Best tablet for running Omni? - Omni Q&A

I have a Lenovo Yoga 10+ HD; not a bad machine as far as tablets go, but with an ancient Android on it - 4.4.2 - and Lenovo do not indeed to provide upgrades. From what I've read, the version of 5.0 which can be bunged onto the (rooted) machine is a bit hit and miss; some things don't work as well as they should. This seems to be a problem with Lenovo hardware in general.
So I'm vaguely in the market for a new tablet, and I think rather than wait for the company to provide upgrades, I'd be better off running with a custom ROM right from the beginning, thus taking full control over the machine. This is analogous to my use of laptops, on which I run Linux: one of the deciding factors for me is the quality of the Linux experience (and curiously, Lenovo Thinkpad laptops are very good for Linux).
So my question is: if I was to buy a large tablet, mainly for academic use and multimedia, and I wanted to put Omni on it - what would you recommend?
Thanks!

Right now, most of our supported tablets are "legacy" devices.
Of the best-supported ones, I'd say Nexus 7 (flo). Sony Tablet Z used to be well supported but I haven't had time to keep it alive lately. Sony Tablet Z4 will eventually come, there are pros and cons to this from an Omni perspective:
Pros - We'll be tracking Sony AOSP so that reduces maintainer effort significantly
Cons - I'd be handling the Omni-specific stuff and the rest of the team will agree that I really haven't been around too much lately. Also right now Sony AOSP doesn't do camera very well at all - this is actually one of the few Android issues I've spent time on recently vs. non-Android projects lately.
However, pros of this device in general - Sony's stock firmwares are excellent and Sony does a pretty good job of updating their devices nowadays, and they're improving too (see for example the Concept firmwares, which wound up with the Z3 being one of the first devices to receive an OEM Marshmallow build although it's still a "semi-custom" build not normally deployed to users...) My Z3 held the record of "longest time I've ever owned a phone without even bothering to root it or unlock the bootloader" (from November 2014 until around March/April 2015) - my Z5 Premium is currently in second place, have been running bone stock since early December.

Related

Good news for CM fans!

From the official CM blog:
It’s been awhile since the last update and I just wanted to let everyone know about our progress with CM9. As I mentioned in the previous update, Android 4.0 contains many internal changes that require updated graphics drivers. Unfortunately, these drivers are almost always closed-source and don’t appear until a device or devkit is released with them. For many devices, our hands are tied. Some very clever workarounds have gone into CM9, but we’re still blocked on some subsystems like the camera.
Since Android 4.0 is such a major change from 2.3, we started with a fresh codebase from Google and have been forward-porting features from CM7 with an eye on design and better integration. This is a somewhat time-consuming process, but it allows us to rethink everything. We’ve eliminated the CMParts app, instead choosing to add our custom features directly into the main settings. We are also taking a “just works” approach when it comes to configuration- CM7 had too many options that just weren’t widely used. We hope to achieve a good balance between tweakability and a great out-of-the-box experience. I want your phone or tablet to feel like it should have come with CM9.
Currently, you can compile CM9 for a small number of devices- notably the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Wi-Fi and T-Mobile versions), the HP Touchpad and Motorola Xoom. The next devices to show up will likely be a whole array of Samsung phones (Exynos chipset), with devices based on the Qualcomm MSM8660 and 7×30 chipsets to follow. It’s still unclear if we can provide support for the QSD8x50 family of devices (Nexus One, HTC Evo, etc), but the answer almost always turns out to be “yes” for these kinds of things.
As our hardware support improves, I’ll keep this blog updated. As much as we’d like to stay ahead of the manufacturers, it may be a tie this time Thanks for the continued support, and please consider dropping us a buck or two using the link at the bottom of the page if you enjoy CyanogenMod.
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Click to collapse
While it doesn't say specifically, it looks like we'll be getting official CM9 support!
The day that is released (stable) will mark the day of my first non-stock flash of the Note.

Thinking about getting TPT. Few basic questions.

Hey all,
I'm sick of waiting around for the Samsung Note 10.1" and I really want a device with great stylus support. I have owned ThinkPads in the past (when they were IBM) and from the reviews it seems like most peoples problems with this device were software, not hardware related. I've owned 3 other android devices, always rooted and loaded custom ROMs on them but I am seeing a lot less development activity and choice here. So some questions:
1) I will probably order from Amazon, 32GB w/ stylus. Not sure if it will come with ICS aka 4.0.3 aka OTA3 (I think?). If it does there is currently no way to root it correct?
2) I see there are a few rooting methods, packages, apps, etc. I am getting really confused about which ones are for which device & image (K1, TPT, ROW, JP, etc). Is there a "go to" guide for this specific device?
3) Are there any AOSP ROMs available? If not, how much junk/bloat comes with Lenovo's images?
4) I am looking to use this for business, mostly note taking and diagramming. The stylus input is the *biggest* factor for me and I want it to be smoooooooth. Am I making the right purchase?
I have experience rooting and loading custom roms via CWR on the Nexus One and SGS2-Tmo. I'm just trying to do my homework and see if this device is going to meet my needs before dropping a few hundred on it.
Thanks
I think from what you've read on the forum YOU know you are making the wrong purchase but you're sick of waiting. Then Of course by all means pls get a tpt. That impatience of yours will be tested when you have to send the tablet for a few weeks to repair the broken usb/power button/volume button. The pen is NOT smooth-it develops a mind of its own after writing for a few mins. I'm also sorry to say that development on this tablet is DEAD. There were gallant efforts by koshu and Co but lenovo has proved that they are against development of any kind. Even updates from lenovo are a pain in the backside especially if u somehow had root or Cwm recovery. It's very difficult to learn from other people's mistakes until you make yours then you'd wish you been patient and saved a few hundred dollars
ac251404 said:
Hey all,
I'm sick of waiting around for the Samsung Note 10.1" and I really want a device with great stylus support. I have owned ThinkPads in the past (when they were IBM) and from the reviews it seems like most peoples problems with this device were software, not hardware related. I've owned 3 other android devices, always rooted and loaded custom ROMs on them but I am seeing a lot less development activity and choice here. So some questions:
1) I will probably order from Amazon, 32GB w/ stylus. Not sure if it will come with ICS aka 4.0.3 aka OTA3 (I think?). If it does there is currently no way to root it correct?
2) I see there are a few rooting methods, packages, apps, etc. I am getting really confused about which ones are for which device & image (K1, TPT, ROW, JP, etc). Is there a "go to" guide for this specific device?
3) Are there any AOSP ROMs available? If not, how much junk/bloat comes with Lenovo's images?
4) I am looking to use this for business, mostly note taking and diagramming. The stylus input is the *biggest* factor for me and I want it to be smoooooooth. Am I making the right purchase?
I have experience rooting and loading custom roms via CWR on the Nexus One and SGS2-Tmo. I'm just trying to do my homework and see if this device is going to meet my needs before dropping a few hundred on it.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Correct, as of now.
2) Not applicable for a device you purchase that has ICS already loaded - which it will.
3) See 2 above.
4) You really have no option to the TPT if you're looking for a primarily business-oriented tablet, or one with an active digitizer pen. There aren't really any other tablets around that are designed to be anything other than entertainment toys.
darkhandsome18 said:
I think from what you've read on the forum YOU know you are making the wrong purchase but you're sick of waiting. Then Of course by all means pls get a tpt. That impatience of yours will be tested when you have to send the tablet for a few weeks to repair the broken usb/power button/volume button. The pen is NOT smooth-it develops a mind of its own after writing for a few mins. I'm also sorry to say that development on this tablet is DEAD. There were gallant efforts by koshu and Co but lenovo has proved that they are against development of any kind. Even updates from lenovo are a pain in the backside especially if u somehow had root or Cwm recovery. It's very difficult to learn from other people's mistakes until you make yours then you'd wish you been patient and saved a few hundred dollars
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I was basing my impressions of the pen from this video: http://youtu.be/prqFXRFHbPE It looks like it has some quirks but for the most part these are software issues. I know I am running a risk buying something that is already out-dated, but I feel like the device still has potential with the right software and a price tag under $400.
I appreciate both of your replies but I guess I am no closer to figuring this out and should put off my purchase for another few months to see what else is in the pipeline. I wish there was more video and coverage of the stylus input on the new windows tablets.
I have been waiting *years* for the right tablet with pen input to come along. I do not understand how people deny that a market exists for these devices. I'm not even in school anymore (been hoping for this type of device since my first year of university) but if I was, as a science major the ability to draw and sketch ideas and diagrams, not to mention annotate PDFs/reading material, and have digital copies of my textbooks... it just all seems so obvious. As a web developer I am still constantly sketching out ideas and concepts and *cannot* take notes with a keyboard. I am a visual and tactile learner and the subtle underlines and annotations of my notes make all the difference.
Ok sorry for venting. Thanks for the replies.
ac251404 said:
Hey all,
I'm sick of waiting around for the Samsung Note 10.1" and I really want a device with great stylus support. I have owned ThinkPads in the past (when they were IBM) and from the reviews it seems like most peoples problems with this device were software, not hardware related. I've owned 3 other android devices, always rooted and loaded custom ROMs on them but I am seeing a lot less development activity and choice here. So some questions:
1) I will probably order from Amazon, 32GB w/ stylus. Not sure if it will come with ICS aka 4.0.3 aka OTA3 (I think?). If it does there is currently no way to root it correct?
2) I see there are a few rooting methods, packages, apps, etc. I am getting really confused about which ones are for which device & image (K1, TPT, ROW, JP, etc). Is there a "go to" guide for this specific device?
3) Are there any AOSP ROMs available? If not, how much junk/bloat comes with Lenovo's images?
4) I am looking to use this for business, mostly note taking and diagramming. The stylus input is the *biggest* factor for me and I want it to be smoooooooth. Am I making the right purchase?
I have experience rooting and loading custom roms via CWR on the Nexus One and SGS2-Tmo. I'm just trying to do my homework and see if this device is going to meet my needs before dropping a few hundred on it.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the TPT forums!
First of all, this tablet has a very low dev support hence you might have to wait for a long time to be able to root your device and load custom roms. As for now, there is a user who has compiled AOSP jelly bean on his TPT which is partially working. So my point is that things are happening in the dev center but at a very slow pace.
If you are buying this tablet to make diagrams and sketches then I would highly recommend it. The plus points of the TPT is that the hardware is really solid. I unfortunately dropped it a couple of times (well my friends dropped it) from a considerable height and there are no scratches or dents and the tablet works just great hence its pretty well built. Having a full sized USB is a great deal maker for me, being a university student, helps me rally data to old systems real quick.
As far as pen capabilities are concerned, there are quite a few apps that will make great use of it. Like the apps named quill,lecture notes etc will definitely be great for the device. I personally take notes on quill and i must say that the tablet lives upto my expectations. I have virtually replaced pen and paper with it. After the ICS update, the device is pretty snappy and the general UI experience has improved great folds from the honeycomb times.
I never rooted my tablet and never felt the need of doing so, cause like I said, after the ICS update the device is much faster thanks to custom launchers and disabling certain vendor apps. The main reason why i bought this tablet was to take notes and it has surpassed my expectations.
So if sketching is the main use instead of multimedia experience, then go for it. It is a practical device.
Hope that helped, let me know if i can assist you any further.
Cheers
Vito
Hey there, just a quick summary of what the different versions mean:
US,ROW,WE etc is the region of the device.
TPT is the thinkpad tablet
K1 is an entirely different Lenovo tablet, with no pen support. As far as I can tell, the two are not compatible (ROMs etc.) I'm pretty sure that K1 activity is routed here because there is no dedicated forum for it.
I hope to write a guide for the device shortly. There is not much development going on but that does not mean it is dead. Devs are working on various (very alpha) ports of CM9 and AOSP JB, and the official lenovo update is apparently very nice (including making the pen even better to use )
In terms of bloat, lenovo does add quite a few annoying apps, but luckily most can be uninstalled without root.
I bought a 32GB ROW (because I'm in canada). I have been using NVflash and am able to flash roms without the use of CWM, which could turn out to be our salvation. It looks like US tablets have NVflash disabled. I don't know if this means all ROW tablets are unlocked, but I haven't heard of anyone with an ROW tablet not having NVflash access. ( I also haven't looked very hard)
Stay tuned, I have a feeling there will some nice breakthroughs on this tablet eventually
ac251404 said:
1) I will probably order from Amazon, 32GB w/ stylus. Not sure if it will come with ICS aka 4.0.3 aka OTA3 (I think?). If it does there is currently no way to root it correct?
2) I see there are a few rooting methods, packages, apps, etc. I am getting really confused about which ones are for which device & image (K1, TPT, ROW, JP, etc). Is there a "go to" guide for this specific device?
3) Are there any AOSP ROMs available? If not, how much junk/bloat comes with Lenovo's images?
4) I am looking to use this for business, mostly note taking and diagramming. The stylus input is the *biggest* factor for me and I want it to be smoooooooth. Am I making the right purchase?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Probably you will get Honeycomb version. I do not believe there is anyone upgrading the stock. And probably no ICS loaded devices were made (seems like production stopped some time ago).
2) Hard to tell, as it is unclear which version Amazon is selling. But generally if you have some basic experience, you will make it.
3) There is no working aftermarket ROM. But after upgrade to ICS the situation is a lot better. Using alternative launcher ignoring the Lenovo SW can make the job.
4) I bought it for the same reason. More than HW you fight the SW looking for the best app to make your notes. The Lenovo SW is not usable. And every alternative I tried has some issues.
I clearly understand your dilemma. I doubt that waiting for Samy Note tablet will satisfy you, as this will be the first Samy experience with pen ... I expect a lot of problems, which Lenovo somehow solved till now with ICS release.
I was buying it as replacement for old Lenovo Windows tablet with pen. Especially in combination with OneNote it was great tool ... but it was old, heavy and broken by years of use.
After some time, I got used to this tablet, and I do not use notebook going to client. There TPT can make the job. For other more demanding work I have standard "big" PC.
Of course ... if you buy TPT you will have to accept some "features" like slow charging without full power off (and cold boot after charge), or sometimes frozen unlocking touch till you do not pull the pen of. I don't know how you, but I can live with these problems .
Generally. There is NO device with ANY operating system, which can satisfy needs of me and probably you. Having electronic alternative for paper and pen.
Anyway I'm more satisfied with current status than with lot of papers, where I usually I was not able to find the note I needed
If you need such device, go for TPT a use to live with it. Not perfect, but probably the best available.
Galaxy Note 10.1
Woohoo, the galaxy note 10.1 has been officially announced for release later this month. If you have waited this long, a couple of weeks shouldn't bee too much. As for me, I'm simply salivating at the specs - Quad core processor, wifi+3g versions, 7000mAh battery, 1200 x 800 display; weighing in at approx 600g (way lighter than the ipad). Oh and you can bet that samsung's pen will be far better than the horrific stylus on the thinkpad (just ask galaxy note users). Having had a galaxy s2/s3, I know that samsung products are extremely easy to root, mod update, etc; unlike the thinkpad where even updating is a pain. All in all, I'm elated that I can finally toss out this piece of garbage that lenovo put out. Infact, if someone offers me 100pounds for my thinkpad, I'll toss it to them with some change.
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/ipad-and-tablets/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-review-50007108/
how do you like it
Not very impressive resolution for the price.

Security updates over?

I guess we are done for security updates. It has been right at 2 years. Sad thing is, this is still a great little phone. I am not in the mood to root and tinker with issues. I wished there was a stable ROM out there to use. I wished that LineageOS would pick this little jewel up. Oh, well. It has been a good 2 years of a small, but very informative community of X Compact users.
I am still searching for a small phone replacement since Sony does not make small phones anymore. Post here if you have any recommendations.
Cheers!
del
I feel you. I think I've said it before on this forum, but I really don't get why there isn't a lineageos build for this phone. Lots of sony xperia phones have official lineageos builds and there even is an unofficial build for this device (so it's not exactly impossible to build).
That being said, I generally prefer omnirom and luckily they are supporting this device. I've been on omnirom 8.1 for ages and haven't encountered a bug yet, so imho it can definitely be considered stable. Right now I'm using a self-built omnirom 9.0 (security patch level 5 november 2018) as a daily driver and for a pre-official build it is already pretty stable. Sony's 'Pie' software binaries (which thankfully they still provide) are still in beta, so coupled with the omnirom team efforts the stability will only increase.
Bottom line for smartphone manufacturers: Just provide what is needed for the open source community to flourish, it'll cost you next to nothing and will pay you back in goodwill many times over.
Next upcoming problem is the lack of support for the Project Treble in Xperia X series devices which at least may cause significant delay in releasing ROMs based the newer Android versions or in the worst case might result in stopping their development as the successor - XZ1 series - supports it. I hope developers will follow the Z5 series path as there already is LineageOS for these. And hopefully some Xiaomi devices path as there are devices which now have unofficial support of the Project Treble.
BTW, we should also thank to the Google for an unwise cycle of releasing new Android version every year which accelerates fragmentation significantly as its main reason seems to be to persuade people to buy newer devices with latest version of Andoid OS on board.
harryharryharry said:
Lots of sony xperia phones have official lineageos builds and there even is an unofficial build for this device (so it's not exactly impossible to build).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose more recent Sony smartphones have been sold in significantly lower quantities than older ones (I read many times about Sony's smartphones poor sales numbers) and it might be the reason of a smaller community gathered around those newer devices.
Software security updates stopped?
If Sony stops providing software updates after 2y, it means those of us with a Sony Xperia X Compact (F5321) are unable to add Work e-mail accounts as the Microsoft Intune app requires an Android software update dated May 2019.
This silly policy by Sony is preventing me from adding my work O365 account to the device and means I am very unlikely to buy another Sony mobile phone ever again as its usable life is 2 years max. I am actually quite raging because I like the phone -this is beyond stupid from Sony.
RTV_1974 said:
If Sony stops providing software updates after 2y, it means those of us with a Sony Xperia X Compact (F5321) are unable to add Work e-mail accounts as the Microsoft Intune app requires an Android software update dated May 2019.
This silly policy by Sony is preventing me from adding my work O365 account to the device and means I am very unlikely to buy another Sony mobile phone ever again as its usable life is 2 years max. I am actually quite raging because I like the phone -this is beyond stupid from Sony.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use browser.
intune sucks anyway.
RTV_1974 said:
If Sony stops providing software updates after 2y, it means those of us with a Sony Xperia X Compact (F5321) are unable to add Work e-mail accounts as the Microsoft Intune app requires an Android software update dated May 2019.
This silly policy by Sony is preventing me from adding my work O365 account to the device and means I am very unlikely to buy another Sony mobile phone ever again as its usable life is 2 years max. I am actually quite raging because I like the phone -this is beyond stupid from Sony.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This device has pretty lackluster support even in the dev community as well. All it's really got going for it atm but fortunately we have Lineage 17.1 and Project Treble. I recommend flashing a new rom if you don't want to switch phones.

LuneOS (WebOS) Request

Maybe I'm the only one, but I am a long-time fan of the now-dead WebOS, (formerly PalmOS). Back in 2011-2013, I probably had 6 or 7 different WebOS phones, and found the hardware and the software to be superior in user experience than any others. The problem was that that was the big explosion era for Android and IOS, so WebOS got pretty overshadowed, and HP, (the new owners at the time), decided to axe any further development, and ended up selling the OS to LG, who has developed it further for TVs and stuff, (I don't have all of the technical details straight, but that's a superficial summary). Anyway, recently, out of nostalgia, I pulled out an old Veer, and bought a new Pre 2, and went back into the WebOS forums realm to get a fix of my old favorite, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the work of the community to keep WebOS alive. There is an archive of hundreds of app files available on ftp, (all abandonware available for free - even the paid apps from HP catalog), ongoing development of apps and patches to keep WebOS working with all of the changes in technology, (including updates to Preware - the unofficial dev app catalog, started way back then), and LuneOS, an open developers version of WebOS, which can be built for modern phones, and which was just updated - https://pivotce.com
I think the XC is a perfect candidate for LuneOS, being small, currently affordable, (one upside to the short lifespan of official support), and having pretty good specs. Plus, there's already plenty of foundational development needed for supporting porting, (Lineage, AOSP, and even a partly-working Halium - https://github.com/Halium/projectmanagement/issues/103). For anyone familiar with building/porting, the work needed to be done to build LuneOS for XC is minimal.
My problem(s): I am not familiar with building/porting. I am happy to test and learn, but I also currently don't have any regular access to a Linux computer, and even if I did, it would take me a looonng time to figure out from scratch what someone else could probably do in no time, since all of the elements are in place, (I checked with WebOS devs, and they said with what's available, building for XC is '... mostly a matter of configuration').
So, anybody out there with an XC want to do a build for us?
@harryharryharry @oshmoun ...?
Sorry, I'm not even remotely close to having the capabilities to pull a stunt like this, I think I'm currently in the same boat as you (minus the linux part)
Having said that, here's hoping someone more knowledgeable jumps in and picks up this interesting project. I'm willing and able to test and provide feedback as well of course.

Story of Our Older Devices - Usages & Purposes

Do you have an older Android device? If yes, do you still use it in any way? ?, Share your story here.
Android OS is dynamic (I'd say unstable ?). The device you are buying today might become older enough in a couple of months in terms of the Android version. However if you're lucky to have a truly rich and supporting community, your device will be alive for an eternity.
In the revolution of Android ecosystem, you would possibly like to upgrade your device after major Android updates. Or you have to be satisfied and hanker after the newer Android features otherwise.
Now it's time to share mine ?. I got a local, cheap Jellybean device, when I was introduced to Android in early 2014. Now I have still that Android 4.2 device which I love more than the prettier material design or even the notification dots and others.
I have been using that device for my development purpose for a long time alongside my primary device. As I used it in my first step to Android root, mods, hacking and the system insight. I still remember the day I got this device into bootloop for the first time ?. Those days have passed away.
Now I am learning and developing Android apps. Since my laptop is even smaller than its small configuration (? You can call me a poor guy), it is quite impossible to test and debug apps on Android emulator while running Android studio in parallel with 4GB of RAM and i5. So, I started using my old friend as a helping hand in development. I keep it connected via USB while developing my apps, run and test them with it which frees nearly 700MB of RAM on my tiny machine and boost the build time also. For other Android versions, I have to do them on emulator separately ?.
What you're thinking of me I don't care ?. The phone is much more to me. Feel free to share yours...
What is your phone name and model?
Have you installed a custom rom on it yet?
What are your apps which you have developed?

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