Related
here the test and review by GPS PASSION
http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=105771
energy59 said:
here the test and review by GPS PASSION
http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=105771
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Click to collapse
This device, as attractive as it may be, is starting to rack up some real negatives:
1) the confused (for consumers) situation with the Qualcomm chip and the US Court injunction (what effect may that have on overall sales and consequently warranty, quality control etc ?)
2) variations in build quality (sliders, screens unglued etc)
3) constant WWE ROM supply problems and high prices
4) the ongoing argument over video drivers (may not be a real issue, since it seems unlikely to me that any class action will actually occur)
I'm getting a small amount of "sand in my shoes"
I wonder: why are we bashing this device more and more lately? The more we bash, the less people buy, the worse TC sales are, the less support we'll get and eventually we might wind up with NO software updates at all..
So let's try to think about the positive things shall we
ianl8888 said:
1) the confused (for consumers) situation with the Qualcomm chip
2) variations in build quality (sliders, screens unglued etc)
3) constant WWE ROM supply problems and high prices
4) the ongoing argument over video drivers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1: is a non-issue, by the time in 2009 when HTC will need to use a new chip, this device will have been replaced in all likelihood, or will have a slightly different chipset. No problem.
2: I've not heard of any problems, slight noise from a screen and concerns here and there, but no issues with previous build so why this one? Anyway, you get a defective one, you return it!
3: supply will level in a month or two, place an order now and you should have it early Feb. The fact that it's popular should tell you a lot.
4: again is a non-issue - either you want a multi-purpose phone like this or you don't. The video will be as released, I don't believe anything more will happen with it. It's fine as released for general purpose stuff...
Essentially, if you wanted a high-performance video device this one was never for you; if you want a great PDA phone it is. Make your choice. For me build quality is excellent and the rest is of no importance.
If you want great video performance buy a Cowon iAudio A3 (I got the A2), great rendering to high resolutions too in widescreen format, bigger and heavier than the TC but good for all your video/audio/FM radio/pictures/document needs. No input possible of course. That's why I needed the TC
SabbeRubbish said:
I wonder: why are we bashing this device more and more lately? The more we bash, the less people buy, the worse TC sales are, the less support we'll get and eventually we might wind up with NO software updates at all..
So let's try to think about the positive things shall we
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple.
Post cognitive dissonance:
http://www.ciadvertising.org/sa/fall_03/adv382J/mbabbott/advertising.htm
There have been high expectations from the device for a long time, combine that with the difficulty in actually getting hold of one and a couple of new models from other manufacturers on the horizon, and those expectations will change. Cognitive Dissonance is a much more difficult problem for companies to manage these days, mostly because of the internet.
I must say, truly interesting! And indeed I've caught myself luring to Eten and LG devices, but none are up to the TC challenge imho.
All i can say is i am right with rickgillyon.
Everyday, i am happy to have TC.
GPS, sound, screen, weight, radio, phone are perfect.
A lot of Applications are available.
I haven't buy this device for video but if it works well, i will use it some times.
Ziggy
fishes234 said:
Simple.
Post cognitive dissonance:
http://www.ciadvertising.org/sa/fall_03/adv382J/mbabbott/advertising.htm
There have been high expectations from the device for a long time, combine that with the difficulty in actually getting hold of one and a couple of new models from other manufacturers on the horizon, and those expectations will change. Cognitive Dissonance is a much more difficult problem for companies to manage these days, mostly because of the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True enough, although I have not yet made a decision to dissonate about. I had been somewhat interested in the ETEN X800 until some independent tests showed a slowness in its response - some people report it is now improved with some ROM changes, others don't think so.
My decisions tend to be based on the actual experience of the product - paper specifications simply weed out those that do not interest me to start with.
It's also interesting that the optimists here discount issues - eg. one reply to my "sand in my shoes" post suggested that by 2009 the Qualcomm Court injunction will be irrelevant as HTC will be using a different chip. But I don't really intend to change devices annually, so for me it is a potential issue, particularly as the outcomes cannot be easily predicted.
Supply is an issue - we've been given way too many false dates since August to believe "the next one". And there has been no real attempt at an explanation - but given the seemingly unglued screens and flimsy controls reported on some units, quality control on production issues may be a factor. Simply returning it is a very last resort, especially from O/S. It's far better to avoid the problems to begin with.
But then, without the optimists life would be dull I suppose. Even when they quote posts selectively ...
ianl8888 said:
It's also interesting that the optimists here discount issues - eg. one reply to my "sand in my shoes" post suggested that by 2009 the Qualcomm Court injunction will be irrelevant as HTC will be using a different chip. But I don't really intend to change devices annually, so for me it is a potential issue, particularly as the outcomes cannot be easily predicted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The outcome is already known, replacement chips are ready according to Qualcomm, and you won't have to change your device - they won't make us hand our phones back in...
As I say, it's a non-issue for the end user.
rickgillyon said:
The outcome is already known, replacement chips are ready according to Qualcomm, and you won't have to change your device - they won't make us hand our phones back in...
As I say, it's a non-issue for the end user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've discussed this out in another thread - so repetition is pointless. If you believe Qualcomm's rationalisations (after they have been convicted of knowing patent infringement), then I have some shares in the Sydney Harbour Bridge for you. Cheap, too. Such chips need to be fabricated, then assembled in new devices for testing. Qualcomm's "new" chips are also subject to a further Court examination next February before design release- the time and results of that are not predictable.
I'm not suggesting that the devices already sold will be recalled - do you understand the term "straw man" ? If world wide sales of the P3650 are repressed through this issue, HTC will reduce development and support for this model as fast as it can ... that's the core of my comments.
It's racking up real negatives. The only defence to this is cool examination of potential outcomes, or risk wasting money.
Chips need to be fabricated? Really? I'd never have guessed...
Fact is that Qualcomm, naughty as they undoubtedly are, have been working on this problem for some time as they knew they would lose. I see no reason to doubt that chips will be ready, and will be available. The reason Qulacomm will be hurrying out a replacement is to avoid the punitive commission they are paying right now.
HTC support? Surely you're kidding?
If, as you say, the issue stretches beyond early 2009, and supplies stop in early 2009, what's the difference? How often have you seen real support or development of an HTC product after the first few months? IME that support and development only comes in the cooked ROMs.
This still looks to me like the best device available right now, and with Qualcomm and HTC able to use the chip until 2009, not much of an issue for us. What's the alternative?
I am surprised at the amount of stick this device seems to be generating. I bought it as a replacement for my original Touch as I missed 3G and I have to say it's a fairly stunning device. Build quality on my unit is excellent, the slider and the scroll wheel are firm and responsive. The unit itself performs what I expect of it: PDA, email, fast internet. I fully expect this to be my longest lasting phone for quite a while, easily until end of FY 2009/2010. Problems like video drivers etc I don't really understand, it's adequate for a phone. If I want to watch videos I tend to use a full video capable device (eg PSP) rather than try to watch them on a phone.
SabbeRubbish said:
I wonder: why are we bashing this device more and more lately? The more we bash, the less people buy, the worse TC sales are, the less support we'll get and eventually we might wind up with NO software updates at all..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But if we don't bash them, they think everyone's happy with the current performance and they don't bother improving it or doing anything about it.
andyturner said:
But if we don't bash them, they think everyone's happy with the current performance and they don't bother improving it or doing anything about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No no, I do insist we bash them PERSONALLY, but not on the sales websites, as potential future customers may be scared in the future, even if the issue is already resolved, and therefore make the release of TC a fiasco, which would make HTC not distribute any sw updates...
Just a question:
How much would an external antenna help to get a better signal?
I would like to use the TC to track a short hike. Due to the test mentioned above, I would be forced to take the TC in my hand all the time. So I thougt I plug in an external antenna and fix the end somewhere to my clothes/backpack. Would that help?
Straputsky said:
Just a question:
How much would an external antenna help to get a better signal?
I would like to use the TC to track a short hike. Due to the test mentioned above, I would be forced to take the TC in my hand all the time. So I thougt I plug in an external antenna and fix the end somewhere to my clothes/backpack. Would that help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the satellite coverage... My country has only 8 satellites covering it, so we couldn't utilize it fully even if we wanted to. (I don't know the background but thats the max number of lockons everyone gets around here)
But if your TC performs well in the city, i don't see any need for an external antenna, but an extra battery is a different story. And I hope you have other tracking softwares in your arsenal than the included TomTom...
gnick666 said:
...And I hope you have other tracking softwares in your arsenal than the included TomTom...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With TomTom it would be a very short trip.
No, I plan to use TrackMe which was created by someone here in the community. It allows you to turn of the display, so the device consumes less power.
The problem is, that the TC didn't perform that good and I was thinking if it performs better with an external antenna. Especially in wooden areas I hope to gain a significant better signal.
Straputsky said:
...Especially in wooden areas I hope to gain a significant better signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd definitely get a better reception, but that would increase battery drainage. Bigger external antenna, heavier the drain on the battery.
But you can always pack the external antenna, and use it if needed. You won't loose anything, and we'd get some fieldtest results from the woods in Germany
@rickgyllion
Wot, no Harbour Bridge shares ? I'll even lower the price ! Oh well ...
"If, as you say, the issue stretches beyond early 2009 ..." I never said that, I simply pointed out that Qualcomm still faces unpredictable Court examination of its new designs. An inconvenient fact ...
"How often have you seen real support or development of an HTC product after the first few months?" Since the 1st non-English ROM devices have now been out a few months, one might think that stage has already been reached.
Between Qualcomm and HTC, it's a real stuff-up.
My attempt at resolution is that I have pre-ordered both the P3650 and an alternate non-HTC device. Both are due "in February" or "real soon now" or whichever comes first. When one or the other finally makes it to the retail market, then I'll make a decision.
I just saw a post on Anandtech comparing ipad2 and xoom starting a fire-storm of comments. http://www.anandtech.com/show/4216/apple-ipad-2-gpu-performance-explored-powervr-sgx543mp2-benchmarked/1
I looked up the benchmark details for the g-tablet, ipad1 and xoom on GLBanchmark, on cursory examination looks like g-tab compares very well with ipad2 and in some cases out performs ipad2. http://www.glbenchmark.com/compare.jsp?benchmark=glpro20&showhide=true&certified_only=1&D1=ViewSonic%20G%20Tablet&D2=Apple%20iPad&D3=Motorola%20Xoom.
Can somebody cross verify this.
a) I'm not an expert in this field
b) I'm a proud owner of a G-tab so might well be biased .
Note: I have posted a similar comment in anandtech's comment section, but asking it here as this might be a more appropriate forum.
Thanks
What I personally have been seeing, as well as another member on Reddit, the gTab is benching better than the xoom, which would place it still worse than the iPad 2.
Edit: Source link: http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/g3yqw/after_seeing_the_xoom_benchmarks_i_decided_to/
Further edit: Are you looking for a comparison to iPad 2 or the original iPad? You mention both in your post, and the link goes to a comparison against iPad 1.
Sorry for the confusion.
My intended comparison is to ipad2. GLBenchmark still does not have iPad2 in their pull-down selection choices. Anandtech had a table comparing iPad1 & iPad2, so I had to eyeball between the 2 pages and used ipad1 just as a frame of reference.
thanks
No probs. The gTab is fairing well against the Xoom in those benchmarks, but there are some things the iPad can be better at. The gTab doesn't touch the iPad 2 in terms of benchmarks.
To be honest, I wouldn't get bogged down on specifics of benchmarks. While benchmarks can show how well a device can perform, they miss the most important thing. "Does the device work for you?"
Sorry saw the wrong column. yup g-tab no where near ipad2
There are a few things to consider:
The ipad2 is an ipad with a dual core cpu/gpu and 2 cameras, that's really it.
So far, from what I've been reading the ipad 2 graphics whips the tegra 2, however I have no clue how our dual core 1GHz CPU compares to the dual core A5 900Mhz running on the ipad2.
Furthermore, the ipad runs optimized code on optimized hardware...so ios has that bonus over honeycomb in every way. The ipad and ipad2 will always technically SEEM quicker in some respects vs. Android and Honeycomb/Froyo etc. because of that reason alone. Of course, the Gtab is actually faster than the iPad and that's quite visible when running multiple apps or viewing video.
That being said, it really boils down to how their a5 cpu compares to our t2. We know their graphics are faster at the very least. But our CPU may be a bit faster. I'm not speaking in terms of 900Mhz vs. 1Ghz. I'm speaking in terms of the optimized code I'm talking about. The iPad doesn't really need all that much raw power because all the software is optimized to run on it. It's also meant to sip power at that speed. Our t2 sips power by clocking all the way down. Thats the biggest difference.
It could be a situation where apps and cpu intensive processes may start/close and execute etc. quicker/faster for us - but games may look a bit better for the ipad2, as well as swishing around icons and 2D intensive stuff.
If you can put up with itunes, for $100 more you get a tablet that "just works" with a set it and forget it attitude and has 2 cameras. For $399 the G Tablet is a great value and a must have for tinkerers and those who prefer 'freedom' and choice.
Any comparison between both I think will really have to be on a person to person basis at this point; whereas if it were ipad vs. gtab I'd def. recommend Gtab based on power and the ipad based only on a "required" prerequisite of having a "better" screen.
I am not ipad fan as I have ipad for kids and have evo and viewaonic tablet as my android devices.
Love my evo which is the best phone in my opinion, but gtablet does everything well, but the quality of the screen, hardware and thiness of the device and battery life goes to ipad hands down.
Gtablet is really good, but it is heavy and ugly. Apple hardware have always been better looking then their counter part.
I have nice dell xps 1645, but it is still failed in compare to perfectly rectangular MacBook pro which I lust.
It will be always like comparing apple and windows.
Hope honeycomb can close the gap in usability compare to froyo and gingerbread for the tablet.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
rob_z11 said:
I am not ipad fan as I have ipad for kids and have evo and viewaonic tablet as my android devices.
Love my evo which is the best phone in my opinion, but gtablet does everything well, but the quality of the screen, hardware and thiness of the device and battery life goes to ipad hands down.
Gtablet is really good, but it is heavy and ugly. Apple hardware have always been better looking then their counter part.
I have nice dell xps 1645, but it is still failed in compare to perfectly rectangular MacBook pro which I lust.
It will be always like comparing apple and windows.
Hope honeycomb can close the gap in usability compare to froyo and gingerbread for the tablet.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand how Apple products gets all the raves. Before I buy anything I always look at Apple and end up buying something else because I find them too low tech. The grayed out OS on the laptops plus the lower than most laptops on the market specs and closed architecture a real turn off on their laptops. I will take a PC any day with any operating system I choose to put on it and I do get that option. For me electronic equipment is all about having options.
The ipad is a real let down. All icandy, after you get past the screen and giant played out icons--what is this the third or fourth year we are seeing them on everything Apple, how much longer will they rock those tired icons? The swipe to the left and right and up and down could hardly compare to a processor running 3D operations. Spinning 3D carousals, live wallpapers and four to five homescreens. No comparison; if that was all the G Tab did, the benchmark scores would be off the charts or any other OS for that matter.
To each his own, just adding to the conversation. I tried to like Apple products but I just don't find them good enough. Who heard of a hard drive you couldn't yank out after purchase and replace with whatever you wanted along with the other components. I guess the Apple prison system is not for me. Don't want to stop anyone else from enjoying though. For me the cons out-weigh the pros.
Stop comparing Apples and Androids!
Version_3 said it correctly. Find out what works for you and use that.
I have both an iPad1 and G-Tab. Both have pluses and minuses.
For "getting things done" I use the iPad. For entertainment and satisfying my inner geek I use the G-Tab.
There is no use in comparing hardware specs since the operating systems on both are so dissimilar. What needs to be looked at is doing what you like in the manner in which you like it. Comparing the "software" against each other is also fruitless since each person interprets how the software works for them.
My personal observations are as follows:
iPad + iTunes = ease of use
G-Tab + ?? = not as easy
G-Tab + Google Apps = Totally awesome
iPad + Google Apps = unimpressive
iPad + App Store = easy to use and solid software
G-Tab + Market = not intuitive and flaky software
Battery Life = iPad
Camera = G-Tab (not too impressive though)
To each his own.
Note - my wife will not even touch the G-Tab since the days of force closing apps... It made a negative impression on her that wont go away soon... She loves the iPad because it "just works". Android needs to figure out a way to overcome those perceptions.
pgstormblade said:
Version_3 said it correctly. Find out what works for you and use that.
I have both an iPad1 and G-Tab. Both have pluses and minuses.
For "getting things done" I use the iPad. For entertainment and satisfying my inner geek I use the G-Tab.
There is no use in comparing hardware specs since the operating systems on both are so dissimilar. What needs to be looked at is doing what you like in the manner in which you like it. Comparing the "software" against each other is also fruitless since each person interprets how the software works for them.
My personal observations are as follows:
iPad + iTunes = ease of use
G-Tab + ?? = not as easy
G-Tab + Google Apps = Totally awesome
iPad + Google Apps = unimpressive
iPad + App Store = easy to use and solid software
G-Tab + Market = not intuitive and flaky software
Battery Life = iPad
Camera = G-Tab (not too impressive though)
To each his own.
Note - my wife will not even touch the G-Tab since the days of force closing apps... It made a negative impression on her that wont go away soon... She loves the iPad because it "just works". Android needs to figure out a way to overcome those perceptions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have a gTab running VEGAn beta 5.1.1 as well as an iPad 1. I have to say that you and I have opposite uses for our tablets it seems. While you use the gTab for play and your iPad for "getting things done" I find it difficult to use the iPad for work but rather find the gPad (with the ROM and apps I've purchased) much easier to accomplish work on.
As for iTunes... I find with DoubleTwist I can get by just fine on my gTab. The only time I honestly find myself using my iPad (got it for free from work and they pay for the data plan too) is when I want to keep my 20 month old and 4 year old busy with a Netflix video at the table while my wife and I enjoy a nice dinner out. They LOVE Shaun the Sheep and it keeps them mesmerized. Although I can rip those discs and play them on the gTab it's just simpler to stream Netflix on the iPad for them.
Now for the wife... I bought her a Nook Color since most of what she does is read on it. I've also ripped some "chick flick" dvds for her and put it on her Nook Color and it plays them fine too. And of course, with root she got her damn Angry Birds...
Like most electronic devices, both the gTab and the iPad fill different needs for different people. For me, the iPad is a consumer device where the users consume media (as long as it's not Flash) and the gTab (even with it's faults like the screen) allows me to truly leave my 30 pound work laptop (with charger) behind and still get work done.
In the end, like you said, to each his own...
I guess my 2 cents:
*Software optimization*
*Resolutions*
Neither of which the Xoom or G-Tablet have thats helping them in any way. Honeycomb is no where near what I would call optimized. Plus in my mind when I see a benchmark comparing 1440 x 900 to 640 x 480 I'm sure the fps in the lower will be a bit faster. Yes I am android fan but, I can't say that the A5 is bad or the results are totally farce. Time will tell, maybe a few months from now maybe Nvidia / Google will get their crap together before we see the Tegra 3's with the left out hardware.
Plus doesn't the Xoom have 27 native open gl extensions and the gl benchmark only found 21?
Ahhh benchmarks drive me crazy, they start wars.
Speaking of issues such as tap n tap slowing the tablet down to a crawl and FC, viewsonic is not a small company. Why in the world didn't their testers pick these things up?
goodintentions said:
Speaking of issues such as tap n tap slowing the tablet down to a crawl and FC, viewsonic is not a small company. Why in the world didn't their testers pick these things up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent question and I went to the tap n tap website which was an eye opener. Why in the world would they choose this for a device with so much hardware promise?
Good thing for them buyers were able to see past the bad decision and look at the big picture.
Software is changeable and hardware, particularly, on a device such as this--meaning tablet--is what it is. What you get, is what you get. Pretty much fixed unless you get into add ons and soldering.
As of current development or better preferred term, Evolution, the current trend in the Android Phone genre is increasing the processor cores, size and resolution of the display etc. etc. But the real question is where they will stop.
First, there were the Single core phones like Samsung Galaxy S, iPhone 4
Now There are Dual Core like Samsung Galaxy S ||, LG 2X, HTC Sensation,
Now, it seems that even dual cores are not enough, that's why companies are launching Quad-Core phones like HTC's One X, LG 4X HD etc.
Now, the first question is,'' Do We Really Need Quad-Core Phones''
Nvidia started this buzz in the middle of the previous year with their Tegra 3, soon we heard Samsung joining this group with their announcement of their Exynos 5450.Having more cores means a faster phone, which everybody wants, is not a bad thing. Personally, i don't think that Quad-Core is the answer for mobiles, right now.
Having a latest hardware is of no use until the Software or Opreating System (OS) can utilize it properly, but following the latest trend, the hardware department seems to be developing at a much faster rate than the software's. We have seen this similar scenario in other aspects of technology too, for e.g. There was a time when PC games were really demanding and investing in a dual GPU sounds smart, but today you can easily get away with a two year old graphics card without having to compromise too much. There's a lot of buzz that ICS is gonna be agame changer, but you can see, that it is not very different from Honeycomb, just better optimized. ICS is better optimised, for sure, but whether it will be able to utilize more than two cores properly, is yet to be seen. Even though Honeycomb was “fully” hardware accelerated, Tegra 2 ( yeah, i'm talking to you, XOOM ) just couldn’t translate all that power it had in to the real world, which translated into sluggish performance.
While Tegra 3 fixes some of these issues, putting it in a phone just does not make sense. To start off with, it’s still using the 40nm fabrication, which doesn’t exactly sip power. You’ll need a really chunky battery for this, which could explain why all Tegra 3 phones have large screens, so the phones have to be made bigger to accommodate the larger battery, while keeping it slim.
But don't forget main part, Battery Life. More processing power automatically translates into more power hungry devices, which impacts battery life quite badly. Tegra 3 uses a 5th Companion core to save power, Even if the new quad-core SoCs have the ability to put their cores in idle mode, it’s still consuming a small amount of power all the time, even if you aren’t using them. Android users struggle with battery life, as it is to get a full day’s worth of heavy usage on single-core phones, so don’t get me started on quad-cores.
Another issue we shouldn’t ignore is apps. About 90 percent of the apps, you’ll ever use on a smartphone work absolutely fine on a 1GHz single-core CPU. It’s just a handful of games (mostly from Nvidia) or specialized apps that actually take advantage of two cores. Realistically, you will very seldom be using these apps when you’re travelling, since these drain the battery like crazy, so your only option is to not use it, which defeats the whole purpose of having a multi-core phone.
P.S. It is my first post, suggestions are always welcome.....
They will stop - when the consumer stops foaming at the mouth to buy the newest, most cores/biggest screen piece of technology to brag to their iPhone owning friends about.
I agree with everything you're saying, however it's all about marketing.
Why would anyone buy a new phone if it comes out with the same specs as the phone they currently own? They won't. They'll hang on to their current phone until they break it, brick it, or lose it.
But if you can show them a new phone with better hardware and specs, they're going to feel like theirs is outdated or inferior.
And since the buying frenzy is driven by the unending need to have something better than everyone else, they will continue to facilitate the satisfaction of that need so that they, in turn, can line their pockets with our hard earned money.
Personally, the only reason I'm going to buy the next phone (Galaxy S3 perhaps?) is so that I can hand my SGS2 down to my wife, who currently has my original MT4G (which btw is still an awesome phone that runs everything like a champ). The only justifiable reason she would need the SGS2 IMO is because the hardware buttons on the MT4G will eventually wear out.
Once she has my SGS2, and I have my new phone, I doubt I will be interested in buying another phone for quite some time unless they introduce some completely new technology that I feel is worth the money (Like project glass, which really isn't a phone per se)
Just my two cents.
I agree completely. It's not about whats realistic or necessary. It's about making money. As long as they're making money, they keep churning out what's making them money. And people will continue to buy the bigger and the better specs because they're looked at with envy by those with last year's model.
I wonder the same when i see new cellphones every day on the news... do they sell all this stuff?
Very, very, very, very, very true!!!
I am also from the crowd who wants always the new phones. But whats the point.
They are keep convincing us like the car manifactures more HP better the car and less the fuel. Quadcore is like you have car with 700 HP but no road to drive?!?!
Optimization is the keyword.......
It would be nice if our hardware held value and prowess for more than 6 months. Although the technology advances are nice. The good thing about it, is that we can sell our devices to fund the replacement. It's a trade off I suppose.
Sent from my Galaxy Note (SGH-i717) using XDA Premium.
I don't know. I don't know ,whether their is a need for tablets, either. It seems like that the big companys found something that everyone wants to have, so they are just want to make money i guess.
I feel this is more of a general "lets get your opinion/feel" but ive experienced in the past, any topic that has any question in it, gets moved to this section.. So im posting it here.
I'd like to get people opinions (and experiences if any) on the Asus Padfone. I've been eyeing the HTC Amaze, but there have been a few issues reported with it, and with new tech being released this year, im also considering other devices. The Padfone caught my eye due to its apparent versatility. (Especially since the HTC One series has been a massive letdown with the non-existent mSD card slot)
Though there do seem to be some things lacking with this device, such as the camera (apparently, the HTC one has an independent processor which speeds it up) for example.
Also the fact that its 3g and not 4g/LTE seems to be a step back (tho this isnt an concern for me, but could be later).
Anyway.. Thoughts? Concerns?
Not worth buying
I'm considering getting one. I'm from the Netherlands so 3G is just fine for me!
Pricing is rumoured around €699 euro here, pretty steep though... That's without the dock (which will set you back another €150 I bet)
I love the idea of having everything in one place (on your phone) and basically click it into the tablet for typing during class or watching/reading something.
Jam it into the dock for longer writing sessions... I can see this being a very useful combination for me personally. I'm not sure the average user will find this a useful gadget though.
Downside is that you really have to use the phone all the time and I'm not sure how well everything works softwarewise when you load the phone into the dock, screensize wise etc, etc.
Its just that I got a Gnex that I love so dearly
PokeiShoW said:
Not worth buying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to elaborate?
newbie thoughts on the padfone
Last July 2011, I posted this thread on another forum and look at what happened in the interim - the Padfone!
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"Looking for serious multi-purpose (non-existent yet) tablet
I am a newbie. I have been communicating with a variety of tech publications incl Walt Mossberg, WSJ. But no serious response. I do not own a tablet right now but want to propose features that can be incorporated to the current crop. You folks can chime in (with respect) if you think my ideas are plausible.
Full disclosure. Currently, I am not a fan of the crop of tablets in the market today. What is out there (regardless of brand) are just pure "gadgets" for me. I do not do social networking nor games. I realize that I am in the minority in the high-tech populace.
I will consider a tablet with the configuration below to trim my techie equipment inventory. I believe this would be a truly PORTABLE, POWERFUL, SINGLE COMBINATION alternative to having (1) a communication/convenience/entertainment" device (tablet) AND (2) a PC for serious professional computing work, should I need to do some.
Samsung Galaxy-like form factor (or maybe even slightly larger or heavier)
Full Cell phone call capable (CDMA/GSM) - 3 or 4G thru BT (either on ear device or car's BT wireless communicator) - not just Google Talk or Skype
Web-access wireless card (a/b/g/n)
BT enabled to pair with my car's BT audio system wireless connection to play music stored in the tablet and other BT capable devices (tech already available)
Semi-full size BT keyboard/case (tech already available)
Available USB2 or 3 port/s
Available docking device to connect to an external larger LCD monitor, full-size keyboard, printer, optical drive, external HD, etc (?) to really replace my office/home notebook
Enough processor power (Intel/AMD dual core or higher), storage to support a full PC OS (Windows 7/8 or Mac OS), Internet Browser (IE9, FF5, Chrome, Safari, etc) and APPLICATION PROGRAMS AND DATA!
Sufficient battery life (replaceable) with AC/DC charging/connectivity capability
???????
Do you think this config for a tablet system has market and production potential? Or better yet, is there one already out there? I know that the technology to accomplish all of these exist already. It just takes somebody to put it all together.
Your professional insights are greatly appreciated."
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Since the Pf is not in our shores yet and I have been sick and tired of the all the unboxing, first videos from Barcelona, Taiwan specs and availability, I just implore ASUS to get their act together and stop the teasing and give us the US model! Regardless how a bunch of folks have trashed it, I on the other hand WANT ONE NOW. I realize that this desire is sight unseen, performance and quality unknown and not all the specs I listed above are in the model available everywhere else, I believe the concept of 3 in 1 is a brilliant one. I may not be as techie as you folks but for my use and from prelim videos and specs, what ASUS has done is phenomenal.
I would greatly appreciate your more techie input as well as marketing intel (US availaibility, specs, price, carrier, etc.). BTW, I still refuse to buy and do not want any of the tablets available today. Thanks.
The mechanism to insert the phone into the tablet looks like its the first thing to break rendering the whole concept useless.
But i have not hold it in my hand, anyone have some info on the build quality?
Dark3n said:
The mechanism to insert the phone into the tablet looks like its the first thing to break rendering the whole concept useless.
But i have not hold it in my hand, anyone have some info on the build quality?
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It's possible, it depends if the "door" needs to be closed before it will output to the tabdock. Plus, im sure alot said that about flip phones and sliding phone. My Touch Pro 2 is still going pretty strong, and it has a sliding keyboard.
Something id like it know is with the Keyboard dock, is it 'closeable'. As in, can you dock the tablet to it, then "close it" like a laptop so you can transport it as one piece?
first try... and probably last
very difficult positioning for Asus. They're trying desperately to innovate more that the competition to get a strong foot in that market.
However, this solution might not be fully interesting for a lot of people... If its a failure, they'll have lost a great deal of money that could have been used to make up for the difference with the latest ipad...
If this will be a failure , atleast the price will drop fast ( something like Evo 3d -50% )
addiz said:
If this will be a failure , atleast the price will drop fast ( something like Evo 3d -50% )
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Why do you think it will be a failure?
it's something new and different let's see how people will act after buying it
Has a lot of potential...
Has a LOT of potential if marketed correctly.
I have a original ASUS Transformer TF101 with keyboard dock for eight months now and I can say its an amazing machine. The performance is just right, the battery lasts forever, almost stock ICS, lots of updates.
I have the only combination of devices that can compete with the full Padfone setup: a modern smartphone (Samsung Galaxy Note) and the mentioned Transformer, with full tethering support. If the Padfone system can have a significant price advantage, the consistency it provides (the Note have Android 2.3.6) can make it a winner.
Feels way to expensive.
$1 gets you a reply
yes the hinge closes like a laptop
problem: the hinge only opens around 90 degrees so you won't get a great viewing angle unless you are at a similar level.
when the latch of the tablet station opens to release the phone, it stops the phone being bent outwards, so you have to pull up and thus, not breaking the connector.
not having 4g is a big downer for me. I was going to get this and might still but seriously, uk is getting 4g this year so I doubt I'd want this when it gets released.
The price of phone + 10" screen is Euro 699.
I think it will not be a success.
Why? (iPhone 4S + New iPad) is only Euro 199 more than the phone and a dummy screen.
Moreover, if you're going to carry around a dummy screen, why not carry a REAL tablet??
tytung2020 said:
The price of phone + 10" screen is Euro 699.
I think it will not be a success.
Why? (iPhone 4S + New iPad) is only Euro 199 more than the phone and a dummy screen.
Moreover, if you're going to carry around a dummy screen, why not carry a REAL tablet??
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beeecause with a iphone and ipad, your data is in 2 places? So if you edit something on your ipad, you have to take steps to also update it on your iphone.. Plus, itunes.. thats always a disadvantage.
I see the appeal, and 200 bucks More isnt small.
Lyian said:
beeecause with a iphone and ipad, your data is in 2 places? So if you edit something on your ipad, you have to take steps to also update it on your iphone.. Plus, itunes.. thats always a disadvantage.
I see the appeal, and 200 bucks More isnt small.
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I thought it's no need to take any steps? As long as your iPad is online at home, whatever you do on iPhone outside is automatically synced, as shown in the iCloud launching videos.
199 euro is small, when you compare a screen+ battery, with a fully functioned retina display iPad.
sounds good
tytung2020 said:
I thought it's no need to take any steps? As long as your iPad is online at home, whatever you do on iPhone outside is automatically synced, as shown in the iCloud launching videos.
199 euro is small, when you compare a screen+ battery, with a fully functioned retina display iPad.
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Well, i wont get apple products. If i were to get two devices, both would be android. Im sure it would be similar, but i don't like messing with clouds either, that's just a gimik to eat up your limited "unlimited" data package. Especially when your talking about my case of 400+mb PDF files.
I'm not completely sold on it, but it seems like a good idea, plus ive not yet seen official pricing on it.
Not that benchmarks mean much.. but...
ASUS PadFone gets benchmarked: a mere teaser of what's to come
I own a local store which has about 35 stands for each product, and me and my team want to run slideshows (picture+video) in each one.
My guess is that I should use tablets.
Why tablets?
a) Slideshows needs a software to run them. Displays are just displays.
b) KODI (XBMC) app is a good option, as each Kodi would also run a Samba server and I could send the media I need to play to each one from one computer.
c) I looked for digital photo frames, but they don't support any kind of networking, and the few ones I've found are as expensive as tablets.
My questions are,
1) Is it fine if they are connected to AC power all day 24/7? Our local is opened 24hs. Should I take off their batteries? I don't know if tablets are prepared for that purpose.
2) Is there a difference between generic tablets and Samsung Galaxy Tabs 3? In fact, I really don't need high-end tablets, I just need to run the slideshows. But my only fear is the device-life.
supernova18 said:
I own a local store which has about 35 stands for each product, and me and my team want to run slideshows (picture+video) in each one.
My guess is that I should use tablets.
Why tablets?
a) Slideshows needs a software to run them. Displays are just displays.
b) KODI (XBMC) app is a good option, as each Kodi would also run a Samba server and I could send the media I need to play to each one from one computer.
c) I looked for digital photo frames, but they don't support any kind of networking, and the few ones I've found are as expensive as tablets.
My questions are,
1) Is it fine if they are connected to AC power all day 24/7? Our local is opened 24hs. Should I take off their batteries? I don't know if tablets are prepared for that purpose.
2) Is there a difference between generic tablets and Samsung Galaxy Tabs 3? In fact, I really don't need high-end tablets, I just need to run the slideshows. But my only fear is the device-life.
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Click to collapse
1. I remember reading an article about keeping smartphones plugged in for long periods of time after they reach 100%. From what I can recall, it stated the batteries inside phones and tablets, even most laptops, are designed in a way where once they reach 100% capacity, the device will run directly off the electricity of the charger, rather than the battery's charge. This prolongs the battery's life and, quality, and you should have no problem leaving then plugged in for long periods of time.
2. You would certainly be fine with the Galaxy Tab 3, really any tablet model would do the job. It really depends on how much you're willing to spend for the quality of the display. A larger tablet provides a larger screen (obviously), just making is more appealing to a customer! But sure a larger screen will cost you more. More expensive tablets typically have higher resolutions. PPI (pixels per inch) come into effect. You'll notice a more visually appealing experience if you buy into tablets high a higher resolution, or more PPI.
Basically, any tablet will.. Do the job. You will be able to run slideshows just fine with literally any tablet, you do not need to worry about that. It's just up to you to decide how much money you're willing to spend for how high quality you want the display. The Tab 3 will work just fine, but it's display is, in my experience, mediocre. But then again, that's my opinion for the tablet's entertainment side, if I needed to use it for a simple slideshow, it would do the job just fine.
I'm unsure what your budget is, but here are some examples (As a new user, XDA won't let me post direct links, you will have to google/amazon them manually)
))- The Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 has a phenomenal screen at 8.4 inches it's probably the perfect size. 359 PPI - $220 on amazon.
There are tons of different android tablets, and many different Samsung variations, listing the ones I would consider competitive for your needs, I would be listing 10 Samsung tablets alone. When researching the perfect tablet, make sure you consider Price, Screen Size, and PPI. For simple slideshows, the RAM, Processor, and other internals really won't make a difference.
Wow, really thanks for your feedback.
I read something about that battery intelligence when connected to AC power yeah, but I was wondering how long could tablets live turned on permanently.
It's not the same thing if I should change tablets every 2 months or every year.
supernova18 said:
Wow, really thanks for your feedback.
I read something about that battery intelligence when connected to AC power yeah, but I was wondering how long could tablets live turned on permanently.
It's not the same thing if I should change tablets every 2 months or every year.
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Any well know brand will last you well over 2 months. Plugged in endlessly may sound risky, but in my opinion, they should last years, even if plugged in all day every day.
By well known brand, I mean something like a Samsung, Motorola, etc, because you can find some seriously cheap android tablets for extremely cheap prices, but they don't even have a name brand. The boxes just say "Android Tablet". Stay away from these. Go with a Samsung, Asus, Motorola, Sony, etc.
Another tip, a very important tip, use the standard USB cable and USB Brick Wall Adapter that come bundled with your tablets. If a cable becomes worn or breaks, I highly recommend purchasing one directly from the original manufacturer.
You certainly will not have to replace them every couple months. Depends on the tablet, but any name brand should last you at least a year in my opinion, as long as you stick with the original charging cables and wall adapters, and take good care of them. (If the tablets are prone to direct sunlight all day long, this will overtime have an impact on the device, most likely screen discoloring. As long as they're inside at average room temperature, you should be good with the tablets for a very very long time.
Sure I'm some random person giving you advice, and it's ultimately up to you to believe what I say. My posts have been a mix of facts and opinions, so do take that into consideration. I'd like to include I've been an android device owner for about 4 years, and I've owned about 11 different android phones, and 7 different android tablets. I root them and install custom ROMs, I use android devices every single day, and I would consider myself more knowledgeable with android devices than the average android user.