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This is more of a question or suggestion for developers. I've always had this thought and wondered why no one has implemented it yet? The big deal lately is all around Android Tablets, so I ask myself, why doesn't someone develop an accessory that turns any Android phone into a tablet. Ok, here's what I mean, I have an HTC Evo and love the phone, but oft times I find myself wanting the new Galaxy Tab by Samsung. Then when I think of it, the Galaxy Tab is basically a phone with a bigger screen. So why can someone design and sell a multi-touch screen that has a slot and connectors on the back that I could slid in my Evo and everything that would appear on my Evo's screen now appears on the larger screen. Now my Evo is a Tablet with all the access to the all the apps and functionality of the phone, it's just using a bigger screen.
The external screen would also have to contain a front camera but could use the rear camera and flash LEDs of the EVO if you left them exposed. Another option would be to include a battery in the larger screen for longer battery life.
What do you thing?
Good idea. Doubt any manufacturers would pick it up because then they wouldn't be able to sell you the same device twice. No chance of any 3rd party manufacturers picking it because of a lack of required output/input on devices.
I had the same exact idea 2day! I really want to do this for myself. Is there a way to just connect a touch screen (to display and control) to my phone via Bluetooth or the MicroUsb?
mjrex said:
I had the same exact idea 2day! I really want to do this for myself. Is there a way to just connect a touch screen (to display and control) to my phone via Bluetooth or the MicroUsb?
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Google did it with the giant Nexus S display, but it wasn't accurate at all.
lol.. Why is this so hard to do..
lol I think the problem is how to connect the phone to the said screen? For one the micro USB port placements are not the same for all androids, so slotting is out of the question.
Im not really concerned with the mounting of a screen to my phone, ill use duck tape if i have to.. ha. But in all seriousness a simple universal enclosure can also be made..
I like the idea of having a tablet.. but don't want to spend almost 500 for a larger version of my phone..
A friend of mine told me he saw on someone else's computer he found an interesting chinise accesory: it's like a dummy tablet 10.1" where you insert or plugin your Samsung Galaxy S2 and convert it into a Full operational Tablet.
He couldn't precise the brand, link, etc or if the cellphone used was in fact a Samsung Galaxy S2.
I'll do some research. At the moment I found this :
Since I cannot paste the link here, just copy and google this: "asus-unveils-padfone-mobile-convert-tablet"
Interesting concept!
Just wanted to know who plans on not purchasing the dock(since that was the main selling point.) How do you think you will do without a usb port?
For me personally if it wasnt for the dock (full keyboard, extra battery and full size usb ports) id have just gotten the Tab 10.1 in june instead. Although its too bad they're using tegra 2 and not their own chips for the tab but oh well.
I'm not planning on it as of right now. Once I have it in my hands and start messing with it, I can reassess the need for it from there.
personally i would like the dock however it all depends upon the price of it here in the UK !!
I do not plan on it...anything i need that would normally be synced through a USB can be put on the device with bluetooth or pulled off my wireless network. I honestly dont think I will mind not having one (besides needing to charge on that darned proprietary cable!)
Once there is any temp. price drop that makes keyboard dock for $90 or so I can get ..other wise....big NO
I don't think I'm getting the dock either. Firstly the price is too high, if it was less than $100 i would have considered it, i have 3 laptops already so I dont need it to do any work or typing. I actually may even get rid of the transformer depending on how the samsung is reviewed since its lighter and thinner. If i end up keeping it for the long term I may get the dock later but only if it comes down in price.
One of the main reasons that I'm getting the Transformer over any of the other Android tablets is the keyboard dock (which isn't sold in the US yet!).
So I definitely plan on getting on when they start being sold here.
kxs783kms said:
How do you think you will do without a usb port?
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Supposedly there is an adaptor accessory that will provide a USB port.
Regards,
Dave
I most definitely WON'T buy the keyboard dock.
I simply don't need it - my house is already littered with computers (2 laptops, 2 desktops, 1 server).
I needed a lightweight, always-on, touch device, not another notebook
I don't plan on buying the dock anytime soon as mostly I will be using it to read books, browsing the internet and few other things which would not require dock. Moreover, the price of the dock is (errrmmm keyboard ) is just too much for me to come to terms with it. So, unless it drops down to like $79 bucks, it won't happen in next year or so.
One of my main uses for the Transformer is writing, and conducting the research for writing. I wanted a device that will last for a long, long time on a charge so that I can be ready to write in any situation. Also, I got tired of setting up my HP Envy notebook on the tray and hassling with the power cable every time I wanted to do some writing late at night in bed.
So, the dock is the entire point of buying the TF for me. A physical keyboard is necessary for long-form writing, of course. The extra battery means it'll last a full day of writing, so it'll always be available. And because there's also no heat and thus no fans, I don't have to mess with power cables and lap trays when I want to write at night. Just plop it right on top of the covers, no problem.
The dock will also serve as a cover (I imagine I'll pretty much carry it around with the dock most of the time, but I did buy a sleeve just in case) and a prop. Overall, I think the price is good enough for a 24.4Whr battery and portable charging station, with a hardwired keyboard (avoiding Bluetooth connectivity issues) and trackpad.
I know the thread was about people NOT buying it, but I thought I'd interject. Just 'cause I like talking about it, and need something to do until it arrives later today.
I will buy it, since I don't have a personal laptop (do have a work laptop, that's it) and only a high end desktop.
The long lasting battery and dual option (tablet and netbook) do it perfectly for me. Also, my 30" desktop monitor is IPS panel, so I won't go anything below that in picture quality.
Currently I have no interest. Not because I think it's a dumb idea, I just don't need it for a tablet, that's not how I'm using mine. I do appreciate the idea, though. If it cost less, I'd probably bite just to have the option handy, but $150 is too much for something I'd rarely use. I find that the on-screen keyboard is very good for the amount of typing I do on the Transformer (I do find myself hitting the keyboard minimize button by accident too much, I wish it wasn't underneath the shift key).
The dock should turn it into a Windows laptop, have the cpu etc in the dock.
I'd pay for that, but see no reason for a Honeycomb tablet dock unless it was $60 or so.
I'm not much interested in the keyboard dock. I've got a laptop with a 9 hr battery and bigger screen that weighs three pounds, I'd use that. I might be interested in the desktop dock thing that just charges it and holds it though, if the price was right and they ever became available.
If the dock without a keyboard has battery inside I might not buy the keyboard dock and go for the keyboardless dock.
i'm also torn between getting the dock or not. i do like the idea of extended battery and the ability to type with a physical keyboard. but then i already have my laptop for that. another thing is the price - $150 is kind of high. but then i already preordered it from amazon. lol. if anything it'll be a pure impulse buy or i end up forgetting that i preordered and then it ships. haha
Never intend of getting the keyboard in the first place, if I need a keyboard I will use my notebook.
hi all,
im after some of your advice as to the best tablet, im going to ask in the xoom and galaxy forums as well, but id like your opinions on what is the best tablet to buy, obviously you guys are using the transformer already, and are happily modding the hell out of them, so you may have experience with the others as well.
i am trying to find somewhere which has all 3 which i can look at side by side, but in the UK im pretty much left with Pc world/Currys.. so i thought id do the next best thing and talk to people who have/use them.
i have narrowed my choices to;
Motorola Xoom,
Asus Transformer
Samsung Galaxy 10.1
if possible can you let me know what your experiences are like with any of them.
Thanks All.
Side by side you will probably like the Galaxy Tab which is much cleaner looking, a little higher quality, and has a nicer screen. However, the Transformer doesn't cost as much.
For me at least, the cost of the Galaxy Tab is unreasonable and the difference does not justify an extra $100 (or $200 as was my case).
If money was no object, I would probably go with the Tab, but since money is an object I went with the Transformer.
I've only had my TF for a couple days, but already I am very happy with my purchase. I feel at the $399 price point it was the best value for what I would be able to get out of it compared to the Tab. The Tab has a lot to offer but for what I was looking to get out of my tablet I don't think you could beat the value of the TF. Good luck in making your decison.
I think within a month there will be news of:
Transformer with Tegra 3
Apple iPad 3
Microsoft WIndows 8 tablet
And, many more Android tablets getting ready for holiday season.
Why would you buy now (next few weeks)?
Bob Smith42 said:
I think within a month there will be news of:
Transformer with Tegra 3
Apple iPad 3
Microsoft WIndows 8 tablet
And, many more Android tablets getting ready for holiday season.
Why would you buy now (next few weeks)?
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This is the reason why I waited till I could get the TF for 255 new instead of the usual 399.
That said, anything other than the TF you will lose productivity due to lack of keyboard dock.
If you don't need the keyboard, the Samsung is hard to beat. (Unless you are Apple and choose to compete in the courts instead of the marketplace.)
I didn't think much of the Zoom when I tested one but it was the original HC 3.0. That said it was more expensive than the TF as well even including the dock. Samsung looses for me because it doesn't have SD card expansion built in which I think was a poor choice to make. It is a nice tab though, no argument there. TF has it all and as a bonus is almost pure HC, no TouchWiz or anything like that bolted into it. Its not perfect but especially with the last couple of updates its a very good piece of kit.
xoom is already too bulky, too old, too expensive
I sold my TF after one month - ipad is still way ahead of all tablets - but I think it doesnt really matter if you choose Tab or TF - they work pretty much the same - just go to store, feel them and take the one you like more - or TF if you type a lot - the dock is quite good
hmm thanks for the info guys,
im debating waiting another month or so and see what comes out of the next batch of tablets, though im unsure that it will make much difference,
goodintentions said:
This is the reason why I waited till I could get the TF for 255 new instead of the usual 399.
That said, anything other than the TF you will lose productivity due to lack of keyboard dock.
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Where did you find the TF for $255?
I cant comment on the other 2 but im well impressed with my TF, i cant fault the build quality and the IPS screen is awesome. I didnt think i wanted the keyboard dock but glad i did and it really transforms the TF. Ive only had mine a week and was gonna hold off but theres nothing written in stone when the newer tabs are comming esp in the uk apart from sonys new offering which is due 18th sept. Im a real sony fanboy and was gonna pre-order the S1 but reading reviews of the how easily the screen and casing marked i settled for the Gorilla glassed, matt finished TF and am glad i did, it really is a nice bit of tech
AFAIK, the IPS Display on the Transformer is unbeatable by any other Android tablet. I'm not sure if the Galaxy Tab has an IPS Panel, but I know the Xoom does not.
javroch said:
AFAIK, the IPS Display on the Transformer is unbeatable by any other Android tablet. I'm not sure if the Galaxy Tab has an IPS Panel, but I know the Xoom does not.
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The Samsumg Galaxy Tab 10.1 does not have a IPS display it has a PLS display (Samsung's equivalent to the IPS). Most consider the Samsung display a but better (better color reproduction) and the viewing angles are just as good. They are very close but the Samsung has an edge.
The only thing that kept me from the 10.1 is the lack of MicroSD slot and the extra $100 (not to mention the TF has Micro HDMI out and an excellent docking solution).
Either one will be a good choice. Just depends it the expandable memory and video out matter to you as well as saving $100 or if you rather have thinner, lighter (and stylish) tab for a $100 premium. It's up to you!
I've heard that the Galaxy Tab uses IPS (or as you say Samsung calls it, PLS), but I haven't heard anything about it being any better than normal IPS. Either way, I imagine it can't be much of a significant improvement, if at all, since it's essentially the same technology.
On another note, though not everybody will agree, I can't think of any reason to purchase the Galaxy Tab or XOOM over the TF. I feel like there are numerous reasons why I'd prefer the TF though, especially over the XOOM, including: the display, the price, the build quality, expandability (extra SD slot, USB slots, keyboard + extra battery, etc).. I could keep going. I suppose the XOOM and Galaxy Tab offer 3G/4G connectivity, but personally I never understood why anybody would want to pay for that. I don't think I'd ever buy anything but a Wi-Fi tablet, so that aspect doesn't affect me. Again, obviously not everybody will agree with me on that though. Aside from these things, I feel like the three tablets are very similar. They all have similar processors, memory, hard drive space, version of Android, etc.
Considering the Tab and the Transformer are the same price, but the Transformer is higher spec and comes with a proper keyboard, it's a nobrainer....
The only spanner in the works, is that the Xoom is currently heavilly discounted in the UK.
Personally, I would still avoid the xoom, the European support sucks (slow updates), and I could never spend even that money on a tablet-only device after using a proper one with a dock.
Transformer is the best one
The xoom has a better build quality imo.. Its aluminum unibody is better than my transformers plastic casing-.-
Still for the price, Transformer all the way. If you can afford it, the Tab 10.1.
Or wait for the Quad core tablets coming this year.
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Im selling my iPad 2 and I ordered a TF . I found the iPad just too boring .
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It would really depend on how are you planning to use it
TF -
Pros:
- Best Keyboard Dock
- low Price
- has the best software support
- huge hardware modding possibilities (500Gb HDD on the keyboard dock, extra battery)
- microsd slot
- hdmi port on the tablet
- LCD screen has a "true color" approach, recommended for video/photo editing
Cons:
- build quality is average (light bleed, creaking noises when u push the back)
- even thou it has SRS speakers, sound is still a little faint
- bezel easily scratches
- battery life is a bit average
haha i already got really small scratches on the microSD slot (from inserting/removing) after 2 months of usage.
Xoom -
Pros:
- best build quality
- soft touch back
- better range/availability of accessories (case, screen protectors, etc.)
- microsd slot
Cons:
- a bit old
- expensive
- average screen panel
- heavy
Galaxy Tab 10.1 -
Pros:
- has the best range/availability of accessories (case, screen protectors, etc.)
- sleek design
- lighter
- has one of the loudest speakers
- longer battery life (as a tablet)
- screen has a nice color saturation (good for viewing movies)
- more of a browser/media player on the go
Cons:
- plastic backside
- no microsd slot
- no microUSB
- accessories needed for using USB/HDMI
TL;DR: What's a good <10.1" tablet choice for $400 or less?
Hi all,
My girlfriend is looking at getting a tablet that she can take to work everyday and use for occasional YouTubing and note taking (and a great organizer).
She's got pretty small hands, so I'm assuming the 10.1" screen size is a little out of the question. An 8.9" or 7.x" sounds more reasonable.
It's gotta either have a good keyboard (Bluetooth) or a good dock, great battery life, and be $400 or less (just the tablet).
What would be best for her to get?
She isn't particular to an OS but isn't tech-savvy (she still users a feature phone, the LG Rumor 2), so something simple would be great. I can root/jailbreak it for her, whichever device you all suggest.
TIA!
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I believe there are tablets available in India for less than $50
well...
There arent a lot of 7.x" tablets...
Even if there were some the Android tablet's battery wouldn't last long.
The tablet with a good battery life could be an iPad and that is somekinda too big as in screen size.
A tablet with a DOCK could be an ASUS transformer but it also has a 10.1" screen
so you should either forget the battery life or the screen size.
I'd personally get a 10.1" tablet since they are newer, faster, and newer OS(Android)
Oh, I just remembered the ASUS Transformer has an external battery on its dock so you use it with the dock it like a netbook. Longer lasting battery
A little click to the 'Thanks!' button if I helped you
Cheryl Jones said:
I believe there are tablets available in India for less than $50
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yes but it will cost nearly $100 for a one with bluetooth and otherthings
She need it right now? If not, she can wait for the Transformer Prime (I'm not sure about it's name, actually) with 7'
Hey,
Still wondering whether to get the dock but think its a decent idea as it will save me about 40-50 $ in the long run. Just wondering if the dock that comes with the Infinity as a whole unit (tab and dock) is in fact the Prime's one with the bigger battery or the Infinity's one?
Thanks,
Hurry up ASUS, this 6 week DOA assessment is really annoying me, I just want a refund!!
We have a two bigh threads already, why not ask there?
I think that is a fair suggestion - i see a large Dock thread in this forum, why don't you go ahead and re-ask there..