[Q] Augmentative and alternative communication? - General Questions and Answers

I have come to the experts because with all the sales that are appearing I need some direction in order to make the wisest choice. I need two tablets (I will not buy from that fruit company) and can't go buying a bunch of different devices to try. I mainly intend to use a tablet as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device for my autistic sons. Most of the APPS for what I am trying to do use smallish mostly cartoon-like (but sometimes real pics of things) icons that turn a touch choice into speech. Screen resolution does not have to be the greatest but don't want fuzzy either. Reaction to touch is important (don't want something that one touch does a bunch of repeating or selects the wrong thing). Sound is important as the whole purpose is for them to communicate with others. Durability would be great but is not in my top requirements as no device my boys have had has been autism-proof. I'm looking for functional, inexpensive, and replaceable. I tried a cheap Sylvania but it didn't do so well on touch screen and sound. I did like the 7" screen size compared to my Vizio VTAB 8" (an inch really makes a difference on holding comfort and portability). One sale that stood out is the Dell Streak 7 is going to be 159.99 online from Best Buy for Black Friday. So what say you?
I thank you for any insight you can give me.

Related

Is the Advantage for me?

Hello, I'm having a little trouble deciding which device would suit my needs more. My first choice was the HTC Advantage X7501, but after reading countless reviews and such, the device's size is an ultimate turn off. The 5'' inch is really nice, and suit my needs for watching videos in some leisure time on the go. Also looks great for web surfing, but still the size is bugging me. I've learned the device isn't primarily a phone, but I just need an all in one device. At the same time though, I'm a heavy texter [SMS Messaging], and would like to know from first hand experience, how it is on this device.
On the other hand the I-Mate Ultimate 9502 caught my attention, but spec wise does not stand a chance against the Advantage in my opinion.
All I really want to know is:
1. Is this device SMS friendly with a touch screen keyboard?
2. It's portability. [I need a device that I can take anywhere and everywhere, and not have to carry anything extra such as a bag.]
3. If this device isn't for me, any alternatives?
My post-review might help you.
Google "xda-developers Athena post review"
Xanon said:
Hello, I'm having a little trouble deciding which device would suit my needs more. My first choice was the HTC Advantage X7501, but after reading countless reviews and such, the device's size is an ultimate turn off. The 5'' inch is really nice, and suit my needs for watching videos in some leisure time on the go. Also looks great for web surfing, but still the size is bugging me. I've learned the device isn't primarily a phone, but I just need an all in one device. At the same time though, I'm a heavy texter [SMS Messaging], and would like to know from first hand experience, how it is on this device.
On the other hand the I-Mate Ultimate 9502 caught my attention, but spec wise does not stand a chance against the Advantage in my opinion.
All I really want to know is:
1. Is this device SMS friendly with a touch screen keyboard?
2. It's portability. [I need a device that I can take anywhere and everywhere, and not have to carry anything extra such as a bag.]
3. If this device isn't for me, any alternatives?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there!
This is certainly not easy questions that you ask, but I will try my best to answer them for you anyway!
First of all I have to say that I used to have an X7500 but I sold it in the favour for the upcoming HTC Touch Pro wich is due to come out sometime this month!
Having said that, I can tell you that I do miss the beautiful big 5" screen of my device, surfing and watching videos is just not the same with a smaller device! Also I used it for navigation and I really miss the big screen there too!
I also miss the 8 GB built in harddrive becouse I am a heavy user and I fill up my 4 gb card very easy, but hey thats not really a very big issue becouse the card can be exchanged for a bigger one!
The device is as you say pretty big, but you dont need to carry any extra bags if you have big enough pockets! Also I know that there is at least several cases that you can strap to your belt and carry it like that, search in this forum for more information on that!
Now to answer sms typing question!
I guess it depends on what you are used to! If you are used typing on a touch screen with a stylus then this device is alot better then the smaller screen sized, also if you install "resco keybord" you will be able to type with your fingers without using a stylus, you cant beat that!
However if you are not used to type on a touch screen and prefer using the real keyboard for typing then you are in for a heck of a lot trouble! First of all the keyboard on the X7500 sucks! It has very small keys and almost no feedback at all to talk about, when I used it I typed wrong letters all the time and that was very frustrating! Also I think it is important to mention that the keyboard is attached with a very strong magnet, but it will work best if you place the device on a stable surface while typing, if you intend to hold the device with your hands and type the chance is big that the device will detach itself from the keyboard and fall forward or back! The magnet is not that strong so it can keep the keyboard attached in all position!
So in conclusion, if you are a havy typer and want to use the screen go for the X7500!
If you however prefer to type on a real keyboard then this device is not at all for you, I would then go for the upcoming HTC Touch Pro, or if you are not that of a havy user then you should consider a HTC Universal! I know that is an old device, but if you ask me it has by far the best keyboard compared to any other device! Also it has a big 3,8" screen and is alot smalled then X7500!
Also watching videos is very smooth and it´s not skipping frames due to missing drivers!
I hope this helps you in your decision!
Good luck!
You helped me plenty Branko
.
Actually using the touch screen to type is something I had in mind.
I forgot all about the HTC Touch Pro, isn't the price for it going to be around the same as the Advantage though?
If you use software keyboard, Softmaker for excel and word, watch lots of youtube, do lots of internet, 5 inch screen will be a better choice.
Xanon said:
You helped me plenty Branko
.
Actually using the touch screen to type is something I had in mind.
I forgot all about the HTC Touch Pro, isn't the price for it going to be around the same as the Advantage though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually think that the touch pro will be somewhat cheaper then the athena!
However it you are going to type on the screen then I would go for the athena and not the touch pro!
However I still think that a real keybord is better when it comes to typing, to be able to feal the keys you are pressing results in less typos! And the only device that I feal comfortable using when typing sms is the HTC Universal!
Maybe you should take a look at my post in this thread
Please look at the post number 6 "The universal is a masterpiece!", that will explain why I would still recommend the uni above all the other devices, not to mention it would be much cheaper if you can find a used one, you will save money!
Good luck, and please let us know what you decide!
Yeah saving money is a big factor for me.
If I have to fork over a hefty amount for the device, I want to know I'm getting the most bang for the buck. Which is why I made this thread, didn't want to be disappointed if I do decide to buy the Advantage. It's a lot of money and eating my saved money alive.
I was considering the Uni at one point, but the XDA Exec version.[Black is sexy baby] It's hard to come around though, so I'm considering a newer device.
I'm feeling so/so for the Advantage, seems SMS wouldn't work like I have in mind, on the other hand, a handset with a keyboard wouldn't be so bad. Think there will be a little keyboard lag when you first slide the keyboard out for SMS on the Touch Pro?
Xanon said:
Yeah saving money is a big factor for me.
If I have to fork over a hefty amount for the device, I want to know I'm getting the most bang for the buck. Which is why I made this thread, didn't want to be disappointed if I do decide to buy the Advantage. It's a lot of money and eating my saved money alive.
I was considering the Uni at one point, but the XDA Exec version.[Black is sexy baby] It's hard to come around though, so I'm considering a newer device.
I'm feeling so/so for the Advantage, seems SMS wouldn't work like I have in mind, on the other hand, a handset with a keyboard wouldn't be so bad. Think there will be a little keyboard lag when you first slide the keyboard out for SMS on the Touch Pro?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should check out this video demonstrating the touch pro! What I can see there is no lag what so ever, but then again, we just have to wait for it to come out so that we can see for ourselfes! Who knows how it will perform when a few apps are installed?
Xanon said:
I was considering the Uni at one point, but the XDA Exec version.[Black is sexy baby] It's hard to come around though, so I'm considering a newer device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah black is nice, but I dont think however that you should ignore the uni just becouse it´s not available in that particular color, I can promise you wont be disapointed with the uni if you type alot!
Somehow I think that the touch pro´s keybord, even if it is slightly better then the one on Tytn II can really be so good!? I for one would like to spare my fingers and hands, and I can not do that if the keys are so small that you have to be an acrobatic master to be able to type on them!
Hmm, no wonder I am using my uni to type all my sms with! Also very nice 3,8" screen to watch videos and surf the internet, and it still fits in your pocket nicely!
But hey, thats just my opinion!
Wow thanks a million Branko, been massive help to me. The Touch Pro has developed a lot since the last time I've seen it. This device looks very promising and I'm highly considering it. I just hope the price isn't sky high, I could use the extra money for a beefy SD card and some form of protection. Looks like the type that'll scratch.
But that 5 inch screen on the Advantage . . .
Xanon said:
the device's size is an ultimate turn off. The 5'' inch is really nice, and suit my needs for watching videos in some leisure time on the go. Also looks great for web surfing, but still the size is bugging me.
All I really want to know is:
1. Is this device SMS friendly with a touch screen keyboard?
2. It's portability. [I need a device that I can take anywhere and everywhere, and not have to carry anything extra such as a bag.]
3. If this device isn't for me, any alternatives?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as they say... you gotta pay to play...
what i mean is You CAN'T possibly wish for a 5" screen in a 2.5" size phone, that is physically impossible, until some one make a mass production of Tactile virtual 3D Holographic cell phone with large screen display. (in another 20 years i'll estimate)
Here are my reasons why i got the X7510
R1: i got tired of my 2.5" x 2.5" screen on my old smart phone.
I wanted something big ... the iphone first got my attention, but software, and hardware support was horrible, so then i found the lagest posssible smartphone was our HTC 7510 with 5" display, i immediately fell in love with it, specially after seen the yutuve videos of how easy people are browsing the next and movies and games, etc
R2: as mentioned above, i wanted something to browse the net quickly, without having to scroll the screen like 10 times, just to be able to read the page from left to right.
R3: i Text (SMS) and email more than i talk, more convenient than a Blackberry + iphone combined.
R4: oh did i mentioned entertainment? i bet i did playing games and movies on a large screen, is hella wayyy better than on a 2.5" screen
specially if you are watching movies in foreign languages and you need to read the subs LOL
R5: for bragging rights "Look! i got a better "iphone" than yours, can your iphone do this? LOL "
R6: it fits in my pockets just fine, i'm medium size 5.6 so my pants and shirts pockets are not that big.
is only 1 inch bigger than my old Smartphone Treo 6XX
R7: need i say more?
to answer you last 3 question
1. SMS = superb way better than the Treo, you can use the on screen LCD keyboard just fine, provided you have medium size fingers, but not suitable for people with big fingers.
2. answered that on R6
3. get an iphone, and come back *****ing about it after a few weeks, you can;t play movies, you can;t play games, you can;t use blue tooth audio, you can;t .... etc
LOL
Oh man, so glad to hear it can fit in pockets. That's a huge plus to me, and how is the Opera Browser on the 7510?
Oh man, so glad to hear it can fit in pockets. That's a huge plus to me, and how is the Opera Browser on the 7510?
Opera browser is pretty damn good, i'm glad that it came included from factory.
if you have used and likes the Opera browser in your desktop PC
you wont even notice the difference (exept for the screen size)
it'll be easier to import all your book marks too
That's pretty nifty, but there's a really hefty price tag on the X7510.
If you're going to use software keyboard (which I recommend Tengo), and want portabibility, I suggest that you use it without carrying the keyboard (i.e tablet style). Buy a cheap used 7500 or 7501 instead of 7510. In this way, you have all the hardware buttons which 7510 does not have, and also the ability to use cooked ROM. (No cooked ROM for 7510 at this moment).
Also, although you can put it in your pocket, I do not recommend it as it would be uncomfortable. Use a pouch instead.
Read my post review here to get more info.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=365794
See post #4
Xanon said:
1. Is this device SMS friendly with a touch screen keyboard?
2. It's portability. [I need a device that I can take anywhere and everywhere, and not have to carry anything extra such as a bag.]
3. If this device isn't for me, any alternatives?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. YES, either using the screen itself or with the keyboard.
2. I have no problem with portability. I have a leather pouch and it stays there. All I need to answer and make calls is the LG HBM 700.
3. I currently see no alternatives, as none have the 5 inch screen yet.
If you do decide to get the X7500 or X7501. READ ABOUT TROUBLES WITH THE 8 GB HARD DRIVE FIRST. If buttons are important to you, then go get the X7500 or X7501. If both does not concern you at all and you are a first time buyer looking for a BRAND NEW DEVICE then I suggest get the X7510 instead, because the price difference is only about a $100 dollars and you get the peace of mind not to worry about the hard drive.
cktlcmd said:
If you do decide to get the X7500 or X7501. READ ABOUT TROUBLES WITH THE 8 GB HARD DRIVE FIRST. If buttons are important to you, then go get the X7500 or X7501. If both does not concern you at all and you are a first time buyer looking for a BRAND NEW DEVICE then I suggest get the X7510 instead, because the price difference is only about a $100 dollars and you get the peace of mind not to worry about the hard drive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's exactly why i went for the X7510 instead of the cheaper older models
What problems are there with the 8GB microdrive????? I don't think there is anything you see there that you will not see in say a Storage Card. It is just as reliable for me, except it is way way faster.

Elocity A7 as a 7inch alternative with better screen!

I bought a g tablet. I feel close to it given I put in more than 30 hours going through different beta versions of alternate roms trying to get things the way they should be since out of the box it was a piece of crap. Being in canada I had driven to nearest Sears in US to Purchase it. Before the screen calibration fix I had essentially given up the inability to type properly and the horrible viewing angles and Sd card woes had me looking elsewhere.
Having tried the more expensive Galaxy Tab and finding it laggy and flash video unviewble, I decided I needed a Tegra based device. I also felt for my needs 7 inches might be better as I find typing in landscape mode hard with a 10 incher(hmm weird genital reference there LOL). I also feel that for my needs (book reading, surfing video watching, the odd game, and quick reference use) that the smaller form fact might be better given it is lighter and more portable (can fit in coat pocket....)
Heard about the ELocity and saw it available for 100$ less than what ipaid for g tab. so ordered it to my Brother's in Florida as will be there next week. It is already there waiting for me.
Of course since ordering it not having given the g tab back yet I have it working the way I want minus the screen viewing angles which I hate as I cant type on it when lounging unless holding it awkwardly in landscape mode using my thumbs.
Seems the Elocity has much better screen in terms of viewing angles.While lower res, the DPI is in fact the same and conforms to the Android OS max resolution of 800x480 so I suspect most apps will look correct on it. It also appears to come rooted out of the box. The UI layer on it is fast and responsive and flash is there to start. So for those considering a g tablet and don't want to muck around it works much better out of the box.
Seems it is not perfect yet and suffers many of the same issues the G tablet did:
Like the gtablet there is no official android market
Wifi for some seems to not wake up with the device from sleep
Angry birds won't run
All of the above from what I have read seem to be related to drivers and tegra 2 not having the best or newest ones out of the box.
Elocity says a fix is coming on december 24th (wonder if this is similar to what was done by Roebeet et al. with TNT light and Vega N with the performance upgrades form experimental diver pack)
Multitouch which is supposed to be 1+1 (which I believe is what the gtab is) doesn't seem to be enabled properly and is only emulated in software, and as of yet, not very well.
Seems from some things discovered on a different thread that this might be a 2 point multitouch after all.
For some reason there is no Elocity forum yet which I think could impede people coming on and helping development on it (Notion Ink Adam has a forum though there is no device in the wild for another month at least). I suspect given these are both Tegra 2 devices that there might be some parallel things to help.
for more info and possible help either for you to give or get the biggest thread going is:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=872299
One professional view just out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CvY8jzyCWI
One XDA member first look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6foXW1zizM
Canadoc,
I appreciate the info and your review.
I have to say, though, that I will not buy a 7" tablet. It's just too small. Without any references to ages or disabilities or the like, it is my opinion a lot of people are being foolish trying to do at a minimum "notebook" tasks on tiny tablets or cell phones.
I have a plain old regular cell phone. I do my tablet stuff on my G-Tablet. I do my work stuff on my Vaio 16". And if I want to watch a movie I sit down in front of my 52" home theatre and really enjoy the picture and sound.
Perhaps I owe you an apology for posting this here, but it does strike me that it's silly to use stuff the wrong way. I'll concede I might watch a movie on my G-Tablet if I were in a pinch somewhere. But I don't want to live on a cell phone screen.
Best wishes and Merry Christmas.
Rev
I disagree think that a 10 inch tablet is too closeninsize and portability night as well justbuse laptop. Phone is too small to really enjoy reading surfing and viewing. 7 inch is a sweetspot. I own an ipad. I don't use it much because there is little I use it for that my MacBook can't do abdtyping etc is better.
Typing on-the-job gtab now is bad. Too hard to 2 finger type given the wide screen and too many errors otherwise. 7 inch easy totype large enough and ideal form factor to read etc.
G tablet not good enough for notebook tasks. A notebook is. Icing need my tablet tomake a real document I haves a problem. Would rather plug ina small KB if I need to but thenmight as well just have laptop
Canadoc said:
G tablet not good enough for notebook tasks. A notebook is. Icing need my tablet to make a real document I haves a problem. Would rather plug ina small KB if I need to but thenmight as well just have laptop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two different devices:
1. Tablet for best portability, web, Flash, media and some gaming.
2. Netbook or lappy for PC-type tasks and heavier gaming.
The trade-off is convenience and portability. A passively cooled tablet lasts over three times longer than a typical net book and way over that for laptops.
I have an M11X, which kicks all netbooks and most laptops butts. Collecting dust since having the G. No windows baggage is very nice.
Still use it for heavy gaming, but everything else is covered by the G. I use my company Thinkpad for work stuff.
Quick comment and a question.
Touch screen is 1 point. Last that I got from the 20 page thread was 1 point touch, gTab is two.
How's the real battery life? It's my second favorite thing about the gTab, the first being it's incredible speed, but I just so much more like 7" form factor.
Not sure bout battery life, but given the smaller screen 7 vs 10 inch, the 3000mamp battery vs the 3650 of the gatb I am not expecting a huge difference.
Gtab is two yes. There has been no conclusive proof yet if the 1 touch is a hardware issue or software firmware than can be changed. It is referred to as a 1+1 touch which means the screen must be registering another touch. If it can do that, then I would think it can be revised in software......Thus far google maps which requires multipoint doesn't work on gtab. Accelerometer on Gtab is meesed up so games depending on it dont work right. Fring doesn't work on gtab......
Well if you want 1 device to do it all yes a bigger screen tablet is the way to go. But then you have something that is a compromise at everyhting.
Not great for productivity short of bringing another keyboard and with less than full capable office type apps.
Not great for portability given the almost laptops dimensions
(10 inch netbook or 11 inch macbook air are no bigger except thickness and have real keyboard and u dont deal with the awful screen of the viewosnic. As an owner I can't use the viewsonic for anything that I cant do looking face on which makes typing hard on the screen).
Battery life? macbook air superior than the g tablet. Netbook with high cap battery still same price as gtab and gives 6+ hours of pc use with wifi on
Canadoc said:
Well if you want 1 device to do it all yes a bigger screen tablet is the way to go. But then you have something that is a compromise at everyhting.
Not great for productivity short of bringing another keyboard and with less than full capable office type apps.
Not great for portability given the almost laptops dimensions
(10 inch netbook or 11 inch macbook air are no bigger except thickness and have real keyboard and u dont deal with the awful screen of the viewosnic. As an owner I can't use the viewsonic for anything that I cant do looking face on which makes typing hard on the screen).
Battery life? macbook air superior than the g tablet. Netbook with high cap battery still same price as gtab and gives 6+ hours of pc use with wifi on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note: I'm posting this to share my own user experience. YMMV.
(1) I agree that the viewing angle is less than ideal. Most of the time I pop it up using an inexpensive stand; it actually works better for my neck (really !).
(2) Re onscreen keyboard: I have had no trouble in portrait mode (using better keyboard). In landscape mode the TNT split keyboard actually works surprisingly well (after one-time calibration).
(3) 10" is defintely not as portable as 7". OTOH: a lot of times I use the gtab to read technical documents (pdf), and 7" simply does not work -- in portrait mode the text & equations are too small, and in landscape you can read just a few lines at a time. With 10" the whole page shows up in the same font size as the printed version.
I do agree that 10" is a bit unwieldy; I've come to the conclusion that an 8", 1024x764 is the perfect size for a ebook tablet (HD movie fans would disagree).
(4) I have my gtab for over a month. With wifi on, and a mix of mp3/web browsing/ebook reading/youtube/AB, I've been getting about 8 hours pretty much every time.
case-sensitive said:
Note: I'm posting this to share my own user experience. YMMV.
(1) I agree that the viewing angle is less than ideal. Most of the time I pop it up using an inexpensive stand; it actually works better for my neck (really !).
(2) Re onscreen keyboard: I have had no trouble in portrait mode (using better keyboard). In landscape mode the TNT split keyboard actually works surprisingly well (after one-time calibration).
(3) 10" is defintely not as portable as 7". OTOH: a lot of times I use the gtab to read technical documents (pdf), and 7" simply does not work -- in portrait mode the text & equations are too small, and in landscape you can read just a few lines at a time. With 10" the whole page shows up in the same font size as the printed version.
I do agree that 10" is a bit unwieldy; I've come to the conclusion that an 8", 1024x764 is the perfect size for a ebook tablet (HD movie fans would disagree).
(4) I have my gtab for over a month. With wifi on, and a mix of mp3/web browsing/ebook reading/youtube/AB, I've been getting about 8 hours pretty much every time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't get me wrong I currently own a gtab and do see the merit in it and if it had a better screen I would probably have kept it.
But the thing is for thos people not willing to mod their device (95% of buying public) the g tab is a device that will be promptly returned.
Viewing angle is very bad, UI is not great though improving with today's firmware. Promised Flash which is probably reason many buy it over ipad, is missing in action (and with it pulled of the Vega might not be around for a while).
Also the touchscreen without running calibration ini file on a rooted machine leaves a lot to be desired. The stock tablet (as well as custom roms before trying the calibration trick) would not register many presses on the letter a the soft home button as well as the return and L key. This in fact was what prompted me to order the elocity tablet as I was more than frustrated typing on the G. Of course I discovered the calibration trick only after my elocity order shipped out.
As for using a stand, that would be fine if I used my tablet sitting at a table or desk. I say most of my use is sitting on a couch or in bed with it held up in my hands on my chest or sitting in my lap. Often the ideal angle to type at is one that tilts the screen to where I can't view the keyboard buttons well especially the darker android keyboard. The width of the device in landscape makes it hard to thumb type. Portrait is fine but the tablet, for me is too long and does not balance well in the hand at that angle. Also the bad viewing angle in portrait mode is so bad that I get a polarizing effect; the left eye sees a brighter or darker image than the right. Pictures and especially dark backgrounds look very bad. TO make it even viewable I have to watch the screen tilted about 2-3 inches. This is the deal breaker for me.
The size is good if you want full size viewing of some things but if i wa slooking at a technical manual and had to put the tablet down to read it while i worked with my 2 hands i wouldnt be able to read it.....
If i need to work on something important I will just use my laptop. This is not a laptop replacement for me.
Frankly after using the ipad for a while i would say if it could rn flash it would kill everything out there and still already does for user experience and can be had for 399 at tj maxx and marshall so not even so expensive any more.
But, I want this to watch websites that have videos/movies in flash

Android Tablet Buying Advice

Hello everyone,
I've been looking to pick up an Android tablet for quite a while now but I have yet to find the right one for me - as such, I thought some of you fine gentlemen and/or gentlewomen would have some interesting suggestions.
The main problem is that I would prefer something relatively inexpensive (I wouldn't be using it for anything particularly intensive) but I absolutely must have Bluetooth and almost all the inexpensive branded tablets either lack it outright or have inactive chips (the Nooks, for instance, or the Kindle Fire).
My ceiling for this is the Eee Transformer which I could probably get for around £300 - if I get near that price, I might as well buy one of those.
So, any ideas? I'm thinking good screen (IPS not strictly necessary, but must be good), Bluetooth, decent performance and the rest is fairly negotiable.
One final note - should I receive confirmation that someone had got Bluetooth working on the Nook Tablet or Kindle Fire, I'd go right ahead and buy whichever one is in question. The only reason the Nook Color isn't at the top of my list is that it has fairly limited performance. I've looked at a lot of tablets, so it's entirely possible that the perfect tablet with the perfect price-to-performance ratio just doesn't exist, in which case I implore you to say so!
Any ideas springing to mind?
I would defiantly go with the transformer, it is a great device. Hope this helps!
Please hit the thank you button if i helped!

Your thoughts on Asus Padfone

I feel this is more of a general "lets get your opinion/feel" but ive experienced in the past, any topic that has any question in it, gets moved to this section.. So im posting it here.
I'd like to get people opinions (and experiences if any) on the Asus Padfone. I've been eyeing the HTC Amaze, but there have been a few issues reported with it, and with new tech being released this year, im also considering other devices. The Padfone caught my eye due to its apparent versatility. (Especially since the HTC One series has been a massive letdown with the non-existent mSD card slot)
Though there do seem to be some things lacking with this device, such as the camera (apparently, the HTC one has an independent processor which speeds it up) for example.
Also the fact that its 3g and not 4g/LTE seems to be a step back (tho this isnt an concern for me, but could be later).
Anyway.. Thoughts? Concerns?
Not worth buying
I'm considering getting one. I'm from the Netherlands so 3G is just fine for me!
Pricing is rumoured around €699 euro here, pretty steep though... That's without the dock (which will set you back another €150 I bet)
I love the idea of having everything in one place (on your phone) and basically click it into the tablet for typing during class or watching/reading something.
Jam it into the dock for longer writing sessions... I can see this being a very useful combination for me personally. I'm not sure the average user will find this a useful gadget though.
Downside is that you really have to use the phone all the time and I'm not sure how well everything works softwarewise when you load the phone into the dock, screensize wise etc, etc.
Its just that I got a Gnex that I love so dearly
PokeiShoW said:
Not worth buying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to elaborate?
newbie thoughts on the padfone
Last July 2011, I posted this thread on another forum and look at what happened in the interim - the Padfone!
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"Looking for serious multi-purpose (non-existent yet) tablet
I am a newbie. I have been communicating with a variety of tech publications incl Walt Mossberg, WSJ. But no serious response. I do not own a tablet right now but want to propose features that can be incorporated to the current crop. You folks can chime in (with respect) if you think my ideas are plausible.
Full disclosure. Currently, I am not a fan of the crop of tablets in the market today. What is out there (regardless of brand) are just pure "gadgets" for me. I do not do social networking nor games. I realize that I am in the minority in the high-tech populace.
I will consider a tablet with the configuration below to trim my techie equipment inventory. I believe this would be a truly PORTABLE, POWERFUL, SINGLE COMBINATION alternative to having (1) a communication/convenience/entertainment" device (tablet) AND (2) a PC for serious professional computing work, should I need to do some.
Samsung Galaxy-like form factor (or maybe even slightly larger or heavier)
Full Cell phone call capable (CDMA/GSM) - 3 or 4G thru BT (either on ear device or car's BT wireless communicator) - not just Google Talk or Skype
Web-access wireless card (a/b/g/n)
BT enabled to pair with my car's BT audio system wireless connection to play music stored in the tablet and other BT capable devices (tech already available)
Semi-full size BT keyboard/case (tech already available)
Available USB2 or 3 port/s
Available docking device to connect to an external larger LCD monitor, full-size keyboard, printer, optical drive, external HD, etc (?) to really replace my office/home notebook
Enough processor power (Intel/AMD dual core or higher), storage to support a full PC OS (Windows 7/8 or Mac OS), Internet Browser (IE9, FF5, Chrome, Safari, etc) and APPLICATION PROGRAMS AND DATA!
Sufficient battery life (replaceable) with AC/DC charging/connectivity capability
???????
Do you think this config for a tablet system has market and production potential? Or better yet, is there one already out there? I know that the technology to accomplish all of these exist already. It just takes somebody to put it all together.
Your professional insights are greatly appreciated."
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Since the Pf is not in our shores yet and I have been sick and tired of the all the unboxing, first videos from Barcelona, Taiwan specs and availability, I just implore ASUS to get their act together and stop the teasing and give us the US model! Regardless how a bunch of folks have trashed it, I on the other hand WANT ONE NOW. I realize that this desire is sight unseen, performance and quality unknown and not all the specs I listed above are in the model available everywhere else, I believe the concept of 3 in 1 is a brilliant one. I may not be as techie as you folks but for my use and from prelim videos and specs, what ASUS has done is phenomenal.
I would greatly appreciate your more techie input as well as marketing intel (US availaibility, specs, price, carrier, etc.). BTW, I still refuse to buy and do not want any of the tablets available today. Thanks.
The mechanism to insert the phone into the tablet looks like its the first thing to break rendering the whole concept useless.
But i have not hold it in my hand, anyone have some info on the build quality?
Dark3n said:
The mechanism to insert the phone into the tablet looks like its the first thing to break rendering the whole concept useless.
But i have not hold it in my hand, anyone have some info on the build quality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible, it depends if the "door" needs to be closed before it will output to the tabdock. Plus, im sure alot said that about flip phones and sliding phone. My Touch Pro 2 is still going pretty strong, and it has a sliding keyboard.
Something id like it know is with the Keyboard dock, is it 'closeable'. As in, can you dock the tablet to it, then "close it" like a laptop so you can transport it as one piece?
first try... and probably last
very difficult positioning for Asus. They're trying desperately to innovate more that the competition to get a strong foot in that market.
However, this solution might not be fully interesting for a lot of people... If its a failure, they'll have lost a great deal of money that could have been used to make up for the difference with the latest ipad...
If this will be a failure , atleast the price will drop fast ( something like Evo 3d -50% )
addiz said:
If this will be a failure , atleast the price will drop fast ( something like Evo 3d -50% )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you think it will be a failure?
it's something new and different let's see how people will act after buying it
Has a lot of potential...
Has a LOT of potential if marketed correctly.
I have a original ASUS Transformer TF101 with keyboard dock for eight months now and I can say its an amazing machine. The performance is just right, the battery lasts forever, almost stock ICS, lots of updates.
I have the only combination of devices that can compete with the full Padfone setup: a modern smartphone (Samsung Galaxy Note) and the mentioned Transformer, with full tethering support. If the Padfone system can have a significant price advantage, the consistency it provides (the Note have Android 2.3.6) can make it a winner.
Feels way to expensive.
$1 gets you a reply
yes the hinge closes like a laptop
problem: the hinge only opens around 90 degrees so you won't get a great viewing angle unless you are at a similar level.
when the latch of the tablet station opens to release the phone, it stops the phone being bent outwards, so you have to pull up and thus, not breaking the connector.
not having 4g is a big downer for me. I was going to get this and might still but seriously, uk is getting 4g this year so I doubt I'd want this when it gets released.
The price of phone + 10" screen is Euro 699.
I think it will not be a success.
Why? (iPhone 4S + New iPad) is only Euro 199 more than the phone and a dummy screen.
Moreover, if you're going to carry around a dummy screen, why not carry a REAL tablet??
tytung2020 said:
The price of phone + 10" screen is Euro 699.
I think it will not be a success.
Why? (iPhone 4S + New iPad) is only Euro 199 more than the phone and a dummy screen.
Moreover, if you're going to carry around a dummy screen, why not carry a REAL tablet??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
beeecause with a iphone and ipad, your data is in 2 places? So if you edit something on your ipad, you have to take steps to also update it on your iphone.. Plus, itunes.. thats always a disadvantage.
I see the appeal, and 200 bucks More isnt small.
Lyian said:
beeecause with a iphone and ipad, your data is in 2 places? So if you edit something on your ipad, you have to take steps to also update it on your iphone.. Plus, itunes.. thats always a disadvantage.
I see the appeal, and 200 bucks More isnt small.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it's no need to take any steps? As long as your iPad is online at home, whatever you do on iPhone outside is automatically synced, as shown in the iCloud launching videos.
199 euro is small, when you compare a screen+ battery, with a fully functioned retina display iPad.
sounds good
tytung2020 said:
I thought it's no need to take any steps? As long as your iPad is online at home, whatever you do on iPhone outside is automatically synced, as shown in the iCloud launching videos.
199 euro is small, when you compare a screen+ battery, with a fully functioned retina display iPad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i wont get apple products. If i were to get two devices, both would be android. Im sure it would be similar, but i don't like messing with clouds either, that's just a gimik to eat up your limited "unlimited" data package. Especially when your talking about my case of 400+mb PDF files.
I'm not completely sold on it, but it seems like a good idea, plus ive not yet seen official pricing on it.
Not that benchmarks mean much.. but...
ASUS PadFone gets benchmarked: a mere teaser of what's to come

You want a SINGLE device that is a tablet AND a phone?

I would like to get some opinion from you guys....
I am a startup developing a new kind of mobile device that combines a phone and tablet - putting a 7" screen on a less than 5" phone body. (It is not like the Galaxy Note, where the size is fixed.)
SO when you just want to make calls, check SMS and emails, just use the "phone mode" with a 4"+ screen.
When you want to surf web, watch videos/photos, transform it into a 7"-screen tablet.
Now my question is about the potential market for this device, as it seems that no company is creating a device like this, I am worried if there's no market for it.
a) For those of you carrying two devices (a phone and a tablet), are you feeling a bit inconvenient, annd would you like to have this device?
b) For those of you carrying only a phone, would you like to have a bigger screen, perhaps 7", while retaining the same portability?
c) Would you still buy a 10" tablet after you have this device? (assuming you already have a laptop)
Your help will be very much appreciated!
the first thing that came to mind upon reading this post is the asus padfone.
i do carry the 2 devices (S2 + TF101), and IMO it isn't really a big inconvenience, thus i might not be that interested. Unless it comes with a unique feature / selling point?
cheers.
if the tablet could make calls and i could pair a Bluetooth headset to it, i would get it. maybe it would stop me from texting and driving if it was 10 inch
I see no market for it. Some will buy it for what it is but not enough to make profit or even break even. Try focussing resources on let's say the body of the Droid Razr with an edge to edge screen, custom ROM that gets rid of the touch buttons of the bottom of the device so that can be more room for screen. I would buy something like that.
Or how about a smart-watch that can sync with any tablet to become a secondary display.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
Didn't they already do this? And if I recall it kinda flopped... Not being negative, but I think people are used to carrying around a bunch of gadgets...
deliriume said:
the first thing that came to mind upon reading this post is the asus padfone.
i do carry the 2 devices (S2 + TF101), and IMO it isn't really a big inconvenience, thus i might not be that interested. Unless it comes with a unique feature / selling point?
cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply.
There are some aspects of Padfone that we don't think it will be a market success:
1. You still need to carry the 10" screen, and it is not as portable as a 4+" phone 2. When the phone is inside tablet, you'll need a headset to receive and make calls
Anyway our product is not in compete with padfone, although we have something in common - to combine devices from different categories. The key difference, besides the size, is that we emphasize on PORTABILITY; while they probably emphasize on versatile performance.
Our device is small and light and easily slip into pocket, yet comes with a beautiful 7" screen.
BTW, we think the combination of devices (our device + laptop/ultrabook) is more reasonable than (Padfone + laptop/ultrabook), because Padfone size is already very similar to laptop, and almost everyone already has a laptop.
STIDRIVER said:
Didn't they already do this? And if I recall it kinda flopped... Not being negative, but I think people are used to carrying around a bunch of gadgets...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your feedback!
Do you mean Sony's Tablet P?
However, since there is a bezel between the two screens, it cannot be seen as a one screen tablet when unfolded. In fact this is one of the main reason why it gets poor reviews and market reactions (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-21/what-was-sony-thinking-with-tablet-p-rich-jaroslovsky.html). The bezel is simply annoying.
Our startup have found a way to remove the bezel.
Yes people now used to carry around many gadgets, because currently we have no choice
I love the idea of the padfone...4 inch phone during the day, 10 inch phone when at home.
If you have something to offer please let me know, as of know i am seriously looking at the padfone to be my next phone.
Sent from my overclocked desire z via tapatalk app
I love the idea of the padfone!
bigboxrate said:
Maybe this one can be a good choice for you if you do not mind using big screen to make telephone calls.
http://www.tinydeal.com/7-pxp7fh-p-39587.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
800 mhz and 256 ram, gross...
Sent from my overclocked desire z via tapatalk app
Good Stuff....Thanks
Tablet s Phone
I really dont understand why Tablets dont incorporate phones, I own a Dell Streak Mini 5, (best phone Ive ever owned) also a sony tablet s.
Both brilliant devices but most of the pros are duplicated by one or the other,
Dell streak, android device, good general purpose but screen too small for word processing or watching vids, not to mention the small onscreen keybord.
Tablet s, android device, good for all things android but no phone.
I dont follow the logic that there would be no market for a tablet device with a phone, I carry a phone and I carry a tablet I would far rather only carry one, i.e. the tablet with a phone in it, I use a blue tooth earpiece for all my phone/music/audio books so its not as if Ive got it stuck to my ear all the time, in fact the phone never comes out unless i want to use an app.
So the answer for me is a resounding YES device of that nature.
This is a great idea. Today's smartphones have all this horsepower but what good is it if the tiny screens make it a chore to get anything done. I'm having difficulty imagining how one would go about incorporating an additional big screen on a phone, but if you can do a clean job at it, I believe it will be success. By clean, I mean the screens should be good quality either glass or matte, not some flimsy folding ****.
noobletsausecakebbq said:
This is a great idea. Today's smartphones have all this horsepower but what good is it if the tiny screens make it a chore to get anything done. I'm having difficulty imagining how one would go about incorporating an additional big screen on a phone, but if you can do a clean job at it, I believe it will be success. By clean, I mean the screens should be good quality either glass or matte, not some flimsy folding ****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes we are not using folding screens.
I bought a Samsung Galaxy Note exactly for this reason.
The screen is big enough for non-phone usage but small
enough to fit inside a pocket to carry around like you would
carry around a phone. It's already 5.4" so 7" is not that much
larger, you'd better have a real compelling reason for your
device in order to convince people who would otherwise
pick the Note.
Cool Idea
I don't know of your resource base, but have you seen the new translucent material they have demoed for new tablets. That would make your product something that would stand apart. They demoed the material at one of the electronic shows this year.
fetchinson said:
I bought a Samsung Galaxy Note exactly for this reason.
The screen is big enough for non-phone usage but small
enough to fit inside a pocket to carry around like you would
carry around a phone. It's already 5.4" so 7" is not that much
larger, you'd better have a real compelling reason for your
device in order to convince people who would otherwise
pick the Note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup! Ive had my g2 since the day it came out. The two devices im looking at is the padfone or the galaxy note. Im on tmobile usa so hooping one will get 4G sometime this summer. August is my upgrade month
Sent from my overclocked desire z via tapatalk app
challa3223 said:
I don't know of your resource base, but have you seen the new translucent material they have demoed for new tablets. That would make your product something that would stand apart. They demoed the material at one of the electronic shows this year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, we are using standard touchscreens...
I think you will have a harder time distinguishing yourself from the padfone since it is out now.

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