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Hey everyone! Looks like I'm finally gonna bite the bullet and buy a tablet next month. I'm looking at the following possibilities:
Asus Eee Pad Transformer
Acer Iconia A500
Motorola Xoom
iPad 2
Something else?
I'm in desperate need for some advice though. For reference, my primary uses for the tablet will be web browsing (over home wifi only), watching movies, playing games, GPS and map browsing, and developing 3D applications.
I'm a long time Java developer, so I'm thinking Android might be a nice way to go, but I'm willing to go iPad 2 if it's really a better device for my other uses.
Here's some things I'm curious about:
I've heard that Android tablets have some serious stuttering problems when playing H.264 movies. True?
Which of the manufacturers has a better track record for regular OS updates?
Do the Android tablets often have to reload pages that are already open in other tabs when going back and forth? (This drives me crazy on the iPad 2... along with the page loading delay when scrolling down long pages).
Does the same game released for iPad and Android Tablets run better on one over the other?
Any help/advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I also confused if which one I should chose.
I took ipad2 and recommend i pad 2.
It is lightest and XGA resolution is very convinient to use.
Smart cover is also very useful.
Galaxy tab 10.1 and 8.9 also are lighter and look good but
ipad2 is still better with smart cover.
I would go fo the Xoom this is better than Ipad 2, but still a little expensive.
I have just returned from US and the rumor was that later this month you can bye the Xoom without 3G for apr. $600. Not bad.
I myself have an Toshiba Folio 100 and with the Dexter Foliomod Rom, this is faster than the Apple. Maybe buy a used one cheap.
I got to play with the EE transformer by Asus I would wait for that With the Detachable keyboard and 3.0 it works very nice and better price point than the xoom 600 bucks as soon as this is out ill have one
Do you have any experience with movies and videos on the Android tablets? Are they choppy/stutter like I've heard a few people complain about?
I've got the zoom and no problems with video whatsoever the new dual cores will really help in that regard, plus most high end new tablets have enough ram to do multiple things at once. I kinda wish i would've waited for the new galaxy tab though looks pretty sweet.
I would prefer the Asus Eee Pad Transformer
If you like iOS then get the iPad.
If you like android check out the viewsonic g-tab. Its very popular on these forums and nicely spec'd for its price.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Interesting... I hadn't actually heard of the Viewsonic g-tablet until now (only their Vpad). I'll have to look into that one a bit more.
Yeah, looks like the Viewsonic tablet is running Froyo. I think I want to stick with a 3.0 tablet.
The Asus Eee Pad Transformer is definitely looking the most likely right now (with the Acer Iconia A500 in a distant second). I have friends trying to push me towards the iPad 2, but I'm not terribly impressed with any particular aspect of iOS except for the available software. I much prefer the base functionality of Android.
My main concern with the Asus Transformer is that I'm worried it's more hype than what it'll actually deliver. I wish I could hold one in my hands and try it out first.
I had to choose between many android tablets and I chose the iconia a500, cause of the better price. The Asus has better screen though.
Video playback is very subjective. I'd recomend taking a sample vid to a store and testing.
Personally, I haven't found any Tegra2 based tab great for it.
I'd say look at Tegra3 based tabs.
No exp with Ipad2, but unless urgent I would hold at this point for Ipad3 release. Rumor has Ipad2 down at least $100 when that happens.
Neil
Hi all,
First let me say I want to stay away from the iPad. After getting royally burned with the 4.0 iOS upgrade on my iPhone 3G and now having to live with the degraded performance on it and lack of future support past 4.2, I doubt I'll ever buy another apple product. I was never one to drink their cool-aid anyway.
But now to the question at hand. What Tablet should I buy?
The main reason for the purchase is so I can watch videos without having to drag out my laptop. I don't want to have to convert the video to be able to play it. I just want to watch 350Mb/1.1Gb TV shows on it without having to worry about planning ahead of time.
Ideally, I would like GPS capabilities on it. 3G is not really required, I can tether it to my phone (i have a plan for that) or will be using it in areas where wifi is available.
I've been looking at a few tablets, namely the Motorolla Xoom and the Viewsonic Viewpad 10. The Xoom seemed like a nice enough device, especially with honeycomb, but it seems to have issues with HD video. The reason I picked the viewpad 10 was for Windows 7, but android 1.6 and the little disk space available left on it after windows installation makes me wonder how effective it will be as a tablet. Having windows 7 on a tablet would be amazing. I would love the flexibility it would afford on the tablet.
So does anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks for the help!
Do you want to have 7" or 10" ?
For watching Video it will be better with 10".
How about Galaxy Tab 10" ? It's honeycomb and very light.
I am running the Acer A500 right now and am very impressed. It got some poor reviews compared to the Asus Transformer in terms of the battery life and screen quality... I have been off the charger for almost 15 hours, watched an entire episode of Stargate: Universe (streaming btw), a few hours of web browsing casually, a few rounds of Let's Play Golf, and of course the good old forums and I am still at 40%. Pretty damn good I think. Tablet and Win7 really is a cumbersome ui and the battery life terrible there (I own one). Honeycomb has quite a few MINOR bugs to work out, but I am only considering the Asus if the screen is really a lot better. Just my opinion but ihth
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk
*edit* *edit* *edit*
depends what you want to do with it, first 7 or 10 inch
If you say seven and don't mind messing around with a tablet and enjoy rooting and modding the nookcolor is nice and a lot of fun. that being said if you want working honeycomb out of the box look elsewhere. Also the nook tablet won't be as smooth as it's not a dual core or anything like that, but i still love mine.
If your TV rips are 24p (and most of them probaly are) then they will not play smoothly on the G-Slate at the moment.
Tegra-2 does not do advanced profile, so if your rips are from the net they will most likely not play well and require re-encoding. Tegra2 does not do 8x8 transforms, cabac or p-frames all of which are generally used in "scene rips."
jimmod said:
Do you want to have 7" or 10" ?
For watching Video it will be better with 10".
How about Galaxy Tab 10" ? It's honeycomb and very light.
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Post 1 of 10 for posting on dev thread
I'd have to agree with Skyfox99 on the newer Acer recommendation, or if you're ok with waiting a bit, the HTC Flyer looks pretty good too.
Sadly, the i-Devices have the fastest graphics processing at the moment, but soon there's going to be new chips released to top it again.
I did forget to mention it, but I was looking at 10" Tablets.
I was digging around a little after I posted this and did see the Acer A500 and the transformer. Both seemed to be great machines. I was actually aiming for the 16GB transformer. 16GB would be plenty and would only cost about 400$ plus tax and S&H, and I can always add a MicroSD.
I'm in Canada though, and it seems both the A500 and Transformer are either unavailable as of yet or back-order. But I'm willing to wait for those since the price seems to be right and so far I'm reading positive reviews.
I've read about the Tegra not being the best at doing video, another reason why I was looking at the viewpad 10 that has an atom cpu.
I dont mind putting down 300-400$ on a tablet, as long as it does what I want from it.
Thanks for all the answers so far!
wait for sony s1 and s2!
buy iPad 2
A friend of mine got the XOOM and he was happy with it for a couple of days. When it comes to productivity the Xoom doesn't really stand out. It's really just a enhanced version of a phone without the calls if you get the wifi only version. He returned it a week later for a refund and is getting a Ipad 2.
I think Samsung Galaxt Tab2 is a good choice.
I'd recommend WeTab with MeeGo
If I had the money: ipad 2 because of Netflix support.
But for affordability: Asus
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G
XDA Developers Premium App
Palms new tablet looks pretty cool, but is only if you are rockin a pre 3 with it because of the touch to share innovation.
I agree with groe. The new Palm or should I say HP tablet looks pretty beastly, with the Pre3 along side it that is. Otherwise I'd say go iPad 2.
Persoanlly i wouldn't get any right now since they're all coming out with tegra 2. And as stated before, tegra doesn't do very well with high profile videos/real HD videos. But if I had to, I'd get the Asus transformer since I fancy the lappy dock. But we all know how "limited" in supply it is. =.=
Galaxy Tab
I would get the Asus with the tegra 3 cpu... yum!
I keep thinking I've decided on a particular 7" tablet...but I never actually make up my mind. But I know I do want one in general. Nothing 10", that's just too big. 8.9 or 9 is fine.
Lately I've been looking at the 3G HTC Flyer, but the ~$450 price tag, single-core processor, and lack of keyboard dock option kinda sucks. There's the Wifi version for about $250, but I feel like I'd be cheaping out by not going with the 3G version that can also make phone calls.
The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (~$300) has an optional keyboard dock, but it doesn't offer USB/HDMI/etc. ports or anything really other than the physical keyboard, and kinda sucks that you can only use it in one way. It's a nice tablet other than that, though.
The T-Mobile Springboard (Huawei Mediapad, ~$300) seems nice for the resolution and build quality, but support and developer community is basically non-existent and I'm not sure about Huawei in terms of reliability and whatnot.
Kindle Fire ($200) seems nice and simple, and I have a Prime membership so the VOD selection would be a nice feature not easily available on other tablets (at the moment at least). But the lack of physical volume buttons or official Market support kinda sucks - not that I particularly need it, though.
Used to have a Streak 7 and liked the build quality, but the screen resolution was kinda low and the screen as a whole wasn't too good, and the battery life wasn't too good either.
There's the LG G-Slate at around $350, but it's kinda heavy and LG kinda sucks with support/updates; the optional charging dock is nice.
The Galaxy Tab 7.7 is a great tablet overall, but the ~$600 pricetag is kinda hard to swallow.
Suggestions?
Kogan 7, 8 or 10
If you go to the official Kogan site, they sell 7" tablets for £119, 8" £150 and 10" £180 ish. They are not very well known but surprisingly cheap. Each one has a Capacitive (touch sensitive) screen with multi touch and a 1GHz processor.
moose.splash1 said:
If you go to the official Kogan site, they sell 7" tablets for £119, 8" £150 and 10" £180 ish. They are not very well known but surprisingly cheap. Each one has a Capacitive (touch sensitive) screen with multi touch and a 1GHz processor.
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Nothing against those tablets in particular, but I'd probably sooner go with a used Nook Color and CM7; in general, though, my major complaint with my phone is that watching HD videos isn't really possible with the processor, so I'd prefer a dual-core tablet.
I would get the Galaxy Tab, great for the money, plus I am pretty sure that you can get a usb adapter. And I think there is an ICS rom available.
I personally use an Asus Transformer for daily use but I just bought an Iview Cypad for my son it a 7" model. Sold alrdy ROOTED
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858683003
It even has a Dev with functional ICS on it alrdy.
http://tabletrepublic.com/forum/cor...allwinner-a10-tablet-official-thread-883.html
techno-update said:
I would get the Galaxy Tab, great for the money, plus I am pretty sure that you can get a usb adapter. And I think there is an ICS rom available.
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Which one - the 7.0 or 7.7?
zedorda said:
I personally use an Asus Transformer for daily use but I just bought an Iview Cypad for my son it a 7" model. Sold alrdy ROOTED
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858683003
It even has a Dev with functional ICS on it alrdy.
http://tabletrepublic.com/forum/cor...allwinner-a10-tablet-official-thread-883.html
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Eh, just like the other tablets posted here, they're kinda lacking in power for me and I'd rather stick to brands I know or have heard of.
how much of a hurry are you in to get a tablet? do you need it right now because if you can hold out there is not a date confirmed of launch yet but the 7" transformer prime is rumored to be launched at around the 250-300 price range with tegra 3 and ics when it launches and is supossed to have the same kind of keyboard dock as the tf101 and tf201. that is if you can hold off on the purchase a few months till the summer time. i personally love my asus transformer and a 7" inch version would just be amazing.
burnout-420 said:
how much of a hurry are you in to get a tablet? do you need it right now because if you can hold out there is not a date confirmed of launch yet but the 7" transformer prime is rumored to be launched at around the 250-300 price range with tegra 3 and ics when it launches and is supossed to have the same kind of keyboard dock as the tf101 and tf201. that is if you can hold off on the purchase a few months till the summer time. i personally love my asus transformer and a 7" inch version would just be amazing.
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I guess that's not a bad idea, to at least hold off until more details arrive. I don't think I'll have the money for a tablet at least for a month anyway. Of course, it would be nice tp have a tablet lined up until then, if it turns out to be a flop or something. Plus, it'd be nice to be able to make GSM calls with either the 3G Flyer or Tab 7.7, which I doubt the 7" Asus will have.
that is very true. i had forgot that you were interested in the phone feature in a tablet as well. i was also interest in this feature but sacrificed when i got the 10" transformer because the keyboard dock notebook effect had me sold as soon as it was launched . If you are seriously interested in the phone then the new 7.7" galaxy tab is a very nice piece and the one for you. i just held one the other day and played with it at the mall its really nice. Plus if you are still saving for another month or so, the longer wait the lower the 7.7" will drop in price by the time you are ready to make your purchase.
magus57 said:
Nothing against those tablets in particular, but I'd probably sooner go with a used Nook Color and CM7; in general, though, my major complaint with my phone is that watching HD videos isn't really possible with the processor, so I'd prefer a dual-core tablet.
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True, the Advent Vega is also a pretty good tablet for the price. Its about 200 and has a 1Ghz dual core processor that can be over clocked to 1.2 Ghz. My Vega is running Honey ice (a honeycomb rom) which is amazing! my site is Silverbean Android btw so search it on Google and I have a few tablet reviews and videos. I'm also on Google plus if anyone's interested
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA
Well the story is quite simple. A friend of mine is thinking of getting a Tablet, and due to the excellent marketing of Apple she thought an Ipad 2 could be a good buy.
Profile of my friend.
1) No previous experience with either iOS or Android
2) No smartphone (at least yet)
3) No tablet
4) No laptop at home - to my knowledge
5) Good experience in Windows environment systems
She would like to know what she can do with an Tablet, as her PC at work serves most her needs.
As typing on the screen is not as pleasant as the real thing, I suggested that maybe a Asus Transformer TF101g could be a good alternative to look at.
1) It is almost like a netbook with the keyboard
2) Great battery life
3) It still is a Tablet
4) I prefer Android, and she would not have to deal with iTunes to connect to the iPad 2
1) As you might understand, she will not be rooting, flashing or hacking it in any other way. Because I do not own either of the devices I would like to ask you what is the out of the box experience of the TF101g.
*I will probably help her upgrade to the ICS if it is an official update, so she doesn't loose the warranty, if you think it is worth it.
2) The main question, is TF101g 16gb + 3g + Keyboard worth buying in May/2012? The price I have found it is about 530 EUR new (unboxed) with 2year warranty.
The Ipad2 16gb + 3g is about the same price.
I thought of the 3G version as with a simple SIM card and a cheap internet plan (12 EUR for 2Gb/month prepaid in Belgium) she would have internet anywhere in the country, plus she has no internet at home. Do you think that 2Gb is enough for light internet surfing, e-mails and some facebook?
I would like to know what are your thoughts on this choice Ipad2 3g vs Asus Transformer 3g (TF101g).
3) What would the advantages and disadvantages be in getting the Asus over the Ipad.
Thank you all for you help.
I think it would be better to wait a while and get a series 300 transformer 3G.
http://www.asustablets.us/
Then you have a thinner form factor a and a nice Dual core Qualicom 1.5 for the 3g (tegra 3 chip for the wifi only) for 25$ less than a new transformer tf101g. Asus has really stepped up their game with this tab and its nice and colourful as compared to the brown 101 as well as a lot sleeker.
But at the same time the iPad has a larger market and more people know how to use them. (also talking about the ipad is a little bit against the rules here so i won't go into detail)(which version of iPad would she be getting?)
With the iPad you are garenteed updates for i think 3 years with no chance at all of upgrades past that whereas the transformers have a community behind them so after the officially supported 2 years + asus's devotion to all of their devices and the community i can see the tf300 being supported and up to the latest version for 3 or 4 years
"Friends don't let friends use iOS"
Thank you both for you replies. Regarding the new Asus Prime the price difference IDs still considerable and there is no 3g version yet.
I don't understand why it is forbidden to objectively describe the advantages of one advice compared to other.
It would be nice for her to see someone else other than me promote the Android Tablet compared to the iOS.
Is the TGIF101g sluggish for every day use or does IV'S need a tegra 3 CPU to be fluid. Does this version have any major hardware bug?
Thanks for you replies.
What smartphone is she likely to end up with? Get a system that matches that.
I would never own any Apple product (personal reasons) so I have an Android phone and Android tablet. I run the same apps on one as I do the other. I also only pay for apps once, and they run on both.
Hi Johev,
don't know if the month May is a must for you, but some where soon asus will start in europe with this thing (I hope)
http://www.asus.com/Mobile/PadFone/#overview
that way you can have both. Like worwig says, most of the time, your current smartphone dictates what kind of pad you choose.
I thing that the T300 that mrevankyle mentioned will be a nice machine for what your friend will use it for.
I, for one, love the keyboard dock with my TF pad. I do a lot of mail, and like the keyboarddock for this.
goodluck
ps: I'm also no Ipad fan, dont like apple dictating me what I can do with a machine.
I recently recieved a Samsung Galaxy 7.0 (GT-p6210) as a gift. However, I was comparing prices on bestbuy and saw that I could get the TF300T-B1-BL-CB for about 50$ more. I compared the specifications and it seems that the Acer, in addition to having a larger screen, has a newer processor as well as ICS. I'm just wondering if I am overlooking anything significant. I know size is something to be considered issue but is there anything else I should take into consideration? Can anybody shed some light on what I should do?
Thanks
EDIT: As Mikehud1984 pointed out, the tf300t is made by ASUS not Acer. Typed the post too quickly evidently
First the tf300t is an ASUS not an Acer. Secondly I too was in the same boat trying to decide between the two. I ended up going with the ASUS with the keyboard dock. I made my decision after playing with both for some time as I am lucky to work for Staples where both are sold :}. Anyway I chose the ASUS because I wanted the most bang for the buck and my usage is primarily games and browsing and movies and occasional office work so it has it all with the horsepower of the Tegra 3. It will really depend on how you see yourself using the tablet of choice. If you want to play games the ASUS is an easy choice with the Tegra 3 processor it plays them very well you can also connect controllers using the docks USB port and even put it on your HDTV using built in HDMI. Otherwise the Samsung Tab 7.0 is a nice portable size and great for web and music and doubles as a smart remote with its built in IR blaster. It lacks USB and HDMI but for $250us it's a competitor for sure. Best of luck and enjoy which ever you choose.
Hardware wise you get a lot more from the TF300. It might be hardware you don't need though. If you just want to play Angry Birds, read books, and do some light internet browsing, 7" tablets are great.
I have the luxury to own both, well I have the P1000, but thats a 7" also.
The 7" tab is perfect for on the go.
The Asus is perfect for the coffee table.
If i had to choose however, i would go for portability. So I would keep the Tab and trash the TF300.
The 6210 is the tab plus, which is probably the best 7" tab out there (better than the tab 2). I had the same model and sold it to get the TF300. It offers a bigger screen, more power, and ICS. There are also a lot of rumors about Google launching a Tegra 3 quadcore 7" tab for $199 or less in about 2 months, which is a much better value than the 6210 (unless the other hardware is truly atrocious).
rwa66 said:
I have the luxury to own both, well I have the P1000, but thats a 7" also.
The 7" tab is perfect for on the go.
The Asus is perfect for the coffee table.
If i had to choose however, i would go for portability. So I would keep the Tab and trash the TF300.
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I'm in a similar situation. I've got an HTC Flyer and an ASUS TF300. The Flyer goes with me EVERYWHERE. The TF300 I use when extremem portability is not a requirement.
I love having both, but if i could only have one it would be a 7" tablet.
Thankfully, I don't have to choose
Thanks for the replies everyone. Never had a tablet before and the more I think of it, the more likely it is that I will be taking with me on the go. Therefore, I'll probably stick with the Galaxy Tab Plus.
Thanks again for your input.
dsf3g said:
I'm in a similar situation. I've got an HTC Flyer and an ASUS TF300. The Flyer goes with me EVERYWHERE. The TF300 I use when extremem portability is not a requirement.
I love having both, but if i could only have one it would be a 7" tablet.
Thankfully, I don't have to choose
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Same here but with the Sprint HTC Evo View 4G (essentially the flyer with 32GB memory and additional 3G/4G radios). Love the dock with the TF and usability but I take the 7” tablet everywhere and my TF stays at home.
Sent from my Sprint Evo View 4G (PG41200) using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2
Asus will give you better specs and hardware, I'd go with it in pretty much every situation unless you need something portable. The TF300 will probably last longer in the sense that its better specs will let it run current software for a longer amount of time after now.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T