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I picked up my HTC Flyer this evening at Best Buy. General feel and speed of the device is very quick. I did not get the pen yet. They did not have any of those in stock at the particular store I was at.
My question however deals with the Onlive service. I was under the impression that the Flyer would come with Onlive built in to the system... However, I cannot find it or find any additional detail on the service. This was supposed to be one of the key selling points I thought.
Anyone have any details?
I have no details. Reviewers mentioned it was coming soon. I assume it has simply been delayed. But, it does bother me HTC has said nothing about it, and removed mentions of it from all their marketing and promotional videos.
Bump
Rather than start a new thread, maybe this will be useful! Engadget has a video demoing OnLive on our lovely Flyer's with a wireless controller!
Check here!
I wondering is this was a lovely bit of marketing spin.
In that 'eventually' you will be able to use Onlive (once Onlive is ready), but the way it was marketing suggested to you (and the rest of us) that it would be from launch.
I suspect if we looked, we'd be hard pushed to see anything from either party (HTC or Onlive) that actually says from launch.
Similarilly I'd thought I'd seen in some of the media/PR around MWC that with the Flyer you'd be able to use Skype supporting video. Now again that doesn't seem to be the case, as Microsoft don't yet have a freely available version of SkyPe available that supports video under Android.
Iain
Originally stated that video calling would be possible too
Kris
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy my Flyer but I feel with a handful of apps and services not available like they claimed, it is extremely disappointing. This tablet feels really rushed and it is strange because they were one of the last companies to market a tablet device. My impression originally is that Honeycomb would be released for it shortly after it was released but I keep reading it won't be released for potentially 3-5 months from now. I can't complain about Honeycomb too much because I knew that way before purchasing it but still...
In my opinion I don't think honey will take that long bc the 10" version is going to have honey on it with the scrib also. Im prety sure that i herd and saw on some reviews from HTC view that it will be getting honey shortly after launch which is June 24, so I'm thinking once the 10" comes out or right around that time the ota will be sent out. The 10" is supposed to hit this summer july. I have a friend with HTC and he also said when I asked him before flyer hit the shelf, "its coming soon after flyer's launch, along with onlive probably coming with the update."
Sent from my HTC Flyer P512 using XDA Premium App
Hi there.
I read through the forums here looking for answers to my specific questions, but found them only partly answered, so I thought a new thread might be justified. Truth be told, the noob video kinda scared me out of posting, so I guess it suits its purpose.
So, here's my story:
I've been looking for a device to view, read and annotate digital texts and ebooks with for quite some time. I read a lot of papers (mostly PDF, some DOC and ePUB), and until now I've always gone back to printing and adding handwritten notes on the side.
So my question now is: How well can the flyer handle that sort of job.
Here's a list of jobs/things it would need to do:
-reasonably view all kinds of formats (text-PDF, image-PDF, epub, doc etc.)
-highlight, mark and annotate texts
-ability to hide/display on and export those annotations to other devices (at least windows-based systems)
-note syncing with evernote/dropbox or similar would be a plus, but storing the notes within the actual files is sufficient
I've read up on the flyer around the web, but couldn't quite figure out how well it does fit my demands. From what I gathered so far, the scribe pen notations seem to be rather tightly bound to the device, which would be somewhat counter-productive.
So I would highly appreciate it, if someone who uses the flyer in a similar fashion could comment on this, or possibly recommend a better fitting device (I have been eyeballing quite a few over the years, but none seemed as promising as the flyer does).
Thanks!
I am a scientist, and I purchased the Flyer primarily to annotate PDF files. Here is my opinion.
The native pdf viewer is adequate. It is not good, and not bad. Annotating is very easy, and overall a very positive experience. Except for one GLARING problem. The pen size in the pdf annotation cannot get small enough. Zoomed in, the pen size is so large you can only fit 1-2 words of annotation in the side margins, and you can BARELY underline txt (let alone try and fix txt in between lines). HTC "knows" about this issue, but that is all they have stated. I contacted another PDF program (eezpdf or something like that) they said they are planning on supporting pen devices in the future, but would not commit to the Flyer specifically.
It is usable in it's current form, just not as I imagined.
The ebook reader is an absolute delight. They (I guess it would be Borders who made it) should be commended. If you can/want, I would convert all your pdf's to ebooks to annotate.
The note application has some issues (in landscape mode the pen side is still too big for my taste), but it is also overall good. Some additional work could be done here with the palm recognition.
Hope this helps.
I think Flyer is not perfect for academic use because right now there are so many limitation in software implementation for the first kind of android tablet which uses active digitizer. So the problem resides not on the hardware but on the low maturity of the software.
I think we can compromise the limitations, and with some tweakings, we can become very productive with Flyer. Not just because of the magic pen, but also form factor and the speed of multitasking work with this tablet.
If you plan to do full scribble activity, the easiest way to do that is by making some empty pdf pages which can be write with magic pen without automatic saving trouble and activation of soft keyboard.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using Tapatalk
I agree with the above posts. If you're willing to work with the limited software, the Flyer is viable for accomplishing your listed task.
The pen enabled Kobo reader does a good job of highlighting, markup and handwritten annotations of epub. It does not natively recognize pdf, but there are programs which can convert the PDFs to epub for imported into Kobo. I use Caliber on my Windows machine. The conversion is fairly straightforward, but it is an extra step (saving the converted epub to dropbox is a quick way of getting the disc onto the Flyer).
The pen enabled PDF reader, I believe from Foxit, can highlight text, but the line weight is too thick. But usable in a bind. I can sign docs, flatten and return to the sender.
I'm not sure about creating a blank PDF for scribble... The auto-saving can get in the way sometimes, but it hasn't bothered me, I don't take notes non-stop though. Learning to touch the pen tip down before andor touching the edge of the note with your other hand reduces the keyboard from popping up.
As with anything you would be the best judge of the functionality. Find a Flyer from a local retailer with a generous return policy.
Hope that helps.
I bought the Flyer with many of the same motivations that you have, as I work extensively with documents. For the most part, it has fulfilled my needs very well, though I do agree with some of the shortcomings raised by other posters here regarding the PDF application.
The Polaris Office app lets you use the pen to mark up Word and Excel documents and the comments you make with the pen are then visible on your PC. If you have access to Word versions of a document rather than PDF this may be a better option as the pen width is much better. Marking up documents in the Reader app is a delight, but I can't seem to find a way to view what you've done in the book on other devices.
The only other device I've had that allowed me the same kind of flexibility was a fully fledged Windows tablet. That allowed me to do a lot more, but couldn't compare to the ease of portability of the Flyer. I think it's a winner of you have to work with documents a lot.
Thank you all for your replies so far.
I have a follow-up question though: Since the flyer has been around for a bit now and you probably all have some perspective on how the developer community is coming along, I'm wondering: Do you think there will be enough community support to keep the device somewhat viable (particularly in this specific field of usage), even if HTC is lackluster in supporting it?
There are more tablets coming this winter with pen support. So, I would say there will be plenty of roms and apps to come. Sammy, eeepad memo from Asus and a few others have them coming. Pen support is a must have for a tablet and I bet the new HTC Puccini will even have some type of support. It will be refined within this tablets lifetime in my opinion. If you are not afraid to wait and not afraid of maybe quality problems then the memo is due in December. I wouldn't though. Asus has fallen off over the years. HTC makes a good product and they support it. This pad will get better along with its pen apps. I've used the other tablets and owned two Sammy 10.1 tablets. I still came back to this one for college use.
lupus_ said:
Thank you all for your replies so far.
I have a follow-up question though: Since the flyer has been around for a bit now and you probably all have some perspective on how the developer community is coming along, I'm wondering: Do you think there will be enough community support to keep the device somewhat viable (particularly in this specific field of usage), even if HTC is lackluster in supporting it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The devs have just achieved S-off (they will be releasing it to us soonish). After, that I know we have 2 devs that own flyers and will probably be cooking roms for it.
kcchen said:
The pen enabled PDF reader, I believe from Foxit, can highlight text, but the line weight is too thick. But usable in a bind. I can sign docs, flatten and return to the sender.
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Click to collapse
I bought the device for the same reason as the threadstarter.
I just started my pdh and want to read a lot of PDFs when I travel or just sit in the tube, so I looked for the stylus and the annotation function. Until now (got the Flyer 4 weeks ago) Im very glad that I took the HTC Flyer, because of the size and the performance. But I have one problem with the Foxit PDF reader. I open the data and write something on it, then I save it two or three times. Until now everything is fine. Then when I want to save it again there is some kind of message, that "there is not enough space to save the data" and I cant save the new annotations. It was very frustrating, when I read a 10 pages with a lot of annotations and the save function didnt work... Has anyonehad the same experience or is there another programm (not the ebookreader trick) to annotate pdfs?
The ezPDF reader does not work with the stylus. you cant annotate the PDFs, instead you can just make a screenshot and write on it, but its not the same.
Yes, I'm pretty sure the "not enough space" thing is a bug. I sent HTC a support ticket about it. Don't know the update cycle -- maybe you can add to the complaints
Essentially, it happens whenever I annotate a pdf and save it, and continue reading the same pdf. If I annotate any more and try to save it, it will give "not enough space".
My workaround has been to actually exit to the menu with the list of pdfs after saving, then reopening the same pdf.
Ah okay, I will check this trick. This will spare me a lot of nerves, just save the annotations end the app and restart it
I feel like since the screen on the sensation is so big and the flyer isn't that much bigger, the sensation won't be too useful.
I actually have both the Flyer and a Desire HD as (screen size is the same as the Sensation) as well as a 10" tablet, both have their different uses, the Flyer is mostly dedicated to work (and some play), the DHD is used mostly to communicate, SMS, Calls, some email and my 10 inches is used for playing games and movies.
It's up to you how you would prioritize your device usage, but this setup is what I'm comfortable with... oh... and 4.3" is much, MUCH smaller than 7"
ooh ic. Thanks for the reply
I was wondering cuz I used to have an iPad and got a flyer while I sent my sensation into htc for repair
all I need my tablet is for doing work like taking notes and typing on the go
so it would probably be good for my uses? Since you use ur flyer for work and that's all I need it for.
do you think it would be good for me?
htc flyer for school notes and on the go document editing
htc sensation for texting calling google+ and email
I have both and they are completely different. Huge difference i screen size as kentamayo says. But I DO like the high res and large size screen on the Sensation for those moments when it is inconvenient (or imprudent) to take out the Flyer. Both are good for games. Flyer is better for video, work, reading, and obviously note taking. Flyer is better for anything which requires the loudspeaker but the Sensation is better for taking pics and videos. And no matter how much more comfortable it might be for some to type on the Flyer a phone is still more convenient for firing off a quick text in the middle of the street (well, it also depends just exactly where you're carrying your Flyer).
Honestly for me they are a good match. Hopefully they are for you too (and if you use it the scribe pen can't be beat on the Flyer).
Agree. A phone and a tablet are totally different.
thanks guys
so now i have both the sensation and the flyer together and love them working together!
While the Sensation and Flyer are very similar, I can't help but feel that you may as well have asked, do I need a phone (smart or otherwise) if I have a tablet.
I have an Xperia Arc and my partner has a HTC Sensation and we have a Flyer that we share. The Flyer is great for reading books on (I can on the phones but, is better on the tablet obviously, 7" screen makes a huge difference) and for writing blog posts. Again I can do that on my phone but, is more hassle than it's worth but, I've done some blogging on the Flyer and I actually find it easier to do that on the Flyer than the computer. Although that said, both times I had the laptop in front of me with the stories opened I needed to write.
The Flyer and Sensation go great together, a perfect combo . Also, with Dropbox/evernote you can easily swap files/notes - and then have them on your computer too .
Hi Everybody,
I'm a Hong Kong guy who loves HTC devices. (Especially HTC Sense)
I totally agree with QuBic! I've just bought both sensation & flyer, and I enjoying them so much.
Let me share about how I'm using them currently.
Major function uses on Sensation
Phone calls, SMS, WhatApp, reading emails, reading Facebook updates, Sport Tracking, Projects/Task reminder, Music Player, Radio player and some general enquiry apps.
Major function uses on Flyer
Taking notes during meeting or lesson (by text, sound, photo or video), compose or reply emails, plan and organize projects, tasks and personal matters, reading news, books, documents and comics, internet browning, video player, games......etc.
Hello everyone. So currently I am considering getting the HTC Flyer. I can get one for around $160 USD (used but in good condition). Is it worth it? I definitely cannot afford new tablets but a used one with decent specs would do. I am about to enter college in the fall and was wondering if this tablet would be useful for this purpose, specifically because of the pen. Does the pen seem more like a gimmick or is it really useful (like with school and professional related tasks). Also, if I do get the HTC Flyer, can you all share what are great apps to make this device extra handy (apps which utilize the pen, notes and documents).
Recommended accessories would also be nice! Affordable ones that is. The pen is already sooooo expensive (IMHO) and I WANT it!!!
Is it advisable to update to HC or leave it on Android 2.3? I like the new pen features of HC but it seems HC is buggy (from what I read on this forum) and that isn't favorable when I may be taking notes in college with this thing.
I just want to get a device that would help me all round. Some entertainment here but useful in the classroom. I am on a tight budget (still have to get a laptop so please consider that)
I really appreciate everyone's time. I look forward to hearing from you all.
I purchased the flyer specifically for the pen usage and am very satisfied with it. I upgraded to honeycomb and if your main use is for the pen I suggest that you do too. I like the ability to annotate books in either epub or PDF. I like the feature in the stock notes app where you can record and your written notes are time stamped and synced with the recording and ultimately with evernote. however I don't particularly like how writing the notes are implemented (it is constantly wasting time autosaving). if you are just taking notes I would suggest using apps such as quill or papyrus (I myself prefer papyrus - it is very smooth and uses both buttons on the pen). what else I have been doing is using the voice recording app along with apps such as papyrus then exporting them together into the notes app which then seamlessly syncs with evernote (yes I know it seems tedious but I only do this if i really need the lecture recorded). the only thing that I really desire is a fully functional handwriting recognition app. I downloaded a couple of apps (thanks to Gumby) such as notes mobile. they work fairly well however my handwriting is so poor it isn't worth it. my family does much better with it so perhaps you can too.
so all in all if the flyer is in good shape for $160 I would highly recommend it. if i think of anything else to say I will let you know.
The pen functionality is great for annotations on existing documents but it's not easy to take notes, like meeting minutes.
Anyway 160bucks is a nice price if you want a 7" tablet the flyer is great, but if you want to spend just 160bucks to replace a paper book to take notes in class that's going to disappoint you
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium HD app
ericvv said:
The pen functionality is great for annotations on existing documents but it's not easy to take notes, like meeting minutes.
Anyway 160bucks is a nice price if you want a 7" tablet the flyer is great, but if you want to spend just 160bucks to replace a paper book to take notes in class that's going to disappoint you
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just wondering which app do you use to take notes? I can see the difficulty if you are using the stock notes app (due to the constant autosaving) but apps such as papyrus are very smooth and I find note taking to be very easy and productive.
So far the stock tool and MS notes, I'll try papyrus and let you know
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium HD app
@ericvv. Thanks for your input. I don't plan on using it to replace "book, paper and pencil". I just want something that can help with making supplementary notes. I really doubt *anything* can replace the pen and pad for serious notes.
Just asking...I remember reading that only ebooks bought from Kobo can be annotated through the supplied app. But...is there anyway to side load e-pub and pdf books and annotate them the same way? Like through alternative apps. The Kobo way would be kind of expensive.
Thanks everyone for you time.
I am using the app LectureNotes daily at my work to scribble down quick notes from meetings etc. It is actually working quite well and it has nearly eliminated my use of pen and paper, but only nearly .
antis said:
I am using the app LectureNotes daily at my work to scribble down quick notes from meetings etc. It is actually working quite well and it has nearly eliminated my use of pen and paper, but only nearly .
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Click to collapse
And the developer is legend, I mailed him a couple of times with usability issues and within 3 or 4 days the updated app was on the marketplace. There is a free version to try, give it a spin.
anthonbob said:
@ericvv. Thanks for your input. I don't plan on using it to replace "book, paper and pencil". I just want something that can help with making supplementary notes. I really doubt *anything* can replace the pen and pad for serious notes.
Just asking...I remember reading that only ebooks bought from Kobo can be annotated through the supplied app. But...is there anyway to side load e-pub and pdf books and annotate them the same way? Like through alternative apps. The Kobo way would be kind of expensive.
Thanks everyone for you time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that the standard HTC reader app should let you annotate ebooks. I actually sideloaded an epub on my Flyer and noted that I was able to highlight and take notes on. However, it should be noted that I'm running LeeDroid for Honeycomb, so I have no idea how everything works when the unit is stock.
I initially purchased the Flyer because it was cheap and slightly more portable than my HP Touchpad (running CM9) for travel purposes (i occasionally need to run Citrix to access my company's desktop). I also preferred it over the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet due to the existence of the cameras (I skype with my grandmother in Asia). Plus, the battery life on this thing is phenomenal. The fact that I got it for about $170 just made it all the sweeter. The only downside thus far, in my opinion, is the lack of ICS. I know a lot of people have commented that it is a single core machine. Since I don't really play any games on the tablet, this is a non-issue for me.
I thought that the pen was a total gimmick and unnecessary. For most of my uses, that is true. However, I figured out that my office can send me PDF documents, which I can sign using the pen, save the signed PDF, and send it back to my office. This does not happen that often, but it's a pretty neat feature to have.
Thanks everyone for the input. I made the plunge! I know this is off topic but...the Flyer I bought doesn't include a USB cable, only the charger. Would the standard USB cable work for this for PC connection? I really do hope so. Accessories for this thing already aren't cheap!
Yes normal usb cable is fine, for accessories look on eBay is not bad eve of for genuine HTC parts.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium HD app
That's where I normally buy my accessories. I looked for the OEM cable which is a bit pricey IMHO. I will use my old USB cable! IS it slower or anything to transfer data with this cable though?
No I didn't isn't, the port is only different from mechanical point of view to prevent that you put other devices on the flyer OEM charger and damage them.... The amount of amps is just dangerous for over devices..
For example when my wife uses her ipad charger to charge her iphone the phone gets really hot and probably would be damaged if kept on to long.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium HD app
Need some advice help me out! .... HTC Flyer 3G or HTC Jetstream 32GB, 4G?
(if same price)
Thanx
viriatto said:
Need some advice help me out! .... HTC Flyer 3G or HTC Jetstream 32GB, 4G?
(if same price)
Thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely depends on your application. I have experience with both - I own a Jetstream and a very close friend of mine owns a Flyer. What is your application. I shall suggest accordingly in view of that.
I'm debating the very same thing. I had a tablet pc (HP tmz2) and used it for taking notes like crazy.
At work I go through a couple of those little 5x8" pads of paper a month. I would like to replace those. I also take a lot of other notes, business books, church, etc. I thought the Flyer might be good since its about the 5x8 pad size ( a little smaller) but maybe its too small.
I will use this mostly for notes. I have a 9.8" Android tablet (Window N90... chinese but works great) and an epic 4g so I really don't need another plain android tablet. I really just need something to write with. I don't really want to spend 500 bucks on a Galaxy note 10.1... if I was going to go that far, I could get some sort of slate pc with full windows (probably for $600-700). I can get the Jetstream for 250ish probably, the lenovo thinkpad tablet for 250ish or the flyer for 150ish...
Based on your usage with the 2 sizes and the fact that I really just want to take notes (not really super in depth college-classroom style notes... just rarely do I want to take these kind of notes), what is your suggestion?
icevapor said:
I'm debating the very same thing. I had a tablet pc (HP tmz2) and used it for taking notes like crazy.
At work I go through a couple of those little 5x8" pads of paper a month. I would like to replace those. I also take a lot of other notes, business books, church, etc. I thought the Flyer might be good since its about the 5x8 pad size ( a little smaller) but maybe its too small.
I will use this mostly for notes. I have a 9.8" Android tablet (Window N90... chinese but works great) and an epic 4g so I really don't need another plain android tablet. I really just need something to write with. I don't really want to spend 500 bucks on a Galaxy note 10.1... if I was going to go that far, I could get some sort of slate pc with full windows (probably for $600-700). I can get the Jetstream for 250ish probably, the lenovo thinkpad tablet for 250ish or the flyer for 150ish...
Based on your usage with the 2 sizes and the fact that I really just want to take notes (not really super in depth college-classroom style notes... just rarely do I want to take these kind of notes), what is your suggestion?
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Click to collapse
Ok as you are looking at something to take notes mainly, then I would definitely suggest either of these HTC devices or Samsung's note devices. Difference between them-Samsung is more acceptable and more post-purchase support. I have used the Note and I definitely like the HTC Flyer or Jetstream better. Note 10.1 I have no experience so can't say much about it.
Between the Flyer and Jetstream, the basic difference is in the size. For a fully functional pen experience on the Flyer, definitely need to upgrade to Honeycomb. The gingerbread pen experience is honestly bad. The experience with the pen on Flyer honeycomb and Jetstream is the same. So no complaints there. Only question that then comes to mind is what about future? If you amongst those who need to have updates on and off and it itches to have something new, then Flyer for the simple fact that the community is larger and there are already updates available. So you will be getting.your hands on some newer flavors of android for sure. The Jetstream userbase is smaller and.not much development happening so for.now, it is more or less what you buy is what you will be sticking with. But, if you want a device which is going to have better hardware specs, the Jetstream wins hands down.
Seeing as you have a 9.8 tab and are happy with it, would be more sensible to go for the Flyer as you already have a larger tab for the other functions. If however you are looking at something to replace your old tab and give you your notes function, then I would suggest the Jetstream.
I am definitely very happy with my Jetstream and I know my friend with the flyer is also.very happy with his flyer. So I can assure you this that no.matter what others say, once you buy either of the tablets, I know they will work well and will serve your purpose equally well. If portability is an.issue, then flyer better (as in the case of my friend) but if it isn't, I would go for the Jetstream.
Sent from my HTC PG09410 using xda app-developers app
icevapor said:
I also take a lot of other notes, business books, church, etc. I thought the Flyer might be good since its about the 5x8 pad size ( a little smaller) but maybe its too small.
... I really just need something to write with. I don't really want to spend 500 bucks on a Galaxy note 10.1... if I was going to go that far, I could get some sort of slate pc with full windows (probably for $600-700). I can get the Jetstream for 250ish probably...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have two tablets--a JetStream and a Samsung Slate Series 7 (SSS7 - a tablet PC). I use my SSS7 for taking notes at conferences, church, etc.
I have tried a few different note taking ap's on the JetStream that will capture hand written notes using the HTC stylus (i.e., storing the hand written text) -- I have yet to find anything that compares to using OneNote on the SSS7. OneNote is superior to any of the note taking applications on the android, at least the ones that I have tried, which recognize the HTC stylus.
To be fair, I need to give the native note taking ap on the JetStream another chance to see how it does (i.e., I tried it early on but not recently), but when I have used recommended programs such as Quill and PhatPad, they do not compare very well to the SSS7 & OneNote. Quill is not as smooth and PhatPad was just lagey.
I am not sure if the slowness is due to pen technology on the HTC being inferior to that of the SSS7 (Wacom) or if the issue is with Android 3.x OS -- I have heard that Icecream (4.x) would be faster. The tips on the Wacom stylus that can be switched out, to provide either the feel of a pencil or a pen.
Additionally, the built in hand recognition s/w on W7 and W8 is many times better than what I have been able to find on the Android (e.g., WritePad) -- W7 / W8, it can learn on it's own based on your corrections, or you can enter 50 sentences and it learns your hand writing -- I can nearly scribble something on the SSS7, and it gets it correct most of the time. The experience on the JetStream is usually frustrating.