40 Minutes with the LTE One X (With Pics) - AT&T, Rogers HTC One X, Telstra One XL

40 Minutes with the LTE One X (With Pics) - AT&T, Rogers HTC One X, Telstra One XL

Just wrote about my time with the LTE One X today at AT&T. Posted it in another forum but wanted to share the link. Also included photos I snapped at the store.

I just spent 20 minutes with the One X at my local AT&T store. My second round. Some observations.
The screen just blows away the iPhone 4/4S. It's honestly absurd how sharp it is. Whites are significantly white and everything just looks incredible. (Pictures, video, text, backgrounds, etc.)
Wi-fi was enabled however the sales rep told me they were having an issue with the cellular connection (I didn't ask what exactly). The rep was nice enough to download Chrome Beta for me to mess with.
Chrome Beta over wi-fi was faster than Safari on my iP4. I was able to handle the unit somewhat easily with one hand. I have smallish hands but was able to reach the address bar with my thumb in portrait without too much discomfort. I think the light weight of the device and curved backing help a great deal with respect to using it with one hand.
There were seven levels with respect to increasing and decreasing the volume. I believe the iPhone has 16 levels.
The unit I was handed appeared to have full power. Because ICS does not have a battery percentage indicator by default, I was unable to notice how much battery I lost in my 20 minutes on wi-fi. When I returned the device it did not appear as if the battery icon changed much, or at all.
I do have one serious gripe, and it has to do with Chrome. In order to access your bookmarks, you need to tap 'Menu' and then 'Bookmarks'. On Safari I simply tap the dedicated bookmarks icon. So it's an additional step, and while it may not seem like a big deal, it most certainly is. At least for me it is. That extra tap is a pain in the arse. I spend a lot of time browsing on Safari with my iPhone and I can't get used to that additional step. I can't believe Chrome doesn't have a dedicated bookmark icon like Safari.
The stock browser also has no bookmarks icon. You need to tap 'Menu' then 'Bookmarks' just like Chrome. Puzzling.
Also the Chrome browser does not have a '.com' button on the keyboard. The stock browser on the One X (and Safari of course) do.
Out of curiosity, does anyone know of any Android browser that does have a bookmark icon? Dolphin perhaps? Opera? Perhaps Chrome will adopt this feature down the road.
Anyways, that serious gripe aside, I didn't walk away making a decision. I was banking on using Chrome if I jump ship, but this bookmarks issue really bothers me. I think I'm still going to wait till after WWDC to make a decision.

Lol. That sounds like a small insignificant problem to base your decision upon, don't you think?
Chrome's cloud syncing of the bookmarks with your desktop Chrome browser is better than anything else out there.
Accessing my desktop open tabs through the mobile chrome beta tops anything any other browser has ever done. Period.

We have a think called 'widgets'... there's a bookmark one that allows you to go straight to your bookmarked pages (without the browser even open in the first place)...
so that's a step less than the iphone technically. lol

VJKotts said:
Lol. That sounds like a small insignificant problem to base your decision upon, don't you think?
Chrome's cloud syncing of the bookmarks with your desktop Chrome browser is better than anything else out there.
Accessing my desktop open tabs through the mobile chrome beta tops anything any other browser has ever done. Period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all. It's an unnecessary extra step.
I'm not saying that alone would stop me from getting the One X. But I could not transition to Chrome or any Android browser that requires that extra step.

JSLEnterprises said:
We have a think called 'widgets'... there's a bookmark one that allows you to go straight to your bookmarked pages (without the browser even open in the first place)...
so that's a step less than the iphone technically. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly would that work though? And could I use it with Chrome and not the stock browser?

You can try Dolphin browser's latest version (it may still be in beta), which you swipe in from the left side and you can access the bookmark directly. No clicks!

blairh said:
How exactly would that work though? And could I use it with Chrome and not the stock browser?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the bookmarks widget asks you on your first use what browser you want to use, if you have more than one installed.

blairh said:
How exactly would that work though? And could I use it with Chrome and not the stock browser?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isn't the stock browser chrome? anyways, you have the option when you download a new browser, or you can default your favorite one and it will automatically open when you go to any webpage.
as far as how widgets work, you have many options. from a simple text or tile that takes you two that page, to fully updated previews that simply go full screen. folders, menus, scrollables, man, it's limitless...that's android.

Well it appears there is a solution to my gripe. (Widget or another browser.) Even with that said I still think Chrome should have a dedicated icon for your bookmarks like Safari does. Makes more sense then having to tap 'Menu'.

Well if you use chrome on your pc and have a home page set up to where you have pinned tabs "basically bookmarks", then you can log into the chrome browser and it will basically have a home page identical to the pc.
Edit: Dont quote me on that I cant quite remember if you have to do any extra steps because I uninstalled chrome because Im waiting on the HOX, simply tired of the captivate.

UMGixxer said:
Well if you use chrome on your pc and have a home page set up to where you have pinned tabs "basically bookmarks", then you can log into the chrome browser and it will basically have a home page identical to the pc.
Edit: Dont quote me on that I cant quite remember if you have to do any extra steps because I uninstalled chrome because Im waiting on the HOX, simply tired of the captivate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does your Chrome have a little box next to the address bar? Isn't that essentially the same as the tabs? When I click on it and I have multiple pages open, it brings me to a view of all open tabs so I can choose the one I want...seems like tabs to me.

I am a little confused. Was this a review on the One X or on Chrome Beta?

^^^^ LOLOLOL +10000000
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA

Plus chrome is beta who knows it might have bookmark tab later
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

amswak said:
I am a little confused. Was this a review on the One X or on Chrome Beta?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...it was an expected review by an iOS user.
---------- Post added at 08:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:28 PM ----------
DJsCrIBbLe said:
Plus chrome is beta who knows it might have bookmark tab later
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...whole point of it having the 'beta' moniker still attatched to it.

The beauty of android is option. I agree with the lack of bookmark taking an extra step, so I use Quick ICS browser, it is based off of ICS default browser, downloaded from market. A simple swipe from either edge of phone brings up an awesome array of quick options. Take a look at the play store.. By far the best option out in my opinion.. You will fall in love with it I am sure. Also note this can be used in the default ICS browser, enabled under options.. Hope this helps.

Thanks for all the replies. This being Android, there are several options. Also Chrome is still in Beta. Maybe they'll bring a bookmarks button down the road. (Or not.)

[email protected] said:
The beauty of android is option. I agree with the lack of bookmark taking an extra step, so I use Quick ICS browser, it is based off of ICS default browser, downloaded from market. A simple swipe from either edge of phone brings up an awesome array of quick options. Take a look at the play store.. By far the best option out in my opinion.. You will fall in love with it I am sure. Also note this can be used in the default ICS browser, enabled under options.. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sheer genious of Apple is their understanding that the majority of the population don't WANT options. I don't have data back this, but I would bet anything that the vast majority of Android owners are also Windows PC or Linux OS users. This is because we are the types who WANT options. I want the freedom to change my CPU or graphics card on a whim, and I want the option to change the code in my phone. Most people don't. This is why there will always be Apple products vs something else.
I didn't completely get this until I bought my parents iPhones. It was the only smartphone my parents could figure out and they fell in love with it immediately. When I asked why, my mom replied "because I dont feel like I can screw it up by changing something." They liked something that they felt was set in stone and didnt have too many options.
This fundamental difference in personality type is also why 90% of iPhone vs Android (or Mac vs PC) arguments are ridiculous - it is often a matter of taste, not a matter of fact.

amswak said:
The sheer genious of Apple is their understanding that the majority of the population don't WANT options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're totally right, there are a lot of people out there that like being put into an environment where no matter what they do it will never be "wrong". They don't want to be scared to use their phone.
I love the choices android gives though. The funny part is that I'm a mac user, I just use my macbook as a hub, so I never tinker around with it (I like the box, lol) but when it comes to phones I love playing around with them.
And I'm sure chrome still has some tweaks left to do, like others have said, it's still in beta.

Related

Still no Google Chrome app?

Why isn't there a chrome app yet? Its the best browser on pc/mac hands down, so why don't we google followers get to carry it around in our pockets?
Sent from your girlfriend's Captivate

jbraucht said:
Why isn't there a chrome app yet? Its the best browser on pc/mac hands down, so why don't we google followers get to carry it around in our pockets?
Sent from your girlfriend's Captivate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you're carrying a browser written by Google on your device already, which uses the same rendering engine as Chrome.
What more would you like? If you want a heavier browser then just take a look at Firefox or Dolphin, or any other ones that I may not know about.

I figured that would be the case and I'd just look like a noob. Oops. It would be cool if they gave Chrome a little more recognition in the Android OS, iOS has Safari on the iPhone... I'm not a huge sucker for branding but I happen to be a big Chrome fan, I've been down since beta

We are all noobs at some point...
Don't argue with the branding point... who knows... maybe there is a reason they avoid naming it something like Chrome Mobile.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

A good way to get more of a chrome feeling is to use chrome to phone.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

My chrome bookmarks are mostly random useless links and ebay items... So its not so useful. A Chromesque UI would be sweet
Sent from your girlfriend's Captivate

Miren Browser is what you are searching for

hsrn said:
Miren Browser is what you are searching for
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that browser the one with an asian language dominant in the UI?

Miren is using the same engine with default browser, but with Chromeish UI.

Heh, although the guts may be the same, I too wish the stock Android browser looked more like Chrome. Thankfully, Honeycomb appears to have a close-to-full version of Chrome as its stock browser, tabs and all - with luck, this will work well on large-screened phones too.
If you just want something that looks the part, grab xScope and use the Chrome-like themes.

jbraucht said:
Its the best browser on pc/mac hands down
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Far from it imo. It would probably be my second choice but I dont see ditching Firefox for Chrome for atleast a year, maybe longer. Firefox with it's extensive extensions library makes my life much easier to where I would have to vote it the best browser. Maybe when/if my extensions are ported, or an alternative of equal or greater functionality I would consider switching mainly due to the notorious memory leaks in firefox.
onslaught86 said:
If you just want something that looks the part, grab xScope and use the Chrome-like themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love xScope! It is the fastest and most feature packed browser on the market imo. Well fastest with the exclusion of Opera, but seeing as there servers compress the web page, you cant fairly compare it to any other browser in the android market.

onslaught86 said:
Honeycomb appears to have a close-to-full version of Chrome as its stock browser, tabs and all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hopefully someone will port the browser to gingerbread or froyo, i have the honeycomb music player apk running on my froyo captivate

TechN9Ne1730 said:
I love xScope! It is the fastest and most feature packed browser on the market imo. Well fastest with the exclusion of Opera, but seeing as there servers compress the web page, you cant fairly compare it to any other browser in the android market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like xScope a lot too, but I'm holding off on v6 until they bring back swipe-to-hide tabs & menu bar. Don't like relying on hardkeys for anything. Adopted Miren for some time, since it does have swipe-to-show/hide. It's getting a lot better and less power/resource hungry in recent updates. Also keeping a close eye on Fennec, it has a spiffy UI and just needs a wee bit more optimization.
Back using stock CM7 browser for now.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

I edited Miren Browser's top sites. You can try it if you like. Click here

Google has said numerous times that Chrome is aimed at the desktop platform, just as they say honeycomb is for Pads and android is for phones. Since the pads are very similar to BIG Phones it is reasonable that they both run similar operating systems with one just taking advantage of more screen space.
Each platform has different needs and we interface with each differently.
So Google is keeping them as seperate entities until they perfect each interface for each platform. It's actually a smart move. Once they actually do they could consider making one OS to rule them all that runs just as well on your phone as your desktop!
But thats a long way away if you ask me.
the Source for chrome browser is out there somewhere I'm sure...
But a simple port is probably not going to work too well without adding scaling and touch gestures to the interface.
The browser that comes stock has been just fine.

Well, I guess Dolphin Browser HD is what you are looking for...

Best browser of Nexus S?

Can you Nexies recommend me your favorite, the best performing browser for Nexus S.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

I think most people would recommend opera or dolphin hd, firefox nightlies are a bit hit and miss

there is only two browsers, Opera and Stock... the others is just the stock with some things changed, but they render pages just like stock, lag in the same pages, freeze to load extacly same things and has almost same bugs...
Opera, in other hand, seems to be hardware accelerated, it is completely different, and for me, it is really better... loads every pages faster and so smooth as it should be in stock one... but, it has two bad things: 1) it is really annoying to see "Opera Mobile" every single time you open it and 2) doesn't render Google's pages like it should, like gmail or search page. In stock browser it is shown like a web app, but in Opera you see generic mobile pages...
personally, i use both, Opera for default and stock for those things that Opera can't handle well! =oP

I keep trying other browsers and always end up back with the stock. Opera is my backup browser. Its fast, but like all 3rd party browsers, has quirks

Stock & Opera as wingman

Of course Opera...

thiagodark said:
there is only two browsers, Opera and Stock... the others is just the stock with some things changed, but they render pages just like stock, lag in the same pages, freeze to load extacly same things and has almost same bugs...
Opera, in other hand, seems to be hardware accelerated, it is completely different, and for me, it is really better... loads every pages faster and so smooth as it should be in stock one... but, it has two bad things: 1) it is really annoying to see "Opera Mobile" every single time you open it and 2) doesn't render Google's pages like it should, like gmail or search page. In stock browser it is shown like a web app, but in Opera you see generic mobile pages...
personally, i use both, Opera for default and stock for those things that Opera can't handle well! =oP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. For more examples, anandtech.com is horribly slow in stock, but ESPN's baseball recap pages do not display correctly in Opera. I'm trying out the latest Firefox, which seems like a compromise: not as fast as Opera, but more accurate rendering.
Honestly, when HTC and Samsung branded phones have stock browsers with superior scrolling and pinch-to-zoom, I don't quite understand what's supposed to be so great about the "pure Google" experience. This phone has been out for almost a year and its browser is still terrible. So we get updates direct from Google, but if none of them improve the browser, who cares? It would be great if this improves with ICS, but I still haven't seen any official word on that.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

dwielunski said:
Honestly, when HTC and Samsung branded phones have stock browsers with superior scrolling and pinch-to-zoom, I don't quite understand what's supposed to be so great about the "pure Google" experience. This phone has been out for almost a year and its browser is still terrible. So we get updates direct from Google, but if none of them improve the browser, who cares? It would be great if this improves with ICS, but I still haven't seen any official word on that.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is a thing i REALLY miss in my old HTC devices, browser experience is far far far better. I like Android and all, but ICS is the last chance for Google to me, there is always a tiny thing is not great as it should, in all android handsets i owned! Nexus is amazing, but this browser sucks, i can't understand why google made it that way, just can't. They are mostly a internet company, for god sake, and Chrome is great for Desktop....
For me, Nokia + WP7 or ICS will be a 'watershed'... =o\

The best one I've found is Miren Browser.

I personally enjoy Firefox mobile (it is on market). Though I use the nightly build (https://wiki.mozilla.org/Mobile/Platforms/Android#Download_Nightly)
It does not do flash sadly however I love the sync since I also use it as my desktop

I was thinking about this earlier myself; but, seeing as I tried most of them I knew the answer. To me at least.
I currently just use the stock browser. As much as it bugs me. They need a serious overhaul on this thing. I want Chrome FOR phone. I fee like that team could do a better job at building a browser. Not sure why they haven't.
Anyways. I use stock because it's stock; and, if I'm not 100% happy with another browser I don't keep it because I hate having 2 apps installed that do the same thing. Just the way I am.
Dolphin is my favorite UI. Gestures are cool. The tab interface is better, etc. But, like mentioned above it's really just like the stock browser skinned. However, you don't have to type in about:debug to change to desktop rendering for sites without links on the bottom. Button built it.
Skyfire: I wasn't thrilled with the UI but did like how the Desktop/Android rendering button was right there on top. Again, just like the stock browser though.
Firefox is atrocious.
Opera is by far THE best alternative as far as web experience goes. However, I despise how it doesn't render certain websites "correctly". For example Google and Facebook. It has that "old" look to it. Basic if you will. However, it does load desktop pages a lot faster than the stock browser. So it's not bad if you don't mind waiting a LITTLE loger for the desktop site. In comparison it will load a desktop site ALMOST as fast as the stock browser loads a mobile site. Depending on what;s going on - on the site. But it's very fast and snappy. The way the stock browser should be.
So bottom line if your going to chose a browser other than Opera (if your happy the way it renders) the only advantage the other browsers have are features, plug-ins, ui, etc. The web experience will be the same.
Edit: I was messing with Opera again after reading this. I love how when you click on something (we'll use a link here) that's close to another item: it will highlight both to indicate you pressed both of them and it wasn't sure which one your big finger hit, lol. Instead of "guessing" like the other browsers.

What's your preference between Opera and Opera Mini?

irishrally said:
What's your preference between Opera and Opera Mini?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always go for the "bigger one" mini is always a lighter app. Smaller. Missing features from the "Regular" one. Correct me if I'm wrong; but, doesn't Opera mini not support flash where the regular one does?

irishrally said:
What's your preference between Opera and Opera Mini?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you check "Turbo" in Opera Mobile it will use the server compression stuff just like Opera mini. Then if something doesn't look right you can long press on it to "load image in full quality" or something like that. Basically Mobile gives you all the capabilities of Mini + more, since space is not really an issue with this phone you should just use Mobile.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

i would recommend for opera..
but one thing i dont like is while you using opera, and switch to another app or just back to home sceen, the internet connection then lost.. so you must loading or refresh it again..

how about soon to be Google Chrome
http://androidandme.com/2011/10/news/google-chrome-is-finally-coming-to-an-android-device-near-you/

wait for chrome. it's coming in october

Drzfr3shboialex said:
how about soon to be Google Chrome
http://androidandme.com/2011/10/news/google-chrome-is-finally-coming-to-an-android-device-near-you/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that is a great great news...
Cant wait for it..
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Careful using Dolphin or other browsers that may have a user string that looks like a desktop.
If you have grandfathered unlimited data on AT&T, this string will flag you for tethering and you will get a nasty text warning that you need to change your plan (thus losing unlimited data). I personally just use the stock Android browser 100% of the time due to concern that I'll lose my grandfathered data. Especially since AT&T will yank your data even though you aren't really tethering...and it's gone forever.
Just a thought.

Thanks all for that healthy, fruitful discussion.
I have tried both Stock and Miren.
Initially Stock was acting good but then it started hanging. Miren also left unimpressed.
Now I am on Dolphin, it seems to be good. Let us see!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Which browser is the best browser, in your opinion?

I personally think opera mobile (the newest version) is the best one out there. Absolutely zero lag. Compatible with everything I throw at it. I don't understand why people insist on hating it or not using it. It's the best one out there.

I like Opera but there are some things that bug me:
- Google always shows up in mobile view, its annoying to have to always scroll down to click classic.
- The tabs system is slow, I prefer the way the stock browser has them
- You cant always go back to the start page, most of the time you have to open a new tab instead of being able to use the speed dial.
The new Dolphin HD is nice but I don't like not having back and forward buttons, and that you have to scroll back to the top of the page to type in a URL. In the stock browser all you have to do is click the tab and the buttons show.

I don't like the blocks that happen in the stock browser when scrolling, but I really love the quick controls. It generally seems less buggy than the other browsers as well.

Opera actually almost is the best browser but on some pages they never load fully & on some pages even with flash enabled some things show up as a big arrow that would play just fine on Dolphin Hd.Opera is the only browser i can check my gmail just as i could on my desktop..Dolphin HD is lacking there.Opera needs another update to fix the bugs.Lastly why on earth does everything load on Opera halfway (for instance pictures).If you hold on the pic it will give you the option to "Reload image in full quality" !!! Wtf..how about loading that way in the first place lol...I'll stick with Dolphin Hd for now.

Toast95135 said:
I like Opera but there are some things that bug me:
- Google always shows up in mobile view, its annoying to have to always scroll down to click classic.
- The tabs system is slow, I prefer the way the stock browser has them
- You cant always go back to the start page, most of the time you have to open a new tab instead of being able to use the speed dial.
The new Dolphin HD is nice but I don't like not having back and forward buttons, and that you have to scroll back to the top of the page to type in a URL. In the stock browser all you have to do is click the tab and the buttons show.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird. Nothing has shown up as mobile view for me for a month now. I think you need to play around more with settings.

Toast95135 said:
I like Opera but there are some things that bug me:
- Google always shows up in mobile view, its annoying to have to always scroll down to click classic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can solve this by setting the User Agent to Desktop in Advanced settings.
---------- Post added at 09:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:28 AM ----------
Arun01 said:
Opera actually almost is the best browser but on some pages they never load fully & on some pages even with flash enabled some things show up as a big arrow that would play just fine on Dolphin Hd.Opera is the only browser i can check my gmail just as i could on my desktop..Dolphin HD is lacking there.Opera needs another update to fix the bugs.Lastly why on earth does everything load on Opera halfway (for instance pictures).If you hold on the pic it will give you the option to "Reload image in full quality" !!! Wtf..how about loading that way in the first place lol...I'll stick with Dolphin Hd for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look like you have Opera Turbo enabled, which means that Opera loads the pages though a proxy server which compresses pages for faster loading over slow connections. This will speedup your loading over slow connections, but if you've got a fast connection you should not use it.
You can disable Opera Turbo in the settings.

I find the Dolphin for Pad browser very good:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.dolphin.browser.pad&feature=search_result

None
The day I can go to vimeo.com or youtube.com and play an HD 720p video without having to maximize the screen (without ANY stutter) is the day I'll name a best browser. As it stands, none to me are the best. They all have flaws with flash.

Argh nevermind the part about "reload image in full quality ".I see what it is now lol.Dolphin for pad needs an update bad!!!
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App

I like dolphin for pad. Opera is not bad, but for me it's a bit slow to start showing the site, and some site I use quite a lot has a little bug in the render. Also, I don't like the tab system.

You can go to the top in Dolphin HD by using the gesture button on the bottom left. Just make an upside down V and it'll bring you right up.
All the browsers need to add some better swipe gestures however...like Atomic Browser for ios. It has 2 Finger swipe left or right to switch between tabs or 3 finger touch to maximize screen. They're customizable as well.

Goodintentions why dont you put a poll on this thread of the top ten browsers?
Opera
dolphin
skyfire
miren
uc
mozilla beta
etc etc
Sent from my tf101 using xda premium 1.59Ghz

I have to say opera mobile hands down. Not to be confused with opera mini. They are 2 different browsers...especially in terms of performance. But yes, opera mobile is an absolutely fantastic browser both on my nexus s and transformer. Blows every other browser out the water. Very fast UI. Very smooth scrolling and zooming. Flash content etc. It must have deep gpu / hardware acceleration i think. It behaves like a dream. What every browser should be.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium

Toast95135 said:
I like Opera but there are some things that bug me:
- Google always shows up in mobile view, its annoying to have to always scroll down to click classic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then change the UA to Desktop (you have Mobile, Tablet and Desktop) it's in the settings...
How card can it be?
---------- Post added at 11:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:42 AM ----------
voyager_s said:
It must have deep gpu / hardware acceleration i think. It behaves like a dream. What every browser should be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does, and it's the only browser to do so (which is why scrolling is silky smooth on Opera and crap on everything else). Even the stock Android browser doesn't have it yet...
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2370756,00.asp#fbid=7tE7TmefXx2
The browser will be available for all versions of the Android OS. New features in this version of Opera Mobile include hardware acceleration and pinch-to-zoom. According to the company, hardware acceleration leverages the power of the mobile phone to allow for increased speed, faster navigation, and more fluid interaction with the phone. It also makes possible full pinch-to-zoom functionality for all sites.

CrazyPeter said:
Then change the UA to Desktop (you have Mobile, Tablet and Desktop) it's in the settings...
How card can it be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have it set to the desktop user agent, and Opera does the same thing on my phone. Typing a search in the URL or search bar always brings up the mobile version. I have gone through and changed the user agent in the about:config page without any luck either.

Toast95135 said:
I do have it set to the desktop user agent, and Opera does the same thing on my phone. Typing a search in the URL or search bar always brings up the mobile version. I have gone through and changed the user agent in the about:config page without any luck either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spoken like a true ipad user. Complain rather than try to find a solution.
The search bar is a mobile search bar, yes. Would it kill you to not use it? Just put google homepage (the desktop one) in your favorite and go there whenever you want to search for something.
Many of us have already written to opera about this. I'm confident they will fix this in upcoming updates.
To me, this is one drawback that is easily avoidable. With built in hw acceleration and functions... screw it.
Just don't use opera at all. If you prefer the lagginess of other browsers, be my guess. Don't ever try to go around anything. Just complain.

goodintentions said:
Spoken like a true ipad user. Complain rather than try to find a solution.
The search bar is a mobile search bar, yes. Would it kill you to not use it? Just put google homepage (the desktop one) in your favorite and go there whenever you want to search for something.
Many of us have already written to opera about this. I'm confident they will fix this in upcoming updates.
To me, this is one drawback that is easily avoidable. With built in hw acceleration and functions... screw it.
Just don't use opera at all. If you prefer the lagginess of other browsers, be my guess. Don't ever try to go around anything. Just complain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me? Im complaining because I don't like a bug that lots of other people have reported? Ive tried every "solution" in the book to try and fix it but none work. I like Opera and have been using it for a year but it doesn't mean the mobile bug is any less irritating.

Toast95135 said:
Excuse me? Im complaining because I don't like a bug that lots of other people have reported? Ive tried every "solution" in the book to try and fix it but none work. I like Opera and have been using it for a year but it doesn't mean the mobile bug is any less irritating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already told you the solution. Its the same one I use. Just put Google homepage in favorite and go there when you want to search. How hard can it be?

I use the stock browser because it provides what I want (tabs, chrome bookmark sync) and performs reasonably enough for browsing; I still remember surfing at 3.4K/s .
Opera is what I use on my phone because it seriously kicks the Froyo stock browser to timbucktu on performance. I do think Opera Mobile's UI is much better suited to a tablet than the HC stock though.

Opera mobile is indeed faster and smoother in terms of scrolling compared to all the other browsers. UI response is also very quick. However, Opera has serious issues with Flash. Opera would crash on my TF for some flash content and flash videos are really slow to load and would stutter while Dolphin HD and even stock would play much smoother.
I like Opera, its my usual web browsing browser. But if I need flash content, I switch to Dolphin HD.

New to Transformer, thoughts

I have/had:
* the Ipad 1 32gb
* Motorola Xoom (returned)
* HP touchpad (sold after 2 months after alpha3 crap)
and now the transformer.
1st things first, this is the best of the android tablets.
I thought the HP alpha 3 made a good attempt, but it's nowhere in the realm of the xoom/transformer. The transformer seems almost a clone from the xoom, but with the keyboard dock, just is cooler to lug around. Plus the extras asus has done has helped a bit.
Main complaints.
Email, especially handling multiple accounts.
Web, browser is crap, with keyboard, even more.
weight. awkward weight distribution. I can hold the ipad in widescreen format with one hand, but this feels really unnatural with the asus.
Advantages vs Ipad
styling, keyboard dock style, rear camera, flash, widgets.
Minor complaints
Not really great software available for it yet.
Keyboard dock touchpad is too sensitive. I can't ever finish typing a long url without it going bezerk on me. Also, while android is good at freeing up memory, it does not appear as efficient as IOS5. When i run an app on ASUS that is running slowly, i have to go out and run a task manager to clean up the garbage to speed up the app. I never have to do this with IOS even when i have tons of things running.
Ipad advantages:
when i want to surf the web, i prefer the iPad. most sites now have html5 versions and those versions are usually faster loading and smoother than the flash ones for ASUS. For emailing, i prefer it's built in email to android gmail. This is strange considering i only use gmail. But Ipad apps have very intuitive ways for multiple accounts. whether for facebook or email, the multi user integration is just smoother on ipad.
For games like word with friends, it plays it vertically while the tablet one on ASUS is horizontal with smaller letters. There is also the fact that there are many many more apps i still use, like dragon lords, that i had used freely on my old iphone and they still won't make for android.
So for now, I find I prefer the Old ipad for surfing and emailing. And i'm basically using the ASUS for gaming.
ANyone else have an ipad and asus? what are your thoughts?

2 things. third-party browser, thumb keyboards.
as for the weight I hold it in one hand in landscape and portrait with no problem. maybe because I have big hand.

K9 email, free
Kaiten email, nicer multi-pane view, looks good on tablets
Neither do Exchange
Opera mobile or Dolphin HD browsers, much nicer. There's even a Firefox. And quite a few other alternative ones on the market. Opera mini is great for a phone as it saves tons of bandwidth with its pre-rendered approach.
Root your tablet and get the V6 Supercharger script. Here on XDA. Find the thread, go to first post and download the latest beta. Makes a huge difference to the way the memory management behaves.
Now that you're rooted consider a custom ROM.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P512 using Tapatalk

I "thanked" you both for your posts.
I want to make this my primary tablet.
I just got the facebook and ebay updates and was dissapointed to see it not be tablet sized like the ipad one.
I will try the other browsers. I've been trying the firefox and firefox beta and really don't like em much.
thanks.

orateam said:
Main complaints.
Email, especially handling multiple accounts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
orateam said:
For emailing, i prefer it's built in email to android gmail. This is strange considering i only use gmail. But Ipad apps have very intuitive ways for multiple accounts. whether for facebook or email, the multi user integration is just smoother on ipad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What in particular? You switch accounts at the top-left part of the screen. I've never used an iPad though, so I don't know how "intuitive" it apparently is.
orateam said:
Web, browser is crap, with keyboard, even more.
weight. awkward weight distribution. I can hold the ipad in widescreen format with one hand, but this feels really unnatural with the asus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No such thing as widescreen on an iPad.
orateam said:
Minor complaints
Not really great software available for it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're either not looking hard enough, or not in the right place. Check out http://tablified.com for some good applications designed for Android tablets. And any app in the Android Market will work (that's hundreds of thousands of apps) on a tablet, it just might not be optimized for it yet.
orateam said:
Keyboard dock touchpad is too sensitive. I can't ever finish typing a long url without it going bezerk on me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a common trait with ASUS laptop/netbook keyboards, unfortunately. There's a handy button to disable the trackpad on the keyboard, the fourth key (from the left) on the top row. Use it and love it.
orateam said:
Also, while android is good at freeing up memory, it does not appear as efficient as IOS5. When i run an app on ASUS that is running slowly, i have to go out and run a task manager to clean up the garbage to speed up the app. I never have to do this with IOS even when i have tons of things running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because iOS doesn't actually manage memory. Your programs aren't running in the background, they just get push services to make them appear like they're running. The apps actually close and restart (think about how a computer hibernates) with your old data still intact.
Android has true multitasking, which means apps are alive and running. It costs a little bit in memory, but modern Android devices have quite a bit of memory to use. If you root your tablet, you'll discover it's much easier to keep things in order, task managers in the Android market can't actually kill apps without root.
orateam said:
Ipad advantages:
when i want to surf the web, i prefer the iPad. most sites now have html5 versions and those versions are usually faster loading and smoother than the flash ones for ASUS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know you can turn flash off, or set it to load on click? Change the Enable Plug-ins setting in the Advanced settings on the browser.
orateam said:
For games like word with friends, it plays it vertically while the tablet one on ASUS is horizontal with smaller letters. There is also the fact that there are many many more apps i still use, like dragon lords, that i had used freely on my old iphone and they still won't make for android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know that you can actually contact developers and ask them to add features (like portrait mode, or auto-rotate, on WWF) or port their app for Android? Some developers will choose to do this if they see users asking for it, otherwise they think people [on Android] are fine without their app.

jordanjay29 said:
What in particular? You switch accounts at the top-left part of the screen. I've never used an iPad though, so I don't know how "intuitive" it apparently is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the gmail app does it nicely. But only for gmail email accounts. If the regular email program, which can handle multiple accounts like yahoo and work would work the same way, would be better. quick question here. In gmail, like ipad mail, there are 2 views: folder view and browse view. In folder view, you see your email folders (most only look at inbox) with only subjects and brief text on the right hand side. In browse mode, you see your email on the left with the full email with images on the right. When i'm in gmail and in browse mode and delete an email, it pops me out to folder mode. do you know any way to stay in browse mode? That's what i'm used to.
No such thing as widescreen on an iPad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure there is. it's just not as wide, but there is a landscape on it. It seems weighted to allow me to hold it in landscape mode with one hand. This is how i hold it.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
You're either not looking hard enough, or not in the right place. Check out http://tablified.com for some good applications designed for Android tablets. And any app in the Android Market will work (that's hundreds of thousands of apps) on a tablet, it just might not be optimized for it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, i'll try this
It's a common trait with ASUS laptop/netbook keyboards, unfortunately. There's a handy button to disable the trackpad on the keyboard, the fourth key (from the left) on the top row. Use it and love it.
That's because iOS doesn't actually manage memory. Your programs aren't running in the background, they just get push services to make them appear like they're running. The apps actually close and restart (think about how a computer hibernates) with your old data still intact.
Android has true multitasking, which means apps are alive and running. It costs a little bit in memory, but modern Android devices have quite a bit of memory to use. If you root your tablet, you'll discover it's much easier to keep things in order, task managers in the Android market can't actually kill apps without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That explains the performance issues a little. But when my now aincient Ipad seems crisper regardless of how many apps are 'running', it does show that android needs a bit better memory management. Perhaps not really mutli tasking like ipad does.
You know you can turn flash off, or set it to load on click? Change the Enable Plug-ins setting in the Advanced settings on the browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Havent' had any luck with this. I turned it off, but it didnt load the html5 version. Perhaps the stock browswer doesn't come with html 5? when i go to some of my fav sites like http://www.theonion.com on my old ipad, it loads up quickly and the page is super smooth. it's completely html5. when i load it on the ASUS, its flash, even when i turn off the plugins, and loads up with tons of ads that slow the page to hell.
You know that you can actually contact developers and ask them to add features (like portrait mode, or auto-rotate, on WWF) or port their app for Android? Some developers will choose to do this if they see users asking for it, otherwise they think people [on Android] are fine without their app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks again, i will do that more.

orateam said:
Yes, the gmail app does it nicely. But only for gmail email accounts. If the regular email program, which can handle multiple accounts like yahoo and work would work the same way, would be better. quick question here. In gmail, like ipad mail, there are 2 views: folder view and browse view. In folder view, you see your email folders (most only look at inbox) with only subjects and brief text on the right hand side. In browse mode, you see your email on the left with the full email with images on the right. When i'm in gmail and in browse mode and delete an email, it pops me out to folder mode. do you know any way to stay in browse mode? That's what i'm used to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking in the Gmail settings, go to General preferences and then change the Auto-advance settings. Choose either to go to a Newer or Older conversation to stay in the Browse mode, setting Conversation List kicks you back to folder view.
I'm sorry to say I've never used the built-in email program since Android 2.x, when it got support for multiple Gmail addresses. So I have no idea how it works now, I suspect its drastically different than what I would be used to. Sorry.
orateam said:
That explains the performance issues a little. But when my now aincient Ipad seems crisper regardless of how many apps are 'running', it does show that android needs a bit better memory management. Perhaps not really mutli tasking like ipad does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible that ICS will resolve some of this, as it has a built-in task manager. Honeycomb is still a bit buggy, though, so this could be influenced by its bugginess.
orateam said:
Havent' had any luck with this. I turned it off, but it didnt load the html5 version. Perhaps the stock browswer doesn't come with html 5? when i go to some of my fav sites like http://www.theonion.com on my old ipad, it loads up quickly and the page is super smooth. it's completely html5. when i load it on the ASUS, its flash, even when i turn off the plugins, and loads up with tons of ads that slow the page to hell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's because the sites aren't loading different versions depending on whether or not you have flash. They're loading different versions depending on the user-agent that the browser displays.
I don't know whether anyone has modded the stock browser to do it yet, but I know that Dolphin Browser HD can change its user-agent string to the iPad version. It's possible that the Cyanogenmod team will do this for Cyanogenmod 9, but that would require rooting your tablet to do.

Welcome to android, where you are not forced to use a specific app for a specific function. We have tons of choices for everything you have been talking about. Browsers, task killers, mail programs, roms, kernels, etc....the choices and combinations are vast.
Also, it really bugs me when people say that the ipad multitasks or that apps are "running" in the background... They aren't, the ipad doesn't mt, they just developed yet another clever trick in fooling people, kinda like how they handle force closes... Sneaky sneaky apple. All crap aside, the ipad is a nice piece of equipment, but with android we have options...start using them if you want to unleash the true potential of these devices.
Try k9 mail program, I have several emails accounts I use for my business,i practically run my company from my email. when I first left apple for android,i noticed the stock email was pretty bad compared to the one on iphone 4. so I started looking around and after a day or so I found k9... Best email ever, better than ios and that says alot... Ios did their email good imo. Check it out, its a sweet app.
I like dolphin browser and opera, I use firefox on occasion.
I run revolver rom with clemsyn kernel, if you haven't rootes and flashed a custom rom, then you have not experienced what this tablet can do, it really turns it into another beast all together.
I hope you can make it work for you, it really is a fantastic tablet, and its strengths lay with the fact that you can change everything to how you want it.
Ps. I have owned an ipad1 and ipad2... The ipad 2 I bought for one of my techs...all my technicians use tablets for work... And when I let him go (fired) I kept it for a week or so to play with it, then I gave it to a friend. I prefer the versatility of android over apple. When people ask me about android vs apple,i sum it into one statement. "if you want a device that simply works well without to much fiddling around, grab an apple, but if you want a device that can be great, easily customized with some work then go for android." Everything I could do on an idevice I can do on my android devices... And then some. maybe not right out of the box, but there is a replacement for everything. In my experience, android does most things better and a few things worse than ios.
Sent from my Infuse... Love it!

so for the keyboard dock giving you issues when you are typing, you can turn off the touchpad by pressing the 4th button along the top row that looks like a touchpad with a line going across it. that way when you type, it wont click anywhere.
really great that asus put that button there
and as far as sensitivity, if i go into settings --> language & input, i can scroll down and theres a mouses and trackpad setting where i can change the pointer speed.
hope that helps you out with the dock
im running the latest revolver rom btw.
i havent used any of the other products on your list but i know that when people use my transformer and they come from galaxy tabs, ipads, or any other tablets, they are absolutely in love.
just bought it this black friday on sale and its alot more useful than i thought it was going to be :]

Opera Mobile is a full grown up browser and totally smokes both the built in Android and built in Apple browser.
Try it... It's really 5x quicker at most things, more HTML5 compliant.
It's worth also playing with the desktop/tablet settings in Opera Mobile, see which setting suits the sites you visit.
You might also try Opera Mini, but it's not really the same, it's designed for really bandwidth limited browsing.

I second opera mobile. Ive gone from stock to firefox to dolphin and I find opera to work the best for me

sounds like no votes for Google's browser or emailer program. Don't you think they should put more emphasis on getting those right instead of forcing people to pay for a better browser and emailer?
I've tried some of your suggestions, and will try more, but i'm finding i'm using the Asus less and less now. Still too slow on browser for my liking and that is what most tablets are used for.
I'm hoping that dolphin browser i have yet to use will be the trick pony.

You're screwed, it's going to be the same fundimental engine as the stock.
Oddly, the only time I find my TF (with Opera) too slow is if I don't already have it in hand. At work, it's practically the only way to get a decent browser speed because it's on a different (and much less croweded) network.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Microsoft surface experience?

Hello guys. For those who have used the Microsoft surface, can you share your experience? I am just curious about its speed, performance, and how user friendly it is
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium

I love mine. I find the interface refreshing and unique, the people app lets me do way more with social media than I have been able to do in the past. Typing on the touch cover is still a bit of a challenge but they are saying it takes a few days to get it done properly. Speed wise, there are no issues. Mine is snappy and responsive. Battery life is amazing. I can use it all day 6am until 7pm and still only be down to around 30-40% battery remaining. There is a lack of apps but nothing that I can't wait out. I expected the ecosystem will take a bit to get going and I'm willing to wait. I sold my ipad with retina and honestly don't miss it at all.

I really love mine the more I use it. I'm typing this on the touchcover and although I make a lot of mistakes I seem to be getting better at it. That said, I do have some issues but nothing that major (yet!). Battery life seems to be much less than the ipad, people report 8-10 hours, I only get like 4-7. The apps are a disappointment, but I plan to use this device productively soo all I really need is dropbox. The device seems to slow down when editing 2 page documents in word. I tried to make a brochure on here and dragging pictures around was a nightmare. I did type a paper onhere and while it took longer then on a regular keyboard it wasn't that bad.
IE 10 for metro is complete trash. Can't even load XDA so I find myself always forced to use the desktop version. If you buy one, I suggest the model higher than 32gb as we really only get lke 14 gb because of the os taking up so much room.
The touchcover gets very dirty it seems. I'm not suire if I can clean it without ruining it. I sneeze on it before and it has a nasty stain =/.
The device itself is very prone to scratches, I tend to try to plug the thing into charge while its dark and that damn connector is such a pita that I always scratch the bezel.
I love the keyboard gestures (which I know can be used on any computer). The UI is very fast, there's a crap ton of gestures to learn. Yet, there are some gripes. Closing an app takes a crazy amount of time. You have to drag all theway from the top of the screen to the bottom, unnecessary.
Overall, I love it and I plan on keeping it. I still have my ipad and my nexus 7 but this really helps me get stuff done. The fact I can plug in almost any usb device and hve it work is amazing. You can even charge cellphones and stuff with the USB. I would recommend getting the surface IF you realize you can't run anything that's not in the store. No browser addons, no exe fils, nothing. Sometime that makes me wish I got the pro, but this device is really enough. Get past the quirkiness of metro + desktop and it's a beast.
Sorry for the typos. This was typed on the touch cover while lying down in bed.
*EDIT* The messenger app sucks realy badly too. You add someone as a friend (which can't be done in the app you have to go to a website) then you can't ever send them a message cause it says "Name unavailable" but they can send you messages. Its a one way form of communication.
*Edit2* Another clunky part. There are no jpg thumbail previews in the desktop. And when you want to open an image it has to open a program in metro

brandonjuraimi said:
Hello guys. For those who have used the Microsoft surface, can you share your experience? I am just curious about its speed, performance, and how user friendly it is
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love the surface responsiveness and the new UI. But still there is still miles to go to get this perfect.
1. After being ON for more than 3 days, clicking on Email opened up weather, can't reach the email by clicking on any of the tiles. Same with IE. I had to reboot.
2. The auto rotate stopped working suddenly. I had to reboot to get it working again.
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
4. There is no Cisco VPN client. If your work requires non standard Cisco VPN connectivity, stay away.
5. Enterprise Distribution of apps isn't clear yet. We shouldn't have to have enterprise apps published to Microsoft Store every time.
6. Silverlight doesn't run on RT? Kidding me?
7. Playing HD video isn't going to be easy. Not even one app which could play MKV files.
8. The copy paste of text inside surface isn't as easy as in iPad. Sometimes it takes too much time to get the needed text selected on IE.
9. Needs tweaking to run Flash on all websites (its a hack. Why?)
10, Pointing the cursor to an exact place in a text area isn't as easy as in iPad with the magnifying glass.
By the way, WHERE IS THE REPORT A PROBLEM button in RT ?
Though I have so many complaints, I still love my Surface. I don't use my iPad anymore. Many times, I had tried to touch my monitor while using my laptop. MS is spoiling me

mchimney said:
I really love mine the more I use it. I'm typing this on the touchcover and although I make a lot of mistakes I seem to be getting better at it. That said, I do have some issues but nothing that major (yet!). Battery life seems to be much less than the ipad, people report 8-10 hours, I only get like 4-7. The apps are a disappointment, but I plan to use this device productively soo all I really need is dropbox. The device seems to slow down when editing 2 page documents in word. I tried to make a brochure on here and dragging pictures around was a nightmare. I did type a paper onhere and while it took longer then on a regular keyboard it wasn't that bad.
IE 10 for metro is complete trash. Can't even load XDA so I find myself always forced to use the desktop version. If you buy one, I suggest the model higher than 32gb as we really only get lke 14 gb because of the os taking up so much room.
The touchcover gets very dirty it seems. I'm not suire if I can clean it without ruining it. I sneeze on it before and it has a nasty stain =/.
The device itself is very prone to scratches, I tend to try to plug the thing into charge while its dark and that damn connector is such a pita that I always scratch the bezel.
I love the keyboard gestures (which I know can be used on any computer). The UI is very fast, there's a crap ton of gestures to learn. Yet, there are some gripes. Closing an app takes a crazy amount of time. You have to drag all theway from the top of the screen to the bottom, unnecessary.
Overall, I love it and I plan on keeping it. I still have my ipad and my nexus 7 but this really helps me get stuff done. The fact I can plug in almost any usb device and hve it work is amazing. You can even charge cellphones and stuff with the USB. I would recommend getting the surface IF you realize you can't run anything that's not in the store. No browser addons, no exe fils, nothing. Sometime that makes me wish I got the pro, but this device is really enough. Get past the quirkiness of metro + desktop and it's a beast.
Sorry for the typos. This was typed on the touch cover while lying down in bed.
*EDIT* The messenger app sucks realy badly too. You add someone as a friend (which can't be done in the app you have to go to a website) then you can't ever send them a message cause it says "Name unavailable" but they can send you messages. Its a one way form of communication.
*Edit2* Another clunky part. There are no jpg thumbail previews in the desktop. And when you want to open an image it has to open a program in metro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In response to some of your issues. I love metro ui based IE and find it loads XDA without issue. A good tip is to enable adblocking filters using the tips in this forum (find the topic called tips). It loads XDA fine now for me.
Closing an app by dragging top to bottom takes a lot of time? It's a half second gesture man. Be realistic. Alot of your complaints are issues that are not issues at all. It's a different UI, give it a break.
---------- Post added at 05:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:03 PM ----------
tcsekhar said:
I love the surface responsiveness and the new UI. But still there is still miles to go to get this perfect.
1. After being ON for more than 3 days, clicking on Email opened up weather, can't reach the email by clicking on any of the tiles. Same with IE. I had to reboot.
2. The auto rotate stopped working suddenly. I had to reboot to get it working again.
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
4. There is no Cisco VPN client. If your work requires non standard Cisco VPN connectivity, stay away.
5. Enterprise Distribution of apps isn't clear yet. We shouldn't have to have enterprise apps published to Microsoft Store every time.
6. Silverlight doesn't run on RT? Kidding me?
7. Playing HD video isn't going to be easy. Not even one app which could play MKV files.
8. The copy paste of text inside surface isn't as easy as in iPad. Sometimes it takes too much time to get the needed text selected on IE.
9. Needs tweaking to run Flash on all websites (its a hack. Why?)
10, Pointing the cursor to an exact place in a text area isn't as easy as in iPad with the magnifying glass.
By the way, WHERE IS THE REPORT A PROBLEM button in RT ?
Though I have so many complaints, I still love my Surface. I don't use my iPad anymore. Many times, I had tried to touch my monitor while using my laptop. MS is spoiling me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MKV does not equal HD, so try playing an MP4 or something in HD before making comments like this. So what if it doesn't play MKV format, there are plenty it does play.

cmscritic said:
I love mine. I find the interface refreshing and unique, the people app lets me do way more with social media than I have been able to do in the past. Typing on the touch cover is still a bit of a challenge but they are saying it takes a few days to get it done properly. Speed wise, there are no issues. Mine is snappy and responsive. Battery life is amazing. I can use it all day 6am until 7pm and still only be down to around 30-40% battery remaining. There is a lack of apps but nothing that I can't wait out. I expected the ecosystem will take a bit to get going and I'm willing to wait. I sold my ipad with retina and honestly don't miss it at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow your experience with the Microsoft surface sure is awesome. It sounds awesome and I can't wait to check it out. Not sure if it is available in my country though...
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium

tcsekhar said:
I love the surface responsiveness and the new UI. But still there is still miles to go to get this perfect.
1. After being ON for more than 3 days, clicking on Email opened up weather, can't reach the email by clicking on any of the tiles. Same with IE. I had to reboot.
2. The auto rotate stopped working suddenly. I had to reboot to get it working again.
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
4. There is no Cisco VPN client. If your work requires non standard Cisco VPN connectivity, stay away.
5. Enterprise Distribution of apps isn't clear yet. We shouldn't have to have enterprise apps published to Microsoft Store every time.
6. Silverlight doesn't run on RT? Kidding me?
7. Playing HD video isn't going to be easy. Not even one app which could play MKV files.
8. The copy paste of text inside surface isn't as easy as in iPad. Sometimes it takes too much time to get the needed text selected on IE.
9. Needs tweaking to run Flash on all websites (its a hack. Why?)
10, Pointing the cursor to an exact place in a text area isn't as easy as in iPad with the magnifying glass.
By the way, WHERE IS THE REPORT A PROBLEM button in RT ?
Though I have so many complaints, I still love my Surface. I don't use my iPad anymore. Many times, I had tried to touch my monitor while using my laptop. MS is spoiling me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds really troublesome and watching movies and videos is a pain.
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium

cmscritic said:
In response to some of your issues. I love metro ui based IE and find it loads XDA without issue. A good tip is to enable adblocking filters using the tips in this forum (find the topic called tips). It loads XDA fine now for me.
Closing an app by dragging top to bottom takes a lot of time? It's a half second gesture man. Be realistic. Alot of your complaints are issues that are not issues at all. It's a different UI, give it a break.
---------- Post added at 05:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:03 PM ----------
MKV does not equal HD, so try playing an MP4 or something in HD before making comments like this. So what if it doesn't play MKV format, there are plenty it does play.
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I agree MKV does not equal HD. But the best compression today seems to be MKV files, and I have a ton of those. I don't want to convert all of them again into MP4 or any other format at this point. When all other OS supports playing it, why not MS - especially when they are late in the game, and know what the expectations are?

only 4-7 hours? maybe faulty device? everybody has like 8-10.. 4-7 aint too good

mr_dan said:
only 4-7 hours? maybe faulty device? everybody has like 8-10.. 4-7 aint too good
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Mine with continuous use from morning 7AM till 9PM still have 30% juice. I just use for browse & search - no play or video.

tcsekhar said:
Mine with continuous use from morning 7AM till 9PM still have 30% juice. I just use for browse & search - no play or video.
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Agreed. Mine is about the same.
---------- Post added at 08:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:33 PM ----------
tcsekhar said:
I agree MKV does not equal HD. But the best compression today seems to be MKV files, and I have a ton of those. I don't want to convert all of them again into MP4 or any other format at this point. When all other OS supports playing it, why not MS - especially when they are late in the game, and know what the expectations are?
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I know what you mean, I'd love to have it too (especially for the space savings) but I think we need to give MS some time to get the apps rolling. It's a new ecosystem and I've no doubt it'll get rolling soon. Would LOVE to see VLC on it.. that would rock.

I understand the os is new but I love the potential. I love this device regardless of my complaints. I do miss Google though.
In regards to my battery, I think something must be wrong, I'm using quite a lot of battery even just idling

mchimney said:
I understand the os is new but I love the potential. I love this device regardless of my complaints. I do miss Google though.
In regards to my battery, I think something must be wrong, I'm using quite a lot of battery even just idling
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I'd take it in and have it looked at. I can usually go the whole day without issue.

mchimney said:
I understand the os is new but I love the potential. I love this device regardless of my complaints. I do miss Google though.
In regards to my battery, I think something must be wrong, I'm using quite a lot of battery even just idling
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Probably your wifi, email or any idling applications could have cause the huge drainage of battery
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium

brandonjuraimi said:
Probably your wifi, email or any idling applications could have cause the huge drainage of battery
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
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I know Bluettoth also kills battery on phones and on the surface it is on by default. We need one of those battery monitoring apps, especially since the Start screen doesn't report battery details - I did find the "Windows Mobility Center" in the backend/desktop, and created a link on the start screen - it provides batter percentage among other shortcuts - pretty cool.
what I do love about the Surface is all the little things that can be tweaked on the descktop - By far more customizable than any other tablet out there.

tcsekhar said:
I agree MKV does not equal HD. But the best compression today seems to be MKV files, and I have a ton of those. I don't want to convert all of them again into MP4 or any other format at this point. When all other OS supports playing it, why not MS - especially when they are late in the game, and know what the expectations are?
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Click to collapse
MKV is just a container, like avi or ogg. So actual compression is x264 or as some call it mp4. There is also MP4 container which contains also x264 compressed videos, so moving files from mkv to MP4 is possible without reencoding, but just repacking.
But I agree, it is not for everyone and I'm sure mkv support will come soon through some third party app like vlc or mplayer.
This device is very new to the market and the os as well.

encho said:
MKV is just a container, like avi or ogg. So actual compression is x264 or as some call it mp4. There is also MP4 container which contains also x264 compressed videos, so moving files from mkv to MP4 is possible without reencoding, but just repacking.
But I agree, it is not for everyone and I'm sure mkv support will come soon through some third party app like vlc or mplayer.
This device is very new to the market and the os as well.
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MKV is definitely the container of choice for HD in this day and age so any current system needs to be able to handle it if they want to sell units My whole HTPC movie library is in MKV. Having to convert to mp4 is not very practical as it requires time and steps (I use Handbrake for my Ipod touch). The latest Androids can play alomost anything thrown at them. I am sure someone will release a video player that will handle it if the surface is truly to be considered a media device. The question is will MS let it get certified in the store (Still unclear on the process and what's allowed - I would love to see a Opera or Firefox borwser too and I thought MS got sued years back for limiting options of browsers on the desktop OS). The question is how open MS will be to allow competing apps, especially if they want to sell hardware.

guitar1969 said:
MKV is definitely the container of choice for HD in this day and age so any current system needs to be able to handle it if they want to sell units My whole HTPC movie library is in MKV. Having to convert to mp4 is not very practical as it requires time and steps (I use Handbrake for my Ipod touch). The latest Androids can play alomost anything thrown at them. I am sure someone will release a video player that will handle it if the surface is truly to be considered a media device. The question is will MS let it get certified in the store (Still unclear on the process and what's allowed - I would love to see a Opera or Firefox borwser too and I thought MS got sued years back for limiting options of browsers on the desktop OS). The question is how open MS will be to allow competing apps, especially if they want to sell hardware.
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Back in my Linux days I had a script which unpacks MKV like it would zip file and repacks into MP4. The whole process takes 1 minute. But as you said MKV support needs to come to RT and MS is aware of the fact that sale of their Surface tablets depends on third party apps.
So I don't think they'll have an issue with VLC or Opera or anything else. More apps equals more profit.

tcsekhar said:
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
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Agree its not very good, I hope they release an RT version of Outlook.
But you CAN multiselect, kind of swipe an email to the right a bit and a tick pops up in the corner, and then do the same for other.
At the moment, Hotmail/Outlook.com is better than the RT mail app...

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