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How is the xoom compared to a desktop or laptop?

I am thinking about getting a new computer for school but I also want to get the xoom, and I am wondering if that would be redundant purchases? What I'm looking for is a tool to write essays, web browse, and play games on.
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There are simply things that a PC can do that a Tablet can't. If you want to play the really intense PC games, obviously a tablet won't cut it. If you plan on using programs that really require a mouse, a tablet probably won't work well for you either. If you plan on creating, editing PDFs, Excel (you can make Excel sheets on the Xoom, but it is cumbersome), Powerpoints (also cumbersome on the Xoom) you would want a PC.
In short, a tablet can't replace a PC yet. That being said, having a tablet is extremely mobile and does replace a lot of things that I would normally use a PC for. The mobility is the biggest attraction for me because even though I have a 4-5lb Tablet PC laptop, it is still heavy enough that I end up not taking it to class after awhile. And the battery life of most tablets blows most laptops out of the water. So I can carry only the Xoom around and be able to use it for the whole day, but have to carry the charger cable with me if I am using my laptop for anything over 2 hours.
But in the end, I don't think a tablet will suffice as your only option for school. I'd get an inexpensive Netbook (as long as you aren't a hardcore gamer) for things you simply need a PC for and a tablet (if you have money left over) for everything else. Truthfully, a tablet is luxury item. It can be a very useful luxury item, but for the same price you can get something that does more than a tablet.

I have an HP,mini and a xoom perfect combo also in college. I may write my papers on my net book but edit in class on my xoom. Either way you can type on xoom. More practice the faster. Plus you can have a keyboard
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App

I have actually replaced my 'desktop replacement' laptop with my Xoom.
Haven't touched it since I bought the Xoom.
I am a content creator and consumer. I still have the laptop, but haven't had to do any development work at home since I got this. I guess that would be the only time I really need to.
You can buy the bluetooth or a bluetooth keyboard for it if you are looking to type essays and stuff, but I find the onscreen keyboard in landscape very friendly to someone who can actually type correctly.
If they could get a Java IDE working on Android I would never touch another machine again.

Would there be an app that plays mp4 videos @ variable speeds?

I use the xoom all the time for excel and word documents for work, but I always pull them up on a computer before they're finalized because a) I cant insert an image into a spreadsheet, and I have a specialized header and b) the formatting often doesnt look right on a computer when its been created on a xoom. Finishing touches take like 5 minutes, but the software just isnt there yet for it to be a total replacement for documents. And I really doubt I'll see a Publisher port anytime soon but that would just make my year.
edit: just to clarify, I was in a similar position when I bought the xoom, but what I did was get the xoom for everyday use, and I went to best buy and paid $400 for a cheap laptop (which is still 2.3ghz, 3gb ram) for all my "extra" needs. My company said they'd pay for it as long as I kept it cheap as possible (their M.O.), so it worked out pretty well.

I use my Xoom for everything...if it cannot do it, I just remote into my desktop and do it that way.
Makes it awesome for college classes as I don't have to carry as much bulk of a laptop...if they only provided their books in a digital form, I would be in HEAVEN!

I have made the switch to the Xoom for my home computing. My computing habits at home have been browsing the internet, watching videos on youtube, and Netflix queue management for now
The default browser is awesome. I love Honeycomb's tabbed browsing, the only drawback is the keyboard. If you're going to write papers for class, I suggest you get a bluetooth keyboard.
To answer your question, I see the tablet a perfect fit class: taking notes in Evernote, using Quickoffice Pro to write class papers, and browsing the internet effortlessly with the default browser. And, it's easy to carry.

dont forget playing HD games when class gets boring

I've been hearing things about the Asus Eee Pad Transformer it looks like what I'm looking for. Any thoughts?
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Tone503773 said:
I've been hearing things about the Asus Eee Pad Transformer it looks like what I'm looking for. Any thoughts?
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all indications are that its a good tablet. I'm happy with my xoom but I'd probably be equally happy with the transformer. I wouldnt personally use the dock but if a keyboard is your thing then its probably worth checking out. I'd lurk their forums a bit and see if any gamebreaking bugs pop up

I may be blind but when I looked for the forum I could not find it. Is it possible that their isn't one because it was just released a few days ago?
Edit: I found it I had to refresh my xda app
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Well tablets have much better battery life and editing documents and accessing Facebook, in my opinion, is just as good as on a Desktop... however the lack of SD card support and the lack of support on the browser( it's not reliable, flash is stable 88% of the time and to be honest all websites try to access their mobile sites because Google decided to be stupid and make the UA settings be Android and not Desktop). All in all, if you plan on doing work on this thing, you best know how to use a full on screen keyboard on a tablet, be patient with the browser, and most importantly, understand the limitations of creating professional like documents.
Sent from my Xoom

Is Honeycomb an innovation or a slowly dying animal?

After much deliberation on which tablet i would get, investigationg specs and options only, I went with the TF101 over the ipad 2. Whilst the transformer is an impressive beast is it really ready for the market considering the widespread lack of support compared to iOS?
As an avid gamer I am less than thrilled with the options available in these terms. I'm still in two minds on whether I get an iPad.
Can anyone make me feel better about my purchase?

I really don't know what's so fun with those silly ipad games. Seriously , go get an ipad and stop whining. It has only been a few months since the andriod tablet came out.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

myamex said:
I really don't know what's so fun with those silly ipad games. Seriously , go get an ipad and stop whining. It has only been a few months since the andriod tablet came out.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
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Thanks for your constructive comments. I was hoping to instigate some constructive discussion on developments and areas of improvement but your well ellocuted and educated comments will do.
Anyone else?

well I believe that Apple will always have a huge chunk of market share, as they do in the PC market, although I think Honeycomb needs simpler, and less geeky advertisements for it to be accepted by the average consumer. When you are asked by someone what your joyously typing away on, do they ask if its the Asus EEE Pad Transformer? Or do they often ask "is that an iPad?". Even when you tell them its your Transformer they still have no clue what it is. They need to expand the exposure of these tablets if Honeycomb, or Ice Cream Sandwich is to be successful. Its the same thing as nobody says "do you want to get fast food?" nearly as often as "wanna get mcdonalds?". People don't go into walmart very often asking for an Asus Transformer, they do go in to get an iPad though.

Ipads have a huge head start first and second exeyone thinks as a ipad as a toy and the android tablets are not really as they need more time to catch up. I honeycomb is easy to use as I have friends and family pick it up and start using it right away they all think it's cooler than the Ipads and a few people I know to Ipads even are jealous with what this thing can do
Sent from my HTC Desire CDMA

The way I see it is that Honeycomb is just the first step on where Android is leading too. It is more like a 'beta' product.
I wouldnt be too worried about support, just like mobile it will soon grow through the time. Especially when Ice Cream Sandwich comes which will allegedly improve app compatibility between devices which should be easier for developers.
Honeycomb isnt treated as an OS on its own like that it will be forgotten and lose support, it is a specific build of Android that will be improving continuously. Things can only get better, not worse.

myamex said:
I really don't know what's so fun with those silly ipad games.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
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You must not be a gamer. The iPad has some console quality games that Android tablet users wish they had.
check out the upcoming game Warm Gun... Coming to pc and iOS.

Thanks everyone. Its hard not to recognise that this is a kickn product, cant wait for it to be better supported though. If I could just get order and chaos online working id be happy to wait for anything else. Well maybe modern combat also

EP2008 said:
You must not be a gamer. The iPad has some console quality games that Android tablet users wish they had.
check out the upcoming game Warm Gun... Coming to pc and iOS.
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That ain't a console quality game. That's an iPad quality game that also happens to be on the PC.
The iPad 2 is still only about the speed of a netbook. High-powered games like Deus Ex 3 isn't gonna be on the iPad anytime soon, unless it's a side scroller.
If you're serious about gaming, get a cheap AMD A6 or A8 laptop instead, for roughly the price of an iPad (or less). Load up Steam, and you have all the game genres at your fingertips.

I had the iPad 1 and I currently have the iPad2 and TF. I really dislike the iOS operating system, since the 4.3.5 update, there is NO jailbreak, so you have to pay $10+ for a app. I've had the TF for only a day now, and I really do like it. I use my tablets mainly for internet, word processing, e-mail, etc. With the ipad i'd have to pay $20 for docs-to-go, and it's pathetic in its ability to really word process and transfer files to your computer. With the TF, Polaris is pre-installed and works really really well.
Yes, the cons of the TF are the market place. IT is very small, and you can browse through it within 10 seconds. Since there is a huge influx of Android based tablets, I can only see the market growing exponentially, soon.
TF FTW!

bighulk666 said:
I had the iPad 1 and I currently have the iPad2 and TF. I really dislike the iOS operating system, since the 4.3.5 update, there is NO jailbreak, so you have to pay $10+ for a app. I've had the TF for only a day now, and I really do like it. I use my tablets mainly for internet, word processing, e-mail, etc. With the ipad i'd have to pay $20 for docs-to-go, and it's pathetic in its ability to really word process and transfer files to your computer. With the TF, Polaris is pre-installed and works really really well.
Yes, the cons of the TF are the market place. IT is very small, and you can browse through it within 10 seconds. Since there is a huge influx of Android based tablets, I can only see the market growing exponentially, soon.
TF FTW!
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Shame on you for pirating apps.

Shaquiel Harris said:
Shame on you for pirating apps.
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+1
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

bighulk666 said:
I had the iPad 1 and I currently have the iPad2 and TF. I really dislike the iOS operating system, since the 4.3.5 update, there is NO jailbreak, so you have to pay $10+ for a app. I've had the TF for only a day now, and I really do like it. I use my tablets mainly for internet, word processing, e-mail, etc. With the ipad i'd have to pay $20 for docs-to-go, and it's pathetic in its ability to really word process and transfer files to your computer. With the TF, Polaris is pre-installed and works really really well.
Yes, the cons of the TF are the market place. IT is very small, and you can browse through it within 10 seconds. Since there is a huge influx of Android based tablets, I can only see the market growing exponentially, soon.
TF FTW!
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complain about no apps on your tablet
talk about pirating them in the same post

+1 against piracy. such activity would just prevent devs from developing apps.
to OP. the IOS didn't have tablet-ready apps when it first launched. had it been dismissed as a "dying animal" at that time would have prevented your the app-selection you're touting about now from being developed.
same goes for the andiod, or any other OSs.
btw: check out dungeon defenders to see what type of games the TF/honeycomb is capable of. still not convinced? get an ipad and be happy that way.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Get yongzhs emulators. U don't need anymore games.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

I already have an iPhone4 so I ultimately have no use for a iPad or iPad2 since everything they can run I have on my phone. This is why I got my transformer. Different OS for different apps, and the keyboard dock makes it a perfect netbook replacement. Sadly though Honeycomb itself I believe is just a test bed. It's only a matter of months till ICS 4.0 is released and apps switch from being written mostly for 2.x to 4.x skipping the small tablet world of Honeycomb that lots of devs are ignoring. This is why I plan on selling the TF and getting the TF2 with the new quad core CPU once it comes out late this year.

WoodburyMan said:
I already have an iPhone4 so I ultimately have no use for a iPad or iPad2 since everything they can run I have on my phone. This is why I got my transformer. Different OS for different apps, and the keyboard dock makes it a perfect netbook replacement. Sadly though Honeycomb itself I believe is just a test bed. It's only a matter of months till ICS 4.0 is released and apps switch from being written mostly for 2.x to 4.x skipping the small tablet world of Honeycomb that lots of devs are ignoring. This is why I plan on selling the TF and getting the TF2 with the new quad core CPU once it comes out late this year.
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It really all depends on what u use it for. Netbook at home, netbook in class, some random browsing, has scriptures and hymns for church, plays n64 great with hdmi for the big screen. Its perfectly find for what I use it for... for now I guess. Who knows what'll come out later.
U say the jump from os 2 to 4. What about a jump from 3 to 5, or 6? I think it'll be a little while before android disappears.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

I feel that tablet support will get far better in the next few months once ICS is released. The only reason the iPad has such great app support is because is it essential a giant sized iPhone, almost all apps that work on the iPhone work on the iPad in some shape or form (most of them are zoomed/stretched, which is supported in HC 3.2). As someone else mentioned Honeycomb is more of a test bed for Android, it's Google's first foray into a tablet based OS and with the first generation of anything, stuff is always sub-optimal.
iCracked said:
When you are asked by someone what your joyously typing away on, do they ask if its the Asus EEE Pad Transformer? Or do they often ask "is that an iPad?". Even when you tell them its your Transformer they still have no clue what it is.
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EXACTLY! When I first got mine and showed it off to a bunch of tech-oriented people at my computer lab job and in my IT classes, that's the first thing they say!
Shaquiel Harris said:
Shame on you for pirating apps.
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No, shame on Google for limiting the refund time to 15 minutes, which makes users turn to piracy to test out games/apps. Think about this for a minute: lets say you buy a game on your TF like Galaxy on Fire 2 that requires you to download additional content that could take up to 20 minutes to download and costs about $12. Once everything is downloaded, you start playing the game and you don't like it for some reason because either its glitchy, the controls suck, etc... if the return window was 24 hours like it used to be you could simply return the game and get your $12 back, but now you're screwed and have a game that you will never play again and you're out $12. Repeat this cycle a few times and you could be out a nice chunk of change, the more extreme option of this would be the buyer gets pissed and never buys another app again for the fear that they will get screwed the same way again.
****ty practices on the sellers end create the need for piracy, most people don't do it simply because they're cheap. Are PS3 and XBOX360 games really worth $60? If you buy 7 games, that's more than the price of both consoles and the price of a low-mid range computer!
Is it easier and really worth it to drive to a movie theater (which could be 20 minutes away), wait in line for anywhere from 5-60 minutes, pay $11-13 for a single ticket (which used to be $5 10-15 years ago for the same quality movie at the same theater), spend about the same amount on soda/popcorn/snacks, hopefully find at least two seats together (depending on how many people you're with), watch 20 minutes of previews, deal with assholes in the theater talking loudly (possibly on their cellphones) or throwing popcorn, having to perfectly choose when to go to the bathroom so you don't miss anything, finally watch the movie (which ended up sucking big time), filing out of the theater, and finally driving home while wondering why you actually wanted to go in the first place.
Or just simply pirate a half-decent copy a few days after the movie is released and watch it in the privacy of your own home where you have all the food you want and you can pause the movie to go take a piss whenever you want, all without spending a dime to watch it (excluding all the necessary stuff needed to obtain that pirated copy). If the movie was good, buy a copy of it when it comes out on DVD in a few months. If it sucked you just saved yourself a lot of time and money.
See what I mean?

LOL! Hypocrites.

farr3ll said:
After much deliberation on which tablet i would get, investigationg specs and options only, I went with the TF101 over the ipad 2. Whilst the transformer is an impressive beast is it really ready for the market considering the widespread lack of support compared to iOS?
As an avid gamer I am less than thrilled with the options available in these terms. I'm still in two minds on whether I get an iPad.
Can anyone make me feel better about my purchase?
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If you've come on here just to ask about how much fun Android is to use over boring IOS in day to day use then there's your answer.
If your such an avid gamer why buy either? you could buy both an xbox and a playstation for the same money as a transformer

How happy are you with your transformer

How happy are you with you TF? I want a 10" tablet and I'm considering the Tf. I'm also considering the Tf prime. The tf1 price will probably come down once the Christmas season is over so now I'm trying to decide on the tf1 or the tf prime.
What I want it to do is be an entertainment device. I'm not using it for spreadsheet or anything like that. I want it to surf the web, watch movies, play games, and in general have fun and kill time with.
What are your thoughts? Are you happy with your purchase?
I have a rooted nook color now and its ok but a little slow sometimes. Anyone have both and can tell me if the Tf is much better?
I have played with a Tf at bestbuy and it seemed laggy at times is this common or was it's memory overloaded with crap from everyone opening different apps all the time?

I love it, with and without the dock. Still I use it only in landscape mode the other mode (what is the name of it?) is slow and laggy indeed... but why would you use that if it is designed for landscape....
I haven't tried any costum rom YET but the video's I saw are fast and very smooth! Check some video's of it, it's called "revolver" rom. Also I think android ICS (4.0) will be much better with dual cores, it's still in "beta" the dual core support...

I originally got it to do one or two things but I've found I have used it a lot more and for a lot more things than I had originally planned. I did get the dock with it, but to be honest it's not something I have really used much yet. Overall I love it and haven't regretted buying it. The wife has stole it on more than one occasion as well. The only lag I've noticed is using in Portrait mode or when using Live wallpaper, but it's not particularly bad, and something that an overclock may fix.

I love it. The only gripe is the fingerprints on the screen but then they all suffer from that. I would not even think about moving to the Prime - this does everything I need and at a reasonable speed and with good battery life. I started out with the Stock ROM but have been on the Revolution ROM for ages. I did not buy the dock (and would not have used it). I use it for ebooks, magazines, mobile email, mobile document editing and a bit of multimedia. To be honest, though, most of my music is on itunes (which i listen to on my iphone - the size is much more convenient) and I tend to watch films on the television!
PS - @Cmdrx3 - with overclocking, there is no lag at all and little effect on battery life.

The overal experience is not always smooth as butter but it's nothing like you can experience when you try an démo model in a store. I don't know what people are doing with those devices but that's not at all how my transformer works.
Now, I'm perfectly happy with my transformer (with dock) there is no major flaw that would make my regret my buy.
But, it's a first version of a product, It was en experimentation from Asus, a brillant one, but still, the transformer have flaws. there is some build hiccup, the screen is good but not perfect, the typing suffer from lagging on some website and it's difficult to watch high definition movie without reencoding first, the microphone is ****ty and cams pretty bad too.
So, my advice, If you can afford it, take the Prime with keyboard dock (the dock is awesome, it's not just a keyboard it's a all in one accesorie, case / screen protection / stand up dock / keyboard / extra battery / additionnal port (I also heard there 's an additionnal speaker in the prime dock for an even better sound, but i'm not sure).
It's looking to be a much much much better device than the original transformer and you won't feel like you bought an already outdated device.
If you can't afford it, i'm pretty sure the first Transformer is still a really good deal, especially if you can find it really cheap. And with the addition of ice Cream sandwich it should get a second youth.

I am very happy with my ASUS Transformer. Support is also good. I am not happy with Android OS. Looks more like smartphone OS on steroids on a big screen, rather than fully functional tablet OS. Browser crashes and it's not smooth. Most apps do not resize properly.
It's a good device for casual browsing and palying some games, but when it comes to doing some work it's not very comfortable. The dock also it's not very usefull. I am having problems writing on my native language (there is no stock keyboard layout). Most of the apps are not optimised to work with keyboard.
I hope ICS makes tablets fully functional. Still my TF looks like a fancy toy.

I can't agree with above comment. I do think honey comb is great and i do work with the tablet and dock in the school and it does a decent job. Of course it could do better especially as i take pics as notes on the blackboard, so higher res camera would help. All in all i am very satisfied with the tab.
Sent from my LG-P920 using Tapatalk

it was amazing before it was rooted, now that its rooted and running revolver rom, its just become out of this world amazing!!!!!
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

I thought the new versions weren't rootable.

Novarider said:
I thought the new versions weren't rootable.
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until today.

guys, my first tab was a scroll 7inch tab, then a hannspad, now to this, so iv went from cheap tab to decent tab to expensive tab, so my enjoyment has went from not too good to not bad, to effing amazing, i luckily havnt had any bad experiences with this tab, compared to so many tabs, it is in a league of its own .
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

im freakin ecstatic about my TF now that I can root! ah man work cant end soon enough. I cant wait to get home

10/10 now it is rooted. It's like it is on steroids using the revolver rom. 8/10 for the stock rom as i had 2 probs, laggy keyboard on the web browser and web browser closing unexpectedly. Both solved now.

I'm 10/10 with my TF101 and will stay that way as long as their is a line of successor products (Android based NOT Windows 8). That way when it really is upgrade time, I can retire my TF101 and get the current latest and greatest. Other wise I'll have to switch back to a netbook or go pure tablet, once my TF101 is to old.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

How well does the tf101 multitask? I want to use it at work where I will be showing pictures and taking people's info and will need to switch between the two quickly. Will the tf101 do what I want it to or should I get the prime?

You could wait for the Prime.
I'm a TF Owner for 6 months now. I was one of the biggest haters of tablets but count me as converted. I love my TF and can't see myself using any other tablet.

Novarider said:
How well does the tf101 multitask? I want to use it at work where I will be showing pictures and taking people's info and will need to switch between the two quickly. Will the tf101 do what I want it to or should I get the prime?
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Multi tasking is great but our does depend on the number of apps running in the background. But you can easily switch between running apps.
I love this tablet, I an do glad that I opted for the TF instead of the galaxy tab. I use it for hours everyday... Everything from watching hd movies, streaming media, writing invoices and proposals for my business (via quickbooks mobile app) view all my school books with course smart, web surf etc... I barely use my pc our laptop anymore, and when I do need to 50% of the time I remotely operate them with my TF via splash top HD.
Worth every penny I paid. I will get the prime in a few months, but I'll wait til development is established.
Sent from my Infuse... Love it!

so rooting and flashing a different rom really makes a difference speedwise?

fonzlon said:
so rooting and flashing a different rom really makes a difference speedwise?
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its a whole different animal, especially with an ocd kernel.
Sent from my Infuse... Love it!

just finished rooting and flashed revolution hd.
can't believe it took so much time to do that, it's awesome!!

Android tablet vs Laptop for light school work?

I am looking to buy asus prime or a laptop for college but i wonder if android could write papers ant etc. i know they office apps, do they or is there an app that corrects spelling and grammar? thanks for any input

HB66 said:
I am looking to buy asus prime or a laptop for college but i wonder if android could write papers ant etc. i know they office apps, do they or is there an app that corrects spelling and grammar? thanks for any input
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You'd probably be best with a laptop tbh. For the same price you get a tablet and a compatible keyboard, you could get a nice laptop. Just add tethering to your phone if you want mobile internet then. Plus its easier on the computer to do school work than on a tablet... I've got the Asus a500 and my gf uses it for school since she broke her NetBook... She hates it lol
Also, this should be in XDA Android general or q&a section...
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

asus prime or a laptop
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I have to agree with tehgyb. I bought an ASUS Transformer and the keyboard/dock, for my son to use in the 5th grade. While it does come with Office-like apps, and there are even better ones out there, the apps available for Android are still cut down quite a bit. Spell-checking is not there, nor is grammar check. Things like printing are handled separately (i.e. exit the word processor, go to a cloud-print app, and then go find your document again, then about 3 clicks to print it.) If you're already using the more sophisticated capabilities of the Office apps and doing a lot of document creation, I suggest you get a laptop.
I think the Office apps and other apps will continue to mature for Android. In a year's time, the tablet with keyboard might be the better choice. I am beta testing SoftMaker's Office suite for Android right now, and it already seems much better than the other currently-available Office-like products.
That said, I do love the Transformer for many other reasons. I am on the road every week, and I plan to keep it for that.

Return my Infinity for a Nexus now and Surface later?

I got my Infinity about two weeks ago. It's pretty cool. I already picked up the 201 keyboard and carry my purple tablet everywhere. I'm generally happy with it, but find ultimately I use it less than I would have thought. Maybe I just don't know how to use it.
I want a tablet so as I automate my house I can connect and control.
I fly a ton and want something that I can watch movies on the plane.
With my MiFi and hotel internet I like not checking email and searching the web without using my company laptop.
General and casual net surfing.
So the problem I have with my Infinity is half the stuff I want to do on the internet gets pushed out as the mobile version. Even when I try to override this, the lack of a normal operating system seems to make websites work funny. My wife has an iPad 2 and it seems like the apps are more functional and better thought out. And trying to read on it is tough, the big format is harder to hold and the screen is not as nice as my old e-ink reader.
So I was thinking a Nexus would be easier to carry around, and really is big enough for an airplane movie. They are going to sell more of them, so I am sure I can actually get a case that works. The smaller memory is a problem, but I have an ipod for music and would just delete movies later (wait, can I burn my own DVD's to the nexus?).
When the Surface comes out in two months the Windows RT version should be more internet friendly. I'll still have a keyboard option. the screen might not be as good, but the device itself would be more like a laptop experience.
So point out the flaws in my understanding.

one thing to note, tablets are not laptops.
I noticed this though. I had the Transformer Prime and no laptop before. I would use the prime for everything!!! Now i bought a laptop and i use the tablet half the time now. And the only thing i do on the computer is download music and use the web. Im actually on my computer now. And the docking station, i never use it anymore. Its sort of strange to find the purpose for the devices. Checking email and quick web browsing/facebook is really fast on the tablet. That and media, but for the laptop i think i just like the bigger keyboard...

If you only intend to use your tablet as a media consumption device then I highly recommend a different product. I love my Infinity and previously my TF101 as it is my laptop replacement. But if not for the productivity side of things, I would have gotten a smaller Samsung or now the Nexus 7. I would avoid the Amazon Kindle Fire as it is just a poor attempt to restrict Android (pre-root of course).

Have you tried other 3rd party browsers? I heard dolphinHD is really good on the infinity.
Yeah, the nexus is definitely easier to hold, especially with one hand like an ereader. The down side to the nexus is that there's not a whole lot of storage space for movies or other multimedia files. The 16gb version will only have enough space for you to store 2-3 hd movies.
As for quality apps, apple is still way ahead in this department. They have a lot more optimized tablet apps. Hopefully android can catch up in the future.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

You will be just down grading yourself down to a smaller vechicle. But hey whatever floats your boat.
Azure / Genesis = Slate B121
Sonata = Infinity
Elantra = 300
Accent = Nexus 7

I'd avoid the surface for now. Its rather bipolar at the moment, its clear that the desktop and metro environments were not made to play nice with each other. Metro also hasnt proven itself yet, it'll get some app support initially due to ties with Windows but in the long run its not clear at all that it'll do well. In fact, given the reputation of WP7, I'd be shocked if it did anything but completely flop.

mattlikesbikes said:
I got my Infinity about two weeks ago. It's pretty cool. I already picked up the 201 keyboard and carry my purple tablet everywhere. I'm generally happy with it, but find ultimately I use it less than I would have thought. Maybe I just don't know how to use it.
I want a tablet so as I automate my house I can connect and control.
I fly a ton and want something that I can watch movies on the plane.
With my MiFi and hotel internet I like not checking email and searching the web without using my company laptop.
General and casual net surfing.
So the problem I have with my Infinity is half the stuff I want to do on the internet gets pushed out as the mobile version. Even when I try to override this, the lack of a normal operating system seems to make websites work funny. My wife has an iPad 2 and it seems like the apps are more functional and better thought out. And trying to read on it is tough, the big format is harder to hold and the screen is not as nice as my old e-ink reader.
So I was thinking a Nexus would be easier to carry around, and really is big enough for an airplane movie. They are going to sell more of them, so I am sure I can actually get a case that works. The smaller memory is a problem, but I have an ipod for music and would just delete movies later (wait, can I burn my own DVD's to the nexus?).
When the Surface comes out in two months the Windows RT version should be more internet friendly. I'll still have a keyboard option. the screen might not be as good, but the device itself would be more like a laptop experience.
So point out the flaws in my understanding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no flaws in your understanding, you only have a different perception and set of expectations, and that's fine. I'll just give you my point of view.
1) You really shouldn't be using the stock browser. Get another one that properly supports setting the user agent and the web surfing should be fine. I only have desktop sites on my TF700 and it rocks. Just to mention it here:
2) STAY AWAY from Dolphin! I can't stress this enough -- it is a PRIVACY BLACK HOLE. Everything you do, and I mean everything is logged and sent to Dolphin's developer, and believe me, that is far more than they need to 'optimize your user experience' or 'debug Dolphin'.
3) I watch all kinds of video content (documentaries, military footage, movies (HD or lower resolution), etc.) and it works fantastically. I use Dice for the hardware-base decoding capability, but lots of people are endeared by BS Player as well.
4) I'm actually going to boycott Windows 8 for several tech and personal reasons, so I will refrain from commenting on your hopes for Windows RT (which is the crapped down version of crap anyway). But as I said, there is absolutely no need to render my opinion any worth -- I just wanted to mention that here. Sorry.
5) If you wanted a laptop experience, why not buy a laptop? It's not meant derogatory, but laptops do best what laptops need to do. Their niche is different enough from the tablet's (with or without a dock, charging or not) that each has their own merits and probably will not compete the other out of existence for some time to come. You'd miss out on two things: screen resolution and battery life, but since you actually consider the Nexus 7 a viable replacement (which, again, strictly specific to my usage scenario, it is not), a laptop would serve you fine.
Bottom line: I think I'd return the TF700 and get a laptop if I were you. But then I'm not.
Wisdom, my friend. Good luck weighing your options.
Marty
PS1:
dlokey22 said:
Have you tried other 3rd party browsers? I heard dolphinHD is really good on the infinity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing personal, I must say, but PLEASE, for the love of all friendly kittens and other fluffy animals, STOP RECOMMENDING DOLPHIN. And stop using it yourself. <sarcasm >You might give me your bank account instead, as I will put it to good use for other people too. </sarcasm> Refer to #2 above and several XDA threads on the matter while you're at it.
Yeah, the nexus is definitely easier to hold, especially with one hand like an ereader. The down side to the nexus is that there's not a whole lot of storage space for movies or other multimedia files. The 16gb version will only have enough space for you to store 2-3 hd movies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the right compression, I am watching FullHD movies (Blu-Ray sourced) at ~2 to 3 GB. I only watch one at a time, so I can transfer a new one when I finished an old one. With some elbow grease, this is a solvable inconvenience.
As for quality apps, apple is still way ahead in this department. They have a lot more optimized tablet apps. Hopefully android can catch up in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard this argument before, but 1) there are no trial versions. When you buy a crappy app it is just matter of swallowing the pain and try another potentially crappy app (since there are lots of ****ty apps for iOS). I have no further needs that Android hasn't been fully fulfilling, so I can't share this judgment. (Disclaimer: I have only limited experience with iOS myself, but (unfortunately?) a high percentage of my geekier friends are total crApples and I hear things every now and then. That is, pretty regularly. )

MartyHulskemper said:
There are no flaws in your understanding, you only have a different perception and set of expectations, and that's fine. I'll just give you my point of view.
1) You really shouldn't be using the stock browser. Get another one that properly supports setting the user agent and the web surfing should be fine. I only have desktop sites on my TF700 and it rocks. Just to mention it here:
2) STAY AWAY from Dolphin! I can't stress this enough -- it is a PRIVACY BLACK HOLE. Everything you do, and I mean everything is logged and sent to Dolphin's developer, and believe me, that is far more than they need to 'optimize your user experience' or 'debug Dolphin'.
3) I watch all kinds of video content (documentaries, military footage, movies (HD or lower resolution), etc.) and it works fantastically. I use Dice for the hardware-base decoding capability, but lots of people are endeared by BS Player as well.
4) I'm actually going to boycott Windows 8 for several tech and personal reasons, so I will refrain from commenting on your hopes for Windows RT (which is the crapped down version of crap anyway). But as I said, there is absolutely no need to render my opinion any worth -- I just wanted to mention that here. Sorry.
5) If you wanted a laptop experience, why not buy a laptop? It's not meant derogatory, but laptops do best what laptops need to do. Their niche is different enough from the tablet's (with or without a dock, charging or not) that each has their own merits and probably will not compete the other out of existence for some time to come. You'd miss out on two things: screen resolution and battery life, but since you actually consider the Nexus 7 a viable replacement (which, again, strictly specific to my usage scenario, it is not), a laptop would serve you fine.
Bottom line: I think I'd return the TF700 and get a laptop if I were you. But then I'm not.
Wisdom, my friend. Good luck weighing your options.
Marty
PS1:
Nothing personal, I must say, but PLEASE, for the love of all friendly kittens and other fluffy animals, STOP RECOMMENDING DOLPHIN. And stop using it yourself. <sarcasm >You might give me your bank account instead, as I will put it to good use for other people too. </sarcasm> Refer to #2 above and several XDA threads on the matter while you're at it.
With the right compression, I am watching FullHD movies (Blu-Ray sourced) at ~2 to 3 GB. I only watch one at a time, so I can transfer a new one when I finished an old one. With some elbow grease, this is a solvable inconvenience.
I've heard this argument before, but 1) there are no trial versions. When you buy a crappy app it is just matter of swallowing the pain and try another potentially crappy app (since there are lots of ****ty apps for iOS). I have no further needs that Android hasn't been fully fulfilling, so I can't share this judgment. (Disclaimer: I have only limited experience with iOS myself, but (unfortunately?) a high percentage of my geekier friends are total crApples and I hear things every now and then. That is, pretty regularly. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you find to be better in DICE than you do in BS?

dlokey22 said:
Have you tried other 3rd party browsers? I heard dolphinHD is really good on the infinity.
Yeah, the nexus is definitely easier to hold, especially with one hand like an ereader. The down side to the nexus is that there's not a whole lot of storage space for movies or other multimedia files. The 16gb version will only have enough space for you to store 2-3 hd movies.
As for quality apps, apple is still way ahead in this department. They have a lot more optimized tablet apps. Hopefully android can catch up in the future.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
>mentioning apple
Guaranteed_replies.jpeg

MartyHulskemper said:
2) STAY AWAY from Dolphin! I can't stress this enough -- it is a PRIVACY BLACK HOLE. Everything you do, and I mean everything is logged and sent to Dolphin's developer, and believe me, that is far more than they need to 'optimize your user experience' or 'debug Dolphin'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I've used Dolphin for some time and never had any issues with my "privacy".... That is usually blown way out of proportion. Do you really think that the Dolphin devs are stealing and *using* your info?? C'mon, give me a break - if that were true, people would be suing them left and right.
If you don't like Dolphin then don't use it, but let others decide for themselves!
You don't think Google tracks everything you do too?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

MartyHulskemper said:
Nothing personal, I must say, but PLEASE, for the love of all friendly kittens and other fluffy animals, STOP RECOMMENDING DOLPHIN. And stop using it yourself. You might give me your bank account instead, as I will put it to good use for other people too. Refer to #2 above and several XDA threads on the matter while you're at it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression this has been resolved. Eh whatever... I'm not worried. Like what the other poster said, Google is probably a bigger data mining culprit than dolphin is.
With the right compression, I am watching FullHD movies (Blu-Ray sourced) at ~2 to 3 GB. I only watch one at a time, so I can transfer a new one when I finished an old one. With some elbow grease, this is a solvable inconvenience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fine if you haven't encoded your movies already. All my blurays have been encoded using high bit rates for my htpc. Most of my 720ps are 4-6gb. I'm not going to re encoded them all. Any way you look at it, storage is an issue if you plan to use nexus 7 as a multimedia device.
I've heard this argument before, but 1) there are no trial versions. When you buy a crappy app it is just matter of swallowing the pain and try another potentially crappy app (since there are lots of ****ty apps for iOS). I have no further needs that Android hasn't been fully fulfilling, so I can't share this judgment. (Disclaimer: I have only limited experience with iOS myself, but (unfortunately?) a high percentage of my geekier friends are total crApples and I hear things every now and then. That is, pretty regularly. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't trying to make an argument. It is just the truth. The ipad has a lot more optimized apps. Android has a ways to go to catch up. You can always do research before buying an app. That is what the Internet is for
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

dlokey22 said:
I wasn't trying to make an argument. It is just the truth. The ipad has a lot more optimized apps. Android has a ways to go to catch up. You can always do research before buying an app. That is what the Internet is for
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
guaranteed_replies.apng
Also, enjoy them fart apps, for they are large and they are numerous.

So the problem I have with my Infinity is half the stuff I want to do on the internet gets pushed out as the mobile version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Chrome. Select request desktop version under settings if it pushes you into mobile site. It's not automated (though I expect it will be with the next few versions of chrome as this is a nexus 7 issue).
My wife has an iPad 2 and it seems like the apps are more functional and better thought out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but with the google nexus 7 coming out and doing well, the android market will catch up and android is just better from an iOS perspective (can do flash, can run ad blockers more easily, can drag and drop content, can decode almost any media file, etc.).
And trying to read on it is tough, the big format is harder to hold and the screen is not as nice as my old e-ink reader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So use an e-ink reader to read. LCD's can't match e-ink contrast ratios. And SAMOLED Screens have their problems in that Samsung is making Pentile Screens their mass market screen because of durability issues.
So I was thinking a Nexus would be easier to carry around, and really is big enough for an airplane movie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you would be able to carry around like 3 movies if you got the 8gb version.
They are going to sell more of them, so I am sure I can actually get a case that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, lol? I use a TF201 case and it works fine. This thing just came out ...
The smaller memory is a problem, but I have an ipod for music and would just delete movies later (wait, can I burn my own DVD's to the nexus?).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The nexus has 8/16gb. If you want to constantly delete and refill all of it over usb 2.0, be my guess.
When the Surface comes out in two months the Windows RT version should be more internet friendly. I'll still have a keyboard option. the screen might not be as good, but the device itself would be more like a laptop experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surface is a joke as is windows 8. No i5/i7 chip can match tegra/qualcomm chips in battery life and thermal properties. Yes, it'll be way faster, but the battery life will be terrible and the devices will be bulky.
If you want a laptop get a laptop. I use mine for more intensive purposes/gaming. However, even a laptop is too big for a lot of the things I use my infinity for (taking notes, reading, watching movies in bed).
So point out the flaws in my understanding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows 8 is pure hype. Core PC Users hate it for offering no new features to them as long-time users. Tablet users are still mostly ipad users that won't put up with the hoops Microsoft makes you jump or the terrible app store. There is a market for windows tablets and I think 99% of it is graphics professionals that need touch in order to interact with their objects. I would rather have a dedicated laptop that gets the job done and a dedicated tablet that is light with good battery life than use a Windows Tablet.

There's something different and more personal to me about consuming The Internets on a tablet, and that's why I love them and spend time on XDA. I don't see the dock on Transformers as a conversion to a laptop, it just makes the occasional heavy text input convenient. The dock is an extended battery in my eyes. So I agree with the above that it's about your expectations or need.
I also agree the Surface might be a total non-starter. On one hand, if it's just a Windows tablet, it will be overpriced and hindered compared to a real laptop. If its the gimped Windows version why should the app experience be any better than Android? It's not any good on Windows phone.
Apples AppStore is inarguably better than any other if you've actually used their device, but there's plenty of good reasons to prefer Android. Google, freedom (usually..see locked bootloader) and for me, incredible integration and sharing between apps. Plus your Infinity has one of the best mobile screens yet created. If you're mainly browsing, watching video and messaging it's hard to argue a laptop is more useful.
That said, damn the Nexus is good. Asus needs to release Jelly Bean immediately.

xRevilatioNx said:
What do you find to be better in DICE than you do in BS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have a definitive answer on this, since the latest version of BS Player just crashes on me continuously, and I didn't lke the interface somehow. I like vPlayer's interface best, but that doesn't do hardware decoding.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T

jtrosky said:
Personally, I've used Dolphin for some time and never had any issues with my "privacy".... That is usually blown way out of proportion. Do you really think that the Dolphin devs are stealing and *using* your info?? C'mon, give me a break - if that were true, people would be suing them left and right.
If you don't like Dolphin then don't use it, but let others decide for themselves!
You don't think Google tracks everything you do too?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not using it, and I am letting you decide yourselves. I'm not the one deciding which apps to install on your device(s), am I? I do think, however, that that decision should be a rational and informed one. You do not believe it would be best to point out issues that have arisen in this regard? Just because you do not mind your privacy being invaded -- there has been no decisive evidence that this has been resolved -- should not mean I should refrain from calling Dolphin the privacy-steal king to alert other people -- who might or might not care -- to their practices. An old fox is merely a bit balder, not necessarily better, than before.
And as far as Google's data mining is concerned: obviously, that's their main goal, even -- but at least it is relatively clear from their EULAs while Dolphin kept its users in the dark on purpose. In many civilized countries you can be locked up for that type of fraud.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T

dlokey22 said:
I was under the impression this has been resolved. Eh whatever... I'm not worried. Like what the other poster said, Google is probably a bigger data mining culprit than dolphin is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See post above -- at least they are more or less upfront.
That's fine if you haven't encoded your movies already. All my blurays have been encoded using high bit rates for my htpc. Most of my 720ps are 4-6gb. I'm not going to re encoded them all. Any way you look at it, storage is an issue if you plan to use nexus 7 as a multimedia device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't really imagine this being a large issue, for even in that cas, you still cannot watch more than one movie at the same time. And again, it's just about compromises, as you can't have your cake and eat it too. In the relevant case, either drop the TF700 and go for a N7 and be merry (correct me if I'm wrong, but you will lose the HD screen anyway, so the encoding quality matters less as well) and shift around your files more often, or keep the TF700 and get a great screen and expandable memory, and a charging dock, etc.
I wasn't trying to make an argument. It is just the truth. The ipad has a lot more optimized apps. Android has a ways to go to catch up. You can always do research before buying an app. That is what the Internet is for
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"It's just the truth." Sounds like a religious statement to me. : |
Anyway, the internet is a surefire way to get the worst apps because a lot of these amateur review blogs give even the worst crap decent 'scores'. And as jdeoxys said, iOS sports a boatload of fart apps -- I guess we sure need to catch up. To make the discussion a bit more relevant: do we miss a significant number of functions on Android that iOS does provide? I think that is a much more meaningful comparison than the raw number of crapplets posted in the markets.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T

MartyHulskemper said:
And as far as Google's data mining is concerned: obviously, that's their main goal, even -- but at least it is relatively clear from their EULAs while Dolphin kept its users in the dark on purpose. In many civilized countries you can be locked up for that type of fraud.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, so it's ok to steal your data as long as they tell you they are doing it?!?! Hey, to each their own, I guess!
To everyone else, Dolphin is a great browser that I used for years without any issues whatsoever with my "privacy". Don't let this scare you away.
Although, I've personally switched over to Boat Browser now - I like it even more than Dolphin now!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

jtrosky said:
Oh, so it's ok to steal your data as long as they tell you they are doing it?!?! Hey, to each their own, I guess!
To everyone else, Dolphin is a great browser that I used for years without any issues whatsoever with my "privacy". Don't let this scare you away.
Although, I've personally switched over to Boat Browser now - I like it even more than Dolphin now!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I would say it's okay because in that case it's not stealing anymore. If the people don't read the EULA's it's not the companies fault the information was available.
That's why everyone went mad at apple and their tracking issue.
Google has been doing that for ages but it left you a) the choice and b) it informed you straight from the beginning.
It's all about asking.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda premium

MartyHulskemper said:
I can't really imagine this being a large issue, for even in that cas, you still cannot watch more than one movie at the same time. And again, it's just about compromises, as you can't have your cake and eat it too. In the relevant case, either drop the TF700 and go for a N7 and be merry (correct me if I'm wrong, but you will lose the HD screen anyway, so the encoding quality matters less as well) and shift around your files more often, or keep the TF700 and get a great screen and expandable memory, and a charging dock, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about a "large" issue, but it is an issue if you plan on using it as a multimedia device. 16gb is not a lot storage these days. When you factor in the OS, music, pics, videos, games, it gets filled up pretty quickly. Sure I can transfer movies in one at a time, but its a big pain in a$$ and I'll have to bring along some sort of external storage.
The N7's resolution supports 720p. The bitrate doesn't have anything to with HD.
I agree with you it is a compromise. In my first post of this thread I was pointing to the OP that the lack of storage is a down side (compromise) to the N7. I'm not saying he shouldn't get the N7. I was just pointing out what he will be missing.
"It's just the truth." Sounds like a religious statement to me. : |
Anyway, the internet is a surefire way to get the worst apps because a lot of these amateur review blogs give even the worst crap decent 'scores'. And as jdeoxys said, iOS sports a boatload of fart apps -- I guess we sure need to catch up. To make the discussion a bit more relevant: do we miss a significant number of functions on Android that iOS does provide? I think that is a much more meaningful comparison than the raw number of crapplets posted in the markets.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uh....android host just as many fart apps on the play store. Type fart in the play store search and you'll get 20 pages of apps for farts. This isn't only an apple thing. We're talking about tablet optimized apps here, not just any app. For example, facebook and twitter have their official tablet versions on ipad, but not on android? There are many more examples. The total number of good quality functional tablet apps still greatly out number android at the moment.
btw I'm pro android here. I don't own one single apple device - no macbook, iphone, ipad or even ipod. I'm just pointing out that android is behind in the tablet space, but hopefully they will catch up now with the popularity of N7.