Related
I was excited to get a G-Tablet in the recent Woot sale. Unfortunately, as I have noted in other threads, when I got it, it wouldn't run through the original NTP-WiFi configuration procedure out of the box.
I wiped it and installed VEGAn 5.1.1 and got on with the process of evaluating it.
Am I the only one with touch screen sensor issues? It requires massive fingertip hurting pressure to hit the 'L' key and many of the touch areas along the edge that is adjacent to the Home/Menu/Back buttons. Sometimes I need to press so hard to register a key press, I think that it will crack the LCD. It really impacts my happy factor with this device.
The Market fix isn't as complete as my Archos 70. I saw the thread on changing device type=olympus. I can't vi the /system/build.prop without getting / set to read/write. Too much of a hoop to jump through right now. If I could vi the file, no problem. Still, it is an annoyance.
Weight. I knew it was heavier, but wasn't prepared to the reality of dealing with the mass of this unit.
Screen view. Even with an iPad screen protector on, the color and view angles are annoying. It was unusable to me for reading and regular use before the screen protector went on. Now it is better, but still subpar compared to the A70.
I want to love the gTablet for its technical superiority and future upgrade path to 2.3 and potentially beyond. My Archos device will never be better than FroYo.
However, even though I know it is 'better' I just can't stand actually using it. I feel that the gTab needs to go to flEaBay, since Woot doesn't do refunds.
Anyone else feeling this way?
Touchscreen callibration app should fix your touch issues... I had the same problem and that solved it.
Yeah, I have the app and tried it. Not much real difference in my experience. :\
I just ran it again, and it is weird. Some areas of the screen work just fine (launcher pro dock when in desktop/finder mode for example). then, when on virtual keyboard, those same pixel areas don't sense well. Might be a keyboard issue, though it seems to be the same with BetterKeyboard and Android keyboard.
I don't know, I want to like this thing, but feel disappointed. Same way with the Samsung Captivate, which i returned after fighting with it for a month.
tenet420 said:
Touchscreen callibration app should fix your touch issues... I had the same problem and that solved it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Screen cal should help. Anyway, don't have that problem with TNTL 4.2.5.
BoulderGeek said:
I was excited to get a G-Tablet in the recent Woot sale. Unfortunately, as I have noted in other threads, when I got it, it wouldn't run through the original NTP-WiFi configuration procedure out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone has been saying the stock rom isn't very well made since day one.
I wiped it and installed VEGAn 5.1.1 and got on with the process of evaluating it.
Am I the only one with touch screen sensor issues? It requires massive fingertip hurting pressure to hit the 'L' key and many of the touch areas along the edge that is adjacent to the Home/Menu/Back buttons. Sometimes I need to press so hard to register a key press, I think that it will crack the LCD. It really impacts my happy factor with this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, touch screen calibration app should do the trick. Also, you can create a blank file name calibration.ini in the root of your sdcard2 and then reboot. Don't touch the screen while it reboots. This file will tell the device to recalibrate the touch.
The Market fix isn't as complete as my Archos 70. I saw the thread on changing device type=olympus. I can't vi the /system/build.prop without getting / set to read/write. Too much of a hoop to jump through right now. If I could vi the file, no problem. Still, it is an annoyance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me, it's not much of a hoop. Took me all of 30 seconds to do this.
Weight. I knew it was heavier, but wasn't prepared to the reality of dealing with the mass of this unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm an engineer researcher at a material science lab. We build and crush to test our own toys. Sometimes, we have to carry (by hand) objects that are hundreds of pounds heavy. I guess the weight of the gtab isn't really bothering me that much. But again, it's only .3 lb heavier than the ipad, so if you have a problem with the gtab then I'm sure you'll have the same problem with the ipad.
Screen view. Even with an iPad screen protector on, the color and view angles are annoying. It was unusable to me for reading and regular use before the screen protector went on. Now it is better, but still subpar compared to the A70.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, not an issue for me. I'm a heavy reader, meaning I go through several books a week. Been using the gtab to read ebooks on my train ride commute.
I want to love the gTablet for its technical superiority and future upgrade path to 2.3 and potentially beyond. My Archos device will never be better than FroYo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't just want to love the gtab. I love my gtab.
But then again, you really have to consider my past I guess. I was born in a house with a dirt floor, grew up with a black and white small tv (14 inch or so, can't remember). And even then, the tv worked only sometimes.
It just seems to me that so many people (Americans) complain about things that, to me, are moot points. For $285, the gtab is a steal based on what it could do.
And to me, the gtab is more than just a toy. Before, I was carrying my laptop around, which weighs a ton (exaggeration here). Nowadays, I sometimes leave it in the office or at home and just carry the gtab around. I'm expecting my experience to be even better once the case with the usb keyboard arrives.
Yes, I'm one of those that has no problem jury rigging something to make my experience better.
However, even though I know it is 'better' I just can't stand actually using it. I feel that the gTab needs to go to flEaBay, since Woot doesn't do refunds.
Anyone else feeling this way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people want their devices to work straight out of the box. And some people want their devices to just work powerfully and don't care about the luxuries.
I've recently converted 100% to electronic books. I've sold over half of my library collection on amazon. I often run into people who are absolutely against ebook reading. The #1 reason that most people seem to have against ebooks is that they want the smell and feel of paper while they read. That's their opinion, and it's ok. They are free to like or dislike whatever they want.
But to me, I read a book for its contents, not what it's written on. I don't care how a book feels or what it smells like. I love zombie novels, and I don't care if it's on paper or plastic.
I guess I have the same attitude with my gtab. This really is a powerful piece of device. It runs fast, the screen is uber sensitive (on my device at least). The battery life is up there with the ipad. Completely hackable (a must in my book). And it's incredibly lite weight. Again, I speak as someone who work hands on with his projects. Funny story, someone the other day made a face and asked me what happened to my hands. I looked down and for the first time I actually noticed all the scars and Calluses on my hands. Amazing how boy friend hasn't complained yet.
Anyway, the #1 reason why I like this device is because it's freakin' cheap. Even if I break it in a year, or if I decide to buy something else in a year, I wouldn't feel the pain in my stomach the way I'd feel if I had bought a xoom or ipad.
Anyway, to each his own I guess. And that's ok.
You should either get a xoom or ipad. I've borrowed them from friends and played with those. They are very nice and fits your needs quite well.
Edit.
And my elderly dad just told me he wanted one to surf the net while on the couch and have a 10 inch screen gps. Just bought one for him. Hopefully will arrive soon. Also already ordered a gps receiver and a car mount. My elderly dad's far sight vision is great. Better than mine. He could see things at a distance that I can't see even with my glasses on. But his near sight vision is beginning to slip. So, the gps I bought him a couple years back aren't that helpful nowadays. Hopefully, this 10 inch one will be better. I'm also hoping I could talk to him via video conferencing when he goes back to (insert a random country here). So, I better start showing him how to use a touch screen. It was hard enough to get him to understand and use the mouse...
I wouldn't mind a little tactile feedback or lighting for the 4 side touch buttons. They are hard to find in the dark. Some small protusions on the buttons themselves, or on the side of the case would also have been nice, like the bumps on a keyboard on the f and j keys.
Haha, the 4 buttons in the dark issue was bothering me, too. I guess I stopped noticing it once I have it memorized. Just last night, I was reading before I went to sleep and noticed that I could press with 99% precision the buttons. So, yeah, it's not a problem for me anymore.
1. I have had "edge" problems that went away when I put a different wall paper up. Try a non-live wallpaper.
2. The Olympus fix works. It just breaks the web site seeing your tablet. Get Root Explorer and it takes about 2 seconds to mount /system rw.
3) I guess the screen is a personal preference thing. I like mine better since I put a urethane screen protector on. Really keeps the fingerprints off of it for the most part and the angles don't bother me.
4) The unlit buttons are a pain in the dark. I put some clear paper reinforcement stickers over mine so they have a little feel in the dark. They are almost invisible from any distance away but you can feel them. These are the little sticky holes you put on loose leaf paper when the holes have torn out. Oh, the other think you can do is get button savior in the market. This gives you nice onscreen buttons (although you know VEGAn has home, menu and back buttons on the status bar). Now the other problem is I tend to hit the buttons when I am trying to grip the tablet. There is a non-free app called remapper (I think) that can turn them off (or repurpose them) but I have not tried it.
I don't disagree about the gtablet being a good value.
it's just slightly worse at everything than my existing Archos 70 tablet. So, for more money and double the specs, I didn't really get any appreciable improvement. Perhaps that's what I should have stated.
If I had no Android tablet, I'd be completely happy with my my VEGAn Tab.
However, i can't justify two tablets, and surprisingly, i don't think the gtablet is going to be the keeper. I'm just surprised that is the case.
I just did a factory reset, and will take pictures tonight for flea bay.
On the screen sensitivity issue, the one-touch app didn't work for me, and I was considering returning my tab. But then I did the calibration.ini trick, and the difference is amazing.
dfin13 said:
On the screen sensitivity issue, the one-touch app didn't work for me, and I was considering returning my tab. But then I did the calibration.ini trick, and the difference is amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. Thanks.
It may not keep you from selling it, but it sure will help the person who buys it from you
dfin13 said:
It may not keep you from selling it, but it sure will help the person who buys it from you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that guy is sitting in the cube adjacent to mine. He's been playing with it all day. Reinstalling the apps that i lost by resetting to factory.
you guys do realized that vegan roms have the same buttons on the notification bar.. for just this reason.. to take the place of the side buttons at night.
I was personally about to sell my gTablet about 48 hours ago. I was having tons of lock-ups, market issues and was pretty frustrated.
I decided to start all over and reflashed to stock - did a lot of research here and just about have it working perfect with vegan 5.1.1 now. No lockups with flash, olympus thing fixed my market issues - it is simply an awesome tablet. I have had an ipad for a year and really like this in comparison.
If you don't want to put in the effort to modify the build.prop to fix the market it might not be for you though. It was not hard in retrospect but without any context it takes a while to really get familiar with some of the the things you are doing. I ended up using ADB to edit it - using root explorer sounds much easier.
I personally enjoyed getting it all setup right at the end of the day and learned a lot. For the price this thing is a heck of a tablet.
Also wanted to thank everyone for the hard work figuring out these fixes and ROMs - very impressive community!
My take on this is that these fixes should take like 2 minutes to do. Very easy. The problem is that new users are intimidated by complicated instructions. Take the olympus fix for example. Took me less than 30 seconds to do. But because of the way people talk on here a new user would have to read thru 3 pages because nobody was willing to give a straight answer.
Granted, I'm verbose but I figure if you read the first part of the olympus thread and you knew what edit build.prop and change one line on it meant you wouldn't need or read the long detailed instructions.
There has to be a balance between talking to people who are Android fluent and helping ramp up new users, in my opinion.
goodintentions said:
But again, it's only .3 lb heavier than the ipad, so if you have a problem with the gtab then I'm sure you'll have the same problem with the ipad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean .05 .lbs heavier than the iPad, right? Or were you referring to the iPad2, which is .22 .lbs lighter than the GTab?
I think it's important for people to realize that the GTab COULD weigh less and be thinner, as could the Xoom, but then where would the SD card slot and USB ports go? I think the edges would have slight bulges in them to accomodate the ports. I'm actually fine with the weight of the G-tab...If I noticed a difference of 100 grams, then I'd have to seriously consider working out harder.
As for the other annoyances from the OP...I guess some seem legitimate, but I haven't noticed touchscreen sensitivity issues, etc. Mine is fast and stable and works great. Aside from the screen viewing angles, I love the GTab.
One last thing to note...I just spent a week using my GTab on vacation, and also used my daughter's iPad quite a bit, too. I know this is totally subjective, but the iPad seems more like a toy than anything else. I liked the screen, but otherwise was not impressed overall. I burned several movies from DVD to my GTab and it worked flawlessly. After surfing, playing games and watching 2 movies, I had 50% battery life left. Not bad!
wd5gnr said:
Granted, I'm verbose but I figure if you read the first part of the olympus thread and you knew what edit build.prop and change one line on it meant you wouldn't need or read the long detailed instructions.
Sorry if that confused you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first impression of the olympus thread was "what the hell?" sure I knew what you were talking about but for someone who's new to android and rooting something as simple as editing the build.prop could be the biggest stumbling block.
I know I have the reputation for hating newbies after my wooters thread. And thats fine. But people need to pay attention to their instructions to see if they make any sense to a newbie. Belive it or not i'm actually very friendly toward newbies. And believe me, the initial instructions in that thread make no sense to a newbie.
I am in the process of compiling everything into easy step by step instructions for the technical illiterates. Viewsonic gtab for dummies. I'll launch my website hopefully sometime next week.
lostpilot28 said:
You mean .05 .lbs heavier than the iPad, right? Or were you referring to the iPad2, which is .22 .lbs lighter than the GTab?
I think it's important for people to realize that the GTab COULD weigh less and be thinner, as could the Xoom, but then where would the SD card slot and USB ports go? I think the edges would have slight bulges in them to accomodate the ports. I'm actually fine with the weight of the G-tab...If I noticed a difference of 100 grams, then I'd have to seriously consider working out harder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's my experience that people will complain about anything/everything if something does not cost much.
Got my hands on a verizon 32 gig blue SGSIII. Just got it activated, had to have one shipped in since it wasn't in stock.
Goodness, it's light. I've already forgotten it was in my hands a few times.
I do miss my physical keyboard - a lot. I won't ever get over this, but in the short time I've had it that's all I don't like...and knew that going in.
It'll take me a while to get situated and oriented, and a few days to clear out my 64 sdcard for it.
Can't wait to get to a hotel tomorrow so I can get some power for my laptop and back the device up and start exploring it.
Tempting as it is to install apps (can't wait to re-play my games on this lovely and large display) I can wait until I can pull the device structure onto my computer.
Just wanted to give a shout out and say hi, looking forward to fun stuff with you all in the future!
Sent from a digital distance.
Blue6IX said:
Got my hands on a verizon 32 gig blue SGSIII. Just got it activated, had to have one shipped in since it wasn't in stock.
Goodness, it's light. I've already forgotten it was in my hands a few times.
I do miss my physical keyboard - a lot. I won't ever get over this, but in the short time I've had it that's all I don't like...and knew that going in.
It'll take me a while to get situated and oriented, and a few days to clear out my 64 sdcard for it.
Can't wait to get to a hotel tomorrow so I can get some power for my laptop and back the device up and start exploring it.
Tempting as it is to install apps (can't wait to re-play my games on this lovely and large display) I can wait until I can pull the device structure onto my computer.
Just wanted to give a shout out and say hi, looking forward to fun stuff with you all in the future!
Sent from a digital distance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats! You may have missed the bootloader drama but you are just in time for the good stuff. Enjoy.
Thanks!
I was gonna try to play with it unrooted stock for a while, but found something that's a dealbreaker.
Can't turn off "presidential alerts" under emergency alerts. So, looks like i'll have to make time to go through the process now.
Any spyware I should axe while i'm at it? New to both verizon and samsung, but not to bending Android to my will. If anyone feels like posting here obnoxious intrusive crap to remove, i'm open to suggestions fom those more familiar with my new purchase then I am yet.
Thanks!
Blue6IX said:
I was gonna try to play with it unrooted stock for a while, but found something that's a dealbreaker.
Can't turn off "presidential alerts" under emergency alerts. So, looks like i'll have to make time to go through the process now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"dealbreaker"? Gosh.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Alert_System#What_the_national_level_EAS_would_not_do
In a The New York Times article (correction printed January 3, 2002)[1] "No president has ever used the current [EAS] system or its technical predecessors in the last 50 years, despite the Soviet missile crisis, a presidential assassination, the Oklahoma City bombing, major earthquakes and three recent high-alert terrorist warnings... Michael K. Powell, the then chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, which oversees the Emergency Alert System, pointed to 'the ubiquitous media environment,' arguing that the system was, in effect, scooped by CNN, MSNBC, Fox News Channel and other channels... [FEMA] activates the alert system nationally at the behest of the White House on 34 50,000-watt stations that reach 98 percent of Americans... Beyond that, the current EAS signal is an audio message only—which pre-empts all programming—so that viewers who were watching color images of the trade center on Sept. 11 would have been able to see only a screen with a generic text message along with a presidential voice-over, if an emergency message had been activated."[1]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There has only been a test in 2011 of the system, with mixed results. The likelihood of such a notification in the future is incredibly low, but it's only for major emergencies of national implication.
Still, if you really, really need to uncheck that box . . .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1829681
Blue6IX said:
Thanks!
I was gonna try to play with it unrooted stock for a while, but found something that's a dealbreaker.
Can't turn off "presidential alerts" under emergency alerts. So, looks like i'll have to make time to go through the process now.
Any spyware I should axe while i'm at it? New to both verizon and samsung, but not to bending Android to my will. If anyone feels like posting here obnoxious intrusive crap to remove, i'm open to suggestions fom those more familiar with my new purchase then I am yet.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like the post above says thats kind of a stupid dealbreaker. Its not like youre going to get text messages like its the presidents twitter page. If you are that paranoid about it turn the phone back in because 'they' might be tracking you with it.
Sccrluk9 said:
Like the post above says thats kind of a stupid dealbreaker. Its not like youre going to get text messages like its the presidents twitter page. If you are that paranoid about it turn the phone back in because 'they' might be tracking you with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate if you'd take your hate and assumptions elsewhere, it is counter to the culture of XDA.
My issue is I hit a box I can't uncheck, an option that isn't optional. What it is, is irrelevant to the fact that it's something I couldn't change.
The dealbreaker reference is towards keeping the device unrooted stock.
Sent from a digital distance.
No hate, just assumptions which is my bad. Didn't mean to come off like that and for that I'm sorry. Just been looking at dev topics too long where some people are oblivious to everything.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
No worries, appreciate the reply back!
So, rather then litter the forums with duplicate threads or encouraging duplicates, i'll just toss random questions and happenings in this one regarding my experiences with the device.
At least until i've had time to go through this sub-forum for the device more.
Feel free to answer any questions or not seen here, or comment on anything in this thread.
I just got home and my otterbox defender was here. Never had an otterbox before, so - wow.
Insane level of protection. Before it was so light and fragile feeling. Now, I like it so much better. A little bit of weight, a little bit of bulk, in just the right amount.
I feel like this device was made with the intention of sticking it in this case.
...And putting it in the holster, makes like the completion of armor for the device, what with the hard plastic shell shielding the screen from harm.
Seriously thinking about cutting the belt clip off and just leaving the smooth armor shell piece to pop on and slide the device into my pocket with. Seems like the perfect tweak to make it just right.
I feel likw even after only having it for a few hours that my future devices will take into account whether or not I can get one of these for it.
Okay - the drawback to having a screen big enough to actually use a soft keyboard on is the denial of one handed use.
No matter how I hold it, I just can't manage the device with one hand.
Now that I have the otterbox on it, i've been willing to try shifting my grip one handed during use, but really doesn't help much.
My other device is much smaller and I can use the whole screen comfortably with one thumb.
This one, not so much. If I have to reach across the screen, my palm will hit something before my thumb can get there.
I do think the benefits of the larger screen on my eyes and the actual enjoyment of the device far outweighs this inconvenience - but it does bug me.
Blue6IX said:
Okay - the drawback to having a screen big enough to actually use a soft keyboard on is the denial of one handed use.
No matter how I hold it, I just can't manage the device with one hand.
Now that I have the otterbox on it, i've been willing to try shifting my grip one handed during use, but really doesn't help much.
My other device is much smaller and I can use the whole screen comfortably with one thumb.
This one, not so much. If I have to reach across the screen, my palm will hit something before my thumb can get there.
I do think the benefits of the larger screen on my eyes and the actual enjoyment of the device far outweighs this inconvenience - but it does bug me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may like this then Again you may not. But hope it helps. http://flygrip.com/
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
bgolden84 said:
You may like this then Again you may not. But hope it helps. http://flygrip.com/
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know, I had seen that before but it wasn't something I could really use with my other devices.
I may have to give it another look, given that this SGSIII is about what that thing was designed for.
Thanks for reminding me of something I had written off long ago.
bgolden84 said:
You may like this then Again you may not. But hope it helps. http://flygrip.com/
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is actually pretty damn cool.I just wonder if it would annoy me for my phone to not sit flat on its back.
Edit: Oh wow. $30 for a little piece of plastic. Eek. I don't think i could live with myself if I spent that much on this.
I wonder how much that flygrip thing hinders getting it in/out of a pocket??
When you do get around to trying ROMs let me suggest the Synergy ROM. It is actively developed, offers all the good of Samsung's skin along with most of the great tweaks that make rooting so worth while. Moving from the DX to this phone has been great largely in part to this ROM.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792499
Sent on the fly.
azumandias said:
When you do get around to trying ROMs let me suggest the Synergy ROM. It is actively developed, offers all the good of Samsung's skin along with most of the great tweaks that make rooting so worth while. Moving from the DX to this phone has been great largely in part to this ROM.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792499
Sent on the fly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the heads up. Today is the last day of return without penalty, think i'm gonna keep it.
Right now It's just rooted, awesome quick guide here somewhere and I was able to bang it out in a few minutes while I was packing my truck to hit the road again for work.
When I get the chance, i'll pop a custom recovery in to block ota's - but right now exploring touchwiz and deciding what I do and don't like.
One thing bugging me is the device never seeming to be able to resume playing music after a call without having to mess with it... no matter what player I use.
No slight against the devs who put so much of themselves into the great works they've made for this device, but most likely I won't sample the roms available and just craft my own. I'll never get what I want unless I build it myself.
Thinking this time i'll just build from source instead of hacking apart a manufacturers version of Android.
Most likely i'll wait until i've got what I want or very near to before playing with other devs works. In large part to keep myself from being influenced by the directions they've taken.
I still haven't recovered all the files I hosted before goo went down, so getting all my works back up and available from my other device is taking up the time I can allocate to dev at the moment.
My laptop is on it's last legs, so until I can replace it ( not long now! ) can't get any real dev done anyway. Just small stuff. Can't keep it cool enough to compile a kernel even sitting on a hotel A/C vent to make it through the whole compile process of a gingerbread kernel without overheating and crashing...ICS is beyond the capabilities of my available hardware at the moment unfortunately.
Work is keeping me mad busy travelling the country ( USA) but i'm starting to have little bits of free time here and there around the constant exhaustion.
Pretty soon I should not only have the physical ability to stay awake long enough to learn something, but also the necessary hardware to do the learning on.
Meantime, it's ten or fifteen minutes of research here and there trying to familiarize myself with the device and the ICS source on my laptop for as long as I can keep it from overheating and shutting off.
It's okay, though, there's a lot to catch up on without needing to dive in and do for me at this point anyway, so the lack of acceptable hardware is more of an annoyance then a hindrance.
I figure i'll just keep adding random notes and observations to this thread to look back on later.
Comments, criticisms and suggestions most welcome from all of you out there!
How did you "thank" your own posts?
Sent from a strange blue box hurtling through time and space.
Haro912 said:
How did you "thank" your own posts?
Sent from a strange blue box hurtling through time and space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no clue, it's showing I thanked both mine and yours, but I hadn't even seen yours yet and it already showed thanks for it?
Okay - palm swipe for screenshot is virtually impossible with the raised edges of the otterbox defender around the screen.
Might also be my not having cut out the otterbox screen protector yet, so has two on it and touches suck sometimes.
Well, just threw cwm on it, to block the ota.
...and found picture in picture video vieqing - so cool. I'm watching a movie right now while typing his on he S3. That's foward pogress and leveraging multi-tasking capabilities.
Update:
Crowd funding campaign is online:
www.startnext.de/en/andock
Hello everyone,
Today I would like to ask you about your opinion on my self-developed Nexus 4 Dock. First, I wanted to develop the station just for me, because I couldn’t find a Nexus 4 docking station that really fits my needs. Now I’m thinking about starting my own crowd funding campaign with this station. I already got some positive feedback on the German website android-hilfe.de.
The features of my docking station are:
- SlimPort included
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
- Display in widescreen format unlike the usual docking stations
- NFC-Tag
- cube shape design
- Docking Station is weighted to provide more stability
I also created a website for this project: andock.com
What do you think? Would you be interested in such a station? Thank you for your opinion.
So here are some pictures:
1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.
snapper.fishes said:
1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.
Noc2 said:
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I like it!
Does it charge the phone fast enough to gain a charge when outputting it to a TV? How about with Bluetooth on also for controllers and the like?
I agree that it would be nice to have it adjustable to fit other phones (and cases/bumpers). This might be the only phone with a Slimport, but who's to say other phones won't have them soon?
I agree the whole thing does look a little old school, but as long as its functional.
I would also prefer no LED light, but I might in the minority. I hate how everything in my home has a glow to it LOL.
Ultimately the biggest determining factor for me in buying something like this would be price.
Noc2 said:
Hello everyone,
<snip>
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
<snip>
So here are some pictures:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an N4 owner I'm excited to see any development of nice quality support h/w.
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.
mark398 said:
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can switch the fan on and off. Besides I got good results in tests with the fan on. If you run a lot of benchmarks in a row (especially while the Nexus 4 is charging and connected to a TV via bluetooth), you’ll experience a decrease of the benchmark score. The fan definitely reduces this issue. I will post some results in the next days.
I want to make the price as low as possible without any quality restrictions. It will be under 100 Euro.
Great to see people developing unique accessories for the Nexus 4, but for me this dock is just awkward.
The power switch should be replaced with something more modern, and the design should maybe better match the N4. Maybe a glossy black plastic and an led mounted under a more transparent plastic like the led on the N4 is mounted under the glass. Over all, I love the idea and would probably buy it even in its current state.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app
I'd love it as a kit to put together myself and keep the cost down... already as an option.
100euros would be a bit steep imo. I can already get a dock for cheap.
Your slot should come with a way to accommodate cases too... atleast the bumper
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Your dock is interesting, but, unless you're a developer that needs a cable connection (in my opinion) it makes a lot more sense just to buy an Orb and be done with it. File transfers can be done with AirDroid (for example). Wireless charging on the Orb is just as fast as trough cable (I have one) and it doesn't have the hassle of connecting/disconnecting the cable itself.
For someone that really wants the cable connection, it's useful. The design, if you want to really produce it, I'd recommend you to make it in a way that you can plug-in most android phones with the usb dock on the bottom. Make it simpler, why leds, buttons and fan (sorry, but I really don't think you need a fan in it)? Otherwise, good work.
Hi, I don't own a nexus 4 but I'm intrigued with ur project. To me, the concept is nice: something minimalistic, able to cool down the phone and provide connectivity to another device (or computer). It'd be a good idea if u can make the cube have a glossy texture, like white or black because it will still look nice even if u don't want to smooth out the edges. Also, it would be nice if it can accommodate phones that have a screen size of 5" or more (perhaps a slightly bigger cube). Also, I think led is fine but the switch for the fan should be smaller, maybe something rounded like the buttons of the iPhone 5 or a power button of any android phone and can also disguise with the cube's color. I believe something like that would look really nice on any desk.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Thank you for your feedback. I take it seriously.
Here is the promised article about the fan of my docking station:
http://www.andock.com/2013/04/the-temperature-of-google-nexus-4-with.html
The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.
I'm intrigued. If this went to market I would be very tempted to buy. Could set it on my desk, hook up sixaxis controller and jam out a few games easily.
Sent from one device or another.
this is awesome man, i hope you can built more and can sell to us or me
Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.
irishrally said:
Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s SLS.
I really liked it because of the structure of the material. It’s not like the usual plastic or FDM.
threeclaws said:
The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
pnnorth said:
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's beta/developer hardware right now, the retail stuff will have to be better (they are planning on selling at BB/Amazon.) The software on the other hand...I already went through that once with the boxee box (solid hardware + crap software.)
What do you guy's think of the Ubuntu Edge?
I couldn't resist backing it. I can't wait for more specs.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
4 GBs of RAM and 128 storage?! That's sick! I am incredible interested if only for native dual boot loader. The renders look sleek and sick. I've no experience with indiegogo though, but I am guessing it's similar to Kickstarter? Either way. Count me in!
I already backed it. Unbelievably excited.
Back it for 1 unit. One thing now that worries me. Silicon Anode battery. Didn't know what is it and did a quick search and found that it's not a mature tech yet. Hope the battery can hold it's recycle charges. If not hopefully the battery can be changes easily.
http://www.gizmag.com/silicon-anode-lithium-ion-battery/26256/
Can't wait to get my hand on it. Almost I d*#n long year to wait.
I think it is great.
I like the idea of using the device as a computer.
Backed one.
I'm kind of afraid that Canonical won't collect 32.000.000$ before Q2 2014
Fatal1ty_18_RUS said:
I'm kind of afraid that Canonical won't collect 32.000.000$ before Q2 2014
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Soon they have only 29 days left to collect the remaining amount.
If they don't make it then you will get your money back. So no loss, money wise.
Backed it for 1 unit, hope it actually happens
Sent from my HTC One Glamour Red using XDA premium.
This is totally awesome !
I like it much because I am already using ubuntu ...
Great innovation ... :laugh:
I say this should become the official Ubuntu Edge discussion thread
I bet a lot of people would like to have the phone once it is out, if that happens, and then pay thousands of dollars to get one on ebay, instead of supporting the fund now and make it actually happen.
Because technology wise, this phone is really nice. All components state of the art or even better. For example the sapphire crystal glass screen. Should be much better than gorilla glass. Seiko watches use it for instance.
Hope this will work out with the crowd funding.
Bishdariel said:
I bet a lot of people would like to have the phone once it is out, if that happens, and then pay thousands of dollars to get one on ebay, instead of supporting the fund now and make it actually happen.
Because technology wise, this phone is really nice. All components state of the art or even better. For example the sapphire crystal glass screen. Should be much better than gorilla glass. Seiko watches use it for instance.
Hope this will work out with the crowd funding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if each person, who wants to have Edge, donates 600$ (which seems to be the price of the final product), then Canonical needs only 53400 people to collect 32.000.000$ and start the production. I say this is pretty much real, Ubuntu fans alone cpuld fund the whole sum, let alone Android users who are interested in both Ubuntu Touch and the Ubuntu Edge, which would make about double the number.
So my bet is that Canonical will get the needed money before Christmas
Will they bring out the phone if the crowd funding fails? There is only 29 days left now on the clock.
Wow, they already got almost 3.600.000$ =-O
I would hope that some companies donate towards it. Considering how many are using their software, it only seems fair...
I wish I had some spare change to back one, as this is seriously the kind of smartphone I'd be interested in. Running a normal desktop Linux OS with both a mobile gui for the phone screen and a desktop gui for docking it. That would be an awesome device.
At the rate things are going now, they're not going to get the funds they need. The rate of funding slowed down a lot once time ran out on the $600 option. It would be a shame too.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
New perks available with lower prices.
If Edge becomes reality, then Ubuntu will beat Microsoft at unifying mobile & desktop experience, but on the more productive side. Microsoft offers the same experience only for those people who don't use Desktop anymore on PC and don't mind losing the real multitasking environment as well as give up desktop programs.
Edge will have the best advantage possible, as according to Canonical it will run everything that Ubuntu runs. The specs are top notch.
My only regret is that I'll have the cash to back it only around mid-August so I would lose the $600 mark
But Microsoft will still rule the enterprise sector, as all the business programs are made for Windows only
Hey everyone, I stumbled upon this Kickstarter project and thought I would share with everyone the link. I backed it up because it really looks like a solid wireless charger that could definitely make life easier, not to mention it looks pretty sweet. Anyone who is able to should go back this up as well so the creators can meet their goal. Well, here is the link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cellinnovations/synergy-worlds-best-wireless-smartphone-charger
niccuany said:
Hey everyone, I stumbled upon this Kickstarter project and thought I would share with everyone the link. I backed it up because it really looks like a solid wireless charger that could definitely make life easier, not to mention it looks pretty sweet. Anyone who is able to should go back this up as well so the creators can meet their goal. Well, here is the link: ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This idea looks perfect !
I rly have trouble to buy car dock for my S4, before samsung, i was using htc sensation, with original car dock and its was pretty cool, just plug phone in dock and its going to automobile mode and charges? now i dont know what to do with S4 i havent seen any car dock like i have with HTC...
Synergy looks perfect solution of my problem, but price...
I like my toys, but $125 for a charging stand seems a bit high. In addition, the micro-suction technology probably wont work with many of the cases like Otterbox or UAG since a very smooth surface is needed to adhere to the back of the phone.
Based on the Kickstarter goal to raise $150K and they are only at $27K with 16 days to go, it looks like others may be doubting this idea too.
swieder711 said:
I like my toys, but $125 for a charging stand seems a bit high. In addition, the micro-suction technology probably wont work with many of the cases like Otterbox or UAG since a very smooth surface is needed to adhere to the back of the phone.
Based on the Kickstarter goal to raise $150K and they are only at $27K with 16 days to go, it looks like others may be doubting this idea too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you assume it use 'micro-suction'? it does not. it is magnetic.
And it is a High End device, so $95 for the stand + the base for the car including the wire tap to integrate directly in the car is not outrageously expensive.
eortizr said:
Why do you assume it use 'micro-suction'? it does not. it is magnetic.
And it is a High End device, so $95 for the stand + the base for the car including the wire tap to integrate directly in the car is not outrageously expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think a magnet would be strong enough to hold the phone to the base. Someone said it was magnet + micro-suction. I thought $95 was only the kickstarter promotional price with full retail at $125.
At this point let's wait to hear first hand accounts from users. If it gets funded, has rave reviews and can hold the phone with an Otterbox or UAG case then I will get one.
9 days left with $120K still needed. That's over 1000 more backers needed!
I wonder if this project will get funded.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2