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At $400, still worth it?

Checked sears outlet, seems the only refurb left at $280 is in Ohio. I see it in stock locally at Sears and some of the office supply chains for $400.
Would you still buy this for $400 or pass?

I bought it for $400, and am happy with the purchase.
Would I have liked to get it cheaper? Yes. But I still think it's worth the price.
-Adam

Agreed. I wish it cost me less too but even at $400 I am still very happy with it after installing and running VEGAn b5.1.

I got mine at for $399.00 at Staples, and I'd buy another at that price. You can get them online for as low as $369.00, might want to look into that if price is an issue.

Ok thanks. It's either this or the Nook color. Decisions, decisions.

Travels said:
Ok thanks. It's either this or the Nook color. Decisions, decisions.
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I own both the nook and gtablet. I love both but they are two totally different devices. So depending on what you want and need, your choice might be more clear. If you don't care about a camera, processor speed, the ability to upgrade OS, size of the screen, usb ports, hdmi and the ability to play more video file types then you can save a ton of money with the nook. For what the XDA devs did for the nook is amazing. Its a very capable basic tablet. Couple that with the build quality and screen, the nook can easily be the best buys for an android device.

Thx xmr405o. I'll be reading books or news on it most of the time, so screen quality is a must. The gtablet looks so tempting though. May just go with the NC for a few months, then a decision on a 10" tab should be clearer. Thx again.

Travels said:
Thx xmr405o. I'll be reading books or news on it most of the time, so screen quality is a must. The gtablet looks so tempting though. May just go with the NC for a few months, then a decision on a 10" tab should be clearer. Thx again.
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I am also interested in reading eBooks on this device (via the Nook app), but I want a tablet for much more than that. Is it really bad reading eBooks on this device?

Reading Books
I love my g tablet for reading. Never bothers my eyes at all. Especially with the Nook app to adjust background and brightness. The guys at XDA were the reason I bought the g tablet. Their mods were easy for me to install and I am a newbie at it. Can't keep it away from the better half now so may get another.

TheKaz said:
I am also interested in reading eBooks on this device (via the Nook app), but I want a tablet for much more than that. Is it really bad reading eBooks on this device?
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I read comics, magazines, newspapers, and books on this tablet as well as watching movies. The only thing that could be a negative is that it is a bit heavy and you notice that when you hold it in your hands for any length of time.
I've solved this slight issue with a foldable stand for it as well as a case with a kickstand so now when I know I'm going to be using this tablet for a duration for reading or watching something I simply use either one of those solutions.
I bought my wife a Nook Color reader from B&N which runs Android but this G tablet does so much more I don't mind the extra weight or the extra cost.

I paid $379 and got the free case from Sears. I've had it since 12/22 and I will probably return it this weekend, here why:
1) VS has not fixed the lag after sleep issue. Tired of rebooting this thing all of the time.
2) The browser crashes randomly. I think this is probably caused by the flash plugin.
3) The screen is really bad for a tablet. It hurts my eyes when viewing in portrait mode and has to be angled right to see even in landscape. Would be a great netbook screen, but does not work well in this device.
4) May not support honeycomb. The CPU and memory specs are there, but the display is the weak link. I also have doubts if VS will continue to invest support for this product
5) I can wait for the Asus or Motorola tablets that were announced at CES
I know most of these issue would be fixed with an alternate ROM, but I like having a warranty on things that I purchase new.
I think the g-tab is worth it for $279 and I've even looked for one at the local sears outlet, but $379 is too much for a semi-DIY device.

TheKaz said:
I am also interested in reading eBooks on this device (via the Nook app), but I want a tablet for much more than that. Is it really bad reading eBooks on this device?
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Click to collapse
I don't think it's really bad. I use Laputa to read my ebooks on the G-tab and it allows me to read on landscape mode but portrait really doesn't bother me.

pine1000 said:
I paid $379 and got the free case from Sears. I've had it since 12/22 and I will probably return it this weekend, here why:
1) VS has not fixed the lag after sleep issue. Tired of rebooting this thing all of the time.
2) The browser crashes randomly. I think this is probably caused by the flash plugin.
3) The screen is really bad for a tablet. It hurts my eyes when viewing in portrait mode and has to be angled right to see even in landscape. Would be a great netbook screen, but does not work well in this device.
4) May not support honeycomb. The CPU and memory specs are there, but the display is the weak link. I also have doubts if VS will continue to invest support for this product
5) I can wait for the Asus or Motorola tablets that were announced at CES
I know most of these issue would be fixed with an alternate ROM, but I like having a warranty on things that I purchase new.
I think the g-tab is worth it for $279 and I've even looked for one at the local sears outlet, but $379 is too much for a semi-DIY device.
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Click to collapse
Would you want to sell it?

sjmoreno - could you tell which case w/kickstand you use?

pine1000 said:
4) May not support honeycomb. The CPU and memory specs are there, but the display is the weak link. I also have doubts if VS will continue to invest support for this product
5) I can wait for the Asus or Motorola tablets that were announced at CES
I know most of these issue would be fixed with an alternate ROM, but I like having a warranty on things that I purchase new.
I think the g-tab is worth it for $279 and I've even looked for one at the local sears outlet, but $379 is too much for a semi-DIY device.
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Click to collapse
There is a news about the asus tablets on crunchgear and they said that asus will not be shipping the tablets until at least summer and it will not have honeycomb on them. The more i think about it, the gtab is a fair deal as we have at least 6 months to play with it and still have the chance to be upgraded to honeycomb in the future. The screen does not bother me that much, plus which OS does not have issues? I can stand with windows vista..and i can virtually deal with any OS issues.
Good luck to you and see you in 6 months..

[Q] Android Tablet Recommendations

I am looking for an inexpensive android tablet. Using for recreation, mostly browsing, apps, video, reading, social (twitter, etc.) occasional email. I have heard alot of good things about the Nook Color. Wondering if anyone has any recommendations. I like the 7" form factor. Wife has iPad2 and it is nice but would like something a little smaller. I know people have gotten the Netflix app running on Nook which was one concern. I would prefer something with Bluetooth Audio support. I have also heard that the Nook's audio is not that great. Not the end of the world. Also, I know that the Nook is not a dedicated video player so I am not expecting 1080p or anything. Looking for something to watch an occasional movie or TV show while traveling or during lunch etc. Just curious if anyone has any other suggestions. I know the $250 price in the Nook is tough to beat. Wondering about the Galaxy Tab or maybe the Viewsonic 7x. Is it worth the extra money? Thoughts?
By the way, I know this is a very subjective question but because this will be my first tablet, I thought some feedback would be helpful.

thevideofan said:
I am looking for an inexpensive android tablet. Using for recreation, mostly browsing, apps, video, reading, social (twitter, etc.) occasional email. I have heard alot of good things about the Nook Color. Wondering if anyone has any recommendations. I like the 7" form factor. Wife has iPad2 and it is nice but would like something a little smaller. I know people have gotten the Netflix app running on Nook which was one concern. I would prefer something with Bluetooth Audio support. I have also heard that the Nook's audio is not that great. Not the end of the world. Also, I know that the Nook is not a dedicated video player so I am not expecting 1080p or anything. Looking for something to watch an occasional movie or TV show while traveling or during lunch etc. Just curious if anyone has any other suggestions. I know the $250 price in the Nook is tough to beat. Wondering about the Galaxy Tab or maybe the Viewsonic 7x. Is it worth the extra money? Thoughts?
By the way, I know this is a very subjective question but because this will be my first tablet, I thought some feedback would be helpful.
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Galaxy tab is good a buddy just got that with a cheap lowest plan phone pays 50$ less then with his smart phone by itself somehow ....
There are a few now but I hear Amazon is dropping real tabs also EVO view and several others comming so if u have time wait do as much research u can before you buy
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

Is it good for a 9 year old boy?

Hello everyone,
Need your help folks.
I need a tablet for my 9 years old boy, and I am a newbie.....
I thought about either Asus Transformer or Galaxy 10'
- fast browser with flash, youtube, facebook
- skype with video
- avi, mp4 etc playback ( I dont want to convert files, I want to play them stright
after downloading)
- easy data transfer from my PC
- GPS navigation (copilot, igo etc) without using data
- some games working like : moshi monsters and android stuff (I ve got Galaxy 2)
Do I need a custom ROM for all above option?
Please share your thoughts, I ve got 2 weeks to make the decision.
Thank you for your help

Tough question
I guess the answer is; It depends.
The sturdiness of the construction should be a certain plus considering how a 9 year old may handle it. ASUS are good about upgrading so even if you don't root it you might not need to wait much for upgrades.
If he is going to use it for school work the keyboard/dock would be a HUGE advantage since it also has a card reader in the dock so he can backup any work or transfer to main computer with ease.
The drawback would be the price especially considering possible longevity in the hands of a 9 year old (one lucky 9 year old).

If it's good for a 30+ year old boy, i reckon it will be GREAT for a 9 year old boy
- fast browser with flash, youtube, facebook
Use alternative stock browser (dolphin for tab is good)
- skype with video
- avi, mp4 etc playback ( I dont want to convert files, I want to play them stright
after downloading)
Use moboplayer or mx player
- easy data transfer from my PC
Use software data cable
- GPS navigation (copilot, igo etc) without using data
- some games working like : moshi monsters and android stuff (I ve got Galaxy 2)
All previous android games will run on tablet although not all will perform great if not optimized considering tablet 1280x800 rez (yeah im looking at you star blizt)

You may want to give a 7" tab as a test run just to be safe.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

Adrian.Chandra said:
- skype with video
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Click to collapse
Are you sure?!?
Btw if my 2.5 yo son fights with me to play with it, 9 yo will be crazy about it for sure

9 year old daughter uses it all the time. Plays games mostly. 4 year old son also plays games on it. Real question is not age though, but rather maturity level of said child. My daughter has has a PSP since she was 2 and son got one this year. Both have rules to follow when using these asnd other devices (computer, game consoles, etc). Set those rules first and you sxhouild be good.
P.s. its also good for you to be familiar with the devices they use.... so you know how to restric access, fix, and otherwise maintain these devices.....

I bought an Acer Iconia because I could not find the Transformer. I picked up the Transformer about 2 months ago and gave my 9 year old daughter the Iconia and she has been doing great with it. SHe is taking pictures, videos, and playing games.

IMO the 7" form factor would work better for hands that size. If you do get one for a 9-year-old, I would suggest a screen protector and bumper-style case.

My son is 8 and he uses it all the time. He is mostly playing games and sometimes watching TV. He loves the transformer dearly.

My 7yr old nephew came over w/ family for dinner last week. His mom brought the ipad. i let him use my Trnsfrmr and he liked it. Upon handing it to him, he went to Market and downloaded some games even I didnt know about. Alot were available on Appstore so he knew what he was looking for. Some of them worked with the Playstation 3 controller. After playing Youtube videos that were driving me crazy, he had to go and didnt want to put it down! Put a case and a screen protector on it and your 9yr old should be fine.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

I have three tablets, a Gtab, a TF and an Ipad. When I chase my 8 year old off of one he sneeks aroundand starts playing games on of the others. He prefers the tablets over a pc now. Be sure to limit access to the market!

Am I the only person in this thread who is fascinated that no one has brought up that there is a debate whether or not a 9 year old should have a tablet as a full-time device?
The majority of this thread is about letting a child use their tablet part-time. But OP's idea is to give a CHILD a tablet. Just so confused on what this world is turning into. Investing a $300+ device for a 9-year old.

zephiK said:
The majority of this thread is about letting a child use their tablet part-time. But OP's idea is to give a CHILD a tablet. Just so confused on what this world is turning into. Investing a $300+ device for a 9-year old.
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Why not? If you have the money of course and he/she is reponsible enough to not be playing 12h a day. Better if they learn technology quickly so they are not behind.

^ I think you are.
And don't worry, in say 10 yrs or so, people will be talking about giving a child more than just a tablet, like a high-tech helmet that serves as a media player all in one.

The Transformer is good for any age. It comes down to the fact of getting a 9 year old a tablet, or anything of this value. like zephiK said. $400 is kinda steep for something that may be thrown around, banged around, dropped, etc. The ViewSonic GTab is only $350(?) and while it isn't that much better than $400, the 50 that you save and probably go to a accidental damage insurance/warranty.
I wish my parents would think of giving me something that cost over $100. If I wanted anything over that, I had to chip in at least 25% or wait til Christmas/birthday and that would be my only present from them

They are both veyr good to use for kids..

Unless he needs the keyboard dock I think a Nook color for $250 is a better choice for a child. The 7" is a better size for small hands. It is a a nice piece of hardware with a beautiful IPS screen. You can easily root and flash a custom rom to turn it into a fully functional Android tablet

marcmarshall said:
Unless he needs the keyboard dock I think a Nook color for $250 is a better choice for a child. The 7" is a better size for small hands. It is a a nice piece of hardware with a beautiful IPS screen. You can easily root and flash a custom rom to turn it into a fully functional Android tablet
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+1 to this. Of course with it's 7" screen, it can be a ereader once he starts reading more for school and fun. Since he will probably only be using it to play games, watch movies, and maybe go on some websites, the Nook's hardware is perfect for that. No need to pay for the Tegra 2's hardware when he probably won't need it
EDIT: I was in Staples today, and saw that the Dell Streak is only $250 or $299. It would definitely need to be rooted and run a custom rom, because the stock on the Streak is crappy. If I were you, I'd choose between the Nook Color and Dell Streak. The Streak would probably be worth it in the long run, as it won't become outdated as fast. Too me the TF is a serious decision, unless you're absolutely sure. (I'm basing the seriousness off of what I've seen kids around his age do..)

we have 3 of them in our household now. My 9 year old daughter used her birthday money to buy one, with help from mom and dad, and my 13 year old daughter just did the same this week for her birthday.

Depends on the child...
Like I said in the title "Depends on the child". I personally wouldn't buy my 14 year old girl one because she's broken 3 high dollar cell phones in a little over a year. I'd buy both my boys one in a heartbeat. My 7 and 3 year old sons both share my nook color and treat it like gold. At 9 I'd look at the new Acer 7 inch tablet. I almost wish I'd have waited for that myself (my 7 inch nook always fit great in my my work slacks or loose jeans) but I like the nice big screen on the Transformer for watching movies in bed (great for those nights when my 3 year old sneaks into ed with my wife and I and won't go to sleep. Thomas and Friends to the rescue). Think about a few things such as the maturity of the child, form factor (what's the size most suited to her), cost and manufacturer support (Asus hands down has the best support, ie. updates)
Kids love choices so pick two or three options and let her choose what she wants out of those. Ristrict Market and internet access as well. Too much crap out there nowadays that children have no business looking at. And finally for the love of everything holy do not break down and give her an iPad....just don't. Its our duty as parents to lovingly guide them down the righht path. And if lovingly doesn't work then bribe generously.

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$

.
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.

Help choose a 10" tablet for me?

I've been researching tablets for months and I finally have a little coin to make a purchase. Ideally I'd like to buy the Asus Transformer, but since it's still $400 I may have to settle for something less expensive for a while.
Here is what I am looking for:
10" capacitive touch
built in bluetooth
Netflix works (don't mind rooting if needed)
MicroSD slot
front facing camera (just for chatting)
$250 or less price range
It would be nice if I could get a tablet that would allow me to add a custom ROM making faster/better battery. But primarily I'll use the tablet for surfing, reading PDFs and ebooks, watching videos, watching Netflix, and video chat.
I've looked at most of the Coby tablets but none have bluetooth. I'm not sure if I can even get my wishlist in my price range, so I thought I'd post here.
Thanks in advance!