Related
Hello Streakers! (even if it really really true... I'm not judging )
I am trying to decide if I should splurge on a Streak or not. Granted, it has a unique form factor unmatched by any handset currently available in the market. But with the plethora of new device coming out, some of them with double the technical specifications of the Streak, would you have Streak owner still make the same decision today?
The Streak was never officially released here in the Middle East; the only available models were being sold in the 'grey market'; they were being sold at exorbitant price. It just was not economically justifiable. Now, I got an option to get my hands on a second hand set - still at a somewhat expensive price. So now I have to ask you guys, do the Dell Steak satisfy still the sweet spot today as it did the day you brought it.
If I am to spend this much money on the Streak, I want it to last for another 2 years - from toady.
The 5" screen is so inviting. I want to converge all my online interactions to one device. Even if casually browsing the internet at the end of a hard day, while in bed. I don't want to pinch to zoom or excessively scroll because the screen is too small...
Thats why the Streak has been at the back of my ming for so long; pushing the boundaries between portability and useabilty!
So how do you guys rate the Streak? Do you still love it now that the honeymoon period is over? Is the build quality good? Hardware failure? Why is it so recommended that you buy an Otterbox casing?
I think it is safe to assume there are stable roms available a plenty? Truthfully, this will be my first Android device... (yeah, I know - great! Another noob is in the house...) I will start reading up on rooting, unlocking bootloaders, flashing...
but, if I do end up asking some silly questions; please find the patience to indulge me. I would really appreciate it!
Anyone got any 'stories' to share, given that the Streak is such a huge device, it must have raised a few eyebrows when attending to a phone call...
The rated call time and standby time mentioned looks good on paper; and I know, in Android it all depends on how you use the phone; but compared to other handsets - not person to person mind you; but the same person, same usage pattern but different handset - how would you rate the streak?
If you guys have any more titbits to share that will sell me on this device to me, go ahead!
I really do want this phone, but I am feeling somewhat cautious. This is a unique phone, so I want to know if it satisfies all your needs...
Thanks for your indulgence and hopefully, I will become a new member in the Streak forum soon!
My last phone has been a Samsung Galaxy S2. before that i have had a ZTE Blade and the Galaxy S. If i had to pick one now to keep it for sure would be the streak.
There are positive and negative things about it.
What i absolutely love about the streak is the battery, for me the streak is the only device that can last more than a day using it as what it is, a smartphone. Even with the display on, wifi and gps enabled it lasts easy a day. Try this with other devices. The battery on my SGS2 never lasted that long. The display is great, not as good as the one of the SGS2 but still good enough to use it even in sunlight.
The downside by my opinion. It is big, really big. It is heavy. It does not have the as much power as the SGS2 does. Sometimes it takes a second to switch the screen orientation. Does this really matter? It annoyed me at the start but now i simply don't care.
Your question answered short, yes i would buy it without a doubt again if i brick mine, if it gets stolen or something else happens to it. Even if there are devices out there with better specifications
Well, if you are a tech-guy who likes new phones with fast processor, the D.Streak is not for you since the dual-processor devices are definitely more powerful. But if you want a phone/tablet with which you will browse websites/watch photos & movies/listen to musics/play games and that you are NOT expecting the Streak to be a super-device, then you can definitely consider it.
I come from 4.3inches phones and I had doubts before buying the Streak. First, it was due to the form-factor - many websites say that it was not pocketable!!!!! This is totally bullsh*t as the Streak fits comfortably in my jeans/trousers/pants without any problem....well unless you wear a really tight jean, then it will not fit in. I also don't find it to be heavy as I hold it without any difficulty but if you are used to very light phones, then you may find it to be tough to hold.
Then, I was skeptical since many people say that it hangs/freeze and that it was fragile/break easily. But I can say that the official roms are really stable and I did not encounter any problems that users tend to describe here on the forums.
You were asking about the use of the Ottebox - then the reason is pretty simple : As you mentioned the Streak is a bit expensive, then it is normal that you protect your investment from any damages. If the Streak falls on the ground, the glass or anything inside have a high chance to be damaged in the process. With an Otterbox, you minimize the risk your phone will break, but still it's a 50/50 chance depending on the way/height/force/angle the phone will land on the ground. So better have it protected from unexpected falls........but if you are used in dropping your previous phones, then it's cautious to say the Streak will not survive many falls.
Regarding your question if it may last 2 years, then it's a big NO. By 2013 or even by the end of this year, there will be more phones with better screens that will be more powerful than the Streak and I'm sure you'll try to switch for another one. Most importantly, since the Streak does not have a good camera, this will probably be the main reason to switch to a device with a screen of 4.5-5 inches but with a better camera/processor.
At present, I still like my 2 months old Dell Streak and although I am planning to change device soon, it still serves its purposes. My biggest satisfaction is that browsing websites is definitely a joy and since the screen is large, typing using the virtual keyboard is extremely easy and fast. Watching movies/photos is very pleasant and people are always surprised when they see my device.
Lastly, every phone has its advantages/disadvantages as there is actually no perfect device, and it is best if you weight the pros/cons to ensure if it will serve your needs. The Dell Streak 5 is not a device for everyone due to its size/specifications and one must definitely like large screen phones to really appreciate its form factor. It will be better if you can try it before buying - Otherwise, you might end up to be disappointed afterwards.
What the Streak does now it will do just as well in two years time - you need to decide what it is you want from a device and if the Streak fits the bill then buy it.
Thanks for all your feedback!
Its a relief to see satisfied users who choose to stick by their product.
@Final5k: thanks for your honest answer. True, by the end of this year better specs phone will come out, but I can take refuge in the fact the Nexus S is similarly spec'd so the Streak will not become obsolete due to hardware constraints. In time Icecream Sandwich may be ported over!
Your selling points of the Streak are exactly why I want it. A device I could converge to for all my needs when I am on the move.
Even if it gets left behind by a new device, it'll still be functional. I have never been about the latest or the greatest. Neither am I comfortable being an early adopter. As long as the core functionality is still achievable, I think feel content.
One of the plus points is that the Streak is mature, so there are solution to most problem face by noobs doing something wrong. Also the guides available are more detailed as you people had more time to understand it and pass on the knowledge.
If anyone else feels like like giving a shout out, go ahead.
Thanks guys for sharing your opinions...
I love mine, the reason I got it was for the big screen, and I don't think I could have a phone now with a smaller screen, 5" to me is just right. Fits in your pocket perfect even really tight skinny jeans. any bigger and it wouldn't. So its the perfect size. Camera isn't the best, but works good in daylight. People say the screen breaks without even dropping it, which I think is bull****, I've dropped mine a few times and the last time I dropped it was from about 1 and a half metres and the lcd did break and leak. But thats quiet a distance really, don't think many phones would survive that. But bought a new screen from ebay for about £28 and replacement was easy. I'm looking forward to what dell can muster up next year when I'm ready to upgrade my phone.
I too love mine even with its current situation "it does not recognize sim card" I keep it at home and use it instead of my company laptop and I am really missing. Now, I am thinking either to wait for the new model in 2012 or purchase another streak to last for 2-3 years. Although the number of mobiles I own is little, but I have never used or owned a device like streak. Really, if I decided to purchase another mobile it should be Streak2. Noway to go back to a smaller screen. I am using my streak to browse, email, citrix (to access company application such as SAP and this is rarely), youtube, etc... etc...
Simply it is the best phone/tablet. Frankly, I love it.
It's really cool! It seems that all streaker swears by their screen size; & no one is prepared to downgrade to a smaller screen.
The single defining feature is the most beloved. How come no one else capitalized on it?
I have been hitting up review on Youtube... can't resist anymore...
Came from iPhone
I upgraded from an iPhone 3GS and have never once regretted it. The Dell Streak's large screen and form factor does turn some heads (Is that a phone???). Browsing the web is a treat using Dolphin Browser Mini. I run Streakdroid 1.9.0 (usually, although I flash alot) and am able to use Netflix, Crackle, Plex, and a host of other services for streaming movies. Not to mention movies stored on the device. They look great and sound great. I sometimes play with coworkers' phones (IOS and android) and have never seen one that I would be willing to part with my Streak for. True, it is a bit cumbersome and very large, but the rewards greatly justify the costs. I do use an otterbox, mainly because it makes the device so much easier to hold. Without it I feel the Streak is too thin and slick lend confidence to my grip. I use a bluetooth headset with it almost always because of the size. I don't want to hold this thing up to my head for long, but honestly talking on the phone is probably the thing I do the least with my Streak. I found myself ignoring my laptop after I bought the Streak....it just wasn't necessary anymore. It is not a powerhouse by today's standards, but really...who needs a dual core processor and 1GB+ RAM? It's not like I'm converting or editing videos on the thing. But keep in mind when I say this, that I don't play games on it very much. All in all, I've never regretted my decision. Good luck and welcome to the forums!
I left my Samsung Vibrant for the Streak and felt like the few sacrifices I made were worth it. I will miss the camera and Amoled screen.
As far as up and coming phones if you could deal with a 4.5inch screen I would wait for the Samsung Hercules. If 4.5 inches is to small their are really no options other than the streak.
I sold my iphone 4(went through iphone withdrawal). Now I'm happy with my streak. I love the large screen, and the looks I get when I take it out of my pocket. It does what I need it to do.
Fellas! Thanks for all your feedback!
I am now officially a Streaker! (...and now, I'll forever feel awkward when taking off my pants...)
Well, I finally got me a Dell! I'm still at work so will have to wait till I get home to start giving it the love it deserve.
I'll play around with it some as is and read up on the forum before trying to root and flash with it...
I'll try to put up my impression of the device some time in the near future; maybe after the honeymoon period is over!
Thanks once again for the hand holding while I was trying to decide about the purchase...
The only negative is that I can't seem to find a suitable protective case for the device near my locale. Too bad the Streak was never picked up by the local retailers, so accessories are very rare to find here...
Look for the Otterbox Commuter or Defender case on Ebay - some sellers do sell them pretty cheap. The normal rubber cases do not offer much protection as they are too slim to protect the device from important impact - my friend's Streak broke after 2 falls with a rubber case on it, and after the replacement arrived, he has now opted for an Otterbox.
Final5k said:
Look for the Otterbox Commuter or Defender case on Ebay - some sellers do sell them pretty cheap. The normal rubber cases do not offer much protection as they are too slim to protect the device from important impact - my friend's Streak broke after 2 falls with a rubber case on it, and after the replacement arrived, he has now opted for an Otterbox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up!
I went from an iPhone 3G, to a Blackberry Storm, to a HTC Desire and now onto the Streak and IMO it is by far the best of the four phones. It runs just as well as the Desire with such a bigger screen, but it's thin enough to be useable and not inconvenient. I get a lot of comments about how big it is but most of the time it's actually thinner than the other persons phone which surprises them a bit. Plus the front facing camera is cool, and I only paid $250 for mine so the price was fantastic. And I can actually see the screen in day light unlike the Desire.
Definitely don't regret buying my Streak and probably won't upgrade until another 5" screen phone (or very close to that) comes out. I don't think I could go back to the smaller screen.
Cases are difficult because they'd add bulk to it, I'm kinda reluctant about getting one but if you pick one up please post your thoughts, it'd be pretty helpful for me too.
Hi all.
When this device was launched it was my dream device, but that's more than a year ago. I've been running with the XZU for some time, and am seriously considering making the jump to the Z3TC. As far as I can tell, there's no stronger actor in the same segment in today's market when I consider manufacturer, software, guarantees etc - even the dev scene has some small manner of activity.
After seeing that there was no Z5 Ultra at IFA, I think I need to get this device - but I'd like to hear from users and others if there's any reason not to get it at this point (q3 2015)?
I'll be using this as my main driver, meaning also as a phone. I know the latest Huawei MediaPad can do some of what this tab can, and I'm hearing the nes Sammy tab can make phones too. But Sony's waterproofing and form factor has got me hooked, what say you xda?
Most used tablet I have ever owned. LTE did it for me. No more hunting Wifi.
And I agree about the form factor. Battery life rocks too.
I've been a phablet user since the Note. I moved to the Nexus 6 earlier this year and in August traded it for the Z3TC.
My main use is reading and watching videos. I don't take a lot of pictures or make/receive phone calls. With the N6 and other smartphones there was still too much scrolling around webpages. So it was the right time to make the jump to a small and light tablet which could be carried around all day without worrying about battery life.
I tried the Tab S 8.4 earlier in the year (before the lollipop release) and returned it. The Chrome browser was too laggy, I didn't try or want to use another browser. I was a bit worried about the performance coming from a Nexus 6 but so far have been amazed at how smooth everything is. I'll be holding on to mine for a long time.
I had a Z3 last year and I missed the magnetic charging connector, now I have it back on the tablet. I can use it in a dock beside the bed and at work and with magnetic adapters in the car.
The display isn't as good as the Tab S amoled display, noticeable when watching videos in a dark room. But it feels a lot better in the hand and I prefer the on screen buttons and placement of the speakers.
I just bought mine a week ago. after 8 years of iPhone!!
It's a great size and really good looking!
If you plan to put a custom rom on it you should be careful! My camera does not focus with CM12.1/crDroid.
the sony software sucks but what can you do?.. hehe
It's still a great device and it is my only device now. It's not a real phone though but it works. Headset is recommended
Thanks for the answers, folks!
I dived in and bought myself one too. Have to upgrade my dataplan as soon as it arrives. I couldn't wait until march for the Z5 Ultra which is somewhere down the pipeline. A bit nervous about the rooting process but overall super excited.
I'm thinking about taking the plunge on this too. My second gen Nexus 7 is really starting to show it's age, but I love the seven inch form factor. What I don't understand is all the different variants of this device. I live in Asia, and probably won't get the 4G model, but do want root. My big question is I would like a travel case like my Nexae had...silicone with overleaf cover. It is my sofa device, so only leaves home when I travel. I hate those sloppy covers like everyone has on their iPads with a few cheap elastics in the corners...ugly, heavy, and just bad design. Does anyone do anything like this that for thiis for this device?
https://www.asus.com/Tablet-Accessory/Nexus_7_Travel_Cover
Hey all, I have just picked up one of these babies directly from Dell during their Pre-Black Friday sale for an amazing price of $293. Okay, not just, but it is brand new and incredibly, it is the 32 gig model. I have been searching around to see if there have been any negative, or positive, comments, regarding this tablet. Yeah I know it's a little late to be doing that, now that I have bought it. However, in my defense I did search the reviews that came out in January when the DV8 7000 first came out before I pulled the trigger. All the reviews back then were for the 16 gig model and by and large everybody seemed to be favorably impressed. Although they did think it was a little spendy at the time. It was going for $399 then. So I figured I couldn't go too far wrong if I spent just a tad less than that for 32 gig.
What I would like to know is, aside from some of the ergonomic issues, which I believe I can accommodate, how satisfied, or not, are you with this tablet? What are your nits and pics? I have been searching for any forums dedicated to this tablet and have been unable to find any. The Dell support forums have a few dissatisfied customers but really, not all that many. But then maybe there hasn't been all that many of these sold. Anyway, I haven't seen too much out there from end users regarding this tablet so I just wanted to get this out and maybe get a conversation going. So lets hear what you all have to say. Also, is there anybody out there that has snagged the 32 gig model?
Electraglider said:
Hey all, I have just picked up one of these babies directly from Dell during their Pre-Black Friday sale for an amazing price of $293. Okay, not just, but it is brand new and incredibly, it is the 32 gig model. I have been searching around to see if there have been any negative, or positive, comments, regarding this tablet. Yeah I know it's a little late to be doing that, now that I have bought it. However, in my defense I did search the reviews that came out in January when the DV8 7000 first came out before I pulled the trigger. All the reviews back then were for the 16 gig model and by and large everybody seemed to be favorably impressed. Although they did think it was a little spendy at the time. It was going for $399 then. So I figured I couldn't go too far wrong if I spent just a tad less than that for 32 gig.
What I would like to know is, aside from some of the ergonomic issues, which I believe I can accommodate, how satisfied, or not, are you with this tablet? What are your nits and pics? I have been searching for any forums dedicated to this tablet and have been unable to find any. The Dell support forums have a few dissatisfied customers but really, not all that many. But then maybe there hasn't been all that many of these sold. Anyway, I haven't seen too much out there from end users regarding this tablet so I just wanted to get this out and maybe get a conversation going. So lets hear what you all have to say. Also, is there anybody out there that has snagged the 32 gig model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am overall pleased with my new (to me) Venue 7840. I got it yesterday and I also wanted something thin and with a good screen. I did a lot of reading and youtube watching for this model, in comparison with the Galaxy tab S2, and decided to buy one of these, as it stands out from the crowd with its very industrial design and almost lack of side and top bezels.
Ergonomically speaking, it isn't the best out there, but you get used to holding it quickly enough to not be bothersome.
I think the main reason why I picked this up will also be my biggest gripe about it. The screen is amazing for media consumption, but not very gentle on my eyes for web browsing. The high resolution not only forces me to squint a lot more, but it also takes a toll on the processor, as I get random flashes of the background when I pull down the notification drawers and hangs while trying to download pdfs from the web using Chrome.
Other than that, I really must point out that the wireless reception is just terrible. It doesn't help that I have a very slow connection to begin with, but it seems that the tablet is struggling very hard when it comes to youtube streaming content, for example, or downloads. It gets worse if your hold the tablet by the left side, as the signal drops and is lost randomly. You soon learn to use 2 fingers to hold it by the edges.
Being so thin, it really doesn't inspire confidence. I mean, sure, it's aluminium, but still, I have to be very careful of where I put it, cause it sure scratches easily. Also, it's hard to pick it up, with its flat back.
That's why I also got the folio case, which is just your normal iPad-inspired case, but with a bare back, probably for the cameras and heat dissipation, and it's atrocious. The case is thicker than the tablet, obviously, and its top edge makes it hard to swipe down and open the notification bar. It is also kinda flimsy, the plastic bit where the hole for the usb port is cut has cracked already, you can't fit L-plug headphones into the jack and there is no wake function (meaning that the screen doesn't turn on/off when using the cover).
The sound is amazingly good, and I don't understand why Dell is using the MaxxAudio app as a toggle feature, since I don't believe anyone will want to use it without this enabled.
Battery life is good, I've been downloading updates and pdfs and watching documentaries over wifi and playing Angry Birds 2 since this morning and it went from 100% to 47%. That's 6 hours of usage.
Hey guys, friendly, neighborhood, T-Mo Sony (Z3) enthusiast here. Congrats on the Lollipop!
So, the wife and I have been going back and forth over her wanting to leave for Verizon (because, she suffers from unreliable reliability?). Between my bias for Sony and T-mo's features (I listen to music all day at work w/o data restrictions), I'm reluctant to leave. (Note: the back has started to peel off so I'm on borrowed time with this Z anyway)
If I WERE to leave, I can't tell if Sony/Verizon relations have deteriorated after the Z4v debacle where they won't get the X, or if I should look at the Nexus 6P, the new LG, or the :shivers: S7 Edge (I've been avoiding Samsung, but that VR tho). I'm afraid of both, getting stuck with Verizon and without a new Sony phone for a while (or forever?).
A few days back, I'd told the Mrs. I could cheaply get a Z3v online but then read the complaints on these forums and backed up/out. You wouldn't believe the eye-roll I got when I said I might look at the Z again after the update, lol. So what do y'all say? Is it worth staying in the Sony ecosystem (I rarely use but enjoy the PS4 connectivity), should I look at other Verizon phones, or just stick with T-Mo and get the X later?
Thanks for reading.
Sent from my D6616 using Tapatalk
It really depends on what you're looking for. The Galaxy S7 is hailing great remarks because it's now very refined in its premium body, expandable storage and waterproofing returns. For the average consumer nowadays, they just want the latest and greatest tech.
It's impossible to really tell if Sony isn't going to release anymore phones Verizon. The chances are highly slim, but who knows what they have in store about the new X series. So you may grab this phone for cheap on eBay, but you're only going to get as far as you can in playing around and customizing to an extent until it gets a bootloader unlock. I don't know if you're interested in that, but that's it now for a phone that Verizon isn't going to do much more for it.
Be aware that the USB door has problems with seal tearing, and camera in camera/video mode will overheat in hotter ambient temperatures (sometimes for no reason) and shut down, other than that nice phone.
Like the rest, don't see the Z3v getting anything past Lollipop unless it gets an unlocked bootloader, although some articles say it will see Marshmallow.
Flaps aren't a issue with the z3v because you can just wirelessly charge. Limiting wear on them. And yes I think add of right now this phone will easily hold me over another year. I'll see about the X when it comes out.
Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk
I'm getting close to just pulling the trigger on the Z3v. I figure, its cheap enough that if something miraculous happens between Sony and Verizon, OR if Sony's next phones DON'T accommodate CDMA, it won't feel like such a financial hit if I move on, in either direction.
Now, I just have to find a good, clean, reliable version of this device. ...And possibly some way to cover that obnoxious "Verizon" logo up top.
TracerBullitt said:
I'm getting close to just pulling the trigger on the Z3v. I figure, its cheap enough that if something miraculous happens between Sony and Verizon, OR if Sony's next phones DON'T accommodate CDMA, it won't feel like such a financial hit if I move on, in either direction.
Now, I just have to find a good, clean, reliable version of this device. ...And possibly some way to cover that obnoxious "Verizon" logo up top.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a great phone, nonetheless. For how undervalued this phone is priced at, it's a great buy for a compatible phone the largest network in the US and it's a flagship spec phone from 2014, not some midrange phone.
GigaSPX said:
It's a great phone, nonetheless. For how undervalued this phone is priced at, it's a great buy for a compatible phone the largest network in the US and it's a flagship spec phone from 2014, not some midrange phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, that's the message I'm getting here in the forums. My wife is dumbfounded at my love of Sony. But she'll be pleased when my Z3v comes in the mail, later today(!)...
The sacrifices I make, amirite?
Sent from my D6616 using Tapatalk
I have a cheap wireless charger ($10) from Amazon, so I never open the flap for charging. OBVIOUSLY, opening and closing the rubber flap every day is going to wear it out. Because it's . . .
-rubber.
I have a high end (as fast as Sandisk currently makes) 200GB micro SD in both of my z3vs. I have the rooted lollipop release from this site (with brighter led thanks to GigaSPX), which gives me a great variety of customization options (Xposed framework), VIPER4Android FX for INCREDIBLE sound customization, enabled the internal FM radio, updated camera (which I don't recommend yet until it's refined better), etc...
But no matter what, people seem to always want more. I liken that mentality to people camping out in cities at Apple stores awaiting the iPhone 5c. What a let-down THAT was. LOL!
This phone is an incredible device on it's own merit, in both capabilities and craftsmanship. Add just a few tweaks via root, and it serves as the penultimate "best bang for the buck" phone out there.
I got my first one on contract (line renewal) for just $99. It sat there, unloved, unattended, while people were surrounding the iPhone 6s like it was the second coming of Christ or something. I went home and did my research, and I went back the very next day and got it. I bought a second one off Amazon recently for over $300 (NIB) because to me, an average cost of $200 is still a bargain for the z3v (rooted w/ Lollipop, that is). Add 200GB to each one for an additional 100 bucks each, and still, for an average cost of $300, this phone is amazing.
Is the z3v still worth getting? IMO, Yes. Look at the hardware specs plus the camera. If you can pick one up for $250-300, add 200GB to it for $100 (Amazon), root it and upgrade to Lollipop, and pledge a few bucks to encourage complete unlock for custom ROM development, it's still a fantastic deal.
HIGHLY recommend a wireless charger to keep the flaps water tight.
A big downer is the lack of case choices out there. No argument there.
Yeah, I got one (refurbished) coming sometime today, along with the Incipio case, Sony's wireless portable charging pad, and an Illumisheild. I already have a 64gb micro SD, but maybe I'll look into a larger one. Its been a while since I've done any rooting or whatever on my own, so I might wait a bit. Seems like more than enough to hold me over 'til the next best thing from Sony drops. Its honestly a lateral move from my T-Mo Z3. I'm gaining wireless charging and I'll have yet to see if the T-mo treats (unlimited data, free music streaming, wifi router) will be missed.
I haven't been able to find any descriptions of the Sand variants color materials. For instance, the Indigo Black has a matte finish that's coated with a rubberized substance. Apparently, this coating does wear off due to wear and tear or heavy usage. The White variant is a smoother "non-rubberized coated" finish. What about the Sand?
I'm thinking about getting the Sand variant but won't if it'll suffer the peeling that the Indigo Black variant does over time.
Thanks in advance for whoever can provide firsthand accounts of the Sand color materials.
biggietm said:
I haven't been able to find any descriptions of the Sand variants color materials. For instance, the Indigo Black has a matte finish that's coated with a rubberized substance. Apparently, this coating does wear off due to wear and tear or heavy usage. The White variant is a smoother "non-rubberized coated" finish. What about the Sand?
I'm thinking about getting the Sand variant but won't if it'll suffer the peeling that the Indigo Black variant does over time.
Thanks in advance for whoever can provide firsthand accounts of the Sand color materials.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Over time, lol. It's pretty old already bud. Years. Its considered EOL. Get the one you like. It will suffer hardware failure long before the outside wears
madbat99 said:
Over time, lol. It's pretty old already bud. Years. Its considered EOL. Get the one you like. It will suffer hardware failure long before the outside wears
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. Yeah, I've just been frustrated with the lack of budget friendly Android tablets. N9 looked good. Researched some more and saw that the Indigo Black variant has that peeling problem, so I thought I'd get the white and then came across the sweet looking Sand color. But, I bit the bullet on a used Galaxy Tab S2 8", instead. Good thing I checked LineageOS support before pulling the trigger on an N9 (it lost support). I'm just in the market for a smallish tablet to consumer media on my long commutes to and from work.
And yeah, I was well aware of the hardware problems/sluggish performance of the N9, but I wanted to see for myself if I could ROM it and just use it lightly. Again, I'm fortunate I saw that N9 is mostly EOL also in the "official (not unofficial) ROMs" community.
Thanks again.
biggietm said:
Thanks for the response. Yeah, I've just been frustrated with the lack of budget friendly Android tablets. N9 looked good. Researched some more and saw that the Indigo Black variant has that peeling problem, so I thought I'd get the white and then came across the sweet looking Sand color. But, I bit the bullet on a used Galaxy Tab S2 8", instead. Good thing I checked LineageOS support before pulling the trigger on an N9 (it lost support). I'm just in the market for a smallish tablet to consumer media on my long commutes to and from work.
And yeah, I was well aware of the hardware problems/sluggish performance of the N9, but I wanted to see for myself if I could ROM it and just use it lightly. Again, I'm fortunate I saw that N9 is mostly EOL also in the "official (not unofficial) ROMs" community.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right about lineage ending being a bummer. The unofficial builds are being made by the original lineage rom maintainer for n9 (I believe). So that's a plus.
I have a black one, and now a white one.
The black one was first, I got it used. Dirty unicorns was a lifesaver for it back in the lollipop days. I never really had too much performance complaints because I really only used it for media. Either movies I already had downloaded or streaming from my home cable TV (dish Network).
I did, however, start to get the bubbles in the corners of the screen. And the wierd white parts of the display along the edges. Both very common complaints on n9. Also, since I used an otg adapter to play movies from (some movies are big files), the USB port stopped working reliably. Wouldn't charge most of the time. Luckily, the USB daughterboard can usually be found online for 10 - 15 dollars u.s. and only took about 15-20 minutes to replace. But it happened again over time (my fault).
Then an XDA member offered theirs to the first taker for only the cost of shipping. About $15. That's my white one. This one has the issue of the load noise and distorted screen when the battery gets below 40%. Not every time, and hasn't done it since I thoroughly cleaned the battery connection. I expected it to have one of the common issues, and have no complaints at all for that price. Especially since cleaning it seems to have fixed it for now. It's been a few months and it's been fine.
I still use it almost daily. And since the tv in my bedroom is acting up, my wife uses it to watch TV in bed sometimes.
So I have really enjoyed my n9 experience, even though I got a couple of the more common hardware issues.
I'm probably going to order another USB daughterboard for my black one and give it to my wife. Or, since I gave her my Nexus 7 (2013) when I got the 9, and it sits on a shelf now, maybe pass it to an XDA member the way I got my white one.
Anyways, sorry to babble on like that. Glad you got a tablet that suites your needs. It is getting harder to find a decent Android tablet these days. I couldn't bring myself to get one of those Amazon fire tabs, no matter how cheap they get. Almost got one once. But... Naaahhh.
Later
madbat99 said:
You're right about lineage ending being a bummer. The unofficial builds are being made by the original lineage rom maintainer for n9 (I believe). So that's a plus.
I have a black one, and now a white one.
The black one was first, I got it used. Dirty unicorns was a lifesaver for it back in the lollipop days. I never really had too much performance complaints because I really only used it for media. Either movies I already had downloaded or streaming from my home cable TV (dish Network).
I did, however, start to get the bubbles in the corners of the screen. And the wierd white parts of the display along the edges. Both very common complaints on n9. Also, since I used an otg adapter to play movies from (some movies are big files), the USB port stopped working reliably. Wouldn't charge most of the time. Luckily, the USB daughterboard can usually be found online for 10 - 15 dollars u.s. and only took about 15-20 minutes to replace. But it happened again over time (my fault).
Then an XDA member offered theirs to the first taker for only the cost of shipping. About $15. That's my white one. This one has the issue of the load noise and distorted screen when the battery gets below 40%. Not every time, and hasn't done it since I thoroughly cleaned the battery connection. I expected it to have one of the common issues, and have no complaints at all for that price. Especially since cleaning it seems to have fixed it for now. It's been a few months and it's been fine.
I still use it almost daily. And since the tv in my bedroom is acting up, my wife uses it to watch TV in bed sometimes.
So I have really enjoyed my n9 experience, even though I got a couple of the more common hardware issues.
I'm probably going to order another USB daughterboard for my black one and give it to my wife. Or, since I gave her my Nexus 7 (2013) when I got the 9, and it sits on a shelf now, maybe pass it to an XDA member the way I got my white one.
Anyways, sorry to babble on like that. Glad you got a tablet that suites your needs. It is getting harder to find a decent Android tablet these days. I couldn't bring myself to get one of those Amazon fire tabs, no matter how cheap they get. Almost got one once. But... Naaahhh.
Later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for taking the time to provide quality responses! You're not babbling at all. In fact, had I not researched all the issues I was anticipating, your post summed up a lot of it. I was mostly aware of the slow performance and battery issues (e.g. drain, slow charging, popping the speakers, etc.).
Like yourself, I was mainly looking for a light media consumption device. Last month, I was lucky to have found an open-box "like new" Nexus 7 (2013) at a store. One that time (and the employees) forgot about and somehow ended back up on display. I scooped it up since I was always attracted to it (i.e. size, ROM-ability, Nexus purist - lol). I wanted something for my baby daughter to use; it's been great for her mealtimes and car travel times. Anyway, the battery on that was shot (read: Five Blinks Of Death). Luckily, I was able to get ASUS to honor a 90 day warranty on it. Imagine that, a limited warranty on a 2013 device as if it was new. It took some going back and forth, mostly a pleasant experience. So, thanks ASUS for helping a dad out. Going forward, I'm just wirelessly charging it so I don't wear out the micro USB port like you've mentioned on your N9. Now, I'm onto looking for something more for myself and my wife.
I settled on a Galaxy Tab S2 8.0" for it's ROM-ability and size (and at a good bargain). I like that it's got an extra bit of RAM over the N7 and N9, so it's hopefully better at handling my use cases. Nothing major, just watching some movies, streams, and using it as an e-Reader (Kindle app). But the itch to actually owning an N9 is still strong, lol. I might want to try and check fleabay every so often to see if I can pick up a steal of a bargain and just tinker with it. But I know I shouldn't, lol. I think the sluggish performance would really drive me bonkers. The N7 stutters a bit and I know if I used that as my daily driver, I'd probably yearn for something more.
Anyway, now, I'm babbling on, haha. Yeah, from the sounds of it and the landscape of Android tablets, it looks like Google's giving up the Android tablet game. They'll move towards chromebooks or chromeOS tablets. Until everyone re-focuses on webApps, I can't give up Android or iOS yet. Things like Verizon FiOs TV doesn't fully stream on a browser (yet?). I'm just glad there's the XDA/ROM community that's keeping most of these older tablets alive. The new ones have gotten very expensive for what they do. I almost went with an iPad since they're on some sales (read: clearing out older stock) now. But, I'm a sucker for pure Android if not their ROM counterparts.
And yeah, I feel you on that Amazon tablets. It's just not the same. But I've also been tempted to just get the kids' versions for my daughter. Pretty enticing with their 2-year worry-free warranty and freetime app for kids. I guess until this market is fully dry and big time communities like LineageOS fades, then I'll re-assess my family's tablet life, lol.
Thanks for the chat.