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I haven't read many posts that actually describe how people use their GTabs. I have the impression that most people are using them for entertainment. I need to use mine for business purposes, mostly because all of my colleagues are using iPads but I couldn't bring myself to join Appleland. I'm still wondering if I made the right decision.
Anyway, what I did to make this work for my day to day needs is the following:
1. Installed Clockwork Mod to reset the partition as people in this forum have written.
2. Flashed NVFlash which removed Clockwork Mod and put me back into stock mode. I assume (but don't know for sure) that it preserved the partition sizes.
3. I added the Stock Enhancement mod listed elsewhere in the forum.
4. I added the Market Fix which is listed here elsewhere too.
5. I added Documents to Go which costs a few bucks but seems to be the best product for creating, editing and viewing Microsoft documents, PowerPoints, etc. I also use this on my DroidX.
6. I added Touchdown by NitroDesk which costs a few bucks too but is what I'm using on my DroidX to keep my mail synced with my office Exchange server.
7. I added the Kindle application because I think it's the best for tablet, plus I use it on my DroidX too and it allows multiple devices to be configured to a single account, letting me share my books with myself on these 2 devices.
8. I put my DroidX in Hotspot mode when I need a wireless connection and none is available or what's available costs too much. The GTab connects to it without a hitch so it's almost like having built-in 3G.
9. I have a Freedom Universal Bluetooth keyboard that I got for my DroidX which also works fine with the GTab. To be redundant, I also have a silicone USB keyboard which works fine with both devices too.
10. I have the dock so I can situate the tablet more conveniently but I have to say I don't use it much as it doesn't have a charging capability and the leather case I got from iTSteve (www.electroniccrap.com) puts it in a similar position and looks professional.
This seems like a lot of changes when I list them but they really were pretty easy to put in place and they allow me to do everything others do with their iPads.
I have concluded that nobody will ever catch up with the iPad in terms of users as they had more than a full year headstart on all competitors and grossed something like $20 billion in sales. But my GTab can do all of the things the iPad can do and more and more quickly. People complain about the GTab's screen but it's been like anything else I have in that I just position it so I can use it properly and I'm all set. It doesn't seem to be a detriment.
If there are other business users reading the forum who have figured out other ways they can use their GTab as laptop and iPad replacement, I'd be happy to read their postings here.
There are several threads including mine that talk at length about using our gTabs in a professional setting in this forum. I have a monster Dell Covet laptop with maxed out specs that I use at the office. Trouble is the fact the laptop and power adapter weigh in at around 30 pounds and taking it on business trips was wearing me out. So I started to leave my laptop logged in at the office and access it remotely from my gTab using LogMeIn Ignition when on business trips. So far this has worked great for me.
One thing I forgot to add was that the company issued me an iPad and the only time I use it is when my wife and I take the kids out with us to eat. It has Netflix which our gTab does not (without paying for PlayOn) and my little boys LOVE Shaun the Sheep.
I have a very similar setup.... Almost exactly the same as the first post. I also use logmein. The only thing I don't see posted is that I use sticky notes.... A LOT.... To remind myself what I promised to my clients once I get back to my office.
I love the fact that I have mobile hotspot in my pocket and with an m1 case from electronic crap.com, my gtab looks like I'm carrying a nice leather journal. My clients are always a little surprised when I open it up and flip it on to take notes....
Best 360 bucks I've spent in quite a few years.
Nokia as a wireless hotspot
Citrix for RAS into client work sites
Notion Ink Quick Office and Mail'd (and keyboard) - thanks to Gojimi
+1 for similar setup. Except I use noteverything. It lets me type, sketch a note or make a voice note all from a clean looking 4X1 widget.
Also, if you haven't tried it, find the galaxy tab mail client apk in a thread in apps and themes. It's the best email client I have ever used because it is totally centered around juggling multiple email accounts.
I deal with a lot of PDF documents and am using adobe from the market to view them. It is the best app I have found for working with large files. It is just lacking the ability to make drawn notes on the PDF such as circling, highlighting, blackking out. If I could do my revision remarks and editing from my gtab... damn I really would not need to use my work computer again, no seriously, ever
Sent from my Chromatic Magic using XDA Premium App
What are the options for connecting to exchange? I don't think the galaxy or Adam apps support it. How does touchdowns tablet interface work?
Sent from my UPC300-2.2 using Tapatalk
MSU_Sparty said:
I haven't read many posts that actually describe how people use their GTabs. I have the impression that most people are using them for entertainment. I need to use mine for business purposes, mostly because all of my colleagues are using iPads but I couldn't bring myself to join Appleland. I'm still wondering if I made the right decision.
Anyway, what I did to make this work for my day to day needs is the following:
1. Installed Clockwork Mod to reset the partition as people in this forum have written.
2. Flashed NVFlash which removed Clockwork Mod and put me back into stock mode. I assume (but don't know for sure) that it preserved the partition sizes.
3. I added the Stock Enhancement mod listed elsewhere in the forum.
4. I added the Market Fix which is listed here elsewhere too.
5. I added Documents to Go which costs a few bucks but seems to be the best product for creating, editing and viewing Microsoft documents, PowerPoints, etc. I also use this on my DroidX.
6. I added Touchdown by NitroDesk which costs a few bucks too but is what I'm using on my DroidX to keep my mail synced with my office Exchange server.
7. I added the Kindle application because I think it's the best for tablet, plus I use it on my DroidX too and it allows multiple devices to be configured to a single account, letting me share my books with myself on these 2 devices.
8. I put my DroidX in Hotspot mode when I need a wireless connection and none is available or what's available costs too much. The GTab connects to it without a hitch so it's almost like having built-in 3G.
9. I have a Freedom Universal Bluetooth keyboard that I got for my DroidX which also works fine with the GTab. To be redundant, I also have a silicone USB keyboard which works fine with both devices too.
10. I have the dock so I can situate the tablet more conveniently but I have to say I don't use it much as it doesn't have a charging capability and the leather case I got from iTSteve (www.electroniccrap.com) puts it in a similar position and looks professional.
This seems like a lot of changes when I list them but they really were pretty easy to put in place and they allow me to do everything others do with their iPads.
I have concluded that nobody will ever catch up with the iPad in terms of users as they had more than a full year headstart on all competitors and grossed something like $20 billion in sales. But my GTab can do all of the things the iPad can do and more and more quickly. People complain about the GTab's screen but it's been like anything else I have in that I just position it so I can use it properly and I'm all set. It doesn't seem to be a detriment.
If there are other business users reading the forum who have figured out other ways they can use their GTab as laptop and iPad replacement, I'd be happy to read their postings here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was using mine as a business tool before I loaded firmware 5.0 aka brickware on to it. Now I have a flashlight that throws me the bird when I turn it on.
Avoid 5.0 brickware, I fell for the Viewsonic firmware line thinking it was a mere UI enhancement, driver and other hardware component tweak instead beta crapware. I've been computing along time and never had a piece of firmware brick a device.
Hopefully when the store I bought it from gets it back they aren't able to unbrick it. My c-panel info was in it for easy access along with other proprietary info. G Tab had turned out to be quite a good business tool. Notice I used pass tense. It's done because of firmware lol 5.0.
It is not fair you blame 5.0. No one forces you to update to this ROM, and there are a lot of warnings in the first post of the thread.
I understand you are frustrated but Devs are doing a great job and at the end allowing us to have a Gtab usefull for business
BR
First of all it said "firmware" not rom. I do know the difference and it said exactly "viewsonic firmware update." Before I touched it I read the entire post. I wasn't looking to change my rom, however, firmware is something different. It usually enhances the use-ability of the product. This is not my first rodeo.
Not frustrated--pissed. Let me know when you are beta testing on me. Don't wrap it in another blanket and expect me to feel cozy. Some of the post do say "experimental or bleeding edge." Everyone gets that.
Now I have to take the brick back to the store I got it from and get another. I was smart enough to get their extended warranty plan.
ecejdt said:
It is not fair you blame 5.0. No one forces you to update to this ROM, and there are a lot of warnings in the first post of the thread.
I understand you are frustrated but Devs are doing a great job and at the end allowing us to have a Gtab usefull for business
BR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI not mad at the devs, I walked right into that door. On my new one I won't be. Whatever is on there is what I will be using. This was a learning experience. I emailed them about being a little clearer on what they are offering up. Some people here may not be able to eat the cost or go get another one under warranty.
I'm pissed because I had it nicely tweaked as a business tool. This was the last thing I would have expected as a result of a firmware update. Knowing it was a ROM I would have optioned out.
I am using VEGAn 5.1.1 and it has the android exchange sync built in unlike the stock rom. I was using Docs to go but switched to Quick office due to the dropbox access and Docs to go does not use my headers in my bid forms correctly and Quick office does. I use Synctoy to sync my docs to Dropbox so I can get them on my Evo or my Gtab.
opnsrcaddict said:
What are the options for connecting to exchange? I don't think the galaxy or Adam apps support it. How does touchdowns tablet interface work?
Sent from my UPC300-2.2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TouchDown offers either automatic push or manually initiated synchronization between your device (GTab, Phone, etc.) and the Exchange server. It uses whatever connection you have--WiFi or 3G or other. Obviously on the GTab, it's WiFi.
You have all of the typical options available to treat what happens on your GTab as independent from the desktop, superior, subordinate or totally synced. There are tons of options for notifications and display settings too.
There are 2 specific reasons I got Touchdown. It supports pinch and spread to change the size of email text and you can mark appointments as private. Neither of those options exist on the standard mail client--which I think is a pretty stupid omission. Whether it's really worth spending money on, I don't know but it's worked for me.
If you visit the Nitrodesk web site, you can read more details about the product. They let you try it out for 30 days for free with all functions turned on. After that, you have to delete or purchase the unlock key.
Good luck.
edirector said:
FYI not mad at the devs, I walked right into that door. On my new one I won't be. Whatever is on there is what I will be using. This was a learning experience. I emailed them about being a little clearer on what they are offering up. Some people here may not be able to eat the cost or go get another one under warranty.
I'm pissed because I had it nicely tweaked as a business tool. This was the last thing I would have expected as a result of a firmware update. Knowing it was a ROM I would have optioned out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aren't you the same guy who basically threatened this website for being 'Rude'. that you would post about your experience here on your 'High traffic website' and complain to viewsonic??
Quite frankly, you should learn to take a little more time and *READ*. You should *START* with the title of the thread ... you know... where is says '[STICKY][ROM]...'
/Rant
Then you can move on to the fact that this is an enthusiasts and development site. Not VS customer service. nor is it the official repository for any VS software. if you can't be bothered to read all of the instructions and warnings of toying with these devices, then don't blame anyone but yourself.
I would venture to say that nearly everyone on this board had bricked or screwed up their device in one way or another. We did so knowing of the possibilities, and in nearly all cases, we read up enough on the process to fix it.
/Rant
Wow... talk about a thread hijacking.
Now back to the OP's post. I could link up my corporate Exchange account with the default mail client in VEGAn b5.1.1 but in the end I decided not to on the gTab as this allows the corporate admins to access your gTab remotely "for security purposes". I did set the corp Exchange account on my Droid X though. And even though the company issued me an iPhone 4 (along with the seldom used iPad) I can't deal with that small screen on the iPhone after I've been using my Droid X with it's much bigger screen.
As for Steve at electroniccrap.com, he has been a great source of gTab accessories and I plan on buying one of the new "clip" style folio cases when they arrive. Even though it's white it seems like a really elegant case on par with cases for iPads.
edirector said:
FYI not mad at the devs, I walked right into that door. On my new one I won't be. Whatever is on there is what I will be using. This was a learning experience. I emailed them about being a little clearer on what they are offering up. Some people here may not be able to eat the cost or go get another one under warranty.
I'm pissed because I had it nicely tweaked as a business tool. This was the last thing I would have expected as a result of a firmware update. Knowing it was a ROM I would have optioned out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to hijack further, but by "them" he meant me. So I will respond here, since I hadn't seen this thread until just now.
I think my post is VERY clear. I do use firmware and ROM interchangeably, that's true. Firmware is probably the better name, but the bottom line here is that this is not an official Viewsonic update, it's a altered firmware where you are taking the risk and there is no guarantees that something might not go terribly wrong. I state this clearly in my TNT Lite post, so in all honesty I don't know what else you would have liked me to do other than just pull TNT Lite completely.
I'm sorry to hear that your device is bricked and you cannot get it fixed. But if you've been reading the posts from the last several days I've probably spent more time on supporting TNT Lite than supporting my day job. So when I hear comments that I'm not making my TNT Lite post clear enough, I just have to scratch my head. There are a lot of very smart users on the board and they have been able to help ME out when my own knowledge is lacking, such as with Windows 7 nvflash instructions. My first post is long, but it's long for a reason and when I wrote "If you have any doubts, please consider holding off instead of just throwing caution to the wind" and "Use At Your Own Risk", I don't know how much clearer you want it than that.
It seems like your beef is that calling this a ROM makes this more risky than calling it firmware, in your eyes. I couldn't disagree more. If we want to nitpick on wording, firmware usually resides in a ROM and altering it is ALWAYS a risk (even from a supported vendor). They usually make you agree to that nice big EULA before you proceed, for example. ROM is more hardware based but I've used it interchangeably given how it's worded here in XDA. TNT Lite really doesn't replace the ROM, it is a firmware change - bootloader, kernel, system etc. But again, that doesn't mean it's not risky.
I'm a sysadmin - I update firmware all the time on servers. Don't tell me it's not risky because HP would disagree with you - they have redundant firmware built into their servers because sometimes things go wrong. If you don't want to take on any risk, please do not use my alternate firmware when you get that GTAB replacement - you might want to just stick with stock.
roebeet said:
Not to hijack further, but by "them" he meant me. So I will respond here, since I hadn't seen this thread until just now.
I think my post is VERY clear. I do use firmware and ROM interchangeably, that's true. Firmware is probably the better name, but the bottom line here is that this is not an official Viewsonic update, it's a altered firmware where you are taking the risk and there is no guarantees that something might not go terribly wrong. I state this clearly in my TNT Lite post, so in all honesty I don't know what else you would have liked me to do other than just pull TNT Lite completely.
I'm sorry to hear that your device is bricked and you cannot get it fixed. But if you've been reading the posts from the last several days I've probably spent more time on supporting TNT Lite than supporting my day job. So when I hear comments that I'm not making my TNT Lite post clear enough, I just have to scratch my head. There are a lot of very smart users on the board and they have been able to help ME out when my own knowledge is lacking, such as with Windows 7 nvflash instructions. My first post is long, but it's long for a reason and when I wrote "If you have any doubts, please consider holding off instead of just throwing caution to the wind" and "Use At Your Own Risk", I don't know how much clearer you want it than that.
It seems like your beef is that calling this a ROM makes this more risky than calling it firmware, in your eyes. I couldn't disagree more. If we want to nitpick on wording, firmware usually resides in a ROM and altering it is ALWAYS a risk (even from a supported vendor). They usually make you agree to that nice big EULA before you proceed, for example. ROM is more hardware based but I've used it interchangeably given how it's worded here in XDA. TNT Lite really doesn't replace the ROM, it is a firmware change - bootloader, kernel, system etc. But again, that doesn't mean it's not risky.
I'm a sysadmin - I update firmware all the time on servers. Don't tell me it's not risky because HP would disagree with you - they have redundant firmware built into their servers because sometimes things go wrong. If you don't want to take on any risk, please do not use my alternate firmware when you get that GTAB replacement - you might want to just stick with stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently you did not read my post. Had no issue with you the developers, just the clarity of the post. I was on here one day when an official Viewsonic post was posted here. It stated such. Only found out about this site from their support site. Don't have an android phone but a smart phone and I belong to that community forum. However, I sourced it out, there is no manufacturer link nor a manufacturer posting comments to that forum.
In addition, they were giving out tips and tweaks, jail breaks and everything else but I bought my phone jailbroken. That being said, thanks on the clarity of what you do. Most of the time it is clear cut in the heading. I didn't have a custom rom because I didn't want one but there were still some other good reading and tips. By the way, nice forum. My cell forum takes a slightly different approach. Everything is seriously laid out in no uncertain terms. The best clear cut approach I have ever seen for a forum.
The problem if there was one, is with VS giving this link. I've read a few posts were the ambiguity was apparent. We are being lead to believe there is some interconnectivity. Despite the fact they are driving up your site traffic they should be paying you at least a stipend for all your work in progressing their product. You spend more time "babysitting and coddling" their customers then they do. I agree there is always some risk with change of any kind. I was thinking drivers and use-ability change not ROM. Thanks for your post.
edirector said:
Apparently you did not read my post. Had no issue with you the developers, just the clarity of the post. I was on here one day when an official Viewsonic post was posted here. It stated such. Only found out about this site from their support site. Don't have an android phone but a smart phone and I belong to that community forum. However, I sourced it out, there is no manufacturer link nor a manufacturer posting comments to that forum.
In addition, they were giving out tips and tweaks, jail breaks and everything else but I bought my phone jailbroken. That being said, thanks on the clarity of what you do. Most of the time it is clear cut in the heading. I didn't have a custom rom because I didn't want one but there were still some other good reading and tips. By the way, nice forum. My cell forum takes a slightly different approach. Everything is seriously laid out in no uncertain terms. The best clear cut approach I have ever seen for a forum.
The problem if there was one, is with VS giving this link. I've read a few posts were the ambiguity was apparent. We are being lead to believe there is some interconnectivity. Despite the fact they are driving up your site traffic they should be paying you at least a stipend for all your work in progressing their product. You spend more time "babysitting and coddling" their customers then they do. I agree there is always some risk with change of any kind. I was thinking drivers and use-ability change not ROM. Thanks for your post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, in the space of a few posts, you managed to go after a developer on this site, the content of his posts and the site itself.
People like you amaze me and are indicative of the problems with society today. How about taking some responsibility for your own actions. You chose to do something. Too bad it didn't work out, but you have no one but yourself to blame.
To blame Roebeet is absurd. Frankly, to blame anyone but yourself is incredible. I have been on this site for quite a while through at least three phones. I have always known that flashing could brick my device. To say you didn't understand the consequences means you are either fooling yourself or you are plain stupid.
ptgptg said:
So, in the space of a few posts, you managed to go after a developer on this site, the content of his posts and the site itself.
People like you amaze me and are indicative of the problems with society today. How about taking some responsibility for your own actions. You chose to do something. Too bad it didn't work out, but you have no one but yourself to blame.
To blame Roebeet is absurd. Frankly, to blame anyone but yourself is incredible. I have been on this site for quite a while through at least three phones. I have always known that flashing could brick my device. To say you didn't understand the consequences means you are either fooling yourself or you are plain stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is what I post to Robeet your business? Stay in your lane. Stay in your lane. Read the other posts. Let's not be disingenuous here. We get that with "bleeding edge and experimental" being clearly outlined.
What part of Viewsonic didn't you get? Why even link from their site to this one? What happened to their own legitimate after purchase product support site?
You have a self esteem problem, it is evidenced by your posts. And, what does the manufacturer providing adequate after purchase support have to do with you? How is this site always the victim? Must be guilt you are adding into your responses. Get a grip.
What I am reading is product owners trying to better their products and find solutions.
MSU_Sparty said:
TouchDown offers either automatic push or manually initiated synchronization between your device (GTab, Phone, etc.) and the Exchange server. It uses whatever connection you have--WiFi or 3G or other. Obviously on the GTab, it's WiFi.
You have all of the typical options available to treat what happens on your GTab as independent from the desktop, superior, subordinate or totally synced. There are tons of options for notifications and display settings too.
There are 2 specific reasons I got Touchdown. It supports pinch and spread to change the size of email text and you can mark appointments as private. Neither of those options exist on the standard mail client--which I think is a pretty stupid omission. Whether it's really worth spending money on, I don't know but it's worked for me.
If you visit the Nitrodesk web site, you can read more details about the product. They let you try it out for 30 days for free with all functions turned on. After that, you have to delete or purchase the unlock key.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you get the beta, I don't think stable works with gtab
Sent from my GTablet-TnT-Lite using Tapatalk
Using any tablet for business is funny stuff.. Quit dragging ass and get back into the office.. for remote administration stuff.. my G2 kicks the **** out of the gtab.. because it has a keyboard.... which can be mapped correctly (unlike using a windows based usb kb on a gtab).
May be I'm posting in the wrong section..
The idea is:
We know the developers here are pretty smart people, and we all want our tablet run faster, better, smoother...
How many people will be agree to pay/donate to Xda team to develop a custom fully-functional, tested rom with "support" for us ?!
Let's say 100 ppl pay/donate $10 for custom android 3.0 rom for g-tablet. $1000 usd is reasonable price to have cool rom running, don't you think ?
This would be a cool benefit for the "users" and cool help for developers.
Any ideas?
Im in! I have been thinking of a way to say thanks. And whats better than money?
I have been working on a hand made leather personalized case for roobeet and i lmost have a functional prototype finnished but this would be for all the devs.
No point to it cause the developers here are already working on Android 6.5 (Double butter fudge salty nipples) Rom. No point in them going backwards.
Interesting point of view, Sm0k3d 0uT, still,i would pay for a fully functional rom.
try using the search function to find out why it ain't gonna happen.
it not about the money Honeycomb source is not out yet so there is no way to make a good rom right now. it would be a frankinstein rom and would probalby run like crap
It's not about Honeycomb. It was just and example.
I'm interested in your opinion. Will you pay for a custom build tested rom or not ? And would be nice to hear and answer form a developer, will our "support" help or not
Don't interpret usually getting better bundled apps in a specific roms with needing a specific rom to get better apps. Most roms do a fine job with running on the g-tablet as is. As for the apps, the market it there. The main issue with Android tablets so far it the lack of Tablet-friendly applications. Take angry birds and pulse news reader, they run just as well on a g-tablet foyo based rom as they do on honeycomb. In the end, the version of the OS itself really does not make or break a tablet.
There is room for improving the way we can navigate the OS on an Android tablet, and Honeycomb is a first step to address that and that will eventually be available outside of the xoom.
In the end, if you ask me, I would really prefer to have more tablet apps than a tablet-centric menu system.
I can actually respond, as a modder (I don't really call myself a developer)
I personally wouldn't accept the offer, and I will explain why -- most of us do this for fun and, even though we take the users requests and advise seriously, ultimately it's our ROM, with out own "vision". A perfect example is TNT Lite - I've had some really wacky requests on either extreme, but since I "own" the ROM ultimately I can make the decision on whether something stays or goes.
I do accept general "buy me a beer" donations, but so far no one has taken that as an opportunity to force my hand on a ROM change. Or asked me to give them personal support "above and beyond" like calling them directly (except once, and that person actually didn't donate - he just wanted phone service. Not kidding).
But even if the coffer were high and I was the only one working on it, I would not accept it because post-support is MUCH more difficult than just creating a mod. I really appreciate the power users here who handle a lot of the questions that drop in the site and actually help me to alleviate that support burden. I work in Operations and did customer service for many years, so I know how difficult this can be.
The last issue is that users will never agree on what changes to make. One will want a stock music player, one will want the one he liked on the Archos, and another would want the music player removed because music reminds him of his ex-girlfriend so he's eradicated music from his life. It would just be too stressful and would not be fun anymore. So I appreciate the offer, but I would not participate.
Btw, there's already a big coffer over at notioinkhacks.com to get a HC port working - so far, no one's managed it.
Sm0k3d 0uT said:
try using the search function to find out why it ain't gonna happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably meant it for a different reason, but it's actually valid just to gauge the different opinions that the userbase has on certain things that they would want.
I'm sure to whom ever develops the first fully functional HC ROM, that dev will get their donations or at least should get some donations. However, I'm sure none of the devs would be comfortable taking donations promising to build a HC Rom when they know it can't be done at this time. Also, I'm pretty sure as devs they have tried to get a HC Rom ported to our gtablets. Most of these devs live for that type of accomplishment and challenges.
Don't get me wrong, I know your idea is a postive one and I'm all for it. But most of the roms that's are in the development section are already fully functional and all the devs deserve our donations.
Edit: See above. you notice how humble our modders/developers are. They all have high integrity which to me shows that I can trust that if and when HC is available for a custom Rom...they'll get it to us as soon as possible.
roebeet said:
I can actually respond, as a modder (I don't really call myself a developer)
I personally wouldn't accept the offer, and I will explain why -- most of us do this for fun and, even though we take the users requests and advise seriously, ultimately it's our ROM, with out own "vision". A perfect example is TNT Lite - I've had some really wacky requests on either extreme, but since I "own" the ROM ultimately I can make the decision on whether something stays or goes.
I do accept general "buy me a beer" donations, but so far no one has taken that as an opportunity to force my hand on a ROM change. Or asked me to give them personal support "above and beyond" like calling them directly (except once, and that person actually didn't donate - he just wanted phone service. Not kidding).
But even if the coffer were high and I was the only one working on it, I would not accept it because post-support is MUCH more difficult than just creating a mod. I really appreciate the power users here who handle a lot of the questions that drop in the site and actually help me to alleviate that support burden. I work in Operations and did customer service for many years, so I know how difficult this can be.
The last issue is that users will never agree on what changes to make. One will want a stock music player, one will want the one he liked on the Archos, and another would want the music player removed because music reminds him of his ex-girlfriend so he's eradicated music from his life. It would just be too stressful and would not be fun anymore. So I appreciate the offer, but I would not participate.
Btw, there's already a big coffer over at notioinkhacks.com to get a HC port working - so far, no one's managed it.
You probably meant it for a different reason, but it's actually valid just to gauge the different opinions that the userbase has on certain things that they would want.
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Click to collapse
First of all - Thanks for this answer.
But I guess my question was not "clear"
I understand and agree with all points you've pointed.
Few other points:
1. You do this for fun, but we use your project not only for fun.
2. Your "fun" requires time. time = money.
3. Your rom is much better than the one that comes with the tablet
4. Without making money of it - you'll not be able to spend more time on it and make it better.
etc etc..
support: I'm not talking about customer support, taking calls and mails. We'r talking about questions like "what can i do if my tablet doesn't turn on. How to do recovery, etc..", questions you already answered posted in one single topic.
Still gonna be the same: There is a custom built rom, with pre-installed applications, FULLY functional for your tablet (can be with user requested apps if you find them useful) with latest drivers. Who doesn't like it - you're free to install the original that comes with the tablet.
Basically the idea is: give support to the developers (and yes, you are) with money, so they can spend more time on rom's, that we all are using. Make them better (anything get's better with more time spent on it) What do you think?
Like Roebeet said devs do this for fun. But like we did on the mt4g boards to start up development I would gladly put money towards a pot to buy a GTab for more great devs to come from other devices. you can never have enough devs and different flavors of roms.
On a side not I would love to see a group of devs create there own rom kinda like the MIUI team did they went completely outside the box. I dont mean I would want MIUI on my Gtab but a completely fresh idea, not just a port.
truthkillszz said:
On a side not I would love to see a group of devs create there own rom kinda like the MIUI team did they went completely outside the box. I dont mean I would want MIUI on my Gtab but a completely fresh idea, not just a port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Our thoughts converge. I already spoke once about it
ok well, Just inviting few beers to roebeet for Tnt Lite Thanks !
I have seen some threads for kids apps. I am interested in finding/building a kids ROM.
My child has a prepaid SIM card and RAZR to be used for certain situations. I would want to be able to let my child carry the phone all the time but restrict what numbers could be called.
So my idea, which can't be an original one, is leverage Android power to install a rooted ROM but run in user mode when I give it to my child. User mode could restrict calling to the phone book only or restrict wi-fi/data access; basically anything that you wanted to restrict or remove. Maybe there could be a ROM builder.
I have many scenarios in mind but maybe they could all be solved by software apps instead of getting into a custom ROM? I'm tech savvy, but haven't ever done a ROM. If the answer is to develop a custom ROM, what device should I choose that would get the most community support? I figure it would be a low end phone, since the point is to make a children's rom.
May I ask how old is your child?
[Sig] dId you know? If you Insert a Coin on your Desire, then it levels up to HD, Z or S :[/Sig]
i was thinking of my son when you mentioned this, it is a great i dea, and i also thought if the original att kid's phone that was out a few years back. it was revamped and it sucked. but good luck on either building one or have some one make one ( put a bounty on it?)
Phones and ROMs
My child is 8 years old. I figure in a few years that it would be fine, but it seems like there would be more of a market for this.
I would put up a bounty for it but I'd prefer to make this a community effort too.
So I will change tack here and ask what the best ROM might be for me to start with and what phones might be recommended? I'm figuring that CM would be easiest to start with, generically?
Thoughts?
I think that is a very good idea.
A good part of that could be accoimplished with a kids theme on an existing ROM.
im sorry but the RAZR is a dumb-phone! it doesnt support 3rd party modding. im afraid you are mistaking the word 'ROM' and actually don't know what it means! You will have no luck finding such ROM for the RAZR... A bootloader of any sort does not exist!
You need a smartphone if you want such a job done, but it requires a investment into a smartphone which are generally more expensive and not intended for 'kids'
I understand...
@olyloh6696: Thanks for looking in on the thread!
You misunderstood what I was explaining. She _currently_ has a RAZR. I want to figure out what the best GSM _android_ phone would be to do the project I'm describing would be. I would of course have to get the new phone; I do understand that the RAZR does not support android (dumbphone).
Any thoughts on phone model or something out there like this already?
rykerwilliams said:
@olyloh6696: Thanks for looking in on the thread!
You misunderstood what I was explaining. She _currently_ has a RAZR. I want to figure out what the best GSM _android_ phone would be to do the project I'm describing would be. I would of course have to get the new phone; I do understand that the RAZR does not support android (dumbphone).
Any thoughts on phone model or something out there like this already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi
well i guess the best option for a relatively cheap phone (that has android) is the zte blade (in my sig) it is a british phone, but gsm, so i think it should work in the us. if you read reviews for it, it has specs of the desire, nexus one, etc in a cheap budget range. read some revies on it! it also cost £100. Not sure what your budget is though. before you set out to buy the phone, you may need to look up a rom that supports the requirements you want, or you could request one/build your own.
good luck
Unrelated, but the RAZR does support modding lol. Back in the day, pre-Android, I used to hack the hell out of my Razr. There's even a hidden feature called Club Lights that uses the phone's microphone to detect music and make the lights on the phone go with the beat. Youtube it.
That's a great idea... it would be great on a tablet too.
I'm always worried that my son is going to click around in the market and download tons of apps without know it.
Remove Dialer.app, replace with custom Dialer.app
Is the source for the Dialer.app known, i.e. part of the main trunk of the Android sources? I was just thinking that it might not be too hard to just modify that original source to limit it only to the "contacts" tab, that way you can only call the contacts tab.
Another feature I thought of is using some kind of Dynamic DNS client to be able to dial in to the phone.
I was thinking that there could be a "phone home" app that would call home and report the currently used minutes and GPS coordinates, or similar.
Just trying to get the features set worked out and find out if there is existing apps that do this stuff.
2018, quick google search for Kids Custom ROM.... dead thread no progress. There is definitely a market for this, since it's easy to shove a phone into an OtterBox like case and let them have at it with safe guards. My kid has had an Ipad since age 2 without issue. Now she asks for my phone on occasion (years later). It would be easier to just take a custom ROM shove it on a cheap device and give it to her.
Sure, I am a minority, definitely but I can't consider myself the only person who would want to do this.
This is what I'm looking for my child. I'm a software engeneer but I've never works on Android. I think it's not a great works for an Android developer.
I'll follow this post for news.
digging this one up again. anyway to take something like at Nexux 5x and put a totally stripped down version of android on it to achieve something like the lightphone?
nvrpunk said:
2018, quick google search for Kids Custom ROM.... dead thread no progress. There is definitely a market for this, since it's easy to shove a phone into an OtterBox like case and let them have at it with safe guards. My kid has had an Ipad since age 2 without issue. Now she asks for my phone on occasion (years later). It would be easier to just take a custom ROM shove it on a cheap device and give it to her.
Sure, I am a minority, definitely but I can't consider myself the only person who would want to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Per capita, there are very few people that actually root or flash custom ROMs, the number of kids that could/would use such a ROM is even less than that, this means it is not worth a developers time and hard work to build a ROM for this purpose, especially considering the plethora of different devices out there in the world. There would not be enough kids using "this" or "that" device with "this" or "that" custom ROM. To be as convenient for kids as what you are asking about, there would have to be a "kids ROM" for a large number of devices. This is not a reasonable expectation by any standard.
Add to that, the fact that rooting devices and flashing ROMs can quickly go bad if the user is not familiar with certain aspects of using a device that is rooted or flashed with a custom ROM, this makes for some rather difficult issues to solve due to user error, ignorance and inexperience of the user.
If you want a "safe" or "basic" ROM for a device, you'll have to learn how to build it yourself because I can promise you that no developer is willing to put that much time and effort into building ROMs that will only be used by a small number of users.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Hi,
Not sure if I could phrase my question right (or posting in the right place) but,
I am really looking forward to getting a TF700 as my first tablet (and android!). But after stalking the infinity forum for the last month or so, I am beginning to feel that using an android tablet is quite complicated....
If anyone could just point me to a place where I can read up more about how I would go about tweaking my android device (like rooting? flashing? etc,) so that I could assess if it is too difficult for me to get the most out of the device if i purchase it, it would be very much appreciated!
First:
state what are your needs, what do you plan to do with the tablet?
DarsVaeda said:
First:
state what are your needs, what do you plan to do with the tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm,
Note taking, movies, and games! (I heard there is an emulator for the dungeon and dragon arcade game? hmm). :laugh:
It is also nice that the android tablets can be customised with widgets and what not too.
First, my 3 year olds can do what you just said you need to do. You don't NEED to mod your device in order to use it for almost everything out there. After you use Android for awhile you begin to develope this sickness where you just gotta fck with your device to see what not it can do, but what you can do too. Don't fear the device. If you can manage to download an app and move files onto a removeable SD card then you already can do almost anything with the pad. Right now there is little reason to root the device. Eventually there will be custom ROMs available and at that point you may want to play around with it, but for now watching movies and playing games and doing notes and such is easily done. I have lots of kid games, coloring apps, and cartoons for my kids to watch on all my devices, and as I said they are only 3.
riightt,
I was under the impression that knowledge of how these work is required to really make the tablet awesome.
If I may ask another question,
You mentioned " Eventually there will be custom ROMs available ".
These are unique to the particular device? To utilise this, i figure i would have to learn how to "root" the device isn't it? Is the methods specific to a device too?
Pardon the ignorance, I tried searching up a little but the tide of information available is a little overwhelming :silly:
utorz said:
riightt,
I was under the impression that knowledge of how these work is required to really make the tablet awesome.
If I may ask another question,
You mentioned " Eventually there will be custom ROMs available ".
These are unique to the particular device? To utilise this, i figure i would have to learn how to "root" the device isn't it? Is the methods specific to a device too?
Pardon the ignorance, I tried searching up a little but the tide of information available is a little overwhelming :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are certain rooting methods for certain devices, as well as specific roms. if this your first tablet (or first time using an android device), i would hold off on rooting until you get a little more familiar with it. I have two daughters, 8 and 5, they took over my xoom so much, that i had to buy them their own tablets. They had no problems figuring out how to do things, from watching movies, listening to music, reading and playing games. its all quite simple. It will probably only take you a few hours to get used to the ins and outs.
I see,
I guess these methods will appear in this forum for tf700 eh. So at least when the time comes i would know where to check
I've been rooting and roming since the first android phone the G1. Now ROM availability is a huge factor for me because I know the OS inside and out where there is very little learning involved. But if you jump into a new realm and try doing crazy stuff right off you'll be in for a harsh reality. So like you said, it'all be awhile so buy the tablet and learn about it first. Sometimes it'll be exactly how you want it without having to mod at all.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Sound advice.
Thanks!
Now to wait for the tablet to be sold at where I am at...
If online purchase is an option, go for it. It may be a couple weeks before stores can stock them on the shelves. Perhaps longer depending on your location.
delivery option to my location will be quite hefty unfortunately So I will have to wait!
But news from asus states that it will arrive end july :laugh:
Oh, is there a way to figure out whether a certain app require you to fiddle around with the tablet or not?
utorz said:
Oh, is there a way to figure out whether a certain app require you to fiddle around with the tablet or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you go to download the app from the market, the description will usually tell you if root is required.
right, thanks!
The short version:
Let's get Google to change the market incompatibility from "You can't have this," to "Are you sure...?" Because quite honestly why waste precious minutes downloading an APK from some unknown source that for all you know could be tempered with and wind up ****ing up your device.
The teal deer version:
There are now numerous threads regarding this issue and I think it's time we had one that was the central place for us to discuss this issue as it's too scattered about and so far all attempts at remedying the issue have been either in vain or temporary. We shouldn't have to suffer so much over something so unnecessary.
The idea is sound, sure, but its ways of going about doing so are very wrong. In the event that an app doesn't work as expected, or at least in suspicion of such, it need only be noted as a warning to the user. So instead of seeing that black bar stating that we can't have app X and have the install button disabled, we should see that same black bar but with a warning and the install button enabled irregardless.
If big brother is worried that because the app is known to have issues on our devices then they need only to disable the ability to rate the app for that specific user. But that's about it, as it's fairer to both parties involved. We shouldn't have to go through the hassle of having to have to keep looking for ways around something that only goes to further slow down progress, or downloading and installing APK files every time there's an update to our apps (some of which were paid for)!
We need to attack the disease at its source rather than treat the symptoms.
What the issue is basically is that "power" users prefer to use tweaked settings that the market doesn't like despite the fact that those same apps Google deems incompatible, when installed as APKs, actually work flawlessly.
I figured we should have this thread focus on the following issues:
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1. Have something of a Database (or at least a simple list for now) of all the apps that El Goog doesn't want us to install. Just to emphasize the issue as there are quite a bit of apps that work flawlessly and appear in the market, while others aren't (in some cases without the developer's own wishes or knowledge for that matter). And we then label them as working 100% perfectly well or buggy under conditions Y and Z.
We make the list of all apps that are known to be incompatible and actually are! So far I've not encountered a single one. And I've been using my freak device with its freaky settings for a year+ now.
2. This is something I'm still thinking about and am not 100% sure if should be done. Start a petition on Change.org and bring this to big brother's attention as he tends to ignore the little guy. In numbers there's strength.
3. Get a list of app developers who are aware of the issue and support our cause. The reason for three is because I've been in contact with one app developer who was turned down by big brother after pursuing help with this issue because they "don't provide support for custom roms." And it's OK that they don't, as it's reasonable enough. But give us the option of opting out if you think it's wise to, and opt in even if it might cause issue. We're adults for god's sake.
4. Make a list of currently available solutions to fix the so-called 'feature' while we're waiting for an actual fix.
I'll keep this post as updated as I can with the latest known and consistently updated fixes for this 'bug'. Yeah, I said it.
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So far every single app I used worked flawlessly on my I9100 running CM10 with DorimanX custom kernel. I've set the DPI to 160 and I can't imagine myself going back to anything above that. And to emphasize, I've had these setting (or at least the DPI and CM) for so long now (about a year) that I forget sometimes that I'm using something that isn't exactly 'standard', per se.
I mean, if you can live with the default dpi then that's cool, good for you. But I've had a taste of the forbidden fruit, and now I can't go back. . . .
I'm not going to start crusading just yet. First I'd like your, the community of XDA, input on this issue before we do anything. If you have any suggestions or criticism you'd like to share with us, I'd like to hear it, personally. For I may be wrong about the whole thing. Call it, lacking in confidence.
Thank you.
Reserved, just in case.
Also reserved, just in case.
Well this is fantastic. Congrats on the nerve for writing this freakishly long post. That's what I was thinking since the moment I encountered "I'm sorry, but we think this won't work as planned on your device and we deem you stupid enough to make wrong choices, so we'll just put this install button on this shelf right here, where you can't reach it" error.
However, I just said screw it, there's tons of sites where I can just download what I want without anyone questioning my motives and whether it will work or not. Never thought of it as a big deal, just as a tougher way of doing stuff, but not much I can do about it.
To get to the point, I support this cause, will sign whatever I need to sign, but am to lazy to start it myself Just wanted to give you some support. If you're willing to put some more time into this, maybe this is the beggining of a revolution! Revolution of geeks with custom DPIs! But it's still something damn it!
Cheers mate!
Sent from my Desire HD using xda app-developers app
Thank you, Uros. I was happy to read your reply.
It seems that there is no interest in this, however. Very unfortunate, but I suppose if this is what the people want. . . . It was worth a try.
Thanks for your effort.
I am rather curious to know if this is because people were going "tl;dr" or they're genuinely not interested in having this issue fixed. I just need to know so that I could make the proper adjustments.
Granted, it would take a bit longer, but as Goethe said, "I apologize in advance, had I had more time, this letter would be shorter."
Or is it that most people believe that the odds of getting Google to listen to us are too small?
There's a reason why Google won't give us the option to install anyway, just as there's a reason as to why this probably hasn't been noticed by as many people as preferred.
It all comes down to noobs.
Regarding this thread, the noobs are probably coming across this thread and click because they're interested by the title. They see all the text and think "F&#k that!". Unfortunately, that is generally the noob mentality.
Maybe colouring some of the text and spacing it out a little bit more could help the cause, but only time would tell.
Now onto the matter at hand.
I personally don't think Google will allow us to install apps anyway (even though I think they should) because noobs are super dangerous to themselves. In general, noobs won't read which then means that if they go to install an app which isn't compatible and install it anyway, they won't read that it could potentially harm their device.
The other type of user to make a mistake when it comes to installing such apps, would be the general android population. After all, us here on XDA are but a small proportion of Android users globally. Just because we have knowledge about what should and shouldn't be on our devices and how to make things work which shouldn't, the average Android user isn't the same.
They'd probably see the message and simply think "It says it could harm my phone but it's a great phone so nothing will go wrong". That is where problems can then occur.
The noobs and the average android owner would then have mucked up their device in one way or another and would be blaming and complaining to Google (as if it was Google's mistake). That makes it cause more harm than good, hence why I don't think it will happen.
Just my 2 cents, of course
''Silence is golden, but duct tape is silver''