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I thought I'd start a review page for the Touchpad. I got my Touchpad on Tuesday and have spent a good bit of time with it. In general, I see a lot of potential. I am disappointed that it took so long and isn't better than it is.
Now I understand most of the poor reviews that the unit has gotten. Comparing a first generation product with a 2nd or 3rd generation product doesn't is not likely to be very positive. But, most of us thought, between HP and Palm, the unit would be a lot further along. Perhaps HP is too big to be creative and responsive enough for a fast moving market like phones and tablets. However, to be fair, the things the unit does well, it does very well. And, what it doesn't do well, it generally doesn't do at all.
First, the weight. Personally, I like the feel of it. A few ounces either way really doesn't make much difference. It has a good balance and feels solid.
Second, the WebOS. I am new to it, but so far, I am impressed. The multitasking is really well done. The setup on the unit was simple and logically organized. There is a somewhat intuitive feel to the interface, even though if I knew more, it might be even better.
I setup my Exchange client with no problems and it works well. I will try to add some more accounts later for testing.
Now for the items I am disappointed with. I know it sounds like I don't like the unit, but I do, and it is so close. But, unfortunately, close only counts in horseshoes and nuclear war.
First, as far as I can tell, whoever designed this either never used an iPad or Android tablet or didn't use it much. They don't understand the first rule of the smart device market: You have to have some key working software. Okay, there is some, but in general, it is a real disappointment. There will be lots of other things needed, but everyone wants video, music, news, and a way to move data around. A lot of people will want a time manager, too. If you missed that in the design, you missed the key items.
It plays MP3s well, but without Pandora, it doesn't really matter much.
The worst thing so far is that the video player is useless. Most of the videos I see and use are AVIs and they don't work at all. And only about half of the MP4's have worked so far. One of the top priorities needs to be a movie player that isn't useless. Something like VitalPlayer for the Android.
You also need a good news reader. If you have an Android you get News360 or Pulse. Where is the comparable product?
Oh, by the way, it isn't terribly easy to find anything in the Appstore. It doesn't give enough granularity. It is hard to find the diamonds amoung the trash.
The other item that is needed is a file manager. Something like ES File Explorer on the Android. It allows you to move files from the LAN to the Local file structure and to move files inside the unit. I know the idea is that WEBOS handles it. But as far as I can tell, I have to hook up to a PC to move files. There is a paid app in the app store, but it doesn't do enough.
I have used Android up to this point. A year ago, it was pretty bad. But, today it is a great competitor. WEBOS can be there, too, but it can't take very long or there won't be a market. If HP is counting on business users only, they are probably DOA. From what I have seen, other than e-mail, business use takes a back seat to personal applications on tablets.
What do you think?
7-25-2011 It is getting better
Today, I downloaded KalemSoft Media Player and Gemini File Manger. They each fill at least part of the gap in the functionality of the Touchpad. The KamelSoft Media Player has added considerable functionality to the media play including additional codecs for AVI, etc. And, the MP4s that didn't work with the built in player seem to work with it. It is a $6.99 item but, so far, it seems to be a good investment. I had to add an app to my Android 2.2 unit to get the same capabilities, so it is makes sense that I will have to do the same for a first generation WEBOS tablet, I guess.
The Gemini File Manager is a valuable addition, because it has a nice two column, full screen, interface and has networking capablities. Currently it only works with Dropbox. But it is a step in the right direction. I had to download a file manager, ES File Manager, with this functionality for my Android also, but it was free. ES File Manager allows local network connection, which is pretty useful. This is pretty inexpensive at $2.99 though.
Last week, I downloaded SpaZ HD Beta Preview 1 to use as a Twitter client. It is worth a look. I have enjoyed learning how to use it.
I have download several news readers, but so far nothing that is as good as Pulse or News 360. NewsRoom is a start, but it is still in the phone format.
Pandora works, but it is in the phone format. And, that doesn't really matter much to the functionality.
So things are coming along. With a few more apps, it will be almost as good as my Android for my daily use. Android and iPad have a lot of apps, but how many are of any real use?
There are a few things missing. A working RDP app is essential for small businesses. A solid time management package that interfaces with Quickbooks would be useful, also.
Agreed, thanks for that review
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA Premium App
Well, I am wrong about at least one thing. There is a Pandora app. It works, but it is a phone app and takes a little getting used to. But, it seems to work well.
I bought Newroom hoping it will be like Pulse. It is also a phone app and will take some work to get used to. But it might do some of what I want until a better app comes along. I also bought TapNote for Touchpad which I think will be a good tool, and Internalz, so I can get to the file structure. It is a phone app, so it will be a little strange until it is upgraded.
I downloaded TED, which is a source for seminars that seem to be pretty diverse. The first one I watched was great. It showed off the video pretty well.
I'm still impressed.
I prefer to buy the Touchpad than iPad. Because Touchpad is a way better than other tablets but is a bit buggy yet, but with time and devs, all can be solved.
Good luck with devs and with OTAs touch pad FAIL and webOS phones are butt ugly with a nice OS
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
I actually want to buy a touchpad....only if it doesn't become a dead system and gets reasonable support compared to android and iOS from developers
I would have to add that the font rendering is the ugliest since Windows 3.11. Seriously. The UI itself is beautiful, but reading web pages or mails hurts your eyes after a few minutes. The fonts look like they are smudged, like the screen is blurry. It is a huge fail and the biggest downside IMO. Sure, application load times are really bad, and there are no apps. But apps only need to be loaded once, and the number of apps might change. The incredibly distracting font rendering won't go away
Send an email to: Leo Apotheker, Sean Robison & Steve DeWitt. They need to hear from you.
First name.Last [email protected]
Think it's Stephen but will check. No hear back from me then it's that.
Sent from my Sapphire/dream using XDA App
Can only print to HP printers.
-1. My HP laptops can print to my Canon printer
Can't wait for Android on this thing
I bought one of the firesale units and starting playing with it. I have some questions:
1) It don't seem to support ad-hoc wireless networks. Is there any software I can add or configuration change I can make to change this? I have a Windows Mobile cell phone that can share its connection over wifi, but its ad-hoc only.
2) I put some pdfs and an m4v and flv video on the device, organized in folders. I go in acrobat reader and it seems to find the pdfs, but just puts them in a single list, rather than showing the file hierarchy. I would like to be able to browse the file hierarchy and touch a file and have it open in an appropriate player or reader. I have a lot of pdfs to put in the device and they need to be organized, not one big list.
3) Acrobat reader and Quick Office seem to be a little slow to load. I am wondering if there is an app that is quick loading that will show a file hierarchy and show or play pdf files and videos, similar to GoodReader for ipad?
4) Is there anything that will play .flv video files? The m4v video showed up in the photo viewer, but not the .flv
Thanks in advance.
guyandhisdog said:
Can only print to HP printers.
-1. My HP laptops can print to my Canon printer
Can't wait for Android on this thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can my Lenovo laptop.
But this isn't a HP laptop.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
I know its not a HP laptop. Just sayin, one HP product can and one (newer) can't. That = -1
anyone else notice that this thing seems to crash/freeze alot? have to reboot quite often.
treestump said:
anyone else notice that this thing seems to crash/freeze alot? have to reboot quite often.
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Click to collapse
have u updated the pad? i've been playing with mine for 2 days and havent had a hang up or freeze yet.. u might have a faulty model
I haven't gotten my HP Touchpad yet. Heck, still listed as "shipping soon" from Amazon/eCost.
This may be useful for improving performance until we have Android running:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-news/how-to-improve-the-performance-of-your-new-hp-touchpad/3866
hurrpancakes said:
So can my Lenovo laptop.
But this isn't a HP laptop.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read a review that said you can print to other printers but its a bit harder. Don't no the details sorry but at least you can. (supposedly)
starfcker69 said:
I haven't gotten my HP Touchpad yet. Heck, still listed as "shipping soon" from Amazon/eCost.
This may be useful for improving performance until we have Android running:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-news/how-to-improve-the-performance-of-your-new-hp-touchpad/3866
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Click to collapse
Picked mine up Saturday morning and found that article yesterday. By all means do what it says, helps a lot. The more I use my touchpad the more I like it. Great little $100 investment IMO. Really wish there was a Wordfeud or Words with Friends app for it though. Preware should be installed on every WebOS device.
starfcker69 said:
I haven't gotten my HP Touchpad yet. Heck, still listed as "shipping soon" from Amazon/eCost.
This may be useful for improving performance until we have Android running:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-news/how-to-improve-the-performance-of-your-new-hp-touchpad/3866
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for this link! I don't even have my touchpad yet but i look forward to being able to poke around with it and get every ounce of performance possible.
Are there any other good resources for WebOS tweaks or mods? Ultimately i'll probably put android on this thing (once the devs do all the hard work) but in the meantime, i'd like to see just how usable the device is as-is.
my gripes:
browser - not as good as Android's. some pages had minor render issues, some menus didn't work right. some flash videos would not play.
browser - only way to go "back" is the back arrow at the top left corner so you have to keep your thumb near it.. awkward to hold. why no left swipe or something?
lists, any - no scroll bars! i added like 100 bookmarks then it's a pain in the ass to get from top to bottom. have to swipe down like 10 times
camera - no app is included to use it other than skype.
video player - videos files are shown as group of big icons, no way to change that to a list view, and the space allocated for the name does not have enough characters
no way to change the icons on the taskbar?
serious lack of good apps that are designed for touchpad .. maybe a dozen that i ended up keeping.
no included rss reader, calc, notes, etc.
i don't believe the Bing navi app has 3D mapping or live rerouting (for use with tether) and i didn't see any in the market.
no voice to text function ?
doesn't support mkv or avi out of the box (same for Android, iOS) .. have to reencode videos from usenet. there is a (1) paid app that can play these apparently, haven't tried it yet
no video out, rear camera, back / search / menu buttons, low-res screen, heavy... but you know that going in.
App Store - no sorting options (ie, #downloads, #reviews)
.....
things i like:
hardware is solid, battery life is impressive, viewing angles excellent, and the GUI looks polished. OS is reasonably responsive and stable (after ota update). basic functions (wifi, web, email, IM, a/v playback) work as expected.
good deal for $100.
I like my 32GB Touchpad so far, I applied the improvements and it does seem better, I have to try the overclock. It's good for the price I paid, but not for it's starting one. I'd still like to see Android on it and I hope there's more development both on webOS and Android for it.
For your news reading needs you could try the Mosaic app, it's similar to Pulse with its own twist.
os10 said:
my gripes:
no way to change the icons on the taskbar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can by going into the Launcher and touching an app for a few seconds so you can move them around.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/30/hp-touchpad-will-receive-ota-udpate-for-added-functionality/
HP may have abandoned the TouchPad, but that apparently won't stop the company from issuing a post-mortem OTA update for its webOS tablet. Yesterday, an HP spokesperson confirmed to CNET that "HP TouchPad owners can look forward to an over-the-air update that will enhance the platform and add functionality and a growing applications catalog." The rep didn't offer any specifics, but reaffirmed that HP remains "fully committed to the ongoing support and service of customers who purchased webOS devices." The news comes on the heels of a Quickoffice HD update that dropped yesterday, and at a time when TouchPads are selling like hotcakes -- which probably explains HP's decision to issue a tweak. Indeed, the company went on to say that it's seen "huge spikes in activations and between 3-5X downloads of apps," since the TouchPad fire sale first launched.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[Q] New Touchpad OTA update safe?
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20099049-64/hp-update-to-boost-touchpad-functionality/
Doesn't say exactly when this update will be available. Is it safe to assume that we shouldn't accept the update, if given the option, if we're planning on eventually flashing Android port?
Good question.
I was also wondering if the folks who actually wanted to stay with web os, will the homebrew patches and kernel have to be re-written to work on the updated firmware?
Given that it just says "a future update" with not even a vague indication of *when* that might be, I don't think it's something that we should fret over for now
PiZauL said:
Good question.
I was also wondering if the folks who actually wanted to stay with web os, will the homebrew patches and kernel have to be re-written to work on the updated firmware?
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Click to collapse
it depends how drastic the changes are.. i have a feeling the update won't be anything major...
This isn't iOS. The updates don't ever do anything in theory to close down the OS, other than required security hole fixes. Anything you could do prior to the update, you can do after. The webOS doctor is what is probably going to become hijacked for allowing Android installations, and this in theory, will never stop working. Remember, we have always been able to recover a "bricked" device through the webOS Doctor; unlike the many other platforms available. Also, it has been close to 2 years since we had to remove all patches prior to updating. I'd suggest waiting 24 hours, if you can, to verify. Patches and homebrew should not be broken in the update.
One thing they should fix is the browser. Upgrade their libraries up to the level Honeycomb 3.2 or iOS 5 (all of which is open source) to improve the performance (especially JavaScript) and support more HTML5 standards (like SVG). They should also allow users to modify their user agent string to the iPad UA via a hack, so all tablet-oriented websites display as they are meant to.
Although the Touchpad browser is not horrible, it could do a lot better compared to the Android and iOS browsers which are based on WebKit as well. Having an awesome browser could give this tablet much more life while just running webOS with web apps!
DCKing said:
One thing they should fix is the browser. Upgrade their libraries up to the level Honeycomb 3.2 or iOS 5 (all of which is open source) to improve the performance (especially JavaScript) and support more HTML5 standards (like SVG). They should also allow users to modify their user agent string to the iPad UA via a hack, so all tablet-oriented websites display as they are meant to.
Although the Touchpad browser is not horrible, it could do a lot better compared to the Android and iOS browsers which are based on WebKit as well. Having an awesome browser could give this tablet much more life while just running webOS with web apps!
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Click to collapse
I feel this brower is just as good if not better than the android browser. I had issues with some links and pages on my android tablet but they work perfect on my touchpad
Sent from my T959 using xda premium
i imagine the update will bring things like a native ebook reader or an updated marketplace, nothing radical like a fully skinned version of honeycomb
I too hope for some improvements to the browser, there are a few issues with it, nothing tragic but irritating enough at times.
OTA Update = Android Honeycomb?
Maybe????
It could happen.
(I'm such a troll today)
maybe we will get more than a ota, maybe actual support for webos.
http://www.bgr.com/2011/08/30/hp-may-resurrect-touchpad-head-of-pc-business-says/
Basic first.
Sound loss and Wifi problems.
Now if we want to go Fancy.
Rotation while playing phone apps is always portrait.
Youtube full screen is up side down (if using a case)
speed up calendar.
speed up photo "fine" loading.
browser minor issues.
Cursor issues.
Do not accept. If they are designing the Android for 3.0.2 then leave it. It's only a matter of a Week before an Alpha is available from Cyanogen.
Android, that way they can collect the $1600. Hell, they have to make back the stock money they lost somehow
I'm thinking the OTA will just be Homebrew/Preware kind of stuff and maybe some new apps.
However, a tabbed browser and a VNC client that works would make me really happy.
Don't Know why people knock the browser. I feel that the WebOS browser is honestly the best mobile browser I have EVER used functionality wise... Never before on a tablet or tablet-like device have I not had to fiddle with user-agent settings and such to get where I need to go... So far only one site has failed on the Touchpad... Hulu, And we all know why that doesn't work...
Other Note: I would laugh if the OTA was just to pre-install preware and homebrew ability... (although it would be a BIG smack in the face of apple, Who leaves their old products to rot instead of supporting them like HP has so far.)
Then again, I find WebOS in general to be the best Mobile OS ever made, And also the best Mobile OS killed before its time...
c01e said:
Don't Know why people knock the browser. I feel that the WebOS browser is honestly the best mobile browser I have EVER used functionality wise... Never before on a tablet or tablet-like device have I not had to fiddle with user-agent settings and such to get where I need to go... So far only one site has failed on the Touchpad... Hulu, And we all know why that doesn't work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The caching issues make browsing forums a nightmare.
Also, Gmail doesn't work in the browser.
c01e said:
Don't Know why people knock the browser. I feel that the WebOS browser is honestly the best mobile browser I have EVER used functionality wise... Never before on a tablet or tablet-like device have I not had to fiddle with user-agent settings and such to get where I need to go... So far only one site has failed on the Touchpad... Hulu, And we all know why that doesn't work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree that functionally, it's an excellent browser. It's just that internally (performance en compatibility with technologies) it's not quite as great as Safari in iOS 4 or the Honeycomb browser. Check this link to see what I mean.
The reason why it's important is that by the end of the year all webOS support for native apps will have definitely dried up, which means that webOS users will have to rely on web apps. Web apps can be freaking amazing if the browser supports the latest technology and has good JavaScript performance. Although the Touchpad is not bad there, it should be doable for HP to update its performance and compatibility to the level of iOS 5.
Cube1701 said:
The caching issues make browsing forums a nightmare.
Also, Gmail doesn't work in the browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1 trying to browse forums can be terrible. Constantly have to use the refresh button.
Sent from Gingerbread Speedy 4G
Other than a rooted Nook tablet I don't have much experience with Android. I'm coming from an iPhone4 and looking forward to something new.
What are the must have utilities and apps?
Any tips or must have, must do things?
I've seen doubletwist mentioned and Samsung uses Kies.
Looking forward to Note...
See the Guide for NOOBS sticky at the top of this forum ^^^^
thinguy said:
Other than a rooted Nook tablet I don't have much experience with Android. I'm coming from an iPhone4 and looking forward to something new.
What are the must have utilities and apps?
Any tips or must have, must do things?
I've seen doubletwist mentioned and Samsung uses Kies.
Looking forward to Note...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used kies with either my captivate or infuse. Don't see the need with other apps, as well as the fact that you can just drag and drop files onto your phone's storage. Syncing reminds me of an iphone, and is stupid in my opinion. Drag and drop allows you to only add the files you need/want, and is much faster in the long run.
I suggest using Google Music for your music, it automatically uploads up to 20,000 songs automatically from your itunes or windows media player to the cloud so that you can access them wherever.
If you use grooveshark at all, check out Dood's music streamer. Allows you to use grooveshark on the go without paying for premium service. If you have not used grooveshark before, check it out on your computer.
Google voice provides a simple, visual voicemail system, though I think I have read somewhere that the note has visual voicemail built in? Could be wrong.
XDA app is a must, though I assume you use that on your Nook already.
Dropbox is useful for documents, as well as google docs.
The note comes with S Note and other various apps that make use of the S pen.
Dolphin Browser HD is a great replacement browser that I have used with all of my androids.
Evernote is useful for taking notes that can be accessed on your phone or any computer. I hope the S pen can have some functionality with this app.
Root explorer is definitely worth the few bucks it costs to have access to all of the files on your phone.
Titanium backup is a must if you are into ROMing your devices, as it will allow you to restore your apps after every flash with ease. The free version works, but you have to approve every app install. I suggest buying the full version, as the restore process is fully automated and can run in the background or with your screen off, making the process much less cumbersome.
Other than that, we will have to wait and see if apps such as rom manager and such will be of any use to the flashing process once the devs get their hands on the device and start pumping out custom roms.
OP, i'm also as green as you on the Android platform. I have an iphone 4s and got the Note just to explore Android.
jpeg42 said:
See the Guide for NOOBS sticky at the top of this forum ^^^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you read it? Its just Android definitions and reserved spots for future use. No specific info on tips, advice or apps.
welchertc said:
I have never used kies with either my captivate or infuse. Don't see the need with other apps, as well as the fact that you can just drag and drop files onto your phone's storage. Syncing reminds me of an iphone, and is stupid in my opinion. Drag and drop allows you to only add the files you need/want, and is much faster in the long run.
I suggest using Google Music for your music, it automatically uploads up to 20,000 songs automatically from your itunes or windows media player to the cloud so that you can access them wherever.
If you use grooveshark at all, check out Dood's music streamer. Allows you to use grooveshark on the go without paying for premium service. If you have not used grooveshark before, check it out on your computer.
Google voice provides a simple, visual voicemail system, though I think I have read somewhere that the note has visual voicemail built in? Could be wrong.
XDA app is a must, though I assume you use that on your Nook already.
Dropbox is useful for documents, as well as google docs.
The note comes with S Note and other various apps that make use of the S pen.
Dolphin Browser HD is a great replacement browser that I have used with all of my androids.
Evernote is useful for taking notes that can be accessed on your phone or any computer. I hope the S pen can have some functionality with this app.
Root explorer is definitely worth the few bucks it costs to have access to all of the files on your phone.
Titanium backup is a must if you are into ROMing your devices, as it will allow you to restore your apps after every flash with ease. The free version works, but you have to approve every app install. I suggest buying the full version, as the restore process is fully automated and can run in the background or with your screen off, making the process much less cumbersome.
Other than that, we will have to wait and see if apps such as rom manager and such will be of any use to the flashing process once the devs get their hands on the device and start pumping out custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I forget that it can be handled like a normal usb device/storage.
I need to try Dolphin, using Opera on Nook now and it's better than the default but still lacking. The firefox app seems terrible/incomplete.
thinguy said:
Other than a rooted Nook tablet I don't have much experience with Android. I'm coming from an iPhone4 and looking forward to something new.
What are the must have utilities and apps?
Any tips or must have, must do things?
I've seen doubletwist mentioned and Samsung uses Kies.
Looking forward to Note...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use a captivate and have used froyo and gingerbread. I suspect you will find the gingerbread used on the g-note okay but not as polished and as smooth as your iOS. That said, the new android ICS (using cm9 alpha, build 16) is is incredible. Smooth, clean, powerful and intuitive. A pleasure to use, I believe It offers the best of both worlds. The ease of apple and the configurable power of android.
Since you have a nook you can try it out, the nook ics rom is very usable and will give you a hint of the g-note goodness to come with the ics operating system the xda guys will cook up. I have a nook to, and if you have rooted it, the ics install will be relatively simple.
The following list are some Apps you might find worth looking at, and depending on your interest, might even be worth paying for.
Music; I use Power Amp, paid app. clean seductive interface, lots of audio magic for the music lover, and great developer support.
Files; Webdav; paid ver. Nice little app let's you wireless mount your android as a drive so you can cut/paste files and folders as you would to and from any other drive on your PC. Great for lots of audio book files, movies, or just cleaning up your phone. You can use 3g instead of wifi but I've never tried it.
Podcasts; Dogcatcher, paid app. simply the best. Its biggest competition is Mypod. I used it for over a year, but never was able to get comfortable with its interface. Dogcatcher....you can just start using it, and it has lots of options.
Sling player, TV goodness, paid app and home box. Watch anything straight from your home cable, sat., or ota tuner, perfect if your a sports nut.
Launcher; Nova , free app. I am still testing but it is just so sexy and free so I figured I give it a mention.
Radio; Tune in , free app. music sports news radio stations with easy search presets. It is to good to be true but I haven't found a downside yet.
Browser; Dolphin HD, free app. I can't get excited about this one. It works, the speed is good, and it is not going to choke on flash. I would like to recommend Opera but it has been very buggy lately, I don't think it is playing nice with ics.
Google chrome is getting great reviews but it doesn't support flash. Then there is Boat browser and Quick Ics browser both show great promise but not sure about them yet.
I've got a G-note on order, for the lte and its monster screen. The thing is, since I got ics, my captivate is such a pleasure to use and play with I don't know how I'll survive waiting for a ics port.
Oh, and samsungs kies program might have some use but I've never found it.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
vizographic said:
Browser; Dolphin HD, free app. I can't get excited about this one. It works, the speed is good, and it is not going to choke on flash. I would like to recommend Opera but it has been very buggy lately, I don't think it is playing nice with ics.
Google chrome is getting great reviews but it doesn't support flash. Then there is Boat browser and Quick Ics browser both show great promise but not sure about them yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very disappointed to hear that Opera is buggy with ICS--it's my favorite browser by far. <sarcasm>Fortunately</sarcasm>, we probably won't have a working ICS ROM for I717 any time soon. For the OP, this is Opera Mobile, not Opera Mini--the latter handles all traffic through opera's servers and compresses images to speed up browsing for slow phones or phones with poor connections, but the result is that many webpages with active (javascript or flash) content just don't work right.
Also a word of warning for the OP: if you choose Dolphin, make sure you are rooted and block en.mywebzines.com (and maybe some other related URLs) through your hosts file. The spyware seems to be removed in the latest update, but I still won't trust a browser that, at any time in its history, forwarded essentially all of your web activity to a third party server. There's a long thread around here that discusses these issues in more depth.
Browsers are very much a matter of personal preference though; also, if you use a browser that matches your desktop browser, it makes syncing the two much easier--firefox, opera, and chrome all have great sync capabilities between their desktop and mobile counterparts.
Thanks for the link, a very disturbing read regarding the Dolphin Browser HD. I took aggressive data mining for granted, but damn the DB-hd boys are into strip mining personal data...... thanks again for taking the time to post...
OP, please forget i even mentioned Dolphin
(i going to.. ; ) and give Opera a shot. He is right were not gonna be on ics for good stretch, and by the time we are any quirks will be ironed out. It is a great overall program with lots of features. It has usually been my daily driver since the long gone days of windows mobile.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
root question?
Since ICS is a ways off, If we root for TiBU, or Root explorer to remove certain system apps, will we get ICS FOTA, or will we not get it without unrooting and replacing all bloat we removed?
So my question is -any advice for those of us who root but want the OTA ICS when it comes out?
Should have put this out first- will the method for the international version for root work for the ATT one?
Is someone somewhere on the planet working to port the ics only Google chrome beta to Froyo?
Sent from my painfully slow connection, so consider pressing thanks to provide some relief
From what I know, Chrome requires the framework from ICS to work. In order to port the required parts, there would probably be parts of the framework that would be required by those parts, and parts required by those parts, etc..
I could be wrong but I don't believe you'll be seeing Chrome on a pre-ICS ROM any time soon, if ever. I imagine more development time is spent on getting older devices onto ICS, rather than porting the software back.
Is it really much better than stock browser or something like Dolphin? I don't think there's a vast improvement, so that sort of makes it pointless in my mind.
If Kindle's Silk could be ported,which required the kindle fire framework previously,then it might be possible!
BTW,chrome is my best bet when I'm on my PC,so maybe it's nice on the phone too
Yes, I came here looking for Chrome for my SideKick4G (froyo only). Side-loading doesn't work
Chrome is better then dolphin, etc. because it syncs with computers. I run chrome on my HTPC, my desk, and my tablet. Now all 3 share the same browser history and I can open any page that is on any device, so I no longer need Chrome-to-Phone and Phone-to-Chrome. No browser alternative works the same.
Make your own
droidiser said:
Is someone somewhere on the planet working to port the ics only Google chrome beta to Froyo?
Sent from my painfully slow connection, so consider pressing thanks to provide some relief
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your best bet is to make your own on android studio (or eclipse or whatever) and just design it the same way, implementing API's from the chrome2phone and phone2chrome API's.
If you do do this i'll help! In my Web design class at school we have Adobe Fireworks, Flash, and other design software.
Really? Wow. I'm sure with your help, the OP will be able to make something that looks and works exactly like the Chrome android app, but on Froyo, using Adobe graphics programs no less.
...what?
Posting you are willing to help create something that no one was going to create in the first place, something that no one really could create (it would take a large organized team and a lot of time/effort to even come close to Chrome) is weird... but did you check the date on this thread? Why would you possibly think it was a good idea to post that nonsense over a year after the latest reply?
Hi,
I like working on the website Codeacademy.com, and would love to do so on my android tablet (kindle HD), or even my phone (razr HD). However, every browser I've tried has had a terrible time with this website: browsers love to zoom in too closely when I start typing, they have trouble scolling in a text window within the main window, etc. (just try it, you'll see what I mean).
Does anyone have any suggestions for a browser that would fare better? Or perhaps dolphin has an add-on that would mitigate the problems? I have trouble believing that I'm the only one who likes to use this popular website on an android device.
Any help is appreciated.
EDIT: The kindle is restricted in its browsers by default, but I haven't had any trouble downloading apks and sideloading, so that's not a limitation to worry about.
Me too
I am looking for it too. It would be awesome if codecademy made an android app for its exercises
jwdink said:
Hi,
I like working on the website Codeacademy.com, and would love to do so on my android tablet (kindle HD), or even my phone (razr HD). However, every browser I've tried has had a terrible time with this website: browsers love to zoom in too closely when I start typing, they have trouble scolling in a text window within the main window, etc. (just try it, you'll see what I mean).
Does anyone have any suggestions for a browser that would fare better? Or perhaps dolphin has an add-on that would mitigate the problems? I have trouble believing that I'm the only one who likes to use this popular website on an android device.
Any help is appreciated.
EDIT: The kindle is restricted in its browsers by default, but I haven't had any trouble downloading apks and sideloading, so that's not a limitation to worry about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried it too and it's very frustrating. Thanks for mentioning CodeAcademy since I only knew about it since I read your post
Sent from my Kindling Fire A-Pad
dncjor said:
I am looking for it too. It would be awesome if codecademy made an android app for its exercises
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed-- though I feel like they shouldn't have to! This website isn't doing anything particularly advanced--it's just a text box to type in--and I feel like one of the myriad android browsers should be able to handle it. Especially since each one has a different unique problem with the website.
Okay, looks like Maxthon browser works tolerably well. Good browser overall, actually.
Jwdink,
Good to know Maxthon worked for you. I tested many, including Maxthon, and I always get the same problem.
When I click on the box to type, and try to move it up or down, everything goes white and I have to find the box again...
I tested with chrome, opera, firefox, dolphin, dolphin beta, and others less known browsers, and always the same problem happens
Now I'm gonna test with firefox beta..
I emailed codecademy some days ago concerning this matter but got no answer
Did you notice the site doesn't have a mobile version? Maybe if they can create one, it could fix the problem
jwdink said:
Okay, looks like Maxthon browser works tolerably well. Good browser overall, actually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maxthon didn't fare to well for this task on my rooted Kindle Fire running Gingerbread .......I sometimes have success with the latest release of Firefox (not the nightly edition) but many times will have to refresh the page to get the coding input box to respond "halfway" normal.
Even on my Windows 7 laptop the site has issues and I've tried IE9 and the latest Chrome. Maybe I'll try Firefox on the laptop today. On the tablet I find myself reading the tutorial from the website on whatever browser I'm using but will not try to implement the code there. I'll just open up my good old text editor and code there using what I learned on the site and then run the code on "x" interpreter (in my case the Python) and it's much easier to do it that way.
When I have the lesson running correctly I will return to the website and "attempt" to complete it on there either possibly with Android Firefox or on the PC so it will keep track of my progress. Otherwise I would get WAY to frustrated trying to get every little step to run in the browser's input box!
And yes, a dedicated app for this website would be ideal
Sent from my SCH-R880 using xda app-developers app
Huh, sounds like this site just isn't designed to work on anything but a traditional PC... I wonder what the big difference is?
Codecademy answered my email. Here it is:
"Original message
DEC 31, 2012 | 07:17AM EST
Please, I am a codecademy student and want to ask if you have any recomendation for a good way of using the site on android devices, because it is very difficult to do the exercises on the browsers for android.
For me, and others users, like this guy:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2073107
and, I believe, many others students, it would be very very useful if you could make a codecademy app for android, where we could do the exercises.
Thanks for reading...
Douglas
Sent from Samsung Mobile
JAN 02, 2013 | 03:26AM EST
Linda replied:
Thanks for the nice feedback! Unfortunately we're at the moment focusing on the learning experience with desktops and laptops and support for mobile phones and tablets comes only later.
Linda
Customer Support
Codecademy"
I took the liberty of showing this xda topic to reinforce the importance of this matter for more than one student. And, as the topic had only a few comments when I wrote the email, "This guy", is you 'jwdink'
You could try Naked Browser, which till now has given me a cohesive desktop like interface,
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fevdev.nakedbrowser&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think its very effective to work on codeacademy from your tablet especially if you aren't using a real keyboard. Codecademy has problems with browsers in osx and windows and I can't imagine how it would work on a tablet which browsers that do much less. Codecademy gives me issues everytime I use it, some courses are sometimes impossible to complete unless codecademy themselves fixes them. Python last summer was uncompletable due to weird errors which tooks weeks to fix.
Also, something you should be doing is after you complete courses, go make something with your newly gained knowledge. I can go through every single course in there and might not have a full understanding without actually making something, plus, you have to get used to dealing with the unexpected because everytime you code, theres going to be some problem. You can't code much things comfortably in Android either, at least I haven't been able to.
Try using ucbrowser.
I've tried Firefox, dolphin, boat and maxthon but for me uc browser works best. I'm talking about web browsing in general, uc browser is my pick for mobile web browsing. I've never visited code academy on ucbrowser though. Give it a shot
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda app-developers app
Foxfire & disable autocorrect/autocomplete
To use codecademy on my rooted Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (n8013) tablet I used Foxfire (stable or beta) browser and I disabled the keyboard's autocorrection/autofill/autocapitalization functionalities.
Tested but couldn't use stock browser, Chrome, Dolphin and Opera. Tested but couldn't use Swype keyboard and Google downloadable keyboard. Something weird happens connected to the shift key.
Should say my Samsung's running stock (Cyanagenmod) Android 4.2.2, no bloatware. Don't know if that matters or not.
Espier Browser
Have you tried Espier Browser? I just tried it and I could resolve 2 python exercices successfully
thetearer said:
Try using ucbrowser.
I've tried Firefox, dolphin, boat and maxthon but for me uc browser works best. I'm talking about web browsing in general, uc browser is my pick for mobile web browsing. I've never visited code academy on ucbrowser though. Give it a shot
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, uc browser seems to be the best for codecademy, I have tried almost all the browsers named in this thread an with uc browser on android 2.1 all works fine to me.
luisfmp said:
Thanks, uc browser seems to be the best for codecademy, I have tried almost all the browsers named in this thread an with uc browser on android 2.1 all works fine to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey,
Im trying to use codecademy and khanacademy.org but im using a Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet (stock rom). Ive tried UC browser as well as many others (chrome, naked, firefox, dolphin, maxthon, boat, maybe more) with no luck. Code isnt selectable or pastable, and sometimes i cant even delete.
I dont have access to a computer at the moment and would really like to take advantage of the interactive tutorials on those sites. I even bought a mouse thinking it would make text selection easy but i now realise android mouse support is lame and just emulates a finger.
If anyone has any solution for this, please let me know.
jwdink said:
Hi,
I like working on the website Codeacademy.com, and would love to do so on my android tablet (kindle HD), or even my phone (razr HD). However, every browser I've tried has had a terrible time with this website: browsers love to zoom in too closely when I start typing, they have trouble scolling in a text window within the main window, etc. (just try it, you'll see what I mean).
Does anyone have any suggestions for a browser that would fare better? Or perhaps dolphin has an add-on that would mitigate the problems? I have trouble believing that I'm the only one who likes to use this popular website on an android device.
Any help is appreciated.
EDIT: The kindle is restricted in its browsers by default, but I haven't had any trouble downloading apks and sideloading, so that's not a limitation to worry about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello jwdink,
Thank you for asking this question almost two years ago. Like you, I recently stumbled across the delimma of learning to code at codeacademy.com with my nextbook tablet device.
The solution that works perfectly for me is to request the desktop version of the web browser.
A quick review of the steps involved (Recent Google chrome at time of writing):
Click the menu button
Select "Request desktop site"
The page will reload automatically to a closer version of codeacademy that you are familiar with on the desktop site.
Yuki
Yhurp
Sent from my GT-S5300 using XDA Free mobile app
Yuki Tow SvC App said:
Hello jwdink,
Thank you for asking this question almost two years ago. Like you, I recently stumbled across the delimma of learning to code at codeacademy.com with my nextbook tablet device.
The solution that works perfectly for me is to request the desktop version of the web browser.
A quick review of the steps involved (Recent Google chrome at time of writing):
Click the menu button
Select "Request desktop site"
The page will reload automatically to a closer version of codeacademy that you are familiar with on the desktop site.
Yuki
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much, currently on my Samsung Tab S 10.5 with a logitech keyboard, and works extremely well with codecademy now