Looking to get a tablet? - General Questions and Answers

I'm looking to get a tablet but I have no idea where to start looking or what to look for. I don't want to spend too much, max $350. I want to basically try to use it as a laptop while I'm on the go. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

What would you be using it for, more specifically?
Just as there are many different laptops (netbooks/ultrabooks/etc) for many different purposes, there are a variety of different tablets.
Would you need carrier network access, or would Wi-Fi suffice?
7" or 10"?
What type of applications are you hoping to use?
There are a variety of tablets in the Marketplace that you can get a deal on.
[shamelessplug] I am selling a couple myself, but, depending on your needs, they may not even be remotely suitable. [/shamelessplug]

Carnagecjb is steering you right...I would also add:
1. Compare OS's...what OS do you think will integrate best with your other electronic devices, assuming you would need/want that.
I have 2 HP Touchpads, that I really enjoy. I have installed Android (Xron's ROM CM7) and can dual boot between WebOS and CM7, so get the benefit of both OS's. Hardware is good quality. Gloss black back is a fingerprint magnet, but mine stays in case so is a null issue with me. Battery life is decent at around 8 hours...depends on activities of course. You can pick these up in 16-32 GB setups for $250 to $300 on ebay all day long. Amazon as well. Leaving you $$ to blow on accessories.

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Thread moved to Q&A due to it being a question. Would advise you to read forum rules and post in correct section.
Failure to comply with forum rules will result in an infraction and/or ban depending on severity of rule break.

I think you could expect to see great things to come to the touchpad if you don't mind waiting for progressing developments.

Did you check Archos tablets? They have OK features, and the price is OK...
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VictoriaCoffey said:
Did you check Archos tablets? They have OK features, and the price is OK...
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Does anybody have this or any other Archos tablet? I would like to hear your opinion

350$ is too low. You can't get a good tablet with this buget.

I don't know, if the OP only wants a 7", $350 is more than adequate. If used is OK, there are some pretty nice 10" popping up now and then...

What do you plan to do with the the tablet more specifically? Are you sure the tablet would support your needs or are you just being drawn to the hype of a tablet?

I could do a 7". Mostly I want to use it to get books, email, facebook, photo editing apps, word processor. What about a nice refurbished tablet, could I get one for $350 or less?

Related

Looking for unbiased opinions on G tab, in the G tab forum lol

So my situation, I was fortunate to earn a free ipad wifi/3g 16gb from a sales contest at work, well Ive played with the thing for a few weeks and I have to say apple blows. Anyways gunna sell it on ebay, looking like I can get about $450 for it.
I then want to take the money and buy an android tablet, i really want a honeycomb one, but I know they are very expensive as they are just coming out.
So I thought to myself why couldn't I just buy a tablet that comes with Froyo, and then root it, and flash a custom honeycomb rom once a developer ports it over to my device..? It would save me alot of cash/waiting.
So I'm assuming all the G tab owners did some shopping around before buying this tablet. What are the top 3 android tablets under $450 in your opinion?
Obviously another concern is which tablet under $450 will be likely to have the most developer support, being the flashaholic that I am, I really want something that has many roms and kernels etc.. availiable. I did see quite a few roms in the G tab development section, but I am finding it very difficult to find out information about other tablets as far as rom development. What do you guys thing from a developer support stand point?
Thanks!!!!
Under $450 and that are out now tablets....
If you're just looking for a tablet to browse the internet, casual gaming, youtube..you know basic stuff...you can save about $100 by buying a nook. Lots of dev support...I mean lots.
If you want something more powerful with a bigger screen but weaker viewing angles than the gtab is tops in my opinion. If you don't mind a used gtab...than I would grab one if you can find it.
As for a third choice, I guess I would get the archos 70 or 101.
Awesome thanks.
I personally wouldn't get a nook. I had one and ended up trading it for an archos 101. From what it looks like there is more development for the GTab. The nook is a nice device but I really didn't think the device was speedy enough for me. If I'm getting a tablet then it should have better specs then my phone (Nexus S). Screen on the Nook was nice but I've always wanted a bigger tab. I like my archos 101 but then again the processor was good but I felt it could be better. I just sold my archos a few days ago on here and ordered a GTab and it'll be here tomorrow. Nook is $250 new and GTab cost me $368, with the GTab you may be getting a worse screen but you get more internal storage, better processor, bluetooth, IMO better dev support, and a USB port which I personally want. I've also had a Galaxy Tab but when I had it development was slow so I got rid of it also again it has the same specs as my phone. IMO theres no point in a tablet that has equal or worse specs then your phone (unless you have a dual core phone) and after experience 7inch screens are good for reading and comics but 10.1inch screens are better for web browsing and even better for reading and comics
Had my gtab for about 2 weeks now that I bout from another user here on xda for $320. Prior to the purchase I had been following the forums and watching youtub videos of the device and drooling. Now that I have it, I feel I may have hyped it a bit too much. It is a good device but there are a few things about it that bother me but to be fair I was expecting some of them. the screen is as bad as they say. This device is pretty hefty. Holding it in can be tiresome at times. The bezel is thin on three sides, one of which also has capacitive buttons which makes it hard to find a comfortable way to hold it at times unless you are using both hands. No gps. As for the roms, as good as they are they are far from perfect. They each have their own issues which were easy to ignore at first but after a while i find to be annoying when you want something that just works. I appreciate the devs though and I'm sure in time they will figure everything out. After trying a xoom at frys the other day I can honestly say they know what a tablet should be like. I just wish it wasn't an extra 500 bucks.
BuI shopped arround for a good while. I have been using resistive screen tablet PC's in my work for years, and hated them. Ugly screens tedious repeated touches to get anywhere. Call me crazy but I really believe that anyone who complains about the screen on the gtab needs to take a reality check. This thing has better viewing angles than my android phone. What do you want to do with it? Rest it on your coffee table and sit 10 feet away at a 45° angle and expect perfect color? Yes there are nicer screens out there but IMHO this is way better than the crap I have seen for years. I'm sure it would have had a super top of the line screen too if Malta could have gotten screens from LG at nearly cost like apple does.
The price is perfect and the screen is perfect for the price. Enjoy the fact that no one will see what's on your screen unless you want them to. Its a security feature in my book.
Sent from my Chromatic Magic using XDA Premium App
Mantara said:
BuI shopped arround for a good while. I have been using resistive screen tablet PC's in my work for years, and hated them. Ugly screens tedious repeated touches to get anywhere. Call me crazy but I really believe that anyone who complains about the screen on the gtab needs to take a reality check. This thing has better viewing angles than my android phone. What do you want to do with it? Rest it on your coffee table and sit 10 feet away at a 45° angle and expect perfect color? Yes there are nicer screens out there but IMHO this is way better than the crap I have seen for years. I'm sure it would have had a super top of the line screen too if Malta could have gotten screens from LG at nearly cost like apple does.
The price is perfect and the screen is perfect for the price. Enjoy the fact that no one will see what's on your screen unless you want them to. Its a security feature in my book.
Sent from my Chromatic Magic using XDA Premium App
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^^^^Yeah This. I waited a week for mine to come from the good ol' US of A (Im in oztralia )
After reading all the reports.. bad screens, slow stock UI etc I thought ok, well the screen is probably as bad as they say and the UI cant be that bad...
well it was exactly opposite - the screen is actually not that bad compared to some screens i deal with daily. UI was even worse than I could have imagined.
I know have vegan on it and it rocks. For the price I am absolutely blown away.
You can not go wrong with the g-Tab. Especially since you stated that you are a "Flashaholic." I have had mine for almost 2 months now and absolutely love it. I have tried both the vegan and TNT-Lite roms, and ended up staying with the TNT-Lite. While there are many things that could have been implemented better, in my mind it is a better value right now than the competition. I love the fact that it has removable storage. I have a little case that I keep my micro-SD cards in and swap them out whenever I want to watch something else or need more storage. Since purchasing this product, I have taken it with me on several business trips, and have found it indispensable. I can even back my photos up onto it using an SD card reader.
Bottom Line: If you do not mind playing around and fiddling with settings and enjoy trying new things, then I suggest getting the g-Tab. Over wise I suggest waiting a little longer until the "Tablet Form Factor" becomes more settled.
Just a note on the Notion Ink Adam which falls into the sub $450 category (wifi LCD version, anyways). I received hoping to get better viewing angles but they seemed to be the same as the Gtab, plus I really like the Gtab's form factor a lot more. The Adam was heavier, thicker and more squared off making it not as comfortable to hold as the Gtab. I ebayed the Adam and actually turned a little profit from it
Great info guys! Thanks to everyone who replied, all very helpful!
I got several buyers for my ipad so it should be gone today
I think the g tab sounds like it will do what I want, it really will just be for playing games, web browsing, and taking on airplanes etc, so it sounds like the way to go. And hopefully honeycomb roms will be available before too long!
Follow up question, where can you get a good case for the g tab? I liked the one that I bought my ipad, it was kind of like a little padfolio and it could fold into a "stand" which was great for watching movies on the plane.
Other than that just gotta research rooting this thing, I plan to pick one up before the end of the weekend. And you guys have already given me some ideas which roms to try. Thanks!
luigic81 said:
Follow up question, where can you get a good case for the g tab? I liked the one that I bought my ipad, it was kind of like a little padfolio and it could fold into a "stand" which was great for watching movies on the plane.
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Check the G Tablet Accessories forum, there are a couple of options depending whether you want a keyboard or not and at least one more on the way
Alright just a couple more for the helpful people here
1. is this the best way to root the g tab? http://droidpirate.com/2010/11/27/how-to-root-your-viewsonic-g-tablet/
2. After I root I will be following the instructions in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245
So I was wondering if I had to update anything in order to flash custom roms, or can I just root my tab, and then follow the instructions on that thread and be good to go on custom roms?
Also what ROM would you guys recomend? I am typically an AOSP guy assuming that everything is functional, but my wife will be using this tablet too and she is not very tech savvy, so I would like a rom that is pretty stable, any suggestions would be apprecited thanks!
Also I see clockwork v08 seems to be the hot ticket, so I assume that I will use that? I have always used Amon RA on my EVO, but it doesnt appear that Amon RA is availiable for the G tab, is that a correct assumption?
Thanks again for all the help, I know those last few questions arent necessarily pertinent to my original post, but I appreciate the help.
All the instructions you need to root the device are in the second thread you linked -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245
Just pick out a ROM - TNTLite and VEGAn are the two most popular around here - and follow the instructions carefully.
perfect thanks, guess I should've read this line from that thread
"You do NOT need to root your tablet to install a ROM on this device using this guide. All the after-market ROMs are pre-rooted."
LMAO!! haha cool.
Just a little update, I got my GTab today and love it sooooooooo much. Viewing angles aren't to bad. Monster Madness, Samurai II, and Backbreaker are awesome. Very fast device
Awesome I can't wait, should have mine before Monday
Wi-Fi only Motorola Xoom at Sam's Club
I think the gTab is the best bang for your buck at between $350 and $400 especially with the ROMs our gTabDevs are churning out for us. However, if you really want an official Honeycomb tablet I've read that Sam's Club will be selling these at their stores for around $500 each in the next few weeks.
Just thought some folks might want to know.
I am sticking with my Nook Color
After having received the Archos 101. I was disappointed in the screen quality and the touch screen and lack of dev support. I sold it and got the g tablet and was in love with it until I bought my mom a kindle and started to like the form factor and size. I then started becoming bored with my g tablet. I then began looking at the nook color forums and decided to buy one, since I have bought it, I haven't touched my g tablet. I really like the size and the feel of it, I read more now and still play the games I like. I am happy running CM7 gingerbread and looking forward to honeycomb when it comes out as AOSP.
The dirty little secret is that there is no day to day life changing use for a tablet. So this can put you in two categories.
#1. You want to try and use the tablet during travel and such. In this case form factor is going to be important. The Nook Color is probably a better option as you sacrifice overall performance for the usability of the design.
#2. You want a device to develop on and try to utilize the latest and greatest. The Tegra 2 is the "it" platform right now for the android tablets. The GTab and its brothers give you the best entry into this field.
I am solidly in #2. Sure I have played some games on my tablet, I have browsed the web and I have used it on the go. But there has never been a situation where my VZ Droid would not have let me do the exact same thing.
I am comfortable with the fact that I bought a development platform. Having it in hand shows me the potential of the concept.
slysecretspy said:
The dirty little secret is that there is no day to day life changing use for a tablet. So this can put you in two categories.
#1. You want to try and use the tablet during travel and such. In this case form factor is going to be important. The Nook Color is probably a better option as you sacrifice overall performance for the usability of the design.
#2. You want a device to develop on and try to utilize the latest and greatest. The Tegra 2 is the "it" platform right now for the android tablets. The GTab and its brothers give you the best entry into this field.
I am solidly in #2. Sure I have played some games on my tablet, I have browsed the web and I have used it on the go. But there has never been a situation where my VZ Droid would not have let me do the exact same thing.
I am comfortable with the fact that I bought a development platform. Having it in hand shows me the potential of the concept.
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Excellent post, and i'm in catoegory #2 as well, I'm playing with house money becuase I got the ipad for free. But my wife really wants something to play games with and I like to watch movies etc on the airplane as well as browse the etc at home.

[Q] Android tablets...

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...
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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.)
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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.

Kinda want a tablet?

Also kinda worried it will be a dust catcher..
I really enjoyed playing with the flyer which is out of stock now..
I've been thinking about the Kindle fire, Nook Tab and acer a100.. The fire and tab will probably both have insanely good dev support.. the A100 is suppose to get ICS next month..
When tablets came out (particularly at 500$+) I saw them as nothing more than a waste of money.
How that they are in the sub 300 range I must admit I'm intrigued by them and they finally seem sort of worth it particularly to read a book in digital format, check a few emails and for general "time wasting" purposes like facebook.
I am just kind of worried if I end up getting one it will end up collecting dust more than anything.. I like to think I would end up reading lots of manga and comics along with other books.. Somewhere besides at a computer desk...
However, I'm also hesitant to pop out that much on a potentially dust collecting item.
So I gotta ask.. how long have y'all had your tablets? do you still use them regularly? Do yo frequently find yourself wasting time on the tablet trying to do things a real keyboard is better suited for?
I have a mini tablet(Galaxy Player 5) and I barely use it. I usually prefer using my phone, but I use the galaxy player to watch videos or slight browsing. It really depends on what you will use the tablet for. For your purpose like reading a tablet like the kindle fire will be nice. If you think you will use the tablet a lot then get it. If not then find alternatives.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I'm also enjoying my rooted HTC Flyer, but I do worry of the coming dev support for it considering it's looking like there's gonna be no new ones in the future.
Imho android tablets aren't very mature right now...the transformer prime seems to be a different story tho, but it's definitely not within 300$
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Thread moved to Q&A due to it being a question. Would advise you to read forum rules and post in correct section.
IDK ,
For work I have an iPad 2 3g .. which ya is a dust collector for me .. and stays at work and hoping to hand it in after an MDM project I am working on for some sort of Andriod tablet .
Have also had a BB Playbook for testing at work and I think the 7 inch profile is nice .. but the PB is not ... what a useless POS still not worth the $199 they where clearing them out for .
Personally , I have a Dell streak 5" and it's ntb .. but kinda wonky hardware wise ..
Zar
I am looking at getting the Pandigital Novel 7. It has android on it and is also an ereader. Worst case scenario, if you get one and it does end up collecting dust, you are only out 150 versus 300 for the fire. That is merely my own opinion though.
I will say that with the Fire you would be able to do more out of the box with it, as the reviews I have read on pandigital there seems to be no marketplace
vnvman said:
Imho android tablets aren't very mature right now...the transformer prime seems to be a different story tho, but it's definitely not within 300$
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Honestly when you consider what "tablets" are.. they objectively leave a lot to be desired even if they had i7 processors lol.
I have had my Xoom WiFi since it came out and an HP TouchPad for months or 2. They are great. Use them all the time. Worth the money. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. I was worried that I would not like mine, but let me tell you, I have gotten my money worth.

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!

Jumping Ship...What do you suggest?

So, TF300T friends, I have decided to trade in my tf300t for a different device. I have my own reasons for coming to this decision, but I will not bash this great device. It has served me well for the time being, but now, with all the upgrades to Android, it is getting bogged down. I find myself waiting for its processor to finish working so my unresponsive screen begins to respond again.
Anyway, not going to rant. I intend to go for the new nexus 7. I have realized that my tablet cannot serve as a replacement for my laptop. Yes, I know that it is not intended to be a replacement, but now I truly understand the limitations of an Android device, keyboard or not. I still prefer to use my tablet for movies, reading my ebooks for school (laptop is too heavy), and entertainment.
Forgot to mention that my lag problems have multiplied tenfold after wiping misc to recover from brick a few months back.
Any thoughts?
___________________________________________________________
ASUS TF300T - It's back from the brink of death....
Rerooted, Custom ROM, and Faster than EVER!!!
My thoughts...
aarsyl said:
So, TF300T friends, I have decided to trade in my tf300t for a different device. I have my own reasons for coming to this decision, but I will not bash this great device. It has served me well for the time being, but now, with all the upgrades to Android, it is getting bogged down. I find myself waiting for its processor to finish working so my unresponsive screen begins to respond again.
Anyway, not going to rant. I intend to go for the new nexus 7. I have realized that my tablet cannot serve as a replacement for my laptop. Yes, I know that it is not intended to be a replacement, but now I truly understand the limitations of an Android device, keyboard or not. I still prefer to use my tablet for movies, reading my ebooks for school (laptop is too heavy), and entertainment.
Forgot to mention that my lag problems have multiplied tenfold after wiping misc to recover from brick a few months back.
Any thoughts?
___________________________________________________________
ASUS TF300T - It's back from the brink of death....
Rerooted, Custom ROM, and Faster than EVER!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best part about Nexus devices is that you're pretty much guaranteed the latest and greatest android updates straight from the Google mothership. Thats one of the positives of moving to a nexus device. Furthermore, I believe there's great developer support in XDA for nexus devices since they are quite popular, so it will be easy to get great roms, help etc..
Personally, I would stick with my TF300T since it has a larger screen, keyboard dock and a great battery life (for me). I think that android as an OS, especially since its a mobile one, isn't that good for productivity. Yes, there are some great apps out there, but they will never beat the powerful capabilities of a proper Windows/Mac (Choose your side) computer running the Microsoft Office Suit.
I use my table for leisure, not for doing calculus through the wolfram alpha app, or writing a 1000 word essay; that's what my laptop is for. At least with a Nexus device, it could be used for these things if the android operating system improved dramatically from an update from Google, but thats probably not going to happen in the near future.
It all really depends on what you think you will gain and/or loose if you change devices. My best argument for the Nexus 7 is that it will get the latest version of Android pretty much as soon as it is released, as well as the large developer support from XDA since is quite popular. While the TF300T's biggest advantage is the keyboard dock, it makes typing a lot easier to type, and hence, better for productivity.
In the end, it depends on what you use the tablet for and what you want out of it that decides what tablet you should be using.
BTW, shouldn't this thread be in the general section?
1337 H4X0R said:
The best part about Nexus devices is that you're pretty much guaranteed the latest and greatest android updates straight from the Google mothership. Thats one of the positives of moving to a nexus device. Furthermore, I believe there's great developer support in XDA for nexus devices since they are quite popular, so it will be easy to get great roms, help etc..
Personally, I would stick with my TF300T since it has a larger screen, keyboard dock and a great battery life (for me). I think that android as an OS, especially since its a mobile one, isn't that good for productivity. Yes, there are some great apps out there, but they will never beat the powerful capabilities of a proper Windows/Mac (Choose your side) computer running the Microsoft Office Suit.
I use my table for leisure, not for doing calculus through the wolfram alpha app, or writing a 1000 word essay; that's what my laptop is for. At least with a Nexus device, it could be used for these things if the android operating system improved dramatically from an update from Google, but thats probably not going to happen in the near future.
It all really depends on what you think you will gain and/or loose if you change devices. My best argument for the Nexus 7 is that it will get the latest version of Android pretty much as soon as it is released, as well as the large developer support from XDA since is quite popular. While the TF300T's biggest advantage is the keyboard dock, it makes typing a lot easier to type, and hence, better for productivity.
In the end, it depends on what you use the tablet for and what you want out of it that decides what tablet you should be using.
BTW, shouldn't this thread be in the general section?
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Click to collapse
Well, technically....I did ask a question.
On another note...thank you for your reply. My biggest attraction to the new N7 is the processor and the price. *I* personally don't need a 10" screen. I do like the bigger screen, but it certainly cuts down my mobility a little. Even swiping with Swiftkey is a bit more cumbersome in portrait mode. I used my tab as a standalone for about 8 months before I purchased a keyboard attachment, so I have experienced the both of both worlds quite extensively. Now, I only remove my tab for games (which I do a lot less) and for reading longer documents & PDFs.
I feel that the Tegra 3 is the TF300T's biggest flaw. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's why I don't want to save money to get the OG N7.
But what do you know (from experience or friends experience) about different smaller tablets? I've done my research, but opinions on XDA are much more current.
aarsyl said:
Well, technically....I did ask a question.
On another note...thank you for your reply. My biggest attraction to the new N7 is the processor and the price. *I* personally don't need a 10" screen. I do like the bigger screen, but it certainly cuts down my mobility a little. Even swiping with Swiftkey is a bit more cumbersome in portrait mode. I used my tab as a standalone for about 8 months before I purchased a keyboard attachment, so I have experienced the both of both worlds quite extensively. Now, I only remove my tab for games (which I do a lot less) and for reading longer documents & PDFs.
I feel that the Tegra 3 is the TF300T's biggest flaw. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's why I don't want to save money to get the OG N7.
But what do you know (from experience or friends experience) about different smaller tablets? I've done my research, but opinions on XDA are much more current.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the biggest flaw that the Nexus 7 (N7) has, which the TF300T pwns with, is storage, followed by the camera. And you could match the cpu clock speed...
1. The N7 not having expandable is a major downfall - just like iDevices. 32 GB isn't enough for me. Combine that with my parents who have accounts on it and it quickly adds up. Right now I'm jamming 1x 32 GB micro-sd card and 1x 32 GB sd-card, so a total of 64 GB on top of the 32 GB built in (96 GB in total). If I had the money to spend on expensive SD cards, I would be possiable to have a 256 GB SD card and 64 GB micro-SD card in there, adding up to 320GB on top of the built in storage. If *I* had the N7, it would not suit me I need a large amount of storage, but you're needs (and wants) may be different.
2. I'm pretty sure you can overclock the Tegra 3 to 1.5GHz, so it will match the N7's clock speed. Use at your own risk.
Will add my experience with tablets once I've thought about it for a while. One question, how is the Tegra 3 the TF300T major flaw?
The Input/Output speeds of the Tegra 3 are terrible. To my knowledge, that's the cause of the abysmal lag while installing apps. I absolutely cannot afford to have Google Play to update apps automatically because of the way it slows down the tablet. If you read about the OG N7, you will see that the issues are similar (but not as bad, for some reason).
Once again, my tablet was bricked and restored, and my issues have gotten ten times worse. Maybe I should have replaced the motherboard, but I didn't have the money to dish out at the time. Maybe my tab was faulty. Who knows....
All I know is that my OG Evo 4g (1Ghz Single core Snapdragon) was more usable while installing apps than the TF300. I'm not trying to imply that my old phone was faster, but if the tab is writing files, or processes working hard in the background, the lag is beyond noticeable...it is intolerable.
aarsyl said:
The Input/Output speeds of the Tegra 3 are terrible. To my knowledge, that's the cause of the abysmal lag while installing apps. I absolutely cannot afford to have Google Play to update apps automatically because of the way it slows down the tablet. If you read about the OG N7, you will see that the issues are similar (but not as bad, for some reason).
Once again, my tablet was bricked and restored, and my issues have gotten ten times worse. Maybe I should have replaced the motherboard, but I didn't have the money to dish out at the time. Maybe my tab was faulty. Who knows....
All I know is that my OG Evo 4g (1Ghz Single core Snapdragon) was more usable while installing apps than the TF300. I'm not trying to imply that my old phone was faster, but if the tab is writing files, or processes working hard in the background, the lag is beyond noticeable...it is intolerable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the meantime as I read up on what you replied with (BTW, very interesting)...
My friend(‘s family) has a generic 7” android tablet, as well as an iPad Mini, and a iPad, and a Win 8 Tablet and a laptop and this and that etc.. You get the point – he/his family is LOADED.
Anyway, we were once discussing about using tablets, (This is when I used my tablet at school for a while before I got a new laptop to handle the power tasks and improve productivity – I’m going off topic) and I remember him saying something like the iPad Mini (what a rip off – wait what?! ) was better for playing games that involve movement (temple run) and portability since it’s easier to hold and smaller (obviously), but the proper iPad was better for everything else, e.g. Reading, watching a movie, browsing the web since it was bigger.
I do see where he is coming from. It is clear that bigger screens provide a better median of entertainment as it is easier on the eyes, and when having more than one person watching something, makes the viewing experience a lot better.
Though the downside to this is that less portable. It’s like comparing the Galaxy Mega to the original S mini. Many people don’t have hands big enough to hold with one hand, or pockets big enough or store the Mega, making it harder to hold and less portable, it contrast, the mini, is extremely portable, and it is easy to hold with one hand. It’s a good analogy.
Though, I have to stress this point, the answer to your question is dependent on what you want from a tablet, not what other people (like me) want.
---------- Post added at 01:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:32 AM ----------
aarsyl said:
The Input/Output speeds of the Tegra 3 are terrible. To my knowledge, that's the cause of the abysmal lag while installing apps. I absolutely cannot afford to have Google Play to update apps automatically because of the way it slows down the tablet. If you read about the OG N7, you will see that the issues are similar (but not as bad, for some reason).
Once again, my tablet was bricked and restored, and my issues have gotten ten times worse. Maybe I should have replaced the motherboard, but I didn't have the money to dish out at the time. Maybe my tab was faulty. Who knows....
All I know is that my OG Evo 4g (1Ghz Single core Snapdragon) was more usable while installing apps than the TF300. I'm not trying to imply that my old phone was faster, but if the tab is writing files, or processes working hard in the background, the lag is beyond noticeable...it is intolerable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
****After doing some reading and testing****
Hmmm, that's weird, my tablet runs just fine and its on full stock everything. Just updated like 20 apps whilst playing temple run, beachbuggy blitz etc.. The game ran as smooth as always. (FYI, I once had to manually update Android via fastboot after the OTA update to .27.1 failed every time, That's when I lost my root access )
If the tablet annoys you that much, then go ahead and get the N7 if you think it will be less annoying. You have my approval. :good:
Just realized that I forgot to point out in one of the previous post that the TF300T has a better camera than the N7, so that'll be useful to know if your into the taking photos with tablet movement.
---------- Post added at 01:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:00 AM ----------
Just had to point out the irony.
ASUS TF300T - It's back from the brink of death....
Rerooted, Custom ROM, and Faster than EVER!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And yet its laggy whilst installing apps? :laugh: This made me laugh. Sorry for my immaturity.:angel:
1337 H4X0R said:
In the meantime as I read up on what you replied with (BTW, very interesting)...
My friend(‘s family) has a generic 7” android tablet, as well as an iPad Mini, and a iPad, and a Win 8 Tablet and a laptop and this and that etc.. You get the point – he/his family is LOADED.
Anyway, we were once discussing about using tablets, (This is when I used my tablet at school for a while before I got a new laptop to handle the power tasks and improve productivity – I’m going off topic) and I remember him saying something like the iPad Mini (what a rip off – wait what?! ) was better for playing games that involve movement (temple run) and portability since it’s easier to hold and smaller (obviously), but the proper iPad was better for everything else, e.g. Reading, watching a movie, browsing the web since it was bigger.
I do see where he is coming from. It is clear that bigger screens provide a better median of entertainment as it is easier on the eyes, and when having more than one person watching something, makes the viewing experience a lot better.
Though the downside to this is that less portable. It’s like comparing the Galaxy Mega to the original S mini. Many people don’t have hands big enough to hold with one hand, or pockets big enough or store the Mega, making it harder to hold and less portable, it contrast, the mini, is extremely portable, and it is easy to hold with one hand. It’s a good analogy.
Though, I have to stress this point, the answer to your question is dependent on what you want from a tablet, not what other people (like me) want.
---------- Post added at 01:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:32 AM ----------
****After doing some reading and testing****
Hmmm, that's weird, my tablet runs just fine and its on full stock everything. Just updated like 20 apps whilst playing temple run, beachbuggy blitz etc.. The game ran as smooth as always. (FYI, I once had to manually update Android via fastboot after the OTA update to .27.1 failed every time, That's when I lost my root access )
If the tablet annoys you that much, then go ahead and get the N7 if you think it will be less annoying. You have my approval. :good:
Just realized that I forgot to point out in one of the previous post that the TF300T has a better camera than the N7, so that'll be useful to know if your into the taking photos with tablet movement.
---------- Post added at 01:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:00 AM ----------
Just had to point out the irony.
And yet its laggy whilst installing apps? :laugh: This made me laugh. Sorry for my immaturity.:angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have I tried a custom rom? Have you seen my signature in the first post? Lol....just poking fun at you at this point.
I certainly have not been able to run a game while installing/updating apps. It is becoming quite clear that my tab was faulty from the start. However, I still want to get the new N7 (N7.2, I guess) for my own purposes. Yes, the camera is better, and it did influence my initial purchase of the TF300. But over the past 17 months, I haven't taken more than 50 pictures with my tab, if that much at all. The lack of flash greatly depreciates the value of the camera. I'm not one to use my tab to take pictures outside, either, since my phone has a much better camera to begin with.
I just wanted the peace of knowing that I'm making a good choice for myself. I have never filled up my 32gb of internal memory, so I don't truly need expandable storage. The only thing that I'll miss about expandable storage is the times when I need a few files from another device, and I can easily pop in my sd card from my phone.
Which reminds me, do you have issues with sending files to the TF300? On many roms, I can only send a few files for a day or two after the initial flash, but it blocks any files after that. I have researched this, and many many people have the same problem. Do you? It sounds like you got a good device out of the bunch...
I see that you updated your post. Yes, it's faster than before, but that doesn't mean that it's not very laggy. Besides, I was feeling like 100 bucks when I made that signature...time to change, I guess.
aarsyl said:
Have I tried a custom rom? Have you seen my signature in the first post? Lol....just poking fun at you at this point.
I certainly have not been able to run a game while installing/updating apps. It is becoming quite clear that my tab was faulty from the start. However, I still want to get the new N7 (N7.2, I guess) for my own purposes. Yes, the camera is better, and it did influence my initial purchase of the TF300. But over the past 17 months, I haven't taken more than 50 pictures with my tab, if that much at all. The lack of flash greatly depreciates the value of the camera. I'm not one to use my tab to take pictures outside, either, since my phone has a much better camera to begin with.
I just wanted the peace of knowing that I'm making a good choice for myself. I have never filled up my 32gb of internal memory, so I don't truly need expandable storage. The only thing that I'll miss about expandable storage is the times when I need a few files from another device, and I can easily pop in my sd card from my phone.
Which reminds me, do you have issues with sending files to the TF300? On many roms, I can only send a few files for a day or two after the initial flash, but it blocks any files after that. I have researched this, and many many people have the same problem. Do you? It sounds like you got a good device out of the bunch...
I see that you updated your post. Yes, it's faster than before, but that doesn't mean that it's not very laggy. Besides, I was feeling like 100 bucks when I made that signature...time to change, I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The TF700T was actually the tablet I wanted since it had a faster processor and flash, but when I saw the $1200 NZD price tag it put me off. I bought the TF300T for $700 NZD instead. The draw backs of the tablet was worth the $500 saving. (1 NZ Dollars = 0.83 US Dollars, source: Google)
When you mean sending files to the tablet, do you mean via "adb push filename.extension", or copying and pasting using windows or both?
In the meantime, I'll start testing. I'll post the transfer time when it's done.
BTW, the reason this post is late is because today is the next day in my country. I got to have my sleep, you know.
---------- Post added at 11:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:03 AM ----------
Sending a 622 MB file via adb. Using my USB 3.0 port. Device screen off. Dock connected.
Results: 1271 KB/s (637313024 bytes in 489.424s)
1337 H4X0R said:
The TF700T was actually the tablet I wanted since it had a faster processor and flash, but when I saw the $1200 NZD price tag it put me off. I bought the TF300T for $700 NZD instead. The draw backs of the tablet was worth the $500 saving. (1 NZ Dollars = 0.83 US Dollars, source: Google)
When you mean sending files to the tablet, do you mean via "adb push filename.extension", or copying and pasting using windows or both?
In the meantime, I'll start testing. I'll post the transfer time when it's done.
BTW, the reason this post is late is because today is the next day in my country. I got to have my sleep, you know.
---------- Post added at 11:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:03 AM ----------
Sending a 622 MB file via adb. Using my USB 3.0 port. Device screen off. Dock connected.
Results: 1271 KB/s (637313024 bytes in 489.424s)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I surely appreciate you apologizing for the late response. Shows character. (I'm a man of respect.)
Anyway, I'm back from vacation, and I am now responding to yours. I was referring to sendong files via Bluetooth. I even tried sending a file from my tf300 to my brother's tf300 through Bluetooth, and it failed as well.
When I asked him about the lag, he doesn't experience any of it. So I have determined that my tab was slightly faulty when I bought it, but I thought it was normal. At this point, the problem has progressed past my tolerance level. Thanks for your input, and for testing.
______________________________
HTC Evo 4G LTE
aarsyl said:
I surely appreciate you apologizing for the late response. Shows character. (I'm a man of respect.)
Anyway, I'm back from vacation, and I am now responding to yours. I was referring to sending files via Bluetooth. I even tried sending a file from my tf300 to my brother's tf300 through Bluetooth, and it failed as well.
When I asked him about the lag, he doesn't experience any of it. So I have determined that my tab was slightly faulty when I bought it, but I thought it was normal. At this point, the problem has progressed past my tolerance level. Thanks for your input, and for testing.
______________________________
HTC Evo 4G LTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. Thanks for the clarification :good:. I will try transferring a file via bluetooth sometime today (most likely in the evening, since that is when I usually do this kind of stuff), after I finish moving the majority of the boxes around here to my new house. That way I'll have enough time to set everything up and make sure I don't get anything wrong, as well as not worrying about the boxes. (The furnitures going tomorrow. I don't usually use blutooth that much, so this will be interesting.
Again, sorry for the late reply. It's really because of the different time zone's we're in.
Just advising you that you may any replies from me tomorrow (possibly 2+ days if I don't get reconnected to the fibre network) since I am moving house, as mentioned before.
Hi aarsyl,
I run my TF300T fully stock. I agree with you, sometimes it feels laggy, but hey, it's a budget tablet with high-end specs (well, mostly). Anyway, like you, I intend to grab a 32gb N7.2 sometime during the rest of the year, hoping to catch the release of the LTE (mobile) version, but not out of disappointment on my TF300T, just because is way more practical to carry and use while in the streets. :good:
1337 H4X0R said:
Okay. Thanks for the clarification :good:. I will try transferring a file via bluetooth sometime today (most likely in the evening, since that is when I usually do this kind of stuff), after I finish moving the majority of the boxes around here to my new house. That way I'll have enough time to set everything up and make sure I don't get anything wrong, as well as not worrying about the boxes. (The furnitures going tomorrow. I don't usually use blutooth that much, so this will be interesting.
Again, sorry for the late reply. It's really because of the different time zone's we're in.
Just advising you that you may any replies from me tomorrow (possibly 2+ days if I don't get reconnected to the fibre network) since I am moving house, as mentioned before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, no problem. I'll be waiting.
atomomega said:
Hi aarsyl,
I run my TF300T fully stock. I agree with you, sometimes it feels laggy, but hey, it's a budget tablet with high-end specs (well, mostly). Anyway, like you, I intend to grab a 32gb N7.2 sometime during the rest of the year, hoping to catch the release of the LTE (mobile) version, but not out of disappointment on my TF300T, just because is way more practical to carry and use while in the streets. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not exactly purchasing a new tab out of my disappointment. It is my disappointment that sparked my curiosity of a new device. Somewhere during my search, I realized that I do not need such a large device for my daily use. I use my tab is portrait quite a bit, so a slimmer device is preferable.
___________________________________________________________
ASUS TF300T - It's back from the brink of death....
Rerooted, Custom ROM, and Faster than EVER!!!
aarsyl said:
Ok, no problem. I'll be waiting.
I'm not exactly purchasing a new tab out of my disappointment. It is my disappointment that sparked my curiosity of a new device. Somewhere during my search, I realized that I do not need such a large device for my daily use. I use my tab is portrait quite a bit, so a slimmer device is preferable.
___________________________________________________________
ASUS TF300T - It's back from the brink of death....
Rerooted, Custom ROM, and Faster than EVER!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I'm back. Thanks for waiting. :laugh:
I'm sending files (quite a few mp3's actually ) to the tablet via Bluetooth. Will update this post to say weather they were successful or not. Lets hope they transfer properly. :fingers-crossed:
****WILL UPDATE WITH RESULTS HERE****
This finished a while back, but I forgot about it.
To Tablet.
Successful:victory:: 20
Failed: 0
Total: 20
From tablet (Same files).
Successful:victory:: 20
Failed: 0
Total: 20
****
Do you want me to add anything else?
Nope. Nothing else. You have a good device, and I simply do not. I should very oiled that squeaky wheel when I had the chance, but now that squeaky wheel is stuck...figuratively speaking.
I appreciate your time and effort. One more question, are you running a stock or rooted rom/kernel?
______________________________
HTC Evo 4G LTE
aarsyl said:
Nope. Nothing else. You have a good device, and I simply do not. I should very oiled that squeaky wheel when I had the chance, but now that squeaky wheel is stuck...figuratively speaking.
I appreciate your time and effort. One more question, are you running a stock or rooted rom/kernel?
______________________________
HTC Evo 4G LTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We moved pretty much everything to the new house, but we're not connected to the fiber there. I'm currently at the old house, checking stuff and doing some final touch ups. We still have internet here. But I digress.
I'm running stock .15.3 rom and kernel. It has been rooted via motterchopper and has the XPOSED framework installed, along with a few hand modules. About a year and a bit old, with extended warranty. It's also has a locked boot loader.
I'm grateful for your appreciation; it's people like you that make XDA better as a community. :good:
you have my approval to get a N7.2013, as your TF300T doesn't seem to be the fasted of the pack.
See you round XDA. Have a great day
Live long and prosper.
1337 H4X0R said:
We moved pretty much everything to the new house, but we're not connected to the fiber there. I'm currently at the old house, checking stuff and doing some final touch ups. We still have internet here. But I digress.
I'm running stock .15.3 rom and kernel. It has been rooted via motterchopper and has the XPOSED framework installed, along with a few hand modules. About a year and a bit old, with extended warranty. It's also has a locked boot loader.
I'm grateful for your appreciation; it's people like you that make XDA better as a community. :good:
you have my approval to get a N7.2013, as your TF300T doesn't seem to be the fasted of the pack.
See you round XDA. Have a great day
Live long and prosper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who said that I needed your approval? Just kidding.
I am using the new tablet (16gb version, since 32gb was nowhere to be found), and the difference between the two is amazing! It just updated all of the apps, and the tab felt just as if o just picked it up from sitting idle. You notice no lag whatsoever...so far. I don't regret my decision one bit. Got a warranty on this one, though.
The new size does take some getting used to, but I'm adaptable. The transition shouldn't take very long for me.
Thanks again for your advice, testing, and very kind words.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Go for it NOW
I am a user of TF 300T> to TF700T> Amazor Fire HD 8.7 and now Google nexus7 FHD 2013
I one word Buy the N7 FHD NOW.
It is fast , slim , Portable , charges wirelessly and cheap with respect to what it can do.
I use it for Podcast ( both watch ) and steam to bluetooth, Play songs, ocassional gaming , Movies, browing( FB, Linkedin etc, Gmail ).
The only situation where I found it limited was reading Magazines in Zinio. Although fast enough the const zomming in and out takes the pleasute of E magazine .
Anil

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