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OK... heres the thing ... its my 40th birthday coming up and the wife wants to buy me a slightly more special gift than usual
Do i:
a) end up with something that she chooses herself
b) ask for a transformer
She currently has a kindle and is raving about that so im trying to figure out what id use a tablet for over a 'kindle + HTC Desire' combo.
The transformer has no 3G (yet) so i wouldnt use it for web or email whilst out and about.
The transformer has a shiny screen so wont be as good for ebooks as a kindle.
Ive seen the asus commercial so i know the 'standard' suggested uses for a transformer - but im no teen and cant stand up on a skateboard
so .... what do you guys use your transformer for in the 'real world' ? especially with no 3G ??
I LOVE gadgets but im just struggling to justify the expense
Please help me
Adding to the wondering:
will I be able to play facebook games on it (cityville, poker,etc..) From the browser?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Right now, I'm using mine as a laptop replacement. I haven't had to turn my Macbook on since getting ths out of the box. Its a lot easier to just pick up and use... so if you just do casual browsing, this is ideal. I have my iMac for when I'm doing 'serious' work.
DKM119 said:
Adding to the wondering:
will I be able to play facebook games on it (cityville, poker,etc..) From the browser?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they are flash based, then you should be able to. I haven't tested them, but everything else flash seems to work well, so I don't see why not.
Admittedly I did buy mine to use as a laptop replacement, but I'm waiting for the keyboard dock to arrive. At the moment I'm using it as an ebook reader and for general browsing - it drives my girlfriend nuts as I'm always playing with it!!
I'm not a facebook fan so can't say for sure, but it does have flash, so I don't see why not.
Planning to pick up one very very soon.
Anyway, i plan to use it as a laptop replacement (get Ubuntu running on it )
and WiFi tether it to my Captivate for teh internetz.
wilbur-force said:
The transformer has no 3G (yet) so i wouldnt use it for web or email whilst out and about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could tether your Desire via Android AP which would essentially give you internet where ever you are. I did this with my XOOM and it worked very well. I had to return it though because the Transformer just seemed like a more practical option for me.
Does anyone know if the keyboard dock will be available in all countries(I'm danish)? The 32gb/no dock version is released earlier here, but I want to make sure I can get the keyboard dock later on!
defeating the decepticons
You can use it out and about with WiFi hot spot on your desire .for this reason I don't understand ,why people want 3 G model as most of the people buying tablets would have a moviles with a decent internet contract
LEEDROID DESIRE HD using XDA PREMIUM
DKM119 said:
Adding to the wondering:
will I be able to play facebook games on it (cityville, poker,etc..) From the browser?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've played Facebook Scrabble on it. It's a bit picky about keypresses to select and place the tiles, but it's usable.
I use my Xoom (to be replaced with a Transformer once it's available in the US) for everything I use my notebook for except long-form writing, and I don't do that on the Xoom only because there's no physical keyboard. With the Transformer+keyboard dock, I think my HP Envy notebook will get much less work and might even go to the wife.
So, that means I do all of the following on my tablet:
1. Browsing, including all but the most hardcore research
2. Newsfeed reading
3. Email triage (best device for this by far)
4. Ebook reading for all but the longest reading sessions (when I use my Nook)
5. Ebook annotations (for research, and it's great for that)
6. Casual gaming (of course, I still play Crysis 2 and the like on the desktop)
7. Forum browsing/posting using Tapatalk
8. Note taking using the outstanding Evernote client (not optimized for Honeycomb but still quite usable)
9. Light blog posting (long-form and complex graphics still done on the notebook)
The instant-on nature of the device and the extremely long battery life means it's far more convenient to use, in more places, and more ad hoc. Whether you're sitting on the couch, lying in bed, or whatever you can grab a tablet and start using without waiting for it to boot/wake up, finding a flat surface to put it on, plugging into an outlet, etc. as you do a notebook or netbook.
The bottom line is that I'm using my Xoom even more than I thought I would. I have to give Apple credit for recognizing the value of a relatively light device running a mobile OS with really long battery life. And I think Honeycomb offers more value than iOS because it's actively useful, not just an app launcher.
You could use it to read comics on, people have started to buy tablet comics, like from this app
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.iconology.comics
I went through the decision making process as you did. I had the Amazon Kindle 2, but for me, I don't read as much as I should. So I sold it off and bought a Nook Color. Rooted it and used it to read news, manage ebay sales, emails, etc. After a while, the Nook felt too small for me to get anything done. And I required a real laptop for any true productivity when producing documents or typing out an email. A few weeks ago I sold my Nook in anticipation for the Transformer's release and I'm a bit bummed with the availability to the US.
Bottom line, if you do a lot of serious reading, then use an e-ink (Kindle) reader. Your eyes will thank you for it. If you are like me who does a lot of casual reading, then get the transformer. If you do both, then get both. Guys usually demand, i mean, expect D) less for ourselves than our counterparts, so once in a while, it's okay to treat ourselves to something nice, twice!
Kind of off-topic, but kind of related I guess:
What do you guys think of having this vs a real netbook? I was originally planning to get a DM1z, then an ASUS Eee 1215B (both use the E-350 Fusion processor). Then I discovered the Transformer. I can't decide if I should get a netbook or just get the transformer with keyboard. I will primarily be using it for leisure activities and also some school/note taking. Suggestions?
drummr8 said:
Kind of off-topic, but kind of related I guess:
What do you guys think of having this vs a real netbook? I was originally planning to get a DM1z, then an ASUS Eee 1215B (both use the E-350 Fusion processor). Then I discovered the Transformer. I can't decide if I should get a netbook or just get the transformer with keyboard. I will primarily be using it for leisure activities and also some school/note taking. Suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha, i'm selling my dm1z to get the transformer~
the e350 apu is slightly underpowered for me and 6 hours of [real-world] battery life is nothing to write home about...
thanks guys
can always depend on the XDA bunch when i need convincing over a gadget
transformer ordered ... arrives a week on Thursday
will keep you posted on performance etc
drummr8 said:
Kind of off-topic, but kind of related I guess:
What do you guys think of having this vs a real netbook? I was originally planning to get a DM1z, then an ASUS Eee 1215B (both use the E-350 Fusion processor). Then I discovered the Transformer. I can't decide if I should get a netbook or just get the transformer with keyboard. I will primarily be using it for leisure activities and also some school/note taking. Suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A netbook is... well... just a netbook. It's an underpowered Intel processor (that's still not as efficient as an ARM) running a heavyweight OS (assuming you're running Windows) and with the necessary compromises in battery life. It's usable only in the standard netbook format, that is, clamshell that generally requires a flat surface to use on. It can't comfortably be used standing or lying down.
A Transformer is both a "netbook" in that it has a keyboard and can be used for tasks that need one. But, it can also be used in the tablet format, that is, with the touchscreen and in whatever situation (lying down, standing, etc.). It also runs a lightweight OS that, while a bit more limited in functionality (although less so every day) is also made to optimize power, and a power-sipping ARM processor that still provides decent performance. So, instead of 6 hours of battery life or so in the "netbook" mode, it gets 16 hours or so.
Really, the Transformer is a netbook+tablet hybrid that has the best features of both, while minimizing their weaknesses.
I was wondering what i was going to use it for to.
I have an EVO thus the only really use is for a ereader.
everything is just bigger... but i still want it. ... still trying to figure it out.
Are you guys going to buy generation 1 or wait for hardware/generation 2 to come out.
error12 said:
I was wondering what i was going to use it for to.
I have an EVO thus the only really use is for a ereader.
everything is just bigger... but i still want it. ... still trying to figure it out.
Are you guys going to buy generation 1 or wait for hardware/generation 2 to come out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would buy Gen1 and enjoy the most of it. When Gen2 is about to be released, I will sell Gen1 to use towards a Gen2, but that is me.
How are the apps on the 10" Honeycomb O/S?
I'm running 2.3 on my Nook, but with the TF 2 coming out, may upgrade. When I got my Nook, I was reading that there wasn't much app selection on Honeycomb. Now it looks like Android is looking to roll into 4.0 in the not too distant future.
Will I be giving up alot of app selection if I upgrade to Honeycomb Tablet, or has the last 8 months or so shown alot of app development with all the Honeycomb Tablets that have hit the market?
Love my 7" screen, but could use a 10" for some uses. And a faster performance is always a plus.
I've found that the vast majority of apps run just fine on Honeycomb and 10.1" screens. In fact, I consider it a complete fallacy that there's a small selection of apps for Honeycomb tablets.
If an app runs on your Nook, it'll mostly likely run just fine on the Transformer (or any other). It may be stretched out a bit in some cases, or in others might be blown up and a bit pixelated, but again most of the apps I've tried run just fine and are entirely usable.
At the same time, the number of tablet- and Honeycomb-optimized apps increases everyday. There are quite a few good apps. There's a thread here somewhere that discusses those apps, and I recommend you take a look.
Thanks for the heads up. I think I found it in the other subforum.
Will Google work on a dedicated market section for tablets? I'm tired of going through tonnes of phone apps before finding one optimized for tablets.
I'm not sure. I think they are trying to NOT have separate Phone and Tablet apps. They are pushing for the devs to program the app to auto-sense the screen size and adjust accordingly.
But I've used my TF for a while now and really never had the need to find "special apps". For example, the XDA app isn't "optimized" for Tablets but looks just perfect. Most games and apps never had an issue with screen size. In fact I've never found an app that didn't look right (I'm sure they're out there though).
I did toy around with the Nook Color while waiting for the iPad2 (which I traded for the TF) and while it is a neat toy, it wasn't quite a good experience. The OS seemed to run ok, but the Nook Color is what it is. Aside from larger screen space, you'll find the Transformer (or any real tablet) a much better experience all around.
I am surprised how well the Nook Color ran. I never would have thought it would play games and apps so well. The screen was very nice too but a little too small. I can see a 7" screen being great for a sole device, but when you have a 4" screen on your phone 3" doesn't really make that much of a difference. A phone and 10" tablet work well.
I use WiFi Explorer to share files back and forth. Good tip.
I think that's a terrible decision. App devs simply aren't catching up. And some just don't bother. I too, traded a brand new iPad 2 to buy this Transformer. But every single time I enter the Market, I regret my decision. I feel that it just gives a terrible user experience.
First, forced horizontal orientation. What's that about?
Next would be this issue, the lack of a dedicated tablet section. While most of the apps do work, some apps do have tablet-optimized alternatives out there. But because of how the Market is right now, it's no easy task looking for it.
Another benefit of having a dedicated tablet section is that there will be a separate ranking (top sellers) from the phone apps.
They do have a "Staff Picks for Tablets" section right now - and I hope that they are going to expand on that. Over 90% of the apps listed there are games; not what I bought my Transformer for.
Google may have a decent rationalization behind not going forward with it, but until the devs actually catch up, users are the one suffering.
It's going to be a while before HC/ICS catches up with iPad in terms of number and quality of Apps on Tablets is concerned. In the meanwhile, you can use www.tablified.com to navigate through all tablet-optimized apps on Android.
That's awesome. Thanks for the link!
Manusia said:
First, forced horizontal orientation. What's that about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That drove me crazy everytime I opened the Market in portrait orientation. But it's fixed with the new Market in the latest TF firmware update! The new Market's awesome
And the new market offers a selection of the best tablet apps. Has anyonwe seen that already?
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Manusia said:
I think that's a terrible decision. App devs simply aren't catching up. And some just don't bother. I too, traded a brand new iPad 2 to buy this Transformer. But every single time I enter the Market, I regret my decision. I feel that it just gives a terrible user experience.
First, forced horizontal orientation. What's that about?
Next would be this issue, the lack of a dedicated tablet section. While most of the apps do work, some apps do have tablet-optimized alternatives out there. But because of how the Market is right now, it's no easy task looking for it.
Another benefit of having a dedicated tablet section is that there will be a separate ranking (top sellers) from the phone apps.
They do have a "Staff Picks for Tablets" section right now - and I hope that they are going to expand on that. Over 90% of the apps listed there are games; not what I bought my Transformer for.
Google may have a decent rationalization behind not going forward with it, but until the devs actually catch up, users are the one suffering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hate to sound fanboyish here but really? These complaints are hyperbolic and whiny. Orientation? Really?
I've yet to find myself in a situation wishing that an application (or type of application) that i'm looking for came in a tablet specific version. every app i've gotten just worked.
the only exception being launchers...but AFAIK, you can't even change launchers for the ipad.
encouraging devs to develop two versions of their apps is worse for consumers. you have to pay twice for premium apps. (angry birds anyone?)
lastly, just get an ipad. there's absolutely no reason you should be miserable with your TF. i mean cmon, you have to rotate it to horizontal orrientation and everything. OH THE HUMANITY!!!!!
---
edit: i just realized you're not even complaining about tablet specific apps..you're complaining about lack of listing for said apps. that's even more superficial. just add 'tablet' to your search. good lord. or tablified.com
but really though, just get an ipad.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
The new market has made it a bit easier to find goo tablet apps. the best source of app recommendations for me though has always been blogs and forums.
Almost all of my most used (and most tablet friendly) apps have been from my news feed.
Some apps that I've found to take advantage of the extra screen real estate, in elegant and useful ways are, News360, (Google) Reader, IMDB, Gmail.
Oh my god, I just noticed that ezPDF pro has been updated with a native HC interface (I haven't had the tablet for a few weeks as the screen needed replacing), nice.
I don't know about you guys but I did not purchase a tablet so I can run phone apps. I don't understand how people are okay with the fact that you have such a big beautiful screen that can hold and display so much information but yet, you settle for an app that does nothing but stretch to fit the screen.
For example, tapatalk is an app that I use almost daily but it frustrates the hell out of me. Maneuvering through forums and threads would be much more efficient if they took advantage of fragments and displayed the threads on the left and the individual post content on the right. The user experience on a tablet should always be better on a tablet than on a small phone and right now, Android is lacking in that UX department due to the lack of tablet apps.
And just because a dev makes a tablet version and a phone version doesn't always mean that you will have to pay twice. Take Plume for example, they have a tablet UI and a phone UI all in one app, thats how it should be! I don't want to use the plume phone app on my giant tablet screen. Whats the point then?
I hate when people say that there are 300,000+ android tablet app....no there isn't-there are under 2k, thats a more accurate number. There's a big difference between an app that works on tablets and an app that was designed with tablets in mind.
and I don't think the other user is being a whiner about the landscape-only market. it annoyed the hell out of me too. Just because it wasn't included to begin with doesn't mean that it was the best choice. If you are not a fanboy then you would point out the flaws and admit that they are real. I love android but I am not a fanboy, if there's an issue, I will point it out. The market has major issues and I hope Google address them soon.
Just my 2cents.
hyperxi said:
That drove me crazy everytime I opened the Market in portrait orientation. But it's fixed with the new Market in the latest TF firmware update! The new Market's awesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Awesome! Just waiting for them to put the update back up
finalhit said:
Hate to sound fanboyish here but really? These complaints are hyperbolic and whiny. Orientation? Really?
I've yet to find myself in a situation wishing that an application (or type of application) that i'm looking for came in a tablet specific version. every app i've gotten just worked.
the only exception being launchers...but AFAIK, you can't even change launchers for the ipad.
encouraging devs to develop two versions of their apps is worse for consumers. you have to pay twice for premium apps. (angry birds anyone?)
lastly, just get an ipad. there's absolutely no reason you should be miserable with your TF. i mean cmon, you have to rotate it to horizontal orrientation and everything. OH THE HUMANITY!!!!!
---
edit: i just realized you're not even complaining about tablet specific apps..you're complaining about lack of listing for said apps. that's even more superficial. just add 'tablet' to your search. good lord. or tablified.com
but really though, just get an ipad.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have low expectations. Not my problem. You know why iPad is leading in the tablet market? User experience. Not just from using the product itself, but when researching as well. I have come across posts like yours so many times when people try to compare iPad and an Android. "Oh gosh just go get an iPad". And they do. Your ignorance is humoring though. Pointing out how Android can be improved gets me labeled as a fanboy. I've been recommending the TF to many of my friends since I got it. The Android Market sucks - doesn't mean I hate everything about the TF.
I'm glad you like the app to dictate what orientation you should hold your tablet. And I'm glad that you're fine with phone apps. Personally, I find tablet-optimized versions much better than their phone counterparts. But hey, I'm just a whiny dumbfuck.
Just add 'tablet'. Heh, if only it works such wonder every time. And while it's good that SOMEONE made the effort to list out the tablet apps, it's saddening that it isn't Google themselves. But what do you care about a simplified user experience?
RonSykes said:
Oh my god, I just noticed that ezPDF pro has been updated with a native HC interface (I haven't had the tablet for a few weeks as the screen needed replacing), nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love ezPDF
Manusia said:
Really? Awesome! Just waiting for them to put the update back up
You have low expectations. Not my problem. You know why iPad is leading in the tablet market? User experience. Not just from using the product itself, but when researching as well. I have come across posts like yours so many times when people try to compare iPad and an Android. "Oh gosh just go get an iPad". And they do. Your ignorance is humoring though. Pointing out how Android can be improved gets me labeled as a fanboy. I've been recommending the TF to many of my friends since I got it. The Android Market sucks - doesn't mean I hate everything about the TF.
I'm glad you like the app to dictate what orientation you should hold your tablet. And I'm glad that you're fine with phone apps. Personally, I find tablet-optimized versions much better than their phone counterparts. But hey, I'm just a whiny dumbfuck.
Just add 'tablet'. Heh, if only it works such wonder every time. And while it's good that SOMEONE made the effort to list out the tablet apps, it's saddening that it isn't Google themselves. But what do you care about a simplified user experience?
Love ezPDF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i said "(i'd) hate to sound fanboying here but...". i wasn't calling you a fanboy, i'm saying, i'd hate to sound like a fanboy.
this is my main criticism of you.
you: " But every single time I enter the Market, I regret my decision. "
really? the orientation of the market, makes you regret completely of your choice to switching to the android? i don't have low expectations, you are majorly anal. my statement about switching to the ipad is wholy predicated on this statement as well. if the orientation of the market makes you regret your decision to switch...then switch back. This superficial problem is making you want to switch...then switch. i was not generalizing on how you feel about android as a whole....you were doing that. re-read your own post.
next, i also find tablet optimized apps better for my app...who said i didn't?
my critic to you was that you're hyperbolic and whiny...someone already mentioned that google didn't want fragmentation. promotating such a dichotomy would cause fragmentation. your response was: just do it anyway. The android OS is not designed to run on a specific resolution, and google always intended all apps to follow the same paradigm.
for the market to have it's own dedicated "tablet" section means devs would simply mark their apps to work for a certain resolution...which resolution would that be? what resolution qualifies as a tablet? ... suddenly the question becomes vague doesn't it?
what qualifies as an tablet app? is tapalk a tablet app? it runs on my tablet...so i guess it is, right? btw, tapatalk was not intended to be a tablet app...but having been designed correctly, it just works as a tablet app. come to think of it100% of the apps i've tried runs on my tablet actually. so i guess all of those are tablet apps well, right?
who's gonna be the arbiter of the official "tabletness" of an app? google? they're gonna go through all the apps, and all the possible resolution, and determine if "this looks right". the developers? if the app runs on the tablet...is it a tablet app? so if there were such a "tablet" section, wouldn't that just include everything?
i guess the compromise would be for google to put up a "recomendation" list for tablets...not an official list...because such a list would be vague an meaningless, but simply test a few apps for tablets, and reccomend them to people....oh wait, they already do that.
so yea, i'm not calling you a fanboy, i'm calling you anal. if the market's orientation makes you regret your decision to switch...then switch back...your words, not mine.
i'm not an android fanboy, i like reading valid critics of the system...keyword being valid. not whiny, ill-informed ones.
so i guess long story short, your probem is that you're working of a false premise...there's no such thing as tablet apps. splitting the market into such doesn't make sense.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
finalhit said:
i said "(i'd) hate to sound fanboying here but...". i wasn't calling you a fanboy, i'm saying, i'd hate to sound like a fanboy.
this is my main criticism of you.
you: " But every single time I enter the Market, I regret my decision. "
really? the orientation of the market, makes you regret completely of your choice to switching to the android? i don't have low expectations, you are majorly anal. my statement about switching to the ipad is wholy predicated on this statement as well. if the orientation of the market makes you regret your decision to switch...then switch back. This superficial problem is making you want to switch...then switch. i was not generalizing on how you feel about android as a whole....you were doing that. re-read your own post.
next, i also find tablet optimized apps better for my app...who said i didn't?
my critic to you was that you're hyperbolic and whiny...someone already mentioned that google didn't want fragmentation. promotating such a dichotomy would cause fragmentation. your response was: just do it anyway. The android OS is not designed to run on a specific resolution, and google always intended all apps to follow the same paradigm.
for the market to have it's own dedicated "tablet" section means devs would simply mark their apps to work for a certain resolution...which resolution would that be? what resolution qualifies as a tablet? ... suddenly the question becomes vague doesn't it?
what qualifies as an tablet app? is tapalk a tablet app? it runs on my tablet...so i guess it is, right? btw, tapatalk was not intended to be a tablet app...but having been designed correctly, it just works as a tablet app. come to think of it100% of the apps i've tried runs on my tablet actually. so i guess all of those are tablet apps well, right?
who's gonna be the arbiter of the official "tabletness" of an app? google? they're gonna go through all the apps, and all the possible resolution, and determine if "this looks right". the developers? if the app runs on the tablet...is it a tablet app? so if there were such a "tablet" section, wouldn't that just include everything?
i guess the compromise would be for google to put up a "recomendation" list for tablets...not an official list...because such a list would be vague an meaningless, but simply test a few apps for tablets, and reccomend them to people....oh wait, they already do that.
so yea, i'm not calling you a fanboy, i'm calling you anal. if the market's orientation makes you regret your decision to switch...then switch back...your words, not mine.
i'm not an android fanboy, i like reading valid critics of the system...keyword being valid. not whiny, ill-informed ones.
so i guess long story short, your probem is that you're working of a false premise...there's no such thing as tablet apps. splitting the market into such doesn't make sense.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad on misreading that sentence of yours.
Regretting my decision while in the Market isn't just because of the orientation, but rather the whole experience of using it. Other issues such as poor search results (which I find ironic, considering Google) are also present.
It's great to have an app that adjusts to different resolutions, but right now the phone apps that do it are simply stretching it out. There's a lot of real estate on the screen that could be put into great use, but simply aren't.
You have a good point at "what constitutes a tablet", but manufacturers are already good at differentiating their product categories. And considering the fact that they are customizing the OS for their devices, it boils down to them to classify their devices. Apps can still work the same way of dynamically adjusting according to resolution, but also having a different layout if it's used on a tablet.
Having a dedicated section makes it easier to browse for apps. What if a dev simply wants to focus on building an app for tablet (ie. simply not suitable for phone resolutions, though it may still run)? The app will then be put into the same market where existing phone apps may be overshadowing it. If there was a section for tablet-optimized apps, the app can get more exposure to the right target market. It benefits both the dev and the user.
I don't mind you calling me whiny or anal about it. I have my own expectations. I call yours low, though you may feel it's not. Whether or not it's a valid complaint to you, that's your own opinion - but there are many out there who have similar complaints.
As for the orientation, like I said, why have an app dictate what orientation you use it at? Especially a native app. Anal, arguably yes, but these minor points simply build up to the users' experience. I know many Android phone fans that feel that Android's tablet market is really not yet there. While I agree, I have my reasons for choosing the TF - as it does excel in some other aspects.
Manusia said:
You know why iPad is leading in the tablet market? User experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You misspelled "marketing."
It stuns me that for all the Apple propaganda everywhere you look, you barely see any Android tablet manufacturers advertising. The few ads you see are generally wireless companies trying to sell you their service that happens to come with a tablet.
I have a few friends who are Apple fans, and every one of them (a) enjoyed my tablet after playing around with it, and (b) had never heard of "Asus" or "Transformer."
Apple really ingrained themselves in American culture with the iPod / iPhone revolution, and even heavy advertising may not help Asus. But eventually Apple will fall; see Nintendo in the late 90s.
finalhit said:
what qualifies as an tablet app? come to think of it 100% of the apps i've tried runs on my tablet actually. so i guess all of those are tablet apps well, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No..no it doesn't.
A tablet app is an application that has a revamped UI that takes advantage of the screen real estate. The UX of that app should be greatly enhanced when using the app on a tablet vs using the app on the phone. Of course, the idea of an 'enhanced UX' differs from person to person the former should remain constant; an app with a revamped UI that takes advantage of the real estate of the tablet.
Its a rough definition but its definitely one that thousands of people agree with.
ayman07 said:
No..no it doesn't.
A tablet app is an application that has a revamped UI that takes advantage of the screen real estate. The UX of that app should be greatly enhanced when using the app on a tablet vs using the app on the phone. Of course, the idea of an 'enhanced UX' differs from person to person the former should remain constant; an app with a revamped UI that takes advantage of the real estate of the tablet.
Its a rough definition but its definitely one that thousands of people agree with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you get computers to agree with that? the criteria you're using is one of aesthetics. android app binaries all look the same. UX is not quantifiable. the only way to create such a system is via an opt-in system, where a dev can just mark their app as "enhanced for tablets" on their own definition of the criterion. that does not make for a very sound system.
I'm not seeing your point here.
Aesthetics enhance UX. Consumers don't care about binary, they care about how the app looks on a big tablet.
Like I said, the app can have one binary with two different UIs. Its not a complex concept. Its been done before and it should continue to be done by developers.
I am looking to buy asus prime or a laptop for college but i wonder if android could write papers ant etc. i know they office apps, do they or is there an app that corrects spelling and grammar? thanks for any input
HB66 said:
I am looking to buy asus prime or a laptop for college but i wonder if android could write papers ant etc. i know they office apps, do they or is there an app that corrects spelling and grammar? thanks for any input
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You'd probably be best with a laptop tbh. For the same price you get a tablet and a compatible keyboard, you could get a nice laptop. Just add tethering to your phone if you want mobile internet then. Plus its easier on the computer to do school work than on a tablet... I've got the Asus a500 and my gf uses it for school since she broke her NetBook... She hates it lol
Also, this should be in XDA Android general or q&a section...
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
asus prime or a laptop
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I have to agree with tehgyb. I bought an ASUS Transformer and the keyboard/dock, for my son to use in the 5th grade. While it does come with Office-like apps, and there are even better ones out there, the apps available for Android are still cut down quite a bit. Spell-checking is not there, nor is grammar check. Things like printing are handled separately (i.e. exit the word processor, go to a cloud-print app, and then go find your document again, then about 3 clicks to print it.) If you're already using the more sophisticated capabilities of the Office apps and doing a lot of document creation, I suggest you get a laptop.
I think the Office apps and other apps will continue to mature for Android. In a year's time, the tablet with keyboard might be the better choice. I am beta testing SoftMaker's Office suite for Android right now, and it already seems much better than the other currently-available Office-like products.
That said, I do love the Transformer for many other reasons. I am on the road every week, and I plan to keep it for that.
It's great and I am enjoying it so much that I do not really care about Android! Does that make me strange or what?
Nope ! I have dual boot on mine, and never boot into Android ! I had a galaxy tab 10.1, was nice, but prefer webos
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I had a Transformer and got rid of it when I got my touchpad. I love the webOS!
the only reason I am using Android on the TP is because there are no PDF notation apps available (like ezPDF reader or repligo). One other reason is a note taking software with handwriting capabilities such as freenote+.
other then these two I am mostly in webos. the biggest reason being the poor battery life in android at the moment.
I'm in the same category here. I have mine dual-booted, but rarely EVER boot to Android. In fact short of Netflix & maybe a couple other apps not available on the HP side, I LOVE webOS.....even to the tune of buying a couple little apps from HP that would've had a free counterpart for Android.
Mind you, I'm still waiting for video to be fixed to make the ICS jump, but still.....webOS is entirely underappreciated.
derausgewanderte said:
the only reason I am using Android on the TP is because there are no PDF notation apps available (like ezPDF reader or repligo). One other reason is a note taking software with handwriting capabilities such as freenote+.
other then these two I am mostly in webos. the biggest reason being the poor battery life in android at the moment.
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Dunno about PDF-notation, although I would think it's in Picsel Smart Office.
Handwriting apps are available on webOS. I currently use Doodle Pad. It's not feature-rich but not basic either. For 2,99 it's a great catch. Also, NuttyBunny is working on a feature-rich handwriting app. But there are a few more in the App Catalog, so that shouldn't be a problem.
I remember using my HTC Diamond and finally getting Android on it. Occasionally I had to boot back into windows mobile and I found the experience so disconcerting... Android seemed to just "behave" the way I wanted my phone to behave.
Now I feel the same way about WebOS. I boot into WebOS to use Skype and it feels like such a relief. I still use Android as my daily, but there is always a tinge of regret when I have to go back to Android.
ByteWrencher
Vistaus said:
Dunno about PDF-notation, although I would think it's in Picsel Smart Office.
Handwriting apps are available on webOS. I currently use Doodle Pad. It's not feature-rich but not basic either. For 2,99 it's a great catch. Also, NuttyBunny is working on a feature-rich handwriting app. But there are a few more in the App Catalog, so that shouldn't be a problem.
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to me this is still a problem. Doing just the basic of doodling is not enough for me. the apps available right now in webos are just that. and if you follow the Nuttybunny thread it apparently has been abandoned.
and there is no pdf notation in either of the office packages either.
still waiting...
I love it too
Sometimes I seat back and wonder why WebOs is so under appreciated, I think the media has a big part to play in its demise (or is it?). Safe for the lack of apps, my TP simply stunning and I can say this because, I have Ipad, Iphone, and Galaxy note. But I just can't bear to sell my TP. I still hope it will not be a souvenir.
I agree. I still use my Touchpad on a daily basis. It's much easier to use than an Asus tablet I have.
Check the webOSNation forums, there's a PDF markup app in alpha or beta right now.
Beyond that, I dualboot, but only to run Ubuntu. Ditched the Android partition a while ago. Much prefer webOS on a daily basis.
Sent from my very "non-stock" TP.
Love webOS but lack of apps
You're not strange for loving webOS. The interface is nothing short of beautiful and user friendly. The gestures make it that much better. I've got ICS loaded on mine and usually the only reason I spend more time in ICS is because of the apps.
When I registered my TP, I made the mistake of being honest and entering my actual location (Austria) when I opened the App Catalog. I don't know why, but I can't see any Paid apps and even the selection of free apps is pretty sad
But I've managed to get Kindle installed under webOS and Skype works a charm. I'm loving the fact I can use the TP as an oversized desk/speakerphone when I pair it with my DHD. The sounds quality in webOS is also pretty brilliant in comparison to ICS.
Like I said, if it weren't for the restriction on Apps for my region, I would be logged into webOS almost permanently.
I own a business and I'm my own secretary, so you could say I work 2 full time jobs. I have not touched my laptop for 2 years. Been using the various transformers as my daily driver. Currently, my infinity is being used daily for work. I have a laser printer mounted inside my car for me to print documents and invoices from my infinity. I do everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, on my infinity. Make my living with it. Run my entire business and keep all records on my infinity. And I keep a daily backup with dropbox.
It would be great if someone somewhere could develop cornerstone-like split screen ability for my infinity. Would make my life way way way better.
I'm kinda sad that it seems like no one has picked up cornerstone and tried to make it better. Lots of roms in development, and they kinda all look the same. I'm sorry if I have offended you, but that's what it looks like to me.
I know that the devs are using their own time to do what they love. And I thank them for it. What about google? How come they haven't picked up cornerstone or something like it so that their OS could be even more productive?
Like I said, I run a business with my infinity. Why won't google develop android to a point where it's more than just a toy for most people?
While this may not be what you want, you can always remote into a desktop somewhere, or even install ubuntu on the tablet itself.
Alternatively, there are many "floating" apps that allow you to run things in windows.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...vbS5teWJveWZyaWVuZGlzYWdlZWsuYWlyYnJvd3NlciJd
Hi i've tried to open a thread about that here but I haven't got a response as I wish http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1961027
I hope that someone could help us, lol
By the way, I couldn't download Overskreen web browser on playstore: it said "my device is not compatible" Thanks if smeone knows why
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
goodintentions said:
It would be great if someone somewhere could develop cornerstone-like split screen ability for my infinity.
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Yes, I'd also like to see that. At least something like Windows 8 has.
goodintentions said:
I'm kinda sad that it seems like no one has picked up cornerstone and tried to make it better. Lots of roms in development, and they kinda all look the same. I'm sorry if I have offended you, but that's what it looks like to me.
I know that the devs are using their own time to do what they love. And I thank them for it. What about google? How come they haven't picked up cornerstone or something like it so that their OS could be even more productive?
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CyanogenMod once planned to integrate Cornerstone, but Google threatened them to lock them out of the app store, because apparently they had concerns about app incompatibilities.
levitz_kais said:
Hi i've tried to open a thread about that here but I haven't got a response as I wish http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1961027
I hope that someone could help us, lol
By the way, I couldn't download Overskreen web browser on playstore: it said "my device is not compatible" Thanks if smeone knows why
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
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I couldn't care less for floating browsers. Again, unlike most other people, I don't treat my infinity as just a toy. I earn a living with my baby (my infinity). All my documents, records, invoices, etc. are kept in this thing.
How many people you know make a living armed with just a tablet-laptop hybrid? I'm not surprised the first response is to tell me to use a floating browser. People have trouble understanding how the infinity could be productive at all. They think I use my infinity to browse the web all day. And money grows on trees.
I believe the answer to your problem should be the ASUS Transformer Book, the upcoming hybrid from ASUS. Much as I love Android, Windows is the solution for all business needs.
Samsung and Google are in the loop on this Multi-View ability because right now SAMSUNG has rolled out Multi-View for the Galaxy Note 2 and now the Galaxy S III.
If SAMSUNG has worked on this Multi-View and Google's approved it, hopefully Google would be wise to get that feature available to every new Android device.
I am right there with you! I replace old laptops with these!
We give these out as laptop replacements for sales and marketing staff. They currently use the tf700 as a thin client replacement when at their desk- connected to a 24” hdmi monitor, usb hub with Ethernet, kb/mouse connected also. Many of them connect to a full desktop TS connection, but others are running a remote-app connection that allows the use of any company application without a full desktop having to be presented. This allows them to do most of their work on their android desktop and only launch those applications (like MS Office apps) that they have to. Their other choice would have been a thin client but obviously this is miles better!
I have always had an interest in cornerstone and really with that CM would have done it anyways. You can still use the tf700, just with limited ability to truly multitask. It may not make sense on all devices, but with the tf700, it would be a great device to setup a customizable app resizer to allow several apps to be open next to each other.
Same here.. I was excited when I did see Cornerstone for the first time. However was saddened to see how old it was and that none taken a stab at it for ours or someone else.
I would pay for such app or even a dev team to really implant this ability.
There was an alpha version of Cornerstone implemented on the Prime, but it certainly wasn't a daily driver...
To the OP - it may help if you provide a bit more info on what sort of apps you want multi task with. I use a browser quite a lot for work, but apparently you don't...
I also do a bit of coding in my spare time, and I've found apps like AirTerm (floating terminal), and ClipIt (universal clipboard) to be pretty helpful, appreciably when used with a floating keyboard and notepad...
huy_lonewolf said:
I believe the answer to your problem should be the ASUS Transformer Book, the upcoming hybrid from ASUS. Much as I love Android, Windows is the solution for all business needs.
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I know. I intend to buy the 14 inch i7 as soon as its available.
goodintentions said:
I couldn't care less for floating browsers. Again, unlike most other people, I don't treat my infinity as just a toy. I earn a living with my baby (my infinity). All my documents, records, invoices, etc. are kept in this thing.
How many people you know make a living armed with just a tablet-laptop hybrid? I'm not surprised the first response is to tell me to use a floating browser. People have trouble understanding how the infinity could be productive at all. They think I use my infinity to browse the web all day. And money grows on trees.
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I kept on trying to use the TeamEos version of Cornerstone on my Xoom. It's a good idea, but a PITA to implement and use. The only windows that would work without fcing were browser and gmail. You could run one more app in the central window but it would fc sooner or later. Eos didn't officially support it and didn't port it to JB. It's a great idea, like i said, but a real work in process.
Was looking at the Galaxy Note 10.1 Premium Suite upgrade video the other day.
The multitasking was pretty impressive to me.
That's what Google should do. And make use of that virtual buttons black bar in multitasking as right now it is a damn waste of space.
You guys realize that even Google'rs have full-fledged company-issued Windows laptops and that while Google Docs is the "official" product used internally most have MS Office too for working with the outside world. And MS products (as well as others) are also used in the back office to comply with privacy and security requirements as well as data retention regulations. Using any Android tablet (or even Chrome Book) for mission critical work or when you have to share files externally isn't very practical. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
BarryH_GEG said:
You guys realize that even Google'rs have full-fledged company-issued Windows laptops and that while Google Docs is the "official" product used internally most have MS Office too for working with the outside world. And MS products (as well as others) are also used in the back office to comply with privacy and security requirements as well as data retention regulations. Using any Android tablet (or even Chrome Book) for mission critical work or when you have to share files externally isn't very practical. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
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I know. For a while, I was going back and forth between my windows 7 laptop and the original transformer. After months of this, I slowly but eventually stopped using my laptop completely and just carried around my transformer. Yes, there are limitations. I am fully aware of all of them. I carefully weighed out the advantages and disadvantages between a laptop and the transformer and eventually decided that the advantages of the tablet-laptop hybrid outweighed the advantages of the laptop.
This is why I have already put the money aside for the i7 14" transformer book. As soon as it becomes available, I will be among the first to get it.
To me, it's more than just something for the occasional work and game. It's my livelihood. Google seems to have trouble understanding that some of us just don't care much for the games that are available on android. We want true productivity, damn it!
In other news, quasars in iOS is kicking our asses.
jordanmw said:
I am right there with you! I replace old laptops with these!
We give these out as laptop replacements for sales and marketing staff. They currently use the tf700 as a thin client replacement when at their desk- connected to a 24” hdmi monitor, usb hub with Ethernet, kb/mouse connected also. Many of them connect to a full desktop TS connection, but others are running a remote-app connection that allows the use of any company application without a full desktop having to be presented. This allows them to do most of their work on their android desktop and only launch those applications (like MS Office apps) that they have to. Their other choice would have been a thin client but obviously this is miles better!
I have always had an interest in cornerstone and really with that CM would have done it anyways. You can still use the tf700, just with limited ability to truly multitask. It may not make sense on all devices, but with the tf700, it would be a great device to setup a customizable app resizer to allow several apps to be open next to each other.
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Just curious, which Android RDP client do you use for RemoteApp connections?
goodintentions said:
I know. For a while, I was going back and forth between my windows 7 laptop and the original transformer. After months of this, I slowly but eventually stopped using my laptop completely and just carried around my transformer. Yes, there are limitations. I am fully aware of all of them. I carefully weighed out the advantages and disadvantages between a laptop and the transformer and eventually decided that the advantages of the tablet-laptop hybrid outweighed the advantages of the laptop.
This is why I have already put the money aside for the i7 14" transformer book. As soon as it becomes available, I will be among the first to get it.
To me, it's more than just something for the occasional work and game. It's my livelihood. Google seems to have trouble understanding that some of us just don't care much for the games that are available on android. We want true productivity, damn it!
In other news, quasars in iOS is kicking our asses.
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I don't think android was meant to be for managing a business. It's more like a consumer tablet. As hajalie24 pointed out, you could install Ubuntu on it. That would suit your needs much better I think. Of course there is risk and you'll have to do some migration.
Are there any specific Android apps you would like to see that support being in their own window?
Private Pyle said:
I don't think android was meant to be for managing a business. It's more like a consumer tablet. As hajalie24 pointed out, you could install Ubuntu on it. That would suit your needs much better I think. Of course there is risk and you'll have to do some migration.
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That's what xda is for. Using things the way they were intended.
Private Pyle said:
I don't think android was meant to be for managing a business. It's more like a consumer tablet.
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And people were never meant to fly thousands of feet in the air at incredible speeds, and yet millions of people do it every day.
As hajalie24 pointed out, you could install Ubuntu on it. That would suit your needs much better I think. Of course there is risk and you'll have to do some migration.
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I've already tried all of that. Too laggy for it to be of any use.
Are there any specific Android apps you would like to see that support being in their own window?
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Again, I'm not looking for specific floating apps. I'm a technophile. I've tried them all. What I'm looking for is the portability and long battery life of a tablet combined with true multitasking capabilities of a PC.
Don't get me wrong. For now, I've figured out how to get around all the limitations of android on the infinity. That's how I'm able to run my business with it.
I'm just disappointed and sadden that most people still see the tablet as just a toy and therefore keep developing it to act like a toy. Google's entire presentation of jellybean composed entirely of how great it is for gamming.
goodintentions said:
What I'm looking for is the portability and long battery life of a tablet combined with true multitasking capabilities of a PC.
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It's called a netbook.
goodintentions said:
And people were never meant to fly thousands of feet in the air at incredible speeds, and yet millions of people do it every day.
I've already tried all of that. Too laggy for it to be of any use.
Again, I'm not looking for specific floating apps. I'm a technophile. I've tried them all. What I'm looking for is the portability and long battery life of a tablet combined with true multitasking capabilities of a PC.
Don't get me wrong. For now, I've figured out how to get around all the limitations of android on the infinity. That's how I'm able to run my business with it.
I'm just disappointed and sadden that most people still see the tablet as just a toy and therefore keep developing it to act like a toy. Google's entire presentation of jellybean composed entirely of how great it is for gamming.
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I agree using the tf700 for many work-related activities would make life simpler but I am always going back to windows if I need to write something and I can't even imagine trying to create a power point on this. I prefer reading on it but generally use it for entertainment. What kind of work arounds have you done to get this functional?
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Coors said:
It's called a netbook.
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And that's called sarcasm? I think his point is to move away from windows or to find a viable alternative.