Related
I had a quick look but i couldnt find these ones on the site. As most of you know a spare battery (or 7) is a must with the TP2. But im a noob and im not sure what the difference is with these with the mAh ratings. Is there much difference between 13050mAh and 1500mAh batteries? which will be better?
Heres the 1500mAh battery
Here is the 1350mAh battery
Thanks
Personally, I wouldn't get a replacement battery from HK, and not over Ebay either - I've used one source for two-way radio kit over there for a while, and while the Li-Po and Li-Io batteries do work, they appear to have a limited life span in comparison with OEM equipment available over here.
I'd think about long-term savings, and get something from Clove (linkage here), who at least can be held accountable to the "fit for use" elements of the Sale Of Goods Act 1964 over here, unlike HK sources via ebay. Don't get me wrong - ebay's a great source of bargain kit, but for something as essential and spec-critical as a PDA/Phone battery, I'd go home-grown retail sources every time, purely for the legal protection.
In any case, I'm getting a PowerMonkey from Maplin today. Much more versatile for me
My spare batteries have always been HK cheapo's and never a problem with them before. If that one you showed me was half the price it is then id have got it.
1600 mAh battery from the uk?
Is this really genuine?
SMF_12 - I opted for the powerMonkey for a number of reasons.
It's small enough to lug around in a pocket or belt pouch.
It carries potentially two full TP2 charges from a single full charge
It's got a long shelf life on a single charge
It's got adaptors in the box for most of the portable devices you might already own that take a 4.5-5.5 vDC charge
If by chance your connecter isn't there, they suply additional ones at a very reasonable cost
It'll charge my TP2 and my other half's Razr (that's the motorola phone, not the ladyshave ) too
Oh, did I mention it's rechargeable off anything with a USB port, and can take a charge off any mains power socket on the globe (travel plugs come as standard).
I'm rather impressed with it
However, if all you want is the spare battery, then by all means, go for that instead
As to the "is this genuine"... he's in the UK, subject to the Sale of Goods Act and the Trade Descriptions Act. If he's telling fibs, he can be held accountable. Hope that helps
Have fun
UPDATE: Hold fire on the PowerMoneky, folks. There's a glitch. While the supplied USB charging cable works with the miniUSB adaptor tip to charge the TP2, the PowerMoneky itself does not - say again not - appear to be charging the TP2. Only found this out last night - I've been using the USB adaptor cable and tip up to now.
A trouble ticket email has been sent to them, asking for any information regarding this, and hopefully a fix as well.
You can imagine how damned annoyed - and embarrassed - I am at this point in time.
Update - very rapid response from PowerTraveller tech support - seems that they believe I need a "DOPOD" adaptor tip, and requested my snail mail address so that they could send me one - still doesn't explain how the miniUSB tip works when I'm using it in the car from the cigar lighter -> USB adaptor, but there y'go. Soon as the DOPOD tip arrives, I'll test it out, and update you all
Thanks for that, i took a look at it in maplins today but i think ill stick to a second battery. but im sure people will be happy to read your review on the product so keep us updated on this product
Will do
OK, DOPOD adaotor tip arrived today.
Result: FAIL.
The text of the follow-up note to PowerTraveller Customer Services, sent this evening, is reproduced below, less the name of the Customer Services agent there.
Thanks for the DOPOD adaptor tip, which arrived today.
Unfortunately, it does not appear to solve the problem.
I connected the tip to the PowerMonkey Classic lead, and then plugged it into the ExtUSB connector socket on the HTC Touch Pro 2. I then moved the switch on the PowerMonkey Classic to "on". Again, the green light on the PowerMonkey Classic started to flash, but there was no noticable difference from using the normal USB adaptor tip; i.e., there was no amber charging light illuminated on the Touch Pro 2, and no charging icon was to be seen on the screen. I have to assume that there was therefore no charging current making it to my HTC Touch Pro 2.
The entire point of purchasing the PowerMonkey Classic was the be able to recharge my HTC Touch Pro 2 when I was away from other power sources, such as my home, my car, and other USB sources such as notebook PCs, when out and about conducting, for example, GPS-related activities, which are heavy on battery consumption. The advertising that I saw led me to believe that the PowerMonkey Classic *would* be the solution to my problem. Sadly, however, despite your attempt with the DOPOD adaptor tip, this does NOT appear to be the case, and I am VERY disappointed, as you can imagine.
It is remotely possible that your engineers have missed that on the Touch Pro 2, the connector on the bottom of the unit is NOT a standard USB connector, but HTCs proprietary ExtUSB format (which combines power, audio, and data feeds in one socket/plug format)?
Could you possibly check with the engineers, and ascertain if they have actually physically *tested* the DOPOD with the HTC Touch Pro 2, and, if so, how they managed to get the darn thing to accept charging current from the PowerMonkey Classic?
As it stands now, failing a working solution from your selves, I am the poud owner of the thirty quid high-tech paperweight, that is of zero use to me. I am due to see my partner (who lives 70-odd miles from me) soon, and we will test at that time whether the device works in charging a Motorola Razr.
If it does, then, short a working solution for my Touch Pro 2 being forthcoming from your company, I will give my partner the device. At least then, someone will profit from using the device. I however, will be back to square one, searching for an on-foot recharging solution for my phone.
Finaly, I would remind you that all the above fails to explain why I can get a ten quid self-reeling cigar lighter adaptor unit in my car, using what appears to be a standard USB connector, to successfully charge my Touch Pro 2. Naturally, I would be VERY interested in knowing why this succeeds, where the PowerMonkey Classic fails.
Sincerely,
Roger Stenning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you can imagine, I am far from amused at this entire sorry bloody saga.
As always, I'll keep you all updated, should there be anything to report.
EDIT:
Almost forgot - confirmation USB source test result:
Almost forgot. I checked to see if the DOPOD tip worked with a purely USB-derived power source, so plugged the supplied self-reeling PowerMonkey adaptor cable into the tip, then into my computers' USB port, and connected the tip to the Touch pro 2. Surprise surprise, the amber light on the phone illuminated, and charging current was flowing into the Touch Pro 2.
The problem is therefore sqarely defined as being with the PowerMonkey itself, and NOT the adaptor tip.
Casting back to my original note, I have to assume that the PowerMonkey is NOT delivering a powerful enough charge, at 4.5 VDC, where USB specs clearly require 5 VDC. There is therefore a deficit of 0.5 VDC from the PowerMonkey Classic.
I will still check to see if this is successful in charging a Motorola RAZR or not, and will report back to you at that time.
Sincerely,
Roger Stenning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had problems with HK batteries either, but hasn't this thread been done a few times already?
SMF_12 said:
1600 mAh battery from the uk?
Is this really genuine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope so, I've just ordered
Update time.
PowerTraveller, manufacture of the Power Monkey Classic v1, have sent me a returns form in the email, and have told me that once I've returned it, they'll send a replacement after testing.
Looks like the postage is down to me, though
Roger, if it's any consolation, I've had to do the merry dance that you appear to be doing right now. I bought a v1 just over six months ago and went through the exact process you have described. Just the other day, I received a replacement unit that I'm testing now. My problem was that when my phone was 'next to' empty, I'd plug in the v1 and it would charge to about 50% before itself becoming empty. I know the v1 was full because I had charged it for hours and the LED was green. "Two fulls charges"? Pfffft.
I also got the load of old cobblers from Powermonkey about the USB tips too. How I should use a DOPOD tip instead of a USB one. When I questioned 'why?' I received a half mumbled reply about the tips being internally wired differently. The one that they promised to mail me never arrived so I bought one from the website, being only like £3. Did it make a difference? No.
I don't know how this replacement's going to work out but I have my doubts. Before buying the v1, I bought two other Powertraveller products, the Powerchimp device that runs off two rechargeable AA batteries. I gave up on both of them within a week because even with two fully charged AAs, it seemed to charge my phone for about 30 minutes before being in an empty state and when I looked at my phone (TytnII) it had maybe gained 10% charge. OK if you want to make say one emergency phonecall but useless if you need the equivelent of a fully charged spare battery (or two!!!).
I'm going to monitor how it works out and see if this replacement works and provides at least a full charge and a half. If it doesn't, well, although it'll work on some level, it just doesn't do what it's advertised to do which is very naughty (especially when you see them laud their product all over the internet/Twitter etc as the most amzing thing since bread that has been sliced
One day guys, once day I hope the world will see a truly reliable and consistant portable power supply. Maybe in a thousand years, even a reliable solar powered products?
hiya - thanks for the heads up. It's be damned nice to see a curcuit diagram of the thing, along with a specific list of components. They try that mumbling stuff with me, they may bite themselves somewhere embarrassing - I'm also a licenced Radio ham in the UK (G1LIW), and as some of you might know, we have to pass tests in the technical aspects of the radio hobby - which includes electronics
I'm damned if I know what the preventative difference between a DOPOD and a miniUSB tip, either, by the way, given that the ExtUSB used by HTC only adds maybe 7 contacts to the format while avoiding existing MiniUSB pin locations...
MiniUSB layout...
http://pinouts.ru/Slots/USB_pinout.shtml
ExtUSB layout...
http://pinouts.ru/PDA/htc_extusb_headset_pinout.shtml
The two are not, of course, interchangeable - while MiniUSB plugs will fit into ExtUSB sockets, the reverse is not true.
Anyhow, we will see.
Thanks again for the heads up
Quick test result update.
I let my TytnII (battery, 1350mAh?) drop to 30% battery and then plugged in my fully charged P M Classic. It charged back to 100% and the charge LED was still flashing green. I then plugged in my half empty old Motorola V3, it charged it for approx 30 minutes before flashing red and eventually stopping. 2200mAh!?!? capacity? I bet I didn't consume any more than about a 1000mAh and it was empty.
OK, it's new so this might go up a bit but it really doesn't bode well. OK, so maybe I'll get one full charge out of it but it's advertised as 2200 my phone is 1350, surely it should be up towards about two charges?
Bottom line is, it works but nowhere near as well as it's advertised to do.
OK, received the replacement PM (it's a version 2, not a version 1) in the mail today. They included another DOPOD adaptor tip, too. Guess they figured I'm a clumsy schmuk who may have lost the one they sent me the other week (nope, still got it)
Anyhow, Turning it on results in rapid green LED blinking, meaning they fully charged it before sending it to me. Which was nice of them
However, and interestingly, plugging in a charger to it does NOT result in any LED illuminating. Odd. have to follow that up later.
I'll let you all know how it behaves in charging my phone once I use it "in anger".
Be interested to see what you make of it's charge capacity...
Cured the inability to charge the PowerMonkey problem - it was a rather embarrassing user error - the plug wasn't correctly seated in the mains socket
Gonna let the phone drain a bit while I'm on holiday this week, and use the PM to charge it. It's a PMv2, not a PMv1, that they sent as a replacement, remember, so we will see if the thing behaves any better than your v1
Later
After a month or so of tests, I can say my version 2 is 'better' but it still doesn't delivery the one and a half charges it's supposed to. On average, I'd say it fully charges my TYTN2 once and is then empty.
I really can't be bothered to stress about it any more because I guess, one full charge is better than nothing but I think I'm justified in being a little irked that it doesn't do what it's advertised to do?
Conclusion: It works, it'll charge your phone to full from empty and is an alternative to buying a spare battery for your phone. It'll also charge everyone elses phone with the right adapter!
I just hope (pray is more like it) that Asus made the stupid USB proprietary charging cable longer than the ridiculously short one with the original Transformer. The goofy thing was like 3 feet long, could barely reach a tabletop or desktop from a wall outlet. And for anyone just getting a TF for the first time, note that you need USB 3.0 spec extension cables to extend the charging/sync cable that ships with the Transformer Prime; 2.0 would not charge since the pin-outs are different. My cheat? I uses a regular ac extension cord, and plugged the charging inverter (transformer?) into the regular ac extension cord, that way I could extend it as long as I liked, with no concern about leakage, signal loss etc...
Oh yeah! One BIG THING: I hope that the Prime does not have the quirk where the power supply, when oriented "right side up" (plugged in with the ASUS logo readable) has a grounding issue like the Transformer TF101 did. Anyone who had one might know what I mean. If you lightly touched the metallic sections when charging with the cable oriented one way, the thing had an electric "Buzz" running through it, like a fine vibration. Not dangerous to people, I would think, but when first noticed it I was seriously concerned. I did a bunch of research on it, and basically, if you flipped the charger around in outlet, it went away. All they had to do was make one blade of the plug wider, but perhaps grounding is different in some markets, so they weren't able to do that.
They had several revisions for it, but never fixed it, as far as I know, and I had one of the last serial numbers.
All I know is you take a reasonable durable electronic device, but one where there is no "Frame" or "Chassis" because they wanted it to be ultra slim, and what they do is solder components onto a board that IS the chassis. That, along with a nice strong piece of Corning Gorilla Glass, and you have a reasonably rigid, strong, yet extremely thin device. I think they outright stole the process from Apple's Mac Book Air, and did it first with the Zen Book (Another device I am lusting after, but a bit short on the cashola to be grabbing anytime soon, LOL!)
My concern, if you want to call it that, is that improperly grounding a "durable" but in other ways "sensitive" grouping of electronic components, so much so that the user can literally feel the stray voltage, can not be all that good for the components. I mean, it's not exactly ZAPPING you when you touch it,but it feels downright creepy.. and I do not like it. I think, f my new Asus does this as badly as my old one, I may give them a heard time about it. But I will not be shipping my unit in for inspection - No freaking way. If they want to reproduce it, they can just grab one of their own and work on it. Just don't stand in a puddle during testing, okay guys?
SmartAs$Phone said:
I just hope (pray is more like it) that Asus made the stupid USB proprietary charging cable longer than the ridiculously short one with the original Transformer. The goofy thing was like 3 feet long, could barely reach a tabletop or desktop from a wall outlet. And for anyone just getting a TF for the first time, note that you need USB 3.0 spec extension cables to extend the charging/sync cable that ships with the Transformer Prime; 2.0 would not charge since the pin-outs are different. My cheat? I uses a regular ac extension cord, and plugged the charging inverter (transformer?) into the regular ac extension cord, that way I could extend it as long as I liked, with no concern about leakage, signal loss etc...
Oh yeah! One BIG THING: I hope that the Prime does not have the quirk where the power supply, when oriented "right side up" (plugged in with the ASUS logo readable) has a grounding issue like the Transformer TF101 did. Anyone who had one might know what I mean. If you lightly touched the metallic sections when charging with the cable oriented one way, the thing had an electric "Buzz" running through it, like a fine vibration. Not dangerous to people, I would think, but when first noticed it I was seriously concerned. I did a bunch of research on it, and basically, if you flipped the charger around in outlet, it went away. All they had to do was make one blade of the plug wider, but perhaps grounding is different in some markets, so they weren't able to do that.
They had several revisions for it, but never fixed it, as far as I know, and I had one of the last serial numbers.
All I know is you take a reasonable durable electronic device, but one where there is no "Frame" or "Chassis" because they wanted it to be ultra slim, and what they do is solder components onto a board that IS the chassis. That, along with a nice strong piece of Corning Gorilla Glass, and you have a reasonably rigid, strong, yet extremely thin device. I think they outright stole the process from Apple's Mac Book Air, and did it first with the Zen Book (Another device I am lusting after, but a bit short on the cashola to be grabbing anytime soon, LOL!)
My concern, if you want to call it that, is that improperly grounding a "durable" but in other ways "sensitive" grouping of electronic components, so much so that the user can literally feel the stray voltage, can not be all that good for the components. I mean, it's not exactly ZAPPING you when you touch it,but it feels downright creepy.. and I do not like it. I think, f my new Asus does this as badly as my old one, I may give them a heard time about it. But I will not be shipping my unit in for inspection - No freaking way. If they want to reproduce it, they can just grab one of their own and work on it. Just don't stand in a puddle during testing, okay guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you''d think with the new product...with the safety of ground vs hot....they would have fixed it ..but NOOOO....i felt this "vibration thingy" last night and thought something was wrong. I know i have dirty power in my house...and it doesnt do it while plugged into the USB of my computer....
Glad to see this was an earlier issue and although i thought i moved to different sockets in the house..i cant honestly say i truly "tested" flipping the plug around. i'll try that when i get home.
ps. it's retarded that the only way to charge is via the plug. 12v. really? oh and charging my tablet yesterday after picking it up and opening at work revealed a dead tablet...the plug was super hot after charging for about 4 hours...
SmartAs$Phone said:
I just hope (pray is more like it) that Asus made the stupid USB proprietary charging cable longer than the ridiculously short one with the original Transformer. The goofy thing was like 3 feet long, could barely reach a tabletop or desktop from a wall outlet. And for anyone just getting a TF for the first time, note that you need USB 3.0 spec extension cables to extend the charging/sync cable that ships with the Transformer Prime; 2.0 would not charge since the pin-outs are different. My cheat? I uses a regular ac extension cord, and plugged the charging inverter (transformer?) into the regular ac extension cord, that way I could extend it as long as I liked, with no concern about leakage, signal loss etc...
Oh yeah! One BIG THING: I hope that the Prime does not have the quirk where the power supply, when oriented "right side up" (plugged in with the ASUS logo readable) has a grounding issue like the Transformer TF101 did. Anyone who had one might know what I mean. If you lightly touched the metallic sections when charging with the cable oriented one way, the thing had an electric "Buzz" running through it, like a fine vibration. Not dangerous to people, I would think, but when first noticed it I was seriously concerned. I did a bunch of research on it, and basically, if you flipped the charger around in outlet, it went away. All they had to do was make one blade of the plug wider, but perhaps grounding is different in some markets, so they weren't able to do that.
They had several revisions for it, but never fixed it, as far as I know, and I had one of the last serial numbers.
All I know is you take a reasonable durable electronic device, but one where there is no "Frame" or "Chassis" because they wanted it to be ultra slim, and what they do is solder components onto a board that IS the chassis. That, along with a nice strong piece of Corning Gorilla Glass, and you have a reasonably rigid, strong, yet extremely thin device. I think they outright stole the process from Apple's Mac Book Air, and did it first with the Zen Book (Another device I am lusting after, but a bit short on the cashola to be grabbing anytime soon, LOL!)
My concern, if you want to call it that, is that improperly grounding a "durable" but in other ways "sensitive" grouping of electronic components, so much so that the user can literally feel the stray voltage, can not be all that good for the components. I mean, it's not exactly ZAPPING you when you touch it,but it feels downright creepy.. and I do not like it. I think, f my new Asus does this as badly as my old one, I may give them a heard time about it. But I will not be shipping my unit in for inspection - No freaking way. If they want to reproduce it, they can just grab one of their own and work on it. Just don't stand in a puddle during testing, okay guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have this with my HP laptop, which also has an aluminium shell. I think that is normal.
EDIT: My Desire Z (G2) also had this, pretty sure that is normal.
The Prime "buzz"
Mine definitely has the grounding issue / buzz. Inverting the plug alleviates the problem but you'd think design measures could be taken to eliminate the problem.
the tf201 charger is unchanged from the tf101. the replacement/spare asus sells is a single part # for both.
I have a house full of Sony products, I like the brand and build quality very much, but, with the Sony tablet, I cannot undersatnd why, they choose a 'special' impossibe to obtain plug, also, a charging voltage of 10.2v!
The internal battery inside the tablet is a standard 5v type, as are the workings I believe, so, it would very possible for them, to allow charging via micro USB at a standard +5v, as a lot of other tablets do.
The charger is £29+ to buy, nothing special, if I could get the plug, I'd knock one up for couple of £.
I also have a high end Sony 3D televison, that has facility for internet via USB, but, you can't use a standard USB wireless dongle unit, it has to be Sony, as they installed some data in the USB stick to stop you using cheaper USB dongles..... why?
Further, my Sony MP3 player NWZX1060, will not accept charge via any other, but Sony 5v power supply, the Sony ones are of course 5 times the price!
Don't get me wrong, I love Sony gear, but, feel slightly annoyed the way they do things, even more so with the Sony Tablet.
Anyone else with simialr feelings?
Horse Trader said:
I cannot undersatnd why, they choose a 'special' impossibe to obtain plug, also, a charging voltage of 10.2v!
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Click to collapse
I agree that Sony's plug selection was ludicrous; however, because most USB ports on computers and chargers cannot supply the 2.9 ampere charging current that the tablet requires, I believe Sony purposely selected to use a non-standard connector to help prevent their customers from damaging their computers, etc. And Sony using 10.5 VDC instead of 5 VDC decreases charging time (similar to the difference between quick-charge and trickle-charge of an automobile battery charger).
I understand exactly what your saying, but, surly for sheer convenience, Sony could has incorparated a slow(er) charging facility from standard 5v supply, using computer USB or different lower current charger, most other portable devices allow this.
I love Sony stuff, but, they always seem to do things differently, nothing wrong with that of course, until it cost your more, sometimes unnessacery money! ..... maybe!
Horse Trader said:
I also have a high end Sony 3D televison, that has facility for internet via USB, but, you can't use a standard USB wireless dongle unit, it has to be Sony, as they installed some data in the USB stick to stop you using cheaper USB dongles..... why?
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Click to collapse
You know, I've heard this a lot, but I bought some nameless brand USB adapter plug on Amazon and it works just fine. Maybe I got lucky.
As for the power adapter, I always assumed it was a special port to accommodate their cradle and keep other tablets from taking advantage of it. Seeing as I don't care about the cradle and would love to charge this thing in a car, it's still awfully inconvenient.
hogaburger said:
I bought some nameless brand USB adapter plug on Amazon and it works just fine.
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Click to collapse
Please provide a link to the adapter you bought. Thanks.
Horse Trader said:
Further, my Sony MP3 player NWZX1060, will not accept charge via any other, but Sony 5v power supply, the Sony ones are of course 5 times the price!
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Click to collapse
I've not had any problems charging my NWZX1061 with my PC, USB hub, or Sony Ericsson EP800.
Horse Trader said:
Further, my Sony MP3 player NWZX1060, will not accept charge via any other, but Sony 5v power supply, the Sony ones are of course 5 times the price!
?
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Click to collapse
Sorry, but this is wrong! You shouldn't buy the cheapest China Crap charger but your x1060 works with non Sony chargers, too. I had a x1060 and it cod be charged through my Usb-chargers from Palm, Belkin, Blackberry etc. without problems!
On the rest you are right... but most companies do this!
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2
Cat McGowan said:
I agree that Sony's plug selection was ludicrous; however, because most USB ports on computers and chargers cannot supply the 2.9 ampere charging current that the tablet requires, I believe Sony purposely selected to use a non-standard connector to help prevent their customers from damaging their computers, etc. And Sony using 10.5 VDC instead of 5 VDC decreases charging time (similar to the difference between quick-charge and trickle-charge of an automobile battery charger).
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Click to collapse
Rapid charge thru higher amps lessens way battery life way faster and Sony know that but people want faster charging times
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk 2
Cat McGowan said:
Please provide a link to the adapter you bought. Thanks.
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Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027YYMU6/
So far I've connected a keyboard, mouse, logitech usb gaming controller, and synced my PS3 controller with this adapter. I'm on stock ICS.
Sorry for the late reply. Just got a new phone and haven't made it back around to this part of the forums yet
Feel like Ive been treated as a crash test dummy.
Wish I'de never bought this tablet, the main reason is the charging problem, I spend most of my life on the road with no respite until I get home in the evening and no access to the 240v needed for charging, with the occasional foray into work related periods during which time my tablet is important, so many times have i had to rely on paper and pencil until I got home because the tablet was dead, which defeats the whole idea of mobility.
And dont tell me about the tablet needs a certain amperage or voltage or charging time etc., other tablets manage without the stupid tethering to a socket and as for the ics fiasco for Uk users, what can I say.
As a product I like it, but its a bog standard operating system nothing to set it aside from the rest except its design, but the cons far outway the pros for me.
Mind you sony are not alone in there disregard for their user base, I started with HP ipaqs, until HP decide in there wisdom to stop supporting them, then there was the Dell streak episode (painful) Im still paying for a phone contract for a phone that I cant get repaired because the parts are no longer available, had about a years use out of it befor it broke, not good for a £400 + phone.
Im of an age that expects more out of my purchases than the shoddy service we get served up with by manufacturers that treat us with destain and use us as a beta testing ground with impunity when things go wrong.
Sorry about the rant, must have got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning, still its a thumbs down from me.
Expectations and Reality
henly said:
Wish I'de never bought this tablet, the main reason is the charging problem.
And dont tell me about the tablet needs a certain amperage or voltage or charging time etc., other tablets manage without the stupid tethering
As a product I like it, but its a bog standard operating system nothing to set it aside from the rest except its design, but the cons far outway the pros for me.
Mind you sony are not alone in there disregard for their user base.
Im of an age that expects more out of my purchases than the shoddy service... and use as a beta testing ground
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Click to collapse
I disagree with you here (respectfully, of course).
Battery:
Although other tablets can be charged off USB, they have sacrifices as well. Tablets chargable by USB will be much slower to charge and (theoretically) have shorter long-term lifespans. Sony decided that the 240v-only charing was a worthy tradeoff for the quick charging time and long battery lifespan.
Software:
This software is actually quite distinct from most other HC/ICS tablets. It is thankfully spared from the mess that is TouchWiz UX, and instead gets useful additions like Small Apps, the Favourites launcher, the three-icon dock, and heavily customised and highly versatile stock app inclusions. Although I like Acer's wheel launcher, the Sony is the best all-round software package I've seen from an Android tablet since my original Galaxy Tab.
Support lifespan:
I feel for you on this one as a previous owner of an original Galaxy Tab, the disregard for older devices is disheartening, but is to be expected in any dynamically developing field such as Android Tablets. It is simply not economical for companies to maintain full support for product lines that have been superseded, are getting old or simply don't have the users. It doesn't make business sense. In their defense, Sony support have been fantastic in my limited experience.
"Beta" nature:
It's unfortunately the nature of cutting-edge products that there will be unexpected quirks, but you should factor this into the buying decision. Long-established lines like Samsung's Galaxy Tab's are an obvious example of better-known, and more refined tablets. As an iPaq owner, you should remember that the original ipaq's were very quirky, buggy and generally lacking in refinement at the expense of their great functionality. The same is to be expected of this product, which you must remember is Sony's first foray into the Android Tablet market.
Anyway, sorry for the even longer rant, but I simply love my Tablet S and find that many users are maintaining some unreasonable expectations for this product and generally not thinking before they're buying in some cases.
I agree with most of what you've said, but as a comsumer with no loyalty or affiliations to any one product I simply want what is best for me, and you know as well as I, that when you buy a product such as this, it is mainly bare bones for a while until the industry gets it act together and things like car chargers etc come along, and that is what I expected, I did'nt realise until much later that you couldnt charge through the usb port in fact there are still items being sold on ebay under the term Tablet S charger which appear to be just a standard usb lead.
I originally bought a Ipod 1, which I returned to the store because the salesman assured me that it would play flash vids which in fact it would not, (some problem with Adobe apparently, fixed now I believe in Ipod 2.) and the Tablet S was the next thing to be recomended and with the dearth of info on the net at that time, I didnt have much option.
As for software, the first thing most of us here on this forum do is to root, then rip out all the stock apps and Bloatware and replace with different UIs etc.
Support seems to be shoddy in the extreme (and I dont nesseccarily mean Sony here), but most like you (respectivly) seem to accept it, personaly I hate it, but I seem to be in the minortity, I would dearly love to go round to some of these companies with pitchforks and burning firebrands (joke, in case anyone takes me seriously), would you accept the same thing if it were a car you were buying or a house, just because a thing is only current today doesnt mean it should not be fit for purpose, it should have a life span of more than two weeks.
Economically viable, Ha, have a look at Sony share prices or any of the market leaders come to that.
I simply dont factor in quirks or anomallies into my buying decisions because I as a paying full price consumer, expect things to be fit for purpose, and, i reiterate, with a resonable life span, how can it be right that something you pay good money for be entirely unusable in the space of a few months.
Thats all I'll say on the matter, please dont regard this as a flame because it isnt meant as such, and im sure I must be breaking some forum rules ranting on, my appoligies if thats so.
I can see what you're saying.
This is not specifically about you, more other users, is that everyone needs to remember to research before buying a product. In your case, a quick Google Search would reveal that no iOS products are capable of playing Flash content and never have been. WP7 is the same while Android can play it after installation. The same goes for the Tablet S in that anyone who posts about no hardware video out, a lack of custom ROM support, or simply the smaller screen size has obviously not done much research about what they're buying. Different devices have been designed for different purposes, and people are expected therefore to buy the right tool for the job.
As for Sony themselves, remember that this is their very first Android tablet and is a very small part of their business. Their tablet division, which hasn't sold amazing numbers, would be being helped along in terms of share price and revenue by Sony's other businesses including the highly successful BluRay, DLNA licensing, PlayStation, XPeria, Walkman, Sony Pictures, Sony Music BMG, CyberShot, and BRAVIA units. Compared to those, the Tablet S is a minor blip in the radar.
Although to me your expectations seem high, and references to two-week lifespans seem odd, thats obviously your opinion and you're entitled to it. Just trying to give any readers a clear picture of what to expect.
.... Some very interesting replies in this thread, most, of which I agree with.
Sony, is now a massive company, huge, so, surly, theR & D departments would have given an indication of what people actually wanted in a tablet?
Another thing about Sony is, they seem to lock their (modofied Android) firmware down, such as the Sony Xperia S I bought a couple of months ago, this I discoverd some time later, has a locked bootloader, so, I can't put another (better?) firmware, I think it's simlar to the Sony S tablet?
Some people will say, it's to stop you messing and spoilng things?? if a person wants to change firmware etc., surly it's up to them, if they mess up, it's their fault, and, if neccessary, should pay to have it rectified (by Sony?)
I love Sony stuff, I have a house full of it, but, when you want to expand, use non Sony gear with it, change or, deviate from the norm, there is usually always a problem.
Is this all in Sony's interest to generate even more cash ......... I wonder?
Just my thoughts.
Although cash is a bit of the process, its more to do with Sony's hardware and software philosophy. All of Sony's devices from the Xperia's to the Tablet's to the PlayStations rely on Sony's design which uses locked down software models to ensure that the device works as Sony designed it. They basically believe that a tradeoff in user customisation is worth the more polished experience. This does unfortunately mean that early products in a line (think early Ericsson-partnered Xperia's and the Tablet S) sometimes mess up the balance a little.
Sony, as a brand, often invests in its own proprietary formats, software and designs, and therefore tends to lock them down more than their more open brethren at other brands like Asus.
I agree with you about their R&D and I find it odd that in some respects they nailed it (I love that glorious curved design), but in other respects buggered it (battery,software tweaks). Meh, who knows??
imho opinion the S is the best non-ipad tablet out there. If you think Sony lock the system down and control how you use the device you haven't experienced Apple products.
I'm happy with the S. The remote control, native DNLA and Flash support are the 3 things that sold it to me. Now upgraded to ICS It's not rooted and I can;t see a need to root it.
sure I;d like a better screen and a faster machine but who wouldn't.
Hi ...
I echo what you, and the previous 'senior member' said, I too have no reason to root the Sony Tablet S, yes, it's a lovely machine, that's why I bought it, mine was the same price as the iPAd, but, I choose Sony, as, I'm sure lots of other people did too.
My gripe was directed at the Sony Xperia S mobile too, that firmware is locked down firmly too, and, being a fully qualifed electronics engineer, I cannot understand, why, the Sony S tablet, has a UK charger of 10.2v at 2.9A.
It would have been a great help, if a slow (emergency?) charge facility was available via the micro USB socket at 5 volts, although, your limited to 500mA on USB 2... more people now have USB3 which allows much higher charging current, so, in my opinon it's very possible.
Or, maybe 2 x USB leads, as on the Sony portable CD reader/writer, that uses 2 x USB plugs to deliver the extra current required.
The internal battery inside the Sony S tablet is actually 5 volts, so, it seems quite possible in theory, to allow a lower current charge at 5 volts, although will take a lot longer to charge up fully of course, maybe up to 10 times as long? ... B U T , it might just get some people out of a mess?
Also, the wierd plug Sony use for the Tablet DC power supply charger, if I could get a plug itself, I could build my own car charger, an easy task.... a 'standard' DC socket arrangement, would have been better, some tablets use this type already, they could even incorparate that into the dedicated Sony Cradle.
Just my opinion, Sony do things in strange ways ........
What does anyone else think?
I totally agree that Sony does some strange stuff sometimes.
Still love the innovation that Sony brings to their products.
Sony has a long history of doing things that make their consumers feel like they have gotten the finger. The company spent more see development time on the PSP blocking hacks rather than adding the features those hacks were being used to create. The same energy initially went into their music sales; anyone else remember the rootkits that came with their disks at one time? All of the proprietary things mentioned above fall into this category too.
That said, this tablet is yet another in a long line of successful products in terms of usability, ingenuity, and quality from the company. I have rooted, but for the most part Sony's product works well on its own. I'm overjoyed with the USB conversion dongle, and the tablet is nice to hold.
It's unfortunate that the company has so many low lights in its dealings with customers, but it's not like we should be surprised. Personally, i bought this tablet when i saw this board and knew that it would be another Sony product with side development for the dumb bugs. Now if i could just get plants vs zombies to work...
--Databoy2k
Anyone try Magnetor X... http://www.amazon.com/Magnector-Performance-Magnetic-Charging-Adapter/dp/B00JEN5S6A/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1412040478&sr=1-1
It seems like a great alternative to the dock... I don't want to always be taking out the thing to plug in... Magnetic and call it a day.\
I just bought three, arrived before my wife's Z3C (I'm getting the T-mobile Z3 when it's released). Look high quality enough.
I ordered one which it appears is in the same package as the phone so hopefully today or tomorrow. I'll report back if no-one else has by the time it arrives.
I heard these may not have enough clearance if you have certain cases on your phone.
clearance is limited, but the magnet has real bite - the only criticism is that it can lean away from the screen towards the rear of the phone, although that depends entirely how you hold it once attached - no led indicator, but the phone does that for you, and no issues as to the effectiveness of the charge (I've used 36% battery on the first day with moderate/reasonable use) - not perfect, just a lot better than you thought it would be......
rmd0311 said:
Anyone try Magnetor X... http://www.amazon.com/Magnector-Performance-Magnetic-Charging-Adapter/dp/B00JEN5S6A/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1412040478&sr=1-1
It seems like a great alternative to the dock... I don't want to always be taking out the thing to plug in... Magnetic and call it a day.\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One girl on here that I talk to said she's been using the magnetic charger on her Z2 and absolutely loves it! So I think it's worth buying (already did actually lol, but waiting for Z3 as I have the HTC One M8 right now until it gets released here in the U.S., so have to wait and see). Apparently it charges twice as fast as the regular USB wall charger does.
RockStar2005
Right, I have one of these now and can report it's excellent. The magnet is pretty strong so holds to the phone well. Only problem I've found is that the Smart Connect app sees it as the same as the dock which is a little annoying as I used the dock at night to do things like turn off bluetooth and start Sleepbot etc.
I also bought an actual magnetic charging cable (this one: http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/magnetic-charging-cable-sony-xperia-z3-z3-compact-z2-black-p41526.htm) and the magnet on that is far weaker and comes off if you touch the phone at all while charging.
I definitely recommend the Magnetor X
thanks! i definitely am going to try this!
3Shirts said:
Right, I have one of these now and can report it's excellent. The magnet is pretty strong so holds to the phone well. Only problem I've found is that the Smart Connect app sees it as the same as the dock which is a little annoying as I used the dock at night to do things like turn off bluetooth and start Sleepbot etc.
I also bought an actual magnetic charging cable (this one: http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/magnetic-charging-cable-sony-xperia-z3-z3-compact-z2-black-p41526.htm) and the magnet on that is far weaker and comes off if you touch the phone at all while charging.
I definitely recommend the Magnetor X
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3Shirts,
The cable I bought is this one, which is made by Magnector X: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JEMESHG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The reviews for it appear to be strongly favorable, so I am confident it will work great. What brand is the one you posted though? Can't find the maker name anywhere.
If you scroll down on mine, it says that Magnector makes this charger with Japanese parts not Chinese, so that may be the difference? Not sure. People who I've talked to on here who have the Z2 or Z3 and this charger cable say it's amazing too. So I definitely agree with your statement, though I have yet to try it out (I have the cable but waiting for Z3's release here in the U.S. lol).
RockStar2005
RockStar2005 said:
3Shirts,
The cable I bought is this one, which is made by Magnector X: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JEMESHG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The reviews for it appear to be strongly favorable, so I am confident it will work great. What brand is the one you posted though? Can't find the maker name anywhere.
If you scroll down on mine, it says that Magnector makes this charger with Japanese parts not Chinese, so that may be the difference? Not sure. People who I've talked to on here who have the Z2 or Z3 and this charger cable say it's amazing too. So I definitely agree with your statement, though I have yet to try it out (I have the cable but waiting for Z3's release here in the U.S. lol).
RockStar2005
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since it's also Magnector I would assume the magnets on that are as good as the ones on the adapter so it's probably great. Looks to basically the same but a fully wired version rather than being a microusb adapter like the OP.
I myself have also purchased this magnetic cable check out my review in the other magnetic cable thread. :good:
3Shirts said:
Since it's also Magnector I would assume the magnets on that are as good as the ones on the adapter so it's probably great. Looks to basically the same but a fully wired version rather than being a microusb adapter like the OP.
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Click to collapse
Yes I agree. Thanks.
The one I got's connector is smaller and I thought that made it more practical.
RockStar2005
Deleted. Wrong thread.
Just tried mine. Works much much better then the cheap one I bought on ebay. The magnet keeps it in place if you move the phone around, when the cheap one would fall off.
Sent from my D6603 using XDA Free mobile app
How does the chraging time compare to USB port?
abhinav.tella said:
How does the chraging time compare to USB port?
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I heard speeds are great. However, there are no data to support that claim. I bought both the Magnetor X wire and adapter to test out the sizes, convenience, etc.--they will be coming later this week. I am discharging my phone until it goes 1% or so, then charge with various cables and adapters I have in hand (including OEM). Then compare it with the Magnetor X.
So i have a Samsung A10 which is a nice device but i have a small issue with it...SO
vehicle has a wireless charging cradle fitted. this was used to charge my S7.
I know that the A10 does not support wireless charging but when the device is in the cradle, the screen will jump from App to App with no external interaction.
Does anyone have any idea on what this might be?
It may have a halafax sensor on the back,side or front of your device. These are magnetic "triggers" for **** like closeable cases and docks. They are sensitive sensors for ad-on accessories that don't even come with the phone.
Other than that, if we are indeed experiencing the same universe then Faraday's law might make the device act funny when placed in a high energy flux like a microwave or in your situsation the cars S7 wireless charger dockle ..
I hope it's not ghosts or a new symptom of the coronavirus . I hope these matters resolve for you in a timely matter. Please wash your hands and good day to yous ?
Sent from my a10e using XDA Labs