Related
I can't decide which device.... I like Archos(have a few of their products now) but the G Tab seems more capable of running newer versions of Android. Do you all see the G Tablet becoming the tablet to beat when updated with an official release? I like all the mod/hacking I have seen on the forum, I just think I may be better suited for a device with better "official' support from the manufacturer. Talk me out of Archos... I WANT to love the G tablet...
WAD.
If you're already on this forum, i suggest you get the g tablet. Since when does support from manufacturers did any good?
Archos is notorious for getting product to market quick and dumping support for product real quick
/end decision
I can only go on my own subjective opinion. Back in October, I was on the Archos 101 pre-order list - feels like it was a year ago, now. I only tried the GTab because I was sick of the 101's delays.
But now, if I was given the choice between the two, I would choose the GTab without hesitation. It has a chipset which is vastly superior, an open firmware and a great community. The Archos does have some pluses, or course - better HDMI port and an excellent media player come to mind. But the hardware it's on is already out-of-date. Even the Galaxy Tab 2 is going to have a Tegra 2 in it.
Read up on forum.archosfans.com, too -- a lot of grumbling on the Froyo update. and you can't even back out.
Alpha06 said:
Archos is notorious for getting product to market quick and dumping support for product real quick
/end decision
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Click to collapse
heh, i was notified this morn that the archos 70 is back in stock and had it in my cart before i remembered how archos has issed me off before.
plus, the gtab has better hardware for a bit more money. i'm getting another gtab after the holidays, when the staples/sears stuff is figured out. hopefully get a good deal.
WantADroid said:
I can't decide which device.... I like Archos(have a few of their products now) but the G Tab seems more capable of running newer versions of Android. Do you all see the G Tablet becoming the tablet to beat when updated with an official release? I like all the mod/hacking I have seen on the forum, I just think I may be better suited for a device with better "official' support from the manufacturer. Talk me out of Archos... I WANT to love the G tablet...
WAD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I gather based on posts by other people who have owned both, the Archos is MUCH better at media playback, while it's 256MB leads to problems... oh, and the Archos has a bit better screen, although I've not been bothered by the viewing angle except when specifically checking it as when in use I'm always looking directly at the gTab... gTab also has better overall performance. Archos is lighter than gTab.
My own personal drawback is the 10" size and weight... so I'm mulling a Nook Color ATM or maybe elocity a7 or wait and see what the next few months bring in the way of 7" tablets. NC seems best immediate option as B&N will probably support it for a year or so I'd imagine...
With the new Gtablet update, even non-modded, the Gtablet seems a better buy now (if you side-load Flash, of course).
1. Archos 101 = capped at 800mhz (that is crazy- not even smaller form factor phones do this). Out of box and after update, the 101 can not even bust 1,000 with Quadrant and rooting to remove the cpu cap result in 1,200.
2. Despite fanboy spin, the 256mb ram is a problem for Flash and general operation with 2.2. Not so bad with 2.1, but app managment is more dynamic with 2.2 and more apps tend to float in memory, rather than sit in a wait-state using a register stack.
3. The wifi signal is weaker on the 101
4. No adhoc connections and wifi tether other than hotspots does not work
5. Only 300mb of app space (over six times less than the G)
6. Sound quality of the 3630 is weak due to low volume and even worse, poor gain management (Archos adheres to the Euro sound cap law). Still, the speaker output is louder than the Gtablet- ironic.
7. If you like games like the Quake series, PSX or other more demanding apps, the 101 is a lot slower and not smooth like the Gtablet.
8. Larger CBR and PDF files that play super smooth and lag free on the G, either do not work or are laggy messes on the 101.
9. As mentioned above, Flash is problematic on the 101, due to the 256mb ram. Try more demanding sites like Dailymotion and the higher res Flash content. Smooth on the G and not on the 101.
10. To get decenty performance, you need to root the device and mod. Why even bother with the 101 then? Europe has the Advent Vega, Asia has the zPad and NA has the Gtablet. ALL better options, IMO and now the Elocity 7 is out and kicks the snot out of the Archos 70.
Seems the 101 was outdated upon release and to add salt to the wound, they capped the cpu that was already designed to be dynamic and clock to usage- wild.
BTW, I do not agree that video is MUCH better, but is better, none the less. The 101 handles higher def video better, due to more mature support for the 3630, but 1080p does not work well on the 3630 either. Hidef seems pointless anyway on a portable device, due to space and battery drain. Not to mention the display is not 1080p. I think people latching on to the video mantra of the 101 are putting far too much stock in the actual difference it makes.
All of my vids play fine on the Gtablet, but I do not care for 1080p and 720p MP4 tends to be space and battery drainers too. Still wish those would work on the Gtablet.
I own neither right now but am sort of in the same boat as the poster.
Here's what sort of changed my mind...
I purchased and received my Archos 101 and it was dead on arrival brand new from Amazon. I know crap happens but it really got to me since I'd felt like a kid on Christmas day when it came. Imagine getting something you're EAGER for an anticipating and then not having it work? We can't really blame Archos for this entirely though since it happens with every product.
Anyway, what actually got to me was calling Archos....the CS guy wasn't much help and tried to convince me to send it in for repair vs. Amazon return. But who wants to send in their brand new device with the possibility of getting back someone else's used device? Right? He couldn't guarantee that I'd get back my brand new and repaired unit plus I had to pay shipping. In essence, my price for the 101 would have been almost 370 in the end, so I just told him no thanks and sent it back to Amazon.
I ordered the Archos in the first place because while I can see myself rooting and modding, to me it's an unnecessary hassle vs. just getting something that's supposed to work. In other words, I had your outlook. Excited about the modding potential, but better suited to official support, so really I just prefer getting the updates in OTAs than rooting and modding.
The Archos 101/70 seem to 'just work'. And I'd been planning on slapping the official/unofficial? Google Market on there for good measure so I was prepared to get my hands dirty somehow anyway as I wasn't sure if this meant I needed to root or not. Archos has also, recently seemed to show that they're at least trying to get updates out the door while Viewsonic's site didn't at the time have any updates posted for the G tablet and it seemed like it was just some hardware put out and then forgotten.
However, when I was 'forced' to check out the G tablet more thoroughly it would seem it's not 1/2 as bad as I'd seen or read about (youtube, blogs, etc.) where users called TnT horrible and writers referred to it as garbage and unusable etc. I say 'forced' because I couldn't RMA the 101 for exchange as Amazon was out of stock, I had to RMA for refund. Then on impulse, I decided to get the G Tablet...because I'm plain through with waiting.
I'd known it had more raw power than the 101 but upon further reading here on xda and watching newer youtube videos it seems TnT isn't that bad if you factory reset first and start 'fresh'. Not to mention the fact that the mod community has embraced the G tablet as something 'good'. Viewsonic is also pretty 'vocal' for the most part on Twitter, and that has to count for something in terms of getting our voices heard by the company. Archos is there too but their posts are mostly about where to buy the tablet or that they're available at so and so.
My point being, I don't think it would hurt to at least try the G Tab first. Had I known then what I know now (and I should have, as I am somewhat of a tech head) I would have just gone with the G Tab and in some ways, I'm happy the 101 came DoA or maybe I'd have happily settled for a single core, 720p playing Android tablet vs. something with more power and thus potential...a dual core with 1080p playing capability and the ability to do everything faster.
Also, modding isn't horrible. It's a scary thing to think you have to do something that may brick your device to get it to an even workable state...but this isn't the case.
Even if you've never done it before once you're thorough and read/understand/execute in detail, you'll never brick. Most experienced modders can root and slap a new ROM on their devices in 20m or less (depending on the ROM size, etc) but don't watch that....if it takes you even an hour, as long as you do it right the first time (in terms of getting a recovery mod in there), you're going to be fine from then on. You'll have the added bonus of messing around with a variation of ROMs and may realize something's there that you like even more than the stock. You also have the backing of XDA devs which is a great, great thing.
My 2c.
I currently own both the GTab (running TnTLite 2.3) and an Archos 101 (finally) with the latest firmware update. Both have their good and bad sides and if you've been hanging around here, you should have a pretty good idea of what those are.
The GTab:
Pros: Fast processor, easy to hack, not easy to brick, good XDA support
Cons: Not great viewing angle, questionable (stock) UI, questionable support (from ViewSonic)
The Archos 101:
Pros: Better viewing angle, decent support (from my experience, so far,) very good multimedia support and streaming, much lighter than the GTab, built-in kickstand, HDMI out
Cons: Very locked down (but can still sideload,) slower CPU (even at 1Gz,) HDMI not reliable (at least for me)
I like them both, for different uses. I like to hack around and get to know the OS and the GTab (and my DROID) are great for that. For daily use, I use the 101 since it is lighter to carry around and has the built-in kickstand.
my $.02
I have to agree with most. I also had interest in the archos but was part of the waiting game and the misleading info from the company itself.
My draw to the archos was it being a lightweight device. HDMI ready to use and the media player that seems to be the attractive feature in comparison.
But I must say being part of this site gave me insight and "again" bumped into the gtab. At first glance the device SW is horrid to say the least. Why would they butcher it, is beyond my reasoning (perhaps a sweet deal played out w/tapntap) and the #1 problem for users trying it out of box as is. They should seriously post in the box or pamphlet to register at xda. lol.
Once you fiddle with the device(using a custom build like TnTlite/VEGAn you wont regard making your decison. Archos is limited as meantion herein and your halt for the possiblities that lay ahead.
So Yes you can say the archos is lighter, has the hdmi port... a kickstand.
I agree the Gtab is heavier in comparison, and for some the viewing angles are bad, but in the end, The Gtab is here now with an awesome HW and will be here tomorrow.
Thanks!!
Wow, thanks to all who have responded.... I am leaning heavily towards the G Tab, sounds like it would be a fun device to mod. I want a good media player in my device, that is the biggest reason I am considering Archos. I own an old 504 80gb and I have used it almost everyday. I want to take the next step up to touch screen and Android, but I want the device to have some what of a future. Seems to me Archos puts devices out that are already one generation old when they hit the market. Must be their business model to buy new every 1-2 years. I would like to have my device for minimum of 2-3 years before I upgrade.
Thanks
My brief thoughts on the matter, as posted on Archos fans forum.
"I have a GTab as well as a 101. And there is NO comparison: My GTab blows the 101 away on speed, responsiveness, and smoothness. Its just uglier & heavier! Lol! My 11 year old daughter has lay claim on my GTab. She's lucky I love her (and am afraid of my wife)! Lol! . . . Admittedly, a lot of tweaks have gone into the device as it clearly was bad straight out of the box. All I know is with a custom ROM, mine flies."
http://forum.archosfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=43968
Just got a G-tab from local Sears last night.
Took me couple of hours to get it going with the latest TNT Lite and market fix. (still new to all of this.)
First I wanted to get 101, but it was sold out everywhere.
G-Tab was horrible with stock UI. After loading TNT, it is much better, but it has ways to go. I like the responsiveness. Still have to get used to the interface. And run some video tests. (I would like to use it in the car as an entertainment system for my kids.) HDMI via dock may be a deal killer to me.
I don't like the screen and ergonomics of the device. I will probably play around with a device, for a couple of weeks and then return it to Sears. Still want to see what will happen at CES. Perhaps Adam, will fit me better.
I first buy the archos 101 for my birthday on november and its not so good. Example no custom roms, speed capped at 800mhz, one of the speakers stop working ,its feel very plastic cheap! I just returned to amazon and get the g-tablet its a diferent kind of animal! Tegra 2, 512mb ram, lots of custom roms.
Its your choice! But im super happy with g-tablet never looked back since i buyit!
Neoprimal;99 [QUOTE said:
Also, modding isn't horrible. It's a scary thing to think you have to do something that may brick your device to get it to an even workable state...but this isn't the case.
Even if you've never done it before once you're thorough and read/understand/execute in detail, you'll never brick. Most experienced modders can root and slap a new ROM on their devices in 20m or less (depending on the ROM size, etc) but don't watch that....if it takes you even an hour, as long as you do it right the first time (in terms of getting a recovery mod in there), you're going to be fine from then on. You'll have the added bonus of messing around with a variation of ROMs and may realize something's there that you like even more than the stock. You also have the backing of XDA devs which is a great, great thing.
My 2c.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I THINK its even more brick proof than people realize. I took mine from an infinite boot loop state with a partitioned (completely deleted) sd card and no back ups all the way back to stock in about five minutes (clockworkmod was the ONLY thing working) after spending about 25 minutes reading about NVFLASH and finding the correct usb to gtab driver for my pc operating system (mine was winxp pro but there was support for vista, win 7 64 and linux).
Thanks again Roebeet for pointing me in the right direction.
Pretty muck "brick proof-tacular" if you are willing to ask for help/read through threads/research.
I am fortunate enough to have both devices and did a comprehensive review with video for anyone who is still interested: http://www.blendblog.net/Default.aspx?tabid=36&EntryID=64.
They both have strengths and weaknesses as I point out in my review.
Sean
Allenfx said:
I THINK its even more brick proof than people realize. I took mine from an infinite boot loop state with a partitioned (completely deleted) sd card and no back ups all the way back to stock in about five minutes (clockworkmod was the ONLY thing working) after spending about 25 minutes reading about NVFLASH and finding the correct usb to gtab driver for my pc operating system (mine was winxp pro but there was support for vista, win 7 64 and linux).
Thanks again Roebeet for pointing me in the right direction.
Pretty muck "brick proof-tacular" if you are willing to ask for help/read through threads/research.
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Click to collapse
This has been my experience too... bought my G-Tab (after spending hours pouring over reviews etc.) fiddled around with ROM's, managed to get it stuck in an infinite boot loop (Clockwork does NOT like NVflash!) Took about a hour reading up on NVFlash (THANKS Roebeet!!!) and got it back running again. Then did it again several more times, just to be sure. So that's cool and all..
One problem tho'... the screen.
I've seen lot's of talk about how great/awful the viewing angles are for the G-Tab. With mine, when looked at perpendicular/directly on, it looks great! But tilt is just a bit away from you (as if to place it on a table) and it gets immediately blurry and weird-looking colors (like a cheap LCD laptop screen)
HOWEVER, turn it over (so's the dock port is on the top) and do the same tilt and it looks normal (a bit washed out, but normal color and no LCD blur) all the way flat on the table... IS THE SCREEN INSTALLED UPSIDE DOWN??? Could this be why some people have such opposite experiences? I looked on YouTube at some viewing angle reviews and their G-Tabs looked like mine does when it's upside-down!? I took it back to Sears and got another one, took it home and same thing! So I took it back, too and got money back and am now trying to figure out weather or not to try the Archos... still hooked on the G-Tab though, it was so nice, except for having to keep it pointed exactly at 90-degree viewing angle. Any thoughts? And another big Thanks to Roebeet, just loved TNTlite!
mattrahman said:
This has been my experience too... bought my G-Tab (after spending hours pouring over reviews etc.) fiddled around with ROM's, managed to get it stuck in an infinite boot loop (Clockwork does NOT like NVflash!) Took about a hour reading up on NVFlash (THANKS Roebeet!!!) and got it back running again. Then did it again several more times, just to be sure. So that's cool and all..
One problem tho'... the screen.
I've seen lot's of talk about how great/awful the viewing angles are for the G-Tab. With mine, when looked at perpendicular/directly on, it looks great! But tilt is just a bit away from you (as if to place it on a table) and it gets immediately blurry and weird-looking colors (like a cheap LCD laptop screen)
HOWEVER, turn it over (so's the dock port is on the top) and do the same tilt and it looks normal (a bit washed out, but normal color and no LCD blur) all the way flat on the table... IS THE SCREEN INSTALLED UPSIDE DOWN??? Could this be why some people have such opposite experiences? I looked on YouTube at some viewing angle reviews and their G-Tabs looked like mine does when it's upside-down!? I took it back to Sears and got another one, took it home and same thing! So I took it back, too and got money back and am now trying to figure out weather or not to try the Archos... still hooked on the G-Tab though, it was so nice, except for having to keep it pointed exactly at 90-degree viewing angle. Any thoughts? And another big Thanks to Roebeet, just loved TNTlite!
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Click to collapse
Ummmm.... this is not meant to be rude at all but I have to speak my mind.
For 300 bucks you need to get over it and enjoy the awesomeness you get out of ten inches that I paid to get 4 inches from my GSM (fml)
The Screen is a 300$ screen... be happy you got one before it sold out.
Not rude at all... in fact I had the same thought process... HOWEVER it was $400 ($369 listed on line, but $399 in the store, $440 with taxes [they said I'd have to return the one I bought in the store, order another online and pick it up at the merch. pick-up to get the online price] ) so it was a bit more than $300.If it were, I'd be much more inclined to just suck it up and enjoy the zippy-fast and get a stand that would hold it at the right angle... I'm looking at a "lightly used" one online that comes with a stand and chip for under $400 that I may get. I've even considered a ~$200 Chinese knock-off with a resistive screen, but I think I'd hate it, no Multi-Touch, slow response, etc. I guess it's just a balance of how much $$ with what features.
Originally, I ordered a Xoom from Verizon, but $800 plus $20/month seemed too too much! So I cancelled the order - for $35 "restocking fee" ugh, I hate phone companies - I still want a Xoom tho'.
I'm just wondering if anybody else has notice the "upside-down screen" thing, or am I nuts?
Update: Just found G-Tab for $299 on eBay/Tigerdirect with free shipping, 10 left...
gtab viewing angles
Yeah, On gtab noticed the screen has better viewing angles from top and left side than bottom and right. I dont know if that means they are building it installed upside down but they should move the factory to the southern hemisphere if they are ;-) or something.
Lousy viewing in the sun, regardless of angle.
Also wish the return key wasn't so badly placed, hold it in the right hand only and bound to hit the return key...
I have been using the NT for about a month and a half, and honestly I think I should have gotten something better.
It does have its problems such as the wifi connection drops a lot and I have to restart the tablet. This is not the fault of the devs, but of B&N. I don't understand why we should have to hack and find workarounds just to get the full use of the NT.
Does anyone else feel that they should have gotten a different tablet? Perhaps an actual tablet?
I am considering selling the NT. I don't think I would have had the amount of issues with an actual tablet and one that is not so locked down.
Although I'm really satisfied with the capabilities of even just a regular root, the only time I've regretted buying an NT was when I heard Asus was coming out with a new 7 inch tablet later this year. That makes me want to sell this thing instantly, haha.
To be honest with you i bought my NT as a stop gap between selling my iPad2 and waiting for the iPad3.. with the intent to sell this once i picked up the new iPad..
and for the first week or two i did regret buying it but then.. Considering what i use it for
1.Watch movies (netflix, hulu, and divx on the SD card),
2 Browse the internet and 3. Actually read a book or two.. it's actually perfect for all that.
Used the SD card method to root (Thanks Albert) and then side loaded all the apps that i needed. Never had Wifi or reboot issues, the screen is actually brighter and clearer than the iPad 2 i had and the battery life is above average for a 7 inch
I will be holding on to this for a while.. and i think once they perfect the other rom's and get the bluetooth working it's actually a keeper.. especially if ICS gets ported.
But as always you have to ask yourself does it do what i need?.. the only reason to get a different tablet would be if you needed GPS, Camera's, bigger screen, 3G, a different app store, video out etc....
if none of that is the reason.. then whatever tablet you buy will fill you with the same... should i have really bought this feeling..
I am comparing the NT with the $199 refurbished 16Gb HTC Flyer. I find that I miss CM7 on the Flyer... and the Flyer somehow seems harder to hold. I guess I got used to both CM7 and the bezel on the Nook Color and now the Nook Tablet. I haven't decided which I will keep yet, but I am leaning towards keeping the NT.
Heck no ... I've had 250.00 dollars worth of hacking fun with mine I have a feeling there is a lot more coming. Just wish I knew how to code to help out
Basically it boils down to what you want to do with it. Technically, you bought an e-reader. If you wanted more, you should have bought more. Myself personally, I came to XDA before I made up my mind between various tablets. I settled on the NT because I could see there was a bright future for it. The hardware bugs will be worked out eventually. Blame B&N for the hold-ups thus far. Give it a while. If you sell now, in 6 months, you will regret buying something else and will be looking to get another NT.
Understandably, there are limitations to this device. It's half the price of an iPad. You don't get any of the fancy things like GPS, 3G/LTE, camera, etc. But it is a great tablet for the money.
I bought this because my cheap e-reader broke. It was mainly to read with. That said, since I bought it 2 months ago, I haven't read more than a page of a book!
I've had tons of fun putting Android on, customizing it, and getting it how I like it. I'll be 10 times happier when a fully functional port of ICS is released for it. Netflix and videos look amazing on its screen, indisputably better than the supposedly identical screen on the Kindle Fire (just read ANY review).
I've never had an issue with the WIFI dropping or restarting. There are a few issues that the great devs and contributors here have helped me to conquer.
There are still a couple things I'd like to see get done to this device though, other than the glorious port of ICS. I'd love to be able to use ALL of the 16 GB of data on board. That was one top reason I chose it over the Fire, but I'm confident the great people here will solve that in time. Another is that, despite there not being onboard GPS, I'd still like location-based tools to work, like they do on any other WIFI device like my phone.
Other than that, I'm really happy with what I bought. I may not use it for what I initially intended, but hey, who has time to read when you're busy installing your favourite apps, customizing widgets, and making your home page perfect?
And on the issue of buyer's regret, when it comes to tablets and smartphones, there will ALWAYS be something better within 3-6 months!
You can use your 16Gb, just repartition it, it is very easy.
My only regret so far is that I got the 8gb NT. It is actually my father-in-law's device, but I told him I would configure it to have better access to the Android market. I had read several posts about rooting and installing Go launcher (or equivalent) and was excited to do this. For the time being at least, it doesn't look like this is an option, and the 512k RAM looks to be an issue. I may try to convince him to return it and get the 16GB version. Since it's not mine, I guess I need to let him see if he is happy with it, but I'm chomping at the bit to put some of the great work from this forum to good use on his system!
Maybe I will have to just get my own. I have been talking about getting some kind of tablet with my wife, and will likely get something in the next couple months. Since I am used to a smartphone, it's hard not being able to install any app that I am familiar with, and I will likely go for something with more features.
As others have said, it's all about what you actually need/expect. And there will always be times when you second-guess what you do purchase... Buyer's remorse is just part of being human, IMO!
arclite00 said:
I have been using the NT for about a month and a half, and honestly I think I should have gotten something better.
It does have its problems such as the wifi connection drops a lot and I have to restart the tablet. This is not the fault of the devs, but of B&N. I don't understand why we should have to hack and find workarounds just to get the full use of the NT.
Does anyone else feel that they should have gotten a different tablet? Perhaps an actual tablet?
I am considering selling the NT. I don't think I would have had the amount of issues with an actual tablet and one that is not so locked down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I was able to get my Nook Tablet much more easily than a Kindle Fire because my University has a deal with Barnes & Noble; my school bookstore is basically a small B&N store full of textbooks. If I had the choice, I would have chosen the Kindle Fire, but I still like my Nook Tablet, especially now that CM7 is running on it.
I don't regret it, but let me say - I never liked my device hacks to be easy! Sounds masochistic, yes, but I've always enjoyed installing custom firmware on stuff that, until some hackers got a hold of it, was never able to run anything other than what the manufacturers intended. I'm talking about Wii, PSP, PDAs, etc.
If you think development for the Nook Tab is rough, think about how slow and brutal it was getting the PSP to run custom software. I suffered at least one electrocution modding the thing's battery because I didn't have much experience with moving pins on a chipset. It was worth it to get homebrew stuff running on there though.
My point is, while the Kindle Fire owners do have it a lot easier than us, I enjoy witnessing the development process first-hand; it's oddly satisfying. I understand some people around these forums are only here because they wanted a cheap CyanogenMod 7 Tablet and want to see the Nook Tablet become that - but I'll be lurking around here long after the Nook Tablet devs reach their goals because I'm fascinated by hacking and modifying devices.
cyberma007 said:
You can use your 16Gb, just repartition it, it is very easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just realized that after my post. Haven't checked the posts here lately. It seems a little complicated for a noob like me. Plus, don't I have to install CM7 also to do it?
No you don't need to run CM7 to repartition, I am noob as well, it is very easy, it just looks hard.
Just follow this post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22157605&postcount=25
Partition 10 is where you would put you own data
Partition 11 is where all apps go, when you install them.
on mine i did half half because a lot of games are pretty big and need space, but you can change it to you own need.
just do the commands in bold black, the rest that you see is what your nook outputs.
Update after using the HTC Flyer for a bit more. I think I will sell my 2 Nook Tablets and keep the HTC Flyers. At $199 they just offer so much more.... GPS, front and back cameras, working bluetooth, working skype, dual speakers that are loud, HDMI out via MHL (adapter on the way). The built-in 16gb is partitioned so there is 8+ GB for media stuff. And for my almost 7 year old, he loves that Talking Tomcat and Talking Ben work, and Galaxy on Fire 2 runs fast on the Flyer as well since there is a native adreno version. It is only single core but runs at 1.5ghz and has 1gb ram so it feels as fast at the NT if not faster in some cases. The Adreno 205 gpu is not rated quite as good as the Powervr SGX540 but seems to be well supported for gaming. Not to say that there are not some annoyances with the Flyer. I can't seem to turn off the lock screen. There is no CM7 though there are custom roms for both Gingerbread and Honeycomb for the Flyer (need to root and unlock the device first). And I need to find better cases for them. Anyway I think the refurbished HTC Flyer is a keeper at $199 from buy.com And of course I can read on them with Moon+ Reader Pro, Kindle App, Nook App, etc.
re
So far no regrets. Just installed cm7 and happy.
Plus I only paid $175 for my 16gb tablet on Craigslist.
Hopefully cm9 makes it's way to the tablet.
My only regrets are the possibility of what the Asus tablet might offer and that the NT can be had for $175 now. Those aren't really fair reasons though since there will always be price drops and always be new options if you wait. I wanted it for Christmas and it's been everything I expected. I'm rooted at 1.4.0, zero WiFi issues and it's never rebooted (I did have a frozen screen once). I plan on staying on this platform until the fine developers on this forum give me the option of ICS for my NT!
I have no regrets at all. It let me do everything I really cared about right out of the box for a price I didn't mind paying. Any additional functionality after ebooks, videos, music and some light web browsing is just so much gravy as far as I'm concerned.
I love it, but primarily because I bought into the B&N ecosystem years ago (I have about 400 books and magazine subscriptions). It's much more pleasant to read on the NT than it is on my iPad, due to weight and size. Movies are great, except for the below-average speaker. I don't surf the Internet on my NT; if I have to do it mobile, I prefer to leave that to my phone since I can do it one-handed. My only qualms:
1. There needs to be an Economist magazine app, built for the Nook. You can't install the one from Android Market, even after rooting.
2. The speaker, as mentioned above.
3. The little hook in the bottom corner is kinda annoying. Yes, I know it makes the design unique, but it gets in the way. It also makes accessing the MicroSD card a pain.
4. At $250, GPS would've been nice. Not that I expect to carry it around for turn-by-turn, but I'd like to access the map and Yelp for places to eat while in my hotel room.
I don't regret getting the NT16 at all. But then again my uses for the device are:
1. Reading. I read a LOT.
2. Playing games
3. Surfing the internet
4. Study device (read pdfs/powerpoints/word docs for school)
I also have music and movies stored on the device for the day when I need to entertain myself outside reading/games and off a wifi network. It's small and light enough to carry at all times in my purse or backpack and zippy enough to do what I need it to do.
Once CM9 is released I'll have to debate a lot on whether or not I want to keep my simple root with the BN eReader or upgrade to ICS for full tablet capabilities (like all those excellent note taking apps compatible with Honeycomb/ICS)
No regrets at all.
Initially when it appeared that B&N was going to hound us endlessly trying to disable root and return everyone's NT to 'jail', I was a bit resentful. I still don't recommend the NT to others because I don't trust them.
But I should have known the dimbulbs in B&N management are no match for the talented devs here. I've got no worries that my device can be ruined with an underhanded update- and I haven't done much of anything to secure it since I first rooted it back in December or so. (Still running rooted 1.4.0 with no problems). The fact that it can now run CM7 (which I haven't tried yet) is just icing on the cake. I'm guessing I'll love it even more once I get around to trying that.
The tablet does everything I need it to and more, and was a good deal for the price.
Next tablet I own probably won't be a locked device, but as for the NT itself, no regrets. That's 100% thanks to the devs here.
Hi, I've currently been looking for a replacement to my Galaxy S (had it 16 months now) which is beginning to creak a bit due to its lack of RAM. Anyway, that aside it's still a great phone barring the recent official update but switching from Touchwiz to GoLauncher solved the issues.
Anyway, I saw this deal for the Atrix and lapdock. Basically want to know if it's worth it; I am looking at this from the perspective of a consumer who uses the smartphone casually. I was hoping to use the lapdock as a sort of netbook; browsing the net and playing videos, mainly on the couch or when I'm mobile/travelling).
So I guess the real questions are;
1) With Quad Cores becoming more prevalent this year, would it be prudent to get the Atrix at this price?
2) Has the lapdock had much software updates? I mean it uses firefox which I've abandoned on desktop in favour of Chrome. Also, issue reviews said that the browser was fairly sluggish.
Originally I was thinking of getting a cheap 7in Tablet (like the soon to be out Tab 2 7.0) and I know that they're not directly comparable to this lapdock (which doesn't have touch screen and no multitouch on its pad etc) but what are your opinions?
it really depends on how much work you want to put into it. out of the box it's a little boring and slow, but with for example nottachtrix + gentop2 it's pretty amazing. we have high hopes of getting an official ICS in q3 (i believe is the consensus) should that happen atrix will be viable for another year at least. as of now, i don't think webtop has ever been updated by moto. you need to rely on the community devs for upgrades and honestly these guys have come through in ways the official corp dev team never could.
example: unlocked bootloader =)
yeah, like the previous poster said, that's a little steep tho
Well, you have to bear in mind with British prices we ALWAYS get ripped off. Fact is the Atrix is still 300 pounds or more from most websites/stores so the fact that this comes with the lapdock actually makes it a "cheap" deal.
I will stress though that I intend to use the phone and dock for media consumption, I don't really need it to do work and hence I wanted to know if anyone else has had it for similar reasons.
Also in the UK a Galaxy S2 still commands about £380 so the Atrix would be 75% of its price or there abouts; I'm sort of leaning towards it but now that I realise that it doesn't have a webcam I think I'll put my money to a new phone (possibly a Nexus or the Note) as I want to use Skype to do video call. I still can't believe Motorola originally wanted to charge nearly 300 pounds for the lapdock... it's a screen with a battery, keyboard and two usb ports. You can get a netbook and charge for that... what were they thinking?
Great phone, don't count on the lapdock
Yo from London.
I've been using my Atrix (bought in US) back in Blighty for a year and its a great device. The way I think about it is this: Last year's high end phones effectively become this year's mid-range phones. So the Atrix is basically equivalent to a new mid-range (say £200-250) phone. I think you'd tend to pay about £50 less than you'd pay for a newly release mid-range phone though given the Atrix is pretty low-profile, older device.
But I think as a phone you can't fault it. The Tegra 2 is still up to snap and if you slap on a brand new ROM (I have Neutrino based on CM7, its awesome) it feels like a brand new device. The BIG advantage it has over a mid-range phone though is the battery life - REM MOTO put a big-ass battery in here. Add in a properly tweaked third party ROM and this thing becomes an absolute battle tank as regards lastability. Do not underestimate this!
The downside is the Atrix is probably coming to the end of its support life re: OS updates. As a rule of thumb you'd expect an android device to get the next one major OS update (Atrix has actually done OK as its gotten both Gingerbread and it'll get ICS - this was because it came at the tail end of the Froyo era). Getting a new mid-range phone means you should be OK for Jellybean but there is zero chance you'll get that on Atrix. It's up to you as to whether this is an issue. TBH I always skin with ADW Launcher EX so I'm pretty ambivalent as to the OS version. There is an argument that new OS updates haven't added anything meaningful since Froyo brough Flash support (ironically the one key ICS-exclusive app - Chrome - actually takes this away). I don't think my world would end if I couldn't get Jellybean - but that's your call.
The last issue is the Lapdock. TBH don't go out assuming the world on this one. Its sluggish and if you want to use third-party ROMs based on CM7 that will break lapdock support (you can mirror HDMI /w keyboard+mouse fine on CM7 now but its a bit of a kludge). If you're buying Atrix particularly for the lapdock functionality (rather than as a bonus feature) I'd think twice. The wildcard here is that its rumours ICS will rehash the lapdock functionality and make it native Android a la Transformer Prime. That would make me reassess the lapdock - but atm its only an option.
My advice would be to get the Atrix now as a daily driver. Its a great phone - as I said an absolute battle-tank in everyday use. The current mid-range field doesn't have much to recommend it so I think you will come in quids ahead.
All the best
Jonathan
Interesting view points there. I was only going to get the lap dock because it's included at Handtec and Expansys which feature the lowest prices online (from a reputable retailer) for a new Atrix.
I see the lapdock as "bonus", something I can use on a couch when I just want to do some net browsing.
I don't own a hp touchpad or have ever used one, what are your experiences in using one?
I'm thinking of buying a second hand one for use as a 720p video player (downscaling videos) and occasional web surfing on CM9 or CM10 (depending on what works better).
Is there anything I should know before buying one? What are the cons of this compared to other tablets?
Thanks!
Unless you particularly want one, or its ridiculously cheap I wouldn't bother.
The WebOS OS is alright but it is now largely unsupported and you aren't likely to get new apps other than via Preware and the community.
Android CM9 on the device is stable but I haven't managed to get a stable enough CM10 build working reliably to keep our long term.
Getting replacement batteries is becoming harder and they are likely to fail any time now! In fact that's the position I'm in now and as I'm outside the US, it's either throw the TP away or take a chance on a non-official battery from China! (eBay is the only place I've found then even then and returns are at customer shopping cost so I'm hesitant.)
There are loads of Android tablets out there that are likely to be better supported in terms of spares and repair and you are likely to get a similar spec one just as cheap. In fact there are some reasonable ones for around $100/€100 if you know what to buy.
To be honest the only thing I miss now I'm using my Galaxy Tab 2 (my 7" travel device) more regularly is the wireless charging dock, which I loved.
You doesn't get a pad at that price with similar power nowadays.
Only HDMI out is missing. For me.
I have two touchpads and I'm quite happy with them. I use them with cm10 and they are working perfectly for me. My main apps are "mobilesheet" (perfect for musicians as replacement for score files), facebook, internet, email, podcasts, music and videos on local and internet. Maybe in the future as a remote control for our Yamaha 01v mixing console.
I agree with above poster. I paid 165 for my tablet and I can say it was best $165 ever paid. I user my touchpad for everything from Netflix, surfing, other video watching app and games. No issues what so ever. You can't get same powerfull device for such low price. I tried to find a similar tablet for around 200 but couldn't get anything. So you have to pay over 300 for 10 inch device that too a old one. All new 10 inch ones are around 400.
Sent from my Touchpad
HP Touchpad multibooting with CM9 should be fairly usable even now.
Please keep in mind that there are no official CM10 builds yet (and for a long time now...)
When KitKat comes out, I doubt CM11 will come out soon either for it.
I am still on CM9 and is able to keep up with most apps.
Also there are some common faults with Touchpad, I have them too.
Volume Up/Down buttons are flaky. Sometimes need hard presses or dont register properly.
Plastic fascia cracking, near the stereo speakers. This can grow slowly unless fixed (by you, HP/Palm would not care)
It was a good deal to buy during the firesale, but on today's date, I think I would personally go for a Nexus 7
Mainly for the high spec hardware & not wait for some OEM/Dev to release the latest google updates.
I bought an Asus transformer prime (TF200) which has a detachable keyboard which includes an additional battery USB and SD slot had some WiFi problems but I fixed that and gave mine to mum having already given one to my daughter.
Last month when she was down from university she kept "borrowing it" so I asked if she wanted to swap. I now have a TP back running jcsullins experimental with working Bluetooth and couldn't be happier as I get to have fun again trying out different ROMs and muck about with a fast easily rooted unlocked device with the added advantage of Webos which is still good in its own right.
If you do get it make sure to also purchase the Touchstone charger which is brilliant.
All the best with your decision.
TouchPad was a powerful device, when first came out. Hardware still supports newest apps and Android versions with nearly 0 problem. Also it's a quality device. If you find a cheap one (like the fire sale days), you can buy it with no doubt. I bought it nearly 2 years before and still using it; Android Jelly Bean :good:
Go for it!
I have 3 of these for over two years now and all are still in use! My personal daily driver, the kids and a hack/mod.
Its a great tablet, you wont be disappointed...of course you will need Android installed as WebOs, well isnt bad, but really isnt goo either.
good luck
Pros
Large Screen
Good sound quality
Excellent development
Cons
CPU is starting to show it's age
The image quality of the screen is relatively poor compared to other tablets (it's not bad)
It's really heavy
In the end I would consider something like a used 2012 Nexus 7 instead but if you love the Touchpad's form factor I would say go for it.
I'm going to have to agree with some of the previous posts in looking for a Nexus 7 instead unless you really need or want a 10 inch tablet. You wont find hardware in that size even remotely close to the TouchPad. Right now I'm still running CM 9(Ill admit not the latest build still) however its starting to get on my nerves a bit, it seems to get bogged down pretty easily. I guess it all comes down to your own preferences and if you can get one that its pretty good shape.
The wireless charger is a must for this. You can use easily as digital picture frame and just pick up off charger to check email, etc. Plus can be picked up for very little money. Buy both together under $150 but wireless charger can be had for $26 shipped on amazon if you get one without.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 4
I'm thinking of buying a second hand one for use as a 720p video player (downscaling videos) and occasional web surfing on CM9 or CM10 (depending on what works better).
The Tochpad can handle that easily.
Loved my hp....couple years ago. My opinion, if you want a larger screen and a nice one at that, 32 gig plus microsd, look at the nook hd +
Sent from my BNTV600 using Tapatalk
FunkiBluDawg said:
HP Touchpad multibooting with CM9 should be fairly usable even now.
Please keep in mind that there are no official CM10 builds yet (and for a long time now...)
When KitKat comes out, I doubt CM11 will come out soon either for it.
I am still on CM9 and is able to keep up with most apps.
Also there are some common faults with Touchpad, I have them too.
Volume Up/Down buttons are flaky. Sometimes need hard presses or dont register properly.
Plastic fascia cracking, near the stereo speakers. This can grow slowly unless fixed (by you, HP/Palm would not care)
It was a good deal to buy during the firesale, but on today's date, I think I would personally go for a Nexus 7
Mainly for the high spec hardware & not wait for some OEM/Dev to release the latest google updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With extremely light usage for a year, often not used at all, I observed a crack form on the back side next to one of the speakers as others have experienced. I like my TouchPad but if I were shopping for a new device, I would consider different manufacturers and spend more time searching for reviews. I would also recommend a Google Nexus tablet.
Love my Touchpad, incredible for $100. Still decent for the price of course. Who knows, I may not upgrade for a couple of years more!
Nevertheless, if I was shopping now I would consider some of the other devices. There are faster and better support devices out there. If you can live with a smaller size, then you'll score a great deal. If you want something bigger (like the TP), it's probably going to cost a little bit more. If you want something bigger with awesome resolution, like the Nexus 10...then it'll cost even more still.
Good luck!
hello everybody
i 'll try to add some precision to my question
i know that a lot of you are very proficient in rom, root, tweak and all of that so your point of view may not be the same than the one of someone with very lighter skills
i have the possibility to get a prime. (not one bought from asus, an occasion that is still in good shape)
i'm well aware of the camera issues and the potential poor wifi problem
i see you managed to put this old tablet up to date (kitkat) so i bet you know the beast a lot better than many i could ask for advise
so in the end, does this old model worth the money, the time and the tweak i would have to invest in it or is it a better thing to go for a newer model.
i have a note 3, a gaming laptop , the tablette would mainly be used by my girlfriend for watching tv/movie, cheking mail and a some skype.
she is far from being a tech addict and i would just be enough for her (compared to a true laptop)
i don't want to put 500 buck so if i went for a model of these year it would be a middle quality item at best (10" though, everything else is just to small)
that's why i thought that this prime could do the trick but, i'm testing it since 2 days (android stock, 4.1 no root, nothing) and i find it slow i just surf on the net and i fear it would reach it's limit very soon even with kitkat (the touch screen seems sometime capricious too)
well to sum up, if i were your friend, what would be your advice?
take it or go for a less old thing?
thanks a lot for you help and sorry if my english is bad, it's not one of my specialities ^^'
I have been using a prime for 2 and a half years now and the custom ROMs from sdbags, CromiX 5.4 and his KK version are the best that I have tried for this tablet especial CromiX 5.4, it runs very well web browsing, watching videos, etc.
So it all depends on the price your picking the 2nd hand prime up for, if cheap then yes go for it as the keyboard makes it worth while investment
Sent from my TF300T using XDA Premium HD app