Ways to spice up my TF300T? - Eee Pad Transformer Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Early June I bought my TF300T thinking it was pretty much the best android tablet (in my price range, at that moment) on the market.
I loved it to death for about a week.
Now I barely look at it. It's just so boring. I can't seem to find more than 3 apps that really interest me and it's too big to use as an ereader.
It doesn't seem worth the trouble to root it (I've rooted plenty of android devices before btw).
It's to the point I've put it in a drawer and only take it out when I feel like playing droidwords and honestly I've been pondering buying an iPad 3 since I know ios like the back of my hand due to working with so many apple items and their software,and I really want to see just what I can do with the UI of the iPad (graphics wise) as I've pretty much redesigned my iPhone. Plus I feel like atm the apple appstore is burying the google play market in terms of general app quality (especially when it comes to games and productivity apps). I mean there are just so many apps I love on my iPhone that I would adore having on an iPad and the Transformer just isn't holding up to that.
Are there any ways I can really spice up my Transformer? I feel bad buying a brand new tablet and then wanting to replace it so quickly (especially since I bought it with money from graduation from my dear old mom as her "gift" to me).
What are some apps you would suggest?

Symberlei said:
Early June I bought my TF300T thinking it was pretty much the best android tablet (in my price range, at that moment) on the market.
I loved it to death for about a week.
Now I barely look at it. It's just so boring. I can't seem to find more than 3 apps that really interest me and it's too big to use as an ereader.
It doesn't seem worth the trouble to root it (I've rooted plenty of android devices before btw).
It's to the point I've put it in a drawer and only take it out when I feel like playing droidwords and honestly I've been pondering buying an iPad 3 since I know ios like the back of my hand due to working with so many apple items and their software,and I really want to see just what I can do with the UI of the iPad (graphics wise) as I've pretty much redesigned my iPhone. Plus I feel like atm the apple appstore is burying the google play market in terms of general app quality (especially when it comes to games and productivity apps). I mean there are just so many apps I love on my iPhone that I would adore having on an iPad and the Transformer just isn't holding up to that.
Are there any ways I can really spice up my Transformer? I feel bad buying a brand new tablet and then wanting to replace it so quickly (especially since I bought it with money from graduation from my dear old mom as her "gift" to me).
What are some apps you would suggest?
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Click to collapse
Lol This forum name can be deceiving, its for the TF101 you'll get better replies in the TF300 forum

Related

[POLL] galaxy tab or ipad

Which should I get?
If Android is your cup of tea go with an Android tab I am waiting for Cisco's Cius, patiently though
I love Android but I say the iPad. Larger screen (this may be subjective as a pro but 7 inches isn't going to be much more portable than 10), more accessories since its more widely used, and fantastic resell value (Apple resell value for nearly anything is through the roof).
This poll wont really offer any useful information other than the fact that a predominantly Android and WM forum prefers Android. That said, Galaxy Tab for me because I don't want to give Apple my money. I'd never buy a tab in the first place, though.
Definitely the iPad. Much-much better and more third-party software, LOVELY hardware, MUCH better battery life, much more tablet-friendly OS etc.
Menneisyys said:
Definitely the iPad. Much-much better and more third-party software, LOVELY hardware, MUCH better battery life, much more tablet-friendly OS etc.
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Click to collapse
I wouldnt buy either of them, But you got to be kidding me. Ipad has better hardware? Much more tablet friendly? Stop lying to yourself and others. Ipad = mediocre hardware and itunes. Nothing redeeming about that.
hungry81 said:
I wouldnt buy either of them, But you got to be kidding me. Ipad has better hardware? Much more tablet friendly? Stop lying to yourself and others. Ipad = mediocre hardware and itunes. Nothing redeeming about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Hardware-wise, the iPad has an IPS screen, while the Galaxy only has TN Film. Quite a difference.
Yeah, it doesn't have goodies like 256+M RAM and camera, but, in everyday life, at least the former isn't that big a problem.
2. Don't even bother comparing Android, which is stated NOT to be a tablet OS by Google itself, to a 100% tablet-friendly iOS...
3. What's wrong with iTunes? The iPad has excellent third party apps. And if you really hate iTunes / AppStore, you can always jailbreak it and use Cydia instead...
Menneisyys said:
1. Hardware-wise, the iPad has an IPS screen, while the Galaxy only has TN Film. Quite a difference.
Yeah, it doesn't have goodies like 256+M RAM and camera, but, in everyday life, at least the former isn't that big a problem.
2. Don't even bother comparing Android, which is stated NOT to be a tablet OS by Google itself, to a 100% tablet-friendly iOS...
3. What's wrong with iTunes? The iPad has excellent third party apps. And if you really hate iTunes / AppStore, you can always jailbreak it and use Cydia instead...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the iPad is just a big ass e-book reader...Hell, you don't even get Flash. I know Steve Jobs hates Adobe, but hey...we need flash..lol
With no camera on the ipad, it really is a killer for me. I know it seems sad, but I have thousands of pictures and take about 100 per day(I have no life).
I also prefer the Android OS to the iOS.
Size..I'd rather have 7 then 10..Yes 10 is nice, but I don't think I'll be reading that many books, and Robot Unicorn Attack is prolly the ONLY reason I'd switch OS's
Price..iPad wins that one..lol
My vote...It's your money, get what you want. But this is a ndroid/WinMo forum and you prolly want see many iOS fan boys here
Hope you get what you want.
I own an iPad and for games and stuff they're great! But after playing with a tab id go for tab
What do you want it for? They are reasonably similar hardware wise so it comes down to the OS mostly -- I'd give both of them a try if you can.
The Tab has the two camera's, weighs a fair bit less, supports flash and I think it can make calls too; the iPad has better battery life, a larger (IPS) screen, and an abundant amount of apps available. Note, iOS 4.2 is being released this November so the iPad will have multi-tasking, folders, etc.
iPad, Not only because I got one, because I kno any Android tablet will be a waste of hardware due to hardly any apps being written speficially for it. Adding a tablet form into the Android market is just increasing the fragmentation if you ask me.
BUT, it really depends on your needs.
If you need the freedom and funcitonality, get the Tab. Though not every app will work.
If the overall user experience matters to you, with a more polished OS and every app able to work on your device, get the iPad. Though you're in a locked environment.
brilldoctor said:
Which should I get?
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Click to collapse
Netbook with meerkat? Anyone? Just saying.
Neither. Give the money to charity...uhmm...maybe I will create an iCharity. Everybody from the church of Apple will gladly contribute ...such naive people ... so gullible ... I will get rich quickly! Better patent the idea quickly!
I love Android but I would go for the iPad. I got a chance to play around with it and was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the display and the speed and smoothness of the UI.
Posting this on an iPad. I love it and it is with almost at all times. I haven't touched the galaxy tab... Somehow android on a tablet doesn't seem very appealing. I've used android phones since the G1 (I have a MyTouch 4g now), however, and I love it and prefer it over iOS as a phone operating system. Having the iPad in conjunction with it lets me have my cake and eat it too.
ok i think the poll has decided

Tablet Decision: Ipad vs. GTab

I'm about to buy my first tablet device and have the option of buying either the ipad or the viewsonic g-tab. Originally what i was going to do was buy the ipad and then sell it once a honeycomb tablet is released, but that changed after i read about the G-tab on here.
The number one reason for me wanting the ipad is the quality of the tablet optimized apps. Yes i know the android apps scale up nicely (my gf has a nook color that i rooted for her) but they're just not the same.
So if you guys were in my position what would you do? Get the ipad for now and wait for the honeycomb tablets to be released and then sell it ORRR get the g-tab now and sell that once the honeycomb tablets come out. The second choice im worried about the depreciation in value once the honeycomb tablets come out, the ipad not so much since the next ipad comes out in aprilish
I don't care about the price difference
and I want a tablet NOW like within the next 2 days
Im also kind of picky about screen quality. I dont care too much about viewing angles i just dont want a washed out screen (super amoled spoiled me lol)
If screen is your main concern then g-tablet wont fit your need when compared to ipad, for me after using it for a month I am liking it.
So you have to prioritize your needs, if you read this forum many of them said high about g-tablet except for the screen.
Guess it really depends on what apps are important to you. There aren't many tablet optimized apps currently for android but there will be once honeycomb comes out.
One important thing about the G Tab (or most android froyo tablets) is full web experience. For example, I never need to use the Facebook app since I can access the full facebook website just fine.
If you want it right away and don't have the time to tinker, ipad is your best choice.
geeter said:
If you want it right away and don't have the time to tinker, ipad is your best choice.
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Click to collapse
i have lots of time to tinker. If i do go for the g-tab im loading Cm7 on it right away ..i hate decisions
geeter said:
If you want it right away and don't have the time to tinker, ipad is your best choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you will never need to use Flash... Gtab has flash now.
bobdude5 said:
I'm about to buy my first tablet device and have the option of buying either the ipad or the viewsonic g-tab. Originally what i was going to do was buy the ipad and then sell it once a honeycomb tablet is released, but that changed after i read about the G-tab on here.
The number one reason for me wanting the ipad is the quality of the tablet optimized apps. Yes i know the android apps scale up nicely (my gf has a nook color that i rooted for her) but they're just not the same.
So if you guys were in my position what would you do? Get the ipad for now and wait for the honeycomb tablets to be released and then sell it ORRR get the g-tab now and sell that once the honeycomb tablets come out. The second choice im worried about the depreciation in value once the honeycomb tablets come out, the ipad not so much since the next ipad comes out in aprilish
I don't care about the price difference
and I want a tablet NOW like within the next 2 days
Im also kind of picky about screen quality. I dont care too much about viewing angles i just dont want a washed out screen (super amoled spoiled me lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what you've specifically detailed, the iPad is more your speed. But otherwise there are too many variables that make it too close a call to recommend one over the other in your case.
iPad pros are optimized apps and a more streamlined experience as well as the obviously 'better' screen and the resale value.
GTablet pros over the iPad right now don't really fit into anything you've mentioned - and that is, that this is a more feature rich device, having a sdcard slot for expanded storage, a dual core cpu and better gpu than the iPad.
If I were in your shoes, how I see it is that the GTablet is an investment and something to look forward to tinkering with and upgrading now and when the software is available later on (possibly), not something to buy now and sell later. I doubt you'll get 80-90% the value of the G Tablet when you re-sell it.
The iPad would be a better purchase in your scenario, as something to use right now and then sell when this years tablets hit the market in early to mid 2011.
I already have both
For my personal use I have a Droid X phone and a gTab tablet. My job has given me "for work use" an iPhone 4 and an iPad.
For me with the use of VEGAn beta 5.1 and all of the tweaks I have been able to do on my gTab I get a lot of use out of it. I read digital magazines, play all sorts of games, surf all sorts of websites (with Flash and without) and watch all sorts of videos (both personally ripped or streams off of websites).
Plus, with my rooted Droid X, using Wireless Tether I can get unlimited 3G through my phone as a WiFi hotspot so I always have internet connectivity on my gTab for no additional monthly fees.
My work iPhone 4 cannot be used as a WiFi hotspot (yes it can be jailbroken but it doesn't belong to me). So my company pays for a data plan on my iPhone as well as paying a separate data plan fee for my iPad. If I had to pay out of my own pocket I wouldn't use the iDevices simply due to the extra monthly cost on top of paying more for the devices in the first place.
In the end, it's a matter of preference. Yes, the screen on the gTab leaves MUCH to be desired and the screen on the iPad is crisp and clear with way better veiwing angles. But I personally don't care so much about the veiwing angle issue on my gTab.
The only time I actually use my iPhone or iPad (in all honesty) is when I take the family out to eat and need to keep 2 little boys occupied so they don't make our time out a living hell. The Netflix app is only available on the iDevices and so I use them to show my kids either Shaun the Sheep (my 18 month old LOVES it) or a Batman/Superman animation (my 4 year old LOVES it).
So, like others have already said, if ease of use and screen quality is your main concern, go with the iPad. Or, get both.
I was facing the same discision and went with the G Tablet for now as it is built for the future. The Ipad will also be in my future but I will wait for the second generation of IPAD. The current IPAD is facing extinction and is running at the end of life cycle. Latest leaks say an announcement on the IPAD could come out at the end of this month.
Based on your requirements I would go for the iPAD 2 when it comes out. Unfortunately the G-Tablet is truly a 1st generation Android tablet... Its screen is horrible (useless Portrait, washed out or too dark if not at the right angle in Landscape), the OS is virtually unusable in its out of the box state, requires fairly high technical understanding and a ton of patience to get the custom ROMs working (for those of you say its easy.. yes it is when your technically inclined... If your my wife it would never happen)... Each ROM has a trade-off... Some are faster but unstable, some are stable and fast but have limited features, some just dont work!
Most simple games run but a good percentage of those do not fit the screen properly, most complex games just dont run or are unstable. Most applications run but a small percentage dont fit the screen properly.
All in all you buy the G-Tablet because your a geek, love to fiddle and cant wait for the next best thing... If your not a geek and have patience then in about 3-5 months there will be many good choices...
For sure the iPAD is must more mature... If want an out of the box experience its a no brainer...
I am not an apple fan boy or an android fan boy.. just a realist...
I do love my G-Tablet for what it is...
bobdude5 said:
I'm about to buy my first tablet device and have the option of buying either the ipad or the viewsonic g-tab. Originally what i was going to do was buy the ipad and then sell it once a honeycomb tablet is released, but that changed after i read about the G-tab on here.
The number one reason for me wanting the ipad is the quality of the tablet optimized apps. Yes i know the android apps scale up nicely (my gf has a nook color that i rooted for her) but they're just not the same.
So if you guys were in my position what would you do? Get the ipad for now and wait for the honeycomb tablets to be released and then sell it ORRR get the g-tab now and sell that once the honeycomb tablets come out. The second choice im worried about the depreciation in value once the honeycomb tablets come out, the ipad not so much since the next ipad comes out in aprilish
I don't care about the price difference
and I want a tablet NOW like within the next 2 days
Im also kind of picky about screen quality. I dont care too much about viewing angles i just dont want a washed out screen (super amoled spoiled me lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If even considering an iPad, you should wait. The update will be huge- if you like Apple stuff, of course.
"iPad2":
1. Dual core
2. Micros sd (about 90% likely)
3. Even better display than iPad (wow)
4. Front & back camera
5. Rumor of a 128gb version (no sure about that one)
I am glad I bought the gTablet, since paid $350 for it. There is a metric ton of great games and apps releasing for the iPad platform. I will probably buy one myself and give more time for Honeycomb at the app platform to mature for it. gTablet is a GREAT bridge.
Since you plan to sell whatever you buy once the new iPad hits, seems to me your best bet is to buy something second hand now. That way, you won't lose as much money when you turn around and sell a few months later.
bobdude5 said:
Im also kind of picky about screen quality. I dont care too much about viewing angles i just dont want a washed out screen (super amoled spoiled me lol)
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Click to collapse
iPad, just because of that one sentence. The GTab screen is not washed out, but portrait mode is bad and the viewing angles are crapola (especially in portrait). The iPad has an IPS screen, which just blows the GTab screen away. It's a major difference between the two. I have an AMOLED screen on my Cowon S9, so I know what you're talking about.
If you are willing to wait a few months, more tablets should be released with IPS screens. And of course there's the Notion Ink Adam (if they actually ship today, and if the reviews are good). Plus the iPad 2 is coming out in April, so buying an iPad v1 now might not be the best idea.
Suggestion: Buy something that will hold back the instant gratification factor - I know that feeling and understand it quite well. Possibly an iPad v1 with the understanding that you'll probably lose about 15% of your money on the resale, as the bargain hunters wil be vying for v1's after the v2 comes out.
My other concern with the iPad is the walled garden factor - once you commit yourself to iOS, you are basically stuck with it. At least with a Gtab you have Android as the base and can move between vendors.
I had an iPad and sold it specifically to get my G-Tablet.
I loved the iPad but am really into tinkering - so the G-Tablet was more my speed. It's not perfect which is oddly what I kind of like about it.
If money is no object and you are just looking for a toy to use like a "normal person" I would probably just get the iPad.
festivus said:
Since you plan to sell whatever you buy once the new iPad hits, seems to me your best bet is to buy something second hand now. That way, you won't lose as much money when you turn around and sell a few months later.
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No not the new ipad lol. I want either the xoom or that unnamed toshiba honeycomb tablet but i have no idea when those are coming out. From what i've read the xoom is next month but thats mostly going to be a 3g/4g enabled version which i do not want. I am definitly going to jailbreak/root whichever one i get.
Where is the best place to get the g-tab? Sears, office depot? how much is it?
$399 sears and $379 office depot
If your going for the XOOM then you might as well get the iPAD... Android buyers want android due to openness.. other then that the iPAD is fare superior (at least for today - Later this year can be a different story)
Read here:
http://www.droid-life.com/2011/01/1...er-to-buy-elsewhere-if-they-want-custom-roms/
bobdude5 said:
No not the new ipad lol. I want either the xoom or that unnamed toshiba honeycomb tablet but i have no idea when those are coming out. From what i've read the xoom is next month but thats mostly going to be a 3g/4g enabled version which i do not want. I am definitly going to jailbreak/root whichever one i get.
Where is the best place to get the g-tab? Sears, office depot? how much is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ipad vs Galaxy vs Gtab vs Matala vs Streak 5
Found this selection flow... very interesting
http://tablets.finerhosting.com/tablets.jpg
Depends on how you want to use the device.
Personally, I can't do the Apple walled garden thing.
If you can, then yeah, go for the ipad.
I found a new G-Tab for 350, no tax, no shipping on E-bay last week. Did the OTA update that came out late December. Installed the enhancement pack to which I added a Google contact syn apk. Did the market fix. I also use the paid version of ADW Launcher. Everything so far works great. At the college where I work all of the students are loaned iPads (and I am a previous 3GS owner). So I spend a fair time around the iOs devices. I will admit there is a certain amount of polish not found in Android. Having said that, my web experience is far superior to the iPad, and since that is primarily what I got it for I feel it was a better purchase.

[Q] Looking to buy a tablet

The choices I'm looking at area really just two:
iPad 2
Motorola XOOM
I am guessing that you'll all tell me to get the XOOM because, well, it's XDA developers. Although I'm kind of leaning towards that direction, I would like to have concrete reasons other than "Apple is evil".
The biggest problem I have with the XOOM is that it's not IPS, if it were I'd already have bought it. So for those of you who have the XOOM, is it's screen ok in terms of viewing angle? Cuz I'm just sooo sick and tired of weird colors or reversed colors from TFT panels. And I'm also really sensitive to minor inaccuracy in color, just makes me so mad. Thank god it has a 1280X800 resolution or it would've been out of question instantly.
The second biggest problem is design. I mean excuse me, most tablets except the iPad and iPad 2 look like ****. I think the XOOM is the only acceptable looking one, yet it has a crappy looking back side. The Samsung Galaxy tab, is one of the ****tiest looking product I've ever seen. Why? Not only because its stupid thick, the proportion of its size versus its screen size is ugly, and its display theme totally does not match its physical appearance. So all other Android tablets are out of the question, they just look like ****. Those of you who's studied art must know, that it's all about proportion, the golden mean and all that. Not the absolute size or design of anything in particular.
You may all hate the lack of personalization and the icon tile of iPad, but it is just soooo much more harmonious in terms of design and looks. Not that I'm gonna be unpractical but the difference is just so significant I can't ignore it.
The iOS also has a significantly larger number of apps at 65,000. Now I don't own any iOS devices so I don't really know how many of them are actually worthy of using. The last time I checked Honeycomb has like, what? 400? Even though I don't play games so I can exclude all the iPad games that still sounds like a huge difference. I'm not sure what that translates to.
Having said so many good things for the iPad 2, I have problems with it as well. I'm so frustrated, no product is perfect.
The iPad 2 doesn't have retina display, I hate the term retina, it's as if Jobs invented a new type of screen just be increasing resolution. But really, why haven't any phone yet to beat the iPhone 4? All I see is bigger and bigger screen, without any of them beating iPhone 4 in resolution. Shame on the Android phones. And yes, I love pixels period. Anyway, the iPad 2 resolution is a bit unsatisfactory, it's smaller than the 720p's 1280 in width, that's the most problematic. It should've been 1280X960.
I my self also have a problem with customization in iOS, and it's icon tile. I think although Android 2.x look stupid on tablets. Android 3.0 looks awesome, and it seem to function a lot better. I think my self as really good at electronics so I won't be frustrated by its complications as long as it's not stupidly designed like the BB PlayBook which I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out how to quit an application and failed, such a stupid product, bad looking as well.
So yea... only if the XOOM had IPS screen, a bit longer battery life, and a little less stupid back cover. It would've been perfect.
Why limit to just 2? Why aren't you looking at new android tablets from Samsung, Asus, LG etc.?
Asus transformer, dont wast your money on apple garbage
because they look like ****. unacceptable in appearance.
I use an Android phone. I got an iPad, in the end it is just a big iPod Touch to me and not much more. I gave it to my wife who use it as an e-reader. I got a netbook instead and installed Ubuntu in it, now I have a real portable computer instead of a computer wannabe. Battery life is good enough and easily beat any smartphone out there in continuous use.
I mean yea the iPad is a big iPod touch. But the idea is that, that is just what it is, and the fact that it is big alone is enough reason to get it.
I can also see how the Honeycomb OS is more powerful, computer wise, if you want it to be a computer which it really isn't, it's a tablet.
But then, Honeycomb doesn't have the high quality apps the iPad is already filled with. which means less functionality in that sense.
Functionality is what made me gave up iPad. What it can do my Android phone could do it too.
The only pro is battery life which is legendary for a portable.
Of course it all depends on your need, so I suggest you look into what sort of specific function are you looking for.
For me it was web browsing, what I hate about my phone is it can't handle some web pages properly, the iPad is no better, if not worse (no Flash). So YMMV.
But if you just want a tablet and care about look, iPad is the way to go.
Hi
Ok, At first I bought myself the Blackberry Playbook, its multitasking of the new QNX OS is amazing great, battery life is not as promised by blackberry. Than when they made an announcement that Android Apps will be delayed in the merger passed the summer, I exchanged it for a Motorola Xoom, I was never a big fan of Motorola but I will tell you, I love this freaking Tablet, its fast reliable. Only thing I am slightly disappointed is even on a fast wifi. It freezes videos on cnn.com and msn.com( those are the only two I have tried so far.) Youtube plays flawlessly on wifi, I also use the 4G hotspot on my HTC EVO to get the internet anywhere I go.
Battery Life: I have played games on it. to test battery and I will tall you I am happy. I took it to work Played Doodle jump and Fruit Ninja THD on it and I came home with battery still at half full. I do not have my Xoom now since my sister in law decided to steal it, it's been 2 days now and I called her earlier and she told me battery is still halfway full. This girl plays Poker Stars on the thing all day long so I am happy I have a reliable device. I just wish they made better cases for it and the speakers in the front not back.
PS: APPLE SUCKS!! lol.
Primarily I bought the tablet to take it to school and do work on it. If I am doing a PowerPoint presentation and I need to throw it to a PC I do not want to have an IPad in that situation. Because you cant do mass storage transfer. Only way of transferring the file is emailing myself. now if I have a WiFi only IPad that sucks if I have no internet connection to email it. Also if the file is bigger than 10MB you cannot email it to no one unless you separate the file into two or more. Thank you for open source
Also im not hating on apple products, I am hating on the people who make the OS which is so strictly locked down by apple.
Sure you can jailbreak, but not everyone knows how to do it, OR some people are to by the book and don't do it. OR they are plain Dumb
The XOOM is a great tablet, actually. The only downside is that since it's so new, it's native apps are a little glitchy and there aren't many apps for tablets on the Android Market. But both of those will be resolved soon.
Try out a XOOM, they're great.
I would honestly wait for maybe another 3-4 months- within that time frame there should at least another 3-4 highly competitive Android tablets running Honeycomb and it'll give time for more usage of the tablet version and some updates will be on the way. In fact Honeycomb 3.1 has already been confirmed to be released very soon.
Crazy991 said:
The XOOM is a great tablet, actually. The only downside is that since it's so new, it's native apps are a little glitchy and there aren't many apps for tablets on the Android Market. But both of those will be resolved soon.
Try out a XOOM, they're great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point- Xoom native apps are still little glitchy.
You could even check out the LG G-Slate (branded as the T-Mobile G-Slate). Has 3D (which i don't care for) and it's running very similar hardware to that of the Xoom. Only downside to this one is the cost and the lack of a wifi only version.
Crazy991 said:
Try out a XOOM, they're great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can handle the somewhat buggy Honeycomb on it, I agree. Not that it's bad by any stretch of the imagination, just has a few odd quirks.
Of course, this is xda, so I mean...modding it probably isn't entirely out of the question.
The iPad on the other hand "just works". My only gripe with it is the lack of expandable memory.
The decision really comes down to open vs. closed. If you want a more open device that you can tinker with, the Xoom is it. If you want something that just works, but is locked down pretty tight, the iPad is it.

Will an Android tablet ever be successful?

The only area I see Android tablets selling is the mid range ($150-$300) where most of the devices are heavily subsidized by the oem - tablets like Kindle Fire, Nexus 7, Nook Color etc. And Apple will soon enter this segment too.
On the high end, Apple has massive economies of scale. There is simply no way for other oem's to get the same part pricing and compete with a $499 iPad Retina or $399 iPad 2. All the Xooms, Galaxy Tab's and Transformer's have terrible sales. There will soon be a new competitor in Surface.
On the low end, there are a number of cheap Chinese tablets in the ~$100 price range which aren't really competitive.
It doesn't help that Google totally ignores tablets. The Play Store has no section for tablets, its hard to find apps, and developers have completely ignored Android tablets as well (due to low sales). Every day the situation is getting worse.
I just googled this question
Seems like there is never going to be a large market for a mobile OS tablet.
We have the Nexus tablet coming soon that will address the issue of Google not doing much for tablets. The Kindle Fire has done well even though its heavily skinned. The iPad like other Apple products are sold at a higher price/margin since people believe that paying more for a popular brand means a better experience. Android tablets will have a hard time competing if they are sold at the same price as the iPad.
If Apple made a 7" tablet they would be going against Steve Jobs, the guy who helped bring that company back from near bankruptcy in the late 90s. Apple would have a hard time making a 7" tablet for $199 if they wanted to keep their high profit margins of around 50% on the iPad. Amazon sells the Kindle Fire right near cost as a media consumption device.
Yes.
I would say yes. ICS was created for a more diverse line of products and I think consumers will react well to a well priced ICS tablet. :laugh:
I've played around with my brothers Ipad a lot and after buying my transformer prime, I can't really imagine going back to an ipad if given the choice.
I think they will be successful but not until the shine wears off on the ipad.
I doubt that.. iPad is still you're best bet for everything you need for a good, all around tablet.. and the majority of people would choose the iPad instead..
The only way android tablet could succeed is on cheap alternatives.. the next Google tablet looks promising.. sure it won't make any profit for Google but at least they could gain market share..
Swyped from my GT-i9100
non standard is the issue for android tablet
samsung have proprietary ports for charging etc. Once they come up with a micro usb charger port Note tablet, definitely it will boost market.
iPad you cant copy from a camera or SD card, android you can do that .. companies are not exploiting these areas. They have to go in a similar standard phone like in mobiles. atleast 1080p etc.
I guess it all really depends on the end consumer.
I've seen a lot of people using tablets.
I'd personally only use one for taking notes in lectures though at school.
They seem fun
There is a section on the Market for tablets...
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- Swift -, formerly known as IrishStuff09
Lots of market segments to consider, and I know I don't represent the mass market. With that in mind - I've been on the fence about getting a tablet for the past several months, and I'm finally seeing more and more instances where it would make sense for me. I've spent time with a few Android tablets and with iPads. First impressions - iPad displays are gorgeous and the UI is incredibly smooth and lag free. I tried a few Android tablets that had nice displays - just not quite as dramatically clean and crisp as the new iPad, and I also noticed some very minor stutter and hesitation as I swiped my way around the UI. Very subtle differences - but the iPads just generally felt a bit more polished.
I also found the iPad UI annoying after having been using ICS with Apex launcher on my Galaxy Nexus for 7 months. I love the flexibility of Android. If somebody gave me an iPad, I wouldn't throw it away...but I'd strongly consider selling it to get a high end Android tablet instead. Similarly -- maybe even more strongly -- I've looked at and tried numerous iPhones, but went happily with a Galaxy Nexus instead the week they became available on VzW. I'd make the same decision today. All the more reason for an Android tablet - same UI, same ecosystem, same apps, great synergy. But again - I probably represents a narrow segment of the market.
If we can really see $200 Android tablets that are smooth and well presented, I think they can definitely make a dent in the iPad market. The difference in price could be enough to sway a good chunk of the market.
I have big hopes for the nexus tablet. I don't know if the specs published on the web are true, but for that price the tablet is a gift lol. I'm really thinking in buying a tablet and the nexus 7 may be my choice. And if the price is good I'm sure it will cut a big slice from ipad's market share.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
I have a gtab 2 7" and it is successful for me in that it does everything I want and it was cheap. Most people that have tired it out really like the smaller size and like it, but it's not an iPad so they would never consider purchasing one. It is just the way it is for right now.
I'm not sure what it would take for an Android tab to be as successful as the iPad but I honestly don't think it will ever happen, at least in the mainstream.
ipads are cheaper than most Gtabs. For example, the new iPad costs a bit more than galaxy tab 7.7.
As a Flyer owner, my only gripe is that the amount of apps available for Android tablets pale in comparison to Apple. There never seemed to be a lot available for Honeycomb. Whether that changes under the ICS tablets is yet to be seen.
GrandAdmiral said:
As a Flyer owner, my only gripe is that the amount of apps available for Android tablets pale in comparison to Apple. There never seemed to be a lot available for Honeycomb. Whether that changes under the ICS tablets is yet to be seen.
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A lot of that has to do with the proportion of market share. Most Android devices are phones so most developers still only develop for phones. As apps are redesigned for ICS they play better with tablets I've noticed.
If 7" 16GB is $199 and 32GB $249 then in near future, 10" 16GB b/w $299 - $349 would be a terrific price :good:

Shield K1 Rant (& Question): Where's the successor?

I've had the Nvidia Shield K1 tablet for about two years now and it's by far one of my favorite Android devices. The build is solid, premium, and durable. The speakers are great and the display still holds its own. Even now, many years after it's original release, this tablet is a powerhouse when handling most Android apps and a joy to game on. Despite its lack of selection, I've been very pleased with the GeForce Now streaming service and I like to know that GameStream is available whenever I invest in a PC upgrade. It handles supported Android games like a champ and I'm rooted for the sole purpose of PS4 remote play, which usually runs better than on my PS Vita (and with a native controller!)
I've been waiting years for it's proper successor (since before I even bought one) and have been dealt a number of blows.
First of all, I'm extremely disappointed that Nvidia's gaming services haven't branched out to any other devices. To my knowledge, even the Pixel C doesn't support the GeForce gaming app despite running on Nvidia hardware.
I remember reading that development on the second generation of Shield tablets was halted for Nvidia to work with Nintendo on the Switch. Despite not being a huge Nintendo fan in recent years, I'd happily trade in my K1 for a Switch if it had any additional tablet functionality at all. However, my understanding is that they have yet to even add video streaming services, much less the capacity to function as a student/work laptop like my Shield does.
Overall I'm upset to see the decline of Android tablets in general. From the Nexus 7 to the Nvidia Shield, $200-400 tablets were finally proving to be capable devices when the market dried up. Now Google seems to be confirming the death of Android tablets by replacing them with overpriced and under-delivering Chrome OS devices, which I have no affinity for.
Now that my Shield is starting to show it's age, where do I turn for a quality portable gaming device with web and app functionality? My options seem to be:
a) Buy a Switch, enjoy the games, hope for an update that adds more media and web functionality
b) Pixel C from eBay (does anyone own both of these devices that can offer a comparison, especially when it comes to gaming?)
c) Something way overpriced like a Surface Pro or iPad (which isn't gonna happen anytime soon but seems closest to what I'm looking for in the current market)
Are there any alternatives that I'm overlooking? Thanks!
I've been struggling with this myself - what tablet to get next. I'm not necessarily in a hurry to replace my Shield right away. But something snappier (more current gen processor) would be nice. And I have a few hairline cracks in the screen, which aren't always too noticeable, but obviously a replacement is due at some point. But what? There really isn't much out there. The gaming aspect of the Shield is cool. Although I have to admit I don't use it as much as I thought I would. Gaming is probably not deal breaker for me; but rather I use a tablet mainly for media consumption and general web browsing.
My thoughts on the options you listed, plus some of my own:
- I dislike the Apple ecosystem, as they seem more bent on telling folks what they want; instead of listening to, and actually giving them what they want.
- Pixel C is too old to invest in. Not any newer then the Shield. And I loathe to spend good money on old tech. Form what I understand, the Pixel C is retired and basically end of life (EOL) as far as Google is concerned. So again, a bad choice to put your money.
- MS Surface looks nice. But too expensive for what I use a tablet for (mostly media consumption, web browsing).
- Huawei seems to be one of the few companies committed to making Android tablets with a decent build quality. The M3 looks like a nice tablet, from a build quality aspect. But reviews comment that the processor performance, while fine for media consumption, is lackluster with games. The upcoming refreshed version M5 (they are supposedly skipping M4 since "4" is a bad luck number in Chinese culture) looks to improve the CPU performance. But the lack of a headphone jack is both puzzling for a tablet, and probably a deal breaker for me.
- Samsung Tab S3 looks nice, but very expensive still ($450, released at $600) and probably due from a refresh soon. Although that price point, might scare me away from it's successor! As it did for the S3 when it came out.
- ASUS Zenpad 3S gets good reviews in some places as the best (or at least, one of the best) Android tablet you can get right now. Build quality, while nice looking, is apparently not quite up to par (a little "creaky") with iPad or maybe Huawei. But it has a great screen, and decent processor performance. Again, we are probably due for a refresh (released Aug 2016). So I'm hesitant to spend money on something from almost 2 years ago.
- Apple dropped prices on the iPad to $329 (32 GB) version last year (and same for this years version). It's a great value for a high quality tablet. As mentioned, I'm not going to switch to the iOS ecosystem. But Android tablet makers may (probably) be forced to match quality and price, and that may be a good thing for us. Releasing a tablet like the Zenpad for $300, with slightly questionable build quality is probably not going to cut it. On a similar note, a new Samsung (S4?) without much more functionality than an iPad, selling for $600 is not justified, either.
redpoint73 said:
I've been struggling with this myself - what tablet to get next. I'm not necessarily in a hurry to replace my Shield right away. But something snappier (more current gen processor) would be nice. And I have a few hairline cracks in the screen, which aren't always too noticeable, but obviously a replacement is due at some point. But what? There really isn't much out there. The gaming aspect of the Shield is cool. Although I have to admit I don't use it as much as I thought I would. Gaming is probably not deal breaker for me; but rather I use a tablet mainly for media consumption and general web browsing.
My thoughts on the options you listed, plus some of my own:
- I dislike the Apple ecosystem, as they seem more bent on telling folks what they want; instead of listening to, and actually giving them what they want.
- Pixel C is too old to invest in. Not any newer then the Shield. And I loathe to spend good money on old tech. Form what I understand, the Pixel C is retired and basically end of life (EOL) as far as Google is concerned. So again, a bad choice to put your money.
- MS Surface looks nice. But too expensive for what I use a tablet for (mostly media consumption, web browsing).
- Huawei seems to be one of the few companies committed to making Android tablets with a decent build quality. The M3 looks like a nice tablet, from a build quality aspect. But reviews comment that the processor performance is a bit spotty. And the lack of a headphone jack is both puzzling for a tablet, and probably a deal breaker for me.
- Samsung Tab S3 looks nice, but very expensive still ($450, released at $600) and probably due from a refresh soon. Although that price point, might scare me away from it's successor! As it did for the S3 when it came out.
- ASUS Zenpad 3S gets good reviews in some places as the best (or at least, one of the best) Android tablet you can get right now. Build quality, while nice looking, is apparently not quite up to par (a little "creaky") with iPad or maybe Huawei. But it has a great screen, and decent processor performance. Again, we are probably due for a refresh (released Aug 2016). So I'm hesitant to spend money on something from almost 2 years ago.
- Apple dropped prices on the iPad to $329 (32 GB) version last year (and same for this years version). It's a great value for a high quality tablet. As mentioned, I'm not going to switch to the iOS ecosystem. But Android tablet makers may (probably) be forced to match quality and price, and that may be a good thing for us. Releasing a tablet like the Zenpad for $300, with slightly questionable build quality is probably not going to cut it. On a similar note, a new Samsung (S4?) without much more functionality than an iPad, selling for $600 is not justified, either.
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Click to collapse
I appreciate your feedback and agree with most of it, all of the competition is too old or way overpriced. Samsung is getting there, their phones look a lot nicer and their software skins are less obnoxious but their tablets look totally stuck in the past. ASUS and Huawei have been viable alternatives but never seemed to quite hit the mark. As an Android fanboy, I love the Pixel C but ultimately couldn't pull the trigger for the exact reasons you listed. Apple has a dictative and overly minimalist approach but that being said...
I actually jumped the shark a couple days ago and bought a 10.5" iPad Pro w/ the Apple Pencil! The price is fair and the device is definitely high quality. It's taking more getting used to than I thought but the note-taking is fantastic and the fact that is has Civ 6 is a big deal for me haha. Apparently it even has PS4 Remote Play apps which I have yet to try.
I think Android is more friendly and intuitive but I have a new appreciation for Apple's design and hardware. However, the app stores are a lot more similar than I thought. For some reason I expected more selection on iOS especially in exclusive games. In general, the "Top Charts" are very similar between iOS & Android and most iOS exclusive apps are paid for. The platform really seems built for someone that also has an iPhone, Homepod, Apple TV and Mac which I have none of (this is my first and only Apple device). Despite small complaints and frustrations, it's just a really pretty device that handles my needs very well once I identify a workflow.
Overall, it was a really foreign choice for me to make. I've had Windows PCs my whole life and have been on the Android train since the OG Droid. I still might return this model for the newer & cheaper 2018 iPad. If a new Pixel tablet were to drop tomorrow, I'm sure I'd trade for it in a heartbeat. But given the current tablet market, I'm happy with this investment.
Pretty much in the same boat. The shield is still very usable for what I want and need it to do (chess, chrome, youtube and pdf reading) but sooner or later it eventually will have to be replaced. Also, the major reason I started using it as a media consumption device are all the ram problems so little by little I got rid of most of the stuff (including google apps lol!) and ended up using it for its nice screen and speakers and not its strong chip, but I would be so happy if we were to ever see a follow up to the shield tablet (sadly that's not happening). Heck, I would pay double the price of the K1. It seems that android tablets are slowly losing to apple (of course I'm not talking about premium ultra expensive samsung tabs). One last hope for android tablets could be the Mi pad 4 from xiaomi when it releases and that's it. Though, there is this new tablet os google is working on, so maybe that will be enough to spark more interest in tablets once again so we can survive one more tablet generation
The issue is nvidia decided that tablet market was not strong enough and that they would not put out a replacement for our tablets. Unfortunately that is much the consensus for cheaper/under 9 in.
I would really like to see a x1 or x2 based tablet with oled 4k screen...
Nah... it's called the Nintendo Switch... nVidia is selling plenty of mobile chips without the headaches of their own tablet.

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