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Anyone have a hands on comparison? Initial reports were that the viewing angles were comparable. Now that everyone seems to have gotten their 101s, opinion is the angles are better on the 101. Anyone here have pros/cons on the two?
xguntherc had a GTab, and now has a 101 - we were chatting earlier today on IRC about it.
The viewing angles are better, but it might be because they flipped the screen. So, when you put it on your desk, you can see it better than the GTab.
roebeet said:
xguntherc had a GTab, and now has a 101 - we were chatting earlier today on IRC about it.
The viewing angles are better, but it might be because they flipped the screen. So, when you put it on your desk, you can see it better than the GTab.
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Click to collapse
dammit i never caught that, turn the gpad upside down and the dam thing looks great laying flat.. son of a.. Why the hell would they do that?
wlawyer said:
dammit i never caught that, turn the gpad upside down and the dam thing looks great laying flat.. son of a.. Why the hell would they do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never noticed as we have full 360/4 step rotation... I actually got used tp my ZT-180s with Button on top and cables coming out bottom as I usually had it plugged in to power and usb/adb... so out of habit that's how I've been holding the GTab except for some apps that refuse to rotate as well as launchers like LauncherPro and ADW... now turning the 'right' way up I can at least see what folks were talking about...
I was curious about this as well. I had been trying to decide between the two but broke down and ordered the G Tablet today. Hopefully I made the right decision.
Originally I heard the screens were the exact same model. Then everyone started getting their tabs on Archosfans.com and said the angles were better. Now that I know we can just turn it around if we need a greater angle.
Not to pile-on the Gtablet, but compared to the 101 8gb (not mine):
1. Display has better viewing angles and more touch responsive.
2. Lighter and comfortable to play accelerometer games with it.
3. Accelerometer works correctly (How Hard Is That Vs?)
4. Microsd seen in storage mode (HHITV?)
5. Microsd and USB drives hot-swappable (HHITV?)
6. USB harddrives (FAT32) actually work and also hot-swappable (HHITV?)
7. Uses 2.1 ATM, so no point in comparing performance. That said, Archos opted for basically an Android vanilla UI (HHITV?)
8. Droid X has 3630 and twice the ram, but is weak compared to the Gtablet for Flash, large CBR and PDF files and PSX gaming. Since the 101 has half the ram of the Droid X, my guess is the Archos 101 will be weaker than the Droid X for performance with 2.2.
Simple solution for me is in the future with the Archos "201" which has the Tegra 2 and 512mb ram Great chipset, but with MUCH better build and FW design effort.
Actually, Acer is apparently releasing a 10" Honeycomb tablet with Tegra 2 in early April.....
I initially chose the GTab over the 101 because it was released first. But, going on my experience with my 32, if I had to choose between the GTab/101 I would choose....
...the GTab. Reasons:
- Easy to root, easy to mod. The Archos, on the other hand, is locked down tight.
- APX mode is awesome. Virtually unbrickable.
- SEARS Outlet. One consumer's lack of knowledge is another one's gain.
- Hardware. Yes, the 101 has better support right now. But the Tegra 2 will eventually eat it for lunch. I think its just a matter of time. Flash, in particular, might be a big issue on a 256MB RAM device.
- Froyo. Archos will get to it eventually but they've already disappointed me with their release delays.
The GTab does have more than a few issues, which we all know. But other than the screen angles and h264 high profile support, these are potentially fixable.
Hardware wise, the Viewsonic beats the Archos. If you go to the official BenchmarkPhi website from the BenchmarkPhi app, you'll notice that there are at least two or three Viewsonic G-tablets in the top 10 fastest device list. I didn't see any Archos 101s. The Tegra 2 ARM chip can run is so powerful, we will soon be able to multi-boot Windows 7, Android, Linux, and even Mac OS X.
rushless said:
Not to pile-on the Gtablet, but compared to the 101 8gb (not mine):
1. Display has better viewing angles and more touch responsive.
2. Lighter and comfortable to play accelerometer games with it.
3. Accelerometer works correctly (How Hard Is That Vs?)
4. Microsd seen in storage mode (HHITV?)
5. Microsd and USB drives hot-swappable (HHITV?)
6. USB harddrives (FAT32) actually work and also hot-swappable (HHITV?)
7. Uses 2.1 ATM, so no point in comparing performance. That said, Archos opted for basically an Android vanilla UI (HHITV?)
8. Droid X has 3630 and twice the ram, but is weak compared to the Gtablet for Flash, large CBR and PDF files and PSX gaming. Since the 101 has half the ram of the Droid X, my guess is the Archos 101 will be weaker than the Droid X for performance with 2.2.
Simple solution for me is in the future with the Archos "201" which has the Tegra 2 and 512mb ram Great chipset, but with MUCH better build and FW design effort.
Actually, Acer is apparently releasing a 10" Honeycomb tablet with Tegra 2 in early April.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed on all counts, but, for tinkers on the forums... most is all fixable.
roebeet said:
I initially chose the GTab over the 101 because it was released first. But, going on my experience with my 32, if I had to choose between the GTab/101 I would choose....
...the GTab. Reasons:
- Easy to root, easy to mod. The Archos, on the other hand, is locked down tight.
- APX mode is awesome. Virtually unbrickable.
- SEARS Outlet. One consumer's lack of knowledge is another one's gain.
- Hardware. Yes, the 101 has better support right now. But the Tegra 2 will eventually eat it for lunch. I think its just a matter of time. Flash, in particular, might be a big issue on a 256MB RAM device.
- Froyo. Archos will get to it eventually but they've already disappointed me with their release delays.
The GTab does have more than a few issues, which we all know. But other than the screen angles and h264 high profile support, these are potentially fixable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, gotta go with Roebeet. nVidia's Tegra2 just puts the smackdown on other available tablets ATM. Plus I think that with flash 256MB of DRAM is going to get a bit cramped, and might offer some difficulties in attempts to upgrade the OS past 2.2.
Software and video playback on the Archos are better ATM, but that seems to me to be exactly what Archos pushes their tablets as: multi-media devices primarily that also happen to be able to function as a tablet. (Sort of like Nook Color, Pandigital Novel, etc. are setup as ereaders w/color screens that also have some extra functionality although in these cases they tend to come with more customized UI making them "look" more like a reader device while Archo left theirs looking like Android, and let's not even talk about TnT... too lengthy for me to go into here.)
Anyways, so far out of Augen Gentouch78, White Pandigital Novel, and gTablet, the gTablet is the ONLY one that I've felt that good about OOB. It is just plain faster and more responsive by FAR than the other two and this is with stock TnT 1.01... (yep, I'm still on stock ATM)
Having owned both the G-Tablet and Archos 101 and doing reviews for both of them at MyTabletLife.com out of the box the Archos 101 wins by far.
With the Archos you get a very capable fast device with the familiar Android interface. Yes with Android 2.1 you cant compare some things, but I think the Archos will only improve with 2.2. My Droid 1 with 256MB or RAM and 600Mhz does just fine with Adobe Flash etc,so I would have to think that the Archos 101 with 1Ghz will be very capable of handling it well.
Viewing angles are much better then the G-Tablet. Though not as good as Galaxy Tab by any means. Neither is the brightness or clarity of the screen.
The Archos 101 is incredibly thin and light which I very much enjoy. I however did like the solid feel of the G-Tablet. Both tablets are well built and I would give a slight edge to the G-Tablet.
Overall expandability and longevity obviously go to the G-Tablet. The development community has worked fast on the G-Tablet and I am unsure if the Archos will have this as Archos had made it difficult in the past.
Right now the G-Tablet is 399 and the Archos 101 8GB is 299,so there is a hundred dollar price difference. I think both devices will be somewhat out of date in just 6 months, so its all about what you want now.....
Thin,light,works great out of box with great media features...
or
Powerful, needs to be tinkered with, good development..
CPG
MyTabletLife.com
Thanks for your detailed report! I have had no experience with the Archos -- I can't find one! -- but I'm no surprised that it would be better OOB. But thanks to roebeet et al the g-tablet is now very useable.
One question about viewing angle:
cpg716 said:
Viewing angles are much better then the G-Tablet. Though not as good as Galaxy Tab by any means. Neither is the brightness or clarity of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried to compare the screen of archos 101 with that of the g-tablet, with the latter **turned 180 degree** around (in landscape)? This was mentioned in one of the threads, and to my untrained eyes it makes a hugh difference -- not ipad good, but very useable. Have you tried that?
We still have the harsh reality that basic things that should work, do not on the Gtablet, but work smooth as butta' on the 101:
1. Accelerometer
2. Hotswap of microsd & USB thumbdrives & hard drives
3. Hard drives (fat23) do not appear to work with the Gtablet
4. Microsd not seen in USB storage mode (should be two logical drives- not just the internal).
5. Bluetooth input devices do not appear to work with TnT.
As far as bad things with the 101, not sure I agree with the 256mb ram not being a constraint (how would it not be?), unless you manage tasks with task manager to help out. Setting system apps to exclude and killing third party app should help.
The one issue that bugs me with the 101 is the soft buttons. They get in the way of apps and no practical way for devs to account for them. Either Archos comes up with a way for them to only pop up when needed, or apps will always be cut off and some soft button controls on some apps are not accessible.
case-sensitive said:
Thanks for your detailed report! I have had no experience with the Archos -- I can't find one! -- but I'm no surprised that it would be better OOB. But thanks to roebeet et al the g-tablet is now very useable.
One question about viewing angle:
Have you tried to compare the screen of archos 101 with that of the g-tablet, with the latter **turned 180 degree** around (in landscape)? This was mentioned in one of the threads, and to my untrained eyes it makes a hugh difference -- not ipad good, but very useable. Have you tried that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've been doing this and there is a big difference. i was sitting in a fixed position at my chair with the g on my desk. just by spinning the g upside down then back around you can tell a major difference. i haven't been able to watch movies this way yet.
do you have a fix for the not rec the SD card and you tube playback
wlawyer said:
dammit i never caught that, turn the gpad upside down and the dam thing looks great laying flat.. son of a.. Why the hell would they do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait......correct me if I m wrong, but your saying take the gtab apart, flip the screen, and we'll have better viewing angles??????
Sent from my G-tab using Tapatalk
Kov695 said:
Wait......correct me if I m wrong, but your saying take the gtab apart, flip the screen, and we'll have better viewing angles??????
Sent from my G-tab using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO TAKING ANYTHING APART -- in landscape mode, just turn your g-tablet around so that the thinner bezel (the one with the camera) faces "down" (i.e. closer to your body).
It means a huge difference in terms of viewing angle. I claim no credit; I found out about this in a recent post but I don't remember where
The Poseidon Adventure move works- better angles. So let us see:
1. No hotswap
2. No USB storage for microsd
3. Accelerometer screwed up
4. LCD panel mounted upside down in relation to standard viewing angles.
Okeedokee
cutterjohn said:
Yep, gotta go with Roebeet. nVidia's Tegra2 just puts the smackdown on other available tablets ATM. Plus I think that with flash 256MB of DRAM is going to get a bit cramped, and might offer some difficulties in attempts to upgrade the OS past 2.2.
Software and video playback on the Archos are better ATM, but that seems to me to be exactly what Archos pushes their tablets as: multi-media devices primarily that also happen to be able to function as a tablet. (Sort of like Nook Color, Pandigital Novel, etc. are setup as ereaders w/color screens that also have some extra functionality although in these cases they tend to come with more customized UI making them "look" more like a reader device while Archo left theirs looking like Android, and let's not even talk about TnT... too lengthy for me to go into here.)
Anyways, so far out of Augen Gentouch78, White Pandigital Novel, and gTablet, the gTablet is the ONLY one that I've felt that good about OOB. It is just plain faster and more responsive by FAR than the other two and this is with stock TnT 1.01... (yep, I'm still on stock ATM)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeepers! If you like the G now, update to TnT Lite 2.0, do the market fix and install the Nvidia patch, you will go into "like" over-drive.
The other issues are too much for me. At least as far as paying $400. get down to $300 and I can put up with more issues.... Assuming they get fixed at some point.
Hello all,
Apologies if this has already been answered already, but I am VERY tempted by the G-Tablet. LOVE the idea of sticking the customs ROMS on there.
I understand that the ROMS are by no means perfect, and I am fine with that. They are ever evolving and I am fine with changing ROMS now and again and trying out new things.
The only thing that has prevented me from making the purchase is the negative reviews of the screen that I have heard - particularly in portrait mode.
Is it really THAT bad? What is it like in portrait? And landscape?
Does anyone have any video or pictures or links to show what the screen looks like, particularly in portrait mode and in landscape too?
Should the screen be the thing that prevents me from buying it? Is it that much of a deal breaker?
Any video, comments or pictures would be greatly appreciated.
I really want to jump on the G-Tablet band wagon, but if the screen is that bad then I guess I will hold off.
Thanks in advance.
I use mine for, among other things, reading digital magazines and comics. In portrait mode the screen is pretty bad and has a 3D sort of effect at certain angles. In landscape mode it looks best when you're viewing it straight on and as your angle gets higher it looks lighter in color, the lower your angle the darker it gets. But I read everything in landscape mode anyway so this doesn't bother me.
For me even with the screen issue, using VEGAn rom beta 5.1, I love this tablet. It's something that I have been enjoying for over a month now rather than other folks "waiting" for something better and not having a tablet at all.
I also have an iPad (company issued) which I hardly ever even turn on (only when I want to keep my little kids busy with the Netflix app).
Once you experience the freedom and the fantastic custom roms our xda folks cook up I'm sure you'll fall in love with this tablet too. With all of the folks that complain about the screen in these forums, almost all of them have still kept their gTabs. That should tell you something.
Search youtube and there's a video showing the gtablets viewing angles. To me its not a deal breaker. I mostly use the tab in ladscape mode even while I'm ereading. Portrait mode is ok but its not a dealbreaker either. I think the tab is fairly price with what you get.
I loathe the screen.
If you happen to have a netbook, there's an easy way to replicate the GTab experience for reading comics or magazines. Just run an app on your netbook to open up the graphic, then flip it 90 degrees (so that it's in portrait) and look at the viewing angles. Notice, in particular, the significant changes if you tilt it slightly to the right or left. That's exactly what happens on the Gtab. On my Mini10v, you have to flip it 90 degrees counter-clockwise, so that the keyboard is on the right side.
I actually think a netbook is slightly better because the refresh is 60 Hz, whereas the refresh on the Gtab is (we think) 50 Hz.
gogorman said:
Hello all,
Apologies if this has already been answered already, but I am VERY tempted by the G-Tablet. LOVE the idea of sticking the customs ROMS on there.
I understand that the ROMS are by no means perfect, and I am fine with that. They are ever evolving and I am fine with changing ROMS now and again and trying out new things.
The only thing that has prevented me from making the purchase is the negative reviews of the screen that I have heard - particularly in portrait mode.
Is it really THAT bad? What is it like in portrait? And landscape?
Does anyone have any video or pictures or links to show what the screen looks like, particularly in portrait mode and in landscape too?
Should the screen be the thing that prevents me from buying it? Is it that much of a deal breaker?
Any video, comments or pictures would be greatly appreciated.
I really want to jump on the G-Tablet band wagon, but if the screen is that bad then I guess I will hold off.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most people are simply comparing the G Tablet screen to the typical smartphone screen or iPad.
Personally, I dont THINK the screen is meant to be used in portrait mode for anything more than looking at apps and reading. For THOSE uses, it is fine (imho). You can read ebooks, comics, even websites with it as well as use most apps. It tickles your eyes (some people say it hurts theirs) if you try to use it with low on screen light things like gaming and watching movies...but I find it more similar to my eyes trying to adjust to 3D, it doesn't hurt but you can tell it's not going to work for very long because it feels awkward. I don't wear glasses.
The angles also aren't great compared to a cell/smartphone. I don't have a problem with this because I look at it head on, and when I put it on it's stand, I angle it at around 90-100 degrees, the same as my notebook and it looks fine.
Just keep in mind that the screen is comparable to a netbook/notebook, in which case you wouldn't be flipping that on the side to look at anything, nor would you be looking at it comfortably at extreme angles.
Forget sitting in your chair and glancing at it on a desk, that won't work. Nor picking it up and holding it at anything close to 180 degrees in your hand (like you MAY hold your cell). Think of it as a touchscreen netbook without a keyboard and you'll find it to be perfectly acceptable (I think).
Should the screen prevent you from buying it? That's hard to say. I don't think it's a deal breaker by any means (otherwise I would have returned mine), but that is in my opinion, and this sort of thing is really up to the user/buyer to decide. I wouldn't spend $100 more for a "better" screen, so automatically this may be a defining factor between the types of buyers we are.
The angles are NOT good, however when I'm actually actively using I never notice how bad they are as I'm looking directly at the screen and not from an angle. I've even used as an ereader in portrait mode and have not had problems. i.e. I really only notice it when I have it ont he table or desktop and check to see how flash progress, etc. is going and even then I can usually make out the important bits as it seems to be only colors for me that appear washed out while black and white show up as usual -> mostly text which is what I want to see anyways...
I've had mine since the monday before Thanksgiving. I'm keeping it because a) there's nothing else as good/fast/powerful out ATM, b) Notion Ink seemed kind of hazy and I'd like to see how long that they survive, etc.
Try an Office Depot or something and see if they have an actual demo unit. Staples HAD demo units, but Sears just had a mockup...
(I've also had/have an Augen Gentouch78, Pandigital Novel(white), Nook Color, and gTablet. The NC screen is much better, but again I don't notice the viewing angle unless I'm specifically looking for that as I'm always looking directly at the screen when actively using... caveat: I don't watch videos generally, so maybe this is where it becomes important to some people... better screens are always nice though, and I lust after the PixelQi'ed Notion Ink Adam for outdoor/sunny use... but not @ $500 and their uncertain future...)
[EDIT]
Forgot to mention, but when I used it as an ereader I was holding it in portrait orientation which is how I prefer to orient devices when using them as a reader, assuming that they even support landscape mode to begin with. I'm using my NC purely as a reader ATM since it's batt runtime isn't all that long v. the gTab, and my crappy 128MB uSD wasn't able to boot the unit, and I just don't feel like manually rooting it which is no big deal ATM as I'm mainly using it as a reader. When it gets warmer I'll change my mind I'm sure and it'll be serving more portable tablet duties as well as reading... just have to order some 8GB class 6 uSDHC cards now... already ordered case for NC which I have yet to do for gTab, but I want to buy a bluetooth GPS/logger before anything else ATM, which is looking to cost more than I expected for such a simplistic device(no display, just couple LEDs, GPS chipset(MTK v2 3329), and some memory & storage)...
[/EDIT]
I've had mine for about a month now and I am currently 200 pages into "Teach Yourself Electronics and Electricity"
I read it in both portrait and landscape mode and the angles aren't too bad.
I wouldn't jump out and use it in landscape mode permanently or anything, but I can live with them.
Compared to an iPad, Galaxy Tab and the B&N Nook Color, the screen is very sensitive to the vertical viewing angle (in landscape mode), with solarization effects kicking in once you are off-axis.
This is a netbook screen as mentioned above.
If you are using the tablet in landscape mode and holding it in your hand, then you can adjust easily and automatically to make sure the viewing angle is optimal.
The screen is bright and the colors are vibrant. I enjoy using my tab this way as a couch-based internet/video terminal. The experience can be as good as the iPad (with the benefit of added flash).
However, when held vertically, depending on which way is up, the viewing angle sensitivity can be so great that each eye sees different levels of solarization - giving a subjective effect similar to that from red/green 3D specs...
Also, the solarization effect is not symmetrical when you look at the screen from above/below the viewing axis, with the screen giving acceptable-ish results if looked-at from above, but miserable results from below. Thus the device seems to be optimized for use on a stand/dock sat on a table and viewed from above. (This seems consistent with the original TnT console UI mode).
This all sounds terrible, and the screen definitely IS now the weakest part of the package - but despite that, the overall experience of the Gtablet is VERY enjoyable - just check out the forums.
Accordingly, the screen cannot be THAT bad...
You really need to see one in action and decide for yourself. It is VERY subjective....
Well I bit the bullet and made the purchase.
Managed to find one at a Sears Outlet 2 hours away for $296 total.
Thanks to all for the replies.
The next question is: Which ROM do I put on there? I know that each of them have their own pro's and con's but is there one I should put on there to start with to see how it goes (when initially replacing the Tap'n'Tap UI)? Is one more stable or feature packed than another?
Again, any input would be GREAT!
Thanks!
I use (as do many) TNT lite. It's based on the stock Veiwsonic but It is worlds better than stock. TNT lite development is very active.
I haven't but you can try them all.
gogorman said:
Well I bit the bullet and made the purchase.
Managed to find one at a Sears Outlet 2 hours away for $296 total.
Thanks to all for the replies.
The next question is: Which ROM do I put on there? I know that each of them have their own pro's and con's but is there one I should put on there to start with to see how it goes (when initially replacing the Tap'n'Tap UI)? Is one more stable or feature packed than another?
Again, any input would be GREAT!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are two "good" (i.e. well supported, active user community) ROMs right now - TNT Lite and Vegan ROM. Both have significant user communities here at XDA numbering in the many thousands. Personally, I think Vegan ROM is the fastest, smoothest experience currently on the G Tablet. It has a few bugs (mostly the media issues on the external SD card - if you don't have one or don't use it much for that this is not an issue). TNT Lite is just a stripped down, sped up, much improved version of the stock ROM that came with the device. But still not quite as lightweight or zippy as Vegan in my opinion. CyanogenMod 6.x seems to be less supported right now, because most of the work is going into making CyanogenMod 7 work properly.
In a few weeks time, Vegan should be ported over to running on top of CyanogenMod 7. And in a few weeks time, hopefully, CyanogenMod 7 itself will be stable and awesome. There's a lot of great development activity going on right now, so stay tuned.
Loved android hated the screen!!
Having owned both a gtab and an iPad I have to say that in the end the screen quality killed owning the gtab for me. The viewing angles make it impossible to lay the gtab on a table like I can do with my iPad. I hate the locked down nature of the iPad and wanted to love the gtab but in the end I couldn't justify owning a device that frustrated me that much. I look forward to the next batch of honeycomb tablets and anticipate purchasing one. (lol that the iPad autocorrect capitalizes the word iPad properly)
gogorman said:
Well I bit the bullet and made the purchase.
Managed to find one at a Sears Outlet 2 hours away for $296 total.
Thanks to all for the replies.
The next question is: Which ROM do I put on there? I know that each of them have their own pro's and con's but is there one I should put on there to start with to see how it goes (when initially replacing the Tap'n'Tap UI)? Is one more stable or feature packed than another?
Again, any input would be GREAT!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll refer you to this thread where it's being discussed.
I never went to Vegan out of fear of the install somehow borking the tablet. I really can't bother with all that NVflash nor partitioning nonsense. CWM is as deep as I every want to go and so far between stock, tnt lite and cyanogen that's all I've ever had to do...load cwm, wipe data and cache, wipe dalvik and slap on a new/different ROM.
Speed means nothing to me if there are any frustrating or super noticeable, "get in your way" bugs, and from what I saw of TnT lite 4.1 it had nothing super noticeable and didn't lack any features I want/needed...in fact, nothing 'broke' in TnT lite 4.1 which is why that's what I recommend over all others.
Just remember to always, no matter what....wipe your cache and data. Many users will tell you it's not necessary but believe me when I say, it's better to do that than end up with some magic number or uid error because I've read about very bad experiences from people who just try to upgrade to a different OS. Some of these incessant errors seem to require APX mode or full re-flashes back to original - doesn't sound good, does it?
I may be spared out of being thorough or just dumb luck (knock on wood!!!!), but the fact is I've been spared.
I would recommend in addition to getting input from people in this and the other "what ROM is best" thread, to go read through the various ROM threads themselves. Check youtube to see how the various ROMs look and check screenshots, stuff like that to see what you may light.
Lastly, if you plan to try "on" different ones, I recommend Appbrain to help you get apps back on your tablet in an efficient manner, as long as you have access to the 'proper' market.
Appbrain allows you to sync your apps to a server, from there you can manipulate them - hard to explain but try it and see. And if a ROM causes Appbrain to ID the tab as something different every time, you can simply copy your app list to everything it uses. Appbrain simply checks your tab for what you have/don't have and looks up the apps 1 by 1 in the market, allowing you to install the newest versions possible till you're back in business.
A secondary backup method is to instruct Astro to backup your apps, then you save the folder with those apps to your SD card or your PC so you can sideload them manually when you're done swapping the OS.
Good Luck!
Hey man! This thread inspired me to make a video about! I had a lot of questions that no one seemed to answer in the videos they posted, so I figured I'd add to the community! Hope it helps some people out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO1XyVK6cms
With Christmas fast approaching, I originally planned on purchasing myself an upgrade to my 2 year-old laptop. Yet, besides gaming which I am for the most part not particularly bothered about and can easily do still on the family PC, Xbox 360 or through OnLive, my current system proves more than capable for almost everything I can through at it - even if a bit slow on more laborious tasks such as video rendering (something which I have done only about three times in an entire two year period). Now, whilst this isn't a definitive decision, I think it may be nice to purchase a tablet for use downstairs as I dislike having to carry my laptop up and down to/from my room all the time especially when I want to just do a bit of light web browsing. Whilst the most obvious choice might be the Nexus 7 for most people, I own a Galaxy Note (which has a large 5.3" screen) and it is because of this that I don't see a 7" tablet as a worthy investment for such a measly increase in screen size. So, what do people here feel to be the best 10" tablet (so long as it will be publicly available in the UK by Christmas 2012)?
Are there specific features you want a tablet to have?
sls123093 said:
Are there specific features you want a tablet to have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must thank you, first and foremost, for such a quick response to this thread. Now, in terms of features, storage is one of my main criticisms over the Nexus 7 and for a tablet to be a true media device I would personally want it to have expandable storage via a Micro-SD card slot. Since my Galaxy Note already has a large 5.3" display, this tablet would have to be no less than 10" to even feel any more beneficial than just using my phone and, on the topic of displays, my past three phones have all had AMOLED displays with a very high resolution so a tablet would need a fairly decent resolution else it'd be left behind my Note. Although I may never utilise it as I certainly haven't needed nor wanted to before, the ability to mod easy (no locked boot-loaders or stuff like that) would be nice.
I did look at the latest iPad at one point in time and, whilst its quality app market, high-resolution screen coupled with a sleek design and upcoming support of Siri make it all very desirable, the lack of true multi-tasking seems a killer for me. I like the ability to quickly flick between an internet browser and an office program, for example. This has allowed me, in the past, to even complete homework tasks for school on my Galaxy Note.
Well if price isnt an issue, The brand new infinity has the best display out of any android tablet, and is super fast. Plus the dock is awesome. If price is a concern, you can still get an older prime + dock for around 400. But 10" might be too much, I personally think it is. I think 8.9 is a happy medium. But if you dont want a tablet, chromebooks are awesome
TheMuffStuff said:
Well if price isnt an issue, The brand new infinity has the best display out of any android tablet, and is super fast. Plus the dock is awesome. If price is a concern, you can still get an older prime + dock for around 400. But 10" might be too much, I personally think it is. I think 8.9 is a happy medium. But if you dont want a tablet, chromebooks are awesome
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Aren't Chromebooks basically just laptops, which I already have one of? And, 8.9 inches isn't enough of a size increase over my Note still. I would want a 10" tab. And, as of the last time I checked, the Infinity is around £650 GBP or so. That is even more than an iPad! Plus, I have no use for a keyboard dock.
Brad387 said:
With Christmas fast approaching, I originally planned on purchasing myself an upgrade to my 2 year-old laptop. Yet, besides gaming which I am for the most part not particularly bothered about and can easily do still on the family PC, Xbox 360 or through OnLive, my current system proves more than capable for almost everything I can through at it - even if a bit slow on more laborious tasks such as video rendering (something which I have done only about three times in an entire two year period). Now, whilst this isn't a definitive decision, I think it may be nice to purchase a tablet for use downstairs as I dislike having to carry my laptop up and down to/from my room all the time especially when I want to just do a bit of light web browsing. Whilst the most obvious choice might be the Nexus 7 for most people, I own a Galaxy Note (which has a large 5.3" screen) and it is because of this that I don't see a 7" tablet as a worthy investment for such a measly increase in screen size. So, what do people here feel to be the best 10" tablet (so long as it will be publicly available in the UK by Christmas 2012)?
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I recommend a used iPad Wifi/3G model
Iph0ne27 said:
I recommend a used iPad Wifi/3G model
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But, if you read later on, you'd know that I dislike the lack of multi-tasking on an iPad. Plus, I have grown accustomed to Google's wealth of services and the Android OS.
Web browsing on a tablet sucks, which will you will soon find out. Keyboard dock helps 100 fold, and the chromebook is just a webbrowsing net book. Its so light and small its not like a hunky laptop, and doesnt get hot. And you can buy an infinity for ~500$ on here. Or evne a regular transformer for around 350
TheMuffStuff said:
Web browsing on a tablet sucks, which will you will soon find out. Keyboard dock helps 100 fold, and the chromebook is just a webbrowsing net book. Its so light and small its not like a hunky laptop, and doesnt get hot. And you can buy an infinity for ~500$ on here. Or evne a regular transformer for around 350
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How does web browsing on a tablet "suck"?
Isn't that one of their primary functions?
Closed use proper Q&A section
I am a graphic artist who has been using a Wacom tablet for the last 20 years. I can't STAND using my computer any other way (at least for real work). The touchpad is okay for general surfing and it's great in conjunction with the tablet but for my real work, there's no other way of doing it. For my full blown work I use a Mac but for all my portable devices, I like Android. All my smartphones have been Android but I've not gotten a tablet yet because I really haven't seen one that works for what I would really want a tablet for, which is being able to do my job on the go effectively. Sure the Galaxy Note tablets are a good step in that direction but from all the stuff I've seen it's not really a "pro" level device.
In an ideal world (speaking as a designer) Apple would create a Macbook tablet with a wacom digitizer but I really doubt that will EVER happen. A tablet running a full blown OS X, not an iPad. They even have a patent for a tablet that docks into an "iMac" style housing and becomes a full system and then slides out to be a fully functional, stand alone tablet system but they've never done anything with it. THAT would be MY holy grail. BUT, until they do, I guess the best option is the Cintiq Companion Hybrid. I LOATHE WINDOWS so going to the regular companion isn't an option, that leaves the Hybrid.
When I saw the announcement of the Wacom Cintiq Companion Hybrid, I really like the concept but I'm wondering how good it really is. The cost SEEMS outrageous but when you look at it as a fully functional Cintiq to use WITH my Mac and then it pulls off to be a self contained portable studio, then it is a LITTLE more reasonable. I've seen reviews of it as a Cintiq and everything I've seen says it's a great tablet for use with a Mac and the other parts of the reviews say the portable software that comes with it is good and the other high-end portable software seems to be a good analog to what it would be transferred to on the Mac. That leaves the last question, how good is it as a stand-alone tablet?
That's what I'm wondering now, if I intend on investing the kind of money they are asking, I want to know if the rest of the Android Tablet part of it is really good as well. It comes with 4.2.2 but none of the reviewers have detailed anything about the day to day use of it. Most are completely unfamiliar with the Android OS anyway. They are mostly Apple-heads and only use iPhones and iPads when not using their Macs. I'm wondering when we will see ANDROID reviewers review it. I know it's a very odd category but I don't want to get a GREAT expensive Wacom tablet that is abismal as an Android tablet as well. Has anyone around here gotten thier hands on one? If so, what do you think?
powerplaygraphix said:
I am a graphic artist who has been using a Wacom tablet for the last 20 years. I can't STAND using my computer any other way (at least for real work). The touchpad is okay for general surfing and it's great in conjunction with the tablet but for my real work, there's no other way of doing it. For my full blown work I use a Mac but for all my portable devices, I like Android. All my smartphones have been Android but I've not gotten a tablet yet because I really haven't seen one that works for what I would really want a tablet for, which is being able to do my job on the go effectively. Sure the Galaxy Note tablets are a good step in that direction but from all the stuff I've seen it's not really a "pro" level device.
In an ideal world (speaking as a designer) Apple would create a Macbook tablet with a wacom digitizer but I really doubt that will EVER happen. A tablet running a full blown OS X, not an iPad. They even have a patent for a tablet that docks into an "iMac" style housing and becomes a full system and then slides out to be a fully functional, stand alone tablet system but they've never done anything with it. THAT would be MY holy grail. BUT, until they do, I guess the best option is the Cintiq Companion Hybrid. I LOATHE WINDOWS so going to the regular companion isn't an option, that leaves the Hybrid.
When I saw the announcement of the Wacom Cintiq Companion Hybrid, I really like the concept but I'm wondering how good it really is. The cost SEEMS outrageous but when you look at it as a fully functional Cintiq to use WITH my Mac and then it pulls off to be a self contained portable studio, then it is a LITTLE more reasonable. I've seen reviews of it as a Cintiq and everything I've seen says it's a great tablet for use with a Mac and the other parts of the reviews say the portable software that comes with it is good and the other high-end portable software seems to be a good analog to what it would be transferred to on the Mac. That leaves the last question, how good is it as a stand-alone tablet?
That's what I'm wondering now, if I intend on investing the kind of money they are asking, I want to know if the rest of the Android Tablet part of it is really good as well. It comes with 4.2.2 but none of the reviewers have detailed anything about the day to day use of it. Most are completely unfamiliar with the Android OS anyway. They are mostly Apple-heads and only use iPhones and iPads when not using their Macs. I'm wondering when we will see ANDROID reviewers review it. I know it's a very odd category but I don't want to get a GREAT expensive Wacom tablet that is abismal as an Android tablet as well. Has anyone around here gotten thier hands on one? If so, what do you think?
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Hey, I know this is a 3 month old thread, but maybe someone will find it useful.
I've been using the Cintiq Companion Hybrid for almost 2 months now, and almost exclusively.
First of all, the quality of the tablet is extremely high. It's exactly what one would expect from a Wacom product. There are unboxing and hands-on videos on YouTube showcasing how much thought has gone into this model.
This is the first time I've used a Wacom tablet, and when compared to UC-Logic or N-trig, this is much superior. Obviously, I fell in love with this tablet as soon as I opened the box and kept on getting more and more impressed as I was using it.
As for the Android part, it's pretty basic, except with the addition of some Wacom drawing programs. However, Sketchbook Pro is still the best choice when it comes to drawing on Android, and the matte surface of the tablet makes this the ideal combination. Wacom's Infinite Canvas is a great choice for vector drawing, and currently the only choice for me.
Now, the OS has shown a few bugs. Sometimes it will lag and revert back to its original background. Yesterday I connected it to a PC (Windows), and at some point it malfunctioned, started lagging, and then, after rebooting, I had lost some files from the internal storage as well as my external SD. Managed to get most of the files back from the external SD, but not from the internal storage, since I can't root, and therefore can't use any Android-based recovery programs. I don't know if this is specific to me or if it's a bug on all models.
Also, when connecting SD cards or USB drives (using the standard USB port -- no micro-USB or OTG, thankfully), navigating to them is somewhat unorthodox in that I have to go to the mount folder and guess where it's loaded.
The processors are pretty fast, and there's no lagging when playing graphic intensive games. Browsing the internet is much more enjoyable than Android 3.1 and before (I still haven't gotten used of the single mouse click, but Mac users won't have a problem). 1080p movies play fine, and when using HDMI-out, everything is smooth. I don't recommend watching a film in bed, as the Hybrid is too heavy to have on your chest when you're about to sleep (also stands for Kindle or comic book reading). Response is great when using the pen, as well when using the tablet.
I haven't been using the hardware keys much, but I find more use for them when in Cintiq mode.
As a Cintiq, things are butter smooth, except for some occasions when I have to disconnect and reconnect the tablet when I first connect it to the PC to get the pen functioning properly (this only happens once, if at all, and only when I first connect the tablet to the PC as a Cintiq). Files can be transferred to the PC instantly, and work is much easier.
I've also used a MIDI controller to play music on the Companion, and the only bug I've found is it locks when disconnecting, but that may very well be a bug of the software I'm using.
Skype, torrents and emulators are all fine. But I doubt any tablets show problems with those.
Typing on the Hybrid with its bigger touch-keys is great (Hacker's Keyboard is a great alternative), and closer to keyboard typing than other tablets.
The tablet's battery life is slightly less than 12 hours of constant use on high performance. I don't have WiFi enabled all the time, since up until recently I had another tablet for that. I'm kind of stingy when it comes to its battery since I love the fact that I can work on it anywhere and on-the-go. Since it's so portable, I like being able to use it wherever and whenever I'm awake, so I try to avoid spending the battery on things I can do without.
Now for the stinkers:
I absolutely hate the lens of its 8mp camera. It's horrible. Lighting is bad, definition is bad, colours are bad. You can use it to get reference material for drawing sketching, but that's about it. You won't be using it for anything else but reference drawing sketching material.
The microphone is not great either. Fuzzy and unclear. Purely only for voice notes. Skype calls are ok-ish. But that's about it.
Lastly, the speaker is terrible. Its volume is too low, badly placed and not clear enough. It's a terrible speaker.
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Overall, I am in love with this tablet. My PC recently broke down, so I've been borrowing a laptop when I have to use the Cintiq side (not often yet, mainly due to the lack of a "full-time" PC), but for everything else, I've been using the Companion's Android side.
I am quite sure I covered everything. I will update accordingly.
Thanks for the rundown on it. Sounds pretty much like what I keep hearing. The Wacom Cintiq aspect of it is incredible (I've been using Wacom for over 20 years so that's no surprise) but "your mileage may vary" on the Android part depending on what you specifically hope to accomplish. Biggest chance in it is whether or not Wacom will maintain the Android side of it or let it die on the vine and essentially revert to being just a battery powered 13HD within a couple of years. I haven't heard Wacom commit either way.
As for build quality, I'm not surprised. Wacom KNOWS how to build equipment well. I really didn't expect the camera to be much. I don't ever really consider the quality of the camera being that big a deal on tablets. Although, for $1300-$1600, you'd think they'd put a decent lens in there. They keep marketing it as a Cintiq that happens to run Android rather than an Android tablet.
As for the "single click" thing, you can always program the button (top half or bottom half) to have a "right click" functionality to give you that capability. That's the way I have it on the different Wacom tablets I have.
powerplaygraphix said:
As for the "single click" thing, you can always program the button (top half or bottom half) to have a "right click" functionality to give you that capability. That's the way I have it on the different Wacom tablets I have.
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Sorry for not making it clear. I was referring to an actual USB mouse connected to the tablet. I sometimes connect a mouse when I prop it up like a notebook. Old habits die hard.
Cintiq dead before its started Will die soon
Ok so I too have got the cintiq companion hybrid which runs on a pitiful 4.2.1 now I know I know at £1500 what did I expect errrmmm K I T K A T would have been nice Wacom, well with the announcement that Android will no longer support 4.2 soon the tablet will become a slate which is why Wacom was so desperate to throw them out there before this was announced.
They even started sending them out for free for 40 days trial if you dont like send back again before the notice of Android version being obsolete.
I have been on XDA Developers since well my first XDA and like many i would imagine get your new unit and immediately come on here for the updated rom etc. Wacom we are on our own any Guru on here wouldnt dare buy this piece of crap save 800 and get the 13hd want a great tablet get the Note 4 10.1
Sorry RANT over but I hope those with the Wacom share my concern a lot of money for a unit that to be fair had we know it would be stuck on 10.1 would have ordered a 15" wacom pen enabled tablet from China instead which are also stuck on 4.2 but for a fraction of the price and bigger.
Notontherugman said:
Sorry for not making it clear. I was referring to an actual USB mouse connected to the tablet. I sometimes connect a mouse when I prop it up like a notebook. Old habits die hard.
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XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro Drawing tablet With Screen
Wacom Cintiq Companion is a self-contained Windows computer with the full Wacom graphics tablet features already built in, which can also be used as a 'dumb' graphics tablet when connected to a Mac or PC.
Essentially, you can use this to draw, sketch and paint at your desk hooked up to your main computer, and draw, sketch and paint directly on it while sitting on the sofa or outside.
this Cintiq Companion 2 can be used at a desk as a graphics tablet for your regular computer, but because it also runs Windows, you can use full, familiar versions of Painter, Photoshop and so on when away from your workstation.
The nearest thing it has to a rival is the Microsoft Surface tablet, but this has neither Wacom's heritage nor chops when it comes to rich drawing tools. The iPad Pro is an excellent tablet but cannot be called a competitor here due to its mobile operating system.
It's a solid investment for digital illustrators who want flexibility. However, if you don't need to use it away from your desk, you could save money and purchase the XP-pen Artist 15.6 Pro , or benefit from a bigger drawing area with the slightly more expensive Artist 22E Pro .
I currently use a XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro Drawing tablet With Screen ( xp-pen.com/goods/show/id/394.html ) . It is a cintiq downgrade, but only because it does not have the muti-touch like the cintiq does. it support pen tilt function , 8192 pen pressure levels , battery-free and wireless stylus . 88% NTSC Color gamut , 1920x1080 resolution , 15.6 inch IPS Screen , it has no parallax , no lag .
Overall its an amazing tablet and I do suggest it! It works amazing for me, and personally, I improved a lot while using it.
The only problems, however, is that it always has to be plugged into a PC , Though it is lightweight and works great, the graphics are nice, and its only $439 .
Hello, I need to make the purchase this Friday. Either PRO 12.2 or 10.1 2014. Any issues with the PRO 12.2? Any user experience appreciated. Thank you.
I purchased 12.2 and so far it is good with many things including hancom office; but I think MS might release Office for Android Tablets soon; plus 12.2 inch screen really gives a better size for preparing documents, I am waiting for 360-degree case to come so I can work with in portrait mode. The only complaint I have is I can't play Asphalt 8 in High Graphic mode smoothly comparing to my note 2; the lag is too much to bare, so I had to reduce to Medium just so it gets more smooth. I really don't understand why since 12.2's specs are very high, I think that I need custom Rom for this, and the development could take a little while.
The battery is great, I can go through intensive use for more than 9hrs, and if it's normal use, it can bring up close to 12hrs.
Few people have come and commented that this thing is huge, but it does the job I need. To me, this thing can really replace my laptop, I am waiting for the USB OTG to hook more things (keyboard, mouse, external hard drive, etc.). I paid this one for $900, and I think it's high but it has 3G option so it's fine
Hope this helps, if you need to know more about this in the aspect which you are looking for in a tablet, PM me and I can check it for you.
Thanks. It seems that the main issues are: 1) I can see the words/letters made of large pixels; 2) write on internal sdcard (such as Scandisk) does not work.
hajime_android said:
Thanks. It seems that the main issues are: 1) I can see the words/letters made of large pixels; 2) write on internal sdcard (such as Scandisk) does not work.
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I have zero complaints about resolution/pixelation and that is come from a S4 user (1080p/5in screen) and previous Nexus 10 owner (same rez as 12.2 but smaller screen).
No complaints about pixels from me..I think the screen looks pretty fantastic. After rooting, I have zero complaints about anything.
No. This is by far the best android device on the market (as long as you have use for a 12 inch tablet) if not then the tab pro 8.4 is amazing. Im not a fanboy by any means but it is my opinion that the note line of phones and tablets are the best ever offered by any manufacturer. As soon as someone makes something better though I'll jump ship to that. Until then samsung keep taking my money. Get the pro. I have had both and the pro is miles ahead in use. The extra screen real estate is a GODSEND
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Both devices have the same resolution. Why extra screen real estate if a GODSEND for the PRO?
I'm really not sure about the 10.1 but I agree with the others, the quality of the screen is pretty darn good. 10.1 is quite typical nowadays, so with 12.2 with the same resolution as 10.1 but people appreciate it more becoz of the size difference. And don't count on the camera quality, to me, samsung's camera sucks, though (I think) they are from sony. The 12.2 really makes a big difference in doing the office stuff now.
Tab Pro impressions after a week of use
Just finished my first week with this beast and I think it's very good. The only drawback might be portability if you want to carry it around with you, otherwise nothing negative that I could say. As others have also mentioned, battery life is very good as well.
I haven't rooted yet, I'm hoping to get the Android update to 4.4.3 if Samsung decides to release it without too much delay. There are a few bloatware apps as well that need to go but overall, I also like the added capabilities that the s-pen provides (such as PIP where you can run another program on a smaller window on the screen).
The screen is fantastic, best I've seen so far on a tablet. I've also connected a Bluetooth Logitech keyboard and mouse and it can replace my notebook for some of the things I do. Overall, quite content that I got the Tab Pro (P900).
Haven't experienced any lags or such but then I'm not a heavy gamer, so wouldn't want to comment on that.
Best possible solution For the student
The 12 inch screen is perfect For reading large textbooks, and the screen is big enough to allow you to split the screen and write notes on one half, and have a document open on the other half.
I'm going through medical school right now, and this device is the only thing I need in my bag. Lightweight compared to a laptop, and the S pen Functionality makes it a versatile and effective tool for taking notes and drawing sketches during lectures, with apps like lecturenotes or papyrus.
If you just use a tablet for games and reading fiction, you will probably find it too clumsy and heavy, but if your aim is productivity, its perfect.