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It is quite expensive to buy tab so if I decide to buy it I would like to get the best there is for my money.
So please share your experience, are you happy about it? Are there any major problems or bugs which you experienced? Is stock ROM good? Is it worth rooting? Basically whatever you think it's worth mentioning before I buy it.
and also is it possible to plug USB keyboard?
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
Yes
I have had it for a week now and yes, I would say it was worth it. My only disappointment was that it does not have 2G / 3G voice capabilities. So I still have to carry a regular cell phone. But I have used the data side with Skype and it works great. I am hoping someone on XDA will hack the dialler functionality soon!
Value is a personal thing, very subjective.
The fact that you're asking about plugging in a keyboard indicates the desire to use the tablet for more than content consumption (videos, music, simple web browsing, reading). Not sure if this would be your first tablet but if you're looking to do any type of serious work on one tread carefully.
I got my Verizon LTE version fully understanding that I'd use it purely as a content consumption device. As such I'm VERY satisfied with it. I have no expectations to do any work related stuff on it other than read and respond to emails as the kind of work I do can't be done on a tablet anyhow.
Things I like to do with it include web browsing, watching downloaded TV shows (EZTV.it downloads), watching my bluray rips (be warned, tegra 2 chipset has specific limitations on codec/encoding settings so don't expect all types of 1080p encodes to work) reading news, browsing youtube and listening to streaming music.
My tablet came with Honeycomb 3.1 and that was LAGGY out of the box. Changing to ADW Launcher EX helped a lot but going to the leaked 3.2 ROM and putting on a different kernel is what helped the most so to answer your question - hated stock, rooted . . love being on non-stock rom and kernels.
Thank you guys. Reason why I'm asking is that my laptop died yesterday and I need mobility of a laptop around the house but I don't like them, they are often poorly build, battery is not doing well and it is expensive to change and many more reasons. So I think it's time to end that nonsense and buy desktop PC for all kind of work and tablet for entertainment, Web surfing, Ebay communication. However I do like to write long emails and I'm not a fun of touchable keyboard, that is why I'm asking is it possible to plug regular one.
I never had tablet before, but I have now two Android devices and I am aware about some limitations, that is why I will by desktop PC as well. Waiting for more opinions. Thanks.
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Anyone?
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played with it 30 min at shop today, wasn't impressed, seem like a good device but it did not dropped my jaw with performance so I decided to w8 few months and I will try to get cheaper from Ebay, bought desktop PC today anyway
Biggest reason why I decided not to buy it is that stock ROM did not impressed me so I will w8 for cheaper opportunity and root it and get custom ROM
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
if you have patience to wait for transformer prime, don't go for this tab.
Two suggestions:
1) don't judge a tablet just by its specs and performance (it's like a car: just because it has a great engine doesn't mean it's fast, and certainly doesn't mean the seats are comfortable....). A light and easy to hold tablet is worth way more than a fast tablet with many ports and sharp edges (take my word, I tried 6 tablets before I found the GT10.1.). (Just to be clear, the GT10.1 is and will be the fastest tablet you can get until the Transformer Prime is launched).
2) don't judge a tablet by the stock ROM performance. If you know enough to find XDA, you should know that stock ROM and custom ROM are night and day... Keep this in mind for new tablets (it will be a few months before the Transformer Prime ROMs mature).
leyus said:
Thank you guys. Reason why I'm asking is that my laptop died yesterday and I need mobility of a laptop around the house but I don't like them, they are often poorly build, battery is not doing well and it is expensive to change and many more reasons. So I think it's time to end that nonsense and buy desktop PC for all kind of work and tablet for entertainment, Web surfing, Ebay communication. However I do like to write long emails and I'm not a fun of touchable keyboard, that is why I'm asking is it possible to plug regular one.
I never had tablet before, but I have now two Android devices and I am aware about some limitations, that is why I will by desktop PC as well. Waiting for more opinions. Thanks.
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I own all three device types; four if you count my phone and my experience is this: my Tab used to be my wife's tab. Until she broke the screen, but she gave it to me because using it gave her RSI in her shoulder... the kind you need a fysiotherapist to look at and massage out. Holding it in front of you (lifting it) for extended periods time isn't recommended; you need to rest it on your lap or desk once in a while.
My experience with the tablet so far is that it's good for checking your email, your facebook/twitter/g+, browsing and the occasional game (Apparatus is really good on the Tab). However, if you're going to do more typing than 5 or 6 lines (long emails), you're better of with something that has a keyboard, like your desktop. Not only is it faster, it is way more comfortable. I wouldn't use my Tab to post this.
If you're planning on plugging a keyboard into a tablet, in other words: trying to make a tablet into a laptop, in my book you are doing it wrong and you would've been much better off buying a simple laptop. IMHO a tablet is not a laptop replacement. However, I do think it is possible using an OTG usb plug to use a keyboard with the Tab if you really want to; most likely you will need to run a custom 3.2 ROM. A mate of mine with a Transformer had loads of problems with the external keyboard on 3.1.
So what does it add to my desktop/laptop/phone I already have you may ask? Well, I'm gonna try and see if it works as an electronic notepad. My desk is littered with sheets of A5 paper filled with scribbles of meetings and ideas. I've ordered a Dagi P507 stylus (should be accurate with a capacitive screen) and I hope that it will work reasonably well in combination with handwriting recognition.
Also it just looks sexy on the coffee table.
So it's great for occasional use (look up imdb during a movie), but it's just not very good at "normal" productivity. IMHO it's a nice-to-have: I would not buy one if I didn't already have a laptop and a desktop.
If you use a custom Rom and one of the nice kernels this tablet performes well. There are some Keyboards availablefor example
amazon.com/GSAstore-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Designed-Samasung/dp/B005MEHB1K
Thanks for all the opinions guys, I will anyway w8 till price goes down, I am kind of sceptical about rooting and losing warranty on device worth 400 pounds. I already felt worried about this with my HTC sensation which was much cheaper. If the price will drop to about 300 our if I can get it fairly cheap second hand then I will buy it so I guess I will w8 with it.
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
Here is my question, I'm looking for a really good tablet with great battery life and I wanted to get the Vibrant community's opinion as to which is the best.
Please refrain from posting about apple products I simply do not like apple as a company and refuse to give them my business.
I would appreciate it if in addition to your selection you could tell me your reason for feeling why its the best.
- Cheers
I picked up an Asus Transformer (OG-not the Prime) a few weeks ago at Best Buy for $399 (Bob Shute almost convinced me to get the Nook Color though). It was the 32gb on sale for the same price as the 16gb (so why not) + it has external, so i have 64+/-gb of storage. I had lurked in a bunch of forums checking out support, ROMs, rootable, "official" ICS and general attitude of the forum members.
When I got it out of the box it was running 3.1 and I had known that it had an OTA update waiting. Within 30mins of getting it, I had upgraded, Rooted and was on my way to being a tablet owner. It was real easy to do too. The battery life on 3.2.1 was really good. Granted I am not using it all day long but I was getting about 2-4 days out of it. Kids would play games, watch Netflix, I would surf and my wife would do her coupon spreadsheets (yes she is one of those ladies and we do have a stockpile).
Fast forward to the ICS update. We got the OTA update and for some reason there is an issue with the kernel and people are getting random reboots. I am not sure if it is just me knowing what I am doing from so many tweaks with this phone and past ones or I just got a good tablet, but I messed with the governors and it has been 3 weeks since upgrade and I haven't had one yet. Knowledge is Power. Felt you should be aware of that though. Battery life on ICS is outstanding. I get 4-6 days out of it easily. Might cut it down now that baseball spring training has started and I can stream live video to it.
Conclusion- A few things. The Transformer (tf101) is just as good as the Prime (tf201) and actually I think it is better b/c the Prime has wifi, GPS and other hardward issues, but its bootloader can be unlocked whereas the tf101 is still lock for now. Another things is that you have to remember that these are seconday devices to most people and some of the redundant questions you see are rediculous.
My suggestion is to lurk in the Acer, Transformer, Galaxy, Xoom forums and see what is going on in them. Plus there are a bunch of smaller tablets coming out soon with Tegra3, Quad-core, low price,...
HTH and let me know if you have any Q's and sorry for the long post.
what do you want to do with this tablet?
I know you said not to mention any apple products but...
seriously dude even the iPad 2 is better than any android tablet out right now. iPad (third generation) just killed everything else. I know you don't like apple as a company but the iPad is pretty much the tablet market, the only tablet one should be getting. You're going to regret it if you don't get an iPad...
junglerumble said:
what do you want to do with this tablet?
I know you said not to mention any apple products but...
seriously dude even the iPad 2 is better than any android tablet out right now. iPad (third generation) just killed everything else. I know you don't like apple as a company but the iPad is pretty much the tablet market, the only tablet one should be getting. You're going to regret it if you don't get an iPad...
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Click to collapse
I didn't get an ipad and I don't regret it one bit
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
Ill be using the tablet for school mostly. Ill have about 100 lbs of books that id rather not have to carry with me everywhere. Ill also be using the tablet for light gaming just to keep me entertained from time to time as well as serving to replace my laptop for day to day tasks. Granted i know not everything can be accomplished by a tablet so ill still have my laptop at my apartment but need something light and portable but capable so i was thinking tablet.
As far as no apple products, they seem to hate me, i touch one and they seem to break they dont function properly and im honestly not convinced that they are the best product on the market. Their Marketing department tries to convince you of that but i hardly agree. (i wont get into it i don't want this to turn into a flame thread) regardless thank you for your input.
Ive been looking alot at the Transformer and TF Prime as well as the 10.1 inch samsung variants, but since i have ICS running on my Vibrant id very much like to have it running on my Tablet, i intend to run stock for a while until stable versions of either CM9 or AOKP are released for the device since i will be using it in a more productive than leisurely role.
@ woodrube thank you for the length of your post i appreciate the time you put into your response
@junglerumble thank you for your input, tho i whole heartily disagree with you (to each their own)
does anybody have an idea of the android tablets that are coming out in the first half of this year and when? I want to get a tablet but not at the moment. I'm waiting till more tablets come out to make up my mind but it would be nice to have some foresight.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA
asus transformer is what i hear and read.
junglerumble said:
what do you want to do with this tablet?
I know you said not to mention any apple products but...
seriously dude even the iPad 2 is better than any android tablet out right now. iPad (third generation) just killed everything else. I know you don't like apple as a company but the iPad is pretty much the tablet market, the only tablet one should be getting. You're going to regret it if you don't get an iPad...
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Click to collapse
I use an iPad 2 exclusively for classwork and I half regret the purchase, even after the jailbreaking and app searching. It's a good tablet, but it's not a deity.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA
Transformers have the keyboard dock too with independent battery in case you want that laptop thing going on. I love my TF and am happy I bought it. There are a couple of us who have the TFs like Alex9090, Mveksler, Gorealmighty and Manus I think.
I would wait til the Asus 3 comes out tegra 3 for the price of the og transformer
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I used several different Android Honeycomb tablets, but gave up on all of them because I felt the software weren't advance enough for my purposes, so I got a Windows tablet instead. Then sold that and got the Galaxy Note (international version) which I think is the best consumer portable device made so far, since it acts as a phone and tablet, has the same resolution as the tablets (1280x800, and is even (much) faster than Tegra2, yet pocketable, has Wacom pen, can make phone calls and ultra fast GPS locking, awesome camera), although I didn't keep it since it doesn't support T-Mobile 3G.
Out of the Honeycomb tablets, I liked the Acer A500 and Toshiba Thrive most since it has fullsize USB connector, which works with flash drive and gamepads. I think the Asus Slider should be better since it has fullsize USB and keyboard as well, just a bit heavier. I do not feel tablets with Tegra2 is fast enough to handle 'higher' bitrates HD contents and MKV videos, although other purposes are fine, regular HD video should be okay. I also feel all Android tablets are overpriced for their present software features, unless at refurb price, if it were Ubuntu or some full fledged linux distro I'd be more interested. Which is why I think Windows 8 tablets will have some success, even though I'm not interested in Windows 8.
+1 OG Transformer. Great device
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I want to thank everyone for their responses, after spending some time playing with the devices in store and reading through the developer forums I have decided on getting the TF prime, just seemed to blow everything else outta the water once all the tablets had 100+ apps installed and running live wall papers. Luckily i was able to find one at a local retailer since everywhere else was sold out.
I was so close (money in hand) to buying the Galaxy 10.1 but after reading this I decided on the TF201.
Darn near ever place Ive looked is out of stock though.
addition:
It didn't take much for me to switch. After this phone and its total lack of support, I try to stay clear of anything that has Samsung on it.
Thus far I have to say that my impressions of the tfp are extremely favorable so far I have experienced none of the recorded issues with the tablet save maybe the GPS but I have yet to test it outdoors the stock ics keyboard is far better than I expected on the tablet
I will update more as I have more time and experience with the tablet if so desired
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
I saw that due to the GPS issues they no longer advertise the tab has a GPS. Imagine if Samsung was forced to do the same for our phone's crummy GPS.
Id expect similar GPS to our phones. I ended up buying a real nice Tom-Tom GPS for my car so the phone GPS is bout always off now.
Moped_Ryder said:
I saw that due to the GPS issues they no longer advertise the tab has a GPS. Imagine if Samsung was forced to do the same for our phone's crummy GPS.
Id expect similar GPS to our phones. I ended up buying a real nice Tom-Tom GPS for my car so the phone GPS is bout always off now.
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Well I tested gps on the unit over asbestos buy, the one they had on display, gps worked down to 40m accuracy.. I was surprised but yes gps is no longer one of the advertised features most likely i will end up using my by gps receiver for better accuracy like I have been
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
If and when it comes time to Root your device (I did it within 30mins of having it) You can use ViperMod and install Supercurio's OTA Rootkeeper and any updates you get, just open the Rootkeeper up and restore root. Handy little app if I do say so.
I recently purchased a Transformer Prime with the keyboard doc and I have no regrets. It's awsome. I've not experienced any of the GPS/hardware issues mentioned either.
I am 12 days into my 14 day return window for my Sony Tablet S. I am dissapointed with the build quality of the Sony (kind of shocking for a Sony product) so I went to best buy today just to look around and saw the prime for the first time. I was blown away by how well constructed it felt and the ui seemed blazing fast. Screen looked great.
However, I have read about a lot of discontent with the device re wifi, gps, general availability, etc. It doesnt seem like a "no brainer". Some flaws are to be expected, but is this device plagued?
It is more than I want to spend, but I would also like to get into a device that I could grow into and I could convince myelf that spending $500 on a quad core device is a lot better investment than $400 on a dual core.
What do you all think? Would you jump again?
I would buy the Prime again.
Note that GPS will never be good enough for navigation use, which is why Asus removed it from the features list. So if you really wanted to use your WiFi tablet for navigation you might not like the Prime.
Other than GPS I have had no issues at all with my Prime. It works great and has replaced my laptop as my go-to device for browsing the web or playing games.
I've found that no manufacturer is immune from releasing crap from time to time. Even Apple made the Powermac G4 Cube, the Pippin, and the iPhone-4 antenna (you're holding it wrong). Sony made TERRIBLE hard disk drives back in the early 90s.
On my Prime, I'd buy it again with no reservation. IMHO, it's substantially more feature-rich than Apple's alternative. I can't figure out why the Apple faithful look down on having an SD card slot (or TWO, if you get the dock), and a USB. They say they prefer the smooth lines. I say they've had too much Kool-Aid.
Flash is on the decline, but it's STILL ominpresent. I sort of like actually HAVING flash compatability. The Apple fans say that they don't need Flash since it's dead... It'd be more accurate to say, "they don't HAVE Flash because of resource/security issues, it's on the decline, and it's the will of Landrew (too obscure?), but it's still all over the place."
I'm sure the screen on the new iPad will beat the snot out of the TP, but I would NOT make the tradeoff. For me, it's not worth it. For some, I understand that it is... I still look forward to real-world testing between
I guess it depends on the situation. As a tablet, it rocks and I love it. But now, my current gadget list is this:
Main Windows 7 PC (file/media server)
Dell Windows 7 Laptop with Dedicated Graphics (do most work on this, including gaming when I have time)
XBOX 360 (Mainly for media streaming and netflix)
Android Smartphone (Samsung Skyrocket)
ASUS Transformer Prime
Windows Phone 7 (work issued)
I feel totally over "gadgeted" and I am so looking for more of a united ecosystem. No, not so much like Apple (which is not as united as they like you to believe) but I get most of my work done on my laptop but I enjoy my tablet. Perhaps Windows 8 tablet with keyboard may be in my future. Just want to cut down on the number of gadgets I have.
id buy it again in a heartbeat. best tablet out in the market right now. even once new Ipad releases, it'll still be best in market, IMO. too many things the prime can do that the new Ipad doesn't. right out the box. I'd say buy a prime. very fast n no lag. plus we have great developer support so far.
I would buy it again, and in fact I am buying it again. My wife is dumping her ipad 1 since Apple F#^%$d it up with the ios 5 update and won't patch to fix it so I'm getting her one as well.
Oh and just an fyi:
It's a 5 core device not 4 core.
There is a "ninja" core as well that doesn't get a lot of press but from what I read is mostly i/o tasks to ensure no lag to screen / key inputs etc...
I know, the number of cores doesn't really matter if the software isn't written to support all of them anyway but it's still fun to pick on anything SONY and say mine is better.. stick that in your 40 page PS3 EULA, rootkit CDs... etc... lol
hint hint.. dump the SONY and get a TFP.
I think if there was other tegra 3 alternative out there right now I think some of the yes will be no lol.
I'd buy again anytime. One of the best purchases i made in the last years.
robber said:
I am 12 days into my 14 day return window for my Sony Tablet S. I am dissapointed with the build quality of the Sony (kind of shocking for a Sony product) so I went to best buy today just to look around and saw the prime for the first time. I was blown away by how well constructed it felt and the ui seemed blazing fast. Screen looked great.
However, I have read about a lot of discontent with the device re wifi, gps, general availability, etc. It doesnt seem like a "no brainer". Some flaws are to be expected, but is this device plagued?
It is more than I want to spend, but I would also like to get into a device that I could grow into and I could convince myelf that spending $500 on a quad core device is a lot better investment than $400 on a dual core.
What do you all think? Would you jump again?
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Click to collapse
Go buy ipad, u hv same problem. And yes, i would buy the prime again.
Ask me 2 weeks ago I'd have said yes. Now I'd just tell you I'd wait for the Pad Infinity if I lose or have to return my Prime for any reason.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
This thing has been great for me. VERY versatile. Extremely happy with it.
wifesabitch said:
This thing has been great for me. VERY versatile. Extremely happy with it.
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Click to collapse
Thanks. Love your username!
I would buy it again for sure. Great tablet and ics...just screams "buy me"
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727
ROM: Nexusmod4
I would buy it again as well. Has also replaced the need I had for a fully fledged laptop on the go. Between the weight, keyboard dock and battery life it is just perfect for my use case as a masters cs student, again on the go only, I still need a full computer of course but have multiple desktops for that.
Everything works fine for me on the tablet, tested gps once to see if it worked and it did at least standing still, haven't needed it since in three months almost now but won't count on it either as its proven flaky. Everything else is perfect even my wifi has connected everywhere I have needed it to so far.
I like mine. It does what I want to do very quickly and smoothly.
Bye.
Flash is on the decline, but it's STILL ominpresent. I sort of like actually HAVING flash compatability. The Apple fans say that they don't need Flash since it's dead... It'd be more accurate to say, "they don't HAVE Flash because of resource/security issues, it's on the decline, and it's the will of Landrew (too obscure?), but it's still all over the place."
STTOS
WhateverGetsTheJobDone said:
STTOS
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Click to collapse
Nice! (Wasn't that tough, really.)
Since it doesn't have any real droid competition there's going to be mostly yes's. The power, screen, and battery life rocks but the wifi is meh, GPS sucks, and bluetooth has issues. I'm a little pissed at asus for pushing a product on us that was known to have problems. My wife is the main user of it and is happy but I did what I could to fix the short-falls. I'd never jump on another asus product until it was out for a while.
Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk
Absolutely love mine, I would for sure buy it again, I like it better than my original tf101
Yes I would buy again. My Prime with Dock was mainly purchased for my Wife to use at Nursing Conferences which requires WiFi for Webpage access and the ability to have USB access for File Transfer. The Prime has worked GREAT for this with No Problems at all, my GPS does even work some. I can get GPS lock Outside(no inside GPS at all) in about 15-20 seconds and I can drive in Car and get "some" GPS. GPS no big deal to me though since I have a Garmin for Travel.
Hi everyone,
I in the market looking for a tablet. I'm new in this business of the tablet world but been searching a lot for the best experience. I'm a heavy computer user (personal and professionally) and past experiences thought me that if you want something good you got to pay!
Not a fan of iPad because of several limitations like iTunes sync, no USB, no expansability like microSD. I think it makes it putting files in or out very tiring...
With that in mind, I really enjoyed the Transformer series idea, and prime (in comparison with tf101) really looks and have the horsepower of an high-end product.
But I'm really worried about giving 600€ (or pounds or dollars) for a product with poor wi-fi performance, GPS I don't care much, but wifi is the main connectivity tech nowadays. Is it really a deal breaker? Are there different series (like groups of SN's) in stores, some worse than others?
But mainly, are these "problems" gonna be solved by the next products like the tf700 (Infinity) or the tf300? And are they worth the wait to see?
thnks
The upcoming Transformers are supposed to fix all these issues so I'd recommend waiting for the 700T if you're patient enough.
Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk
Pizza4Breakfast said:
The upcoming Transformers are supposed to fix all these issues so I'd recommend waiting for the 700T if you're patient enough.
Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk
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^ This or wait for the supposed killer Samsung flagship tab (Galaxy Tab 11.6), with its Dual Core Cortex A15's and a gorgeous 2650x1600 Display it will match if not out shine the new iPad's but then again its pure speculation.
transformer prime is worth getting now. only small numbers suffered from weak wifi. my wifi works great and had my device since 12/22. only took me 1 purchase to get a good unit
there will ALWAYS be something better coming out in the upcoming months. The prime was a huge leap (IMO) from all the other tablets out there, so I got it. For what I use it for it's ran everything with no issues at all, 1080p Movies, Interwebs, Apps, Games, ect. The only thing i've seen it have any issues with is Go Launcher, but thats really not a big deal. ...
I would recommend anyone get this, unless they just want to wait a few months and get the next latest and greatest, but like I said there will always be something better coming out.
If you are going to wait for the next tablet to be released you are never going to get one hehe. There is a new "killer tablet " being released every month or 2.
Just get the one that best fits your needs now.
My Transformer P. Works wonders, is indeed fast... got today 50mbit down 20 up at college.
GPS is not the best one i have used, but i do get locks and it does works.
I know that there will be always something better coming out, I just read in here so many people returning their devices that I got the feeling that I'm buying a malfunctioning device.
I also haven't decided on wanting a tablet with or without 3G (since I already have Internet on my phone samsung nexus S, in which I can tether or something). But thats another discussion...
I'm happy with mine, which I bought last month. I haven't had any problems at all with wifi. I don't need GPS, so I haven't even bothered to test it.
I was a little bummed to find out afterwards that a new model with a higher-res screen was coming out later, the T700, but since I've been able to get so much more done with this device than the iPad, stuff like actually writing papers on the go, I actually don't mind. If you want something primarily as an ebook reader, you might want to hold out for the devices with a better screen or just buy the new iPad.
I would wait til the next best thing unless u need a tablet now then tp in my option the best tablet on the market now
I don't know about the waiting because, I don't need it now as I will probably never REALLY need it.
It would be fun and handy to have and use as a on-the-go bases or weekend trips or play some video in the tv. I actually think It can replace partially my laptop, especially with the myCloud desktop thing.
well it sounds like you about to purchase a transformer prime then seems to fit all your needs. for the record its not a malfunctioning unit. very small number of users here returned it for good.
remember, nothing is as good as it seems and nothing is as bad as it seems. Somewhere in between Reality falls. So in saying that, stop waiting and go get you this great device you gonna love it and be like you don't even know why you worried so much about it. I do commend you doing your research on the product first. I'm sure you'll make the best decision that fits your needs. plus if you have phone with tethering, don't waste extra money on a 3g unit. it costs alot more for device itself plus you have to add a data plan. tethering is more then good enough. my tethering is fast and good enough to play games online with no issues or slowdowns.
I don't own a hp touchpad or have ever used one, what are your experiences in using one?
I'm thinking of buying a second hand one for use as a 720p video player (downscaling videos) and occasional web surfing on CM9 or CM10 (depending on what works better).
Is there anything I should know before buying one? What are the cons of this compared to other tablets?
Thanks!
Unless you particularly want one, or its ridiculously cheap I wouldn't bother.
The WebOS OS is alright but it is now largely unsupported and you aren't likely to get new apps other than via Preware and the community.
Android CM9 on the device is stable but I haven't managed to get a stable enough CM10 build working reliably to keep our long term.
Getting replacement batteries is becoming harder and they are likely to fail any time now! In fact that's the position I'm in now and as I'm outside the US, it's either throw the TP away or take a chance on a non-official battery from China! (eBay is the only place I've found then even then and returns are at customer shopping cost so I'm hesitant.)
There are loads of Android tablets out there that are likely to be better supported in terms of spares and repair and you are likely to get a similar spec one just as cheap. In fact there are some reasonable ones for around $100/€100 if you know what to buy.
To be honest the only thing I miss now I'm using my Galaxy Tab 2 (my 7" travel device) more regularly is the wireless charging dock, which I loved.
You doesn't get a pad at that price with similar power nowadays.
Only HDMI out is missing. For me.
I have two touchpads and I'm quite happy with them. I use them with cm10 and they are working perfectly for me. My main apps are "mobilesheet" (perfect for musicians as replacement for score files), facebook, internet, email, podcasts, music and videos on local and internet. Maybe in the future as a remote control for our Yamaha 01v mixing console.
I agree with above poster. I paid 165 for my tablet and I can say it was best $165 ever paid. I user my touchpad for everything from Netflix, surfing, other video watching app and games. No issues what so ever. You can't get same powerfull device for such low price. I tried to find a similar tablet for around 200 but couldn't get anything. So you have to pay over 300 for 10 inch device that too a old one. All new 10 inch ones are around 400.
Sent from my Touchpad
HP Touchpad multibooting with CM9 should be fairly usable even now.
Please keep in mind that there are no official CM10 builds yet (and for a long time now...)
When KitKat comes out, I doubt CM11 will come out soon either for it.
I am still on CM9 and is able to keep up with most apps.
Also there are some common faults with Touchpad, I have them too.
Volume Up/Down buttons are flaky. Sometimes need hard presses or dont register properly.
Plastic fascia cracking, near the stereo speakers. This can grow slowly unless fixed (by you, HP/Palm would not care)
It was a good deal to buy during the firesale, but on today's date, I think I would personally go for a Nexus 7
Mainly for the high spec hardware & not wait for some OEM/Dev to release the latest google updates.
I bought an Asus transformer prime (TF200) which has a detachable keyboard which includes an additional battery USB and SD slot had some WiFi problems but I fixed that and gave mine to mum having already given one to my daughter.
Last month when she was down from university she kept "borrowing it" so I asked if she wanted to swap. I now have a TP back running jcsullins experimental with working Bluetooth and couldn't be happier as I get to have fun again trying out different ROMs and muck about with a fast easily rooted unlocked device with the added advantage of Webos which is still good in its own right.
If you do get it make sure to also purchase the Touchstone charger which is brilliant.
All the best with your decision.
TouchPad was a powerful device, when first came out. Hardware still supports newest apps and Android versions with nearly 0 problem. Also it's a quality device. If you find a cheap one (like the fire sale days), you can buy it with no doubt. I bought it nearly 2 years before and still using it; Android Jelly Bean :good:
Go for it!
I have 3 of these for over two years now and all are still in use! My personal daily driver, the kids and a hack/mod.
Its a great tablet, you wont be disappointed...of course you will need Android installed as WebOs, well isnt bad, but really isnt goo either.
good luck
Pros
Large Screen
Good sound quality
Excellent development
Cons
CPU is starting to show it's age
The image quality of the screen is relatively poor compared to other tablets (it's not bad)
It's really heavy
In the end I would consider something like a used 2012 Nexus 7 instead but if you love the Touchpad's form factor I would say go for it.
I'm going to have to agree with some of the previous posts in looking for a Nexus 7 instead unless you really need or want a 10 inch tablet. You wont find hardware in that size even remotely close to the TouchPad. Right now I'm still running CM 9(Ill admit not the latest build still) however its starting to get on my nerves a bit, it seems to get bogged down pretty easily. I guess it all comes down to your own preferences and if you can get one that its pretty good shape.
The wireless charger is a must for this. You can use easily as digital picture frame and just pick up off charger to check email, etc. Plus can be picked up for very little money. Buy both together under $150 but wireless charger can be had for $26 shipped on amazon if you get one without.
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I'm thinking of buying a second hand one for use as a 720p video player (downscaling videos) and occasional web surfing on CM9 or CM10 (depending on what works better).
The Tochpad can handle that easily.
Loved my hp....couple years ago. My opinion, if you want a larger screen and a nice one at that, 32 gig plus microsd, look at the nook hd +
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FunkiBluDawg said:
HP Touchpad multibooting with CM9 should be fairly usable even now.
Please keep in mind that there are no official CM10 builds yet (and for a long time now...)
When KitKat comes out, I doubt CM11 will come out soon either for it.
I am still on CM9 and is able to keep up with most apps.
Also there are some common faults with Touchpad, I have them too.
Volume Up/Down buttons are flaky. Sometimes need hard presses or dont register properly.
Plastic fascia cracking, near the stereo speakers. This can grow slowly unless fixed (by you, HP/Palm would not care)
It was a good deal to buy during the firesale, but on today's date, I think I would personally go for a Nexus 7
Mainly for the high spec hardware & not wait for some OEM/Dev to release the latest google updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With extremely light usage for a year, often not used at all, I observed a crack form on the back side next to one of the speakers as others have experienced. I like my TouchPad but if I were shopping for a new device, I would consider different manufacturers and spend more time searching for reviews. I would also recommend a Google Nexus tablet.
Love my Touchpad, incredible for $100. Still decent for the price of course. Who knows, I may not upgrade for a couple of years more!
Nevertheless, if I was shopping now I would consider some of the other devices. There are faster and better support devices out there. If you can live with a smaller size, then you'll score a great deal. If you want something bigger (like the TP), it's probably going to cost a little bit more. If you want something bigger with awesome resolution, like the Nexus 10...then it'll cost even more still.
Good luck!