Hi all,
Am a newbie to Android tablets/devices both in terms of hardware and software. So if my post is posted in the wrong thread or reposted pls pardon me. I just want to understand a few basics.
As you all may know, now the market is being flooded by those Chinese made Android tablets. And many of them looks good (at least on paper) and at a very good price. But the problem is most of the time when come to chinese goods, they don't usually do what they claims (if you know what i mean). and the best part most of the salesperson don't know anything about the products they are selling especially when comes to tech gadgets like the Android tablets.
So here i am seeking help from you gurus and hoping i can start my Android journey on the right step. Below are a few questions. Hope I can get answers (links to somewhere where i can read up or anything).
1. What are the conditions (CPU make, firmware, etc) to fulfill if i wan to upgrade/root/hack the original Android OS? Cos most of the chinese made tablets are running on Android 1.5. Hoping to be able to upgrade the OS whenever a newer one comes out. Like the latest 2.1 And be able to download new apps from the apps market.
2. Which CPU chip is better and what are the common CPU chips in the market now? I know there are the Rockchips, VIA, Telechips.
3. Can we tell what are the hardware (CPU make etc) and software (OS/firmware version, etc) that are being used in the device from the system setting or something?
4. I read somewhere that not all CPU chips can be upgraded to the latest OS. i.e. that any upgrade is determined by the CPU chip. Is it true?
5. As for custom ROM, is it also device dependable? Like is there a generic ROM for all devices?
For now these are the questions which are bugging me. Hope the gurus here can enlighten this Android newbie.
Sorry for the long winded post and thanks for any help.
Hmmm. Just check that it is upgradable to froyo and it has more than 500mhz cpu
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
if you are looking for a tablet just get an ipad. the android tablets i see floating around are just 1.5 or 1.6. even if you get a tablet that can do 2.2 (froyo)... i dont see how that can be any better than an ipad.
i just feel that 2.2 isnt meant to be in tablet form. if you can wait... wait for 3.0 before you decide. the main deterrent here is the maximum resolution for android (854 x 480 or something), and that the apps were made with phones in mind.
im very happy with my nexus one... i just cant imagine having a tablet running android as of the moment unless its very very cheap ($200 or so).
i for one will get an ipad next month. my nexus one with wifi tether + the basic wifi ipad will be gadget heaven. looking to get an ipad primarily for reading magazines (zinio) and comic books. android does not have zinio yet. the android comic viewer (ACV) i use on my nexus is ok... but not great. then theres the games. games on android are still so so with less variety and choices.
as a phone the android is great! better than the iphone (yes im an apple user through and through) even. but as a tablet... not quite yet.
Hp is going to release a tablet so is samsung with 2.2
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Hopefully start seeing some of these 2.2 tablets in the 3rd Quarter...
Just seen an article on armdevices about Chinese e-reader maker Onyx International building a prototype smartphone based on Android with an e-ink display.
Can anyone tell me, or point me in direction of someone who knows what specific technical challenges there may be re-architecting Android to work better with e-ink display? Given e-ink's limitations on screen refresh, colour/video i'm assuming there would be certain elements of the OS that you'd want to optimise?
Thanks
A much more minimalistic UI, for starters. I saw a video and noticed the homepage was like Metro UI. But Android was not built for E-Ink and I don't see a practical use for an E-Ink phone, so what is the point of Onyx making this phone? My prediction is a complete and utter failure, maybe 100 sales
Sent from my Droid using xda premium
Anyone knows a list of android tablets in the 7 - 10 inch range that has pen support ?
aalupatti said:
Anyone knows a list of android tablets in the 7 - 10 inch range that has pen support ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every tablet and smartphone can be used with an aftermarket smartphone pen.
If you are talking about a real digitizer, our note 10.1 is the only device that has this feature at the moment.
I believe he means with an active digitizer like you mentioned. I was just looking into this myself. I use the ipad and the application on it called myScript Notes which has pretty good handwriting recognition in a variety of languages However, I hate a capacitive stylus because its so fat and inaccurate. There are a few add-on active digitizers for the ipad but they are all really no good. The Galaxy Note 10.1 and the Lenevo Thinkpad Tablet both have active styluses. And low and behold, one of the Lenevo's main features was this myScript app that I wanted. But I don't think the Lenevo is supported any more nor the handwriting app updated. The Galaxy Note 10.1 has the s-pen app but its recognition and features pale to myScript Notes. Now for me, there is good news and bad news.: The good news is that there is an android version of myScript Notes in the Samsung app store. The bad news is that for some dumb legal reason, they can't have it in the USA Samsung app store. Just earlier today, I posted a quick message asking if there was a way to by-pass this and access another country's app-store but I haven't gotten any replies yet
Anyway, I went into a lot of detail with my particular search for an Android tablet with a stylus but I think I answered your question :laugh:
Thanks form the replies . these are the 2 tabs that i could find too.... Surprised no others have come into this arena yet.
Sent from my Nexus 7
aalupatti said:
Thanks form the replies . these are the 2 tabs that i could find too.... Surprised no others have come into this arena yet.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I was kind of surprised by that too. It seems that the only other alternative are Windows 8 tablets. There are a few that use an active stylus like the Microsoft Surface Pro, Samsung Smart PC 500T, Lenevo Thinkpad Tablet 2, and an Asus model among others. But they can get pretty pricy and I'm not too confident about the apps optimized for tablet use on them.
I was just searching Google for this very thing and stumbled upon this thread. There is another, which I own, and it's the HTC Jetstream (Puccini). I was searching because HTC completely abandoned this excellent tablet with 3.1 on it. I am a financial contributor to the project to get it updated to JB but the development is slow going which is why I was Googling for other tabs with pen support. Depending on your needs, the Jetstream may be a good deal since they've been had on eBay lately for $250 or so.
The first gen thinkpad tablet had a active digitizer.
Sent from my GT-N8013
PurpleSh4rk said:
The first gen thinkpad tablet had a active digitizer.
Sent from my GT-N8013
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned the TPT had a digitizer. I believe a TPT2 has a digitizer too, but it's Win8. ( Boo Lenovo. )
I think sales of the gnote10.1 will determine whether or not we see more tabs with digitizers.
I do know that Apple has filed a patent with a digitizer for a tablet.
As has been mention HTC also has some digitizer devices but I think they are mostly phones.
I've also hear that Google has added digitizer support to ICS, does anyone know the details?
For the iPad- the "GoSmart" stylus seems like it is the best stylus for it. Looks ridiculous- but check out the 200 series
Salvation27 said:
For the iPad- the "GoSmart" stylus seems like it is the best stylus for it. Looks ridiculous- but check out the 200 series
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a capacitive stylus and digitizer is totally different ball game....
People should looks at some of the newer windows 8 pro tabletss that have stylus input. I have not used any so far but looks like they need more work to be done.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk 2
aalupatti said:
Anyone knows a list of android tablets in the 7 - 10 inch range that has pen support ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an elderly HTC 7inch Evo View. I actually grab it first. It's digitizer pen is excellent, but it is running Android 3.2.1 and HTC has abandoned it.
The new Note 8 looks good.
I'm also using the HTC Flyer (or View or EVO whatever Sprint called it) on Sprint still. Not only has HTC abandoned it, but the old data plan isn't even available from Sprint anymore. I'm grandfathered into the old plan (shame I didn't get 4G, I'm just on 3G and it's a 4G tablet - WiMax though, which is dying). I'm about ready to just cancel that.
The Flyer is a GREAT tablet with a GREAT pen. It's very accurate. However, I'm looking to upgrade it now. It's a bit slow and I'd like the latest version of Android. Maybe I can find a ROM, but really I'd like a faster tablet. I might also like it to be 10" too.
I would get the new Surface tablets that have pens from Microsoft if they A. weren't so expensive and B. had a longer battery life.
All I want is a decently powered (hardware) tablet I can draw on that lasts 8+ hours. Preferably 10+ hours. Oh and with modern resolution.
The Flyer lasts a good while, but it's old. Plain and simple.
I'm still using it for note taking and business. It's a wonderful tablet and since there's an obvious lack of options here, I'd highly suggest picking one up off eBay or something. Fantastic tablets if you want to use a pen with accuracy. Awesome for sketching. There's an app called "Quill" which is one of my favorites. Super thin fine pen stroke options.
I may look for the Puccini (Verizon got the 10" version of the Flyer which maybe has better hardware who knows). I can see 10" coming in handy.
I truly wish someone would make another tablet with active digitizer...
Hi.
I will like to ask which Android supporting active digitizer pens devices are available on the market?
For me moment I only know this ones:
Lenovo Thinkpad Tablet (v1)
The Galaxy Note family
HTC Flyer
HTC Jetstream (It seems to support active digitizer pens according to what I read).
HTC EVO View 4G (It seems to support active digitizer pens according to what I read).
What is the hardware requirement for the tablet to support an active digitizer pen? Does it has to have a special screen to support the pen? It depends of the type of active pen?
Any interesting software for the active digitizer pen? I really like:
Quill
MyScript Notes Mobile (ICR)
MyScript Stylus (Beta) (looks good)
Regards
Martin
martiniturbide said:
Hi.
I will like to ask which Android supporting active digitizer pens devices are available on the market?
For me moment I only know this ones:
Lenovo Thinkpad Tablet (v1)
The Galaxy Note family
HTC Flyer
HTC Jetstream (It seems to support active digitizer pens according to what I read).
HTC EVO View 4G (It seems to support active digitizer pens according to what I read).
What is the hardware requirement for the tablet to support an active digitizer pen? Does it has to have a special screen to support the pen? It depends of the type of active pen?
Any interesting software for the active digitizer pen? I really like:
Quill
MyScript Notes Mobile (ICR)
MyScript Stylus (Beta) (looks good)
Regards
Martin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Evo View with a scribe pen although I'm look to upgrade for another tablet with active pen support.
Apps I use for the pen are: LectureNotes and Sketchbook Pro
Note 8.0 and I would expect a new model coming soon
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I am posting this thread seeking feedback and judging interest in such a project.
Most Android devices these days have USB OTG / host functionality as well as HDMI-out.
Motorola exploited this on the Atrix and Bionic with docks that are essentislly a powered USB hub and HDMI adapter or the webtop which 9s a dock with a battery, screen, keyboard and touchpad. Their setup allowed you to run a modded Ubuntu on the screen ajd had a window to access the normal phone interface.
Now with the progress of the Android platform, they have abandoned it mostly, as of 4+ the aforementioned HW only allows you to use android in tabet mode.
What I am proposing is a likely OpenSource project to develop:
- universal hw for all android devices
- custom jailed linux and xwm/interface adapted for touch/hdpi/small screens
- custom android x server allowing integration
- custom android x client/rsp (rdp) for android to allow viewing of phone interface on screen
The goal being a well designed version allowing a hybrid of linux apps and android apps in tablet mode seamlessly integrated.
Let me be clear that I am trying to judge interest and brainstorm, I am NOT asking about the feasibilty or technical requirements or burdens.
Eventually with enough interest, other OS apps could be integrated and virtualized.
I have 20+ years sw engineering, design and development experience and am willing to put in my efforts to seed this project if the interest is there.
Well no responses - but some THANKS.. So I'll take that to mean there is some interest.
I am actively developing this and a whole suite of tools to accompang it starting with a universal, configurable, network (bt/wifi/3G/RG) and hardware syncronizable audio driver. Follkwing that I will be working on a 2-way android/linux x-server/client system.
Each tool will be released as an individual piece and eventually will (hopefully) come together to build a system to enhance android and bridge the ever narrowing gap between android and a pc.
I really would be interested in some feedback especially regarding the hardware aspect.
forbiddenera said:
Well no responses - but some THANKS.. So I'll take that to mean there is some interest.
I am actively developing this and a whole suite of tools to accompang it starting with a universal, configurable, network (bt/wifi/3G/RG) and hardware syncronizable audio driver. Follkwing that I will be working on a 2-way android/linux x-server/client system.
Each tool will be released as an individual piece and eventually will (hopefully) come together to build a system to enhance android and bridge the ever narrowing gap between android and a pc.
I really would be interested in some feedback especially regarding the hardware aspect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds very interesting :good:
forbiddenera said:
I am posting this thread seeking feedback and judging interest in such a project.
Most Android devices these days have USB OTG / host functionality as well as HDMI-out.
Motorola exploited this on the Atrix and Bionic with docks that are essentislly a powered USB hub and HDMI adapter or the webtop which 9s a dock with a battery, screen, keyboard and touchpad. Their setup allowed you to run a modded Ubuntu on the screen ajd had a window to access the normal phone interface.
Now with the progress of the Android platform, they have abandoned it mostly, as of 4+ the aforementioned HW only allows you to use android in tabet mode.
What I am proposing is a likely OpenSource project to develop:
- universal hw for all android devices
- custom jailed linux and xwm/interface adapted for touch/hdpi/small screens
- custom android x server allowing integration
- custom android x client/rsp (rdp) for android to allow viewing of phone interface on screen
The goal being a well designed version allowing a hybrid of linux apps and android apps in tablet mode seamlessly integrated.
Let me be clear that I am trying to judge interest and brainstorm, I am NOT asking about the feasibilty or technical requirements or burdens.
Eventually with enough interest, other OS apps could be integrated and virtualized.
I have 20+ years sw engineering, design and development experience and am willing to put in my efforts to seed this project if the interest is there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just saw your post; I owned 2 Motorola RAZR (a RAZR i for now) and I really miss the webtop! I used it a lot so I am very interesting by your project. It's a shame that Motorola let go this idea, I think it was something that can make Motorola outstanding from other brands.
I'm sure there is a lot of people interested by that kind of app.
ichi go said:
I just saw your post; I owned 2 Motorola RAZR (a RAZR i for now) and I really miss the webtop! I used it a lot so I am very interesting by your project. It's a shame that Motorola let go this idea, I think it was something that can make Motorola outstanding from other brands.
I'm sure there is a lot of people interested by that kind of app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope so, I have started slowly developing the low levels of the stack of tools required for this.
If you are interested in making this a reality, then I need support. Moral support, testing, food, hardware.. etc.. Mostly I need to know there's a demand and that people will use it and benefit from it.
Currently I require a few things for testing and development, if anyone wants to.help.
- USB OTG / Host adapter for microusb. x 2
- Powered USB hub.. The source in my city has one for $10, but do not sell the power adapter to.go with it.
and, would be beneficial:
- A droid Bionic HD dock or Webtop dock, unfortunately my phone was not sold in Canada and ship them to me for my friend in the states and I cannot get these here.
please spread the word if you are interested, rally support and it will get done.
The first thing I am developing for this is a universal low latency audio driver replacement for android / linux with extended.ipc/net routing capabilities. Partly because I am a musician and need such elsewhere is why I am starting with audio.. I also intend to get the audio plug on my moto dock working on nonstock
forbiddenera said:
I hope so, I have started slowly developing the low levels of the stack of tools required for this.
If you are interested in making this a reality, then I need support. Moral support, testing, food, hardware.. etc.. Mostly I need to know there's a demand and that people will use it and benefit from it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have my support in whatever you need. ive been a webtop guy since day 1, wonderful technology but *WAY* ahead of it's time (and lets not even talk about how i spent $300 bucks on my first lapdock, and $50 on my second when they canned the webtop project lol. i will caution you that it doesn't seem like there is much demand anymore for the dual environment setup. i have quite a bit of market insight as to why this is, but at any rate, innovative development is never appreciated until it is actually developed, no?
forbiddenera said:
Currently I require a few things for testing and development, if anyone wants to.help.
- USB OTG / Host adapter for microusb. x 2
- Powered USB hub.. The source in my city has one for $10, but do not sell the power adapter to.go with it.
and, would be beneficial:
- A droid Bionic HD dock or Webtop dock, unfortunately my phone was not sold in Canada and ship them to me for my friend in the states and I cannot get these here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aside from several years of commercial software testing experience, i have at my disposal for testing:
Motorola Atrix 4G (only moto phone unlocked kernel + webuntu mod)
Motorola Droid Bionic
Samsung Galaxy Nexus (uses MHL)
Motorola Xoom tablet (HDMI out)
- 1 bionic lapdock, 1 universal lapdock 100
- bionic HD dock
- MHL USB > HDMI adapter
- USB OTG cable
looking forward to contributing and seeing this become a reality my friend.:good:
I am still wanting to push this forward. I really need a HD DOCK with USB tho.. If anyone can help, post or PM me.
cheers
I am still wanting to push this forward. I really need a HD DOCK with USB tho.. If anyone can help, post or PM me.
Or a lapdock, or a usb otg and powered hub, or... I do have an hdmi cable and use webtop 3 all the time for watching tv..
Unfortunately google basically stopped moto from doing this.. We can all run linux but using it on vnc is sloppy, android x server doesnt work proper yet.. And even webtop 3 isnt that bad of an idea..
cheers
forbiddenera said:
I am still wanting to push this forward. I really need a HD DOCK with USB tho.. If anyone can help, post or PM me.
Or a lapdock, or a usb otg and powered hub, or... I do have an hdmi cable and use webtop 3 all the time for watching tv..
Unfortunately google basically stopped moto from doing this.. We can all run linux but using it on vnc is sloppy, android x server doesnt work proper yet.. And even webtop 3 isnt that bad of an idea..
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If someone or a few ppl can chip in to split the cost itd rly hlp.. yks
Hey, every idea you've posted seems good. The only thing I see holding back is, well, you have no credentials to show what you can/have done. I'd love a webtop for my phone, and an external android ssd(rasberry pi?) sounds sweet!
Anyways, what I'm trying to say is, I personally would love to see these projects come to life and help out with the funding side of things(unless you've got some extra time to teach) I do have a passion for developing, it's just not a skill yet.
Tell/show me more of what you can give/make to these protects you have planned and I'll tell/show you what I can fund/help with.
Really cool idea. I'm interested and if you develop even a crude "example" I'm sure the community will hop on board too.
Best of luck and I'll be keeping an eye out .
topdnbass said:
Really cool idea. I'm interested and if you develop even a crude "example" I'm sure the community will hop on board too.
Best of luck and I'll be keeping an eye out .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using webtop3 with just an hdmi cable for a bit - and at the least something like that should be available to every device with hdmi/mhl (eg. dynamic dpi change, phone screen becomes touchpad and kb unless hw mouse/kb avail) but also with all Android devices being linux, there should be a better way to run linux apps than vnc or a half-finished barely functional x server (not damping on the devs).
I have 15-20 years experience in coding almost all languages on almost all platforms. Done a ton of webstuff, none of it's really online or available (NDA). I worked with AOL/nullsoft for a short bit for sc_trans and thus ran my own radio, IdealSound. Unfortunately the AOL BW dried up and I had to kill it, but I am reviving it. I don't have a lot to show now, but give me a few weeks...
Anyhow, I see a ton of potential in android, I like open source, and, I think it's terrible that google axed wt3 even. wt2, I understand why.. wt3 is just dynamic dpi on hdmi and a different launcher profile (and a touchpad).
There needs to be more, and, I use android enough to be willing to invest time into this. Unfortunately, I am not able to invest $.
I envision multi-app android multi-tasking (two apps one screen? windowed?) and seamlessly running linux apps, like gimp, integrated ala parallels style (=using win appson mac seamless)
I eat Linux for breakfast and poop Java. And that's pretty much what android is.. I need dev tools tho.. my biggest concern really, is google and what they have planned conflicting with what I want to do.
I do plan to KISS (keep it stupidly simple) as much as possible though. Any dev I do will be very modular.
forbiddenera said:
I have been using webtop3 with just an hdmi cable for a bit - and at the least something like that should be available to every device with hdmi/mhl (eg. dynamic dpi change, phone screen becomes touchpad and kb unless hw mouse/kb avail) but also with all Android devices being linux, there should be a better way to run linux apps than vnc or a half-finished barely functional x server (not damping on the devs).
I have 15-20 years experience in coding almost all languages on almost all platforms. Done a ton of webstuff, none of it's really online or available (NDA). I worked with AOL/nullsoft for a short bit for sc_trans and thus ran my own radio, IdealSound. Unfortunately the AOL BW dried up and I had to kill it, but I am reviving it. I don't have a lot to show now, but give me a few weeks...
Anyhow, I see a ton of potential in android, I like open source, and, I think it's terrible that google axed wt3 even. wt2, I understand why.. wt3 is just dynamic dpi on hdmi and a different launcher profile (and a touchpad).
There needs to be more, and, I use android enough to be willing to invest time into this. Unfortunately, I am not able to invest $.
I envision multi-app android multi-tasking (two apps one screen? windowed?) and seamlessly running linux apps, like gimp, integrated ala parallels style (=using win appson mac seamless)
I eat Linux for breakfast and poop Java. And that's pretty much what android is.. I need dev tools tho.. my biggest concern really, is google and what they have planned conflicting with what I want to do.
I do plan to KISS (keep it stupidly simple) as much as possible though. Any dev I do will be very modular.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
like I said before, I'm very interested and would like to be on your team when this idea takes flight.
PM me and let's get started.
let me know what you need to get started, I'll reply with what I can offer.
also give whatever details of why you need what and so on, that you deem appropriate or necessary.
looking forward to hear from you.
Test Monkey
Just saw this today. If it helps, I may have a useful assortment of gear to test this kind of thing out on, when it comes to that.
Motorola Droid X2 cdma (no HDMI, but if you were going for a dock adapter that added HDMI over usb)
Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE (micro HDMI)
Motorola Photon (micro HDMI)
A Motorola LapDock (Fits both of the Photons, but won't recognize the touchpad or keyboard)
Hisense Sero 7 Pro Tablet (mini HDMI)
The Q is the only one I use daily, so I can monkey around with the rest pretty recklessly. I know my way around adb & CWM / TWRP, but I'm no dev. Just been flashing custom ROMs since the early windows mobile days, so I'm not scared of much.
I'm currently trying to cobble together a software-based solution for myself with the LapDock, using a combination of methods used by other folks on other gear, so I might also have some links worth following for stuff that's been done already. Either way, good luck.