[Q] Polaris Office v4 - Transformer TF300T Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have a quick question for all of you with the tf300:
My brother recently purchased the note 10.1 and I had the chance to play with it over the weekend. It's great, but I think it's a little out of my price range and the tf300 is the form factor I'd like. I'm a student, so being able to have the keyboard functionality is ideal. I know there's docks available for the note 10.1, but the tf300 with dock is more in my price range.
That being said, the functionality I wanted was in polaris office. I like to take my notes in the powerpoint format, and on my pc I've been able to crudely use the inking tools to scribble out things, with the majority of my notes going into the notes field. The note 10.1 has the ability to annotate free hand right on the slides using polaris office v4. Unfortunately, the tf300 demo units all had v3, and with no internet access, so I wasn't able to check if I could update the store model and see if that functionality exists. There was also no cursor visible in the notes section on the tf300, so you couldn't see where you were typing until you started typing.
So, my question is: can you update polaris office to v4, and can you write on the slides with your finger (or capacitive stylus)? OR, do you know of another way to do this? I realize an RT device would allow me to do this, but I don't want to purchase (IMHO) a gimped PC. I could wait for the Windows 8 Pro tablets to come out, but they're all looking to be three times as expensive as this setup would be.
I realize I can export the slides to PDF and use an annotating software, but that's not what I'm looking for.
Thanks!

The latest Jellybean ROM updates it to V3.5, so no luck getting V4 from Asus yet.

Ah, gotcha. Any chance there's any alternatives that allow that?

flanker1743 said:
Ah, gotcha. Any chance there's any alternatives that allow that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try looking around for the apk...but be warned its looked down upon, unless the app is free then its all good :good:

flanker1743 said:
Ah, gotcha. Any chance there's any alternatives that allow that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried getting a v4 apk from the net, but I couldn't get it to open any documents. The app would run but when I tried to open or create a document it crashed. So, I guess you might want to look for other options. There are several apps for taking notes with a stylus, ASUS SuperNote is pretty good (comes pre-installed), I know its not exactly what you need.
But if you can wait a while ASUS might update polaris, and Microsoft Office is being released for Android hopefully in the 1Q of 2013. Another note, the TF300T is pretty good with a stylus, but I bet the Note 10.1 is a lot better from what I've seen. I guess you could get the TF300T from a store with at least 30 days return policy and try it out.

Thanks everyone for all the responses. I'll keep these things in mind proceeding forward. It's just been extra tempting to get it lately with the black friday specials and now the cyber monday deals!

Related

[Q] Transformer for students.

A bit of background: I will be attending UCLA as a computer science student in the fall. I will be bringing my desktop with me, and am trying to decide between a laptop/netbook or the Transformer.
Would the transformer work in conjunction with the desktop, or will I need a full laptop.
Thanks.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
You should consider what you want to use this device for before you decide. As a CS major, you will certainly be doing quite a bit of programming, and you might want to prefer to use a full linux environment for this, depends largely on the program you have at UCLA. What you can consider is to get this device and using the splashtop program access your desktop to do your programming. However, you will want to consider whether or not you want to utilize the local processing power of your device. It would be far simpler to use a laptop/netbook for those purposes, rather than trying to find solutions with the tablet+dock. In the end, if you find that you will be using the device docked most of the time for school, then you should probably consider just getting a laptop/netbook. If the convenience of the tablet and media consumption is something you'd prefer, then get the transformer.
tl;dr, I consider the transformer+dock a fun/entertainment device. For CS based schoolwork, you would most likely want a laptop/netbook.
unless you wanted to focus on tablet development in your coursework...but that's not for another 2 years...
Hope that helps.
It helped a lot. Thank you.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Keep in mind that you can use the Transformer's bundled remote desktop app and/or a terminal app to control your PC, and run stuff that way - assuming you can connect to your desktop from wherever you are.
I do agree with omguss, if you don't plan on using the device mostly for entertainment, get a netbook/laptop.
Sorry if this is hijacking your thread (ill start a new thread if you want) but just wondering if there is a good note taking apps for android?
There are two uses I can see being needed for me.
First I would need something to annotate on pdf's and powerpoints. I remember seeing an app that looked pretty solid for this so it should be good.
Secondly I would need an app that I can be typing with the keyboard, and then when needed draw in equations, graphs, pictures, whatever. Not really sure if there is something good for this.
As a programmer, I would suggest getting a full laptop for somebody majoring in CS. As much as I love the transformer, you cannot compile code on it. At least in my searching I have not found a single IDE meant to be run on Android (Lot's target Android, but none run on Android). More than likely, there will be several times that you want to do work away from your room. On the transformer, the only real way to do this will be remote desktop software. It's up to you whether you think the remote desktop software will be sufficient for this, but one other thing I would caution against is the small keyboard. It is far more comfortable (and efficient) to program on a full-size (or as near to full-size as possible) keyboard.
I don't know what type of program you are going into, but if you take any courses on 3d graphics you are almost certainly going to lose the ability to test your programs through a remote desktop connection.
I personally think that tablets are great in conjunction with a desktop. I plan to get rid of my netbook once I get the transformer. My only concern for you is that a tablet simply isn't a good tool for programming. If the hacker community manages to get ubuntu onto the transformer then the device will be an acceptable programming tool in my opinion; although, you will still lack a full size keyboard.
My advice to you is wait until mid-to-late summer. There is a slew of new tech toys coming out this summer, and almost anything you get now will be outdated by the time you start in the fall. By summer you will know if we managed to get Ubuntu on the transformer, AMD's Llano processor will be out on laptops, and Tegra 3 tablets may be just around the corner.
BongoBong said:
Sorry if this is hijacking your thread (ill start a new thread if you want) but just wondering if there is a good note taking apps for android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't need to hijack anything. Just look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980783
I'm a secondary school student, I have a HP DM1 (Not the Z ), runs 7 pro X64 + VS 2010 Pro + VS2008 Pro. Got a load of VM's for debugging ETC...
Windows is good for note taking to, Onenote is great.
Hope this helps
Badwolve1
good old days of using SSH + eMacs + X client, they all switched to windows in school?
Magnesus said:
Don't need to hijack anything. Just look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980783
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I have already seen that thread and done some other looking up and the majority of discussion is whats the best handwriting app. They really don't mention how good it would be for mostly typing (understandable since most would be using the on screen keyboard).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1039287&highlight=onenote
someone seriously needs to start porting some compilers to android..
many scripting languages are available through SL4A but most CS courses are taught with C/C++ or Java. I'd love to help out with this project but I just wouldn't know where to start
Just adding on to this, since I'm a student and also looking for a tablet solution.
I'd love:
1. Printing to my university printers. My university currently requires you install some software to use their printers. Mac and Windows versions available, no Linux, no Android.
2. Onenote would be awesome. I read that there was an iPhone version available? Android should be coing soon hopefully.
I would suggest a full laptop, and something with high resolution. Once your CS load picks up you'll need something you can work on in between or during classes. Android lacking compilers on the OS itself is the killer here, otherwise you are free to code all you want via text editors.
j7899 said:
I would suggest a full laptop, and something with high resolution. Once your CS load picks up you'll need something you can work on in between or during classes. Android lacking compilers on the OS itself is the killer here, otherwise you are free to code all you want via text editors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a CS student myself I would agree with the above and add that in programming classes you will want all the screen real-estate you can get your hands on(17"+), a good amount of hard disk space, 4gb+ ram, and a good Virtual Machine program. Less important is video and cpu power unless you intend to make it a desktop replacement/gaming machine.
That being said... Such a laptop is going to be rather heavy. I am getting the Transformer to replace an early gen AspireOne for less technical classes.
Just my $0.02
Flowah said:
Just adding on to this, since I'm a student and also looking for a tablet solution.
I'd love:
1. Printing to my university printers. My university currently requires you install some software to use their printers. Mac and Windows versions available, no Linux, no Android.
2. Onenote would be awesome. I read that there was an iPhone version available? Android should be coing soon hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was about to say that you're insane and that MS would never make OneNote for iOS but.. turns out you're right. That's really strange. Hopefully they start work on an Android version soon.
Edit: The iOS version of OneNote doesn't seem all that great. You can't write with a stylus.. it's just keyboard input. lame. Writing with a capacitive stylus on the transformer would kind of suck anyway, but I might still consider the HTC Flyer which has an active digitizer.
smaskell said:
I was about to say that you're insane and that MS would never make OneNote for iOS but.. turns out you're right. That's really strange. Hopefully they start work on an Android version soon.
Edit: The iOS version of OneNote doesn't seem all that great. You can't write with a stylus.. it's just keyboard input. lame. Writing with a capacitive stylus on the transformer would kind of suck anyway, but I might still consider the HTC Flyer which has an active digitizer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, but I'm interested in the Transformer almost purely because of the keyboard dock, so keyboard input only is fine with me tbh. As long as it's decently full featured.
I'm waiting to see if the AMD Llano will make the best thin gaming laptop. Hopefully, new AMD laptops will come out in June, right before back-to-school season.
Oh yeah, OneNote. Yeah, that's important too.
joe_dude said:
Oh yeah, OneNote. Yeah, that's important too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Onenote is the single most useful piece of software MS has ever produced (Excluding win7;p))
Virtual Machines? Eh, I never needed to use one except when I was using a Mac. Wandering what you guys are doing with it.
Any laptop that is 13"+ in screen size is good. The power of the computer depends on what you plan to do. So you have to decide on the specs yourself. Dual Core is fine unless you plan to do any CPU intensive tasks. If you ever need a bigger screen, then you can just buy a monitor and hook it up so even a netbook could be fine if you are okay with the power it gives. 13"-15" is good. 17" is just monstrous and you don't want to be lugging that around.

[Q] Can i really use TF for same functions as a notebook???

Im undecided if i should buy the TF or the iPAD2.
I enjoy android hence my Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 2.3
I have been reading reviews on both tablets but im still undecided but i would like to have the TF as i prefer android but i want to know if its better than iPAD2.
i need the tablet to browse the net wifi, read books and documents, type documents on it, watch movies on a plane, enjoy good prudctivity and game apps too without too much glitches.
Please advice as im purchasing either one next week.
A similiar thread I started, before bought mine:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1248557
davebugyi said:
A similiar thread I started, before bought mine:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1248557
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanx mate...i was specifically looking for reasons why i should buy the TF either than the ipad2.
do u still have urz? enjoying it still? i read a review that some android apps are not made for tablets.
I use both my laptop and TF all the time, both have their own purpose and neither of them and fully replace the other in my opinion. At least not yet.
If I was in your situation I would have wait until the transformer prime released (TF2) on November. but if you can't wait buy the tf1, you won't regrat it.
I would say that it might be closer to replacing a NETbook, but not a notebook.
You can of course do basic things like email, youtube, watch video, and web browsing (although I haven't found this to be as good an experience as I had hoped). But I wouldn't rely on it to do seriously productive things yet (like typing documents etc). Its not impossible... its just not quite there yet IMO.
Definitely get the ipad 2.
khakhi said:
thanx mate...i was specifically looking for reasons why i should buy the TF either than the ipad2.
do u still have urz? enjoying it still? i read a review that some android apps are not made for tablets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have mine. But it is more like a netbook replacement than a notebook
Some apps are not, but developement is underway. But as Siad, i'd wait a bit longer and get the Transformer Prime
goodintentions said:
Definitely get the ipad 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But y? thats my question.
look, i want to get the TF but i would like to know that it is worth getting regarding being up to the same level as the ipad2.
i like the flexibility of android but i would like to know if the TF is quality too and wont glitch, freeze, crash frequently.
goodintentions said:
Definitely get the ipad 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes definately
goodintentions said:
Definitely get the ipad 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reaperzero said:
yes definately
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=3936&idPhone2=3847
this can say otherwise
The-Original-Ki said:
I would say that it might be closer to replacing a NETbook, but not a notebook.
You can of course do basic things like email, youtube, watch video, and web browsing (although I haven't found this to be as good an experience as I had hoped). But I wouldn't rely on it to do seriously productive things yet (like typing documents etc). Its not impossible... its just not quite there yet IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use my Transformer for this no problems.
Android has few if any "Serious" editors and even less useful tools for creating rich content that isn't HTML; Polaris Office is the most useful I've seen. Being ARM and Linux based however, I am able to run vim and other serious editors like GNU emacs on my transformer. I can even access more serious type setting tools for creating rich and or structured content.
Now if you live and die by MS Excel & PowerPoop, that might be a big problem.
Just for native-ness, I've thought of creating a vim/emacs style Android app and trying to stitch it to a Lua interp over RPC (to be used ala elisp), but have yet to have that big a need of yanking text from my terminal to other apps, versus just using e.g. Dropboxes editor for that.
If you have a pc and an always on internet connection, if you are savy enough, you can set up a remote desktop server on your pc by using VNC or Splashtop Remote Streamer. This may be alot to set up initially, but once its set up, its a great solution to this issue, so you won't have to carry around both your PC and your tab. Splashtop is a great program that makes it appear that your native PC OS is native to your tab. The downside to splashtop is that it does not encrypt your remote desktop sessions.
I don't know what you are looing to hear?The number of which one is better? This is totally subjective.
Go and try both of them out and then choose one.
khakhi said:
But y? thats my question.
look, i want to get the TF but i would like to know that it is worth getting regarding being up to the same level as the ipad2.
i like the flexibility of android but i would like to know if the TF is quality too and wont glitch, freeze, crash frequently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everybody's got an ipad 2. So, obviously, it's better than the TF. Also, I'd like to see less whining in the TF forums. Apple's already got an army of whiners. One more wouldn't hurt them.
---------- Post added at 01:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:09 AM ----------
Spidey01 said:
.
Now if you live and die by MS Excel & PowerPoop, that might be a big problem.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not true. I've made several ppp on my TF. I've also written a bunch of stuff with it. And I live and die by excel spreadsheet.
If you're looking for something free, of course polaris is inadequate.
I have bought quickoffice, freethink (or thinkfree, I always forget), officesuite pro, and doc2go. Between these, I can do everything I need to.
---------- Post added at 01:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 AM ----------
khakhi said:
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=3936&idPhone2=3847
this can say otherwise
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't matter what that comparison chart says. The ipad 2 is the king of the hill right now. Have you any idea how many times I've heard people on the train say "asus transformer? What is that?" Yet, everybody knows what the ipad is.
What's more, everytime I show people my TF, people always say "oh, it's an ipad..."
I still say if you have to ask which one to get, it's best that you get the ipad 2. If there's any disappointment after getting it, let apple and the iOS community deal with the inevitable whining session. And based on my experience with tablet users, there will undoubtedly be disappointments. Most people will start out trying to use the tablet like a laptop anyway.
I absolutely love my TF still, and I'm a big fan of Android. I dont know. The TF will do anything that the ipad can do and more, with the ability to customize and change whatever you want.
Being able to set up your TF like this is a great way to show why honeycomb is amazing. There's no way to even come close to setting up your ipad like this:
HUBS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrzQPkbkYOw
I need to upload a video of my hubs.... it's a GREAT way to use your tab
Ipad 2 or TF? If you plan to type more, use the editing options for word, excel etc, watch movies then go for the transformer. The extra laptop dock should be very helpful too. But if you are more inclined to play games, then go buy the ipad2,. Or.... Just wait for the prime. The Kal EL processor is a beast.
My girlfriend ditched her netbook for the TF months ago and hasnt had only one complaint. Her netbook had a VGA out and the TF only has HDMI. 99% of projectors dont support HDMI yet so she has to break out the old Dell to do that.
But otherwise you can open/edit office docs, PDFs, all websites, etc. She loves it. Even used it to take pictures of, edit and display cells and such she is working on.
ryan stewart said:
Her netbook had a VGA out and the TF only has HDMI. 99% of projectors dont support HDMI yet so she has to break out the old Dell to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it has a DVI input? There are plenty of HDMI adapters available. In fact, there are also HDMI to VGA adapters.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
The-Original-Ki said:
I would say that it might be closer to replacing a NETbook, but not a notebook.
You can of course do basic things like email, youtube, watch video, and web browsing (although I haven't found this to be as good an experience as I had hoped). But I wouldn't rely on it to do seriously productive things yet (like typing documents etc). Its not impossible... its just not quite there yet IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree great replacement for the netbook I think if i had a real laptop I would probably play w them both about the same
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium

Suggestions for buying my first tablet (Remote connection, note-taking)

Good day guys!
I've always used a laptop as my main PC, mainly because I can bring it to university, now I would like to build a desktop and would like to use a tablet to connect remotely to my new desktop and type any notes of documents directly on my PC.
As I would be taking notes/writing documents, it would be necessary to have a keyboard dock, I'm not too sure how the thing with docks work, if only some tablets can have them or if there are universal docks.
Additionally, it would be great if the tablet could play Full HD, or 720p at the very least
Price limit could be up to $500.
Thank you very much for your help everyone!
P.S.: One more thing, separately from the hardware, what is the best app available to do remote connection?
Andrex316 said:
Good day guys!
I've always used a laptop as my main PC, mainly because I can bring it to university, now I would like to build a desktop and would like to use a tablet to connect remotely to my new desktop and type any notes of documents directly on my PC.
As I would be taking notes/writing documents, it would be necessary to have a keyboard dock, I'm not too sure how the thing with docks work, if only some tablets can have them or if there are universal docks.
Additionally, it would be great if the tablet could play Full HD, or 720p at the very least
Price limit could be up to $500.
Thank you very much for your help everyone!
P.S.: One more thing, separately from the hardware, what is the best app available to do remote connection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$500 + tax? lol well here we go, You didn't ask for screen size so I'll give some 7 in ones too.
All tablets have an HD resolution, but the only one that has Full HD is the Prime Infinity. To be honest each one has a great screen. Some tablets come with a dock that's is meant for them (Asus Transformer Prime and Galaxy Note 10.1) but each tablet also can be paired with a Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse if you want. Also you can use a USB input dongle with the Note and Prime so that you can use a regular keyboard too (kind silly though =D).
1) Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 in specs http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_10_1_n8000-4573.php
2) Asus Transformer Prime Infinity 10.1 in specs http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_transformer_pad_infinity_700-4606.php
3) Nexus 7 in specs http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_google_nexus_7-4850.php
4) Toshiba Excite 7.7 in specs http://www.gsmarena.com/toshiba_excite_7_7_at275-4693.php
5) Sony Tablet S 10.1 in specs http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_tablet_s-4137.php4
Best Remote connection app is TeamViewer 7 Here's the app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teamviewer.teamviewer.market.mobile&hl=en, and here's the program you install on your PC http://www.teamviewer.com/en/download/windows.aspx.
For me it works pretty much with lag doing light task. So typing and make notes should be a breeze. However, you may experience lag if you are trying to watch a movie on it. I got lag when I tried it out, but I think it is because the GPU on my device (Galaxy Player 4.0) is not powerful enough. These device either have Mali-MP 400, Tegra 3 or Tegra 2 which are far superior. So I hope this helps you, and if you want I try and post reviews of each device.
Wow! Thanks a lot! I wasn't expecting such a detailed response!
From the suggestions you gave me I had been looking at the first three, the other two look really good too! I had been leaning mostly towards the Asus, although the Note also looks tempting, I'll have to do some thinking.
I've also had the galaxy tab on my watch, but it looks like the Asus is better.
Thank you!
Andrex316 said:
Wow! Thanks a lot! I wasn't expecting such a detailed response!
From the suggestions you gave me I had been looking at the first three, the other two look really good too! I had been leaning mostly towards the Asus, although the Note also looks tempting, I'll have to do some thinking.
I've also had the galaxy tab on my watch, but it looks like the Asus is better.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. Yeah the Galaxy Tab is kinda meh. I think the Note 10.1 is a lot better lol. Have fun. :victory:
Out of subject, I see you're running a custom Gundam Theme... would you mind posting a screenshot of how it looks??
Andrex316 said:
Out of subject, I see you're running a custom Gundam Theme... would you mind posting a screenshot of how it looks??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol yeah. But it isn't like super customized. I just use Go Launcher EX, and tweaked some of the objects using their theme maker. It took a while to find the images though, and I had to photoshop many of them, but it came out well.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1378822&page=30
Scroll down, and you should see it.
I was going to make a locker for it (still might) but I got kinda lazy =D
Wow! Awesome! I think I'll work on my own theme when I get my tablet!
You can get a Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 refurbished on Amazon for $340. This is what i use, it has amazing battery life and a very clear screen! If you remote connect to your desktop it will waste a bunch of battery, but what you can do is type your notes on your tablet and sync them with Dropbox so they will automatically be shared with your desktop. Dropbox is AMAZING! I highly recommend it if you haven't checked it out!

Need Advice, please.

I have 500 bucks to spend and am hesitating between getting either the Surface or a nexus 7 + a chromebook. For those who have had some experience with those devices, what do you think would be a better way to go? I am honestly hesitating between the two choices.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
The Chromebook really doesn't enthuse me...I don't completely think that its existence is justified yet. It depends how you consider the convenience of two devices vs one.
What are you planning on doing? Will you type a lot? Integrate the products into an existing Windows 8/Android phone ecosystem? Watch movies and videos? Games? Travel with it, or are they devices for home? Will you carry a Nexus 7 around alongside your Chromebook?
Personally, I'd look at the range of Atom-based Windows 8 Pro hybrid tablets. They get better battery and performance than the Surface RT, and have access to all Windows applications of the past. There's heaps from every OEM, and I don't know your exact price-point, so I can't really make a recommendation.
I don't agree re: the Atom systems providing better performance and battery than the surface. I've used an Atom Windows machine and it was a dog and the battery life was comparable to a PC.
I do agree regarding understanding just what you are going to use it for.
Are you a student? An office worker?
Are you watching movies? Playing games? Just browsing the web?
Are you going to need any Office document editing?
The Nexus is going to give you the best app ecosystem and access to Google Play books, movies, and music. The Chromebook is basically just an android tablet in a laptop form factor (with some limitations).
The Surface is more of a PC with some restrictions but doesn't benefit from the Google Play Store. It does have access to the XBox ecosystem but it is not as extensive as Google offerings (yet?).
I have Android tablets and an iPad and in the week I've had the Surface I have found the Surface to have more utility than any other tablet I've owned, but I look at things from a work standpoint. I don't play games or use "apps" on a tablet. I need them on my phone (which is why I have an Android phone).
Thanks for your input. I had the transformer prime but returned it because of a screen that went really bad. I am planning to go to school and was wondering which device (surface or chromebook) would help more on the go (I have a 17" Toshiba at home). I don't play much on my tablet but I like to watch movies on Netflix and videos online and browse the web. I am leaning toward the surface, I guess I am looking for assurance that I won't be disappointed.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Wendemixda said:
Thanks for your input. I had the transformer prime but returned it because of a screen that went really bad. I am planning to go to school and was wondering which device (surface or chromebook) would help more on the go (I have a 17" Toshiba at home). I don't play much on my tablet but I like to watch movies on Netflix and videos online and browse the web. I am leaning toward the surface, I guess I am looking for assurance that I won't be disappointed.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an impossible assurance, but if this is for school, I think Surface is the way to go. They have a no-restock 14 day return policy. Worst case scenario, you can buy it, use it, and if you don't like it, return it.
Surface already has Netflix, Hulu, Kindle, and supports Amazon Instant Video via the web browser.
If you need Office, then get the Surface. I've tried just about every word processor/spread sheet app on android and none of them come close to the real thing. The Touch Cover and the way it's integrated is also vastly superior to any keyboard peripheral I've used on my android tablets.
If you do work with a lot of PDF's though be warned that right now you're pretty much stuck with converting them into office docs for now, the pdf reader that comes with the Surface barely has any functionality beyond the ability to open and read them, and there aren't any alternatives on the market yet.
As for netflix, hulu and web surfing it's all there. The Surface uses the desktop version of IE10 and as far as I know, it's the only new tablet to have flash support. Subjectively speaking I've found it to be just as fast as Chrome on Android 4.1.1, while I like the way Chrome renders some websites better, IE10 will always pull the desktop version of websites and does a much better job with animated gifs and embedded video.
hoodoomagic said:
If you need Office, then get the Surface. I've tried just about every word processor/spread sheet app on android and none of them come close to the real thing. The Touch Cover and the way it's integrated is also vastly superior to any keyboard peripheral I've used on my android tablets.
If you do work with a lot of PDF's though be warned that right now you're pretty much stuck with converting them into office docs for now, the pdf reader that comes with the Surface barely has any functionality beyond the ability to open and read them, and there aren't any alternatives on the market yet.
As for netflix, hulu and web surfing it's all there. The Surface uses the desktop version of IE10 and as far as I know, it's the only new tablet to have flash support. Subjectively speaking I've found it to be just as fast as Chrome on Android 4.1.1, while I like the way Chrome renders some websites better, IE10 will always pull the desktop version of websites and does a much better job with animated gifs and embedded video.
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I find the built in pdf reader more than capable. I work with large pdfs for work and with the options menu at the bottom I can search , find bookmarks, highlight and add notes. What else do you want from a reader?
The only other thing I need is a pdf driver to create pdfs on the go but that is a different app.
guitar1969 said:
I find the built in pdf reader more than capable. I work with large pdfs for work and with the options menu at the bottom I can search , find bookmarks, highlight and add notes. What else do you want from a reader?
The only other thing I need is a pdf driver to create pdfs on the go but that is a different app.
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You're right, I was a too quick to judge and missed a lot of things that the stock reader is capable of doing. I'm used to using ez-pdf on android and that throws a lot of options in your face and was thrown off by the cleaner interface of the ms reader. I still can't figure out how to quickly get to a page though, and a night mode would be nice.
hoodoomagic said:
I still can't figure out how to quickly get to a page though
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Pinch to zoom out.
mk1151 said:
The Chromebook is basically just an android tablet in a laptop form factor (with some limitations).
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Except that it isn't that at all!
No Android whatsoever in the Chromebook.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
foxmeister said:
Except that it isn't that at all!
No Android whatsoever in the Chromebook.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
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correct, chromeOS doesn't share app stores with android, so no apps aside for the ones built specifically for that OS (which is just a fullscreen chrome browser)
aside from the rock bottom pricing for a basic use computer, i don't see the point of the chromebook at all.

Which Office app handles Word documents best?

I am using my dear little Infinity as a word manager at school which works somewhat good. I wish that Google Drive worked better with the browsers tho, maybe it will work better in the future
Back to the main question, to print documents I have to use it from a computer at school which in general means I have to save it in Word doc format. Sofar I find that OfficeSuite works best but it is usually a big difference how it formats the page compared to Word on the computers at school. Do you have any tips for minimizing this, like a better working Word app for Android or such?
Currently it's Textmaker from Softmaker - it's the only one that holds Word formatting and you can just import fonts from Windows. The UI takes a bit of getting used to, though.
I quite like smart office.
Ok, Ill try that when I get a bit more cash Kinda irritating that I bought OfficeSuite about a month ago before I asked this question... =)
EDIT: Is SoftMakers Presentations good too? Because its the same with the Presentations with all the different Office packs Ive tried, they simply dont work good.
dgjl said:
Currently it's Textmaker from Softmaker - it's the only one that holds Word formatting and you can just import fonts from Windows. The UI takes a bit of getting used to, though.
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for words, i generally use officesuite pro.
but for powerpoint, i like quickoffice better.
the other choice you have is kingsoft office, but i never tried it. many people say it's pretty good.
i think it's more of personal preferences rather than the software it self.
I use OfficeSuite Pro 6 but find that it's choppy with a simple Word document. Anyone else experience this? Maybe it has to do with the fact that I'm using Dropbox to keep documents synced, but I doubt it. Feature wise though, OP6 seems pretty nice, never had an issue aside from performance. Doesn't seem to slow down on my X2.
hobs0n said:
Ok, Ill try that when I get a bit more cash Kinda irritating that I bought OfficeSuite about a month ago before I asked this question... =)
EDIT: Is SoftMakers Presentations good too? Because its the same with the Presentations with all the different Office packs Ive tried, they simply dont work good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Softmaker's PP is pretty good - it keeps most formatting and it allows for animations. Not so good for creating PPs,
Thanx for your tips but as I said, none other than TextMaker seems to keep the format which is the most important part for me Hopefully they will fix that in the future tho And I spent the money for TextMaker yesterday =) And as you said, not the best gui...
Hi from Rage by the way hobs0n
kingsoft is amazing! seriously i have office suite, quick office and documents to go, and by far kingsoft is the best. Plus its free. Just try it out and you will see what im talking about.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
pierrekid said:
kingsoft is amazing! seriously i have office suite, quick office and documents to go, and by far kingsoft is the best. Plus its free. Just try it out and you will see what im talking about.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
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I agree! the ui of kingsoft is amazing. It much much much better than officesuit pro and polaris office.
And it is free!!!
noobwow said:
I agree! the ui of kingsoft is amazing. It much much much better than officesuit pro and polaris office.
And it is free!!!
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Another vote for Kingsoft.
I really like Kingsoft as well. My only issue with it, is that it doesn't know how to handle equations and certain symbols properly, so I usually just ask someone to export it to pdf and send it to me.
I've fond that a mixture works best for me.
For Spreadsheets, I find that my old, tried, tested and true Docs2Go works best, for both viewing existing spreadsheets and for adding new data. I bought D2G a long time ago when they put it on an absurd sale price.
For Word docs, it's a toss up, bit it seems like Kingsoft is edging out the competition. QuickOffice is a very close second. I got the Pro version of QO via Amazon Market place when they had it on sale for free.
For PPTs, well, I haven't found anything that is fool proof, other than a laptop running Windows XP+ and M$ Office 2007+.
On my Infinity, I've got like 5 suites installed to try to test this out (it's funny seeing 2 rows of icons asking me which program I want to open .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files every time lol).
Here's to wishing that CloudON was working on the Infinity - problem solved, from what I hear.
I'm almost tempted to start using my RDP Client and using my home beast to do all of this stuff....sheesh.
Thanx again all for the tips and replys but I have already decided, TextMaker is the only one thats interesting because the other ones have too much difference in formating
berfles said:
Hi from Rage by the way hobs0n
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Click to collapse
Hoho why hallo thare =) Same name on R3D?
I use textmaker out of all programs including quickoffice HD and kingsoft, and that is the only one that keeps up with my typing speed, and seems to have the most functionality and ease of use, as well as a built in spell check, that once downloaded and installed works amazingly. It is basically the only program I use for writing, and has gotten rid of my chief grievance, that I miss MSword, about my switch from a laptop to a tablet for daily use.
It's fairly cheap too.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
After some testing I use Officesuite
Only suit with which the spreadsheet is not a letdown and where you can use the arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate.
Haven't used Softmakers SW yet
Though every improvement in Office programs is welcome... since it's definitely a weak spot of Android for now
I've only used Polaris Office and OfficeSuite. I can't really pick a favorite. We should have MS Office availability in May 2013 so that's cool. I've used Office 2013 on the Surface and it blows away any of the Android Office products.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
Ah yah, I'm looking forward to the ms office, hopefully it will be much better than the other android office suits
Try moffice:laugh:

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