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Hello All,
Not sure if this is the correct spot for this post, if it isn't I apologize.
I been debating if I should purchase this tablet (viewsonic g tab).
The primary reason for the purchase is so I'll have the ability to read and easily navigate pdf's on the go. The pdf's can be heavy in graphics at times and go up to 75MB in size (they are parts/technical manuals in 8.5x11" format).
For that application I thought this might be the best fit.
I'm wondering if it might be a bit of overkill though. I do need a 10" screen. The other features might be excessive and I may be better off settling on cheaper alternative.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks.
Safest bet is to buy an ipad 2. I highly recommend against the gtab for any purpose at all. Just buy an ipad 2 and there is no possibility for disappointment.
jbaur13 said:
I'm wondering if it might be a bit of overkill though. I do need a 10" screen. The other features might be excessive and I may be better off settling on cheaper alternative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GTablet is not ideal for "unwrap it and use it" use. For that, any of the new $400ish Honeycomb tablets with better screens, or indeed the much more expensive iPad2 would be perfect.
The gtab is like a '67 chevy you buy to restore You'll know a lot about customizing android, flashing roms, rooting, and possibly even using the android SDK after you're done getting it to a state that you can buy off the shelf for a few more $. And of course, you can't ever fix the screen.
If you had said you intended to surf the web from your couch and you wanted to spend the minimum amount of money, and you were kinda interested in tinkering with low level stuff or at least had read some threads over and thought you could do it, then yeah... go gtab!
jbaur13 said:
The primary reason for the purchase is so I'll have the ability to read and easily navigate pdf's on the go. The pdf's can be heavy in graphics at times and go up to 75MB in size (they are parts/technical manuals in 8.5x11" format).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the new HC tabs are selling for $400 ish, slightly used gtabs is being sold for $200 shipped (some even come with accessories at this price).
If you can deal with the viewing angles of a TN screen (take a mainstream laptop/netbook and move around it and see how the color shift) or if you would use the tablet straight on most of the time then at $200 I can't help but recommend it, its a different story though if you are paying $300 + shipping + taxes (current retail)
Again pdf isn't an issue out of the box (esp. with the availability of gmarket and amazon market on it out of the box), and getting any hacked rom on it is a 10~20 minutes painless process (esp if you aren't into salvaging whatever settings/application that was already loaded on it).
Best of luck,
I feel comfortable with the hacking that must be done to the tab. I'm a service tech by trade... the instructions on this site are more thorough than the service manuals I work with everyday. I also have the forums to fall back on for support.
I'm not finding a whole lot of 10" tabs out there that are cheaper and have near the features of this one.
An Ipad is way more than I'd be willing to spend... besides that it'd probably make my boss jealous and I'd never get another raise.
Thanks for the responses... Anyone selling a g pad?
jbaur13 said:
Anyone selling a g pad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1056866
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1055201
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1050026
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1051097
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1054599
Best of luck,
First: For reading PDFS this thing will be fine, the screen isn't the best (viewing angles) but it's cheap and bigger than most.
A lot of people asked me why I didn't buy an I-pad
Here's a few reasons
I dislike syncing files through I-Tunes. Drag and drop is the present I live in.
I like being able to save files from the web to my devices internal memory. Downloading a song, an emailed document or an apk for future use or even just creating a library of useful files on the go is something I can't live without.
Expandable, swappable memory.
Configurable, swappable boots.
Android community devs are doing awesome things!
USB input devices, keyboards and mice.
Flash. Seriously what was apple thinking?
Playing non itunes friendly media files.
The screen is terrible though. But on the other hand I do not want to throw a 600$ IPS screen around like I handle this tablet.
I personally wait until some of the honeycomb tabs come out. There are a lot about to come out. My biggest disappointment with the gtablet is the viewing angles (a 'bit' better with a fingerprint hiding screen protector) and the non-lit buttons (hard to use in darkness)... I would stick with android if your a hacker in general... and ipad2 if not. Netflix and huluplus make the ipad a better tablet for couch use. The apps are better there, as long as they fit in Steve's idea of the perfect app.
I decided to go ahead with the purchase, thanks for all the feedback.
jbaur13 said:
I decided to go ahead with the purchase, thanks for all the feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just do us a favor and don't come back a couple weeks from now crying bloody murder about how aweful the screen is. Told you to get an ipad.
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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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..
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
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..
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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
Hey guys
I've been looking a LOT around amazon and such for a tablet under $100. Why under $100? I need it to be under that price because there's a very high "luxury" tax applied in my country to products over $100, and it's an extra money I would rather not give to the govt because it's plain ridiculous already. Also, I'm planning on getting two of them, and I can't afford more than $150-200 on them. Why? this stupid country only gives you a "coupon" of $400 to spend online -YEARLY-, and I don't want to use it all on just two tablets, or be left with less than $200-250 to spend on other stuff I also need.
Monetary reasons explained and set aside, I'm getting the tablet for my mom, who only needs to browse the web, get on facebook, get & reply to emails, maybe some chatting and whatnot. She doesn't need much and I'm sure a simple Zeepad or something similar would do, but I'm a power user who mods almost every device that comes across his hands, so I'm using this chance to get a tablet too -if- I like the one I'm buying to my mom.
My mom's needs are... well, the basics. Maybe playing a video or two and nothing else. Me, on the other hand, want to upgrade it to the highest android version available for it (whether it be GB or ICS, or even Froyo since some come with Eclair (Eww)) and give it lots of possible uses. These include using it as a VNC viewer, remote keyboard/mouse, some development (if I get a keyboard+case for it), some gaming (ok, maybe not THD or anything but if it runs Angry Birds I'm happy XD) etcetera.
So, to resume, I'm looking for something including these specs, if possible:
3G (optional but it would be a big plus)
WiFi (must, or if not, then 3G)
600-800Mhz CPU (ARM? Adreno? Cortex? wtf?!)
A decent GPU (PowerVR? (like my Defy)?, what's a good GPU in android devices anyways?)
No stylus-exclusive (avoid if possible)
No resistive screen (I've heard they suck, and I don't want to push a screen like if it were a button (Blackberry Storm anyone? Eww xD) and be forced to use a stylus. If I can use my fingers on a resistive screen and it feels like a capacitive one, then that's okay with me )
USB host (to be able to plug in USB drives, keyboards, mices, etc)
Ethernet port optional but cool if it has one.
Tethering ability (though I think this is more OS-dependant than anything else)
Full Android Market (stupid chinese tablets)
SD card reader
Medium-small size. My whole Nook Simple Touch has the right size for the screen size I'd like (I think that's 7-9 inches?), I don't want to carry a tablet of the size of a notebook. Something that can fit a big pocket in a jacket or a pant would be cool, like the NST . This is optional but not required.
Battery life to stand a lot. Hey, my phone lasts only a day even without WiFi turned on which sucks. I've heard their batteries are like 6 or more hours, which seems okay... I'm not really sure what is "good" in this aspect.
Camera would be cool.
Phone (or at least SMS) functions would be cool, too.
And last but not least, able to be upgraded, or at least with a good hacker community stabilished. I want to be able to upgrade the tablet to other android versions (I don't mind if they're experimental) or at least compile a version for it. With this, I'm saying I don't want to be using google translate to find info on how to install another ROM in my tablet because everything comes from chinese forums and the tablet uses a random, non-standard OMFG-9372 processor nobody knows -anything- about and have to use dodgy apps or hacks to modify it, mmkay? okay.
Now, I've done my homework and these are the items I've came up with, however I'm still looking for more devices:
EEpad MID: http://www.amazon.com/Android-Table...C2/ref=sr_1_99?ie=UTF8&qid=1334592070&sr=8-99
Elsse: http://www.amazon.com/Elsse-Interne.../ref=sr_1_125?ie=UTF8&qid=1334592099&sr=8-125
Pandigital: http://www.amazon.com/Pandigital-An...H0/ref=sr_1_60?ie=UTF8&qid=1334591812&sr=8-60
Zeepad: http://www.amazon.com/Zeepad-Tablet...7Q/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1334591744&sr=8-25
Skytex: http://www.amazon.com/Skytex-Primer...E0/ref=sr_1_50?ie=UTF8&qid=1334591812&sr=8-50
Zeepad (2): http://www.amazon.com/Zeepad-Androi...1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334592627&sr=8-3-fkmr1
Coby Kyros: http://www.amazon.com/Coby-MID7015-.../ref=sr_1_121?ie=UTF8&qid=1334593041&sr=8-121
"Random" brands:
http://www.amazon.com/Boxchip-Corte...0K/ref=sr_1_82?ie=UTF8&qid=1334592041&sr=8-82
http://www.amazon.com/Tablet-Intern...5Q/ref=sr_1_91?ie=UTF8&qid=1334592986&sr=8-91
Now, my thoughts:
EEpad MID: Looks good, but it has no reviews, so that detracts me from buying it. I can't find much info on the web on modifying it though.
Elsse: Seems like an asian tablet with no official Android Market, but eh, what do you guys say?
Pandigital: Looks like it sucks .
Zeepad: There isn't much info about it
Skytex: Looks cheap-o and low-quality :/
Zeepad (2): Seems to have good features and such.
Coby Kyros: Now, this, coming from Coby it makes me think of a cheap device like the MP3 players they make, but surprisingly, it has more reviews than the rest of the tablets and it's under $100. Also, it seems to be more powerful than the rest of the ones I've looked at (in the links here), and the reviews seem to be good. It makes me think if it's possible to upgrade it to 2.2 or 2.3, it would be really cool if it would.
---
Sorry for the long read!... in case you want a resume, I'm just looking for two tablets: A simple one for my mom to browse the web, emails, play some games, chat and etc, and another one (or the same one if possible) for a power-user who would modify/upgrade it and use it as an IT work tool (VNC viewer, dev. tool, document editing, pdf reading, flash, some gaming, etc).
Any thoughts you guys have in relation to an android tablet to get? what's something "good" and something "bad"? I'd like to see opinions, reviews or suggestions on other tablets to look for or what other keywords should I look for in Amazon?
Thanks in advance!
- DARKGuy
Bump?
Coby Kyros is listed as "resistive" on Amazon, i'm not sure you've noticed that. I think you should check the Ainol (or any allwinner based device). They have somewhat limited community and support but it should be good for performance and gaming. Or bump the price range to 150 and look at Cortex A9 devices with reputable brands..
I agree with NightWatch71 about the tablet but not the price. I found it at around $75 in some places, but that was a long time ago so I forgot. Try looking around on Google Shopping.
Prices on Amazon change so often it's almost impossible to keep up and new manufacturers are releasing tablets a dime a dozen
This list is kept up to date tabletninja.com/finding-the-best-tablets-under-100/
A lot of the same options listed with a few new options from some newbies
I looked in the general forum and decided that this is a legitimate question. I hope this is alright. I'm not a big poster but I am a big lurker.
I own a G Tablet and it has Beasty on it so I can use all of the factory specs such as camera, etc.
My father-in-law always wants my toys because he can't afford any. Which is fine. He has devoted his life to ministry and I understand he isn't as well off as my wife and I.
That being said, he would really like a tablet. Well, I have the G Tablet and a Kindle Fire. So, this is really about which tablet, if any, do I give him?
Pros and Cons
Kindle
-Easy to use UI
-Can be customized with new ROM
-No camera or additional storage via SD card
-Free Amazon apps, etc.
-Easy to transport
-Can handle with one hand
-Screen can be cleaned easy like phone
-Resell value is still $150 on CL in Charlotte
G Tablet
-Fun toy with everything you need in a tablet (crappy camera)
-Many ROMS and can load anyone rather quickly
-Not that easy to transport
-Kind of heavy (relatively)
-Can probably buy/replace one here or on net for ~$100
-Already have it customized and all apps I need
-Possibly better gaming tablet? (I have a Vita)
-Bigger screen is easier for me (big hands)
-200 invested with folding case, screen protector, and 16Gb SD card
I'm sure I left off some stuff. I appreciate you serious feedback. Try not to bash me too much. I will be visiting my Dad-in-law next Wednesday (8/1).
Thanks in advanced,
Jimmy
Honestly I view the Gtab as a tweaker/modder's tablet and especially with the huge popularity of the Kindle Fire I'd lean towards that. So really it comes down to how tech savvy your in-laws are.
Potimto said:
Honestly I view the Gtab as a tweaker/modder's tablet and especially with the huge popularity of the Kindle Fire I'd lean towards that. So really it comes down to how tech savvy your in-laws are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this. I think my m-i-l would like a tablet/e-reader, and I just bought a Nexus 7, so I've thought of giving her my GTab, but in the end it would be much better for her to have her own Nexus or Kindle, or basically any tablet that just plain works right out of the box.
I would ask what is he going to do with it? What does he expect out of it? Specifically does he need a full size usb port?
Once you know how he is going to use it, then you can probably make a good decision.
I think you should:
Keep the gtab. Give the kindle.
Kindle is easier to use.
Gtablet has better hw with a learning curve.
I'm with everyone else here, if he's not tech savvy, give him the Kindle.
If he's looking for a toy to tinker with, the G Tablet.
If you don't want to be called in to fix anything anytime something goes wrong, definitely go with the Kindle.
Whatever you do...
Don't jokingly say "We're even, I've got your daughter and you've got my tablet."
It may appear to be funny at the time, but daddies don't like a price being put on their daughters nor do the daughters enjoy thinking themselves worth less than all the stars in the heavens.
I didn't do it myself, but all hell broke lose when my brother joked with the inlaws when he gave his mother in law a car and made that statement.