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What do you guys think about the compatibility of a flexible bluetooth keyboard that is being sold on ebay? I'm looking for something compact that I can fit in my pocket and take to class to take notes. It says that it is compatible with Android. Anyone have any experience with it?
lol y do u need one of these things, the android keyboard is pretty good
yeah the android keyboard is pretty good. But I definitely can type faster on a full sized keyboard. And I'm sure others can also.
So the question remains. Is the G2x capable to link to a bluetooth keyboard and possibly a mouse also? Anyone tried it, yet?
This one works good with the ps3 and lots of android phones
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Wireless-Bluetooth-Keyboard-iPad-Mac-iPhone-4G-/110736930077
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
That thing is tiny. Looks like you can only type with your thumbs or peck at it with one of your fingers.
I'm looking at something more like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-Bl...Trackballs&hash=item415851859a#ht_7156wt_1037
or this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-Tech-Wire..._Trackballs&hash=item3f10b4bd1f#ht_961wt_1139
But they don't look like they can connect to an android though.
I used an old apple bluetooth keyboard lying around. It paired and connected as a HID (Human Interface Device). Needed no configuration, it took over the keyboard automatically. You can navigate menus with it aswell. I've never tried a mouse though.
Ive even used a full sized Logitec desktop Bluetooth keyboard (mx-5000) and it paired up just fine.
Klathmon said:
Ive even used a full sized Logitec desktop Bluetooth keyboard (mx-5000) and it paired up just fine.
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Click to collapse
Really??? Why doesn't anyone talk about this? My case converts to a landscape kickstand so I could prop it up while typing. I wonder if I could use it in a coffee house like a laptop after all? Hmmmmmm!
The only rom I ever got to work with a bluetooth keyboard for the G2x was with CM7. Be aware that it might have to come down to flashing your phone to this Rom if you decide you do want to use a BT keyboard.
My only concern would be how difficult it would be to see the screen if you're four feet away in a comfortable typing position.
And if you're getting a full sized keyboard, lugging it around would be a pain. Easier to just use a laptop if you have one.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Brookstone!
the BrookStone one works flawlessly
Worked with
-Nexus One
-HTC G2
-LG G2x
-Samsung Nexus S
-Acer Iconia Tab A500
cost like $49.99
and tax
eh.
Im looking for a bt keyboard for my 7+ that is the same physical size so it close in a case. Any suggestions?
KDOG2020 said:
Im looking for a bt keyboard for my 7+ that is the same physical size so it close in a case. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'm going to give this a go.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/blueto...pu-leather-case-for-samsung-p1000-black-56365
I just got the same keyboard today from Amazon. It was $40 works great. Came in a couple days.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
how'd you like it?
$40 is half what samsung's site charges.
The stylus looks interesting too.
goldy253 said:
I just got the same keyboard today from Amazon. It was $40 works great. Came in a couple days.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me the exact name for this keyboard? I searched in Amazon and it list tons of different keyboard, most are NOT for the 7+.
I did find this though:
http://www.amazon.com/eWonder-TM-Wi...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1327626663&sr=1-3
My local discount/closeout store (Marc's, here in Ohio) had a bluetooth keyboard that's a little big but the price was right... I think it would be big even with a 10" but I haven't compared it to the family iPad yet. Made by Merkury Innovations (no, that's not a typo), was $30 at the store, runs on 2 AAA batteries (which is great for a distracted individual like myself who forgets to charge up non-daily-use devices if they don't have very clear low-battery warning indicators). I've had a ThinkOutside folding Bluetooth Keyboard that I've been using with my MyTouch 4G Slide (when I want to type more than I want to do on a thumbboard - I use my Android devices for taking notes in my grad classes when I don't feel like lugging along my laptop). The ThinkOutside keyboard is great for portability so long as I'm not going to be typing numbers very much (has no dedicated number keys and I find the hold down function and number key combo annoying). I'm also working on a novel and the TO is great for that but my grad classes involve a lot of numeric input so I decided I wanted something with numbers. Tested out the MI keyboard, all the main keys are properly mapped. Not entirely sure about the control/option+alt/command keys. It is about the same keyspacing as a standard keyboard but very little room around the edges. Considering picking up another for our media PC hooked to the television in the family room (cheap nettop box, wanted something a bit more advanced than a roku for the kids to play educational games on & such). We use Unified Remote on our Android devices to control that television to good effect, keyboard would be more for the kids to use and this one is good footprint and price for that use also.
DragonMam said:
My local discount/closeout store (Marc's, here in Ohio) had a bluetooth keyboard that's a little big but the price was right... I think it would be big even with a 10" but I haven't compared it to the family iPad yet. Made by Merkury Innovations (no, that's not a typo), was $30 at the store, runs on 2 AAA batteries (which is great for a distracted individual like myself who forgets to charge up non-daily-use devices if they don't have very clear low-battery warning indicators). I've had a ThinkOutside folding Bluetooth Keyboard that I've been using with my MyTouch 4G Slide (when I want to type more than I want to do on a thumbboard - I use my Android devices for taking notes in my grad classes when I don't feel like lugging along my laptop). The ThinkOutside keyboard is great for portability so long as I'm not going to be typing numbers very much (has no dedicated number keys and I find the hold down function and number key combo annoying). I'm also working on a novel and the TO is great for that but my grad classes involve a lot of numeric input so I decided I wanted something with numbers. Tested out the MI keyboard, all the main keys are properly mapped. Not entirely sure about the control/option+alt/command keys. It is about the same keyspacing as a standard keyboard but very little room around the edges. Considering picking up another for our media PC hooked to the television in the family room (cheap nettop box, wanted something a bit more advanced than a roku for the kids to play educational games on & such). We use Unified Remote on our Android devices to control that television to good effect, keyboard would be more for the kids to use and this one is good footprint and price for that use also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which Marc's?
bought this at my local Fry's. I know it's a little bit longer than the Tab+ but I think it's the perfect size while not making the keys too small and thin enough when i want to pack a keyboard with me. I tried a few where the keyboard was exactly the same length as the tablet and the keys were so small and cramped that it wasn't worth it with all the errors introduced during my typing test.
Manufactured by Azio and can pair and switch between 6 different BT devices via hotkey.
The only thing i was hoping to see by now is a keyboard that has android shortcut keys for the home, back, search, and recent. Has anyone seen a hardware keyboard that does that?
lanwarrior said:
Can you tell me the exact name for this keyboard? I searched in Amazon and it list tons of different keyboard, most are NOT for the 7+.
I did find this though:
http://www.amazon.com/eWonder-TM-Wi...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1327626663&sr=1-3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, this alone is a very awesome find. I wish to know if it has cutouts for the IR Blaster though
dealextreme case
I purchased that keyboard case from dealextreme. It took a wile to get here but was in good condition. The unit worked fine connected well and works as advertised. I do have several problems with it. The tab does not fit tightly in the holder. The case adds significantly to the size of the tab. There is nothing to hold the case closed. The final downfall is I think I can type faster on the onscreen keyboards.
Jon
jonsteckelberg said:
I purchased that keyboard case from dealextreme. It took a wile to get here but was in good condition. The unit worked fine connected well and works as advertised. I do have several problems with it. The tab does not fit tightly in the holder. The case adds significantly to the size of the tab. There is nothing to hold the case closed. The final downfall is I think I can type faster on the onscreen keyboards.
Jon
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Click to collapse
Yeah I have the same keyboard. Works nicely in class lectures when I need to take notes. Then one day I forgot it (because it's so mahoosive) and found out I type faster and more accurately with thumb keyboard.....yeah.....
Macros617 said:
Yeah I have the same keyboard. Works nicely in class lectures when I need to take notes. Then one day I forgot it (because it's so mahoosive) and found out I type faster and more accurately with thumb keyboard.....yeah.....
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What app for you use for notes?
Sent from my GT-P6210 using Tapatalk
domin8 said:
What app for you use for notes?
Sent from my GT-P6210 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the built in polaris office application. Works nicely. I also use docs to go
Any Keyboard Updates?
I'm also in the market for a keyboard for my tabby.
Anybody find any additional keyboards that are worth looking at?
Also do you experience lag when using your keyboard?
Plus, can you use a mouse with the tab+?
best regards,
G.B. Says
Logitech Tablet Keyboard
I just picked up a Logitech Tablet Keyboard (NOT the Logitech iPad keyboard - they are different models). Build quality is awesome - this is a solid yet still lightweight device. It had no problem pairing up with the GT+ and did not drop any keystrokes when I used it to type.
Added bonus - the Logitech keyboard fits perfectly in a Vera Bradley "Cheers to You" wine bottle tote. For the stylish girl geeks.
I have the Official Keyboard Dock from Samsung and I really enjoy it.
I finally decided and picked up the Logitech bluetooth keyboard for Android. Pretty nifty; seems like a sold keyboard, synched right away to my 7+, like the fact that the keyboard has its own case that converts into a stable angled perch for the 7+ and that you can use it with the table either in landscape or portrait. Though I do wish it had multiple tilt lockings so I can choose what angle my 7+is perched at. So far, very pleased with the purchase.
Sent from my GT-P6210 using xda premium
I was thinking of getting a keyboard but are there any real advantages?other than the hole physical keyboard its self?
Sent from my GT-P6210 using Tapatalk 2
If you find that you are typing more than short messages or notes, you might want to consider it.
G.B. Says
And remember, talking dogs are liars.
Wow! I sure have been out of touch with this forum for a while! Lots of things have changed; members, mods, and now I have no idea what most of these threads are even referring to!
However, that's absolutely not a reflection of how I've been with my Xoom. I've had it by my side everyday, and it's all but replaced my behemoth laptop, which was hot $#!+ 8 years ago, but is slow as molasses flowing uphill in January compared go my over locked Xoom 1. Still not a single scratch on her, either.
I'm slipping my flame retardant suit on right now as I type this before I tell you all reading that I bought an iPhone 4s instead of the Razor Maxx.
BUT... both I and my iPhone know it's place next to my Xoom, and that is of a lowly mouse!
My black iPhone 4s is pretty spiffy and compliments my Xoom very nicely. But they don't play all that well together very often.
I'm looking for a mouse app on my iPhone and a server for my Xoom, and I can't seem to find anything. I'm asking here because the iPhone forums I've visited in the past seem to have a lot of trolls who, if they don't know the answer, demonstrate it by bashing Android. (I've always enjoyed more mature discussions here. -hint hint)
So if anyone can help, I'm much obliged. Of course, the Xoom is rooted and the iPhone is jail busted.
You mean, like a trackball type mouse?
Draxin said:
You mean, like a trackball type mouse?
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Click to collapse
Webe++ is an apple app that turns the iPhone into a virtual mouse, like a track pad, I suppose, but with virtual buttons, etc. Supposedly it works via Bluetooth, however you have to download a server to your PC or apple computer (even PlayStation). Of course, Android is left out. I guess the "server" contains their proprietary BTstack (???). My Xoom will "see" it and show me the pairing dialogue asking for the key, but then it never pairs with it.
Why...
I have a Motorola BT keyboard, which I love using with my Xoom at work. I also have a SoundBlade by Altec which delivers fantastic sound. These things all fit very nicely into my bag except for my lumpy little Bluetooth mouse. So I'm on a quest to find a set of apps (or whatever) to make my iPhone act like a track pad for my Xoom. I use my Xoom at work like its a laptop. I have full access to my home computer remotely which greatly expands my tablets capabilities. I also often access and transfer files from my phone to my tablet. Even though it's a touch screen, at work I prefer to set it up like a laptop using a mouse/track pad. While working, trying to touch specific words in a document gets frustrating, and using a stylus means I have to tilt the tablet... then the overhead lights reflect off the screen and it becomes a PITA.
A few other guys in my department carry in their huge laptops every morning. I have to show these guys up!:laugh: I can't have them see me using my tablet as being anything other than effortless and magical!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004N7146U
Why not a Bluetooth keyboard with a track pad? Might want to make sure it would work with Xoom though
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda app-developers app
So I bought the surface about a week ago and decided to write up a review for it. Before I purchased it I went on a 2 day "journey" examining why not to buy it. See I already own a nexus 7, but since Microsoft debut the surface I've been in love with its beauty, plus I'm realizing that 7 inches is enough for me. So I was going to choose between a Nexus 10 and a Surface, and.....an iPad.....
My initial thought was to go with the Nexus 10, I mean, I love android on my phone, HTC One X, my apps would all be able to be re-downloaded, I use google everything, music, drive, docs, etc.... So no brainer right? Wrong, actually the first thing I did was eliminate all Android tablets from thought, for one reason, they are pointless. My nexus 7 was literally a 7 inch version of my HTC One X, not a new experience, it was a big phone. I don't want a big phone, I love my phone, I want a tablet, and in my opinion, the Android OS does not do enough to differentiate the two. So suprisingly I was left with the Surface vs the new iPad. This became an easy choice of do I wan't flash or not, and I choose flash, like I already have.
The specs of the surface don't do it justice, you have to use the device to see the difference. The screen is beautiful, I wouldn't say as beautiful as the iPad screen but the colors are certainly better than the Nexus 10. Plus it shows more on the screen at once than both of the those tablets while having the same clarity in text thanks to Clear Type. Just spend 5 minutes with one at a Best buy and you'll see what I mean. I don't do a lot of tablet gaming, any really sans emulators. And the GPU in the surface is just behind the one in the iPad according to tech sites like anadtech, which still puts it in front of the amazing Exynos in the Nexus 10. Plus, the only browser benchmark I found for it says it scores a 994ms in the sunspider test, which is better than the Nexus 10's 1384ms by a decent amount. So this is a good example of specs being worthless, mostly.
Now to what I love the most about the Surface, IE 10. Feels like I'm browsing on my desktop, not a tablet. I browsed to youtube.com as soon as the tablet booted up for the first time, it loaded right away, fast, and was youtube.com. Not youtube mobile which my nexus 7 likes to send me too, even in chrome.... The video played fine and I cannot overstate how amazing the touch accuracy is, even when using dolphin browser on my nexus the process of selecting 1080p option or even skipping through video is frustrating to say the least... In IE 10 it works exactly like it does on my desktop. And then there is multitasking! Example, yesterday I had google music playing in one tab, was at gmail.com in another g chatting, and used the multi-window feature thingy reading espn news in the espn app, and it felt almost as natural as on my desktop. Another thing that was nice was g-chatting while watching twitch.tv, it feels nice not to have to re-buffer the video, just because I wanted to answer a message on facebook chat. Things like that tell me that I have something more than just a big phone.
Great write-up.
I get what you mean when you say that an Android Tablet is just like having a big phone, and even then, not everything with Android likes the larger screen.
Thanks!
Wow. I was practically in the same scenario as you. I'm not gonna rewrite it here cuz I already have explained why I chose the surface cuz I already have in numerous other threads but ..I too purchased a htc flyer over a year ago thinking it would be awesome cuz its android and I love android...but it was just like my htc phone. even then, my phone was better cuz it was always connected to the internet. So I returned it a week later.
Anyhow, great write up.
Sent from my Windows 8 device using Board Express
You pretty much summed up my own thoughts on the Surface.
Many people slate (excuse the pun) the Surface for not having as many apps or for having a low-res screen or for having poor hardware specs. I can only assume those people have never used one. I have yet to meet someone who owns a Surface who doesn't absolutely love it.
I've owned Asus Transformer, Nexus 7, and every iPad from 1 to 3 and the Surface is the only tablet that I can actually do some work on.
I updated the EOS3 to 4 on my Xoom yesterday night and found it really counter intuitive compared to the Surface, I've got loads of apps on Play though but the kids can use that and I'll use the Surface as I can see myself shifting from Google to Microsoft, have a Surface now and a Nokia 920 on order..
Trig0r said:
I updated the EOS3 to 4 on my Xoom yesterday night and found it really counter intuitive compared to the Surface, I've got loads of apps on Play though but the kids can use that and I'll use the Surface as I can see myself shifting from Google to Microsoft, have a Surface now and a Nokia 920 on order..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made the shift in total.
Android Tablets to Surface
Android Phones to WP8 (920 here as well)
GMail to Outlook.com (I hate what Goggle did to their IMAP that makes it almost useless for non-android phones)
Google Calendar to Outlook
Google Drive to SkyDrive
I am not totally untethered from Google and love it! I have not lost a thing and in some respects, gained a lot!!
I looked at a surface next to a new iPad, sorry iPad's screen alone beats the crap out the MSFT offering.
If I need a smaller factor tablet I think Nexus 7 is a top contender tied with NoteII, I just despise Samsung TouchWiz interface.
Nice to hear, I wasnt a huge Google fan to start with but then I got my DHD and then a few tablets, the only thing that I'll end up keeping on Google is my YouTube account by the looks of it..
One thing I do want to be able to do it have a map that shows all friends in a group by address as I run a club that I have everyones address for, if I could show that on a map, either with google or bing that'd be pretty neat..
lqaddict said:
I looked at a surface next to a new iPad, sorry iPad's screen alone beats the crap out the MSFT offering.
If I need a smaller factor tablet I think Nexus 7 is a top contender tied with NoteII, I just despise Samsung TouchWiz interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to agree here. As an iPad 3rd gen owner and a new Surface RT owner - the iPad screen wins hands down. I am enjoying my time with Surface, but I cant help but feel in the back of my mind that I will be missing out on a LOT when the Pro comes out. After checking out some of the hands-on across the web regarding the Pro I have to say I am very impressed.
I'll have to give it a lot of thought, as the Pro variant will be a lot more $$. There are some things I have been using as a workaround, such as using RDC when I want to use desktop apps - but the trade-off is how slow it is if I am working remote. I also am not a fan of IE10 at all, TBH - but all the other offerings are terrible.
As someone that was an early adopter of the 1st gen iPad, I remember what that was like and how much more restricted I felt then than I do now with the iPad. In a lot of ways I feel the same with Surface in the sense that I pick it up to do a few things but get an itch to want to switch to another device to get it done easier and/or more quickly.
GaresTaylan said:
Have to agree here. As an iPad 3rd gen owner and a new Surface RT owner - the iPad screen wins hands down. I am enjoying my time with Surface, but I cant help but feel in the back of my mind that I will be missing out on a LOT when the Pro comes out. After checking out some of the hands-on across the web regarding the Pro I have to say I am very impressed.
I'll have to give it a lot of thought, as the Pro variant will be a lot more $$. There are some things I have been using as a workaround, such as using RDC when I want to use desktop apps - but the trade-off is how slow it is if I am working remote. I also am not a fan of IE10 at all, TBH - but all the other offerings are terrible.
As someone that was an early adopter of the 1st gen iPad, I remember what that was like and how much more restricted I felt then than I do now with the iPad. In a lot of ways I feel the same with Surface in the sense that I pick it up to do a few things but get an itch to want to switch to another device to get it done easier and/or more quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What device do you switch to in an attempt to get more work done? Just wondering.
zacsxe said:
What device do you switch to in an attempt to get more work done? Just wondering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am still using both my 3rd gen iPad and my Surface RT. I use both for work. Depending on the task, I keep switching between the two. I have a Galaxy Note 10.1 as well - but I primarily just use it as a media consumption device, and its usually in the hands of my wife.
The company I work for, like many Im sure, is primarily a windows shop. The Surface does integrate much easier with native Office for example. On the iPad, I was using Pages, Numbers & Keynote for Word, Excel and PPT. As a heavy mac user at home, I was used to these apps, but if I need to convert docs from Pages to Word for example, so others can open the doc - sometimes I run into compatibility issues.
Where I run into issues though... since I cant install legacy apps on the surface I can work in software such as IBM Access, Mochasoft, etc. There are apps for these in the app store for the iPad. Once the Surface Pro comes out, I have a feeling that my iPad will be moving more and more to the side as a straight media consumption device.
I am a graphic artist who has been using a Wacom tablet for the last 20 years. I can't STAND using my computer any other way (at least for real work). The touchpad is okay for general surfing and it's great in conjunction with the tablet but for my real work, there's no other way of doing it. For my full blown work I use a Mac but for all my portable devices, I like Android. All my smartphones have been Android but I've not gotten a tablet yet because I really haven't seen one that works for what I would really want a tablet for, which is being able to do my job on the go effectively. Sure the Galaxy Note tablets are a good step in that direction but from all the stuff I've seen it's not really a "pro" level device.
In an ideal world (speaking as a designer) Apple would create a Macbook tablet with a wacom digitizer but I really doubt that will EVER happen. A tablet running a full blown OS X, not an iPad. They even have a patent for a tablet that docks into an "iMac" style housing and becomes a full system and then slides out to be a fully functional, stand alone tablet system but they've never done anything with it. THAT would be MY holy grail. BUT, until they do, I guess the best option is the Cintiq Companion Hybrid. I LOATHE WINDOWS so going to the regular companion isn't an option, that leaves the Hybrid.
When I saw the announcement of the Wacom Cintiq Companion Hybrid, I really like the concept but I'm wondering how good it really is. The cost SEEMS outrageous but when you look at it as a fully functional Cintiq to use WITH my Mac and then it pulls off to be a self contained portable studio, then it is a LITTLE more reasonable. I've seen reviews of it as a Cintiq and everything I've seen says it's a great tablet for use with a Mac and the other parts of the reviews say the portable software that comes with it is good and the other high-end portable software seems to be a good analog to what it would be transferred to on the Mac. That leaves the last question, how good is it as a stand-alone tablet?
That's what I'm wondering now, if I intend on investing the kind of money they are asking, I want to know if the rest of the Android Tablet part of it is really good as well. It comes with 4.2.2 but none of the reviewers have detailed anything about the day to day use of it. Most are completely unfamiliar with the Android OS anyway. They are mostly Apple-heads and only use iPhones and iPads when not using their Macs. I'm wondering when we will see ANDROID reviewers review it. I know it's a very odd category but I don't want to get a GREAT expensive Wacom tablet that is abismal as an Android tablet as well. Has anyone around here gotten thier hands on one? If so, what do you think?
powerplaygraphix said:
I am a graphic artist who has been using a Wacom tablet for the last 20 years. I can't STAND using my computer any other way (at least for real work). The touchpad is okay for general surfing and it's great in conjunction with the tablet but for my real work, there's no other way of doing it. For my full blown work I use a Mac but for all my portable devices, I like Android. All my smartphones have been Android but I've not gotten a tablet yet because I really haven't seen one that works for what I would really want a tablet for, which is being able to do my job on the go effectively. Sure the Galaxy Note tablets are a good step in that direction but from all the stuff I've seen it's not really a "pro" level device.
In an ideal world (speaking as a designer) Apple would create a Macbook tablet with a wacom digitizer but I really doubt that will EVER happen. A tablet running a full blown OS X, not an iPad. They even have a patent for a tablet that docks into an "iMac" style housing and becomes a full system and then slides out to be a fully functional, stand alone tablet system but they've never done anything with it. THAT would be MY holy grail. BUT, until they do, I guess the best option is the Cintiq Companion Hybrid. I LOATHE WINDOWS so going to the regular companion isn't an option, that leaves the Hybrid.
When I saw the announcement of the Wacom Cintiq Companion Hybrid, I really like the concept but I'm wondering how good it really is. The cost SEEMS outrageous but when you look at it as a fully functional Cintiq to use WITH my Mac and then it pulls off to be a self contained portable studio, then it is a LITTLE more reasonable. I've seen reviews of it as a Cintiq and everything I've seen says it's a great tablet for use with a Mac and the other parts of the reviews say the portable software that comes with it is good and the other high-end portable software seems to be a good analog to what it would be transferred to on the Mac. That leaves the last question, how good is it as a stand-alone tablet?
That's what I'm wondering now, if I intend on investing the kind of money they are asking, I want to know if the rest of the Android Tablet part of it is really good as well. It comes with 4.2.2 but none of the reviewers have detailed anything about the day to day use of it. Most are completely unfamiliar with the Android OS anyway. They are mostly Apple-heads and only use iPhones and iPads when not using their Macs. I'm wondering when we will see ANDROID reviewers review it. I know it's a very odd category but I don't want to get a GREAT expensive Wacom tablet that is abismal as an Android tablet as well. Has anyone around here gotten thier hands on one? If so, what do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I know this is a 3 month old thread, but maybe someone will find it useful.
I've been using the Cintiq Companion Hybrid for almost 2 months now, and almost exclusively.
First of all, the quality of the tablet is extremely high. It's exactly what one would expect from a Wacom product. There are unboxing and hands-on videos on YouTube showcasing how much thought has gone into this model.
This is the first time I've used a Wacom tablet, and when compared to UC-Logic or N-trig, this is much superior. Obviously, I fell in love with this tablet as soon as I opened the box and kept on getting more and more impressed as I was using it.
As for the Android part, it's pretty basic, except with the addition of some Wacom drawing programs. However, Sketchbook Pro is still the best choice when it comes to drawing on Android, and the matte surface of the tablet makes this the ideal combination. Wacom's Infinite Canvas is a great choice for vector drawing, and currently the only choice for me.
Now, the OS has shown a few bugs. Sometimes it will lag and revert back to its original background. Yesterday I connected it to a PC (Windows), and at some point it malfunctioned, started lagging, and then, after rebooting, I had lost some files from the internal storage as well as my external SD. Managed to get most of the files back from the external SD, but not from the internal storage, since I can't root, and therefore can't use any Android-based recovery programs. I don't know if this is specific to me or if it's a bug on all models.
Also, when connecting SD cards or USB drives (using the standard USB port -- no micro-USB or OTG, thankfully), navigating to them is somewhat unorthodox in that I have to go to the mount folder and guess where it's loaded.
The processors are pretty fast, and there's no lagging when playing graphic intensive games. Browsing the internet is much more enjoyable than Android 3.1 and before (I still haven't gotten used of the single mouse click, but Mac users won't have a problem). 1080p movies play fine, and when using HDMI-out, everything is smooth. I don't recommend watching a film in bed, as the Hybrid is too heavy to have on your chest when you're about to sleep (also stands for Kindle or comic book reading). Response is great when using the pen, as well when using the tablet.
I haven't been using the hardware keys much, but I find more use for them when in Cintiq mode.
As a Cintiq, things are butter smooth, except for some occasions when I have to disconnect and reconnect the tablet when I first connect it to the PC to get the pen functioning properly (this only happens once, if at all, and only when I first connect the tablet to the PC as a Cintiq). Files can be transferred to the PC instantly, and work is much easier.
I've also used a MIDI controller to play music on the Companion, and the only bug I've found is it locks when disconnecting, but that may very well be a bug of the software I'm using.
Skype, torrents and emulators are all fine. But I doubt any tablets show problems with those.
Typing on the Hybrid with its bigger touch-keys is great (Hacker's Keyboard is a great alternative), and closer to keyboard typing than other tablets.
The tablet's battery life is slightly less than 12 hours of constant use on high performance. I don't have WiFi enabled all the time, since up until recently I had another tablet for that. I'm kind of stingy when it comes to its battery since I love the fact that I can work on it anywhere and on-the-go. Since it's so portable, I like being able to use it wherever and whenever I'm awake, so I try to avoid spending the battery on things I can do without.
Now for the stinkers:
I absolutely hate the lens of its 8mp camera. It's horrible. Lighting is bad, definition is bad, colours are bad. You can use it to get reference material for drawing sketching, but that's about it. You won't be using it for anything else but reference drawing sketching material.
The microphone is not great either. Fuzzy and unclear. Purely only for voice notes. Skype calls are ok-ish. But that's about it.
Lastly, the speaker is terrible. Its volume is too low, badly placed and not clear enough. It's a terrible speaker.
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Overall, I am in love with this tablet. My PC recently broke down, so I've been borrowing a laptop when I have to use the Cintiq side (not often yet, mainly due to the lack of a "full-time" PC), but for everything else, I've been using the Companion's Android side.
I am quite sure I covered everything. I will update accordingly.
Thanks for the rundown on it. Sounds pretty much like what I keep hearing. The Wacom Cintiq aspect of it is incredible (I've been using Wacom for over 20 years so that's no surprise) but "your mileage may vary" on the Android part depending on what you specifically hope to accomplish. Biggest chance in it is whether or not Wacom will maintain the Android side of it or let it die on the vine and essentially revert to being just a battery powered 13HD within a couple of years. I haven't heard Wacom commit either way.
As for build quality, I'm not surprised. Wacom KNOWS how to build equipment well. I really didn't expect the camera to be much. I don't ever really consider the quality of the camera being that big a deal on tablets. Although, for $1300-$1600, you'd think they'd put a decent lens in there. They keep marketing it as a Cintiq that happens to run Android rather than an Android tablet.
As for the "single click" thing, you can always program the button (top half or bottom half) to have a "right click" functionality to give you that capability. That's the way I have it on the different Wacom tablets I have.
powerplaygraphix said:
As for the "single click" thing, you can always program the button (top half or bottom half) to have a "right click" functionality to give you that capability. That's the way I have it on the different Wacom tablets I have.
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Sorry for not making it clear. I was referring to an actual USB mouse connected to the tablet. I sometimes connect a mouse when I prop it up like a notebook. Old habits die hard.
Cintiq dead before its started Will die soon
Ok so I too have got the cintiq companion hybrid which runs on a pitiful 4.2.1 now I know I know at £1500 what did I expect errrmmm K I T K A T would have been nice Wacom, well with the announcement that Android will no longer support 4.2 soon the tablet will become a slate which is why Wacom was so desperate to throw them out there before this was announced.
They even started sending them out for free for 40 days trial if you dont like send back again before the notice of Android version being obsolete.
I have been on XDA Developers since well my first XDA and like many i would imagine get your new unit and immediately come on here for the updated rom etc. Wacom we are on our own any Guru on here wouldnt dare buy this piece of crap save 800 and get the 13hd want a great tablet get the Note 4 10.1
Sorry RANT over but I hope those with the Wacom share my concern a lot of money for a unit that to be fair had we know it would be stuck on 10.1 would have ordered a 15" wacom pen enabled tablet from China instead which are also stuck on 4.2 but for a fraction of the price and bigger.
Notontherugman said:
Sorry for not making it clear. I was referring to an actual USB mouse connected to the tablet. I sometimes connect a mouse when I prop it up like a notebook. Old habits die hard.
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XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro Drawing tablet With Screen
Wacom Cintiq Companion is a self-contained Windows computer with the full Wacom graphics tablet features already built in, which can also be used as a 'dumb' graphics tablet when connected to a Mac or PC.
Essentially, you can use this to draw, sketch and paint at your desk hooked up to your main computer, and draw, sketch and paint directly on it while sitting on the sofa or outside.
this Cintiq Companion 2 can be used at a desk as a graphics tablet for your regular computer, but because it also runs Windows, you can use full, familiar versions of Painter, Photoshop and so on when away from your workstation.
The nearest thing it has to a rival is the Microsoft Surface tablet, but this has neither Wacom's heritage nor chops when it comes to rich drawing tools. The iPad Pro is an excellent tablet but cannot be called a competitor here due to its mobile operating system.
It's a solid investment for digital illustrators who want flexibility. However, if you don't need to use it away from your desk, you could save money and purchase the XP-pen Artist 15.6 Pro , or benefit from a bigger drawing area with the slightly more expensive Artist 22E Pro .
I currently use a XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro Drawing tablet With Screen ( xp-pen.com/goods/show/id/394.html ) . It is a cintiq downgrade, but only because it does not have the muti-touch like the cintiq does. it support pen tilt function , 8192 pen pressure levels , battery-free and wireless stylus . 88% NTSC Color gamut , 1920x1080 resolution , 15.6 inch IPS Screen , it has no parallax , no lag .
Overall its an amazing tablet and I do suggest it! It works amazing for me, and personally, I improved a lot while using it.
The only problems, however, is that it always has to be plugged into a PC , Though it is lightweight and works great, the graphics are nice, and its only $439 .