Database Info

I'm now G-Less

Due to my worry that there's a good chance Viewsonic will stop support for the G Tablet - I returned mine back to Sears.
The salesman told me most are being returned and he did hear that there is a recall. When I asked what info he was told - he just said that there is a recall and he doesn't know specifics - but the returns are all different problems.
My thanks to all who provided the info on these forums and I intend
to take the plunge again with either a different tablet or Viewsonic's next gen.

I did the same exact thing for the same exact reason.. returned my G to sears last night. I see one on craigslist now for $300.. Its bit tempting considering i'm not paying full retail... guess i'm going back to my nook color till april next yr.

Sorry to hear. I am sure you are not alone.
From the VS tweet is sounds unlikely there is a recall or even 'manufacturing defect' related to hardware.
"We are looking into Staples' gTablet action and will provide more information as we get it."
However, if there is a recall you would be able to return your device no matter the purchase date.
I think a lot of people are just spreading the same rumor - egged on by attention hungry non-fact checking tech blogs, uneducated point of sales employees and a miscommunication on Staples part.
I know there are a lot of people lookng for deals on these things. What Sears location did you return your to?

Yikes!
Two folks who have bought into the Engadget, Apple biased conjecture based on a sign at a Staples.
Best to do what you feel though, none the less.

Thanks... more for us to buy cheap! LOL!

I did the same, although for different reason, namely because I couldn't deal with the screen any longer.

Lnin0 said:
Sorry to hear. I am sure you are not alone.
From the VS tweet is sounds unlikely there is a recall or even 'manufacturing defect' related to hardware.
"We are looking into Staples' gTablet action and will provide more information as we get it."
However, if there is a recall you would be able to return your device no matter the purchase date.
I think a lot of people are just spreading the same rumor - egged on by attention hungry non-fact checking tech blogs, uneducated point of sales employees and a miscommunication on Staples part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely Viewsonic's tweets would deny a recall as long as possible even if one was in the works.
On the other hand a Viewsonic recall would affect more than just Staples. However this is only the beginning of this fiasco. Let's see how it progresses over the next couple of weeks.

oblomov said:
I did the same, although for different reason, namely because I couldn't deal with the screen any longer.
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Click to collapse
I could live with the screen. For me it would be the lack of Flash and the constant WiFi drops.

as long as there is a dev community supporting it i am happy
the viewing angle is a $50 fix with a replacement LCD and the hardware on this is going to remain competitive for some time still.
i could have paid a lot more for a better GUI and angle views but would have had a less powerful tablet.
i believe this gTab will be around for a bit and i am enjoying my veganTab.

I called Viewsonic CS this morning for exactly this reason - they need to nip this in the bud NOW and assure their user-base that they have this under control.
I completely understand your reasons for returning it. If I hadn't gotten mine used at the Outlet, I'd be a bit worried as well. As it is, I'm here for the long haul - if they eventually pull support, we have zPad and the VEGA to keep us going. It's been a wild ride and I don't think it's going to end anytime soon.

Lnin0 said:
Sorry to hear. I am sure you are not alone.
I know there are a lot of people lookng for deals on these things. What Sears location did you return your to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New Brunswick, NJ

I have two, one new from staples and one from sears outlet. I am very happy with them both and so is wifey. She loves hers. I think the update they came out with yesterday is spot on. They are now in the same boat as all other tab manufacturers right now. It's stable and responsive right now with the update. Archos does not have flash oob nor does any other tablet, except the Galaxy. FAIK, there is NO 10" tablet that has flash oob, including the Ipad. The update leveled the playing field with everything else that is out there at this time.
When, not if, they get flash oob, this will be the leader of the pack. I think you guys are jumping ship a tad too early, but that'[s just my opinion and we know about opinions.

BluesTele said:
New Brunswick, NJ
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There you go Roebeet, that's a quick 2 hour round trip! GO GET IT!

BluesTele said:
New Brunswick, NJ
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What a time for me to be away lol. Would of been like an hour lol.
Hoppefully someone will take advantage, if it becomes available.

iDroidNow said:
the viewing angle is a $50 fix with a replacement LCD and the hardware on this is going to remain competitive for some time still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does one go about doing this?

Fuzzy John said:
I could live with the screen. For me it would be the lack of Flash and the constant WiFi drops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From an out of box perspective, I would have been G-less from day two.
Still, you were a simple install away from a stable TnT Lite 2.4 and Flash is easy to install. For non modders that want out of box- the G is not "G" for good.

deependh200 said:
How does one go about doing this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is a thread about it here. also one of the guys on the tegratab IRC has already done it, is posting a thread on here with pics, and apparently it is an easy process.
here is a link to ones i think may work but again there is a thread about what exactly he used being posted shortly.

Not trying to be a downer here, but to the OP, who freaking cares?
This is a dev community, the support here is what drives a lot of people to keep using their devices, tweak em, and tinker around.
Congrats on returning your device...make sure you let everyone know you did so based on hearsay/some misplaced worry. Last time I checked viewsonic never said it was dropping support, and as a matter of fact they have been leaning a different way entirely as evidenced not only by their twitter feed but actual OTA updates that you can receive.
This thread is lame.

rushless said:
From an out of box perspective, I would have been G-less from day two.
Still, you were a simple install away from a stable TnT Lite 2.4 and Flash is easy to install. For non modders that want out of box- the G is not "G" for good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I got the G Tablet I did it with 2 things in mind:
It is not an Apple (I am "alergic" to Apples).
I wanted to kick up my feet in my Lazy Boy and use it. I am getting too old and tired for constantly maintaining stuff. A year or so ago it would've been different.

I haven't seen Outlet devices all day - I just get an an error over and over.
Maybe they have my IP address blocked.
Calling the NB store.... maybe it's sitting in the Closeout section. (Crosses fringers)

Does this mean we might not see Netflix on Gtab?

Hi,
I just ran across this:
http://mobiputing.com/2011/02/qualcomm-netflix-to-bring-streaming-tv-and-movies-to-android/
I'm not knowledgeable about DRM issues, but that sounds like Netflix might only do an app on Android tabs that use a Qualcomm chip?
Then again, Netflix has app for Ipad/IPod, so...?
Any thoughts on this?
Netflix is one of the things that I've been waiting for on my Gtab ...
Jim

Jim,
Could be. But I read elsewhere earlier today that "Playon" -- whatever that is -- is developing a way for other android users.
I think there even was a thread here where someone was doing something with Playon to get Netflix.
It will be a sad day if they abandon the rest of Androiddom!
Rev

Why are we sitting back taking such crap. I think we should all consider cancelling Netflix because of this. Why are they punishing us yet again?
If they are so worried about piracy, the service should not be on PCs.
I'm tired of companies trying to pull the wool over our eyes.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

goalweiser said:
Why are we sitting back taking such crap. I think we should all consider cancelling Netflix because of this. Why are they punishing us yet again?
If they are so worried about piracy, the service should not be on PCs.
I'm tired of companies trying to pull the wool over our eyes.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! I just had this argument with my friend. There is way less of a piracy issue on android than on a PC. Are they scared of apple getting mad? Netflix didn't give a sh¡t about pissing on Microsoft when they broke the Xbox exclusive contract, so why they shy about android. You don't pee in bill gates eye and then all of a sudden be afraid of giving Steve jobs the finger.

butchconner said:
Jim,
Could be. But I read elsewhere earlier today that "Playon" -- whatever that is -- is developing a way for other android users.
I think there even was a thread here where someone was doing something with Playon to get Netflix.
It will be a sad day if they abandon the rest of Androiddom!
Rev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I've been following that thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=935616&highlight=netflix
but was/am really hoping that we'd see a 'native' Netflix that could run on the Gtab ...
I've also seen some comments that Honeycomb might have some DRM capabilities built-in that might get Netflix to allow an Android apparently.
Still hoping!!
Jim

I need help for a tablet purchase

I am going to purchase a tablet ASAP. I have been waiting and looking for something to come out that is just the one, but that has not come. I waited forever for the Xoom but the price is staggering in my opinion. I have come back to the Viewsonic G Tablet for the reason that it is pretty fast and thanks to you guys the rooting seems to make it show its muscles. That being said I would like to know that this is a good purchase and that I am not making a mistake. I also would like to know about the rooting and which one works the best for this unit. Also, after being rooted how hard is it to update the system. I am a noob at these units so please understand I am just searching for answers. Oh, and can you run torrent programs on tablets?
Thanks

I guess really what you need to do is make a list of available tablets. Then base the decision on the best price point via hardware/support. I think one of the main things that makes the G-tablet shine is XDA and its developers. But as in all electronic inevitability, its only good as the people behind it. I got my G-Tablet because it was going to be one of the cheapest tablets out there, its what I could afford. Are there better ones out there, well yes and no just depends on what your going to be doing with it. Know the devices faults. Don't listen to reviews, most will give you a half-ass answers, play with the device in person if you can. Thats all I can really help with, do research make sure you get the most bang for the buck. And above all else, good luck and I hope you enjoy your future purchase, it's your decision

RedbullSushi said:
I am going to purchase a tablet ASAP. I have been waiting and looking for something to come out that is just the one, but that has not come. I waited forever for the Xoom but the price is staggering in my opinion. I have come back to the Viewsonic G Tablet for the reason that it is pretty fast and thanks to you guys the rooting seems to make it show its muscles. That being said I would like to know that this is a good purchase and that I am not making a mistake. I also would like to know about the rooting and which one works the best for this unit. Also, after being rooted how hard is it to update the system. I am a noob at these units so please understand I am just searching for answers. Oh, and can you run torrent programs on tablets?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only real issues I have with my GTAB is the viewing angles since I like to stream Neflix and Hulu and the sort via "Playon". It's not so good unless you have it facing you near direct
Also, the PDMI port is only for use with a dock (until someone puts out a PDMI to HDMI cable).
The great things about the GTAB is the hardware, this thing is virtually unbrickable. Believe me I have bricked it and was able to bring it back from the cold dark black screen that makes you think this thing is a goner!!
Performance is TOP NOTCH, Aside from some glitches with the custom roms its very responsive. And thanks to the Fantastic Dev-Nation we have here at XDA this thing has gotten a lot of love!
Battery life is amazing, I get 12+ hrs of use even after watching three 2 hour movies back to back to back!.
Torrents are supported, I have used "tTorrent Lite" to aquire a few things though as with most torrents speed is questionable and even more so with the tablet.
Rooting this device is very easy, "z4Root" will do it in a tap.. (Litterally)
ROM? I use VEGAn 5.1 Beta (without the 5.1.1 supplement patch)
Others here like, TnT Lite, and there are variants of CM7 floating around. Some are Officially supported and others are not.
The GTAB can be a Fantastic device provided you are willing to make the effort it takes to transform it from "Out of the Box CRAP" to the magnificant device it was meant be.
So unless you have issues with viewing angles (as many do), can aquire a dock to stream AV to an output of your choice, are frightfull of modding, then perhaps this device is not for you.

Hey I really appreciate the posts. I am not afraid to mod the device at all, as a matter of fact I find that half the reason for getting this tablet. It is going to be for fun so I am looking forward to learning more. I feel that technology is something I am always chasing and pushing into areas like this helps to keep me young in this area. I think this solves my issue and I will get my unit ordered today. I still have the question of a torrent program. That is something I heard you can do with Android.
Thanks again guys for the helpfull posts. I appreciate it very much.

DVDFab
I've said this before on another thread but if you plan on purchasing the DVDFab software with all the bells and whistles do a google search for tarzan media. I've bought it from them for less than $40 with free lifetime upgrades.
It is by far the easiest, most flexible dvd ripping/converting app I've ever used.
Edit: posted on wrong thread somehow... Sorry.

Being that you have brought up ripping......are you ripping and burning to dvd from a tablet, or what? This is a new thought being that I was not aware of an external burner plugging into the unit. Please fill me in on this or did I just misunderstand.
thanks

What if i said you could get the GTab for $300 shipped?
I was also going to wait and see how that Tablet Market plays out.
Then I heard about and posted this: Available from SearsOutlet for $279

RedbullSushi said:
Being that you have brought up ripping......are you ripping and burning to dvd from a tablet, or what? This is a new thought being that I was not aware of an external burner plugging into the unit. Please fill me in on this or did I just misunderstand.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, somehow my post got in the wrong thread. But, since you asked...
No, I am not using my gTab for ripping or burning; just viewing.

I ordered mine today. I took the advice of a member and bought a used/like new in original packaging for 327. I thought that was a good price. I will be researching the ROM loading now while I wait. If any of you guys have good easy instructions or tips please feel free to post or PM me.
Thanks

Question about gtab and tech mainstream websites

Why aren't mainstream tech websites mentioning the gtab? It didn't even make it to most of the top 10 lists. Is there a conspiracy to downplay the effectiveness of the gtab once it's rooted and flashed? I've used the update viewsonic provided and even that has made the gtab totally awesome.
I'm just puzzled why the modding and hacking communities are the only ones recognizing the potential and power of this machine. None of the tech websites is mentioning anything about the potential behind this tablet. It's mind boggling. Even viewsonic has decided to stop supporting it. Why?

goodintentions said:
Why aren't mainstream tech websites mentioning the gtab? It didn't even make it to most of the top 10 lists. Is there a conspiracy to downplay the effectiveness of the gtab once it's rooted and flashed? I've used the update viewsonic provided and even that has made the gtab totally awesome.
I'm just puzzled why the modding and hacking communities are the only ones recognizing the potential and power of this machine. None of the tech websites is mentioning anything about the potential behind this tablet. It's mind boggling. Even viewsonic has decided to stop supporting it. Why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cnet, PC magazine, mobile magazine and PC world have. It seems they have Apple stock they are banking on so they are plugging ipad. Notice every other commercial was ipad now its Xoom.
Those type entities like to cattle-herd consumers in certain directions for maximum profitability of those who are paying for advertising on their sites. GTab is a sleeper tab and although they down played it many are still buying as of late in mass quantity. It is selling by word of mouth by satisfied buyers. The very best advertising the kind you don't have to buy. Interesting to watch them change their reviews. Check out cnet for a laugh.

I think primarily because it doesn't come from one of the "big" companies like Motorola, Samsung, or HTC. There wasn't much of a push by Viewsonic advertising wise to put this thing in the spotlight and when it first came out it was lamented for it's poor viewing angles and horrible custom UI. Sure the product has improved immensely since launch by way of updates and custom ROMs but it's hard to shake off that initial impression. Right now many people see it as just another android 2.2 tablet.

It's all about Marketing, I'm sure. The Xoom is a media darling because Motorola has paid lots of money to make sure of that -- ie. the Superbowl commercial.
And Apple's Marketing juggernaut is legendary.

edirector said:
Cnet, PC magazine, mobile magazine and PC world have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, they did a quick review of the gtab when it first came out late last year basically saying it sux and then they haven't said anything else since.
Check out cnet for a laugh.
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Click to collapse
What do you mean? I just went to it. Didn't see anything different.

Here's an example of how much the GTAB is ignored
GTAB has had OTG access since Day One, even with the crappy software. The Xoom did not, when it was released.
So, I happened to find an OTG cable in my Bag of Carp and ported the GTAB config changes and init changes to the Xoom. I am not a dev by any means, but it was fairly easy to do, given my experience here - maybe an hour of work to port, test and then release.
The darn thing ended up on Engadget. The ONLY mod I've ever done that's made it to Engadget.
As happy as I was to see it get advertised, I had to scratch my head and wonder why my other mods, which required a LOT more work, and even the rest of the developers here have gotten zero recognition on sites like that. I know gojimi made it to Engadget once, but it was due to his Adam apps that he ported, not his GTAB ROMs.
Maybe the Woot! sale and subsequent $299 sales will finally give the GTablet the visibility it deserves.

I wonder if the larger "mainstream" publications shy away from anything ROM related (and probably root too).
I'm a woot-er waiting for mine still, but from all I've read, TnT out-of-the-box pretty much sucks and you have to be willing to do the flashing, etc to get it to a more useful state. So, since it's not a good tablet without a newly flashed ROM, this isn't really a great device for the general consumer.
That said, I'd think you'd see it get more play on more techy oriented websites that wouldn't be avoiding discussion of ROMs.

roebeet said:
Maybe the Woot! sale and subsequent $299 sales will finally give the GTablet the visibility it deserves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They haven't taken any notice of the woot deal, either when it was on, or now, even w the 10k sales in one day. Funny thing is when the Samsung Galaxy players went on sale in Korea, and apparently sold 10k in one day, that made news all over the place. That should tell you everything.
Jim

All journalists have a hive instinct.

jimcpl said:
They haven't taken any notice of the woot deal, either when it was on, or now, even w the 10k sales in one day. Funny thing is when the Samsung Galaxy players went on sale in Korea, and apparently sold 10k in one day, that made news all over the place. That should tell you everything.
Jim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the $299.99 16GB iPad from Verizon also made front page news on Engadget this past week.

goodintentions said:
Yeah, they did a quick review of the gtab when it first came out late last year basically saying it sux and then they haven't said anything else since.
What do you mean? I just went to it. Didn't see anything different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It moved up a half star.

chrishaw said:
I'm a woot-er waiting for mine still, but from all I've read, TnT out-of-the-box pretty much sucks and you have to be willing to do the flashing, etc to get it to a more useful state. So, since it's not a good tablet without a newly flashed ROM, this isn't really a great device for the general consumer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last OTA actually made it faster and more functional. I would say to anyone getting a new gtab to give the stock a shot for a day or two. I was a totally different experience from when I first picked up a gtab to playing withe the latest OTA at office Max this weekend.
Sent from my Chromatic Magic using XDA Premium App

[Q] Why does asus want to break our root?

Been thinking about this for a while. It's understandable with phones. companies don't want you to tether and not pay them that extra $40 fee per month. But why does a company like asus want to break our root? What possible advantage could bring to them for not allowing us root? I just don't get it.

The only reason I can think of, people modifying their tablet then sending it in for ASUS to replace when they brick it.
It's people like these that don't take the time to ask questions and Google for answers. It's a user's responsibility to know exactly what they are getting in to when they decide to modify their device.
Beamed from my TF101 using Tapatalk HD

The question is why did Asus decide to unlock the Transformer Prime (after all the web initiatives) very soon, and is not doing it for the Transformer (TF101)?

The main reason for wanting consumers to not root their tablets is for things like watching movies from the Android market which will not work on a rooted tablet. I still don't agree with it, as long as we the consumer understand and still want our devices rooted, then companies like Asus should allow this and stop making it hard. The average person not on XDA doesn't even know what rooting is, so why make it difficult for people who like to tinker with hardware that we paid good money for.
I think HTC has it right, if you want to unlock your bootloader they let you do it on their website. Let Asus know that we want this too. Personally I won't buy a phone or tablet without being able to root it. I don't buy phones on contract and want to do what I please with them. I have been using HTC phones for many years because they have always been XDA friendly
As long as we have the ability to have nvflashable ROMs then we don't have to worry about bricking our devices so Asus shouldn't have to worry about things like that either. Cheers.

ckuke4 said:
The main reason for wanting consumers to not root their tablets is for things like watching movies from the Android market which will not work on a rooted tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely forgot about this.
In which case, we can now thank the Media MAFIAA for it.

raduque said:
I completely forgot about this.
In which case, we can now thank the Media MAFIAA for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess I should mention that there is a way around this but I haven't tried it as I watch market movies on my HTPC. Cheers.

Another issue has also been raised by the Win8 boot locking crapola. Namely maliciousness.
If only one entity can screw with the firmware, it is harder for e.g. a virus to screw with it, hopefully becomes almost as hard as loading home brew firmware. Imagine Moron20X installing Hot Naked Chix off PirateMarket, and it flashes hacked firmware with a keylogger onto their tablet - then have your "Support" people sweet talk Moron20X into a factory reset, and steal all his logins. Wouldn't work for a lot of people but hell, just look at how many people must fall for Nigerian e-mail scams and Western Union Screw Overs per capita if Wikipedia has such a thick article on 419 scams.
My word...I don't want to think about how many times my mother has brought me something and asked if it was 'legit', with an American address and a Canadian cheque. \o/.
Truth is though, unless these things are really owned by someone else (like say your company), users should have the choice. IMHO it's good for business to lock this stuff, as long as you can like input your SN and get an unlock for a nominal fee.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk

ckuke4 said:
The main reason for wanting consumers to not root their tablets is for things like watching movies from the Android market which will not work on a rooted tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a false statement, atleast in my recourse it's bogus. I've watched "The Christmas Story" on my ROOTED TF101 and I've let my daughter watch a couple Disney Movies.
I will say that it breaks HDMI mirroring when i try to watch something via the market on my TV, but i can watch the movie on my tablet.

Spidey01 said:
Another issue has also been raised by the Win8 boot locking crapola. Namely maliciousness.
If only one entity can screw with the firmware, it is harder for e.g. a virus to screw with it, hopefully becomes almost as hard as loading home brew firmware. Imagine Moron20X installing Hot Naked Chix off PirateMarket, and it flashes hacked firmware with a keylogger onto their tablet - then have your "Support" people sweet talk Moron20X into a factory reset, and steal all his logins. Wouldn't work for a lot of people but hell, just look at how many people must fall for Nigerian e-mail scams and Western Union Screw Overs per capita if Wikipedia has such a thick article on 419 scams.
My word...I don't want to think about how many times my mother has brought me something and asked if it was 'legit', with an American address and a Canadian cheque. \o/.
Truth is though, unless these things are really owned by someone else (like say your company), users should have the choice. IMHO it's good for business to lock this stuff, as long as you can like input your SN and get an unlock for a nominal fee.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pretty much it, as far as I can tell. As the original post said, carriers have obvious interests (whether or not I agree with them) in maintaining control of your phone. But we want our tablets, which aren't bound to a contract with a service provider in order to function, to be more like our Windows PCs - largely under our complete control.
Which is understandable. And I feel the same way. But then, you know full well how secure Windows is[n't]. Android has a great track record so far with preventing malware and viruses from getting out into the wild in a big way, and the manufacturers probably feel that locked bootloaders and root restriction is the reason. I'm not certain I agree - Android has some good safeguards that go way beyond root - but whatever.
Ultimately, it's about user behavior. My Windows computer doesn't get viruses, because I know how to prevent that. But your average user doesn't, and when you connect a compromised computer (or tablet, or whatever) to the Internet, it endangers everyone, responsible and irresponsible alike.
Ultimately I don't agree with the top-down control imposed by Asus and the rest of the manufacturers, but from that perspective I guess it makes sense.

It's MAFIAA mostly. Asus even admitted it - saying it's because of DRM. If they can push ACTA in my country with such force our Prime Minister ignores massive demonstrations (something very uncommon in Poland) in -20 Celsius why wouldn't they push for closing up devices so they can "protect" their movies. It's because of Netflix and such - which doesn't even work outside US.