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I haven't found any discussion about using Android devices without a phone carrier at all, is this possible or must the device be activaed on a carrier before it does anything at all? What I'm thinking of is basically the Android equivalent of the iPod Touch. It's still a smart device, still does wifi, still runs all those apps, but there's no phone service at all. More than blocking data plan that I have seen discussed, I want no voice plan either.
I know that some people think it's stupid enough to want a smartphone with no data plan on a carrier, you guys will probably think I'm retarded to want to leave out voice service as well. Well, I'd use it as a phone if I didn't have to pay for data plans and stick to wifi, as those other discussions want to do, but now that the monthly fee is absolutely mandatory on my carrier, well, I'm just not willing to pay that much. I've thought about buying an iPod Touch to compliment my dumb phone, but I'd rather have the Android equivalent so I'm not limited to apps approved by Apple.
I suppose some might say the Phillips GoGear Connect is what I should get, but I'll be annoying and say I want a front facing camera so maybe Evo 4G with no carrier service is even better so I can video skype with it. Would the Evo 4G work for me, or is it a useless zombie util it's activated on a cell carrier? What about other smartphone devices, do they all work or all not work?
Well you can buy uncontracted devices like I have and there are also plenty of tablet android devices that dont come with a plan. as for actual phone devices most of them come with a plan because its presumed that you will use it to make calls. Thats where tablets come in, usually contract free (Galaxy Tab exception) and allow for full use of the device using WiFi or another connection source.
Captainkrtek said:
Well you can buy uncontracted devices like I have and there are also plenty of tablet android devices that dont come with a plan. as for actual phone devices most of them come with a plan because its presumed that you will use it to make calls. Thats where tablets come in, usually contract free (Galaxy Tab exception) and allow for full use of the device using WiFi or another connection source.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My only problem with tablets is they are too big. I want something phone sized or iPod Touch sized. (which is about the size of a phone)
As long as the device is running 2.0+ (I think) , you won't need it tied to a carrier to use it. You can do it with older FW too but it would need a data plan so you can sign in and get to the home screen and use it. Newer FW, you can activate wifi during setup so you can log in to your gmail account.
Once logged in, you can use it like a iPod touch, download from the market, etc.
I have a Captivate, Incredible, and a Fascinate that I've been able to use while not hooked up to a carrier. I've even had a G1 without a carrier. Just had to borrow a friends SIM to log in to my gmail for activation but then works after that without it.
Did this with my HD2 running Android
So I'm an adventurous 19 year old guy living on Maui in Hawaii. I'm also a sponsored almost professional scooter rider. So I look up behind me and what do I see? a 10,023 foot tall volcano called Haleakala. So I was looking around for something to do and saw my scooter. The nearest skatepark is too damn far so I hiked 13 miles up this volcano all the way to the summit at 10,023 feet and took pictures then bombed down the perfectly smooth paved rode 28 miles to the bottom at about 45 miles an hour on my kick scooter.
Blah blah blah, anyways...
I jumped over a nice dip in the rode and my HD2 which was just bought the day before flew out of my pocket at about 25 miles an hour and hite the ground once on the corner then flew off in to the grass. I found the battery, cover and phone itself after about 30 minutes of looking. The screen was good besides a few deep scratches and a nice sized dent in the battery cover. The plastic of the phone was pretty scratched as well.
Mad? Nahh not at all. I was looking for a reason to get a new phone already after 24 hours and this gave me a good reason to go get that sexy looking G2 I saw...
So Now I am happy with my G2 and also use my HD2 as my mobile computer with the Ubuntu and android OS on it. Ubuntu is for word processing since I am a writer. Android is for my camera and music and games. It works out amazing and I love the look of peoples faces when im messing around with two phones on the bus...
Go for it. You wont be dissappointed and it beats the IPOD touch hands down. Sorry I capitalized ipod, it didnt deserve it...
Now that's a story! You better take care of your G2, did you sell your HD2?
All,
I have a Viewsonic GTab that is running beautifully with Tnt Lite v2.2. I find myself fighting with my wife over who gets to use it, so I've been considering purchasing another.
My employer has a corporate plan with AT&T and my boss said I could order a Samsung Galaxy Tab (with data plan) and the company would pay for it. They won't reimburse me for another GTab. It's the Galaxy Tab for free or GTab at my own expense. The data plan isn't a big issue since I already have a company-paid MiFi device.
My question is, if you were in my position would you take the free Galaxy Tab with data plan, or would you purchase another GTab? The GTab's 10" screen is a nice size and the quality is bearable (it doesn't bother me as much as other people), but it's definitely not a portable device. On the flip side, from what I've read the Galaxy Tab is sort of slow and isn't as powerful as the GTab.
What I need is a powerful device that will fully support Flash (like TnT Lite v2.2 does), but I also need stability and an upgrade path to Android v2.3. So far my GTab is super stable.
The high price tag of the Galaxy Tab seems to have hindered development, but from what I hear some recent ROMs are working very well.
What would you do in my position?
Dude, it's free! If my company offered me a free pandigital e-reader, I'll take it. lol.
Note, I own a gtab and I don't own a galaxy.
If you have two gtabs hardware add ons like stands will work for both.
When you are flying on 3g she wont be. Does her phone provide a mobile hot spot?
Are you more mobile? The galaxy looks much more mobile friendly, which sacrifices screen size.
Can you get both of them to do everything they need to do; vpn, rdp, email, calendar, flash, games, emulators, and extra bluetooth profiles?
I think the galaxy looks slick, 3g seems nice but it is your employers 3g is that possibly an issue?
gunsjoe said:
Note, I own a gtab and I don't own a galaxy.
If you have two gtabs hardware add ons like stands will work for both.
When you are flying on 3g she wont be. Does her phone provide a mobile hot spot?
Are you more mobile? The galaxy looks much more mobile friendly, which sacrifices screen size.
Can you get both of them to do everything they need to do; vpn, rdp, email, calendar, flash, games, emulators, and extra bluetooth profiles?
I think the galaxy looks slick, 3g seems nice but it is your employers 3g is that possibly an issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) I like the size of the GTab screen, but it is definitely not a portable device. I played with the Galaxy Tab and the size is exactly what I want.
2.) We use an AT&T MiFi device with the GTab when we aren't at home, so mobile Internet access would be identical on both devices, except that the MiFi allows 5GB/month and the Galaxy Tab data plan only allows 2GB/month. I could switch to the MiFi when I hit the 2GB limit.
3.) There are basically NO accessories for the GTab right now, including protective cases, so we have to be ridiculously careful with the tablet. The Galaxy Tab has a nice protective rubber case that I would get.
4.) I'm sure both devices will do what I want, but I just have a feeling that the GTab will be much faster than the Galaxy Tab.
5.) There aren't any issues using the company paid 3G plan for whatever I want, as long as I don't cause any overage charges.
6.) It's not an issue of free vs. paid. I wouldn't use an Apple product even if someone paid me to do so. I hate Apple that much. The same goes with this. I don't want a free but crappy device...
Can anyone else chime in?
I have looked at the 3G devices and they really are cool. But for all the hardware cool, I don't see how I could ever live with the 5 gig data plan.
Mercy, I move that much every night!!
I think people who want a tablet via wireless phone should take a careful look at whether data plans will allow them to do what they want day after day.
Think about it.....
Rev
P. S. -- I still have an old Motorola flip phone rather than a smart phone for the same reason.
For me it's screen size, I played with the galaxy at best buy, it was too small.
I enjoy my gtab and it's turning heads everywhere I go. If I need 3g I simply connect to my hero and away I go.
I'd go for the one you want, for me I would not be asking others as I am the one that has to enjoy it.
anlog said:
All,
I have a Viewsonic GTab that is running beautifully with Tnt Lite v2.2. I find myself fighting with my wife over who gets to use it, so I've been considering purchasing another.
My employer has a corporate plan with AT&T and my boss said I could order a Samsung Galaxy Tab (with data plan) and the company would pay for it. They won't reimburse me for another GTab. It's the Galaxy Tab for free or GTab at my own expense. The data plan isn't a big issue since I already have a company-paid MiFi device.
My question is, if you were in my position would you take the free Galaxy Tab with data plan, or would you purchase another GTab? The GTab's 10" screen is a nice size and the quality is bearable (it doesn't bother me as much as other people), but it's definitely not a portable device. On the flip side, from what I've read the Galaxy Tab is sort of slow and isn't as powerful as the GTab.
What I need is a powerful device that will fully support Flash (like TnT Lite v2.2 does), but I also need stability and an upgrade path to Android v2.3. So far my GTab is super stable.
The high price tag of the Galaxy Tab seems to have hindered development, but from what I hear some recent ROMs are working very well.
What would you do in my position?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not get both?
butchconner said:
I have looked at the 3G devices and they really are cool. But for all the hardware cool, I don't see how I could ever live with the 5 gig data plan.
Mercy, I move that much every night!!
I think people who want a tablet via wireless phone should take a careful look at whether data plans will allow them to do what they want day after day.
Think about it.....
Rev
P. S. -- I still have an old Motorola flip phone rather than a smart phone for the same reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but the Galaxy Tab does have WiFi. You can turn off 3G and use WiFi at home or wherever else it is available.
HorsexD said:
Why not get both?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have a nervous breakdown with three tablets. I already have an Android phone, main laptop, netbook, GTab, Aluratek eReader, and my wife's iPhone and laptop to deal with. I NEED fewer devices, but I WANT more...
anlog said:
I NEED fewer devices, but I WANT more...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the feeling. You wind-up working harder to support the lifestyle, then suddenly, you have no free time.
recommendation
Yeah, Though I'm a mac owner I know what you mean about apple, I'm really hopefully of Chrome coming out next year though. CR-48 looks like a good competitor to MBAir.
Ok, regarding your question. I'd get another gtab, why? Because you've already spent all the time learning the one you've got, and optimizing the setup. Surely new updates will come out, which you will spend more time on. Why do that for two separate devices/manufacturers/hardware profiles? Go with the gtab and save yourself the trouble (also your wife will be happy with future updates riding your coat-tails).
Paul
+1 Free is always a good thing.
It seems most reviewers are surprised that the Transformer is selling out. They think perhaps it's the low volume of stock and low price that's the key.
I think the Xoom proved that a "me-too" tablet cannot compete against the iPad and the hype.
Do none of them get the fact that the keyboard dock is actually a key selling point, and not simply an curious add-on?
Using the Transformer in bed or on the couch, undock it. Use it on the desk and pound out some documents, dock it. What's so hard to understand?
Asus took the good things from the Xoom improved them, offered their cheaper model first, and gave a great feature that all may not use, but many may end up with the dock. Offering it for $100 under the cheapest ipad with similar specs (better in most respects actually even an iPad2 wifi has no GPS chip) was just the icing on the cake.
If the dock was simply just a keyboard dock, it wouldn't be such a good selling point, but the fact that it extends your battery life as well, now that to me is whats really driving this demand, that and the dock is very reasonably priced, unlike that stupid Atrix Dock that costs as much as the phone.
donatom3 said:
Asus took the good things from the Xoom improved them, offered their cheaper model first, and gave a great feature that all may not use, but many may end up with the dock. Offering it for $100 under the cheapest ipad with similar specs (better in most respects actually even an iPad2 wifi has no GPS chip) was just the icing on the cake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
with the GPS ship . . the phone doesnt support simcard . . whats the use of this if you're not on WIFI . . i am really curious . . how the commercial shows how a group of kids got lost in the hood and he suddenly took out his transformer and shows the map . . i am really interested in buying this . . but i need to be clear with the internet support (3g/4g) capable?? may be later . . gps navigation system without internet access??
There are navigation apps out there that store maps locally so you don't need internet access. Any app that doesn't, regardless of what device you are using, requires wifi or cellular data services. Any tablet without a 3G/4G radio has the same "issue."
rolloverboi said:
with the GPS ship . . the phone doesnt support simcard . . whats the use of this if you're not on WIFI . . i am really curious . . how the commercial shows how a group of kids got lost in the hood and he suddenly took out his transformer and shows the map . . i am really interested in buying this . . but i need to be clear with the internet support (3g/4g) capable?? may be later . . gps navigation system without internet access??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe they have an android phone and they are using it as a wifi hotspot. Anyways, does it matter? Its a commercial.
Those reviewers need to get another job, then. This doesn't surprise me at all - I think that the Transformer will be THE tablet of 2011, assuming a major hardware snafu doesn't crop up on it. They just need to make MORE of them, and soon!
Why? Price. This thing is a steal at $400 - some reviewers refused to believe that the 16GB one would be US $400. Just comparing the tablet portion to the iPad2 -- it's fast, it has a comparable screen (thank goodness), it has a microSD, HDMI out without a dongle, stereo speakers, no walled garden, no iTunes requirement, the Google Marketplace AND it's $100 less. This is a no brainer, imo.
I do think that the dock is not a requirement and I suspect a lot of people won't even buy it or need it. But it is a nice feature and will certainly eat away at the netbook / low cost laptop market.
I'm not really interested in the dock at the moment. It's neat and a great option, but I don't think I'd ever really use it. I've got a Macbook Pro that I keep docked unless I really need to unhook it, so this is my sort of "grab it and go" device, no real need for a keyboard. I jonesing more for that folding case like I had for my gTab.
But I think the dock is what intrigues most people, and that's cool. Anything that gets HC into more hands is good for the OS.
eviltuna said:
Maybe they have an android phone and they are using it as a wifi hotspot. Anyways, does it matter? Its a commercial.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
of course it matters . . why show it when it cant really do it . . ur opion dont really matter to my question though . . since you dont have the answer for it.
dfin13 said:
There are navigation apps out there that store maps locally so you don't need internet access. Any app that doesn't, regardless of what device you are using, requires wifi or cellular data services. Any tablet without a 3G/4G radio has the same "issue."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would you please recommend me an app that allows me to store local maps.
i wish asus release a version with sim card
rolloverboi said:
would you please recommend me an app that allows me to store local maps.
i wish asus release a version with sim card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is supposed to be a 3G version coming out. But Asus did the smart thing and released the cheaper wifi only one first.
Honestly I agree with some of reviewers that state the Tab sold out because of so few being stocked. If you've kept your eye on the transformer the last couple days and peoples experiences with ordering it at 3a.m and still not receiving it, then it is evident that ASUS dropped the ball on the transformers launch...
However, once this tablet hits the shelves in larger quantities then I feel after a week or two it well definitely start selling like hot cakes. The first couple weeks it'll be mainly "us" (nerds who actually know about the transformer) to buy it, but after that word of mouth will definitely spark things.
I really hope this tablet gets the sales momentum and recognition that it deserves. Everything that i'v heard so far points to the Asus transformer as the first legitimate/worthwhile android tablet.
I think that the price will drive sales immediately once it's on shelves and hopefully placed close to the competition. Many people will buy it simply because at $399 it's the least expensive option.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
rolloverboi said:
would you please recommend me an app that allows me to store local maps.
i wish asus release a version with sim card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe try Oruxmaps
starplaya93 said:
Honestly I agree with some of reviewers that state the Tab sold out because of so few being stocked. If you've kept your eye on the transformer the last couple days and peoples experiences with ordering it at 3a.m and still not receiving it, then it is evident that ASUS dropped the ball on the transformers launch...
However, once this tablet hits the shelves in larger quantities then I feel after a week or two it well definitely start selling like hot cakes. The first couple weeks it'll be mainly "us" (nerds who actually know about the transformer) to buy it, but after that word of mouth will definitely spark things.
I really hope this tablet gets the sales momentum and recognition that it deserves. Everything that i'v heard so far points to the Asus transformer as the first legitimate/worthwhile android tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
amen . . lets all wait and see
Copilot works very well with my Transformer.
roebeet said:
Why? Price. This thing is a steal at $400 - some reviewers refused to believe that the 16GB one would be US $400. Just comparing the tablet portion to the iPad2 -- it's fast, it has a comparable screen (thank goodness), it has a microSD, HDMI out without a dongle, stereo speakers, no walled garden, no iTunes requirement, the Google Marketplace AND it's $100 less. This is a no brainer, imo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what pulled me out from Lurker to Interested buyer. The Xoom IMHO - was priced way too high for a tablet - and the sales volume showed that.
With the Transformer - Performance / Price - the Asus seems to have hit the sweet spot. With premiums features like Gorilla Glass and IPS screen close the deal. I'm looking forward to seeing one on display so I can test it out.
Curious - for any owners - does ASUS load up any bloatware that slows down the device - if somebody might just keep it stock for the long run? If I snap one of these up - I'm not sure I'd try rooting - and having a $400.00 paperweight brick as first root.
I bumped up my budget when I saw this device coming out on the market. Is it a great user experience without the ROOT.
rolloverboi said:
would you please recommend me an app that allows me to store local maps.
i wish asus release a version with sim card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense but did you just drop out of the sky or what? You do know that before Google Maps or navigation that there were golden oldies like TomTom, Route 66, CoPilot, Sygic, Navicore, Garmin Mobile, iGo just to name a few (available on several platforms from Win Mobile/Symbian/Maemo/Android) that do not require data to navigate you from place to place. Whole map data is stored on SD card (or you can choose sections) or internal storage.
If you want a recommendation for Android, Copilot is awesome as well as Sygic Aura. I assume you're in Thailand, check out their website here http://www.alk.com/copilot/v8-maps.asp .
For Sygic, go here http://www.sygic.com/index.php/en/maps.html .
Does anyone know if ASUS is planning to release a bundled Transformer + Dock for less then $400 + $150? I am somewhat interested in the dock but $150 sounds too much for an occasional use.
Let me know.
nook-color said:
That's what pulled me out from Lurker to Interested buyer. The Xoom IMHO - was priced way too high for a tablet - and the sales volume showed that.
With the Transformer - Performance / Price - the Asus seems to have hit the sweet spot. With premiums features like Gorilla Glass and IPS screen close the deal. I'm looking forward to seeing one on display so I can test it out.
Curious - for any owners - does ASUS load up any bloatware that slows down the device - if somebody might just keep it stock for the long run? If I snap one of these up - I'm not sure I'd try rooting - and having a $400.00 paperweight brick as first root.
I bumped up my budget when I saw this device coming out on the market. Is it a great user experience without the ROOT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's stock honeycomb with some extra app, so no real bloat, and all modifications actually improve usability (so happy it doesnt have the ****ty neon blue HC icons and blue clock and so happy it has a built in screenshot function).
I currently have a Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile US, and I'm considering a P6200 to complement it (and use it as a secondary phone). The more obvious solution would probably be the Nexus 7, but I'm getting a lot for the extra $100 or so for a P6200 (keyboard dock option, expandable storage, rear camera with flash, phone capabilities, etc) and I can deal without Jelly Bean. I considered the 7.7, but its at least $100 more expensive and while it is the all-around better tablet, the P6200 will barely fit in my pocket as it is (and I don't want to have to have a bag for the 7.7). And yes, I know I'll only get 2G on T-Mobile until the spectrum roll-out finishes in 2013 - and that's fine by me.
Anyway, I currently have my Galaxy Nexus in tablet mode (ParanoidAndroid), and read that due to the lower resolution of the tablet, a lot of apps still display in phone mode - is this something that can be fixed (either through a mod or ROM) without breaking some important feature (like phone calls, camera, keyboard dock, etc)? I can live with the lower resolution (looked at a Tab 2 in store and thought it was fine), but not having phone apps on a tablet when I currently have the opposite.
Other than that, is there anything else I should know about the tablet - maybe a different tablet I should consider in the 7" size that takes phone calls? The Tab 2 seems to be a downgrade in just about every way and is about the same price so I haven't really considered it.
Go for nexus 7
magus57 said:
I currently have a Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile US, and I'm considering a P6200 to complement it (and use it as a secondary phone). The more obvious solution would probably be the Nexus 7, but I'm getting a lot for the extra $100 or so for a P6200 (keyboard dock option, expandable storage, rear camera with flash, phone capabilities, etc) and I can deal without Jelly Bean. I considered the 7.7, but its at least $100 more expensive and while it is the all-around better tablet, the P6200 will barely fit in my pocket as it is (and I don't want to have to have a bag for the 7.7). And yes, I know I'll only get 2G on T-Mobile until the spectrum roll-out finishes in 2013 - and that's fine by me.
Anyway, I currently have my Galaxy Nexus in tablet mode (ParanoidAndroid), and read that due to the lower resolution of the tablet, a lot of apps still display in phone mode - is this something that can be fixed (either through a mod or ROM) without breaking some important feature (like phone calls, camera, keyboard dock, etc)? I can live with the lower resolution (looked at a Tab 2 in store and thought it was fine), but not having phone apps on a tablet when I currently have the opposite.
Other than that, is there anything else I should know about the tablet - maybe a different tablet I should consider in the 7" size that takes phone calls? The Tab 2 seems to be a downgrade in just about every way and is about the same price so I haven't really considered it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the means go for nexus 7. If you say that you are getting a lot then think about it as an strategic investment, P6200 is almost (I may be wrong) no longer supported by samsung in terms of official updates and nexus 7 will have updates for long time (in comparison with P6200), also if you get bored with nexus 7, you can sell it easily.
The choice is still yours.....
If u have WiFi available then any tablet would allow u to make calls with groove IP. I have the p6210 WiFi only and use it all the time to make calls and text using groove IP. All u need is a Google voice account and you're good.
Sent from my GT-P6210 using Tapatalk 2
darkshadowx07 said:
If you have the means go for nexus 7. If you say that you are getting a lot then think about it as an strategic investment, P6200 is almost (I may be wrong) no longer supported by samsung in terms of official updates and nexus 7 will have updates for long time (in comparison with P6200), also if you get bored with nexus 7, you can sell it easily.
The choice is still yours.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't doubt that the P6200 probably won't be supported much longer (if at all), but an official ICS is good enough for me - but only if I can get tablet apps like mentioned. And I've had two tablets in the past that were Wifi-only (Streak 7 and Nook Color) and loved them both, but found little use for them considering how often I wasn't near a WiFi connection (and didn't want to waste battery turning my phone into a hotspot instead of just using it instead). I can basically guarantee I'll have buyers remorse with the Nexus 7 for a variety of reasons excluding it being Wifi-only, as great of a tablet it is.
2ndaccord said:
If u have WiFi available then any tablet would allow u to make calls with groove IP. I have the p6210 WiFi only and use it all the time to make calls and text using groove IP. All u need is a Google voice account and you're good.
Sent from my GT-P6210 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the issue is that I'm basically never at a WiFi connection longer than a few minutes outside of my house, and I use my phone much more outside of the house. Plus, I want to keep the same phone number without porting it over to Google Voice.
Yes, IM not sure how 6200 will work on TMobile, since they have their own tab plus, the T869.
If you can confirm someone has gotten voice and data to work on a 6200 on tmobile, I would say absolutly go for it. i would strongly recommend it. i had a tmobile streak 7 as well. The tab plus 6200 is such a fantastic all in one device.
Oh and you migh want to double check the frequenices of tab plus, and male sure you can get tmobile 3G or HSPA, edge speeds would not be good with this device.
May we ask where you are finding a 6200 for ~$350??
Cheers.
chrisrotolo said:
Yes, IM not sure how 6200 will work on TMobile, since they have their own tab plus, the T869.
If you can confirm someone has gotten voice and data to work on a 6200 on tmobile, I would say absolutly go for it. i would strongly recommend it. i had a tmobile streak 7 as well. The tab plus 6200 is such a fantastic all in one device.
Oh and you migh want to double check the frequenices of tab plus, and male sure you can get tmobile 3G or HSPA, edge speeds would not be good with this device.
May we ask where you are finding a 6200 for ~$350??
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since it's not a T-Mobile device, AFAIK T-Mobile has no way of knowing whether its a tablet or phone and therefore it should work with voice/text/data. And I know it'll work on EDGE, but that's fine honestly - most of the content I'll be viewing will be preloaded on a microSD card, I'm mostly using it so I can more comfortably view it than on my phone and without worrying about having two devices to carry. Again, I just have a bad habit of regretting WiFi tablets.
And I saw one Amazon seller with a few for that price, and I've seen a few on eBay (albeit used) for around that much lately.
Hello all
I have been given an opportunity to buy this tablet with the dock for not much money. It's second hand but used lightly and in great shape. The price is about 25% lower than the price of a NEW Asus Nexus 7 16GB in my country (no google play store here ).
My main concern is that it could be outdated. I had an Tegra 2 device (optimus 2x) and it was a pain to load any custom roms on it. I could only load Gingerbread roms on it. Sold it very quickly.
Is the TF101 showing its age? Does it run smoothly and are your batteries in good condition after this period? Any problems with apps? Games?
This would be my first tablet, so i'm not very much informed about them. I have been in the market for one a long time (1 year) and this is the first good opportunity I have seen. I would use it mainly for writing at college, some web browsing (flash running ok?) and casual gaming.
So would you recommend it now?
Any problems I should know about?
Only if you get it VERY cheap. And I say that as a TF101 owner.
The Tegra2 SoC is ****. It cannot play back standard 720p scene MKV-files without recording. Much less 1080p. XBMC and similar products don't want to support it because it lacks NEON-support which makes it easy to offload video-decoding to the GPU. Only thing I've gotten to play in a watchable state (but with occasional stutter) is Futurama.
It has also been plagued by unstable firmware updates, random reboots and sleeps of death. Asus has completely abondoned it and no further firmware updates are expected.
Your only chance of getting this tablet past ICS and onto JB (and whatever comes next, whenever that comes) is through third-party ROMs. If you get a model you can root. You may or may not be that lucky. Asus never unlocked the bootloader for the TF101.
So yeah. Unless you get it very cheap ($100 and less, keyboard dock included), I say no. Not worth it. There's much better things you can buy these days.
Its about 270 USD, but keep in mind that the nexus 7 is over 380 USD :crying:
Basically you will be paying 75% of the price for 25% of the goods.
You will be paying almost full price for a discontinued product instead of one still receiving updates, and one being ensured good support, both from AOSP/Google and from the Android community.
At this price, you will regret buying it.
Again: I say this as a current TF101-owner.
Get the serial number, and make sure it is Not a 3G variant, haggle it down to 200-225 and it would be worth it IMO.
ONLY if you rooted and made it custom though.
I have a N7, and I had a TF (until it died)
Personally they work nearly the same except for video playback. Videos with the proper kernel did work, just not HD without stutter. Games and other things are wonderful. (Of course assuming you rooted and rommed it, both of mine are/were)
Thing O Doom said:
Get the serial number, and make sure it is Not a 3G variant, haggle it down to 200-225 and it would be worth it IMO.
ONLY if you rooted and made it custom though.
I have a N7, and I had a TF (until it died)
Personally they work nearly the same except for video playback. Videos with the proper kernel did work, just not HD without stutter. Games and other things are wonderful. (Of course assuming you rooted and rommed it, both of mine are/were)
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lujo_zgb said:
Its about 270 USD, but keep in mind that the nexus 7 is over 380 USD :crying:
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I'm going to disagree with all of you guys about the 200 USD Price... That's completely ridiculous for an used TF101. I got my TF101 2011, last black friday, at bestbuy for $249.99 and with all the cases and other stuff I got for that device it came around $270. (This is without the dock and it was brand NEW).
Now this device is outdated and I see listing on ebay for the device used for around $75 with dock. NOT Worth it; you can buy better stuff.
Clocked at 1.5GHz mine plays practically any 720p scene release I throw at it.
DTS support can be a pain but other than that, no issues.
I'm not exactly sure what and how much of it you need to smoke to find them on Ebay for $75 with dock though, docks alone go for that price or above.
I bought my TF101 from a friend and we both looked at current eBay prices. I agreed to $200 for tablet and dock and I agree that someone must be high if they think they can get that for $75 on eBay. Just doing a quick search, I see one without a dock that's at $177 with 6 hours left and a refurb with dock at $275 - these prices are pretty typical of what I've been seeing, too. Refurb's a bit high in price, but not ridiculous compared to the $250-ish average we'd been seeing.
Additionally, using the awesome eValuator app, $220-260 is average and that goes to $280-299 when I search "TF101 and dock".
Even the ones that are broken and won't power on are still going for over $100.
To the OP, I would recommend making a choice depending on if you want a 10" or 7" tablet. I don't think 25% less is a great deal if you really only want a 7" tablet. I was actually looking at the N7, too - when I was shopping, I went with the TF101 because I liked the keyboard dock, I trust my friend that nothing is messed up with it, and I wanted the 10" size. I'd tried some 7" tablets and since my phone is 5" the 7" tablet wasn't a big enough difference to appeal to me.
I also appreciated how easy the TF101 is easy to take apart if I want to replace the battery. I think it's a great design and I wish newer tablets still had these features.
I've had this for maybe a month and I have no complaints. I have watched Netflix in HD on it for a few hours at a time and had no issues - I don't know how this differs from other video playback, but perhaps I'm not picky, I thought it looked fine (and there wasn't any stuttering). I don't really play any intensive games on it, so I can't comment on that. I'm on stock ICS rooted right now, but going to mess around with ROMs.
Best Android tablet from it's time, hands down!
If you can get a refurbished one (they seemed to be everywhere at one point) then it's worth it. I found the tablet and the dock at different stores for under 250$ two different times and haven't had any issues with them whatsoever (I have 2). B&H had the refurb dock for 99$USD I think newegg was 120$CDN... but that was a while ago.
I'm running JB 4.2.1 and overclocked to 1.6GHz, watching 720p mkv natively in mplayer without any lag or issues. The dock makes it a must once you get used to it and learn the hotkeys and the extra battery time kicks ass! The USB ports means I can connect a usb to serial adapter to connect to devices at work, no need to carry around the laptop... or just connect external ntfs storage or whatever.
Overall I'm very satisfied, the only "problem" I have is the lack of updates from Asus but oh well, there are some awesome devs working here to bring us the best. I'd go watch the other forums on xda to see how active other tablets/devs are, compare your choices to make an informed decision.
My wife owns a Nexus 7, I own a TF101 w/ keyboard dock.
I'd take the TF101 hands down.
That isn't to say the Nexus 7 isn't a wonderful tablet. But I use my TF101 almost as much as a work computer; the larger screen and durable build, the nice speed even if it is a dual-core instead of N7's quad, the 1.5ghz (overclocked via EOS 4 Rom) speed.... I love this thing.
I love my wife's Nexus 7 mainly because it is small enough to fit in some pockets and very light.
You have to figure out what you want from your tablet and proceed accordingly. I'm a firm believer that trailing edge technology often is a much better deal than chasing after the newest (the minute you leave the store it too is trailing edge!).
The price range on these is almost NEVER below $200, and that is without a keyboard. The poster w the neg comments early on is either badly misinformed about everything he mentioned or just trolling. Easiest way to test that thesis? Go to either Amazon or Ebay (w/ sales where time is almost out) and note the price ranges there. Even Craigslist, where I got mine for a steal ($225 w/ keyboard). Read the other comments, make a list of what you expect from your tablet, and go for it. Both tablets are great in different ways.
And did I mention my wife says she sorta covets my TF101?
One add'tl edit.... The TF101 has TWO SD-Card slots, a mini-HDMI output, TWO USB ports (on keyboard), and a few other jingles. Nexus 7, like its competitors (iPad, Nook, and KindleHD) have few to none of them. Just another thought...
Price range without keyboard for NEW is $150ish (Not misinformed at all). Newegg was one of the sites that had this deal. Also, I got mine for $250 new in 2011 (That was when this tablet was good/ at the top of the market)- it was a black friday doorbuster. The BB Mobile store near my house had stock when I went in.
There are better tablets out there that will go on sale and I personally wouldn't buy a USED TF101 unless if it was $100 or less.
lujo_zgb said:
Hello all
I have been given an opportunity to buy this tablet with the dock for not much money. It's second hand but used lightly and in great shape. The price is about 25% lower than the price of a NEW Asus Nexus 7 16GB in my country (no google play store here ).
My main concern is that it could be outdated. I had an Tegra 2 device (optimus 2x) and it was a pain to load any custom roms on it. I could only load Gingerbread roms on it. Sold it very quickly.
Is the TF101 showing its age? Does it run smoothly and are your batteries in good condition after this period? Any problems with apps? Games?
This would be my first tablet, so i'm not very much informed about them. I have been in the market for one a long time (1 year) and this is the first good opportunity I have seen. I would use it mainly for writing at college, some web browsing (flash running ok?) and casual gaming.
So would you recommend it now?
Any problems I should know about?
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Yes.
Newegg has the TF101 for $250 refurbished right now, and the dock for $99.
Big sales really can't be used to determine going price and market value. eBay averages are really the most accurate measure of what people are currently asking and what people are willing to pay.
I just cashed in a a Newegg super deal a few days ago, myself - and that's what it was, an awesome super deal that was way below the market price.
If a person wants to hold out for a super sale that may or may not happen that's their choice.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Remember, I am not from the States. Prices here (Croatia) are much higher.
For example, I can buy a 9.7 inch Prestigio multipad with 1 GHz and 1 GB RAM for 350 USD - USED.
I'll probably buy the TF101 I found and live with it. If not, I will sell it for profit, because I can probably make some 50-100 bucks of it.
shonkin said:
The poster w the neg comments early on is either badly misinformed about everything he mentioned or just trolling.
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Yes, misinformed troll creating and hosting CM-builds for the TF101 community, that's me. </sarcasm>
I'll keep my tf101 until I stop setting value in it, but Asus/nvidia seriously oversold the thing and I'd be lying of I said I was 100% happy about it when I got it delivered.
It gets better with Roming though.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
HA!
AsusT said:
Price range without keyboard for NEW is $150ish (Not misinformed at all). Newegg was one of the sites that had this deal. Also, I got mine for $250 new in 2011 (That was when this tablet was good/ at the top of the market)- it was a black friday doorbuster. The BB Mobile store near my house had stock when I went in.
There are better tablets out there that will go on sale and I personally wouldn't buy a USED TF101 unless if it was $100 or less.
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you, my friend, are a liar and/or a fool. you will NEVER find a tf101 "under $100" unless it was broken. you will also NEVER see a new one for $150. period. look at ebay....cheapest place to find anything most of the time. good luck finding one with the keyboard for under $275. and good luck finding one without the keyboard under $200. USED. most of them listed that are $100-$150 are BROKEN. learn to read. cracked screen...chipped case....sound doesn't work....the $100 to $150 ones are severely abused transformers. if you can get one for $250-$300 with the keyboard dock, you have a good tablet that's worth the money. period. if you're not completely retarded and can follow basic instructions from this very website, you can then put the newest CM10 nightly build on the tablet, overclock it to 1.5Ghz or more, use "swapper" to make a 1GB swap partition, and you have - in theory - a 1.5Ghz, 2GB ram tablet with 2 usb ports, a keyboard, an sd slot, micro sd slot, hdmi out, the newest android OS....and in the 10.1" form factor. you can't find that ANYWHERE else on the market. people on here that say otherwise simply don't know what they're talking about. stock, it's a good tablet. modded, it's by far the best buy for your money and will smoke most others on the market that are three times the price (you know, the big goofy white ones) in performance, features, and all-around look and feel.
Just to update you guys... I have bought the tablet today. I like it pretty much. Finding the screen a bit awkward when using in portrait mode though.
It's kinda heavy, but I'll get used to it, after all, it took me some time to get used to a 4.65" mobile phone screen. I rooted it and I am still using the custom rom, as I usually do with all the stuff I buy. Eventually I will put a custom ROM on it because I had some serius hickups and a reset.
As far as the price point goes, I think that I couldn't have bought a better tablet for this price. I paid about 270 USD for it and it even has some of the plastic foil on it. Not even a scratch.
Now im off to find a custom ROM that has the ability to use all the buttons on the keyboard and thats overclockable.
Google Now and pinch to zoom in emails would be great too.
Thanks to all of you who replied, you helped a lot! Including the poster with negative comments.
I know you've already bought it, but I wanted to chime in that comparing my TF101 to my son's Nexus 7, I'd take the N7.
I liked the TF101 a lot, but as others mentioned, the stock firmware had become unstable. I had apps crash and freeze, even when I wiped and reflashed it. Unfortunately, the 4.2 ROMs are okay but lack some features. For example, I've seen some complained that the dock keyboard isn't fully functional. One of my complaints with the custom ROMs that I've tried is that Google Talk crashes anytime I try voice/video chat.
I'll still use, but I admit that I covet a newer tablet with the quad core.
Keyboard dock and Google Talk fully working here on 4.2, although I'd rather use Google+ Hangout for video chat.