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I'm going to get a Nexus 10 soon but first some questions.
- Does USB OTG work? I want to connect mice, keyboards, USB flash drives, and Xbox 360 controllers. Do all of those work?
- Overall impressions of the device? Recommend it?
- How bad is the app ecosystem? Do phone apps look really ugly on the tablet?
-How is battery?
-Is there a good stand, dock, or case that's recommended?
Please help me out. Thanks.
- Does USB OTG work? I want to connect mice, keyboards, USB flash drives, and Xbox 360 controllers. Do all of those work?
It works but you may need root for certain things although I don't think a mouse would work as it is a touch device.
- Overall impressions of the device? Recommend it?
Love it, far better than any Android tablet at the moment.
- How bad is the app ecosystem? Do phone apps look really ugly on the tablet?
A lot of apps have been improved and look better than before but not all, although I haven't found any apps that look horrendous.
-How is battery?
I find the battery is awesome, also a custom kernel/ROM can have a big impact on it.
-Is there a good stand, dock, or case that's recommended?
I use the poetic slimline case, there have been some issues with it not fitting properly but mine is fine, not sure about docks/stands
leeznon said:
I'm going to get a Nexus 10 soon but first some questions.
- Does USB OTG work? I want to connect mice, keyboards, USB flash drives, and Xbox 360 controllers. Do all of those work?
I use the usb otg cable and a four port usb hub. Keyboard and mouse are just plug and play. Which is the case for all the android devices I've owned. I've been rooted since the moment I bought it so I'm not sure if you need root for thumb drives.
- Overall impressions of the device? Recommend it?
I personally love the device. I had a Asus Tf101 before and this is a far better product.
- How bad is the app ecosystem? Do phone apps look really ugly on the tablet?
The apps are improving quite well and even the few non tablet apps that I use don't look horrible. Not sure if you can see the online play store in your location but if you can there is a tablet filter that can give you a better idea of the available apps.
-How is battery?
For the most part I use my at home after work. I find that it can easily last me three days.
-Is there a good stand, dock, or case that's recommended?
I have the iblason black faux leather case and the brown suede bear motion case off of Amazon. I'm finding now this i prefer the iblason which is about 18.00 on amazon.
Please help me out. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
All said, except the case. There are plenty of options, I recommend you the moko.
- Does USB OTG work? I want to connect mice, keyboards, USB flash drives, and Xbox 360 controllers. Do all of those work?
Haven`t tried personally yet. My usb OTG is on the way
- Overall impressions of the device? Recommend it?
I personally recommend it, based on it`s specs, it`s still the best bang for the buck. But it also greatly depend on your needs from a tablet device.
- How bad is the app ecosystem? Do phone apps look really ugly on the tablet?
Given the high resolution screen, yes some app do look blurry or pixelated if not optimized for tablet. For me, i can live with it, we will get more and more tablet optimized apps for sure.
-How is battery?
Great battery life although below my expectations. It might be due to the device processing a high resolution panel.
-Is there a good stand, dock, or case that's recommended?
unfortunately no stand or dock at the moment from google. but the cases do make it stand. Just get a case that suit your needs.
Thanks for all the answers. Anyone else?
The stock unrooted firmware doesn't mount usb thumb drives when connected with OTG. The "Nexus Media Importer" app from the play store provides a smooth workaround for that, well worth the 3 or 4 USD I paid for it.
oysteivi said:
The stock unrooted firmware doesn't mount usb thumb drives when connected with OTG. The "Nexus Media Importer" app from the play store provides a smooth workaround for that, well worth the 3 or 4 USD I paid for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up.
If I'm rooted, will work without needing the "Nexus Media Importer" app?
leeznon said:
I'm going to get a Nexus 10 soon but first some questions.
- Does USB OTG work? I want to connect mice, keyboards, USB flash drives, and Xbox 360 controllers. Do all of those work?
- Overall impressions of the device? Recommend it?
- How bad is the app ecosystem? Do phone apps look really ugly on the tablet?
-How is battery?
-Is there a good stand, dock, or case that's recommended?
Please help me out. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may wish to consider an Asus TF700. For example, I have the integrated keyboard, an USB non-powered hub, a laser printer (hooked to the USB hub), Bluetooth speaker (powered by the hub), multiple USB hard storage devices (for moving large volumes of data such as movies between devices), a microhd 32 GB card (up to 128 GB possible), in addition to a regular SD card. Shortly I will add an USB ethernet adapter for additional speed when using it at my desk. All of this is with the stock configuration and is well integrated into the tablet experience. The TF700 may not be as fast as the Nexus 10- but I have found the speed very good with the optimal mix of apps. My impression is that the TF700 is a more versatile device if you need multiple storage/connectivity options ala a netbook and find the Android OS suitable for your needs.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
leeznon said:
Thanks for the heads up.
If I'm rooted, will work without needing the "Nexus Media Importer" app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When rooted, you can use the free StickMount app.
Some custom roms may mount USB sticks for you automatically, but I haven't experimented with this.
Dontvbe worried about software ... There are very inteligent developers outhere that work for this device . eventualy all the software problems will be resolved . be worried about the problematic hardware side and how to be able to return the product more faster process problems free .
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
oysteivi said:
When rooted, you can use the free StickMount app.
Some custom roms may mount USB sticks for you automatically, but I haven't experimented with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had problems with Stickmount (can't recall what now). I've been using 'USB OTG Helper' which is a great app. As for how phone apps look: it's not that most of them look bad; they're just not optimized to take advantage of the extra screen real estate. But I'm finding more and more of my favorite apps have a separate tablet version, or install a tablet-optimized one if a tablet is detected.
I also recommend the Moko Slim-Fit leather case (Amazon). Very well made.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
ljg600 said:
You may wish to consider an Asus TF700. For example, I have the integrated keyboard, an USB non-powered hub, a laser printer (hooked to the USB hub), Bluetooth speaker (powered by the hub), multiple USB hard storage devices (for moving large volumes of data such as movies between devices), a microhd 32 GB card (up to 128 GB possible), in addition to a regular SD card. Shortly I will add an USB ethernet adapter for additional speed when using it at my desk. All of this is with the stock configuration and is well integrated into the tablet experience. The TF700 may not be as fast as the Nexus 10- but I have found the speed very good with the optimal mix of apps. My impression is that the TF700 is a more versatile device if you need multiple storage/connectivity options ala a netbook and find the Android OS suitable for your needs.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason why I'm not considering the transformer is because it isn't running stock Android. And I'm not sure how the dev community is for it. Plus it's almost a year old and a new ones coming out soon, I don't know if I can wait.
leeznon said:
The reason why I'm not considering the transformer is because it isn't running stock Android. And I'm not sure how the dev community is for it. Plus it's almost a year old and a new ones coming out soon, I don't know if I can wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Asus Transformer series is comparatively minimalist with regards to Android customization versus other brands- though bloatware is an issue. There is quite a bit of 3rd party developer support. TF Android stock and custom updates have been prompt- though I am encouraged that Asus was cautious with 4.2. Of course, newer models will offer better performance- and where the need is not critical- it might be better to wait. Again, the hybrid market seems to be in rapid transition and the Transformer series is hardly the only option- for example, Windows 8 hybrids from Asus, Lenovo and others. I only made the suggestion because you focused on expandability- not a core strength of the Nexus 10. But the Nexus 10 has a lot of other strengths- though it to will probably have a faster replacement or hardware refresh soon...
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Thanks for the input, but I just ordered the N10.
Sorry for re-opening an old thread, but it seemed relevant to my situation.
Hi guys, finally decided to take the plunge and shell out for a Nexus 10. This will be my first tablet purchase, so naturally I want it to go as smoothly as possible.
Although a lot of what I've read from purchasers here seem to suggest it's anything but a smooth process with Google. I've terrified myself half to death with some of the stories here. I should probably also mention that I've never had to RMA any device before, but I'm almost fully committed to the fact that I'll have to with this, after all I've read about it.
So. What are the main problems are that people have experienced, which required RMAs and are they still present in the newer batches, seeing as it's almost 6mths old now?
I've looked around these forums for the past half week and found what I believe to be a fairly conclusive list and their possible resolutions. Is there anything else beyond this list I should be watching out for?
RMA for sure
- battery issues - less than 6hrs
- faulty usb/hdmi socket
- constant wifi drop
- speakers buzz
- no sound via hdmi
- crap stuck under screen
- loose to touch/clicky camera lens
- light bleeding (only RMA if excessive)
SOFTWARE UPDATE
- constant restarts with stock rom
BEARABLE WITH CASE
- creaky back cover
Also, is it easier to return to Google or Samsung should I need to RMA?
Thanks in advice for any advice guys.
Damn I'm lucky. Not one problem with my nexus 7 well the wife's now that I went and got a 10. And not a problem with my 10. And I picked my 10 up from a guy on craigslist for 375 for a 32gb.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
leeznon said:
Thanks for the input, but I just ordered the N10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You receive?
Can you tell me the first 3 characters of your serial number please? Trying to see if they are on third batch yet
SayWhat10 said:
You receive?
Can you tell me the first 3 characters of your serial number please? Trying to see if they are on third batch yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well mine just arrived 20 minutes ago. So far none of the issues I've seen around these forums. No creaky back. No creaky camera lens. No crap under the screen. It's on charge at the moment, so I can't check the other things like light bleed etc.
Oh and for reference it's an R32D model if that helps anyone. I'm in the UK too, for anyone questioning if UK is getting new or old stock.
theta_sigma2 said:
Well mine just arrived 20 minutes ago. So far none of the issues I've seen around these forums. No creaky back. No creaky camera lens. No crap under the screen. It's on charge at the moment, so I can't check the other things like light bleed etc.
Oh and for reference it's an R32D model if that helps anyone. I'm in the UK too, for anyone questioning if UK is getting new or old stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for info
Let us know if you have any reboot issues, and if so, check your surface flinger values
I just got my New Xperia Z Tablet 32Gb, after being a long time asus transformer user, I had them all. tf101,tf201,tf300, tf700 and after got enough with Asus I/O Performance Issues and Drawn Battery issues w/ Dock, finally decided to jump out of tegra Soc Products and move into Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC's. First I got my Nexus 7 2013 and Now just got my Xperia Z Tablet. Here's my First impressions:
Positives:
- What a beautiful Sleek Machine(aesthetics), thin, waterproof(already tested it), not going to use that feature anymore, I'll explain why below.
-Superb Quality of the Screen,much better than my Nexus 10, Nexus 7 2013 and tf700, color reproduction on movies and photos are simply outstanding.
- Excellent Sony Apps, walkman, FM Radio, Video Player(doesn't support MP4 1080p video files with DTS sound), Dual Shock controller support without rooting, Wireless sound works just great, browsing experience was delightful(fast and accurate with no lag at all, Asus Anyone?)
-Snappy Performance, much faster than my rooted Nexus 7 2013(w/ custom Rom)
Negatives
- I already damaged the speakers cover, both of them, I'm a very delicate man, I was trying to find the ports to charge my unit and slightly pull both speakers thinking they were regular ports cover and bend so easy. So this is a Very Fragile and Delicate Machine, as a Pianist I may say too Fragile and poorly constructed, at least the speaker ports, fortunately it doesn't affect the speaker quality, however I won't be able to test the waterproof feature ever again.
- For god's sake, the MicroUSB port, really Sony???, is that a Standard MicroUSB port or just a proprietary Sony Port. Really Pissed me off I could't connect the micro usb cable to charge it because It didn't fit, after checking the Pins orientation, I found out it has to be plug facing down. Great Job Sony! At least put some Label on it. I already messed up a Android TV Box because of this. I hate these micro USB ports,in my case with my Android Tv Box It didn't fit and I slightly pushed it and micro UsB port(connector) got loose(broke down) and my unit was dead.
- 5-6 Hours charging time, Are you kidding me Sony, I thought the Nexus 10 charging time was bad. I was wrong.
- Very Poor Manual(See ports issues)
- Very Expensive accessories, the official Sony case only was a painful $90, we pay 15% tax in Canada.
Updated(a few hours later)
gdfrisco said:
I just got my New Xperia Z Tablet 32Gb, after being a long time asus transformer user, I had them all. tf101,tf201,tf300, tf700 and after got enough with Asus I/O Performance Issues and Drawn Battery issues w/ Dock, finally decided to jump out of tegra Soc Products and move into Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC's. First I got my Nexus 7 2013 and Now just got my Xperia Z Tablet. Here's my First impressions:
Positives:
- What a beautiful Sleek Machine(aesthetics), thin, waterproof(already tested it), not going to use that feature anymore, I'll explain why below.
-Superb Quality of the Screen,much better than my Nexus 10, Nexus 7 2013 and tf700, color reproduction on movies and photos are simply outstanding.
- Excellent Sony Apps, walkman, FM Radio, Video Player(doesn't support MP4 1080p video files with DTS sound), Dual Shock controller support without rooting, Wireless sound works just great, browsing experience was delightful(fast and accurate with no lag at all, Asus Anyone?)
-Snappy Performance, much faster than my rooted Nexus 7 2013(w/ custom Rom)
Negatives
- I already damaged the speakers cover, both of them, I'm a very delicate man, I was trying to find the ports to charge my unit and slightly pull both speakers thinking they were regular ports cover and bend so easy. So this is a Very Fragile and Delicate Machine, as a Pianist I may say too Fragile and poorly constructed, at least the speaker ports, fortunately it doesn't affect the speaker quality, however I won't be able to test the waterproof feature ever again.
- For god's sake, the MicroUSB port, really Sony???, is that a Standard MicroUSB port or just a proprietary Sony Port. Really Pissed me off I could't connect the micro usb cable to charge it because It didn't fit, after checking the Pins orientation, I found out it has to be plug facing down. Great Job Sony! At least put some Label on it. I already messed up a Android TV Box because of this. I hate these micro USB ports,in my case with my Android Tv Box It didn't fit and I slightly pushed it and micro UsB port(connector) got loose(broke down) and my unit was dead.
- 5-6 Hours charging time, Are you kidding me Sony, I thought the Nexus 10 charging time was bad. I was wrong.
- Very Poor Manual(See ports issues)
- Very Expensive accessories, the official Sony case only was a painful $92, we pay 15% tax in Canada.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updated, why I'm considering return this piece of technology:
1. Charging time when the screen is on, it takes an unacceptable and ridiculous time of 9-10 hours, I don't even sleep that much on a daily basis, this is a power hog device when the device is in use, just regular use as browsing, the battery runs out quickly, I don't want to imagine watching 1080p mp4 video files for a couple of hours before the battery drains out and then have to wait 9-10 hours to charge my unit again. A possible solution would be to have 2 xperia Z tablet and while 1 is charging, use the other one to play my audio/video files(Sarcasm!) or just keep using my nexus 7 for watching 1080p movie files, I have a nexus 10 and nexus 7 2013 to compare with and on those units I don't even have to turn the screen off while I charge them. I know I'm not the only one, a bunch of people are having this issue. My only hope is to root it, install a custom ROM and wipe out all those overkill sony apps. I have 13 days left to try it.
As much as I love this tablet, the Nexus 7 2013 regardless of its smaller screen is a much better(functional) device.
I'm going to buy the charging dock so see if charging times improves a bit.
For a $689.98 unit($599+lovely 15% sales tax where I live), which is a pretty hefty price I'd expect much more than this. If you add the $92 price for the official sony leather cover, $40 for a micros sd class 10 memory card and $50 bucks for the charging cradle(going to buy it tomorrow morning), I get a total whooping and scary price of $871.98.
Now I understand why I've seen some people selling their xperia z tablet on local craigslist for a so low price($350-$400 for the 16gb model and $400-450 for a 32 gob model, there was even a guy selling his 32 Gb model for $350 with only 2 months use, and most of them were including a sony dock and a leather case with their offers, and those were with a proof of purchase(best buy receipt) so we know those are not stolen units.
Now I remember all of the sudden why the only other sony device in my crowded current gadget inventory is a Sony PS3 console.
Will report as I go if I ever solve this issue before the 14 days return policy from best buy. Cheers!
gdfrisco said:
Updated, why I'm considering return this piece of technology:
1. Charging time when the screen is on, it takes an unacceptable and ridiculous time of 9-10 hours, I don't even sleep that much on a daily basis, this is a power hog device when the device is in use, just regular use as browsing, the battery runs out quickly, I don't want to imagine watching 1080p mp4 video files for a couple of hours before the battery drains out and then have to wait 9-10 hours to charge my unit again. A possible solution would be to have 2 xperia Z tablet and while 1 is charging, use the other one to play my audio/video files(Sarcasm!) or just keep using my nexus 7 for watching 1080p movie files, I have a nexus 10 and nexus 7 2013 to compare with and on those units I don't even have to turn the screen off while I charge them. I know I'm not the only one, a bunch of people are having this issue. My only hope is to root it, install a custom ROM and wipe out all those overkill sony apps. I have 13 days left to try it.
As much as I love this tablet, the Nexus 7 2013 regardless of its smaller screen is a much better(functional) device.
I'm going to buy the charging dock so see if charging times improves a bit.
For a $689.98 unit($599+lovely 15% sales tax where I live), which is a pretty hefty price I'd expect much more than this. If you add the $92 price for the official sony leather cover, $40 for a micros sd class 10 memory card and $50 bucks for the charging cradle(going to buy it tomorrow morning), I get a total whooping and scary price of $871.98.
Now I understand why I've seen some people selling their xperia z tablet on local craigslist for a so low price($350-$400 for the 16gb model and $400-450 for a 32 gob model, there was even a guy selling his 32 Gb model for $350 with only 2 months use, and most of them were including a sony dock and a leather case with their offers, and those were with a proof of purchase(best buy receipt) so we know those are not stolen units.
Now I remember all of the sudden why the only other sony device in my crowded current gadget inventory is a Sony PS3 console.
Will report as I go if I ever solve this issue before the 14 days return policy from best buy. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you charging with screen on? I charge mine overnight (with screen off as I don't watch it in my sleep ) and it takes about 5 Hrs to charge. Most people report 5 to 6 hrs charging time.
Also, charging / run down rates improve with time. I use mine mainly for browsing and the battery seems to last well.
Using the dock will not make it charge any faster. However , using a 2.0A charger (as comes with an iPad) does improve charging times.
vedlyH and
GretaLewd said:
Why are you charging with screen on? I charge mine overnight (with screen off as I don't watch it in my sleep ) and it takes about 5 Hrs to charge. Most people report 5 to 6 hrs charging time.
Also, charging / run down rates improve with time. I use mine mainly for browsing and the battery seems to last well.
Using the dock will not make it charge any faster. However , using a 2.0A charger (as comes with an iPad) does improve charging times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the tip, will try my iPad 3 charger(2.1A/5V) with it.
gdfrisco said:
thanks for the tip, will try my iPad 3 charger(2.1A/5V) with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The micro USB is a pain but then again it is the same on all other tablets and phones i own. Still pisses me off everytime i have to plug my nexus 4 in.
That's why i bought the docking station for the Z tablet. It is risiculously overpriced but it works flawlessly and you wont have to open close the waterproof caps that seem so fragile.
I reccomend using mx player with the Neon codec (link for the codec is within mx player settings) to watch movies with DTS.
This tablet has a very active modding community here btw. There are very good android 4.3 ROMs around.
Jequan said:
The micro USB is a pain but then again it is the same on all other tablets and phones i own. Still pisses me off everytime i have to plug my nexus 4 in.
That's why i bought the docking station for the Z tablet. It is risiculously overpriced but it works flawlessly and you wont have to open close the waterproof caps that seem so fragile.
I reccomend using mx player with the Neon codec (link for the codec is within mx player settings) to watch movies with DTS.
This tablet has a very active modding community here btw. There are very good android 4.3 ROMs around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you send me the link for the 4.3 Roms? the xperia tablet z developer forum is quite a mess, tf300t, tf700 and nexus 10 and nexus 7 2013 developer forums where much better organized.
I cannot believe I cannot unlock the bootloader, I followed the instructions from sony mobile site and it's the first time I've failed in so many years unlocking and rooting android devices. I feel like a newbie, I'm getting "FAILED <remote: command did not succeed>, when I run from cmd "fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version" it works and prompt a reply "0.5". I'm guessing either I entered the wrong ID for unlocking generator tool(Foolish sony for making those numbers so hard and small to read, had to use my DSLR camera and take a picture of it and zoom it just to make sure wasn't making any mistake)
Any ideas why it went wrong???. The Fastboot mode is perfectly working, why do you think it's failing to unlock my device? I did attempt to replace adb driver on windows 7 64 bit with the one sony suggests and it didn't replace it. it says it's an older version. Any clues here?
gdfrisco said:
Can you send me the link for the 4.3 Roms? the xperia tablet z developer forum is quite a mess, tf300t, tf700 and nexus 10 and nexus 7 2013 developer forums where much better organized.
I cannot believe I cannot unlock the bootloader, I followed the instructions from sony mobile site and it's the first time I've failed in so many years unlocking and rooting android devices. I feel like a newbie, I'm getting "FAILED <remote: command did not succeed>, when I run from cmd "fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version" it works and prompt a reply "0.5". I'm guessing either I entered the wrong ID for unlocking generator tool(Foolish sony for making those numbers so hard and small to read, had to use my DSLR camera and take a picture of it and zoom it just to make sure wasn't making any mistake)
Any ideas why it went wrong???. The Fastboot mode is perfectly working, why do you think it's failing to unlock my device? I did attempt to replace adb driver on windows 7 64 bit with the one sony suggests and it didn't replace it. it says it's an older version. Any clues here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the device is reporting the status (0.5) then I guess the drivers are working.
Have you checked if unlocking your bootloader is allowed? Depending on supplier, it may not be.
Follow the instructions in steps 1 and 2 here : http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions to view the boot loader status.
Bootloader unlock allowed - Yes << this means that your Bootloader is Locked but can be unlocked
Bootloader Unlocked - Yes << this means that your bootloader is unlocked
GretaLewd said:
If the device is reporting the status (0.5) then I guess the drivers are working.
Have you checked if unlocking your bootloader is allowed? Depending on supplier, it may not be.
Follow the instructions in steps 1 and 2 here : http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions to view the boot loader status.
Bootloader unlock allowed - Yes << this means that your Bootloader is Locked but can be unlocked
Bootloader Unlocked - Yes << this means that your bootloader is unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is. Already checked that.
I'm reinstalling Latest Android SDK Manager and will delete old ADB driver to force it to used the sony one.
An android tablet with a lock boot loader, not root and no custom rom is a definitely No Go for me, I'd return it immediately if that were my case.
The good news is my xperia tablet z is now charging in 4 hours aprox.( iPad 3 charger w/ screen off)
gdfrisco said:
Can you send me the link for the 4.3 Roms? the xperia tablet z developer forum is quite a mess, tf300t, tf700 and nexus 10 and nexus 7 2013 developer forums where much better organized.
I cannot believe I cannot unlock the bootloader, I followed the instructions from sony mobile site and it's the first time I've failed in so many years unlocking and rooting android devices. I feel like a newbie, I'm getting "FAILED <remote: command did not succeed>, when I run from cmd "fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version" it works and prompt a reply "0.5". I'm guessing either I entered the wrong ID for unlocking generator tool(Foolish sony for making those numbers so hard and small to read, had to use my DSLR camera and take a picture of it and zoom it just to make sure wasn't making any mistake)
Any ideas why it went wrong???. The Fastboot mode is perfectly working, why do you think it's failing to unlock my device? I did attempt to replace adb driver on windows 7 64 bit with the one sony suggests and it didn't replace it. it says it's an older version. Any clues here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2309
I use the pacman rom atm. It's allways amongs the top 5 threads so far. Comes with a good tutorial in post 1.
gdfrisco said:
Yes, it is. Already checked that.
I'm reinstalling Latest Android SDK Manager and will delete old ADB driver to force it to used the sony one.
An android tablet with a lock boot loader, not root and no custom rom is a definitely No Go for me, I'd return it immediately if that were my case.
The good news is my xperia tablet z is now charging in 4 hours aprox.( iPad 3 charger w/ screen off)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a bit more info :
The number I provided to Sony to get the unlock code was the IDID number. This should be printed on a label on the side of the box the tablet came in, and is also printed on the edge of the tablet (between usb & sd card ports?). I think I had to drop the last digit for it to work.
GretaLewd said:
Just a bit more info :
The number I provided to Sony to get the unlock code was the IDID number. This should be printed on a label on the side of the box the tablet came in, and is also printed on the edge of the tablet (between usb & sd card ports?). I think I had to drop the last digit for it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I was troubleshooting everywhere with no success, I was using the wrong ID number, based on sony online help. I'll generate my new unlocking code asap, I hope it will let me use my same email.
gdfrisco said:
Thanks I was troubleshooting everywhere with no success, I was using the wrong ID number, based on sony online help. I'll generate my new unlocking code asap, I hope it will let me use my same email.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked right away with the new IDID. thank you for your help. Will install CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM, but I need to root it first, not sure what rooting method is better?
gdfrisco said:
It worked right away with the new IDID. thank you for your help. Will install CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM, but I need to root it first, not sure what rooting method is better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chinese method was the best one for latest 4.2.2 firmware 10.3.1.C.0.136 (SGP311/SGP312).
These complaints about the charging time are BS.
5-6 hours is the charging time when charging from EMPTY battery to 100%. (With an alternative 2A charger, 4.5 hours.)
Next point: Who really uses his tablet many hours a day? Since a tablet is not a work device (or, more specifically, a device one can do only very little work on), that would mean: Hey, get a life, don't sit around all day and uselessly play around with your tablet! (By the way: That now tablet sales eclipse PC/laptop sales shows that it's a myth that computers are used for work. The work part in reality is rather small; most time computers by most people are used for leisure activities.)
OK, so with REASONABLE usage, you are at, say, 40-60% battery at the end of a normal day. Charging from that percentage to 100% needs of course much less time. When going to bed, simply plug it in, and even if you sleep very short, it'll be full. And if you forget to charge, even charging it during the morning routine will help to get decent battery percentage to get through the day comfortably.
So, for a normal adult who goes to work and has a social life, this "5-6 hours" figure is irrelevant anyway.
hasenbein1966 said:
These complaints about the charging time are BS.
5-6 hours is the charging time when charging from EMPTY battery to 100%. (With an alternative 2A charger, 4.5 hours.)
Next point: Who really uses his tablet many hours a day? Since a tablet is not a work device (or, more specifically, a device one can do only very little work on), that would mean: Hey, get a life, don't sit around all day and uselessly play around with your tablet! (By the way: That now tablet sales eclipse PC/laptop sales shows that it's a myth that computers are used for work. The work part in reality is rather small; most time computers by most people are used for leisure activities.)
OK, so with REASONABLE usage, you are at, say, 40-60% battery at the end of a normal day. Charging from that percentage to 100% needs of course much less time. When going to bed, simply plug it in, and even if you sleep very short, it'll be full. And if you forget to charge, even charging it during the morning routine will help to get decent battery percentage to get through the day comfortably.
So, for a normal adult who goes to work and has a social life, this "5-6 hours" figure is irrelevant anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your reply was very rude and disrespectful, I don't need to start a flame here and I don't need to give you explanations about my personal life. Just for your information I'm on sabbatical, what you consider normal for your particular case may not be the same reality for others, you sounded like a Sony Fanboy, how old are you? As a System Engineer I can do whatever I want with my tablets and portable devices specially now, when I finally have plenty of time to spend with.
One more question: Do you work for Sony? or maybe Google? Cheers!
I really do like this tablet a lot and i do believe that the runtime of it is ok considering how thin the device is.
Sony did screw up the chrarging though. This is a simple fact. I bought the 12W apple charger yesterday and the tablet charges in no time.
This should not be happening. From what i read this shouldn't even be possible because of charging electronics. Sony simply shipped the device with a ****ty charger.
gdfrisco said:
Your reply was very rude and disrespectful, I don't need to start a flame here and I don't need to give you explanations about my personal life. Just for your information I'm on sabbatical, what you consider normal for your particular case may not be the same reality for others, you sounded like a Sony Fanboy, how old are you? As a System Engineer I can do whatever I want with my tablets and portable devices specially now, when I finally have plenty of time to spend with.
One more question: Do you work for Sony? or maybe Google? Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you getting so worked up?
You just confirmed my thesis - only people who have exceptionally much time on their hands to dabble with their tablets (of course they are entitled to do that, but they're a really small minority, and let's admit it, there are better uses to one's time than sitting around for hours and hours in front of a screen) need all the juice of their battery to get through the day. All others won't, and hence the time to charge won't be 5-6 hours, but much less. q.e.d.
Of course it's always better to have more, but in reality it's mostly (mostly!) irrelevant, and if some people are honest, it's just this "but tablet X can run longer" **** comparison thing.
The Sony engineers were just realistic in this regard instead of participating in the **** comparison and thus were able to build an exceptionally light and thin device, which really makes the device more usable (when I had an Acer A700, I always reached for the Nexus 7 because of the weight & size; now the Nexus 7 collects dust, and there's absolutely no drive to buy the new Nexus 7 or another smaller tablet, I think that says it all).
Best Wishes!
hasenbein1966 said:
Why are you getting so worked up?
You just confirmed my thesis - only people who have exceptionally much time on their hands to dabble with their tablets (of course they are entitled to do that, but they're a really small minority, and let's admit it, there are better uses to one's time than sitting around for hours and hours in front of a screen) need all the juice of their battery to get through the day. All others won't, and hence the time to charge won't be 5-6 hours, but much less. q.e.d.
Of course it's always better to have more, but in reality it's mostly (mostly!) irrelevant, and if some people are honest, it's just this "but tablet X can run longer" **** comparison thing.
The Sony engineers were just realistic in this regard instead of participating in the **** comparison and thus were able to build an exceptionally light and thin device, which really makes the device more usable (when I had an Acer A700, I always reached for the Nexus 7 because of the weight & size; now the Nexus 7 collects dust, and there's absolutely no drive to buy the new Nexus 7 or another smaller tablet, I think that says it all).
Best Wishes!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it is sick, how many hours people want to spend with their tablet. Watching movies, reading books, check mails, check facebook, check newssites, write documents, playing games etc.
I use my Tablet @ University. If you don`t play at every lecture games, it is more than enough for the whole day.
Ive had mine about a year and a half. I have the sprint varient but im runni.g the tmobile rom currently on straight talk and after all this time my phone is almost perfect the battery can go 3 to 6 days depending on use im heavily modded with xposed and quite a few other apps but all in all every now and then she gets a little slugish but nothing a reboot dont take care of im interested to know how everyone elses is doing still
I just got mine a few weeks ago so I'm not an "old timer" so to speak (although I am nearly 50 years old now), and I have to say this is the best smartphone I've ever owned - that coming from a guy that's owned cell phones since the first Motorola "brick" phones made their appearance in the early 1980s. I've owned dozens of PocketPCs, Palm Pilots, mobile devices of all kinds and at this moment, this G2 of mine clearly blows them all away in pretty much every single respect.
Only thing I wish this device had (aside from a microSD slot) would be pogo pins someplace on the frame for a nice dock. I'm one of those people that has - for decades now - hoped that someday we'll have a small portable device that can do multiple tasks for us on the go, and then when we're at home we can simply place it in a dock that will allow it to attach to a full size keyboard, mouse, display, audio outputs, etc.
Ubuntu had/has the right idea with the Ubuntu Phone concept, but they've already pooched it to death sadly. But even so, the concept of a device that's powerful enough to be functional as a "desktop PC" when you're at home and still be mobile enough to fit in your pocket... I'm still waiting.
This G2 gets Sunspider times with the stock browser (the one in CloudyG3 so I suppose it's technically the stock G3 browser, probably the same code anyway) that are nearly as fast as my aging Dell Latitude E6400 laptop these days. While this G2 can't completely replace a full actual laptop, obviously, the thought of being able to use this device for most of the stuff I actually do (emails, web browsing, chat/IM/SMS, music, movies, etc) is damned awesome and I'm practically using it more and more all the time.
Won't replace my laptop, obviously - I'm on the laptop at the moment 'cause I just can't stand using forums on a smartphone, just doesn't mesh well with how I do things.
But I do love this G2, and I intend to have it for some time, with CloudyG3 on it and the Dorimanx kernel I've been having full day usage without breaking a sweat, no problems. Kinda makes me wish I had a G3 now because it's got a microSD slot (really need one of those personally) and a removable battery as well (something I REALLY prefer on a smartphone).
So I'm a happy camper, definitely.
Hello everybody,
I plan to buy a Xiaomi Mi A1 but there's an hardware related issue that set me up.
This issue is called micro USB type C.
Since almost nobody got it, I know having this kind of stuff will be hard but I'm ready to be a charging-loner. I won't compromise my buy just for a detail (between the facts that there's no FM radio and NFC also)
However! I am new to these technical questions and I'm not really at my ease. So I'd like to know some specs about this technology.
I DO NOT expect to have better charge/data transfer performances with it, because I got old stuff I won't change for the phone, on my PC for exemple (no way to pay for replacing my USB type B 2.0).
So do the cable the seller provide (if provided) is good for my everyday use? Let's say I want to plug my phone to my PC to drop some pictures. Will it work without harming anything or I'll have to buy more cables or adapter? Also can I wire a single charging block with a micro USB type C - USB type A/B ?
You can just get micro USB to USB C adapter plug things, it will work fine. USB Cable is fully backwards compatible. The adapters are like a dollar or more/less and you can find them on any decent gadget site or eBay. Get a couple and keep one in your wallet even.
Phone comes with a USB C cable with regular USB on the other end, it's nothing special. You don't need a USB C port on a computer.
Start with hardware I'm satisfied with my mi a1 I can use it with anything and anywhere sync with pc my console tv no problem I'm using it just like before I used my galaxy s2 (5 year older device) I didn't purchased anything separately mi a1 come with one adaptor charger and a one meter USB type c cable and my pc more older then my galaxy s2
Talking about FM you can run any fm app. it have fm hardware I'm on custom rom and nowdays developer provide fm in there custom rom on stock you can get it via root access and installing spirit fm. You said you're not aspecting better data transfer or charging so it's pathetic. (no offense sorry but you are living in 80)
In this era company's trying to provide there customer better hardware in cheaper cost and that's a future!
Xiaomi didn't provide fast charge for our device but it capable for it why!? because if they purchase license for quick charge from qualcomm so they must pay for it or this purchase will definitely become heavy on customers whereas without quick charge my device charge full in one and half hour (if I'm on stock rom maybe one hour and 45 minutes exactly) but it more faster then my old galaxy s2 it's tack up to three hours for full charge replaced battery 1650 mah. file transfer rate is satisfying I mention that I'm using older pc.
On hardware level that device have Samsung EMMC, DDR, front camera LCD is more bright then Moto g5s plus my friend have that device (g5s+).
Talking about warranty I've read about that on XDA and YouTube you can claim your warranty whereas you flashed custom rom on it (just flash stock rom and lock boot loader your warranty is back).
Thank you for you answers!
Actually I can explain why I seem to "hate" this new kind of USB. Although it's really practical, I was just affraid to pay lot and having to think too much just for a cable.
Before I create this thread I read articles about this in my native language, and the comment were full of oldies complaining that "well another stuff our USB are already dead they're annoying it will always go faster we'll have to pay always more" blah blah blah.
I didn't really care of these messages, but articles (well written and purely objective) talked about harm in a specifical case due to incompatibility so I was affraid. This is also the reason why I didn't specially expect better performance, for exemple in charging, in the case I charge my phone on my PC. But maybe with a dedicated block charge is faster, I believe that but if it's not the case for some reason (I'm really lost...) I won't be deceived.
You managed to reassure me so it's fine. I just got one last question I'd like you to answer if you know.
I know basically it's a hardware related thread, but to avoid thread pollution if I could avoid creating another...
It's about root, especially under Oreo, with a process that seems really... Hard. Never heard about a device you have to flash a modified kernel to work before, and as a camera problem troubleshooting the fact to set your SELinux environment to permissive... Just crazy for me. What do you think?
Atronid said:
Thank you for you answers!
Actually I can explain why I seem to "hate" this new kind of USB. Although it's really practical, I was just affraid to pay lot and having to think too much just for a cable.
Before I create this thread I read articles about this in my native language, and the comment were full of oldies complaining that "well another stuff our USB are already dead they're annoying it will always go faster we'll have to pay always more" blah blah blah.
I didn't really care of these messages, but articles (well written and purely objective) talked about harm in a specifical case due to incompatibility so I was affraid. This is also the reason why I didn't specially expect better performance, for exemple in charging, in the case I charge my phone on my PC. But maybe with a dedicated block charge is faster, I believe that but if it's not the case for some reason (I'm really lost...) I won't be deceived.
You managed to reassure me so it's fine. I just got one last question I'd like you to answer if you know.
I know basically it's a hardware related thread, but to avoid thread pollution if I could avoid creating another...
It's about root, especially under Oreo, with a process that seems really... Hard. Never heard about a device you have to flash a modified kernel to work before, and as a camera problem troubleshooting the fact to set your SELinux environment to permissive... Just crazy for me. What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To root the phone you can simply flash Magisk zip after booting temporary TWRP. To fix camera lags there is a specific module that allow necessary permissions while mantaining selinux enforcing.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/themes/module-long-camera-start-fix-mi-a1-t3745262
sipollo said:
To root the phone you can simply flash Magisk zip after booting temporary TWRP. To fix camera lags there is a specific module that allow necessary permissions while mantaining selinux enforcing.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/themes/module-long-camera-start-fix-mi-a1-t3745262
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm OK with that, but it's only valid with Nougat, not Oreo?
I didn't hear that much about camera lags but worse, camera not working at all.
It was on Oreo, but I could try to root before getting the Oreo update after all.
Atronid said:
I'm OK with that, but it's only valid with Nougat, not Oreo?
I didn't hear that much about camera lags but worse, camera not working at all.
It was on Oreo, but I could try to root before getting the Oreo update after all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's valid on Oreo too, camera working fine, it doesn't work only on a beta leaked ROM, no problems if you keep Stock 8.0 ROM or Any 8.1 custom ROM.
N1ck474 said:
It's valid on Oreo too, camera working fine, it doesn't work only on a beta leaked ROM, no problems if you keep Stock 8.0 ROM or Any 8.1 custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright! Thank you everybody
Atronid said:
Hello everybody,
I plan to buy a Xiaomi Mi A1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't do it bro...
AwayForSomeone said:
Don't do it bro...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why should I not buy it?
Atronid said:
Why should I not buy it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To many defects and problems with this smartphone... like proximity sensor, sd card, headphones sounds and other...
Type C is almost the same MicroUSB with diferent shape... compatible with any charger/pc/any normal USB plug. and since its is the newest tech, most high-end and mid-high devices use type C (every samsung A and S series since 2017, huawei new phones, to mention the 2 first at market share), so its actually a positive thing if you plan to keep this phone a couple years. It will become more popular soon.
About the root/Gcam thing: I did the whole process in like 20 mins (reading carefully every post in the forums) and its working like a charm. It was easier to root than my last samsung. Everything working fine, even OTAs with magisk update trick. Dont be afraid and try the available guides!
Its a great phone for its price
USB-C was new for me, but I got used to it. I cant see any diference between normal micro-usb and this one, if we dont count the shape.
Ι think USB type c cables are sturdier than micro SD ones. I mean the connector not the actual cable. For my Samsung S7 I need every 2-3 months new cable(connector looses or cannot charge-fastcharge). The type c cables that I use in my LG HiFi plus dac,Kodak ektra and mia1 are still like new and show no defect yet.
AwayForSomeone said:
To many defects and problems with this smartphone... like proximity sensor, sd card, headphones sounds and other...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would not surprise me, we're talking about chinese smartphone after all.
However, I haven't seen any big defect report about this.
I'll make deeper researches about it, do you got links to articles/reports talking about incidents with this smartphone?
AwayForSomeone said:
To many defects and problems with this smartphone... like proximity sensor, sd card, headphones sounds and other...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have two mi a1... I receive and make calls like any other cell, prox sensor just works... Sd card is fine, i use it for titanium backup restore and twrp flash... In-ear headphones also working fine
Don't spread misinformation just because you had a bad rom flash, any bad apps, etc...
traianescu said:
I have two mi a1... I receive and make calls like any other cell, prox sensor just works... Sd card is fine, i use it for titanium backup restore and twrp flash... In-ear headphones also working fine
Don't spread misinformation just because you had a bad rom flash, any bad apps, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many devices with defects, not all...
AwayForSomeone said:
Many devices with defects, not all...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah just like every other electronic device out there.
Lots are perfectly fine and some are defective.
AwayForSomeone said:
Many devices with defects, not all...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reporting defects and preventing somebody from buying bad products aren't bad things. But it's better with personnal experience and/or written proofs. Do you got real (=justified) reasons to advise me against buying this?
Atronid said:
Reporting defects and preventing somebody from buying bad products aren't bad things. But it's better with personnal experience and/or written proofs. Do you got real (=justified) reasons to advise me against buying this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just check official forums... i've bought 2 device of xiaomi( Redmi note 3 qualcomm, mi a1) and both with same problem( proximity sensor).
I've not seen these problems on other smartphones before.
Sorry for my bad english
Hey Everyone,
I recently purchased a brand new sealed 64GB Pixel C for $275. I have ALWAYS wanted one but never really needed a tablet until recently. My kindle crapped out, and I have been listening to some audiobooks and I wanted a way to combine the 2. I also plan on maybe watching some movies from my Plex server, some Netflix, and that's probably it...oh and some comics as well....
I had some general questions for those of you who have had a Pixel C for some time.
1. I know there are some screen issues, and I believe based on the serial (i'll confirm when it arrives in two days) mine seems to be made in 2016 sometime, and even though I am in the US, it's a EU version.... Do the problems seem to be on all C's or just a specific run of them?
2. If you were me, and only wanted a tablet for ebooks/audio books and of course some media, but no apps that are super intensive, would you just upgrade from the 6.0 to the 8.0 that's official (or 7.0 if it's good?) , or install a custom rom. If the latter, any recommendations from personal experience?
3. Since it's 2020 and this tablet is coming up on almost 5 years....do you feel I overpaid? This is a completely irrelevant question, I just REALLY REALLY wanted one, I hate Samsung and wanted something with as close to a pure google experience like my Pixel phone. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I have seen them selling used in good shape in the upper 100's range, and most are 32GB.....
4. Anything else I should know that I don't see jumping out at me in the forums that you would pass along to a new C owner?
Thanks everyone in advance!
Hank
Hank_Rearden said:
Hey Everyone,
I recently purchased a brand new sealed 64GB Pixel C for $275. I have ALWAYS wanted one but never really needed a tablet until recently. My kindle crapped out, and I have been listening to some audiobooks and I wanted a way to combine the 2. I also plan on maybe watching some movies from my Plex server, some Netflix, and that's probably it...oh and some comics as well....
I had some general questions for those of you who have had a Pixel C for some time.
1. I know there are some screen issues, and I believe based on the serial (i'll confirm when it arrives in two days) mine seems to be made in 2016 sometime, and even though I am in the US, it's a EU version.... Do the problems seem to be on all C's or just a specific run of them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not aware of better or worse serial numbers. I assume later is better? Mine has image retention / ghosting & a purple shift in white balance but I never got the half screen failure or other issues.
2. If you were me, and only wanted a tablet for ebooks/audio books and of course some media, but no apps that are super intensive, would you just upgrade from the 6.0 to the 8.0 that's official (or 7.0 if it's good?) , or install a custom rom. If the latter, any recommendations from personal experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend either Pixel Experience 10 or LineageOS 17 if you are at all comfortable with flashing. ROMs are little more work. But they offer the latest patches, some new features, some specific fixes for our aging hardware, and because you have to install TWRP first you have that safety net for when things go wrong. I also happen to really like Android 10 for what that's worth. You might have to use Magisk Hide to get some apps working, and you probably have to sideload Netflix from APKmirror but it should work just fine.
If you don't mind how it works out of the box, and you don't care for fiddling with it, and you aren't concerned with the screen lock bug, then stock is perfectly fine. Some people say 7 was better than 8 because of some video driver bug that broke a few Unity based games. I have zero idea if this was fixed in any of the ROMs.
3. Since it's 2020 and this tablet is coming up on almost 5 years....do you feel I overpaid? This is a completely irrelevant question, I just REALLY REALLY wanted one, I hate Samsung and wanted something with as close to a pure google experience like my Pixel phone. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I have seen them selling used in good shape in the upper 100's range, and most are 32GB.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am considering selling my Galaxy Tab S6, even though it is nicer in so many ways, because I just disagree with so many Samsung UX decisions. So I continue to use the Pixel C and I hope you like yours. I am a little envious you found a good condition 64GB one! There are countless little touches where the Pixel C does what I expect and my Samsung devices do not. Using an USB audio device? Pixel C can use it for music and also to make VoIP calls. Believe it or not many Samsungs cannot route 'phone' type audio over USB. Music only! Using a mouse? Open Chrome, right-click on a link. Notice that beautiful options menu that pops up? Try the same thing on a Samsung and notice it is just Android back function. Back to the Pixel C, try to middle-click on a link and notice it opens in a new tab in the background. Just like on desktop Chrome! Then, try with a Samsung and notice middle-click is the same as Android home function. Samsung just decided to break mousing and I hate it. Even things like display scaling work well on the Pixel C and badly on Samsung devices. Want everything to be very small? That's easy to do, and basically everything scales (except the nav bar, but there is a fix for that). On my Samsungs some parts of the UI scale and other parts don't. You end with comically unmatched icons and other elements like the notification shade. I really thought DeX could fix these issues for me and it didn't, but that is a different story. I like Samsung features but by golly they suck at the basics IMO.
4. Anything else I should know that I don't see jumping out at me in the forums that you would pass along to a new C owner?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not everything in Google-land is good. The Pixel C was never trouble free and still isn't with even the best ROMs. 3GB of RAM was too little for a 'productivity device' in 2015 and obviously still isn't enough (your use-case should be fine however). The storage speed is slow, it is prone to occassional jank (probably combination slow storage & low RAM), and if the battery isn't perfectly healthy you will experience bad CPU throttling (this is fixed in ROMs and in my case was a night and day difference). You are already aware of the screen problems. The headphone jack quality is not good, and the bluetooth range for headsets is about 5 ft (I am not joking, it's astonishingly bad!). There used to be many WiFi reception complaints but I think it was fixed long ago. Reception is on the weak end however. The touch screen is sensitive to interference and you can get ghost touches when using a low quality charger (YMMV on that one, my hardware might be faulty). Last thing that comes to mind is that occassionally, and seemingly randomly, your lock screen PIN will just... stop working. If you are on stock software with a locked bootloader then all you can do is factory reset!! This alone is a great reason to go with ROMs.
Thanks everyone in advance!
Hank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck and welcome to the community!
locuturus said:
I am not aware of better or worse serial numbers. I assume later is better? Mine has image retention / ghosting & a purple shift in white balance but I never got the half screen failure or other issues.
I recommend either Pixel Experience 10 or LineageOS 17 if you are at all comfortable with flashing. ROMs are little more work. But they offer the latest patches, some new features, some specific fixes for our aging hardware, and because you have to install TWRP first you have that safety net for when things go wrong. I also happen to really like Android 10 for what that's worth. You might have to use Magisk Hide to get some apps working, and you probably have to sideload Netflix from APKmirror but it should work just fine.
If you don't mind how it works out of the box, and you don't care for fiddling with it, and you aren't concerned with the screen lock bug, then stock is perfectly fine. Some people say 7 was better than 8 because of some video driver bug that broke a few Unity based games. I have zero idea if this was fixed in any of the ROMs.
I am considering selling my Galaxy Tab S6, even though it is nicer in so many ways, because I just disagree with so many Samsung UX decisions. So I continue to use the Pixel C and I hope you like yours. I am a little envious you found a good condition 64GB one! There are countless little touches where the Pixel C does what I expect and my Samsung devices do not. Using an USB audio device? Pixel C can use it for music and also to make VoIP calls. Believe it or not many Samsungs cannot route 'phone' type audio over USB. Music only! Using a mouse? Open Chrome, right-click on a link. Notice that beautiful options menu that pops up? Try the same thing on a Samsung and notice it is just Android back function. Back to the Pixel C, try to middle-click on a link and notice it opens in a new tab in the background. Just like on desktop Chrome! Then, try with a Samsung and notice middle-click is the same as Android home function. Samsung just decided to break mousing and I hate it. Even things like display scaling work well on the Pixel C and badly on Samsung devices. Want everything to be very small? That's easy to do, and basically everything scales (except the nav bar, but there is a fix for that). On my Samsungs some parts of the UI scale and other parts don't. You end with comically unmatched icons and other elements like the notification shade. I really thought DeX could fix these issues for me and it didn't, but that is a different story. I like Samsung features but by golly they suck at the basics IMO.
Not everything in Google-land is good. The Pixel C was never trouble free and still isn't with even the best ROMs. 3GB of RAM was too little for a 'productivity device' in 2015 and obviously still isn't enough (your use-case should be fine however). The storage speed is slow, it is prone to occassional jank (probably combination slow storage & low RAM), and if the battery isn't perfectly healthy you will experience bad CPU throttling (this is fixed in ROMs and in my case was a night and day difference). You are already aware of the screen problems. The headphone jack quality is not good, and the bluetooth range for headsets is about 5 ft (I am not joking, it's astonishingly bad!). There used to be many WiFi reception complaints but I think it was fixed long ago. Reception is on the weak end however. The touch screen is sensitive to interference and you can get ghost touches when using a low quality charger (YMMV on that one, my hardware might be faulty). Last thing that comes to mind is that occassionally, and seemingly randomly, your lock screen PIN will just... stop working. If you are on stock software with a locked bootloader then all you can do is factory reset!! This alone is a great reason to go with ROMs.
Good luck and welcome to the community!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the detailed response. I am glad I am not the only one who feels that way about the Samsung tablets. I ALMOST bought an S4, then I ALMOST bought an S5E, but just don't like the way they do Android. I checked my tracking and the tablet comes today! So I think what I will do is just upgrade to the most recent official, leave the device lock off for now as I don't plan on going anywhere with the C, and see how it goes. I have dabbled in ROMS in the past for a lot of phones I have had through the years, so I assume this is not too far different as far as the process. The Lineage ROM seems to be a little better for the C from reading some of the known issues, but I will take a look at them after I assess the performance of the C. I really don't want to have the unit hit 70% then completely crap the bed on the performance side....
The Bluetooth range is sad to hear considering i JUST ordered the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones. They will be here either Friday or Saturday. If i need to hear something beyond the range of it sitting close to me I'll just use my phone.
I'll report how things are going once I receive it, and thanks again for the detailed response. It has put me at ease!
Cheers
Hank
It came and was exactly as described. Did the update and now it's charging. Updated some apps and it's moving pretty well. We shall see what happens when I get more stuff loaded on there, but I will say it's better than I expected. Such beautiful hardware.....
1. I know there are some screen issues, and I believe based on the serial (i'll confirm when it arrives in two days) mine seems to be made in 2016 sometime, and even though I am in the US, it's a EU version.... Do the problems seem to be on all C's or just a specific run of them?
Click to expand...
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I bought an used Pixel C with its keyboard and a pouch and its screen seems still fine. A Youtube video pointed the issue for its cable in the middle behind the screen panel being pressed so I thought keyboard&pouch may have prevented it.
2. If you were me, and only wanted a tablet for ebooks/audio books and of course some media, but no apps that are super intensive, would you just upgrade from the 6.0 to the 8.0 that's official (or 7.0 if it's good?) , or install a custom rom. If the latter, any recommendations from personal experience?
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Mine was on stock 8..1 and now is LineageOS 17 based on Android 10. Stock 8.1 seemed to work fine. I preferred some Android 10's swiping features such as swiping from left or right to go back and swiping up to go to homescreen or other running apps to buttons and black bottom bar previous versions. Netflix HD still works.
On the other hand, unlocking bootloader caused additional 30 seconds to boot with caution message and weird beep noise in boot sequence. As you might know, even when locked in setting, in recovery mode, someone could physically connect your device to another and steal files in the device. Some error messages with security warning pops up in notification so the rom might not fully support Android security features. (I have little knowledge on this.)
When its brightness set close to lowest level, screen seemed to be turned off or brightness seems a bit unstable. (Being able to set close to the mininum is still good.) BTW some of gamepad buttons mapped incorrectly (not sure it was due to LineageOS).
3. Since it's 2020 and this tablet is coming up on almost 5 years....do you feel I overpaid? This is a completely irrelevant question, I just REALLY REALLY wanted one, I hate Samsung and wanted something with as close to a pure google experience like my Pixel phone. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I have seen them selling used in good shape in the upper 100's range, and most are 32GB.....
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It's display ratio is better than 16:10 from other android tablets for e-books, pdf files, comics. Someone wrote its ratio fits for two pages side by side. Among Android tablets as far as I know, there are not many with 3:2 or 4:3. Nexus 9's screen could be great but it has only 2GB ram and other flaws. Xiaomi MiPad doesn't support Netflix HD. iPads would match the need but it seems you didn't want one. What I looked for was an Android tablet which is not Samsung or Huawei and supports Netflix HD. Of course, newer APs have advantages in power consumption, better game support, weight etc. Galaxy Tab S6 lite supports S-pen which is good for pdf notetaking. I tried to write in pdf files with Xodo PDF app and Bamboo Tip stylus and it wasn't so successful. Still, I like mine.
4. Anything else I should know that I don't see jumping out at me in the forums that you would pass along to a new C owner?
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Its PCB is on the left side so it gets hot when running intensive apps or charging. (The bottom of the display turned a bit yellowish. Because of keyboard attached?)
USB PD laptop chargers works but the left side feels hotter compared to charging with 5V 3A chargers.
With its keyboard is good to use on lap or as a stand but it would be pricey to buy a new one.