Related
Due to my worry that there's a good chance Viewsonic will stop support for the G Tablet - I returned mine back to Sears.
The salesman told me most are being returned and he did hear that there is a recall. When I asked what info he was told - he just said that there is a recall and he doesn't know specifics - but the returns are all different problems.
My thanks to all who provided the info on these forums and I intend
to take the plunge again with either a different tablet or Viewsonic's next gen.
I did the same exact thing for the same exact reason.. returned my G to sears last night. I see one on craigslist now for $300.. Its bit tempting considering i'm not paying full retail... guess i'm going back to my nook color till april next yr.
Sorry to hear. I am sure you are not alone.
From the VS tweet is sounds unlikely there is a recall or even 'manufacturing defect' related to hardware.
"We are looking into Staples' gTablet action and will provide more information as we get it."
However, if there is a recall you would be able to return your device no matter the purchase date.
I think a lot of people are just spreading the same rumor - egged on by attention hungry non-fact checking tech blogs, uneducated point of sales employees and a miscommunication on Staples part.
I know there are a lot of people lookng for deals on these things. What Sears location did you return your to?
Yikes!
Two folks who have bought into the Engadget, Apple biased conjecture based on a sign at a Staples.
Best to do what you feel though, none the less.
Thanks... more for us to buy cheap! LOL!
I did the same, although for different reason, namely because I couldn't deal with the screen any longer.
Lnin0 said:
Sorry to hear. I am sure you are not alone.
From the VS tweet is sounds unlikely there is a recall or even 'manufacturing defect' related to hardware.
"We are looking into Staples' gTablet action and will provide more information as we get it."
However, if there is a recall you would be able to return your device no matter the purchase date.
I think a lot of people are just spreading the same rumor - egged on by attention hungry non-fact checking tech blogs, uneducated point of sales employees and a miscommunication on Staples part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely Viewsonic's tweets would deny a recall as long as possible even if one was in the works.
On the other hand a Viewsonic recall would affect more than just Staples. However this is only the beginning of this fiasco. Let's see how it progresses over the next couple of weeks.
oblomov said:
I did the same, although for different reason, namely because I couldn't deal with the screen any longer.
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Click to collapse
I could live with the screen. For me it would be the lack of Flash and the constant WiFi drops.
as long as there is a dev community supporting it i am happy
the viewing angle is a $50 fix with a replacement LCD and the hardware on this is going to remain competitive for some time still.
i could have paid a lot more for a better GUI and angle views but would have had a less powerful tablet.
i believe this gTab will be around for a bit and i am enjoying my veganTab.
I called Viewsonic CS this morning for exactly this reason - they need to nip this in the bud NOW and assure their user-base that they have this under control.
I completely understand your reasons for returning it. If I hadn't gotten mine used at the Outlet, I'd be a bit worried as well. As it is, I'm here for the long haul - if they eventually pull support, we have zPad and the VEGA to keep us going. It's been a wild ride and I don't think it's going to end anytime soon.
Lnin0 said:
Sorry to hear. I am sure you are not alone.
I know there are a lot of people lookng for deals on these things. What Sears location did you return your to?
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Click to collapse
New Brunswick, NJ
I have two, one new from staples and one from sears outlet. I am very happy with them both and so is wifey. She loves hers. I think the update they came out with yesterday is spot on. They are now in the same boat as all other tab manufacturers right now. It's stable and responsive right now with the update. Archos does not have flash oob nor does any other tablet, except the Galaxy. FAIK, there is NO 10" tablet that has flash oob, including the Ipad. The update leveled the playing field with everything else that is out there at this time.
When, not if, they get flash oob, this will be the leader of the pack. I think you guys are jumping ship a tad too early, but that'[s just my opinion and we know about opinions.
BluesTele said:
New Brunswick, NJ
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There you go Roebeet, that's a quick 2 hour round trip! GO GET IT!
BluesTele said:
New Brunswick, NJ
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What a time for me to be away lol. Would of been like an hour lol.
Hoppefully someone will take advantage, if it becomes available.
iDroidNow said:
the viewing angle is a $50 fix with a replacement LCD and the hardware on this is going to remain competitive for some time still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does one go about doing this?
Fuzzy John said:
I could live with the screen. For me it would be the lack of Flash and the constant WiFi drops.
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Click to collapse
From an out of box perspective, I would have been G-less from day two.
Still, you were a simple install away from a stable TnT Lite 2.4 and Flash is easy to install. For non modders that want out of box- the G is not "G" for good.
deependh200 said:
How does one go about doing this?
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Click to collapse
there is a thread about it here. also one of the guys on the tegratab IRC has already done it, is posting a thread on here with pics, and apparently it is an easy process.
here is a link to ones i think may work but again there is a thread about what exactly he used being posted shortly.
Not trying to be a downer here, but to the OP, who freaking cares?
This is a dev community, the support here is what drives a lot of people to keep using their devices, tweak em, and tinker around.
Congrats on returning your device...make sure you let everyone know you did so based on hearsay/some misplaced worry. Last time I checked viewsonic never said it was dropping support, and as a matter of fact they have been leaning a different way entirely as evidenced not only by their twitter feed but actual OTA updates that you can receive.
This thread is lame.
rushless said:
From an out of box perspective, I would have been G-less from day two.
Still, you were a simple install away from a stable TnT Lite 2.4 and Flash is easy to install. For non modders that want out of box- the G is not "G" for good.
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Click to collapse
When I got the G Tablet I did it with 2 things in mind:
It is not an Apple (I am "alergic" to Apples).
I wanted to kick up my feet in my Lazy Boy and use it. I am getting too old and tired for constantly maintaining stuff. A year or so ago it would've been different.
I haven't seen Outlet devices all day - I just get an an error over and over.
Maybe they have my IP address blocked.
Calling the NB store.... maybe it's sitting in the Closeout section. (Crosses fringers)
Thanx to the XDA community for your support - Via @ViewSonic on Twitter!
Nice work guys!!!
It's things like this that make me so furious that I'm not the one calling the shots at ViewSonic. They are sitting on a gold mine right now but it's covered in feces and only devs/techies can see it.
No political tie is worth the amount of $$ they are losing on this product right now (the only logical reason I can think of for them to keep TapNTap alive) and all they have to do is release it with a ROM comparable to VegaN or hell even stock android and these things wouldn't be able to stay on shelves more than 5 minutes.
ViewSonic PLEASE get your sh*t together and release s/w that truly shows off the capabilities of this amazing hardware!!!
teleknEsis said:
It's things like this that make me so furious that I'm not the one calling the shots at ViewSonic. They are sitting on a gold mine right now but it's covered in feces and only devs/techies can see it.
No political tie is worth the amount of $$ they are losing on this product right now (the only logical reason I can think of for them to keep TapNTap alive) and all they have to do is release it with a ROM comparable to VegaN or hell even stock android and these things wouldn't be able to stay on shelves more than 5 minutes.
ViewSonic PLEASE get your sh*t together and release s/w that truly shows off the capabilities of this amazing hardware!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, chill the F out. Viewsonic just acknowledged that the software mods are a good thing, that they -might- open the possibility of uninstalling TnT, and most important, they're releasing the kernel sources this week.
They're giving the community the tools, giving Staples the Finger on the internet, and are saying "our hardware is badass and you guys are making us proud of our product. Go Community!".
So chill out.
cybik said:
Dude, chill the F out. Viewsonic just acknowledged that the software mods are a good thing, that they -might- open the possibility of uninstalling TnT, and most important, they're releasing the kernel sources this week.
They're giving the community the tools, giving Staples the Finger on the internet, and are saying "our hardware is badass and you guys are making us proud of our product. Go Community!".
So chill out.
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Click to collapse
First of all, your icon reminds me of something: When is Rush's new album coming out?
Though articulated in a crude manner, the points are valid. The device should not have been released as is and the FW package was a dysfunctional mess. Staples reacted to the high returns and incurred costs due to those returns- I would have done the same thing. There are more products than just this tablet to be concerned about (as I am sure you appreciate).
The grand question still remains: The CEO stated no "layers" over Android, yet the antithesis of such a position was released. Tap UI is hands down, the WORST Android layer published by a company and the hardware simply did not work correctly. Due to hardware specific to each device, some form of interface is needed so everything works... but Tap UI--- DANG!
A first product release by a company in a newer market should set a good example- that is KEY to gaining marketshare in newer markets. Well, that and price point Using the excuse that "another OEM" made the product can be used for about 90% of current consumer electronics. VS can not use the excuse- consumers are indifferent to this.
I think VS needs some props too. I mean they messed up releasing a messed up device but in a little less than 3 months they have tried to fix it. How many times have companies that said they'd release an update (albeit a sorry one) on a certain date but fail to do so. Not sure what happened to the flash update but still the effort is there which should at least give them some of their integrity back, right?
Now if they really do release the kernel source this week, I'd say they are ok in my book.
cybik said:
Dude, chill the F out. Viewsonic just acknowledged that the software mods are a good thing, that they -might- open the possibility of uninstalling TnT, and most important, they're releasing the kernel sources this week.
They're giving the community the tools, giving Staples the Finger on the internet, and are saying "our hardware is badass and you guys are making us proud of our product. Go Community!".
So chill out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes finally they are taking a step in the right direction and listening to the people but it took staples pulling the rug out from under them for it to happen. Regardless, mad props to ViewSonic for acting quickly and other oems should be playing close attention right now *cousamsunggh*
Well I hope they follow through with their promises. I hate seeing good products falling by the wayside. Once modified I can't keep this thing in my control as wife and kids use over their laptops! Viewsonic owes the developers a nod of thanks.
Pretty damn cool a big company even acknowledges us. No matter what we're a very small % of the market. In fact, most companies intentionally lock us out.
I just bought a G Tablet today at Sears, thanks to the XDA community (the ONLY reason I chose it). I went to my local Staples first to see if they had one to demo, and of course I was told they were recalled and couldn't sell them even if they hadn't sent them all back yet. So they lost my business to the only Sears (one of about 20) in my area I could find that actually had one in stock.
Obviously you can see that there is a woot special today on the gtablet, simply based on all the threads that are redundantly getting posted.
However here is the downstream effect. There are many purchasers that are all being pointed to Droidpirate or XDA, and several links being added to the discussions, etc.
Once the tablets all come in, obviously there will be a percentage of users that just won't be happy with the tablet (thus ebay will be flooded with them, as will the XDA forum), but those willing to hack will join up.
Membership and post counts will most likely increase dramatically.
Some very funny comments if you have time to read the questions and comments by both Gtablet fans, Xoom fans, Nook fans, and even IPad fans!
http://www.woot.com/Forums/ViewPost.aspx?PostID=4394837
Bring it on, the more devs working on this tablet, the more fun it becomes!
I'm a newbie!
I just picked up my GTablet from Tiger for 340 sale. Happy as a clam with Vegan Tab installed. Hope they keep up the great pricing on the GTablet. My friend is hating my new tablet as I don't have to resample video to actually play on the GTablet!
I agree. I just picked one up from woot for 308 with taxes. The price is too good to pass up.
just got one at woot for 279 sweet.. not have to start researching rooting and the best firmware
I've had mine for a few weeks and love it! (w/ VEGan 5.1.1 of COURSE). I also fell prey to the IPAD experience and bought the IPAD2. As soon I I turned it on I knew I F'd up. while I love the IPAD for its brain dead ease of use, I dont need the cameras. SOOO, I'm going to sell it and get the 1st gen IPAD and some cash to buy ANOTHER G-Tab. I still can't believe it's so cheap for a Tegra 2, Alternative for Honeycomb (fingers crossed).
Grabbed one from woot today, I'll be coming over from the nook color forums.
I too ordered up a gtablet today from woot. I've been keeping an eye out for the best price and today was the day...been contemplating on getting one for a few months.
I've also been lurking the gtablet forums here on XDA to get an idea of what kind dev support there was for it and was surprised when I first start following this device. I joined not to long for some Droid X support and now I can't wait till the gtablet arrives.
lol i was about to post this cause i just ordered one while waiting for enough funds for a xoom. I was juggling between this and the archos 101 but with the price of 285, how can i NOT get this?
I sold my NookColor about a month ago. Loved it but there was stuff I was still desiring. I had no idea what this was before I saw it on WOOT today, but I sold my old NetBook on ebay for $300 and bought this from WOOT. I'm pumped, I just with shipping was faster!
I'm one of the unwashed masses coming here since they dove in to the Woot pool.
I have an Archos 70 with their stock 2.2 ROM. The Quadrant scores on the gTab is double what I am getting on my A70. Looking forward to seeing what the gTab is like in optimized form.
What is the consensus on the best ROM image to use for all around usability: The Notion Ink, Vegan or other?
Yet another new dude...
Have a rooted Slide with CM7 RC2. Been looking for a decent hackable android tablet and the G-Tablet fits the bill. Can't wait till it gets here and I finally get a chance to play around with it! My bro is an Apple fanatic and has been trying to convince me to get an iPad but I'm not a huge fan of iOS or Apple's hardware.
Another here, been thinking about a tablet for awhile. I haven't tinkered in a long time, this will be a fun little toy to hack on.
The gtab is a great first tablet. Its not the perfect tablet but people should appreciate its speed. Its also a great device to learn how to root and customize an android device. All the people who took advantage of this deal are some lucky mofos.
xmr405o said:
The gtab is a great first tablet. Its not the perfect tablet but people should appreciate its speed. Its also a great device to learn how to root and customize an android device. All the people who took advantage of this deal are some lucky mofos.
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Click to collapse
Indeed, this gtab is my first android tablet and I think I did a great investment, I´m learning a lot and thanx to the valuable help of member like Roebeet Im running tntlite 4.2.5 smoothly
count me in with the wootsheep
another wooter...
...coming over from the nook running honeycomb, I wonder if there will be a flood of nooks on eBay?
grabbed one too. Cannot pass for this price.
Getting rid of my nook color
I just called Viewsonic Customer Service
....they didn't even know about the woot.com sale going on. I told them that they might want to get some more staff in about 7-10 business days.
Hello all!!
I have been surfing these forums, and am blown away by the user base behind the G-Tablet... yes I too have woot-ed my way into owning one, and can't wait for it to arrive (although it might be a longer wait then I would like, lol)
I just wanted to show my appreciation to all the people here who have put so much work into unlocking this device.
You can see how great you guys are, even by Roebeet calling up ViewSonic, to give them the warning, LOL
ha! I also have a rooted nook. Maybe I'll actually use it now to read a book
1- OTA updater has been broken for six days, now (it started on Monday). This is completely unacceptable, given that this is the ONLY way to get updates from them officially. What if you got the item from Tiger Direct in the last week at $299, and have build 2963 on it? If you didn't go to XDA and fix this manually yourself, you'd be SOOL.
2- The last official firmware was in mid January. We are going on three months since the last stock update. We know there was a UAT that was significantly better than the one in January, but it was never released (and eventually pulled from the TapnTap servers) with a "TBD" for the new ETA.
I'm going to very blunt, and I hope that Viewsonic is reading this. I'm very disappointed in how this is all going down, ESPECIALLY given that you've had a big bump in user numbers in the last two weeks or so. You and I both know this, and yet you can't seem to get your act together, here.
I'm not your developer - you are not paying me, or XDA, to do your support work for you. And we certainly should not be the place to send users to get their stock updates - that's just ridiculous. Please get a meeting together with TapnTap, or whoever you need to, early next week and get them to fix these issues, please. If I were running the show over there, I'd have them on the phone a week ago asking for an ETA ASAP, and updating that web site with details on what's going on and when it will be fixed. Seriously, your web site still talks about the December firmware release (the one, btw, that the poor Tiger Direct users haven't been able to even get, since Monday) - are your web developers asleep over there?
If it wasn't for the user base here in XDA, my device would have probably been wiped and cleaned up right about now, and I would have put this thing up for sale. I actually know at least one dev here in XDA who's already done this. And, as time goes on, I'll be more inclined to do this if you've made the decision to completely abandon this device. Because, to be blunt, this is the perception that I'm starting to get, as the days drag on with no resolution.
I'm not asking for Honeycomb - I just want you to get your current problems fixed and at least get that 1.2 dev branch released. I know you have an account here, so maybe a reply to this thread would set all our minds at ease.
Thank you.
4/11/2011 EDIT -- agree with me and want your voice heard?
twitter: @viewsonic
contact us page: http://www.viewsonic.com/contact/
Phone Number: 866-501-6405 / 310-228-4000. (thanks snapz54 and chili_red!)
4/12/2011 EDIT -- OTA updater is still borked, as of this writing. And the next firmware update, as per their web site, is now "anticipated" in May.
4/13/2011 EDIT -- Even more details on who you can contact (thanks snapz54!): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12843221&postcount=189 The OTA Updater is still down, but should be up tomorrow (allegedly).
4/14/2011 EDIT -- OTA updater is up, finally. Showing "3588" as the latest, so no new update (this was not a surprise).
4/15/2011 EDIT -- I think it's time to change the title of this post.
6/22/2011 EDIT -- Thread is still alive? 4349 was pulled in mid-April, still no word on an update from them 2 months later. 3588 (from January) is still technically their "latest", as per the OTA updater. I am actually beyone aggravated, I am apathetic at this point.
I am going to return mine soon too, even at 299.99 , lack support = nth
Op why did you post this in the dev section
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
roebeet
+1 from Russia
roebeet said:
1- OTA updater has been broken for six days, now (it started on Monday). This is completely unacceptable, given that this is the ONLY way to get updates from them officially. What if you got the item from Tiger Direct in the last week at $299, and have build 2963 on it? If you didn't go to XDA and fix this manually yourself, you'd be SOOL.
2- The last official firmware was in mid January. We are going on three months since the last stock update. We know there was a UAT that was significantly better than the one in January, but it was never released (and eventually pulled from the TapnTap servers) with a "TBD" for the new ETA.
I'm going to very blunt, and I hope that Viewsonic is reading this. I'm very disappointed in how this is all going down, ESPECIALLY given that you've had a big bump in user numbers in the last two weeks or so. You and I both know this, and yet you can't seem to get your act together, here.
I'm not your developer - you are not paying me, or XDA, to do your support work for you. And we certainly should not be the place to send users to get their stock updates - that's just ridiculous. Please get a meeting together with TapnTap, or whoever you need to, early next week and get them to fix these issues, please. If I were running the show over there, I'd have them on the phone a week ago asking for an ETA ASAP, and updating that web site with details on what's going on and when it will be fixed. Seriously, your web site still talks about the December firmware release - are your web developers asleep over there?
If it wasn't for the user base here in XDA, my device would have probably been wiped and cleaned up right about now, and I would have put this thing up for sale. I actually know at least one dev here in XDA who's already done this. And, as time goes on, I'll be more inclined to do this if you've made the decision to completely abandon this device. Because, to be blunt, this is the perception that I'm starting to get, as the days drag on with no resolution.
I'm not asking for Honeycomb - I just want you to get your current problems fixed and at least get that 1.2 dev branch released. I know you have an account here, so maybe a reply to this thread would set all our minds at ease.
Thank you.
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Click to collapse
This is an IMPORTANT post!! I think it should be voted to the front page. Viewsonic and for that matter all suppliers should have a commitment to their users/buyers. Our $$$$ is what support them and they should respect the user community. If they want to be selling more they should make what they have work!!!!
Please vote the post to first page, have them take note and take us seriously.
Thank you roebeet!!
roebeet
+1
I suppose if I wanted to keep it stock I'd be mad too, but I purchased this device specifically due to the hardware specs and the decent set of developers here at XDA.
My tab was rooted as soon as the battery was fully charged.
My Moto droid was rooted about a month into ownership and is currently running a gingerbread rom Moto claims the device can't handle (so we can go buy a new one).
What I'm trying to point out is that there is little incentive for companies to spend time and money supporting equipment that is out in the field unless somehing is seriously wrong with it.
Viewsonic's decision to cripple (lack of full market, etc...) the stock device is really similar to VZ's decision to do the same to their phones (bloatware, etc...).
My advice to you is follow the simple instructions posted here and elsewhere on the net and install a custom rom (vegantab 5.1 is a very nice place to start).
It is very difficult to screw up and your device will be all it can be months if not years sooner than it would be waiting for a stock upgrade.
Gumby,
Roebeet is a dev here. He's responsible for the TNT Lite and GADAM ROMs and was involved with Vegan as well. He's concerned about his ability to support us, not the performance of his tablet.
I believe the majority of modders are on TNT Lite because it is the most stable and well-supported ROM available. Viewsonic/TapnTap are making his job difficult. I'm guessing, but Viewsonic/TapnTap are probably stretched trying to deliver their next devices and have basically let GTablet development come to a screeching halt.
This is a shame and will probably cause many of us to look elsewhere for our next slate.
100 % Agree
Roebeet, thanks for bringing this up. I have been discussing this we others this past week. We were wondering exactly the same thing - Where is Viewsonic? They have not put out any updates or updated the website nor given us any information. I personally cannot understand this. They have a great product and could take the lead in the tablet market but are doing nothing.
Thanks for bringing this to everyones attention Roebeet. I am behind you 100%.
The fact it is on sale at woot and tigerdirect should be enough clues that viewsonic is moving dev resources away and probably to their next tablet product.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
We aren't waiting for stock updates, the updates just give the devs more goodies to work with.
thank you roebeet, for making it feel like this community has a voice. My other device is a Locked down droid X so I know the feeling of being abandoned and laughed at by the manufacturer of your product. All these companies get a little success, but they quickly forget where they came from. I don't see anyone rushing out to line up for a viewpad and maybe it will stay that way if we continue to voice our opinions and the truth about viewsonic.
I think these companies think they can operate on the standalone GPS model of update frequency, once a year. That is not the world we live in though. I'd say two years is fair support table with a firmware update a minimum of every six months and above all else, CONSTANT OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH THE COMMUNITY THAT DEVELOPS AROUND YOUR PRODUCT.
We will fall off gradually at first, then a bit quicker, then a bit quicker still until there is an avalanche of gtabs on ebay and craigslist. Selling at 40 dollars each and being repursposed and sold as digital frames to the housewives of the world.
You've been warned Viewsonic, this is a direct clear threat. Come to the community or lose your established base and hope for anything more than a bargain bin future.
Think of how many people would have returned this product day 1 without a community, seriously consider that, the number is high. If not for the selfless efforts of people like roebeet. With no where to go, the people give up hope.
So what is it going to be?
Thanks Roebeet, very well stated. They do need to get their **** together. We know right now the product isn't up to par with competition so if they want to compete it better be in the way of support. All we ask Viewsonic, is to keep us informed!
doctorisin said:
Gumby,
Roebeet is a dev here. He's responsible for the TNT Lite and GADAM ROMs and was involved with Vegan as well. He's concerned about his ability to support us, not the performance of his tablet.
I believe the majority of modders are on TNT Lite because it is the most stable and well-supported ROM available. Viewsonic/TapnTap are making his job difficult. I'm guessing, but Viewsonic/TapnTap are probably stretched trying to deliver their next devices and have basically let GTablet development come to a screeching halt.
This is a shame and will probably cause many of us to look elsewhere for our next slate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... didn't know he was a dev. Appologies, but the main points of my post are still valid (as you also noted in your speculation about their lack of support).
I guess I am wondering what they need to update that is holding up development of anything else? GB roms are out there now (and honeycomb ones won't be far off either) so what froyo fixes are showstopping?
Im_Gumby said:
Hmmm... didn't know he was a dev. Appologies, but the main points of my post are still valid (as you also noted in your speculation about their lack of support).
I guess I am wondering what they need to update that is holding up development of anything else? GB roms are out there now (and honeycomb ones won't be far off either) so what froyo fixes are showstopping?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude, do you realize everything you say has no basis in fact? You are telling one of the guys that is our only hope of possibly running honeycomb on the gtab his own future. How do you know we'll get the source code? How do you know it will be usable? How do you know there will be a similar device we can port from? How do you know anything?
the simple answer is you don't. You seem to be arrogant and uneducated on the subject, so kindly back out of this conversation unless you have something relevant to add. You're stealing focus from an important topic.
Im_Gumby said:
..... so what froyo fixes are showstopping?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about in sleep mode the gTab sucks up the battery like there's no tomorrow?
Hey Roebeet, I always thought it was SOL? But I do agree with you.
Exactly right, lets not lose focus... The scariest thing to me is that Robert is the originator of this thread. If he feels this way, then we may all be screwed as far as future support is concerned.
@Robeet -thanks for leading the charge and giving us a voice.
@Viewsonic. Please respond to this thread and keep an open dialogue with this community.
seems as if @roebeet got viewsonics attention on twitter?
any contact?
snapz54 said:
dude, do you realize everything you say has no basis in fact? You are telling one of the guys that is our only hope of possibly running honeycomb on the gtab his own future. How do you know we'll get the source code? How do you know it will be usable? How do you know there will be a similar device we can port from? How do you know anything?
the simple answer is you don't. You seem to be arrogant and uneducated on the subject, so kindly back out of this conversation unless you have something relevant to add. You're stealing focus from an important topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right... google COULD decide not to release any more source codes.
And you might decide to be less of a tool.
Neither seems very likely.
My bad on the location - I thought I was in General when I posted this.
If a mod could move this, I'd appreciate it.
doctorisin said:
Gumby,
Roebeet is a dev here. He's responsible for the TNT Lite and GADAM ROMs and was involved with Vegan as well. He's concerned about his ability to support us, not the performance of his tablet.
I believe the majority of modders are on TNT Lite because it is the most stable and well-supported ROM available. Viewsonic/TapnTap are making his job difficult. I'm guessing, but Viewsonic/TapnTap are probably stretched trying to deliver their next devices and have basically let GTablet development come to a screeching halt.
This is a shame and will probably cause many of us to look elsewhere for our next slate.
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You nailed it. TNT Lite is basically an extension of stock - it gets updated, in general, when stock gets updated. If Viewsonic development dies, then TNT Lite dies - it's that simple.
We need the vendor to keep on top with updates as there are things that they can do for us, even to this day. UAT 3991 build was a perfect example (before they pulled it) - it's a MUCH better baseline to work off of than 3389 / 3588.
I know many are using the GB mods, and those would survive even if the vendor abandoned the device. But TNT Lite and anything else based off stock would fall by the wayside, and we really don't want that. Options are a good thing.
I want a response from them tomorrow or Tuesday - I don't like how they are treating their userbase right now (which includes me, as I own one) and I think we deserve an explanation and an ETA, at this point. If this happened at my day job, heads would be rolling by now.
Here's an example of what I'm talking about -- Pandigital. Their "Novel" white device was released in May and they are STILL releasing updates to it, to this day. Granted, they are still stuck on Android 2.0, but the fact they they just released an update a few weeks ago is a good sign that they haven't abandoned the device, yet. This is what I'd like to see from Viewsonic.
Im_Gumby said:
Hmmm... didn't know he was a dev. Appologies, but the main points of my post are still valid (as you also noted in your speculation about their lack of support).
I guess I am wondering what they need to update that is holding up development of anything else? GB roms are out there now (and honeycomb ones won't be far off either) so what froyo fixes are showstopping?
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If you lose your XDA devs, then there IS no more development for this product. One dev here has already sold their device, and mine has been relegated as a dev unit since February (which I'm A-OK with, btw). If Viewsonic abandons this product, then the developers will eventually move on. In my case, stock updates are critical to keep TNT Lite relevant - once those are gone, TNT Lite will become stale and die. gADAM can stick around as long as Notion Ink supplies updates, and that remains to be seen as well. So don't think vendor support isn't important, because it actually is.
Well said, roebeet.
A few months ago, during the whole nVidia Harmony forum post fiasco, there seemed to be a pretty decent campaign by some members of XDA and other forums to get Viewsonic to support their product. That caused them to (at least temporarily) release the 1.2 branch.
This helped push forward ROMs by Roebeet and others. The future looked bright for Honeycomb on the Harmony platform.
Now, after asking a question on their Twitter post today, I am not so sure about Viewsonic's commitment to support a product that still has a lot of potential.
Here is the Twitter timeline:
ViewSonic
What do YOU use your tablet for the most? Tell us on Facebook! on.fb.me/ViewSonicCorp
tomsliwowski
@ViewSonic I'd love to use my GTab for Honeycomb. Are you ever going to support the GTab at all?
ViewSonic
@tomsliwowski The GTablet was never promoted as a Honeycomb product. There are multiple business and technical issues with both nVidia
ViewSonic
@tomsliwowski and Google that prevent later versions of the Android OS from being implemented on the GTablet.
tomsliwowski
@ViewSonic I'm sorry but that is simply not true. Customers of yours on XDA, SlateDroid and TabletROMs have versions of HC running.
ViewSonic
@tomsliwowski There are 3rd party companies that have hacked the device, however, Honeycomb is not support by ViewSonic on the gTablet.
tomsliwowski
@ViewSonic All they need is for you to release Harmony drivers which nVidia already publicly stated they will provide upon request from you
ViewSonic
@tomsliwowski For further support on this matter, please contact the gTablet support team at (310) 228-4000.
Frankly I didn't expect them to reply to me and to offload the blame to their partners that quickly. I know that if they don't put at least a fully working (i.e. minimally buggy) official 2.2 ROM I will not even consider Viewsonic for future hardware purchases.
Time to get on Twitter
Maybe ask Tom about an article on Viewsonic's commitment to the Gtab, on their own website.
viewsonic.com/company/news/vs_press_release_443666.htm
viewsonic is right on the first part but wrong when they dont provide the drivers
Well, this is a bummer.
Maybe we should be talking to Malata instead of Viewsonic.
Well if you want to make a vow to never buy another Viewsonic product do it now. Here is my hand, I pledge to never buy another Viewsonic product again.
Let's not just vow not to buy, we need to all start calling, emailing viewsonic, make sure you let them know you indend to not only stop buying their products but to also stop reccomending them to friends, family, customers, random people on the street. Let's tie up their phone lines, email and twitter accounts with our vocal displeasure.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
I tried this with HP. My Dv6000 laptop was part of a whole batch of bad laptops. Not just dv6000 but a ton of the dv lines. Basically the laptops all overheated and eventually died within 1-2 years of use or less. I called, emailed, did everything and HP basically told me to eff off. I paid $1200 for the laptop as well. Companies suck these days. I will never buy an HP computer ever again because of this. So at least they are losing the customer and I do bad mouth them to people looking at computers because of how bad their customer service is. Google Dv6000 overheat 3 beeps, etc and you'll just see how many people out there had the same problem. HP are crooks.
To who it may concern,,,
The following is a letter that I emailed, faxed, snail mailed and posted on their forum:
I am or should I say was a loyal ViewSonic customer. That was until I learned that ViewSonic would not only release a version of HoneyComb for the GTablet, but that you would also not assist the development community in their endeavors to create at least a working HoneyComb-like OS by releasing the Harmony driver sets per Nvidia. Now I know who ever receives this will probably initially discount this as the ravings of one disgruntled customer. I would ask that you consider the following:
1) I am a techie. As such I enjoy big ticket techie items. I am in the market for a large screen television. Guess who I will no longer consider? You're now probably thinking, "Big deal so we lose one customer."
2) Also consider this, as a techie a lot of my friends and family often refer to my judgement on ALL things technical including purchases of electronics.
3) Oh yeah, I also posted this letter on every forum and blog that I am a member of. At last count we are talking 82 sites world wide.
Good luck in your future endeavors.
Signed,
A former customer
Never Again
Never again, I say, to viewsonic. That company is a rip off, and even if they improved their ethics, I will not buy. As long as I have self respect, I will not give them one cent, because I will not allow myself to be treated like I am worthless and alive only to service those a**'s. Already, I declined to buy a 24" monitor simply because it has the viewsonic brand.
My Pledge - 30 tweets in 30 days @viewsonic, with a msg similar to No customer care, no product support, cant be trusted, never make that mistake again, boycott, boycott, boycott, remember the gTab.
It would be really cool if at least five or ten people on this site joined in with me.
I too thought the same way when i purchased a Gtab. I am now rooted with Alpha Bottle Of Smoke rom and love it! all the honeycomb i want
I went ahead and sent a tweet @ViewSonic as well, asking them if they will ever provide support for a current or future Android OS
Im hoping they will eventually release an update and bring us up to at least gingerbread...
maybe we will get lucky and they will update the GTab with ice cream sandwich...
im expecting nothing though and hoping for something
Swaggasaurus said:
I too thought the same way when i purchased a Gtab. I am now rooted with Alpha Bottle Of Smoke rom and love it! all the honeycomb i want
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Except for hardware acceleration which is a big deal
Sent from my GtabComb using Tapatalk
I think we might be better off hounding Andrew over at Nvidia for the drivers. He didnt want to give out any Google files but it sounded like he could help with the Nvidia stuff. Now that HC is ported maybe he can help with the drivers.
What's a good email address for viewsonic?
we should all just blow them up.
Swaggasaurus said:
I too thought the same way when i purchased a Gtab. I am now rooted with Alpha Bottle Of Smoke rom and love it! all the honeycomb i want
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Does the Bottle of Smoke Rom allow USB access for transferring files and MicroSD card access?
If so, I will definitely check it out.
I had an interesting Chat conversation with Viewsonic technical support this evening. I knew that Viewsonic doesn't handle the tech support of the Gtablet any longer, but didn't want the support guy, Aljhon (I called him AL) to know that I knew that.
I simply wanted to ask him if Viewsonic was planning on releasing any other firmware updates for the stock TNT Firmware.
his Answer:
"Actually, have dedicated department that supports our G-Tablets. We do not have any information for Gtablet here."
"You may contact them directly at 310-228-4000 between 9AM-5PM PST, Monday through Friday."
I know that is US Merchants contact information, and figured he would probably provide it. I expanded my questioning, explaining that I didn't have any issues with the Gtablet and htat it works fine, just htat I was simply wanting to know if the development team had any plans to update the stock firmware any time soon.
"Honestly Mr. Evans, I would really glad to assist you regarding this but I do no have any information here in my resources."
I made the point that the Tablets are still selling, with the Viewsonic name on the back, and the Viewsonic logo shown at startup...
" I am unable to answer your concern because we do not have any information here for Gtablet."
then he just kept barking the "dedicated department" BS to me with US Merchants phone number.
Why was this conversation important? It says, to me at least, that Viewsonic has indeed abandoned this product. Their support team doesn't have "any information" regarding it. If they were planning on providing a stock firmware update, then that informaiton should be available, right? By stating that he doesn't have ANY information, I took it as Viewsonic washing their hands of the Gtablet, and letting it remain at the latest released firmware (1.1.3588).
I informed him that I would never recommend a Viewsonic product to anyone I know...though now, it seems that US Merchants has their stock, and is the only company profitting from Gtablets.
I highly doubt that US Merchants is developing anything, nor even has the resources to request anything that the community wants. Their contact was Viewsonic, and Viewsonic had the contacts.
Gtablet 1.1.3588 is the farthest that this thing will go, with support from it's manufacturer...
Why dont we start a petition and link it to viewsonics forums. Let the world speak. And that makes 10!
DKS1282 said:
Why dont we start a petition and link it to viewsonics forums. Let the world speak. And that makes 10!
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Because petitions don't mean anything if the other side doesn't listen. All VS has to do is ignore us and time will make people forget about us.
Unfortunately, I do not think that the number of disatisfied g-tablet users will affect them globally enough to change their stand.
We got a tablet with similar hardware at a much cheaper price and I would say that you get what you pay for.