Related
By the time I got 3116 downloaded, several other people had made varying comments so I didn't really know what to expect.
Here are my observations:
1. Update was flawless and no instability afterward that can see.
2. I wouldn't say it seems "fast" -- but I definitely would call it smoother and more polished.
3. I neither like nor dislike the TnT launcher, but I do appreciate that they put the Android-like option in there. I'll use that more than the stock launcher.
4. They should have put flash in. From a public perspective, it was hugely necessary. And it it was an Adobe holdup, they need to get their PR flacks on line making sure people know they tried!
5. All the apps I have added since the update seem to have loaded and are working fine.
6. I'm still exploring, but I put an SD card in /sdcard2 with a couple of albums on it. Told the music app to start -- it said it was searching -- it found my music and played!!! That was nice. Now will have to test photos, videos, etc.
7. It just runs and that helps!
Summary: Given what's in and not in the update, I suspect this is an effort by the TapNTap people to get out from under the whole situation. It looks to my eye (and I have done a fair amount of programming) like when the furor over the interface started, someone started working real hard to make TapNTap work well. I do agree with somebody that while I am not happy with what came in the package, I believe it probably will be enough to satisfy casual, non-tech users if the VS marketing people can get the word out and generate some interest.
I'd give it a thumbs up with the proviso that somebody better bring some meat and potatoes before long to go with the appetizer!
Rev
I agree.
The stock Android-like launcher is nice. The speed and stability is much improved. We are spoiled with the speed-fix that all the aftermarket roms have in them. I have used TNT lite and Vegan since I got the tab new. I have installed this update and have been usingit for the afternoon. I think it is nice and this can be a mainstream tablet now. The only thing it needs is the flash, which will be forthcoming.
I was one of the people that was very down on the stock firmware. This device is now able to compete head to head with any other android tablet and can go head to head against the Ipad. Once flash is added, this is much better than the Ipad.
It seemed very usable. Pretty nice for people who want something that just works rather than learning how to use Android. The only instability I experienced was some incompatibility with my Exchange mail crashing the mail app every time.
upgrade
Is this the so called 12 19 update??
2insane,
Yes, apparently Roebeet caught it early and D/Led it and posted the link for others who wanted to try it.
There are quite a few posts explaining people's opinions about it.
Rev
A vast improvement.
I only used the new update shortly after install today. I believe for most people purchasing the tablet the update will be enough to keep them from returning the product. It's not going to show the potential of the Tegra processor, but the unit is usable.
The one glaring issue I think is when changing orientation. The gpad is slow and unsure, both the iPad and Samsung tab are instant.
Even though it is a vast improvement it should be more. How is that a few developers on this site can come up with much better software with limited resources and access to key information than the company selling the product?
I had given up my tablet and found the update looking for the stock flash to return the unit. It was fun tweaking it, but I was using time that I really couldn't spare trying to get it work. Not sure I would have followed through with returning yet.
I did a complete wipe and reformat of the system and partitioned the sd card. Installed the update then installed VEGAn Beta 3 without wiping and all I can say fantastic.. Not sure what changed, but VEGAn runs even better now. I have been using my tab for about 6 hours now trying to get it to act up, so far no problems. I have not attempted the Adobe Flash install. Flash would be nice to have, but really is not all that important for my use.
Some of you like numbers, here are some Quadrant scores. Viewsonic Gtablet 2538. My Samsung Galaxy Tab 976. I can assure you that in daily use the speed difference is not as dramatic as the numbers suggest.
To those of you who are frustrated and thinking of returning the unit, you might give it a few more tries. At least give the update a try, it won't run at full potential, but the update appears to make it a very usable device. Even with just the Viewsonic update I have trouble believing that this is the same piece of junk I brought home 7 days ago.
I believe I have a keeper now thanks to the people on this site that share there work and knowledge, with a little credit due to Viewsonic.
Hey Guys,
I am new here so please forgive any embarressing newness moments regarding my questions.
I noticed that GTab has at least 4 different Roms that are being actively developed in their own way (big thank you to the devs btw).
I also see there is a post already asking which rom people this is the best.
I dont know if its fair on the devs to say best or not but I was wondering if each rom was developed for a certain purpose in mind?
I mean is one built for better gaming while the other is for better web browsing etc??
Can anyone pls advise suitability of purpose?
I get my GTab soon as i just ordered it and will be changing the rom on it almost immediately. I'm just unsure which on to choose is all.
~BAM~ said:
Hey Guys,
I am new here so please forgive any embarressing newness moments regarding my questions.
I noticed that GTab has at least 4 different Roms that are being actively developed in their own way (big thank you to the devs btw).
I also see there is a post already asking which rom people this is the best.
I dont know if its fair on the devs to say best or not but I was wondering if each rom was developed for a certain purpose in mind?
I mean is one built for better gaming while the other is for better web browsing etc??
Can anyone pls advise suitability of purpose?
I get my GTab soon as i just ordered it and will be changing the rom on it almost immediately. I'm just unsure which on to choose is all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not that much difference between the roms. They are based from different source so they all look a little different. The best thing to do is install clockwork and check them all out and see what is best for you. Install one and run it for awhile then make a backup in clockwork and install another. If you don't like it you can then restore your backup and be back up in about 5 minutes.
I would personally wait on cm7 before installing as it has some weird quirks the others don't. I have nothing against cyanogenmod as I am running cm7 on my droid right now.
~BAM~ said:
Hey Guys,
I am new here so please forgive any embarressing newness moments regarding my questions.
I noticed that GTab has at least 4 different Roms that are being actively developed in their own way (big thank you to the devs btw).
I also see there is a post already asking which rom people this is the best.
I dont know if its fair on the devs to say best or not but I was wondering if each rom was developed for a certain purpose in mind?
I mean is one built for better gaming while the other is for better web browsing etc??
Can anyone pls advise suitability of purpose?
I get my GTab soon as i just ordered it and will be changing the rom on it almost immediately. I'm just unsure which on to choose is all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of them is really better at any one thing than the other. It is mostly just user interface differences. TnT Lite is based off of the stock TnT that came on the tablet. Zpad is based off of the rom made for the Zpad. vegaN is based from the rom for the Advent Vega, and Cyanogenmod is based off of... Well, Cyanogenmod.
The GTab, and the Zpad are like brothers. Both made by Malata, and are almost the same thing. The Advent Vega uses similar hardware to us as well.
My personal favorite is vegaN but really only because I don't like the upper notification bar in TnT. Zpad is another one I like for the same reason.
For just starting out I would go with either TnTLite, or vegaN as they are the most popular, and most supported.
Can't really go wrong with any of them and I play with them all. Like said before I would stay away from the Cyanogenmod rom unless you are a techie. It works well, but it has a different way of mapping memory and some other differences that can get you into trouble.
Easiest to get answers to questions are TnTLite, or vegaN...
Thanks for the quick response guys!
I cant wait till my Gtab arrives!
A little commentary for the newbie’s just getting a G_Tab or discovering this forum and feeling a little overwhelmed….
I would describe myself as a high end user with good skills but not a programmer by trade. I’m a good reader and follow processes.
I bought my first G Tab mid November from Sears.
Out of the box I was like “What the @ell”…. I currently had an iPad and the comparison was night and day.
If it wasn’t for “roebeet” it was headed back to Sears faster than I could start the car. TNT Lite saved it from the scrap yard.
I’m naming my first child “roebeet:…
Currently I have 3 VS G Tabs…. “Don’t ask, Don’t tell”…..
#1 is my daily driver I use for work… Current ROM is VEGA-n 5.1 with Clemsyn's KERNEL
I have tied every ROM and Kernel out there and this is by far the most solid. I trust this to go on the road with me and use for work.
Pretty much 95% of apps work and it’s been so long since it’s FC’d or done anything “funny” I can’t remember.
Keyboards, mouse control, GPS connect, BT, DOCK, etc all work as they should.
#2 is my CRASH TEST DUMMY. It has been used and abused with every ROM, Kernel, Apps you can find on this board.
This is the one I use to try out all the ROMS, Apps, Kernels the Developers have all worked so hard on.
This one has been to @ell and back several times and keeps ticking.
Currently running NI Adam…. Not a big fan so far.
#3 is totally stock ROM with VS updates. Doesn’t even have the Enhancement packs.
This is my spare part tablet if needed. So far, so good.
As mentioned I have 32 gig iPad since they first came out. For the “Average” user this is what they need. Turn on and go.
I RARELY touch this anymore and will probably sell it down the road. What I can do on the Gtab doesn’t even compare to the iPad anymore.
I show the G tab to folks and they start to drool. But I quickly let them know this is like a Porsche, it’s awesome but takes some upkeep and tweaks.
Obviously everyone is waiting for Honeycomb to make its way to the G Tab, but I can tell you until then, VEGA-n will get the job done.
If you are just finding this forum and are looking to take your Tablet to the next level, that’s a good place to start.
We are all indebted to developers and users on this forum for all their time and efforts to help all the G Tab owners.
A very sincere thank you…
Nicely Said and Deserved!!!
BRAVO! nicely written.
[email protected] said:
A little commentary for the newbie’s just getting a G_Tab or discovering this forum and feeling a little overwhelmed….
I would describe myself as a high end user with good skills but not a programmer by trade. I’m a good reader and follow processes.
I bought my first G Tab mid November from Sears.
Out of the box I was like “What the @ell”…. I currently had an iPad and the comparison was night and day.
If it wasn’t for “roebeet” it was headed back to Sears faster than I could start the car. TNT Lite saved it from the scrap yard.
I’m naming my first child “roebeet:…
Currently I have 3 VS G Tabs…. “Don’t ask, Don’t tell”…..
#1 is my daily driver I use for work… Current ROM is VEGA-n 5.1 with Clemsyn's KERNEL
I have tied every ROM and Kernel out there and this is by far the most solid. I trust this to go on the road with me and use for work.
Pretty much 95% of apps work and it’s been so long since it’s FC’d or done anything “funny” I can’t remember.
Keyboards, mouse control, GPS connect, BT, DOCK, etc all work as they should.
#2 is my CRASH TEST DUMMY. It has been used and abused with every ROM, Kernel, Apps you can find on this board.
This is the one I use to try out all the ROMS, Apps, Kernels the Developers have all worked so hard on.
This one has been to @ell and back several times and keeps ticking.
Currently running NI Adam…. Not a big fan so far.
#3 is totally stock ROM with VS updates. Doesn’t even have the Enhancement packs.
This is my spare part tablet if needed. So far, so good.
As mentioned I have 32 gig iPad since they first came out. For the “Average” user this is what they need. Turn on and go.
I RARELY touch this anymore and will probably sell it down the road. What I can do on the Gtab doesn’t even compare to the iPad anymore.
I show the G tab to folks and they start to drool. But I quickly let them know this is like a Porsche, it’s awesome but takes some upkeep and tweaks.
Obviously everyone is waiting for Honeycomb to make its way to the G Tab, but I can tell you until then, VEGA-n will get the job done.
If you are just finding this forum and are looking to take your Tablet to the next level, that’s a good place to start.
We are all indebted to developers and users on this forum for all their time and efforts to help all the G Tab owners.
A very sincere thank you…
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great post.
I first flashed to CM7 and was highly disappointed.
I flashed back to stock because of USB driver issues in CM7
Then went to VEGAn5 and have loved the tablet ever since.
I think Honeycomb will take the Gtab even further and I can't wait.
+1
Bought my gtab with hopes Viewsonic update would make it usable. No such luck. With no Android experience Iused instructions here to root and flash Vegan tab 5.1. No problems and tablet is now a pleasure to use. The developers here are fantastic. Can't wait for future releases
Great post - I am enjoying my g-tab. New to Android but good a PC and programming. The openness compared to the ipad works really well for me.
And we only have new developments to look forward to. Pretty cool.
Stock ROM wasn't as bad as I was expecting but that might be because I updated to latest version right away. However, definitely enjoying VEGAn 5.1 far more than stock. Think I hit 8 posts so I can stop posting my opinion everywhere and wait until I have something useful to say.
EDIT: need 10 posts
much appreciation to all
I too wish to share my gratitude, this is a very supportive community
4rs fed said:
Great post.
I first flashed to CM7 and was highly disappointed.
I flashed back to stock because of USB driver issues in CM7
Then went to VEGAn5 and have loved the tablet ever since.
I think Honeycomb will take the Gtab even further and I can't wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then went to VEGAn5 and have loved the tablet ever since.
Amen....
[email protected] said:
What I can do on the Gtab doesn’t even compare to the iPad anymore.
I show the G tab to folks and they start to drool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious to know what extra things you do with the GTab over the ipad?
btw I'm a fan too.. just got mine a week ago and havent put it down since.
But...
Alright, so I see all the Vegan love on this thread and I just have to ask.... I have been on Vegan for about a week after being on TnT Lite. I LOVE the interface and a lot about Vegan, but it does not seem to be nearly as stable as TnT Lite. It seems to hang from time to time and it just reboot's itself 5 or 6 times a day.
Now I can say that I am running the Kernel that comes with the distribution and I am thinking about changing the Kernel. So my question for the others with stable Vegan installs is if....
a. Vegan just hangs and reboots now and again. (I could actually live with it)
b. I need to change out the Kernel
c. I'm a fool and a noob and I should just wipe this thing and try again.
Try pershoot's kernel. Fast, smooth, and stable for me
After experiencing many CF errors using TNTLite 3.1.3 installed on the original settings I have just re-partitioned (2048,0) and formatted the SDCARD. Then installed TNT Lite 4.2.1.
So far this has been rock-stable.
What advantages do you see in using VegaN instead of TNTLite?
simon-edwards said:
After experiencing many CF errors using TNTLite 3.1.3 installed on the original settings I have just re-partitioned (2048,0) and formatted the SDCARD. Then installed TNT Lite 4.2.1.
So far this has been rock-stable.
What advantages do you see in using VegaN instead of TNTLite?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the comments. I installed Clemsyns kernel last night and it seems that it made a big difference. Things just feel faster and more fluid when using the Gtab with this kernel. I also have stopped seeing the crash/restart when i wakeup the device. I know that others have reported the wakeup problem even with clemsyn, but it fixed it for me.
Noe, for my vegan experience... I really like the look and feel of vegan better. TnT lite is simar to stock. It worked well, but was not as easy to use. Vegan has the full setyings menus and a slightly more detailed front end interface and shell. It has a really nicr status bar as well. I cannot say that it has anything that i could not live without, but it just seems to have everything i need and like.
[email protected] said:
A little commentary for the newbie’s just getting a G_Tab or discovering this forum and feeling a little overwhelmed….
I would describe myself as a high end user with good skills but not a programmer by trade. I’m a good reader and follow processes.
I bought my first G Tab mid November from Sears.
Out of the box I was like “What the @ell”…. I currently had an iPad and the comparison was night and day.
If it wasn’t for “roebeet” it was headed back to Sears faster than I could start the car. TNT Lite saved it from the scrap yard.
I’m naming my first child “roebeet:…
Currently I have 3 VS G Tabs…. “Don’t ask, Don’t tell”…..
#1 is my daily driver I use for work… Current ROM is VEGA-n 5.1 with Clemsyn's KERNEL
I have tied every ROM and Kernel out there and this is by far the most solid. I trust this to go on the road with me and use for work.
Pretty much 95% of apps work and it’s been so long since it’s FC’d or done anything “funny” I can’t remember.
Keyboards, mouse control, GPS connect, BT, DOCK, etc all work as they should.
#2 is my CRASH TEST DUMMY. It has been used and abused with every ROM, Kernel, Apps you can find on this board.
This is the one I use to try out all the ROMS, Apps, Kernels the Developers have all worked so hard on.
This one has been to @ell and back several times and keeps ticking.
Currently running NI Adam…. Not a big fan so far.
#3 is totally stock ROM with VS updates. Doesn’t even have the Enhancement packs.
This is my spare part tablet if needed. So far, so good.
As mentioned I have 32 gig iPad since they first came out. For the “Average” user this is what they need. Turn on and go.
I RARELY touch this anymore and will probably sell it down the road. What I can do on the Gtab doesn’t even compare to the iPad anymore.
I show the G tab to folks and they start to drool. But I quickly let them know this is like a Porsche, it’s awesome but takes some upkeep and tweaks.
Obviously everyone is waiting for Honeycomb to make its way to the G Tab, but I can tell you until then, VEGA-n will get the job done.
If you are just finding this forum and are looking to take your Tablet to the next level, that’s a good place to start.
We are all indebted to developers and users on this forum for all their time and efforts to help all the G Tab owners.
A very sincere thank you…
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sold me.
This is definitely the tablet I am going to pick up
[email protected] said:
A little commentary for the newbie’s just getting a G_Tab or discovering this forum and feeling a little overwhelmed…
We are all indebted to developers and users on this forum for all their time and efforts to help all the G Tab owners.
A very sincere thank you…
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said... and Ditto
For the last 75 days this tab has been a workhorse for me. A few accessories missing and one or two enhancments would be great, but otherwise a great tab.
Regards,
Been lurking here for a few days now, but this is deff the tab I want from all the post here I have read. The gentlemen here have done such a wonderful job in making it a top tablet to get. Thanks..
I feel very lucky. I started looking for tablets a while ago but was disappointed by what I found at the normal electronics stores. Then I ran across this thing at Sears (who buys their electronics from Sears) and bought one based solely on the hardware specs. I figured if anything could run Android this thing could. Disappointed out-of-the-box (like everyone else)... found these forums, and within a few hours had VEGAN up and running and couldn't wait to squelch a few ipad zealots at work the next day. Thank you to everyone that has shared your knowledge and time with the rest of us.
As a newbie ( my G tab arrived yesterday) and a non-techie (I don't even own a mobile phone), I really appreciate the original post, thank you.
I'm going to put Vegan on mine.
Quick question:
What does a "kernel" do? Is that something like a BIOS in a laptop?
Another noob guilty of lurking for the past few days. Over the weekend I spent many hours googling/researching a tablet. Everytime I thought I had found a keeper I discovered it had serious drawbacks. Then I stumbled upon the VS Gtab. I was impressed with its hardware. I am in no way versed in Rooting/flashing but I can read and follow directions so I do not anticipate any serious problems. I ordered my Gtab yesterday and am continuing to study this site so when the time comes I will be ready to Root and Flash (sounds fun). My son and son in law are both programmers so I figure between the good folks on this site and us three I should have a kick ass Tablet when all is said and done. So "stick it up your nose Apple"
Tt
Hi all! I'm a noob to the site and a noob to smartphone modifications, so please forgive me for my questions and concerns. I've used forums for years on many topics and found the knowledge base to be incredible, so I hope you guys will help me out, too.
So, while my Skyrocket has generally worked very well for the past 2+ years, I have always felt it's not living up to its potential. I've read numerous threads on many forums to see what my fellow Rocketeers were doing. I think I've come to the conclusion that flashing a new ROM is the way to go, but I am a bit wary since I've never done this nor know anyone who has. My thinking goes along the same lines as my experience with computers... If you buy a Dell, HP, etc., you get the garbage that the manufacturer bundles in along with Windows. If you wipe the HD and install your own clean copy of Windows, you can usually get better performance without all that other stuff. Hence, the idea for a new ROM for the phone.
A few things have me wondering, though... There seem to be more ROMs available than flavors of Linux! I know choice will end up being a personal thing. My goal is really simple... I just want a clean OS that is stable, efficient, and runs the basic functions I am accustomed to. So, I am not looking to experiment or push the envelope. I want a phone that doesn't crash at the worst possible time, and one that can actually make phone calls! I assume that I will still be able to use the Google Play store to download apps (after installing the plugin thingy). My phone is from AT&T and is unlocked. Will it say unlocked after flashing a new ROM? Will Visual Voicemail still work? I occasionally use FoxFi to create a mobile hotspot. Will I still be able to use it? Or do other ROMs already have this feature unlocked (or bypassed)? I use apps on my phone mostly for email (Yahho/Gmail), calendar, FB, Instagram, YouTube, taking photos/video, viewing forums, and the like, besides making phone calls. In other words, what should I expect from a new ROM? How will things be different? I'm really trying to gauge if this is a worthwhile endeavor for me.
Sorry for the long post. I appreciate your opinions and experience.
It's always worthwhile.
The Skyrocket, to me, was always a case of OEM software that limited its potential. If you really sit down and tweak it, custom ROM, new governor, overclock, it's a beast of a phone that can still keep pace today. You'll have to balance performance with battery life--overclocking and switching to a more aggressive governor doesn't do you any favors there, and some ROMs are better about battery life than others. It's a great phone with a lot of life left, though, much more so than the vanilla S2 because the Rocket has LTE capability.
To hit your other questions, any app that is available on the Play Store will work. If a ROM needs a second gapps flash to get the Play Store (along with everything else Google ships) back, that will be made available and is a very easy install. I've never unlocked a phone, but I don't believe that a new ROM would lose that. Wait for someone else to reply, but I'd be shocked if it did. As far as what you want, there's a ROM to suit any desires. Most ROMs are pretty basic and look and feel like you'd expect a Skyrocket to. Some are designed to feel a little more like iOS, some are designed to be stripped-down (and faster as a result), and some are based on stock firmware and very closely replicate the original experience. It's up to you to read through the dev forum for the Rocket and pick the experience that's best for you.
As far as how difficult it is, spend a couple hours reading about flashing, how it works and why it works. Once you have that basic understanding of it and can follow a few simple instructions that are pretty universal across ROMs, you're set.
Well, I'm giving this a try tonight. Fingers crossed!
One piece of advice: when you pick a new rom from "Android development" read the WHOLE thread associated with that rom, with special attention the the first couple of pages. Make sure you understand the process and any potential pitfalls.
First rom I tried I spent probably six hours reading. It was worth it.
Success!!! I now have the latest CandyKat running! It ended up being not too bad at all. Now I need to figure out how things are different from the AT&T Jelly Bean this replaces.
Thanks for the advice and thanks to everyone who contributes to the site,
I have Kandykat. It seems to be a good solid rom. The Google Now launcher is buggy though. I changed to Nova launcher. Other than that it's been fine.
Thanks for the tips, Chris. I've been using Launcher3. What's the difference between these launchers? Everything seems to be running fine on my rocket now. Any tips on increasing battery life? Any tips on some nice customization?
Google Now launcher seems to have the annoying habit of forgetting the screen setup (app positioning) during reboot. Launcher 3 also exhibited the same problem. Launchers are a matter of taste, but Nova launcher seems solid and looks right to me. YMMV. It's easy to try a few.
Hey guys!
I finally started using my 2 Shield Tablets again, one I was running Ubuntu and Blisspop and the other was just stock. I wanted to keep one of them stock but it seems with the lag that it's absolutely useless and the updates completely curbed my tablet, even though lollypop was kind of pushing it out too.
So the time has come to give a fresh set of OS to my babies. I have a few questions and I hope some of the more seasoned guys here can point me in the right direction.
I'm basically looking for speed and battery life. I don't play games on my tablets and I actually used Ubuntu as a decent laptop sometimes.
I'd like to know with the late-2016 development in the tablet, what route I should take for an almost bare bones (Internet/Chrome, YouTube, Playstore, Music Player, File reader) level of Android that's also quick. Back on my painfully slow S2 HD LTE, I used Slimkat with a black theme and that increased my battery by probably 30% and the phone was actually useful for once. I'm hoping to kind of go that same route, but also use a dual boot for one of them, this one doesn't have to be as quick on Android.
Thanks for reading! Sorry for asking but I feel it'd be easier for you guys to just pass on the knowledge rather than me shovelling through 80 different roms, all pretty in their own way.