Using Prime as a notebook replacement (email?) - Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

Hi, folks!
I am seriously thinking about buying a TF201 to repace my Vaio. The main obstacle for me seems to be the way to handle my mail. I am used to keep my mail locally (with pop3) and backing it up later. Can anyone, please, clarify a few moments:
1. Is there any decent email application that would be able to handle about 25-30 Gb of email, show it with threads, use Android addressbook, etc? I hear about K9 but this one seems to be rather rudimentary in comparison to a full blown desktop client. Don't suggest a GMail app beuase it's a cloud based app.
2. Did anyone try to use a wired network on a Prime, say with USB-to-Ethernet?
3. Did anyone try to use a 128 Gb flash drives on a Prime?
Thanks a lot in advance,

I'm right in the same boat! I have an HP Touchsmart TM2-2057sb and I'm deciding right now to sell it and just run with the Prime. All of my tests seem to line up that way!
1. Touchdown is a good email client. On my A500, I used that to get my work email and it's probably your best bet.
2. Yes, the latest .21 update has given the ability to do this. Check the herehttp://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1581824 for the Prime for several threads describing which ones work the best.
3. Not sure. But hard drives yes. Considering the SD can handle 64 and the microSD 32, plus the ability to connect a portable hard drive. I think you're safe.
I'm still going to keep my laptop for another few weeks just to make sure I can do everything I need to but the real test will come on our next vacation somewhere.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201

rorytmeadows said:
I'm right in the same boat! I have an HP Touchsmart TM2-2057sb and I'm deciding right now to sell it and just run with the Prime. All of my tests seem to line up that way!
1. Touchdown is a good email client. On my A500, I used that to get my work email and it's probably your best bet.
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Click to collapse
Can it import emails from another client? Say, from an mh folder structure?

vomus said:
Can it import emails from another client? Say, from an mh folder structure?
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Click to collapse
Not sure as I wouldn't store my emails that way.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201

rorytmeadows said:
Not sure as I wouldn't store my emails that way.
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Click to collapse
I looked at the program but it seems to be an Exchange client only. No "normal" pop3/imap mode of operation. Would not work for me this way.

vomus said:
I looked at the program but it seems to be an Exchange client only. No "normal" pop3/imap mode of operation. Would not work for me this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it could handle that. The default Android email app handles POP3/IMAP. What do you have in your email folders that's so precious? Upload it to a cloud based email service and call it a day. Then you'll never have to worry about questions like these ever again.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201

I have been using GMAIL routing all my accounts to it and have not had any issues. Also have been using OWA on chrome beta with no issues to get my work email. I think it is a great replacement for a laptop

Droidmail and advanced email both have the option to store your emaail locally.

The TFP is a terrible laptop replacement as far as productivity is concerned. I tried really hard to use it in that capacity, but despite my best efforts, Android in general just isn't up to that task yet.
Granted, if your idea of a laptop replacement is nothing more than something to check/store email on, you should be able to get by. It's when you roll into making presentations and spreadsheets that you begin to feel the pain. Anything beyond the most basic of tasks is either impossible or at best, a chore.
Web browsing utterly blows as well. Soooooo slow, and crashes/freezes frequently. My phone slaughters the TFP as a browser, and I only consider it tolerable. (Galaxy Nexus)
Even Google's own services offer sub-par experiences on Android compared to what you can get on Mac/Win PCs. Try editing a spreadsheet in Google Docs' Android app. Activate an entire row of cells for editing, enter values, save row? No thank you! Google Hangouts? Good luck finding how to start one, much less getting it to actually work. My wife's TFP always fails to connect to the other party--unless she opens the Hangout session on her laptop, leaves, and then joins on the TFP.
The gmail app crashes constantly for some as well, so even something as basic as email is finicky. (but you can get around that by using other apps at least)
imho, the only way this would be a decent laptop replacement is if all you do is check email, keep a calendar, and read pdfs. (It's like, the best PDF reader ever). Maybe if you type up Word docs occasionally that contain nothing but text.

My prime is my 'tabbook'. A netbook in concept is not really intended for the 'locally' bit so much as the cloud bit, hence the 'net' part in the name.
Although in reality a netbook is just a compact laptop with low end hardware, so people use it like a regular laptop instead. Android tablets are closer to how Netbooks were originally intended, and lack powerful software by comparason. Things like MS Office, full Photoshop, etc. That's the big difference. Access to the most powerful tools on this device requires going closer to bare Linux, and that is most easy at terminal level.
1.) I'm only familar with stock email applications (Froyo - ICS) and gmail. Storage space matters aside the principal problem is attachments. The clients can be pissy about opening certain types of files. I think K9 lacks tablet friendly UI but it does say, it's intended for large mail chewing. When I need to go outside the stock email/gmail, I've always just reached for mutt. Simply put, the device is cloud oriented. I rely on "Caching" such as having a months worth of e-mail stored and sync when Internet access becomes available again.
2.) Some threads have existed, between TF101/TF201, and I've considered getting one of these. When I get my tablet back from RMA, I want to try the adapter that came with the Zenbook.
3.) I've only tried 4GB flash drives formatted in FAT32. You should have no problems AFAIK as long as the file system is supported. That can vary by kernel/rom setup on any such device.
punitenshu said:
The TFP is a terrible laptop replacement as far as productivity is concerned.
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All of the issues you point out are software issues. And why e.g. you can use a Windows/Linux/Mac netbook as a laptop, but you cannot (so easily) use an Android anything as a laptop. E.g. you won't get MS Office unless you remote to a PC.
Browser wise, speed seems to leave a lot to be desired on the 10" transformers. I think either the software isn't tuned for Tegra 3 properly, or there is just not enough power being devoted. I'm curious about how the Kait powered models are gonna do later in the year. I really would like to know what the hell is with the GMail app too.
Sadly, stuff like Google Docs while decent on a PC, is not so good on mobile. Microsoft's solution was crippled off Windows Phone last I looked at reviews, and Android apps offer much more features than Google Doc's mobile clients.
These are issues people should look at when deciding if a device like this is right for them. For me, all the heavy duty software I need can be run from a Debian chroot and a terminal emulator, so I'm good lol.

Personally, I don't feel productive on a notebook to begin with. I need 2+ screens, a real keyboard with number pad, and a real mouse. So, for me, the Prime is indeed a notebook replacement. I just don't consider a notebook to be a desktop replacement

bedoig said:
Personally, I don't feel productive on a notebook to begin with. I need 2+ screens, a real keyboard with number pad, and a real mouse. So, for me, the Prime is indeed a notebook replacement. I just don't consider a notebook to be a desktop replacement
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All of which can easily be had in a normal person's laptop setup even without resorting to the "desktop replacement" class laptops. (I'm typing right here with my spare monitor, mouse, and number pad-sportin' Samsung Series 7).
I'd say the term "desktop replacement" when applied to laptops is leagues closer to being a realistic term than "notebook replacement" when applied to an Android tablet. Heck, even a sorely-underpowered Ion Netbook is better for productivity.
But, yeah, you're right--it's a great laptop replacement for people that don't really do anything with their laptops, sort of like how a microwave is a great oven replacement for people who eat out every day.

punitenshu said:
All of which can easily be had in a normal person's laptop setup even without resorting to the "desktop replacement" class laptops. (I'm typing right here with my spare monitor, mouse, and number pad-sportin' Samsung Series 7).
I'd say the term "desktop replacement" when applied to laptops is leagues closer to being a realistic term than "notebook replacement" when applied to an Android tablet. Heck, even a sorely-underpowered Ion Netbook is better for productivity.
But, yeah, you're right--it's a great laptop replacement for people that don't really do anything with their laptops, sort of like how a microwave is a great oven replacement for people who eat out every day.
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Woah, relax. I'm just saying I find the notebook form factor limiting. Of course you can add peripherals to a notebook to duplicate a traditional "desktop" environment. But as long as we're adding peripherals, let's add external monitors, a keyboard, and a mouse to the tablet along with an external PC to VNC into...
Edit - I just realized I may have been reading some combativeness into your post that wasn't really there. If so, my bad

punitenshu said:
All of which can easily be had in a normal person's laptop setup even without resorting to the "desktop replacement" class laptops. (I'm typing right here with my spare monitor, mouse, and number pad-sportin' Samsung Series 7).
I'd say the term "desktop replacement" when applied to laptops is leagues closer to being a realistic term than "notebook replacement" when applied to an Android tablet. Heck, even a sorely-underpowered Ion Netbook is better for productivity.
But, yeah, you're right--it's a great laptop replacement for people that don't really do anything with their laptops, sort of like how a microwave is a great oven replacement for people who eat out every day.
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I agree with this. My tm2 is really just a mobile desktop for checking email, looking up things on the web, FB, looking up eateries/attractions while travelling. I would never use this as anything for productivity.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201

bedoig said:
Woah, relax. I'm just saying I find the notebook form factor limiting. Of course you can add peripherals to a notebook to duplicate a traditional "desktop" environment. But as long as we're adding peripherals, let's add external monitors, a keyboard, and a mouse to the tablet along with an external PC to VNC into...
Edit - I just realized I may have been reading some combativeness into your post that wasn't really there. If so, my bad
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No problem...I'm used to coming across that way on the interwebz, just don't want to confuse the TC by being unclear about what each of us actually thinks constitutes "laptop replacement".
Where I work (university) most people actually do commonly use laptops in "desktop environments"--and having a desk with a second monitor/mouse isn't really excessive considering you'd need even more than that for an equivalent desktop setup. As far as I'm concerned, I just exchanged two static pieces of hardware for one and gained portability in the process.

Related

LogMeIn Ignition for Android on NC?

I use Logmein (free) on my home desktop each day to check email & do some work remotely in Oracle.
Coworkers have tried Ignition on their iPads but give it a thumbs down for useability.
Has anyone tried it on a CM7 NC? Thought about getting one of the BT mini-keyboards to use with it, but paying $$ for an app that might not work gives me pause. Anyone have experience with it?
I'd be curious to know, too.
I use LogMeIn both from my PC and my iPad -- with an external keyboard, it's usable on the iPad. I can't help think that the 7" screen on the NC would just be too small, though.
Its usable but expect lag and delay on screen refresh. If you plan to use it for a quick file grab then its ok but don't expect to be doing anything intensive.
Alternative
You may want to consider Team Viewer. At least the last time I used it, it was free.
With it, I has some funny behaviour with artifacts being left on my NC screen after I closed windows on my Vista machine. I suspect that it was an issue on the Vista box, but I'm not sure...
I've used Team Viewer before, but much prefer Logmein, it seems to function a lot better & has more options. Plus don't you need to have someone at both ends to provide the remote session access code info for TV?
Also wondered if it would be really useable on such a small screen, I guess for simple email reading it might work , but for drilling thru Oracle screens, it might be a bit of a stretch.
Anyone know if there's a free trial period, or do you have to buy it to use it at all first? Would like to try it out, but don't really want to part with $30 if it fails.
I highly recommend Phone My PC as a Logmein alternative.
It's only $10, and you can do pretty much everything on your connected PC. You can set the graphics quality, and at it's highest settings it looks just as good as sitting in front of your pc monitor. You can also hook up as many pc's as you want. I have been using it for about a year on my phones and now my nook. I really like it.
Here's the market link, if you want to check it out:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.softwareforme.PhoneMyPC&feature=search_result
philburkhardt said:
I highly recommend Phone My PC as a Logmein alternative.
It's only $10, and you can do pretty much everything on your connected PC. You can set the graphics quality, and at it's highest settings it looks just as good as sitting in front of your pc monitor. You can also hook up as many pc's as you want. I have been using it for about a year on my phones and now my nook. I really like it.
Here's the market link, if you want to check it out:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.softwareforme.PhoneMyPC&feature=search_result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This looks pretty interesting! So how is it for mousing around on remote screens?
I'd need to switch across two monitors. The price is definitely right.
christoophat said:
This looks pretty interesting! So how is it for mousing around on remote screens?
I'd need to switch across two monitors. The price is definitely right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's great, you can tap around the screen or you can bring up a mouse cursor to move around. I have not used multiple screens with it. But, from what I can tell switching between monitors is as simple as clicking an icon, and picking your monitor.
excellent, will check it out!
How about Pocket Cloud. It is free for one pc and is pretty easy to configure and use. I had it on NookieFroyo 2.2. and it worked fine.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.wyse.pocketcloudfree&feature=more_from_developer
JdgM3NT4L said:
How about Pocket Cloud. It is free for one pc and is pretty easy to configure and use. I had it on NookieFroyo 2.2. and it worked fine.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.wyse.pocketcloudfree&feature=more_from_developer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have been reading users comments in market & not seeing a lot of love , especially since it got a recent update. bummer
perhaps this:
http://www.splashtop.com/
Teamviewer seems to be the best free app out there. I discovered Splashtop Remote a couple weeks ago and was amazed though. It looks clean, and is powered by your GPU so you can watch movies and games (over wifi at least). Only thing that bugs me about it is lack of customization in the controls. There is a demo app to test drive it, and the paid version is only a buck.
How do you use TeamViewer without someone at the other end to enter in the ID# & password? I've never seen where you can login with it remotely otherwise.
philburkhardt said:
I highly recommend Phone My PC as a Logmein alternative.
It's only $10, and you can do pretty much everything on your connected PC. You can set the graphics quality, and at it's highest settings it looks just as good as sitting in front of your pc monitor. You can also hook up as many pc's as you want. I have been using it for about a year on my phones and now my nook. I really like it.
Here's the market link, if you want to check it out:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.softwareforme.PhoneMyPC&feature=search_result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worth a look, but says $14.99 today. Still a good deal, saw another wanting a $10/mo. subscription!
Splashtop is pretty good too.
Sent from my TF300T using xda app-developers app
I use Logmein Ignition for personal use and it works well. But for business purposes, I prefer a more secured option; hence I use RHUB remote support servers. It works well.

[Q] Transformer Prime for Programming (Laptop Replacement)

Hey all,
I've been looking around trying to decide what to get for on-the-go work since my last laptop died. I want something more portable (weighs less) than your normal laptop, and I really don't need the power. The Transformer Prime definitely has the power, but I'm not sure if it has the same or adequate functionality and so I'm thinking maybe I should get a netbook or ultrabook instead.
I'm a computer science major, and I also do web development and work on apps in my spare time. Here are the things I would be using the tab for:
-Textbook replacement: Biggest reason for going with the Transformer, I'm sick of paying for textbooks and since I can download them, I'm going to forego the $500 fee for my education.
-Coding: I'm currently studying C++, so I would need to be able to write and (possibly) compile relatively small programs (largest would probably be a few thousand lines.)
-Web Development: I write in html/css/php/js and I add more languages as I go. I generally don't need to do more than manipulate files, code in a basic text editor, and preview files in a browser (this is a big one, I need to be able to see what is going on when I display it.)
-Image Editing (optional): I have a desktop which I rely on for image processing and other intensive tasks, but sometimes being able to edit an image really quickly can be helpful. Not necessary, but would be a plus.
Other than those functions, I'm going to be using the device for media consumption a lot, browsing the net and such. So, what would you recommend? And are there any things that a comp-sci major such as myself may need to do on the go that I forgot? (Honestly, I may be missing something here, would like to hash this out as much as possible) An ultrabook seems like overkill, and a netbook would definitely fill my needs (+more ram is really nice) but the battery life and dual functionality of the Transformer Prime as a tablet could be very useful, I might end up using it more than I would a netbook, in which case I'd want it.
Also, I've heard you can boot ubuntu on the Prime. Would this be a better way to create my ideal programming/webdeveloping/textbook reading tablet/laptop?
The Prime will be able to do function #1 easily enough, but functions 2-4 will not happen, IMO. You need a laptop/ultrabook for those. The Prime does not have enough processing power or memory ... besides, your C compiler and image editors will not be available for the Prime. I did see a demo of Ubuntu running on the original Transformer ... it was really, really slow. I do not expect the Prime to be that much faster.
Many folks who expected the original Transformer to be a laptop replacement were sorely disappointed -- the same will be true for the Prime. These are still consumption devices, for the most part. I do expect the Prime will replace my laptop for many of my tasks, but for development, I have my high-powered (dual boot: Win/Ubuntu) laptop.
Yeah, I'm not expecting it to do all the same things as a netbook/laptop. Obviously its less powerful and functional (at least for development purposes) but the thing is I never used my laptop for more than text-editting and the OCCASIONAL image processing job (very rare, I prefer working at home on my desktop for that.)
If I get a Prime and end up using it more than I used my laptop, then I'd consider it worth it. If I can code on it (especially with preview, very important feature) then the rest should be ok. And being able to read textbooks e-reader style would be very nice.
Its not easy to weigh the pros and cons, thats why I'm posting here, trying to get different perspectives.
Some users have been able to make some serious adaptations and use the Transformer really well. It's just so limited, that I think you will be disappointed ... I think you are forgetting that you are a computer science major! Just teasing...
Besides all that ... this is NOT a cheap device by any means. For the money you would pay for the Prime you could get a pretty good laptop that will last you quite a few years. Then, you can buy a cheap consumption device that fulfills the needs of consumption rather well. Of course, I am one to talk ... I bought the Prime. I do, however, have a good laptop and desktop, so it is a little different.
Very true, I think I'll definitely feel the squeeze of inferior hardware if I do get it which is unfortunate =/
As for getting a laptop, I really am done with them. Weighs too much, hurts my back while running around, generally bulky and again, I don't use them all that much. I think the Transformer style laptop/tablet combo is the way to go in the future, so much more functionality for the same amount of hardware (As opposed to having two devices). I think when similar devices have >2GB ram and can run a more powerful platform like Windows 8/Linux, they will definitely be full fledged enough to compete with laptops.
Still, right now is right now... I guess it really depends on what I'll be using it for more than anything else. If my primary use is taking notes and reading textbooks, and coding is more on the side, then the Prime is probably the better choice. So the question is, is using the Prime as an e-reader for textbooks that much better than opening them up in a pdf and reading them on a netbook/laptop?
hmm, need to think about that...
if you have a desktop, you could jsut remote log-in to that via splashtop, teamviewer or logmein.
that's probably the best way to get access to the things you need for 2-4. Other things you could do well on your prime.
worst case, hold out for an ultrabook ie mac book air, or acer aspire s5?
I'd actually never heard of splashtop before, thank you for that info! This definitely changes things, since I rarely use photoshop/other features that a laptop would be able to have. If that's the case, I can just remote login when I need those functions and go with a basic text editor for on the go coding!
I'm definitely leaning toward the Prime now, I think it'll support what I need without sacrificing too much functionality.
Textbooks-As others have said, you can definitely use the prime for #1. If you would like to use it for the other tasks, here are a few helpful apps.
Web- Android web editor pro. What I use for web development, should do everything you are looking for.
C++- check out C4Droid. It is a C compiler for android, that supports C++ with root. Can't vouch for it though, I use mostly Java.
Image editing- adobe has launched a whole mobile design suite specifically for android tablets not to long ago, Photoshop touch being the main feature. I use it fairly often, it is quite good, not on par with regular Photoshop but a big step up from average image editors.
Hope you find something useful out of my ramblings.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Splashtop HD is really good. Probably the best. Another great thing is that The Prime comes with this built on so no need to buy the app.
If you have a desktop just sitting around while you are out, Splashtop is a great way to remote desktop in, particularly on wifi (as with the prime). Think of it almost like a thin client connecting to the mainframe servers... which is how I got my CompSci degree. You get all the power of your desktop with all the portability of your tablet.
Personally, I'm hoping to find a way to write android apps FROM an Android device... seems like a logical programming environment, considering all the libraries and such are already present. Who needs an emulator when you're holding the real thing.
webin said:
If you have a desktop just sitting around while you are out, Splashtop is a great way to remote desktop in, particularly on wifi (as with the prime). Think of it almost like a thin client connecting to the mainframe servers... which is how I got my CompSci degree. You get all the power of your desktop with all the portability of your tablet.
Personally, I'm hoping to find a way to write android apps FROM an Android device... seems like a logical programming environment, considering all the libraries and such are already present. Who needs an emulator when you're holding the real thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best thing would be some remote desktop software indeed.
I run Teamviewer on all my PCs/Laptops and there is a client for Android too. Works like a charm, even through internet connections.
I have C4Droid on my phone and ATP, and can say that it works wonderully. I'm a comp sci major too, just like OP. I code in c++, C4Droid is awesome. the only downside to it is the inability to do multi-file projects.
Sent from my DROID3 using XDA App

after 2 weeks of prime use (review)

A positive prime thread. I've had mine for two weeks now and this week was exactly what I bought the prime for. Work sent me off on a week long seminar course.
daytime, I used the prime for notes in the seminar. Running quick office HD was easy. The keyboard was able to cope with my typing speed (80wpm) and inbetween note taking I was checking email and a bit of web browsing during the boring bits of the seminar using my HTC sensation as a wifi hotspot.
Lunchtime involved angry birds, cut the rope, some comic viewing using the ACV app (awesome)
evenings was web browsing, movie playback, more games and some email, facebook use.
It lasted a full day easily, coped with everything like a trouper and was exactly why I wanted one of these things.
awesome
Glad to hear it worked out great for you. Battery life is great on this. Do you use stock keyboard or you bought a 3rd party one or keyboard dock?
I'm glad to see another positive thread about it. Hopefully more threads like these will crop up!
I'll be travelling to Dallas in about 2 and a half weeks so I will see how it works out for me as well
The flight, including layovers, is 9 hours...
Same here. My prime rocks. Not sure about all these negative reviews lately.
Maybe its a bunch of apple fanboys blasting the board to give the tablet a
bad rep... cant wait until we can get a unlocked bootloader and some roms
to really see this thing fly!
Another happy prime user here! I am a medical student and use it all day looking up clinical information and using citrix to access patient information. I couldn't be happier!
We have three people here in our firm who are very happy Prime owners. The other two are first-time Android device owners. Our units came in around the same time and none of us have had any (ANY!) of the negative issues mentioned in these forums. Not one.
Not to say those users are imaging their problems nor am I calling them liars, but these tablets are fantastic. The WiFi is comparable to my Xoom, the AGPS (thought I hardly ever use it for navigation) works fine, the Bluetooth is flawless, there is no screen tearing, etc. I have watched a movie on my train ride this morning and a show (one episode) for lunch and little but of downloading, tinkering and emailing here and there... I still have more than 50% left after 9 hours of on and off usage. I've also switched between modes while I used it.
Though my experience wasn't measured in a scientific manner, it tells me one thing: For my use, this tablet has exceeded my expectations. For what I want, and bought, this tablet for I can do everything I want to and then some. Keep in mind, I'm a long-time happy Xoom owner who is still very, very happy fond of it. My 2-year old son has taken over ownership of my Xoom which was what prompted me to buy a new tablet.
The Prime is THAT much better.
EDIT: I don't use my Prime for play only. I'm in IT working for a law firm. I use Citrix, remote administration, etc. I also do photography using my tablet to display each shot to clients rather than a laptop wirelessly. I didn't mention those because I thought that most Android tablet owners didn't buy their to use them solely as toys unlike iPad owners (lol). I just thought that that was a given. But yeah, my tablets since the Xoom has been corporate workhorses, not toys. I have every Bluetooth device paired to my Prime from headphones, mice and keyboards to PS3 controllers. The Prime is a beast.
Oh, and the other Prime owner in our firm is also IT and the other is an office manager. So I'll leave it to your imaginations what we do with our tablets. Lol.
Erusman said:
Same here. My prime rocks. Not sure about all these negative reviews lately. Maybe its a bunch of apple fanboys blasting the board to give the tablet a bad rep...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or maybe it's just people who haven't been as lucky as you in receiving an issue free device. Glad it works great for you guys. I wish my experience was as positive.
Oh, and wouldn't be caught dead using an iDevice!
As a curiosity about the note taking, I want to know; why QuickOffice? For me, taking notes should be something I would want to access everywhere. So why not use Evernote or similar competitors?
I find that in lectures I take long notes with Evernote, save them, and then I have to use my laptop to program hours later and I find it easier to have Evernote displayed on there.
This thing is awesome. I use it the same way I did with the OG Transformer, except it is so much faster, sleeker, and a hell of a lot better build quality.
have been using prime for over a week and found nth wrong with it other then weak gps signals but the rest are okay.
I noticed a few days ago that my GPS DOES work (I used to think it didn't, I just had to wait a little longer for it to search for satellites). So that made me happy (though i'm always around wifi hotspots and my position can be determined from that, so GPS on my tablet isn't a big deal).
so i'm guessing most if I have the dock...isn't it cumbersome to type, then trap the screen for whatever reason? And what if you need to draw something?
why bring the prime + dock instead of a laptop?
I'm mainly just contemplating in getting a dock...
I'll admit that I haven't searches to much for answers/opinions to my questions, so I apologize i'm advanced...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
xTRICKYxx said:
As a curiosity about the note taking, I want to know; why QuickOffice? For me, taking notes should be something I would want to access everywhere. So why not use Evernote or similar competitors?
I find that in lectures I take long notes with Evernote, save them, and then I have to use my laptop to program hours later and I find it easier to have Evernote displayed on there.
This thing is awesome. I use it the same way I did with the OG Transformer, except it is so much faster, sleeker, and a hell of a lot better build quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to clarify the note taking. I type straight into a doc file because when I go back to the office tomorrow, I need to transcribe them into a doc file to distribute to everyone.
the note program may be fine, but I need to know I can copy/paste it into word back in the office later.
lancer3397 said:
to clarify the note taking. I type straight into a doc file because when I go back to the office tomorrow, I need to transcribe them into a doc file to distribute to everyone.
the note program may be fine, but I need to know I can copy/paste it into word back in the office later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear about your positive experience with office documents. I really need this feature. I had a Prime but had to return it because it was stuck in bootloop.
I'm in college and I need the feature to take notes. However, I like to add the professor's drawings into the document so office documents don't seem to work as well for this. As a way to compensate, I use NoteEverything android app. I can take textual notes, plus make a drawing and resize the drawing to what ever size I want along side my notes. Plus, when I want to review the drawing, I can blow it back up and see it in full size. You can even do multiple drawings in one document.
However, I would love to be able to do this in some kind of office document so that it is transferable. Do you have any suggestions?
You could just use google docs, since it's already a syncing app you can install on your device. You can copy/paste once you get back to a computer. (in chrome at least)
Reasons to get a keyboard dock versus bringing a laptop? Battery life... for one...
In quickoffice, you can save directly to DropBox or GoogleDocs. It's pretty sweet. I like it much better than the included Polaris because of this--though it has less formatting options.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
This is my first tablet and it is awesome. I've messed with friends iPad 2's and they are just big iPod touches to me. Really toy like. My work laptop crapped out and I sent it to our IT department for repair (I can fix it myself but I don't mess with our work computers, I get enough of that at home) anyway, I've been using my Prime at work for everything I do on my laptop (i5 quad core) and the Prime did it flawlessly. I wish we would get rid of our laptops now and go with Primes. This is a great device.

How Bad are these Bugs? Should I steer Clear?

Hey guys,
I own a sensation with stock JB and LOVE android and google's interface to death. I need a laptop for school to take notes and the transformer fits the bill. I keep reading about the wifi bug and am wondering how bad it is? Is it just some devices or all, will I have trouble connecting to networks like a busy library or somewhere weak/loaded with users. I dont really care about GPS, I have my phone with a data plan for that. I was thinking of the tf300 but am worried about breaking the glass and I get the feeling it is fragile as it is not gorilla glass. The infinity is a little out of price range although I am considering trying to buy a used prime from futureshop with extended warranty(owned by bestbuy) and return it and hope for the prime
I dont know about custom roms but Get the Prime only if you're satisfied with casual gaming or browsing, using the prime for school work is just like placing yourself at the edge of a cliff, you'll never know when it'll crash, screen glitch or have a random reboot. File transfers rate using a thumbdrive is dirt slow. The best advice is to wait for the jellybean release and to examine the results and make a decision from there
I love my prime its my 6th but I've finally got a good one. If u get one check the screen very carefully...
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium
People who use a custom rom with some tweaks are very happy with it. I use stock and wait for JB. If that does not fix things - I will just install a custom ROM.
Rooted user with ATPTweak and Browser2RAM here. I am very satisfied with my device, using it for college classes and it didn't fail me once. It is great to take notes in SuperNote. Combine that with a camera that is actually good enough to "screenshot" the board from afar and you've got yourself the perfect educational device.
I don't have any of the issues described by other users, except for the occasional ANR when updating apps and using the tablet at the same time.
Very Happy
I bought a second hand one from Craigslist that came with the keyboard. I could not be more satisfied. I know the GPS does not work but I have never needed it. It may reset itself or have an ANR a few times a week, but I game, surf, watch videos all on stock with no problems. I constantly put new ROM's on my phones, so I am sure it could do it on the Prime, but I have never had the need. As to the wireless, it is a little weaker to pick up than say my HTC Sensation, but not so much that it is a problem. My daughter has the Nexus 7 with JB and I think the Prime will only get better with JB.
DeKubus said:
Rooted user with ATPTweak and Browser2RAM here. I am very satisfied with my device, using it for college classes and it didn't fail me once. It is great to take notes in SuperNote. Combine that with a camera that is actually good enough to "screenshot" the board from afar and you've got yourself the perfect educational device.
I don't have any of the issues described by other users, except for the occasional ANR when updating apps and using the tablet at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exact same situation here. I'm not sure that I would still buy it at the same full price today, seeing how close in specs the Nexus 7 is, but it's still a really nice device.
Put reddit.com/r/aaw on the screen and it's also a chick magnet.
waltthizzney said:
Hey guys,
I own a sensation with stock JB and LOVE android and google's interface to death. I need a laptop for school to take notes and the transformer fits the bill. I keep reading about the wifi bug and am wondering how bad it is? Is it just some devices or all, will I have trouble connecting to networks like a busy library or somewhere weak/loaded with users. I dont really care about GPS, I have my phone with a data plan for that. I was thinking of the tf300 but am worried about breaking the glass and I get the feeling it is fragile as it is not gorilla glass. The infinity is a little out of price range although I am considering trying to buy a used prime from futureshop with extended warranty(owned by bestbuy) and return it and hope for the prime
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for your original question there is no WiFi bug. On many primes there is a physical manufacturing issue where they did not get proper contact between the antennas that are on the glass side of the device and the ground points with the backplate. Is causes the signals to attenuate at fairly short distance from the router. Don't buy it if they don't let you test it against another tablet unless you plan on opening it up and fixing the issue.
As for what everybody else says, yes stock software is buggy and annoyingly unstable. Jelly bean seems to fix most of what ails the prime. Again I wouldn't buy one unless you plan on voiding the warranty and unlocking for a custom ROM.
Your last sentence bothers me about getting the prime cheap and trying to exchange for what I assume you meant to say was an infinity. Why not just switch the price tags in the store or even easier, steal one?
Its the keyboard
waltthizzney said:
Hey guys,
I own a sensation with stock JB and LOVE android and google's interface to death. I need a laptop for school to take notes and the transformer fits the bill. ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing I didn't see anyone mention is the keyboard dock and how its (to my knowledge) unique among Android tablets. The keyboard dock has a usb port that works with everything I've thrown at it including flash drives, track balls, external hard drives, mice, usb card readers, and a usb wired Ethernet adapter. I can also use multiple usb devices at the same time using a small usb hub. About the only issue I've had is if I try to use the wired Ethernet and the external hard drive at the same time. Both work individually and also when used together with a mouse, but I'm guessing they draw too much juice to use at the same time - but that's hardly a limitation. As far as usefulness for school work/note taking etc, I would think the dock and its capabilities offers a huge advantage
As far as buggy software, many or most of the complaints I see seem to revolve around the built in browser - which I have basically never used anyway. I use Chrome and Dolphin and don't have any problems.
My WiFi also works more than adequately. I don't get as good a speed as I do with my Dell laptop but I get better WiFi speed than I do with my Droid 3 phone. So it falls in the midrange of my devices. At work, my office is on the other side of the building from the wifi router with an elevator shaft and a bank of metal file cabinets between me and the router. No device gets a very good signal at my desk. But even in that worst case environment, my prime gets a good enough signal to get my email and do light web surfing - which is as good as any device can do in that location. Its not a problem at home at all. It's not a speed demon by any means but I'm not trying to download huge files with it either (as some have said they do). Since I have a variety of devices available including a desktop and a laptop, I'm not sure why I would choose to do things like that using a tablet anyway. For a big download I'd probably do it on my desktop while I do other things with the tablet. Also, I'm guessing you probably don't need to be doing bit torrents and take notes in a class both at the same time?
Which brings up the question of weather its going to be your only device? If you have a regular computer (either laptop or desktop) I would not worry. IMO there are some tasks that tablets are just not well suited to and I don't see how a student could get away with any tablet as their only computer anyway.
All that said, here are a couple of points:
1. buying it specifically for the purpose of returning it is reprehensible. Don't do it. This sort of behavior is part of the reason electronics are as expensive as they are for everyone else.
2. Given that the Transformer Infinity is out and offers all the same advantages as the Prime, the only reason to go with a prime now is if the price is really, really good. I would say that to be reasonable, a used prime would definitely have to cost less than a new TF300 - since the new TF300 would have a full warranty. Unfortunately Amazon has $324 as the cheapest used prime while I would say no more than about $250 would be a good price for a used one (not including keyboard)
3. You could consider a TF300 which once again offers the keyboard dock with all its advantages for around $300 not including the keyboard.
ratman6161 said:
One thing I didn't see anyone mention is the keyboard dock and how its (to my knowledge) unique among Android tablets. The keyboard dock has a usb port that works with everything I've thrown at it including flash drives, track balls, external hard drives, mice, usb card readers, and a usb wired Ethernet adapter. I can also use multiple usb devices at the same time using a small usb hub. About the only issue I've had is if I try to use the wired Ethernet and the external hard drive at the same time. Both work individually and also when used together with a mouse, but I'm guessing they draw too much juice to use at the same time - but that's hardly a limitation. As far as usefulness for school work/note taking etc, I would think the dock and its capabilities offers a huge advantage
As far as buggy software, many or most of the complaints I see seem to revolve around the built in browser - which I have basically never used anyway. I use Chrome and Dolphin and don't have any problems.
My WiFi also works more than adequately. I don't get as good a speed as I do with my Dell laptop but I get better WiFi speed than I do with my Droid 3 phone. So it falls in the midrange of my devices. At work, my office is on the other side of the building from the wifi router with an elevator shaft and a bank of metal file cabinets between me and the router. No device gets a very good signal at my desk. But even in that worst case environment, my prime gets a good enough signal to get my email and do light web surfing - which is as good as any device can do in that location. Its not a problem at home at all. It's not a speed demon by any means but I'm not trying to download huge files with it either (as some have said they do). Since I have a variety of devices available including a desktop and a laptop, I'm not sure why I would choose to do things like that using a tablet anyway. For a big download I'd probably do it on my desktop while I do other things with the tablet. Also, I'm guessing you probably don't need to be doing bit torrents and take notes in a class both at the same time?
Which brings up the question of weather its going to be your only device? If you have a regular computer (either laptop or desktop) I would not worry. IMO there are some tasks that tablets are just not well suited to and I don't see how a student could get away with any tablet as their only computer anyway.
All that said, here are a couple of points:
1. buying it specifically for the purpose of returning it is reprehensible. Don't do it. This sort of behavior is part of the reason electronics are as expensive as they are for everyone else.
2. Given that the Transformer Infinity is out and offers all the same advantages as the Prime, the only reason to go with a prime now is if the price is really, really good. I would say that to be reasonable, a used prime would definitely have to cost less than a new TF300 - since the new TF300 would have a full warranty. Unfortunately Amazon has $324 as the cheapest used prime while I would say no more than about $250 would be a good price for a used one (not including keyboard)
3. You could consider a TF300 which once again offers the keyboard dock with all its advantages for around $300 not including the keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks guys..... Why I am buying it is because I want something to take notes on at school in class and when reading chapters in books. I use to have a macbook pro that got destroyed taking it to school on my bike everyday, now I own a Levano Y580... (beast of a laptop btw for a great price) but do not want to lug it around and want to just keep it at home. my last two questions are with note taking apps like the one mentioned, Can you save these notes as DOCS then open them on your windows pc in word? also can you use google docs offline like you can on windows on your prime?
also what are the common issues I should inspect in regards to hardware issues?
waltthizzney said:
thanks guys..... Why I am buying it is because I want something to take notes on at school in class and when reading chapters in books. I use to have a macbook pro that got destroyed taking it to school on my bike everyday, now I own a Levano Y580... (beast of a laptop btw for a great price) but do not want to lug it around and want to just keep it at home. my last two questions are with note taking apps like the one mentioned, Can you save these notes as DOCS then open them on your windows pc in word? also can you use google docs offline like you can on windows on your prime?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's getting to more a matter of what software you want to use and how you want to take your notes. Handwriting recognition does not work for me...not on the prime and not on anything else I've tried. Even things that work for others don't work for me. My handwriting is so terrible that it just doesn't work. So I can't speak to that. And I absolutely despise on-screen keyboards as well for anything other than web surfing etc. So the keyboard dock is the biggest reason I chose the prime in the first place...though what works for you is for you to decide.
As to typing notes (which I assume is OK with you since you said you used to do this on a laptop) there are a number of options. You mentioned knowing Android well so I will leave it to you to pick apps that do the job for you. As far as what is on the machine as it comes out of the box, there is Super Note which I don't particularly like. There is also Polaris Office which handles Microsoft Office documents quite well in my opinion). Any 10 inch screen is not going to be that great (once again for me) to do detailed editing, but matched with the keyboard dock it works great for typing notes to be saved as Word docs and transferred to the PC later. However I mostly use Polaris office for reading documents others have sent me.
What I actually use for notes most of the time is Ever Note so that my notes get auto synced to my desktop PC. These can be easily copied and pasted to Word Documents if I wanted to though I rarely actually do that.
As far as Google Docs, I don't really use them but I don't think you can get at them off line (i.e. with no internet connection)
As far as carrying it around every day, well, the tablet can get broken too. So if your Mac Book got "destroyed" then I'm not sure a tablet will fare much better...a lot of it is made of glass after all. But if you are set on a tablet, I don't think the Prime is any more fragile than any other.
---------- Post added at 03:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:49 PM ----------
waltthizzney said:
also what are the common issues I should inspect in regards to hardware issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a question that will typically generate a flame war on this forum between the people who have had problems and those who have not. I'm one of the ones who hasn't had any problems getting it to do the things I want it to do.
But I'll leave it to you to browse the forums and decide for yourself.
ratman6161 said:
Well, that's getting to more a matter of what software you want to use and how you want to take your notes. Handwriting recognition does not work for me...not on the prime and not on anything else I've tried. Even things that work for others don't work for me. My handwriting is so terrible that it just doesn't work. So I can't speak to that. And I absolutely despise on-screen keyboards as well for anything other than web surfing etc. So the keyboard dock is the biggest reason I chose the prime in the first place...though what works for you is for you to decide.
As to typing notes (which I assume is OK with you since you said you used to do this on a laptop) there are a number of options. You mentioned knowing Android well so I will leave it to you to pick apps that do the job for you. As far as what is on the machine as it comes out of the box, there is Super Note which I don't particularly like. There is also Polaris Office which handles Microsoft Office documents quite well in my opinion). Any 10 inch screen is not going to be that great (once again for me) to do detailed editing, but matched with the keyboard dock it works great for typing notes to be saved as Word docs and transferred to the PC later. However I mostly use Polaris office for reading documents others have sent me.
What I actually use for notes most of the time is Ever Note so that my notes get auto synced to my desktop PC. These can be easily copied and pasted to Word Documents if I wanted to though I rarely actually do that.
As far as Google Docs, I don't really use them but I don't think you can get at them off line (i.e. with no internet connection)
As far as carrying it around every day, well, the tablet can get broken too. So if your Mac Book got "destroyed" then I'm not sure a tablet will fare much better...a lot of it is made of glass after all. But if you are set on a tablet, I don't think the Prime is any more fragile than any other.
---------- Post added at 03:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:49 PM ----------
That's a question that will typically generate a flame war on this forum between the people who have had problems and those who have not. I'm one of the ones who hasn't had any problems getting it to do the things I want it to do.
But I'll leave it to you to browse the forums and decide for yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply...... Trying to decide between the tf201 which has a nicer screen vs the tf300 which has most bugs fixed and will not get as scratched!
I just got a new Prime on ebay for $300. Did I pay too much considering some of the problems I've been reading about?
kosenn said:
I just got a new Prime on ebay for $300. Did I pay too much considering some of the problems I've been reading about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just think you got it $200 cheaper than most of us and if you dont care about warranty all can be fixed or worked around other than (as far as i know) bt/wifi dropout http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1443868&highlight=dropout.
I just got my Prime 201. I tried to upgrade from 3.2.1 and it shows no updates available. The build number is HTk75.us_epad-8.8.3.33-20111223.
kosenn said:
I just got my Prime 201. I tried to upgrade from 3.2.1 and it shows no updates available. The build number is HTk75.us_epad-8.8.3.33-20111223.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so go to asus and download one if its available. they have instructions there too. This is of course not in the least bit applicable to the thread you have posted in. (OMG listen to me, I have become my father)

Really REALLY considering getting this tablet, but have a few questions first

Ok, so I'm just another major Android power user, but I've never had an Android tablet before, just smartphones. Well, that's not entirely true, I had the HP Touchpad back during the firesale days of 2011, but that was... well, not so great (very hack-y port of CM9).
Anyway, so before I commit to shelling out $500 for this tablet, I have some things I'm looking to learn. I'm doing a ton of research on my own, but there are a few things I would love to talk to folks about.
PRODUCTIVITY
So if I'm going to get this tablet, I'm going to use it like a portable computer. I have a laptop, but it's a big, heavy gaming rig, so this would be my go-to portable computer.
A big part of that usage is productivity. I want to be able to use this device for work, and that means being able to edit Word & Excel docs. So I'm looking for the best option.
I know that Google Drive is great, but I've only ever used it on a smartphone, and I hate the interface. Is a tablet going to be better for interface-purposes?
Other than Google Drive, what app would folks recommend for Word & Excel editing that has the best tablet interface and the most options? I've already got a few candidates in mind, but I'm curious about others.
TEST APPS WITH EMULATOR
So because I'm so curious about how certain apps would be on a tablet, I would love to use the Android Emulator in the SDK to test them. Can I do this properly? Would it allow me to test apps and see how they work on the N9 before I get it, especially so I can test those productivity apps?
CLOUD SYNC
This is something that I've just never needed to do with my smartphone, but I will definitely do with this tablet if I get it. I will want something along the lines of what Dropbox or Google Drive do on the PC. Namely, to have a directory on my tablet that anything put inside of it will automatically sync to the cloud, and anything in the cloud will automatically be synced to it.
Bonus points if there's a way to do this where the files won't be permanently saved in that folder. So if I have "Document A," and I'm editing it on the go when I don't have internet, and I save it in this directory, when I next connect to internet it'll be synced with the cloud and then deleted off the Hard Drive to save space.
USB OTG
I've already asked about this in other threads, and gotten a good response. I have a 2TB external HD with TONS of media on it, and I'll want to be able to plug it into my tablet and watch things on it.
From what I've found out, to make this work I'll need 1) an adapter plug, and 2) a custom kernel that supports NTFS file systems.
Will custom kernels that support NTFS definitely be available for this device? Are there any other obstacles that would stop me from using my HD with this device?
STYLUS
I like the concept of having a stylus with the tablet for quick note taking, but is there any real point? Especially because the tablet doesn't have a slot to store the stylus, so it'll be just one more thing to carry around with the device.
So would anyone recommend having a stylus, or can I just live without it.
CLOSING
I know this is a pretty thorough questionaire, but I consider myself a tech enthusiast, and while I love new gadgets, and have the money to blow on this, I want to be absolutely certain this is the right purchase for me before I make it.
Thank you all so much in advance for all of your help.
I can't comment specifically regarding the ntfs but being that it is a nexus device, support is going to be practically infinite
Google drive/Dropbox will function just like they do any other android device. There's apps that allow you to setup certain folders for two way sync. Dropsync and titanium media sync to name a few
A stylus for me wouldn't matter but to each is there own. The keyboard case would deff boost productivity but to me it seems bulky and expensive
All in all I'm confident you'll be able to do anything You want to on this tablet
Sent from my LG-VS980 using Tapatalk
Office > Try office apps from Softmaker, especially their HD Beta versions for tablets. IMO the most powerful office solution for Android.
Sync > I use FolderSync with several accounts. Featurerich and very reliable.

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