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Years ago, my elderly parents decided to get a computer and become "high tech". And ever since, I've been having trouble to get them to understand the basic functions of a pc. I still occasionally get the phone call from my dad asking me how to perform the most basic functions like downloading pdf files or downloading music. Just the other day, I was asked again how to get into email.
I recently got them a tablet so they could surf, check email, and eventually skype (when it finally comes out) while sitting comfortably on the couch watching tv. Somehow, they're not having trouble with the tablet.
I don't get it. They've been having trouble with the pc for years. I've always figured it's because of the multi-function aspect of the pc that's been giving them trouble. Almost everything else in the house (microwave, washing machine, dish washer, oven, toaster, tv, dvd player, bluray, etc.) has a perfect hardware-software integration and only serves 1 purpose.
But for some reason, they're not having any trouble with their first touch screen device. They're actually able to explore and find new ways at doing things with the gtab. I've been watching in awe as my parents do one thing after another with the gtab. Never seen them so technical before.
I can't seem to find a pattern here. How come they're still having trouble with the PC and yet they have no trouble with an android tablet? Anyone else observing this in their elderly parents?
PS - My 80 yr old uncle is thinking of getting a tablet after seeing how my parents have been playing with a tablet.
Doing the same thing with my mom too. Recluse and giving up on life at 71. The grab has really changed things alot. I put Facebook as a icon on the main screen and she now pecks away talking to my sister 1200 miles away. And her grandson too. Trying video calls next with Skype but haven't got there with working 2 jobs. The gtab has been a God send for me. Even jewels helps with mental abilities and now she is addicted. I can't get it away from her. I am really greatful for this wonderful device. Took it to work and a coworker bought 2 at woot where I bought mine. She asked me to flash them for her. I told her I would show her since she is like me working in lab and IT. Its a wonderful thing. Dan
The more I think about I think its about ease of use. Giving mom a laptop. She is afraid she would break it. Also size. Desktop means sitting at a desk etc. And a keyboard. She can't type. And oh I am going to break this big expensive machine. But she is good at hunt and peck.
Fear factor. By giving her something small, thin and eyecandy takes the fear out of it. Its more like a microwave screen than a huge desktop or even a laptop. Also her gtab has become personal. This is mine and I like it. Its fun and functional at the same time. You should see her playing stuntcar and steering the screen like a car. I also like to say she is partially blind in one eye and bad in the other. This has really helped her visual aquity alot in the month we have had our devices.
I have had the same experience with my mother. She is a complete technophobe. So much so that she retired early from her career as a nurse because she was about to start having to use a Palm Pilot to monitor prescriptions and such. She's wanted email for years and we've tried computers, laptops, etc, all to no avail. She's intimidated by them or something and after a very short period she just stops using them. This is a woman who's scared to program numbers into her cell phone and usually asks me or my brother to do it for her when she needs someone added.
My brother broke down and bought her an iPad for Christmas this year and it's really stuck with her. She's using it everyday to email people (it's the first time we've been able to get her to email consistently) and search recipes on the Internet. For whatever reason, it doesn't intimidate her like every thing else, including her basic, no-frills cell phone. I don't know what it is, but it's working and I'm not complaining.
I'm starting to wonder if it isn't the touch screen that allows a lot of this. Is it that non-techies are actually more comfortable manipulating things this way? Perhaps a more natural method of input allows them to have a higher comfort level and the higher comfort level allows them to push the boundaries of what they know a little harder. I don't know, but it sure seems to be a common theme.
Technology tots
Funny how the elderly and the very young take to tablets/itouch but probably for very different reasons. My 4 year old grandson just bought $60 worth of extras off my daughters iTouch while playing a game.
Not to take your thread off topic, but yahoo messenger + video plugin works great on the gtab if you didn't want to wait for Skype to get their butts in gear. My wife and I use it everyday when I travel.
crispyone said:
Not to take your thread off topic, but yahoo messenger + video plugin works great on the gtab if you didn't want to wait for Skype to get their butts in gear. My wife and I use it everyday when I travel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you any idea how many hours I put in to showing, explaining, showing again, explaining again, etc... my elderly parents, elderly uncles, elderly aunts, and all their computer illiterates how to use skype? Just last week, they had issues with hearing my parents. My parents had to call me and tell me about it. I, in turn, called all the way to the other side of the world to tell them to turn up their volume.
No, I think I will wait for skype on android, thank you very much.
goodintentions said:
I, in turn, called all the way to the other side of the world to tell them to turn up their volume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or turn up their hearing aid!
To the computer illiterates, something as simple as double clicking on an exe file is a world of confusion. Those who live in a modern country like the USA have trouble understanding this. Usually, when I tell people that my folks back in my home country have trouble finding the print button or even have trouble understanding the print button concept people don't believe me. Surely, they thought, nobody in the world would have trouble with clicking on print and out comes a printed paper.
Last month, one of our relatives back in my home country paid a couple of guys to set up their computer for them to yahoo vid with us. The dumbasses (the guys who got paid to set up their system) put the camera facing the front window. Those who have the least experience with cameras should know that you never shoot anyone with the sun as the background. Won't see anything. It took me about half an hour to instruct them to move the camera to face somewhere else for this side of the family to see them.
You know how when someone calls you on skype there's a big green button that says "accept"? Well, some people have trouble understanding the concept of a virtual button, so even something as simple as moving the mouse cursor to the accept button and press it requires time, explanation, and frustration.
You think you have it bad dealing with android newbies? Try dealing with people who until the last couple years never even know what a computer was. Now, try explaning what a mouse cursor is over the phone with the other side of the line being 3 thousand miles away.
Edit.
And to the previous post, have you any idea how painful it was to instruct them to press the Fn button while pressing the + sign to up the volume? They even had trouble understanding the concept of pressing 2 buttons simultaneously. And no doubt, some people here will not believe me. Again, surely, they thought, everybody in the world knows how to turn up the volume.
My guess is that you've already used some sort of remote PC app, but if not,
I would suggest trying out Teamviewer.
It's free for personal use and is dead simple to set up (you might consider setting it to auto-start when they turn on the PC - just put good PW protection on the service.)
I like TV better than any other Remote app.
Zaphod-Beeblebrox said:
My guess is that you've already used some sort of remote PC app, but if not,
I would suggest trying out Teamviewer.
It's free for personal use and is dead simple to set up (you might consider setting it to auto-start when they turn on the PC - just put good PW protection on the service.)
I like TV better than any other Remote app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been using VNC pro. But again, the problem is trying to get them to install and give me their ip address. If I can remote control their PCs without having them install the software and giving me their ip's, then I might as well hack into banking systems and make myself rich.
goodintentions said:
Been using VNC pro. But again, the problem is trying to get them to install and give me their ip address. If I can remote control their PCs without having them install the software and giving me their ip's, then I might as well hack into banking systems and make myself rich.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know we went way OT here, but that's why I like TV. It uses the TV server's as an intermediary, so you don't need their IP. All you need is the ID for their install (which never changes) and their password. If you can get it set up the one time, then you'll never have that issue again.
You can even set up a profile/login to store all of the ID's that you commonly connect to (and their passwords) to make connecting/logging in very easy.
I have a small company with 5 remote employees who are at varying degrees of tech savvy. Once I got TV set up with all the ID's, I can take over their computer anytime I want ... Doesn't need their intervention at all.
Can you please tell me what TV stand for? Don't tell me to google. Every google result has something to do with television.
goodintentions said:
Can you please tell me what TV stand for? Don't tell me to google. Every google result has something to do with television.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TeamViewer
http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx
Zaphod-Beeblebrox said:
TeamViewer
http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just spent the last 2 hours trying to instruct relatives how to run teamviewer on their vista pc. No go. I gave up after an hour trying to explain to them what a window was. I even showed them my screen showing them step by step instruction. They just couldn't understand why I couldn't "remote control" their pc because I already knew their email pass.
Again, you people think its bad dealing with droid noobs? Try being tech support for people who don't know what a mouse cursor is on the other side of the world.
TV is no go. Any other suggestion? Apparently, checking a box and clicking next is too complicated.
goodintentions said:
Just spent the last 2 hours trying to instruct relatives how to run teamviewer on their vista pc. No go. I gave up after an hour trying to explain to them what a window was. I even showed them my screen showing them step by step instruction. They just couldn't understand why I couldn't "remote control" their pc because I already knew their email pass.
Again, you people think its bad dealing with droid noobs? Try being tech support for people who don't know what a mouse cursor is on the other side of the world.
TV is no go. Any other suggestion? Apparently, checking a box and clicking next is too complicated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm surprised they can turn the computer on.
I really don't know of anything easier than TeamViewer.
Did you try using the QuickSession? I think you can download the QuickSession app and pre-configure it to 'auto-dial' back to your system. 'all' you have to do is get them to run the app (which sounds like a chore in and of itself).
If you figure out how to get through this pain one time and get control of the system, TeamViewer will be your best friend forever
Zaphod-Beeblebrox said:
I'm surprised they can turn the computer on.
I really don't know of anything easier than TeamViewer.
Did you try using the QuickSession? I think you can download the QuickSession app and pre-configure it to 'auto-dial' back to your system. 'all' you have to do is get them to run the app (which sounds like a chore in and of itself).
If you figure out how to get through this pain one time and get control of the system, TeamViewer will be your best friend forever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, most of the problem is getting them to run the damn app.
See, we have to understand the fact that some parts of the world just haven't dealt much with a multitasking machine. A tv, vcr, frige, radio, etc. all have perfect software-hardware integration. people don't even notice the software part. They think the hardware is all of it. But with a computer they have to deal directly with software. Huge part of my problem was getting them to press software buttons. They just can't wrap their heads around soft buttons.
This is why back in my home country people get paid ridiculously high for teaching basic microsoft office skills. Heck I should quit my job and go back there and be a professor there.
God that was frustrating.
My mother just moved, and her old WinXP PC didn't survive the move. I built her a new one using an dual core Atom/ION2 mobo, and since she only browsed and checked email I installed Ubuntu. She is 84 years old.
I had made shortcuts for Firefox and Yahoo email on her WinXP box, so I did the same with the Ubuntu one. I even installed a WinXP-looking desktop wallpaper.
She had U-verse internet installed, and the tech booted the PC to do the online registration. He had to call me and said he had looked all over and couldn't find Internet explorer on the PC. I had to tell him that he was using a Linux OS, and not a Microsoft OS!
I considered offering my second Woot g-tablet to my mom, but not sure if she would really use it.
Wow, great thread reading about technology touching people in a positive way...
IMHO, LogMeIn Hamachi is hands down easier than ANYTHING else. Install, join network, finished.
It works similar to TV, but with less 'stuff'.
Install on your computer an create "My Hamachi Group"
Create a password for "My Hamachi Group"
Give your group name "My Hamachi Group" and "group password" to whom ever you wish to join your network
They simply install, enter "My Hamachi Group" and the "group password" and are now on your virtual private network.
Use good old native remote desktop to view remote computers, not another program. Works excellent with Vista and Seven when installed with right-click and Run as Administrator, no special tricks for XP.
Runs by default at startup and you can see who is available and connected at all times.
tenet420 said:
IMHO, LogMeIn Hamachi is hands down easier than ANYTHING else. Install, join network, finished.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looks like that is a windows program. I, and now my mother, use Linux. Fortunately (for her) she lives close enough that I can just go over to her apartment. If she ever starts to actually use her Ubuntu PC for something other than browsing/email, then I'm screwed!!
Hi guys, today I saw Nokia WP7 Lumia 800, before myself.
No doubt WP7 looked Beautiful. I mean Android is far better in definition of smartphone, for e.g. True multitasking, etc. but I never found Android OS beautiful.
I had Android in my hand (CM7 with complete ICS look, also ICS status bar), and my friend had WP7, and WP7 looked amazingly beautiful.
Personally I would love an OS which is beautiful, since I look at it (the OS), and I'm not a huge app user. Also I'm not a user who does not need apps running in background. Here are the apps that I use on Android (only these apps)----
1) App Lock - Prevent unauthorized access for any person to any of my apps (Very useful)
2) Calculus Tools
3) Handy Calc
4) Concise Offline Dictionary (Very useful)
5) Moon Reader (epub reader ebook reader) (Very Very useful)
6) MX Player (Very useful, plays any video format)
7) Opera Mini & Opera Mobile (Very useful, saves data cost)
8) USB Tunnel (Reverse Tether, very useful)
So, I want to ask, are these apps ( or there replacement apps )are available on WP7 market, or WP8 market???
I'm looking forward to buy WP8 in future. Please reply if you know these apps or replacement apps are available for WP7 orWP8?
Also, Windows is major PC OS, and I'll always have Windows ( Mac never ), and Windows PC has many software, so there is great possibility that WP8 will see many new apps in market, ( WP8 ports of the PC softwares ). Also looking for full integration with my PC. ( like iOS and MAC).
Posting in the wp7 section night help more as these are wp7 apps you're looking for and only they know
Anyway, depending on your handset i would wait for jellybean to see how it is before you think about switching. For me however I'll never switch. And btw you should try the real ics.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Thanks
shockem said:
Posting in the wp7 section night help more as these are wp7 apps you're looking for and only they know
Anyway, depending on your handset i would wait for jellybean to see how it is before you think about switching. For me however I'll never switch. And btw you should try the real ics.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for not putting heat on me. unlike some YouTube users who would have said something like,
' Are you crazy', or ' Goodbye forever' etc.
CM9 for my device has camera bug. So ICS is never for my phone.
Played with it previously. It's clean but it's so locked down I could never deal with it. It's even worse than iOS in terms of customization right now. For someone who just wants something straightfoward though it's a good device. I really think Nokia could have done a slightly better job on the hardware though.
That said, there are already multiple threads on this so this one may get locked.
I don't know man.
I like the fact that with android, once you get tired of a ROM, you can just find another one that looks nice or satisfies that craving for a "different" phone without spending a lot of money.
But if it floats your boat, make the switch
1) No. And unlikely to happen. You can lock the phone, but not individual apps.
2) Probably. A quick Marketplace search for 'calculus' returns a number of results.
3) As above.
4) As above.
5) As above.
6) Nope. There's new video features in WP8, but we don't know details yet.
7) Nope. IE10 on WP8 uses similar technology though.
8) I'm not sure what this does? I'm guessing it allows the phone to connect to the internet over a USB cable or Bluetooth? I which case, no. You're also unlikely to see this one appear.
So... basically 7 is no good to you and 8 will only work for you if you're willing to accept some compromises. More of your boxes might get ticked as time goes by; I'm not sure what the app development limits are regarding points 1, 6, 7 and 8.
satchef1 said:
1) No. And unlikely to happen. You can lock the phone, but not individual apps.
2) Probably. A quick Marketplace search for 'calculus' returns a number of results.
3) As above.
4) As above.
5) As above.
6) Nope. There's new video features in WP8, but we don't know details yet.
7) Nope. IE10 on WP8 uses similar technology though.
8) I'm not sure what this does? I'm guessing it allows the phone to connect to the internet over a USB cable or Bluetooth? I which case, no. You're also unlikely to see this one appear.
So... basically 7 is no good to you and 8 will only work for you if you're willing to accept some compromises. More of your boxes might get ticked as time goes by; I'm not sure what the app development limits are regarding points 1, 6, 7 and 8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Your reply was good, and to the point. Like it.
MissionImprobable said:
Played with it previously. It's clean but it's so locked down I could never deal with it. It's even worse than iOS in terms of customization right now. For someone who just wants something straightfoward though it's a good device. I really think Nokia could have done a slightly better job on the hardware though.
That said, there are already multiple threads on this so this one may get locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, WP7 customization is very less at this moment. WP8 has reduced some limitations on OEMs and allowed customization on some places like Start Screen.
Waiting for WP8 review.
Android doesn't have true multi-tasking. And neither does WP7. At least till mango according to this article: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscent...e_7_day_21_mango_does_multitaskingmostly.html
The only true multitasking I've heard about on a mobile platform (Save for the full-fledged PC OSes) is QNX which runs on the Playbook. Also, Windows Mobile which ran on pocket PC has true multitasking.
Hello guys. For those who have used the Microsoft surface, can you share your experience? I am just curious about its speed, performance, and how user friendly it is
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
I love mine. I find the interface refreshing and unique, the people app lets me do way more with social media than I have been able to do in the past. Typing on the touch cover is still a bit of a challenge but they are saying it takes a few days to get it done properly. Speed wise, there are no issues. Mine is snappy and responsive. Battery life is amazing. I can use it all day 6am until 7pm and still only be down to around 30-40% battery remaining. There is a lack of apps but nothing that I can't wait out. I expected the ecosystem will take a bit to get going and I'm willing to wait. I sold my ipad with retina and honestly don't miss it at all.
I really love mine the more I use it. I'm typing this on the touchcover and although I make a lot of mistakes I seem to be getting better at it. That said, I do have some issues but nothing that major (yet!). Battery life seems to be much less than the ipad, people report 8-10 hours, I only get like 4-7. The apps are a disappointment, but I plan to use this device productively soo all I really need is dropbox. The device seems to slow down when editing 2 page documents in word. I tried to make a brochure on here and dragging pictures around was a nightmare. I did type a paper onhere and while it took longer then on a regular keyboard it wasn't that bad.
IE 10 for metro is complete trash. Can't even load XDA so I find myself always forced to use the desktop version. If you buy one, I suggest the model higher than 32gb as we really only get lke 14 gb because of the os taking up so much room.
The touchcover gets very dirty it seems. I'm not suire if I can clean it without ruining it. I sneeze on it before and it has a nasty stain =/.
The device itself is very prone to scratches, I tend to try to plug the thing into charge while its dark and that damn connector is such a pita that I always scratch the bezel.
I love the keyboard gestures (which I know can be used on any computer). The UI is very fast, there's a crap ton of gestures to learn. Yet, there are some gripes. Closing an app takes a crazy amount of time. You have to drag all theway from the top of the screen to the bottom, unnecessary.
Overall, I love it and I plan on keeping it. I still have my ipad and my nexus 7 but this really helps me get stuff done. The fact I can plug in almost any usb device and hve it work is amazing. You can even charge cellphones and stuff with the USB. I would recommend getting the surface IF you realize you can't run anything that's not in the store. No browser addons, no exe fils, nothing. Sometime that makes me wish I got the pro, but this device is really enough. Get past the quirkiness of metro + desktop and it's a beast.
Sorry for the typos. This was typed on the touch cover while lying down in bed.
*EDIT* The messenger app sucks realy badly too. You add someone as a friend (which can't be done in the app you have to go to a website) then you can't ever send them a message cause it says "Name unavailable" but they can send you messages. Its a one way form of communication.
*Edit2* Another clunky part. There are no jpg thumbail previews in the desktop. And when you want to open an image it has to open a program in metro
brandonjuraimi said:
Hello guys. For those who have used the Microsoft surface, can you share your experience? I am just curious about its speed, performance, and how user friendly it is
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love the surface responsiveness and the new UI. But still there is still miles to go to get this perfect.
1. After being ON for more than 3 days, clicking on Email opened up weather, can't reach the email by clicking on any of the tiles. Same with IE. I had to reboot.
2. The auto rotate stopped working suddenly. I had to reboot to get it working again.
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
4. There is no Cisco VPN client. If your work requires non standard Cisco VPN connectivity, stay away.
5. Enterprise Distribution of apps isn't clear yet. We shouldn't have to have enterprise apps published to Microsoft Store every time.
6. Silverlight doesn't run on RT? Kidding me?
7. Playing HD video isn't going to be easy. Not even one app which could play MKV files.
8. The copy paste of text inside surface isn't as easy as in iPad. Sometimes it takes too much time to get the needed text selected on IE.
9. Needs tweaking to run Flash on all websites (its a hack. Why?)
10, Pointing the cursor to an exact place in a text area isn't as easy as in iPad with the magnifying glass.
By the way, WHERE IS THE REPORT A PROBLEM button in RT ?
Though I have so many complaints, I still love my Surface. I don't use my iPad anymore. Many times, I had tried to touch my monitor while using my laptop. MS is spoiling me
mchimney said:
I really love mine the more I use it. I'm typing this on the touchcover and although I make a lot of mistakes I seem to be getting better at it. That said, I do have some issues but nothing that major (yet!). Battery life seems to be much less than the ipad, people report 8-10 hours, I only get like 4-7. The apps are a disappointment, but I plan to use this device productively soo all I really need is dropbox. The device seems to slow down when editing 2 page documents in word. I tried to make a brochure on here and dragging pictures around was a nightmare. I did type a paper onhere and while it took longer then on a regular keyboard it wasn't that bad.
IE 10 for metro is complete trash. Can't even load XDA so I find myself always forced to use the desktop version. If you buy one, I suggest the model higher than 32gb as we really only get lke 14 gb because of the os taking up so much room.
The touchcover gets very dirty it seems. I'm not suire if I can clean it without ruining it. I sneeze on it before and it has a nasty stain =/.
The device itself is very prone to scratches, I tend to try to plug the thing into charge while its dark and that damn connector is such a pita that I always scratch the bezel.
I love the keyboard gestures (which I know can be used on any computer). The UI is very fast, there's a crap ton of gestures to learn. Yet, there are some gripes. Closing an app takes a crazy amount of time. You have to drag all theway from the top of the screen to the bottom, unnecessary.
Overall, I love it and I plan on keeping it. I still have my ipad and my nexus 7 but this really helps me get stuff done. The fact I can plug in almost any usb device and hve it work is amazing. You can even charge cellphones and stuff with the USB. I would recommend getting the surface IF you realize you can't run anything that's not in the store. No browser addons, no exe fils, nothing. Sometime that makes me wish I got the pro, but this device is really enough. Get past the quirkiness of metro + desktop and it's a beast.
Sorry for the typos. This was typed on the touch cover while lying down in bed.
*EDIT* The messenger app sucks realy badly too. You add someone as a friend (which can't be done in the app you have to go to a website) then you can't ever send them a message cause it says "Name unavailable" but they can send you messages. Its a one way form of communication.
*Edit2* Another clunky part. There are no jpg thumbail previews in the desktop. And when you want to open an image it has to open a program in metro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In response to some of your issues. I love metro ui based IE and find it loads XDA without issue. A good tip is to enable adblocking filters using the tips in this forum (find the topic called tips). It loads XDA fine now for me.
Closing an app by dragging top to bottom takes a lot of time? It's a half second gesture man. Be realistic. Alot of your complaints are issues that are not issues at all. It's a different UI, give it a break.
---------- Post added at 05:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:03 PM ----------
tcsekhar said:
I love the surface responsiveness and the new UI. But still there is still miles to go to get this perfect.
1. After being ON for more than 3 days, clicking on Email opened up weather, can't reach the email by clicking on any of the tiles. Same with IE. I had to reboot.
2. The auto rotate stopped working suddenly. I had to reboot to get it working again.
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
4. There is no Cisco VPN client. If your work requires non standard Cisco VPN connectivity, stay away.
5. Enterprise Distribution of apps isn't clear yet. We shouldn't have to have enterprise apps published to Microsoft Store every time.
6. Silverlight doesn't run on RT? Kidding me?
7. Playing HD video isn't going to be easy. Not even one app which could play MKV files.
8. The copy paste of text inside surface isn't as easy as in iPad. Sometimes it takes too much time to get the needed text selected on IE.
9. Needs tweaking to run Flash on all websites (its a hack. Why?)
10, Pointing the cursor to an exact place in a text area isn't as easy as in iPad with the magnifying glass.
By the way, WHERE IS THE REPORT A PROBLEM button in RT ?
Though I have so many complaints, I still love my Surface. I don't use my iPad anymore. Many times, I had tried to touch my monitor while using my laptop. MS is spoiling me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MKV does not equal HD, so try playing an MP4 or something in HD before making comments like this. So what if it doesn't play MKV format, there are plenty it does play.
cmscritic said:
I love mine. I find the interface refreshing and unique, the people app lets me do way more with social media than I have been able to do in the past. Typing on the touch cover is still a bit of a challenge but they are saying it takes a few days to get it done properly. Speed wise, there are no issues. Mine is snappy and responsive. Battery life is amazing. I can use it all day 6am until 7pm and still only be down to around 30-40% battery remaining. There is a lack of apps but nothing that I can't wait out. I expected the ecosystem will take a bit to get going and I'm willing to wait. I sold my ipad with retina and honestly don't miss it at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow your experience with the Microsoft surface sure is awesome. It sounds awesome and I can't wait to check it out. Not sure if it is available in my country though...
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
mchimney said:
I really love mine the more I use it. I'm typing this on the touchcover and although I make a lot of mistakes I seem to be getting better at it. That said, I do have some issues but nothing that major (yet!). Battery life seems to be much less than the ipad, people report 8-10 hours, I only get like 4-7. The apps are a disappointment, but I plan to use this device productively soo all I really need is dropbox. The device seems to slow down when editing 2 page documents in word. I tried to make a brochure on here and dragging pictures around was a nightmare. I did type a paper onhere and while it took longer then on a regular keyboard it wasn't that bad.
IE 10 for metro is complete trash. Can't even load XDA so I find myself always forced to use the desktop version. If you buy one, I suggest the model higher than 32gb as we really only get lke 14 gb because of the os taking up so much room.
The touchcover gets very dirty it seems. I'm not suire if I can clean it without ruining it. I sneeze on it before and it has a nasty stain =/.
The device itself is very prone to scratches, I tend to try to plug the thing into charge while its dark and that damn connector is such a pita that I always scratch the bezel.
I love the keyboard gestures (which I know can be used on any computer). The UI is very fast, there's a crap ton of gestures to learn. Yet, there are some gripes. Closing an app takes a crazy amount of time. You have to drag all theway from the top of the screen to the bottom, unnecessary.
Overall, I love it and I plan on keeping it. I still have my ipad and my nexus 7 but this really helps me get stuff done. The fact I can plug in almost any usb device and hve it work is amazing. You can even charge cellphones and stuff with the USB. I would recommend getting the surface IF you realize you can't run anything that's not in the store. No browser addons, no exe fils, nothing. Sometime that makes me wish I got the pro, but this device is really enough. Get past the quirkiness of metro + desktop and it's a beast.
Sorry for the typos. This was typed on the touch cover while lying down in bed.
*EDIT* The messenger app sucks realy badly too. You add someone as a friend (which can't be done in the app you have to go to a website) then you can't ever send them a message cause it says "Name unavailable" but they can send you messages. Its a one way form of communication.
*Edit2* Another clunky part. There are no jpg thumbail previews in the desktop. And when you want to open an image it has to open a program in metro
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Click to collapse
The Microsoft surface is still new so it probably still have quite a number of flaws. Hope Microsoft work on it and come out with Microsoft surface 2?
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
tcsekhar said:
I love the surface responsiveness and the new UI. But still there is still miles to go to get this perfect.
1. After being ON for more than 3 days, clicking on Email opened up weather, can't reach the email by clicking on any of the tiles. Same with IE. I had to reboot.
2. The auto rotate stopped working suddenly. I had to reboot to get it working again.
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
4. There is no Cisco VPN client. If your work requires non standard Cisco VPN connectivity, stay away.
5. Enterprise Distribution of apps isn't clear yet. We shouldn't have to have enterprise apps published to Microsoft Store every time.
6. Silverlight doesn't run on RT? Kidding me?
7. Playing HD video isn't going to be easy. Not even one app which could play MKV files.
8. The copy paste of text inside surface isn't as easy as in iPad. Sometimes it takes too much time to get the needed text selected on IE.
9. Needs tweaking to run Flash on all websites (its a hack. Why?)
10, Pointing the cursor to an exact place in a text area isn't as easy as in iPad with the magnifying glass.
By the way, WHERE IS THE REPORT A PROBLEM button in RT ?
Though I have so many complaints, I still love my Surface. I don't use my iPad anymore. Many times, I had tried to touch my monitor while using my laptop. MS is spoiling me
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Click to collapse
That sounds really troublesome and watching movies and videos is a pain.
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
cmscritic said:
In response to some of your issues. I love metro ui based IE and find it loads XDA without issue. A good tip is to enable adblocking filters using the tips in this forum (find the topic called tips). It loads XDA fine now for me.
Closing an app by dragging top to bottom takes a lot of time? It's a half second gesture man. Be realistic. Alot of your complaints are issues that are not issues at all. It's a different UI, give it a break.
---------- Post added at 05:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:03 PM ----------
MKV does not equal HD, so try playing an MP4 or something in HD before making comments like this. So what if it doesn't play MKV format, there are plenty it does play.
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I agree MKV does not equal HD. But the best compression today seems to be MKV files, and I have a ton of those. I don't want to convert all of them again into MP4 or any other format at this point. When all other OS supports playing it, why not MS - especially when they are late in the game, and know what the expectations are?
only 4-7 hours? maybe faulty device? everybody has like 8-10.. 4-7 aint too good
mr_dan said:
only 4-7 hours? maybe faulty device? everybody has like 8-10.. 4-7 aint too good
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Mine with continuous use from morning 7AM till 9PM still have 30% juice. I just use for browse & search - no play or video.
tcsekhar said:
Mine with continuous use from morning 7AM till 9PM still have 30% juice. I just use for browse & search - no play or video.
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Agreed. Mine is about the same.
---------- Post added at 08:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:33 PM ----------
tcsekhar said:
I agree MKV does not equal HD. But the best compression today seems to be MKV files, and I have a ton of those. I don't want to convert all of them again into MP4 or any other format at this point. When all other OS supports playing it, why not MS - especially when they are late in the game, and know what the expectations are?
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Click to collapse
I know what you mean, I'd love to have it too (especially for the space savings) but I think we need to give MS some time to get the apps rolling. It's a new ecosystem and I've no doubt it'll get rolling soon. Would LOVE to see VLC on it.. that would rock.
I understand the os is new but I love the potential. I love this device regardless of my complaints. I do miss Google though.
In regards to my battery, I think something must be wrong, I'm using quite a lot of battery even just idling
mchimney said:
I understand the os is new but I love the potential. I love this device regardless of my complaints. I do miss Google though.
In regards to my battery, I think something must be wrong, I'm using quite a lot of battery even just idling
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Click to collapse
I'd take it in and have it looked at. I can usually go the whole day without issue.
mchimney said:
I understand the os is new but I love the potential. I love this device regardless of my complaints. I do miss Google though.
In regards to my battery, I think something must be wrong, I'm using quite a lot of battery even just idling
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Click to collapse
Probably your wifi, email or any idling applications could have cause the huge drainage of battery
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
brandonjuraimi said:
Probably your wifi, email or any idling applications could have cause the huge drainage of battery
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
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I know Bluettoth also kills battery on phones and on the surface it is on by default. We need one of those battery monitoring apps, especially since the Start screen doesn't report battery details - I did find the "Windows Mobility Center" in the backend/desktop, and created a link on the start screen - it provides batter percentage among other shortcuts - pretty cool.
what I do love about the Surface is all the little things that can be tweaked on the descktop - By far more customizable than any other tablet out there.
tcsekhar said:
I agree MKV does not equal HD. But the best compression today seems to be MKV files, and I have a ton of those. I don't want to convert all of them again into MP4 or any other format at this point. When all other OS supports playing it, why not MS - especially when they are late in the game, and know what the expectations are?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MKV is just a container, like avi or ogg. So actual compression is x264 or as some call it mp4. There is also MP4 container which contains also x264 compressed videos, so moving files from mkv to MP4 is possible without reencoding, but just repacking.
But I agree, it is not for everyone and I'm sure mkv support will come soon through some third party app like vlc or mplayer.
This device is very new to the market and the os as well.
encho said:
MKV is just a container, like avi or ogg. So actual compression is x264 or as some call it mp4. There is also MP4 container which contains also x264 compressed videos, so moving files from mkv to MP4 is possible without reencoding, but just repacking.
But I agree, it is not for everyone and I'm sure mkv support will come soon through some third party app like vlc or mplayer.
This device is very new to the market and the os as well.
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MKV is definitely the container of choice for HD in this day and age so any current system needs to be able to handle it if they want to sell units My whole HTPC movie library is in MKV. Having to convert to mp4 is not very practical as it requires time and steps (I use Handbrake for my Ipod touch). The latest Androids can play alomost anything thrown at them. I am sure someone will release a video player that will handle it if the surface is truly to be considered a media device. The question is will MS let it get certified in the store (Still unclear on the process and what's allowed - I would love to see a Opera or Firefox borwser too and I thought MS got sued years back for limiting options of browsers on the desktop OS). The question is how open MS will be to allow competing apps, especially if they want to sell hardware.
guitar1969 said:
MKV is definitely the container of choice for HD in this day and age so any current system needs to be able to handle it if they want to sell units My whole HTPC movie library is in MKV. Having to convert to mp4 is not very practical as it requires time and steps (I use Handbrake for my Ipod touch). The latest Androids can play alomost anything thrown at them. I am sure someone will release a video player that will handle it if the surface is truly to be considered a media device. The question is will MS let it get certified in the store (Still unclear on the process and what's allowed - I would love to see a Opera or Firefox borwser too and I thought MS got sued years back for limiting options of browsers on the desktop OS). The question is how open MS will be to allow competing apps, especially if they want to sell hardware.
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Back in my Linux days I had a script which unpacks MKV like it would zip file and repacks into MP4. The whole process takes 1 minute. But as you said MKV support needs to come to RT and MS is aware of the fact that sale of their Surface tablets depends on third party apps.
So I don't think they'll have an issue with VLC or Opera or anything else. More apps equals more profit.
tcsekhar said:
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
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Agree its not very good, I hope they release an RT version of Outlook.
But you CAN multiselect, kind of swipe an email to the right a bit and a tick pops up in the corner, and then do the same for other.
At the moment, Hotmail/Outlook.com is better than the RT mail app...
I know there is a lot of gripe about the White list of what websites are allowed to use flash. I don't have a lot of knowledge on the topic so I wanted to fish around a bit for some information and pose some questions.
-Is it always going to be like this? Is it likely that they will release someway for users to control their own flash preferences?
-Is it likely that a 3rd party will release something that will allow a setting like this?
- [Edit] If more support for Flash is to be forthcoming, what would one expect the timeline to be? How long would it take? [I know this will mostly be speculation ]
- [EDIT] if firefox or chrome were developed for it, would they have to run off of the whitelist as well?
-As someone who hasn't touched windows 8 full, does the full OS have a similar flash limitation?
Also if this is the wrong place for this I am terribly sorry and will move the thread where ever it goes.
adashofrainbow said:
I know there is a lot of gripe about the White list of what websites are allowed to use flash. I don't have a lot of knowledge on the topic so I wanted to fish around a bit for some information and pose some questions.
-Is it always going to be like this? Is it likely that they will release someway for users to control their own flash preferences?
-Is it likely that a 3rd party will release something that will allow a setting like this?
-As someone who hasn't touched windows 8 full, does the full OS have a similar flash limitation?
Also if this is the wrong place for this I am terribly sorry and will move the thread where ever it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello
I don't think it will always be like this. I think someone may create a tool that automatically adds websites or simplify the process for us. Or we may even have a list that the community creates and we could possibly set our browser to auto download the list via options or script or 3rd party software. That being said, I do not think full windows will have the same flash limitation..at least not in desktop mode, because they can install whatever windows app they choose. It's an awesome device nonetheless.
equisbox said:
Hello
I don't think it will always be like this. I think someone may create a tool that automatically adds websites or simplify the process for us. Or we may even have a list that the community creates and we could possibly set our browser to auto download the list via options or script or 3rd party software. That being said, I do not think full windows will have the same flash limitation..at least not in desktop mode, because they can install whatever windows app they choose. It's an awesome device nonetheless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no doubt that I am enjoying my new toy. However I really enjoy certain facebook games, like Marvel Avenger's and Draw something, but unfortunately the flash support of Facebook doesn't extend to these. I got this to replace my laptop, it's unfortunate that I can't play these on the go any more. I suppose a time line for flash support would be another question I have.
laptop replacement...I think the surface pro is probably a better option for laptop replacement than the RT. Unless of course you only do light amount of things on your laptop, and do not care about not being able to install 'regular' windows applications such as Photoshop. Even then you could remote desktop into your PC and use those applications, Some people have reported very good results using remote desktop on the surface, but I have yet to try it or myself. Don't get me wrong though, the surface RT is a very powerful device and a lot better then android and ipad as far as productivity IMO. We are just little behind on the number of applications, and even then you could argue that most android and apple apps are useless. Nonetheless, the do have us beat by the numbers. We get a real high quality app right out the box - Office.
I was at a crossroads before I purchased my Surface. I love androids and I couldn't decide between RT or android tablet. I played with the Surface and I feel in love, Whereas the android tablet would have been just like having a bigger phone. There's not much I could do in an Android tablet that I couldn't do on my Samsung Galaxy S3.
I also though I wanted the Surface PRO at first, but upon further research, I came to the conclusion that RT was the right choice. I wanted a Tablet that can do light PC related tasks, not a full mini laptop - I have a DELL XPS 15 and multiple desktops for any 'serious' work I may need to do. The pro will probably get HOT and windy and noisy due to the fans as well. I think a lot of people who purchase the pro may end up returning it and getting a RT because I do not think the PRO will functions completely like a tablet. I may be wrong but I guess only time will tell.
I love this thing.
To answer some questions:
Win8 (x86/x64) includes the whitelist in its iecompatdata.xml file, but doesn't "respect" it (i.e. all Flash sites work).
While an official tool to control Flash usage is quite possible, don't hold your breath. A few unofficial tools already exist, but tend to be a bit limited and/or cumbersome to use (I'm working on an improved one myself).
A Windows Store app, even if it could get approved, probably wouldn't work for most people; the relevant file is outside the app sandbox, so the user would have to manually grant permission to access it.
For Facebook games (or other places where an external video is embedded manually), try adding the domain of the Flash file itself (usually found in an OBJECT tag, with an extension like ".flv"). For example, if the Flash file comes from "http://flash.facebook-games.com/IMaedAGaem/flashgame.flv", you should try adding "facebook-games.com" to the whitelist. You can try using my old scripts (working on updates for them) for this, although I can't promise they'll work in that case (haven't ever tried). The link is in my signature.
GoodDayToDie said:
To answer some questions:
Win8 (x86/x64) includes the whitelist in its iecompatdata.xml file, but doesn't "respect" it (i.e. all Flash sites work).
While an official tool to control Flash usage is quite possible, don't hold your breath. A few unofficial tools already exist, but tend to be a bit limited and/or cumbersome to use (I'm working on an improved one myself).
A Windows Store app, even if it could get approved, probably wouldn't work for most people; the relevant file is outside the app sandbox, so the user would have to manually grant permission to access it.
For Facebook games (or other places where an external video is embedded manually), try adding the domain of the Flash file itself (usually found in an OBJECT tag, with an extension like ".flv"). For example, if the Flash file comes from "http://flash.facebook-games.com/IMaedAGaem/flashgame.flv", you should try adding "facebook-games.com" to the whitelist. You can try using my old scripts (working on updates for them) for this, although I can't promise they'll work in that case (haven't ever tried). The link is in my signature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what's the real hope? That more websites get whitelisted?
adashofrainbow said:
So what's the real hope? That more websites get whitelisted?
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Click to collapse
That, or that Microsoft discontinue the whitelist
you do understand that you can easily add to the whitelist yourself right?
mmian said:
you do understand that you can easily add to the whitelist yourself right?
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Click to collapse
Yes, but it would be nice to not have to. And I'm not always 100% successful
is thare a zune alternative? I cant get my phone to sync with zune no matter how hard i try is thare any other software i can use to put videos on my phone and get pictures off?
You can use skydrive.
Look for "Touchxperience", it's supposed to be an alternative manager for WP7 phones. I'm not really into it but I had to write some news about it and they were advertising it as an "alternative zune"
Is that a joke?
1- you don't have a wp7 device, you have a Frankenstein's monster, with wp7 installed on it, which is cool after all.:good:
2- there isn't an alternative, who would want it? Zune is pretty good at it, I thought about finding an alternative too, but discarded it after found NOTHING.
3- Even when there's no alternative, is just a matter of understanding Zune, my problem was the order of the songs, guess what? Zune can create and manage the playlists on the phone, you don't have to use Zune on your desktop (like me), you can use whatever player you want like Winamp and VLC (like me).
Play with Zune a little, you'll find that is better that some software out there that could be qualified as "TRASH music manager", *cough* iTunes *cough*
Just give Zune a little run test... OK?
Regards
faustolg said:
1- you don't have a wp7 device, you have a Frankenstein's monster, with wp7 installed on it, which is cool after all.:good:
2- there isn't an alternative, who would want it? Zune is pretty good at it, I thought about finding an alternative too, but discarded it after found NOTHING.
3- Even when there's no alternative, is just a matter of understanding Zune, my problem was the order of the songs, guess what? Zune can create and manage the playlists on the phone, you don't have to use Zune on your desktop (like me), you can use whatever player you want like Winamp and VLC (like me).
Play with Zune a little, you'll find that is better that some software out there that could be qualified as "TRASH music manager", *cough* iTunes *cough*
Just give Zune a little run test... OK?
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well i have an htc hd2 but i have tryed 3 diffrent roms hd20,anser,pdaimagejam but the problum came when i told zune to forget my device and then i could not get it to work at all aftert that. its been not working for acouple weeks now,
i have contacted zuen support and we couldnot pin point the problum i trued microsoft fix it .msi's but no luck.
so im pritty stumped as to how to make zune sync with the phone anymore and touchexperiance wont work with out zune,
Read this http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2410180/en-us
If your fully unlocked you can use Windows Mobile Device Center..... You can get pictures off that way.
jackrabbit72380 said:
is thare a zune alternative?
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DavidinCT said:
If your fully unlocked you can use Windows Mobile Device Center.....
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Click to collapse
Guys! Zune drivers - is a transport for WP like ActiveSync was for WM. And it has NO alternative. If Zune is not working to provide these features - nothing will help you.