media consumption device so 16gb is simply unacceptable and should be done away with all together. I value my timely updates and I know Google will push out updates for at least the next 2 years, how much is that worth to you? There are only 2 companies I trust with updates, Apple and Google.
Fwiw, I was leaning towards an iPad mini 2 32gb as it cost much less and is a well built product but I don't like how constrictive iOS is, weird because I've loved every Mac I've owned. Apples to oranges I suppose, no pun intended.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

Would about the Galaxy Tab S ?

flyoffacliff said:
Would about the Galaxy Tab S ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slow SoC and capacitive buttons are activated accidentally. Battery life is pretty low for everything except watching videos. Nice screen though.

Great
Great Info. Thanks

Go with a N9 WiFi-only
My 2 cents: what I've always done is have a WiFi-only tablet, because it's cheaper, and use tethering on my phone whenever I need to connect that tablet to the internet while on the move. Another advantage is that with a WiFi only tablet, your battery life will be much larger (granted, the fact you have to keep your phone in tethering mode drains a bit of battery on the phone, but it's tolerable). Right now I have a Nexus 7 WiFi only and a Nexus 5 LTE, and soon I'm thinking about upgrading to a Nexus 9 WiFi only. That way it won't be terribly expensive (the N9 WiFi 32GB is $479). Oh, and an extra advantage of a WiFi-only tablet: there is no carrier to control if you get or don't get Android system updates

bblzd said:
Slow SoC and capacitive buttons are activated accidentally. Battery life is pretty low for everything except watching videos. Nice screen though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus capacitive buttons are activated more easily, especially when they're a millimeter or two away from the Plex console buttons.
Also, when lollipop lags they go down with the ship.
Also, they take extra effort to retrieve when in full screen mode.
Also, they always cut into screen real estate (e.g. Hangouts now has 4 total toolbars on its main window, counting buttons, notification shade, tabs, and user slide out menu and call tab shortcut). This isn't a huge deal in portrait mode but it can certainly become one in landscape. When you're trying to play a game or... See first point.
I think the best competitor is the iPad Mini.
They're both running allegedly laggy 64 bit dual core processors. Either way, seems about even.
They're both touted as top of the line by their respective ecosystem owning companies.
They have identical aspect ratios and screen resolutions.
They both underwent a significant visual overhaul.
The iPad will actually net you 64gb for $500, where Google makes only a 32gb version of the Nexus 9 for a relatively outrageous $480.
Apple has famous customer service and kiosks. Google might call you if they feel like it.
iOS has App Ops built in. It lets you control your privacy with things like location. Android has Google Play Services. It never stops checking your location.
Both let you turn off background data.
Both support external storage if it's inconveniently attached with a cable or something.
Both support third party keyboards.
Both have silly slider-button combination quick toggles. Android's has more options and iOS' only needs a single swipe with a single finger to appear.
Both have an app switching screen that now shows you very few apps* unless you start sliding around.
Neither let you access your apps' Settings pages from the notification bar* .
* these features were removed in Lollipop to make comparisons to iOS devices more fitting.

primetechv2 said:
Nexus capacitive buttons are activated more easily, especially when they're a millimeter or two away from the Plex console buttons.
Also, when lollipop lags they go down with the ship.
Also, they take extra effort to retrieve when in full screen mode.
Also, they always cut into screen real estate (e.g. Hangouts now has 4 total toolbars on its main window, counting buttons, notification shade, tabs, and user slide out menu and call tab shortcut). This isn't a huge deal in portrait mode but it can certainly become one in landscape. When you're trying to play a game or... See first point.
I think the best competitor is the iPad Mini.
They're both running allegedly laggy 64 bit dual core processors. Either way, seems about even.
They're both touted as top of the line by their respective ecosystem owning companies.
They have identical aspect ratios and screen resolutions.
They both underwent a significant visual overhaul.
The iPad will actually net you 64gb for $500, where Google makes only a 32gb version of the Nexus 9 for a relatively outrageous $480.
Apple has famous customer service and kiosks. Google might call you if they feel like it.
iOS has App Ops built in. It lets you control your privacy with things like location. Android has Google Play Services. It never stops checking your location.
Both let you turn off background data.
Both support external storage if it's inconveniently attached with a cable or something.
Both support third party keyboards.
Both have silly slider-button combination quick toggles. Android's has more options and iOS' only needs a single swipe with a single finger to appear.
Both have an app switching screen that now shows you very few apps* unless you start sliding around.
Neither let you access your apps' Settings pages from the notification bar* .
* these features were removed in Lollipop to make comparisons to iOS devices more fitting.
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One requires you to be locked to the ball and chain called iTunes. I'd rather stick a pencil in my eye then be choked to death by iTunes.
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Semantics said:
One requires you to be locked to the ball and chain called iTunes. I'd rather stick a pencil in my eye then be choked to death by iTunes.
Sent from my LG-D851 using Tapatalk
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Most of the Nexus is also locked down out of the box. I've found myself tethered to the Google Play Services app in ways that can only be described as unhealthy, even as yesterday that app needed a complete deletion to stop searching for my location via GPS. and
And I'm not a huge Google's fan to begin with. It'd be an interesting experiment to test ecosystem reliance.
As for $20 limited movie licenses on both ecosystems, I'm thrilled about neither, but in my experience each company is trying somewhat desperately to imitate the other despite still being very different. That alone I think makes looking at the iPad worth a moment.