Question about buying a tablet and possibility of flashing custom honeycomb roms - Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]

Hey everyone
So my situation, I was fortunate to earn a free ipad wifi/3g 16gb from a sales contest at work, well Ive played with the thing for a few weeks and I have to say apple blows. Anyways gunna sell it on ebay, looking like I can get about $450 for it.
I then want to take the money and buy an android tablet, i really want a honeycomb one, but I know they are very expensive as they are just coming out.
So I thought to myself why couldn't I just buy a tablet that comes with Froyo, and then root it, and flash a custom honeycomb rom once a developer ports it over to my device..? It would save me alot of cash/waiting
So a few questions about that
1. Any hardware concerns or min specs that I should look for to make sure it can run honeycomb?
2. Is there alot of developers out there making custom roms for tablets? I havent seen much on here..? Is there another site that is tablet specific?
3. If the I can get those questions answered what tablet would you recomend?
I only need wifi, dont need 3g, I would like something a little smaller than the ipad, price range is $450 or less, and the use will just be for web browsing, playing games, etc...
Thanks!!!

A question for the community: I'm in the market for a tablet, and have taken my sweet time for the last 3 months looking for the best one to buy. I've done my fair share of research and now i'm asking you: Should I buy the ASUS Transformer Prime with the dock, od should i wait for samsung/htc/moto/lenovo/acer... next-gen tablet? My fear is you see, that I'll buy The Prime, and that it won't be supported by some software develeopers, and left out in the cold with some apps, or not on par with the next-gen 2012 tablets. I want the best hardware specs, possible future windows 8 compatibility, preferably tegra device, and don't mind waiting for a few more months since this would be my first tablet. NO IOS/IPad talk please. Any reasonable advice is more than welcome, and thank you all in advance!

Related

[Q] Tablet question...

Of the following 4+ which would you people get and why?
The 2 bigger screen android Asus tablets...the Notion Ink Adam or wait quite a while for Adam 2?...or the rumored HTC tablets?
I'm really leaning towards one of the 2 asus tablets or waiting for the HTC tablets cuz:
1) I'm half Taiwanese and if you see my sign it only has HTC phones hehe
2) The Asus ones are coming out pretty soon and seem like good bang for the buck.
Sorry if this is a repeat question and please do link to similar/same threads!
Thanks in advance.
CTR01 said:
Of the following 4+ which would you people get and why?
The 2 bigger screen android Asus tablets...the Notion Ink Adam or wait quite a while for Adam 2?...or the rumored HTC tablets?
I'm really leaning towards one of the 2 asus tablets or waiting for the HTC tablets cuz:
1) I'm half Taiwanese and if you see my sign it only has HTC phones hehe
2) The Asus ones are coming out pretty soon and seem like good bang for the buck.
Sorry if this is a repeat question and please do link to similar/same threads!
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of the above as an early adopter (except the HTC maybe). These companies don't make cell phones, and have very little experience with android. Buying them early is begging to get a lemon, especially when trying to save money if you're buying in the price bracket i'm guessing these will fall in.
even if other pretty/kinda credible websites such as slashgear give good to decent reviews of certain products? the asus ones received decent to good reviews on just demo/pre-production units.
I really do not see the practicality of a tablet, very limited in functionality, Give me a 10" slimline netbook wirelessly tethered to my HTC or with an aircard any day, 100 time more useful for half the price & you get real quality hardware & proper web browsing functionality on an OS & browser of your choice.
thanks...but...
Mister B said:
I really do not see the practicality of a tablet, very limited in functionality, Give me a 10" slimline netbook wirelessly tethered to my HTC or with an aircard any day, 100 time more useful for half the price & you get real quality hardware & proper web browsing functionality on an OS & browser of your choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply and show of your opinion but it has nothing to do with what I asked about...
An expansion of options was the underlying point :-D
Might not help you too much but could help other using this thread as a reference on tablet purchase.
Lol ok fair enough ; )
Sent from HTC ViSiOn/G2

I need help for a tablet purchase

I am going to purchase a tablet ASAP. I have been waiting and looking for something to come out that is just the one, but that has not come. I waited forever for the Xoom but the price is staggering in my opinion. I have come back to the Viewsonic G Tablet for the reason that it is pretty fast and thanks to you guys the rooting seems to make it show its muscles. That being said I would like to know that this is a good purchase and that I am not making a mistake. I also would like to know about the rooting and which one works the best for this unit. Also, after being rooted how hard is it to update the system. I am a noob at these units so please understand I am just searching for answers. Oh, and can you run torrent programs on tablets?
Thanks
I guess really what you need to do is make a list of available tablets. Then base the decision on the best price point via hardware/support. I think one of the main things that makes the G-tablet shine is XDA and its developers. But as in all electronic inevitability, its only good as the people behind it. I got my G-Tablet because it was going to be one of the cheapest tablets out there, its what I could afford. Are there better ones out there, well yes and no just depends on what your going to be doing with it. Know the devices faults. Don't listen to reviews, most will give you a half-ass answers, play with the device in person if you can. Thats all I can really help with, do research make sure you get the most bang for the buck. And above all else, good luck and I hope you enjoy your future purchase, it's your decision
RedbullSushi said:
I am going to purchase a tablet ASAP. I have been waiting and looking for something to come out that is just the one, but that has not come. I waited forever for the Xoom but the price is staggering in my opinion. I have come back to the Viewsonic G Tablet for the reason that it is pretty fast and thanks to you guys the rooting seems to make it show its muscles. That being said I would like to know that this is a good purchase and that I am not making a mistake. I also would like to know about the rooting and which one works the best for this unit. Also, after being rooted how hard is it to update the system. I am a noob at these units so please understand I am just searching for answers. Oh, and can you run torrent programs on tablets?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only real issues I have with my GTAB is the viewing angles since I like to stream Neflix and Hulu and the sort via "Playon". It's not so good unless you have it facing you near direct
Also, the PDMI port is only for use with a dock (until someone puts out a PDMI to HDMI cable).
The great things about the GTAB is the hardware, this thing is virtually unbrickable. Believe me I have bricked it and was able to bring it back from the cold dark black screen that makes you think this thing is a goner!!
Performance is TOP NOTCH, Aside from some glitches with the custom roms its very responsive. And thanks to the Fantastic Dev-Nation we have here at XDA this thing has gotten a lot of love!
Battery life is amazing, I get 12+ hrs of use even after watching three 2 hour movies back to back to back!.
Torrents are supported, I have used "tTorrent Lite" to aquire a few things though as with most torrents speed is questionable and even more so with the tablet.
Rooting this device is very easy, "z4Root" will do it in a tap.. (Litterally)
ROM? I use VEGAn 5.1 Beta (without the 5.1.1 supplement patch)
Others here like, TnT Lite, and there are variants of CM7 floating around. Some are Officially supported and others are not.
The GTAB can be a Fantastic device provided you are willing to make the effort it takes to transform it from "Out of the Box CRAP" to the magnificant device it was meant be.
So unless you have issues with viewing angles (as many do), can aquire a dock to stream AV to an output of your choice, are frightfull of modding, then perhaps this device is not for you.
Hey I really appreciate the posts. I am not afraid to mod the device at all, as a matter of fact I find that half the reason for getting this tablet. It is going to be for fun so I am looking forward to learning more. I feel that technology is something I am always chasing and pushing into areas like this helps to keep me young in this area. I think this solves my issue and I will get my unit ordered today. I still have the question of a torrent program. That is something I heard you can do with Android.
Thanks again guys for the helpfull posts. I appreciate it very much.
DVDFab
I've said this before on another thread but if you plan on purchasing the DVDFab software with all the bells and whistles do a google search for tarzan media. I've bought it from them for less than $40 with free lifetime upgrades.
It is by far the easiest, most flexible dvd ripping/converting app I've ever used.
Edit: posted on wrong thread somehow... Sorry.
Being that you have brought up ripping......are you ripping and burning to dvd from a tablet, or what? This is a new thought being that I was not aware of an external burner plugging into the unit. Please fill me in on this or did I just misunderstand.
thanks
What if i said you could get the GTab for $300 shipped?
I was also going to wait and see how that Tablet Market plays out.
Then I heard about and posted this: Available from SearsOutlet for $279
RedbullSushi said:
Being that you have brought up ripping......are you ripping and burning to dvd from a tablet, or what? This is a new thought being that I was not aware of an external burner plugging into the unit. Please fill me in on this or did I just misunderstand.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, somehow my post got in the wrong thread. But, since you asked...
No, I am not using my gTab for ripping or burning; just viewing.
I ordered mine today. I took the advice of a member and bought a used/like new in original packaging for 327. I thought that was a good price. I will be researching the ROM loading now while I wait. If any of you guys have good easy instructions or tips please feel free to post or PM me.
Thanks

GTablet membership on XDA about to hit new levels!

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.
Click to expand...
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

[Q] Should I buy an android tablet?

Hey, I'm sorry if there's a similar thread floating around somewhere, but I searched as best as I could from my phone...
Anyway, I recently received a free ipad 2, and as I expected, I hate it. I plan to sell it ASAP. So I'm faced with the decision of simply keeping the money, or getting an android tablet in it's wake. From what I've read, there don't seem to be very many apps for tablets, and really, how useful are tablets in the first place? Considering that I'm a university student with a brand new gaming laptop, the only real use I can think of for a tablet is for reading textbooks/studying notes, etc. On top of that, I have a Moto Atrix, so an android tablet seems kinda redundant...
So am I missing something? Does anyone have an android tablet and want to defend the purpose of owning one? Are there decent games at least? Or should I just pocket the ~$500 I'll get for the ipad?
Thanks and again, I apologize if I'm in the wrong place or reposting
I would say no. if an atrix tab-dock comes to market reconsider but it sounds like you would regret a tablet.
Trust me d-..-b im from the webs
I'd keep the money. Like you said, you have an Atrix and a laptop. Me, I have a Defy and a netbook. I love the netbook despite it's ****ty hardware. And I would take a netbook over a tablet every time.
Damn. They're just so cool, but so useless. Maybe I'll wait until ice cream sandwich and then reconsider my decision. Thanks
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
tablet is useless to me

Playbook worth $50?

Hey guys,
My friend will sell me his playbook for ~$50.
Is there any sense in me buying it? I already have the touchpad (CM7).
Also, for those of you who have it: how do you like it?
Get it and sell it for a profit, you could probably sell it on Craigslist or Ebay for at least $100-ish.
Since you already have a TP, that'd be my course of action.
Yes. As far as I know you can plug it to your TV and watch movies. The interface is similar to webOS which I love.
asb123 said:
Hey guys,
My friend will sell me his playbook for ~
Is there any sense in me buying it? I already have the touchpad (CM7).
Also, for those of you who have it: how do you like it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a PlayBook for free through the Android developer 'port' promotion, and I really like the device. It feels great to hold, is a nice size, and has a good screen! I'd buy one for that price. The only thing that lets it down is the apps, there aren't anywhere near as many as on iOS and Android (though there are some), but as a web browser alone it's worth it in my opinion.
For $50 definitely!
I've got one, I'm not really one for playing games etc on it but for work related things its really handy and great for email if you own a blackberry to sync with it.
stuartrace said:
I got a PlayBook for free through the Android developer 'port' promotion, and I really like the device. It feels great to hold, is a nice size, and has a good screen! I'd buy one for that price. The only thing that lets it down is the apps, there aren't anywhere near as many as on iOS and Android (though there are some), but as a web browser alone it's worth it in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Well worth it for fifty though, if you get it and you like gaming you get black pegasus and also asphalt 6 for free, both great fun (in asphalt the tablet becomes your steering wheel).
You can put android apps on if they are repackaged, I forget the sites exact name (think it was mybarapps.com) but there is a site where thousands of popular android apps have been packaged to run on playbook.
Also playbook will be getting the new os bb10 which should make it even better but spec wise its got a dual core cpu and the same ram as the new ipad so its quick and very responsive.
Downside is not lots of apps (good games though inc. Deadspace) but can sideload any android app if you have the apk to repackage which helps, and its been poorly advertised so its not selling well.
But if you don't like it the guys at crackberry should have android ported to it soon so you could install that on it when its available (though to be fair playbook os2 is really good already anyway).
Edit: the site is www.playbookbars.com
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the replies. I think I will pick it up
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
My work gave me one to use and it honestly sits on my computer desk at home and is never charged or used. My wife tried to use it one time to read kindle books but it doesn't have a kindle app and it failed to open the books in the kindle cloud reader.
I honestly can't say much that's good about this device other than the size and the multitasking. But the apps in the market are limited and the device itself doesn't do much.
I spend most my time on my Xoom instead. I guess for 50 bucks it would be worth it. I paid nothing for mine and would have rather gotten 50 bucks from work lol.
For 50 bucks...
For 50$ I would buy any tablet, especially when I love the concept of a tablet but haven't bought one yet
Same here... for 50 bucks I'd definitely take it! Decide what to do with it later.
.
Thread moved to Q&A due to it being a question. Would advise you to read forum rules and post in correct section.
Failure to comply with forum rules will result in an infraction and/or ban depending on severity of rule break.

Categories

Resources