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I originally purchased my G-Tablet as something to hold me off until the Honeycomb tablets came around. After looking at the alternatives there's really not much to "upgrade" to.
Asus Transformer - the most viable option however no USB (blah, use my G-Tab hooked up to my TV at times so I need a USB port for my wireless keyboard/mouse) and I'm not interested in spending an additional $150 just to have a USB port. Sure the screen is nice but I really haven't had any complaints with the G-Tablet screen under normal use.
Acer Iconia A500 - another good tablet however it's twice the price I paid ($225) for my G-Tablet. It's heavier, physically bigger, and overall battery life is not as good as the G-Tablet. The wifi (according to reports) is also fairly weak which sucks as my router is not in the most convenient location.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 - I had high hopes for this one and although a very sexy tablet, I've now crossed it off my list as an upgrade option. It's been confirmed to have a Tegra 2, no USB, no HDMI, and no microSD card slot.
After going through all the alternatives it seems the only thing these really offer over what I currently have is Honeycomb and with the recent developments concerning Honeycomb on the G-Tablet, the G-Tablet itself may very well have Honeycomb too. To tell you the truth though, I wouldn't be to bummed out if we never get it. Which brings another high point in regards to the G-Tablet: the developer support! I'm certain the other tablets will eventually catch up but the developer support is amazing for the G-Tablet and I've had a ton of fun just trying out new ROMs! Anyway, I believe the G-Tablet is the best Android tablet for the money right now and looks like I'll be keeping it for a while!
Pretty much agreed. It'll be a different story a few months from now, but for the time being the gTab is still the best price/performance combo out there!
pitamakan said:
but for the time being the gTab is still the best price/performance combo out there!
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Welcome to the fanboi club
Enectic said:
Asus Transformer - the most viable option however no USB (blah, use my G-Tab hooked up to my TV at times so I need a USB port for my wireless keyboard/mouse) and I'm not interested in spending an additional $150 just to have a USB port. Sure the screen is nice but I really haven't had any complaints with the G-Tablet screen under normal use.
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They're supposed to be releasing an adapter that plugs into the dock port giving you a usb port.....also, you can use the included dock cable and attach a female to female connector and it gives you a functional usb port. Or just pony up for a bluetooth keyboard/mouse. Havent picked up my gtab since I got the transformer.
acomiskey said:
They're supposed to be releasing an adapter that plugs into the dock port giving you a usb port.....also, you can use the included dock cable and attach a female to female connector and it gives you a functional usb port. Or just pony up for a bluetooth keyboard/mouse. Havent picked up my gtab since I got the transformer.
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True but there's no release date or price on the adapter yet. As far as using the dock and a female to female it seems to be very hit or miss. People appear to get very few things working with that method which doesn't bode well for the flash drives and HD's I also connect to my tablet. I could buy a bluetooth but that would just add more cost to the item. With all things being said I think I'll save my money for the Tegra 3 tablets supposedely coming later this year.
aasoror said:
Welcome to the fanboi club
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lol. I hate you guys!
Enectic said:
I originally purchased my G-Tablet as something to hold me off until the Honeycomb tablets came around. After looking at the alternatives there's really not much to "upgrade" to.
Asus Transformer - the most viable option however no USB (blah, use my G-Tab hooked up to my TV at times so I need a USB port for my wireless keyboard/mouse) and I'm not interested in spending an additional $150 just to have a USB port. Sure the screen is nice but I really haven't had any complaints with the G-Tablet screen under normal use.
Acer Iconia A500 - another good tablet however it's twice the price I paid ($225) for my G-Tablet. It's heavier, physically bigger, and overall battery life is not as good as the G-Tablet. The wifi (according to reports) is also fairly weak which sucks as my router is not in the most convenient location.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 - I had high hopes for this one and although a very sexy tablet, I've now crossed it off my list as an upgrade option. It's been confirmed to have a Tegra 2, no USB, no HDMI, and no microSD card slot.
After going through all the alternatives it seems the only thing these really offer over what I currently have is Honeycomb and with the recent developments concerning Honeycomb on the G-Tablet, the G-Tablet itself may very well have Honeycomb too. To tell you the truth though, I wouldn't be to bummed out if we never get it. Which brings another high point in regards to the G-Tablet: the developer support! I'm certain the other tablets will eventually catch up but the developer support is amazing for the G-Tablet and I've had a ton of fun just trying out new ROMs! Anyway, I believe the G-Tablet is the best Android tablet for the money right now and looks like I'll be keeping it for a while!
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$225??? you better keep it haha. That's a great price. I think this is the only time that patience will actually payoff for me and for all of us.
Ditto. I bought my gTab very early on (mid November), thinking it would tide me over until Spring and Honeycomb. Now I plan to keep it through its one-year anniversary, and wait for an ICS tablet. If it lets me.
I'm also now going to hold onto my Nexus One (14 months old) until the Nexus 3 comes out with ICS. Just see no reason to get rid of The Greatest Phone Evah before that new toy arrives.
So, thanks, Google, you're saving me a nice chunk of change over the next few months!
First post on the fora here, excited to get hacking (err cracking?) on making my G-Tablet everything I want it to be!
You got an incredible deal on your tablet, $225... of course you need not me to tell you that. I got mine for $270, and that was a pretty great deal.
I was already fairly sure about purchasing my G-Tab before, and the more and more I'm looking at the alternatives the more sure I am of the purchase.
Another aspect I like is the inexpensiveness of the accessories. For $38 you can get the Malata Zpad Dock that attaches to the proprietary port and acts like an upright stand holding the tablet in portrait mode. It has a USB port, an HDMI out port, and, quite unique for a tablet, an ethernet port. This is the feature that clinched it for me, as there will be times when I will wish to access a wired network with no wifi connection available. In addition, I'll use the HDMI port to output Power Point presentations to a projector.
And then there's also the $28 kick stand and keyboard combo that makes the tablet feel like a netbook. Granted, the case which holds it all together can't really be used as a protective case because the clips hold the device in too poorly, and it's not nearly as nifty as the Asus Transformer's plug-in keyboard and touchpad combo. Also it doesn't offer an extra battery, of course. However, it's a heck of a lot cheaper, and at least you don't need it for USB ports (how odd is it that the Transformer has an on-board mini HDMI port but not an on-board USB port?).
I'm really excited to hear that an internal GPS chip is supported by both the firmware and the hardware, though I'm a bit miffed that I have to buy and install it myself rather than just using the capability right out of the box. Still, that's another purpose the G-Tablet will fill for which I do need a device.
aasoror said:
Welcome to the fanboi club
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Proud to be a member.
I like the Atrix plug&play into a computer screen with Btooth keyboard/mouse...not necessarily the netbook option which I think sucks.
Anyone know of a similar aftermarket option for the Inspire...seems like there should be some by now.
You could buy a laptop for less than the atrix dock. and it will be peppier with more storage. then you could just pretend the inspire is a phone. but that dock would be nice lol.
I'd like to hear some real answers especially from people have had the chance to play with or own all 3 of these tablets. I did god knows how much research but really the only thing that I need right now is someone who has first hand experience to tell me cause what's what. The tech review sites usually review things that don't turn out to be true. Also ownership and time allows for different conclusions.
So far, I did a LOT of research on each tablet, god knows how many youtube videos i watched. What I took from the 3 are:
Xoom has great development and community on the edge of their seat, ready to jump up at any moment when HC source or ICS is released so it can start developing. I see it as the Android G1 phone. Great support, no doubt that all the ports and stuff will work (micro SD, hdmi and usb host) when rooted. BUT, it has a pretty bad screen from what I hear? I dont know if its an exaggeration but its no transformer or galaxy 10.1 in terms of display. Seem to be the "Fastest" or most capable in terms of hardware.
Transformer is the bridge between galaxy and xoom, both in the size and functionality since it also has micro sd, hdmi that galaxy lacks out of the box. The transformer needs an adapter for USB and currently the USB host and adapter is not out. But just like any android tablet, once source is released, the potentials are pretty much there to use usb host and anything else.
CONS: Problems. I'm very concerned about audio quality so can someone fill me in on that?? How are the speakers?? How do they compare to the galaxy or xoom or toshiba thrive? How is audio output in general to external speakers? (the toshiba thrive's output to external was TERRIBLE. headphone volume was bad). I'm also worried that if i get a bad transformer I'm going to have to wait weeks for asus to keep repairing stuff. Also, how is the battery life? I know the galaxy and xoom are the top 2 android battery life contenders, second to the ipad 2.
Galaxy tab 101. - Stripped and slender form of the transformer. No expandability. Adapter allows for usb or microSD but you can't expand past the 16gb/32gb with a microSD. Not a deal breaker but the other two allow it. Great display and sound.
I was hesitating between the galaxy and transformer.
For me the problem was 3G or USB.
I decided for the transformer and tlil now no regrets. I've even got 3G working on it (with a 3G USB stick)
The Transformer has USB, mine has 2x USB ports.
Also if you are outside the US, forget out the Xoom, the support is abysmal, I think they only just got Honeycomb 3.1, when the US has had it for months, and the Transformer is already on Honeycomb 3.2
As for the Galaxy Tab, overpriced IMHO, you can get so much more with the Transformer.
I looked at all 3, and the Transformer (with dock) was easily the winner.
Don't get the Xoom, it's a waste. If you need a tablet with 4G, then just get the Galaxy tab.
But the choice really depends on what you'll need it for. Do you think you'll need a keyboard dock? Then get the Transformer. The Galaxy Tab has a keyboard dock, but it's wireless and wouldn't be something you can use on the go. (subway, bus, etc.) The Transformer, overall, is a nice device. It has its problems, like the speakers aren't that loud, but you can kind of fix that with some tweaks. You can't beat the price either. $399 for one of the best Android tablets on the market.
If they think you'll be using it for media, the SG Tab maybe what your looking for. Also if you want something a little more portable, you may want to look at the Galaxy Tab 7.7. It's coming out soon and has higher specs than both the TF and 10.1. I'd suggest looking out for the Transformer 2 but there hasn't been much info on it.
Hey guys. I'm thinking about picking up a Xoom (or other tablet) in the near future as I'm seeing the prices drop a bit, but I've got a few questions, and would like some extra input.
Among my options for the price range are the Xoom (of course), iPad 2, Sony Tablet S, Asus Transformer(not so sure I want to go Asus here though...), or the Samsung Galaxy 10.1 (I'm not considering this too hard, since I've never had a good Samsung experience outside of tv's).
I currently own a Macbook Pro with the Magic Mouse and BT keyboard, but have an HTC Evo 4G for a phone. So really, I think the competition is between the Xoom, Sony Tablet S, or iPad 2. I feel like having a Macbook and the BT mouse/keyboard kind of leans me toward the iPad, while already being experienced with Android on my Evo, and the added connectivity of having my most mobile devices be android are leaning me toward the Xoom/Tablet S.
I plan on using the tablet during those down times when I would otherwise be on my phone or laptop killing time. So between classes, on long trips when I'm not driving, and maybe for some note taking in class.
So here are my questions...
1) Are there any functionality issues with having my computer be a Mac? I've never had any issues with my Evo, but you never know with a tablet.
2) Are the hiccups in the Android OS going to drive me crazy? Or does the Xoom hardward make up for the young-ish nature of Android?
3) As far as android tablets go, is Xoom REALLY the way to go? (E.g., would you do it again?)
4) What else should I know before dropping a few hundred bucks on a tablet?
Thanks in advance.
Just wait until the holiday season for the xoom 2 unless you can get the xoom for under $400. I personally wouldn't buy a honeycomb tablet this late...
Xoom and MacBookPro person here (and for what it's worth, I just sold my iPad 1 when I got the Xoom. Go Android, you won't regret it).
The only issue that I've had is with getting files onto the Xoom. Google (frustratingly) disabled USB Mass Storage for Honeycomb tablets, forcing us onto MTP for transfers, which Apple doesn't support. Google provides a tool, but it's incredibly unreliable, usually failing part way through any sizable transfer. I've had to use USB Debugging Mode and ddms (via command line) to transfer files. This also broke DoubleTwist USB sync.
So, love the tablet, but that's the main frustration with it. Also, there are no good apps for transferring your iTunes music or Movies. The iPad wins there, obviously, but the real browser and rootability (no ads!) won out for me.
I got a acer iconia a500 and love it. I could plug in my external hard drives right into the usb port to play movies off the hard drive or transfer files
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i have a xoom and tbh am extremely happy with it, apart from one thing, the screen...
up against my galaxy s2 (amazzzing phone) it looks dull and colourless, if the screen on the sammy tab is anything like the phone then id put samsung back in the equation...
baron von bubba said:
i have a xoom and tbh am extremely happy with it, apart from one thing, the screen...
up against my galaxy s2 (amazzzing phone) it looks dull and colourless, if the screen on the sammy tab is anything like the phone then id put samsung back in the equation...
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The Samsung tablets do not have SAMOLED like their phones do. I have owned an iPad, Nook Color, Acer Iconia A500, HP Touchpad, and now a Xoom. I have to say that they all have mostly the same screens. The Nook was definitely the best as far as pixel density. The rest are essentially the same to my eyes.
I sold the Iconia while I was on vacation in Brazil last month. I had every intention of replacing it with another one when I got back to the US. Well, I played around with the Touchpad for a few weeks instead. I enjoyed the Touchpad but it is just missing too many things to be my only tablet. I sold it for a slight profit and went to CompUSA to buy a new Iconia. That didn't happen.
While looking around at CompUSA, I noticed they had the WiFi Xoom for $399. I then realized it was for a refurbished device. I have owned many refurbished items in my life and this was not a deterrent for me. Especially considering it was refurbished by Motorola and not a third party. So, I bought it. The same day, last Friday, I stopped by Best Buy and picked up a standard dock for $25, OTG cable for $18, and the Portfolio case for $20. I felt good about myself on Friday. LOL
I think this device has all the right details. I like the placement of the LED notification light and the charging light. I am still getting used to the power button location though. I like that the bezel is minimal compared to its competitors. I really think Motorola did a great job in engineering this device.
Granted, it hasn't even been a week yet, but I really think this is the best tablet I have owned so far.
Does the xoom have a full sized usb port?
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gmfeny said:
Does the xoom have a full sized usb port?
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You have to use an OTG cable. Motorola sells one as the camera connection kit. You can find generic ones as well. I bought the Motorola cable for $18. I am sure generic is cheaper.
Its funny you mention that, it was one of the reasons I chose the Acer before. I wouldn't have a Xoom without this cable.
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Kippui said:
Just wait until the holiday season for the xoom 2 unless you can get the xoom for under $400. I personally wouldn't buy a honeycomb tablet this late...
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You're welcome I got mine on the last go around and it has been perfect.
http://www.woot.com/
I destroyed my Acer tablet that I enjoyed very much. The extended warranty company said they will just give me my money back as that is cheaper than repairing it.
Do you guys recommend the Zoom? Any common issues to be concerned about? Does it have a standard USB port?
romagnus said:
I destroyed my Acer tablet that I enjoyed very much. The extended warranty company said they will just give me my money back as that is cheaper than repairing it.
Do you guys recommend the Zoom? Any common issues to be concerned about? Does it have a standard USB port?
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no it doesnt have a standard usb port like the a500 does, but if you buy a usb otg cable for about $4 the custom rom already have host support so it doesnt quite matter about a full sized standard usb port except maybe the voltage but people here still can use usb drives well anyway. I bought an a500 and it was the biggest piece of poop; hated it.. refunded it and bought another xoom. The manner in which the bootloader is used is awesome if anything buggers out you can manually push files with fastboot which rocks and helps minimize the chances of a bricked device. The ability to unlock said bootloader is quick and painless and this time round i was on a custom rom with the second verizon 3g xoom in about half hour. I know there is debate on people waiting for a prime, or a new model but seriously we will receive ICS and the original xoom is now nice and cheap =].. again though, it is your money and you can do as you please but i am a happy customer and the proud owner of 2 xooms, a wifi only and a 3g+wifi
yep love the xoom but saying that its my first tab so I don't have anything else to compare it too in terms of real use age
However in terms of spec and hardware it is a very capable device, it has USB host mode, up to 96gb memory with a 64gb card, good cpu/gpu combo, good speakers, good cameras, HDMI, decent screen size and OK screen (I am used to amoled) ,decent GPS etc etc
For the money the xoom goes for and the support from this community and hardware/spec you get you can really go wrong
I got mine about two weeks ago and have been enjoying it loads
If you get a good price you can't go wrong
Thanks guys, the only issue I ever had with the A500 is the microphone sucked. Spec wise the zoom and acer are the same except for the USB thing. The zoom has more storage too.
Does the mic work well on the zoom? I used my tablet every day at University and need that part to work for note taking
romagnus said:
Thanks guys, the only issue I ever had with the A500 is the microphone sucked. Spec wise the zoom and acer are the same except for the USB thing. The zoom has more storage too.
Does the mic work well on the zoom? I used my tablet every day at University and need that part to work for note taking
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The mic works very well in my experience. I'm having fun with voice action apps (Iris, Jeannie) and it works better than I had expected.
[just a thought] if the device headphone port can also act as a microphone you can always buy a micro nub microphone from ebay to try and boost volume capture rather than relying on microphone inside the device.. i was gonna grab one for my phone, but most of my lectures weren't assessable ie it was more the skills (as i do forensics) rather than spit out what they said to us
joshndroid said:
[just a thought] if the device headphone port can also act as a microphone you can always buy a micro nub microphone from ebay to try and boost volume capture rather than relying on microphone inside the device.. i was gonna grab one for my phone, but most of my lectures weren't assessable ie it was more the skills (as i do forensics) rather than spit out what they said to us
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I don't see why the nub mic wouldn't work. I was thinking of getting one myself.
with the zoom, is HC 3.2 rootable?
romagnus said:
with the zoom, is HC 3.2 rootable?
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Uh, yeah, definately. Use this guide if you like: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1249798
Please note that if you flash the Tiamat Moray 2.2.2 ROM, you can skip step 5 (Rooting) because Moray is pre-rooted, but also remember that when you unlock, your device will be wiped, so back-up everything you can 1st.
Good luck!