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Just looking into getting a tablet and I saw Best Buy would be having these on black friday and was wondering if you guy still think the TF is worth it still. I don't have a ton to spend. But with all the new tablets coming out and Tegra 3 tablets coming out soon too, is this still worth it? I like the idea of adding the keyboard dock too and just us it to replace my laptop with something hopefully a bit quicker and all. Still seems to be a nice tablet. I have just started diving through the forums to try and find more info out about them, but I would appreciate any input from you guys. Also, do you guys think that an android tablet like the TF is a feasible replacement for a laptop in most respects or not yet? Thanks much!
Edit: Poll added.
depends on what you need out of the tablet. if you want something that is seconds faster is more capable in handeling true multitasking and plan on playing a ton of heavy games or do hardcore editing (when the right apps come out) then sure wait to get a quadcore tablet. otherwise the transformer is an excellent tablet esp with ICS coming around the corner. Also, look at some youtube videos of the transformer and read up on the new possible features of a quadcore tablet and then make a rational decision with what you actually need.
And also keep in mind that if you are waiting for the "Next Big Thing"...that's what you'll do....wait. IMHO the TF 101 does everything I need wonderfully. And at a pretty darn good price point. But you should read as much as you can from as many sources as you can. Then decide.
Something to consider also. I've not read anything if the TF 201 will be root-able.
Always get the product that fits your needs, not the "best" one. Cause the next best thing is always a few months away. The Tf101 (now) and the Prime are both going to be running ICS in a few months so its a matter of gaming, speeds and missing out on very few things that the transformer cannot do now.
Well thats my personal opinion. I highly doubt that quadcore means much without running a new OS but I could be wrong. Seems like dual core is plenty for Android. We haven't gotten to the point where tablets can replace notebooks entirely so it's kind of the middle gray area that's not essential if you ask me.
if you want to pay a premium...then get the next big thing
if you are on a budget...get the last big thing
obviously, once the TF2 comes out, the TF would be out-of-date. but at the price best buy is offering it, it'd say it's definitely worth it. i paid full price for mine+shipping+tax, and i still think it's worth it.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Poll is 14 to 0 it is still worth it. I paid $559 for mine with dock. I regret getting the dock i never use it but sounded like a great idea. I also use my laptop 99% less and my PSP not at all even my dad decided he wanted one and he still uses a bar phone and PIII laptop from 2001 that barely runs XP.
I have the TF and dock and love it, so much that when newegg had the TF+ dock for 399 I bought a second one for my wife. I have almost completely used it to replace my laptop. I watch movies, access online college classes and my business' quickbooks portfolio...just to name a few of its primary uses for me. It its more than enough power for what majority would use a tablet/netbook for.
That being said, I will most likely get prime as soon as they are readily available. However,i have zero regret buying a TF when I did and if I didnt have one now and needed one I wouldn't hesitate to buy again. It won't be obsolete for a long time, this little powerhouse still has some life left in her.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
So, it seems like most people still love this tablet which makes me less skeptical about getting the "last big thing." Another question, any opinions about the laptop dock? Is it worth it for most applications?
I use the TF to do lots of typing, between classes and paper work for my business it its a necessity. Our also makes watching movies and stuff nice cause you dont have to hold it. Those are the convenience uses.
But don't forget that the dock also provides you with 2 usb 2.0 slots, great for the 1tb portable hard drive, plus an additional full size sd slot. If that wasn't enough, asus felt they also need to add a set of batteries that increase life by about 6 hours. The nice thing about it is that if your tf is not 100% charged the battery power will transfer to the tf until it is, essential making the dock a portable charger as well.
I can't speak more highly of this tab and dock, to think,i was intending on buying a galaxy tab but it was sold out so I bought the asus on an impulse... Sure am glad I did!
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
At 250 bux, its worth it. At full price (32 gig version is selling for 399 on amazon) I'd wait. Especially since 'waiting for the next best thing' in this case is most likely only a month away.
My girlfriend has an ipad2. And while I prefer this OS, hers is much nicer to hold. And with the prime being thinner and lighter than the Ipad2, that's a huge selling point for me since the vast majority of the time I'm using this while lounging around.
while the TF2 is an overall upgrade from the TF1 its not exactly lightyears ahead of it. If you can snag the TF1 plus dock for a deal on black friday/cyber monday I'd do it. But if you cant then I would just get the prime.
Best Tablet Investment I Ever Made
This tablet is definitely worth buying. ASUS does a great job of keeping it up-to-date. It runs apps and games wonderfully. Like others have said, I have barely touched my laptop since buying it.
I'm considering purchasing a A700.
I've used CyanogenMod on other devices before, and having it available is a big plus for this tablet, even though My understanding is that there is a factory 4.1 that is also pretty good.
I have read the sticky's and done some searches, but I still have somethings I would like specific answers on:
Is USB storage mode supported? I am asking about when the tablet is connected to a PC, Not USB OTG. If so, is the internal 32G and the SD card available? Please answer for Factory ROMs and for CM 10.1.
Does the CM 10.1 DSP Equalizer work? I have read that messing with the EQ settings does not change the sound.
Is there anything in CM 10.1 that does not work that I should know about? GPS? (Including decent time-to-fix), both cameras? are both mics (noise cancellation) supported? Bluetooth (for everything - Keyboards, Stereo sound, File transfers)?
There are some pretty good prices on the A700, but it is very late in the A700's life cycle, and there are much newer devices available cheaper. EX: The Nexus 7 (2013) has the same resolution, twice the RAM, more clock speed, and weighs 1/3 as much. (I know it has no SD slot, no HDMI, and it's 7 inches instead of 10).
Is it still worth buying an A700?
Thanks for any comments/suggestions.
Linuxslate said:
I'm considering purchasing a A700.
I've used CyanogenMod on other devices before, and having it available is a big plus for this tablet, even though My understanding is that there is a factory 4.1 that is also pretty good.
I have read the sticky's and done some searches, but I still have somethings I would like specific answers on:
Is USB storage mode supported? I am asking about when the tablet is connected to a PC, Not USB OTG. If so, is the internal 32G and the SD card available? Please answer for Factory ROMs and for CM 10.1.
Does the CM 10.1 DSP Equalizer work? I have read that messing with the EQ settings does not change the sound.
Is there anything in CM 10.1 that does not work that I should know about? GPS? (Including decent time-to-fix), both cameras? are both mics (noise cancellation) supported? Bluetooth (for everything - Keyboards, Stereo sound, File transfers)?
There are some pretty good prices on the A700, but it is very late in the A700's life cycle, and there are much newer devices available cheaper. EX: The Nexus 7 (2013) has the same resolution, twice the RAM, more clock speed, and weighs 1/3 as much. (I know it has no SD slot, no HDMI, and it's 7 inches instead of 10).
Is it still worth buying an A700?
Thanks for any comments/suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darn Mate. You ask a lot of questions for one whom doesn't own the tab
For CM10.1 questions, you should review pawitp's CM thread. Personally I prefer stock. Less issues when modifying things, and better compatibility across the board.
USB storage supported (nobody would get one if it didn't work).
I have 0 issues when connecting to PC. I get both storage. (although you will not get access to /system, unless using ADB). This is a root/rw issue.
As with audio, can't tell you about DSP, as I don't use it. I use Android4Viper. Might as well go for the best. It replaces the stock/CM.
If you buy a new tab, regardless of brand, and just want immediately to goto CM, well, you take your chances. CM is CM. You can have 10 roms built from CM, but the source is pretty much all the same. CM.
I like the 701. Has most of the same specs as others. To say it's at the end of it's life cycle is pretty off. I don't see any quad 8 processors. Maybe a little more RAM, but hey, we ain't recalculating 1gb spreadsheets here.
(comparing 7" to 10", well, do the math)
The 70x is just now getting good dev. I hear rumor another dev from the 50x forums will be joining.
It's no suprise that a 7" wheighs less then 10"
Personally no sd slot is no go for me.
I really really like the screen of the A700. It's so much better then the Tab2 from my son.
herogjan said:
It's no suprise that a 7" wheighs less then 10"
Personally no sd slot is no go for me.
I really really like the screen of the A700. It's so much better then the Tab2 from my son.
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Click to collapse
Agree. A device without an SD slot, chills my bones. A big turn off. Also, android can sometimes have issues transferring huge chunks of data, like 20 videos at once, so it's an advantage to copy it using the PCs sd card reader.
Acer made a couple improvements over the 50x. The 70x can use USB charging (although really slow, and you don't want to be using tablet). They removed the USB Port, but supply a USB dongle. Speakers are a touch better. And, they gave us unlocked bootloader :good:. So it makes rooting a breeze.
People complained about a processor overheat, but all the high performance tabs do that. Price we pay for the great display. I've never had issues though.
Well Guys, Thanks, but I went with the New Nexus 7.
A 20% off coupon for the Nexus 7 was the tie breaker for me. -- $90 dollars less than the best deal I could find on an A700.
The 1G RAM on the A700 also worked in favor of the Nexus 7. I think, unfortunately, than Android is getting more RAM hungry, The race to add features vs. optimization/cleanup. Otherwise the Tegra 3 wins easily.
Another big factor was standard USB charging. What I read here indicated that the A700 did slow charge over USB, but from what I know about other devices, slow charging does not even keep up with use.
I also decided that I would carry a 7" tablet places I would not carry a 10" tablet. If I am going to carry around a 10" tablet, I may as well carry around my Ultra Book.
I can also put the N7 in the back pocket of "normal" pants. Obviously, I cannot really carry it that way, because If I sit down, I *will* be buying an A700, but If I need my hands free, I can put it there temporarily. I am not of the proportions necessary to wear pants that have pockets big enough for an A700
Yes, no SD and no USB Storage mode is very frustrating. It's crippleware -- Defective by design. I wish Google would wise up to this.
Thanks for the answers, and sorry that in the end I wasted your time. I think if I ever see someone using an A700, I'll be at least a bit jealous.
Linuxslate said:
Well Guys, Thanks, but I went with the New Nexus 7.
A 20% off coupon for the Nexus 7 was the tie breaker for me. -- $90 dollars less than the best deal I could find on an A700.
The 1G RAM on the A700 also worked in favor of the Nexus 7. I think, unfortunately, than Android is getting more RAM hungry, The race to add features vs. optimization/cleanup. Otherwise the Tegra 3 wins easily.
Another big factor was standard USB charging. What I read here indicated that the A700 did slow charge over USB, but from what I know about other devices, slow charging does not even keep up with use.
I also decided that I would carry a 7" tablet places I would not carry a 10" tablet. If I am going to carry around a 10" tablet, I may as well carry around my Ultra Book.
I can also put the N7 in the back pocket of "normal" pants. Obviously, I cannot really carry it that way, because If I sit down, I *will* be buying an A700, but If I need my hands free, I can put it there temporarily. I am not of the proportions necessary to wear pants that have pockets big enough for an A700
Yes, no SD and no USB Storage mode is very frustrating. It's crippleware -- Defective by design. I wish Google would wise up to this.
Thanks for the answers, and sorry that in the end I wasted your time. I think if I ever see someone using an A700, I'll be at least a bit jealous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem mate. No waste of time Doesn't hurt to get some opinions before buying.
However, I hear from my mates, that the new N7 is prone to random re-boots and sleep of death. Not all of them, but a good chunk of them. Seems some software issues. Might wanna check the N7 (2013) forums for the post.
Good luck with your tab!
MD
I took the risk and bought an HP Slatebook x2 today. I heard mixed optimism regarding its superiority over the other HP "offerings" as we might call them ... but it was hard for me to resist the Tegra 4 and bundled keyboard dock. As a grad student, I need a versatile input system, and I wasn't sure I wanted to wait for the next ASUS Transformer tablet to come out. Plus, I keep hearing bad things here about ASUS customer service and so on.
The Slatebook apparently ships with 4.2.2, which isn't too shabby, and it does have multiple SD expansion slots and a USB 2.0 port. So, not exactly up to snuff with the new Transformer rumors, but I couldn't really wait to go mobile because I do web design and I'm stuck on a desktop computer (hard to show off my work from my bedroom, y'know).
What I'm wondering now is, who's going to achieve root for me?
Also, what's the general consensus here on this particular device? All I've seen on these forums about it is a bunch of spam threads from a troll.
Thoughts?
--Fantastic Rat
I, or rather my wife, got this tablet a week ago and I am quite impressed. It is fast and nice, and I agree with the advertisement "100% notebook, 100% tablet". When docked, it feels like a true notebook with a very well designed keyboard and nice shortcut keys. And when used as a tablet, it works well too.
The multi user profiles on Android 4.2 works extremely well too.
For the root access: yes please! I want root too
marlar said:
I, or rather my wife, got this tablet a week ago and I am quite impressed. It is fast and nice, and I agree with the advertisement "100% notebook, 100% tablet". When docked, it feels like a true notebook with a very well designed keyboard and nice shortcut keys. And when used as a tablet, it works well too.
The multi user profiles on Android 4.2 works extremely well too.
For the root access: yes please! I want root too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My roommate bought one of these last week. I was a little dubious at first, but I agree with your assessment. "100% notebook/100% tablet" is pretty accurate.
I have a HP touchpad from the $99 sale from year(s?) ago. I could never get used to just the tablet feel, so I *really* like the docked feel of the slatebook.
Just my 2c. I think it's a feel thing. My girlfriend prefers tablets and just tablets.
I don't think my roommate cares about root... but I could probably convince him. Can never have too many testers
HP needs to bring the 32/64GB internal storage ones to the U.S.
Also with no physical store presence this tablet combo will go nowhere.
Does anyone want to give a little review on their thoughts on the unit?
Its been out in a few countries for a few weeks now and still not in depth review anywhere!
Cheers
jonlad1 said:
Does anyone want to give a little review on their thoughts on the unit?
Its been out in a few countries for a few weeks now and still not in depth review anywhere!
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a TF201 and needed to replace it. I too could not wait for the new ASUS to come out, so I took the risk and bought a Slatebook x2. The complete lack of any discussion on this device, including reviews, is unbelievable. Do a Google search...if you exclude the repeat of the HP spec page...there is nothing.
I'm not a reviewer, but I like this device so far. Its very snappy, no lag, and its running a very close to stock Android 4.2.2 ROM. The only complaints I have are minor; no ability to direct connect to computer (runs off an AC adapter and a proprietary cable), and there is a little 'wobble' back and forth when docked (not tight like the Transformer). But everything else is nice, the screen, responsiveness, dock keys and looks. Its plastic, but who cares; so are about 100 million Samsung phones (I have a Note 2). I ran an AnTuTu benchmark, it was 29054 for what its worth; benchmarks don't mean too much to me.
I really hope Devs pick this up, find a root method and work on a CM load. I am concerned that the HP support to updates (4.3, KeyLimePie, etc) may be slow or non-existent. This wouldn't be a disaster, as the current load is fine, but I hate getting left behind.
---------- Post added at 08:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:48 PM ----------
atg284 said:
HP needs to bring the 32/64GB internal storage ones to the U.S.
Also with no physical store presence this tablet combo will go nowhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Australia; they only had the 16GB model in the store I went to. This works about to be just under 12GB usable. However, I did put a 32GB micro SD card into the tablet and a 32GB SD card into the dock, so now I have on 70GB, which is more than enough for me.
I Just ordered last week still waiting for device. The one strange thing is there is no review or any discussion about the device. Hopefully we get our own forum
Google Edition S4 CM Mod
I bought one yesterday online for what is certainly going to be less than what the new Asus pad infinity will go for and it should arrive in 2 days. While I'm skeptical of HP products this one has such nice specs I couldn't resist. I'm very surprised there isn't an xda forum created for this convertible yet.
bought this a week ago its a pretty kick ass notebook tablet combo just cant wait to root this beast was wondering if a male male usb cable would let me access it on the pc
Just found a full review from google
http://technologynews11.com/laptops/test-hp-slatebook-x2
Rydo111 said:
I'm in Australia; they only had the 16GB model in the store I went to. This works about to be just under 12GB usable. However, I did put a 32GB micro SD card into the tablet and a 32GB SD card into the dock, so now I have on 70GB, which is more than enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get the extra storage on the SD cards but the 11-12 GB left over for apps is not enough. The fact that they are actually making 32/64GB versions yet not offering them in the US makes absolutely no sense. Apps and games are only going to get bigger and bigger...I have a hp touchpad 16GB with ICS and have to really pick and choose what I install because of the small space..I'm looking for am upgrade in the internal storage department as well.
scanline said:
bought this a week ago its a pretty kick ass notebook tablet combo just cant wait to root this beast was wondering if a male male usb cable would let me access it on the pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this yesterday with no success. You can flash files from the SD card via the boot menu, so maybe that's an option for a dev who knows what he's doing.
Could anyone confirm this tablet work with only 32G micro SD. Planning to order a 64G sd
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
atg284 said:
I get the extra storage on the SD cards but the 11-12 GB left over for apps is not enough. The fact that they are actually making 32/64GB versions yet not offering them in the US makes absolutely no sense. Apps and games are only going to get bigger and bigger...I have a hp touchpad 16GB with ICS and have to really pick and choose what I install because of the small space..I'm looking for am upgrade in the internal storage department as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I've usually managed well enough with low internal storage (my Razr Maxx only had 8GB dedicated to apps, and I never overloaded it). I like the fact that this tablet takes multiple SD cards for expansion--means odds are I'll never run out of space even with my 20+ GB music collection.
I'm glad to hear there are others who like what they've seen and are hoping for devs to pick it up. It means I made a good purchase. Looking forward to getting mine in the mail Friday!
--Fantastic Rat
toanau said:
Could anyone confirm this tablet work with only 32G micro SD. Planning to order a 64G sd
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Sorry, I read that 32GB was max, so I just went with 32GB. Haven't tried 64GB.
---------- Post added at 08:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:24 AM ----------
fantasticrat said:
Interesting. I've usually managed well enough with low internal storage (my Razr Maxx only had 8GB dedicated to apps, and I never overloaded it). I like the fact that this tablet takes multiple SD cards for expansion--means odds are I'll never run out of space even with my 20+ GB music collection.
I'm glad to hear there are others who like what they've seen and are hoping for devs to pick it up. It means I made a good purchase. Looking forward to getting mine in the mail Friday!
--Fantastic Rat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My TF201 only had 16GB and it was fine for apps; I never ran out of room to install stuff. My issue was storage of my video library, which is fine on the 2 extension cards. I haven't read anywhere where >16GB units are available; maybe they are still coming.
Just tried a display set at the HP fair. It looks and feels sturdy except for the part that connects the tablet to the keyboard. Feel like its not connected properly and wobbles alot. I like the keyboard combo. For the price, its definitely cheap.
I am going to wait for more reviews before buying. Ppl kept saying tegra 4 sucks but isnt this the first tegra 4 tablet??
Android is fine as a phone OS but not as a laptop replacement.
Actually when you consider what most people use a laptop for android makes a very good laptop. With a level of power consumption that is wonderful. Of course haswell may end that particular argument. Or at least give it a black eye. At any rate for consumption and light computation devices I like android. Given its current power growth rate and popularity it could actually overtake and dominate the laptop industry unless Microsoft and Intel step up their game quickly. I tend to think Intel and Microsoft will drop the hammer next year though. Laptop sales are Declining at an alarming rate and windows RT hurt Microsoft's pocketbook a bit so they will innovate or die. I figure with their money and Affluence they will throw a mean right hook at the market sooner or later
Rydo111 said:
Sorry, I read that 32GB was max, so I just went with 32GB. Haven't tried 64GB.
---------- Post added at 08:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:24 AM ----------
My TF201 only had 16GB and it was fine for apps; I never ran out of room to install stuff. My issue was storage of my video library, which is fine on the 2 extension cards. I haven't read anywhere where >16GB units are available; maybe they are still coming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone on another thread can use his 64B SD on a HP SlateBook X2 : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44619797&postcount=15
Hi all, what about gaming on this tab?
Hello, i am thinking to buy this tablet and i just wanna know that how is the gaming on this tab. I mean high end graphical games like NOVA or gangstar vegas. Actually i am having a nexus 7 1st gen and I intrested to buy an TEGRA 4 tablet. so pls tell
I'm really interested in getting an 8" Tablet. I'd be using it for movies, reading, surfing, gaming, etc. while at work and traveling. I was looking at this Shield and the Asus Memo Pad 8. I see that the Memo pad 8 is on clearance, so I assume they are releasing an updated version soon.
Both the Memo 8 and the Shield released at the same time. So does anyone know if Nvidia is working on an updated model of the Shield around the corner at all? Would hate to get one for a new one to be released a couple of months later.
hi
i this oder the tablet i was say get the Shield i think they this came out with this 8" Shield so i dont think they be makeing a new one any time soon all so the Shield tablet is the best when it comes too android upgrades so if you are going too get a tablet get the Shield you be vary happy with it
DFA1 said:
I'm really interested in getting an 8" Tablet. I'd be using it for movies, reading, surfing, gaming, etc. while at work and traveling. I was looking at this Shield and the Asus Memo Pad 8. I see that the Memo pad 8 is on clearance, so I assume they are releasing an updated version soon.
Both the Memo 8 and the Shield released at the same time. So does anyone know if Nvidia is working on an updated model of the Shield around the corner at all? Would hate to get one for a new one to be released a couple of months later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wait and get the shield, trust me i had a galaxy tab S and i returned it for my shield, which was $120 less than the galaxy tab S, and its much more powerful runs everything super smooth, i also have a shield portable tho, thats what made me want to go with the shield tablet also, the asus memo pad sucks IMO
I am not sure because mine is super laggy a lot of time even though I have the latest update. My old Nexus 7 2013 runs smoother than the Shield. I hope mine is a lemon (getting a replacement due to dead pixels) . I will see if the new one is any better.
My shield smokes my 2013 Nexus 7.
I just geek benched, it rivals an older lenovo laptop i5 520m I use in garage on cars.
My Nexus, not so much.
If you didn't hard reset after updating, well you need to. If you did, then you've a roque app maybe.
WR
I say yes, because I just got myself one.
The options for me:
1. Google Nexus 9 32GB WiFi Only - $399
2, NVIDIA Shield Tablet + Controller 32GB/LTE/WiFi - $399
I picked the freakin' shield tablet over google's newest nexus. It's that awesome of a device.
I don't see a huge upgrade in specs in 2015 (Nexus N1 has good specs for the price but....the same) -- really, the K1 and Keplar are freakin' amazing.
If you do go and get one, stick around for my kernel soon to be released...
Yea I don't think that Nvidia is looking to create a new SHIELD Tablet anytime soon. They're still polishing this model and considering it's their first tablet, it seems they're going to play with it for awhile.
I believe my problem is Google Now Launcher. I just uninstalled it and things look to be a lot better. I will monitor for the next couple of days.
myrcgarage said:
I believe my problem is Google Now Launcher. I just uninstalled it and things look to be a lot better. I will monitor for the next couple of days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just freaking remembered if you use GEL, to turn off " Ok Google" in the options.
If you limit to only recognizing voice on search screen bug goes away.
I'm sorry I forgot an just dawned that might be it.
WR
WarRaven said:
My shield smokes my 2013 Nexus 7.
I just geek benched, it rivals an older lenovo laptop i5 520m I use in garage on cars.
My Nexus, not so much.
If you didn't hard reset after updating, well you need to. If you did, then you've a roque app maybe.
WR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A benchmark app says nothing about how fast the device is for normal everyday use. Sure, it runs every game I have tried extremely well, but it still have irritating slowdowns now and then in UI and apps like browsing, which makes it feel slower then my other much less powerful tablets for normal use.
I didn't mean should I get the memo 8 over the shield, I meant should I wait to see if a new 2015 shield is around the corner and wait for that newer model.
Finally found a store in Atlanta that had both the memo 8 and the shield on display. (after I asked the employee if they had them and he said no for both... Dumb ass).
Both felt great, I actually preferred the memo 8's feel over the shield. But know the shield had more power. So basically I will be getting the shield and my gf can get the memo 8 (their on clearance so I assume a newer memo 8 is around the corner).
Do any of you use the shield's flap case thing? Is it worth it?
DFA1 said:
I didn't mean should I get the memo 8 over the shield, I meant should I wait to see if a new 2015 shield is around the corner and wait for that newer model.
Finally found a store in Atlanta that had both the memo 8 and the shield on display. (after I asked the employee if they had them and he said no for both... Dumb ass).
Both felt great, I actually preferred the memo 8's feel over the shield. But know the shield had more power. So basically I will be getting the shield and my gf can get the memo 8 (their on clearance so I assume a newer memo 8 is around the corner).
Do any of you use the shield's flap case thing? Is it worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a better-than-decent piece and does what it's supposed to do with any issues. Saying it's worth the $40 price tag is a bit of the stretch, though. Many people like having the flap because it makes it much easier to wake the device, since the wake/power key could have been designed much better.
While I was using it, I ended up unconsciously babying it, so I bought another case for like $12 off Amazon and now I don't care what happens to that case, lol
Thanks for all the responses. I'm about to pull the trigger, but have one last question. 16gb $300 model or 32gb $400 model? I'm with Verizon so the AT&T LTE wont benefit me, are there any other features other than LTE and 32gb storage on $400 model?
I'm going to get a 64gb sdcard anyway so would I be able to store all my apps and games on that, and run them well? I'm guessing I'd have to get one of the high end (high speed) microsd cards to run games/apps properly.
I think the only difference from the 16 to the 32 is the bigger storage option and the LTE. Since I am on sprint and only plan on tethering with my note 4. I went with the 16gb model and bought a 64gb card as well.
Other than when they talk about the bands. The only difference I see is;
Storage 32 GB (WiFi+4G LTE) / 16 GB (WiFi-only)
http://shield.nvidia.com/gaming-tablet/
Scroll down for the specs. Hope this helps!
But is 16gb enough? Will apps/games run off the 64gb microsd?
My 2 cents coming from an iPad -
The Shield is lightning fast compared to my iPAD 2. When I compare it to my wifes Ipad Mini Retinia its about the same.
The screen is very very good on the Shield - I have no clue what others are saying its average. I have compared it to the Retina and its very very close and some instances better.
The form factor is great though the iPad Mini form factor is better for reading and browsing.. the shield is better for moving watching, gaming etc.
The speakers are amazing.
Did I say its lighting fast?
The ONLY slow down I have on 5.01 is when it first wakes up out of a deep sleep. Other than that I have 0 slow downs. I HAD slow downs when 1 I didnt do a full reset after an upgrade AND 2 Facebook and Facebook Messenger absolutely destroy the tablets performance. I dont know what facebook does with Messenger but that is a POS like I have not ever seen. It literally occupies a 1/2 of a core all the the time doing nothing. So... I have 0 slow downs except for right out of deep sleep. Prior to 501 I saw MANY slow downs.... I was not impressed. Now... I am impressed!
Browsing is amazing (recently with 501 and the new version of chrome)...
Battery life is HORRRRIBLE! Now.... I will preface that with I am comparing it to my iPad 2 and the iPad Mini which I could literally go days without seeing a charger with normal use. The shield however has a very powerful GPU in a very small form factor. So, its probably sufficient for the size, etc. I can only get even after removing bloat 5 hours of on screen time - thats it. I would get 50 % more than that on the apple products. This is my only complaint... but its one I live with and I can not fault the device due to its size and power.
SD Cards - I havent found a single person who has been 100% happy how it works. Everyone seems to have issues with either games not installing on them (inconsistent), accessing them in general (many successful after rooting), even issues with recovery images not being able to format large SD Cards. I would suggest if you can afford the extra $$ get the 32 GB if you think your going to need the storage. Reserve the SD card for movings, music and pictures (for now until they fix it).
WifI - horrible performance compared to every other device I have compared it to. If you have strong WiFi signal in your house you will be fine. If your already on the fringe (2 bars out of 4) forget it... this tablet may not even connect to the AP at any distance. Its also very sensitive to APs that are on the same channel. If your AP is on channel 11 and your neighbors channel is on channel 11 and your within 10 dB of each other, the tablet drops connections like crazy. The simple fix is to either get a booster, better antenna, better AP and change the channel... The device however is flawed and no software can fix these issues.
Developer Friendly - yes the platform is very developer friendly so if your into making custom roms, kernels, etc. This is a great tablet.
Quality - My tablet, excellent. but others have complained. So its a roll of the dice. Generally when everything works as it should its perfect. Unfortunately there have been lemons.
Nvidia Support - AMAZING! even with the lemons Nvidia is fast to respond. I have had many conversations with techs in their forums and they are almost as fast as Google when it comes to updates. I love that!
Software Quality - ****E!!! In my career I have never seen so many bugs (I run a division of software engineers - in software engineering for 20 years). I am shocked with how poor the quality assurance is. There are core user functions that broke in 501 - In my world these would have been show stoppers! But Nvidia let it go out the door. I am shocked honestly. 501 has to be the worst Quality OS revision I have seen from any product. They introduced regressions like screen corruption (its apparent in many many many games, apps, etc.), battery stats are all messed up, battery life inconsistent, some games no longer work at all. Nvidia and Google need to step it up on the quality side. The tablet is usable but for some it may not be - especially if one of the apps you use on a daily basis is now broken.
Wait or not? I dont think it matters. The hardware is not going to change and I dont think Nvidia or Google's code quality is going to change. They will fix these issues in the next release and break other things.
Its a question of whether or not do you go with Android or not. If you like to fiddle with your tablet its a yes... if not go with apple.
If you want a small form factor android then you go with the shield.
I recommend the tablet for its price, performance and support. I own it and for now will be keeping it. I personally dont like Apple - I dont seem them an innovative anymore.
But, If you want rock solid performance, quality and battery life - go with Apple.
Don't wait unless you are anal and are going to obsess over ever minor issue. If you are looking for gaming nothing out there can compare. The grid being free is amazing especially if you are like me and have not played any of the games on it. There is occasional stutter using 2.4ghz but I have loved multiple hours and game play is awesome. Battery is not great but I get between 4-5 hours and it typically take around 2 1/2 hours to charge to full.
I read all the negatives prior but quickly came to realize that most complaints appear to come from the same people. Be aware of the potential issues and decide if the risk is worth the reward.
Sd card if rooted works great, I have a 64gb samsung class 10 using folder mount almost all game data on external and everything runs fine. I could not recommend an ipad over this Tablet unless you are tech illiterate and want to over spend on limited storage so that you can pay tons for apps and check Facebook
I own an Apple iPad Air2 64gb and a nVidia Shield Tablet 32gb. I used to own the Nexus9 32gb tablet but returned it for the nVidia Shield Tablet. I wanted both an Apple and an Android tablet for gaming. I also have the nVidia controller and the Steelseries XL ipad controller. I prefer gaming on the Nvidia Shield tablet and spend more time gaming on this tablet. I went with the 32gb model Shield due to more internal memory. There are some games that I cant move to the SD card. That is why I went with the 32gb model with a 64gb microsd.
Do not wait, and pick up the nVidia 32gb tablet. I have 22gb left on the internal memory on my nVidia 32gb after moving everything I could to the sdcard. So if I had the 16gb model I figured it would only be about 6gb left of internal memory.
kuztov67 said:
I own an Apple iPad Air2 64gb and a nVidia Shield Tablet 32gb. I used to own the Nexus9 32gb tablet but returned it for the nVidia Shield Tablet. I wanted both an Apple and an Android tablet for gaming. I also have the nVidia controller and the Steelseries XL ipad controller. I prefer gaming on the Nvidia Shield tablet and spend more time gaming on this tablet. I went with the 32gb model Shield due to more internal memory. There are some games that I cant move to the SD card. That is why I went with the 32gb model with a 64gb microsd.
Do not wait, and pick up the nVidia 32gb tablet. I have 22gb left on the internal memory on my nVidia 32gb after moving everything I could to the sdcard. So if I had the 16gb model I figured it would only be about 6gb left of internal memory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If rooted use folder mount and you can move all
Trigger pulled, I'm now a Shield owner. Got the Nvidia cover, Fintie Cover, and 64gb Samsung Microsd. Been using my girlfriend's Memo 8 for the past week and think I'm now a tablet user (at least at work). Not sure if I'll use it for a lot of controller gaming (unsure if I will find a controller I like). I'm more of an Xbox controller lover than a PS4... but if it works I might give it a try. Haven't even turned it on yet.
Will attempt to root it here shortly while at work. Fingers crossed....
So, I've got a US LTE 32GB that connects only at HSPA speeds in most places, and I'm about over the tablet.
What device is out there that:
-Is approximately 8" form factor
-Has LTE that works in the US
-Includes a microSD port and some way to do HDMI out so I can hook it up to a standard TV
-Isn't completely bootloader locked / must have root and XDA Dev support
Frankenscript said:
So, I've got a US LTE 32GB that connects only at HSPA speeds in most places, and I'm about over the tablet.
What device is out there that:
-Is approximately 8" form factor
-Has LTE that works in the US
-Includes a microSD port and some way to do HDMI out so I can hook it up to a standard TV
-Isn't completely bootloader locked / must have root and XDA Dev support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei MediaPad M3 8.4"
Thanks. Looks like only international version / no warranty available on Amazon. Seems like a concern to me. Any other devices more available in the US , with warranty?
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Lol, I just got into the market for a tablet myself.. I spent almost a day researching the perfect tablet.
Here's what I found.
Top Android tablets.
1) Pixel C, tegra X1 cpu. No sdcard slot. 10inch screen. $600 for 32gb. Performs slightly better than K1 tablets in most benchmarks, but 100% better in others.
2) Nvidia shield K1, tegra K1 cpu, sdcard slot, front facing speakers, hdmi out, 8inch screen. Great display. $200, discontinued and can't find anywhere other than ebay for well over $200...
3) Nexus 9, tegra K1 cpu, no sd card slot, front facing speakers. cheap build quality, screen has light bleed, scores 20%worse than shield tablet in benchmarks. 8.9 inch display. $290 for 32gb black WiFi, will be gone soon. Or $500 for 32gb lte
That's it.. all the rest of the Android tablets are subpar. The Galaxy tab S3 is the only other honorable mention. Doesn't perform as well as K1 cpus but looks like a solid tablet... But $500?? Get outta here...
I wasn't looking to spend over $300 on a tablet... I intend to use it for gaming and web browsing and watching movies. Clearly the shield tablet is the best bang for the buck by farrrr... So I kept checking eBay over the last 2 days and found a pristine one for $200 from a reputable seller ...
TL: DR - the Nvidia shield tablet is still the number one Android tablet on the market, at least for my needs. The pixel c is seemingly great, but​ too big and heavy, has no expandable storage, and far over priced.
Why don't you just drop data on the tablet and turn your phone into a hotspot?? I hotspot for my PC from my pixel XL all the time when my net goes out.. im able to competitively game in twitch games with only an extra 25ping...
All the other tablets lose something to gain something. THE PERFECT tablet would be the cancelled shield tablet 2 with the x1 cpu.. looks like their deal with Nintendo caused them to back out of the tablet game for a bit. I don't expect to see it for another year maybe two. If ever.
lucid888 said:
Lol, I just got into the market for a tablet myself.. I spent almost a day researching the perfect tablet.
Here's what I found.
Top Android tablets.
1) Pixel C, tegra X1 cpu. No sdcard slot. 10inch screen. $600 for 32gb. Performs slightly better than K1 tablets in most benchmarks, but 100% better in others.
2) Nvidia shield K1, tegra K1 cpu, sdcard slot, front facing speakers, hdmi out, 8inch screen. Great display. $200, discontinued and can't find anywhere other than ebay for well over $200...
3) Nexus 9, tegra K1 cpu, no sd card slot, front facing speakers. cheap build quality, screen has light bleed, scores 20%worse than shield tablet in benchmarks. 8.9 inch display. $290 for 32gb black WiFi, will be gone soon. Or $500 for 32gb lte
That's it.. all the rest of the Android tablets are subpar. The Galaxy tab S3 is the only other honorable mention. Doesn't perform as well as K1 cpus but looks like a solid tablet... But $500?? Get outta here...
I wasn't looking to spend over $300 on a tablet... I intend to use it for gaming and web browsing and watching movies. Clearly the shield tablet is the best bang for the buck by farrrr... So I kept checking eBay over the last 2 days and found a pristine one for $200 from a reputable seller ...
TL: DR - the Nvidia shield tablet is still the number one Android tablet on the market, at least for my needs. The pixel c is seemingly great, but​ too big and heavy, has no expandable storage, and far over priced.
Why don't you just drop data on the tablet and turn your phone into a hotspot?? I hotspot for my PC from my pixel XL all the time when my net goes out.. im able to competitively game in twitch games with only an extra 25ping...
All the other tablets lose something to gain something. THE PERFECT tablet would be the cancelled shield tablet 2 with the x1 cpu.. looks like their deal with Nintendo caused them to back out of the tablet game for a bit. I don't expect to see it for another year maybe two. If ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks @lucid888 for a great post.
Using my phone as a hotspot is doable if necessary, but it becomes a frying pan quickly, and the battery dies fast. I've considered dropping the idea of an LTE tablet and instead getting a mifi/jetpack whatever dedicated hotspot too, and turning it on whenever I want to run the tablet away from normal wifi zones, but that's complicated and it's another thing to lug around. Sigh.
I just loved my tablet with built in LTE that I could take anywhere and it just worked well. Now it works slowly. Another sigh.
I've no idea why LTE-enabled Android tablets are so few and far between. I know lots of "iOS" people that have iPad minis, and they all have the cellular version. Then again, they probably couldn't figure out HOW to tether it to a phone or mobile hotspot, so they need the built in connectivity.
I'm tempted to pop for one of those MediaPads on a lark... but it could be an expensive lark due to lack of US warranty.
For now I'll just sit tight. Sooner or later the right device will show up. If you (or anybody reading this) finds anything new, please post about it here!
I'm seeing the mediapads on Amazon with a US warranty for $300, WiFi only though. I did look at the mediapad m3, but it's gpu the Mali 8800 m4 is underwhelming and performs ~40-50% worse than the K1 gpu. It has bottom firing speakers, apparently they are great though. Also has the miu os to deal with, which for me is a huge turn off.
From what I can see, the only tablet that can beat the shield is a non existent 8" X1 powered tablet, priced around $300 from either Nvidia, Google or htc. Thanks to Nintendo I don't think we'll see one too soon. Maybe a Snapdragon 835 tablet would do the trick too... But the $500 Galaxy tab S3 is only using the 820..
Also take a look at the mediapad m3 development section on XDA, there is literally nothing.
lucid888 said:
Lol, I just got into the market for a tablet myself.. I spent almost a day researching the perfect tablet.
Here's what I found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came to a lot of the same conclusions.
- Pixel C: way too expensive.
- Nexus 9: while I have loved a lot of HTC devices, this one is nothing special.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S3: Also way too expensive. 9.7" form factor is also bigger than I want, as it seems Sammy has abandoned the 8"-ish form factor in their high end "S" series tablets. I might be able to overlook that. But I'm still sore about how Samsung handled the Tab Pro 8.4. Zero major updates (just a few patches) so it was stuck on the Kitkat it was released with (if not for the dev community which kept it kept for a bit). And many folks (myself included) suffered battery charging issues, which the company never acknowledged.
- Huawei MediaPad M3: Good price, cice hardware, but crap software. And zero developer support means you can't do anything about that.
All in all, I've decided my Shield K1 is sufficient for my needs; especially considering the lack of a worthy replacement. I'd like something a little snappier (especially since I upgraded my phone to the OnePlus 3T with Snapdragon 821). But I'm content to wait and see if anything better comes around.
I'd be perfectly happy to upgrade to the next version Shield, be it X1 or whatever it would be. But I am skeptical there will be a "next" version.
The only thing I feel lacking on the K1 shield is the memory capacity, and maybe it's battery life. The 2gb doesn't seem to be enough for Albion online which I was hoping I'd be able to play on it.. apparently it used to work but now crashes while loading or two seconds after loading. Hoping it gets fixed, but they do say in their minimum the game will eventually require 3gb min ;(...
I really love everything about the shield from it's size, it's front facing speakers, it's HDMI output, it's graphical capability, sd slot. I don't want to lose any of those features... I may be able to live without the front facing speakers but I really like how versitile the device is being able to plug it into the TV and play movies and emulators with zero input lag. There isn't another device I'm aware of that can do that. A next gen shield is my only hope for a succesor to this device. But again it's not happening any time soon thanks to Nintendo, and lmao my phone literally just auto suggested Nintendo without me even typing N.
Hopefully their non-compete with Nintendo doesn't last long, and by then they can hopefully produce at least an X1 tablet around the ~250 price range.
Lack of LTE for K1 is a deal breaker for me, and my original shield doesn't do more than HSPA+ due to modem issues not yet fixed...
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