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[Q] Transformer for students.

A bit of background: I will be attending UCLA as a computer science student in the fall. I will be bringing my desktop with me, and am trying to decide between a laptop/netbook or the Transformer.
Would the transformer work in conjunction with the desktop, or will I need a full laptop.
Thanks.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

You should consider what you want to use this device for before you decide. As a CS major, you will certainly be doing quite a bit of programming, and you might want to prefer to use a full linux environment for this, depends largely on the program you have at UCLA. What you can consider is to get this device and using the splashtop program access your desktop to do your programming. However, you will want to consider whether or not you want to utilize the local processing power of your device. It would be far simpler to use a laptop/netbook for those purposes, rather than trying to find solutions with the tablet+dock. In the end, if you find that you will be using the device docked most of the time for school, then you should probably consider just getting a laptop/netbook. If the convenience of the tablet and media consumption is something you'd prefer, then get the transformer.
tl;dr, I consider the transformer+dock a fun/entertainment device. For CS based schoolwork, you would most likely want a laptop/netbook.
unless you wanted to focus on tablet development in your coursework...but that's not for another 2 years...
Hope that helps.

It helped a lot. Thank you.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

Keep in mind that you can use the Transformer's bundled remote desktop app and/or a terminal app to control your PC, and run stuff that way - assuming you can connect to your desktop from wherever you are.
I do agree with omguss, if you don't plan on using the device mostly for entertainment, get a netbook/laptop.

Sorry if this is hijacking your thread (ill start a new thread if you want) but just wondering if there is a good note taking apps for android?
There are two uses I can see being needed for me.
First I would need something to annotate on pdf's and powerpoints. I remember seeing an app that looked pretty solid for this so it should be good.
Secondly I would need an app that I can be typing with the keyboard, and then when needed draw in equations, graphs, pictures, whatever. Not really sure if there is something good for this.

As a programmer, I would suggest getting a full laptop for somebody majoring in CS. As much as I love the transformer, you cannot compile code on it. At least in my searching I have not found a single IDE meant to be run on Android (Lot's target Android, but none run on Android). More than likely, there will be several times that you want to do work away from your room. On the transformer, the only real way to do this will be remote desktop software. It's up to you whether you think the remote desktop software will be sufficient for this, but one other thing I would caution against is the small keyboard. It is far more comfortable (and efficient) to program on a full-size (or as near to full-size as possible) keyboard.
I don't know what type of program you are going into, but if you take any courses on 3d graphics you are almost certainly going to lose the ability to test your programs through a remote desktop connection.
I personally think that tablets are great in conjunction with a desktop. I plan to get rid of my netbook once I get the transformer. My only concern for you is that a tablet simply isn't a good tool for programming. If the hacker community manages to get ubuntu onto the transformer then the device will be an acceptable programming tool in my opinion; although, you will still lack a full size keyboard.
My advice to you is wait until mid-to-late summer. There is a slew of new tech toys coming out this summer, and almost anything you get now will be outdated by the time you start in the fall. By summer you will know if we managed to get Ubuntu on the transformer, AMD's Llano processor will be out on laptops, and Tegra 3 tablets may be just around the corner.

BongoBong said:
Sorry if this is hijacking your thread (ill start a new thread if you want) but just wondering if there is a good note taking apps for android?
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Click to collapse
Don't need to hijack anything. Just look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980783

I'm a secondary school student, I have a HP DM1 (Not the Z ), runs 7 pro X64 + VS 2010 Pro + VS2008 Pro. Got a load of VM's for debugging ETC...
Windows is good for note taking to, Onenote is great.
Hope this helps
Badwolve1

good old days of using SSH + eMacs + X client, they all switched to windows in school?

Magnesus said:
Don't need to hijack anything. Just look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980783
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Thanks, but I have already seen that thread and done some other looking up and the majority of discussion is whats the best handwriting app. They really don't mention how good it would be for mostly typing (understandable since most would be using the on screen keyboard).

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1039287&highlight=onenote

someone seriously needs to start porting some compilers to android..
many scripting languages are available through SL4A but most CS courses are taught with C/C++ or Java. I'd love to help out with this project but I just wouldn't know where to start

Just adding on to this, since I'm a student and also looking for a tablet solution.
I'd love:
1. Printing to my university printers. My university currently requires you install some software to use their printers. Mac and Windows versions available, no Linux, no Android.
2. Onenote would be awesome. I read that there was an iPhone version available? Android should be coing soon hopefully.

I would suggest a full laptop, and something with high resolution. Once your CS load picks up you'll need something you can work on in between or during classes. Android lacking compilers on the OS itself is the killer here, otherwise you are free to code all you want via text editors.

j7899 said:
I would suggest a full laptop, and something with high resolution. Once your CS load picks up you'll need something you can work on in between or during classes. Android lacking compilers on the OS itself is the killer here, otherwise you are free to code all you want via text editors.
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As a CS student myself I would agree with the above and add that in programming classes you will want all the screen real-estate you can get your hands on(17"+), a good amount of hard disk space, 4gb+ ram, and a good Virtual Machine program. Less important is video and cpu power unless you intend to make it a desktop replacement/gaming machine.
That being said... Such a laptop is going to be rather heavy. I am getting the Transformer to replace an early gen AspireOne for less technical classes.
Just my $0.02

Flowah said:
Just adding on to this, since I'm a student and also looking for a tablet solution.
I'd love:
1. Printing to my university printers. My university currently requires you install some software to use their printers. Mac and Windows versions available, no Linux, no Android.
2. Onenote would be awesome. I read that there was an iPhone version available? Android should be coing soon hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was about to say that you're insane and that MS would never make OneNote for iOS but.. turns out you're right. That's really strange. Hopefully they start work on an Android version soon.
Edit: The iOS version of OneNote doesn't seem all that great. You can't write with a stylus.. it's just keyboard input. lame. Writing with a capacitive stylus on the transformer would kind of suck anyway, but I might still consider the HTC Flyer which has an active digitizer.

smaskell said:
I was about to say that you're insane and that MS would never make OneNote for iOS but.. turns out you're right. That's really strange. Hopefully they start work on an Android version soon.
Edit: The iOS version of OneNote doesn't seem all that great. You can't write with a stylus.. it's just keyboard input. lame. Writing with a capacitive stylus on the transformer would kind of suck anyway, but I might still consider the HTC Flyer which has an active digitizer.
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Click to collapse
Right, but I'm interested in the Transformer almost purely because of the keyboard dock, so keyboard input only is fine with me tbh. As long as it's decently full featured.

I'm waiting to see if the AMD Llano will make the best thin gaming laptop. Hopefully, new AMD laptops will come out in June, right before back-to-school season.
Oh yeah, OneNote. Yeah, that's important too.

joe_dude said:
Oh yeah, OneNote. Yeah, that's important too.
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Click to collapse
Onenote is the single most useful piece of software MS has ever produced (Excluding win7;p))

Virtual Machines? Eh, I never needed to use one except when I was using a Mac. Wandering what you guys are doing with it.
Any laptop that is 13"+ in screen size is good. The power of the computer depends on what you plan to do. So you have to decide on the specs yourself. Dual Core is fine unless you plan to do any CPU intensive tasks. If you ever need a bigger screen, then you can just buy a monitor and hook it up so even a netbook could be fine if you are okay with the power it gives. 13"-15" is good. 17" is just monstrous and you don't want to be lugging that around.

A desktop streaming app that doesn't suck (and is free!)

Hey everyone,
I'm not sure if anyone will find this useful and I hope I'm posting in the correct place (I contemplated posting in Apps), but I just wanted to share my experiences with functional note-taking and doing actual work on theTr ansformer.
I'll start out by saying that I'm a science graduate student, so I am very reliant on technology for presentations, research, classes, teaching, etc. So my needs from a laptop (or laptop replacement) are pretty well-defined. So I just wanted to share some of my experiences.
I went through a multitude of apps for desktop sharing: the included MyDesktop, Splashtop Remote Desktop HD, Remote Desktop Client, Android VNC Viewer, and DroidServer(Beta). And in my humble opinion, they all sucked. They would give choppy video, randomly disconnect, hog bandwidth, and frequently force close. Yes, there were all fun for the novelty, but not actually useful business tools. Remote Desktop Client was perhaps the best, but with the steep $25.00 USD price tag, its not a choice I was willing to make without exploring everything fully.
Finally, I found 2X Remote Desktop Client. It matches the great functionality and usability of Remote Desktop Client, but without the steep price tag (it's free!). The only quirk I've found so far in my testing is that sound can not be played on my Transformer, but that could just be a specific issue to me. Make sure you take a look at what OS's can be accessed (I believe its Windows, and Windows emulators only because of its method of connection). By connecting through the "Remote Desktop" feature built into Windows, you actually get a responsive, good quality desktop streaming experience which was nearly impossible with the other applications.
By combining this app with OneNote on the computer I'm streaming, I've turned my Transformer into a note taking beast! Touchscreen OneNote is a little slow (as you have to press for 500ms before Windows registers it as a "drag" to actually write), but there is no lag whatsoever and I am quite happy.
I really hope this post can help someone who, like me, really believed the Transformer could do more but couldn't find any reliable options to make it work. And no, I have no affiliation with this app, I'm just a very satisfied customer.

The post count of the OP and tone of the post makes me a bit weary (infomercially)...but I will give it a shot.

smartmatt099 said:
I found 2X Remote Desktop Client.
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Been using it for a couple weeks now, it has fully replaced PocketCloud for me. Never tried to use sound via it (as I only really use RDP from it to access a work server when on-site with clients), but for general RDP use it works a treat

haha i guess i can see the informercial-ness, but in my defense I joined specifically to post about the app since I went through almost two months of looking for an alternative and wasted money on apps that weren't nearly as good....just trying to prevent that for someone else if i can

smartmatt099 said:
haha i guess i can see the informercial-ness, but in my defense I joined specifically to post about the app since I went through almost two months of looking for an alternative and wasted money on apps that weren't nearly as good....just trying to prevent that for someone else if i can
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i tested all the free rdp apps and 2x was my choice too. The sound is the only thing I miss, otherwise it works just fine.

ye i have been using it for some time. i find it the best aswell.

Excuse my ignorant, but what does this do? I can never understand all those acronyms: VNC, RDP, etc.

SwiftLegend said:
Excuse my ignorant, but what does this do? I can never understand all those acronyms: VNC, RDP, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It lets you access a desktop with your tablet or phone. The desktop has to be set up to allow remote access though.

dcmtnbkr said:
It lets you access a desktop with your tablet or phone. The desktop has to be set up to allow remote access though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh cool. Thanks, may have to try this out then

Can't you already do this with Splashtop that comes pre-installed on TF ?

I've tried this, but mycloud still streams videos and games to my TF allot faster than the x2. Are you guys doing anything different to make x2 stream quicker?
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App

really? The MyCloud software was always really laggy for me. I just assumed it was because it (along with the VNC clients) was running from a program installed on the host computer and not from something built in to the operating system...
i actually have two connections defined for each remote computer I want to connect to: one has all themeing, backgrounds, and animation enabled for when I'm on my work wireless network, and another that disables everything for when I'm sharing the 3G connection from my phone.
I haven't had any delay whatsoever even with the "broadband" connection when i'm on my work or home network or even on my phone if I have full 3G signal. But its nice to have the "mobile" connection defined if my internet signal isn't that great. It sacrifices all the eye-candy but still delivers on speed for me

ajamils said:
Can't you already do this with Splashtop that comes pre-installed on TF ?
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Click to collapse
I have NEVER heard of Splashtop being pre installed on the TF. I just watched the market price and waited for them to do a half price sale and bought it for $5 instead of the normal $10 that it is.

Splashtop has always worked well for me..
Narcistic
Phone: iPhone 4 4.3.3 jailbroken
Tablet: Asus eee pad transformer ROM: Prime 1.9

scottch699 said:
I have NEVER heard of Splashtop being pre installed on the TF. I just watched the market price and waited for them to do a half price sale and bought it for $5 instead of the normal $10 that it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope you bought the HD version. You can access the preinstalled copy of splashtop by going to MyCloud, then My Desktop (middle tab) - resolution is a bit limited though, so presumably it isthe SD/phone version.
Was using Wyse pocketcloud as well, but very happy with 2X after installing on the advice of his thread
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

scottch699 said:
I have NEVER heard of Splashtop being pre installed on the TF. I just watched the market price and waited for them to do a half price sale and bought it for $5 instead of the normal $10 that it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has ALWAYS been pre-installed (under MyCloud)

SplashTop (MyCloud) has always come preinstalled, but I've never liked using it. Why install a program on your computer to allow remote connections when Windows has this functionality already built in? I'd consider it if SplashTop offered some sort of encryption of the remote connection as normally RDP is unencrypted. But AFAIK SplashTop doesn't offer that either so why reinvent the wheel? I like manually tunneling RDP over SSH so that it's encrypted and AFAIK SplashTop can't be configured that way.
Personally, I use Wyse PocketCloud Free (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.wyse.pocketcloudfree&feature=related_apps) and couldn't be happier. Does 2x Remote Desktop Client offer any features which PocketCloud doesn't? Always open to alternatives, though I'm more than happy with how PocketCloud works as is.

scottch699 said:
I have NEVER heard of Splashtop being pre installed on the TF. I just watched the market price and waited for them to do a half price sale and bought it for $5 instead of the normal $10 that it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't find it on my Transformer either. I bought the Splashtop HD and it works great on my home Wi-Fi. Haven't attempted it over the Internet yet though.

Kumabjorn said:
I couldn't find it on my Transformer either. I bought the Splashtop HD and it works great on my home Wi-Fi. Haven't attempted it over the Internet yet though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried it. Works great.

Artood2s said:
I've tried it. Works great.
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Click to collapse
Agreed, great app.
Also try teamviewer, its free and works well.

[Q] Motorola Xoom for studies? no, yes?

Hello
I just orderd a Motorola Xoom 32GB 3G for 220€ and I was wondering if Motorola Xoom will work fine to complement for studies in example universety? What app's is then required that works fine for Xoom+studies? I understand that the Ipad is superior when it comes to handy apps for studies is there something likely for Xoom or should I cancel the order? Does any bluetooth keyboard+mouse work or is it only a few?
Let me hear your thoughts..

The Motorola BT keyboard and mouse work great, and I know that a number of others also do. There are lots of writing/note taking apps as well as apps that allow you to read and mark-up pdfs, etc.
It has a good wifi connection ability, and is very portable, as you know. You should update it to ICS as soon as possible.

a favorite or two
just quick... i am not currently a student but i am a teacher. i use Springpad a lot to take notes on projects and meetings and such. it is an essential for me. after that the essentials are thumbpad and an office program. I just saw a thread that looked like it would review the office apps. the only reason the ipad. is better is it got to the market first, it isn't actually better.

okantomi said:
The Motorola BT keyboard and mouse work great, and I know that a number of others also do. There are lots of writing/note taking apps as well as apps that allow you to read and mark-up pdfs, etc.
It has a good wifi connection ability, and is very portable, as you know. You should update it to ICS as soon as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any apps that is compatible with microsoft's word? If I for instance write something on my Xoom and then want to edit it with Microsoft Word, is that possible?
Do any keyboard/mouse with bluetooth or USB work with Xoom?

romdroid. said:
Is there any apps that is compatible with microsoft's word? If I for instance write something on my Xoom and then want to edit it with Microsoft Word, is that possible?
Do any keyboard/mouse with bluetooth or USB work with Xoom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the Bluetooth Keyboard case and love it along with the logitech bluetooth mouse. But any bluetooth mouse will work.
And there are various programs you can use to do that. I like Quickoffice Pro personally.

omac_ranger said:
I'm using the Bluetooth Keyboard case and love it along with the logitech bluetooth mouse. But any bluetooth mouse will work.
And there are various programs you can use to do that. I like Quickoffice Pro personally.
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Click to collapse
Is Quickoffice Pro compatible with Microsoft's Word? If so then I dont thing i'll never find a greater laptop/netbook for the price of this Xoom with dualcore, camera etc.
Also is it neccesary to be a wirless bluetooth keyboard? regular wirless keyboard with usb-stick that goes in the usb-port in pc for example doesn't work in xoom?
Radio (RF) does it work with xoom?

romdroid. said:
Is Quickoffice Pro compatible with Microsoft's Word? If so then I dont thing i'll never find a greater laptop/netbook for the price of this Xoom with dualcore, camera etc.
Also is it neccesary to be a wirless bluetooth keyboard? regular wirless keyboard with usb-stick that goes in the usb-port in pc for example doesn't work in xoom?
Radio (RF) does it work with xoom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah Quickoffice pro is compatible, the only issue is that you might have to go back to word to do some final formatting (like the headers and such). Other than that it works great. I have all my schoolwork synced with Dropbox so I can edit it on the go with Quickoffice. It has built in support for Dropbox.
If you want to use a usb device you're going to have to order an micro-usb to usb OTG adapter. It doesn't have a full size usb port, which I'm sure you know.
I do not believe that radio works on the xoom...

My Xoom is great for what I do at school. I've had it for a semester so far, and I must say it's fantastic to just have to carry this around rather than a backpack full of stuff. With the Kindle app I can download most of my textbooks, and you can highlight and bookmark pages right in the app. Plus with the apps that support office documents (QuickOffice, DocumentstoGo, ThinkFree, and others) you can edit and even print (with compatible printers) papers and stuff. It's a great tool. I plan on buying a logitech keyboard/stand for mine for when I go back to school, that way it's easier to take notes in class.

omac_ranger said:
Yeah Quickoffice pro is compatible, the only issue is that you might have to go back to word to do some final formatting (like the headers and such). Other than that it works great. I have all my schoolwork synced with Dropbox so I can edit it on the go with Quickoffice. It has built in support for Dropbox.
If you want to use a usb device you're going to have to order an micro-usb to usb OTG adapter. It doesn't have a full size usb port, which I'm sure you know.
I do not believe that radio works on the xoom...
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Click to collapse
Are you sure that RF radio wirless keyboard's and mouse doesn't work? I thought i read somewhere it did but u need to use an otg cable

I use my Xoom to read .pdf's all the times, and use Internet when class is boring! but just for it, I hate "typing" in Xoom, so I use notepads yet!

romdroid. said:
Is there any apps that is compatible with microsoft's word? If I for instance write something on my Xoom and then want to edit it with Microsoft Word, is that possible?
Do any keyboard/mouse with bluetooth or USB work with Xoom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the full office suite will allow that but I recommend Office Suite Pro. It has the most compatibility and the most features, IMHO.

I always had typing lag issues with that one, which annoyed the hell out of me
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App

omac_ranger said:
I always had typing lag issues with that one, which annoyed the hell out of me
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ICS has eliminated any typing lag, for me and from all reports, from just about everyone.

Does anyone know for sure if any RF wirless keyboard and mouse work with Xoom? With OTG cable..?

romdroid. said:
Does anyone know for sure if any RF wirless keyboard and mouse work with Xoom? With OTG cable..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be able to test this soon. I've ordered an OTG cable from Amazon that should be here any day. I also have a couple of wireless devices so I'll let you know when I get it in.

One thing to be aware of is the increasing amount of homework that is done online now. You need very specific OS/software requirements to be able to do these online assignments. If the only computer you have is a xoom you will have to borrow a roommates PC or use a computer lab to do all your homework. Depending on your major there may also be software tools that you can only use on a PC. So just be prepared for that.

nukedukem said:
One thing to be aware of is the increasing amount of homework that is done online now. You need very specific OS/software requirements to be able to do these online assignments. If the only computer you have is a xoom you will have to borrow a roommates PC or use a computer lab to do all your homework. Depending on your major there may also be software tools that you can only use on a PC. So just be prepared for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently use my Xoom for all of my online homework. The only issue it's given me is no keyboard pops up when in flash based content. But other than that it had been compatible with everything so far.
I do see where you're coming from as far as actual software goes. Just wanted to give a heads up saying that it works well for everything else.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App

omac_ranger said:
I currently use my Xoom for all of my online homework. The only issue it's given me is no keyboard pops up when in flash based content. But other than that it had been compatible with everything so far.
I do see where you're coming from as far as actual software goes. Just wanted to give a heads up saying that it works well for everything else.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I wasn't as fortunate. Every online homework program was different so I think it just comes down to luck. One application required me to open specific ports for communication, another only ran in explorer, ect. Just a real PITA. But like I said there is always a computer lab or a roommate where you can find a PC if you need one. If you live on campus its not an issue to get to a computer lab. I always lived off campus and did homework late at night after lab hours so I had a netbook that was portable and had 9 hours of battery, plus guaranteed compatibility with any required program. I was taking mostly science courses and document collaboration was necessary so using a tablet to make edits to a document would have been doable but not ideal. PowerPoint presentation would have been impossible on a tablet given the complex nature of the presentations. Like I say you just have to evaluate your specific needs.

I use my Xoom for graduate school class to take notes and for presentations at work. A cheap laptop is sometimes a better deal. I bought mine at launch and for that price it was a waste of money but if you can get one for less than 250 USD, it isn't a bad deal for that use.
Even with Office Suite Pro (I've also tried all the others,) the office like apps are lacking. You still need the desktop version of Word to do real work with it. It still loses some page formatting and references aren't robust enough yet. OneNote just doesn't seem to be happening. There is a program out there that sort of does it but we really need the attention that Microsoft gave iOS for the iPhone and iPad versions. The office emulators are worth waiting until Amazon is offering them for free. The development teams should charge more for the apps but integrate more features. It's cheap now, but it's hard to justify $10 when you have to go to the desktop anyway. You could have saved your money, used a free text editor and put the document on a desktop to finalize. Editing office docs is convenient but you still run the risk of losing things.
It still isn't that good for PowerPoint presentations. If you convert your slide show to PDF you get along a little better. The Xoom's screen is a lot nicer than what you'll be getting out of most projectors so you have to be careful. Plugging in through HDMI will not save it. This isn't the fault of the Xoom it's just what happens when you use cheap projectors. It's just more noticeable when you have nice visuals in your hands yet on the big screen it's a washed out mess for hundreds of people to see.
Just remember that this is a cheap stop gap measure until the technology catches up. If lightweight mobility in a device that you can use to organize your teaching work is the biggest priority, this isn't a bad option but if you really need the features and not a toy, you're better off with a cheap HP laptop. It can do everything you need even though it's a boat anchor.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

Thanks for your reply's guys. I wont start university untill after the summer, hopefully I then will begin law school, if I am lucky I have a chance to go to an universety near my home and then having avablity of a PC will not be a problem.
I bought the Xoom for 325$ with motorolas dock, otg cable and folder case. It is the 32GB with 3G. Do you think that the apps for tablets will expand and we can have similar good apps like ipads?

Suggestions for buying my first tablet (Remote connection, note-taking)

Good day guys!
I've always used a laptop as my main PC, mainly because I can bring it to university, now I would like to build a desktop and would like to use a tablet to connect remotely to my new desktop and type any notes of documents directly on my PC.
As I would be taking notes/writing documents, it would be necessary to have a keyboard dock, I'm not too sure how the thing with docks work, if only some tablets can have them or if there are universal docks.
Additionally, it would be great if the tablet could play Full HD, or 720p at the very least
Price limit could be up to $500.
Thank you very much for your help everyone!
P.S.: One more thing, separately from the hardware, what is the best app available to do remote connection?

Andrex316 said:
Good day guys!
I've always used a laptop as my main PC, mainly because I can bring it to university, now I would like to build a desktop and would like to use a tablet to connect remotely to my new desktop and type any notes of documents directly on my PC.
As I would be taking notes/writing documents, it would be necessary to have a keyboard dock, I'm not too sure how the thing with docks work, if only some tablets can have them or if there are universal docks.
Additionally, it would be great if the tablet could play Full HD, or 720p at the very least
Price limit could be up to $500.
Thank you very much for your help everyone!
P.S.: One more thing, separately from the hardware, what is the best app available to do remote connection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$500 + tax? lol well here we go, You didn't ask for screen size so I'll give some 7 in ones too.
All tablets have an HD resolution, but the only one that has Full HD is the Prime Infinity. To be honest each one has a great screen. Some tablets come with a dock that's is meant for them (Asus Transformer Prime and Galaxy Note 10.1) but each tablet also can be paired with a Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse if you want. Also you can use a USB input dongle with the Note and Prime so that you can use a regular keyboard too (kind silly though =D).
1) Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 in specs http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_10_1_n8000-4573.php
2) Asus Transformer Prime Infinity 10.1 in specs http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_transformer_pad_infinity_700-4606.php
3) Nexus 7 in specs http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_google_nexus_7-4850.php
4) Toshiba Excite 7.7 in specs http://www.gsmarena.com/toshiba_excite_7_7_at275-4693.php
5) Sony Tablet S 10.1 in specs http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_tablet_s-4137.php4
Best Remote connection app is TeamViewer 7 Here's the app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teamviewer.teamviewer.market.mobile&hl=en, and here's the program you install on your PC http://www.teamviewer.com/en/download/windows.aspx.
For me it works pretty much with lag doing light task. So typing and make notes should be a breeze. However, you may experience lag if you are trying to watch a movie on it. I got lag when I tried it out, but I think it is because the GPU on my device (Galaxy Player 4.0) is not powerful enough. These device either have Mali-MP 400, Tegra 3 or Tegra 2 which are far superior. So I hope this helps you, and if you want I try and post reviews of each device.

Wow! Thanks a lot! I wasn't expecting such a detailed response!
From the suggestions you gave me I had been looking at the first three, the other two look really good too! I had been leaning mostly towards the Asus, although the Note also looks tempting, I'll have to do some thinking.
I've also had the galaxy tab on my watch, but it looks like the Asus is better.
Thank you!

Andrex316 said:
Wow! Thanks a lot! I wasn't expecting such a detailed response!
From the suggestions you gave me I had been looking at the first three, the other two look really good too! I had been leaning mostly towards the Asus, although the Note also looks tempting, I'll have to do some thinking.
I've also had the galaxy tab on my watch, but it looks like the Asus is better.
Thank you!
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Click to collapse
You're welcome. Yeah the Galaxy Tab is kinda meh. I think the Note 10.1 is a lot better lol. Have fun. :victory:

Out of subject, I see you're running a custom Gundam Theme... would you mind posting a screenshot of how it looks??

Andrex316 said:
Out of subject, I see you're running a custom Gundam Theme... would you mind posting a screenshot of how it looks??
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Click to collapse
Lol yeah. But it isn't like super customized. I just use Go Launcher EX, and tweaked some of the objects using their theme maker. It took a while to find the images though, and I had to photoshop many of them, but it came out well.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1378822&page=30
Scroll down, and you should see it.
I was going to make a locker for it (still might) but I got kinda lazy =D

Wow! Awesome! I think I'll work on my own theme when I get my tablet!

You can get a Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 refurbished on Amazon for $340. This is what i use, it has amazing battery life and a very clear screen! If you remote connect to your desktop it will waste a bunch of battery, but what you can do is type your notes on your tablet and sync them with Dropbox so they will automatically be shared with your desktop. Dropbox is AMAZING! I highly recommend it if you haven't checked it out!

Need Advice, please.

I have 500 bucks to spend and am hesitating between getting either the Surface or a nexus 7 + a chromebook. For those who have had some experience with those devices, what do you think would be a better way to go? I am honestly hesitating between the two choices.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

The Chromebook really doesn't enthuse me...I don't completely think that its existence is justified yet. It depends how you consider the convenience of two devices vs one.
What are you planning on doing? Will you type a lot? Integrate the products into an existing Windows 8/Android phone ecosystem? Watch movies and videos? Games? Travel with it, or are they devices for home? Will you carry a Nexus 7 around alongside your Chromebook?
Personally, I'd look at the range of Atom-based Windows 8 Pro hybrid tablets. They get better battery and performance than the Surface RT, and have access to all Windows applications of the past. There's heaps from every OEM, and I don't know your exact price-point, so I can't really make a recommendation.

I don't agree re: the Atom systems providing better performance and battery than the surface. I've used an Atom Windows machine and it was a dog and the battery life was comparable to a PC.
I do agree regarding understanding just what you are going to use it for.
Are you a student? An office worker?
Are you watching movies? Playing games? Just browsing the web?
Are you going to need any Office document editing?
The Nexus is going to give you the best app ecosystem and access to Google Play books, movies, and music. The Chromebook is basically just an android tablet in a laptop form factor (with some limitations).
The Surface is more of a PC with some restrictions but doesn't benefit from the Google Play Store. It does have access to the XBox ecosystem but it is not as extensive as Google offerings (yet?).
I have Android tablets and an iPad and in the week I've had the Surface I have found the Surface to have more utility than any other tablet I've owned, but I look at things from a work standpoint. I don't play games or use "apps" on a tablet. I need them on my phone (which is why I have an Android phone).

Thanks for your input. I had the transformer prime but returned it because of a screen that went really bad. I am planning to go to school and was wondering which device (surface or chromebook) would help more on the go (I have a 17" Toshiba at home). I don't play much on my tablet but I like to watch movies on Netflix and videos online and browse the web. I am leaning toward the surface, I guess I am looking for assurance that I won't be disappointed.
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Wendemixda said:
Thanks for your input. I had the transformer prime but returned it because of a screen that went really bad. I am planning to go to school and was wondering which device (surface or chromebook) would help more on the go (I have a 17" Toshiba at home). I don't play much on my tablet but I like to watch movies on Netflix and videos online and browse the web. I am leaning toward the surface, I guess I am looking for assurance that I won't be disappointed.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an impossible assurance, but if this is for school, I think Surface is the way to go. They have a no-restock 14 day return policy. Worst case scenario, you can buy it, use it, and if you don't like it, return it.
Surface already has Netflix, Hulu, Kindle, and supports Amazon Instant Video via the web browser.

If you need Office, then get the Surface. I've tried just about every word processor/spread sheet app on android and none of them come close to the real thing. The Touch Cover and the way it's integrated is also vastly superior to any keyboard peripheral I've used on my android tablets.
If you do work with a lot of PDF's though be warned that right now you're pretty much stuck with converting them into office docs for now, the pdf reader that comes with the Surface barely has any functionality beyond the ability to open and read them, and there aren't any alternatives on the market yet.
As for netflix, hulu and web surfing it's all there. The Surface uses the desktop version of IE10 and as far as I know, it's the only new tablet to have flash support. Subjectively speaking I've found it to be just as fast as Chrome on Android 4.1.1, while I like the way Chrome renders some websites better, IE10 will always pull the desktop version of websites and does a much better job with animated gifs and embedded video.

hoodoomagic said:
If you need Office, then get the Surface. I've tried just about every word processor/spread sheet app on android and none of them come close to the real thing. The Touch Cover and the way it's integrated is also vastly superior to any keyboard peripheral I've used on my android tablets.
If you do work with a lot of PDF's though be warned that right now you're pretty much stuck with converting them into office docs for now, the pdf reader that comes with the Surface barely has any functionality beyond the ability to open and read them, and there aren't any alternatives on the market yet.
As for netflix, hulu and web surfing it's all there. The Surface uses the desktop version of IE10 and as far as I know, it's the only new tablet to have flash support. Subjectively speaking I've found it to be just as fast as Chrome on Android 4.1.1, while I like the way Chrome renders some websites better, IE10 will always pull the desktop version of websites and does a much better job with animated gifs and embedded video.
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I find the built in pdf reader more than capable. I work with large pdfs for work and with the options menu at the bottom I can search , find bookmarks, highlight and add notes. What else do you want from a reader?
The only other thing I need is a pdf driver to create pdfs on the go but that is a different app.

guitar1969 said:
I find the built in pdf reader more than capable. I work with large pdfs for work and with the options menu at the bottom I can search , find bookmarks, highlight and add notes. What else do you want from a reader?
The only other thing I need is a pdf driver to create pdfs on the go but that is a different app.
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You're right, I was a too quick to judge and missed a lot of things that the stock reader is capable of doing. I'm used to using ez-pdf on android and that throws a lot of options in your face and was thrown off by the cleaner interface of the ms reader. I still can't figure out how to quickly get to a page though, and a night mode would be nice.

hoodoomagic said:
I still can't figure out how to quickly get to a page though
Click to expand...
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Pinch to zoom out.

mk1151 said:
The Chromebook is basically just an android tablet in a laptop form factor (with some limitations).
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Except that it isn't that at all!
No Android whatsoever in the Chromebook.
Regards,
Dave
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foxmeister said:
Except that it isn't that at all!
No Android whatsoever in the Chromebook.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
correct, chromeOS doesn't share app stores with android, so no apps aside for the ones built specifically for that OS (which is just a fullscreen chrome browser)
aside from the rock bottom pricing for a basic use computer, i don't see the point of the chromebook at all.