Related
What's up XDA I'm in the market for a new Tablet or laptop for my wife
and I'm looking seriously at either the G-Tablet or a mid-range laptop.
The way I see it the pros and cons of the G-Tablet are as follows:
Pro:
Android.
I love android.
Hardware.
There aren't too many tablets out that have hardware on this level.
Cost:
Compared to other Tablets this one is very reasonable for the specs
Hackability
I'm not new to Android (as you can see from my sig)
so the prospect of hacking this thing is exciting.
Cool Factor
Let's face it moving from laptops to tablet is just plane cool.
Cons:
Android:
As much as I love Android and it can handle 95% of what she needs.
There is that 5% of remanding programs that really only work well on Windows.
Cost:
I can most likely get more powerful specs from a laptop at the $350-400 price range.
Even though it won't be as cool.
No physical keyboard.
So what sold you all on the G-Tablet? Are you happy with the purchase?
A tablet and a laptop are different solutions to computing problems. I have a desktop, a netbook, and the tablet. It's not overkill. The desktop is my primary gaming system and research station, since it's multi-monitored. The netbook is what I take when I expect to be producing text - hence, the need for the keyboard. The tablet is what I take when my primary goal is consuming information. I use it as an eReader (Google Books, Kindle, and RepliGo Reader for annotating PDFs).
It beats carrying around as many books as I previously did, and the on-screen keyboard works well enough for most things. I also have a flexible/foldable/rollable USB keyboard (purchased from K-Mart for $14.99) that I carry around with the tablet as well should I find myself in need of entering a lot of text. That doesn't happen that much, but it doesn't take too much space in my messenger bag.
The real questions are: what does your wife want to do with this device? Is she consuming or producing? What applications are crucial for her use? What does she do with those applications?
Without an understanding of what you and she want the device to do, I don't think we can answer it. Form follows function. Focus on the function. That's more important than any of the criteria you listed above when it comes to selecting the form your information device should take.
Very true. She would be mostly consuming.
Sent from my HTC Vision
tedlogan42 said:
I also have a flexible/foldable/rollable USB keyboard (purchased from K-Mart for $14.99) that I carry around with the tablet as well should I find myself in need of entering a lot of text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind telling me what keyboard you have, model number, link or whatever? I want to get one that works for my GTab running TnT Lite (latest release).
Is it the one by Sakar?
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_018W024011470001P?vName=Computers%20&%20Electronics&cName=Desktops&sName=Accessories&sid=KDx20070926x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=018W024011470001P#reviewsWrap
So i want to buy a android tablet. i will so be going to college, and i find it was easier to carry tablet with ebooks instead of the actual book.
I have AT&T. so their tablet will be the Galaxy Tab, which is okay for 549.99
but then the Motorola Xoom (wifi version) came out for 599.99 which i find way better only problem would be the 3G. i hate verizon btw.
and of course there are many other to come in the next months.
so can you all guide me in which direction will be the best for me. thanks
sal2708 said:
So i want to buy a android tablet. i will so be going to college, and i find it was easier to carry tablet with ebooks instead of the actual book.
I have AT&T. so their tablet will be the Galaxy Tab, which is okay for 549.99
but then the Motorola Xoom (wifi version) came out for 599.99 which i find way better only problem would be the 3G. i hate verizon btw.
and of course there are many other to come in the next months.
so can you all guide me in which direction will be the best for me. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If only there was a thread called:
Need advice on my next TABLET / what model is better? Official Thread---
if only that thread was not limited to $200... -sigh-
meltwater said:
If only there was a thread called:
Need advice on my next TABLET / what model is better? Official Thread---
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sal2708 said:
if only that thread was not limited to $200... -sigh-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If only you'd read the rest of it and realise it is now a combined general thread.
I would imagine you would be needing something with exceptional battery life and an excellent screen (particularly for viewing in sunlight). Something like the pixel qi technology, the Notion Ink Adam for example, however whether the Notion Ink delivers on what it promises remains to be seen, its been in development for a long time.
If you are spending that sort of money I would highly recommend getting a demo of the devices and I would also consider setting the iPad2 as a benchmark, if you are paying around the same price, then you should at least aim for a screen/battery better than that, or you might as well get one of those.
i not really in iOS, i have an ipod touch. its blah.
i liek android better.
there to many out there to go for.
i have my eyes set on some of them, HTC Flyer, Moto Xoom (AT&T verison might launch is that is so, we got a winner but until then), toshiba tablet, Viewsonic Viewpad 7 or 10. those are mainly the once i am intrested in. just dont know which will be best. and more hackable (if thats even a word.)
sal2708 said:
i not really in iOS, i have an ipod touch. its blah.
i liek android better.
there to many out there to go for.
i have my eyes set on some of them, HTC Flyer, Moto Xoom (AT&T verison might launch is that is so, we got a winner but until then), toshiba tablet, Viewsonic Viewpad 7 or 10. those are mainly the once i am intrested in. just dont know which will be best. and more hackable (if thats even a word.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I can tell they are all quite similar spec, although not looked in detail.
Regarding hack-ability, keep an eye out for which ones are rooted etc, with the hardware specs being so good and being from main stream manufacturers chances are they will be hacked (I imagine just too tempting).
I would expect that the Viewsonic's battery and screen won't be a patch on the others, as a lesser manufacturer, but then neither will the price.
For me, I've decided to go the cheep route, since I don't have the cash to get the more expensive ones or to upgrade them when they get superseded in 12 - 18 months.
I think after all the atrix with the lapdock will be my final choice
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
I have a notion ink Adam - pixel qi, 3g.
It's a great piece of hardware. Fast, good camera, light, the pixel qi works well.
The down sides are:
- the Eden UI still has a few bugs. I'm looking to run Ubuntu anyway so not an issue for me
- pixel qi is not the same as a kindle. Similar, but pixel qi is more for usage in the sun.
hello, I've been recently looking at tablets. I want something pretty decently nice, with honeycomb (which you can put on this), and just generally nice specs. But my real question is, is this thing a piece of complete crap? it's off brand for things i buy usually, but I've seen generally good reviews. I've also been looking at the Transformer and the Xoom. Thank you all for the help.
considering that you can get one on Ebay for under $250, I would say yes, it's most definitely worth it.
Even with Froyo roms, it's a very useful tablet that will probably do the things that you want it to do. Yes, the screen angles are not ideal, but they are acceptable (in my opinion)
Put it this way, is buying a transformer, or Xoom for almost twice as much going to be just as useless when the newest tablets come out for Christmas?
I believe that it's a question of perception. What do you want to use it for?
and who knows, when Ice Cream Sandwich gets released, it may be easier to port to the G-Tablet than Honeycomb.
Well the transformer is only $150 more.. ill look up a comparison between the two. That was the other one I am still honestly considering
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
gobluewolverines4 said:
Well the transformer is only $150 more.. ill look up a comparison between the two. That was the other one I am still honestly considering
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess my point was, is the transformer going to be just as obsolete when the new tablets arrive? Nvidea is releasing a new tegra platform, that will basically make anything running on a tegra2 old hat. This would include the Xoom, Transformer, Iconia, as well as the G-Tablet, Adam, Vega, etc. These things depreciate faster than a car driven off the dealer's lot. Originally what, $450 when they were released? I bought mine for $300 (with a few extras) on Ebay. now they are retailing for $250 in Woot deals and Tiger Direct, while used ones on Ebay are plummeting down to nearly $200. When the new Tegra devices are released, I suspect that a G-tablet can be bought for $100 used.
What I mean, is why not save the $150 now, to put toward a better tablet down the line...The g-tablet will at least give you a less expensive introduction to the android tablet world, while still being a quite useful tool.
I would just hate to see somebody spend more money on a similar tablet that will cause them buyers remorse in 3 months or so. Of course, if you have the cash to burn, then go ahead and buy what you really want...for most people, that's an iPad...jk
TJEvans said:
I guess my point was, is the transformer going to be just as obsolete when the new tablets arrive? Nvidea is releasing a new tegra platform, that will basically make anything running on a tegra2 old hat. This would include the Xoom, Transformer, Iconia, as well as the G-Tablet, Adam, Vega, etc. These things depreciate faster than a car driven off the dealer's lot. Originally what, $450 when they were released? I bought mine for $300 (with a few extras) on Ebay. now they are retailing for $250 in Woot deals and Tiger Direct, while used ones on Ebay are plummeting down to nearly $200. When the new Tegra devices are released, I suspect that a G-tablet can be bought for $100 used.
What I mean, is why not save the $150 now, to put toward a better tablet down the line...The g-tablet will at least give you a less expensive introduction to the android tablet world, while still being a quite useful tool.
I would just hate to see somebody spend more money on a similar tablet that will cause them buyers remorse in 3 months or so. Of course, if you have the cash to burn, then go ahead and buy what you really want...for most people, that's an iPad...jk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. Very excellent explanation. I see now. Yes I will probably soon be purchasing the g tab!
PS: screw the ipad
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
gobluewolverines4 said:
hello, I've been recently looking at tablets. I want something pretty decently nice, with honeycomb (which you can put on this).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honeycomb is not completely functional on the gtab (as of now). It is missing the Honeycomb specific drivers from Nvidia (aka full hardware acceleration, high def video).
If you really care about Honeycomb you should get the transformer IMO.
Although, I am quite happy with froyo based ROMs
Others are right in saying that quad core Tegra 3s are around the corner, Tegra 2 prices might drop by the end of the year. Given how Nvidia and Viewsonic acted regarding the gtab, I foresee support for Tegra 2s dropping drastically as newer hardware gets released.
Yeah the almost fully functioning honeycomb on here is fine for me. Should be ordering my g tab this week!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Hello, I wrote a quick review for some guys that I work with. I am sure there are many reviews of the gtablet, but...
Here are my conclusions so far;
This thing is about the same size as the Xoom, and thicker than the IPAD. It is definitely not as sexy.
The screen is OK. It is not a high quality screen like you find on the other devices.
The processor is great, and the memory is sufficient. Things move pretty quick.
The ROM out of the box REALLY sucked. I was hoping to just deal with it, but Google had not approved the tablet so there were NO Google apps at all. Not acceptable. It took me a couple of hours to learn (last night till around 1:00am), but I replaced the stock ROM with a hacked ROM with everything I wanted.
This thing is really just a big Android phone with no phone or GPS.
I loaded up my Sony Reader software, downloaded all of my books, and then imported them into a DRM capable reader that is better.
Although there are some ROMs that support Gingerbread screens, I think I will stick with this 2.2 (or is it 2.3) Android feel.
What will I use it for?
Reading ebooks, PDFs (Scientific American, Maximum PC)
Google apps – maps, search
Kayak, hotels.com apps
Games (mostly for the kids) – I got Android Market to work
Web Browsing / some forum reading (via Tapatalk)
Personal email reading and contacts (no work email will be set up)
Maybe occasional Skype and Gotomeeting (camera sucks, so mostly audio)
News and weather
Of course, with the exception of reading the ebooks, I would always use the Macbook Pro if it were available.
So the speed and memory makes this all possible, but the experience (screen, size, build) is not equivalent to the expensive tablets.
Biggest complaints?
No GPS
Screen is not easy to see at an angle
I needed to root the thing to make it useful, which means I now need to stay on top of that and update it manually
The 10.1 device is a bit bigger / bulkier than I expected – the weight is the same as the ipad I believe.
I “can” watch videos on it (even 1080p), but moving the files would be a drag… it uses a microSD card that I would need to pop ion an adapter, or I could use the USB connection. Maybe I can find a way to do it with wifi or Bluetooth.
No USB charging… WTF??? It comes with a separate adapter that has to plug into the wall…
The screen is a 1024x600 which is similar to most pads, but it is really inferior to the Macbook Pro, and there is just something that is “fuzzy” about it.
Biggest positives?
Cheap - $269 delivered (no tax or shipping)
Fast
Should do what I want…
Next Steps…
See how much I actually use it for anything other than ebooks. If I do end up needing it more than I think, I would consider the Asus Transformer or something else new in the next year or so.
Hope this helps,
R
gobluewolverines4 said:
hello, I've been recently looking at tablets. I want something pretty decently nice, with honeycomb (which you can put on this), and just generally nice specs. But my real question is, is this thing a piece of complete crap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen is complete crap.
You should look hard for something with a better screen around $300-$350. If you can find it, get it.
And I *like* my Gtab - but its really just for kicking around and messing with roms and android. The screen really is killer bad unless you use it only at night, head on
Honeycomb works, and works well, as well as you could hope for unsupported xda rom hacking - ie, no netflix, no Hardware acceleration, occasional stand on your head workarounds, and the possibility of sudden death... well, ok, not that last one.
Bottom line: if you can find it for $100-$200, and want to play with roms, and tweak, and screw with it a lot to get it to be as good as a $400 one except for the horrible screen that cannot be fixed, YES, this is your tablet.
If you want a tablet to take out of the box and use, with rom updates from the manufacturer, and a screen you can read ebooks off of, this is NOT your tablet. Even for free.
So should I just get the transformer? Ah so many decisions!
Well I'm literally about to go to fry electronics and ill test out some there. Thanks !
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
gobluewolverines4 said:
So should I just get the transformer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For $400, I'd say yeah.
Better screen, 1Kx800 resolution, 2x the ram. Yeah, looks like that's all worth $120.
Oh... and a GPS too.
Oh, and Honeycomb 3.1 from Asus. Plus lots of XDA love it seems.
gobluewolverines4 said:
So should I just get the transformer? Ah so many decisions!
Well I'm literally about to go to fry electronics and ill test out some there. Thanks !
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the main question is what you want the tablet for or what to do with it.
A cheap $250-300 laptop has so much more computing power and practical use than any tablet...just a bit bulkier.
The tablet market will have much more offerings and better with faster cpus and such..just have to wait a bit.
I bought my gtab from woot 4/2011 for $275. I have installed several ROMs on it. They all are pretty good with their own pluses and minuses.
I'm currently on Flashback 5.4 HC: it looks nice and works well. Gmail, Talk - w/o video; G-Voice, Maps, Lattitude, Earth etc all work. You Tube works; a bunch of games works. The big screen is better than the phone size screen. Nice quick weather apps. Nice calendar.
What it cannot do is replace the screen and functionality of my desktop for real work.
If you can find a cheap Gtab and play with ROM's, flashing, androids quirks etc - jsut for the fun of it, then get a gtab. Fully flashable with great recovery process. Almost 99.99% Non-brickable. Get a used one for play and test.
If you want a decent a functional tablet w/o hassle, get an I-pad2.
I have read many complaints about the viewing angle of the screen, but I have had my tablet for months and I have no complaints. It has replaced my planner for work and is great for watching movies, not sharing with my neighbor.
As stated above I'm getting either one of them but not sure which to get though .
Need some light from u guys and sry if the post was posted before , using my phone D:
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA App
I purchased an ipad2 and traded it for a Xoom as soon as I could. It was a great deal.
The Motorola Xoom is just a nicer piece of equipment. Its heavily customizable. And it has support now to add a SD card which can effectively double your hard drive space.
Oh yeah, and you don't have to use itunes.
kristenm said:
I purchased an ipad2 and traded it for a Xoom as soon as I could. It was a great deal.
The Motorola Xoom is just a nicer piece of equipment. Its heavily customizable. And it has support now to add a SD card which can effectively double your hard drive space.
Oh yeah, and you don't have to use itunes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kristenm said. Ipad2 is for those that just want what's in the box. Xoom is for those that want to make the device really, truly their own.
Hmm hmmm . Its a win win for xoom when comes to customability . How bout its office apps ? Cuz i am going to do docs editing and ppt editing .
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA App
LanceAmr said:
Hmm hmmm . Its a win win for xoom when comes to customability . How bout its office apps ? Cuz i am going to do docs editing and ppt editing .
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the Office Suite Pro app. It's for a tablet and with some limited testing, seems most capable and most like MS Office of the 5 available decent office apps. It's available for a free 30 day trial, so check it out. There are also good peripheral apps for printing, scanning, working with pdfs, etc. I would recommend the Hacker's keyboard (just like a pc keyboard), or use the Moto BT keyboard and mouse of your choice (I use MS BT mouse) for much better editing experience.
Hacker's keyboard also incorporates a keypad if you need to enter a lot of numbers.
I own an iPad 2 currently, and I am really considering selling it for a Xoom. Even jailbroken, it just doesn't offer the functionality I want/need. Since the 3.2 update, I think Honeycomb is much better suited for me.
Other than that, I think the iPad is a great device. As long as you don't want to do anything too advanced, it is one of the best tablets on the market. However, since Apple essentially killed the use of USB devices, my personal usage has been hindered drastically.
USBOTG, SD card support, and a useable file system are the biggest reasons, I feel, to go with the Xoom. If you don't need those things, check out the iPad.
On a side note: I have used many Xooms in stores, and I just don't see the big stink about the screen. Yeah, it's not quite as sharp or bright as the iPad or GT 10.1, but honestly, I don't see a big enough difference to warrant how much noise is being made about it.
okantomi said:
I like the Office Suite Pro app. It's for a tablet and with some limited testing, seems most capable and most like MS Office of the 5 available decent office apps. It's available for a free 30 day trial, so check it out. There are also good peripheral apps for printing, scanning, working with pdfs, etc. I would recommend the Hacker's keyboard (just like a pc keyboard), or use the Moto BT keyboard and mouse of your choice (I use MS BT mouse) for much better editing experience.
Hacker's keyboard also incorporates a keypad if you need to enter a lot of numbers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx will have a look at the app . Hope its good.
---------- Post added at 01:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 PM ----------
Plagiarising said:
I own an iPad 2 currently, and I am really considering selling it for a Xoom. Even jailbroken, it just doesn't offer the functionality I want/need. Since the 3.2 update, I think Honeycomb is much better suited for me.
Other than that, I think the iPad is a great device. As long as you don't want to do anything too advanced, it is one of the best tablets on the market. However, since Apple essentially killed the use of USB devices, my personal usage has been hindered drastically.
USBOTG, SD card support, and a useable file system are the biggest reasons, I feel, to go with the Xoom. If you don't need those things, check out the iPad.
On a side note: I have used many Xooms in stores, and I just don't see the big stink about the screen. Yeah, it's not quite as sharp or bright as the iPad or GT 10.1, but honestly, I don't see a big enough difference to warrant how much noise is being made about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm hmmm , seems that ipad still limits i see . My main concern is office work and internet browsing =l . But thx for the heads up
Xoom definitely or any other Android 3.2 tablet for that matter. I just purchased a 1TB External Seagate drive and loaded it with about 400GB's of movies, shows, anime, etc and I'm loving it. Just the ability to do more things than the iPad 2 are worth it.
I owned the iPad 2 for a week. It was lame and I hated that I couldn't plug in a PS2/PS3, WiiMote, Xbox controller to it to play my emulators. You just get more options with third party peripherals.
I love my Xoom and I also own the 1st Gen iPad. My 2 year old plays with the iPad and knows how to navigate it and play her games. That right there tells you a lot. I don't even look at the thing when I get home.
okantomi said:
What kristenm said. Ipad2 is for those that just want what's in the box. Xoom is for those that want to make the device really, truly their own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% agree...
Simply wanna play great apps? - ipad2
Wanna 'play' the device? xoom
greedy? take both
unless you buy an iFAD you're NOT COOL and have no STATUS!..at least that is what mindless "individuals"who only want to be unique in a group (oxymorons...) Would want you to think....open source rules all. Let the mindless drones who only want a giant iPod touch have them...I will keep my xoom with expandable storage, otg support, custom recovery, rooting, overclocked dual processing, awesome stargate theme, developer supported community, wifi tethering wonderfulness, etc etc etc etc
I was thinking between gt 10.1 and ipad 2 and it was (FOR ME) still a hard choice. The price was the same, gt had better hardware, but the tablet was supposed to be a toy, so I chose ipad.
for or so, you can buy cck, which allows you to use sd cards and usb.
with iFile, available in cydia u can totally manage your file system on the ipad.
with some plugins in safari you can download any file, even torrents
You can install an ssh client on the ipad
I'm not an apple fan, I use android phone and it's great, but for entertainment my weapon of choice was apple. Because of the apps (more games) and 4:3 screen which is better for web viewing.
Another thing was the battery which is said to last about 2 hrs longer than the GT's (dunno how about xoom, though)
It has access to dropbox, good vnc clients, office apps (quickoffice or pages, the second one seems very intuitive, haven't used it for real yet).
Both cams are sh*tty, and it's a very delicate word to describe them
The ipad isn't as customizable as any android, which everyone knows, but, for myself, it's a very nice toy. I'm still trying to turn it into work device
Summarizing, it all depends on what you want to do with the tablet, ipad is better for games, has better tailored apps(because of the sick apple policy), seems better for web browsing because of screen proportions.
Android is better for films, and ofc customization, connecting external devices, (but there are also some apps for the apple allowing to do some of that stuff), dlna. And, of course, android has flash, which I don't use but sometimes can come handy. there is though iSwifter, a browser that supports flash enough to watch online movies.
Plagiarising said:
I own an iPad 2 currently, and I am really considering selling it for a Xoom. Even jailbroken, it just doesn't offer the functionality I want/need. Since the 3.2 update, I think Honeycomb is much better suited for me.
Other than that, I think the iPad is a great device. As long as you don't want to do anything too advanced, it is one of the best tablets on the market. However, since Apple essentially killed the use of USB devices, my personal usage has been hindered drastically.
USBOTG, SD card support, and a useable file system are the biggest reasons, I feel, to go with the Xoom. If you don't need those things, check out the iPad.
On a side note: I have used many Xooms in stores, and I just don't see the big stink about the screen. Yeah, it's not quite as sharp or bright as the iPad or GT 10.1, but honestly, I don't see a big enough difference to warrant how much noise is being made about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iPad is a TOY for people who sold their souls to steve jobs. Xoom is a great corporate, multimedia, Productivity, gaming, Personal device all packed into one extremely well built device
No question: XOOM.....
i would have to say both have their merits. I have both the iPad 2 and the Xoom. the Xoom is a very nicely build device. However, most people look for apps to play on the device. when i got my Xoom and looked for well written native HC apps, i was sorely disappointed. yes, HC is great for customization, but the lack of natively written apps are what hurt HC in the long run. Most people don't care about how much you can customize a device, they just want it to work, have a great experience and lots of native apps. And i can hear you say, well you can run regular android apps on it. Yes, you can. however, they all have a stretched look. I can also hear you say "iPad does that with iPhone apps too. Yes, it is true, however, they double in pixel, not stretch. i love my Xoom and i love my iPad, but for a device that has a better fit, finish and works right without having to resort to what i said above, I'm sorry to say, my iPad 2 has first dibs in my shoulder bag.
kenfly said:
The iPad is a TOY for people who sold their souls to steve jobs. Xoom is a great corporate, multimedia, Productivity, gaming, Personal device all packed into one extremely well built device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just because someone uses an Apple product doesn't mean they "sold their soul to Steve Jobs." That logic doesn't work, and could be turned around to use as a weapon against ANY company.
The way I see it, if you want something that solely relies on apps to accomplish a task, the iPad is a fantastic product. The quality of apps for it are great, something that Android has not accomplished yet, but I feel will come eventually. My biggest gripe is the fact that I don't really use apps on my iPad. The things I want to do with it are mostly done with a web browser and in the file system. I know this makes me the minority, but I just don't need thousands of apps on a tablet.
I was initially going to buy a Xoom, but with the $800 launch price tag, I couldn't justify it. Now that the WiFi model is readily available, I think now is as good of a time as any to pick up a Xoom.
I stopped playing games on my iPad because stupid in app purchases in order to get further in the game. It seems like mostgames are heading in that direction.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Lol Ipad 2 is no match for xoom!
These type of threads are usually started by Apple Fanboys that are personally insulted everybody does not like to live by every Apple whim.
The best tablet is one where you get all of your content slaved to a PC ( um Mac ), where you get to use only one method that counts for buying stuff ( iTunes ). where you get the best interface in the world a grid of icons and folders containing icons. Things like having a variety of hardware manufactures and customizing are not important they confuse people. The best tablet has "Facetime"...... and is advertised by 100s of commercials that say this is so.
I am not much of an Apple fan I sold my iPad2 to get my Xoom and never been happier.
|I think I have seen something that can now replace my laptop and tablet into one complete package.
I use my laptop to surf, word process, email, listen to music and play movies.
my tab is for games, movies and music and web browsing.
now the transformer prime seems to be a convergence device for me, provided 'docs to go' is any good?
I 've never used it before. I don't do stuff like that on my phone. I don't do it on my tablet cos I've got my laptop. so provided the docs to go is 'good to go' then this is for me. it'll have better res than my laptop and it'll do everything I want, as long as I can word process.
so
anyone who uses docs to go on the current transformer. what's it like? what's your experience of word processing on the tablet?
Erm, I've been typing personal statements on my tablet lately, and I gotta say, it's mostly like how it is on my laptop (I use open-office, starting to learn to LaTeX). With Polaris, the office app that comes with the TF, I gotta say, it's more or less just a normal word processor with the one exception of the lack of spell check. I've gotten used to seeing the red lines if I have typo's so that would be a big plus if they had it. Otherwise, nothing wrong with typing on my TF. (By the way, anyone recommend a different office app, which is as good as Polaris, but with an auto-spell check thing?)
Ooo, also, copying and pasting is kind of a hassle because you gotta long click and etc.
TL;DR: Tablet word processor (Polaris) = same as laptop, with exception of copy and paste, and spell check.
thanks for that. It sounds what I'm looking for. I don't do anything complex on laptop. Its just my work a day tool. I do all my main editing, typesetting etc on my main machine. The laptop is purely for me to work when I'm not in the office and I need to do some more writing.
this sounds good. Can the built in processor handle doc format? I assume that would be a no which is why docs to go would be what I'd have to consider.
anyone who's used docs to go on the TF able to chime in?
I just sold my Transformer today, but I do have Docs to Go. It is pretty fair. I find the user interface the most lacking, but I might be spoiled by a PC.
Although Asus ships with Polaris Office. I've used it in a pinch, but Docs to Go is much better. I also prefer the FAOTD from Amazon better as well (Office Suite 5 Pro).
office suit 5 sounds not bad either. I'll do some more reading. like I say, I just want to type already created docs for word.
anything I create fresh will just have basic layout anway. this is sounding pretty good.
a convergence device, capable of doing all the multi media, AND be used for work purposes, presentation work as well. I LIKE
ExploreMN said:
I just sold my Transformer today, but I do have Docs to Go. It is pretty fair. I find the user interface the most lacking, but I might be spoiled by a PC.
Although Asus ships with Polaris Office. I've used it in a pinch, but Docs to Go is much better. I also prefer the FAOTD from Amazon better as well (Office Suite 5 Pro).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got office pro when it was free on amazon the other day...quite nice actually.
BTW....what did you get for your TF? I'm thinking its time to sell mine and its dock because I'm going back to my laptop which has no issues with HD video
out of interest what issues did you have with HD vide on the tablet? was this using a native player or an app from the market?
It won't play some encoding. I have a ton of mkv with ac3 encoding that just wont play.
thebadfrog said:
BTW....what did you get for your TF?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
thebadfrog said:
It won't play some encoding. I have a ton of mkv with ac3 encoding that just wont play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks. well that's all right then, cos I don't use MKV files on tablets or my phone.
I stick to flv, avi (with xvid codec) and mp4. so I should be okay then.
ExploreMN said:
$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks....good to know. I have a B40 with a dock so I should be okay then
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
Polaris Office works fine with MS Office files I've tried, onoy gripe I have is it can't read my Open/Libre Office files!
asdfuogh said:
I use open-office, starting to learn to LaTeX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a Debian chroot you can run LaTeX on your TF. TeXLive might be impossible though, never tried it for Linux/ARM.
I am happily using my TF to replace my netbook and workstation, which replaced my laptop; and it has almost replaced my new quadcore desktop. Should note that I don't care about office suites though, lol. I use other tools for that.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Hmmm, interesting.. I have some different app I use to run OpenOffice documents. Not on tablet atm so I can't check .
To answer the OP's original question, yes the transformer+dock can replace your laptop GIVEN that you do not try to use it like a laptop.
3 things the OP needs to know.
(1) The transformer ain't no laptop.
(2) Android ain't no windows.
(3) Android ain't no mac OS either.
If you try to use the transformer like a laptop, you will be vastly disappointed. It's like buying a motorcycle and then try to use it like a car. You will complain about the cold weather, the lack of storage space (like the trunk), the lack of a windshield, the air blowing into your face, etc. People don't buy motorcycles and try to use it like a car. Why in the world would you buy a laptop-tablet hybrid and try to use it like a laptop?
I have not touched my laptop for 5 months now. I've found that the transformer has completely replaced my laptop plus more. I can do things with my transformer that I previously could not do with my laptop. Here are just a few things that I need to do with my transformer that I used to do on my laptop.
-Check emails.
-Type reports.
-Create and give presentations.
-Play games.
-Skype.
-Surf.
-Read pdfs.
-Much much more!
Here are some things that I can now do with the TF that I never could have done with a laptop.
-Go on the entire day without even thinking about recharging.
-Carry around just the tablet part in the field for aci and astm references.
-Take hand written notes.
-View autocad drawings on-the-go.
-Much much more.
The point is if you're going to try to use the tablet like a laptop, you will be disappointed. The tablet is an entirely new thing. You need to treat it like a new thing.
Will I do heavy duty things like autocad drawings on my tablet? Probably not. That's what my PC is for.
Now, the part where the transformer is superior to all other tablets. It is not a coincidence that all ipad users I know carry around their ipads for fun and games and their clunky laptops for real work. I only carry around my transformer+dock for everything.
Just the other day, I saw a guy sitting across the room typing on his laptop. Now, this was one of the guys who for months kept telling me I should have gotten an ipad 2 instead of a cheap imitation (the transformer). I went over to make small talks. Eventually, I asked him where his ipad was and what he's been using it for. He told me he uses it to play games every once in a while and that he now thinks he wasted money on it. That answer surprised me, because for months he was convinced his ipad was much better than my transformer. As I was about to turn around and went back to my thing, he said, "yeah, I should have gotten what you have" nodding at my transformer+dock sitting across the room.
So, if you want to get a tablet that you have for bragging rights, get the ipad2. If you want something that's worth your investment, get the transformer.
@ above poster. that was precisely my reasoning.
I only use my laptop to type when I'm out and about but all the other media stuff I know do on a pad. ergo. if android can now handle office stuff well with docs to go or some other office suite software and can open doc files, then I've found exactly what will suit my needs.
I'm looking to cover that laptop aspect with a transformer prime as well. My question is how you subjectively feel the productivity suites on transformer can stack up against a laptops. I've typed a bit on the keyboard and feel comfortable there, but haven't used any android word processors or presentation makers to get a good comparison vs something like ms office software. I know they won't be as powerful, but in practice, do you feel the lack, or are you happy with stuff on transformer?
ExploreMN said:
$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was that for just the TF or the TF and a dock?
---------- Post added at 07:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:16 AM ----------
ExploreMN said:
$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
johnchad14 said:
I'm looking to cover that laptop aspect with a transformer prime as well. My question is how you subjectively feel the productivity suites on transformer can stack up against a laptops. I've typed a bit on the keyboard and feel comfortable there, but haven't used any android word processors or presentation makers to get a good comparison vs something like ms office software. I know they won't be as powerful, but in practice, do you feel the lack, or are you happy with stuff on transformer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I find the Android office suites only good for the simplest projects. For example, I can write fiction using them but not non-fiction or work documents because those need things like robust headers and footers. Polaris is pretty good at viewing my work presentations (which have complex graphics) but not for creating them. And etc.
Overall, I've found the Transformer+dock to be good for doing draft work on-the-go, but not for any complex creative work. The office suites just aren't robust enough. But for just laying down text, it's great--there's just not a better lightweight device with such great battery life and decent keyboard available anywhere, particularly for the price. The Prime is just going to make that equation stronger.
Note: For pure writing without worrying about formatting and such, I've actually been using Evernote. It works well enough, and of course everything I write gets automatically synced to every device I own. It's nice to not have to worry in the slightest about whether my latest version of a document is saved everywhere.
Thanks, prettymuch what I figured. Doesn't dissuade my interest in the device. I'm looking forward to the day when some real high quality productivity stuff gets made...or will hope someone figures a way to dual boot with win 8 down the road =).
After playing with a TF since April I think it is OK for many tasks, but is not a laptop replacement. Too often I find I need to run some applications that is only available for laptops. This is where I think Windows 8 can really shine so I will probably hold off on another 10 inch tablet until I can try something running Windows 8.
johnchad14 said:
I'm looking to cover that laptop aspect with a transformer prime as well. My question is how you subjectively feel the productivity suites on transformer can stack up against a laptops. I've typed a bit on the keyboard and feel comfortable there, but haven't used any android word processors or presentation makers to get a good comparison vs something like ms office software. I know they won't be as powerful, but in practice, do you feel the lack, or are you happy with stuff on transformer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have. I absolutely don't miss my laptop at all. I've created several presentations while on the train with my TF+dock. I've typed many reports with the TF+dock.
Again, I got the TF+dock with the attitude that I needed to learn an entirely new platform to make it productive. And in this, I've succeeded. My laptop has been untouched for 5 months. It will soon go onto ebay.
I've also known some people who got the TF+dock intending to use it like a laptop and then when they couldn't they ***** about it.
Your choice, really, what you want to do with your investment.
Added by edit.
Windows 8 will be a plus. While I do not have a windows 8 tablet, I have some friends who are devs and have gotten their hands on the windows 8 tablet. They've assured me that it's pretty slick, even if it's only a beta. When it comes out, we will be able to enjoy all the full features of microsoft office right on our tablets.
Of course, by then android devs may have already created office apps that have just as much and good functionalities as microsoft office. Only time will tell.
BTW, I've bought all the office apps available on the market. My favorite is office suite pro 5, but others are good, too. My only disappointment is none of the excel functions have something as simple as x-y scatter plot. What I wouldn't give for an android excel app that could do this.