[Q] Which Tablet? - General Questions and Answers

I find myself using my laptop less and less in lieu of my phone anymore. However, I don't care for reading books, long articles, or magazines on my phone as it's simply too constricting.
For those reasons and a few others I've decided to pick up a tablet. It doesn't have to be the latest and greatest thing on the market or have a ton of internal space as I'll be streaming most of what I listen to and watch. I will mostly be working with text documents, dropbox, browsing, and reading on it with the occasional YouTube video... Maybe a game or two here and there. I'd also like it to last me for at least a year, maybe two.
With those considerations on mind and roughly a $3-400 budget, which tablet would you recommend to me? And I absolutely will be rooting whichever device I get and installing custom roms.. Just in case that also needed to be considered.
Ps, I searched first but didn't find any similar RECENT posts
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

shrumhead said:
I find myself using my laptop less and less in lieu of my phone anymore. However, I don't care for reading books, long articles, or magazines on my phone as it's simply too constricting.
For those reasons and a few others I've decided to pick up a tablet. It doesn't have to be the latest and greatest thing on the market or have a ton of internal space as I'll be streaming most of what I listen to and watch. I will mostly be working with text documents, dropbox, browsing, and reading on it with the occasional YouTube video... Maybe a game or two here and there. I'd also like it to last me for at least a year, maybe two.
With those considerations on mind and roughly a $3-400 budget, which tablet would you recommend to me? And I absolutely will be rooting whichever device I get and installing custom roms.. Just in case that also needed to be considered.
Ps, I searched first but didn't find any similar RECENT posts
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (16GB/32GB) and the Sony Tablet S 32GB. I have both and they're great. Whatever you do, DO NOT get the iPad. You'll regret it. Trust me.

Related

How is the xoom compared to a desktop or laptop?

I am thinking about getting a new computer for school but I also want to get the xoom, and I am wondering if that would be redundant purchases? What I'm looking for is a tool to write essays, web browse, and play games on.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
There are simply things that a PC can do that a Tablet can't. If you want to play the really intense PC games, obviously a tablet won't cut it. If you plan on using programs that really require a mouse, a tablet probably won't work well for you either. If you plan on creating, editing PDFs, Excel (you can make Excel sheets on the Xoom, but it is cumbersome), Powerpoints (also cumbersome on the Xoom) you would want a PC.
In short, a tablet can't replace a PC yet. That being said, having a tablet is extremely mobile and does replace a lot of things that I would normally use a PC for. The mobility is the biggest attraction for me because even though I have a 4-5lb Tablet PC laptop, it is still heavy enough that I end up not taking it to class after awhile. And the battery life of most tablets blows most laptops out of the water. So I can carry only the Xoom around and be able to use it for the whole day, but have to carry the charger cable with me if I am using my laptop for anything over 2 hours.
But in the end, I don't think a tablet will suffice as your only option for school. I'd get an inexpensive Netbook (as long as you aren't a hardcore gamer) for things you simply need a PC for and a tablet (if you have money left over) for everything else. Truthfully, a tablet is luxury item. It can be a very useful luxury item, but for the same price you can get something that does more than a tablet.
I have an HP,mini and a xoom perfect combo also in college. I may write my papers on my net book but edit in class on my xoom. Either way you can type on xoom. More practice the faster. Plus you can have a keyboard
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
I have actually replaced my 'desktop replacement' laptop with my Xoom.
Haven't touched it since I bought the Xoom.
I am a content creator and consumer. I still have the laptop, but haven't had to do any development work at home since I got this. I guess that would be the only time I really need to.
You can buy the bluetooth or a bluetooth keyboard for it if you are looking to type essays and stuff, but I find the onscreen keyboard in landscape very friendly to someone who can actually type correctly.
If they could get a Java IDE working on Android I would never touch another machine again.
Would there be an app that plays mp4 videos @ variable speeds?
I use the xoom all the time for excel and word documents for work, but I always pull them up on a computer before they're finalized because a) I cant insert an image into a spreadsheet, and I have a specialized header and b) the formatting often doesnt look right on a computer when its been created on a xoom. Finishing touches take like 5 minutes, but the software just isnt there yet for it to be a total replacement for documents. And I really doubt I'll see a Publisher port anytime soon but that would just make my year.
edit: just to clarify, I was in a similar position when I bought the xoom, but what I did was get the xoom for everyday use, and I went to best buy and paid $400 for a cheap laptop (which is still 2.3ghz, 3gb ram) for all my "extra" needs. My company said they'd pay for it as long as I kept it cheap as possible (their M.O.), so it worked out pretty well.
I use my Xoom for everything...if it cannot do it, I just remote into my desktop and do it that way.
Makes it awesome for college classes as I don't have to carry as much bulk of a laptop...if they only provided their books in a digital form, I would be in HEAVEN!
I have made the switch to the Xoom for my home computing. My computing habits at home have been browsing the internet, watching videos on youtube, and Netflix queue management for now
The default browser is awesome. I love Honeycomb's tabbed browsing, the only drawback is the keyboard. If you're going to write papers for class, I suggest you get a bluetooth keyboard.
To answer your question, I see the tablet a perfect fit class: taking notes in Evernote, using Quickoffice Pro to write class papers, and browsing the internet effortlessly with the default browser. And, it's easy to carry.
dont forget playing HD games when class gets boring
I've been hearing things about the Asus Eee Pad Transformer it looks like what I'm looking for. Any thoughts?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
Tone503773 said:
I've been hearing things about the Asus Eee Pad Transformer it looks like what I'm looking for. Any thoughts?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all indications are that its a good tablet. I'm happy with my xoom but I'd probably be equally happy with the transformer. I wouldnt personally use the dock but if a keyboard is your thing then its probably worth checking out. I'd lurk their forums a bit and see if any gamebreaking bugs pop up
I may be blind but when I looked for the forum I could not find it. Is it possible that their isn't one because it was just released a few days ago?
Edit: I found it I had to refresh my xda app
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
Well tablets have much better battery life and editing documents and accessing Facebook, in my opinion, is just as good as on a Desktop... however the lack of SD card support and the lack of support on the browser( it's not reliable, flash is stable 88% of the time and to be honest all websites try to access their mobile sites because Google decided to be stupid and make the UA settings be Android and not Desktop). All in all, if you plan on doing work on this thing, you best know how to use a full on screen keyboard on a tablet, be patient with the browser, and most importantly, understand the limitations of creating professional like documents.
Sent from my Xoom

[Q] What do you use your transformer for ?

OK... heres the thing ... its my 40th birthday coming up and the wife wants to buy me a slightly more special gift than usual
Do i:
a) end up with something that she chooses herself
b) ask for a transformer
She currently has a kindle and is raving about that so im trying to figure out what id use a tablet for over a 'kindle + HTC Desire' combo.
The transformer has no 3G (yet) so i wouldnt use it for web or email whilst out and about.
The transformer has a shiny screen so wont be as good for ebooks as a kindle.
Ive seen the asus commercial so i know the 'standard' suggested uses for a transformer - but im no teen and cant stand up on a skateboard
so .... what do you guys use your transformer for in the 'real world' ? especially with no 3G ??
I LOVE gadgets but im just struggling to justify the expense
Please help me
Adding to the wondering:
will I be able to play facebook games on it (cityville, poker,etc..) From the browser?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Right now, I'm using mine as a laptop replacement. I haven't had to turn my Macbook on since getting ths out of the box. Its a lot easier to just pick up and use... so if you just do casual browsing, this is ideal. I have my iMac for when I'm doing 'serious' work.
DKM119 said:
Adding to the wondering:
will I be able to play facebook games on it (cityville, poker,etc..) From the browser?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they are flash based, then you should be able to. I haven't tested them, but everything else flash seems to work well, so I don't see why not.
Admittedly I did buy mine to use as a laptop replacement, but I'm waiting for the keyboard dock to arrive. At the moment I'm using it as an ebook reader and for general browsing - it drives my girlfriend nuts as I'm always playing with it!!
I'm not a facebook fan so can't say for sure, but it does have flash, so I don't see why not.
Planning to pick up one very very soon.
Anyway, i plan to use it as a laptop replacement (get Ubuntu running on it )
and WiFi tether it to my Captivate for teh internetz.
wilbur-force said:
The transformer has no 3G (yet) so i wouldnt use it for web or email whilst out and about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could tether your Desire via Android AP which would essentially give you internet where ever you are. I did this with my XOOM and it worked very well. I had to return it though because the Transformer just seemed like a more practical option for me.
Does anyone know if the keyboard dock will be available in all countries(I'm danish)? The 32gb/no dock version is released earlier here, but I want to make sure I can get the keyboard dock later on!
defeating the decepticons
You can use it out and about with WiFi hot spot on your desire .for this reason I don't understand ,why people want 3 G model as most of the people buying tablets would have a moviles with a decent internet contract
LEEDROID DESIRE HD using XDA PREMIUM
DKM119 said:
Adding to the wondering:
will I be able to play facebook games on it (cityville, poker,etc..) From the browser?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've played Facebook Scrabble on it. It's a bit picky about keypresses to select and place the tiles, but it's usable.
I use my Xoom (to be replaced with a Transformer once it's available in the US) for everything I use my notebook for except long-form writing, and I don't do that on the Xoom only because there's no physical keyboard. With the Transformer+keyboard dock, I think my HP Envy notebook will get much less work and might even go to the wife.
So, that means I do all of the following on my tablet:
1. Browsing, including all but the most hardcore research
2. Newsfeed reading
3. Email triage (best device for this by far)
4. Ebook reading for all but the longest reading sessions (when I use my Nook)
5. Ebook annotations (for research, and it's great for that)
6. Casual gaming (of course, I still play Crysis 2 and the like on the desktop)
7. Forum browsing/posting using Tapatalk
8. Note taking using the outstanding Evernote client (not optimized for Honeycomb but still quite usable)
9. Light blog posting (long-form and complex graphics still done on the notebook)
The instant-on nature of the device and the extremely long battery life means it's far more convenient to use, in more places, and more ad hoc. Whether you're sitting on the couch, lying in bed, or whatever you can grab a tablet and start using without waiting for it to boot/wake up, finding a flat surface to put it on, plugging into an outlet, etc. as you do a notebook or netbook.
The bottom line is that I'm using my Xoom even more than I thought I would. I have to give Apple credit for recognizing the value of a relatively light device running a mobile OS with really long battery life. And I think Honeycomb offers more value than iOS because it's actively useful, not just an app launcher.
You could use it to read comics on, people have started to buy tablet comics, like from this app
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.iconology.comics
I went through the decision making process as you did. I had the Amazon Kindle 2, but for me, I don't read as much as I should. So I sold it off and bought a Nook Color. Rooted it and used it to read news, manage ebay sales, emails, etc. After a while, the Nook felt too small for me to get anything done. And I required a real laptop for any true productivity when producing documents or typing out an email. A few weeks ago I sold my Nook in anticipation for the Transformer's release and I'm a bit bummed with the availability to the US.
Bottom line, if you do a lot of serious reading, then use an e-ink (Kindle) reader. Your eyes will thank you for it. If you are like me who does a lot of casual reading, then get the transformer. If you do both, then get both. Guys usually demand, i mean, expect D) less for ourselves than our counterparts, so once in a while, it's okay to treat ourselves to something nice, twice!
Kind of off-topic, but kind of related I guess:
What do you guys think of having this vs a real netbook? I was originally planning to get a DM1z, then an ASUS Eee 1215B (both use the E-350 Fusion processor). Then I discovered the Transformer. I can't decide if I should get a netbook or just get the transformer with keyboard. I will primarily be using it for leisure activities and also some school/note taking. Suggestions?
drummr8 said:
Kind of off-topic, but kind of related I guess:
What do you guys think of having this vs a real netbook? I was originally planning to get a DM1z, then an ASUS Eee 1215B (both use the E-350 Fusion processor). Then I discovered the Transformer. I can't decide if I should get a netbook or just get the transformer with keyboard. I will primarily be using it for leisure activities and also some school/note taking. Suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha, i'm selling my dm1z to get the transformer~
the e350 apu is slightly underpowered for me and 6 hours of [real-world] battery life is nothing to write home about...
thanks guys
can always depend on the XDA bunch when i need convincing over a gadget
transformer ordered ... arrives a week on Thursday
will keep you posted on performance etc
drummr8 said:
Kind of off-topic, but kind of related I guess:
What do you guys think of having this vs a real netbook? I was originally planning to get a DM1z, then an ASUS Eee 1215B (both use the E-350 Fusion processor). Then I discovered the Transformer. I can't decide if I should get a netbook or just get the transformer with keyboard. I will primarily be using it for leisure activities and also some school/note taking. Suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A netbook is... well... just a netbook. It's an underpowered Intel processor (that's still not as efficient as an ARM) running a heavyweight OS (assuming you're running Windows) and with the necessary compromises in battery life. It's usable only in the standard netbook format, that is, clamshell that generally requires a flat surface to use on. It can't comfortably be used standing or lying down.
A Transformer is both a "netbook" in that it has a keyboard and can be used for tasks that need one. But, it can also be used in the tablet format, that is, with the touchscreen and in whatever situation (lying down, standing, etc.). It also runs a lightweight OS that, while a bit more limited in functionality (although less so every day) is also made to optimize power, and a power-sipping ARM processor that still provides decent performance. So, instead of 6 hours of battery life or so in the "netbook" mode, it gets 16 hours or so.
Really, the Transformer is a netbook+tablet hybrid that has the best features of both, while minimizing their weaknesses.
I was wondering what i was going to use it for to.
I have an EVO thus the only really use is for a ereader.
everything is just bigger... but i still want it. ... still trying to figure it out.
Are you guys going to buy generation 1 or wait for hardware/generation 2 to come out.
error12 said:
I was wondering what i was going to use it for to.
I have an EVO thus the only really use is for a ereader.
everything is just bigger... but i still want it. ... still trying to figure it out.
Are you guys going to buy generation 1 or wait for hardware/generation 2 to come out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would buy Gen1 and enjoy the most of it. When Gen2 is about to be released, I will sell Gen1 to use towards a Gen2, but that is me.

[Q] Most active honeycomb specific forum regarding new apps?

So we've got a couple honeycomb tablets now, and apps should start rolling out.
We're all looking to fill particular niches. Take me for example. I'm looking to do a few things, like upload photos easier (I guess we're waiting on a tablet version of photobucket), I'd like to have a better browser than stock, cause that thing is buggy and Dolphin HD is pretty damn laggy itself. Another is note-taking, which seems to be a problem, as there arent many apps available for that. My girlfriend has an iPad and its got some pretty terrific apps.
So all these things, along with everyone elses, theres gotta be a main collection of consumers and developers, all talking about the most recent apps, the best apps, etc. Is there such a place? Or do we have to rely on google searches, and random posts in the twenty or so different tablet / android / droid forums around the interwebs?
Just curious
As far as I've seen, there isn't a centralized area for just Honeycomb apps. I've been doing the same thing as you and have been checking 10 or so different places to see what's new and different.
Also, I'd love to see a better note taking app out there (something like Note Taker HD for the iPad). Handrite is okay for the time being, but when classes start back up in the Fall, I'd like to have something a little more robust.
This one seems to be updated every few days. I have it bookmarked.
http://forum.androidcentral.com/mot...al-optimized-honeycomb-apps-list-n-170-a.html
Can't you upload to Picasa like you can on Android phones for your pictures?
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
Imgur also have an Android app. https://market.android.com/details?id=com.imgurforandroid

New Agora 10inch ICS Tablet

Aussie kogan site (cant post links yet, long time watch not poster)
just announced looks tidy, thinking of getting one for the kids, anyone seen the original for this?
only $199 Aussie
Yeh im getting one Looks OK anyone know about a root for this thing? seems the OS is vey unstable acording to reviews
Not going to get one now safer to get a Google nexus 7 for $40 more
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
So I got one of these, mainly out of curiosity lol. It arrived today so I've had a bit of a chance to play around with it.
For the price, I think it's pretty good value, however it leaves much to be desired, especially if coming from another tablet (I came from the Transformer).
Most of the time it operates fairly smoothly, but it's definitely laggy compared with faster devices. Browsing is fine until you load a page that is heavy on flash and/or javascript (ie. eBay is great, Gizmodo is absolutely horrid).
I really think that root access would allow us to at least improve the overall speed (if only letting us overclock the single core CPU), but I have no idea where to start with this myself. Unfortunately I doubt many people with the know-how will actually get their hands on this device.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Cheers,
Jason
Hope they work out root soon want to get this for my son so he can play his shows/movies
Sent from GT-N7000 using xda premium HD
Yeah I got one of these running ICS 4.0.4. at the beginning of August here in OZ.
As a basic tablet this does ok. I took it to Taiwan with me for a motorbike tour. Figured if it gets broken I won't cry to much about it. It survived, but I ended up using my phone (S2) most of the time as it was significantly faster.
The stock apps that come with this tablet suck the big one however. Don't waste your time on the stock browser, use Chrome instead and get rid of the facebook app. It just blows chunks moving around pages, and tends to stall for so long you actually get a message asking if you want to close the app. At the very least run Friendcaster as the FB substitute.
Ideally I want to root this and run Resurrection Remix's version of Jelly Bean off it, like that on my S2 (yes I know different class, so not likely), but I haven't seen any real success on this yet. Let alone a stable ICS tweaked version either.
I do believe it's virtually a rebadge of the Eken A90.
But then all I want as a minimum is the option to overclock the CPU & GPU.

Return my Infinity for a Nexus now and Surface later?

I got my Infinity about two weeks ago. It's pretty cool. I already picked up the 201 keyboard and carry my purple tablet everywhere. I'm generally happy with it, but find ultimately I use it less than I would have thought. Maybe I just don't know how to use it.
I want a tablet so as I automate my house I can connect and control.
I fly a ton and want something that I can watch movies on the plane.
With my MiFi and hotel internet I like not checking email and searching the web without using my company laptop.
General and casual net surfing.
So the problem I have with my Infinity is half the stuff I want to do on the internet gets pushed out as the mobile version. Even when I try to override this, the lack of a normal operating system seems to make websites work funny. My wife has an iPad 2 and it seems like the apps are more functional and better thought out. And trying to read on it is tough, the big format is harder to hold and the screen is not as nice as my old e-ink reader.
So I was thinking a Nexus would be easier to carry around, and really is big enough for an airplane movie. They are going to sell more of them, so I am sure I can actually get a case that works. The smaller memory is a problem, but I have an ipod for music and would just delete movies later (wait, can I burn my own DVD's to the nexus?).
When the Surface comes out in two months the Windows RT version should be more internet friendly. I'll still have a keyboard option. the screen might not be as good, but the device itself would be more like a laptop experience.
So point out the flaws in my understanding.
one thing to note, tablets are not laptops.
I noticed this though. I had the Transformer Prime and no laptop before. I would use the prime for everything!!! Now i bought a laptop and i use the tablet half the time now. And the only thing i do on the computer is download music and use the web. Im actually on my computer now. And the docking station, i never use it anymore. Its sort of strange to find the purpose for the devices. Checking email and quick web browsing/facebook is really fast on the tablet. That and media, but for the laptop i think i just like the bigger keyboard...
If you only intend to use your tablet as a media consumption device then I highly recommend a different product. I love my Infinity and previously my TF101 as it is my laptop replacement. But if not for the productivity side of things, I would have gotten a smaller Samsung or now the Nexus 7. I would avoid the Amazon Kindle Fire as it is just a poor attempt to restrict Android (pre-root of course).
Have you tried other 3rd party browsers? I heard dolphinHD is really good on the infinity.
Yeah, the nexus is definitely easier to hold, especially with one hand like an ereader. The down side to the nexus is that there's not a whole lot of storage space for movies or other multimedia files. The 16gb version will only have enough space for you to store 2-3 hd movies.
As for quality apps, apple is still way ahead in this department. They have a lot more optimized tablet apps. Hopefully android can catch up in the future.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
You will be just down grading yourself down to a smaller vechicle. But hey whatever floats your boat.
Azure / Genesis = Slate B121
Sonata = Infinity
Elantra = 300
Accent = Nexus 7
I'd avoid the surface for now. Its rather bipolar at the moment, its clear that the desktop and metro environments were not made to play nice with each other. Metro also hasnt proven itself yet, it'll get some app support initially due to ties with Windows but in the long run its not clear at all that it'll do well. In fact, given the reputation of WP7, I'd be shocked if it did anything but completely flop.
mattlikesbikes said:
I got my Infinity about two weeks ago. It's pretty cool. I already picked up the 201 keyboard and carry my purple tablet everywhere. I'm generally happy with it, but find ultimately I use it less than I would have thought. Maybe I just don't know how to use it.
I want a tablet so as I automate my house I can connect and control.
I fly a ton and want something that I can watch movies on the plane.
With my MiFi and hotel internet I like not checking email and searching the web without using my company laptop.
General and casual net surfing.
So the problem I have with my Infinity is half the stuff I want to do on the internet gets pushed out as the mobile version. Even when I try to override this, the lack of a normal operating system seems to make websites work funny. My wife has an iPad 2 and it seems like the apps are more functional and better thought out. And trying to read on it is tough, the big format is harder to hold and the screen is not as nice as my old e-ink reader.
So I was thinking a Nexus would be easier to carry around, and really is big enough for an airplane movie. They are going to sell more of them, so I am sure I can actually get a case that works. The smaller memory is a problem, but I have an ipod for music and would just delete movies later (wait, can I burn my own DVD's to the nexus?).
When the Surface comes out in two months the Windows RT version should be more internet friendly. I'll still have a keyboard option. the screen might not be as good, but the device itself would be more like a laptop experience.
So point out the flaws in my understanding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no flaws in your understanding, you only have a different perception and set of expectations, and that's fine. I'll just give you my point of view.
1) You really shouldn't be using the stock browser. Get another one that properly supports setting the user agent and the web surfing should be fine. I only have desktop sites on my TF700 and it rocks. Just to mention it here:
2) STAY AWAY from Dolphin! I can't stress this enough -- it is a PRIVACY BLACK HOLE. Everything you do, and I mean everything is logged and sent to Dolphin's developer, and believe me, that is far more than they need to 'optimize your user experience' or 'debug Dolphin'.
3) I watch all kinds of video content (documentaries, military footage, movies (HD or lower resolution), etc.) and it works fantastically. I use Dice for the hardware-base decoding capability, but lots of people are endeared by BS Player as well.
4) I'm actually going to boycott Windows 8 for several tech and personal reasons, so I will refrain from commenting on your hopes for Windows RT (which is the crapped down version of crap anyway). But as I said, there is absolutely no need to render my opinion any worth -- I just wanted to mention that here. Sorry.
5) If you wanted a laptop experience, why not buy a laptop? It's not meant derogatory, but laptops do best what laptops need to do. Their niche is different enough from the tablet's (with or without a dock, charging or not) that each has their own merits and probably will not compete the other out of existence for some time to come. You'd miss out on two things: screen resolution and battery life, but since you actually consider the Nexus 7 a viable replacement (which, again, strictly specific to my usage scenario, it is not), a laptop would serve you fine.
Bottom line: I think I'd return the TF700 and get a laptop if I were you. But then I'm not.
Wisdom, my friend. Good luck weighing your options.
Marty
PS1:
dlokey22 said:
Have you tried other 3rd party browsers? I heard dolphinHD is really good on the infinity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing personal, I must say, but PLEASE, for the love of all friendly kittens and other fluffy animals, STOP RECOMMENDING DOLPHIN. And stop using it yourself. <sarcasm >You might give me your bank account instead, as I will put it to good use for other people too. </sarcasm> Refer to #2 above and several XDA threads on the matter while you're at it.
Yeah, the nexus is definitely easier to hold, especially with one hand like an ereader. The down side to the nexus is that there's not a whole lot of storage space for movies or other multimedia files. The 16gb version will only have enough space for you to store 2-3 hd movies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the right compression, I am watching FullHD movies (Blu-Ray sourced) at ~2 to 3 GB. I only watch one at a time, so I can transfer a new one when I finished an old one. With some elbow grease, this is a solvable inconvenience.
As for quality apps, apple is still way ahead in this department. They have a lot more optimized tablet apps. Hopefully android can catch up in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard this argument before, but 1) there are no trial versions. When you buy a crappy app it is just matter of swallowing the pain and try another potentially crappy app (since there are lots of ****ty apps for iOS). I have no further needs that Android hasn't been fully fulfilling, so I can't share this judgment. (Disclaimer: I have only limited experience with iOS myself, but (unfortunately?) a high percentage of my geekier friends are total crApples and I hear things every now and then. That is, pretty regularly. )
MartyHulskemper said:
There are no flaws in your understanding, you only have a different perception and set of expectations, and that's fine. I'll just give you my point of view.
1) You really shouldn't be using the stock browser. Get another one that properly supports setting the user agent and the web surfing should be fine. I only have desktop sites on my TF700 and it rocks. Just to mention it here:
2) STAY AWAY from Dolphin! I can't stress this enough -- it is a PRIVACY BLACK HOLE. Everything you do, and I mean everything is logged and sent to Dolphin's developer, and believe me, that is far more than they need to 'optimize your user experience' or 'debug Dolphin'.
3) I watch all kinds of video content (documentaries, military footage, movies (HD or lower resolution), etc.) and it works fantastically. I use Dice for the hardware-base decoding capability, but lots of people are endeared by BS Player as well.
4) I'm actually going to boycott Windows 8 for several tech and personal reasons, so I will refrain from commenting on your hopes for Windows RT (which is the crapped down version of crap anyway). But as I said, there is absolutely no need to render my opinion any worth -- I just wanted to mention that here. Sorry.
5) If you wanted a laptop experience, why not buy a laptop? It's not meant derogatory, but laptops do best what laptops need to do. Their niche is different enough from the tablet's (with or without a dock, charging or not) that each has their own merits and probably will not compete the other out of existence for some time to come. You'd miss out on two things: screen resolution and battery life, but since you actually consider the Nexus 7 a viable replacement (which, again, strictly specific to my usage scenario, it is not), a laptop would serve you fine.
Bottom line: I think I'd return the TF700 and get a laptop if I were you. But then I'm not.
Wisdom, my friend. Good luck weighing your options.
Marty
PS1:
Nothing personal, I must say, but PLEASE, for the love of all friendly kittens and other fluffy animals, STOP RECOMMENDING DOLPHIN. And stop using it yourself. <sarcasm >You might give me your bank account instead, as I will put it to good use for other people too. </sarcasm> Refer to #2 above and several XDA threads on the matter while you're at it.
With the right compression, I am watching FullHD movies (Blu-Ray sourced) at ~2 to 3 GB. I only watch one at a time, so I can transfer a new one when I finished an old one. With some elbow grease, this is a solvable inconvenience.
I've heard this argument before, but 1) there are no trial versions. When you buy a crappy app it is just matter of swallowing the pain and try another potentially crappy app (since there are lots of ****ty apps for iOS). I have no further needs that Android hasn't been fully fulfilling, so I can't share this judgment. (Disclaimer: I have only limited experience with iOS myself, but (unfortunately?) a high percentage of my geekier friends are total crApples and I hear things every now and then. That is, pretty regularly. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you find to be better in DICE than you do in BS?
dlokey22 said:
Have you tried other 3rd party browsers? I heard dolphinHD is really good on the infinity.
Yeah, the nexus is definitely easier to hold, especially with one hand like an ereader. The down side to the nexus is that there's not a whole lot of storage space for movies or other multimedia files. The 16gb version will only have enough space for you to store 2-3 hd movies.
As for quality apps, apple is still way ahead in this department. They have a lot more optimized tablet apps. Hopefully android can catch up in the future.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
>mentioning apple
Guaranteed_replies.jpeg
MartyHulskemper said:
2) STAY AWAY from Dolphin! I can't stress this enough -- it is a PRIVACY BLACK HOLE. Everything you do, and I mean everything is logged and sent to Dolphin's developer, and believe me, that is far more than they need to 'optimize your user experience' or 'debug Dolphin'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I've used Dolphin for some time and never had any issues with my "privacy".... That is usually blown way out of proportion. Do you really think that the Dolphin devs are stealing and *using* your info?? C'mon, give me a break - if that were true, people would be suing them left and right.
If you don't like Dolphin then don't use it, but let others decide for themselves!
You don't think Google tracks everything you do too?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
MartyHulskemper said:
Nothing personal, I must say, but PLEASE, for the love of all friendly kittens and other fluffy animals, STOP RECOMMENDING DOLPHIN. And stop using it yourself. You might give me your bank account instead, as I will put it to good use for other people too. Refer to #2 above and several XDA threads on the matter while you're at it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression this has been resolved. Eh whatever... I'm not worried. Like what the other poster said, Google is probably a bigger data mining culprit than dolphin is.
With the right compression, I am watching FullHD movies (Blu-Ray sourced) at ~2 to 3 GB. I only watch one at a time, so I can transfer a new one when I finished an old one. With some elbow grease, this is a solvable inconvenience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fine if you haven't encoded your movies already. All my blurays have been encoded using high bit rates for my htpc. Most of my 720ps are 4-6gb. I'm not going to re encoded them all. Any way you look at it, storage is an issue if you plan to use nexus 7 as a multimedia device.
I've heard this argument before, but 1) there are no trial versions. When you buy a crappy app it is just matter of swallowing the pain and try another potentially crappy app (since there are lots of ****ty apps for iOS). I have no further needs that Android hasn't been fully fulfilling, so I can't share this judgment. (Disclaimer: I have only limited experience with iOS myself, but (unfortunately?) a high percentage of my geekier friends are total crApples and I hear things every now and then. That is, pretty regularly. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't trying to make an argument. It is just the truth. The ipad has a lot more optimized apps. Android has a ways to go to catch up. You can always do research before buying an app. That is what the Internet is for
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
dlokey22 said:
I wasn't trying to make an argument. It is just the truth. The ipad has a lot more optimized apps. Android has a ways to go to catch up. You can always do research before buying an app. That is what the Internet is for
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
guaranteed_replies.apng
Also, enjoy them fart apps, for they are large and they are numerous.
So the problem I have with my Infinity is half the stuff I want to do on the internet gets pushed out as the mobile version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Chrome. Select request desktop version under settings if it pushes you into mobile site. It's not automated (though I expect it will be with the next few versions of chrome as this is a nexus 7 issue).
My wife has an iPad 2 and it seems like the apps are more functional and better thought out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but with the google nexus 7 coming out and doing well, the android market will catch up and android is just better from an iOS perspective (can do flash, can run ad blockers more easily, can drag and drop content, can decode almost any media file, etc.).
And trying to read on it is tough, the big format is harder to hold and the screen is not as nice as my old e-ink reader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So use an e-ink reader to read. LCD's can't match e-ink contrast ratios. And SAMOLED Screens have their problems in that Samsung is making Pentile Screens their mass market screen because of durability issues.
So I was thinking a Nexus would be easier to carry around, and really is big enough for an airplane movie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you would be able to carry around like 3 movies if you got the 8gb version.
They are going to sell more of them, so I am sure I can actually get a case that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, lol? I use a TF201 case and it works fine. This thing just came out ...
The smaller memory is a problem, but I have an ipod for music and would just delete movies later (wait, can I burn my own DVD's to the nexus?).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The nexus has 8/16gb. If you want to constantly delete and refill all of it over usb 2.0, be my guess.
When the Surface comes out in two months the Windows RT version should be more internet friendly. I'll still have a keyboard option. the screen might not be as good, but the device itself would be more like a laptop experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surface is a joke as is windows 8. No i5/i7 chip can match tegra/qualcomm chips in battery life and thermal properties. Yes, it'll be way faster, but the battery life will be terrible and the devices will be bulky.
If you want a laptop get a laptop. I use mine for more intensive purposes/gaming. However, even a laptop is too big for a lot of the things I use my infinity for (taking notes, reading, watching movies in bed).
So point out the flaws in my understanding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows 8 is pure hype. Core PC Users hate it for offering no new features to them as long-time users. Tablet users are still mostly ipad users that won't put up with the hoops Microsoft makes you jump or the terrible app store. There is a market for windows tablets and I think 99% of it is graphics professionals that need touch in order to interact with their objects. I would rather have a dedicated laptop that gets the job done and a dedicated tablet that is light with good battery life than use a Windows Tablet.
There's something different and more personal to me about consuming The Internets on a tablet, and that's why I love them and spend time on XDA. I don't see the dock on Transformers as a conversion to a laptop, it just makes the occasional heavy text input convenient. The dock is an extended battery in my eyes. So I agree with the above that it's about your expectations or need.
I also agree the Surface might be a total non-starter. On one hand, if it's just a Windows tablet, it will be overpriced and hindered compared to a real laptop. If its the gimped Windows version why should the app experience be any better than Android? It's not any good on Windows phone.
Apples AppStore is inarguably better than any other if you've actually used their device, but there's plenty of good reasons to prefer Android. Google, freedom (usually..see locked bootloader) and for me, incredible integration and sharing between apps. Plus your Infinity has one of the best mobile screens yet created. If you're mainly browsing, watching video and messaging it's hard to argue a laptop is more useful.
That said, damn the Nexus is good. Asus needs to release Jelly Bean immediately.
xRevilatioNx said:
What do you find to be better in DICE than you do in BS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have a definitive answer on this, since the latest version of BS Player just crashes on me continuously, and I didn't lke the interface somehow. I like vPlayer's interface best, but that doesn't do hardware decoding.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
jtrosky said:
Personally, I've used Dolphin for some time and never had any issues with my "privacy".... That is usually blown way out of proportion. Do you really think that the Dolphin devs are stealing and *using* your info?? C'mon, give me a break - if that were true, people would be suing them left and right.
If you don't like Dolphin then don't use it, but let others decide for themselves!
You don't think Google tracks everything you do too?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not using it, and I am letting you decide yourselves. I'm not the one deciding which apps to install on your device(s), am I? I do think, however, that that decision should be a rational and informed one. You do not believe it would be best to point out issues that have arisen in this regard? Just because you do not mind your privacy being invaded -- there has been no decisive evidence that this has been resolved -- should not mean I should refrain from calling Dolphin the privacy-steal king to alert other people -- who might or might not care -- to their practices. An old fox is merely a bit balder, not necessarily better, than before.
And as far as Google's data mining is concerned: obviously, that's their main goal, even -- but at least it is relatively clear from their EULAs while Dolphin kept its users in the dark on purpose. In many civilized countries you can be locked up for that type of fraud.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
dlokey22 said:
I was under the impression this has been resolved. Eh whatever... I'm not worried. Like what the other poster said, Google is probably a bigger data mining culprit than dolphin is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See post above -- at least they are more or less upfront.
That's fine if you haven't encoded your movies already. All my blurays have been encoded using high bit rates for my htpc. Most of my 720ps are 4-6gb. I'm not going to re encoded them all. Any way you look at it, storage is an issue if you plan to use nexus 7 as a multimedia device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't really imagine this being a large issue, for even in that cas, you still cannot watch more than one movie at the same time. And again, it's just about compromises, as you can't have your cake and eat it too. In the relevant case, either drop the TF700 and go for a N7 and be merry (correct me if I'm wrong, but you will lose the HD screen anyway, so the encoding quality matters less as well) and shift around your files more often, or keep the TF700 and get a great screen and expandable memory, and a charging dock, etc.
I wasn't trying to make an argument. It is just the truth. The ipad has a lot more optimized apps. Android has a ways to go to catch up. You can always do research before buying an app. That is what the Internet is for
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"It's just the truth." Sounds like a religious statement to me. : |
Anyway, the internet is a surefire way to get the worst apps because a lot of these amateur review blogs give even the worst crap decent 'scores'. And as jdeoxys said, iOS sports a boatload of fart apps -- I guess we sure need to catch up. To make the discussion a bit more relevant: do we miss a significant number of functions on Android that iOS does provide? I think that is a much more meaningful comparison than the raw number of crapplets posted in the markets.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
MartyHulskemper said:
And as far as Google's data mining is concerned: obviously, that's their main goal, even -- but at least it is relatively clear from their EULAs while Dolphin kept its users in the dark on purpose. In many civilized countries you can be locked up for that type of fraud.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, so it's ok to steal your data as long as they tell you they are doing it?!?! Hey, to each their own, I guess!
To everyone else, Dolphin is a great browser that I used for years without any issues whatsoever with my "privacy". Don't let this scare you away.
Although, I've personally switched over to Boat Browser now - I like it even more than Dolphin now!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
jtrosky said:
Oh, so it's ok to steal your data as long as they tell you they are doing it?!?! Hey, to each their own, I guess!
To everyone else, Dolphin is a great browser that I used for years without any issues whatsoever with my "privacy". Don't let this scare you away.
Although, I've personally switched over to Boat Browser now - I like it even more than Dolphin now!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I would say it's okay because in that case it's not stealing anymore. If the people don't read the EULA's it's not the companies fault the information was available.
That's why everyone went mad at apple and their tracking issue.
Google has been doing that for ages but it left you a) the choice and b) it informed you straight from the beginning.
It's all about asking.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda premium
MartyHulskemper said:
I can't really imagine this being a large issue, for even in that cas, you still cannot watch more than one movie at the same time. And again, it's just about compromises, as you can't have your cake and eat it too. In the relevant case, either drop the TF700 and go for a N7 and be merry (correct me if I'm wrong, but you will lose the HD screen anyway, so the encoding quality matters less as well) and shift around your files more often, or keep the TF700 and get a great screen and expandable memory, and a charging dock, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about a "large" issue, but it is an issue if you plan on using it as a multimedia device. 16gb is not a lot storage these days. When you factor in the OS, music, pics, videos, games, it gets filled up pretty quickly. Sure I can transfer movies in one at a time, but its a big pain in a$$ and I'll have to bring along some sort of external storage.
The N7's resolution supports 720p. The bitrate doesn't have anything to with HD.
I agree with you it is a compromise. In my first post of this thread I was pointing to the OP that the lack of storage is a down side (compromise) to the N7. I'm not saying he shouldn't get the N7. I was just pointing out what he will be missing.
"It's just the truth." Sounds like a religious statement to me. : |
Anyway, the internet is a surefire way to get the worst apps because a lot of these amateur review blogs give even the worst crap decent 'scores'. And as jdeoxys said, iOS sports a boatload of fart apps -- I guess we sure need to catch up. To make the discussion a bit more relevant: do we miss a significant number of functions on Android that iOS does provide? I think that is a much more meaningful comparison than the raw number of crapplets posted in the markets.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uh....android host just as many fart apps on the play store. Type fart in the play store search and you'll get 20 pages of apps for farts. This isn't only an apple thing. We're talking about tablet optimized apps here, not just any app. For example, facebook and twitter have their official tablet versions on ipad, but not on android? There are many more examples. The total number of good quality functional tablet apps still greatly out number android at the moment.
btw I'm pro android here. I don't own one single apple device - no macbook, iphone, ipad or even ipod. I'm just pointing out that android is behind in the tablet space, but hopefully they will catch up now with the popularity of N7.

Categories

Resources