Windows vs Android? - Lenovo Yoga Book Questions & Answers

Hi
Did anyone have a chance to compare these models in person? I am mostly concerned about drawing with it and drawing apps. Naturally the win version will have more natural media app options. I am more concerned about the feel of it, things like brush lag and the parallax stuff between the models are important to me. I already have Samsung Note so I am used to drawing on screen but also I am a Wacom user and I am much interested in a mobile drawing pad option if you will.
thanks

hajkan said:
Hi
Did anyone have a chance to compare these models in person? I am mostly concerned about drawing with it and drawing apps. Naturally the win version will have more natural media app options. I am more concerned about the feel of it, things like brush lag and the parallax stuff between the models are important to me. I already have Samsung Note so I am used to drawing on screen but also I am a Wacom user and I am much interested in a mobile drawing pad option if you will.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey,
Thou I do not have direct comparison of Android and Windows 10 version of this device, I do have both Samsung Galagy Note 10 (2014) and Windows version of Yoga Book.
I do realize that this is not what you ask but, according to you post, we are in similar situation (I am also using Wacom tablet in the office) and as you wrote: “mobile drawing pad option” is the exact reason I bought this device. So I could make a comparison of these 2 devices if it helps. Let me know.

Talsi said:
Hey,
Thou I do not have direct comparison of Android and Windows 10 version of this device, I do have both Samsung Galagy Note 10 (2014) and Windows version of Yoga Book.
I do realize that this is not what you ask but, according to you post, we are in similar situation (I am also using Wacom tablet in the office) and as you wrote: “mobile drawing pad option” is the exact reason I bought this device. So I could make a comparison of these 2 devices if it helps. Let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I am definetely interested in that comparison because I have a Samsung 10 2014 as well (which I like).
The Samsung Note is fine in generaly for drawing and painting but it is nothing like comparison to the actual Wacom experience on the desktop.
Also can you tell me if you can plug your wacom tablet to it? Maybe it does not make sense but it can be nice to work with a larger tablet here and there.

Hey,
so here are my thoughts. I had my Galaxy Note 10 (2014) [note from now on] for about 2 years. I tried various painting apps but for the most time I have used InfinitePainter – its very similar to Autodesk Sketch Book which I am now using on my Yoga Book [yoga from now on].
On the Yoga you basically have 2 drawing surfaces: screen and pad.
The Anypen technology is screen part of the tablet allows you to draw on screen event with basic pencil, which is cool but it does not have pressure sensitivity – its reasonably accurate thou – and it has scratch resistant glass. On note the glass screen had (for me) noticeable stylus drag but when drawing with stylus on yoga, included stylus/pencil feels like it glides and does not give you barely any resistance - my hand often “slips” . It not very suitable for shading/coloring but if you pick small brush with low opacity you can very easily do quick sketches or trace image. The screen however does not have palm rejection so when drawing you need to hold your hand above screen – which gets tiresome after a while - or you have to have glove. Also, note used to get quite warm/hot during extended use, sometimes even to the point of discomfort. This is also case in yoga, but it is not as bad as in note.*
As for the “pad”, the feeling is very, very similar to my Wacom tablet (I have Intuos Pen&Touch). Yoga’s pad feels a tincy bit smoother, but it might be just me. Since actual hardware seems to be in screen part of yoga, the pad is always nice and cool.* Included stylus is very basic. The tip is basically ink tube (without ink of course) with plastic tip. It jumps a bit (inside and out) line note’s stylus but it’s accurate and when used on pad section it has pressure sensitivity – it has no button and there are no extra tips in the package. You do have 3 ink “cartridges” for writing on paper (included with yoga) but that is basically ball point pen. On the bright side, on pad section you can also use note’s stylus – works fine, event button! If you are serious about drawing you might want to get original Wacom bamboo stylus – might be better but its hard to say, I am beginner in drawing/patting (in my work I use Inkscape (vector) and Gimp (photo editing) thou, but for that I use mainly mouse) so quality is just fine for me. Also, you can not use other side of stylus as an eraser.
Now the cool part of yoga is that you can have it completely flat on the desk (180°). I found that the most comfortable is to have yoga in “portrait” mode – drawing pad on the right and screen on the left. I can work with my right hand and use interface and move/scale/rotate canvas with my left hand – this is important because you must keep in mind that when you are using drawing pad, you cannot use keyboard. You can quite quickly and easily switch between drawing pad and keyboard via dedicated key, but honestly I did not have any need for it – but just to be sure I also have Bluetooth keyboard (bought it some time ago for my note). Sketch Book is therefore quite good software here because it has nice and large interface. I am using older version 6 Pro, but the newest one for windows 10 (directly in windows store) have nice touch interface – basically identical to Infinite Painter.
I do not have Photoshop but I have Krita and GIMP installed on yoga. Both programs runs fine but it takes some time to load and gets a bit slow when working with larger images or if I have few more programs running in background. Since the screen is fullhd 10inch, the interface is quite small, and therefore harder to use with fingers – does not work well in portrait mode either. Also, for pressure sensitivity to work in these programs, you need to install special driver package directly from Wacom.
Yoga’s build is quite sturdy. Hinges holds position, any position, very well but when used as laptop, touching screen causes little swaying. Surface of the body is nice, smooth and matte but fingerprint are quite visible. Because of very smooth body, tablet tends to move around – especially at 180° during drawing. I solved this with simple anti-slip mat from local hardware store. VS note, the yoga is bit heavier and slips easier – note had leather back which was nice to grab on, in yoga you have to more careful.
As for OS selection. I am quite happy with Windows 10. It is definitely not 100% touch friendly and probably a bit slowed than android (thou everything runs reasonably well) but I still like it and since you have small touchpad as well, it is just fine (got myself bluetooth mouse thou). On my note, I had to deal with root, bloatware, warranty and general android issues like SD card write issue, external display properties and system updates in general. Here with windows everything works as well as on my desktop PC and nothing from above mentioned worries me anymore. Thou, If you go for Win10 version, you might want to buy SD card as well, because windows is large OS and you have only 30-32GB of free space on internal storage.
If you are considering this device, I have to point out that there are some issues with it. Screen edge colour deformation – see here – and keyboard issue – see here.
For your question, I have tried to plug my Intuos tablet in and system recognised the device without issue. It did not work and I did not install the drivers - I am worried that it might mess with build in pad (had to do factory reset once already and I do not wish to repeat it) – but light indicators were on (and reacting to stylus/touch/button press) so in theory it should work without issues, its regular Windows 10 laptop after all.
That all I can think of right now, but if you have specific questions let me know and sorry for typos.
* - Edit: I seems I was wrong. The hardware (or at least something that gets warm/hot) is in the "pad" section of tablet. I haven't noticed because I did not used yoga for more than 30-45 minutes at time before. But yesterday, I went to a fried to play Armello and after 2 hours the pad (top center area) got quite hot. But keep in mind that this was after heavy use for prolonged time period. I never noticed any elevated temperature during regular use/sketching.

Hey thanks man, that is some awesome review.
Could you eloborate on the differences between the Note and the Yoga one as far as performance, drawing performance, stylus feel/lag etc? I know they are different platforms but from usability point of view we can bring some important points.
I am mainly interested in the brush/stylus performance. I am an artist/sketcher and I do alot of 3d sculpting on Win and Linux.
I ordered the android version because the win version takes a while to get. So I will have a chance to compare the Android version with my Note 2014 10.1. However I probably might end up exhanging with the Win version. Lets see how that goes. I might end up going for the Win version mainly because of Krita and Zbrush but like I said I want to give the Android version a try which is a bit cheaper also.

Hi, anyone Knows if is possible to haver te both system at the same time?

hajkan said:
Hey thanks man, that is some awesome review.
Could you eloborate on the differences between the Note and the Yoga one as far as performance, drawing performance, stylus feel/lag etc? I know they are different platforms but from usability point of view we can bring some important points.
I am mainly interested in the brush/stylus performance. I am an artist/sketcher and I do alot of 3d sculpting on Win and Linux.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The performance-wise and drawing specific, yoga is definitely slower but again it might be because of Windows. In note I never noticed any stylus lag and drawing was very smooth even in larger images. Here is a filler image (hand photo trace + quick shading) I made on note for one project. Made it in Infinite Painter, original is 2560x1600 image composed from 6 layers. Took me about an hour and I never noticed any performance issue. Unfortunately, so far I have only done few meaningless sketches on yoga so I do not have similar experience, but when I get some free time I plan to test it fully – possibly over Christmas vacation.
On yoga the best (fastest) software I have tried is definitely Sketch Book – except for 2 brushes (PaintBrush1 and PaintBrush2 – strangely thou PaintBrush [without number] works like a charm) everything is smooth and fast even on 1920x1200 large canvas. Krita is working fine when working on 1920x1200 canvas but the performance decreases on larger canvases and when using bigger size of brush – hardware stylus responsiveness is fine but sometimes brush lags behind or it takes few miliseconds for Krita to redraw your stroke afterwards. Most of the tools works fine, but there are some brushes that definitely lags. So again, on larger canvases/some brushes Krita has some issues, I would definitely not recommend high-res custom brushes but I would rate general performance as good/satisfactory.
Sadly, I am not at all good at 3D stuff – I tried using Blender few years back, but it seems that 3rd dimension is something my brain just can not grasp. I am therefore no good assessing this stuff
hajkan said:
I ordered the android version because the win version takes a while to get. So I will have a chance to compare the Android version with my Note 2014 10.1. However I probably might end up exhanging with the Win version. Lets see how that goes. I might end up going for the Win version mainly because of Krita and Zbrush but like I said I want to give the Android version a try which is a bit cheaper also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Grats. If I may have one small request. When your yoga arrives could you please test the keyboard issue I described here? I was hoping to get feedback on it, as I believe that it might be just a driver issue.
---------- Post added at 10:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:28 AM ----------
CardosoPedro said:
Hi, anyone Knows if is possible to haver te both system at the same time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Windows version you have option to boot from USB and I read somewhere that someone successfully booted (not in working state thou) linux from USB stick. However, the main issue here is custom lenovo driver from halo keyboard. Until someone makes official android distribution rom dump or extract drivers I highly doubt that fully functional dual boot is possible.
But I am not an android developer so who knows.

Related

Where does the pen all work?

I'm interested in the TPT and am curious in which apps the pen all works? I'm assuming that it would work as a regular finger touch in all apps, is this true?
Can I use the pen on a software 'keyboard' like WritePad which allows for handwriting input - meaning I could handwrite into any app that would allow the WritePad keyboard?
Wanting to know what to expect before I take the plunge.
Anywhere you can use wrtepad, you can use the pen.
I have not come across any drawing apps that have NOT let me use the pen either.
I have been able to use the pen to open and close apps, browse the web, respond to e-mails, and so on.
Sent from my ThinkPad Tablet using xda premium
The pen works everywhere on the tablet, Just like your finger. As for writing apps, there is no shortage: quill, writepad and lecturenotes all let you write with either your finger or pen.
I know this wasn't part of your question but to save you from regrets and headaches, let me add:
If you want a writing tablet, I strongly advise you to wait for a month or so, when the Samsung galaxy note 10.1 is released because the plunge you are considering taking is a very deep one, into lenovo's slow, buggy software, weak hardware (easily breaking usb port and hardware buttons), strange warranty service, etc.
Be aware that lenovo would have a backdoor into your tablet through their "mobility manager app" and can execute actions with root level permissions. and no, they wouldn't inform you. sneaky, right?
It is not possible to disable touch or pen input at OS level on lenovo's stock rom so there can be accidental contact when writing with pen or typing on keyboard dock. There is such a feature on the CM9 port being developed by the good fellows here on our xda forum. However, everything is tricky: from rooting, to installing CWM recovery and flashing the rom. Your device can get bricked anywhere in between.
the location of the cameras on the thinkpad is laughable, and by extension, hardly usable.
The thinkpad was the first android tablet with an n-trig digitizer (the htc flyer uses wacom or something) so its essentially a prototype and expect the numerous glitches that plague first type devices. Now samsung is getting into the game, I expect using an android tablet with a digitizer will become a better experience.
But it's your call, just read through this thinkpad xda forum and the www.thinkpadtabletforums.com to observe the issues with this tab before you take the plunge.
Flyer, and every other pen enabled HTC tablet are also using N-Trig, if it was Wacom, I am sure more people would be using it. As for the Galaxy 10.1 Note, I doubt it would be out next month, if anything it should be out mid summer, with maybe North America getting it a bit later than that, specially if it may come out on a carrier, and/or with LTE.
For what it is, and the price I paid it is a solid tablet actually. I like it better than my Touchpad with CM9 installed. Yeah my volume up button went out, but still not as bad as my Touchpad, which came back from HP with a gap in the screen after I sent it in for a battery issue. I am sure, once CM9 is more developed it would improve things even more. I know on my Droid 2 CM7 based rom I was on was much better than that bloated crap Motorola put on their I will though agree that that Mobility manger is pretty damn shady and wrong. I think you can remove it with root, but I am not fully sure.
Thanks for the insights. Dark, I'm afraid you're giving me advice I *don't* want to hear. I'm a very long time Palm user and really like a pen. Right now I've got a Captivate and an original Galaxy Tab 7 with Overcome ROM, rooted and overclocked to 1400mHz. I don't think I'm used to the lack of precision and it's been over a year for me with Android. I'm using them with a stylus, but those big fat "Crayola's" leave a lot to be desired. Recently I got a chance to spend some time on a 10" tablet and kind of liked the size.
I really don't understand how popular tablets (iPads) have got without a pen. It just feels too primitive to be clawing at the screen with my fingers.
I'm quite pleased with the pen. N-trig was a big disappointment early on but their reputation has improved as has the product. Wacom is better but N-trig is OK how. Have been using a Motion LE1700 (Windows tablet) for years with Wacom and it's great. The TPT pen input is a bit primitive compared to Windows but it's good enough.
My last laptop was an X61 tablet. I was quite tired of how dim the display was from having to look through the digitizer. Does the TPT have that same dim/gray cast to the screen? Is it noticeably darker than non-pen-digitizer tablets?
no its very bright, i find the automatic brightness adjustment to be a little much, but that's just me, i usually set it at about 50 percent and its more than adequate to use outdoors with our cloudy weather up here. you can see little "dots" on the screen when held at certain angles with the screen off, this is the only visible evidence of the digitizer but its pretty much invisible with the screen shining through.

Asus Vivotab Note 8 (M80TA) Official thread

There isn't already an official thread about this wonderful little tablet Asus Vivotab Note 8 , so here i start one
I can't be the only one who bought it, i hope xD
Sent from my M80TA using Tapatalk
i have the 32gb version.
I bought it for the wacom digitizer and office student, in particular onenote, that together are my idealistic perfect tool for my student activities.
Straight out of the box i had a problem with the Windows Store, i couldn't install any app because every time i clicked on the install button the download didn't started and the app was going to Pending state.
After an afternoon on official Microsoft forum that suggested ton of fixes , and none of them worked, i solved the problem following this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2vnhcoKCeQ
Sent from my M80TA using Tapatalk
I got the 64GB version. Can't say I've had any issues. Put a 64GB micro SD in, and redirected most the libraries, Skydrive to point at it. I've got my steam games split between internal and the SD card.
I picked up one of the I-Blason Case and screen protectors off amazon. The case works nice, the top cover can fold over doesn't get in the way much at all.
Haven't had any issues with the MS store on mine, was able to purchase and install the plex app no problem as well as a e-reader app and a couple others.
The only thing I've noticed with mine is that the stylus isn't terribly accurate around the edges. It makes trying to grab some of the slider bars in IE and other programs a challenge. I've seen some of the calibration guides here and have been debating trying one of them to see if it would improve that.
Edit: I also tried Bluestack for getting some android apps running, but it's been pretty abysmal performance with it with some apps not launching at all, and others I can launch, but then they just don't work correctly. My high hopes for using it with this table have pretty much been trashed
Can you post a screen snip of Disk Management (from Win+X menu)? I'd like to see the storage layout.
Also, please post the Windows experience index. It's hidden in 8.x. Run 'winsat prepop' from CMD. Wait to finish, then run 'get-wmiobject -class win32_winsat' in PowerShell. Actually, just post the scores of all the components. TIA.
Note 8 was out in UK/EU a month ago, so info & reviews are already on Youtube. It improves upon DVP8 w/ good stylus support, but is also more expensive, now that DVP8 has hit $200 bargain bin. OTOH, by virtue of being first (and heavily discounted), DVP8 has garnered a decent-sized userbase.
Asus Note 8 + DVP8 + Lenovo ThinkPad 8 & Miix 2 8 + Acer W4 + Toshiba Encore round out the Win tab 8" crop. Here's my Cliff Notes comparison: DVP8 = cheap, Note 8 = stylus, W4/Encore = HDMI out, TP8 = 1080p res.
For me, stylus support is critical, not for note-taking, but for running desktop. But I'm also looking for more ports, and these don't have them. Cherry Trail is on tap for Computex, and should roll out in fall, so Bay Trail will slot into the low-end in a few months. Win 8.1 won't change, but hopefully the hardware will have better capability at lower price points. At $300'ish, they can't compete against iPad Mini, hence the $250 goal w/ cheaper Win license and 16GB SKU.
As they are I think it's a good first effort. If MS can swallow its pride and allow good desktop use--eg w/ integrated pointer in bezel or stylus--I think Win tabs can do well. Because Metro for now isn't enough to win (excuse the pun), and chubby fingers don't work for desktop.
Since MS' Surface line is intended to be hero devices, a good question is whether MS will come out with a Surface Mini to spearhead the mini-tab effort--and if it does, whether it'll sport the comatose RT (in hopes of a Hail Mary miracle), or with an Atom, competing directly against its OEM partners.
VivoTab Note 8 digitizer demo
ThinkPad 8 vs DVP8 vs VivoTab Note 8
Acer W4 review
Toshiba Encore review
lordgodgeneral said:
I got the 64GB version. Can't say I've had any issues. Put a 64GB micro SD in, and redirected most the libraries, Skydrive to point at it. I've got my steam games split between internal and the SD card.
I picked up one of the I-Blason Case and screen protectors off amazon. The case works nice, the top cover can fold over doesn't get in the way much at all.
Haven't had any issues with the MS store on mine, was able to purchase and install the plex app no problem as well as a e-reader app and a couple others.
The only thing I've noticed with mine is that the stylus isn't terribly accurate around the edges. It makes trying to grab some of the slider bars in IE and other programs a challenge. I've seen some of the calibration guides here and have been debating trying one of them to see if it would improve that.
Edit: I also tried Bluestack for getting some android apps running, but it's been pretty abysmal performance with it with some apps not launching at all, and others I can launch, but then they just don't work correctly. My high hopes for using it with this table have pretty much been trashed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you tell me how to get skydrive to point to the SD card only? Also what libraries were you successfully able to direct to SD? I attempted to re-direct temp files and app data but that ended catastrophically with all things in metro including system restore settings disappeared, and would not even come back after returning things to normal. Had to do a full system recovery with a keyboard plugged in to force it to restore mode.
Verry Good Thanks
ThomasBags said:
Could you tell me how to get skydrive to point to the SD card only? Also what libraries were you successfully able to direct to SD? I attempted to re-direct temp files and app data but that ended catastrophically with all things in metro including system restore settings disappeared, and would not even come back after returning things to normal. Had to do a full system recovery with a keyboard plugged in to force it to restore mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moving SkyDrive is pretty easy, just open explorer on the desktop right click and go to properties. There's a tab called location where you can set where its local files are stored.
The other thing I relocated were Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, Downloads.
I haven't see too many people try to move the apps folder though, but symlinks would possibly be your best try, though I have no idea if that would work or not.
I've only had mine for a couple of weeks but I already enjoy it way more then any of the android tablets I have. The lack of apps is discouraging at times but I've always been able to find a desktop alternative and enjoy a better gaming experience playing my steam games.
I agree that all the current 8" tablets leave a little to be desired. To me it came down between this one and the TP8. The hdmi out and 1080 sounded nice, but I really didn't see myself using it very often, I have a htpc hooked up to the TV already as well as a laptop, and a the 1080 would work great over hdmi, but I figured it would actually hurt the desktop experience when using the 8" screen. The Wacom on the note 8 pretty much sealed it as this was mostly for on the go use.
The one item I would really wish for is a dedicated charging port and separate USB port so you can use USB and charge at the same time. I dont see that happening as I think Intel and the OEMs are purposefully neutering their designs specifically so they can't be used as a cheap desktop replacement via hdmi and a USB hub and possibly cut into the sales of their more expensive models.
>...a dedicated charging port and separate USB port...I think Intel and the OEMs are purposefully neutering their designs
A better explanation is that it was cheaper to go the single-port route, since getting to the $300 mark is the paramount consideration for Win tabs. Even so, they're still too expensive to be competitive, as evidenced by DVP8's drastic discounting. This won't change with $250 as the goal for upcoming gen. The next crop will be as barebone as the present one.
Vendors won't be motivated to invest much in their products, with no improvement in Win until next year. Low pricing will be key, and most vendors will be content to use Intel's reference design with little differentiation, as was for this gen. The good news is that we'll see $200 Win tabs by year end. If MS & vendors can get desktop to be functional (read: cheap stylus support), they'll have a compelling pitch against the sea of Androids.
Has anyone found a non magnetic case yet? Finally discovered the wonky stylus input was due to magnets, go figure. Waiting impatiently for poetic to do one of their productive cases for the tablet.
ThomasBags said:
Has anyone found a non magnetic case yet? Finally discovered the wonky stylus input was due to magnets, go figure. Waiting impatiently for poetic to do one of their productive cases for the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even with a non magnetic case, there are the two magnets of the speakers, so near the asus logo and front camera there will always be some distortion I believe.
ThomasBags said:
Has anyone found a non magnetic case yet? Finally discovered the wonky stylus input was due to magnets, go figure. Waiting impatiently for poetic to do one of their productive cases for the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got one of the i-Blason cases off amazon, it has magnet on the right side of the case, and one in the left most flap on the edge for folding over the cover (other i-Blason cases have up to 5 on them). I haven't really seen any issues using this case with the stylus. My experience has been that the accuracy drops some close to the edge of the screen, but this happens with and without the case, so I don't think i'm getting any distortion from the magnets on the case.
Let me know if your interested, I can get the exact model off amazon for you.
Hi Guys,
Maybe somebody can help. Got the Tablet a few days ago. Everything is Windows
Is it possible to hold Network and for example an audio stream when Tablet is in Standby (Energysave) whatever....screen off???
I can't find a way to do so....screen off....everything stops...hm. No further Options in Energyplan Menu....
Thanks in advance....
Open an elevated command prompt, and run 'powercfg /a' to see if Connected Standby is available as one of the sleep states (it should). Then, run 'powercfg /sleepstudy' to track battery drain. More info here,
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn495346(v=vs.85).aspx
If CS is available, then go into Device Manager | Network adapters, check Advanced tab to see if there's an option to keep connection alive during sleep (this should have been par for CS).
It could well be that drivers are still buggy, which would be kind of normal for these, being the first-run models. DVP8 had bunch of problems with CS.
Other powercfg options to check out,
powercfg /energy (report system energy use)
powercfg /batteryreport (history of battery usage)
Other cool things shown with /?.
Has anyone found a USB keyboard that works while booting? I'm specifically trying to go into safe mode so I can add hibernation to the power options, however when getting to the advanced boot section, none of my keyboards seem to recognize. They work fine in normal OS mode.
Think it may be a power issue or something similar?
Double tap to wake
I'm really liking this tablet. The screen size is just right and having full desktop experience when I need it is helpful.
The only thing that I'm missing is double tap to wake. I do not like the button placement for power/windows key and find it awkward and stiff to wake up...
keithhowe said:
I'm really liking this tablet. The screen size is just right and having full desktop experience when I need it is helpful.
The only thing that I'm missing is double tap to wake. I do not like the button placement for power/windows key and find it awkward and stiff to wake up...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Double tap to wake would be awesome... but i doubt we will see something like that on windows tablet
VivoTab note 8 virtualbox runing virtual machines
VivoTab note 8 virtualbox running virtual machines
so far its been really nice to run Linux even android on virtualbox has windows 8 touchscreen support and it makes it a little easier to use on windows 8 tablet and the full screen mode is cool if the Linux is lite it run really well makes it feel like is native install
Linux lite run like a baby
android also if config right many Linux distros run on this tab with virtualbox if config right just a tip
Stylus question
I just got my new AVTN8 yesterday and was hoping that the stylus would make it easier to use (I bought and returned the Toshiba Encore a few months ago) but I guess that I was spoiled by the Samsung S Pen.
Is there another compatible stylus out there that has some of that kind of functionality? I tend to take a lot of screenshots while researching various topics, so that would be my main usage.
Guys help please
Am confused between this and note 8.0
Im getting both for about the same price
Main thing im after's the stylus, samsung seems ahead here as i dont think the vivo has that many stylus based apps looking for input here my work s mostly writing , no fancy graphs or diagrams , just text
Again handling is a factor and it seems the vivos thinner and lighter
Im not familiar with the windows environment your input will be appreciated guys
I'm not after specs and notes and movies are all im gonna use it for
So guys help me out is it wise investing in the note or should i get the vivo? Hows the stylus front?
Doomrider said:
Am confused between this and note 8.0
Im getting both for about the same price
Main thing im after's the stylus, samsung seems ahead here as i dont think the vivo has that many stylus based apps looking for input here my work s mostly writing , no fancy graphs or diagrams , just text
Again handling is a factor and it seems the vivos thinner and lighter
Im not familiar with the windows environment your input will be appreciated guys
I'm not after specs and notes and movies are all im gonna use it for
So guys help me out is it wise investing in the note or should i get the vivo? Hows the stylus front?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beyond both being 8" tablets with a wacom digitiser (the fancy schmancy stylus, samsung call it an S-Pen but it is just rebranded wacom gear) the 2 are almost entirely different.
The samsung galaxy note uses a Samsung Enoxys processor with the ARM instruction set running android. The vivotab note 8 is using an intel atom baytrail processor which uses the x86 instruction set and runs *full* windows 8.
Most phones and tablets do use ARM processors. Nothing unusual on that front for the galaxy note.
x86 processors are what you would tend to find in your laptop or desktop computer. The vivotab note is more or less a low end laptop ripped apart and put inside a tablet casing. It is just a normal windows 8 computer which just happens to have an 8" touchscreen on the front.
I'd say of the 2, the vivotab is the more powerful device, but windows doesnt quite have the full touch ecosystem available yet. It will do everything you want though, onenote is meant to be excellent with a stylus and for media playback you can get VLC on the windows store as a full touchscreen app or simply use iTunes or the full blown version of VLC or whatever other media software you have preferred on windows on the desktop interface. It also comes with microsoft office preinstalled for free, not just a trial version.
pros for the samsung would be that android from day 1 has always been touch based so all the apps in the ecosystem are of course touch based usually. S-Pen integration is good. Handwriting accuracy wont be very different from the vivotab particularly but you do get samsungs very good S-Note application.
Alot of computing stores have surface pro demo models on display, this also has the wacom pen so usage wise the vivotab and surface pro will be very similar except for the pro having a more powerful processor (for your needs, baytrail is fine) and bigger screen, see how you like windows 8 on a touch screen and go from there. You may have to ask staff for access to the pen, or if you own a samsung S-Pen device already the pen from that *should* work.

Is the Note Pro 12.2 for Me?

I'm in the market for a tablet (or possibly a Chromebook). I'm an editor of a website and need to be able to use it to work on my Wordpress site effectively so strong browser support and keyboard input is crucial.
I like the idea of an Android tablet as I own a Galaxy S4 and have a large collection of Android apps already. Thus, it would also start out with a nice collection of apps.
I'm a bit unclear as to the differences between the Tab Pro 12.2 and the Note Pro 12.2. They seem very alike except for the stylus. Clearly I'm missing something as that's not much to account for the price difference.
I have an iPad 2 and it's nice but I can't really work on it at all. It's too small to enjoy movies on and, sorry, it's Apple so it's too limited.
I'm also wondering about keyboards. If I got this way, should I get the Samsung keyboard, Logitech keyboard or some other keyboard? I'd like to find a very responsive keyboard. It would be an additional boon if it were also pretty quiet. My GF gets disturbed by late night typing on my desktop gaming keyboard.
I'm older so larger is better for my eyes. I'm at a point where I often pretty much need reading glasses for my S4 now.
For ages I was thinking I wanted a Transformer of some design but Asus seems to have fallen behind. Samsung seems to give me lots of potential breathing room.
Any input greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I'm pretty sure the Note Pro and Tab Pro are identical except for the S-Pen and wacom digitizer that powers it. Absolutely if you don't need pen input for notes or drawing then get the Tab.
You can use just about any Bluetooth keyboard with the Pro 12.2. I've had no trouble with several Logitech and Microsoft BT keyboards. I haven't used any of the made-for Note 12.2 keyboards.
My personal fave keyboard is the Logitech K810. It feels excellent for typing, has backlit keys and can instantly switch between 3 different devices.Its very quiet too- keys feel really nice.
Honestly though, if you really want the best laptop style experience, personally I'd opt for a decent lightweight x86 laptop vs a tablet. I'm not crazy about chromebooks though. I'd personally take the Note 12.2 over a chromebook any day, but that's just me.
Thanks. I keep thinking about a laptop but wonder about battery life, weight and the lack of instant-on, etc. I have my desktop always on so x86 isn't a problem. I saw the Tab Pro 12.2 at Best Buy today (they didn't have the Note Pro 12.2) and the size was fine.
However, on your keyboard issue. My concern is that I would like it to be connected so that it can act as a solid laptop replacement. It sounds like you use yours, say, around the house? Not sure how comfortable I'd be transporting two devices like that.
Years ago I'd loathe the thought of converting to Mac but I gotta tell ya, the retina macbook pros are pretty sweet in regards to battery life and instant on . . .
Agree with Zaptoons. Mobile platforms are always a compromise. I have to wonder if you'll be able to do the Wordpress work on Android, though I do see that there are apps for it.
muzzy996 said:
Years ago I'd loathe the thought of converting to Mac but I gotta tell ya, the retina macbook pros are pretty sweet in regards to battery life and instant on . . .
Agree with Zaptoons. Mobile platforms are always a compromise. I have to wonder if you'll be able to do the Wordpress work on Android, though I do see that there are apps for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the Mac, that might be a bit out of the price range for this purchase. I also really despise Apple on too many fronts. I recommend them highly and readily -- just not for me so far, but I will continue to refresh the thinking.
On Wordpress work, it really comes down to the capability of the browser. As long as it supports a solid browser experience, I should be okay. I hit Best Buy today to see if the 12.2 would be "too big" and it wasn't. I loaded the browser and it seemed to be solid. I just wasn't comfortable logging into Wordpress though. No idea about stored accounts, etc.
I hear you on the mac.
Definition of solid performance is subjective, you realize that right?
Let's put it this way; unless there's a tablet specific application to do what you need to on wordpress then nothing other than screen size is going to differ between the Note Pro and your s4. The browsers are going to be about the same.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
Leading up to the launch of the Note Pro 12.2 I was eager to get one. Then I stopped by Best Buy and, on a whim, picked up the Acer C720P Chromebook. For a third the cost it doesn't have as big, high resolution or bright of a screen as the Note Pro but it has served me well for everything I need in a mobile device. I even stopped using my Note 10.1 OG. Notice I said mobile device. The Acer has typically given me a solid 7 hours of batter life which is amazing.
Having said that...if you are worried about needing reading glasses and want more screen real estate, the Note Pro might be your path. Though, with a higher resolution type is smaller at normal zoom. You can simply zoom in for bigger text.
If WordPress is your thing, the Chromebook will handle that with no issues. It is a browser afterall.
I'm still contemplating the Note Pro but it is not at the top of my wish list since I purchased the Chromebook. At first it was weird to get used to but it is second nature now and the added offline support for most of the Google apps has sealed the deal for me.
Just my two cents.
Again, great info from all. My thoughts:
1. I haven't had good luck with Android Wordpress apps. To me, they're all a kludge. However, that doesn't mean you can't be productive with Wordpress on Android. The limitation on my S4 is real estate. The browser seems to work fine but I can't be effective with the size of the screen or the keyboard. I suspect a larger screen would work. In part I was hoping I'd get lucky and find another Wordpress user who happened to have luck (or no luck) on this device or a similar one.
2. I have a bit of a klunky Chromebook. A while back I installed Chrome on a eePC -- an entry level Asus T100 or something like that. It's a horrible piece of HARDWARE. I have zero issues with the OS itself and it feels very natural to me. However, I have this haunting feeling that Chrome itself is becoming a dinosaur. As Android continues to prosper, it's dwarfing Chrome to such a point that, I suspect, Android will evolve into being an OS we can use on any device. Maybe I'm missing something entirely about its potential, but that's my thinking. There isn't much going on in the development world for it compared to Android where there's exponentially more options.
Right now, having seen it, I'm concerned about ease of keyboard use (physical). Given the top-heavy design of the tablet having most of the weight, using it on my lap looks pretty impossible. The right keyboard seems an issue too. Samsung's has those raised edges that, I suspect my wrists will want to sit on (ouch). Logitech's keyboard sounds great except for the fact that most of the reviews of it contain horror stories of the Note Pro falling out of its clasps. The other options are all poorly reviewed.
Asus has the combo Android/Windows device but its not all that impressive. Heck, I'd rather it was an Android/Chrome device. hehe
It also appears as if the hybrid options from Asus are cancelled due to pressure from both Google and Microsoft. hehe Neither their Duet or Trio looked all that impressive (lousy battery life, Android 4.2, low resolution, average screens).
Update please
Agrajag27 said:
I'm in the market for a tablet (or possibly a Chromebook). I'm an editor of a website and need to be able to use it to work on my Wordpress site effectively so strong browser support and keyboard input is crucial.
I like the idea of an Android tablet as I own a Galaxy S4 and have a large collection of Android apps already. Thus, it would also start out with a nice collection of apps.
I'm a bit unclear as to the differences between the Tab Pro 12.2 and the Note Pro 12.2. They seem very alike except for the stylus. Clearly I'm missing something as that's not much to account for the price difference.
I have an iPad 2 and it's nice but I can't really work on it at all. It's too small to enjoy movies on and, sorry, it's Apple so it's too limited.
I'm also wondering about keyboards. If I got this way, should I get the Samsung keyboard, Logitech keyboard or some other keyboard? I'd like to find a very responsive keyboard. It would be an additional boon if it were also pretty quiet. My GF gets disturbed by late night typing on my desktop gaming keyboard.
I'm older so larger is better for my eyes. I'm at a point where I often pretty much need reading glasses for my S4 now.
For ages I was thinking I wanted a Transformer of some design but Asus seems to have fallen behind. Samsung seems to give me lots of potential breathing room.
Any input greatly appreciated.
Which way did u decide to go? I'd love to know your thoughts!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only difference is the stylus really. If you plan to be taking this to meetings or digitize any part of your handwriting, then the NOTE pro is the device to get, as the TAB pro has no stylus and thus does not specialize itself in taking handwritten notes. I got the wifi version, im satisfied, although probably the LTE snapdragon version may be slightly snappier. If samsung decides to offer some decent customer support in terms of software then overall this will be a good buy. Other than thati find battery life great. I havent used keyboards yet, however if you plan to be using this at a desk u will find the extra screen size v v useful vs the 10 inches. If u plan to be holding it in bed a lot, it could get some time to get used to,but i did. Multi window is v useful in making the experience more windows like and enhances productivity. Browser support is good but not quite the pc levels yet.
You could not investigate surface pro 3 vs this one.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
nesx87 said:
The only difference is the stylus really. If you plan to be taking this to meetings or digitize any part of your handwriting, then the pro is the device to get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They both are called Pro. You meant to say Note Pro if using S pen for note taking. I think there is also difference in RAM, Note Pro has 3Gb, Tab Pro has 2.
ddavtian said:
They both are called Pro. You meant to say Note Pro if using S pen for note taking. I think there is also difference in RAM, Note Pro has 3Gb, Tab Pro has 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edited and clarified. Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Girl527 said:
I'm also wondering about keyboards. If I got this way, should I get the Samsung keyboard, Logitech keyboard or some other keyboard? I'd like to find a very responsive keyboard. It would be an additional boon if it were also pretty quiet. My GF gets disturbed by late night typing on my desktop gaming keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went with the Note Pro 12.2. I'm very glad I did. Here are same random observations:
1. It's not quite as "polished" as an iPad but it is more flexible in use. I'll take that any day.
2. The size is excellent. Very good for watching a film at the airport, etc.
3. Google seems to be the worst thing about the device. Limitations I find all lead to them at the end. For example, Chrome (the browser) is a cheap imitation of its cousins on PC and Chromebooks. It doesn't do spell checking well, it has odd bugs like opening tabs by using the keyboard. Hit CTRL-T and you'll have to sometimes do it twice to get a new tab and then you get two. Google also doesn't give devs a way to re-assign mouse buttons should you use a bluetooth mouse for a bit of laptop-replacement work. That gets a bit strange as the right mouse button doesn't bring up options (like you get when you hold a screen link or item on the touchscreen) but instead acts like the back button on the device. Doh.
4. The keyboards are all a mixed bag. The Zagg is okay but has annoying raised corners than your hands sit on when typing and its also a bit cheap feeling and not very responsive. The Samsung keyboard isn't really a case. It's more like a snap-on cover that's entirely unconnected when used as a keyboard It just lets the tablet sit at an angle in it which makes it tough to use in bed, for example. It also has the same terrible raised corners. The Logitech is the best of the lot. Quiet, well laid-out and robust. However, it too has its own had-banging issues. You can't reassign its macro keys so if you use a different mail app, tough. Hitting the Mail button will bring up Gmail. The Browser button has an annoying bug that forces you to ALWAYS select which browser you'd like to use no matter how many times you "set the default browser". It also lacks the keyboard app Logitech provides for ALL their other similar keyboards including one made for the Tab 10.1. Go figure. Their own support reps don't even understand this.
Regardless, I'm an old quality assurance professional so I can be very opinionated and a perfectionist so this is a very short list of gripes from me. I still wouldn't own anything else given what I've tried and seen. Very happy customer so far. Having access to all my Android apps is great. I just wish Google would look at Android as a complete OS and stop limiting it to just a hand-held-type OS. Give it a FULL version of Chrome. In fact, just dump the fairly useless Chromium OS and put your efforts into this.
Great info!
Agrajag27 said:
I went with the Note Pro 12.2. I'm very glad I did. Here are same random observations:
1. It's not quite as "polished" as an iPad but it is more flexible in use. I'll take that any day.
2. The size is excellent. Very good for watching a film at the airport, etc.
3. Google seems to be the worst thing about the device. Limitation I find all find them at the end. For example, Chrome (the browser) is a cheap imitation of its cousins on nearly the PC and Chrome books. It doesn't do spell checking well, it has odd bugs like opening tabs by using the keyboard. Hit CTRL-T and you'll have to sometimes do it twice to get a new tab and then you get two. Google also doesn't give devs a way to re-assign mouse buttons should you use a bluetooth mouse for a bit of laptop-replacement work. That gets a bit strange as the right mouse button doesn't bring up options (like you get when you hold a screen link or item on the touchscreen) but instead acts like the back button on the device. Doh.
4. The keyboards are all a mixed bag. The Zagg is okay but has annoying raised corners than your hands sit on when typing and its also a bit cheap feeling and not very responsive. The Samsung keyboard isn't really a case. It's more like a snap-on cover that's entirely unconnected when used as a keyboard It just lets the tablet sit at an angle in it which makes it tough to use in bed, for example. It also has the same terrible raised corners. The Logitech is the best of the lot. Quiet, well laid-out and robust. However, it too has its own had-banging issues. You can't reassign its macro keys so if you use a different mail app, tough. Hitting the Mail button will bring up Gmail. The Browser button has an annoying bug that forces you to ALWAYS select which browser you'd like to use no matter how many times you "set the default browser". It also lacks the keyboard app Logitech provides for ALL their other similar keyboards including one made for the Tab 10.1. Go figure. Their own support reps don't even understand this.
Regardless, I'm an old quality assurance professional so I can be very opinionated and a perfectionist so this is a very short list of gripes from me. I still wouldn't own anything else given what I've tried and see. Very happy customer so far. Having access to all my Android apps is great. I just wish Google would look at Android as a complete OS and stop limiting it to just a hand-held-type OS. Give it a FULL version of Chrome. In fact, just dump the fairly useless Chromium OS and put your efforts into this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome information! Thanks for taking the time to share your impressions. I'm having a difficult time pulling the trigger on this purchase (why??) and your opinion helps a bunch! Thanks again!

How to transform Note 4 into a tablet PC

Hello guys,
I have a dilemma. I have a pretty strong PC, which I use for work and gaming. I also have an e-book reader - for reading long texts.
Until now, it seemed to me that the combination of strong PC and phablet is a good solution. However, a problem arose:
a) I don't have a mobile device to take notes at the university.
b) From time to time I have to come forward with a presentation (powerpoint or prezi) and I have to borrow equipment or use a shared one.
For these reasons I decided to buy a hybrid tablet (because they are now on top) with Windows 8. It should provide comfortable keyboard and a long time battery life (sometimes I have to spend a few hours at the university, not everywhere I have access to electricity). It turns out that this mobile "typewriter" would cost me about 500 euros/$ or more.
500 euros for the possibility of note taking and occasional viewing a presentation - expensive, right?
I'm going to buy a Note 4... and now a question for you. Have you tried to use the phone (or earlier versions / or other models) in the situations I mentioned?
I think some mhl adapter -> VGA + cover and convenient bt keyboard (USB) should be sufficient to accommodate Note 4 to these tasks. It seems that the price of such additives would not be too high - especially when it compares to laptop's price.
I will be very grateful to you for any advice and suggestions.
Thank you!
I guess this is not the answer you wish to read, but...
I'd stick with a regular notebook.
It's an all-in-one solution, it's just one single device to carry.
You'll also have full MS software support to make sure your PowerPoint presentations will work the way intended. All regular Windows software will work, you don't need to struggle with lots of peripheral devices and their various incompatibilities.
Sure there are some makeshift Android solutions for working with Office documents.
But it's nothing more than makeshift. Just a few weeks ago I had to use exactly that combination because my main PC system broke down over New Year, all shops closed.
It's been a HORROR. You'll find yourself swearing and shouting if you try to replace a working Windows system with Android substitutes.
I use several PCs, a small Eee PC for rooting purposes, a Sony Z2 Tablet, a Note 4 and more.
I do blogging on vacations. Guess what I use ? Not the Note. It's too small, I just don't wish to schlepp around masses of peripheral devices. Period.
I'll take the Note as a general purpose device with me, especially for taking photos as it's camera is just great.
But for blogging, I use the 10.1 inch Sony Tablet plus an external Bluetooth keyboard - you just cannot write longer text using the screen keyboard if you're not into Sado/Maso stuff. The tablet is still too small, but a working compromise because I am travelling with just a single backpack for utmost flexibility.
I tried 7 inch tablets, too small. I tried smartphones, far too small. 10 inches are tolerable. But not more.
A combination of an Android tablet and an external keyboard is a makeshift solution, something you can use in an emergency or for a very limited time.
But for your purposes, I would always prefer a "real" solution without messing around with masses of external peripherals which will never work as you wished they would.
@Galuszka
i had note1 and now i have note 4...
you cant use a phone as tablet pc
i strongly recommend you to buy a Windows 8.1 hybrid tablet
cause note 4 has samll screen for creating and writing .
and mhl adapters have lots of problems now like battery darinage on note 4 and ....
a hybrid win 8 tablet has Full mictosoft office and all professional applications of a desktop computer
like many scientific apps and they are not available in android
how can you imagine of creating an presentation file (like microsoft power point or similars ) on note 4 ?!
or a presentation with a note 4 and mhl adapter !
i recommend Surface pro 64Gb for your case ... yes its expensive but it worth it with its power and beauty
Guys,
in most cases I would use Note 4 with a external keyboard (eg. Logitech K400) just for notes taking. There is a lot of protective covers that allows to set the device in landscape mode + Logitech K400 + Note's S-pen (instead of mouse) and I think it would be good solution for classes. Do I really need a tablet pc for notes?
In terms of presentation - generally I do it on my PC. I just wanted to SHOW them via projector on Note 4. On the market you could find mhl adapters (to VGA - used by lot of projectors).
My main device is PC, I just can't take it anywhere because of size.
@Galuszka
dude i know you want to show them not creating them but trust me
with NOTE 4 you CANT do note taking even with keyboard , for 1 or 2 days yes you will do that but you will leave that soon cause of many problems....
and dont forget about very fast battery drainage during peresentation with note 4 + mhl + mhl to vga converter
note 4 battery cant handle that ...
and by the way the choice is yours
so think and choose carefully
and have good luck
I have a surface pro 3 i use as a desktop. i also have some of the same problems you do. When i need to present i use my note 4 with a netgear PTV3000 adapter. I keep the surface pro 3 connected to my monitor (2560x1600 ZR30W). When i want to present i use a VNC viewer on the note 4 to connect to my surface. The note 4 is the exact same resolution so its just like presenting with a bluetooth mouse connected to the surface. I can run full powerpoint and office and switch back to the note 4 for handwriting notes.
I think it depends on your exact needs. I'm still waiting for my Note 4 to arrive, but I currently use my Note 3 with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and an MHL to HDMI adapter. Most new projectors have HDMI inputs, so as long as you're using one of those you should be fine. If you actually need to use VGA, that's a bit tougher.
I replaced my laptop with an Acer Iconia 10" tablet, and then I replaced that tablet with a Note 2, then Note 3, and soon Note 4. With the right accessories, and the right setup, it replaces a laptop pretty well on the go. That said, I still have a desktop at home and at my office, but I don't need to take those anywhere.
Just a quick note on the suggested Microsoft Surface Pro: Better stay away from it.
I had one (a Surface Pro 3) for testing purposes on my desk last week. It's an all-weak PC except the CPU.
1) More than 10 (TEN !) severe display defects (light bleeding).
2) Touchscreen does not recognize fast typing with your fingertips (I made a video if you like to see).
3) One (ONE !!!) single USB port, which I regard as a bad joke as you need additional hardware for connecting a usable mouse and keyboard (the Type Cover is far away from being usable).
4) NO SIM card slot; so a "mobile device" which cannot be used in a mobile way. Next bad joke with a device worth (or NOT worth) 1000 Euros.
I liked the Surface Pro 3 till I got my hands on it, even considered buying one, got misled by that typical "proud owners".
After checking, nothing of my positive attitude towards that piece of Microsoft failware remained. :/
You still could use old smart dock designed for Note 2. It has 3 usb ports (keyboard, mouse, external hd and more), hdmi out and audio out. In order to work it needs to be connected to power source. I believe that ms office for android is available if you subscribe to office 360.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
dont listen to Chieftroll.
An "all-weak" PC does not have a half terabyte of SSD, 8GB of RAM and a core i7. Amazing screen with no light bleeding, touchscreen is decent (with pen!), type cover is almost like a regular keyboard and it has a dock for more USB ports. SIM card slot is unnecessary - it will do wifi and connect to your note 4 hotspot.
i am 100% agree with @zurkx
Surface is amazing !!!!!
i have one 64 gb myself and its great .... without any major problem
zurkx said:
dont listen to Chieftroll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, my personal stalker. Seeks threads I post in, then starts a fight - always losing.
Obviously, you overlooked my "offer" to you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/help/how-charger-pins-t3002862/page2
NO reaction ? - Come on, wise man, don't be a quitter.
An "all-weak" PC does not have a half terabyte of SSD, 8GB of RAM and a core i7. Amazing screen with no light bleeding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So here's the next task for you: Take your highly capable Surface, boot it up. While booting, there's a boot screen: All black, with the term "Surface" big and white in the middle.
Take a photo of this boot screen, NO FLASH, place a lighter or a matchbox on the screen right next to the "Surface" logo. This is to make sure you do a real photo instead of fetching a perfect picture from the net. And it must be the boot screen, because brightness is high at that time, so you don't get the idea of disguising the light bleed with a low brightness setting.
Post it.
Then we well see if your "amazing screen with NO LIGHT BLEEDING" is for real.
If you don't post that photo, we all know there's something wrong with your statement.
touchscreen is decent (with pen!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With that big, ugly, unpleasant pen. And WITHOUT ? - A bad touchscreen not recognizing fast typing with your fingertips. Try typing using 10 fingers with a pen.
Now say I am wrong - then I'll post the video evidence.
type cover is almost like a regular keyboard and it has a dock for more USB ports.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not. It's a bad, expensive thing made of wrong materials. It's outside is made of a kind of cloth, wobbly, getting extremely dirty in no time. And it's just a cover, it does not protect the sensitive lower side of the tablet.
And there's no alternatives. Eat Microsoft or die.
SIM card slot is unnecessary - it will do wifi and connect to your note 4 hotspot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same logic: Cars are unnecessary; I prefer hitchhiking.
So, my friend - we're waiting for your photo, proving that your Surface has a flawless screen.
Edit, one day later: You still did not figure out how to use PhotoShop for disguising the light bleed ?
Chefproll said:
Ah, my personal stalker. Seeks threads I post in, then starts a fight - always losing.
Obviously, you overlooked my "offer" to you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/help/how-charger-pins-t3002862/page2
NO reaction ? - Come on, wise man, don't be a quitter.
So here's the next task for you: Take your highly capable Surface, boot it up. While booting, there's a boot screen: All black, with the term "Surface" big and white in the middle.
Take a photo of this boot screen, NO FLASH, place a lighter or a matchbox on the screen right next to the "Surface" logo. This is to make sure you do a real photo instead of fetching a perfect picture from the net. And it must be the boot screen, because brightness is high at that time, so you don't get the idea of disguising the light bleed with a low brightness setting.
Post it.
Then we well see if your "amazing screen with NO LIGHT BLEEDING" is for real.
If you don't post that photo, we all know there's something wrong with your statement.
With that big, ugly, unpleasant pen. And WITHOUT ? - A bad touchscreen not recognizing fast typing with your fingertips. Try typing using 10 fingers with a pen.
Now say I am wrong - then I'll post the video evidence.
It is not. It's a bad, expensive thing made of wrong materials. It's outside is made of a kind of cloth, wobbly, getting extremely dirty in no time. And it's just a cover, it does not protect the sensitive lower side of the tablet.
And there's no alternatives. Eat Microsoft or die.
Same logic: Cars are unnecessary; I prefer hitchhiking.
So, my friend - we're waiting for your photo, proving that your Surface has a flawless screen.
Edit, one day later: You still did not figure out how to use PhotoShop for disguising the light bleed ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://likes.com/relationships/this-sums-up-my-love-life?v=v29IeEJV2a6wrPILaZUeWIB21yfGhT00j&page=3
I wouldn't use the Note 4 for anything barring watching youtube lol. It's far too slow. I wouldn't take notes on it or write out anything more than a text or short email.
As for Surface tablets, they're awesome. Maybe not laptop level, but pretty close. Light bleed is a none issue, zero. I have seen top of the range phones, tv's monitors all with light bleed. It's overrated.
I'm sure it's possible if you can get a smart dock (and Samsung should totally release an updated one with MHL 3.0), but the screen size is a bit cramped for taking college/university course notes. You'd probably be scrolling around in OneNote or any other app of your choice all the time.
While I'm not sure if the European eBay prices are anywhere near as good as they are here in the States, you should be able to get an older Tablet PC like an HP 2730p/2740p or Fujitsu T5010/T900 for a pretty low price and have the convenience of both a physical keyboard and on-screen pen input for note-taking. They're not even US$300 here on most listings!

Still worth buying in late 2017 ?

I'm looking for a new tablet and the yoga book still looks like a good unit.
I can't see any sign of a new version coming out (new colours have been announced but same internals).
My question is - is this still a worthy piece of kit in September 2017 ? Ideally I was looking at the windows unit but the "screen off notetaking" in the android version looks useful and I'm android/Google in most other aspects of my life.
I won't be a heavy user - mostly web browsing etc. Certainly no PC gaming expectations.
Opinions appreciated
wilbur-force said:
I'm looking for a new tablet and the yoga book still looks like a good unit.
I can't see any sign of a new version coming out (new colours have been announced but same internals).
My question is - is this still a worthy piece of kit in September 2017 ? Ideally I was looking at the windows unit but the "screen off notetaking" in the android version looks useful and I'm android/Google in most other aspects of my life.
I won't be a heavy user - mostly web browsing etc. Certainly no PC gaming expectations.
Opinions appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your use-case, it seems like it will still be a great device, depending on the price.
I'm still using mine as an office device for some light tasks like Word and Powerpoint presentations (I'm using an Android version, by the way ), emails and spreadsheet reports in a pinch. I work out in the field, and I have come to rely on it a bit more than my laptop as it's easier to carry around and the battery lasts longer..
boofman said:
In your use-case, it seems like it will still be a great device, depending on the price.
I'm still using mine as an office device for some light tasks like Word and Powerpoint presentations (I'm using an Android version, by the way ), emails and spreadsheet reports in a pinch. I work out in the field, and I have come to rely on it a bit more than my laptop as it's easier to carry around and the battery lasts longer..
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Click to collapse
Thanks,
The windows version can be found for £450, the Android version for £350
I was really looking for a windows unit but the price makes the android version look very appealing......
wilbur-force said:
Thanks,
The windows version can be found for £450, the Android version for £350
I was really looking for a windows unit but the price makes the android version look very appealing......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the time, if it's productivity you're after, Windows wins. In this case, however, the Android version seems like a better choice as it has a lot more App support for native touchscreen functionality, and the environment, as it is still a tablet IMO, an Android version is a lot better than a Windows one.
Add to that the price point, and you've got a winner!
Be aware, though, that there isn't much of an Android development path coming from the community. Also, Lenovo seems to have neglected the development of this device internally, so it seems we won't get updates anymore. If those things are going to factors, then stay away from this device. lol
boofman said:
Also, Lenovo seems to have neglected the development of this device internally, so it seems we won't get updates anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does this info come from? Are they not on track for the October release on Nougat as listed in the upgrade matrix?
Lenovo Upgrade Matrix
Mechey said:
Where does this info come from? Are they not on track for the October release on Nougat as listed in the upgrade matrix?
Lenovo Upgrade Matrix
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Click to collapse
I could be wrong, but..
I haven't got OTA updates even for security, but it could be just an isolated case.
But in the case of the OP, since he's just getting his tablet, the support he'll be getting will not be as long as the support we've had who bought earlier than him.
boofman said:
I haven't got OTA updates even for security
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Click to collapse
I am hopeful that they haven't been bothering to release security updates because they have been hard at work on Nougat! Who knows...
@wilbur-force , I would recommend waiting a month and seeing if the Nougat update comes out.
Even without the update, I think this is a pretty great tablet if you plan on using the note taking capabilities. I use mine every day for note taking in lectures and working on assignments while on campus. It is a feather compared to my laptop and I find that I can leave my laptop at home 90% of the time. However, it could definitely benefit from some of the enhancements of Nougat; namely better split screen capabilities.
If you mostly just plan on surfing the web (ie, extensive keyboard use and minimal stylus use) I would recommend getting something with an actual keyboard. While the Halo keyboard is certainly better than an on screen keyboard, it is an order of magnitude less effective than a physical keyboard. I actually purchased a small bluetooth keyboard, both so that I wouldn't have to use the Halo, but also so that I can seamlessly go from taking notes with the stylus (great for equations and figures) to typing.
When paired with a bluetooth keyboard, this tablet is a perfect for anyone who plans to get a lot of use out of a stylus. However, I wouldn't want to compose more than a few short sentences with the Halo keyboard.
wilbur-force said:
Thanks,
The windows version can be found for £450, the Android version for £350
I was really looking for a windows unit but the price makes the android version look very appealing......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just returned my Windows version as a fully patched Win 10 with the latest Lenovo supplied drivers breaks keyboard functionality as well as sleep when you close the lid. Horrid...I may get the Android version though if I can root/jailbreak it.
DigiAngel69 said:
I just returned my Windows version as a fully patched Win 10 with the latest Lenovo supplied drivers breaks keyboard functionality as well as sleep when you close the lid. Horrid...I may get the Android version though if I can root/jailbreak it.
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Click to collapse
All of my devices are rooted or jailbroken..except for my YB Android, as it works perfectly fine without it.
DigiAngel69 said:
I just returned my Windows version as a fully patched Win 10 with the latest Lenovo supplied drivers breaks keyboard functionality as well as sleep when you close the lid. Horrid...I may get the Android version though if I can root/jailbreak it.
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Click to collapse
Well you apparently made something wrong as mine works more than perfectly...
I would never buy an Android Tablet in this price range as it is more than common through all Manufacturers they stop developing/support after a while... The Yoga Book has a too specific Hardware to expect any Custom Roms... Windows wins here clearly through permanent updates...
And the possibilities on Windows are simply endless ampler... You can even use BlueStacks with decent speed to use that very specific Android App...
jamespmi said:
Well you apparently made something wrong as mine works more than perfectly...
I would never buy an Android Tablet in this price range as it is more than common through all Manufacturers they stop developing/support after a while... The Yoga Book has a too specific Hardware to expect any Custom Roms... Windows wins here clearly through permanent updates...
And the possibilities on Windows are simply endless ampler... You can even use BlueStacks with decent speed to use that very specific Android App...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on the use case. I still consider it a tablet more than anything, and an Android tablet is better than a Windows one in terms of tab-specific apps (functionality, ease of use / ux and the graphics are scaled correctly)
I bought and Android yogabook 6 weeks ago and am very happy with it. I have just installed the OTA Nougat update. I had issues that required me to reformat my SD card otherwise it got stuck in a boot loop, but all is OK now
I just bought the Android version on sale a week ago. I must say that I'm very impressed because of it's versatility and portability. I think the must have apps for this tablet are from myscript. They are the myscript stylus input method and the myscript nebo preview (which must be sideloaded via an apk).
What makes myscript stylus better than, say, google handwriting input is that Stylus allows you to use the digitizer. With google's version, you can only use the screen and the digitizer does not respond to input. What's the benefit of this app? Well, if you are in pen mode in the Artrage app doing a drawing, and you switch to any other app which requires the keyboard, you don't have to put the pen down and start typing. It will stay in pen mode and instead of the popup keyboard, it will popup a text line for you to write in. It will recognize handwriting, printing, and gestures. So basically, if you're comfortable with writing on a pen more than typing on the keyboard, or you don't want to switch modes when you switch apps, then this app is a must. I usually have the yogabook in 30/70 splitscreen laptop mode. One side a messaging app, the other side a notetaking app. I can switch between the two and do all my inputs with the pen on the exact same surface (the digitizer).
Myscript nebo is a great notetaking app simply because it allows you to convert your handwriting into text as if you typed it using a keyboard. It also converts your hand drawn flowcharts into Visio like flowcharts with connectors that stick. Hand drawn math equations also get converted and calculated (depending on complexity).
These two apps alone make the yogabook much more useful for me since I like using the pen vs the keyboard.
Just got the yoga book yesterday, mainly because it's just pretty unique and the 'writing notes on the keyboard' thing just pulled on me. Had tablets in the past, and now also a hp x360 (so with touchscreen) but writing on the display always had it's quirks. This solution by yoga just works pretty great, loving it so far.
It's also still very sleek and has a nice design, so no regrets so far. But I think that if you want 'just a tablet' or somethin with a keyboard, you might want to look further as this is really pointed towards the note taking and writing imo.
Hi all, I am also considering getting a Yoga Book even though we are in 2018 already. Lenovo doesn't appear to be coming out with a follow-up device, and I can see some pretty interesting prices for it.
I have a question about the stylus use though, and I have not seen or tried an actual device yet, so I will ask here. I assume you can takes notes with the stylus either on the "slab" where the keyboard is, but also directly on the screen, as in a notepad, if you swivel the slab to make it a true tablet mode. Is that correct?
To take notes with the stylus I would assume that it feels more natural to write directly on the screen and see the "ink" drawn directly where the stylus is.
I currently use a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition). It's 4 years old but I still absolutely love it, and I use it extensively to take notes, and it has replaced my paper notebook completely. It is however showing signs of age and the screen is starting to have defective spots where the stylus doesn't work. So, I need to replace it, and the Yoga Book looks like an interesting step up, even considering its age. Would it be a god choice?
I think the My Galaxy Note still has a better screen and split windows support than the Yoga Book, but at the prices I have seen the Yoga Book, it might be a good deal. I am not overly concerned about Android level upgrades, as my Galaxy Note is still at Android 5.1.1 and it works great.
Thanks!
Electrocutus said:
Hi all, I am also considering getting a Yoga Book even though we are in 2018 already. Lenovo doesn't appear to be coming out with a follow-up device, and I can see some pretty interesting prices for it.
I have a question about the stylus use though, and I have not seen or tried an actual device yet, so I will ask here. I assume you can takes notes with the stylus either on the "slab" where the keyboard is, but also directly on the screen, as in a notepad, if you swivel the slab to make it a true tablet mode. Is that correct?
To take notes with the stylus I would assume that it feels more natural to write directly on the screen and see the "ink" drawn directly where the stylus is.
I currently use a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition). It's 4 years old but I still absolutely love it, and I use it extensively to take notes, and it has replaced my paper notebook completely. It is however showing signs of age and the screen is starting to have defective spots where the stylus doesn't work. So, I need to replace it, and the Yoga Book looks like an interesting step up, even considering its age. Would it be a god choice?
I think the My Galaxy Note still has a better screen and split windows support than the Yoga Book, but at the prices I have seen the Yoga Book, it might be a good deal. I am not overly concerned about Android level upgrades, as my Galaxy Note is still at Android 5.1.1 and it works great.
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
You can technically write on the screen but the tracking and lag are awful. I'd only use the pen on the screen for underlining and even then you would probably still be better off using the wacom pad
I've just got one myself and I think it's great tool for students, highly portable, easy to take notes on.
I'm not sure whenever it's worth the risk of updating to nougat, but even on Android 6 I like it's functionality.
There is some delicate lag with pen when using in OneNote though.
Electrocutus said:
Hi all, I am also considering getting a Yoga Book even though we are in 2018 already. Lenovo doesn't appear to be coming out with a follow-up device, and I can see some pretty interesting prices for it.
I have a question about the stylus use though, and I have not seen or tried an actual device yet, so I will ask here. I assume you can takes notes with the stylus either on the "slab" where the keyboard is, but also directly on the screen, as in a notepad, if you swivel the slab to make it a true tablet mode. Is that correct?
To take notes with the stylus I would assume that it feels more natural to write directly on the screen and see the "ink" drawn directly where the stylus is.
I currently use a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition). It's 4 years old but I still absolutely love it, and I use it extensively to take notes, and it has replaced my paper notebook completely. It is however showing signs of age and the screen is starting to have defective spots where the stylus doesn't work. So, I need to replace it, and the Yoga Book looks like an interesting step up, even considering its age. Would it be a god choice?
I think the My Galaxy Note still has a better screen and split windows support than the Yoga Book, but at the prices I have seen the Yoga Book, it might be a good deal. I am not overly concerned about Android level upgrades, as my Galaxy Note is still at Android 5.1.1 and it works great.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My note had some internal malfunction, like force-closing apps and i was unable to fix it. I got the YB last week and it kinda feels like the SMP-601 was a more powerful tablet, the art rage app seems a bit laggy compared with the drawing app in the note 2014, i may be wrong and require more testing also the pen that comes with it is not what i would call suitable for the screen as the note 2014 was(that pen was awesome) and on top of that you do not have a native app to take notes in content that is on the screen, like when you are reading a text and wanna save a little paragraph for latter like the air commander app. The battery life seems worse too, the note 2014 could be left alone in a table for about a week and still have some juice left on the battery. There's a new Samsung tab S3 seems a worthy replacement (Even with Samsung awful software updates), but it is jesus christ expensive and thus it kinda can't compete with YB price range and cost benefit.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I kind of get the same feeling and I'm not sure the Yoga Book is a suitable replacement. Even though my Note 2014 is 4 years old, it is still my workhorse.
I like the Tab S3 but I am upset that they didn't keep the S pen small and in a slot in the unit, just so they could make it thinner.
I have to be able to use it as a true notebook replacement and take notes on screen. I use OneNote extensively because I can also sync and work with them on my desktop later.
Electrocutus said:
Thanks for sharing your experience. I kind of get the same feeling and I'm not sure the Yoga Book is a suitable replacement. Even though my Note 2014 is 4 years old, it is still my workhorse.
I like the Tab S3 but I am upset that they didn't keep the S pen small and in a slot in the unit, just so they could make it thinner.
I have to be able to use it as a true notebook replacement and take notes on screen. I use OneNote extensively because I can also sync and work with them on my desktop later.
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Click to collapse
You can kinda use it like a Hybrid Between Tablet and a Netbook. I'm having my first experience using it in classes this week and it kinda works well. I rooted and removed all bloat, by doing that you can get an very lightweight 7.1 android experience which comes with an Microsoft office suite apps including the OneNote app. Typing in the halokeyboard is not bad as some people say it is. I think battery life might be manageable if you can put some GovTuner or something in it. Installing windows 10 is also an option. But if you have the money i would take a look on some reviews on the S3 or even an Ipad Pro. As the android tablet market shares apps with the smartphone market we are on a state that we are kinda lacking optimizations for tablets, i mean it makes the android tablets look exactly like a smartphone with a bigger screen, while on the IOS side we have apps that are really suited for tablet use.:fingers-crossed:

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