Big Rant here... we're almost at half time this year, and there is NO QWERTY PHONES in sight!!! What the f**?
I'm using the Sprint Epic 4G, which is what I would consider to be the 2nd best QWERTY phone (1GHz A8 CPU, PowerVR 540 @ 200MHz) even though it is 2 years old.
Only the Droid 3/4 beats it, and that is based on 2011 technology, and spec wise they are not much of an upgrade (Dual Core 1+GHz CPU, Power 540 @ 300 Mhz), with only the addition of another core, but the GPU is identical except for the clock speed.
And what's in store for 2012? I can't find any news QWERTY phones. I want to upgrade both CPU and GPU, so at least a Quad Core A8 or Dual Core A9, with a GPU on par at least with the Samsung GS2 Mali-400. The only news I've heard of is the Motorola Photon, but there has been nothing concrete since the initial rumours!
Yeah, it's a shame. I guess there isn't nearly as much demands these days for a qwerty phone, or the OEMs are just obsessed on super sizing the phone's screen now. I doubt the Photon will have a keyboard too.
It's not so much that there is not a demand. It's more of a general feel the corporate big wigs have from not being in touch. They're so into making the screens bigger, they're not actually taking certain things into account. Like that some people don't want something the size of a tablet, as a phone. Or just because the screen is larger doesn't mean we don't want a physical Keyboard. I for one am not a fan of the virtual KB. Fat Fingers, and a virtual KB. Not a good combination. Not to mention the virtual KB ets up a good portion of the screen anyway. If they keep this up, those that do have real keyboards won't be able to keep the damm things in stock. IMO it's split about 50/50 those that want a Virtual KB, and those that want a real KB. I would suggest to the manufacturers to give us the Physical KB, and find a way to keep the thickness of the device to a minimum. That would work better in their favor.
prboy1969 said:
It's not so much that there is not a demand. It's more of a general feel the corporate big wigs have from not being in touch. They're so into making the screens bigger, they're not actually taking certain things into account. Like that some people don't want something the size of a tablet, as a phone. Or just because the screen is larger doesn't mean we don't want a physical Keyboard. I for one am not a fan of the virtual KB. Fat Fingers, and a virtual KB. Not a good combination. Not to mention the virtual KB ets up a good portion of the screen anyway. If they keep this up, those that do have real keyboards won't be able to keep the damm things in stock. IMO it's split about 50/50 those that want a Virtual KB, and those that want a real KB. I would suggest to the manufacturers to give us the Physical KB, and find a way to keep the thickness of the device to a minimum. That would work better in their favor.
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Click to collapse
Agreed, phone manufacturers these days just want to make the phone as slim as possible. Reviewers love it that a phone is 1mm slimmer than a competitor, rather than sacrificing that a bit in order to pack some actual functionality... A keyboard just doesn't have the same wow-factor than a big shiny phone, unfortunately.
The stupidity of the masses (especially the iSheep crowd) in my opinion is probably to blame. Touch screen only phones are functionally useless especially when you want to get any work done. Try manipulating a spreadsheet in landscape mode... almost the entire screen estate is eaten up by the virtual keyboard!
I say this from experience having gone from HTC Hermes (has KB) to Omnia 2 (no KB) and now Epic 4G (has KB). I've also learnt of HTC recent defection from keyboard phones... and this touch-only and slimness obsessiveness is getting out of control.
Some rumours says that there will be a Xperia phone with QWERTY keyboard this year...
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2
I for my self can say i use to love the keyboard but got so use to on screen keyboard that when i use a keyboard its so hard to adapt (at least for me) back to it like on my droid pro i find my self using the virtual keyboard instead of the fisical one
Sent from my DROID Pro using xda premium
Qwerty's don't sell nearly as well. In addition, manufacturers don't want to spend the additional $$ needed to produce a device variant that also has a keyboard. Not sure why they don't offer them and just charge more for them....probably once again they simply don't sell the numbers required to make the same profit as producing full touch screen phones.
Phones are getting bigger and most don't want a brick in their pocket. You are unfortunately the minority.
The people that are used to them should squash the habit and dive into virtual keyboards. The selection is much greater. Most keyboarded devices are sub par in comparison to modern day super phones. And things don't seem to be changing anytime soon. The Droid 4 has a beautiful keyboard. Probably the best on the market. But the device itself is horrible. Not sure which I hated more, the screen or blur. Probably a combination of both. It comes down to economics. When you add a keyboard, the hardware suffers. The manufacturers have budgets to keep within.
The people with sausage fingers, hopefully will at least have the option to get the biggest screen device on the market to help compensate.
Adapt or be unhappy with every device you buy.
Sent from CDMA V6 SC GNexus w/Liquid & Franco.kernel
samsung india has released a qwerty phone last month. its a low/mid range phone. wid dual camera n dual sim . but its armv6 chipset
http://m.samsung.com/in/consumer/mobile-phone/mobile-phone/dual-sim-phone/GT-B5512HKAINU-features
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
Probably because no one really shows interest in them. Android enjoys a good screen size, adding a keyboard hurts that a bit(IE: Evo 4G Slider or w/e it was).
It seems all of the new phones this year have super large screens and no keyboards. I already have a tablet, the point of a phone is to be portable, anything over about 4.3" seems like overkill. My Droid 3 may be a little thicker due to its keyboard but the other 2 dimensions I care more about when holding it. I held a friend's Droid RAZR and it felt a little too big for a phone and its only 4.3".
For just typing words, Swype can be faster than physical keyboards, but for typing symbols and having arrow keys a physical keyboard can be nicer.
Keyboards are slowly becoming a thing of the past..imo with phones coming
out with massive screens, manufacturers wont want to add to the bulk with a physical keyboard.
Aerocaptain said:
Qwerty's don't sell nearly as well. In addition, manufacturers don't want to spend the additional $$ needed to produce a device variant that also has a keyboard. Not sure why they don't offer them and just charge more for them....probably once again they simply don't sell the numbers required to make the same profit as producing full touch screen phones.
Phones are getting bigger and most don't want a brick in their pocket. You are unfortunately the minority.
The people that are used to them should squash the habit and dive into virtual keyboards. The selection is much greater. Most keyboarded devices are sub par in comparison to modern day super phones. And things don't seem to be changing anytime soon. The Droid 4 has a beautiful keyboard. Probably the best on the market. But the device itself is horrible. Not sure which I hated more, the screen or blur. Probably a combination of both. It comes down to economics. When you add a keyboard, the hardware suffers. The manufacturers have budgets to keep within.
The people with sausage fingers, hopefully will at least have the option to get the biggest screen device on the market to help compensate.
Adapt or be unhappy with every device you buy.
Sent from CDMA V6 SC GNexus w/Liquid & Franco.kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow really :what: "
Adapt or be unhappy with every device you buy " . " The people that are used to them should squash the habit and dive into virtual keyboards " . this the same kind of thinking that says everyone should own a Prius. because they're good for the enviroment. Reality is they're not. It takes forever to recoup the enviromental impact damage from producing one. Also it's called choice, I don't want a virtual KB. As for the statement " When you add a keyboard, the hardware suffers " . I'd say your off on that one. Example the EVO Shift. The manufacturers listen to the people. But if we're all lemmings, then we get what they give and smile.
alunral said:
Probably because no one really shows interest in them. Android enjoys a good screen size, adding a keyboard hurts that a bit(IE: Evo 4G Slider or w/e it was).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding the KB affects the size a bit. But that's more of a manufacturers choice than anything else. But it's still worth the trade off IMO to have the KB.
TEAM MiK
MikROMs Since 3/13/11
I for one am not a fan of virtual keyboards. I may be naive but I think that the keyboard makes a phone look distasteful, but that's my biased opinion.
Nevertheless, lets be honest here. Virtual keyboards are no longer very popular and even the company that was most famous for its creation of Qwerty phones has moved into the path of full touch (Blackberry). That's not to say that there will NEVER be a Qwerty phone coming out (Black berry has confirmed that they will still continue designing new Qwerty phones) but it will most definitely not be flooding the market like other full touch screen phones are.
I have the xperia pro now, but already I'm looking to see what is coming next.
It really surprises me that there are now no QWERTY phones out this year, this is a worrying trend.
For those who say "use the on screen keyboard and shut up", trying using one with your eyes closed, not so easy to use now is it, no right then, that is why I need a physical keyboard, because on screen ones are too small and I can not see or feel what letters I am typing.
I do realise however that this is becoming rather a niche market, so I guess fewer and fewer suppliers will be releasing phones with this facility.
Its a shame Motorolla didn't release a GSM version of its Droid 4, a trick missed I feel.
Well at this rate, when my contract expires, it seems I'll be looking at a Blackberry or going back to a 'feature' phone, sad days
Well, physical keyboards add weight, volume, and cost to the phone. The slide-out function also introduces at least two more potential points of failure (the sliding mechanism itself, and the connecting data ribbon), which means more time and money has to be spent on QA.
I think the net result of all this is that for a keyboard phone to be technologically and structurally competitive, the price skews high, and it looks like there's just not enough relative demand for that feature. If manufacturers try to make a cutting edge, high-priced keyboard phone, they run the risk of having a whole bunch of product (with especially high manufacturing cost) that sits in the warehouse... cell phones don't age well, so that's a scary thought for them.
I'm afraid it's looking like keyboards (as they exist now) are being mitigated to the role of "smart phone training wheels", which means fewer and fewer high-end offerings down the road.
Just my (somewhat depressing) 2 cents.
leona said:
I have the xperia pro now, but already I'm looking to see what is coming next.
It really surprises me that there are now no QWERTY phones out this year, this is a worrying trend.
For those who say "use the on screen keyboard and shut up", trying using one with your eyes closed, not so easy to use now is it, no right then, that is why I need a physical keyboard, because on screen ones are too small and I can not see or feel what letters I am typing.
I do realise however that this is becoming rather a niche market, so I guess fewer and fewer suppliers will be releasing phones with this facility.
Its a shame Motorolla didn't release a GSM version of its Droid 4, a trick missed I feel.
Well at this rate, when my contract expires, it seems I'll be looking at a Blackberry or going back to a 'feature' phone, sad days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your telling me that the on screen keyboard is too small? Try a Galaxy Note, If your telling me you can not see what letters you are typing you seriously need an eye examination.
prboy1969 said:
It's not so much that there is not a demand. It's more of a general feel the corporate big wigs have from not being in touch. They're so into making the screens bigger, they're not actually taking certain things into account. Like that some people don't want something the size of a tablet, as a phone. Or just because the screen is larger doesn't mean we don't want a physical Keyboard. I for one am not a fan of the virtual KB. Fat Fingers, and a virtual KB. Not a good combination. Not to mention the virtual KB ets up a good portion of the screen anyway. If they keep this up, those that do have real keyboards won't be able to keep the damm things in stock. IMO it's split about 50/50 those that want a Virtual KB, and those that want a real KB. I would suggest to the manufacturers to give us the Physical KB, and find a way to keep the thickness of the device to a minimum. That would work better in their favor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the world were split 50/50 over a hardware keyboard Apple wouldn't hold such a large market share, considering they offer zero phones with physical keyboards... just saying. Your estimate might just be really far off base...
leona said:
...trying using one with your eyes closed, not so easy to use now is it, no right then, that is why I need a physical keyboard, because on screen ones are too small and I can not see or feel what letters I am typing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you close your eyes & type? Nevertheless, if you can't see the letters, go see an optician.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
Did it ever occur to you he might actually suffer from some form of visual handicap?
I'm surprised by the replies some people give on xda nowadays.
- Sent from my mobile device
Related
In looking at the latest offerings from phones, I am curious what people (who own a titan) would upgrade for?
The Touch Pro is the upgrade for the 6800/Mogul. But, It's not that great of an upgrade at this time because know the Touch Pro 2 is on it's way by end of year.
So would wait for the Touch Pro 2, or would you gamble and see if we have an Touch HD2 with keyboard?
My concern is that the new HTC (and it has to be HTC....XDA forums is what adds value to the phones when carries don't) devices are not leaps and bounds upgrades. No 3d acceleration is a big thing as we round the corner on new device OSes.
The Qualcommm procs at 528mhz seem too slow, so I hope HTC has some mid year suprises for us.
Well with verizon it doesnt matter what phone it is, they somehow screw things up and get things a year after the fact, but, I cant believe Im saying this, if the PalmPre comes to VZW and gets video recording...might look there.
If a Touch HD 2 is coming out, it's a ways off. The Touch Pro 2 was just announced. HTC doesn't announce phones often. The original Touch Pro was announced almost a year ago
im digging the samsung omnia by verizon..
i have sprint now..
but with the family plan and data plans (2) it would be $176 a month.... screw that... im at $85 a month now...
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...t&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=4366
I would totally ditch my phone for an HTC Touch Pro2. That thing looks so sexy and anything has to have more memory than the Titan. If only there was a way to add more to it.
Touch Pro is close but it has mediocre battery life.
The TP2 has an odd sized screen that would lead to compatibility issues.
Right now, Nothing. The Xv6800 does pretty much everything for now. They might get smaller, more memory or maybe a little faster but, it's not a major change.
The current phone, tho is low on the memory scale, does GPS, all WM features, even newest builds of WM 6.5.... I find no need to sign a 2 year contract and not get any really new features in a phone...
When WM 7 devices start showing up (muti-touch, more like iphone feature set), then I will start looking for a new phone...
but, that is just my 2 cents....
David,
I think I am with you on this. The "upgrades" of the Touch Pro and the Touch Pro 2 are not compelling enough to spend 5 bills on, or sign a new contract over.
If only the Titan had more memory, I'd be fine with it. It drives me crazy using Opera or the new IE with all of the low memory issues.
Also there is a good point about the screen size. The current titan is QVGA, and there are many other devices using QVGA. The Diamond/TP are VGA. The new Diamond2/TP2 are WVGA.
So will WVGA be the new "standard" resolution apps are written toward? Will VGA fade quickly because there are not that many phones that have it today, and may not have many with WVGA coming down the route.
If someone could offer a legit upgrade to 128+ megs of memory for the Titan for a reasonable price, I think they could make some serious cash to tide people over.
A Titan with 256MB ram and a new processor. I just realized how much I love the form factor and have come to terms with it's thickness (though I'd prefer thinner), and I am in love with the hardware buttons which make me say that.
But I will likely get a vogue soon because my titan's power button is broken (detached from the main board) and I'm having charging issues. I might replace the xv6800 but verizon has discontinued it and the vogue is free. It's also thinner and I don't know how I'll get over the keyobard and the wifi, but my xv6800 might become my wifi device since I don't need an internet connection constantly, and my 6800 would probably work when I do.
However, I think the touch Pro 2 looks really nice. It has a better keyboard and bigger screen-which I have wanted, but I really would having that ok button. But with the bigger screen it might not matter that much. I want the touch pro 2 to be the iPhone...really.
No one makes the phone I want, no one ever will I think (though the Blackstone and TP2 are close), but I also want iPhone software and a capacitive screen. So if my 6800 didn't have problems I might be lusting a bit over the touch pro and of course the touch pro 2, but the titan should just be given the TP's internals!
I like the 1Ghz Toshiba phone . . . not sure if it will be offered CDMA. I'm locked into VZW with family plan. I'm up for free2 in August, so I'm excited about all the new handsets coming out. I just hope VZW lives up to their promise of open architecture hardware and brings some of the better ones to their customers.
Cycomachead said:
A Titan with 256MB ram and a new processor. !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the one I want.
256mb ? What do we live in the dark ages ? What would you really want on a phone ?
I'd think at least 2-3gb to start with for memory. Files these days are big, and with all the multi-media features they support I would think we should start seeing phones with much larger memory built in, personaly I kind of expect it on my next phone.
I got my 6800 when my 6700 died for the 3rd time (thank god for insurance), so not under a contract here. My 6800 does almost everything most of us need as of now.
Come on WM 7, get here with some cool azz phones !!!!!!
Touch Pro
Touch HD
or
Tungsten W (HD with a keyboard)
DavidinCT: I think you're confusing RAM with just regular storage space. 3GB of RAM in a phone is like 10 years off
EGOvoruhk said:
DavidinCT: I think you're confusing RAM with just regular storage space. 3GB of RAM in a phone is like 10 years off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont have that long to wait.... I WANT IT NOW..
plus it is probably like when the cd rom first came out..
they released the 1x but had the 52x designed and made..
1x then few weeks later 2x then 3x to 4x to 8x, 16x etc..... all in the name of making money....
There is nothing out now that makes me want to upgrade. The TP is great but has even poorer battery life than the Titan. The Omnia is on VZW and would cost me almost 2x what I'm paying now per month. I'm also about fed up with WM in general, the promise that the next version will fix the performance issues and improve and simplify the interface has become old. I like what WM can do, but it requires way too much attention and 3nd party software to do it. I'm interested in what the Pre will bring and what Android will become. I'm a bit disappointed in Androids progress though, it's much slower than I thought. If I stay with WM, I will wait for the TP2 at least. This is of course predicated on the continued life of my Mogul.
I jumped for a sprint touch pro (on verizon) and have to say it was worth paying ~$400 off ebay to have the device. It is faster, more stable and a huge step up from my titan. I had to send it back to get the usb port fixed and it is almost painful to go back to my titan. I love my titan, don't get me wrong, but the Touch Pro was worth the upgrade in my opinion.
Not saying I wont run out and get the TP2 or HD when its available!
There aren't really any phones out now that interest me enough to replace my XV. I love my xv, it's the best phone I've ever used. Sure it has its quirks and needs a soft reset every now and then, but I can live with that.
The TP is a great device no doubt, but I can't get over the lack of hardware buttons. I use my "OK" and "Messaging" and "Start" button all the time. The TP just isn't better enough to warrant changing devices. Also, VZW has a neutered version, which bugs me.
That being said, what would make me upgrade? It will take a WM7 device with significantly better hardware or possibly a new Android device. Sorry G1, T-Mo sucks and I don't like your hardware. And as cheap as RAM and flash memory is, I expect the next generation of devices to have at least 512 of RAM.
Touch Pro 2 .. but I would still keep the Titan to play with
as the new phones has just about everything .. not much fun..
fourpointsix said:
There aren't really any phones out now that interest me enough to replace my XV. I love my xv, it's the best phone I've ever used. Sure it has its quirks and needs a soft reset every now and then, but I can live with that.
The TP is a great device no doubt, but I can't get over the lack of hardware buttons. I use my "OK" and "Messaging" and "Start" button all the time. The TP just isn't better enough to warrant changing devices. Also, VZW has a neutered version, which bugs me.
That being said, what would make me upgrade? It will take a WM7 device with significantly better hardware or possibly a new Android device. Sorry G1, T-Mo sucks and I don't like your hardware. And as cheap as RAM and flash memory is, I expect the next generation of devices to have at least 512 of RAM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is also important to note that more memory (memory = RAM; storage = ROM) means lower battery life. Sure, memory may be cheap, but battery tech hardly ever changes and battery life is a large complaint about current gen devices as is.
Hello there.
I'm a new Archos 101 16GB User having a mixed experience.
I feel that what I've got has huge potential, but just isn't being fulfilled - don't know if anyone else feels that.
I've come straight to tablets from netbooks and an iPhone, and have tried not to have any preconceived notions about how iPad sets the bar for these devices, although it does seem to be the case.
I'm finding, knowing very little about Android, that manufacturers have apparently rushed to force-fit a phone OS in a bigger package, which in respect of certain features makes the A101 seem like a giant (largeprint) smartphone. An example of this is the way in which the small, dainty iPhone-worthy icons for Apps can only be laid out on the 'desktop' panes with massive margins of space between them because the Android system seems to rigidly adhere to strict grid patterns for layout when really what users in this day and age want is user-definable pixel-perfect precise placement of elements. Of course, even iPhone is lacking this configurability.
Anyway, I'm currently trying to overcome my disappointment with the UI and the usability and consistency of desktops across horizontal and vertical orientations (Beautiful Widgets look 'OK' in portrait layout, and fugly in horizontal orientation), indeed the feeling that while what I wanted was the unified visual goodness of a WindowsMobile 7 type platform (or indeed the style brought by both HTC and third party developers (SPB?) to WinMo6, or indeed the carefully tuned visual loveliness of some of the HTC Android skins (Sense?) what I've actually got is a pretty clunky and grumpy Linux build that doesn't play well with its own software applications.
This is only a seventy two hour evaluation so far.
I've been looking at benchmarking, and have been led to Quadrant.
So I've got a batch of results, and I'm wondering if anyone cares to compare results and then compare notes.
I've already wiped and reinstalled the fresh FroYo firmware on the device, and am using gApps4 from these forums. I've populated with some apps and such, and had very unsatisfying attempts to switch from the stock Launcher (LauncherPro and ADW) as well as attempting to find usability in QuickDeskPro, mostly to no avail.
So in this 'stock' but loaded with apps state, Quadrant gives me a result of 780.
Then I've rooted with z4root and run SetCPU to give me 1000mhz on demand, and Quadrant gives me a result of 933.
Since then I've used SetCPU to give me 1000mhz on the 'performance' (non-scaled) setting and I get a result of 974.
With people in various forums talking about Archos Internet Tablet devices running Froyo giving them up to 1200 under Quadrant, I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong or lacking?
The 1200 scores you are talking about came from beta software and not the release software. Something was changed in the release version that brought Quadrant scores back down to those of 2.1. Don't read to much in to Quadrant scores though as they don't really affect real world use.
As for apps, the main issue is screen size and resolution. Many apps were not written with a resolution of 1024X600 in mind. So they don't scale very well. Beautiful Widgets is one of those. Once more developers become tablet aware and as Google increases compatibility with tablets this issue will go away.
The Android home screen is what you make it. There are other launcher, as you mentioned, that can be more customized however, there is no real theming that can be done on the 101 until it is rooted. This is the same for all Android devices unless of course you get a phone from HTC or one of the other OEMs that add their own theme to Android.
I think your main issue is that you know very little about Android and you are expecting it to be as evolved as iOS is even though it hasn't been around as long. New version of Android are coming that will be prettier and more tablet friendly but it will take a little time for it to be perfected.
with another beta beta firmware
the score is 1313
cajl said:
with another beta beta firmware
the score is 1313
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any rumors regarding the release date?
About the same scores here. Topping out around 1000 in quadrant and a bit over 13 in Linpack.
Not sure about your problems installing launcherpro and adw, but I would try one or both again. The stock browser is horrendous in comparison (laggy, takes much longer swipes to see action, etc).
czesiu said:
any rumors regarding the release date?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the A5A last year they gave us one on 14 Dec and another on 24 Dec.
Allen
AllenPapapetrou said:
and another on 24 Dec.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
crazy Archos devs
no firmware the friday
cajl said:
no firmware the friday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?
________________
I get 820 on a temp-rooted archos 101 8GB with 1GHz set by set cpu.
Appearently the H264-coding takes much too long... my htc desire takes a fraction of a second to pass this test while the archos takes several seconds (20+). I read in another thread that the hardware isn't supported yet by Android-API on the Archos, which will be changed in the future, i presume.
Another glitch: The second 3D-test is much slower than on the Desire (7fps compared to 25), with some errors on the moon (black triangles). Perhaps the OpenGLS-driver is faulty in some way. The first 3D-test, however, shows 3-5 frames more per second than the Desire (clocked at 1152 MHz).
Thanks for the input, guys. I'm sure you all know how comforting, and useful it is to be able to geek out on a forum, compare stories and get tips.
BlazingWolf, I'm certain that you're right. Android is entirely new to me other than a quick fiddle (ooh-err) with a Sammy GTab in a branch of PCWorld with a snotty little elf breathing down my neck to see if he could play games on it.
My big mistake in starting to experiment with this device was that I came at it from an iPhone background, expecting to just load up a device with apps from an app store and watch as it sings, dances and performs tricks for me.
I'm back down to earth with a bump (and not in a bad way) because of the greater openness, some would say 'fragmentation' of the Android platform which creates a scenario similar to that in the PC world where we can have any one of a number of preconfigured devices using specific but sometimes unique chipset combinations, with an array of OS's and software that can be installed on them.
I'm sure one day Android will mature to the place where we begin to see such harmony on the software front end in such a way as the hardware backend becomes irrelevant.
My first 72 hours with the device were bitty. I was expecting these instant results and instant satisfaction, and progress didn't really start to be achieved until I'd wiped the A101 and reinstalled 2.2 from scratch. That's a daunting task, especially to a casual user who might buy this off the shelf. Of course, I'm sure Archos are already looking at that and working to fix it so that the product is good to go from the off.
I'm warming very quickly to the A101. I want to like it. I still have an A504wifi which has only ever been used as a much-loved, if clunky looking and with a sucky interface, portable video player, which has had a great deal of use. So I've been excited about the A101 for a while.
And as a device it is an odd one to classify. The inevitable comparison with the iPad is not necessarily as clear cut as it seems. We have to be utilitarian, sometimes, in looking at these things. The iPad fulfils a multiple of tasks, like the Archos, and it does it within a tightly regulated and strictly defined 'controlled' environment which pushes constantly at 'parity' across all contemporary devices (the OS version for example). This gives us an elegant, reliable but inflexible interface, the trade-off for which is the relative safety of the apps in the app store. The Archos, on the other hand, has a less than elegant interface, is suffering from the issues of platform fragmentation and the remote relationship between the OS developer and the hardware manufacturer, has an App Store full of garbage that doesn't work properly but might get fixed one day, and takes a lot of 'taming' as an all-round package in order to get consistent and satisfying results. That said, the nature of the more open platform affords more opportunities, akind to jailbreaking the iDevices, in successfully customising the device to complete satisfaction, and as already said assuming the OS platform is sufficiently developed to catch up with these new 'tablet' formats, especially the larger screen varieties, we could see something really special and really refined happening.
Where the Archos succeeds, however, is that it is clearly a better platform for at least two of the intended functions of the iPad. We've got a better movie player, capable of working with more formats, with instant HDMI output, and with a proper widescreen display instead of the iPad's nearly 4:3 widescreen letterbox squinty vision. We've also got a better e-reader than the Apple ArmBreaker. OK, the bezel on the iPad is easier to grip single-handed than the Archos's much thinner, but much more elegant design, but this is a device I can sit in an armchair with and actually fall asleep while still holding the thing (I know... it happened). With an iPad, I have to keep shuffling position because the thing is so dang heavy.
The Archos seems to be only a few shades shy of perfect, as far as a hardware platform goes.
Granted, Tegra2 might be fun. And definately the low amount of RAM is an inexplicable and bizarre mistake. Plus we could have done with a 32Gb storage option. Oh, and a more easily viewable screen would be nice.
But as I tweek the thing, and accept the failings of OS and softwares, while anticipating future fixes, I'm really getting to like the little fella. I just need a really nice case to cart it around in, and a decent size memory card so I can store more, and I suspect that if someone can make a permanent root happen, that will pave the way to things like 'Startup Managers' so I can stop some of these apps auto loading when I don't need them to.
A question, though... is there any reason why the MicroSD capacity is listed as being limited to 32GB? Is that an actual capacity ceiling, or is it just the number that was most commonly available or tested at the time? Is the hardware limited to 32Gig or is it Android which is limited? Can the Archos 101 'scale' as MicroSD capacities get larger, or are we literally stuck with 32GB?
I've had no issues with build quality, possibly because I don't expect it to be as solid as an iPad, being a cheaper price and different materials. I've never really had much history of busting my devices with rough treatment or accidents, and even my 'expensive' iPhone 3GS has experienced the not-uncommon 'natural' phenomena of cracks appearing in the back casing around the dock port.
One thing I did notice is that when the A101 first arrived fresh from FedEx the box was freezing cold and so was the device, and when I unpackaged it, the top edge of the device (top of the screen when held in landscape) appeared to be quite significantly convex in shape, arced, not separated from the glass in any way, but definitely bulging. I did a lot of pressing back down on the bulge and letting the device get to room temperature before this 'bulge' became minimal. It is there ever so slightly even now, but doesn't appear to be putting any pressure or distortion on the screen.
Oh, and I think it is just the viewing angle issue, but when I hold the device in portrait to browse long pages or long lists, it almost appears as if the screen itself is convex, and I tend to tilt it back and forth to change the viewing angle on each section of the screen. The screen could definately have been executed better, and I don't think it would have raised the price too significantly.
Any other tips for an A101 n00b would be greatly welcomed.
32GB is atm the maximum you can build a sd to.
The std doesn't give more.
There is a new spec by sony that has more, but it seems not compatible.
I'm not sure if you're interested, but my Samsung Galaxy S used to only do about 900 on the Quadrant benchmark with Android 2.1, it was laggy and slow and really seemed a bit disappointing! Then came Froyo! My oh my, what a difference, unbelievable! It's snappy, touch, and it's there, spin, and it spins, breath, and it feels you! And, it also performs excellently in a Quandrant test now, usually in excess of 1700, even out performs most Nexus One phones I think.
It's absolutely blown me away that a simple software upgrade could entirely change a user experience so much! Battery life has also improved dramatically, at times giving me upto 12 hours or more with general use (regular texting plus photos etc). Which is really great for a 1500mAh battery.
So, I wouldn't give up. Froyo is a really smooth incarnation of Android, and future releases will no doubt get even better. It's exciting seeing what having a company as powerful as Google, backing an opensource project like Android can achieve.
While Microsoft and other companies are focusing purely on developing products from a financial profitability standpoint, Google seems to be able to focus more on simply developing a really excellent product.
I think the biggest 'downside' to Android is that numerous companies overload it with bloatware and don't optomise it enough for their hard ware. There is maybe just a general lack of understanding on the importance of making Android work WITH not against the hardware it's on.
Keep the faith though, have a play around with it and I'm sure eventually things will improve for you, otherwise, if you're really disappointed just go and buy a Samsung Galaxy tab or something similar! Samsung does a really good job, even though they take a looooooong time for updates!
Just ran quadrant, score was 1380. Gapps5 launcher pro plus non root.
2500 with urukdroid build
What do you think between the Xoom and the Flyer?
One thing that is actually putting me off the Flyer is the 7" instead of 10"
I am thinking I want a wifi only one for home use - but for home use only I'd want something a little bigger than an oversized phone... any thoughts?
http://www.digitalversus.com/four-tablets-compared-ipad-galaxy-tab-10-1-flyer-xoom-news-18059.html
Since you'll be using it primarily at home, and you didn't mention the need for stylus input, I'd say the XOOM is probably a better choice for you.
Personally, however, I'd get the Flyer for its portability and inking capability.
I don't really have a need for a stylus - I think it's a brilliant addition - and if I had kids (also ones that could be trusted on a tablet ) I think it would be good so they could draw pics and stuff without any mess
Is there any mention of a keyboard add-on for the Flyer (wireless) I think I saw one for Xoom which'd be more of an interest for me as I'd be thinking of replacing my primary laptop with a tablet for most day-to-day stuff if it works well
Of course ultimately it all depends on the price of a wifi-only edition!
I think you summed up the screen size issue pretty well:
- 10" is home use. I have an iPad and it works really well for that. It is really something you can use all around the house with ease and enable you to check the internet in a nice chair, on the coach, etc. But I would not take the iPad in public transport - on a plane yes - and it is not a laptop replacement as some tend to pretend it is - maybe in 3-4 years when it'll be powerful enough and the resolution decent (but then again a mouse OS is much better for working)...
- 7" is for on the go. You can slide the 7" in a pocket, it's lighter, easier to hold in one hand and is a much better size to do things than a smartphone. It's perfect to watch a video, surf the web without having to pinch and zoom all the time, read a book, etc.
I have an iPad, so I don't need the Xoom; I'm more interested by the Flyer because I can take it around with me.
I like the stylus idea if it works. I've seen many videos, but all they show is someone scribbling large ribbons of colour on screen. If you can't write with the stylus; take notes, do some sketches, it is a useless addition. I can't see a lot of potential for a stylus though, especially for 10"; someone sends you a document, you're in a cab, you scribble some notes for feedback and you send it back. Way better than trying to do that over the phone...
Last thing for me is Honeycomb. The Flyer has to be upgraded to Honeycomb - thanks for XDA - as it is very likely that none of the apps produced for Honeycomb will be tablet specific: it would be a shame to have a tablet and not be able to access specific apps developped for that format...
10 inch is great for home use but a pain for everything else. I bought a Galaxy tab to take with me when I leave the house and my ipad stays at home. I got really tired of carrying around the ipad.
Sent from my SPH-P100 using XDA Premium App
I thought HTC already said that the Flyer will get an official update to Honeycomb at some point?
The XOOm is you want primary home use. The specs are also far superior, dual core etc. But if i were you, i'd choose Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 over the XOOM. some reviews havemt said the XOOm isnt amzing... Also motorola have a bad phone reputation.
If by specs you mean CPU then yes however the Xoom is kinda like a truck with a highly tuned formula one engine. Plenty of power but its all lost in the drivetrain.
In other words, processing power is useless if you have nothing to take advantage of it. I have kicked around with various kernels and hacks on many devices and got some amazing Quadrant benchmark results but in the end, its just for self satisfaction. In normal use it makes little difference.
IMO some of the killer features of the Flyer are:
- Pocketable size
- Guaranteed dev community support
- Timescribe (especially the "pickup where you left off" calendar feature for recurring appointments
- Its a HTC
Lets face it. HTC are still terrible at marketing. The things that make senseUI and their devices great are all of the little things which make using them a great overall experience. You'll never get buyers remorse buying HTC because you always get more than was advertised.
How can you even compare the Xoom and Flyer? To me you might as well be comparing a pda and an XPS laptop. I think they are 2 different classes of device. Pprtability vs multimedia/home use.
I refuse to choose. The way i see it, i would normally spend $1200 on Descent laptop. Why not buy a Flyer and Xoom (or Asus Transformer) for about $1400?
Basically. ... I want BOTH!!!!!
Tabbed on my Galaxy 987
globiboulga said:
I like the stylus idea if it works.
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Click to collapse
Right! I'd like to know if you can write while you have your hand resting on the screen. That goes for the XOOM, too. I want something close to "natural", and when I write, I have my hand and all sorts of fingers dragging around on the sheet.
marinierb said:
Right! I'd like to know if you can write while you have your hand resting on the screen. That goes for the XOOM, too. I want something close to "natural", and when I write, I have my hand and all sorts of fingers dragging around on the sheet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does have the ability to detect your hand vs the stylus. From what has been published so far,it looks like it works extremely well. Will have to wait till I get my hands on one ( ) to see if it is really as good as it looks.
I am very impressed with the Flyer so far. You need to own one to appreciate just how good HTC made this tablet. You know there is a but coming.....but the lack of Honeycomb and the price is giving me second thoughts. I can pick up the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 for the same price with updated Honeycomb. I know the Flyer may be getting honeycomb and it looks like it may be months away. I like the 7" form factor and portability but with all things considered is it better to just get the Samsung and jump on the Flyers next version? This is tuff..... any ideas?
Ha ha, I can't believe you are asking others to make a choice for you!
I hope you are not still wearing the same underwear because you needed your Mom to tell you when to change them!
Yeah, my Mom is not around and neither was yours so I decided to use the forum for some guidance. It's always good to surround yourself with other views. You never know what you might learn.
I say get the tab.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium App
The 10" form factor feels like a completely different device to me. If your mostly using it for couch surfing, the larger screen is nice. But for portability (or lack of it, compared to the Flyer) is going to feel very different. And while the plastic backing on the Galaxy Tab helps keep the weight down, it also makes it feel less high end than the aluminum unibody on the Flyer.
Good point. The portability is best thing going for the Flyer. I have the iPad2 and have rarely touched it since getting the Flyer. The costs being the same as the Galaxy 10.1 is making it hard for me to justify the expense especially with the Flyer having no Honeycomb. Thinking maybe getting the Galaxy 10.1 and holding out till 8.9 or HTC comes with a refresh of the 7". Still debating.
If you're considering between a 7 and a 10 then you might as well get the 10. Because you should already know if you want the awesome portability of a 7, there is no debate on which is better for carrying it with you. Think bag or no bag, hands full or pocketable.
I prefer the 7" for sure. At this point I am just contemplating wether it makes sense to spend that much for a 7" when you can have a 10" with updated software. I guess I am wondering wether the Flyer is an Over BUY at the price point in comparison to the Tab 10.1 wich fits the price point for its model.
I think 7" is an ideal size. I have a Gtab, iPad 2, and X201Tablet. My wife uses the iPad2, mostly to read online and play some games. My Gtab stays home, usually by my bed to watch movies via Upnplay, probably going to sell it. X201T is really nothing you want to carry around, I usually use that one for Detail sketches or CS5 work. However I carry my Flyer with me everywhere. Great for Train commute and surfing the internet during lunch, Free internet everywhere in NYC. I don't think Honeycomb is really going to make this tablet any better right now. How many apps are actually made for Honeycomb, what some 300+ or so? I know it is a lot of money, but I definitely make the most out of it. I actually do work and research for my work on it. To me it is well worth the price. Only thing I really want is more app for the Scribe pen. If anything HTC should make another variation of the Flyer with no Pen option and sell it for $100 less. If this is a simple case of techolust, I would just get the 10.1 until your next fix come on the market.
frankic said:
I am very impressed with the Flyer so far. You need to own one to appreciate just how good HTC made this tablet. You know there is a but coming.....but the lack of Honeycomb and the price is giving me second thoughts. I can pick up the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 for the same price with updated Honeycomb. I know the Flyer may be getting honeycomb and it looks like it may be months away. I like the 7" form factor and portability but with all things considered is it better to just get the Samsung and jump on the Flyers next version? This is tuff..... any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you like the 7" form factor then why are you going for the 10.1" SGT? In my opinion... the value shouldn't be based solely on the screen size. Judge the product's value as a whole and not just because it's expensive plus it's small since the product in its entirety has a different value proposition.
I read a few different articles regarding the G-Slate with the 8.9" form factor and they say it feels weird given the size... but they said that about the 7" too when it first came out.
I owned a Motorola Xoom for two months. Just returned last week for an HTC Flyer. I like the Flyer a lot better. Don't think because you're getting a dual processor and Honeycomb that the device will run fast. My Xoom was lagging. Many other people have the same experiences. The Flyer has a much more snappier experience. Honeycomb apps are not that much better. Maybe if you play games, the games may look better, but that's pretty much it. 7 inch is the perfect size for a tablet in my opinion. 10.1 inch is just not portable. You'll end up getting a bag to carry it around.
thanks guys I appreciate all your opinions. the truth is that you must consider price when making a purchase. We all do. it's hard to say that you are getting more bang for your buck with a galaxy tab but with a bigger screen, higher processor and thin build it must be considered. It's priced right for the market. You can make a case for the Flyer also but 500 for a smaller screen and older OS is pushing it a bit. Truth is I will probably stick with the flyer. It would suck if HTC decides not to go with honeycomb though. The Flyer has just enough little features that make this thing rock...
10" tabs are pointless imo. A netbook can do more, costs less, is more durable and is just as portable once you factor in the fragility of a tablet.
Stick with the flyer. 7" tab is the perfect size.
The only thing I have to add is the pen integration. As a 2nd gen tab user, I found taking notes on my iPad just didn't work well. If you don't need it then get something else for the money.
Because these devices are meant to be portable case material gets a lot of consideration. Plastic for a device this size just seems flimsy. I don't believe in purchasing a car and leaving it in the garage. I don't baby my electronic devices either. Hence the aluminum is comforting. Titanium or magnesium to lighten things up would be interesting... Maybe a Lenovo will consider the material.
The larger screen is definitely more comfortable if you are primarily couch-surfing. I also prefer the larger screen to browse magazines in full page or side-by-side. The smaller screen of the Flyer works well for guidebooks or as an e-reader. Larger screen also makes remoting into workstations easier, though I'm getting handy with the smaller screen.
Again, to me the pen integration is why I have this particular device. It doesn't bother me that honeycomb isn't on the device... I personally don't expect honeycomb to drastically effect the functionality of the device other than access to apps which will take advantage of the larger screen. I would prefer to see more advancement and focus on pen integrated apps.
frankic said:
thanks guys I appreciate all your opinions. the truth is that you must consider price when making a purchase. We all do. it's hard to say that you are getting more bang for your buck with a galaxy tab but with a bigger screen, higher processor and thin build it must be considered. It's priced right for the market. You can make a case for the Flyer also but 500 for a smaller screen and older OS is pushing it a bit. Truth is I will probably stick with the flyer. It would suck if HTC decides not to go with honeycomb though. The Flyer has just enough little features that make this thing rock...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, obviously price is a factor for most everyone (except the filthy rich). But it seems like you are trying to compare the "value" for 2 devices with potentially very different functionality due to their form factors.
You said you have an iPad2, which is exactly the same form factor as the GT 10.1. The size and weight of the two are virtually IDENTICAL. Aside from the freedom that the Android OS gives you, what makes you think that you would use the GT any more, or like it any more than the iPad? Plus, you would be owning 2 very similar devices (if you had the GT and the iPad), which actually seems like a waste of money. It seems more value added to spend your money on two devices with different form factors. The Flyer for portability, and maybe the iPad for times when you are couch surfing and want a bigger screen. Although, if you ask me, maybe its the iPad that you should get rid of!
The "value" a device brings to you is not necessarily the specs (like a bigger screen or a slightly more updated OS) but the use that you get from it. Its not always about the numbers, and you can't quantify how much you like or prefer something.
Also, the GT does not have a "higher" processor, in all regards. Its a 1 GHz dual core versus the 1.5 GHz single core on the Flyer. The dual core is better for multi-tasking, such as switching between apps, or apps running in the background. But within a single app, the higher clocked single core processor will actually prove faster. The vast majority of apps do not support multi cores yet, and don't take advantage of it. This is why people on here have commented that the Flyer actually feels snappier than the current dual core tablets (in addition to Honeycomb possibly causing some lag).
kcchen said:
It doesn't bother me that honeycomb isn't on the device... I personally don't expect honeycomb to drastically effect the functionality of the device other than access to apps which will take advantage of the larger screen.
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Click to collapse
I have to agree. While the Flyer is the only tablet I own, I was recently in Best Buy, fiddling around with every tablet they had, particularly the Honeycomb ones. I wasn't really blown away by Honeycomb. Some things are cool, such as how the launcher and other apps make better use of a larger tablet screen. And there are various features only on Honeycomb that sound cool. But to be honest, I was not all that crazy about the general theming and look of Honeycomb versus Sense Gingerbread. Maybe I'm must too much of an HTC junky, and biased. Also, the Honeycomb launcher seemed a bit sluggish, as commented in various places. Maybe HC needs a bit more work, or slightly faster CPUs. All in all, my takeaway from the experience was that I am not really disappointed that the Flyer has Gingerbread.
redpoint73 said:
The "value" a device brings to you is not necessarily the specs (like a bigger screen or a slightly more updated OS) but the use that you get from it. Its not always about the numbers, and you can't quantify how much you like or prefer something.
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Click to collapse
Exactly! Before I bought my Flyer I was looking for the best hardware, latest OS. After much thought and trying out different devices I decided that I wanted the 7" form factor. With that there were only 2 real choices for me, this and the galaxy tab. The flyer performs much better than the galaxy tab. Reviewers of the flyer complain about the specs, but with actual use, it's fast and smooth, less lag than the 10" honeycombs.
I rarely use my laptop now. When not at work I use this almost exclusively for browsing, email, news, games, listening to music, watching videos, reading android forums =), whether at home or commuting or at a cafe. I'm very happy with the performance. Battery life is decent. My only complaint is the camera that's it. Picture quality on my HTC desire is better than this.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA App
Thanks for all your replies. I decided to stick with the Flyer. The portability can not be beat. I have not really put the pen to use as of yet but I am a big Evernote user and expect to use the Pen much more soon. I miss spoke when I mentioned higher processor, I am aware of the dual core just miss-spoke. The one drawback to the flyer is email threading and right side preview which is available through honeycomb. I am hoping the 7" form factor will adopt these features when Honeycomb is added. The email client for HTC is not my cup of tea. That's is really my biggest gripe.
redpoint73 said:
The "value" a device brings to you is not necessarily the specs (like a bigger screen or a slightly more updated OS) but the use that you get from it. Its not always about the numbers, and you can't quantify how much you like or prefer something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree more. The value should be based on what's important to YOU! I tried to justify my purchase because I know I overpaid (when comparing to other tablets). Then I realized that it really comes down to whether I like the tablet or not.. and..well... I do
Also, a ton of people pay that same price for only 3.6-4.1 inch screens (phones off contract). So when you look at it that way the price for the flyer is pretty damn good.
Hi guys, I'm new to the (modern) tablet scene. I tried to get into tablets when I started college back in 2007 with the Fujitsu T4215 and absolutely loved handwriting and the idea of tablets back then, but unfortunately the hardware at the time proved a bit too heavy (literally) and clunky for me (e.g. low battery life, and other hardware issues I had with my laptop). I rediscovered pen and paper for some time and found I work way more effectively writing, however, it can be very hard to organize and now I just have stacks and stacks of paper. I'm just starting graduate school, and it it seems like the hardware (e.g. HTC flyer, Samsung Note) and software (e.g. Lecture Notes, Quill, ezPDF) are starting to converge to a point of being usable and affordable, so I'm thinking of giving tablets another shot.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to replace my dying laptop with a serviceable windows 8 tablet-top (I love onenote) after all the kinks of the 1st generation of windows 8 tablets have been worked out, so I've been hesitant to spring for the samsung note (despite the rave reviews) since they would be filling the same niche. This still gives me a year or so of downtime though, leading me to consider the 7 inch HTC flyer.
My dilemma right now is if you guys think the HTC flyer/view is a good investment right now. It seems like there are rumors for a 7 inch samsung note? And the HTC flyer with windows RT. Although the price for those I'm guessing is going to be $350+ and perhaps out of my student budget. But would the HTC flyer hold its value for a year or so? Should I get used or new? What would be a good price to invest in? Or should I wait for a new device? It's so hard to decide with hardware improving so quickly and everything becoming outdated in a just a few months.
My usage is fairly light. I'm coming from a slow Android 2.3 smartphone and ipod touch 2 (whose smoothness still blows my mind even though it's older than my android phone), so I feel no matter what the flyer is still a big upgrade for me. I'm just looking for a good companion to hold all my pdfs, papers (gonna start scanning all my handwritten notes), while allowing for some handy pen annotation. And if I could connect remotely to my desktop for some matlab and or mathematica I'd be ecstatic.
Thanks guys!
EnPaceRequiescat said:
Hi guys, I'm new to the (modern) tablet scene. I tried to get into tablets when I started college back in 2007 with the Fujitsu T4215 and absolutely loved handwriting and the idea of tablets back then, but unfortunately the hardware at the time proved a bit too heavy (literally) and clunky for me (e.g. low battery life, and other hardware issues I had with my laptop). I rediscovered pen and paper for some time and found I work way more effectively writing, however, it can be very hard to organize and now I just have stacks and stacks of paper. I'm just starting graduate school, and it it seems like the hardware (e.g. HTC flyer, Samsung Note) and software (e.g. Lecture Notes, Quill, ezPDF) are starting to converge to a point of being usable and affordable, so I'm thinking of giving tablets another shot.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to replace my dying laptop with a serviceable windows 8 tablet-top (I love onenote) after all the kinks of the 1st generation of windows 8 tablets have been worked out, so I've been hesitant to spring for the samsung note (despite the rave reviews) since they would be filling the same niche. This still gives me a year or so of downtime though, leading me to consider the 7 inch HTC flyer.
My dilemma right now is if you guys think the HTC flyer/view is a good investment right now. It seems like there are rumors for a 7 inch samsung note? And the HTC flyer with windows RT. Although the price for those I'm guessing is going to be $350+ and perhaps out of my student budget. But would the HTC flyer hold its value for a year or so? Should I get used or new? What would be a good price to invest in? Or should I wait for a new device? It's so hard to decide with hardware improving so quickly and everything becoming outdated in a just a few months.
My usage is fairly light. I'm coming from a slow Android 2.3 smartphone and ipod touch 2 (whose smoothness still blows my mind even though it's older than my android phone), so I feel no matter what the flyer is still a big upgrade for me. I'm just looking for a good companion to hold all my pdfs, papers (gonna start scanning all my handwritten notes), while allowing for some handy pen annotation. And if I could connect remotely to my desktop for some matlab and or mathematica I'd be ecstatic.
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Flyer is dead. It's not a bad tablet par se, but cannot compare in price to the Nexus 7. There is very Iittle development going on in the Flyer.
Do yourself a favour and buy a Nexus 7 or 10.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
If you are looking for a current tablet with great writing capabilities I'd recommend the Samsung Note 10.1. If cost is your concern and 10" seems too big I think the flyer with a custom ROM, Like Leedroid HC OR Mawakious, would do you well. I've seen flyers as low as $130 on eBay, the scribe pen is on clearance at sites like buy.com for about $26, although I've seen it as low as $19 on eBay, along with a case, which I've seen some nice ones with a pen holder for $13.
So roughly you could pay as low as, pad in some shipping costs (very rough estimates here), ~$180, maybe less.
Samsung hasn't confirmed a 7" note, yet. I wouldn't base my buying on something that does not yet exist.
I still don't regret getting the flyer.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using Tapatalk 2
gersto said:
If you are looking for a current tablet with great writing capabilities I'd recommend the Samsung Note 10.1. If cost is your concern and 10" seems too big I think the flyer with a custom ROM, Like Leedroid HC OR Mawakious, would do you well. I've seen flyers as low as $130 on eBay, the scribe pen is on clearance at sites like buy.com for about $26, although I've seen it as low as $19 on eBay, along with a case, which I've seen some nice ones with a pen holder for $13.
So roughly you could pay as low as, pad in some shipping costs (very rough estimates here), ~$180, maybe less.
Samsung hasn't confirmed a 7" note, yet. I wouldn't base my buying on something that does not yet exist.
I still don't regret getting the flyer.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Samsung has confirmed the 7" note, but not when it will go on sale. I'm sure the price will be $350 + .
If you don;t need a stylus, the Samsung 7.2 tab 2 is a good deal and has current JB ROMs and development for around $149.
I don't regret getting the View a year ago. It is a solid tablet. But I certainly wouldn't recommend buying one now. There are much faster and better supported tablets available today for around the same price. I thought I would use the pen a lot, but I haven't. If I were to get a 7" tablet today, I'd get a Nexus 7, or possibly a Samsung.
If you are on budget, Flyer is a good choice. You can't expect it to have uptodate software or fancy things like window view in galaxy notes but the price/productivity can't be beat. And so far, this is the only mobile size 7inch tablet with stylus in the market. Even if Samsung release a 7 inch note in the future, it will be expensive.
I like my Flyer very much. It is the best personal electronic device that I have ever bought, although sometimes I wish it had SamsungNote software and small stylus. Btw imo, Samsung devices usually do not look good.
Thanks guys for all the comments! From what it seems the hardware definitely is quite out of date, and that the flyer is really only worth it if I make good use of the pen. I guess my media consumption is light (casual youtube, hulu, skype), so hopefully the hardware won't give me issues. For those of you for whom the flyer/view was good for productivity, how do you guys make use of the pen?
@rickwood, what did you originally intend to use the pen for? Was the pen not smooth enough for your intended uses?
Also, how would the flyer/view fare for connecting to a keyboard and remote desktopping/ssh'ing, in case I'm checking on some code on the fly?
Thanks!
EnPaceRequiescat said:
For those of you for whom the flyer/view was good for productivity, how do you guys make use of the pen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case, I usually use the pen when I take notes in class everyday. I'm using the app LectureNotes, PDFView(for pdf import to LectureNotes) and LectureRecodings(for recording with taking notes).
using :
HTC Flyer ICS yetki
HTC Desire MIUI ICS
EnPaceRequiescat said:
Thanks guys for all the comments! From what it seems the hardware definitely is quite out of date, and that the flyer is really only worth it if I make good use of the pen. I guess my media consumption is light (casual youtube, hulu, skype), so hopefully the hardware won't give me issues. For those of you for whom the flyer/view was good for productivity, how do you guys make use of the pen?
@rickwood, what did you originally intend to use the pen for? Was the pen not smooth enough for your intended uses?
Also, how would the flyer/view fare for connecting to a keyboard and remote desktopping/ssh'ing, in case I'm checking on some code on the fly?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hardware is definitely old but i have used it for numerous task, including media and games. Many "HD" games work great (and no i'm not just talking about Angry Birds, heh)
i've used Skype and Youtube and no issues with HC on those fronts. Never used Hulu Plus and Netflix seems to work fine, slight stutter here and there though.
I've used DicePlayer for playing videos loaded on the tablet and works great with the built-in hardware acceleration up to 720p HD movies.
I've tried using remote desktop, had 2X, and my job uses Citrix, they are "useful" but i think the 7" screen hinders that use more than it helps. It's good for a quick check but productivity-wise may be cumbersome to use. Having a bluetooth keyboard & mouse does help, but the screen real estate is more the issue, at least to me.
The tablet is definitely capable.
EnPaceRequiescat said:
@rickwood, what did you originally intend to use the pen for? Was the pen not smooth enough for your intended uses?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I'd use the pen for light note taking. On paper, I write really small. On the View, for some reason I had a hard time doing this - - all my text came out really big. Not sure if this was due to the small size of the pen, the resolution of the tablet, or the fact that I was using a compatible Fujitsu pen rather than a true HTC pen. In any case, I wasn't pleased with how my notes were turning out, so I rarely use the pen anymore.
Hope this helps
Its actually a kinda rule in mobile tech field and allied, to not compare gadgets with age difference more than an year (in fact 6 months)
So kindly don't compare a quite way-back-released Flyer/View with latest Nexus and note 2/3 etc
My advise, HTF flyer is one of the best-all-in-one device you would find around (in fact a very few are there)
I can keep counting on features and its usability and fill up a page or 2, with REAL-LIFE uses with just a 1 Real-Portable-Device in your Jeans/Trouser/Coat Pocket (and not in a another BAG( which is actually pseudo-portable)).
If short of money, GRAB it quick. Believe me the major rate dip and stuff for this Product is already done/over. The current prices will remain till the inventory(which is already low) gets over (except you knock off some bargained deal with a seller). If you are thinking of some stop gap arrangement (with regards to your win8 tablet..better don;t). Wait a few months..win8 pro would be out in jan 2013. Get a
MS surface pro...and if you like like Win 8, SURFACE PRO would be really a great product (Hope you are saving money for it; Price would be 2-3X times the flyer's cost)
Personally i really like MS surface PRO (not RT)
If have money and cant live without flaunting Newest OS (FYI Flyer runs Jellybean too but not with all functions AON) and Gadget to friends and allied, go for other options. Yes there are some better options and the list will keep adding with time (and more money you are ready to spent)
I advise getting a Flyer than Evo View, if you are looking to replace your phone too.(and cant carry multiple devices)
P.S. Just some experience, in case that helps. I am not a "lets-buy-a-new-phone/tablet" guy just bcoz options are there and money is there in my bank account. I always RIP a product when it is missing/making me difficult to handle some new technology/function which i/associated people need or it BREAKS down.
When i bought My HTC KAISER back in 2007 (For 600$(including shipping) importing a Tmobile MDA vario III version to my country as there were none available here) i knew i made a good choice.
That new design and functions served me for some 3 years without me feeling much to shift over EXCEPT some screen real estate shortage(which gets short with each passing year given the fact how bigger handhelds are becoming) & resistive screen
& then i bought the FLYER (after waiting for its Initial 700$ price to come down to 370$) and i knew that price is worth it for a 7 inch Capacitive HTC's Beautiful tablet with Wifi, 3G, GPS, Dual Cameras, 32Gb+Slot Storage and the Hidden GSM phone(the deal breaker for me). It has replaced my phone too HTC KAISER (which still looks at me the same way.... sometimes when i need to lend a phone to someone(with all functions working and just wear n tear damage))
Also see how i substituted a 600$ product with a 370$ product after 3-4 yrs & latter being a more smarter, more useful and lot more productive product
Thats how technology works and changes & also how usage of product/s changes!
Personally, now, I use it as my All-in-one device
- Mainly for Phone,
- Quick Internet browsing (using Wifi at home & 3G Sim outside)
- GPS
- Voice recorder for notes(in professional work) & life voice-logs(when alone)
- a Drawing Pad for my nephew (They say the "magic" Pen is great)
- Full fledged Alarm Clock
- To-Do List Reminder
- my Music Portable (Home, Office and Travel(Airplane; Trains etc)) Esp. over Wireless Stereo BT headset
Including playing my music in Car using Aux/Drive/BT input (esp. when Days of CD/Discs are long gone)
- my Video Portable playing 720p HD videos with proper 16:9 Ratio(Home, Office and Travel(Airplane; Trains etc))
- Gr8 Games when i feeling bored
and Mind you ...if 7 inch real estate is small ...get a HDMI out and you would love the stuff on a big LED or Projector screen.
- Measure Distances & Heights (Smart Rule App)
- Taking Database Backups of my blogs and websites
- Torrents
- Wifi Hot spot for other gadgets
- Occasional Written note taking (kinda to do list only) . Scribe Pen is so handy (Mine came free/included with Flyer)
- Voice controlled Commands (Still researching Voice assistants like Speak to it & utter and they are FASCINATING)
- and the list is endless with what not can be done with loads of USEFUL and PRODUCTIVE apps available esp. after ROOTING the device into a Fully-Controlled (Beautiful-)Beast!
and
LoVVVe it.
(My only gripe (for the money and beautiful device this is).. is why HTC didn't put a flash in and may be they should have added a larger battery. Camera is not good in low light & buttery runs out soon when i use these many functions )
EnPaceRequiescat said:
For those of you for whom the flyer/view was good for productivity, how do you guys make use of the pen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most useful feature for me is annotating PDF files. I use Repligo app. Another trick is that you can convert Power point (or whatever) files into PDFs and annotate them. I can't find any good app to annotate Word files. Foxit Viewer comes with the Flyer is useless.
I also use the pen for taking handwriting notes. I use Quill (you can get it for free here: http://code.google.com/p/android-quill/downloads/list), and HandyNote. But I'm reducing this load because it is difficult to search the content of handwriting text (with out handwriting recognition). And it's not easy to copy/paste them to other docs. That's not good for my purpose of tracking/reorganizing the notes later. But there are some app for handwriting recognition such as WritePad. Maybe they are good if one practices enough.
In addition, I guess the pen is very useful for people who enjoy drawing.
About the Flyer's competitors from price/(pen)productivity aspect, I don't see any at this point. Maybe there will be some in a year or two. MS Surface is promising but it will take time till the app support from the developers get to an adequate level with Android. Or maybe Apple will start to adopt real stylus and keep suing all Android OEMs, who knows..
I hope it helps.
freworld said:
Its actually a kinda rule in mobile tech field and allied, to not compare gadgets with age difference more than an year (in fact 6 months)
So kindly don't compare a quite way-back-released Flyer/View with latest Nexus and note 2/3 etc
My advise, HTF flyer is one of the best-all-in-one device you would find around (in fact a very few are there)
I can keep counting on features and its usability and fill up a page or 2, with REAL-LIFE uses with just a 1 Real-Portable-Device in your Jeans/Trouser/Coat Pocket (and not in a another BAG( which is actually pseudo-portable)).
If short of money, GRAB it quick. Believe me the major rate dip and stuff for this Product is already done/over. The current prices will remain till the inventory(which is already low) gets over (except you knock off some bargained deal with a seller). If you are thinking of some stop gap arrangement (with regards to your win8 tablet..better don;t). Wait a few months..win8 pro would be out in jan 2013. Get a
MS surface pro...and if you like like Win 8, SURFACE PRO would be really a great product (Hope you are saving money for it; Price would be 2-3X times the flyer's cost)
Personally i really like MS surface PRO (not RT)
If have money and cant live without flaunting Newest OS (FYI Flyer runs Jellybean too but not with all functions AON) and Gadget to friends and allied, go for other options. Yes there are some better options and the list will keep adding with time (and more money you are ready to spent)
I advise getting a Flyer than Evo View, if you are looking to replace your phone too.(and cant carry multiple devices)
P.S. Just some experience, in case that helps. I am not a "lets-buy-a-new-phone/tablet" guy just bcoz options are there and money is there in my bank account. I always RIP a product when it is missing/making me difficult to handle some new technology/function which i/associated people need or it BREAKS down.
When i bought My HTC KAISER back in 2007 (For 600$(including shipping) importing a Tmobile MDA vario III version to my country as there were none available here) i knew i made a good choice.
That new design and functions served me for some 3 years without me feeling much to shift over EXCEPT some screen real estate shortage(which gets short with each passing year given the fact how bigger handhelds are becoming) & resistive screen
& then i bought the FLYER (after waiting for its Initial 700$ price to come down to 370$) and i knew that price is worth it for a 7 inch Capacitive HTC's Beautiful tablet with Wifi, 3G, GPS, Dual Cameras, 32Gb+Slot Storage and the Hidden GSM phone(the deal breaker for me). It has replaced my phone too HTC KAISER (which still looks at me the same way.... sometimes when i need to lend a phone to someone(with all functions working and just wear n tear damage))
Also see how i substituted a 600$ product with a 370$ product after 3-4 yrs & latter being a more smarter, more useful and lot more productive product
Thats how technology works and changes & also how usage of product/s changes!
Personally, now, I use it as my All-in-one device
- Mainly for Phone,
- Quick Internet browsing (using Wifi at home & 3G Sim outside)
- GPS
- Voice recorder for notes(in professional work) & life voice-logs(when alone)
- a Drawing Pad for my nephew (They say the "magic" Pen is great)
- Full fledged Alarm Clock
- To-Do List Reminder
- my Music Portable (Home, Office and Travel(Airplane; Trains etc)) Esp. over Wireless Stereo BT headset
Including playing my music in Car using Aux/Drive/BT input (esp. when Days of CD/Discs are long gone)
- my Video Portable playing 720p HD videos with proper 16:9 Ratio(Home, Office and Travel(Airplane; Trains etc))
- Gr8 Games when i feeling bored
and Mind you ...if 7 inch real estate is small ...get a HDMI out and you would love the stuff on a big LED or Projector screen.
- Measure Distances & Heights (Smart Rule App)
- Taking Database Backups of my blogs and websites
- Torrents
- Wifi Hot spot for other gadgets
- Occasional Written note taking (kinda to do list only) . Scribe Pen is so handy (Mine came free/included with Flyer)
- Voice controlled Commands (Still researching Voice assistants like Speak to it & utter and they are FASCINATING)
- and the list is endless with what not can be done with loads of USEFUL and PRODUCTIVE apps available esp. after ROOTING the device into a Fully-Controlled (Beautiful-)Beast!
and
LoVVVe it.
(My only gripe (for the money and beautiful device this is).. is why HTC didn't put a flash in and may be they should have added a larger battery. Camera is not good in low light & buttery runs out soon when i use these many functions )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldnt agree more and glad I got my for christmas
Expansys.ie were doing good deals on them, less than 250euro, which is one of the cheapest places I've seen them retail for new
Simple, the flyer is a capable device that was thrown to the side immediately after release. It performs well enough to be functional at most task but does little great. For me it is a better device than a nexus 7 because the nexus is stripped of allot of functionality the flyer has. If you want to be up to date with software do not consider this device. If you are looking for a small screen tablet that is versatile this is probably still the best option although I have not spent much time with the galaxy tab 2.7
A frustrating device for me because I enjoy its abilities but miss the tweaking custom rom aspect of a device that has good after sale development from the OEM
Flyer
mcord11758 said:
Simple, the flyer is a capable device that was thrown to the side immediately after release. It performs well enough to be functional at most task but does little great. For me it is a better device than a nexus 7 because the nexus is stripped of allot of functionality the flyer has. If you want to be up to date with software do not consider this device. If you are looking for a small screen tablet that is versatile this is probably still the best option although I have not spent much time with the galaxy tab 2.7
A frustrating device for me because I enjoy its abilities but miss the tweaking custom rom aspect of a device that has good after sale development from the OEM
Flyer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, thank you guys so much for all the good input! I think I'm gonna try for the flyer -- seems like a good budget way to try things, particularly the pen. I'm hoping that I can start to use it as a scratchpad of sorts, in addition to reading scanned notes (I write large so hopefully the 7" screen is adequate even when my writing gets shrunk). The lack of usb otg (at least, without an external power source) is a slight shame, but hopefully i'll be able to live without via bluetooth and the cloud.
Also, I didnt know that the Flyer could be used as a phone! Is this through 3G VoIP, or does it actually have a cell radio?
Happy new years guys!
Both
EnPaceRequiescat said:
Also, I didnt know that the Flyer could be used as a phone! Is this through 3G VoIP, or does it actually have a cell radio?
Happy new years guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you indeed missed a major function of this beast. Through 3g Voip as well as Cell radio
Happy new year to u too. Get yourself a gift
P.S. USB OTG issue is also a minor gripe... exact situation is being discussed here ( with possible options including USB -Y cable)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1082909
I would not recommend spending your money on any tablet or smartphone device that is over 20 months old. The specs are not even last gen, they are 2 generations old.
That said, there isn't much better in the 7" form factor. I love the 7" tablet size. But unfortunately, the manufacturers have relegated this size to the budget/low-spec end of the spectrum. Mostly thanks to the low priced Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7. And Samsung has joined the "race to the bottom" with its mediocre spec'ed Galaxy Tab2 7.0. The technology of smartphones has left 7" tablets in the dust, its such a shame.
Unless the pen functionality is really important to you (I personally never use it on the Flyer) I'd probably go for the Nexus 7. Yes, its missing some big features. But its simply much better supported by both its manufacturer and the dev community. This forum has become quiet as the grave. So you won't even get much of a community here to chat with or get help if you want to root and S-Off, flash ROMs, etc. Yes, there are still a few devs that soldier on, and other community members still trying to keep this forum alive. But the Flyer's best days are long gone.
I don't regret a bit buying the Flyer when it first came out way back in the summer of 2011. And I still use it every day. But if I didn't already have the Flyer, I wouldn't buy one now. Probably I would get a Nexus 7, wait to see how good the 7" Note is, or wait to see if any higher spec 7" tablets are on the way (doubtful).
I agree with most that has been said. If you want/need the pen and want 7"... get a flyer/evo view. I have a view and use it almost daily for writing. I always had notepads and sticky notes all over the place, now its all within lecturenotes (sweet app).
If you think you'll "maybe" use the pen... get a nexus or other 7".
I use the crap out of the pen and am looking to get another flyer/view for a friend as a gift.
Only if you really need the pen should you consider the GTab 7 2 or HTC Flyer. Having played with both I think the better option now is the Samsung model. But again, only if you really need the pen. If you can live with a capcitive stylus go with a Nexus 7. It will be supported for a long time to come and will always be on the latest OS
/*
AidenM said:
Only if you really need the pen should you consider the GTab 7 2 or HTC Flyer. Having played with both I think the better option now is the Samsung model. But again, only if you really need the pen. If you can live with a capcitive stylus go with a Nexus 7. It will be supported for a long time to come and will always be on the latest OS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, the galaxy tab2 7? Doesn't that only use the capacitive pen? also, it seems like i can't find that secondhand anywhere, and new costs $200, so I feel I might as well get the nexus7 if I'm foregoing the digitizer.
I'm also the kind of person who had notepads and sticky notes all over the place, and notes involve math that say, swype is not good for (though it is quite fast), which is why the digitizer is a big draw. But from the comments people are giving, and how fast technology is moving, it seems like it's almost better nowadays to just buy new (so... the samsung note7 whenever that comes out), just like how I can't imagine buying secondhand computers these days.