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A quick background about me: I started looking at picking up a tablet around the end of December for my January birthday. I'm a huge Android fanboi, and have been toying around with/incessantly ROMing my rooted Droid1 for over a year now, so I wanted to step it up a notch and get a tablet that had a reasonably large development backing. And then I found out about the G-tablet. It seemed an almost unobtainable mix of top-of-the-line specs along with hackable software. I had to act on it. I convinced my mom that this was the ONLY thing I wanted for my birthday, and all that I asked for was a nominal (less than 1/4) assistance toward the purchase of the $380 device. She agreed, and I excitedly bought my G-Tab about a week and a half ago. Since then, I've been completely unable to tear myself away from this forum; the activeness of the development community here for the G-Tab is even greater than I imagined, and on an almost daily basis I find a new reason to spend more and more time here (hello Notion Ink ports/forthcoming Honeycomb ports!!!). You guys are seriously a wonderful and brilliant community. I'm sincerely thankful for the great group of people who are significantly smarter than me and are able to do incredible things with such an incredible piece of hardware. I got this device because it was about as hackable a piece of hardware as one could get, and while the development portion of that hackability could have led to a lot of frustration and disappointment, it has MORE THAN met my expectations. As a result, I've got a rooted, custom ROM'd device with a Hulu hack, full market hack, and Swype hack. I honestly couldn't have possibly extracted more value out of a $380 purchase in any theoretical world, and I attribute that all to you, the active developers here.
I know this is my first post and I'm a total n00b, but I really do appreciate what all of you devs have done here, and I wanted to let you all know that.
Thanks, sincerely.
Very nice first post and welcome to Gtab Android Heaven!
Thanks a lot :-D. I hope to one day contribute to this active and robust community. Cheers.
Welcome, not too many people ever say thanks, always *****ing about something not working. Some of these people here are scary smart!
If you have been molesting a droid for over a year, you are nowhere NEAR the n00b I was when I got my Gtab a few weeks ago. I had only seen a couple of droid phones in person, but I liked what I saw. Droid users I have shown my Gtab to have been really impressed with it. The most common comment is "damn that's fast!" (I am running Vegan and loving it.)
And you are so right about these fora, lots of sharp folks here with good instructions (if you are careful to follow them) for just about anything you might need to squeeze onto the tab. I also have yet to see anyone get ugly in a thread like you see in so many other places.
A supportive development community like this can change a lot of things and I am glad to have found it!
Nice post. I like you, was hardly active here at all until I discovered the g tablet. I have since been barely able to tear myself away from the g tablet forum here. A sincere thanks from me as well to the guys doing the hard work making these tablets what they are.
4rs fed said:
Welcome, not too many people ever say thanks, always *****ing about something not working.
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LOL! So true.
If you got half a lick of sense and take the time to do your research (before asking stupid or repetitive questions) this community will bend over backwards to help you. I spent about a year researching tablets and when the g-tablet hit this site I realized it's potential and knew it was time to dive in. I've never owned an Android device until buying the g-tab Mid December and the amount I've learned from the smart folks here is phenominal, and i still feel like a noob. Each day is a new learning experience. Kick back and enjoy the ride!
Im Another noob who has purchased a G-Tab because of the fact that so many of you Devs are doing such a great job with this tablet and sharing your efforts with all the rest of us noobs.
Up till around 2 months ago id had basically no contact with Android other than i knew it was a mobile phone OS by Google. Had never seen it, basically knew nothing about it other than its name.
I had been here to XDA before as i used to own a Dopod mobile phone, and i was using a windows mobile rom from here.
So i was so happy to see that the ipad had started a great new tablet trend (not a ipad fan, but realise if it wasnt for the ipad, the current trend may never have happened). So i was excited when Tablets started kicking off, always wanted one. So i started searching for an alternative to the ipad.
The first tablet i almost bought was a "WeTab", a German 11.6 inch made tablet, it sounded great on paper, great specs, but after i started reading the user reviews, i decided that it wasnt the right tablet for me. Weak touch screen and poor software support put me off.
So i kept looking for the right tablet to get, after a while i settled between either the Gtat, or the Archos. I wanted a 10 inch and these both looked like great tablets. The software review for the G-tab were not good at all, but the hardware specs looked better to me than the Archos.
Since ive been using PC's for almost 20 years now i knew full well Viewsonic was a good brand name, and even if they didnt manufacture the products, it was the quality that went with the name that made me consider the G-tab.
But it wasnt till i checked XDA to see if you guys were doing anything with the G-tab that i realised that thanks to you guys the weak ended software side of the G-tab was not a real issue. That you guys had taken the G-Tab and made it a monster in the jungle
I ordered 1 from Amazon, which i learned i could by one from a thread here, and around 2 weeks later it turned up. Ive been having a ball messing with it ever since, Android is great, and you guys make it even greater.
Sorry if i rambled a bit here but i just wanted to say "THANK YOU" for all you guys have done for myself and the rest of us noobs
Echoing the thank yous as the community is the reason I got this tablet when I did.
Yeah, echoing as well. I bought the device only after I knew that you were out there to make the software issue into a non-issue. I use my tablet only a daily basis for both my work and my pleasure. I wouldn't be able to do either without the great stuff you guys have done. Much appreciated.
Another me to reply. Forgot where i first saw the gTab, but after reading here for a couple of weeks, i found mine at Sears for $379, plus the rebate for the free dock.
Without all of the tremendous resources on this forum, i would have missed out on this journey. I have tried all of the ROMs, and have settled on the Vegan 5.1b rom for now.
Thanks again to all of the developers,and to the non-developers, this would not have bee possible without your persistence in testing these roms and asking the what if questions.
I'll echo the same sentiment. Frankly I would probably not have bought the gtab if I had not come across this forum and all the people here who have been working to make it a better product.
Thx to all of you.
I also would like to add a big thanks for all this incredible info & apps.these dev have added to the gtab and other devices. Again Thanks, J.
Stock gTab.
Gonna go ahead and throw out my THANKS to the Devs here and those all around XDA. I have spent more time on XDA since getting my Hero a year and a half ago,then my Evo when it came out, and now wasting away on my G Tab. Wife loves the tab so much I had to get her one. Both of ours were rooted the day we got em.. entirely because this community!
I look forward to seeing what the next big rom is for the G Tab! (Running VEGAn now, hopefully someone releases a Honeycomb rom in the next couple weeks!!)
I am going to purchase a tablet ASAP. I have been waiting and looking for something to come out that is just the one, but that has not come. I waited forever for the Xoom but the price is staggering in my opinion. I have come back to the Viewsonic G Tablet for the reason that it is pretty fast and thanks to you guys the rooting seems to make it show its muscles. That being said I would like to know that this is a good purchase and that I am not making a mistake. I also would like to know about the rooting and which one works the best for this unit. Also, after being rooted how hard is it to update the system. I am a noob at these units so please understand I am just searching for answers. Oh, and can you run torrent programs on tablets?
Thanks
I guess really what you need to do is make a list of available tablets. Then base the decision on the best price point via hardware/support. I think one of the main things that makes the G-tablet shine is XDA and its developers. But as in all electronic inevitability, its only good as the people behind it. I got my G-Tablet because it was going to be one of the cheapest tablets out there, its what I could afford. Are there better ones out there, well yes and no just depends on what your going to be doing with it. Know the devices faults. Don't listen to reviews, most will give you a half-ass answers, play with the device in person if you can. Thats all I can really help with, do research make sure you get the most bang for the buck. And above all else, good luck and I hope you enjoy your future purchase, it's your decision
RedbullSushi said:
I am going to purchase a tablet ASAP. I have been waiting and looking for something to come out that is just the one, but that has not come. I waited forever for the Xoom but the price is staggering in my opinion. I have come back to the Viewsonic G Tablet for the reason that it is pretty fast and thanks to you guys the rooting seems to make it show its muscles. That being said I would like to know that this is a good purchase and that I am not making a mistake. I also would like to know about the rooting and which one works the best for this unit. Also, after being rooted how hard is it to update the system. I am a noob at these units so please understand I am just searching for answers. Oh, and can you run torrent programs on tablets?
Thanks
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The only real issues I have with my GTAB is the viewing angles since I like to stream Neflix and Hulu and the sort via "Playon". It's not so good unless you have it facing you near direct
Also, the PDMI port is only for use with a dock (until someone puts out a PDMI to HDMI cable).
The great things about the GTAB is the hardware, this thing is virtually unbrickable. Believe me I have bricked it and was able to bring it back from the cold dark black screen that makes you think this thing is a goner!!
Performance is TOP NOTCH, Aside from some glitches with the custom roms its very responsive. And thanks to the Fantastic Dev-Nation we have here at XDA this thing has gotten a lot of love!
Battery life is amazing, I get 12+ hrs of use even after watching three 2 hour movies back to back to back!.
Torrents are supported, I have used "tTorrent Lite" to aquire a few things though as with most torrents speed is questionable and even more so with the tablet.
Rooting this device is very easy, "z4Root" will do it in a tap.. (Litterally)
ROM? I use VEGAn 5.1 Beta (without the 5.1.1 supplement patch)
Others here like, TnT Lite, and there are variants of CM7 floating around. Some are Officially supported and others are not.
The GTAB can be a Fantastic device provided you are willing to make the effort it takes to transform it from "Out of the Box CRAP" to the magnificant device it was meant be.
So unless you have issues with viewing angles (as many do), can aquire a dock to stream AV to an output of your choice, are frightfull of modding, then perhaps this device is not for you.
Hey I really appreciate the posts. I am not afraid to mod the device at all, as a matter of fact I find that half the reason for getting this tablet. It is going to be for fun so I am looking forward to learning more. I feel that technology is something I am always chasing and pushing into areas like this helps to keep me young in this area. I think this solves my issue and I will get my unit ordered today. I still have the question of a torrent program. That is something I heard you can do with Android.
Thanks again guys for the helpfull posts. I appreciate it very much.
DVDFab
I've said this before on another thread but if you plan on purchasing the DVDFab software with all the bells and whistles do a google search for tarzan media. I've bought it from them for less than $40 with free lifetime upgrades.
It is by far the easiest, most flexible dvd ripping/converting app I've ever used.
Edit: posted on wrong thread somehow... Sorry.
Being that you have brought up ripping......are you ripping and burning to dvd from a tablet, or what? This is a new thought being that I was not aware of an external burner plugging into the unit. Please fill me in on this or did I just misunderstand.
thanks
What if i said you could get the GTab for $300 shipped?
I was also going to wait and see how that Tablet Market plays out.
Then I heard about and posted this: Available from SearsOutlet for $279
RedbullSushi said:
Being that you have brought up ripping......are you ripping and burning to dvd from a tablet, or what? This is a new thought being that I was not aware of an external burner plugging into the unit. Please fill me in on this or did I just misunderstand.
thanks
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Oops, somehow my post got in the wrong thread. But, since you asked...
No, I am not using my gTab for ripping or burning; just viewing.
I ordered mine today. I took the advice of a member and bought a used/like new in original packaging for 327. I thought that was a good price. I will be researching the ROM loading now while I wait. If any of you guys have good easy instructions or tips please feel free to post or PM me.
Thanks
Obviously you can see that there is a woot special today on the gtablet, simply based on all the threads that are redundantly getting posted.
However here is the downstream effect. There are many purchasers that are all being pointed to Droidpirate or XDA, and several links being added to the discussions, etc.
Once the tablets all come in, obviously there will be a percentage of users that just won't be happy with the tablet (thus ebay will be flooded with them, as will the XDA forum), but those willing to hack will join up.
Membership and post counts will most likely increase dramatically.
Some very funny comments if you have time to read the questions and comments by both Gtablet fans, Xoom fans, Nook fans, and even IPad fans!
http://www.woot.com/Forums/ViewPost.aspx?PostID=4394837
Bring it on, the more devs working on this tablet, the more fun it becomes!
I'm a newbie!
I just picked up my GTablet from Tiger for 340 sale. Happy as a clam with Vegan Tab installed. Hope they keep up the great pricing on the GTablet. My friend is hating my new tablet as I don't have to resample video to actually play on the GTablet!
I agree. I just picked one up from woot for 308 with taxes. The price is too good to pass up.
just got one at woot for 279 sweet.. not have to start researching rooting and the best firmware
I've had mine for a few weeks and love it! (w/ VEGan 5.1.1 of COURSE). I also fell prey to the IPAD experience and bought the IPAD2. As soon I I turned it on I knew I F'd up. while I love the IPAD for its brain dead ease of use, I dont need the cameras. SOOO, I'm going to sell it and get the 1st gen IPAD and some cash to buy ANOTHER G-Tab. I still can't believe it's so cheap for a Tegra 2, Alternative for Honeycomb (fingers crossed).
Grabbed one from woot today, I'll be coming over from the nook color forums.
I too ordered up a gtablet today from woot. I've been keeping an eye out for the best price and today was the day...been contemplating on getting one for a few months.
I've also been lurking the gtablet forums here on XDA to get an idea of what kind dev support there was for it and was surprised when I first start following this device. I joined not to long for some Droid X support and now I can't wait till the gtablet arrives.
lol i was about to post this cause i just ordered one while waiting for enough funds for a xoom. I was juggling between this and the archos 101 but with the price of 285, how can i NOT get this?
I sold my NookColor about a month ago. Loved it but there was stuff I was still desiring. I had no idea what this was before I saw it on WOOT today, but I sold my old NetBook on ebay for $300 and bought this from WOOT. I'm pumped, I just with shipping was faster!
I'm one of the unwashed masses coming here since they dove in to the Woot pool.
I have an Archos 70 with their stock 2.2 ROM. The Quadrant scores on the gTab is double what I am getting on my A70. Looking forward to seeing what the gTab is like in optimized form.
What is the consensus on the best ROM image to use for all around usability: The Notion Ink, Vegan or other?
Yet another new dude...
Have a rooted Slide with CM7 RC2. Been looking for a decent hackable android tablet and the G-Tablet fits the bill. Can't wait till it gets here and I finally get a chance to play around with it! My bro is an Apple fanatic and has been trying to convince me to get an iPad but I'm not a huge fan of iOS or Apple's hardware.
Another here, been thinking about a tablet for awhile. I haven't tinkered in a long time, this will be a fun little toy to hack on.
The gtab is a great first tablet. Its not the perfect tablet but people should appreciate its speed. Its also a great device to learn how to root and customize an android device. All the people who took advantage of this deal are some lucky mofos.
xmr405o said:
The gtab is a great first tablet. Its not the perfect tablet but people should appreciate its speed. Its also a great device to learn how to root and customize an android device. All the people who took advantage of this deal are some lucky mofos.
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Indeed, this gtab is my first android tablet and I think I did a great investment, I´m learning a lot and thanx to the valuable help of member like Roebeet Im running tntlite 4.2.5 smoothly
count me in with the wootsheep
another wooter...
...coming over from the nook running honeycomb, I wonder if there will be a flood of nooks on eBay?
grabbed one too. Cannot pass for this price.
Getting rid of my nook color
I just called Viewsonic Customer Service
....they didn't even know about the woot.com sale going on. I told them that they might want to get some more staff in about 7-10 business days.
Hello all!!
I have been surfing these forums, and am blown away by the user base behind the G-Tablet... yes I too have woot-ed my way into owning one, and can't wait for it to arrive (although it might be a longer wait then I would like, lol)
I just wanted to show my appreciation to all the people here who have put so much work into unlocking this device.
You can see how great you guys are, even by Roebeet calling up ViewSonic, to give them the warning, LOL
ha! I also have a rooted nook. Maybe I'll actually use it now to read a book
I just wanted to thank the developers here for all of their hard work. I realize I only posted a couple of times, but spent many hours looking through threads and trying to get this device the way I wanted it. I finally gave up, however, and am moving to another device.
I loved this little tab, but it's clear Viewsonic doesn't care and isn't willing to support it. I have been down that path before, and was not willing to hold onto it any longer. At this point I felt lucky to sell if for a couple of hundred bucks on fleabay.
The crew here has been a marvelous help and has done amazing things with the Gtab. It's too bad that Viewsonic didn't snap a few of you up and put you to work in development.
All my best folks.
Jon
Well enjoy your new device.
I have a new tablet also (that I enjoy much more), but am still hanging on to my g tablet.
Hey guys. Over the last year I have marveled at the tech products that have been coming out of China. I used to be like most Americans, and labeled a brand junk if it was not a well-known name. After brands like Oppo, OnePlus, and Xiaomi have had such great feedback from customers in the West, I did some research. I was amazed at how affordable great tech could be.
Now recently I have wanted a tablet and have done a lot of web surfing. Ive come across many brands like Teclast, Cube, Onda, Pipo and others. I've watched a lot of videos, I've read forums in Russian and Chinese, and havent been able to make a brand choice. For the price these things go for coming out of China, I know its a risk. And of course I still have my doubts about customer service and warranty concerns.
Just looking for some guidance. Please sharing your experience with one of these or other affordable Chinese brands. Im interested in knowing about customer support (if any), warranty (if any), but most of all reliability and longevity of any Chinese brand youve used. And if you could direct me to vendors, thatd be great too. Right now Im on aliexpress reading feedback reviews for different sellers. All this said, I know its risky going with lesser known China brands...but I wanna test things out. Losing a couple hundred bucks wont kill me.
I figured after seeing how popular Teclast is here, that it may be the choice. But Ive seen praise for other brands as well. I feel a thread like this can help people in the future.
PS - Shout out to Hendrickson for his informative videos. They were a great resource.
24 hr bump
Final bump.
Right now Im leaning towards Onda and Cube because of the numerous issues the Teclast X98 has according to the thread here on XDA. Threads over on Russian and Chinese forums cite the same issues.
Please discuss and vote.
Instead of bumping (check the n00b's guide!) you should go and ask here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846277
krustyzy said:
Instead of bumping (check the n00b's guide!) you should go and ask here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846277
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Thanks for the advice...but that thread is centered on mainstream devices. I specifically wanted to discuss Chinese brands. I really wish the Teclast had its own subforum now. Its thread is already huge with over 7000 posts.