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This might be a crazy idea, even impossible maybe... but would there be a way to make the g2x act as a laptop docking phone sort of like the atrix? I know this question is way out there but I figured I would ask anyways... I would never get the atrix because of Motorola and ATT but its still a cool idea. I'd definitely buy the atrix laptop dock if i could do something with the g2x.
Nexus S
Since the Atrix uses micro usb for the dock, it may be possible so long as the docking machinery is software and not hardware based. I also would have gotten the Atrix were it not for AT&T and Motorola destroying such a great phone.
I'd like to hear some real answers especially from people have had the chance to play with or own all 3 of these tablets. I did god knows how much research but really the only thing that I need right now is someone who has first hand experience to tell me cause what's what. The tech review sites usually review things that don't turn out to be true. Also ownership and time allows for different conclusions.
So far, I did a LOT of research on each tablet, god knows how many youtube videos i watched. What I took from the 3 are:
Xoom has great development and community on the edge of their seat, ready to jump up at any moment when HC source or ICS is released so it can start developing. I see it as the Android G1 phone. Great support, no doubt that all the ports and stuff will work (micro SD, hdmi and usb host) when rooted. BUT, it has a pretty bad screen from what I hear? I dont know if its an exaggeration but its no transformer or galaxy 10.1 in terms of display. Seem to be the "Fastest" or most capable in terms of hardware.
Transformer is the bridge between galaxy and xoom, both in the size and functionality since it also has micro sd, hdmi that galaxy lacks out of the box. The transformer needs an adapter for USB and currently the USB host and adapter is not out. But just like any android tablet, once source is released, the potentials are pretty much there to use usb host and anything else.
CONS: Problems. I'm very concerned about audio quality so can someone fill me in on that?? How are the speakers?? How do they compare to the galaxy or xoom or toshiba thrive? How is audio output in general to external speakers? (the toshiba thrive's output to external was TERRIBLE. headphone volume was bad). I'm also worried that if i get a bad transformer I'm going to have to wait weeks for asus to keep repairing stuff. Also, how is the battery life? I know the galaxy and xoom are the top 2 android battery life contenders, second to the ipad 2.
Galaxy tab 101. - Stripped and slender form of the transformer. No expandability. Adapter allows for usb or microSD but you can't expand past the 16gb/32gb with a microSD. Not a deal breaker but the other two allow it. Great display and sound.
I was hesitating between the galaxy and transformer.
For me the problem was 3G or USB.
I decided for the transformer and tlil now no regrets. I've even got 3G working on it (with a 3G USB stick)
The Transformer has USB, mine has 2x USB ports.
Also if you are outside the US, forget out the Xoom, the support is abysmal, I think they only just got Honeycomb 3.1, when the US has had it for months, and the Transformer is already on Honeycomb 3.2
As for the Galaxy Tab, overpriced IMHO, you can get so much more with the Transformer.
I looked at all 3, and the Transformer (with dock) was easily the winner.
Don't get the Xoom, it's a waste. If you need a tablet with 4G, then just get the Galaxy tab.
But the choice really depends on what you'll need it for. Do you think you'll need a keyboard dock? Then get the Transformer. The Galaxy Tab has a keyboard dock, but it's wireless and wouldn't be something you can use on the go. (subway, bus, etc.) The Transformer, overall, is a nice device. It has its problems, like the speakers aren't that loud, but you can kind of fix that with some tweaks. You can't beat the price either. $399 for one of the best Android tablets on the market.
If they think you'll be using it for media, the SG Tab maybe what your looking for. Also if you want something a little more portable, you may want to look at the Galaxy Tab 7.7. It's coming out soon and has higher specs than both the TF and 10.1. I'd suggest looking out for the Transformer 2 but there hasn't been much info on it.
Hey guys. I'm thinking about picking up a Xoom (or other tablet) in the near future as I'm seeing the prices drop a bit, but I've got a few questions, and would like some extra input.
Among my options for the price range are the Xoom (of course), iPad 2, Sony Tablet S, Asus Transformer(not so sure I want to go Asus here though...), or the Samsung Galaxy 10.1 (I'm not considering this too hard, since I've never had a good Samsung experience outside of tv's).
I currently own a Macbook Pro with the Magic Mouse and BT keyboard, but have an HTC Evo 4G for a phone. So really, I think the competition is between the Xoom, Sony Tablet S, or iPad 2. I feel like having a Macbook and the BT mouse/keyboard kind of leans me toward the iPad, while already being experienced with Android on my Evo, and the added connectivity of having my most mobile devices be android are leaning me toward the Xoom/Tablet S.
I plan on using the tablet during those down times when I would otherwise be on my phone or laptop killing time. So between classes, on long trips when I'm not driving, and maybe for some note taking in class.
So here are my questions...
1) Are there any functionality issues with having my computer be a Mac? I've never had any issues with my Evo, but you never know with a tablet.
2) Are the hiccups in the Android OS going to drive me crazy? Or does the Xoom hardward make up for the young-ish nature of Android?
3) As far as android tablets go, is Xoom REALLY the way to go? (E.g., would you do it again?)
4) What else should I know before dropping a few hundred bucks on a tablet?
Thanks in advance.
Just wait until the holiday season for the xoom 2 unless you can get the xoom for under $400. I personally wouldn't buy a honeycomb tablet this late...
Xoom and MacBookPro person here (and for what it's worth, I just sold my iPad 1 when I got the Xoom. Go Android, you won't regret it).
The only issue that I've had is with getting files onto the Xoom. Google (frustratingly) disabled USB Mass Storage for Honeycomb tablets, forcing us onto MTP for transfers, which Apple doesn't support. Google provides a tool, but it's incredibly unreliable, usually failing part way through any sizable transfer. I've had to use USB Debugging Mode and ddms (via command line) to transfer files. This also broke DoubleTwist USB sync.
So, love the tablet, but that's the main frustration with it. Also, there are no good apps for transferring your iTunes music or Movies. The iPad wins there, obviously, but the real browser and rootability (no ads!) won out for me.
I got a acer iconia a500 and love it. I could plug in my external hard drives right into the usb port to play movies off the hard drive or transfer files
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i have a xoom and tbh am extremely happy with it, apart from one thing, the screen...
up against my galaxy s2 (amazzzing phone) it looks dull and colourless, if the screen on the sammy tab is anything like the phone then id put samsung back in the equation...
baron von bubba said:
i have a xoom and tbh am extremely happy with it, apart from one thing, the screen...
up against my galaxy s2 (amazzzing phone) it looks dull and colourless, if the screen on the sammy tab is anything like the phone then id put samsung back in the equation...
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The Samsung tablets do not have SAMOLED like their phones do. I have owned an iPad, Nook Color, Acer Iconia A500, HP Touchpad, and now a Xoom. I have to say that they all have mostly the same screens. The Nook was definitely the best as far as pixel density. The rest are essentially the same to my eyes.
I sold the Iconia while I was on vacation in Brazil last month. I had every intention of replacing it with another one when I got back to the US. Well, I played around with the Touchpad for a few weeks instead. I enjoyed the Touchpad but it is just missing too many things to be my only tablet. I sold it for a slight profit and went to CompUSA to buy a new Iconia. That didn't happen.
While looking around at CompUSA, I noticed they had the WiFi Xoom for $399. I then realized it was for a refurbished device. I have owned many refurbished items in my life and this was not a deterrent for me. Especially considering it was refurbished by Motorola and not a third party. So, I bought it. The same day, last Friday, I stopped by Best Buy and picked up a standard dock for $25, OTG cable for $18, and the Portfolio case for $20. I felt good about myself on Friday. LOL
I think this device has all the right details. I like the placement of the LED notification light and the charging light. I am still getting used to the power button location though. I like that the bezel is minimal compared to its competitors. I really think Motorola did a great job in engineering this device.
Granted, it hasn't even been a week yet, but I really think this is the best tablet I have owned so far.
Does the xoom have a full sized usb port?
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gmfeny said:
Does the xoom have a full sized usb port?
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You have to use an OTG cable. Motorola sells one as the camera connection kit. You can find generic ones as well. I bought the Motorola cable for $18. I am sure generic is cheaper.
Its funny you mention that, it was one of the reasons I chose the Acer before. I wouldn't have a Xoom without this cable.
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Kippui said:
Just wait until the holiday season for the xoom 2 unless you can get the xoom for under $400. I personally wouldn't buy a honeycomb tablet this late...
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You're welcome I got mine on the last go around and it has been perfect.
http://www.woot.com/
Ok, I love my TF. And I mean it is awesome. And just being to get a Dock/Keyboard is very cool too..
But I am having a hard time buying the keyboard/. Yes I know all the advantages. But this is what my wife says about it. If you wanted a laptop, then why did you get a tablet?
I have no way of arguing with her on this point. But I would use it if I bought one.
So can you guys give me some advice to help me decide?
If your wife doesn't understand why it's better you chance your wife ;-)
Try to show herramientas that with a keyboard you have the best of two worlds. A laptop for some situations a tablet for other.
Enviado desde mi Transformer TF101 usando Tapatalk
I enjoy having the keyboard dock simply because it bridges the gap between a tablet and a netbook. In addition to all the features it offers typing is so much more convenient while still experiencing the touch screen of the tab itself (whenever I use mine or my wife's laptop I actually try to scroll on the screen...).
You can ask your wife to remove the screen from a netbook when you want to use it separately . I'd say go for it! According to ASUS it will also be compatible for future tablets.
Now having the keyboard dock, I wish i didn't. I wish i would have picked up a good bt keyboard that i could interchange with my cellphone/htpc/future cell./future tablet. my .02
It all comes down to what your main purpose/use for the dock is. I personally like that you can hook up external drives etc. without issues, take screenshots, have dedicated android shortcuts and so on. I had a BT keyboard for my XOOM but it wasn't that great (admittedly, it was a cheap generic Apple keyboard that I taught some android shortcuts). If it's just for the sake of typing on a keyboard then yes, maybe it's better to get a good wireless (BT) keyboard that works with other BT devices. If you want connectivity and expandability then the dock is the best (only?) solution.
phlunkie said:
Now having the keyboard dock, I wish i didn't. I wish i would have picked up a good bt keyboard that i could interchange with my cellphone/htpc/future cell./future tablet. my .02
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For me, I enjoyed using the tablet only. I got the keyboard/dock so I could type faster, and keep the tablet charged. Sometimes I use the USB & SD slots, too.
What happens now: I leave the tablet in the dock most of the time. I only disconnect the tablet when I want to read or play something that works better without a keyboard/dock.
The dock transforms your use from primary tablet, to primary tablet/dock. HTH.
One of the ways I justified it is that with any other tablet you have to buy a BT keyboard anyways, and in addition the dock when folded PROTECTS the tab's glass, basically eliminating the need for a case or sleeve
+1 To " get a new wife"
I make good use of the extra USB, SD, and battery so its really justified for me.
And +1 to fldude99 about protecting the glass. If you think it will benefit you for what you do with the tab then get it. I for one, love it.
I decided to go ahead and get one. Found a brand new one for $123.00. I can always use it on the next transformer I get that happens to have a number 2 next to it.
good for you, oh, and a word of advice, you might like to know what one would do about the weird trackpad and scrolling problems, and that is this: get a usb mouse... It works great with the dock and makes for the full "netbook" experience. (I would go for a wired one though because I occassionally have problems with my wireless one)
hope I could make your experience a little easier
cost with dock and tf is about 5 or 600 cost for new laptop, over 700 dollars. point made
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Considering I got my TF + Dock for $230 shipped brand new, Im thrilled with this thing. The dock is amazing because it gives you the flexibility to work or play. It's very portable with or without the dock, but I usually take just the TF with me when I go places and I dock it the second I get home. Not to mention the extra battery life is a blessing. I say go for it man, you won't regret it.
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It makes typing a hundred times easier and the extra battery are the main reasons I love the dock.
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(1) Laptop battery doesn't last 16 hours.
(2) Laptop can't transform into a tablet when you just want a tablet.
(3) Laptop doesn't have multi-touch capacitive screen.
(4) Laptop feels like an anchor.
Just a few off the top of my head.
I've found that people, ipad users in particular, have a hard time understanding choice. To them the issue is whether you want a tablet or a laptop. What if you want both but don't want to carry a laptop and a tablet around?
Earlier today someone on the train asked me just this question. She was crazy about her ipad 2. So, we talked about our tablets because she was curious about what I have. The question inevitably came up. Why didn't I just get a laptop? I gave her my short answer, which was "I like having the choice to either have a laptop or a tablet". She just gave me a blank look.
This goes back to what I've been saying for months. Apple has done a very good job at convincing people that you cannot be productive with your ipad. You need a laptop for that, preferably the macbook air. So, this woman, like so many others I've talked to, was puzzled why I wanted to do work with my tablet. She couldn't imagine typing for too long on her ipad because the softkeys are just horrible to type on if you're doing substantial typing. Even after I plugged my Tf into the dock, she still had trouble understanding how I could work with a tablet. I had to show her some documents I had put together on nothing but the TF and my powerpoint presentation.
By the time she got up to get off the train at her stop, I still got the feeling that she was still not convinced you could be useful with the tablet platform.
Last month, ,I read an article that claimed the author believed strongy the future will belong to the tablet-notebook hybrids. I guess only time will tell. I agree with that article, though.
i damaged my tablet by packing it with an extension cord for a flight - the prongs dug deep into the screen and damaged it somewhat - d'oh
so i picked up the keyboard primarily so that it could protect the screen
what i got was a keyboard that seems even better made than the tablet
i like the keyboard too for note-taking or long emails, while keeping the tactile yumminess of a touchscreen
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
With the 5.3 inch Samsung Galaxy Note serving well as both a phone and a portable tablet (akin to the Google/Asus Nexus 7) that is just perfect for media consumption, I am now looking for a new device to replace my current 15 inch Acer Aspire 5552 laptop. I need a larger tablet - no 7" devices - that prove an actual upgrade over my Note's screen size and also one which comes with or has a purchasable keyboard dock so that I can do homework on it. Other than that, I merely want the best specification available for the best price and I want to spend no more than around £400 GBP preferably. Any suggestions?
I would suggest Asus Transformer Infinity, not sure if it's fit your price range.
Felimenta97 said:
I would suggest Asus Transformer Infinity, not sure if it's fit your price range.
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Does it have a USB port to plug in either a hard-drive or a USB mouse? Also, are there apps which allow me to bind touch controls to the keyboard/mouse? It'd be awesome to play Dead Trigger with a keyboard and mouse! Do you think that an Android tablet like that could replace a Windows laptop?
Oh, and I also want a tablet which has at least a 720P screen. Anyone know of a video editing app on Android? Also looking for a better blogging app for Blogger than Google's. Any ideas for these two app needs?
I don't want/need 3G though.
Don't know how the USB thingy works, but the Infinity looks like supplies all your wants.
Where can I buy it and for how much? Also, is it possible to bind touch controls to the keyboard dock and a USB mouse? I'd love to play Dead Trigger this way! Is that possible?
Is that possible to bind touch controls from games such as Dead Trigger to a keyboard and mouse?
No Android tablet can replace a laptop. They are all primarily media consumption devices. Dock ones like the TF Prime are the closest you will get to a laptop, but they are still missing so much of the functionality of a laptop.
People wont like me for saying this, but a Microsoft Surface is the closest you will get to a laptop replacement in tablet form. My bet is on the RT costing $500. Even then, i would hesitate getting rid of a laptop for a less capable tablet.
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The Janitor Mop said:
No Android tablet can replace a laptop. They are all primarily media consumption devices. Dock ones like the TF Prime are the closest you will get to a laptop, but they are still missing so much of the functionality of a laptop.
People wont like me for saying this, but a Microsoft Surface is the closest you will get to a laptop replacement in tablet form. My bet is on the RT costing $500. Even then, i would hesitate getting rid of a laptop for a less capable tablet.
Sent from my Sensation using xda app-developers app
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Well, I still have access to a family PC that has Windows Vista. All I do on my laptop is iTunes and YouTube mainly plus some homework. Can't Android do that for me?
What tabs do you recommend anyway or do you think my Note will be enough? Also, can you bind touch controls to the keyboard and mouse on the Transformers? I'd love to play Dead Trigger with a keyboard and mouse!
Brad387 said:
Well, I still have access to a family PC that has Windows Vista. All I do on my laptop is iTunes and YouTube mainly plus some homework. Can't Android do that for me?
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If all you do on your laptop is media consumption, then an Android tablet is fine. Then it just depends on what exactly your homework is and if you need the power of a laptop to do it. If not, get an Android. I too use my laptop mainly for media, but i still think its worth it to have the extra capability of a laptop if you ever need it. Stay away from the TF Prime, im not sure if Asus's newer transformer derivatives like the infinity have better quality.
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The Janitor Mop said:
If all you do on your laptop is media consumption, then an Android tablet is fine. Then it just depends on what exactly your homework is and if you need the power of a laptop to do it. If not, get an Android. I too use my laptop mainly for media, but i still think its worth it to have the extra capability of a laptop if you ever need it. Stay away from the TF Prime, im not sure if Asus's newer transformer derivatives like the infinity have better quality.
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Why stay away from the Prime? Because of the back cover creating problems with Wifi/GPS/etc? The Inifnity has a fix for that.
Felimenta97 said:
Why stay away from the Prime? Because of the back cover creating problems with Wifi/GPS/etc? The Inifnity has a fix for that.
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In a word, yes. The Prime was enough of a problem for a long enough time that I would do thorough research of any Asus tablet before making the decision to buy one. I would be surprised if Asus didn't come up with some design fix when it made the Infinity, but still I would tell anyone to do thorough research on it before buying.