Related
I mean, the transformer is coming out with a dock at the same price everywhere.
Don't you think that gtab10.1 sales are doomed unless samsung comes up with a keyboard dock like the transformer one ?
I fear that when asus will start their ad campains people will only retain "ANDROID tablet = also a laptop" in their heads. I feel for samsung if the gtab 10.1 fails again like the original galaxytab because of simply that.
Especially after the charming overhaul of the design. An aluminium keyboard dock with usb/hdmi and sd ports in it would be kick ass even if it's sold 200$.
It isn't worth it at $200.
The 64gb 3g version will cost around MSRP $800 plus another $200 for the kb makes it a $1000 investment.
Compared to $700-800 for Asus with keyboard and 64gb 3g and everything the same plus usb port, makes it in favor of the Asus.
Samsung will fail if the keyboard crosses $100, at least on that front.
Asus kb is for $125 in Taiwan and 60 pounds in UK and about 60 or so euros in Europe. Only US is expensive with $100-150.
And they need to come up with a wireless keyboard and I am sure they will!
Not at all. I personally don't think the Asus Transformer will only appeal to a very narrow demographic. While it is a great piece of hardware, it is far too "geeky" for the average consumer.
Samsung is already a mainstream brand having sold zillions of TVs and other home appliances over many years.
The Tab also has a more sleek design which has the potential to sway many would-be iPad buyers.
Also, I wouldn't say the original Tab was a failure. It might not have made mega bucks for Samsung but it had a big impact on the Android tablet market as a whole. It made people sit up and take notice of the future potential of Android as an alternative to the iPad.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
Exactly what makes the Transformer geeky?
I feel as if the Transformer should have came with the keyboard... not bought separately. I thought that was the entire point of buying the thing. And no, I don't believe ASUS's giant-bezel tablet will hurt the Tabs. Samsung is an advertising behemoth with brand recognition and lovely hardware design. Also don't forget about TouchWiz, they've made Honeycomb's Tron esque look much more colorful and less
dark, which believe it or not people will adore.
Transformer is going to be heavy and thick. I doubt the thinner, lighter Tab will have a problem other than competing price point.
Not all people would like the dock
Me, for example. I don't like it at all.
I prefer thin and light device.
No dock for me either. The 10.1 is perfect
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
epicfailguy2 said:
I mean, the transformer is coming out with a dock at the same price everywhere.
Don't you think that gtab10.1 sales are doomed unless samsung comes up with a keyboard dock like the transformer one ?
I fear that when asus will start their ad campains people will only retain "ANDROID tablet = also a laptop" in their heads. I feel for samsung if the gtab 10.1 fails again like the original galaxytab because of simply that.
Especially after the charming overhaul of the design. An aluminium keyboard dock with usb/hdmi and sd ports in it would be kick ass even if it's sold 200$.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll definitely be getting the tab whether or not a dock is released. I don't think I'd use a dock that much but if they do release a dock for a fair price then I may consider it.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Dunno but the gtab10.1 is only about 70grams lighter and 4mm thinner than the transformer (and that's at the transformer's fattest point, since it's a curved back the transformer on the sides is pretty much as thin as the gtab).
I don’t want a dock, don’t need a keyboard just a thin/light device which is what the 10.1 is.
Even as a desk dock the transformer keyboard owns everything.
Also, when I read people saying "just want a light & thin device" I wonder if you ever even tried to watch a several minute long video while holding a tablet in front of you. Good luck with "light" lol, I don't think light comes off as an argument preventing usage exhaustion unless it's something like a 300g tablet or less.
epicfailguy2 said:
Even as a desk dock the transformer keyboard owns everything.
Also, when I read people saying "just want a light & thin device" I wonder if you ever even tried to watch a several minute long video while holding a tablet in front of you. Good luck with "light" lol, I don't think light comes off as an argument preventing usage exhaustion unless it's something like a 300g tablet or less.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yet, I'm guessing that docks like the Atrix Dock and the transformer dock will become common. So if there will be one for the Galaxy Tab 10.1, why not get that so you can have a THIN laptop/tablet thing?
Chandelure said:
Yet, I'm guessing that docks like the Atrix Dock and the transformer dock will become common. So if there will be one for the Galaxy Tab 10.1, why not get that so you can have a THIN laptop/tablet thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. If Samsung release a keyboard dock (which is more than likely since the 7" Tab had one), then it owns the Transformer hands down.
It seems ASUS has accomplished their goal. They adding a nice little gimmick that makes people consider their tablet over the competitors. Then again... it is just a dock. Any manufacture can make one. Even little third-party companies make them~
Or if you don't mind, you could buy a lovely bluetooth keyboard.
Yea but samsung third party accessories are slow as hell to come out, and the official ones are expensive (100+$ for just a former gtab keyboard dock station with no extra battery!!), and the gtab dock will never have an extra 8hour battery in it like the transformer does Frankly the only thing holding me on the transformer is the PLS screen and black&chrome design of the gtab, I don't like much the copper color of the transformer but with it's dock in the reviews its rather sexy.
I guess I'll just buy the transformer now and give it to my girlfriend to get a gtab once some good dock with hdmi and usb ports (big minus there on gtab) will be available. The gtab official bookcover looks wicked tho http://www.tabletdigger.com/gt/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/bookcover.jpg
Also, it is okay to wait for a gtab dock but the transformer actually have a KEYBOARD dock... pretty different from normal dock and the battery... samsung never gonna get something close to that (mean price wise, etc) and perfect if the transformer only get in the hands of "geeks" so that way all developpers, etc will make awesome apps/dev for this device
I have a transformer on order. But I don't really care about the keyboard. I could see the appeal if someone were buying this as their only device, or maybe even their only portable device. But I have a notebook if I need to use a keyboard. If it were $50, I might buy it, but not at $120+, because I'm mostly interested in the tablet functionality. Honestly, I'd prefer the better screen and slimmer design of the Samsung, but the Samsung is 25% more expensive. I just don't think it's wise to pay much of a premium at this stage of the tablet market. There will likely be something twice as good for similar $$ next year. In the mean time, I'll either figure out I didn't really need a tablet after all, or I'll like it, and get something better when the options go up and the prices come down.
bcmobile said:
I agree. If Samsung release a keyboard dock (which is more than likely since the 7" Tab had one), then it owns the Transformer hands down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMHO, a KB dock alone isn't going to own a TF101. It needs to have USB ports, SDHC/SDXC slot or more to own a TF101.
RMXO said:
IMHO, a KB dock alone isn't going to own a TF101. It needs to have USB ports, SDHC/SDXC slot or more to own a TF101.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your overestimating the masses. People go gaga for slim devices, IMO it's a total scam. I know so many people swho bought the iPad2 because it was thin. You can bet that Sammy will advertise the HELL out of the fact that it's thinner than the iPad2
I returned my Transformer and am waiting for the Galaxy Tab 10.1.
One of the pros for the Transformer is the docking station and it's really sweet how well it seems to work together.
But I have a few small complaints about the Transformer and the Galaxy Tab has a few of it's own pros, that I think the Galaxy Tab will do very well.
First with the Transformer.
The speakers kinda suck and aren't positioned very well. Not sure of the sound quality on the Galaxy Tab speakers, but I can't imagine it would be worse and I like the positioning better.
The Transformer's back get warm and the textured plastic doesn't offer much grip when your hand starts getting a little moist. It appears the Galaxy Tab will have a better no slip back.
The glass on the Transformer is really thin and a little too flexible. I can see it bending without applying much pressure. Hoping the Galaxy Tab has better glass.
The bezel on the Transformer is too dang big. Sure the Xoom over did it by making their bezel too small, but ASUS went too far in the other direction. Galaxy Tab looks like the perfect middle.
The Transformer just feel a little on the cheap side after the iPad and Xoom tablets I owned. I won't know until I have it in my hand, but I get the impression the Galaxy Tab will have a firmer more quality feel to it.
The weight is really big. People see the 85 gram weight difference between the Transformer and Galaxy Tab and think it won't mean much. But 50 grams separated the Transformer from the Xoom and I really noticed that difference. I can only imagine the Galaxy Tab is going to feel like a feather compared to the Transformer.
Most of these things are small nit-picking. But enough of them have added up that I think I need to wait on the Galaxy Tab. The cool docking station just isn't enough. Though the lack of a micro SD slot is kinda chaffing me, but I think even that might not be enough to scare me away from the Galaxy Tab.
Aside from some quality control issues, Asus has done a lot right with the Transformer. Great price, functionality, and the incredible dock.
So with talk of the Transformer 2, what do you think the chances are the dock will work with the new version? I think pretty good, even if there is a new dock that is "better", would be great if they gave legacy support to existing dock owners.
I generally would wait to buy if I know something "better" is around the corner, but i am throughly enjoying my Transformer right now. Say I can get the new version for $400, sell mine for $200 or even just hand it down. I am hopeful!!!!
i read a Taiwanese article saying the new transformer will be thinner and lighter, given the design of the hinge on the current dock, I think the possibility that it'd be compatible is quite low.
andyxover said:
i read a Taiwanese article saying the new transformer will be thinner and lighter, given the design of the hinge on the current dock, I think the possibility that it'd be compatible is quite low.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tend to agree though I suppose there's also the possibility that Asus could produce an adaptor that clips around the botton of a TF2 to make it compatible - unlikely though!
Regards,
Dave
Asus has stated the dock will be compatible with future models, this simultaneously confirmed compatibility and the fact that another transformer-like tab was on the way.
seshmaru said:
Asus has stated the dock will be compatible with future models, this simultaneously confirmed compatibility and the fact that another transformer-like tab was on the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a thought but could this not be referring to a 3G version of the tablet...i.e. not TF2 but an exact same version of the tablet but with 3G?
I am still hopeful the TF2 will be compatible tho.
seshmaru said:
Asus has stated the dock will be compatible with future models, this simultaneously confirmed compatibility and the fact that another transformer-like tab was on the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are referring to the anandtech review, however Asus has never made that statement themselves. I still think its quite unlikely that they'll be compatible. Tabs are getting thinner and thinner, if the next tf remained this thick its gonna feel ancient.
im going to have to go with it wont be compatible with tf2. considering the fact that most 2nd versions of tablets an phones always seem to go thinner and a redesign. So most likely not. I bought the buyback program from best buy cuz i know i'll trade this one in 6 months to get the next greatest thing
it could be a little thicker on one side to have legacy dock support, or as previously posted they could have a dock adapter. They don't need to make the whole tablet as thick just to fit the dock.
I'm sure that i have read somewhere that the reason the tablet was priced so low was that they were looking to grab market share and bolster the profits with a high profit margin on the keyboard - which seems to fit with the price of the dock.
So to my way of thinking it would not make sense for Asus to include support for their cash cow in the next model. I think they will expect you to buy a second dock to keep the profitability high.
As noted by others - I suspect that there will be reductions to the thickness and bezel which also suggests there will need to be a new dock.
No telling.... we can speculate.
I'm very happy with the size as it is. I had the Tab 10.1 for a shot period, it is thinner and lighter but not to where it outweighs the functionality of the Transformer, IMO.
I sadly would agree with the more to gain from not making it compatible, however I think it's just as likely that they hope to make money by pleasing the crowd and making it compatible as well.
I think trying to guess is just that, guessing. I wouldn't put money on it either way. (Well, logically, if asked to, I would put money on them making it NOT compatible. That way if I win I have money to buy a dock, if not, well I lose the bet but don't have to buy a dock).
The other thing they could do, is make the TF2 slightly thinner (but remain compatible with the existing dock) and create another new tablet which is not dockable, thus giving the consumer a choice - i.e. a tablet/netbook hybrid, or a "pure" tablet.
Regards,
Dave
The video information at allthingsd.com/20111019/jonney-shih-video-highlights-from-asiad-video/ makes it look like the tablet will work with the old dock, just based off of the positioning of the locking slots and the charging interface. It looks a little thinner, but not much.
However, the new dock has what looks like the same hinge, albeit on a wedge shaped keyboard dock rather than a flat dock, and aluminum housing like the zenbook seems to replace the molded plastic exterior on both the tablet and the base. They are clearly trying to take away thickness from the combined units by shaving the dock. Can anyone tell if the tablet shape is also shaved down towards the front? (That would make for an awkward flat viewing angle).
http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/lenovo-thinkpad-tablet-and-keyboard-folio-case-hands-on-video/
Looks like we have some competition now...
I must say that when I first heard of the thinkpad I thought it would be trash but reading this article definitely changed my mind.
I don't regret my purchase but if I didn't already have the TF there would be some definite consideration between these two tablets.
I honestly think what Asus did with the dockable keyboard and what Toshiba is now doing with there feature set are the biggest things to happen to android since the arrival of the G1 and then the OG Nexus.
Watch apple come out w/ the next ipad and charge a fortune for it because it has a "revolutionary dockable keyboard? Don't be in shock when it happens... I'm psychic.
I personally don't like any android tablet, honeycomb runs smooth but it just doesn't appeal as an OS. It looks outdated with that black bar and boring bottons at the bottom. I do like the designs, especially the S Tab 10.1! What I find awkward about this Lenovo tablet its the huge borders at the sides. Pure opinion!
The Lenovo keyboard doesnt actually dock with the display though does it? Also no extra battery in the keyboard so I dont see much similarity and definitely not as versatile as the TF
Mark.
the asus wins hands down on the keyboard dock. the lenovo dock just has those angled slots that all tablet keyboards have - which looks like the tablet would be kind of loose and prone to flap around a bit if you had it on your lap.
also looks a bit chunky and heavy, but if the hardware performs better than the asus, it might be worth a look at.
but what ever happened to the U1 android/windows hybrid that lenovo was supposed to be bringing out? that looked like a device worth getting.
Alexander243 said:
I personally don't like any android tablet, honeycomb runs smooth but it just doesn't appeal as an OS. It looks outdated with that black bar and boring bottons at the bottom. I do like the designs, especially the S Tab 10.1! What I find awkward about this Lenovo tablet its the huge borders at the sides. Pure opinion!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why are you in a subforum dedicated to a Honeycomb device? Go suck on an iPad or something, you boring twat.
grainysand said:
Then why are you in a subforum dedicated to a Honeycomb device? Go suck on an iPad or something, you boring twat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you assume I like the iPad? Are you a psychic now? I am giving my opinion, if you don't like it you can just ignore it! Stop trolling.
It looks nice to me. I bet they sell a lot. Lenovo is a standard in corporations, unlike Asus.
it does look nice
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
I have had my TF for about 4 days now, and I am considering returning it to BestBuy so I can buy the Thinkpad. Here are my reasonings so maybe someone can set me straight ;-)
+ Enterprise Features from the Get Go - Cisco AnyConnect... I want to use my tablet for work when I am travelling and I get a call for an emergency. No other tablet that boasts the features of the Thinkpad has the Cisco client in the package. Yes I know I could root, but some corporations consider this a security violation and do not allow rooted devices on campus.
+ Netflix with ability to store movies locally. This isn't coming to the Asus device if the hardware parts are true and being able to store a movie and watch it on an airplane is compelling.
+ Standard Thinkpad-like Keyboard - Now this one is sort of a up and a down for the Lenovo, the Thinkpad keyboards are great, but their design is no where near as nice as the ASUS integration.
+ Standard looking power supply? - I still can't find anyone who mentions the power adapter, it looks from what I can see to be a fairly standard USB connector but for some stupid reason no one shows it. At least I can probably bet extra power cables for less than $40 a pop and they might actually be in stock.
+ Availability of a stylus that has been engineered to work with the Lenovo package (this one worries me if I decide to go with a custom ROM assuming root is achievable, will the stylus still work? )
- Keyboard dock doesn't appear to lend itself to laptop use, more toward desktop use, it looks flimsy in a way.
- No power in the dock to extend the useful time without a charger, although if it is a standard power port, I can charge on long plane flights without an inverter or some other craziness.
- Odd looking interface changes and not clear if you can go with a generic Honeycomb layout on your desk.
There are other pluses such as I may be able to get a discount through work and so on, but they aren't really generic. My big things really are the power cable that may be more than about 3' long and the enterprise package. But man do I love my TF and going to anything without as good of integration at the keyboard dock is just going to be so hard.
Right now I am leaning toward sticking with what I have rather than inviting problem, not to mention the Thinkpad does seem to have a fair amount of wasted space on the edges, not that the TF doesn't.
captmiddy said:
. My big things really are the power cable that may be more than about 3' long and the enterprise package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get a USB3 extension cable for your TF for about $7 on Amazon. I use on my dock which is on top of my desk.
Enterprise support would be nice, but we have such as custom package we have trouble getting it to run on Windows 7 let alone Android.
The Lenovo keyboard is a minus for me. I have a T410 i5 and it's a great machine, but I use cut and past a lot and hate the position of the function key next to control!!!
captmiddy said:
I have had my TF for about 4 days now, and I am considering returning it to BestBuy so I can buy the Thinkpad. Here are my reasonings so maybe someone can set me straight ;-)
+ Enterprise Features from the Get Go - Cisco AnyConnect... I want to use my tablet for work when I am travelling and I get a call for an emergency. No other tablet that boasts the features of the Thinkpad has the Cisco client in the package. Yes I know I could root, but some corporations consider this a security violation and do not allow rooted devices on campus.
+ Netflix with ability to store movies locally. This isn't coming to the Asus device if the hardware parts are true and being able to store a movie and watch it on an airplane is compelling.
+ Standard Thinkpad-like Keyboard - Now this one is sort of a up and a down for the Lenovo, the Thinkpad keyboards are great, but their design is no where near as nice as the ASUS integration.
+ Standard looking power supply? - I still can't find anyone who mentions the power adapter, it looks from what I can see to be a fairly standard USB connector but for some stupid reason no one shows it. At least I can probably bet extra power cables for less than $40 a pop and they might actually be in stock.
+ Availability of a stylus that has been engineered to work with the Lenovo package (this one worries me if I decide to go with a custom ROM assuming root is achievable, will the stylus still work? )
- Keyboard dock doesn't appear to lend itself to laptop use, more toward desktop use, it looks flimsy in a way.
- No power in the dock to extend the useful time without a charger, although if it is a standard power port, I can charge on long plane flights without an inverter or some other craziness.
- Odd looking interface changes and not clear if you can go with a generic Honeycomb layout on your desk.
There are other pluses such as I may be able to get a discount through work and so on, but they aren't really generic. My big things really are the power cable that may be more than about 3' long and the enterprise package. But man do I love my TF and going to anything without as good of integration at the keyboard dock is just going to be so hard.
Right now I am leaning toward sticking with what I have rather than inviting problem, not to mention the Thinkpad does seem to have a fair amount of wasted space on the edges, not that the TF doesn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
imo if you really want the stylus features (which seems pretty sweet) and the keyboard then you are better off with the thinkpad. People are saying the dock integration isn't as good on the thinkpad as it is on the TF, not sure where they are getting that from other than speculation. From what I can see, other than the keyboard being larger and thicker it seems to dock pretty much the same way as the TF.
For me though, I don't care much for the features on the Thinkpad and my TF has done everything I need it to do thus far.
starplaya93 said:
imo if you really want the stylus features (which seems pretty sweet) and the keyboard then you are better off with the thinkpad. People are saying the dock integration isn't as good on the thinkpad as it is on the TF, not sure where they are getting that from other than speculation. From what I can see, other than the keyboard being larger and thicker it seems to dock pretty much the same way as the TF.
For me though, I don't care much for the features on the Thinkpad and my TF has done everything I need it to do thus far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, actually, it doesn't seem to dock the same way at all. First, it's not as sturdy, i.e., the TF/dock combo is essentially the same as a single integrated device. The Lenovo docks into a piece that then can be moved within the case. That's a nice feature if you use it on a desk or other flat surface, but I can't see using the Lenovo solution, e.g., while in bed, perched on my blanket, the same way I can my TF. Second, there's no second battery in the Lenovo dock. Finally, if you like the typical trackpad, then you'd want the TF.
The Lenovo looks nice, don't get me wrong, and that N-trig active digitizer would be nice if you want to take handwritten notes. If I were in my previous sales engineer role where I took copious notes during many sales meetings a week, that would be a nice feature. Then again, if that were the case, I'd probably just keep using my Windows 7 Tablet PC, which has the best handwritten notes tool (OneNote) and recognition on the market.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
You should buy one or two
Wow looks like Netflix is working on the Tab 10.1 and Xoom.....No love for our TF????
wynand32 said:
Well, actually, it doesn't seem to dock the same way at all. First, it's not as sturdy, i.e., the TF/dock combo is essentially the same as a single integrated device. The Lenovo docks into a piece that then can be moved within the case. That's a nice feature if you use it on a desk or other flat surface, but I can't see using the Lenovo solution, e.g., while in bed, perched on my blanket, the same way I can my TF. Second, there's no second battery in the Lenovo dock. Finally, if you like the typical trackpad, then you'd want the TF.
The Lenovo looks nice, don't get me wrong, and that N-trig active digitizer would be nice if you want to take handwritten notes. If I were in my previous sales engineer role where I took copious notes during many sales meetings a week, that would be a nice feature. Then again, if that were the case, I'd probably just keep using my Windows 7 Tablet PC, which has the best handwritten notes tool (OneNote) and recognition on the market.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you, it isn't the same, the Lenovo keyboard isn't a dock, you don't power through the keyboard, you just plug it into a USB keyboard that has some Android specific buttons added in. And it does look a little flimsy from a sitting in an odd position perspective. There is nothing holding it in that position other than what appears to be a few indentations on the keyboard panel.
As for the notes, I haven't run Windows in about 8 years, not planning to start now ;-). And since I am considering going back to graduate school here in the future, I like the concept of the hand written notes, but you know if I really do go back to school I will just add it as a school expense and buy a the current well designed unit with a stylus, I really am thinking I will stick to the Asus as I really do like the dock integration. But I still do hate the power cable and I know it is only one thing, but it is driving me to distraction as it is like the thing that has me almost tipping toward returning this for the Thinkpad.
Alexander243 said:
I personally don't like any android tablet, honeycomb runs smooth but it just doesn't appeal as an OS. It looks outdated with that black bar and boring bottons at the bottom. I do like the designs, especially the S Tab 10.1! What I find awkward about this Lenovo tablet its the huge borders at the sides. Pure opinion!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess what sooner or later ios will copy it.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
It is pretty obvious that Lenovo is targeting this system as a business tool. For that market it looks very good.
I can imagine having this unit sitting in its it keyboard dock at my desk and grabbing it to go to a meeting. At the meeting I would take notes with the stylus and having my crummy handwriting converted to text on the fly. Then when I got back to my desk I could integrate my notes into other documents, emails, etc.
The same scenario would probably work for students going from their desks to classes and back.
Of course it won't be as entertaining as watching someone on an iPad try to take notes, but you can't have everything.:->
Every week there are several new posts asking" Should I get an XXXX tablet now or wait for the YYYY tablet. You can fill in the XXXX and YYYY with any brand you want as there has been and probably will be new names to insert for a while. Each new tablet seems to have something that the previous one lacked along with some issues ( both new and old). If you are looking at a tablet do some searching ( not asking) here on XDA and find one that you are happy with and buy it. After you get it use it, enjoy it and upgrade firmware as needed. WAY too many people are spending unnecessary time and money always seeking the greener grass on the other side of the fence. With PC sales sagging, every manufacturer is looking for something to replace their revenue. Today it is the tablet. What works for me may not work for you. Read the specs and research before you buy. I am amazed by how many people buy items only to find out that a key feature they need is not there even though the specs indicated it was missing.
I guess Lenovo designed this tablet for 2.x, judging by the hardware buttons. It's a nice looking tablet, and the folio case is cool, but the buttons scream "last minute HC decision."
dazz87 said:
Wow looks like Netflix is working on the Tab 10.1 and Xoom.....No love for our TF????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a Netflix patch for the transformer. Check out the thread in the development forum. It works great!
I just picked one of these great devices up and I love it. I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to protecting my devices though. Ideally I like to have a case before I pick the device up so that it stays protected from day one. I'm also a creature of habit so once I find something I like I stick with it. My android phones have all had TPU case. Simple, cheap, awesome.
My tablet however... not so much. I would buy one but i want to take advantage of that great smart screen feature as well. My dilemma is none of the cases I've come across offer the features and the quality I'd like so I'm curious... why can't I make one?
I have the ideal case in mind but I know squat diddly about manufacturing, machining, or anything else involved with making cases. Does anyone out there know where to start?
Hi all,
Been a while since I posted in these forums! I think my last check in was around the time of the HTC Titan.
Anyhow, I recently I have been designing cases for high end tablets. I just finished work on the Samsung Ativ700t. Check it out.
Demo and making of.
http://youtu.be/-QlsQIz71KU
Now that I'm finished with the Ativ I'm looking for the next best high end tablet to work on. I was thinking that the Helix may be a good fit.
The Surface Pro seems like it would be fun but MS seems to have things pretty well covered already with their kickstand and keyboard cover.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Isaiah Coberly
Routb3d said:
Hi all,
Been a while since I posted in these forums! I think my last check in was around the time of the HTC Titan.
Anyhow, I recently I have been designing cases for high end tablets. I just finished work on the Samsung Ativ700t. Check it out.
Demo and making of.
http://youtu.be/-QlsQIz71KU
Now that I'm finished with the Ativ I'm looking for the next best high end tablet to work on. I was thinking that the Helix may be a good fit.
The Surface Pro seems like it would be fun but MS seems to have things pretty well covered already with their kickstand and keyboard cover.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Isaiah Coberly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, what about a 500t one? There is a lot more demand for the 500t tablet than the 700t.
Appreciate the video for the fabrication process.
Looks like Batman armor. You should stick in a bat insignia (and hope DC Comics won't sue). Suggest Batman-style "musculature" styling accents. Glow accents? (http://thatscoolwire.com) Right now it looks...utilitarian. No sizzle. For high-end toys, you want some panache. A little je ne sais quoi.
The handstrap in the back looks useful and you should use it as the leading pitch, since most cases don't have the feature. As a logical progression, suggest enhancing strap with a 360 pivot--although it would be wasted on Windows tabs, since Win8 Metro is still functionally limited to landscape. Which segues to another question: Why Windows tablets, which has about zero market share? Why not popular Android tablets? Adjustable retention tabs?
Frankly, the origami folds look way too complicated to use, and can't be locked in place for optimal touch use, ie if you press on the screen, the whole thing bounces up and down like a bad shock absorber. Apple's tri-fold is the simplest and best. That allows two incline angles (for viewing & typing), which is all you need. You can allow said tri-fold in both landscape & portrait orientations, ie a tic-tac-toe pattern.
>Yes, what about a 500t one?
With a $129 price, OP is right in sticking to high-end toys. I think he can simplify the design and reduce a substantial part of the labor. But for higher volume (for lower margin), he'd need to go to a mass production process anyway.
e.mote said:
Appreciate the video for the fabrication process.
Looks like Batman armor. You should stick in a bat insignia (and hope DC Comics won't sue). Suggest Batman-style "musculature" styling accents. Glow accents? (http://thatscoolwire.com) Right now it looks...utilitarian. No sizzle. For high-end toys, you want some panache. A little je ne sais quoi.
The handstrap in the back looks useful and you should use it as the leading pitch, since most cases don't have the feature. As a logical progression, suggest enhancing strap with a 360 pivot--although it would be wasted on Windows tabs, since Win8 Metro is still functionally limited to landscape. Which segues to another question: Why Windows tablets, which has about zero market share? Why not popular Android tablets? Adjustable retention tabs?
Frankly, the origami folds look way too complicated to use, and can't be locked in place for optimal touch use, ie if you press on the screen, the whole thing bounces up and down like a bad shock absorber. Apple's tri-fold is the simplest and best. That allows two incline angles (for viewing & typing), which is all you need. You can allow said tri-fold in both landscape & portrait orientations, ie a tic-tac-toe pattern.
>Yes, what about a 500t one?
With a $129 price, OP is right in sticking to high-end toys. I think he can simplify the design and reduce a substantial part of the labor. But for higher volume (for lower margin), he'd need to go to a mass production process anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yours is the best reaction I think I've ever gotten from one of my videos! I woke up, Read your review and subsequently woke my girlfriend up Giggling at the thought of the Batcase. Seriously though, "Batman, if you're really out there, I want to make your case!". You know he wouldn't be caught dead with an iPad!
As for the rest of the suggestions and comments.
Hand Strap
There are other cases that have the hand strap. You are the third to suggest a swiveling hand strap. I'll look into it and see if I can find a way to Swivel the hand strap without increasing the thickness of the case too much. Too much is any more than .07".
The Price
The Ativ family of tablets taught me something about price. I initially offered the case for both the 500T and the 700T at $99. I had way more interest for the 500T but way more orders for the 700T. I Think of it like this, If someone were to offer me one of the two tablets for free, I would certainly take the 700t. That said, the people who bought the 500T most likely settled. It's that same decision making that prevents the majority of them from justifying a case that is X11 more expensive than the cheapest case they can get. Not every tablet has a bigger brother to separate out the price conscious shoppers so I'm greatful for having accidentally stumbled into the Ativ family. Though my product has the potential to be much more widely adopted, I am fine with the idea that I can continue making small quantities of hand made cases For a fair and sustainable price. With limited time and resources, it's imperative that I find tablet users that recognize the value in what I do. The very tablet that my potential customers buy tells me something about their decision making. I will never hand make a case for a product that someone has most likely settled for.
Origami Folds
The cover automatically folds into the stand. A child can do this. There's a removably attached Teather that activates this folding mechanism. The auto fold is one of the surprising features of the case. When people see the case in action for the first time They experience some rare form of the Bewilderment that is particularly stronger when they see it in person.. Because it delights people, The case is a lot of fun for show and tell. It is really commonly stated from users that they are giving demos in public places to perfect strangers and loving Or loathing the attention.
The stand has a very minimal amount of spring even before the live hinges are broken-in and is a sturdy enough stand that you would literally destroy the case before it would collapse/bend into an unusable viewing angle.
I couldn't agree less about the trifold being the best or better solution. The trifold is a design that fails to adapt and requires way more energy and attention to actually set up. If you can open a book cover and set something down you can use my case. The structure of the case will naturally adapt whether you're setting it down on a table, a knee, a pile of laundry or an un-even surface of any kind. I have literally had Amputees writing me and telling me that they love my case because they don't need a second hand to use it.
Thanks! And great reply!
Isaiah Coberly