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Howdy all, hope it's fine to post my next-gen Sony tablet thread here. I've owned my Sony tablet for about 2 months now and love it, but as with everything there is always room for improvement. I ran across another site that posed the question of how you'd change the Sony Tablet S, and I thought I'd share my thoughts I posted there with everyone here:
. I think it may be a good move for Sony to introduce both an entry level and ultra high end version for their 2012 tablet. I'll admit that I haven't given too much thought into what the entry level tablet should have and my list below would be mostly geared towards the ultra high end tablet. I won't lie here, I know that some of my suggestions would increase the cost of the tablet significantly, but one can stil dream
SIMPLE THINGS:
- Gorilla Glass over the screen. Despite my efforts I did manage to get a light scratch on the screen before I was able to obtain the Sony screen protector.
- Increase stock battery life. The great thing that Sony has going for it compared to other tablets is that their folded magazine format gives them a lot more space to play with, so why not toss in a larger battery. I don't mean a monster battery or anything, but just something that can put it firmly on the level of the competition or maybe even slightly ahead.
- Add 1-2 full size USB ports. The tablet is thick enough to allow full size USB ports so why not? I have the micro USB adpater and while it works just fine, I would like the convenience of a full size port.
- Add a mini HDMI connector. I know Sony is pushing for DLNA usage instead, but I think it's all about giving the customers the option to use what they want. Not to mention with all the Playstation games and whatnot it'd be wonderful to be able to output to a larger screen.
- Improve the SD card interactions by letting you play directly from the default apps rather than having to search for third party programs.
- The universal remote is great already, but adding some features like being able to have a master power switch to turn on multiple devices like a Harmony remote would be nice.
-Improve the speakers. The speakers are currently located in a position where your hands could easily want to cover them up when holding it in landscape mode. I say place them higher up towards the thick end of the unit on either side. Not to mention I have to imagine that placing them in a thicker portion will give them a chance to put in larger, better speakers. One complaint I have is when I'm out with friends and there's a moderate level of ambient sounds, we can't hear a damn thing that comes out of the tablets speakers. Because of this I've had to purchase an external speaker for those occasions.
-Add a flash for the cameras. I don't see why they couldn't put in a proper flash for the rear camera and an LED flash for the front facing camera. Or hell, put in an actual flash and an LED flash for the rear facing camera to give the user an option just because a normal flash is likely to use up a lot of battery power.
-Add haptic feedback. I personally like being able to get some sort of feedback when typing or playing games.
-Either add support for the Playstation controllers to wirelessly connect, or start selling a dedicated tablet controller that can connect via Bluetooth.
-More accessories. Sony (at least here in Canada) sells accessories like keyboards and whatnot for the tablet, but nothing that would let you transport them all together. I propose better carrying cases for those would choose to purchase all their equipment. Maybe also something like the Kensington Keyfolio case where you can have the tablet and keyboard all in one case for those who want the notebook experience. Sure you have the third party market out there to cover most of this, but it'd still be nice to see items like this directly from Sony.
MORE COMPLEX STUFF:
-Add a projector to the tablet. Sony has a line up of Handycams that have a built in projector on the rear of the LCD panel. They can project up to a 60" image just fine. This tells us that the tech has been miniturized enough to easily be installed on a tablet so the only real question is how would this affect battery life. This particular option would REALLY help seperate the Sony tablet from the others as you would no longer need a TV if you wanted to watch a movie or play a game on a larger screen, just a way to prop up the tablet (another accessory idea), a wall and a darkened room.
-An accessory that's an expandable battery pack would be wonderful. With a minimal amount of redesigning I think it would be possible to create an additional battery that simply snaps into place on the current form factor. Simply make it long and thin enough to cover that silver portion on the bottom rear of the unit so that it doesn't ruin the slanted feel of the unit when it's sitting flat and a battery that size could potentially double the life of the unit. Now of course I'm not an expert in battery design, so I don't know if there would be techological limitations here.
-Dump a ton of money into the software to make it simpler and more user friendly. Presumably this is something they're already working on not only for the tablet but most of their product line, so we'll see how that all works out.
-A Bravia engine. They managed to put a Bravia engine into the Arc phone, so I have to wonder how a Bravia engine might help improve the tablet.
-Get with the curve of technology rather than being behind it. The Sony tablet was released pretty much right up near the launch of Tegra 3 tablets. I REALLY hope Sony doesn't wait an entire year to launch the next tablet and instead tries to push for a spring release so they can go head to head with the likes of Samsung and Apple. Otherwise they'll always be viewed as trailing them rather than competing.
agree with yours plus I would
1) add reverse landscape orientation/4-axes sensor
2) add three more buttons on the left hand side same way we have power,vol up and down on the right so that we could remap them freely to back, home, menu or settings or search, etc. maybe have another place for smaller volume controls somewhere at the bottom
3) add usb charging
4) find a way to have physical playstation controls for gaming
5) make it thinner at the top
6) foldable screen cover turning into a stand
7) xloud - i seem to remember seeing it in the settings but cannot find it again - maybe i'm confusing it with xperia play's settings
Only used the tablet for a couple of hours now.
I hate the charging cord, it's a totally brain dead decision to not use a micro USB port for charging.
The edges need a bit more rounding off, holding the thin edge with the left hand and you can feel it dig in a bit.
Support for larger SDXC cards. Supposed to be able to format certain ones to fat32 and get them to work.
arw01 said:
Support for larger SDXC cards. Supposed to be able to format certain ones to fat32 and get them to work.
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I can confirm 64Gb micro sd card using sd card adapter worked and saw other people here had success with 128GB SD card. Hope it helps you
I hope USB charging will be a firmware fix - I remember PSP's originally could not be charged via USB but then there was an update or a workaround.
Im pretty sure the tablet comes with a screen protector on it. Mine definitely looks like it anyway. I know some other devices come like this as well (the Triumph for instance).
I'd add HDMI out to this device. Make it lighter and less hollow sounding (plastic is okay), improve the back camera (add flash and more adjustable settings), add haptic feedback, improve wifi sleep issues, add PS3 controller connectivity (its already available to rooted users in the market), and finally allow 360 degree rotation by default.
I like the wedge shape, the hidden usb plug, the charger and charging speed, the hidden led notification light, the recessed power and volime buttons, and the two tone black and silver coloring. The color and viewing angles on the screen are amazing.
Id like to note that pushing 2.9 amps through USB would be quite a lot considering normal PC plugs only do 500 mA or 0.5 amps. USB seems like a no brainer until you actually take into consideration the charging time at half an amp. You can push more but the metal starts heating up at that point and you have to add more custom pins for only power (see the Nook Color @ only 1.8amps). Also the thin width of the usb plug does not make it ideal for the structural integrity of the plug on a device that you are going to be moving around.
Sent from my Sony Tablet S
Hmm, I just thought about an accessory I think would be wonderful. One of my friends who has the Tablet S also recently got the rooCase Executive Portfolio case which can be found on ebay. It's a lovely case that I'm thinking about getting myself, but my idea is what about the manufacturer making a case like that, but integrating an expandable battery into the case? I mean in something like this you're already adding a fair bit of bulk and some weight to the unit, so why not go the extra mile and add another battery in the case that can double your overall battery life? I know I'd definately buy one if it existed.
access to removable sd card
I would love to be able to access the removeable sd card when attached via the usb to my pc. all I can see is the internal memory.
Also it is a PAIN that songs videos etc are not discovered by the music and video apps.
Otherwise not a bad tablet.
I've been in several discussions with users that have come from (or previously owned) the 5 inch HTC Advantage. I see Dell Streak users have a thread to compare/contrast to the Note, so I thought I would do the same for the Advantage. This may help some to decide to move from the Advantage to the Note - or not.
For those that don't know what the Advantage is, it came out 5 years ago - the first phone with a 5" screen. It also included a detachable keyboard, stereo speakers, video port, stylus/pen, and a 8 GB hard drive when most SD cards at the time were below 2 GB. It had its problems, too. Since it was so far ahead of its time it was fairly bulky and heavy even with the keyboard removed. It didn't have a private speaker for phone calls. It had room for a vibration motor internally but it was never implemented even in later models, presumably because it caused problems with the hard drive. The other references in the thread title are the development name, and model names/numbers used by various carriers. Here is the XDA forum for the Advantage: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=351
My personal reaction, as I've told several already, is the Note is by far a better phone. Physical stats, operating system, having things like a private speaker and vibration which the Advantage should have had, all add up. Not to mention that the Note costs 1/3 of what the Advantage did so you have far less to loose. The Note/Android has its deficiencies. I've had to install a half-dozen apps to add features which were built into Windows Mobile - things like incremental ring volume, ability to get more than a single system notification for things like texts and calendar appointments (miss the first one and you've missed your appointment!), or keeping the screen from timing out when it is plugged in or for specific apps. But at least you can extend/improve the OS with apps without unlocking/rooting or flashing to a whole new OS. Which many Advantage owners did including me.
All that said, the Advantage held a special place in my heart. In the 4 1/2 years I used mine, I often told my wife it was the best gadget I had ever owned and I meant it. Which is saying a lot with all the gadgets and computers I've owned since 1984. But the Note is so good that if IT had come out 5 years ago, I'm sure I would be saying the same thing about it right now. Buy one.
I have a x7501 for a few years, but haven't been actively using it in the last few years also (went to iPhone, Android etc). I am interested in the Note, but haven't decided to get one yet.
But I think one fundamental difference is that the Athena is a keyboarded device (you can use it without, but you also loose the stand at the same time). Its stereo speakers and other positioning makes it a mainly landscape orientation device.
I really don't care about its thickness, it's not that bad. It is a bit thick w/ its leather case, but it does that to any other devices anyway.
What I don't like about the Athena: battery life, speed (I'm shocked reviews that said it's fast), photo taken with camera (rear) has off (red) colour (no ROM can fix that). Especially the last piece, it's unforgivable for a $1,500. USD product! The 8GB HDD is both slow, and battery eating, and cannot be turned off.
I just can't say I like it as much as some of you do. I don't hate it, but I don't think it was worth the $1,000. I paid for. If I had paid $1,500. then, I'd have sued them (just kidding).
I lugged the keyboard around for 1 1/2 years, but finally left it on my work desk permanently. Only used it there when I was streaming XM.
I never had a problem with battery life, it would last me much longer than the 12 hours I would go between unplugging in the morning and plugging it back in when I got home. Never had a problem with the camera, either. Good colors all around, not that the quality was that great.
I think you'll like the Note, all the advantages (pun intended) of the 7501 and none of its problems. After you add some apps to tweak the downfalls of the OS.
i'm one, see my siggie
i've had still have that gigantic heavy monstrous HTC 5" for the longest time
still trying to get Android installed on it someday
I had the x7501, then the x7510, and the note is 1/2 as thick, has a "phone" speaker, and besides all of the obvious spec advantages, is lighter and easier to hold. The screen is far more responsive than the old tft pressure technology without the inaccuracy of the iphone/android capacitive blunt-object to write/draw with issue.
all thumbs up for the note... though the Advantage was WAY ahead of its time.
I don't understand these threads. I get that the advantage was way ahead of its time, but it's 5 years old. 5! Would anyone seriously pick the advantage over the note?
I sold my x7501 long ago. Good times, lol.
nstong said:
I don't understand these threads. I get that the advantage was way ahead of its time, but it's 5 years old. 5! Would anyone seriously pick the advantage over the note?
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Click to collapse
I guess sometimes people can't let their old devices go.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
This isn't about keeping the Advantage. Its about comparing one to the other for those that are familiar with the Advantage and loved all of its features.
I think it is not about keeping the Advantage / Athena, may be it's partly nostalgia, partly comparing what's missing on current devices (bad things are not missed, I'm talking about things that users might like or prefer):
1. Stereo speakers. How hard can that be? But so far, iPhone doesn't have it, none of my Android phones up to 4.65" have it, my Tablet P by Sony has a tiny mono speaker. Only the Playbook (once had, now sold), and the Samsung Q1 have stereo speakers and good sound.
2. The metal case has pros and cons. It can get dented and discolouring when bumped / scratched, but it made it more sturdy as it is metal. But at least it is unique, and also makes it feel more premium (until it gets dented, like mine, from dropping, that is). Now everything besides iPhones are just plastics.
3. Magnetic keyboard. Now, no more, never seen and all give way to on screen ones, except a few. But those few, including Blackberry, do not want to do a magnetic keyboard, may be it's the cost, or fear of bad contacts. But again, this is very unique and hasn't been replicated. The see thru window to mimic the status bar on it makes it even cooler.
4. External connections for: USB host (only very lately, there are USB OTG for Android devices, before this, support was very poor, mostly only HID stuff), VGA out, cellular antenna, GPS antenna. Granted, the last 3 are not as needed today, and some Android devices have HDMI outputs that replace VGA more or less.
right now, few Android phones can stand on a desk unless with a kick stand case (which is usually the kind I buy, as I want it stand similar to what Advantage can do w/ the keyboard).
I think some clamshell MIDs like UMID / Viliv had come close to the design of Advantage but physically not as cool, no magnetic keyboard etc.
I guess the problem with modern design is that nobody would make a $1,500. device unless it is for industrial or military use, so they have to save cost and won't engage in fancy design and materials. In the case for Advantage, it's HTC flagship product, so they went all out.
Looking at current HTC products now, there aren't anything really special (I'm talking strictly from the physical point of view, since operating systems are all the same across the manufacturers anyway).
People are often amazed when I tell them that the Note is my third 5" phone. I loved the Advantage and the Dell Streak I had before the Note. No way I can go to a smaller screen. Very happy that the rest of the world is catching on to the benefits of a large screen device. And there are things I miss from Windows Mobile. I found it easier to flash ROMs and change the look and feel of the device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I'm interested in finding an Android tablet that has jacks for external antenna for all of GPS, GSM, 3G/4G and any other wireless protocol you can commonly think of. It also has to have, in particular, GPS, GSM and 3G/4G capability to go with this of course.
The unit has to be of good quality, doesn't have to be a recognisable name brand or look particularly flash.
Sources like alibaba in bulk quantities would also be OK. (When I search alibaba with relevant keywords, thousands of irrelevant products come up, which is why I'm asking the experts.)
The antenna is meant to be car-mounted so would probably be external. Any antenna product and technology pointers here would also be most welcome, including location of antennae, whether outside is always better than inside, etc. The following is a sample quad-function outside vehicle antenna, all I need is a tablet to go with it!
www kolumbus24.com/Zubehoer_/_Sonstiges/Antennen/GPS_-_Antennen/Calearo_157727075_-_SHARK_2_QUAD_Mehrfunktions-Antenne_AM/FM_/_GSM/UMTS_/_GPS_/_WIFI_i440_2685_0.htm
(Noob no URL rule is tripping me up, you will have to convert this!)
Hardware hacks of existing models are not so desirable -- I would rather work with a manufacturer to modify a unit with built-in jacks in the long run if necessary. A larger 10" screen model is more desirable.
e.g. there are car DVD players running Android out there with options for external AM/FM antenna and possibly others, however I need a flat screen, not looking for chunky in-dash car stereo formats.
Thank you!
Hi Sean, did you ever find one of these tablets?
Thanks
Sean001 said:
I'm interested in finding an Android tablet that has jacks for external antenna for all of GPS, GSM, 3G/4G and any other wireless protocol you can commonly think of. It also has to have, in particular, GPS, GSM and 3G/4G capability to go with this of course.
The unit has to be of good quality, doesn't have to be a recognisable name brand or look particularly flash.
Sources like alibaba in bulk quantities would also be OK. (When I search alibaba with relevant keywords, thousands of irrelevant products come up, which is why I'm asking the experts.)
The antenna is meant to be car-mounted so would probably be external. Any antenna product and technology pointers here would also be most welcome, including location of antennae, whether outside is always better than inside, etc. The following is a sample quad-function outside vehicle antenna, all I need is a tablet to go with it!
www kolumbus24.com/Zubehoer_/_Sonstiges/Antennen/GPS_-_Antennen/Calearo_157727075_-_SHARK_2_QUAD_Mehrfunktions-Antenne_AM/FM_/_GSM/UMTS_/_GPS_/_WIFI_i440_2685_0.htm
(Noob no URL rule is tripping me up, you will have to convert this!)
Hardware hacks of existing models are not so desirable -- I would rather work with a manufacturer to modify a unit with built-in jacks in the long run if necessary. A larger 10" screen model is more desirable.
e.g. there are car DVD players running Android out there with options for external AM/FM antenna and possibly others, however I need a flat screen, not looking for chunky in-dash car stereo formats.
Thank you!
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Hey everyone,
I'm Jonathan i design and produce products for a living, im constantly frustrated at the majority of companies only making beautiful accessories for Apple products while us Android lovers always suffer with cheap Chinese crap. I want to change that.
I'm designing a new high end range of tablet, phone and headphone stands for the Xperia and other android tables and would really appreciate you input?
I want to make what you want!
I love aluminium (not an apple fan) and want to CNC metals as much as possible.
Firstly i want to design an xperia tablet stand, so can you all give me your inputs on features etc?
Examples: -
1 - do you want a minimalist design or a complex design?
2 - do you want the tablet to simply rest on the stand or use the likes of the micro suction pads to firmly hold it in place?
3 - do you want the stand to be portable/foldable etc?
4 - What colours do you want the stand to come in?
5 - What do you want the stand to do that other stands don't?
6 - I'm all ears!!!
I look forward to hearing everyone's comments. Feel free to PM me with ideas, concepts etc. If you have an actual design and its awesome i would be happy to discuss a royalty fee per sale etc.
Regards
Jonathan.
Hi Jonathan
good to here ... what I am looking for with my xperia tablet Z is a keyboard that can transform the tab into a notebook and extend the battery life (transformer tablets)...
thin & beautiful as possible......
---------- Post added at 08:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:44 AM ----------
Hi Jonathan
good to here ... what I am looking for with my xperia tablet Z is a keyboard that can transform the tab into a notebook and extend the battery life (transformer tablets)...
thin & beautiful as possible......
HI Mike,
Thanks for your comments. I want to try and keep things simple to start with, although i too would like a good keyboard for my Z. I want to focus on products i can CNC, products that make using your tablet at home and in the office simple.
Cheers
I will get back to you with my idea on a holder to put a keyboard (USB or Bluetooth) and the tab.....
1) minimalistic
2) allowing HDMI connectivity (-> using bottom USB port to charge, etc)
3) black matte pseudo - rubber
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk
Well, first off, I like inexpensive Chinese stuff because it's inexpensive, looks decent, and does the same job as a $60 product. You could burn through 5 of the things (if you're some kind of madman that drags the tablet through the jungle) and still pay less than a single "high end" item.
That said, the only reason I'd pay a bunch of money for simply a stand is if it looks really frikkin' cool and it's functional. If it looks like every other stand I'd rather just use a decorative plate/dish holder for 50 cents and call it a day. Actually, looking at dish stands wouldn't be a bad idea, they have collapsible designs which may give you ideas.
I dig sci-fi designs for their "coolness" and industrial designs for their rugged look. Metal plating, gratuitous use of rivets and caution stickers, stick a propeller on there and you have a stunt plane lol
Suction pads? I don't think they're necessary. If you're using a stand, chances are you're on stable ground and don't need them; in other words, you aren't riding a horse or something. If you're in a situation that requires suction cups, you're probably not going to enjoy viewing the tablet anyway and are safer just holding it so it doesn't bounce away.
Anyway, thanks for making stuff for non-pad users
Keepem coming
HI Guys thanks for the feedback, its really important to know what the customer wants.
Please push this thread to everyone that isn't an iPad sheep lover, the more feedback i get the better the product i can design.
Cheers
JK
knightrider66 said:
HI Guys thanks for the feedback, its really important to know what the customer wants.
Please push this thread to everyone that isn't an iPad sheep lover, the more feedback i get the better the product i can design.
Cheers
JK
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Click to collapse
You know what, I think a charging dock that can hook onto the tablet while on a stand position would be a good idea. Whenever I use my tablet to watch movies using my case as a stand, the usb port is obstructed. I am afraid that one day I will break the port.. A charging block (magnetic and using pogo pins would be a great idea.. )...
I´m very interestet in your project and thought about a nice dock by myself.
I would like to have an notebook like dock, too.
Maybe your could CNC an main dock in which you could fit in bluetooth keyboard.
It would also be nice to have the usb port extended to so side of the keyboard base just like a normal notebook.
1 - do you want a minimalist design or a complex design?
Minimalistic
2 - do you want the tablet to simply rest on the stand or use the likes of the micro suction pads to firmly hold it in place?
Simply rest using the pogo pins used for charging instead of the micro usb port.
3 - do you want the stand to be portable/foldable etc?
Not necessarily
4 - What colours do you want the stand to come in?
Mate black or black and white
5 - What do you want the stand to do that other stands don't?
Maybe the ability to plug the dock to the audio port of the tablet and the dock to a stereo. I'm not sure I explained myself with this one.
Also an NFC tag could be useful for putting the tablet to daydream mode or turning off all sounds.
6 - I'm all ears!!!
:cyclops:
Hi knightrider66
I my have something here about a cover for the tab and for my bluetooth keyboard for know that can be use like a laptop |I have a ed model I'm still looking at the hinge system but can forward you pictures. I send to you a direct email from the email in your user account. like to know what you can do.
let me know
thanks
heres my work so far on a cover laptop look alike for the tap Z and a bluetooth keyboard. need some more work on the hinges system and the travel system. this design make the tab usable like a laptop and a tab by sliding the tab over the keyboard. also I am looking at the capability to connect directly to the tab usb and so how to the side connection for charging.
MikeViller said:
heres my work so far on a cover laptop look alike for the tap Z and a bluetooth keyboard. need some more work on the hinges system and the travel system. this design make the tab usable like a laptop and a tab by sliding the tab over the keyboard. also I am looking at the capability to connect directly to the tab usb and so how to the side connection for charging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow
Here's a question for a hardware modification: Anyone know of anyone modifying the charging base to make it easier to charge when on the go? I use my watch while sleeping to wake me up thanks to Gohma's sup'd up vibration and sometimes don't have time in the morning to charge it while getting ready for the day.
I've ordered a second base to take with me and am thinking of taking it apart to get it set up to just connect to while at the computer without taking off the watch. Has anyone else done something similar so I don't have to fully reverse engineer this thing to get it working nicely?
Gotta say, Not a fan of having to take it off to charge it.
Findings and going forward
Ok, For future reference: the sticky backing can be peeled off to reveal five or six small screws. These hold the base together and removing them allows for fairly easy separation. I discovered this after a good long while of trying to separate the two pieces. I was working under the impression they were being held together by clips and had mangled the side pieces pretty well until I discovered the screws. Probably should have looked closer and removed the backing first but....
Inside are the following:
1 board with the pins on one side and usb port on the other. The majority of it looks to be straight through with a few places for diodes and such but unless they are situated inside the pcb, I don't see them and they just dead end at the marking points.
two layers of metal and another layer attached to the top of the base sufficient to hold the screws pretty well in place. I assume that at least one or two of them are there to help with any possible electromagnetic interference. I haven't had a chance to delve too deeply into testing it.
Really simple and could be done very cleanly with the right tools and enough time. I am working on getting a suitable setup to slim up the base. I'm thinking of a more oval shaped setup and will stop by a radio shack on the way home today to get some molding putty to play with.
The hardest part with running the card on its own is the placement of the pins. They won't stay in place with any sort of movement. I have a feeling I will still use some if not all of the original magnets/metal pieces just in a slimmer casing. Possibly include a battery pack strapped to my arm with a short length of usb cabling.
The original idea was to reverse engineer the card to fit a smaller placement but I have a feeling that would be beyond my skill set right now. For version 1.0 I'll just use the current card and make it fit in a smaller area.
Any thoughts on any of this would be greatly appreciated as I continue forward.