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Hi!
I read that Archos 101 have some issues with Google Marketplace.
I'm between buy Archos 101 or iPad (I'm inclined to Archos)
I want to use it for read large-sized pdfs, comics (CBR and CBZ), web browsing, office productivity and read news.
My questions is:
- Is it possible to install apps like NyTimes through the apk, since it is protected market and can't be installed through the Market? I searched but nothing found (it's a bit difficult to understant since I dont have the tablet yet )
- Is it posible to install RepliGo or other fast pdf readers through the appmonster or the Market and use it with good quality (I mean, full res and full size pages?)
- Is it posible to use BT keyboard?
- Is it multitasking?
Thanks in advance!
Best Buy
There is a Tablet at Best Buy for 300 and it is made by Huawei. It includes the market and hard button home. It looks like a really good device. I would have bought that if I had know it was out before getting this.
The plus side to Best Buy is get you better support then you do from Archos. I am not sure the quality since I did not buy that one. It is something to keep in mind.
I am not saying I don't like my device but I am saying they left much to be desired that could have been better for the same price.
As far as questions go, since market is not default you have to use another app to get to the apk. I am not sure if NYtimes is working. Also there has been reported issues with BT and KB while using Wifi. I am not sure if this was fixed in the last patch. All Androids are Multitasking. I dont think they ever released on that was not. I hope this helps. You make want to go to a store and look at a 10" and 7". You may find the 10 is to cumbersome. Also Apples device is much heaver then Archos.
Faldiin
P.S. MOD can we move this to the correct forum please. They will get better Answers.
faldiin said:
There is a Tablet at Best Buy for 300 and it is made by Huawei. It includes the market and hard button home. It looks like a really good device. I would have bought that if I had know it was out before getting this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While it has built in GPS it doesn't have quite a few things that the Archos 70 and 101 have.
The 70 and 101 have capacitive screens while the Huawei is the less versatile resistive screen.
The Archos Gen8's have hdmi out while the Huawei does not.
The Archos have internal storage (8g and 16g) and supports SD cards up to 32gb, but the Huawei lacks internal storage and is limited to 16gb sd cards.
The Gen 8's are running Android 2.2 (which has JIT and flash support) while the Huawei is stuck running 2.1
The Gen 8's support many video formats that the Huawei does not.
There are additional advantages to the Archo's Gen8's over the Huawei, but for most people the list above is enough to see that the Huawei is lacking in quite a few areas.
I bought the Archos 101 mostly for the things you want them for. Reading comics and PDFs with some web browsing and simple document work. Repligo works fine for PDF, though I prefer EZPDF Reader. Has a better interface. Quality is good, full size and res. ACV works really great for comics and is free. Reading in landscape or portrait is a snap. Scrolling is smooth as is page transitions.
I had an iPad before and reading comics and PDFs was definitely not as convenient as it was with the 101. The widescreen is more conducive to reading I found and the device is actually a bit lighter as well.
And if you care, the video capabilities of the Archos blow the iPad out of the water. I'm not sorry about returning my iPad at all.
Thank you for the quick reply, guys.
(and sorry for the wrong forum )
Well, I can't test an Archos on the store, since I live in Brazil, and they don't sell it on the stores yet. My brother will gonna bring me a tablet in January, so, that's why i'm asking some simple questions.
I believe that Archos will be my better - and cheaper - choice. I'm little afraid about the comic resizing (since here, in Brazil, comic formats are different from the USA. They're most like 4:3 aspect ratio).
Last two questions:
About magazines (like MAD Magazine ), mostly then are readable at full screen?
And, most important... Does Repligo or EZPDF (or any pdf reader) have the "lock scrolling" feature, like GoodReader for iPhone? Let me clarify: if I use lock scrolling, It's not posible to make horizontal scroll, only vertical. It's useful for pdfs that have big and uniform margins.
Tks again!
mercantigo said:
Thank you for the quick reply, guys.
(and sorry for the wrong forum )
Well, I can't test an Archos on the store, since I live in Brazil, and they don't sell it on the stores yet. My brother will gonna bring me a tablet in January, so, that's why i'm asking some simple questions.
Tks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about the P.S. Part. It was not meant as a flame. I was saying that so we could get more comments for you. There is always a different opinion depending on what each uses the device for.
Like for me, I find no use in the HDMI out. I don't use it and you need a special cable. 16GB of storage, Well I never use the 8 I have in mine. Since all my stuff is compressed and on my 16gb stick. I am happy. So each has the plus and minus for what you use it for. I read the Newspaper on mine with the App. I have not tried Magazines. I would love to thou. I need to look in that. I like reading books on mine but the software buttons get int eh way of my reader. This is the down fall of the way the device was made. I still like mine thou.
Faldiin
P.S. Have your brother check it for errors before coming down. I got mine with dead pixels out of the box. Waiting to get mine back from the shop. Shipping from Brazil is probably not cheap.
Had anyone used the app course smart? Is it worth it to buy the etexts rather than a hard copy? Or does it not work well on tablets?
Sent from my Google Nexus S using XDA App
Course Smart on GTab
barqers,
I have tried Course Smart on my GTab running Froyo, Gingerbread (VeganTab Ginger), and Honeycomb (Illuminate). Why did I install the app three diferent times? I wanted so desperately to use my tablet for a textbook. Unfortunately the support just isn't there yet. Here's what I learned:
Course Smart is a phone app, the tablet support is non-existant
Navigation is awkward and the app is poorly designed with no updates
Course Smart stores books as image files on your device
You can try the app out (free) with a selection of sample textbooks to see for yourself
Kindle and Nook apps do not have support for education yet
PDF books will work but may be too slow and are hard to find
Most publishers offer a online version of their book, I haven't tested this in Android browsers
I just can't honestly recommend Android tablets for textbook replacement, yet. I suspect that eventually someone will catch on and may a tablet optimized app for textbooks. Unfortunately the luddites in the textbook industry are going to make it as difficult as possible to replace physical textbooks. They're just making too much money and fear change to their business model.
Good luck in school.
buymytoasters said:
barqers,
I have tried Course Smart on my GTab running Froyo, Gingerbread (VeganTab Ginger), and Honeycomb (Illuminate). Why did I install the app three diferent times? I wanted so desperately to use my tablet for a textbook. Unfortunately the support just isn't there yet. Here's what I learned:
Course Smart is a phone app, the tablet support is non-existant
Navigation is awkward and the app is poorly designed with no updates
Course Smart stores books as image files on your device
You can try the app out (free) with a selection of sample textbooks to see for yourself
Kindle and Nook apps do not have support for education yet
PDF books will work but may be too slow and are hard to find
Most publishers offer a online version of their book, I haven't tested this in Android browsers
I just can't honestly recommend Android tablets for textbook replacement, yet. I suspect that eventually someone will catch on and may a tablet optimized app for textbooks. Unfortunately the luddites in the textbook industry are going to make it as difficult as possible to replace physical textbooks. They're just making too much money and fear change to their business model.
Good luck in school.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow thank you for such a detailed explanation. I've been scouring the web as well to find etextbooks from other sites than coursesmarts, but came up with nothing. Unfortunately I don't think my tablet will be able to replace textbooks either than! I'm sincerely hoping that my courses allow me to just get the access code and use the online textbooks from there, but I too am afraid of what it will look like in the Android browser. If that fails I always have a computer at least!
Thanks again! Maybe I'll just rent my books from now on lol.
Hi,
just got SGT 3G 10.1 to write a review. Since my everyday device is iPad (1) and a while back I have decided I will wait Tegra 2 devices out I got few simple questions I need help with (because of the different system):
- how do I put Netflix app on this thing?
- how do I hack Hulu (I do not have Hulu Plus)?
- I got Dice player (trial) and it works nicely with my NAS storage but it is a trial :-( I do not want to spend cash on software since I do not have any Android device currently - so.. is there any decent free alternative to Dice Player (btw: Mobo is having problems with playback)
- is there any nice (free) RSS reader (like Mobile RSS for iPad)
- any other way to watch NBC or ABC (there are apps for iPad) than through browser?
- do you guys use stock browser or is there any better free alternative (heard rumours that proper Chrome is coming - lucky you!!)
Do your SGT's get warm at the back (area below on/off switch)?
Thanks for help, in advance!
Are you planning to review the SGT 10.1 also .....?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Also?
No, just.
But I am interested in those things for myself as well. A while back I decided to go with iPad 1 instead of SGT. Now, since I got it for a longer period of time I also want to know if I made a right choice.
galtom said:
Hi,
just got SGT 3G 10.1 to write a review. Since my everyday device is iPad (1) and a while back I have decided I will wait Tegra 2 devices out I got few simple questions I need help with (because of the different system):
- how do I put Netflix app on this thing?
- how do I hack Hulu (I do not have Hulu Plus)?
- I got Dice player (trial) and it works nicely with my NAS storage but it is a trial :-( I do not want to spend cash on software since I do not have any Android device currently - so.. is there any decent free alternative to Dice Player (btw: Mobo is having problems with playback)
- is there any nice (free) RSS reader (like Mobile RSS for iPad)
- any other way to watch NBC or ABC (there are apps for iPad) than through browser?
- do you guys use stock browser or is there any better free alternative (heard rumours that proper Chrome is coming - lucky you!!)
Do your SGT's get warm at the back (area below on/off switch)?
Thanks for help, in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every single question you asked above literally has had it own thread started. You don't even have to use the search function, just scroll down a few posts. You'll find every answer to each of you questions and beable to join in on the discussions there. No real need to start a new post just join in on those posts, it'll make it alot easier for you to find the info your looking for.
galtom said:
Also?
No, just.
But I am interested in those things for myself as well. A while back I decided to go with iPad 1 instead of SGT. Now, since I got it for a longer period of time I also want to know if I made a right choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what your saying is that your not really planning on doing a review on the Tab 10.1??? The title of your post confuses me a bit then.
And since you have both the iPad and a Tab wouldn't it be easy to see if you made the right choice for yourself. You have both devices right in front of you to compare. "The right choice" is really dependant on how you plan to use and what your looking for from your device. Everyone expects and demands a little something different from the devices they choose. Case in point, my wife wanted a tablet that she could play games on, check her email and shop online with. I wanted a tablet that I could tweek to were I could use it for not only personal things like media, browsing and gaming but also easily setup to use for work as well. She opted for the iPad 2 for its ease of setup and use, I opted for the Tab 10.1 for its ability to customize it to my exact needs.
The right choice is for you and only you to make in the end... Your the one who has to use it everyday.
Sent from my Galaxy10.1 TouchWiz/ADWex equipped Starship.
No, no. Sorry for misunderstanding. I am definitely doing SGT 10.1 review.
galtom said:
is there any decent free alternative to Dice Player (btw: Mobo is having problems with playback)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try MX Palyer.
What software version does your tab have? I ask because older versions are really laggy. Install KI1 and you will get a really smooth device, you can find it in development forum.
RSS reader, try Pulse.
I'm using the stock browser. Make sure you enable plug ins in settings, otherwise flash won't work.
You can find the Netflix apk in apps forum.
I found a link to Netflix app on transformer forum. Downloaded, installed - does not work :-(.
After logging in I got error message about stream (will let you know the no later on as I do not have the device with me).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=93644018 - this is all I found about hulu - not much (I entered Hulu Hack).
BTW: how to get apps that have regional restricition, with iTunes it is easy, one just needs to setup new account. Same with Android Market?
Software on this tab shows HC 3.1 and it is laggy as hell. When going out from settings to home screen it takes a bit to draw all the widgets and first few swipes between desktops are far from smooth
Al the time I find its screen a bit less responsive than at iPad - has any one else similar feeling/response?
And let me ask again - back of the device I got gets quite warm, enough to get sweaty fingers which makes holding the device not very pleasant.
I think manufacturers should make teir tablets as light as possible but a bit thicker (not like Xoom or Thrive) but a bit chunkier than iPad2 or SGT 10.1.
But my overall experience so far is good - funny thing about screens. As there is difference between iPad and SGT in resolution (and fonts and screen size) I find it easier to surf the net with ipad (I use iPad 99% of the time in horizontal position with "Home" button on the side), like everything on the screen a wee bit bigger and easier to read. On the other hand when it comes to pictures and movies SGT looks better.
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
Sorry my bad.
Umm Netflix is on the market. Most of these questions are android related and not specific to the tab. I encourage you to try out apps and read the forums like the rest of us if you want a true review. The beauty of android is its ability to be customized. Take some time to make the device truly yours then review it.
I appreciate your comment, that is exactly what I am trying to do. Unfortunately I can not find the information I am looking for. I have tried "search" and entered there both "key words" Netflix and Hulu - so far no luck.
If Netflix app is in the market it is ot available to me as I'm am not in the USA. I have to admit that it is much easier with iOS. Especially for someone fresh.
I have had both and got rid of the ipad2. My main reason, though, was I needed openvpn and couldn't wait for a jailbreak for the ipad2 to come out since mine was new enough to already have 4.2.5 on it, no SHSH blobs.
That said I ditched my iPhone for a captivate, so I should have known already
This is going to be my first tablet and I was wanting to hear from the tablet vets what are the best, must have apps and what are the best practices for ownership?
Do you recommend some brand of shields for the screen?
Best cases for the transformer?
Apps that you install before anything else?
What services did you tie in and are their any tricks to using the? For example I use to use dropbox to sync many system pref between the systems by making symbolic links to the Dropbox dir. (yes, that is a very old and not usually needed trick but you get the idea.)
Are their any cases that allow the tablet to dock w/o removing the tablet from the case.
What do you think of the asus drive privacy terms? I will not use amazons cloud drive w/o encrypting the entire contents due to their privacy clause.
Splash top works well on my wife's iPad was planning to use that, then heard of asus's implementation of splash top or is there better for android? Did some searching on it and found asus is using splash top too, is there any reason to buy splashtop hd? Didn't see any solid answer on that with google.
I think that is enough of my ideas just interested in hearing what everyone has found in their own experences.
I did some searching and all I have found is threads about best app and such looking for alittle more that fotm apps. Though I think my search foo is weak, if this has been posted sorry and would appreciate a link pointing me to the right place.
Ah one more from me any brands of shdc cards I need to avoid?
I ordered a skinomi clear skin /screen protector! This will allow It to dock! I would have gotten carbon but the speaker cutout will look weird! Remember that with any case their will be a square cutout for the speaker!
I'm in the same boat as you this will be be my first tablet!
I think you should have made a separate post for the must have tablet apps!
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
I think that if I ask about best apps you would need what type of app you are looking at like
What is the best keyboard app?
What is the best rdp app?
Looking for something alittle more general than that. Like:
I need a battery monitor app/widget, I personally use battery monitor widget the pro version is nices as it allows battery tracking.
Best apps change as they new ones come out or old ones get updates, but the role they fill always needs filling.
Thanks for recommendation on the cover! Googling it now.
Also posters if you see someone recommending and app/case and you know of a flaw or problem with said item please tell us your experience and how you have worked around or solved said problems.
Selutha said:
This is going to be my first tablet and I was wanting to hear from the tablet vets what are the best, must have apps and what are the best practices for ownership?
Do you recommend some brand of shields for the screen?
Best cases for the transformer?
Apps that you install before anything else?
What services did you tie in and are their any tricks to using the? For example I use to use dropbox to sync many system pref between the systems by making symbolic links to the Dropbox dir. (yes, that is a very old and not usually needed trick but you get the idea.)
Are their any cases that allow the tablet to dock w/o removing the tablet from the case.
What do you think of the asus drive privacy terms? I will not use amazons cloud drive w/o encrypting the entire contents due to their privacy clause.
Splash top works well on my wife's iPad was planning to use that, then heard of asus's implementation of splash top or is there better for android? Did some searching on it and found asus is using splash top too, is there any reason to buy splashtop hd? Didn't see any solid answer on that with google.
I think that is enough of my ideas just interested in hearing what everyone has found in their own experences.
I did some searching and all I have found is threads about best app and such looking for alittle more that fotm apps. Though I think my search foo is weak, if this has been posted sorry and would appreciate a link pointing me to the right place.
Ah one more from me any brands of shdc cards I need to avoid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Less than a handful can actually comment on experience with this tablet as it's not officially out yet. Less than 5 here have it in possession already. There are reads in prime section of forum that basically covers all your sections. You will want spalshtop HD as it works great with Android tablets. As far as accessories and cases goes, check out the thread called Ultimate transformer Prime accessories thread. Also look into accessories sub forum here. There's a lot of people commenting on various cases that would be good for this device. For apps, that depends on what you looking for. Productivity, entertainment, games, research, etc.. Be more specific. Now with memory cards, there's a few threads here in general section that will answer your questions on that.
I know there is a lot of b.s. Preorder threads to sift thru here in general section. But all the answers you looking for are here. They may be a page or two back in this section. I would post links but there are so many. Good luck on your search
I will start flipping back in the pages to see what I can find. Thanks for the search pointers!
Though I do know only a few here have the device but, I was thinking that for most this would not be their first device and I was not looking for experience with "asus transformer prime" but more general knowledge with a leaning on the prime. I though that most here would be more knowledge able about the spec that the asus prime would have and most tablets have hc on them.
Though you make good points and I thank you for your advice. Going into the sub forums, damn there are a lot of pre order threads almost wish there was a temp sub forum called preorder.
I can't see if find if the asus splash top is splash top had or not anyone know?
This list should keep you busy for a while.
Best Free Android Apps 2011
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-android-apps.htm
Top 160 best Android apps 2011
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone...-phones/top-160-best-android-apps-2011-693696
The Best Free Android Apps of 2011 (So Far)
http://www.pcworld.com/article/229323/the_best_free_android_apps_of_2011_so_far.html
The 10 best free android apps of 2011
http://galaxys2apps.net/newsandmagazines/the-10-best-free-android-apps-of-2011/
The 40 Best Free Android Apps for 2011
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2366244,00.asp
Results for "best android apps"
http://www.cnet.com/1770-5_1-0.html?query=best+android+apps&searchtype=videos
Ultimate Transformer PRIME TF201 Accessory Guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1377669
Thank you for the links and yes it will keep me busy for some time.
Sorry for my weak search foo
Tablets are pretty fun to use. However, it is rather difficult to bring out a tablet in public as they are quite cumbersome and you look like a pompous asshole with it; trust me. However, the transformer series has the keyboard dock, making you look like a more practical human being.
I used my TF101 in some college classes for note taking. I used Evernote. Worked beautifully. However, I want some faster speed lol.
Selutha said:
I will start flipping back in the pages to see what I can find. Thanks for the search pointers!
Though I do know only a few here have the device but, I was thinking that for most this would not be their first device and I was not looking for experience with "asus transformer prime" but more general knowledge with a leaning on the prime. I though that most here would be more knowledge able about the spec that the asus prime would have and most tablets have hc on them.
Though you make good points and I thank you for your advice. Going into the sub forums, damn there are a lot of pre order threads almost wish there was a temp sub forum called preorder.
I can't see if find if the asus splash top is splash top had or not anyone know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was a thread talking about that splash top. I don't think the one included is the HD one. I think it's the regular one. Splash HD is the one you really want though as it has all features unlocked and better for tablets. All I've heard is great things about it though. I have it on my iPad and Atix4g.
---------- Post added at 01:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:58 PM ----------
xTRICKYxx said:
Tablets are pretty fun to use. However, it is rather difficult to bring out a tablet in public as they are quite cumbersome and you look like a pompous asshole with it; trust me. However, the transformer series has the keyboard dock, making you look like a more practical human being.
I used my TF101 in some college classes for note taking. I used Evernote. Worked beautifully. However, I want some faster speed lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by cumbersome? Lmao as my iPad is light and very easy to carry around. Now for the pompous comment, I guess some could see it like that. I always get looks n comments like oh look, he has one of those iPad/tablet things. Lol. Like people who have/carry tablets are better than everyone...
Just saw the stylus jot pro it looks like pure sex in the ultimate as stories thread I am ordering one of those.
Thanks for the info on splash top I was hoping that I could use the asus provided on but hd looks good compared to splashtop
demandarin said:
Less than a handful can actually comment on experience with this tablet as it's not officially out yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
90% of what he asked was generic and the Prime's going to run the exact same applications every other HC tablet does exactly the same way (albeit faster). There might be some Teg3 optimized games but, other than that, it's just another tablet from a utilization perspective.
Here's some apps I can't live without:
Plex and Playon for video streaming
With Plex, you can store all your audio and video content on your home PC, NAS, or WHS and play it on your tablet, even over a 3G connection. It does an impressive job of organizing, labeling, and presenting your content and the tablet interface is pretty slick. I have 2TB of video that I stream to my tablet. It does a fantastic job of transcoding so the video quality's great even over sketchy connections.
PlayOn provides access to Hulu, Amazon VOD, and Netflix. It too is excellent at transcoding and actually does a better job in terms of video quality and buffering than the native apps. It's the best way to access Hulu content.
Pulse and News360 for news
Both have great tablet interfaces, sync with their desktop companions to bookmark or save stories, and can be highly personalized.
Zinio, PressReader, and Next Issue for magazines and newspapers
All have great content available and are designed for tablet screens. Next Issue content is free if you already have print subscriptions.
Read it Later for offline web surfing
Great app for finding web stuff to download to your tablet either as you see it or from your desktop PC to read later.
Swiftkey Tablet X & Swype keyboards
Swiftkey is a fantastic keyboard with excellent predicitive word logic and layout. It also has a thumb keyboard setting which is great when you aren't using a physical keyboard.
Swype has a mini-mode which takes up about 1/8 of the screen and is really fast when you're writing longer e-mails or docs.
CoPilot for navigation
Google map caching is hit or miss when you need to deviate and don't have a wireless signal. CoPilot stores all data locally and doesn't require any wireless signal to be fully functional.
TouchDown for e-mail
It's the best e-mail app for contact management and tasks. You almost have to have it if you connect to Exchange. It's got the best widgets of any e-mail program out there.
Worldmate travel companion
If you travel a lot Worldmate stores the details of your future trips on your tablet. As you're traveling it provides alerts for gates and times and any delays or changes to your itinerary. You can check flight status for any airline in real time and look up alternates if you're screwed.
Widgets
There's tons of screen space to fill on a tablet and these are some of the widgets I think are cool looking, useful, or both.
- Google Market
- AP Mobile
- CNBC
- CNN
- Pulse (multiples)
- Touchdown e-mail, calendar, and tasks
- Worldmate (live flight alerts on your home screen)
- Social Hub
- Gallery
- Kobo
- Amazon MP3
Task killers, batter managers, and the like
Tablets are different than phones and they're used differently. Android as an OS manages resources incredibly effectively. While it's a personal choice, adding things that use resources to save resources seems counter intuitive to me and I don't use them.
Half the fun of an Android tablet (vs. iOS) is the ability to make it your own. Enjoy.
Asus already included a big portion of the apps you might need for basic usage.
But here s some apps I use pretty much every day with my transformer, they re almost all optimized for tablet (android 3.0 framework)
Wizz Widget (for social feed)
tTorrent (for downloading)
subloader (for automatic subtitle downloading)
mobo player / bs player (for watching any kind of video)
File manager HD (a file explorer, better than Asus's one)
Newsr (a google reader better than google reader)
Catch note (to take and read note in the cloud, protect by password and synchronised on every device)
Google Current (offline reading of RSS feed with a very nice looking layout)
Beyondpod HD (best podcast apps)
And Adobe Photoshop Touch, Adobe Idea, Autodesk Sketchbook Pro, Picsay Pro, cause I'm a computer graphist.
Those are the apps I use the most, along which there is some usefull apps like skype, messenger, dropbox, splashtop HD, Facebook and pretty much every google Apps. (chrome to phone, translate, maps, etc etc)
Unless you're a super reckless user, a screen protector isn't going to be necessary (and is sometimes ugly/degrades screen quality). It's really hard to scratch this screen, and other ones like it.
kokusho said:
File manager HD (a file explorer, better than Asus's one)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second that.
Newsr (a google reader better than google reader)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would reconsider. Newsr is really buggy and slow, crashes a lot and behaves very strange when you start it before WiFi is connected. I didn't find anything better though.
For me most important are also:
- ezPDF - I don't know any better app for PDFs on any system or device (great for taking notes on books or writing answers in exercise books for school).
- Writepad Stylus - for writing (not perfect, but the best I found, if you are buying Adonit Jot, you will find it useful),
The rest for me is mostly games. Cut the Rope is the "must play". Dizzy is the "greatest but probably only appreciated by fans of the original".
hauj0bb said:
Unless you're a super reckless user, a screen protector isn't going to be necessary (and is sometimes ugly/degrades screen quality). It's really hard to scratch this screen, and other ones like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I've had my Galaxy S (Gorilla Glass screen, like the Prime) in my pocket "unprotected" for about 18 months now, and although I was anxious at first, I haven't noticed any scratching of the screen. Screen protectors might have been recommended for resistive touchscreens, but I don't think they're necessary with capacitive touchscreens, because the glass is tough enough already.
Magnesus said:
I would reconsider. Newsr is really buggy and slow, crashes a lot and behaves very strange when you start it before WiFi is connected. I didn't find anything better though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird, I don't have any problem at all with newsr. Butter smooth, fast feed load, super stable, not a single crash. Sure if you re offline it doesn't login but that's expected from a RSS reader and nothing strange happen, just a message saying that you need an internet connexion.
I wonder why you seem to have problem with it.
I was thinking of sending the fire back for the flyer/view, the HTC has a leg up on almost everything, however I am stuck on a few key features that the fire has, and I would like to know if there is some sort of port, or if HTC built these things in..
The fire has updates for it every few months so far, so its live, since the HTC flyer/view have been cancled, will they get updates??
The flyer/view have the "book sharing" built in, this is a nice book club feature that I like.
and the amazon silk browser has the reader view, BIG winner in my book... any way to do this on the HTC device?
I just want a handy device to read and watch some shows, prime is no big deal since they dont have what I want to see anyway, and I have Netflix anyway... I should also mention that I have a Galaxy note, so I dont "NEED" cameras or anything like that. I just need a nice responsive 7" tablet for reading/web/youtube/Netflix with a bright clear screen..
what do you guys think?
I'm not all that familiar with the other features you mentioned (book share and reader view), but as far as updates, I've found myself not needing or particularly wanting firmware updates for my Flyer. This is coming from a person who constantly changes the ROM on his HTC Desire Z phone to get better performance and features. I have never even bothered to put a custom ROM on my Flyer, the stock ROM just runs so smoothly, and has all the features I need.
I did do the upgrade from Gingerbread to Honeycomb. It added some more tablet-friendly interface layout, bit more eye candy, and much better pen support. It runs just as smoothly as GB. Really more of a personal preference, either GB or HC run rather nicely (fast and smooth).
I haven't found myself wanting anymore out of my Flyer. The performance is great, and I haven't had any significant bugs to speak of. There does seem to be a issue with GPS maintaining lock in HC (but I never use my Flyer for navigation). But of course, that isn't even an option on the Fire, anyway.
I haven't personally had a chance to compare side-by-side. But I believe the Flyer is more responsive (clock speed matters more than dual cores, for most tasks) and has a better screen than the Flyer. What you do get in the Flyer (in addition to the Prime-specific features you mentioned) is probably better support from 3rd party accessory manufacturers, as the Fire already has a healthy customer base, while the Flyer really doesn't have much to speak of.
Thremix said:
I was thinking of sending the fire back for the flyer/view, the HTC has a leg up on almost everything, however I am stuck on a few key features that the fire has, and I would like to know if there is some sort of port, or if HTC built these things in..
The fire has updates for it every few months so far, so its live, since the HTC flyer/view have been cancled, will they get updates??
The flyer/view have the "book sharing" built in, this is a nice book club feature that I like.
and the amazon silk browser has the reader view, BIG winner in my book... any way to do this on the HTC device?
I just want a handy device to read and watch some shows, prime is no big deal since they dont have what I want to see anyway, and I have Netflix anyway... I should also mention that I have a Galaxy note, so I dont "NEED" cameras or anything like that. I just need a nice responsive 7" tablet for reading/web/youtube/Netflix with a bright clear screen..
what do you guys think?
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Click to collapse
The updates you're talking about with the Fire are overwhelmingly updates to Amazon's proprietary software, not the underlying version of Android. The updates the Flyer/View have received included proprietary changes, but they're accompanied with updates to the Android software. So it's difficult to compare the updates of the two since the nature of each are different. That said, the Flyer/View already has far more functionality than the Fire ever will do to its hardware and access to the Google Play Store (still sounds weird to say that instead of Android Market). No amount of updates to the Fire will ever get it to level of things the Flyer/View can do. The Flyer/View may or may not see any more official updates (no one here knows for sure), but it's already on a higher level than the Fire as it currently stands.
I assume with book sharing you're referring to the lending of Kindle books. You cannot do this with the View/Flyer with Kindle books you have purchased from Amazon. It's a feature exclusive to Kindle devices. You can install the Kindle app on the View/Flyer and have full access to all of your books, but you can't lend/borrow and you don't have access to Prime library.
By "reader view," are you implying that the webpage is reformatted to allow you to more easily read the text? If so, there are ways of doing this on the Flyer/View. It may require a different browser or app, but it can be done.
Overall, the Flyer/View is a more well-rounded device than the Fire from a hardware point of view with GPS, cameras, and optional cellular connectivity (depending on the model). The quality of the screens are both good, and both devices feel great in the hand (although I like the feel of my View better). The View is better from an Android point of view with full access to the suite of Google Apps (Gmail, Voice, Maps, Play Store, etc.), something that the Fire does not have (quite possibly the biggest software-related point in my opinion). On the other hand, if you're heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem, and your major concern is reading (including the lending/borrowing of books and accessing the Prime library), the Fire offers more options direct from Amazon. If you're into custom ROMs, the Fire also has a much bigger developer community with a lot more support. But as far as an all-around device for "reading/web/youtube/Netflix with a bright clear screen," the Flyer/View is by far the better device in my opinion.
For me, the answer was simple - a regular Kindle e-ink reader for books (including lending/borrowing and the Prime library) since it's far easier on the eyes anyway and can be read outside, and the View for everything else (plus I can read almost all of my Kindle stuff on the View if I don't have my Kindle close by). The incredibly low prices on both devices make owning both a viable option for many that want the best of both worlds.
"I should also mention that I have a Galaxy note, so I dont "NEED" cameras or anything like that. I just need a nice responsive 7" tablet for reading/web/youtube/Netflix with a bright clear screen.."
The screen itself should be about the same between the Fire and the View.
I was getting ready to get a Fire, then considered a Nook Tablet, then a View. Here are the main advantages of the View over the Fire:
-View has physical volume up/down buttons
-View has a microphone
-View has 2 cameras.
-View has 32GB of storage and a micro-SD slot for up to 32GB more.
-View has GPS
That's off the top of my head.
If the Fire does a good job for you with books and videos, you won't really gain anything by switching to the View.
If you want a tablet that is much more capable and runs a stock Android go for the View.
dan1101 said:
-View has 32GB of storage and a micro-SD slot for up to 32GB more.
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A major point that I overlooked in my post. As for the Flyer, it comes in both 16GB and 32GB varieties with the 16GB version being far more prevalent in my experience. Both have expandable storage as well.
"I assume with book sharing you're referring to the lending of Kindle books. You cannot do this with the View/Flyer with Kindle books you have purchased from Amazon. It's a feature exclusive to Kindle devices. You can install the Kindle app on the View/Flyer and have full access to all of your books, but you can't lend/borrow and you don't have access to Prime library."
No thats book lending.
When you're reading a book, there is a little bubble at the bottom. When you press on the bubble, it takes you into a conversation list with other people that are reading the book. Much like a book club. I think that is a neat feature.
I think the kobo at the something like this no?
Thremix said:
When you're reading a book, there is a little bubble at the bottom. When you press on the bubble, it takes you into a conversation list with other people that are reading the book. Much like a book club. I think that is a neat feature.
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Click to collapse
No, there isn't an option for this in the Android Kindle app that I see.
That's not a huge deal...
So the htc screen wont be much better? I know the duo core thing is not a big deal, the hitch runs fine from the videos I've seen. Any word on ICS? One last thing.. can you take pretty good notes on the flyer? Is it like the galaxy note?
Thremix said:
That's not a huge deal...
So the htc screen wont be much better? I know the duo core thing is not a big deal, the hitch runs fine from the videos I've seen. Any word on ICS? One last thing.. can you take pretty good notes on the flyer? Is it like the galaxy note?
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The screen difference will be marginal at best.
No official word on ICS.
Yes, the Flyer/View use the same basic technology (albeit from different companies I believe, meaning the Note stylus won't work with the Flyer/View), so note taking is very similar if you have the Scribe. I also had a Note for awhile and found the View to be more precise in that regard.
Wow really.. I think my note is pretty accurate, so the flyer must be nice! I'm going to best buy in hopes of finding a demo.. or maybe sprint..
Thremix said:
Wow really.. I think my note is pretty accurate, so the flyer must be nice! I'm going to best buy in hopes of finding a demo.. or maybe sprint..
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Click to collapse
They've been discontinued at both Best Buy and Sprint I believe, so it might be difficult to track down any display models in a store, especially that have a Scribe sitting there to use with it.
I've had other people contend that the Note is more precise, but I found the View to be when I had both devices. So chances are, that really means that they're both pretty similar when it comes to accuracy.
bsweetness said:
No, there isn't an option for this in the Android Kindle app that I see.
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It may not be in the Kindle app, but it is there in the stock HTC Reader app which I understand is powered by Kobo. I have not used it because all of my ebooks are from non-drm epub sources so while the HTC Reader displays those books perfectly, it does not allow me to use the share option.
Anyway to read the kindle books on the kobo app? Reason I ask is that kobo has a nicer UI.
I did find a demo at the sprint store, I liked it and found the screen to he a bit more vivid, I wish I would have had the time to really check out, unfortunately we were on a way to a movie, so I had maybe 30seconds with it. Can anyone cement on the speakers, some of you have had the fire so maybe you can give me an idea of the sound quality of the htc vs the fire? I think I'm gonna buy the HTC, I just need a little push lol..
All of you have been a great help.
Just to throw my thoughts in:
I am a college student and I have an internship in an office. I bought the flyer at the beginning of this semester to take notes and other various things at my job. I have used it for a few months now, and I can say that I don't even carry a notebook any more. It has also fully replaced my netbook. I have read several books for class on it, and it has worked well as far as that goes. The speakers are pretty good quality, I find them acceptable for Skype calls and YouTube videos.
Sent from my mobile typewriter with tapatalk
the flyer/view has basically one of the greatest displays for reading for its highest pixel density of android tablets (ipad 3 has a much higher resolution tho), and great color production for things other than reading. i love my htc flyer, and i would recommend it, the reading experience is still fantastic even if it lacks fire features, because htc adds their own (such as book sharing, as you mentioned)!
Similar Dilemma
I'm in the same boat, torn between fire and flyer.
For me the flyer was an extra $40, so is $40 worth:
bluetooth
2 cameras
512meg extra ram
8gb extra storage
microSD card reader
a microphone...
Normally I say, yes, of course it is, however of those, the only one that actually matters to me... might be the microSD card reader and extra storage, seeing as the fire only ships with 8GB.
Why are those other features not important to me? Because wherever I have my tablet to use, I will 100% of that time have my iPhone 4 in my pocket which has 2 cameras, 32GB storage, a microphone, etc. If I want to take a picture, i'll certainly use my phone before my tablet, same with skip or voice notes, or voip for that matter. If I had a stupid phone, of course I go with the flyer, but with an iPhone, maybe I stick with the kindle fire...
Another consideration is rom updates, yes flyer is popular, however each rom needs to support all that extra hardware, and often one piece either uses an older/supported version of android, or one piece just doesn't work. For example bluetooth for voip, or the hardware buttons of the flyer. With the Kindle it doesn't have much extra hardware, so not much else to support, therefore the rom updates that come out are more "clean" in my view.
I'm forcing myself to use both for a few days this week and make up my mind. The stylus could turn the tide to the flyer though...
We'll see...
paultman said:
I'm in the same boat, torn between fire and flyer.
For me the flyer was an extra $40, so is $40 worth:
bluetooth
2 cameras
512meg extra ram
8gb extra storage
microSD card reader
a microphone...
Normally I say, yes, of course it is, however of those, the only one that actually matters to me... might be the microSD card reader and extra storage, seeing as the fire only ships with 8GB.
Why are those other features not important to me? Because wherever I have my tablet to use, I will 100% of that time have my iPhone 4 in my pocket which has 2 cameras, 32GB storage, a microphone, etc. If I want to take a picture, i'll certainly use my phone before my tablet, same with skip or voice notes, or voip for that matter. If I had a stupid phone, of course I go with the flyer, but with an iPhone, maybe I stick with the kindle fire...
Another consideration is rom updates, yes flyer is popular, however each rom needs to support all that extra hardware, and often one piece either uses an older/supported version of android, or one piece just doesn't work. For example bluetooth for voip, or the hardware buttons of the flyer. With the Kindle it doesn't have much extra hardware, so not much else to support, therefore the rom updates that come out are more "clean" in my view.
I'm forcing myself to use both for a few days this week and make up my mind. The stylus could turn the tide to the flyer though...
We'll see...
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Click to collapse
You are 100% in my boat! Lol the flyer will cost me about $50 more, and you and I have the same train of thought. I have my galaxy note for EVERYTHING, and with me, my gnote is almost as big as the tablets of topic! Lol
I found the speed to be more or less on par with these two tablets. And the htc reader app is a joke, the fire has a better "reading" atmosphere with the ability to change font and word spacing, and the silk browser reader view is a BIG home run.. I still can't shake the feeling I should just get the flyer.. lol
Thremix said:
Anyway to read the kindle books on the kobo app? Reason I ask is that kobo has a nicer UI.
I did find a demo at the sprint store, I liked it and found the screen to he a bit more vivid, I wish I would have had the time to really check out, unfortunately we were on a way to a movie, so I had maybe 30seconds with it. Can anyone cement on the speakers, some of you have had the fire so maybe you can give me an idea of the sound quality of the htc vs the fire? I think I'm gonna buy the HTC, I just need a little push lol..
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Click to collapse
The Kindle books are DRM-protected, so unless you want to find a way around that (something we can't discuss on these forums), you have to use the Kindle app for Kindle books.
The Flyer/View have pretty darn good speakers for the size of the tablet. I can't think of a time when I wasn't more than satisfied with them.
Thremix said:
And the htc reader app is a joke, the fire has a better "reading" atmosphere with the ability to change font and word spacing, and the silk browser reader view is a BIG home run.. I still can't shake the feeling I should just get the flyer.. lol
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Click to collapse
You don't have to use the HTC Reader app (although you can adjust the size of the text in the app). There are several different e-reader apps in the Play store that let you adjust font and spacing (and I know the Kindle app will at least let you adjust the font). But the biggest advantage to using the HTC Reader is that it has full integration with the Scribe pen. On Honeycomb, you can use the Scribe with any app, but you'll only be able to use some of the advanced functions of the pen with apps that are optimized for it.
You're definitely right about the Fire having a better "reading atmosphere" though. That's its primary purpose (along with watching video), so Amazon has put a lot of significant thought and design into it. The Flyer/View is very much a multi-purpose device, with the focus spread throughout the device instead of on just a couple areas like the Fire. That's why for people who want a device that is primarily going to be a reading/video device with most of the content coming from Amazon, the Fire is definitely a great option. But for those who want more than that, the Flyer/View offers many more options.
I just won a like new htc flyer with case and scrib pen for $212 shipped..
Dude, demonoid has all the books u need, the flyer reader app supports the pens and its unbeatable bybany other tablet, om taking notes all the tome, signing documents etc
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium App