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I picked up my tab yesterday and i love it... However right now i feel that aside from browsing the web i use my phone for most things like email and twitter because its more convenient. What do you guys use it for? I want to get the most out of it so fill me in
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there's really nothing that I couldn't do on my phone...it's just easier/better doing it on the tab. For example, I read a ton of ebooks, and have been doing so on my phone, but lately it's started hurting my eyes, plus the small screen means I'm changing pages every 20 seconds which is annoying. or the 10 hour plane flight I'll be on in a couple weeks - I could watch a movie on my phone, but it's so much more enjoyable on the tab.
I think the better comparison is between tab and laptop, which for me is the big question. I use the tab for simply browsing and checking email, but when it comes time to actually do some typing, I go back to the laptop. Swype or not a real keyboard is just so much easier.
I'm the exact opposite.
Since I brought my tab home, I haven't touched my phone. It's been in the charger since Friday night.
I browse, email, text, music -everything basically from this tab.
Try plume for twitter, add swype and friend me for facebook and see if your phone is still more convenient.
Everything I want to see on a screen larger than four inches.
Tablets don't really do anything phones or laptops don't. They're just nice and comfortable to have for browsing the web, consuming media, reading, that kinda stuff. It's preferable to having an unwieldy laptop or tiny phone, so I can't wait till I get mine.
Sure, my phone can do everything my tab does, but a tablet is a lot more comfortable for many things. For example, I can browse the internet on my phone, but I rarely do because it just isn't that comfortable. I only do it when I don't have an option. Tab, however, is almost on par with a pc and way better when on the go.
I'm starting to think the 8.9 might be the sweet spot for a device like this.
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iil said:
I'm starting to think the 8.9 might be the sweet spot for a device like this.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
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I don't think that inch will matter. Especially when the 8.9 is said to have a lower quality display and be a bit thicker.
2 main things that I don't enjoy doing on my EVO:
1. Watching movies on planes. I fly a lot for work.
2. PDF signature app so I can sign and email documents without having to print, sign, scan. I know I can also do this on a phone but much easier on my Tab.
I for one am a ex-cell phone Rep, and the one thing that I spent years preaching was the all-in-one device. The Rep that got my Evo for me was trying to get me a tab when they first came out, and I asked one question that stopped the conversation. Can the tab make a regular phone call, not video chat (facetime,tango,etc..) just a phone call. The answer was no. So I am quite happy with a phone that I use for everything, than a tab that can't do it all
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
iil said:
I'm starting to think the 8.9 might be the sweet spot for a device like this.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
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Would you mind sharing why you are thinking so?
...xoom posted...
joker2wild said:
I for one am a ex-cell phone Rep, and the one thing that I spent years preaching was the all-in-one device. The Rep that got my Evo for me was trying to get me a tab when they first came out, and I asked one question that stopped the conversation. Can the tab make a regular phone call, not video chat (facetime,tango,etc..) just a phone call. The answer was no. So I am quite happy with a phone that I use for everything, than a tab that can't do it all
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
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See I look at it the other way. I believe in using the right tool for the job. For example, a spork can do anything a spoon or fork could do but I'll never use a spork because it will never do as good a job as a dedicated spoon or fork. I hope that makes sense. It sounded good in my head.
lpasq said:
Would you mind sharing why you are thinking so?
...xoom posted...
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Form factor. The 10.1 feels nice in my hand but when I have both my phone and 10.1 to me I almost always reach for the phone due to its size. Picking up the 10.1 just feels awkward and clunky. I just have a feeling that the 8.9 might be in that sweet spot (for me) where I wouldn't hesitate to grab it instead.
Now...I think the 10.1 is the perfect size if I was using it for a business but...for me it is just for fun.
I have only had the thing for a day though so opinions might change. Right now I find I'm using the tab mostly with XDA and tapatalk.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
vansmack said:
I'm the exact opposite.
Since I brought my tab home, I haven't touched my phone. It's been in the charger since Friday night.
I browse, email, text, music -everything basically from this tab.
Try plume for twitter, add swype and friend me for facebook and see if your phone is still more convenient.
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Amen! Especially your last sentence!
Using it has cut my phone usage by at least half. PC usage by 80%.
Maybe its the novelty? Time will tell. But Outside of text messaging I prefer to pick up the tab.
xManMythLegend said:
Using it has cut my phone usage by at least half. PC usage by 80%.
Maybe its the novelty? Time will tell. But Outside of text messaging I prefer to pick up the tab.
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Try this for texting http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010597
...xoom posted...
dagaetch said:
I think the better comparison is between tab and laptop, for me is the big question. I use the tab for simply browsing and checking email, but when it comes time to actually do some typing, I go back to the laptop. Swype or not a real keyboard is just so much easier.
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Was going to do a different thread, but this seems like a good place for me to ask..
I'm thinking about getting the 10.1 as a *replacement* for my laptop. I have the advantage of a terminal server at work (ie I can have my tablet "running" Windows 2003 Server, and I can use Logmein to control my laptop @ home (Windows XP).
The main things I do on my laptop are:
- Quicken (planning on Logmein)
- Internet (including Facebook flash games - can anyone tell me how well this works/doesn't work)
- Email (planning on web based)
I'm planning on Wifi only, since 95% of the time will use @ work & home. For other times, will use Hotspot on my phone.
Honestly, assuming that this can handle Facebook flash games, I just want to be able to sit on my comphy chair & use this tablet instead of sitting at the dining room table on my laptop. I keep thinking of things that I do on my laptop that the tablet can't do - and I just can't think of other problems.
I'm also planning on getting a bunch of education games for my kids (3 years & twin 2 years). They love playing on my mother's iPad, and I see lots of similar games for Android.
Oh - keep meaning to look this up - off the top of people's heads - assuming I use my same Gmail account, are programs I purchased for my phone OK on the Tablet, or do I need to re-purchase everything?
Finally, how's holding the device while sitting? I used to use a Tablet laptop (back in the pen days) and found out that you could only hold it for a brief time before your arm gave out.
Thanks for any help - especially on the Flash/Facebook games which is a make-or-break for me.
Honestly, assuming that this can handle Facebook flash games, I just want to be able to sit on my comphy chair & use this tablet instead of sitting at the dining room table on my laptop. I keep thinking of things that I do on my laptop that the tablet can't do - and I just can't think of other problems.
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Kongregrate flash games work great, but just loading up a web page like you would in a windows box will not give you very good results.
I'm also planning on getting a bunch of education games for my kids (3 years & twin 2 years). They love playing on my mother's iPad, and I see lots of similar games for Android.
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Haven't gone digging in this area as I haven't gotten to the making babies part of life yet. But games run great. The Tegra 2 really makes things fly and the GT plays anything I throw at it with little or no lag.
Oh - keep meaning to look this up - off the top of people's heads - assuming I use my same Gmail account, are programs I purchased for my phone OK on the Tablet, or do I need to re-purchase everything?
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Nope, soon as you sign into your google account you can hop into the market and re-download everything. No repurchasing here.
Finally, how's holding the device while sitting? I used to use a Tablet laptop (back in the pen days) and found out that you could only hold it for a brief time before your arm gave out.
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I also used an old school XP tablet/laptop. It was clunky, huge, heavy, unwieldy, and in short everything this device isn't. It's both thinner and lighter than an iPad 2 (not by much mind you, but just to give you an idea). So if you can hold your mother's iPad without issue, the GT won't be a problem either.
Hope this helps!
Sandelb said:
Kongregrate flash games work great, but just loading up a web page like you would in a windows box will not give you very good results.
Haven't gone digging in this area as I haven't gotten to the making babies part of life yet. But games run great. The Tegra 2 really makes things fly and the GT plays anything I throw at it with little or no lag.
Nope, soon as you sign into your google account you can hop into the market and re-download everything. No repurchasing here.
I also used an old school XP tablet/laptop. It was clunky, huge, heavy, unwieldy, and in short everything this device isn't. It's both thinner and lighter than an iPad 2 (not by much mind you, but just to give you an idea). So if you can hold your mother's iPad without issue, the GT won't be a problem either.
Hope this helps!
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Much appreciated.
I don't play much on Facebook, but hoping that they are at least playable for the 10 mins a day that I do. I'm not so worried about other pages since I rarely have a problem on my Android phone.
Very glad to hear about not having to re-purchase things!
I thought about 1 more program I use on my laptop (although due to the kids not so often) - MTGO (Magic Gathering online). Wonder how well that would work through logmein. Might have to try remotely accessing my laptop from elsewhere to get a feel for it.
I'll have to borrow my mom's iPad for a day to try to get a feel for what it's like to hold it while sitting. I think that it probably going to be the other big thing. If it can do the programs & apps I need - is it more comphy then using a full blown laptop?
BTW - the thing I do most on my phone is read books. I *think* Kindle has a way to synch what page you're on.. shame most of my collection is outside of Kindle. Will have to look for programs that read other formats & can synch what page I'm on.
@polstein:
It's definitely easier to tote around and just lean back in a chair than with a laptop, no question. Also fewer worries about sitting somewhere with an outlet nearby, no concern about putting it down for a minute while you get up, etc. Minor things but they add up!
Like I said, the lack of a keyboard is the biggest concern. One option for this could be to use a BT keyboard, or purchase the USB adapter from Samsung. For monitoring things, reading, surfing, etc, it's great! I haven't used quicken for a number of years, so I dunno how much typing is required, but depending on the gui you might find yourself zooming in/out frequently, which could be annoying. Re books, I don't think there are other apps that sync. If your collection is in mobi format, or you're willing to convert, Kindle can sideload.
My opinion (after 1 day and some previous experience with an iPad): it's definitely not a full computer replacement. But I can definitely see going for a week or two just on the Tab, without opening my laptop. Especially if I bother teaching myself how to use one of the good android keyboards!
I have read several articles about "junk", bad video, and what ever, complaints about the Iconia, and decided to add my 2 cents worth.
I have been personal computing since the early 1980s. I was on the internet before the world wide web, and started using the www when command prompts were the norm and things like gopher were being used. I've used every version of msdos and all versions of windows except 8.
I have two desktops, one portable, one netbook, and the Iconia. Which computer do I use the most. The simple answer is the A500. The more complex is the one that best suits the job I have to do. If I'm doing photo or video work it's my best desktop, at the moment it's my portable. If I were not typing it would probably be the a500. The real point is I don't use my tablet for something it was not designed to do.
The other side of my computing experience has been the small computer. I don't remember which came first, the Springboard,Palm variant, or the Microsoft with and early version of a portable widows. It seems like a long time ago but I bought the Springboard in 2001 and It cost more than the A500. The Microsoft machine had a wider screen which was great, but the screen was almost unreadable. Both used a stylus and phone modems. I always wanted a good book reader. Neither worked that well. The small amount of material on screen means a lot of page turning and page turning delays just disrupts the flow of reading. I also had a sony reader that used disks. In good light reading was okay, but disk access and page turning was terrible, and sony did not support it for very long. Microsoft didn't support their computer either.
Next came the Itouch. Back light and color WOW. It also had WIFI and a web browser. I used it a lot, and my wife loves to play angry birds on it. This was my first real experience with ITunes and Apple. I did not like the way Apple ties you down to their way and I do not own a piece of software that gets updated as much a Itunes does. In fact I just got another update notice while typing in this post. I would not have it on the computer if it were not fore the Itouch. Reading with the Itouch was a far better experience than anything else I've used but page turning so often still is a hassle.
Then came BN and the nook with color touch area at the bottom. Now reading was an all together new experience and the size is great. But, I happened to be in my local BN and someone had not bought their pre order Nook Color. I jumped and have had it over a year now. Biggest problem, BN throttled the NC down worse than apple. I rooted as soon as It came available. A rooted nook color has been the very best at what I wanted in a small computer. I soon learned that the color screen did not bother my reading, and I could go browsing when ever I wanted, plus Overdrive a library loan application worked as well. I could download both audio and epub books from my local library. No need for BN at all.
Audio playback is not great and sound volume sucks. I had to use earphones to listen to anything. So what is my book reader, book playback, browser now? My Acer Iconia.
My most used computer for almost everything I like to do on the computer is my Iconia. And it does these thing very well. A much bigger screen for browsing. The sound is good and volume is high enough not to have to use earphones all the time. Screen data is almost too much for my normal reading, but with apps like Cool Reader I can set up the reader just like I want it, down to the ability to set touch zones just the way I want them. The Acer book reader Lumaread is better than most.
The Acer is somewhat tied down but not bad enough for me to bother rooting, and I have found plenty of good apps from market for my needs. I don't know if I'll root or not.
I don't know, at this point, if I were standing at Best Buy with $700 that this is the tablet I would buy. I got a deal from my daughter when she found out I was looking for a tablet and she was not happy with the tablet, because she social networks a lot and likes to have a keyboard. The point is that the acer is half this not existent $700. I would do just about anything not to buy an Apple and the remaining options are not that many.
My first problem was the wt. I lay in bed and read and like to move around and keep reading. Kind of paperback mode. The slippery skin and shape is not that great for my way reading. It is heavier than some of the tablets but only 1/3 lb. more than the Ipad2, and less than others.
It has a good selection of ports. The full usb lets me use usb mem and I have a 80 gig batt. operated hard drive that works just fine. Fat 32 format. USB keyboard and mouse works. The mouse driver is new to honeycomb.
I had a little trouble getting a HDMI cord but got one for 12 bucks from fry's and the picture looks great on my tv. I don't understand the video complaints. Netflix works great and looks just fine to me. As I understand it, this was an early complaint in reviews and was fixed with honycomb updates. On early review said angry birds was jumpy, but I don't see it and I think that is also due to honeycomb updates. Outside in the sun the display is not very good but is fine in my car with tinted windows. I don't know why there is not more manual control for the screen. Contrast control would be great. I don't know if this is a problem with acer or android.
Battery times are not that big of issue for me. I always travel with inverter and can charge it up at anytime. Even though the volatage is 12v the plug seem to be smaller than standard plugs and I have not found one that works.
I rotate browsers but the standard browser works fine and sometimes works when others don't seem to want to display a page correctly.
I believe it has all the normal sensors and gps seems to work fine.
I have not had any wifi problems. I have not traveled that much with it yet so I don't know about starbucks and Mac, but I expect those will work fine.
I have three acer computers. Portable, netbook, and know tablet and they all work fine.
So the Iconia has met my needs in the middle. I think I prefer the NC size for book reading. And I sort of regret trading it to my daughter, but all in all I'm very happy with A500 and I don't regret getting it. What about that $700, well I just might walk out with Acer anyway and get a several new tools in the process.
Woody
Damn Dude, that's more like a buck and a half's worth, instead of 2 cents.
Walls of text are never pleasant to read, next time break it up into smaller, coherent parts.
Loved your review. Love my A500.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium
WereCatf said:
Walls of text are never pleasant to read, next time break it up into smaller, coherent parts.
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Don't read it then.
Sent from my A100 using xda premium
qhinton said:
Don't read it then.
Sent from my A100 using xda premium
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Doubt they did, most people don't complain about length and read it. He did have paragraphs, that breaks it up. but it was old school
qhinton said:
Don't read it then.
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I skimmed through it. But my comment was merely provided as constructive criticism to him should he decide to write as much again sometime in the future, not as an insult: it'll be more pleasant for people to read if it's broken up in smaller, coherent pieces and the author doesn't just jump from one thing to the next like he had ADHD.
Being able to accept constructive criticism and improve yourself and/or your behaviour based on that is a terribly useful and positive trait and can even make or break you getting that long-wished-for promotion or job offer.
That said I am not commenting on the content of the OP's post, only the presentation.
Thanks for the in depth thoughts. I don't agree with some of it but we all have our personal requirements as to what works best for us.
It sounds like you are in the same boat as many of us what with a multitude of decent but not fantastic products out there but you have to remember we are still at the dawn/infancy of these devices and they WILL get better. No one tablet is best, rather they are all a set of choices and compromises which is good for the consumer since that leaves a lot of choices out there. That's good.
You have the disadvantage of not shopping for it, rather you got it from your daughter so you didn't even get to choose the compromises you'd be OK accepting. You might have chosen something different but give the A500 a fighting chance (sounds like you are doing that) and I think you'll be fine with it.
I had no problems with your formatting by the way. Type however you feel is best and I'll cope! TYPE IN ALL CAPS IF YOU WANT. I can handle it.
Sounds like your computer experience is similar to mine though I started dabbling in the late 70's and early 80s and on through today. Way to stick with it. Technology is cool.
One suggestion - if you have issues with the A500 slipping out of your hands, consider getting the Zagg full body protection. It's a "skin" you apply to all sides of the tablet and is somewhat rubbery. It makes it a LOT less slippery.
Good luck and thanks for the review.
And if you plan to hangout at McDonalds to use the free wifi, I would advise an app called "KillWifi". It's a nice diagnostic tool allowing to teach a lesson to those pesky Apple "Homesteaders" sucking up all the bandwidth.
Moscow Desire said:
And if you plan to hangout at McDonalds to use the free wifi, I would advise an app called "KillWifi". It's a nice diagnostic tool allowing to teach a lesson to those pesky Apple "Homesteaders" sucking up all the bandwidth.
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You have no right to decide who gets to use the bandwidth and who doesn't. Only selfish douchebags would do what you're advising. Not to mention that it's incredibly childish to annoy other people only because of what device they happen to use, that's like denying you Internet connection because you're wearing a wrong shirt.
Thanks very much for you review. I hope that I will also happy with my coming a500 . Nothing is perfect, but we can learn to be happy with it. Regretting is not good for your health .
Next time, I think you should consider double linefeed (enter) to make things easier to read.
WereCatf said:
You have no right to decide who gets to use the bandwidth and who doesn't. Only selfish douchebags would do what you're advising. Not to mention that it's incredibly childish to annoy other people only because of what device they happen to use, that's like denying you Internet connection because you're wearing a wrong shirt.
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Yea, but it's like wearing a $250 ed hardy tshirt with the dragons and ****, and I would certainly approve of anything to annoy them
Thanks for the suggestions on formatting. I didn't mean for the post to be that long, just got away from me. "typical"
Sent from my A500 using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
good evening guys and excuse my bad english .
I am a economic sciences student and i wanted to ask if the Nexus 7 is a tab that i can use for studiying etc. I had the Ipad 3 for several months but i sold it because it sucked.
I nerver had a 7 inch Tab in my hand so i cant realy say if i can use it for all this stuff
braxas said:
good evening guys and excuse my bad english .
I am a economic sciences student and i wanted to ask if the Nexus 7 is a tab that i can use for studiying etc. I had the Ipad 3 for several months but i sold it because it sucked.
I nerver had a 7 inch Tab in my hand so i cant realy say if i can use it for all this stuff
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Coming from education technology, I have seen pluses and minuses.
You are right, being able to hold it comfortably in 1 hand is nice (it is MUCH lighter than an iPad) and I've found the voice recognition for taking voice notes very accurate. However, typing papers is not really practical, but I'm assuming you have a standard computer for that.
The biggest drawback is getting your books in a format that is compatible with the N7/Android. If you can get them (or just scan them) in simple PDF, you are golden, but many of the secure proprietary formats that publishers are using and distributing through college bookstores are not quite there yet in the ability to display them on a tablet---some are using flash, others are using different secure formats (such as CaféScribe) so they can keep the book from being copied and distributed.
The foolproof solution is to take any books you have to Kinkos and have them chop the spine and feed scan to turn them into PDFs (which you can legally do as long as you don't distribute the PDF) for a small fee, which they can do pretty quickly.
Good luck, I love the N7 for reading.
Yeah but i need t o know if i can use the N7 for some more then PDF reading xD. Because 250 € for PDF reading while i can print those PDF's for 20 €is a huge difference
braxas said:
Yeah but i need t o know if i can use the N7 for some more then PDF reading xD. Because 250 € for PDF reading while i can print those PDF's for 20 €is a huge difference
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Then you probably just answered your own question. Only you know what reading material you need.
Sent from my Nexus 7
I just think just the N7 for "just" reading is wasted. I would like to use it for some more things but i dont know if i can with that 7 inch Display.
I would like to use a good navigation Software and some other things.
braxas said:
I just think just the N7 for "just" reading is wasted. I would like to use it for some more things but i dont know if i can with that 7 inch Display.
I would like to use a good navigation Software and some other things.
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navigation? how big is your campus? lol
i thought you're asking the use for "studying" (ps: does not spell "studiying" - i hope you're taking econ in a non-english univ), and here are my thoughts: (im an Econ student too)
- reading: it's hit and miss. depend on what you need to read (papers and other docs distributed/recommended by your prof, or generic PDF out in the internet).
- typing: sucks. i dont know about you, but i still write faster than typing. you can try installing Swype or some other app to type faster, but on a 7+ inches monitor, it's still not comfortable. 4~5" on a phone is easy to swype with your thumb. 7"? go landscape and practice.
now, aside from the above points, everything else is good with a Nexus for the following points:
1. it's cheap. $199 for a quad-core device?
2. it's small and light.
3. it has nice apps. Evernotes. Calendar. Emails. Browser. Office products. voice recorders. and they're mostly cheaper (if not free) compared to iPad apps.
4. it's a Tegra3 device with high resolution display. download some games and it's solid for in-between study or during a boring lecture.
Here's how I use my Nexus for studying: as a handy references device. it doesn't replace my notes, textbooks, and the all-important highlighter... but for a quick internet search or reference sources, it's way easier than booting my laptop... and i can schedule my exams, study period, check emails, and check classes on a screen bigger than my phone's.
claymoses said:
The foolproof solution is to take any books you have to Kinkos and have them chop the spine and feed scan to turn them into PDFs (which you can legally do as long as you don't distribute the PDF) for a small fee, which they can do pretty quickly.
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Really? I can't find any information about this service on their website. So..you can give them like a 200 page book (small and large book), and they'll make a PDF of it for you? I want that so badly.
I hate typing on the N7.. I am 3x as fast on my 4 inch phone it just doesn't gel with me.
May not be your experience but no way in could note take.
Sent from my Optimus 2X using Tapatalk 2
Not the navigation for the campus i mean car navigation ^^. I'm using atm Navigon for navigation. My english was better but I haven't used it barely for 1 1/2 years so excuse me .
I need to thank you R3dbeaver because you showed me what you are doing with your N7. We are getting all our PDF files from our prof. so the quality of the PDF file is goood ( writen on PC and this **** ).
I am also someone how writes faster than typing. I think i will buy the N7 and use it exactly like you. A good combination of both things.
I would appreciate if you could recommend me some usefull apps
What they do is remove the spine and run it through a feed scanner, then spiral bind the book. From there they can save it in any format you desire. It's probably not something you're going to see advertised because I imagine it's not something they get asked to do a lot, but they do do it. It sounds like a lot more work than it actually is. I do this for a living for students with print disabilities, but I send students that don't qualify for the service to Kinko's if they want to do their own books.
Good luck, let me know if you have any other queations on getting it done.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I use the nexus 7 to read my heavy PDF textbooks with diagrams and pictures. Use ebookdroid (awesome app!) to auto crop pages and use landscape mode. Yes a bit extra scrolling but comfortable otherwise.
Hi, I know someone might have made this thread before but I'm thinking of buying a tablet for school mostly because I bought most of my books as ebooks and some as PDFs. However, I don't really like the idea of lugging my laptop around and figure that it would make more sense to use a tablet instead. I'm looking at the Nexus 7 mostly because of the small form factor. The 10 inchers (Galaxy, Transformer etc) seem like they would be heavy and uncomfortable to hold after long periods of time.
I've read tons of reviews, watched videos and all that. I know these tablets very well but I'm just looking to hear from people. Any of you use the Nexus 7 for school? Would you recommend it for school? If not, which would you recommend? Any other thing I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.
chancy319 said:
Hi, I know someone might have made this thread before but I'm thinking of buying a tablet for school mostly because I bought most of my books as ebooks and some as PDFs. However, I don't really like the idea of lugging my laptop around and figure that it would make more sense to use a tablet instead. I'm looking at the Nexus 7 mostly because of the small form factor. The 10 inchers (Galaxy, Transformer etc) seem like they would be heavy and uncomfortable to hold after long periods of time.
I've read tons of reviews, watched videos and all that. I know these tablets very well but I'm just looking to hear from people. Any of you use the Nexus 7 for school? Would you recommend it for school? If not, which would you recommend? Any other thing I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.
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I use the N7 at school and it works well for ebooks, PDFs, web surfing and gaming. I would recommend it. I can't say how it is for note taking, but I've heard good things.
Although, you are posting this in a Nexus 7 thread so you're probably going to hear mostly positive opinions of the Nexus 7.
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 7
Having owned several different Android tablets now, I can safely say that the Nexus 7 is on another level compared to everything else. It's way faster than my Transformer TF300 and much easier to take places and hold. I read with mine a lot and my arms never seem to get tired from holding the Nexus 7. Unless you plan on also writing all your papers on a tablet, the Nexus 7 is the best choice.
I have tried the original iPad, iPad 2nd gen, and the Asus Transformer TF101 for reading, and like you said, over time it back comes uncomfortable to hold the bigger tablets.
Now that I have the Nexus 7, I find myself reading on it long periods of time without fatigue.
But it still comes down to your preference. Are you going to be doing anything else besides using your ebooks on the tablet? You may look into an Asus or Samsung since they have specialized keyboards to make them feel like netbooks.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
N7 if you don't need to type a lot, Asus transformer prime w/ keyboard if you are typing a lot.
if you are worried about carrying your tablet around, use this
Simple.
RockNrolling said:
I use the N7 at school and it works well for ebooks, PDFs, web surfing and gaming. I would recommend it. I can't say how it is for note taking, but I've heard good things.
Although, you are posting this in a Nexus 7 thread so you're probably going to hear mostly positive opinions of the Nexus 7.
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 7
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Agree with this. Its not the best for note taking but you could get the job done with it. I personally use my Infinity for typing though, the keyboard dock is great.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks, guys. I went ahead and ordered one just a few minutes ago. There's really not much else that I plan on using it for. I'm buying it mostly for my ebooks. Would a stylus make it better for notetaking?
chancy319 said:
Thanks, guys. I went ahead and ordered one just a few minutes ago. There's really not much else that I plan on using it for. I'm buying it mostly for my ebooks. Would a stylus make it better for notetaking?
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Honestly I learned my first semester with a tablet, it's MUCH easier to type notes on my tablet with a bluetooth keyboard than it was to write with the stylus. I think a small portable keyboard that's COMFORTABLE and not too small to be functional where you're hunting and pecking, and a case that has a flap for a stand is the way to go when you're going to be taking notes for lectures. For me, using a nice note taking app and having it record audio where I can start audio at the spot I'm studying (it knows where in the recording it was when I wrote the note) has dramatically increased my note taking ability.
I think the Nexus 7 was a great choice. I have a transformer prime, but I took most of my college notes on an ipad with a third party keyboard and will be using the N7 for the same purpose. I just use a stylus for accents and special sketch type notes.
CharliesTheMan said:
Honestly I learned my first semester with a tablet, it's MUCH easier to type notes on my tablet with a bluetooth keyboard than it was to write with the stylus. I think a small portable keyboard that's COMFORTABLE and not too small to be functional where you're hunting and pecking, and a case that has a flap for a stand is the way to go when you're going to be taking notes for lectures. For me, using a nice note taking app and having it record audio where I can start audio at the spot I'm studying (it knows where in the recording it was when I wrote the note) has dramatically increased my note taking ability.
I think the Nexus 7 was a great choice. I have a transformer prime, but I took most of my college notes on an ipad with a third party keyboard and will be using the N7 for the same purpose. I just use a stylus for accents and special sketch type notes.
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I don't mean to be a bother but if you can, can you post a shopping link to your keyboard? Also, what apps would you recommend for note taking or voice recording.
chancy319 said:
Thanks, guys. I went ahead and ordered one just a few minutes ago. There's really not much else that I plan on using it for. I'm buying it mostly for my ebooks. Would a stylus make it better for notetaking?
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Correct me if i'm wrong, doesn't most touch screens use the heat of the finger?
ross231 said:
Correct me if i'm wrong, doesn't most touch screens use the heat of the finger?
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Most touchscreens on mobile devices are capacitive. This means that there is a layer of capacitive material in the screen that holds a charge. When you touch the screen it changes the amount of charge at a specific point of contact.
There are styluses (styli?) that mimic or replicate the electrical conductivity of the human finger. This means they work on capacitive touch screens.
Here's an article on capacitive touchscreens for more info.
http://engineering.mit.edu/live/news/1439-how-do-touchsensitive-screens-work
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 7
U should totally get a nexus amazing device and affordable price
Sent from my Rooted, LazyPanda, White "Destroy Mode" Evo
I owe a nexus 4 and also owe laptop and desktop pc. Is the nexus 10 gonna help me?
First of all I want it since in august I'll start university so it will help for books on pdf, taking notes and since I'll enter to computer sciences I expect to use it for others things that I'll reach on school.
But I don't really know what is having a tablet, maybe I can do it all with a laptop but sometimes I think watching movies, comics, books, gaming and surfing Web is enough + utilities on school for getting it.
Any advice?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Nethojs29 said:
I owe a nexus 4 and also owe laptop and desktop pc. Is the nexus 10 gonna help me?
First of all I want it since in august I'll start university so it will help for books on pdf, taking notes and since I'll enter to computer sciences I expect to use it for others things that I'll reach on school.
But I don't really know what is having a tablet, maybe I can do it all with a laptop but sometimes I think watching movies, comics, books, gaming and surfing Web is enough + utilities on school for getting it.
Any advice?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
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I've got a beastly desktop, laptop, and a decent phone. The tablet goes with me to stores and such so I can look things up on the go, or to work (I'm a teacher) so that I can take attendance on it. Its much more mobile than a laptop while providing, with the right apps. most of the functionality.
I would wait to see what the next galaxy note tablet is going to be. You could use a bluetooth keyboard if you'd rather type your notes and use the spen if you need to jot down formulas or charts.
If you have a newer laptop, I wouldn't recommend getting a regular tablet like the nexus 10 if you want it for school.
Me personally, I have a powerful desktop with two monitors for my main bulk of school work at home. I bring a netbook to class for notes (I download the PowerPoint's and convert them to PDF. Using acrobat pro, I can type notes just like if I were writing on the print out). The netbook is a bit old and weak but gets the job done for now.
With something like the galaxy note, you can have everything consolidated on your tablet(PDFs, PowerPoint's,hand written notes, types notes, ebooks ect) all in a compact device. Then use your desktop for more productive things and you could probably sell your laptop.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Nethojs29 said:
I owe a nexus 4 and also owe laptop and desktop pc. Is the nexus 10 gonna help me?
First of all I want it since in august I'll start university so it will help for books on pdf, taking notes and since I'll enter to computer sciences I expect to use it for others things that I'll reach on school.
But I don't really know what is having a tablet, maybe I can do it all with a laptop but sometimes I think watching movies, comics, books, gaming and surfing Web is enough + utilities on school for getting it.
Any advice?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
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Personally, I don't find tablets with (solely) capacitive touch screens to be useful for notetaking. They aren't accurate enough to take down diagrams and formulas much better than pen and paper. In fact, the best solution I've found has been using a LiveScribe pen to import those kinds of information into OneNote. On the other hand, if you've got any professors who are enamored of open-source formats like PDF, tablets are a great way to read on the go, and for that purpose I highly recommend them.
They're also great for most of what you named, but importantly tablets can go into "tighter" places. Your dorm room bed, a couch, or some other random place on campus are good candidates. If you've got a small bag, they're also one of those things you can toss in as a "just in case" if you need to do something your phone is unsuitable for, but don't want to bring your laptop for.
I'd recommend honestly looking into a Windows convertible, or, if you don't like the big M, go for an active-digitizer tablet. That basically means the Note at this point, unless you go hunting for one of Lenovo's offerings.
The Nexus 10 is a great tablet though, so buy with confidence if you feel a tablet is for you.
Nethojs29 said:
I owe a nexus 4 and also owe laptop and desktop pc. Is the nexus 10 gonna help me?
First of all I want it since in august I'll start university so it will help for books on pdf, taking notes and since I'll enter to computer sciences I expect to use it for others things that I'll reach on school.
But I don't really know what is having a tablet, maybe I can do it all with a laptop but sometimes I think watching movies, comics, books, gaming and surfing Web is enough + utilities on school for getting it.
Any advice?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
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This hits it on the head:
Rirere said:
They're also great for most of what you named, but importantly tablets can go into "tighter" places. Your dorm room bed, a couch, or some other random place on campus are good candidates. If you've got a small bag, they're also one of those things you can toss in as a "just in case" if you need to do something your phone is unsuitable for, but don't want to bring your laptop for.
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I only use my tablet around the house and it's perfect for the living room or the bed, when I don't want to carry my ultrabook with its superfluous keyboard with me. The ultrabook is pretty light, a little less than 3 lbs, but the Nexus 10 is less than half that at 1.33 lbs. I can have a nice big, high-res screen with me at all times, one that isn't as heavy as lugging my ultrabook around.
With a tablet, you too can have a computer at your fingertips at all times! :victory:
That said, I agree with Sher and Rirere that the Nexus 10 may not be the best for writing with a stylus, though I haven't tried it. I'd guess the Note 10 would be better for that, since it has a digitizer built in. I always suggest that you try these devices out in a store before buying. I don't think an Android tablet will help you in computer science classes either, as they probably don't do anything with Android, plus you'll need a stand to keep the tablet up and a bluetooth keyboard to get any serious typing done. All the other content consumption stuff you mentioned is perfect on a tablet though.
The fundamental question is whether you value having a high-res computer with you in more places, because it is more portable than a laptop but with a bigger screen than a smartphone, albeit a computer that isn't that easy to type on unless you get a bluetooth keyboard also.
I have a Nexus 10, a Kindle, a S4 and a good/average laptop, I can tell you that for what you want the Nexus is amazing, if you want to watch a movie on it you'll see how amazing the screen is, surfing the Web is great too, and Android is with some top games, so you can enjoy it easily. If you most want to read comics and books I'd recommend you a Kindle (not the tablet), which is really the best option. Nexus 4 is already a good cellphone, but there are things that after you get hands on a tablet you see how easily they can be.
About school now. Formulas and such has no better companion than pen and paper, I already played a little with a Note 10 on a store, and it's great to handwrite, but I still think that for my math counts using a paper is the best option. However about the computer classes you can use it! Search on amazon for a case with keyboard and there is one which I really like (and have), which is so good that I typed my fanfictions on it, also I used to learn java on my Xoom with an app called "Droid Edit", which is a text editor with syntax highlight, then I installed Terminal IDE and had compiler and everything ready to learn. Guess what? It worked finely !"
And at least, you can install Linux distros on it, so you can get some more things to be done! And also it works greatly .
Hope it helps
~Lord
"This Story Ends Where It Began" - Octavarium (Dream Theater)
Sent from my GT-I9505
Here's another long response:
I would try and wait till the end of summer to make your decision. Toshiba has just announced three tablets - one lower end tablet, a 2560x1600 Tegra 4 tablet and another identical one, but with a wacom digitizer. Asus has a new 2560x1600 Infinity Transformer also with a Tegra 4. HP has there x2 android tablet coming out which didn't look too bad. Most of these are due for release in Q3 of this year. And on top of it, Samsung is holding a "Galaxy and Ativ" event on the 20th. Ativ will be a Windows device and Galaxy is an android device. Besides the Galaxy camera 2, no one really knows what to expect. Hopefully a new note tablet with better resolution, cause the current resolution is a deal breaker for a lot of people.
The Nexus ten is now a good 7 months old, although will probably be better priced than all of the above. The Tegra 4 could be great, but also could be terrible. I enjoyed my Nexus 10 when I had it earlier this year, but I think there are much better options for a school tablet coming out.
Also, I believe Intel is releasing there updated Atom processor (what Netbooks and lower range windows tabs use) towards the end of the year and is supposed to have greatly improved graphics, power, and battery life. Some of the current lower end Windows tablets run full windows 8 (like the Ativ 500T and also has a wacom digitizer for about $550) and they aren't terrible, though can be a bit sluggish. There battery life is also comparable to an android tablet.
Lastly, for school, a windows tablet may be a better choice since you won't have any compatibility issues like with android browsers. If your teacher uses online problems, demos, or chat rooms, you could run into issues running these things. I'm leaning slightly more towards Windows at the moment just for those reasons, but it all depends on how these products compare. If the android tablet is much smoother and has better battery life for 2/3 of the price, I'll just wait to get home to do something not compatible.
I've been in the same boat looking for something for school and my netbook is holding me off till the new products are released. I would recommend doing the same with your laptop, unless you can't afford more than the $400 for the Nexus 10.
Sher The Love said:
Here's another long response:
I would try and wait till the end of summer to make your decision. Toshiba has just announced three tablets - one lower end tablet, a 2560x1600 Tegra 4 tablet and another identical one, but with a wacom digitizer. Asus has a new 2560x1600 Infinity Transformer also with a Tegra 4. HP has there x2 android tablet coming out which didn't look too bad. Most of these are due for release in Q3 of this year. And on top of it, Samsung is holding a "Galaxy and Ativ" event on the 20th. Ativ will be a Windows device and Galaxy is an android device. Besides the Galaxy camera 2, no one really knows what to expect. Hopefully a new note tablet with better resolution, cause the current resolution is a deal breaker for a lot of people.
The Nexus ten is now a good 7 months old, although will probably be better priced than all of the above. The Tegra 4 could be great, but also could be terrible. I enjoyed my Nexus 10 when I had it earlier this year, but I think there are much better options for a school tablet coming out.
Also, I believe Intel is releasing there updated Atom processor (what Netbooks and lower range windows tabs use) towards the end of the year and is supposed to have greatly improved graphics, power, and battery life. Some of the current lower end Windows tablets run full windows 8 (like the Ativ 500T and also has a wacom digitizer for about $550) and they aren't terrible, though can be a bit sluggish. There battery life is also comparable to an android tablet.
Lastly, for school, a windows tablet may be a better choice since you won't have any compatibility issues like with android browsers. If your teacher uses online problems, demos, or chat rooms, you could run into issues running these things. I'm leaning slightly more towards Windows at the moment just for those reasons, but it all depends on how these products compare. If the android tablet is much smoother and has better battery life for 2/3 of the price, I'll just wait to get home to do something not compatible.
I've been in the same boat looking for something for school and my netbook is holding me off till the new products are released. I would recommend doing the same with your laptop, unless you can't afford more than the $400 for the Nexus 10.
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I honestl yplan to hold on to the N10 until December 2014 and THEN upgrade, since I dropped the $500 on the 32GB model.
dibblebill said:
I honestl yplan to hold on to the N10 until December 2014 and THEN upgrade, since I dropped the $500 on the 32GB model.
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How does the Nexus 10 compare to a Nook HD+?
dalcowboys1993 said:
How does the Nexus 10 compare to a Nook HD+?
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Way above it in every way, so far as I know, as well as more expensive.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app
dibblebill said:
Way above it in every way, so far as I know, as well as more expensive.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app
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If you don't mind hacking it up though, the Nook HD+ looks like a fun little investment to slap somewhere (like a wall or something as a control panel). It may not make the best tablet but the hardware is good.
+1 for the people recommending paper/pencil. I can't do formulas another way. OP however might want to look into the LiveScribe Sky and a tablet (or use their PC); I believe I saw an ad somewhere showing off live, instant syncing from paper to tablet, which I'll have to look into myself (got a LiveScribe Echo as a work bonus, so I'm sticking with that for the moment).
It's not just a question of having an active digitizer; while the Note pen will wow in stores, writing with a stylus for any duration of time can quickly become, well, annoying. Glass just doesn't have the same tactile feel that a good pen on paper will, you'll get the "clicking" sounds from contact, and you could generally be doing something a lot more useful with your electronic device (like typing bullet points) than scrawling into it with a digitizer.
Unless, of course, by tablet, we're talking about a Wacom drawing pad.
Rirere said:
If you don't mind hacking it up though, the Nook HD+ looks like a fun little investment to slap somewhere (like a wall or something as a control panel). It may not make the best tablet but the hardware is good.
+1 for the people recommending paper/pencil. I can't do formulas another way. OP however might want to look into the LiveScribe Sky and a tablet (or use their PC); I believe I saw an ad somewhere showing off live, instant syncing from paper to tablet, which I'll have to look into myself (got a LiveScribe Echo as a work bonus, so I'm sticking with that for the moment).
It's not just a question of having an active digitizer; while the Note pen will wow in stores, writing with a stylus for any duration of time can quickly become, well, annoying. Glass just doesn't have the same tactile feel that a good pen on paper will, you'll get the "clicking" sounds from contact, and you could generally be doing something a lot more useful with your electronic device (like typing bullet points) than scrawling into it with a digitizer.
Unless, of course, by tablet, we're talking about a Wacom drawing pad.
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Everyone will of course have their preferences, so I'm not trying to argue right or wrong. However, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ATo3ohdwok has certainly influenced me to getting something with a wacom digitizer. She has some other videos showing note taking as well. I hate having a lot of printouts with notes on them. I also don't like typing notes on a computer but then having to draw out charts and math examples on a separate piece of paper. I'd rather have a device I can carry around almost anywhere with great battery life where everything in consolidated. It's also possible to sync to dropbox so you can get the notes on your phone(in PDF, not SNOTE format). Imagine staying on campus for whatever reason and wanting to do work for a class that you didn't bring your notes or text for. You could have everything in your Note tablet to include general handwritten notes.
Also, the note tablet comes with two different tips. One plastic that will feel like super smooth writing on glass and one rubber that has some drag to it that doesn't make "clicking" noises. I would prefer real pen and paper as well mostly because its what I'm used to, but I really like the idea of consolidating everything into one device backed up to the cloud that I can get anywhere. I'm currently doing it with powerpoint notes in dropbox and typed notes in Evernote, but unless I scan or take pictures, I can't get anything I hand write somewhere else.
Edit: I just looked up the Livescribe pen. That is pretty neat. I feel like I'd lose it though. I will continue looking into that as another option.