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Hi peeps been looking around at the android tablets on the market and wondering if i should take the plunge?.Thought i would ask here as you guys probably have more experiance than most.Can you recomend a couple?, i'm not looking to spend a fortune just want something that covers most bases and doesnt struggle to run the usual suspects.HDMI out would be a plus but any ideas you can offer or just give me ideas on what not to buy.Any helps good, thanx in advance.
I have a smoldering interest in a tablet as well but I will continue to hold off as my Lenovo X61t and Windows Phone compliment each other pretty well and I don't "need" one.
However, I have taken note of the Archos' that were just released. The general feeling is that they feel cheap in build quality but the price and performance is right there. This is engadgets take on the two tablets they have.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/24/archos-70-and-101-internet-tablet-review/
I have used the Samsung Galaxy S and it is a nice device. Gotta be honest though, nothing seems to be "more complete than the ipad", just in terms of docks, jailbreaking, best apps, etc.
There are so many 'knock offs' in this category, let us know what you find!
I agree in the upset front, it's a great piece of kit but I refuse to spend that kind if money. Have found plenty of cheap ones, and I don't mind the price tag but most are just a bit gutless lol. But yeah likewise bring the info if you find something good.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Back again, on the subject off cheapo knock off tablets have you seen the a-ok pad lol now don't laugh. I could be persuaded to gamble on something as (shall we say rough) if it ticked the right boxes. Anybody heard if them? Any horror stories?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Buying a new tablet
I'm in the market for a tablet, and have taken my sweet time for the last 3 months researching and looking for the best one to buy. I've done my fair share of research and now i'm asking you: Should I buy the ASUS Transformer Prime with the dock, od should i wait for samsung/htc/moto/lenovo/acer... next-gen tablet? My fear is you see, that I'll buy The Prime, and that it won't be supported by some software develeopers, and left out in the cold with some apps, or not on par with the next-gen 2012 tablets. I want the best hardware specs, possible future windows 8 compatibility, preferably tegra device, 3g isn't a must, nor GPS but preferred. I don't mind waiting for a few more months since this would be my first tablet, wich i don't really need. NO IOS/IPad talk please, android tablet only (but like i said, with a possibility of win8 in the future). Any reasonable advice is more than welcome, and thank you all very much in advance!
IIRC Asus Prime will begin getting ICS/4.0 Jan 12th.
With that said, I would definitely play around with one before buying. Numerous reported issues that can't really be fixed through OTA's or software. (GPS, WIFI, light bleed, glass/screen loose from rest of tab).
Typical Asus if you ask me, crapshoot on quality.
Also depends on what you want in a tab. If you don't really want to play around/mod/customize then I think the Ipad 2 or hold out a couple of months for an Ipad 3 would be your best bet.
If you have to have an Android you have one of two options. Wait for more quad core tabs to be released, or start looking at what's available now.
Samsung 7.0 Plus is probably the best out for 7"ers.
For the 10"ers it's a toss up right now. Galaxy Tab 10.1 has good support, decent performance, light, easy to hold, good screen, great speakers (for a tab). It's cons to me are the Tegra 2 isn't up to snuff with Honeycomb OS.
The HP Touchpad is a great buy for the OS and specs, and can also be ported to Android (Still need to play with one)
Asus Transformer TF101 is also a good buy but again a crapshoot on quality but can be had for a good price.
The new Moto Xyboards are getting good reviews but they are overpriced for what they are, are only sold through VZW and were "technically" outdated before they were even released. Also locked bootloaders are never fun if flashing kernels are your thing.
Right now I'm looking at getting another tab so I guess you could say I'm in the same boat as you. I have an OG Galaxy Tab 7 on the way b/c I got it cheaper than cheap and just wanna play with it.
Considering picking up an 8" Xyboard also.
ETA: I probably won't pick up a Xyboard however until they come down in price or a WiFi only version is offered.
The SGT 7.7 also sounds promising. Decisions decisions.
First of all, thank you for the fast and torough reply... And yes, sweet sweet decisions
I forgot to say that I'm in the market for a 10" minimum tablet, don't want smthng smaller 'cause i allready have an SGSII so I'm covered for mobility.
As for ASUS's build quality, like I said I never owned a tablet so I definately will try out/play with one for a couple of hours before purchasing, and watch out for the screen bleed on an ips display. But currently most of my pc's componens (2xmobo, 2xgraphic cards, and a lappy) are ASUS made and i must say i'm more than satisfied with them, and as I recall, when I was buying my SGSII there was talk about screen burn-in, overheating and wifi problems too, but I haven't had a single one with my device. Besides that, I don't really need GPS or 3g in a tablet so it's not a dealbreaker with me on The Prime.
The problem is: I wouldn't buy any other tablet now existing in the market, mostly because of the Tegra3 chipset The Prime has, so if I'm paying a hi-end device (around 700$) i want the latest and fastest performer in the ring. And yes, in my book that is android only, as i find apple's devices a bit limiting sometimes (without any fanboyism, I come from a long line of iphones before my android). The things I'm worried hardware-wise are: the amount and speed of Prime's RAM (1gb od ddr2), possible wifi signal problems, screen bleed, and that it's topheavy when docked (a minor thing really). I love that it has a full USB 2.0 port, so you don't need a jack/ adapter of some kind (e.g. like on a SGSII microUSB to full USB). Not really worried about the one speaker layout eather, altough i was a bit dissapointed since the TF101 had a stereo layout, but still, not a dealbreaker (hey, it's still a tablet)...
Now you may laugh at this seeing your sig, but in my mobile history (25+ phones) the worst were accually motorolas (v3 being the worst of the lot, but than again A925 was more than excellent) I'm not so fond of HP either, last month i sold my DV6 3020em, (that's the i7 touchscreen version for Europe since i'm european), and i can say it was utter rubbish, overheating, shoddy build quality, squeaky, noisy fans, you name it... That's why I sold it, but it had a touchscreen which was more than handy, and that's why i want a tablet, I just might look a bit more into the HP touchpad after all.
Acer is great quality for it's price, really great. But I only had Acer's laptops, and the Iconia tablet is as ugly as a bullfrog from chernobyl, so I wouldn't want one.
Tf101 is ugly too by my standards, too big as well, but the looks aren't so important if it was an excellent performer, which none of the now available androids are compared to The Prime (at least not on honeycomb).
I played with samsung 8.9 a few days ago and I can report is't a great little device, thin, capable, satisfying all in all, but i'd like a bigger screen, and a real keyboard and it's not a tegra device (I play a lot of games so i'd like the tegra zone, as chainfire's plugins don't support all tegra tweaked games)
Now I do like to install a new ROM every few weeks on my SGSII but i srsly don't think that will be the case on a tablet (except Win 8, when it comes out).
So i guess the question remains: should i wait for Samsung's next gen 10.1 answer or just go with the prime now
P.S. sorry for my poor english
cavkic said:
First of all, thank you for the fast and torough reply... And yes, sweet sweet decisions
I forgot to say that I'm in the market for a 10" minimum tablet, don't want smthng smaller 'cause i allready have an SGSII so I'm covered for mobility.
As for ASUS's build quality, like i said i never owned a tablet so I definately will try out/play with one for a couple of hours before purchasing, and watch out for the screen bleed on an ips display. But currently most of my pc's componens (2xmobo, 2xgraphic cards, and a lappy) are ASUS made and i must say i'm more than satisfied with them, and as I recall, when I was buying my SGSII there was talk about screen burn-in, overheating and wifi problems too, but I haven't had a single one with my device. Besides that, I don't really need GPS or 3g in a tablet so it's not a dealbreaker with me on The Prime.
The problem is: I wouldn't buy any other tablet now existing in the market, mostly because of the Tegra3 chipset The Prime has, so if I'm paying a hi-end device (around 700$) i want the latest and fastest performer in the ring. And yes, in my book that is android only, as i find apple's devices a bit limiting sometimes (without any fanboyism, I come from a long line of iphones before my android). The only thing I'm worried hardware-wise is the amount and speed of Prime's RAM (1gb od ddr2), possible wifi signal problems, screen bleed, and that it's topheavy when docked (a minor thing really). I love that it has a full USB 2.0 port, so you don't need a jack/ adapter of some kind (e.g. like on a SGSII microUSB to full USB). Not really worried about the one speaker layout eather, altough i was a bit dissapointed since the TF101 had a stereo layout, but still, not a dealbreaker (hey, it's still a tablet)...
So i guess the question remains: should i wait for Samsung's next gen 10.1 answer or just go with the prime now
P.S. sorry for my poor english
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Don't jump the gun on the Prime until stock has settled in, right now retailers are price gouging due to low availability. The Prime should be $500 for the 32GB, $600 for the 64GB, not $650-700 for the 32GB.
I have a Transformer and an Iconia Tab A100, and I can tell you from first hand experience that the build quality isn't nearly as bad as the above poster is making it out to be. I actually like the finish on both the original Transformer and the Iconia series a lot, and the Prime seems to be a winner also. Another thing to consider for both ASUS and Acer is that they keep their Android releases relatively 'vanilla' except for a few bloatware-type apps of their own, unlike Samsung and HTC, who just can't help themselves but smear TouchWiz and Sense over everything they produce.
The only real reported issue with the Prime appears to be the GPS accuracy, but at least to me, it's a non-issue, since I disable GPS and bluetooth on everything.
The Windows 8 bit is yet to be seen, porting a device to another OS is something you can hope, but never hold your breath for. We've yet to see how Windows 8 distribution is going to work and remember that even if you do install Windows 8 down the road, it doesn't mean that you'll be able to run all windows-based programs, since mobile devices use ARM CPUs, and everything written for windows right now is made for x86 CPUs, so it will be up to each third party to rewrite their programs for compatibility.
Although I would never write out a company with pockets as deep as microsoft, they have proven time and time again that they are unable to compete in the mobile segment, so I don't see Windows 8 with as much hope and awe as many others do. (Especially since Ice Cream Sandwich is the first Android iteration we can really call "excellent")
TL;DR - If you can find a Prime for a decent price, then it's an amazing device to be had for a very reasonable price. If you plan on waiting, then checking out the upcoming Iconia A700 isn't a bad idea either if the dock isn't that important to you.
littleemp said:
Don't jump the gun on the Prime until stock has settled in, right now retailers are price gouging due to low availability. The Prime should be $500 for the 32GB, $600 for the 64GB, not $650-700 for the 32GB.
I have a Transformer and an Iconia Tab A100, and I can tell you from first hand experience that the build quality isn't nearly as bad as the above poster is making it out to be. I actually like the finish on both the original Transformer and the Iconia series a lot, and the Prime seems to be a winner also. Another thing to consider for both ASUS and Acer is that they keep their Android releases relatively 'vanilla' except for a few bloatware-type apps of their own, unlike Samsung and HTC, who just can't help themselves but smear TouchWiz and Sense over everything they produce.
The only real reported issue with the Prime appears to be the GPS accuracy, but at least to me, it's a non-issue, since I disable GPS and bluetooth on everything.
The Windows 8 bit is yet to be seen, porting a device to another OS is something you can hope, but never hold your breath for. We've yet to see how Windows 8 distribution is going to work and remember that even if you do install Windows 8 down the road, it doesn't mean that you'll be able to run all windows-based programs, since mobile devices use ARM CPUs, and everything written for windows right now is made for x86 CPUs, so it will be up to each third party to rewrite their programs for compatibility.
Although I would never write out a company with pockets as deep as microsoft, they have proven time and time again that they are unable to compete in the mobile segment, so I don't see Windows 8 with as much hope and awe as many others do. (Especially since Ice Cream Sandwich is the first Android iteration we can really call "excellent")
TL;DR - If you can find a Prime for a decent price, then it's an amazing device to be had for a very reasonable price. If you plan on waiting, then checking out the upcoming Iconia A700 isn't a bad idea either if the dock isn't that important to you.
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Tnx for the reply, and I have to say I think you misunderstood me. I don't think I said anything bad about acer's or asus's build quality just HP's (and only the perticular model of the DV6 I had), just that they're a bit on the ugly side, but that's totally a subjective stand, and irrelevant to anybody else.
As far as Prime's price goes, it should be available in Croatia, about 2hrs drive from my home in 10days for less than 700$ with the dock for the 32gig version, which is not a bad pricetag considering where I live, and I'm ready to give that kind of money for it. The dock is accually something i like about the Transformer, and it would probbably be a dead heat between TF101 just because of the dock) and the Sammy 10.1 if it weren't for the prime.
GPS, like I said, I don't mind. The SGSII has a great GPS reciever which i hardly ever use, maybe 6 times since i got it in july.
As far as ARM windows goes, I know what to expect from it , nothing special, but it would be nice to have that option when it's available
So you are happy with the TF101 and the Iconia? But would you recommend buying now the Prime if I'm happy with the price? I should mention I probbably won't buy it before ICS, and I'll try to get a hold of a stock ICS one when it's out after Jan. 12. because I want to make sure i missed the first version shipment
I believe you about Motorola. Until my Droid X I have ALWAYS hated Motorola. I never had a phone that worked right after some wear and tear and always had problems. From before smartphones thru the Droid 1, 2, and 3. (Went through multiples of those). I'm also a Samsung and HTC fan.
I've never had a problem with Asus computer components myself, w/ that said, there are quite a few complaints when it comes to the TF201 on quality. With that said, you, as I'm sure you do, have to take into account the dissatisfied ones are always going to moan and groan much more and louder than the happy customer.
I guess I just wish it was like cars when it comes to Tablets and would love for them to let me take the exact tab I'm looking to buy for a test drive. (Not leave the store but just open the box and get a good look at it and test everything to make sure I'm getting what my hard earned money is paying for).
I really want a TF201, but I'm going to wait til a few more Tegra 3 tabs come out. I really think Motorola would have hit a homerun if they would have put a quad core in their Xyboards and kept the price what they're charging now.
The three tabs I'm really torn between right now are the Xyboard 8.2, TF201, and Samsung 7.0 Plus. But man we are so close to seeing quad core as the new standard for tabs so the other part of me just wants to sit it out and wait.
So true what you said about the sitting and waiting for the quad core as the new standard, but on the other hand, HOW BAD DO WE WANT ONE!?!
Personally for me it's no competition between the Prime and other tablets, the Prime is just on another planet.
This morning the store answered my email saying that the Prime will be available mid january (in about 10 days) and said that maybe they could reserve one for me because of the small supply, but said the price may be different depending on the usd/euro stocks, but under 700$ for the 32gig version with dock...
Still I'm not planning on buying one before a test drive like you said (mostly to check for screen bleed). And yes, I took into account the moaners which is true like you said again...
I think I wathched every single review/comparison of the tablet on youtube, and read at least 10 reviews online, and it's all mostly positive.
I'll update as soon as i get my hands on a test one, hopefully in about 10 days.
I've been doing some research for buying an android tablet for about a month now. Things that have become a must for me:
512mb (or better) of ram
Tegra 2 cpu
Around 10" high res (enough for honeycomb) screen
Under $500
Rootable, and has good dev support
Most you will be thinking, "you're describing the viewsonic g-tab, right?" Well, that's mainly what I'm thinking about. I'm wondering if there are any other great tablets that I'm missing. Any advice, comments or whatever would be appreciated. Thanks!
Id stay away from the g-tablet. The specs seem great for the price, but the screen is a HUGE disappointment. The viewing angles are terrible, it washes out when moved the slightest bit. In fact, straight on doesn't even seem to be the best angle.
I didn't even bother rooting mine, which anyone would want to do since the tap n tap UI on it is terrible. The screen was an immediate dealbreaker. My flytouch 2 screen is leaps and bounds better, and that's kinda sad since it was less than half the price of a g-tablet.
Philthechil said:
I've been doing some research for buying an android tablet for about a month now. Things that have become a must for me:
512mb (or better) of ram
Tegra 2 cpu
Around 10" high res (enough for honeycomb) screen
Under $500
Rootable, and has good dev support
Most you will be thinking, "you're describing the viewsonic g-tab, right?" Well, that's mainly what I'm thinking about. I'm wondering if there are any other great tablets that I'm missing. Any advice, comments or whatever would be appreciated. Thanks!
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I think you're looking for something that doesn't exist yet. The best bet will probably be the Tablet Toshiba is dropping soon, assuming its around that price. Otherwise you might as well keep waiting with me.
Ah, ok. I had been hearing that. I didn't think it played that much into it. I wish I could buy one just to test it out
mobius999 said:
Id stay away from the g-tablet. The specs seem great for the price, but the screen is a HUGE disappointment. The viewing angles are terrible, it washes out when moved the slightest bit. In fact, straight on doesn't even seem to be the best angle.
I didn't even bother rooting mine, which anyone would want to do since the tap n tap UI on it is terrible. The screen was an immediate dealbreaker. My flytouch 2 screen is leaps and bounds better, and that's kinda sad since it was less than half the price of a g-tablet.
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The view angle of the G Tablet certainly could be better, but this guy is exaggerating too much. The screen looks terrific when seen at the best angle. And I can highly recommend the G Tablet for you. It isn't perfect but no Tablet out there for any price is perfect.
Thanks guys for your input. I've decided I'm just gonna have to go with the risk and buy one. If the viewing angles really are that bad, I'll simply re-sell it on ebay
Viewsonic Gtab
Viewing angle is NOT that bad, accessories are the problem. Can't find them in the US! But once you get a good rom on it, I have had no regrets dropping a few hundred on the toy.
Notice I say toy, cause there is no 'need' for this equipment yet. No honeycomb, no easy out of the box use, but I enjoy the speedy vegan tab rom and have used it for movies, email, and just tom-foolery android apks. Get an atom laptop if you want something out of the box that is based on functionality if you need to buy before Q4 2011.
I have a g-tab, like it more than the ipad I had.
You should check out the Barnes and Noble Nook Color! I got one just for the ereader and have since rooted it and then even installed CM7. The only thing it doesn't have is a camera and Bluetooth mic support(yet).
BN really under sold its capabilities. It is the little tablet tablet could...
P.S. the dev community is amazing around it...
klaiii said:
You should check out the Barnes and Noble Nook Color! I got one just for the ereader and have since rooted it and then even installed CM7. The only thing it doesn't have is a camera and Bluetooth mic support(yet).
BN really under sold its capabilities. It is the little tablet tablet could...
P.S. the dev community is amazing around it...
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As much as I agree with how awesome the value of the Nook color is... It doesn't meet any of his requirements.
I believe the Acer Iconia Tab and Asus EEE transformer meets all of your needs and price range.
I have Toshiba Folio 100 and I'm not happy with it, little dev support, bad screen, lots of bugs that Toshiba don't fix and if you buy one, you'll surly get one with bad part(s), because Toshiba made bad parts and every tablet has another parts. New Toshiba tablet seems OK, but I won't buy any from Toshiba. I have same problem and I'll wait. In near future(2012), tablets will better and they'll have dual boot(android,ubuntu;androd, windows 8), faster processors(nvidia quad core processor), new OS's(windows 8, ubuntu, android ice cream sandwich tbat will be universal, chrome os) and the best of all, they'll cheaper!
After this, I think you will wait
I have the Acer Iconia A500 Tab which was bought in Germany.
Has a few small issues as you would expect from a fresh honeycomb device but nothing that you couldnt live with until Acer put out the update for Honeycomb 3.1 before the end of June.
If you can get past the little niggles, it has an excellent screen with amazing viewing angles, bright, crisp and clear. Fantastic build quality, including a thin brushed aluminium skin and a reasonable weight that wont flare up your RSI.
After the usual tweaks and additional root apps for improved battery life, you can quite happily use the device constantly for between 10-12 hours (mixed media)
has 1gb of ram, 32gb space, wireless -n, USB, Mini USB, Mini HDMI, encryption etc etc etc.
Baring in mind that it is almost 'stock' honeycomb 3.0 (Still includes the mobile phone elements even though this is wifi only, there is a reason bhind the choice ), i believe the slab has a lot of potential and cant wait till people start improving it.
Im very happy with the device so far and fully expecting the issues to be resolved in the first customised version of the 3.1 update from Acer.
All for 499 Euro
There's your deal...
I really wanted this to be a winner. The light bleed is horrible. I have a big gap on the left of the screen that is now starting to separate. It is starting to creak really bad when I hold it. Its now doing the thing where it won't wake up and I have to hard shut it down (my xoom did this all the time, which was one of the main reasons i returned it.) The dock is nowhere to be found. The lag, especially when typing, is getting old.
I am going to give honeycomb time to mature, and then try another tablet. The samsung looks like a better build quality, so hopefully it will get a more finished version of honeycomb. I think asus could have had a real winner here with the price and the dock, but the build quality is atrocious and honeycomb is just too buggy. I could deal with the honeycomb bugs if the hardware wasn't so junky.
I really love android and my HTC inspire, so it amazes me how buggy this is in comparison.
Good luck everyone.
Sorry it didn't work out for you. I too have the light bleed glitch, it's not major but it's enough to annoy me. I'm going to contact Comet and see if they can exchange the unit.
EvoXOhio said:
I really wanted this to be a winner. The light bleed is horrible. I have a big gap on the left of the screen that is now starting to separate. It is starting to creak really bad when I hold it. Its now doing the thing where it won't wake up and I have to hard shut it down (my xoom did this all the time, which was one of the main reasons i returned it.) The dock is nowhere to be found. The lag, especially when typing, is getting old.
I am going to give honeycomb time to mature, and then try another tablet. The samsung looks like a better build quality, so hopefully it will get a more finished version of honeycomb. I think asus could have had a real winner here with the price and the dock, but the build quality is atrocious and honeycomb is just too buggy. I could deal with the honeycomb bugs if the hardware wasn't so junky.
I really love android and my HTC inspire, so it amazes me how buggy this is in comparison.
Good luck everyone.
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I went through 4 Transformer's and came to the same conclusion. Going to wait till the tab 10.1 is released and take a look at that as well as re-evaluate the build quality of the transformer and see if there is better qc. I really did like it alot.
Need to sell my dock now :-(
Sent from my CM7 Supersonic
Sorry to the OP for the issues you have had. I got my Transformer on US launch day (returned my Xoom to get the Transformer also), and have not had any light bleed or build quality issues.
Actually I prefer the build to the Xoom especially the textured back. The Xoom's black glossy finish had me going nuts just keeping prints off of it.
I have had minor issues with the Sleep of Death issue but they have been rather negligible. I will be receiving my dock tomorrow so hopefully that will be smooth with the latest US patch I have installed.
Asus had the best overall design with the Transformer in my opinion. The dock is just to good of a concept. I'm willing to hang in with them until they patch these issues away. Build quality issues seems to be another issue and with the difficulty they have had delivering the units to the masses I know an RMA has to be a nightmare right now.
I'll stick with them on the Transformer but if they don't fix this stuff I won't buy another Asus tablet until they show and prove. I've been using and loving their motherboards for years, hope they get the tablet game strong.
The thing is though you give up quite a bit with the Galaxy Tab. I too thought about purchasing one (currently have a G-Tablet) but it uses the same Tegra 2 processor, has no USB port, has no HDMI port, and has no microSD card slot. All in all it just doesn't seem like much of an upgrade. Also Android 3.0 will always be Android 3.0 no matter what hardware is running it. I'm sure updates will further refine the OS but the Galaxy Tab will run Honeycomb no better than the Transformer.
I have an Asus transformer and have only a few small concerns with it. The light bleed is due to the IPS panel I believe, the ipad 2 has the same issue.. I dont even notice it really, The plastic back only flexes if I am squeezing harder than I ought to, and remember that its plastic, if you continually flex the back panel its going to get softer and softer. I haven't had it lock up on me, although a few apps have fc'd on me, but I think its more of a compatibility issue. My camera dust cover has dust under it ironically although it hasnt been noticeable in any pictures and the only reason I took a picture with my tablet is to see if the dust was apparent. Its a little too unwieldy for regular picture taking anyways.
I think its a great piece of equipment and at 100 dollars less than anything else out there I am very pleased with it.
If a product doesn't work for you, absolutely, return it. I don't really get why so many people think it's necessary to go to a forum and post that they're returning something, but to each their own, I suppose. I'm returning my Xoom, but since I got the Transformer and decided to keep it instead, I haven't been back to the Motorola forum since. I certainly won't be going back just for the express purpose of announcing my decision.
I mean, it's not like I'd be saying anything about the Xoom that's not already been said there many times. It would almost seem like I was just complaining for no reason other than to spoil the experience for someone else.
Anyways, yeah, whatever. I do have to say as well that I don't really get this fascination with the Galaxy Tab 10.1. It seems like its only advantage is that it's thinner and lighter. It doesn't appear to have a better screen (maybe not even as good as the TF's), it has fewer expansion options, it has Samsung's software which depending on your perspective can be a positive or a negative, and it costs more. Confusing...
wynand32 said:
If a product doesn't work for you, absolutely, return it. I don't really get why so many people think it's necessary to go to a forum and post that they're returning something, but to each their own, I suppose. I'm returning my Xoom, but since I got the Transformer and decided to keep it instead, I haven't been back to the Motorola forum since. I certainly won't be going back just for the express purpose of announcing my decision.
I mean, it's not like I'd be saying anything about the Xoom that's not already been said there many times. It would almost seem like I was just complaining for no reason other than to spoil the experience for someone else.
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The reason I posted this, and I suspect why others so it as well, is for perspective buyers who read these forums looking for opinions. If I can help educate someone before buying this then I will.
Anyways, yeah, whatever. I do have to say as well that I don't really get this fascination with the Galaxy Tab 10.1. It seems like its only advantage is that it's thinner and lighter. It doesn't appear to have a better screen (maybe not even as good as the TF's), it has fewer expansion options, it has Samsung's software which depending on your perspective can be a positive or a negative, and it costs more. Confusing...
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The fewer expansion options may be with just the limited edition one they gave out at Google I/O. The ones given out there differ from what was last shown to the public. That being said, I have the original iPad and I have never filled the onboard storage, do I have never had a need for expandable storage or USB ports. So for me, and I suspect a lot of others, it would be a non-issue anyway. Hell I wish I could pay less money for a tablet if I could get the cameras, microSD, and USB ports removed.
Samsung's software is just a bunch of widgets on top of Honeycomb, just like Asus's. It's not a skin like you see on Android phones.
Build quality and weight ARE the big reasons that people such as myself are very interested in the Samsung. i could probably ride out Asus's software issues if I thought the hardware was solid enough to last, but from the unit I got I believe it would be in the trash within a year. Ultimately I am looking for very high build quality with software that is good enough that can/will be upgraded over time.
Reading this place i'm quite happy that i'm made to wait till next month before i can pick TF+scandi dock here.
Hopefully it has gotten better on the hw and soft front. If i'm not pleased there's always Samsung that i can throw money at.
I don't really see blacklight bleeding as a noteworthy subject (Unless of course it's a problem on a bigger scale, which unlike the iPad 2 this doesn't seem to be).
You'll always have devices that slip through QA tests with blacklight bleeding or dead/stuck pixels, the only thing to do is to return it if you get a device like that.
As for the competition, the Xoom is very expensive, and without a dock, the back looks kinda weird honest, where the Asus one look a lot more consist. There's no keyboard-docking at launch, on the upside it does support hacking out of the box.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab I/O-version is gorgeous to say the least, also very hackable, unfortunately that may not be the case for the final version, though i figure it will still be a nice design. Pricing will like the Xoom probably be through the roof, and again, as far as i know, no launch-keyboard docking.
So i'm going for the Transformer, even if i have to send it back because of blacklight bleeding, because i think this is the only tablet sofar that've really made sense from a usability standpoint.
wynand32 said:
If a product doesn't work for you, absolutely, return it. I don't really get why so many people think it's necessary to go to a forum and post that they're returning something,
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+1 ...I'm just tired of reading those posts telling the whole world about returning a whatever it is.... seriously..why even bother....
I'm just happy to say my TF has been working very well... there is lightbleed..but it's negligible in daily use and my IPad 2 is no better than that..and the keyboard docking is the deciding factor here for me..
I totally understand how frustrating it can be when you really want to like a piece of tech but it just doesn't pan out. Asus has a terrific concept on their hands and it seems the execution is a bit off. I have never been impressed with their netbooks and laptops in regards to apparent build quality (key word "apparent" since I have no personal experience with them). I have used and swear by Asus motherboards for over 10 years and keep expecting better hardware builds from them.
Nobody has mentioned it, but I have my eye on the new Toshiba coming out in June. USB ports, HDMI and SD. Looks to be solidly built. I also played with an Acer Iconia yesterday it felt pretty nice but wasn't crazy with the type of plastic they used on the ends. They also don't have a great track record with their h/w.
The tech is still awfully young with no one having any track record except Apple (and you've all heard the issues they have been having). I am impatient about this stuff as you all and being early adopters always comes at a cost. I am forcing myself to wait till I can check out these tablets in person before I plunk down my benjamins. I will check out the Transformer for myself when it finally makes it to the brick and mortars but I am rather skeptical of them. Toshiba seems to fit my wants pretty well. I also like it has a user replaceable battery.
most of these issues seem to be due to production variances since not everyone has the same problem. Which means you can easily find a better by exchanging your device.
EvoXOhio said:
The reason I posted this, and I suspect why others so it as well, is for perspective buyers who read these forums looking for opinions. If I can help educate someone before buying this then I will.
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I appreciate you taking time to post your reasons for "throwing in the towel". However there is always a problem with these kind of posts. It suffers from "this is my experience, you can expect the same". You may not have meant it, but it can be preceived that way.
My experience has been just the opposite from yours... so who's experience with the TF is indicative of the product? Yours or mine?
I have yet to see any product that is massed produced from paperbooks, electronics, cars, to hamburgers ..... you name it, that doesnt have a few lemons get out there... its the nature of manufacturing. Its unavoidable.
EvoXOhio said:
The fewer expansion options may be with just the limited edition one they gave out at Google I/O. The ones given out there differ from what was last shown to the public. That being said, I have the original iPad and I have never filled the onboard storage, do I have never had a need for expandable storage or USB ports. So for me, and I suspect a lot of others, it would be a non-issue anyway. Hell I wish I could pay less money for a tablet if I could get the cameras, microSD, and USB ports removed.
Samsung's software is just a bunch of widgets on top of Honeycomb, just like Asus's. It's not a skin like you see on Android phones.
Build quality and weight ARE the big reasons that people such as myself are very interested in the Samsung. i could probably ride out Asus's software issues if I thought the hardware was solid enough to last, but from the unit I got I believe it would be in the trash within a year. Ultimately I am looking for very high build quality with software that is good enough that can/will be upgraded over time.
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Click to collapse
The one given away at the Google I/O is the same one that will be sold at retail sans the white back. There will be no USB on the device itself but instead there will be an adapter sold that will allow for USB connectivity. There will be no microSD because the microSD card slot will be the same slot that houses the SIM card. There will be microSD support on the wifi/3G model but not on the wifi only model. Seeing as how you've had an iPad and don't care for onboard ports and expandable memory (some of the biggest advantages of owning an Android tablet) then why not just buy an iPad 2? It appears to me that the Samsung tablet offers a gimped Android experience without handing over more money for the additional functionality.
EDIT: Also 32 gigs now days is fairly small when a movie itself takes up over a gig of space and music collections can span hundreds of gigs of space. Take into account memory reserved for the OS and apps and you're looking at only about 29 gigs of usable space on a 32 gig tablet for media.
rockcrawler said:
I went through 4 Transformer's and came to the same conclusion. Going to wait till the tab 10.1 is released and take a look at that as well as re-evaluate the build quality of the transformer and see if there is better qc. I really did like it alot.
Need to sell my dock now :-(
Sent from my CM7 Supersonic
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Click to collapse
ill buy the dock lol
kilofox said:
I appreciate you taking time to post your reasons for "throwing in the towel". However there is always a problem with these kind of posts. It suffers from "this is my experience, you can expect the same". You may not have meant it, but it can be preceived that way.
My experience has been just the opposite from yours... so who's experience with the TF is indicative of the product? Yours or mine?
I have yet to see any product that is massed produced from paperbooks, electronics, cars, to hamburgers ..... you name it, that doesnt have a few lemons get out there... its the nature of manufacturing. Its unavoidable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But by me not posting this, then potential buyers will not be aware of the potential issues. The problem exists both ways - if only unhappy users post, then everyone reading will think there is a problem. If only happy users post, then everyone reading will think the product is perfect. That's why I have chosen to post MY review of the product. It's up to the satisfied customers to do the same to balance out the equation.
Enectic said:
Seeing as how you've had an iPad and don't care for onboard ports and expandable memory (some of the biggest advantages of owning an Android tablet) then why not just buy an iPad 2? It appears to me that the Samsung tablet offers a gimped Android experience without handing over more money for the additional functionality.
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Click to collapse
The reason I am not buying an iPad 2 is the same reason I switched to Android after having iPhones for 3+ years - I want to be in control of the device I own. I want to customize it. I do not want the manufacturer deciding if the content is appropriate or not. I do not want my device held hostage by a CEO with an ego the size of the universe. I want to switcher launchers. I want to switch default browsers. I want real background tasks and real multitasking. That's why I have chosen Android. I am so sick my Apple stuff it's ridiculous.
EvoXOhio said:
But by me not posting this, then potential buyers will not be aware of the potential issues. The problem exists both ways - if only unhappy users post, then everyone reading will think there is a problem. If only happy users post, then everyone reading will think the product is perfect. That's why I have chosen to post MY review of the product. It's up to the satisfied customers to do the same to balance out the equation.
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Click to collapse
I think there are plenty of posts here that discuss the problems that users encounter and the shortcomings that some users see. You see the same exact posts in every forum for every device so if a user only goes by that he/she will NEVER find a device. There will be just as many people hating and returning the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as there have been returns for the XOOM, the Acer and the Transformer. You made your decision and that's good. I just sold my XOOM, not because I was unhappy with it, but I wanted different features that the TF offers. Maybe I am too realistic to expect the perfect tablet. For me personally the TF has everything I need. Hopefully the 10.1 will be the right tablet for you!
Sent from my TF101
Can some of you post some pictures of your light bleed problems?
I have light bleed but to notice it, you'd have to crank the brightness up to max and be in a dark room. (Not a common situation I find myself in) Even when shutting off the lights, dimming down the brightness helps and the picture is still pretty clear. Also, light bleed is quite common in LCD screens.
I'm just having trouble understanding how light bleed can be so debilitating that some people would actually go through the trouble and exchange their unit multiple times.
I also have the creaky problem when I put moderate pressure on the back of my device but putting on the sleeve helped. (though it is not compatible with the dock)
Finally, I sympathize with your wake problems because my Xoom had this problem as well. I haven't experienced it with my TF but I can see how it can be an annoyance. Most of the other problems you can fix or put a band-aid on; but this one, you really can't. Not sure why we all aren't getting this problem since we are basically running the same software -- perhaps it's a problematic app or maybe an app triggered some sort of internal problem. (that's why I didn't dl the task killer this time)
Anyway, I'd try again but a refund isn't too bad either. We are still at an early stage with tablets so waiting a couple of months (but most likely sometime in 2012) might pay off.
So I'm in a bit of a pickle, I can't decide if I should keep my Acer or my Asus. I have both right now but will be returning one of them, so I'm looking for any differentiators I can use to decide, here's what I've got:
Acer:
- USB support right out of the box (not planning on currently picking up the ASUS keyboard)
- Feels sturdier
- Power connector isn't proprietary
- Rotation lock is a physical button, I find I use that a lot.
- Not quite as wide as the Asus.
- Plays youtube HD smoothly in the Youtube app. This seems very strange, given they are identical hardware wise, but the Asus stutters when watching HD in the YouTube app. The Acer doesn't, for whatever reason. I can get around it by watching in the browser... but I like the app.
Asus:
- Feels snappier (might be my imagination, also I got this one 'later' so maybe the Acer is just a little extra bogged down by apps... though I have gotten them both to an identical state and the Asus seems to still have a very slight edge).
- Slightly better screen. It is noticeable when watching the same video content side by side.
- Gorilla Glass? (I can't confirm whether the Acer has this or not, have seen many posts both ways, and seen Acer confirm it both ways)
- Slightly lighter and very slightly thinner.
- Better sound (just seems better flat out, headphones are identical)
- Keyboard dock add on (though I am not planning to pick that up yet).
- $50 cheaper, though I had to pay $20 shipping so the net is $30 back to me. Not a big deal.
Any additional information, or things I should consider? I really don't know which to choose!
I'd choose the ASUS Transformer
The ASUS comes preloaded with a lot of nice apps and widgets. I LOVE the feature that I can use splashtop without any prior experience and connect to my shared media on my PC, also without changing any settings.
The wider bezel is great in my opinion. I had the XOOM and when I was holding it in one hand I would always touch the screen by accident; and I do not have big hands!
Even though you don't plan on picking up the dock you should It is an amazing piece of hardware.
I cannot comment on the comparison since I never touched the Acer but I can tell you that I am very pleased with the ASUS and it gets nice support from the devs here and ASUS directly.
Thanks funnycreature, I should elaborate a bit more on my original post.
To add to the list above, the Asus has some light bleeding on the screen, in 3 spaces. This doesn't really bother me, but it is definitely there, and not on the Acer. I have not really used the prepackaged apps on either device much, so I can't comment on that. I had a Xoom as well before I had these 2, and I think it was actually my favorite, but I didn't keep it because I thought the cost was far too high for the very small bit I favored it. I like the size of it, I didn't have the width issues you did, and I think the Asus is a bit too wide. The Acer is the middleground there. Having gotten the Thumb Keyboard now though... it is not nearly as big of an issue.
If all things were equal, I would keep the Asus. I bought it because that was my intention, but once getting it I found it was a much tougher call than I initially suspected. If that Youtube app problem wasn't there.... the Acer would be back at the store. But that scares me a little bit, and I don't know if it will *ever* truly get fixed (and I watch a lot of Youtube videos on my tablet while the wife is asleep!). It is a very, very close comparison.
The other bonus for the Asus that I didn't mention, though, is that it has about 3x the community here on XDA, which I'll go ahead and assume means 3x the development effort. That is nice to know.
sirix1 said:
Thanks funnycreature, I should elaborate a bit more on my original post.
To add to the list above, the Asus has some light bleeding on the screen, in 3 spaces. This doesn't really bother me, but it is definitely there, and not on the Acer. I have not really used the prepackaged apps on either device much, so I can't comment on that. I had a Xoom as well before I had these 2, and I think it was actually my favorite, but I didn't keep it because I thought the cost was far too high for the very small bit I favored it. I like the size of it, I didn't have the width issues you did, and I think the Asus is a bit too wide. The Acer is the middleground there. Having gotten the Thumb Keyboard now though... it is not nearly as big of an issue.
If all things were equal, I would keep the Asus. I bought it because that was my intention, but once getting it I found it was a much tougher call than I initially suspected. If that Youtube app problem wasn't there.... the Acer would be back at the store. But that scares me a little bit, and I don't know if it will *ever* truly get fixed (and I watch a lot of Youtube videos on my tablet while the wife is asleep!). It is a very, very close comparison.
The other bonus for the Asus that I didn't mention, though, is that it has about 3x the community here on XDA, which I'll go ahead and assume means 3x the development effort. That is nice to know.
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Click to collapse
The bleed seems to be an illness of the mobile IPS displays and since the Acer most likely doesn't have an IPS it won't show the bleed. I hardly notice it and it doesn't really bother me. I also hardly ever watch YouTube videos
You should try experiencing more what each device can do beside watching videos. Maybe that will make the decision easier!
I find it strange that you order 3 tables and only keep one! What do you do with the tables you don't keep?
Honestly, I find the whole "this vs. that" discussion boring. I say: evaluate them, give them some side-by-side use if you can, and then make your decision. This is all very subjective, particularly since the major specs--processor, RAM, storage--are essentially the same.
The TF has pros and cons, the Acer has pros and cons, the Xoom has pros and cons, etc., etc. What's better for one person may not be better for another. So, just do your research and make your choice--looking for "unbiased" input on a forum dedicated to one device is unlikely to bear fruit.
wynand32 said:
Honestly, I find the whole "this vs. that" discussion boring. I say: evaluate them, give them some side-by-side use if you can, and then make your decision. This is all very subjective, particularly since the major specs--processor, RAM, storage--are essentially the same.
The TF has pros and cons, the Acer has pros and cons, the Xoom has pros and cons, etc., etc. What's better for one person may not be better for another. So, just do your research and make your choice--looking for "unbiased" input on a forum dedicated to one device is unlikely to bear fruit.
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Click to collapse
That's why I say "Tablets are like shoes, they need to fit you and the purpose"
sirix1 said:
I had a Xoom as well before I had these 2, and I think it was actually my favorite, but I didn't keep it because I thought the cost was far too high for the very small bit I favored it.
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Click to collapse
That's quite interesting for me, how did you find the Xoom's screen, was it acceptable? I returned my TF and am now thinking of getting either a Xoom or wait and see ho much the GT 10.1 will be here in the UK. I'm getting cheesed off waiting for the GT specs and price though. :-(
UKseagull said:
That's quite interesting for me, how did you find the Xoom's screen, was it acceptable? I returned my TF and am now thinking of getting either a Xoom or wait and see ho much the GT 10.1 will be here in the UK. I'm getting cheesed off waiting for the GT specs and price though. :-(
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Click to collapse
Well, it was definitely on par with the Acer. I didn't have the Asus/Xoom at the same time so I couldn't compare them side by side. I didn't even know there was a difference until I got the Acer/Asus side by side, but the Asus is the winner. It is not huge though, not at all, in fact someone else brought it up before I even noticed it. When you run media, like a video, side by side you can see the colors are slightly richer on the Asus. I am sure that is a 16m colors vs. 256k colors issue. The Xoom was at least Acer quality, could have been Asus, not sure, I would find out what panel it has and that should tell you. It was a good device, basically identical I just liked the form factor a little more (less wasted space). I would have paid a ~$30 premium for it, but definitely not $200. Why did you return your TF?
Honestly, I find the whole "this vs. that" discussion boring. I say: evaluate them, give them some side-by-side use if you can, and then make your decision. This is all very subjective, particularly since the major specs--processor, RAM, storage--are essentially the same.
The TF has pros and cons, the Acer has pros and cons, the Xoom has pros and cons, etc., etc. What's better for one person may not be better for another. So, just do your research and make your choice--looking for "unbiased" input on a forum dedicated to one device is unlikely to bear fruit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sort of, but we aren't talking about your favorite flavor of pizza here. There are completely objective differences here, and things that are in fact just "better." I asked this forum because it is more lively than the Acer forum, and I think I lean *ever so slightly* towards the Asus anyway (maybe just because I have an asus laptop). People here are truly in the know, I figured if there was a difference I didn't know about, maybe I could learn. And if someone was interested in the differences in the 3 android honeycomb tablets, maybe they could learn something from my post, since I've owned all 3 now.
I find it strange that you order 3 tables and only keep one! What do you do with the tables you don't keep?
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I return them. I don't usually do anything like that, it just happened to work out this time. I bought the Xoom, liked it, but decided that for $600 it just wasn't enough. I went back and they had the Acer in stock, so I picked that up. I saw they had the Asus in stock online like a week later, and decided what the hell, I've tried the other 2 now let's give it a go. I expect the Asus to win in a landslide... I didn't think my decision would be difficult.
Thanks for all the replies!
I had an Acer and currently have an Asus and the Acer felt much heavier especially when holding it in one hand. The metal construction gave it a nice quality feel, but it also made the back of the device slippery and a little harder to hold than the Asus. The Asus feels a little snappier, I noticed lag on the unlock screen of the Acer. However, the Acer seemed to have a more responsive touch screen. When I first received the Asus I noticed I had to tap the screen a little harder than the Acer, now I'm used to it and is no longer an issue. Also the Asus seems to be more hackable than the Acer, I believe the Acer still has a locked bootloader and the devs are having trouble putting clockworkmod recovery on the device. My Acer did play YouTube videos in the app better than the Asus.
I am happy with the Asus, I just need to find the keyboard dock. It seems to run smoother, the devs seem to be having success with Modding the transformer, and Asus seems to be ontop of things.
P.S typed this all on my transformer gotta love the tumb keyboard.
sirix1 said:
Why did you return your TF?
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Click to collapse
It was due to what I consider to have been poor build quality, light bleed, creaky housing. I hope that this was just an initial manufacturing issue and that Asus will get to grips with it very soon and will produce a better Transformer. Of course there are people here who have had better units without these problems, I wasn't so lucky.
I like the solid construction of the Xoom, not so much the screen but I could get used to that I suppose. The Xoom is more expensive than the TF and that's a major consideration, also I'm not so sure that the Xoom will be as well supported as the TF, by both Motorola and not forgetting the guys here at XDA. There's a lot off stuff going off in this section.
I really am in limbo here trying to make the right decision.
also I returned my Acer because the GPS SUCKED. the Acer took forever to get a GPS lock and would lose the GPS signal randomly under a clear sky. I haven't gotten a chance to test the GPS on the transformer but I heard that it is good.
I looked at the Acer. Found it a nice tab - far better than the over priced, heavy Xoom (that I once owned 2 - until the TF came along and put them to shame).
But the Acer isn't as nice (on the pocketbook) as the TF, nor as versatile. Having the dock is nice - I don't use it often, but comes in very handy when wanting more bat life, more ports, faster typing - the kb dock is well executed. A benny of buying the kb dock is the clamshell design makes having a case unnecessary imo - stuffed it into my carry on luggage on my trip to Hawaii and no problems.
But if you don't want the dock, I'd go for the Acer due to full size USB on the tablet itself (that's the only thing I wanted extra on the TF). Marginally worse screen isn't a big deal. Didn't check the speakers, but if you say the TF is better, then the Acer's speakers must blow...
But you might also want to check the new Gal Tab 10 when it releases in the near future.
the transformer is great bang for the buck, and I like tablets with bigger bezels like the Asus and the Acer. I guess I have fat fingers because it was hard to hold the xoom with one hand without touching the screen by accident. but the xoom should always get honeycomb updates first, and should be the most hackable.
theydonkno said:
also I returned my Acer because the GPS SUCKED. the Acer took forever to get a GPS lock and would lose the GPS signal randomly under a clear sky. I haven't gotten a chance to test the GPS on the transformer but I heard that it is good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one that I had worked very well, even got a lock in my front room where my HTC Desire couldn't.
theydonkno said:
the transformer is great bang for the buck, and I like tablets with bigger bezels like the Asus and the Acer. I guess I have fat fingers because it was hard to hold the xoom with one hand without touching the screen by accident. but the xoom should always get honeycomb updates first, and should be the most hackable.
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Click to collapse
Hmmm, unless you're in the UK.
Transformer
I'd say TF, I found the Acer very heavy and the screen is not as sharp. The TF has lots of great widgets and the ability to remote desktop into your pc or mac.
I use that feature a lot, it comes in handy.
Polaris office is also another good feature. The Acer does have that usb port on the tablet, but the keyboard that attaches to it seems flimsy and the tablet doesn't attach 100% to it. And the dock doesn't have an extra battery.
I find that the TF gives me lots of options for expandability and ease of use.
Both are good choices, but the TF comes out on top imo.
UKseagull said:
It was due to what I consider to have been poor build quality, light bleed, creaky housing. I hope that this was just an initial manufacturing issue and that Asus will get to grips with it very soon and will produce a better Transformer. Of course there are people here who have had better units without these problems, I wasn't so lucky.
I like the solid construction of the Xoom, not so much the screen but I could get used to that I suppose. The Xoom is more expensive than the TF and that's a major consideration, also I'm not so sure that the Xoom will be as well supported as the TF, by both Motorola and not forgetting the guys here at XDA. There's a lot off stuff going off in this section.
I really am in limbo here trying to make the right decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use to own the Xoom and its a great device but way overpriced & the screen isn't that good. The price you save by going TF again can go towards a dock. I have shown my ex-Xoom & TF dock to many family members, friends & co-workers. All of them love the TF over the Xoom & many of them plan to get the TF & dock once they are able to find them.
Like someone said earlier, its all personal preference but for me, it's TF all the way.
sirix1 said:
Well, it was definitely on par with the Acer. I didn't have the Asus/Xoom at the same time so I couldn't compare them side by side.
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Click to collapse
I know I just wrote that it's all subjective, but really I meant that in total. I'll say this as well: I have a Xoom and a TF sitting side by side right now (still haven't returned the Xoom to Costco, been busy), and the TF screen is heads and shoulders better than the Xoom's.
First, the angles are better. Much better. Like, night and day difference better. Second, colors on the TF are much more natural--the Xoom tends to be VERY cold (i.e., has a very strong blue tint). There are apparently two different Xoom screens floating around, each with their advantages/disadvantages, and the one I have is not even close to the TF.
In fact, even if the Xoom cost less than the TF, and even if the TF didn't have the dock, I'd still keep the TF over the Xoom on the strength of the screen alone.
wynand32 said:
In fact, even if the Xoom cost less than the TF, and even if the TF didn't have the dock, I'd still keep the TF over the Xoom on the strength of the screen alone.
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That's the big draw, the screen (when it's OK) is head and shoulders above most of the other tablets without the IPS screens and obviously the price is right too.
I'm getting p*ssed off going back and forth to this and that tablet, each have their plus and minuses. I can see me getting another Transformer at this rate ... IT BETTER BE BETTER THAN MY OTHERS!
I had Iconia and was good, except for the wifi problems and the constant turning on when in sleep. The new software fixes them. I returned it because the screen was inferior to the transformer, the metal housing was to damn slippery...dropped it on carpet a few times...the weight of it..the thickness of it and the main was the better development community here for the transformer. It is really a good tablet(Iconia) but did not suit me.
hi all,
im after some of your advice as to the best tablet, im going to ask in the xoom and galaxy forums as well, but id like your opinions on what is the best tablet to buy, obviously you guys are using the transformer already, and are happily modding the hell out of them, so you may have experience with the others as well.
i am trying to find somewhere which has all 3 which i can look at side by side, but in the UK im pretty much left with Pc world/Currys.. so i thought id do the next best thing and talk to people who have/use them.
i have narrowed my choices to;
Motorola Xoom,
Asus Transformer
Samsung Galaxy 10.1
if possible can you let me know what your experiences are like with any of them.
Thanks All.
Side by side you will probably like the Galaxy Tab which is much cleaner looking, a little higher quality, and has a nicer screen. However, the Transformer doesn't cost as much.
For me at least, the cost of the Galaxy Tab is unreasonable and the difference does not justify an extra $100 (or $200 as was my case).
If money was no object, I would probably go with the Tab, but since money is an object I went with the Transformer.
I've only had my TF for a couple days, but already I am very happy with my purchase. I feel at the $399 price point it was the best value for what I would be able to get out of it compared to the Tab. The Tab has a lot to offer but for what I was looking to get out of my tablet I don't think you could beat the value of the TF. Good luck in making your decison.
I think within a month there will be news of:
Transformer with Tegra 3
Apple iPad 3
Microsoft WIndows 8 tablet
And, many more Android tablets getting ready for holiday season.
Why would you buy now (next few weeks)?
Bob Smith42 said:
I think within a month there will be news of:
Transformer with Tegra 3
Apple iPad 3
Microsoft WIndows 8 tablet
And, many more Android tablets getting ready for holiday season.
Why would you buy now (next few weeks)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the reason why I waited till I could get the TF for 255 new instead of the usual 399.
That said, anything other than the TF you will lose productivity due to lack of keyboard dock.
If you don't need the keyboard, the Samsung is hard to beat. (Unless you are Apple and choose to compete in the courts instead of the marketplace.)
I didn't think much of the Zoom when I tested one but it was the original HC 3.0. That said it was more expensive than the TF as well even including the dock. Samsung looses for me because it doesn't have SD card expansion built in which I think was a poor choice to make. It is a nice tab though, no argument there. TF has it all and as a bonus is almost pure HC, no TouchWiz or anything like that bolted into it. Its not perfect but especially with the last couple of updates its a very good piece of kit.
xoom is already too bulky, too old, too expensive
I sold my TF after one month - ipad is still way ahead of all tablets - but I think it doesnt really matter if you choose Tab or TF - they work pretty much the same - just go to store, feel them and take the one you like more - or TF if you type a lot - the dock is quite good
hmm thanks for the info guys,
im debating waiting another month or so and see what comes out of the next batch of tablets, though im unsure that it will make much difference,
goodintentions said:
This is the reason why I waited till I could get the TF for 255 new instead of the usual 399.
That said, anything other than the TF you will lose productivity due to lack of keyboard dock.
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Where did you find the TF for $255?
I cant comment on the other 2 but im well impressed with my TF, i cant fault the build quality and the IPS screen is awesome. I didnt think i wanted the keyboard dock but glad i did and it really transforms the TF. Ive only had mine a week and was gonna hold off but theres nothing written in stone when the newer tabs are comming esp in the uk apart from sonys new offering which is due 18th sept. Im a real sony fanboy and was gonna pre-order the S1 but reading reviews of the how easily the screen and casing marked i settled for the Gorilla glassed, matt finished TF and am glad i did, it really is a nice bit of tech
AFAIK, the IPS Display on the Transformer is unbeatable by any other Android tablet. I'm not sure if the Galaxy Tab has an IPS Panel, but I know the Xoom does not.
javroch said:
AFAIK, the IPS Display on the Transformer is unbeatable by any other Android tablet. I'm not sure if the Galaxy Tab has an IPS Panel, but I know the Xoom does not.
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The Samsumg Galaxy Tab 10.1 does not have a IPS display it has a PLS display (Samsung's equivalent to the IPS). Most consider the Samsung display a but better (better color reproduction) and the viewing angles are just as good. They are very close but the Samsung has an edge.
The only thing that kept me from the 10.1 is the lack of MicroSD slot and the extra $100 (not to mention the TF has Micro HDMI out and an excellent docking solution).
Either one will be a good choice. Just depends it the expandable memory and video out matter to you as well as saving $100 or if you rather have thinner, lighter (and stylish) tab for a $100 premium. It's up to you!
I've heard that the Galaxy Tab uses IPS (or as you say Samsung calls it, PLS), but I haven't heard anything about it being any better than normal IPS. Either way, I imagine it can't be much of a significant improvement, if at all, since it's essentially the same technology.
On another note, though not everybody will agree, I can't think of any reason to purchase the Galaxy Tab or XOOM over the TF. I feel like there are numerous reasons why I'd prefer the TF though, especially over the XOOM, including: the display, the price, the build quality, expandability (extra SD slot, USB slots, keyboard + extra battery, etc).. I could keep going. I suppose the XOOM and Galaxy Tab offer 3G/4G connectivity, but personally I never understood why anybody would want to pay for that. I don't think I'd ever buy anything but a Wi-Fi tablet, so that aspect doesn't affect me. Again, obviously not everybody will agree with me on that though. Aside from these things, I feel like the three tablets are very similar. They all have similar processors, memory, hard drive space, version of Android, etc.
Considering the Tab and the Transformer are the same price, but the Transformer is higher spec and comes with a proper keyboard, it's a nobrainer....
The only spanner in the works, is that the Xoom is currently heavilly discounted in the UK.
Personally, I would still avoid the xoom, the European support sucks (slow updates), and I could never spend even that money on a tablet-only device after using a proper one with a dock.
Transformer is the best one
The xoom has a better build quality imo.. Its aluminum unibody is better than my transformers plastic casing-.-
Still for the price, Transformer all the way. If you can afford it, the Tab 10.1.
Or wait for the Quad core tablets coming this year.
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Im selling my iPad 2 and I ordered a TF . I found the iPad just too boring .
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It would really depend on how are you planning to use it
TF -
Pros:
- Best Keyboard Dock
- low Price
- has the best software support
- huge hardware modding possibilities (500Gb HDD on the keyboard dock, extra battery)
- microsd slot
- hdmi port on the tablet
- LCD screen has a "true color" approach, recommended for video/photo editing
Cons:
- build quality is average (light bleed, creaking noises when u push the back)
- even thou it has SRS speakers, sound is still a little faint
- bezel easily scratches
- battery life is a bit average
haha i already got really small scratches on the microSD slot (from inserting/removing) after 2 months of usage.
Xoom -
Pros:
- best build quality
- soft touch back
- better range/availability of accessories (case, screen protectors, etc.)
- microsd slot
Cons:
- a bit old
- expensive
- average screen panel
- heavy
Galaxy Tab 10.1 -
Pros:
- has the best range/availability of accessories (case, screen protectors, etc.)
- sleek design
- lighter
- has one of the loudest speakers
- longer battery life (as a tablet)
- screen has a nice color saturation (good for viewing movies)
- more of a browser/media player on the go
Cons:
- plastic backside
- no microsd slot
- no microUSB
- accessories needed for using USB/HDMI