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Anyone ever try one of these cheap BT keyboards from ebay?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Wireless-B...cessories&hash=item20b9fefac8#ht_10638wt_1139
There's tons of them.
It appears to be smaller than the phone in the picture. I cannot see what advantage it would provide.
SirhanSirhan said:
It appears to be smaller than the phone in the picture. I cannot see what advantage it would provide.
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That thing in the background is actually the front of a laptop, I think. But here's another one, with a hand in the pic for size reference:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Wireless-Mini-B...Trackballs&hash=item2c5d194867#ht_6608wt_1139
But as to what advantage it would provide:
1st of all, I type MUCH faster on a tactile keyboard (as most people do in reality).
2nd- tablet can be propped up on a stand and still enter test comfortably (I've found it difficult to type on a vertical screen, and placing it horizontally on my lap for a long message can negatively effect the viewing angle)
3rd- can be used remotely or when hands are dirty (think- kitchen / cooking / recipe tablet).
4th- console gaming. Nothing beats buttons for emulators.
I like that it is so portable, otherwise a full sized case + KB sort of approaches the size of a netbook which almost defeats the purpose of having this.
What I really wanted to know if these are just poor build quality or really uncomfortable to type on (I LOVED my touch pro 2 keypad, which this reminds me of, but not all kbs are created equal).
Additionally, there are other shapes and sizes, all around the same price on ebay. Seem to come from similar sellers, probably manufactured in one plant. Here's something more full sized:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Wireless-Blueto...ccessories&hash=item2311642184#ht_3553wt_1139
I can't really offer any insight to answer your question, as I have no experience with these one way or another... but I am quite interested in the answer. If you end up going this route and trying it, please post back here with the results... I'd be interested in a product like this, but build quality would also be a primary concern for me.
I ordered this keyboard from Amazon about a month ago, works great with both my GTab running Vegan 5.1.1 and my rooted EVO.
I apparently can't post links because I'm new, but search amazon for this:
Handheld Mini Bluetooth HID Wireless Chicklet Keyboard with Mouse Control Combo for Media Center PC, Windows 7/Vista/XP, Apple iPad & Sony PS3
It's like $35 and well worth it, I wrote a whole 5 page paper with it, pretty slick
toreyjh said:
I ordered this keyboard from Amazon about a month ago, works great with both my GTab running Vegan 5.1.1 and my rooted EVO.
I apparently can't post links because I'm new, but search amazon for this:
Handheld Mini Bluetooth HID Wireless Chicklet Keyboard with Mouse Control Combo for Media Center PC, Windows 7/Vista/XP, Apple iPad & Sony PS3
It's like $35 and well worth it, I wrote a whole 5 page paper with it, pretty slick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you are.
How comfy is it being used as a desktop keyboard not as a thumb keyboard ?
Thanks
update: looks too small for touch typing (as noted in amazon reviews). So I like the caps lock led (not available on any other slim BT keyboard I have checked)
Also note that Android does not support the Bluetooth HID profile (looks like the underlying stack supports it since 2.1 or 2.2 but there's nothing in the ROM).
There's a free apk that might work "bluetooth easyconnect".
I've been edging around a semi expensive ~20USD apk that definitely works with my iGo BT keyboard, but they lock to phone ID and, on the gtab, that changes when you change ROMs...
toreyjh said:
I ordered this keyboard from Amazon about a month ago, works great with both my GTab running Vegan 5.1.1 and my rooted EVO.
I apparently can't post links because I'm new, but search amazon for this:
Handheld Mini Bluetooth HID Wireless Chicklet Keyboard with Mouse Control Combo for Media Center PC, Windows 7/Vista/XP, Apple iPad & Sony PS3
It's like $35 and well worth it, I wrote a whole 5 page paper with it, pretty slick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the bt keyboard that aasoror linked to. I got it to pair but it never connected, I even downloaded bluetooth keyboard easy connect but it would not let me pick the keyboard in the drop down menu. What is supposed to be the pin to help me get this working with my g-tab?
I am using Vegan GE 7.0. Thanks for any help you or anyone else can provide.
Oh, it never occurred to me that we would be missing the HID profile in bluetooth!
I just assumed if the iPad does it, certainly Android has it built in (thinking back to A2DP and other stuff Android supported first).
That really stinks- are BT keyboards not an option??
imdaman99 said:
I bought the bt keyboard that aasoror linked to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how did you like it ? is it good for touch typing ?
I got it to pair but it never connected
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried the trick here.
Dishe said:
That really stinks- are BT keyboards not an option??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is plenty of BT KB's running on the GTab, just look around.
aasoror said:
And how did you like it ? is it good for touch typing ?
Have you tried the trick here.
There is plenty of BT KB's running on the GTab, just look around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it to work
I like it because its wireless and doesn't need a usb dongle or anything, but its hard to type on it for than a few minutes. Obviously it is a lot better than typing on the GTab but I wish it were smaller or bigger (small enough to thumb type, or big enough that it wasn't cramped and getting tiresome typing with both hands and all my fingers.)
I already had a Rii Mini Wireless keyboard from before so I thought, hell it couldn't hurt to give it a try on my GTab. And it works! Even the touchpad! I would rather use that because it is smaller (thus more portable) and it has backlighting on it. I could type in the dark! Of course there is a Bluetooth version for the Rii Mini as well (around $40), but I think I have spent enough money on keyboards for my GTab lol.
imdaman99 said:
I got it to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't say how ?
imdaman99 said:
I wish it were smaller or bigger (small enough to thumb type, or big enough that it wasn't cramped and getting tiresome typing with both hands and all my fingers.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am now thinking about a little bigger keyboard, seems suitable for touch typing.
I bought a BT keyboard off ebay for 19$ and it will not connect at all with my GTab. It will not connect w my samsung fascinate android either but will connect w my Ps3 and my ipod. Go figure.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Coming from a TF101 OG Transformer, I was concerned that the dock would be perhaps not up to my expectations, considering the thinner design. For starters, it was only offering a single USB port, to the two on the OG Transformer, and while the first version was reasonable to type on (and hugely better than ANY soft keyboard) the new one was described as having less key travel, and and while no reviewer seemed to have major issues, and I wasn't seeing glowing reports either.
I just got my dock, less than 10 minutes ago, I and I am typing this on it right now, and and for me, and if not for everyone, it BLOWS AWAY the OG Dock. First and foremost is how it is to type on. It issignificantly better for me, and the two fingers tango I do. I am not a touch typist, in spite of 20 + yeaars in IT and support. I have to look at the keyboard, but let me just say the they keys and the travel? They could have been designed by a German engineering firm, for a BMW or Mercedes. They feel awesome! Even with the lag we see on web applications (same as OG, though FW revisons almost completely eliminted it, I suspect ICS will squash any remaining lag, coupled with the right build from ASUS.
Apart from typing, the design? I am glad it doesn't have to do any wireless, cause its aluminum back and front LOL, and looks like a billion bucks. Closed, the TP feels like a solid chunk of aluminum, and I mean SOLID. The touch pad is terrific, I LOVE the way they eliminated the "buttons" in favor of a dividing line, and in spite of it's obvious relationship to the OG, this is better in every way. I was a bit worried, but not anymore. I give this thing a 9.5 score out of ten.
For peope on the fence about getting the dock, run, don't walk to the thread that explains how to get these in a few days from Best Buy, using OMS. The DOCK ROCKS!!!
Curious to see how folks coming to the Prime as first Tablet, or replacing something other than the OG Transformer feel about the dock. What does everyone else think?
NOTE: For those that missed it, don't forget to take out the plastic tabs at the base of the tablet screen, they MUST be removed before placing it in the dock. Also, if you are feeling a slight current "buzz" when touching the metal lightly, unplucg the power supply from the wall, and turn it upside down (so the word "Asus" is upside down. This is the only workaround I m aware of for the issue.
Lastly, can asus get rid of the goofy notification that says
"Docking connected. Use Keyboard to type words"
I know what they are trying to say, I.E. Don't use the soft keyboard (duh) what do they think we would use the KB for than to type words? As a $150 back scratcher? Really unnecessary notification.
I actually received my dock a week before my tablet. Both were ordered from BB back a couple days after the first pre-orders showed up on their site. (You had to go hunting to find the dock, but it was there.)
I've got zero problems with the dock or the tablet in daily use. I would agree that the notification should either be eliminated or at least be allowed to be closed. The extra battery life it provides the tablet is fantastic. The key travel isn't that bad; I expected worse.
My only peeve is I wish the right shift was wide like the left. I find myself hitting the damn up arrow every once in awhile by accident.
Love it
The battery life when coupled with the dock is practically an eternity.
I also really like the Android specific hot-keys. ASUS did a great job picking the common actions and making them into a hot-key. I can tap a button to instantly get into "settings" as one example. It's just amazing.
With the introduction of the following three features this really becomes an enterprise class solution for mobile computing:
1) ICS support of VPN IPSec Groups
2) Ability to encrypt hard drive contents. (no not bootloader, user data)
3) Fully functional Keyboard
Who needs to carry a bulky laptop at that point. I could do almost all of my business travel with this thing and then ditch the keyboard when I get home.
don't have mine yet. how is it for those of us who ARE touch typists?
(I see my dad going at it with 2 fingers, but he grew up before PCs. I don't get how anyone under 40 isn't a touch typist these days!)
theoilman said:
don't have mine yet. how is it for those of us who ARE touch typists?
(I see my dad going at it with 2 fingers, but he grew up before PCs. I don't get how anyone under 40 isn't a touch typist these days!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean, but I'm under 40 and can touch type over 60 wpm in the best conditions.
I have rather large hands for a keyboard that small and as I mentioned, the only key that bugs is the right shift. Everything else is pretty good.
I want to know what happened to the low range speaker they said was going to be in the dock...
I was kind of looking forward to it.
soulctcher said:
I know what you mean, but I'm under 40 and can touch type over 60 wpm in the best conditions.
I have rather large hands for a keyboard that small and as I mentioned, the only key that bugs is the right shift. Everything else is pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok good to hear. I almost always use the left shift anyway.
It was only a rumor. And such solution would probably be hard to create because you shouldn't connect audio equipement "live" - you would have to turn off the audio amplifier in the tablet before connecting / disconnecting the dock to avoid surge (is it a good word? dictionary was not helpful...). Unless the speaker had it's own amplifier, hm...
Got my dock a few days ago and I love it. The keyboard is a little cramped but after 5 to 10 minutes of use you'll be adjusted to it and typing as though it is a regular sized keyboard. Also I discovered that ctrl + V actually pastes! I haven't found any other common shortcuts like that, if anyone knows any please post them. ctrl + f unfortunately doesn't start a browser word find but you can just hit the option list and start one up pretty easily.
The battery life is amazing. I spent about 6 non stop hours yesterday listening to pandora with a bluetooth headset while constantly browsing reddit and chatting on windows live messenger through the beejive app. At the end of the 6 hours my tablet still had 75% battery left but the dock was completely used up.
This is how the dock battery works... when your tablet reaches 70% charge the dock will begin relaying power to the tablet and recharge it up to 98% or so. Once there the dock will stop relaying power and wait until the tablet falls to 70% and repeat the process until the dock is dead.
Magnesus said:
It was only a rumor. And such solution would probably be hard to create because you shouldn't connect audio equipement "live" - you would have to turn off the audio amplifier in the tablet before connecting / disconnecting the dock to avoid surge (is it a good word? dictionary was not helpful...). Unless the speaker had it's own amplifier, hm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the subwoofer wasn't just a rumor. I have it on good authority (very good, in fact) that there was going to be a subwoofer in the dock but that it was dropped prior to release. No reason why, but maybe this surge issue (or something else, of course) was the reason.
It was listed on some marketing materials at launch, and then dropped pretty quickly. Many sites still listed the incorrect specs, however, and so the idea lived on for awhile.
---------- Post added at 02:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 PM ----------
monkeydog said:
This is how the dock battery works... when your tablet reaches 70% charge the dock will begin relaying power to the tablet and recharge it up to 98% or so. Once there the dock will stop relaying power and wait until the tablet falls to 70% and repeat the process until the dock is dead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that clarification, I was wondering. I kind of like how the TF101 dock works, by keeping the tablet topped off at 100% until it runs out. I wonder what their reasoning is...
I'm pretty happy with the dock. Certainly much thinner and lighter than the TF101. The only thing I wish they would have kept from the original was the covers for the USB port. Instead of the nifty little cover that snaps back in place there is a rubber stopper. It's petty to be sure, but I have a touch of OCD.
have any of you tested out the USB host capabilities yet? what are things you hooked up and found to work instantLy? has anyone hooked up a wireless controller by putting receiving piece in USB port? I just want to know what kinds of things are possible with dock USB host capabilities. like what's the most device you hooked up to USB hub connected to prime dock and still worked without external power source needed.
theoilman said:
don't have mine yet. how is it for those of us who ARE touch typists?
(I see my dad going at it with 2 fingers, but he grew up before PCs. I don't get how anyone under 40 isn't a touch typist these days!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and how!
I learned to touch type to argue on irc when I was in high school like, uh, 16 years ago. I can't imagine an IT pro not touch typing. It makes you look dumb in the same way as when you meet a scientist who sounds like a hillbilly.
---------- Post added at 06:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:04 PM ----------
demandarin said:
have any of you tested out the USB host capabilities yet? what are things you hooked up and found to work instantLy? has anyone hooked up a wireless controller by putting receiving piece in USB port? I just want to know what kinds of things are possible with dock USB host capabilities. like what's the most device you hooked up to USB hub connected to prime dock and still worked without external power source needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when I get mine, I'm gonna test my DWA-130 usb N adapter.
also gonna test my logitech unifying adapter and my g330 usb headset.
Got mine today, ordered from NewEgg on 1/3. Only played with it for a few minutes, but first thing I noticed is, the build quality of the trackpad is a little shoddy. It doesn't feel real solid in there, when I do a single tap in the main area it makes a little creak sound and pushes in a tiny bit. Also the paint around the edges of the trackpad looked a little scuffed in some spots - not a big deal, but kinda lame. Otherwise the dock is fine.
Anyone else have a slight creak when tapping in the main area or is it just mine? Maybe I'm just spoiled by Apple's trackpads, lol
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
The damn thing is beautiful, beyond what I expected, far easier and more "natural" to use than I thought it would be, a match made in heaven for the tablet, when closed makes me feel like my tablet is safer and more secure, and doesn't seem like I've added any weight or thickness at all to what I already had.
me likes
I've been a little obsessed with keeping the Prime safe from scratches and now it seems like I have one big scratch magnet, so they are currently bundled together and wrapped in a very soft micro-fleece towel. I was using a sleeve from the OG for the tablet and that worked just fine but doesn't accommodate the addition of the dock at all. I'll be much much happier when I can find the perfect case/sleeve for them both to live in.
OK, played with it for about an hour now...
Overall I like it, but the trackpad is kind of junky, think netbook quality, feels cheap. It doesn't always register the two-finger scrolls, maybe partly because your fingers have to be about 1 inch apart. I remember the OG tf101 trackpad is the same way, it's too bad Asus didn't really improve on it.
Then again, I'm a Mac user, Apple's track pads are the best out there, so maybe it's not fair to compare, lol.
The keyboard itself does feel nice though, keys have plenty of travel to them. Found a few weird quirks though, using the YouTube app, the search field doesn't seem to recognize the space bar, so I couldn't enter spaces into my search queries. It works in the browser fine though. Also 2-finger scrolling doesn't seem to work in Opera browser, all it does is zoom in on the page. Works fine in Dolphin HD though.
Really looking forward to the ICS update next week, will be interesting to see if Asus also releases a dock firmware update as well.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Keyboard dock is great, except for three minor issues for me:
- the right shift key is my default shift, for the way that I type. It's not in the usual position and it is tiny. So, I constantly hit the page up button by mistake when intending to make a cap letter. Biggest issue for me.
- you have to remember to disable the touchpad when typing most things. My thumb dangling over the spacebar would inadvertantly hit the pad, and change my cursor position while typing.
- there's not easy way to open the closed/docked TFP. The front seam is tightly closed. I'm sure I will get used to opening from the side though.
Other than that, I've gotten use to the slightly smaller key layout already, and I have decent sized hands.
Build quality is great, not scuff, as others mentioned had mentioned they had. The front by the trackpad is so thin, it's almost sharp though. I've also not had issues with reboots when docking/undocking, as another person mentioned. I did get a firmware update for the dock though.. dunno is that made a difference.
Highly recommended though. Very nice piece of kit.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
tdp252 said:
The battery life when coupled with the dock is practically an eternity.
I also really like the Android specific hot-keys. ASUS did a great job picking the common actions and making them into a hot-key. I can tap a button to instantly get into "settings" as one example. It's just amazing.
With the introduction of the following three features this really becomes an enterprise class solution for mobile computing:
1) ICS support of VPN IPSec Groups
2) Ability to encrypt hard drive contents. (no not bootloader, user data)
3) Fully functional Keyboard
Who needs to carry a bulky laptop at that point. I could do almost all of my business travel with this thing and then ditch the keyboard when I get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VPN IPSec Groups tops my list. Just baffles me that this is even an issue. You would think it would be in both Google and Cisco's best interests.
Is the encryption located under Location and Security in settings different than what your after?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Bimboy said:
Keyboard dock is great, except for three minor issues for me:
- the right shift key is my default shift, for the way that I type. It's not in the usual position and it is tiny. So, I constantly hit the page up button by mistake when intending to make a cap letter. Biggest issue for me.
- you have to remember to disable the touchpad when typing most things. My thumb dangling over the spacebar would inadvertantly hit the pad, and change my cursor position while typing.
- there's not easy way to open the closed/docked TFP. The front seam is tightly closed. I'm sure I will get used to opening from the side though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully the left shift is decent. I only use the left!
I wonder if it's possible for them to implement an auto disable of the trackpad when typing? That would definitely be nice as opposed to having to do it manually all the time.
I got the dock on order from bestbuy (never knew about getting them to do "OMS orders"), I'll have mine in a week. Time to get my little dvorak stickers, I personally HATE typing on the touchscreen, even on the phone I don't like it that much (ICS voice typing saved my life in that case). Anyway, type slowly and lose a lot of screen real estate or type over 100 wpm and have better battery life and a full size usb seems like a no brainer to me.
Also, for people who are not touch typists, using a software keyboard isn't going to help you get past that much. Just don't look at the keyboard when you are typing and before long you will be able to type with your eyes closed and still even detect the mistakes you might make
Transformer Prime Champagne Gold impressions
Well, as karma has it, I was able to get a 32GB Champagne Gold Transformer Prime, with the dock, last Friday and played with it over the weekend.
I was worried about many of the problems people were reporting and I was slightly afraid when starting up the device, I did not want to see bad light bleeds or dead pixels and so on. While the tablet itself ended up being perfect, I was still hit with a crippling bug of the keyboard dock not being able to be used for typing at all.
I found it almost ironic that I ended up with a serious flaw like that. I really thought that forums give a wrong impression about ASUS quality control, but reality is that it really is very, very bad. It is almost like gambling, chance that you'll get a functioning device without flaws that will annoy you from the very beginning, are very low.
I'll get the device replaced and essentially add to the pile of devices that are being returned to ASUS. But that aside, here are my impressions about the tablet, since I did use the tablet without the keyboard quite a bit.
Champagne Gold is absolutely beautiful in real life. It is a really attractive looking device, it's not as 'white' as Apple's aluminum devices are and is so much better for it with the slight golden gue making it look less clinical. Pictures don't do it justice, Champagne Gold Transformer Prime is the best looking tablet I've held in my hands.
The build is also very sturdy. I am glad I did not go for one of the plastic built tablets of yesteryear as I really love the feel of the tablet when I hold it. It is slightly heavier than I expected but only because I've never used tablets this extensively before.
Of course this design has its drawbacks, such as very weak GPS, but I tend to use my phone for GPS due to assisted GPS from cell towers, which is just much quicker. As for WiFi issues, I did not notice any, but I also did not run any speed tests. I mostly make the tablet use my phone as source of internet and it didn't have any problems doing so.
The first bootup ran Honeycomb and I immediately noticed that it simply did not run smoothly despite quad-core processing power driving it. But I liked the screen and after wiping the screen properly, touch responsiveness was good.
A mere 15 minutes later the device had updated itself to Android 4.0 and I had no stutter or lag issues anymore when moving around the menus or using the browser.
The screen is really beautiful and bright with good contrast. And the external sound is better than I expected. I watched the new 30 Rock episode with girlfriend on a couch and it was a nice experience, much better than trying to hold a laptop comfortably while watching a show. MX video player works very well on Prime, I watched Boardwalk Empire on my way back home on a train and it is a great device for extended viewing. It is amazing how much more natural it feels to watch series or movies on a tablet device like this as opposed to laptop.
Most apps seem to run quite well on Prime. But Android has its drawbacks on tablets, a lot of really great looking games do not have HD versions, making them look less attractive on the screen. Some of my favorites such as truly amazing World of Goo and Cut the Rope worked well on Prime, but their beautiful art was stretched to full screen, making the games look less magical than they felt when I was playing them on my Galaxy Nexus phone (which has a similar resolution to Prime, but far smaller screen).
I tried to use my tablet as a netbook, but without working keyboard I coould not really give it as much of a go as I hoped. But browsing around in the internet was fast and smooth and I really like Android for a tablet OS.
Battery lasted less than I hoped, but I cannot say it was bad since I did not charge it enough times for it to live up to its full potential. But I did not have to charge it while I was using, so it did not cause any battery stress.
I also liked that ASUS does not enforce its things on the user. Majority of pre-installed apps can be disabled and ASUS own enhancements are good for the device. They did not add anything that felt like bloatware.
As for the screen, yes it is certainly a fingerprint magnet. It does not bother me until I start watching a movie or whatnot. Makes me feel like I should clean it up because it simply is dirty (even when hands are less oily and have recently been washed).
Is this the best tablet I have ever used? Not really, iPad 2 is still a better media and content consumption device and I find Prime a much less comfortable to use when held in portrait mode as opposed to iPad 2 (but of course widescreen videos are much better on Prime as a result). But I can really see how the keyboard dock can enhance the Prime experience enough for me to never consider iPad 3, even if it comes out with HD screen and even better battery life.
I should also make additional note about the keyboard dock. I don't find the build of the keyboard dock to be as good as I hoped, it angles up really awkwardly on the Prime when screen is lifted, the back hinge is basically the thing it starts 'resting' on and differently from the rubber it rests on in front of the dock, the back rests on plastic knob-thingies, which have less grip. So on a less sturdy surface or when typing, the device is prone to move a lot more than you'd expect.
To sum things up, ASUS did a good job at everything except quality control and body design for GPS. If it had 3G, better WiFi and functioning GPS I would easily grade it the best tablet ever, but right now I don't see iPad 2 being actually dethroned before the end of this year where Google's rumoured tablet and possibly another Transformer can really kick things up a notch.
2012 is the year of 4G and HD screens on tablets, but I must say I did not really think Prime needs a HD screen. It is not because it would not look more beautiful - it would and I can easily see pixels when reading the web on Prime - but I just think that Android market won't catch up to HD apps before 2013. Today most apps look stretched and the apps that don't, do not seem to need HD anyway.
But yes, a wonderful device, just make sure to not throw away the box and other items so you can quickly refund, since chance has it that it might come with a hardware flaw or two.
Nice well written review.
Got it exchanged and keyboard works now! By the way, those wishing to buy it in Estonia, it seems to be sold downtown in both Euronics and Klick stores. Can't be bought online yet and seems to be only the champagne gold 32gb model.
Thx for the review man
On thing i want to add though: You have to compare the transformer prime to the ipad2 wifi only. If you want to compare it at all. And that device has no gps module at all, so a more or less working gps is still better than none at all.
But those comparisons are fundamentally flawed imho. I buy a device because of its features. iPad and TP offer very different things which results in the situation that there are fans of one device (because it has everything they wish for) and fans of the other one debating which one is better...
In the end there is only "whats better for you" and never "whats better for everyone". For me its clearly the Prime.
Dude i get carried away again. My Prime shall arrive! NOW!
I'm with you with the Champagne Gold color.
The photos online do not give justice to the Champagne Gold color as it is absolutely beautiful in real life.
The Gold hue does not overpower the Aluminum Color and has a rather subtle hint to it.
Excellent review. A good model for all to follow!
My "purplish" grey one is to arrive tomorrow....wish I could have ordered the champagne colour. I'll probably end up putting a skinomi skin on the back as I'm not really into the purple tones...plus, I heard the aluminum scratches easily.
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
oasis9389 said:
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Where is this mythical gold dock? Surely not the one I've had on BB preorder since late November? lol <bangs head into wall>
I'm using a Champagne Prime mated with a Gray dock. I actually like the look better than a matched set. Something to think about if you can't find a Champagne dock...
wynand32 said:
I'm using a Champagne Prime mated with a Gray dock. I actually like the look better than a matched set. Something to think about if you can't find a Champagne dock...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you post some pics?
Just as an FYI, your prime screen is capable of 720p hd video playback, just not 1080p. still HD, just not the best HD. Great review though.
oasis9389 said:
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ASUS is selling 32GB Champagne Gold TF201's in Estonia, it's the EU version (tablet and dock in one). And it is also localized, with local adapter and US keyboard that has russian letters in the corner (we also have a large number of russians living here).
irishtexmex said:
+1. Where is this mythical gold dock? Surely not the one I've had on BB preorder since late November? lol <bangs head into wall>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that ASUS did not just do a UK launch, it was an EU launch and a lot of tablets are being sold in various countries, often without advertisements. Here we have Champagne Gold one, sold 2-in-1, dock and tablet. I haven't seen Amethyst Grey being sold anywhere here (and we seem to have two chains selling TF201's without ads at the moment).
It just shows how little this tablet is really known outside these forums and tech world. People don't know about it. Stores don't even know that they have the hottest Android tablet on their shelves.
clouds5 said:
Thx for the review man
On thing i want to add though: You have to compare the transformer prime to the ipad2 wifi only. If you want to compare it at all. And that device has no gps module at all, so a more or less working gps is still better than none at all.
But those comparisons are fundamentally flawed imho. I buy a device because of its features. iPad and TP offer very different things which results in the situation that there are fans of one device (because it has everything they wish for) and fans of the other one debating which one is better...
In the end there is only "whats better for you" and never "whats better for everyone". For me its clearly the Prime.
Dude i get carried away again. My Prime shall arrive! NOW!
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Well, true, but it is worth a comparison simply because you would not own a Prime and an iPad 2 together, they overlap in functionality. I will still recommend iPad 2 to anyone who is not a tech person as I believe that today it is a better device for content consumption and don't believe Android will catch up in app-market with HD apps and experience at least until 2013.
I am really neutral in that opinion here, I own an Android 4.0 phone and tablet now, I love Android. But today iPad 2 is a better tablet for an average person even if you don't consider GPS, WiFi quality or 3G existence important.
I would not buy Android for my grandparents, if I had to choose I would buy them iPad 2.
But anyways, I love it. Those of us who know tech and prefer Android, this is a brilliant device if your device does not have issues resulted from bad quality control.
Conduitz said:
Just as an FYI, your prime screen is capable of 720p hd video playback, just not 1080p. still HD, just not the best HD. Great review though.
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Thank you for the correction.
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
vitalero said:
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
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Think you might struggle to use this as a laptop replacement - depending on what you use your laptop for.
Yes, it's called tethering - setting your phone up as a wifi hotspot then connecting your tablet to it. No bluetooth needed. However, some Prime users report issues with this since the ICS update.
And more opinions!
I've had the chance to use the keyboard dock for a while, as well as test out a variety of apps. Some apps are much better in HD on a tablet, this surprised me quite a bit. For example IMDB app is really good on tablet and gMail (and really, all Google apps) is very high quality.
Apps run quickly and without problems. I also haven't noticed any problems with the tablet I got for exchange, no dead pixels. There's faint backlight bleed near one corner but I can not notice it while using a tablet unless brightness setting is too high and screen itself full of black colors.
As for the keyboard. I really love that it is Android focused keyboard. The keys make sense and are intuitive. It really is the first time I've felt comfortable with a keyboard that is similar to old school Windows keyboards, while never making me feel like it is one of those 'modified' PC keyboards. The top row buttons are all very useful, there are no bloated keys.
At first I wished there was 'recent apps' key, but there isn't. Alt+Tab does exist, but since there is no Alt key on the left hand side of the keyboard, you have to use two hands for it (I always Alt+Tab with left hand on my PC). So that's a bit annoying.
Keyboard itself is comfortable to write on if you've used smaller netbooks before. It takes a short time getting used to since at first you expect keys to be further apart, but adjustment does not take long. Feel of the keys is really good and they are well built, I like that spacebar, while long, goes down on both sides if you only press on one side. While it seems simple and does not look as expensive as Macbook Air keyboard, it feels really well built.
The dock also protects the tablet really well. The keys are not elevated on the dock, so they don't touch or get close to tablet screen and leave marks of any kind on the screen in the long run (this happened with my nice Compaq netbook 311C that had a beautiful LED screen that just looked worn thanks to keyboard after a while). Dock is also separated from the tablet with little rubber knobs
The touchpad is basically pointless, I am not sure why it is even needed, but I like that it is there in case I ever would need it. Using screen touch is simply faster, since apps are usually built keeping that in mind. Touchpad is just slower in comparison. I did however find it helpful when writing a lot of text and needing to correct something. It is also great that you can turn the touchpad off so it doesn't activate by accident while you are typing.
Certain apps are also less-keyboard friendly. While typing is supported all around, certain apps are less friendly when it comes to common usability features such as tab key changing selected input field (like going from username to password). You cannot really use the tablet without resorting to touching the screen every now and then, but I must admit that it is better than I originally expected. I actually like having the keyboard on, since on-screen keyboard is really something I don't like to resort to.
I did notice that capacitive pens are not very good on Transformer Prime screen. I have cleaned the screen very well, but capacitive pens are not sensed unless brushing them more noticably against the screen. The pen is a high quality one originally built for iPad 2 by Bamboo, worlds leading company when it comes to graphic tablets. I guess the non-air-pad type capacitive pens would work better though.
For some other things that are not as perfect as they could be, there is a very tiny amount of lag in the system at times when using the keyboard. It is certainly not as responsive as a keyboard should be if you, say, played competitive first person shooter games. But it doesn't really annoy and some apps are better than others at it. This will possibly improve even further with newer Android or firmware updates since it is not a hardware issue at all.
One thing I can tell you though is that TF201 makes quite an impression. I've shown it to two friends and the dock really makes the tablet. It takes away one of the most uncomfortable things about tablets - typing on that awkward screen - as well as offers natural protection without needing a case to protect the screen. Two of my friends who played with it were very impressed. If there's an Android device to wow people who only really know about iPad, it is not good to show the tablet without the dock - since it is just too similar - but the dock helps it really set it apart.
vitalero said:
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When using it as a replacement for a netbook, the device works really well. But one has to keep in mind that it is a content-consumption device. You can draw sketches here or write essays, but it is really something that you should consider as a replacement for netbook if you mostly watch movies or surf the internet on your netbook. You are still faster with a netbook if you need to do more intensive work.
But pay attention that I said 'netbook', not laptop. Laptop is still a better device, if you don't have a desktop PC, then I suggest keeping laptop around, since at times it is simply needed to 'create' more than consume. You cannot develop on Android, really edit videos or photoshop pictures or do extensive office work.
When it comes to sharing the internet then yes, I have an unlimited data plan on my phone so I can easily tether my 3G connection. It is not as fast as tablet itself having a 3G, but it is still quite good. I don't stream videos on my tablet usually or if I do, I have a better WiFi connection somewhere. For on-the-go use, it works really well.
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Some people also requested I post a picture of the dock that has Russian letters. It is a US dock, but if you select Russian as Android language, you can easily use the dock as well, since it shows where the letters are located. For Estonians (if any of you are out there), there is no Estonian layout supported sadly and from what I was told, there won't be one. Contents of the TF201 box however are Estonian, it has Estonian manual and everything.
Why was this thread moved to 'accessories'?
kristovaher said:
Some people also requested I post a picture of the dock that has Russian letters. It is a US dock, but if you select Russian as Android language, you can easily use the dock as well, since it shows where the letters are located. For Estonians (if any of you are out there), there is no Estonian layout supported sadly and from what I was told, there won't be one. Contents of the TF201 box however are Estonian, it has Estonian manual and everything.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for this info. But I have a question, sorry my stupidity. What does "it shows where the letters are located" mean? There is no secondary letter set on a US keyboard dock (you said it is a US dock). And the only way in my opinion is - to have a Russian phonetic layout added to ASUS keyboard, so it will be possible to use US dock and type in Russian for those do not remember by heart location of Russian "QWERTY" layout ("ЙЦУКЕН"). I am looking desperately for this possibility - with Russian phonetic layout for ASUS keyboard life will be perfect . I can type Russian using on-screen keyboard but this is not nice when using dock. If you have any info about this - it will be very helpful.
Thanks
EugeneR said:
Thanks for this info. But I have a question, sorry my stupidity. What does "it shows where the letters are located" mean? There is no secondary letter set on a US keyboard dock (you said it is a US dock). And the only way in my opinion is - to have a Russian phonetic layout added to ASUS keyboard, so it will be possible to use US dock and type in Russian for those do not remember by heart location of Russian "QWERTY" layout ("ЙЦУКЕН"). I am looking desperately for this possibility - with Russian phonetic layout for ASUS keyboard life will be perfect . I can type Russian using on-screen keyboard but this is not nice when using dock. If you have any info about this - it will be very helpful.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the keyboard dock picture he attached you can see the actual Russian phonetic layout on the buttons, so it's not exactly the US dock, but like a US dock with Russian phonetic layout added to the buttons.
it makes the tablet 3" thick!
beerman99 said:
it makes the tablet 3" thick!
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Id revise this to Don't get it if its your ONLY case. I actualy like using mine with Evernote for coursework. When I dont need the keyboad, I use another case.
beerman99 said:
it makes the tablet 3" thick!
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PM sent.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
The keyboard case is about the only way I carry mine. I have a nice laptop that sees almost no use now. Great keyboard btw.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Thoughts on Keyboard Folio
The main problem for Android for me has been typing. I've spent hours getting used to swipe technology because I hate softkey keyboards, then came along this little keyboard folio.
At first I regretted buying it. I spent $90+ to get it, and as soon as it showed up I was unhappy. But then I started using it. The way that the tablet itself is not connected to the keyboard is a little bit awkward. You only can place the tablet at 3 viewing angles which vary by only a few degrees, rendering them almost useless. The folio case also takes up the full size USB slot, which was one of the best features of it imo. Also, the way it slides in and out of the slot does not seem like it would stand up against a lot of use.
That being said, getting this case literally redefined how I use my device. UX is now no longer a problem at all. The keys are individual, and spaced at a perfect distance so typing on it comes very naturally. Instead of a tablet, it seems like I have an android netbook now. I am a web designer/developer by trade. Using the tablet by itself is perfect for designing, the adobe touch apps are great, however I was never able to code due to the lack of a keyboard. This folio has changed that.
I recognize that half of my excitement over the folio is just the fact that I am using a keyboard with an android device, and that can be achieved simply by plugging in a regular USB keyboard into it, however after a little use, I rarely take the tablet out of the folio unless I am designing.
I like the keyboard. But I have in my bag and use it when I need heavy typing. Very impressed with the quality of it, there is some issues however, if you don't use the native english version. Then you'r at times stuck, with ENG layout, which can be rather annoying.
I find mine indespensible. If I'm not mistaken, it's the fastest for coding in Android from powerup to first keystroke, even on pokey stock ROM. The speed of getting hooked up with BT isn't something I like. The battery drain is a hassle for me, too. Granted, I use it mostly for typing rather useless stuff like this, but I really like it. It's a one-of-a-kind at the moment.
Yes, it's about 1.25 inches (33mm) thick, not counting the magnetic flap closure. The TPT in my Sikai case is 15/16 of an inch (23mm), but it doesn't seem like it thanks to its design. They could have worked a little harder on either the aesthetic or the actual depth. It's definitely not slick looking, but its a great workhorse. For criminy, it's Lenovo. What do you expect?
I think it's a transitional gadget, perhaps ahead of its time. They will get thinner. We will be jealous. We'll get the fourth gen and be smug for a month or two. But for now, we have the only one.
I just got my tablet yesterday, but so far I really like the keyboard folio. I do a lot of posting on various forums as well as document editing for clients. My only complaint with the folio is with the trackpoint. I was hoping it would be a traditional trackpoint. I find myself having to get used to rubbing my finger over the trackpoint instead of just pushing it in the direction I want the mouse to go. However as I use it more and more, I will get used to it.
In the realm of what I really want is a backlit keyboard. I would prefer if it was kind of like the Asus keyboard dock in that it offered additional battery life when in use. That beings said this is a rev 1 product and I am sure in the future things will improve. As it stands now I am about 90% satisfied with it the way it is.
Regarding the tablet in general I wasn't too sure about moving to a 10' device over my Nook tablet, but last night I read a book on it just fine when it was out of the folio, and difference in weight didn't bother me one bit. I love this thing.
Sent from my ThinkPad Tablet using xda premium
I also bought the keyboard folio and it makes the TPT heavier and thicker. It would only fit(snug) on my 11 inch sleeve case.
I like to use the keyboard folio when I am replying to emails, but it drains the TPT battery faster so I always have it plugged in to a power source.
And the magnets are very strong (compass apks will be useless)
Function keys
Has anyone found a solution to using the Fx keys? (F1-F12) I need them to use some work apps in Citrix. Besides that this keyboard is awesome.
Great for travel
I use mine quite a bit for travel when I don't want to bring a laptop and a tablet. This gives me just enough laptop functionality on the go and tablet when I need it.
Bummer, I wish I'd seen this thread before I ordered my keyboard today. It was on sale on the Australian Lenovo site for AUD$60, reduced from $90 and freight was free. I have a 10" netbook which I have just upgraded with a Vertex SSD but I prefer not to cart it about everywhere with me as it needs to go in my motorcycle backpack. It seems like they will be about the same size in the end. Sigh..
I can't really complain though, I picked up the 16Gb ThinkPad on a 1 hour sale for AUD$249 so in the end it's a pretty cheap solution for an iPad killing android tab, especially now I've upgraded it to ICS which I much prefer over Honeycomb.
All I'm waiting now is for a rooting solution for ICS on this pad, that will be brilliant.
If anyone has one of these they want to sell, i'll take it for a good price.
Better than it just lying around ya?
I received mine. It's not too bad and protects my tab in my backpack.
I don't use it at home unless I am using a citrix client in a window where I am unable to use the native ICS keyboard.
ghirsh said:
I use mine quite a bit for travel when I don't want to bring a laptop and a tablet. This gives me just enough laptop functionality on the go and tablet when I need it.
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Click to collapse
Works great when you want to leave the laptop at home.
Can it be easily rooted on the latest firmware? Has the audio lag, touchscreen and lag issues been resolved? When was the last time the uk model has had a firmware update?
Is it true the micro sd card is read only on this tablet? Can file browsers like astro file browser acess the micro sd card ok?
Does the speaker placement cause any issues? Especially if you are going the be holding the tablet there most of the time.
How long does it take to charge the tablet?
Sorry for the long questions but i need to be sure that this is the right tablet for me, Samsung don't offer 32gb model in the uk so I'm really interested in the Z2 because of this.
HUYI said:
Can it be easily rooted on the latest firmware?
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Yes. I used this guide - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2792056 and it worked flawlessly. Rooted in just over a minute.
HUYI said:
Has the audio lag, touchscreen and lag issues been resolved?
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Click to collapse
I've not seen any audio lag. The touchscreen isn't the most responsive I've ever used, but is fine with fingers. Stylii are a different issue - I've not found one that works well. I've not seen any lag whilst using the tablet (except for the odd microstutter when Google play decides to update everything at once). I updated to the latest firmware as soon as I got it, so I don't know what these were like before.
HUYI said:
When was the last time the uk model has had a firmware update?
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17.1.1.A.0.402 is the latest, released at the end of May.
HUYI said:
Is it true the micro sd card is read only on this tablet? Can file browsers like astro file browser acess the micro sd card ok?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All KitKat devices restrict apps writing to the SD (Astro for example would only be able to read the SD). By default you can only write to the SD by plugging into a computer and copying files across. However, if you're rooted, you can just install SD Fix (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.sdfix) and get the pre-KitKat behaviour.
HUYI said:
Does the speaker placement cause any issues? Especially if you are going the be holding the tablet there most of the time.
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Click to collapse
They're a little low, but the tablet is so light that you're not likely to be gripping it hard enough to distort the sound. Personally I tend to hold it one handed in landscape like I would a book, with my thumb on the front of bottom edge and my fingers splayed out on the back. This way the speakers are completely unobstructed.
HUYI said:
How long does it take to charge the tablet?
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I've not charged from empty, but using the charger it comes with seems pretty quick. I can put it on charge, go make a cup of coffee, get back and it will have gone up by a percent or two. I bought the magnetic dock, and just leave it there when I'm not using it. The battery easily gets me through a day of heavy use, and when I'm at home it just sits on the dock.
HUYI said:
Sorry for the long questions but i need to be sure that this is the right tablet for me, Samsung don't offer 32gb model in the uk so I'm really interested in the Z2 because of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had exactly the same thoughts (also in the UK). 32GB is the way to go. I've had mine about a month now. I've installed pretty much every app/game I'm going to need, and the internal memory is about 80% full.
Some more thoughts:
Pros
This thing is so thin and light that I forget I'm carrying it in my bag. For me, that's a huge bonus over other tablets, and more than makes up for its flaws. It's noticeably easier to hold than an iPad Air over long periods.
Sony's interface is very close to stock Android, and most bloatware (of which there is very little) can be uninstalled.
Waterproofing is nice to have. I thought it was a gimmick at first (does anyone actually use these in the bath?), but I use mine to display recipes whilst cooking, and it's nice to not have to worry about splashes and spills.
Vibration - it lets me know that I've turned it on. I wouldn't miss this if it were missing, but it's nice to have.
NFC. I love NFC. I have a tag on the bottom of my universal remote; I use the remote to turn on my Hi-Fi, swipe the tag across the tablet, and the tablet connects over Apt-X Bluetooth and starts Spotify. Magic!
Dual-shock compatibility. It just works (you need an OTG cable for the initial pairing, after that it's Bluetooth), and is very slick.
Cons
Screen resolution isn't as nice as other tablets. This isn't noticeable when used normally, though if it's closer to your face (e.g. you're lying down using it in bed), you can see the pixels.
The waterproof flaps on the SD and USB connectors feel a bit flimsy. I'd highly recommend the magnetic doc, or a connector adapter such as the Magnector-X for charging, so that you don't have to open the port covers.
It's a fingerprint magnet (but you can just wash it clean, because it's waterproof).
The IR blaster seems to have a very narrow "beam" so is a bit tricky to use. There is also a ~1 second delay between pressing the onscreen button and the IR signal being sent. I've given up on using it, but I'm not sure how much use I'd have gotten from it anyway.
I'd go to a store and have a play if I were you. Try and find one that's not got a huge security lock on it; I've seen this on display in some stores with a metal cage around it, or a huge self retracting security cable, which makes it hard to get a feel for how it would be to hold.
i know about the screen resolution, it's not as great compared samsung note 2014 but the Z2 has the advantage of more memory space, i think that is a good trade off imo.
i tend to hold my tablet in portrait mode so the speaker placement is a issue for me, i like that it's light so i can sit down comfortably with it for long periods, i have the galaxy note 10.1 2012 model and it's quite heavy compared to current models out there now, especially for long periods of use.
that is a bonus that the tablet supports the dual shock 3 out of the box, on other devices you have to root to use the controller wirelessly.
the waterproof flaps you say are a issue, so if you are using it in a water environment wouldn't that cause problems?
the galaxy note 10.1 2012 is just as bad when it comes to finger prints but it can be easily cleaned.
i didn't know it has vibration feedback, no website lists this feature, so thanks for telling me that.
samsung is king of bloat, that is good that there is minimal it saves me having to remove it all when i set it up lol.
battery life sounds good, maybe even better than the galaxy note 2012, quite frequently i'm charging the device during the day while using it. it could be because the device is getting old though.
i use my stylus a lot on my galaxy tablet, can you offer me some feedback if you have used one on this tablet? that is good to hear that it's easily rooted.
and thanks a lot for the reply.
I am very happy with my Z2 tablet.
I've not had any issues with the waterproof flaps. One covers the microsd (and sim) slot and the other covers the usb port. If you get a wireless charger, you won't find yourself opening the flaps often. They stay in place and have not opened by themselves. I don't think you'll have problems with waterproofness.
I personally find that the screen keeps quite clean. It's a MAJOR improvement in this respect compared to my previous generation Xperia Tablet Z.
I've tried using the Z2 Tablet with a stylus (Lynktec Rechargeable Apex Fine Point Active Stylus). It's been disappointing. Writing is nowhere as precise as with the in-built stylus on my Samsung Galaxy Note 3. If using a stylus with my tablet were important to me, I would have gone with a Galaxy Note tablet.
HUYI said:
i know about the screen resolution, it's not as great compared samsung note 2014 but the Z2 has the advantage of more memory space, i think that is a good trade off imo.
i tend to hold my tablet in portrait mode so the speaker placement is a issue for me, i like that it's light so i can sit down comfortably with it for long periods, i have the galaxy note 10.1 2012 model and it's quite heavy compared to current models out there now, especially for long periods of use.
that is a bonus that the tablet supports the dual shock 3 out of the box, on other devices you have to root to use the controller wirelessly.
the waterproof flaps you say are a issue, so if you are using it in a water environment wouldn't that cause problems?
the galaxy note 10.1 2012 is just as bad when it comes to finger prints but it can be easily cleaned.
i didn't know it has vibration feedback, no website lists this feature, so thanks for telling me that.
samsung is king of bloat, that is good that there is minimal it saves me having to remove it all when i set it up lol.
battery life sounds good, maybe even better than the galaxy note 2012, quite frequently i'm charging the device during the day while using it. it could be because the device is getting old though.
i use my stylus a lot on my galaxy tablet, can you offer me some feedback if you have used one on this tablet? that is good to hear that it's easily rooted.
and thanks a lot for the reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HUYI said:
i tend to hold my tablet in portrait mode so the speaker placement is a issue for me
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Click to collapse
I don't think you'll have any problems then. The top and bottom bezels (as viewed in landscape) are large enough that if held in portrait mode you're very unlikely to ever cover the speakers. Assuming you're right handed and holding the tablet with your left (this is how I read newspapers and magazines on mine), one speaker will be about an inch diagonally down and to the right of the base of your thumb, and the other will be well out of the way at what is now the top of the tablet.
It also worth pointing out that the tablet allows screen rotation in all directions (is this true of all tablets? My phone doesn't do this by default), so if you do ever find that the speaker placement is an issue, you can just rotate it 180°.
DaddyWhale said:
I've not had any issues with the waterproof flaps. One covers the microsd (and sim) slot and the other covers the usb port. If you get a wireless charger, you won't find yourself opening the flaps often. They stay in place and have not opened by themselves. I don't think you'll have problems with waterproofness.
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Agreed. I should have been clearer when I listed the flaps as a con in my post above. I've got no concerns about their waterproofness. My concern is that if I was opening the USB cover daily to charge the tablet it might become weakened or damaged, which is why I bought the magnetic chargers. The port covers feel quite delicate when opened, but very secure when closed.
DaddyWhale said:
I've tried using the Z2 Tablet with a stylus (Lynktec Rechargeable Apex Fine Point Active Stylus). It's been disappointing. Writing is nowhere as precise as with the in-built stylus on my Samsung Galaxy Note 3. If using a stylus with my tablet were important to me, I would have gone with a Galaxy Note tablet.
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Click to collapse
Same here. I've tried a DAGi 701 stylus (which is passive). Sketching is doable, but the display doesn't seem sensitive enough for writing. I hope that this is a software thing, though even if it were fixed, the extra features of the Note series such as the hover and palm detection would make it much more suited to note taking. I see the Z2 as more of a media consumption, rather than creation, device.
ok, thanks for the feedback guys, ill take all your replies in consideration when deciding, i use the black rubber end stylus, the one you mentioned is similar to the stylus that is included with the note 10.1, but it seems that no matter what stylus i will use i think i'll get the same results which is a shame really.