[Q] external dvd player - Eee Pad Transformer Themes and Apps

I'm really looking at the Transformer as an alternative to a netbook. I love the fact that it supports USB peripherals.
But I'm going to just assume that it won't natively support an external USB DVD drive. Does anyone know whether that would be something to possibly look forward to? I'd assume it would mean writing drivers (not to mention a DVD app or something) and I wonder whether they could be written to support generic DVD players. Any input from devs looking for ideas?
that would sure make the transformer useful for long trips...
not really sure whether this goes in apps or general...

*Cough...
Sent from my EVO using XDA App

bonikowsky said:
*Cough...
Sent from my EVO using XDA App
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I'd imagine there's relatively little demand for (and hence, relatively little chance of) this, although I could be wrong -- I know VLC is being ported to Android and supports DVD playback already on PC, but who knows if that functionality will be included, and at the very least a USB driver would likely be needed since DVD players don't generally support Mass Storage Class.
There are numerous apps out there which will let you format-shift your personal DVDs to let you put them on a memory card or USB stick for viewing without needing to carry extra hardware with you.
It's outside the remit of this forum, but if you PM me, I can recommend one such program for you that's very good and user-friendly, if it's legal in your area. (In many places it falls within fair use rights and is legal, but only you know for where you live).

knoxploration said:
I'd imagine there's relatively little demand for (and hence, relatively little chance of) this, although I could be wrong -- I know VLC is being ported to Android and supports DVD playback already on PC, but who knows if that functionality will be included, and at the very least a USB driver would likely be needed since DVD players don't generally support Mass Storage Class.
There are numerous apps out there which will let you format-shift your personal DVDs to let you put them on a memory card or USB stick for viewing without needing to carry extra hardware with you.
It's outside the remit of this forum, but if you PM me, I can recommend one such program for you that's very good and user-friendly, if it's legal in your area. (In many places it falls within fair use rights and is legal, but only you know for where you live).
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yeah i got you. I've got any number of options on my pc already. i've got all my own movies in iso format there.
thing is, I'm getting the Transformer to replace (as much as possible) the computer. It can't handle lots of video converting anymore. (usually overheats and crashes way before a movie's done lol)
if I could use the transformer to do the converting that would work too, but I've never heard of any way to do that directly from android.

Related

[Q] Android 3.0 and External DVD/Blu Ray Players

Greetings all! I've been using an Android smartphone for several months and have been watching the tablet scene develop with interest. I'm considering a Honycomb tablet with a docking station as a partial replacement for a laptop. So, I'm wondering, with the introduction of Android tablets featuring keyboards/docking stations that have USB ports (I'm thinking specifically of the Asus Transformer here), does Honeycomb currently support the use of USB-connected external DVD or Blu Ray drives? Is this something we may see in the future? Thanks for your input.
I'm wondering the exact same. That is the only thing that is preventing me from selling my laptop. Everything else can be done on the tablet.
Why aren't you ripping to DIVX or a similar format, and then streaming over the network, or using a usb memory stick?
RufusThorne said:
Why aren't you ripping to DIVX or a similar format, and then streaming over the network, or using a usb memory stick?
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For me, it's mostly the time constraints of ripping and legal stuff that prevents the DivX route. Streaming is possible, but not for hard copy media.
Hello, Rufus:
I am new to the XFormer so I am not familiar with the formats it supports (I'm hoping mine will arrive tomorrow!) for videos - could you please elaborate more on DIVX - is it as simple as ripping from the DVD to a folder in DIVX format, then moving that folder to an HDD?
Thanks in advance,
Sparky
SemTechie said:
Greetings all! I've been using an Android smartphone for several months and have been watching the tablet scene develop with interest. I'm considering a Honycomb tablet with a docking station as a partial replacement for a laptop. So, I'm wondering, with the introduction of Android tablets featuring keyboards/docking stations that have USB ports (I'm thinking specifically of the Asus Transformer here), does Honeycomb currently support the use of USB-connected external DVD or Blu Ray drives? Is this something we may see in the future? Thanks for your input.
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I'm interested in this as well. I'd like family members to be able to view BD on their transformer. They aren't capable of ripping BDs themselves.

[Q] Transformer for students.

A bit of background: I will be attending UCLA as a computer science student in the fall. I will be bringing my desktop with me, and am trying to decide between a laptop/netbook or the Transformer.
Would the transformer work in conjunction with the desktop, or will I need a full laptop.
Thanks.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
You should consider what you want to use this device for before you decide. As a CS major, you will certainly be doing quite a bit of programming, and you might want to prefer to use a full linux environment for this, depends largely on the program you have at UCLA. What you can consider is to get this device and using the splashtop program access your desktop to do your programming. However, you will want to consider whether or not you want to utilize the local processing power of your device. It would be far simpler to use a laptop/netbook for those purposes, rather than trying to find solutions with the tablet+dock. In the end, if you find that you will be using the device docked most of the time for school, then you should probably consider just getting a laptop/netbook. If the convenience of the tablet and media consumption is something you'd prefer, then get the transformer.
tl;dr, I consider the transformer+dock a fun/entertainment device. For CS based schoolwork, you would most likely want a laptop/netbook.
unless you wanted to focus on tablet development in your coursework...but that's not for another 2 years...
Hope that helps.
It helped a lot. Thank you.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Keep in mind that you can use the Transformer's bundled remote desktop app and/or a terminal app to control your PC, and run stuff that way - assuming you can connect to your desktop from wherever you are.
I do agree with omguss, if you don't plan on using the device mostly for entertainment, get a netbook/laptop.
Sorry if this is hijacking your thread (ill start a new thread if you want) but just wondering if there is a good note taking apps for android?
There are two uses I can see being needed for me.
First I would need something to annotate on pdf's and powerpoints. I remember seeing an app that looked pretty solid for this so it should be good.
Secondly I would need an app that I can be typing with the keyboard, and then when needed draw in equations, graphs, pictures, whatever. Not really sure if there is something good for this.
As a programmer, I would suggest getting a full laptop for somebody majoring in CS. As much as I love the transformer, you cannot compile code on it. At least in my searching I have not found a single IDE meant to be run on Android (Lot's target Android, but none run on Android). More than likely, there will be several times that you want to do work away from your room. On the transformer, the only real way to do this will be remote desktop software. It's up to you whether you think the remote desktop software will be sufficient for this, but one other thing I would caution against is the small keyboard. It is far more comfortable (and efficient) to program on a full-size (or as near to full-size as possible) keyboard.
I don't know what type of program you are going into, but if you take any courses on 3d graphics you are almost certainly going to lose the ability to test your programs through a remote desktop connection.
I personally think that tablets are great in conjunction with a desktop. I plan to get rid of my netbook once I get the transformer. My only concern for you is that a tablet simply isn't a good tool for programming. If the hacker community manages to get ubuntu onto the transformer then the device will be an acceptable programming tool in my opinion; although, you will still lack a full size keyboard.
My advice to you is wait until mid-to-late summer. There is a slew of new tech toys coming out this summer, and almost anything you get now will be outdated by the time you start in the fall. By summer you will know if we managed to get Ubuntu on the transformer, AMD's Llano processor will be out on laptops, and Tegra 3 tablets may be just around the corner.
BongoBong said:
Sorry if this is hijacking your thread (ill start a new thread if you want) but just wondering if there is a good note taking apps for android?
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Don't need to hijack anything. Just look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980783
I'm a secondary school student, I have a HP DM1 (Not the Z ), runs 7 pro X64 + VS 2010 Pro + VS2008 Pro. Got a load of VM's for debugging ETC...
Windows is good for note taking to, Onenote is great.
Hope this helps
Badwolve1
good old days of using SSH + eMacs + X client, they all switched to windows in school?
Magnesus said:
Don't need to hijack anything. Just look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980783
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Thanks, but I have already seen that thread and done some other looking up and the majority of discussion is whats the best handwriting app. They really don't mention how good it would be for mostly typing (understandable since most would be using the on screen keyboard).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1039287&highlight=onenote
someone seriously needs to start porting some compilers to android..
many scripting languages are available through SL4A but most CS courses are taught with C/C++ or Java. I'd love to help out with this project but I just wouldn't know where to start
Just adding on to this, since I'm a student and also looking for a tablet solution.
I'd love:
1. Printing to my university printers. My university currently requires you install some software to use their printers. Mac and Windows versions available, no Linux, no Android.
2. Onenote would be awesome. I read that there was an iPhone version available? Android should be coing soon hopefully.
I would suggest a full laptop, and something with high resolution. Once your CS load picks up you'll need something you can work on in between or during classes. Android lacking compilers on the OS itself is the killer here, otherwise you are free to code all you want via text editors.
j7899 said:
I would suggest a full laptop, and something with high resolution. Once your CS load picks up you'll need something you can work on in between or during classes. Android lacking compilers on the OS itself is the killer here, otherwise you are free to code all you want via text editors.
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As a CS student myself I would agree with the above and add that in programming classes you will want all the screen real-estate you can get your hands on(17"+), a good amount of hard disk space, 4gb+ ram, and a good Virtual Machine program. Less important is video and cpu power unless you intend to make it a desktop replacement/gaming machine.
That being said... Such a laptop is going to be rather heavy. I am getting the Transformer to replace an early gen AspireOne for less technical classes.
Just my $0.02
Flowah said:
Just adding on to this, since I'm a student and also looking for a tablet solution.
I'd love:
1. Printing to my university printers. My university currently requires you install some software to use their printers. Mac and Windows versions available, no Linux, no Android.
2. Onenote would be awesome. I read that there was an iPhone version available? Android should be coing soon hopefully.
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I was about to say that you're insane and that MS would never make OneNote for iOS but.. turns out you're right. That's really strange. Hopefully they start work on an Android version soon.
Edit: The iOS version of OneNote doesn't seem all that great. You can't write with a stylus.. it's just keyboard input. lame. Writing with a capacitive stylus on the transformer would kind of suck anyway, but I might still consider the HTC Flyer which has an active digitizer.
smaskell said:
I was about to say that you're insane and that MS would never make OneNote for iOS but.. turns out you're right. That's really strange. Hopefully they start work on an Android version soon.
Edit: The iOS version of OneNote doesn't seem all that great. You can't write with a stylus.. it's just keyboard input. lame. Writing with a capacitive stylus on the transformer would kind of suck anyway, but I might still consider the HTC Flyer which has an active digitizer.
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Right, but I'm interested in the Transformer almost purely because of the keyboard dock, so keyboard input only is fine with me tbh. As long as it's decently full featured.
I'm waiting to see if the AMD Llano will make the best thin gaming laptop. Hopefully, new AMD laptops will come out in June, right before back-to-school season.
Oh yeah, OneNote. Yeah, that's important too.
joe_dude said:
Oh yeah, OneNote. Yeah, that's important too.
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Onenote is the single most useful piece of software MS has ever produced (Excluding win7;p))
Virtual Machines? Eh, I never needed to use one except when I was using a Mac. Wandering what you guys are doing with it.
Any laptop that is 13"+ in screen size is good. The power of the computer depends on what you plan to do. So you have to decide on the specs yourself. Dual Core is fine unless you plan to do any CPU intensive tasks. If you ever need a bigger screen, then you can just buy a monitor and hook it up so even a netbook could be fine if you are okay with the power it gives. 13"-15" is good. 17" is just monstrous and you don't want to be lugging that around.

[Q] Motorola Xoom for studies? no, yes?

Hello
I just orderd a Motorola Xoom 32GB 3G for 220€ and I was wondering if Motorola Xoom will work fine to complement for studies in example universety? What app's is then required that works fine for Xoom+studies? I understand that the Ipad is superior when it comes to handy apps for studies is there something likely for Xoom or should I cancel the order? Does any bluetooth keyboard+mouse work or is it only a few?
Let me hear your thoughts..
The Motorola BT keyboard and mouse work great, and I know that a number of others also do. There are lots of writing/note taking apps as well as apps that allow you to read and mark-up pdfs, etc.
It has a good wifi connection ability, and is very portable, as you know. You should update it to ICS as soon as possible.
a favorite or two
just quick... i am not currently a student but i am a teacher. i use Springpad a lot to take notes on projects and meetings and such. it is an essential for me. after that the essentials are thumbpad and an office program. I just saw a thread that looked like it would review the office apps. the only reason the ipad. is better is it got to the market first, it isn't actually better.
okantomi said:
The Motorola BT keyboard and mouse work great, and I know that a number of others also do. There are lots of writing/note taking apps as well as apps that allow you to read and mark-up pdfs, etc.
It has a good wifi connection ability, and is very portable, as you know. You should update it to ICS as soon as possible.
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Is there any apps that is compatible with microsoft's word? If I for instance write something on my Xoom and then want to edit it with Microsoft Word, is that possible?
Do any keyboard/mouse with bluetooth or USB work with Xoom?
romdroid. said:
Is there any apps that is compatible with microsoft's word? If I for instance write something on my Xoom and then want to edit it with Microsoft Word, is that possible?
Do any keyboard/mouse with bluetooth or USB work with Xoom?
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I'm using the Bluetooth Keyboard case and love it along with the logitech bluetooth mouse. But any bluetooth mouse will work.
And there are various programs you can use to do that. I like Quickoffice Pro personally.
omac_ranger said:
I'm using the Bluetooth Keyboard case and love it along with the logitech bluetooth mouse. But any bluetooth mouse will work.
And there are various programs you can use to do that. I like Quickoffice Pro personally.
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Is Quickoffice Pro compatible with Microsoft's Word? If so then I dont thing i'll never find a greater laptop/netbook for the price of this Xoom with dualcore, camera etc.
Also is it neccesary to be a wirless bluetooth keyboard? regular wirless keyboard with usb-stick that goes in the usb-port in pc for example doesn't work in xoom?
Radio (RF) does it work with xoom?
romdroid. said:
Is Quickoffice Pro compatible with Microsoft's Word? If so then I dont thing i'll never find a greater laptop/netbook for the price of this Xoom with dualcore, camera etc.
Also is it neccesary to be a wirless bluetooth keyboard? regular wirless keyboard with usb-stick that goes in the usb-port in pc for example doesn't work in xoom?
Radio (RF) does it work with xoom?
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Yeah Quickoffice pro is compatible, the only issue is that you might have to go back to word to do some final formatting (like the headers and such). Other than that it works great. I have all my schoolwork synced with Dropbox so I can edit it on the go with Quickoffice. It has built in support for Dropbox.
If you want to use a usb device you're going to have to order an micro-usb to usb OTG adapter. It doesn't have a full size usb port, which I'm sure you know.
I do not believe that radio works on the xoom...
My Xoom is great for what I do at school. I've had it for a semester so far, and I must say it's fantastic to just have to carry this around rather than a backpack full of stuff. With the Kindle app I can download most of my textbooks, and you can highlight and bookmark pages right in the app. Plus with the apps that support office documents (QuickOffice, DocumentstoGo, ThinkFree, and others) you can edit and even print (with compatible printers) papers and stuff. It's a great tool. I plan on buying a logitech keyboard/stand for mine for when I go back to school, that way it's easier to take notes in class.
omac_ranger said:
Yeah Quickoffice pro is compatible, the only issue is that you might have to go back to word to do some final formatting (like the headers and such). Other than that it works great. I have all my schoolwork synced with Dropbox so I can edit it on the go with Quickoffice. It has built in support for Dropbox.
If you want to use a usb device you're going to have to order an micro-usb to usb OTG adapter. It doesn't have a full size usb port, which I'm sure you know.
I do not believe that radio works on the xoom...
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Are you sure that RF radio wirless keyboard's and mouse doesn't work? I thought i read somewhere it did but u need to use an otg cable
I use my Xoom to read .pdf's all the times, and use Internet when class is boring! but just for it, I hate "typing" in Xoom, so I use notepads yet!
romdroid. said:
Is there any apps that is compatible with microsoft's word? If I for instance write something on my Xoom and then want to edit it with Microsoft Word, is that possible?
Do any keyboard/mouse with bluetooth or USB work with Xoom?
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Click to collapse
All of the full office suite will allow that but I recommend Office Suite Pro. It has the most compatibility and the most features, IMHO.
I always had typing lag issues with that one, which annoyed the hell out of me
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omac_ranger said:
I always had typing lag issues with that one, which annoyed the hell out of me
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App
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ICS has eliminated any typing lag, for me and from all reports, from just about everyone.
Does anyone know for sure if any RF wirless keyboard and mouse work with Xoom? With OTG cable..?
romdroid. said:
Does anyone know for sure if any RF wirless keyboard and mouse work with Xoom? With OTG cable..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be able to test this soon. I've ordered an OTG cable from Amazon that should be here any day. I also have a couple of wireless devices so I'll let you know when I get it in.
One thing to be aware of is the increasing amount of homework that is done online now. You need very specific OS/software requirements to be able to do these online assignments. If the only computer you have is a xoom you will have to borrow a roommates PC or use a computer lab to do all your homework. Depending on your major there may also be software tools that you can only use on a PC. So just be prepared for that.
nukedukem said:
One thing to be aware of is the increasing amount of homework that is done online now. You need very specific OS/software requirements to be able to do these online assignments. If the only computer you have is a xoom you will have to borrow a roommates PC or use a computer lab to do all your homework. Depending on your major there may also be software tools that you can only use on a PC. So just be prepared for that.
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I currently use my Xoom for all of my online homework. The only issue it's given me is no keyboard pops up when in flash based content. But other than that it had been compatible with everything so far.
I do see where you're coming from as far as actual software goes. Just wanted to give a heads up saying that it works well for everything else.
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omac_ranger said:
I currently use my Xoom for all of my online homework. The only issue it's given me is no keyboard pops up when in flash based content. But other than that it had been compatible with everything so far.
I do see where you're coming from as far as actual software goes. Just wanted to give a heads up saying that it works well for everything else.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App
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I wasn't as fortunate. Every online homework program was different so I think it just comes down to luck. One application required me to open specific ports for communication, another only ran in explorer, ect. Just a real PITA. But like I said there is always a computer lab or a roommate where you can find a PC if you need one. If you live on campus its not an issue to get to a computer lab. I always lived off campus and did homework late at night after lab hours so I had a netbook that was portable and had 9 hours of battery, plus guaranteed compatibility with any required program. I was taking mostly science courses and document collaboration was necessary so using a tablet to make edits to a document would have been doable but not ideal. PowerPoint presentation would have been impossible on a tablet given the complex nature of the presentations. Like I say you just have to evaluate your specific needs.
I use my Xoom for graduate school class to take notes and for presentations at work. A cheap laptop is sometimes a better deal. I bought mine at launch and for that price it was a waste of money but if you can get one for less than 250 USD, it isn't a bad deal for that use.
Even with Office Suite Pro (I've also tried all the others,) the office like apps are lacking. You still need the desktop version of Word to do real work with it. It still loses some page formatting and references aren't robust enough yet. OneNote just doesn't seem to be happening. There is a program out there that sort of does it but we really need the attention that Microsoft gave iOS for the iPhone and iPad versions. The office emulators are worth waiting until Amazon is offering them for free. The development teams should charge more for the apps but integrate more features. It's cheap now, but it's hard to justify $10 when you have to go to the desktop anyway. You could have saved your money, used a free text editor and put the document on a desktop to finalize. Editing office docs is convenient but you still run the risk of losing things.
It still isn't that good for PowerPoint presentations. If you convert your slide show to PDF you get along a little better. The Xoom's screen is a lot nicer than what you'll be getting out of most projectors so you have to be careful. Plugging in through HDMI will not save it. This isn't the fault of the Xoom it's just what happens when you use cheap projectors. It's just more noticeable when you have nice visuals in your hands yet on the big screen it's a washed out mess for hundreds of people to see.
Just remember that this is a cheap stop gap measure until the technology catches up. If lightweight mobility in a device that you can use to organize your teaching work is the biggest priority, this isn't a bad option but if you really need the features and not a toy, you're better off with a cheap HP laptop. It can do everything you need even though it's a boat anchor.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
Thanks for your reply's guys. I wont start university untill after the summer, hopefully I then will begin law school, if I am lucky I have a chance to go to an universety near my home and then having avablity of a PC will not be a problem.
I bought the Xoom for 325$ with motorolas dock, otg cable and folder case. It is the 32GB with 3G. Do you think that the apps for tablets will expand and we can have similar good apps like ipads?

Has anyone replaced their desktop/laptop with their mobile device yet?

As more and more applications and uses become available for our mobile devices, im curious to know If there is anyone who has fully made the transition from the traditional computing setup entirely to a mobile one?
Personally I feel as if I'm almost there. The last few months I find myself nearly never using my windows PC at all for anything besides the occasional data transfer from drives. But Last week I purchased a micro USB male to USB 2.0 female adapter to use a mouse & flash/hard drives on my galaxy note. This nearly has rendered my PC useless. At this point I can only think of using it for the occasional PC game. Being that my galaxy note has the exact same resolution as my laptop, even watching the occasional movie on it seems useless. One would argue that office emulation solutions on mobile devices aren't quite there yet, but for my use, I'm pretty content with what's available. The only thing that has completely kept me going back to my PC is to access one of my harddrives that is formatted in ntfs, and (for now) modding. Once I find a solution for that drive to be read on my note, then I will probably sell the thing.
So is there anyone else that is either in the process of or already made the transition from their PC to their mobile device?
Sent from the best mobile device ever --Samsung Galaxy Note
not untill windows 8
I will only replace my PC when Windows 8 tablets come out, they're the only handheld devices worth of replacing a PC, i mean Windows Explorer on a tablet? and the metro UI? that's a lethal combination.
i stopped using laptops since 3 years ago, since the birth of 1ghz android phones
DaPhunk said:
I will only replace my PC when Windows 8 tablets come out, they're the only handheld devices worth of replacing a PC, i mean Windows Explorer on a tablet? and the metro UI? that's a lethal combination.
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Im interested in windows 8 tablets. But even seeing what has been demonstrated, Im not convinced if it will be marginally better than other mobile offerings. I mean yeah those core windows applications are there, driver support, ect. but Idk If that's enough to win me over personally. I have nothing agasint windows but it doesn't seem so compelling to me to get one just for windows explorer. Just really a file manager. Im more compelled towards PC gaming intergration if anything. And slowly it seems those titles are being embraced by other platforms anyway.
Sent from the best mobile device ever --Samsung Galaxy Note
I pretty much only use my desktop for gaming. I can even pay my bills with the phone now with a app, so I have really no reason to use my PC for anything else. I always watch movies on my 42" through my PS3 anyway.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Desktop replaced by a mobile phone?
That sound ridiculous. Considering how much I invested into my desktop, I'll be damned if it was to be replaced by a phone.
A Netbook, Yea I can see my phone replacing it. But seeing as how my Netbook battery last longer than my phone, It could become quite handy when I'm traveling.
But, Nope my phone hasn't replaced anything for me.
I definitely have not replaced my desktop. I need my virtual machines and games
What I have replaced for the most part is my laptop which I now use my phone for.
Most people use their computers for simple things, like browsing the web, listening to music, watching videos, storing pictures, etc. For those people, yeah, they could replace their PCs with Android devices.
However, there are those of us who do stuff like programming, hardcore gaming (Let's see even an iPad 3's quad core gpu play Crysis...I'll bet it can't) or otherwise use applications that Android cannot recreate. For those people, I doubt handheld devices will ever a real solution and PCs will still be around for a long, long time.
LogisticsXLS said:
Desktop replaced by a mobile phone?
That sound ridiculous. Considering how much I invested into my desktop, I'll be damned if it was to be replaced by a phone.
A Netbook, Yea I can see my phone replacing it. But seeing as how my Netbook battery last longer than my phone, It could become quite handy when I'm traveling.
But, Nope my phone hasn't replaced anything for me.
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Click to collapse
I know a couple of people who can get away with that. If you're just checking e-mails and facebook, you can accomplish that on the phone.
I don't see replacing my desktop going anywhere for a long time. Even if there was enough power in a portable machine it's still going to be docked so I can wired devices.
.
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LogisticsXLS said:
Desktop replaced by a mobile phone?
That sound ridiculous. Considering how much I invested into my desktop, I'll be damned if it was to be replaced by a phone.
A Netbook, Yea I can see my phone replacing it. But seeing as how my Netbook battery last longer than my phone, It could become quite handy when I'm traveling.
But, Nope my phone hasn't replaced anything for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well certainly it varies dependant on the device you use of course.
Xenosion said:
I definitely have not replaced my desktop. I need my virtual machines and games
What I have replaced for the most part is my laptop which I now use my phone for.
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PoorCollegeGuy said:
Most people use their computers for simple things, like browsing the web, listening to music, watching videos, storing pictures, etc. For those people, yeah, they could replace their PCs with Android devices.
However, there are those of us who do stuff like programming, hardcore gaming (Let's see even an iPad 3's quad core gpu play Crysis...I'll bet it can't) or otherwise use applications that Android cannot recreate. For those people, I doubt handheld devices will ever a real solution and PCs will still be around for a long, long time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I certainly do my fair share of "hardcore" gaming on my PC. That being said though, my PC has essentially become another platform if you will (I.e. ps3, Xbox) to me. And like those platforms, having them arent really a necessity to me. Also, I don't think its fair to say lack of gpu power rules out a devices gaming potential. I still have a gamecube that I use and take to ssbm tournaments. A game is only as hardcore as the user playing it.
Sent from the best mobile device ever --Samsung Galaxy Note
I have almost completely replaced my desktop in daily use. And the need for a laptop is not there anymore after getting a galaxy tab 10.1
Combined with my galaxy SII, it takes care of all my needs.
The only thing I'm still running on the 3 desktop computers in my house is a combined fileserver/squeezeserver/downloader machine.
It's placed in the attic, and my Android devices are great for remote control over it.
My basement/home theater machine is used for watching movies/tv shows, and android devices controls all functions of the media center.
The last desktop is only in use for when we listen to music, squeezeplay controlled by androids.
The only thing I'm missing is a way to control my poker league software via Android.
I'm using Dr. Neau's software, and have not found a way to run it on Android.
It display stats on two computers (multi table poker league), and I'd love to find a way to control it via my android's also...
Even my wife and child only uses android at home, my wife loves her SII - and my daughter plays games on the tab and phones.
I've been "androidifyed"
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda premium
orb3000 said:
Thread moved to Q&A due to it being a question. Would advise you to read forum rules and post in correct section.
Failure to comply with forum rules will result in an infraction and/or ban depending on severity of rule break.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is more of a discussion thread. How did you manage to misinterpret that? Because it ended in a question mark? Should I have used an
explanation mark like everyone else who has bad grammer? Im clearly only asking for opinions, not help with anything....
Sent from the best mobile device ever --Samsung Galaxy Note
HarmonyFlame said:
I certainly do my fair share of "hardcore" gaming on my PC. That being said though, my PC has essentially become another platform if you will (I.e. ps3, Xbox) to me. And like those platforms, having them arent really a necessity to me. Also, I don't think its fair to say lack of gpu power rules out a devices gaming potential. I still have a gamecube that I use and take to ssbm tournaments. A game is only as hardcore as the user playing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see this being the case with many people but not with me. I don't have any gaming platform other than my PC (and my phone but not big into that). This is excluding my collection of nostalgia consoles. All my work is done on my PC (Systems Admin for the most part) and this includes virtual machines. Can't really do without my PC at this stage.
DaPhunk said:
I will only replace my PC when Windows 8 tablets come out, they're the only handheld devices worth of replacing a PC, i mean Windows Explorer on a tablet? and the metro UI? that's a lethal combination.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree...
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I recently moved house and in between places at the moment so all my tech is packed away in storage. I've been forced to do my day to day work across a combo of Samsung Galaxy SII and my main device Galaxy Tab 10.1
My day 2 day files that I access regular were stored on a Windows Home Server which was connected to a Box Cloud account for stuff I need access to from anywhere, anytime so I am now using the Tab and phone to access this box account that will be re-sync'd once I settle down and re instate my Home Server.
My main Desktop PC is a HP Touch smart running Windows 8 CP so I would still keep that for home media stuff or when absolutely a PC is needed at a moments notice. My only other PC I have is a little book size Asus purely for live HD TV connected to my LED TV and used as a HTPC and DLNA streaming to my android devices but I think once Windows 8 becomes fully rolled out across PC's, tablets and eventually phones.... I will replace the Android devices and I will content that all my devices will be the same baseline OS and all my data completely sync'd across windows live id's.
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maybe when we can install linux OS on our tablet then that will be the time i will replace my old pc
On a second note, I thought of something else whilst reading the other posts.... there will always be a need to access windows or Mac full blown applications like Office, outlook etc.... so my plan further down the line was to upgrade the hardware on my Windows Home Server and add a VMWare environment to the mix or a separate box depending on performance and run full blown virtual machines that I can access from anywhere on my android devices using Wyse Pocket cloud app for either remote desktop or VNC access using Google services to access them from anywhere I have a connection which is quite appealing for me....
That means I would pretty much only use my mobile devices full time and have desktop services via virtual machine clients either on android or windows 8 tablets, phones further down the line.
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jamescraven said:
maybe when we can install linux OS on our tablet then that will be the time i will replace my old pc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol....I believe it is possible, I've seen posts mentioning Ubuntu being ran on a galaxy tab 10.1, what I would really like to see would be for someone to get hold of a windows 8 ARM sdk and create an image so I can install it on my android tablet.
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HarmonyFlame said:
So is there anyone else that is either in the process of or already made the transition from their PC to their mobile device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to own a laptop in addition to my mobile phone, but ever since I've owned a smartphone, I find myself using my laptop less and less. Except for really complicated tasks, I find my android phone sufficient, and in some cases, better than an actual PC.

USB Blu-ray or DVD players that work with the Transformer Infinity

I've seen a Portable USB Blu-ray players posted on Amazon.com from Panasonic ($55-60) and Samsung ($85). But some require an AC adapter and others require 2 USB ports to power them.
Has anyone tried one with the Infinity? Can you please tell me your experience?
Here are some links to relevant discussion:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1033887
Another XDA thread about Android and External DVD/Blu-Ray Players
http://www.transformerforums.com/fo...54-tf201-dock-usb-external-bluray-drives.html
Basically says that Android lacks UDF 2.5 filesystem support as well as an OEM to build Android drivers for their Blu-ray player.
http://www.transformerforums.com/fo...ns/9784-usb-port-play-external-dvd-drive.html
Here is a drama and information filled thread that covers a lot of related topics. The basic result is that they don't expect Blu-ray support on the Transformer line, ever, as digital content is what is being pushed now. Google especially has a Play Store designed to get you to buy movies and shows in digital format and not on BD or DVD.
http://www.transformerforums.com/forum/asus-video/3377-play-bluray-external-usb-bluray-drive.html
Another thread with basically the same info. Not much to read.
I'll update this thread with more information as I research this topic.
The basic issue that I'm trying to address is the following:
I'm trying to replace my mother in law's old Acer laptop with an Infinity. I've been able to resolve my questions about printer and printing support from the Infinity. I've also resolved just about every other question that would stand in the way of doing this. The last remaining issue is that she owns a number of DVDs (and very few BDs) and she enjoys watching them when she travels. She does have a portable DVD player, but it is a shame to watch that poor quality screen when you have a 1280 Super IPS+ screen sitting next to it.
So I'm kind of on the fence right now. There are certainly some thoughts that I should just make things easy and return the Infinity and get her another laptop. But Windows has already caused her endless troubles over the last 4 years and I would really like to avoid repeating that. I'm not really looking forward to sitting down and ripping all of her existing DVDs, but I guess that it could be done over the period of some weeks. Hrm...
Splaktar said:
I've seen a Portable USB Blue-ray players posted on Amazon.com from Panasonic ($55-60) and Samsung ($85). But some require an AC adapter and others require 2 USB ports to power them.
Has anyone tried one with the Infinity? Can you please tell me your experience?
I'll update this thread with more information as I research this topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your issue is not getting the hardware to work, with the right drivers you might very well get to use the drive as a data drive, but there is no software apps for android to decrypt commercial blue ray movies. If you want to have it as a drive then you may eventually get drivers in a custom ROM to make this work, but in the near future you're not gonna get commercial blue ray movies on your tab. Your best bet is to rip the movie on a computer move it to your tab or play it off the network.
Also keep in mind that Blu-rays come in 2 major flavors right now, some use h.264 video and some use vc1 video, the infinity can easily play back full spec h.264, but I have had no luck getting it to play back vc1.
Updated the OP with links to related discussions and a blurb about why I'm looking into this. I have to make a decision in the next couple weeks about keeping the Infinity or returning it and going with a traditional laptop.
Guess what - I was just able to connect my portable USB DVD burner to my TF700, mount a DVD and actually read it!! I remember trying this with the TF101 and would not work but it's working on TF700! Here's how (have to be rooted, I believe):
1. Connect the USB DVD device (I'm using a Toshiba "Portable Super Multi Drive").
2. Insert a DVD
3. Create a directory to mount the DVD to:
# mkdir /mnt/cdrom
4. Mount the DVD:
# mount -t iso9660 /dev/block/sr0 /mnt/cdrom
5. That's it! If you do a "ls -l /mnt/cd", you'll see your CD/DVD files! You can now see the DVD files via ES FIle Explorer, etc too!
So, I can now read DVD's with my TF700 - something that was always lacking with my Transformer!
What would really be cool is to be able to write DVD's now!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
jtrosky said:
Guess what - I was just able to connect my portable USB DVD burner to my TF700, mount a DVD and actually read it!! I remember trying this with the TF101 and would not work but it's working on TF700! Here's how (have to be rooted, I believe):
1. Connect the USB DVD device (I'm using a Toshiba "Portable Super Multi Drive").
2. Insert a DVD
3. Create a directory to mount the DVD to:
# mkdir /mnt/cdrom
4. Mount the DVD:
# mount -t iso9660 /dev/block/sr0 /mnt/cdrom
5. That's it! If you do a "ls -l /mnt/cd", you'll see your CD/DVD files! You can now see the DVD files via ES FIle Explorer, etc too!
So, I can now read DVD's with my TF700 - something that was always lacking with my Transformer!
What would really be cool is to be able to write DVD's now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! But can you actually play a DVD movie via any of the available media players?
Splaktar said:
Awesome! But can you actually play a DVD movie via any of the available media players?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will give it a shot (need to find a DVD - haven't used one in years - stream EVERYTHING now!). I highly doubt it will work via video DVD"s though as they are encrypted, etc...
I'll report back.
But, being able to read data CD's/DVD's fixed that one last thing that you could still do on a laptop, but not on a Transformer (read optical media)...
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
[email protected] >>>
In short > since its for OLD FOLKS > who often get easily frustrated @ things not workin right from first try ,,,,
IMHO... and having helped number of folks in that generation(s) .... i would buy her a LAPTOP ... you can get one with BD player easy for less than "infinity+DOCK" now
SOLVED !!
Ausmike said:
[email protected] >>>
In short > since its for OLD FOLKS > who often get easily frustrated @ things not workin right from first try ,,,,
IMHO... and having helped number of folks in that generation(s) .... i would buy her a LAPTOP ... you can get one with BD player easy for less than "infinity+DOCK" now
SOLVED !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the thing. Her old laptop hasn't 'just worked'. The webcam drivers have to be reinstalled every 2 months. The firewall and virus scan pop ups are needed but cause great confusion. Automatic backups have been problematic. The battery doesn't last long enough. The laptop is too heavy. It gets too hot. Her fingers get tired and sore using a keyboard and mouse.
So really an ultrabook with an external bd player might be the best solution if money wasn't an issue. But that is currently $350 more and doesn't have a touch interface or the ability to remove the keyboard.
Well if dvd and bluray playback is required, i think your best bet may be to wait for the surface tabs and hope microsoft includes bluray/dvd decryption. Their intel based model will surely work but will also be ultrabook expensive.
Right now ripping and or streaming are your only real options.
Splaktar said:
The basic issue that I'm trying to address is the following:
I'm trying to replace my mother in law's old Acer laptop with an Infinity. I've been able to resolve my questions about printer and printing support from the Infinity. I've also resolved just about every other question that would stand in the way of doing this. The last remaining issue is that she owns a number of DVDs (and very few BDs) and she enjoys watching them when she travels. She does have a portable DVD player, but it is a shame to watch that poor quality screen when you have a 1280 Super IPS+ screen sitting next to it.
So I'm kind of on the fence right now. There are certainly some thoughts that I should just make things easy and return the Infinity and get her another laptop. But Windows has already caused her endless troubles over the last 4 years and I would really like to avoid repeating that. I'm not really looking forward to sitting down and ripping all of her existing DVDs, but I guess that it could be done over the period of some weeks. Hrm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend you help her convert her movie collection to a digital portable format. It's a little time consuming at first, but once you are used to doing it you can do it overnight and not really notice the time it takes.
There are sooo many tools out there for converting videos. I love free ones (Handbrake, MediaCoder, DVDShrink, DVDFab HD Free) but they take a lot more work to learn how to use properly, in my opinion. There are easier to use tools like the DVDFab suite which will rip (copy) and convert all in one. Many of the free ones require you to use two or three programs to achieve your goal. One of my favorite compression programs is TMPGEnc, but it isn't free and it doesn't "rip" (copy) discs by itself either so you still need something to copy. It is very powerful and works very well.
What ever you pic, plan on taking some time to learn how to use it right, find guides on how to use it and experiment. Once you settle on what works for you and her, you can usually streamline it and make it easier.
Thanks guys, seems like a lot of work just to watch a video. Like mentioned I stream everything as well. I guess this would be good for road trips and hooking the tf700 to a dash. Thanks!
Thanks for the compilation. Any new / recent news / updates?
johnlgalt said:
Thanks for the compilation. Any new / recent news / updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been keeping my eyes open for news about this or new BD players designed for Android. So far nothing new but I haven't done any more in depth research. Probably soon...
Yeah, in another thread jrotsky said that ISO9660 support in 10.4.4.16 seems to have disappeared....if that is the case then that seems more like a reversion to me....
Splaktar said:
I've seen a Portable USB Blu-ray players posted on Amazon.com from Panasonic ($55-60) and Samsung ($85). But some require an AC adapter and others require 2 USB ports to power them.
Has anyone tried one with the Infinity? Can you please tell me your experience?
Here are some links to relevant discussion:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1033887
Another XDA thread about Android and External DVD/Blu-Ray Players
http://www.transformerforums.com/fo...54-tf201-dock-usb-external-bluray-drives.html
Basically says that Android lacks UDF 2.5 filesystem support as well as an OEM to build Android drivers for their Blu-ray player.
http://www.transformerforums.com/fo...ns/9784-usb-port-play-external-dvd-drive.html
Here is a drama and information filled thread that covers a lot of related topics. The basic result is that they don't expect Blu-ray support on the Transformer line, ever, as digital content is what is being pushed now. Google especially has a Play Store designed to get you to buy movies and shows in digital format and not on BD or DVD.
http://www.transformerforums.com/forum/asus-video/3377-play-bluray-external-usb-bluray-drive.html
Another thread with basically the same info. Not much to read.
I'll update this thread with more information as I research this topic.
The basic issue that I'm trying to address is the following:
I'm trying to replace my mother in law's old Acer laptop with an Infinity. I've been able to resolve my questions about printer and printing support from the Infinity. I've also resolved just about every other question that would stand in the way of doing this. The last remaining issue is that she owns a number of DVDs (and very few BDs) and she enjoys watching them when she travels. She does have a portable DVD player, but it is a shame to watch that poor quality screen when you have a 1280 Super IPS+ screen sitting next to it.
So I'm kind of on the fence right now. There are certainly some thoughts that I should just make things easy and return the Infinity and get her another laptop. But Windows has already caused her endless troubles over the last 4 years and I would really like to avoid repeating that. I'm not really looking forward to sitting down and ripping all of her existing DVDs, but I guess that it could be done over the period of some weeks. Hrm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not use handbrake and rip all her content to dropbox or drive, then let her stream them? Problem solved
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
dasunsrule32 said:
Why not use handbrake and rip all her content to dropbox or drive, then let her stream them? Problem solved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly just because she gets new content every week or so. That would mean that I'd be spending a lot of my time ripping discs. It's obviously an option, but I'm not sure how effective it will be.
I did keep the TF700 and am still planning on giving it to her, but I still might end up just keeping it for myself and giving her a new laptop instead. One issue with just streaming everything from the Play Store or Amazon, etc is that she lives in Peru most of the year and many of those streaming services are not allowed/supported there. I've also heard stories of people traveling from the US to Europe and being unable to access their purchased video content from the Play Store due to the country that they were in.
I'm not sure if Drive/Dropbox/Box have any of those issues with access/support internationally or not.
i brought one but it had two usb ports and didnt read on my tablet

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