Database Users

Buying a Note 10.1 ?

Hey guys,
I'm thinking of buying a Note 10.1 with the Note 2 in my pocket I find it useful and fun to use, and I perfect selecting text etc with the S-Pen.
However I've got some reservations. I've looked at one 3 times (I know WTF am I doing?) and I've been resitant on buying one as all of them are running 4.0.4 and I'll be honest I found it a bit clonky, and not as rapid as the Note 2.
Now with mention of a possible GT-N8200 which is a possible successor to the N8000 is it wise to buy one? with rumors of the Nexus 10 screen, an updated spec and possible S-Pen improvements I'd hate to buy one and the N8200 pop up 2 months later. One of my reasons for such hesitations is there £379 here in the UK and haven't really dropped in price since there introduction is this because there isn't a replacement or are they just expensive,
When there is the likes of the Tab2 for £265 and the Nexus10 £319 While neither offer the S-Pen I found all in store demonstration models on 4.0.4 are quite laggy and not responsive enough with the S-Pen detection being too slow to realistically use it for drawing I'm finding it difficult to spend more when the S-Pen doesn't seem to work in a way where i'll actually use it.
Can anyone give me a unbiased opinion on how well it works, I know this is the forum for it, but I'm hoping you guys and gals will be able to tell me how it is, as in store demonstrations don't make me want to part with the cash and buying one blind without trying the 4.1.2 up date is financial suicide imho.
TIA
Luke.

14 Views and not one opinion?

LBTaylor1984 said:
14 Views and not one opinion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so I have only had one tablet, this one and I bought it a couple days after its release. the 4.1.2 update definitely improved just about everything for me. ~10 hours per charge, another after the update, and expanded multi window. I understand your reservations about buying now and having a newer model. The display isn't good enough for some, and adequate for others look for the nexus 10 vs. note 10.1 thread, it is debated ad nauseam. perhaps is because my eyes are beginning to fail me somewhat but the screen works fine for me. keep in mind higher resolution requires more battery and cpu usage. fwiw, this note was announced Feb 2012. and took 6 more months to be released. my honest opinion, you won't see the next note 10.1 till July- August time frame. that's my gut feeling.
I find the s pen to be plenty responsive, there is a thread with art work done in the note 10.1 and I'm amazed at what people create.
Like I said I have only used this tablet and have never regretted my choice. my advice would be to peruse some of the threads reporting problems, but honestly there don't seem to be as many of those threads as opposed to some devices.
don't trust the store displays, watch some you tube videos, I always have power saving on and it never slows down.
good luck!

Please don't trust a unit in the store! When I went to worst buy to play with 1 the screen was covered in jelly lol. I love mine & could care less about retina displays. Whenn they come out with the note 10.1 2 I will buy it but until then I'm happy with my purchase. There will always something else newer coming out when you buy a tablet. Hell I bought the galaxy note 2 & now they already talking about the galaxy note 3
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda app-developers app

Thank you for taking the time to give me an idea what the Note is like.
I will go get one based on this new information, I really wish stores would update the devices they sell as Jellybean seems to have transformed the Note by what I can see, meanwhile the general public see them and obviously prefer the iPad, is it any wonder when some of the Android devices are running so badly.

Even on ICS I was impressed at what this baby could do compared to my old transformer prime. Jellybean has turned this baby into a multitasking beast! Thank god I didn't get the Microsoft surface. Lastly the speakers on the front of the tablet is something I've been hoping a company would do forever. There's nothing worse than having to cup your hands at the back of your tablet to get the sound to fire in your direction
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda app-developers app

Arun01 said:
Even on ICS I was impressed at what this baby could do compared to my old transformer prime. Jellybean has turned this baby into a multitasking beast! Thank god I didn't get the Microsoft surface. Lastly the speakers on the front of the tablet is something I've been hoping a company would do forever. There's nothing worse than having to cup your hands at the back of your tablet to get the sound to fire in your direction
Sent from my GT-N8013 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for the speakers, the IR blaster is kinda cool too
EDIT: as far as becoming obsolete soon, Verizon just began selling these on this side of the pond, Sprint as well I believe. and the 8 inch version hasn't even been released yet. read into that how you desire. enjoy!

Get it recommemded from my internal heart !!!
I have used ipad, windows tablets, tab2 10 and note 10 is the best of them !!!
Speed and functionality as good specification except retina screen !!!
All your multimedia needs and writing needs not like other tablets
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

I love my 10.1. I did however buy a different stylus (the Wacom Bamboo feel) because writing with the original stylus can be a little awkward due to its size and shape (for me, anyway). But for school, it's been a great alternative to carrying around multiple notebooks, and I can use my Note II hotspot to easily connect to the internet when not near a router.

I think the note 10 is the most underrated tab around, I had the original n7000 and this is considerably quicker, I even like the touch wiz implementation (mostly) on it, something I never thought I'd say...
It also made me realise I didnt really need a phone with an spen, as I used this one 100x more than the note one.
Use it for drawing all the time would like a higher res screen though.
They have been reduced btw, argos were selling them cheaper, and Samsung were doing a rebate on top of that for uk purchases.
Check old hotukdeals.com topics for those.
Not sure when I'm down in London next, other wise I'd say you're welcome to try mine out,
OT what do you ride btw? I teach mtb
Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk HD

Sokudoningyou said:
I love my 10.1. I did however buy a different stylus (the Wacom Bamboo feel) because writing with the original stylus can be a little awkward due to its size and shape (for me, anyway). But for school, it's been a great alternative to carrying around multiple notebooks, and I can use my Note II hotspot to easily connect to the internet when not near a router.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks as if that Wacom stylus has a button, if so, does it behave the same as the stock s-pen?

I highly pecommend this tablet.
It is very fast, Well built and can be used in an office as well as in the field.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA Premium HD app

Thoughts from a former Nexus 7 fanboy

So I've traded in my beloved Nexus 7 for a Galaxy Note 8. Here's why:
A lot of the decision was based around the extremely poor execution on the Nexus brand. The Galaxy Nexus launch was smooth, but Verizon only. I preordered the Nexus 7 the moment it became possible to do so, only to have my order take weeks to process and with no way to cancel it after I was able to walk into a Sam's Club and pick up one of the dozen or so they had in stock (I actually had to cancel the card I used to preorder it to prevent Google from billing me). Most recently, the case study in botched launches we call the Nexus 4 was simply unacceptable from a company as big and as smart as Google. Toss in the scant attention they give to accessories (Nexus 7 desktop dock, anyone?) and my faith in Google as a hardware partner has simply been abolished. There was no way in hell I was going to try the next Nexus 7 and hope they've improved things.
That aside, the Nexus 7 was an awesome tablet, but the form factor was a real turn off for me. The thing just felt so bulky in my hand and pocket. That didn't keep me from using the crap out of it, but I really wanted to find an iPad Mini sized device with Android on it. Superficial, I know, but I can't say it wasn't a factor when I read how thin the Note 8 was going to be. Even if the next Nexus 7 is just as thin, the killer feature for me is the S Pen. Android tablets and a third party stylus are just north of complete disappointment. Every tablet I've owned since the Motorola Xoom really sucked in this department. Since my day job now involves 3x as many meetings as it did when I got the N7, the ability to take quick notes and sketch out something rough was a huge selling point. Having used it for a week now, that alone has completely justified the extra cost over an N7 for me.
I do hate a few things, however. The capacitive buttons are annoying as hell in landscape. More than once already, I've hit the back button while playing a game or reading something. How this made it past any sort of QA testing is beyond me. While we're on the subject of "wtf", who's bright idea was it to place the speakers on the part of the device you cover up in landscape? It's very clear that they intended this device to be used in one position and that's extremely unfortunate.
In the end, I'm extremely happy with it. My experience so far has been vastly positive and it's been the most practical Android tablet I've owned to date. Granted, most of that feeling is focused on how much I like the S Pen. Without that, I never would have given this tablet the time of day, even with the better form factor.

great review.. i feel largely the same way with the biggest negative being the capacitive buttons in landscape.. oversight in my opinion that maybe they can develop a disable in landscape option.
I think also underrated is 'reading mode' and i really appreciate samsungs letting us add any app to the list.. I find it much easier and much less strain on the eyes when reading pdfs that way

I kept my nexus 7, so now i have the best of both worlds =) But on another note, note 8 is extremely smooth, its awesome.

About the capacitive buttons... it is possible to active on screen buttons if you're desperate lol... It would take effort though.

great information you have to post, this one is quit materialistic and also have a deep information about Nexus 7

I have to agree about the bulky casing of the Nexus 7, Galaxy 8.0 is a good alternative for sure. Thanks for posting your thoughts.

I really really really want to have a Note 8 but it's sooooo big. hehehe. I hope my hands are big enough to hold it easily

panda00 said:
About the capacitive buttons... it is possible to active on screen buttons if you're desperate lol... It would take effort though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With root, button savior is always an option on any device for on screen buttons
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk HD

I did the same thing. I own a Note 2 and had a Nexus 7. I tried out a Note 10.1 and a Nexus 10 for a week each and returned them both. After seeing what the Note 8.0 was about to bring to the table, I sold my Nexus 7 on the launch day of the Note 8.0 and went with that. I love this thing. For me the size and weight played a huge role as well, not to mention the fact that for me I am not very productive with a tablet unless I have a method of data entry other than touch, like the S Pen or a physical keyboard. After being so happy with my Note 2, the 8.0 ended up being the perfect choice.
Sent from my Note 2

BlobLobba said:
I have to agree about the bulky casing of the Nexus 7, Galaxy 8.0 is a good alternative for sure. Thanks for posting your thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy 8.0 is a good alternative for sure.+1
But I have heard the next generation of Nexus 7 will come on Google I/O 2013, and it seems own the more powerful specs than the present one, and I do want to compare the new one with Galaxy Note 8.0.

Dannyada1988 said:
Galaxy 8.0 is a good alternative for sure.+1
But I have heard the next generation of Nexus 7 will come on Google I/O 2013, and it seems own the more powerful specs than the present one, and I do want to compare the new one with Galaxy Note 8.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True but unless it has an active digitizer (S-Pen) it doesn't compare. I bought the Note 8.0 for one reason, the S-Pen. I had the Samsung series 7 slate with an active digitizer and loved it, wished for something smaller that I could use. I then bought the Surface Pro and the stylus comes in handy, I use it all the time. I take my Surface to meetings and take notes with it. Now with the Note 8.0 I can go completely digital with my note taking. I will be able to through it in my cargo pocket and take it with me everywhere to take notes and stuff.
I understand everyone has different uses but the Note 8.0 is in a different class with the S-Pen. The iPad mini and Nexus 7, both nice devices owned a Nexus 7, don't compare.

theraker007 said:
great review.. i feel largely the same way with the biggest negative being the capacitive buttons in landscape.. oversight in my opinion that maybe they can develop a disable in landscape option.
I think also underrated is 'reading mode' and i really appreciate samsungs letting us add any app to the list.. I find it much easier and much less strain on the eyes when reading pdfs that way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow learned something new. Thanks!
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk 2

sactownbwoy said:
True but unless it has an active digitizer (S-Pen) it doesn't compare. I bought the Note 8.0 for one reason, the S-Pen. I had the Samsung series 7 slate with an active digitizer and loved it, wished for something smaller that I could use. I then bought the Surface Pro and the stylus comes in handy, I use it all the time. I take my Surface to meetings and take notes with it. Now with the Note 8.0 I can go completely digital with my note taking. I will be able to through it in my cargo pocket and take it with me everywhere to take notes and stuff.
I understand everyone has different uses but the Note 8.0 is in a different class with the S-Pen. The iPad mini and Nexus 7, both nice devices owned a Nexus 7, don't compare.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too. I love the Spen, but I hate Mali-400MP inside it (Having Note 2). Have no idea why Samsung doesn't put Snapdragon S600 (or at least S4 Pro) into it.
8.0 inch is the perfect side for a tablet, so I'm waiting for its successor.

I traded up from the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1'' and I DONT regret it. The 8.0'' screen is perfect, still kinda fits in your pocket, the extra inch over the 7'' tabs is duly noted and the -2.1 inches from my former tablet isnt even missed. I, so far, have no complaints about my Note!

hung2900 said:
Me too. I love the Spen, but I hate Mali-400MP inside it (Having Note 2).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read a lot of people complain about it, but no one is really saying why. My experience so far is that the OS runs as snappy as any device I've ever used, applications load up quickly, and so far, every game I've tossed on it plays just fine. Could it be faster, less power hungry, or newer? Sure, but I'm not seeing a reason why I should care, either.
I'd love to hear some thoughts on why people have such a problem with the processor.

Juvenall said:
I've read a lot of people complain about it, but no one is really saying why. My experience so far is that the OS runs as snappy as any device I've ever used, applications load up quickly, and so far, every game I've tossed on it plays just fine. Could it be faster, less power hungry, or newer? Sure, but I'm not seeing a reason why I should care, either.
I'd love to hear some thoughts on why people have such a problem with the processor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It boils down to some dumb "It's great, but we want <insert the new tech buzzword" fanboyism. By all means the SoC is great, is tried and tested, and more than powerful enough for anything on the platform or on the horizon.
Basically, a bunch of biased blogs used it as a knock against the Note 8, and because its not an octa-core Exynos 6 with 8GB of RAM and a GeForce 790GT it's suddenly bad. Even though they had literally just got done gushing over the same SoC in the Note 2 and others.

Juvenall said:
I've read a lot of people complain about it, but no one is really saying why. My experience so far is that the OS runs as snappy as any device I've ever used, applications load up quickly, and so far, every game I've tossed on it plays just fine. Could it be faster, less power hungry, or newer? Sure, but I'm not seeing a reason why I should care, either.
I'd love to hear some thoughts on why people have such a problem with the processor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reason? Cannot play fruit ninja perfectly smoothly. ShadowGun DZ seems even laggier than my tf101.
I didn't say anything abt the processor, coz even 1ghz quad core (power saving mode? Is totally enough. But the GPU...

hung2900 said:
Reason? Cannot play fruit ninja perfectly smoothly. ShadowGun DZ seems even laggier than my tf101.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't play these games, but I am pretty sure hyperbole of comparing any function of the N8 to the TF101 is not going to help your argument. I went and downloaded Shadowgun for kicks, and it plays like a scalded dog on my Note 8 (and Note 2 for that matter),
My fathers TF101 struggles to replay the Quadrant render. The Tegra2 was, and always has been, a total slug.

hung2900 said:
Reason? Cannot play fruit ninja perfectly smoothly. ShadowGun DZ seems even laggier than my tf101.
I didn't say anything abt the processor, coz even 1ghz quad core (power saving mode? Is totally enough. But the GPU...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fruit Ninja is playing just fine for me on my GT-N5110, so I'm not sure where you're getting its not "perfectly smooth". The same goes for large games like Asphalt 7 or Max Payne in that they play as well on this device as they do on my N7 or TF300T.

Both are great tablets!

have barely touched my s4 since getting this tablet

What a great device. And its a shame that some people maybe put off by the some of the pathetic reviews ive read on this device. Its stunning.
My s4 is faster. Higher res screen etc. But when it comes to browsing video etc theres no substitute for real estate.
Please dont listen to these bad reviews written by apple twats. If your in the market for a 10in tablet. You will love this

Lol I know what you mean I got my note 10.1 right after I got my s3 I love it the s pen, main reason I got the note over the n10
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda app-developers app

Have to totally agree as well. Was about to get the Nexus 10 but I am really happy to get the Note 10.1. And the screen size and quality is more than fine for me...
This is the first time i have really used a tablet for my various hobbies. The Spen magic is great as well.
I just wish we get the Android updates for multiuser feature and bluetooth 4 LE support

i can't live without this tablet, take it everywhere i go i love the note series.

yeah, love it so much, and now, i'm running on ReVolt ROM and love it much more ^^

I completely ignored the reviews about the note 10.1, so many complaints about the screen being poor etc, what a load of tosh that is, there's bugger all wrong with it imo. I picked the note 10.1 over the nexus 10 and I don't regret that decision one bit!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Snagged mine on eBay for £204 about 3 months ago, it's everything I need in a tablet.... I came from the tab 7.7 with the amoled screen which was lovely but still prefer the note 10.1 as more horsepower and bigger screen = happy gingerdude + with my note 2 gives me everything on the go.
To those who say screen is poor, try it for yourself is more than ok.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda app-developers app

coaldust123 said:
What a great device. And its a shame that some people maybe put off by the some of the pathetic reviews ive read on this device. Its stunning.
My s4 is faster. Higher res screen etc. But when it comes to browsing video etc theres no substitute for real estate.
Please dont listen to these bad reviews written by apple twats. If your in the market for a 10in tablet. You will love this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't agree more... just got my Note 10.1 a few weeks back - had been debating upgrading my original Tab 10.1 for a N10. I'm so happy I didn't - not sure where most of the bad reviews come from: screen is fantastic, the device is super-responsive, feels great in the hand and well-built, expandable memory (running a 64GB card in my 32GB Note = all the space I could ask for) - and for someone that uses his tablet like a notebook, the pen is fantastic to work with... Highly recommended. :victory:

What would make this Tablet permanently on my person, is if it could Seperate into 2, for portability. The 2nd half of the screen could serve as a giant battery, or the 2 halves could have Bluetooth link to each other, so you could do a lot of new things tablets can't do, for (a light-hearted) example , PORTABLE BATTLESHIP GAME SET! XD lol. Just think how creative Samsung could be, once they make those flexible displays commercially available. Also, when Google Glass becomes reasonably priced (I don't think King Midas could even afford it right now), I think some really awesome usage integration between one's glasses, computer, smartphone, and tablet, is inevitably going to be one of the driving catylsts in how commercially available tech will evolve/unfold.
---------- Post added at 09:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:12 PM ----------
About the screen: the only reason Samsung didn't make it on Par with competitors, is because they couldn't find any that could work well with the specialized Wacom digitizer (which is what makes the s-pen superior to a magic wand XD), while also being cost effective. It's a tradeoff that anyone who goes this tablet a fair try, wouldn't care less about. Friggin' Apple extremists think the iPad screen makes photos look better than looking at something in person with your own eyes. Lol.

Opposite for me. I got my S4 and now I use my tablet less. It's not because it's a bad tablet, it's just that it's easier to whip out the phone and browse sometimes. I use my tablet for lots of other important things though so it makes up for that..

i sold my gn10.1 a few months back to get the ativ 500t and 700t. there isn't a day that goes by that i don't miss it. i've almost bit the bullet a few times and gotten a refurb for $300 (i've seen the refurb 32 for ~$350). i really wanna wait to see if they come out with a bigger screen, but i really miss my gn10.1. i missed it so bad that i bought a gn8 to fill the gap that will be left after i sell my nook hd+.
it was the greatest tablet i've owned and thought i'd finally found one that i'd keep for more than a year. windows is great since i can play just about any format and have an alternate selection of games (can't say better b/c that's subjective) and i love the bigger screen. i do hate that windows desktop isn't very finger friendly and that modern ui sucks so badly.
maybe i'll cave it and get another. hopefully i can tame the desire and wait a few months to see how much the ativ q will be or how big the new galaxy note tablets will be.

coaldust123 said:
What a great device. And its a shame that some people maybe put off by the some of the pathetic reviews ive read on this device. Its stunning.
My s4 is faster. Higher res screen etc. But when it comes to browsing video etc theres no substitute for real estate.
Please dont listen to these bad reviews written by apple twats. If your in the market for a 10in tablet. You will love this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got a Galaxy S4 about a week and a half ago. I find myself using both my Note 10.1 and S4 about equally but for different things, for productivity apps, such as the S-pen apps and office apps, the real estate of the 10.1 can't be beat. for speed, fast browsing and social apps I lean toward the S4. One note though, the S4 just came out with an update that lets you move apps to SDcard, which the 10.1 does not have (hopefully it will come in a future update), however this update locks the bootloaders so that the S4 then cannot be rooted (as of yet!).

Same here. Galaxy Note and S4. In many ways they compliment each other. S-notes automatically show up on S-memo (albeit read only) and reverse also. S4 is always there when Note is not practical. Note wins for meetings. S4 wins waiting for the airplane door to close, and riding in the car.
I even got the small point stylus (ikross brand) designed for the S4 and it works nicely.
In geek heaven here .
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD

Can't decide between new Nexus 7 and Note 8.0

I've owned a N7 2012 for about a year, and I have a buyer for my old one, so I'm looking at upgrading. I haven't used a stylus device in years, but I used to love them: precision text editing, sketches to supplement an explanation, and unambiguous link clicking in the browser.
I expect longevity from my devices, and my previous experience has been that the charging connector breaks first on every mobile device I've had. This gives the N7 the serious advantage with the Qi inductive charging.
OTOH, the Note's performance is more future-proof: a 96GB Note (thanks SD-card expansion) will stay useful longer with a 32GB N7, and the benchmarks also come out clearly in favour of the Note: (Slashgear Note 6900 http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/quadrant_gnote8_attwtmk.jpg vs N7 5600 http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content...enshot_2013-07-25-13-17-52-google-nexus-7.jpg ).
But the performance doesn't count for all that much, since my main use for my current N7 has been reading: PDFs, e-books and websites. I use it mostly around the house, and my phone when I'm out and about.
Can anyone suggest something I haven't considered that may be relevant? The price isn't going to sway me much one way or the other.
Thanks

I prefer note 8 due to larger size and I won't mind carrying a slightly bigger one. Was coming from 7.7. I would have taken if it's nexus 8.
Happy user of note 8.
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app

I don't know what I can add except my reason for buying a Note 8.0--the pen. I bought my Note for school to replace everything in my bookbag--no more notebooks, no more laptop, no more text books. So far I'm very happy with my decision. I was also considering the new Nexus but because I wanted the ability to take notes, the lack of a wacom pen was off-putting. The Note was well worth the extra money for me.

I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.

logicrulez said:
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why should we not expect updates for the note 8.0? I thought they were already working on e 4.2.2 build. in fact a quick search suggests thats its already available

I had the nexus 7.2 for a week and a half, the 16Gb version and it had a very nice screen fast processor but returned it due to frequent reboots, apparently it only happens on the 16Gb version. Got the note 8 instead. Am very satisfied with it.
I'd recommend you get the Nexus 7.2 first use it for a week then return and get the Note 8, that way you can see the strength and weakness of both and then decide which one is more useful to you. I am glad I did that, the Nexus 7.2 was how to say this not to hurt anyones feelings -plain vanilla- which is not bad, but you can't really compare the two because of the S pen feature on the Note 8. The Note 8 screen is not bad at all, but the 7.2 beats it, and I find that I do use the S pen more often than I thought I would. Also I'm a long time Samsung user and I like their products. I gave the Nexus 7.2 a try but am more comfortable with the Note 8, also love the S pen, for that alone it was worth it to me.
So as I mentioned get one use it as is for a week or two then return it and get the other one. Test both, but in my opinion you can't really pin the two tablets against each other. They are both good just depends what you are going to use it for, if you're a big game player get the Nexus, if you going to use the tablet for other things get the Note 8
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app

hertsjoatmon said:
why should we not expect updates for the note 8.0? I thought they were already working on e 4.2.2 build. in fact a quick search suggests thats its already available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've owned more than a few Samsung devices, I currently own a two SGS 3, AT&T and Sprint. Neither are on 4.2.2, which is why i'm on CM10.1.2. I'd be pretty happy with a TouchWiz 4.3, but I know Samsung is pretty lame at updates that's why I made that statement, if the Note does get the 4.2.2 update, that's great, but I don't think they will go past that.
Hopefully Samsung is doing an overhaul on TouchWiz all together, I may stick with Samsung devices, otherwise my next device will be a Nexus. I've given up hope for the skin based phones and updates.

It really comes down to how much you value the s-pen....i thought I'd get much more use out of it (i do a lot of handwritten note taking, but at meetings i typically type in notepad) and never did so I just put my Note8 up for sale because the extra $100 wasn't worth it because it was still faster/easier for me to jot something quick on a post it than to take out the spen, launch the note app, scribbe something, save it....
however when I was in school the ability to take down quick notes and write on-screen on pdfs/ppt was *very critical* and I loved my W7 tablet with ntrig (this is all pre-tablets so it just depends on your use case
With OTG usb, you can still use microsd on the Nexus7, althought it's a bit more work and takes up the charging port..not sure if the new N7 has that yet (you had to be rooted on the old N7 to use it)
screenwise, the new N7 quality is much better, but I find the slightly larger note 8 to actually be easier to read on and use

I'm close to making my final decision because I refuse to keep the Note 8.0 and the N7 (2013) that I currently have.
The N7 is super nice. The display keeps drawing me back over and over. I like the fact that I can watch Netflix on it and not accidentally press the back button like I tend to do on the Note 8.0. I love the crisp text in my ebooks. And who doesn't love stock?
The Note 8.0 is better from a productivity standpoint for me, and it's why it currently leads. Outside of holding it in landscape and pressing buttons accidentally, I actually prefer the feel of the Note 8.0 more than the new N7. The display isn't nearly as bad as some would have you believe either. Sure if you have it side by side the N7, you'll see it, but in my opinion it looks real good.
Also a sidenote for comic book readers. I use Comixology, and I'm not a fan of the panel to panel view unless I'm forced to use it due to something being very small. It's easier for me to read comics on the Note 8.0 compared to the N7. Probably because of the extra inch of real estate.
Probably the reason I still go back and forth is because I know I can expect updates and a vibrant dev community on the N7, but probably not so much with the Note 8.0. Heck, I have the AT&T LTE variant, and I sadly can't even root that yet. Good luck with your decision.

I went ahead and ordered the 32GB Nexus 7.2. I figure I can always sell it for about what I paid for it if I decide not to keep it.
I got the previous Nexus 7 as a gift, but actually ended up selling it (and keeping the more lowly spec'd Tab 2 7" I already had) because the Nexus was just so flaky. Apparently it was a great device prior to 4.1, but I only got onboard after that. Plus the speakers were PATHETIC (unacceptable for a device that screams multimedia consumption.) I'm hoping those are better this go-round as I use mine for backgound music/video quite a bit.
There's pros to being on the bleeding edge of updates I guess. But I almost view it like you're being an unofficial beta tester. Samsung may not always have the latest official Android version on all its flagship devices, but all my experiences with them to-date have been outstanding. There's a reason (beyond just marketing) that they're the most dominant OEM in the Android world.

If the primary purpose is reading as OP has posted, I would suggest note 8 to be better choice.
My primary reason for buying note 8.0 was reading (PDF's as well as comics) and considering that almost 38 GB of my external 64 Gig card is occupied by books i would say i am more than pleased by my choice.
The extra screen size does matter here though both share similar 16:10 aspect ratio , which is quite ok,
another surprise feature, the reading mode that samsung built into this is amazing (though it might appear strange at first) but now I just can't imagine reading without that , it's easier on eyes,less stress and for me makes for much better concentration. add a good reader app (I absolutely love the free perfect viewer app for pdf and comics)
The secondary thing for me was the s-pen. since i have been using wacom tablets on pc since late 90's I found this quite adequate. My N-5100 costed me around $530 USD) which is surely definitely on the costlier side of things however I would still consider it worth that extra dough.
I also primarily use this at home and mine is still unrooted (haven't found a need or reason to root it yet).

Gotta decide what's your most important feature.
For me tablets can have two distinct purposes, media consumption device or productivity device. As a media consumption device there isn't much use to me for a tablet because honestly, most things are just more convenient to do on my phone since I always have it, and it has a data connection.
Now as a productivity device, there are a couple things the note 8 excels at. PDF and textbook portability/editing, handwritten notes, and remote desktop control. The spen takes this device to a higher level of productivity because there is no device with a comparable stylus. But for anything else like word document editing, media production, music/picture editing, tablets in general fall short because laptops/desktops are just better.
So if you want a media consumption device, the new Nexus 7 is probably better or even the iPad for that matter. But for productivity the spen will make up for the other shortcomings like lower screen pixel density, less frequent operating system updates, etc.

MobileTechReview posted her review, comparing the two tablets. Everything she said is exactly the same thought I have between the two tablets. I currently have both. I'm more tempted to return the Nexus, but don't know yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7aPvUqdcds
But everything she states in the video is the same opinion that I have noticed from using them.
She doesn't mention bugs, but the Nexus has its own bugs too... such as apps crashing or becoming unresponsive to touches. I have seen the GPS crash several times using a GPS testing app.

It took me ages to decide between the N7 and note 8, and I decided on the note 8. But now I realise, that as I'm going university next year, I'll probably need a laptop, and I'm confused all over again
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

logicrulez said:
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.2.2 is already out for uk. I am on it now
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app

TC93 said:
MobileTechReview posted her review, comparing the two tablets. Everything she said is exactly the same thought I have between the two tablets. I currently have both. I'm more tempted to return the Nexus, but don't know yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7aPvUqdcds
But everything she states in the video is the same opinion that I have noticed from using them.
She doesn't mention bugs, but the Nexus has its own bugs too... such as apps crashing or becoming unresponsive to touches. I have seen the GPS crash several times using a GPS testing app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with almost everything she said as well. I disagree with her assessment of the speakers and volume though. While this year's Nexus finally has proper speakers they're still not as loud as the Note 8's. The quality is a bit better as far as separation/bass goes, but not as loud.
I'm probably going to stick with the Note 8. It's just hard to go back to 7" display no matter what the resolution. It's great that the text is clear, but it's tiny - and the saturation isn't as good. And I've already experienced the Nexus bugginess (unresponsive to touches) several times as well.

htinaung said:
4.2.2 is already out for uk. I am on it now
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it compared to 4.1?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Grogck said:
Agree with almost everything she said as well. I disagree with her assessment of the speakers and volume though. While this year's Nexus finally has proper speakers they're still not as loud as the Note 8's. The quality is a bit better as far as separation/bass goes, but not as loud.
I'm probably going to stick with the Note 8. It's just hard to go back to 7" display no matter what the resolution. It's great that the text is clear, but it's tiny - and the saturation isn't as good. And I've already experienced the Nexus bugginess (unresponsive to touches) several times as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had any complaints about the Note 8.0 speakers either.

xT4Z1N4TRx said:
How is it compared to 4.1?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe more smooth
Sent from my GT-N5120 using xda app-developers app

I own the original nexus 7...
I currently own an ipad 4 (so I'm used to looking at retina display), I've had the note 10.1, nexus 10, etc....
Honestly I think 8" is the sweet spot. I want to love thenew nexus 7 so bad but I feel like 7" is just a tad too small. The extra screen area from an 8" tablet seems sooo much larger and more usable when browsing websites. Am I crazy? I feel like I keep reading about screen clarity vs spen vs whatever ... but to me the real battle is do you prefer 7" vs 8" - I'm probably going to get both and then return the one I dont' like. As I said, I'm used to the retina screen as well as the beautiful screen on my htc one; however just playing around with the note in the store, the screen honestly isn't that bad and colors are quite quite good.
That said, the nexus 7 screen is by far superior BUT I still think the larger size provides so much better screen real estate and thus ease of use.
Anyone not get the nexus 7 simply because they don't like a 7" tablet?

Perception: Why the review dings over the price of the 2014?

A standard point of ding in the reviews is the price, yet as example the 32GB version is the same price as the 32GB iPad and the 2014 has a micro sd slot and no proprietary connection. Build seems good and the display is at a minimum, as good as my iPad 4.
Seems the app ecosystem of the iPad gets treated as part of the package, so the price is given more slack than Android. JMO.
Simply put, you do not normally see Apple getting dinged on price in reviews. Seems a bias there. I agree it seems $50 too high for each model (ditto for iPads too), but would not ding it in a review for that.

There's a bias in tech reviews that things have to "catch up" to the iPhone or iPad. Any possible knocks on it will get brought out and highlighted.
I agree with your points, and that's ignoring the stylus that no other tablets have that turn it into a damn powerful art device. Of course I'd like it if it were a little cheaper but hey.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Theres probably an implicit bias that androids should be cheaper than iphones

Why is iPad so much
Samsung is $50 more when you compare base models but here is a list of what you get that Apple does not have.........
1 - A 16:9 screen not an out dated 4:3 design
2 - Wacom digitizer with S-Pen
3 - Dual screen or more and true multi-tasking.
4 - Micro SD storage up to 64GB
Maybe what should be said about the iPad is why is it only $50 less than a Samsung Galaxy Note10.1 when it's feature are more in line with the $399 nexus 10. or the $394 Kindle Fire HDX 8.9.
.

kkretch said:
Samsung is $50 more when you compare base models but here is a list of what you get that Apple does not have.........
1 - A 16:9 screen not an out dated 4:3 design
2 - Wacom digitizer with S-Pen
3 - Dual screen or more and true multi-tasking.
4 - Micro SD storage up to 64GB
Maybe what should be said about the iPad is why is it only $50 less than a Samsung Galaxy Note10.1 when it's feature are more in line with the $399 nexus 10. or the $394 Kindle Fire HDX 8.9.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. I still in my brain make them equal and null the $50. Yep, they are not the same price, hence the ding (the Apple/Nexus centric reviewers do not see value in the sd slot). Most tablet users probably would not use the pen function much, based on current install base without the function. Most just see the premium price and not the extra stuff they may not use.

I love my 128GB iPad 4 Wifi to bits, for browsing and its high quality App standard. But, having seen (and in some cases owned) a great deal of poor Android tablets this new Note 10.1 I would value at least as high as the iPad. Many Apps are still poor, browsing is less fun, but having seen the drawing capabilities, its light weight and compact size (given the large screen), its superb movie playing capability (from sd !!!) and zero lag in everyday use easily makes up for it. The people I have shown it to (and handled it for a bit) were all highly impressed. It cost me 599 euro, which I consider a steal for what it offers.

rushless said:
LOL. I still in my brain make them equal and null the $50. Yep, they are not the same price, hence the ding (the Apple/Nexus centric reviewers do not see value in the sd slot). Most tablet users probably would not use the pen function much, based on current install base without the function. Most just see the premium price and not the extra stuff they may not use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you nailed it here. People are overlooking the extra stuff and then complaining about the price. Yeah, it's true that most users don't care about the pen or the SD slot, but then that just means this isn't a product for them, not that it's overpriced.

Ettepetje said:
I love my 128GB iPad 4 Wifi to bits, for browsing and its high quality App standard. But, having seen (and in some cases owned) a great deal of poor Android tablets this new Note 10.1 I would value at least as high as the iPad. Many Apps are still poor, browsing is less fun, but having seen the drawing capabilities, its light weight and compact size (given the large screen), its superb movie playing capability (from sd !!!) and zero lag in everyday use easily makes up for it. The people I have shown it to (and handled it for a bit) were all highly impressed. It cost me 599 euro, which I consider a steal for what it offers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the iPad 4 128gb as well, plus an Excite 7.7 32gb, TF300 (gave to wife) and Nook HD+ 32gb. I find I use my Nook HD+ more than the others due to form factor and the sweet display with Android. I was thinking of selling the Excite and HD+ and get the 2014, but will wait until the lag issues are resolved. I have lag issues with the HD+, but works great for everything except a very few resource heavy 3D games. Plus it costs $470 less than the 2014. Unless the lag mostly goes, I see no reason to change right now.
Right now, I use the HD+ and the iPad 4 and the Excite 7.7 is collecting dust. Toshiba IMO sucks for support, so will not get another product from them. Out of principle.
Added:
Perhaps the layered function of the S-Pen causes gpu bottleneck issue due to the display. Any way to turn off the S-pen function to mitigate lag (assuming that is the issue)?

rushless said:
I have the iPad 4 128gb as well, plus an Excite 7.7 32gb, TF300 (gave to wife) and Nook HD+ 32gb. I find I use my Nook HD+ more than the others due to form factor and the sweet display with Android. I was thinking of selling the Excite and HD+ and get the 2014, but will wait until the lag issues are resolved. I have lag issues with the HD+, but works great for everything except a very few resource heavy 3D games. Plus it costs $470 less than the 2014. Unless the lag mostly goes, I see no reason to change right now.
Right now, I use the HD+ and the iPad 4 and the Excite 7.7 is collecting dust. Toshiba IMO sucks for support, so will not get another product from them. Out of principle.
Added:
Perhaps the layered function of the S-Pen causes gpu bottleneck issue due to the display. Any way to turn off the S-pen function to mitigate lag (assuming that is the issue)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can turn it off but that isn't the issue, it's Software optimization. it doesn't lag for me at all
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk 4

rushless said:
I have the iPad 4 128gb as well, plus an Excite 7.7 32gb, TF300 (gave to wife) and Nook HD+ 32gb. I find I use my Nook HD+ more than the others due to form factor and the sweet display with Android. I was thinking of selling the Excite and HD+ and get the 2014, but will wait until the lag issues are resolved. I have lag issues with the HD+, but works great for everything except a very few resource heavy 3D games. Plus it costs $470 less than the 2014. Unless the lag mostly goes, I see no reason to change right now.
Right now, I use the HD+ and the iPad 4 and the Excite 7.7 is collecting dust. Toshiba IMO sucks for support, so will not get another product from them. Out of principle.
Added:
Perhaps the layered funtion of the S-Pen causes gpu bottleneck issue due to the display. Any way to turn off the S-pen function to mitigate lag (assuming that is the issue)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I truly have -zero- lag, so I am a bit amazed at how much coverage the issue gets. I am pretty sure there are no hardware differences to cause it, but besides maybe some extra/different provider dependent bloatware I suspect most of these people are just doing other stuff on it. Drawing on the 2014 Note 10.1 is working great, no S-pen problems there, the original launcher seemed fine but I exchanged it quickly to Apex. The internet browsers work a bit clunky compared to the iPad, for which I blame these browsers themselves (not the Note 10.1), I never use these "S note" features really so maybe the lag is somewhere there (??). The standard videoplayer is fine, but is short on audio format (=dts) support, so I'm using MX Player together with its downloadable NeoN-driver which is wonderful. In Settings I put the Screen mode on "Movie mode", got rid of all kinds of crap like Reading Mode, auto-brightness, etc. and enjoy awesome Live Wallpapers like awe-inspiring Ocean HD (with shark pack), Paperland, Paris winter, Star in the Sky and various others. Besides the overal Android App quality (and lack of 128GB, or more, micro-sd) I couldn't be happier with what I expect from it.
I would try it at a store and see for yourself.

i've been to two samsung stores and both samsung reps had no idea that the s pen is a pressure sensitive device. they gotta just be regular ass best buy guys with different shirts.

Will test one at Best Buy.

Ettepetje said:
I truly have -zero- lag, so I am a bit amazed at how much coverage the issue gets. I am pretty sure there are no hardware differences to cause it, but besides maybe some extra/different provider dependent bloatware I suspect most of these people are just doing other stuff on it. Drawing on the 2014 Note 10.1 is working great, no S-pen problems there, the original launcher seemed fine but I exchanged it quickly to Apex. The internet browsers work a bit clunky compared to the iPad, for which I blame these browsers themselves (not the Note 10.1), I never use these "S note" features really so maybe the lag is somewhere there (??). The standard videoplayer is fine, but is short on audio format (=dts) support, so I'm using MX Player together with its downloadable NeoN-driver which is wonderful. In Settings I put the Screen mode on "Movie mode", got rid of all kinds of crap like Reading Mode, auto-brightness, etc. and enjoy awesome Live Wallpapers like awe-inspiring Ocean HD (with shark pack), Paperland, Paris winter, Star in the Sky and various others. Besides the overal Android App quality (and lack of 128GB, or more, micro-sd) I couldn't be happier with what I expect from it.
I would try it at a store and see for yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the pen is the biggest issue. I listened to the android police broadcast and the guy who reviewed it was really harsh and at the same time was saying that if you need a pen, this is the best device available. If you are used to the ipad's usage flow and don't use the pen, the advantages are harder to discern. Android has a big learning curve and most of Samsung's native apps have a lot of bloat. The best note-taking app is Lecture Notes and is a very dense program with a big learning curve. If you don't know how to check XDA's thread on the app and ask the developer questions; it can be a very difficult program to pick up.
Part of the appeal of tablets is that they are pickup and use devices and the Note is not quite that type of device.
kkretch said:
Samsung is $50 more when you compare base models but here is a list of what you get that Apple does not have.........
1 - A 16:9 screen not an out dated 4:3 design
2 - Wacom digitizer with S-Pen
3 - Dual screen or more and true multi-tasking.
4 - Micro SD storage up to 64GB
Maybe what should be said about the iPad is why is it only $50 less than a Samsung Galaxy Note10.1 when it's feature are more in line with the $399 nexus 10. or the $394 Kindle Fire HDX 8.9.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The aspect ratio is actually 16:10. A 4:3 is actually not as much of a draw back at this size. For productivity uses, a shape that more closely mimics the dimensions of paper is superior.
I agree with all the rest of your points though. I still think $550 is too much though because of the weaker app market for android tablets and the poorer-quality materials used. The Note 10.1 is still made of cheap plastic and the Ipad is brushed aluminum and sturdy gorilla glass.
The ipad costs more because it was first to market and has brand name loyalty. It's also more stable and easier to use than most android tablets too. While the advantages of the iphone have diminished greatly over time due to the fact that android phones do a LOT of things better (especially with the larger-sized screens and the widgets); these advantages haven't translated as much on the tablet side of things. The GPU, CPU on the ipad has been faster for the most part and the battery life stellar whereas 10" android tablets have been really hit or miss. The 3 best 10" tablets were the transformer infinity, note 10.1, and Nexus 10 and all had their own issues last year (the note with its already dated display).
The Note 10.1 2014 I think is the first 10" tablet to take the fight to the ipad on even or better terms. Of course, the poor reviews and price aren't helping. They really should've left the base model at $499. I'm sure the bill of materials of the Note 10.1 2014 must be the same as last year (around $200). The SOC is used by their Note 3 and S4 international variants. I don't know how much it costs for a good 2560x1600 screen with a wacom digitizer of the same resolution. Probably a lot more since last year they didn't bother to go higher than 720p. Also the 10" tablet market is shrinking due to the nexus 7. Maybe they want to milk early adopters as much as possible because they don't know if they'll get any return.

I really hope 10" tabs don't fall by the wayside. I cannot stand 7" tabs. If you have a 4-5" phone and a 14-15" laptop, why wouldn't you want a 10" tab? A 7" tab is what I'd recommend to someone with a dumbphone. It's just too close to a phone size that having one would basically just be using my S3 with a bigger screen. At least on a full-size tab the user flow is different and you can ACTUALLY take advantage of the extra screen size.

ChrisNee1988 said:
Theres probably an implicit bias that androids should be cheaper than iphones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Its been accepted that Apple products will always be pricey and why their users feel like they have their own society.
That's not a bash as I've learned to accept their ways and live among them. All the while knowing I have a superior product...

rushless said:
LOL. I still in my brain make them equal and null the $50. Yep, they are not the same price, hence the ding (the Apple/Nexus centric reviewers do not see value in the sd slot). Most tablet users probably would not use the pen function much, based on current install base without the function. Most just see the premium price and not the extra stuff they may not use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hence the issue for most reviews. The reason for the Note 10.1 IS the S Pen. If you have no use for an active stylus, this is a rather expensive tablet. The S Pen is why people buy it. I cannot imagine taking scientific / med notes w/o an active stylus, I need to be able to hand draw notes and equations.

Diogenes5 said:
Part of the appeal of tablets is that they are pickup and use devices and the Note is not quite that type of device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2014 is a joy to grab and hold (apart from portrait mode, where a right-handed person will press buttons by accident), also within the limits of drawing, movie watching and the few good Apps Android has this is a hell of a device !!!
wingdo said:
Hence the issue for most reviews. The reason for the Note 10.1 IS the S Pen. If you have no use for an active stylus, this is a rather expensive tablet. The S Pen is why people buy it. I cannot imagine taking scientific / med notes w/o an active stylus, I need to be able to hand draw notes and equations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, the screen and speed are its main attraction, closely followed by the S-pen (for those that use it).
Most of the garbage that is poured here on the forum (and in the reviews) about the Note 10.1 and its lag comes down to the poor state of Android, with its lousy internet browsers (compared to iPad) etc. etc. If you use this device for what it is great at I see its rating close to a 10 out of 10.
If you put an HD-version of Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings and Monster University on the SD, play those through MX Player (with NeoN-driver) and show it to a 6 year old, or anybody really, they will very much want to hold / own it. It is pure eye candy, plain and simple. Its stereo speakers help somewhat.
The main market for a stylus I see as children and drawing enthousiasts and professionals, all of which the 2014 Note 10.1 covers. For business use and note taking the stylus imo is reasonable at best, though Samsung is pushing this hardest (as it is a big market).

ChrisNee1988 said:
Theres probably an implicit bias that androids should be cheaper than iphones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main reason why Android gained any ground is because they were the cheaper option. Poor build quality phones with a very laggy os in the early days.
Samsung still make poor quality phones/tablets but want to be like Apple with pricing. Even with 10gb ram and 1500gb memory this Note should be cheaper because it is a Samsung mobile device.

Ukbondraider said:
The main reason why Android gained any ground is because they were the cheaper option. Poor build quality phones with a very laggy os in the early days.
Samsung still make poor quality phones/tablets but want to be like Apple with pricing. Even with 10gb ram and 1500gb memory this Note should be cheaper because it is a Samsung mobile device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Thanks for the laugh.

Ukbondraider said:
The main reason why Android gained any ground is because they were the cheaper option. Poor build quality phones with a very laggy os in the early days.
Samsung still make poor quality phones/tablets but want to be like Apple with pricing. Even with 10gb ram and 1500gb memory this Note should be cheaper because it is a Samsung mobile device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why then are you spending your time in a poor quality tablet forum?