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[Q] killed Acer, looking at Zoom

I destroyed my Acer tablet that I enjoyed very much. The extended warranty company said they will just give me my money back as that is cheaper than repairing it.
Do you guys recommend the Zoom? Any common issues to be concerned about? Does it have a standard USB port?

romagnus said:
I destroyed my Acer tablet that I enjoyed very much. The extended warranty company said they will just give me my money back as that is cheaper than repairing it.
Do you guys recommend the Zoom? Any common issues to be concerned about? Does it have a standard USB port?
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no it doesnt have a standard usb port like the a500 does, but if you buy a usb otg cable for about $4 the custom rom already have host support so it doesnt quite matter about a full sized standard usb port except maybe the voltage but people here still can use usb drives well anyway. I bought an a500 and it was the biggest piece of poop; hated it.. refunded it and bought another xoom. The manner in which the bootloader is used is awesome if anything buggers out you can manually push files with fastboot which rocks and helps minimize the chances of a bricked device. The ability to unlock said bootloader is quick and painless and this time round i was on a custom rom with the second verizon 3g xoom in about half hour. I know there is debate on people waiting for a prime, or a new model but seriously we will receive ICS and the original xoom is now nice and cheap =].. again though, it is your money and you can do as you please but i am a happy customer and the proud owner of 2 xooms, a wifi only and a 3g+wifi

yep love the xoom but saying that its my first tab so I don't have anything else to compare it too in terms of real use age
However in terms of spec and hardware it is a very capable device, it has USB host mode, up to 96gb memory with a 64gb card, good cpu/gpu combo, good speakers, good cameras, HDMI, decent screen size and OK screen (I am used to amoled) ,decent GPS etc etc
For the money the xoom goes for and the support from this community and hardware/spec you get you can really go wrong
I got mine about two weeks ago and have been enjoying it loads
If you get a good price you can't go wrong

Thanks guys, the only issue I ever had with the A500 is the microphone sucked. Spec wise the zoom and acer are the same except for the USB thing. The zoom has more storage too.
Does the mic work well on the zoom? I used my tablet every day at University and need that part to work for note taking

romagnus said:
Thanks guys, the only issue I ever had with the A500 is the microphone sucked. Spec wise the zoom and acer are the same except for the USB thing. The zoom has more storage too.
Does the mic work well on the zoom? I used my tablet every day at University and need that part to work for note taking
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The mic works very well in my experience. I'm having fun with voice action apps (Iris, Jeannie) and it works better than I had expected.

[just a thought] if the device headphone port can also act as a microphone you can always buy a micro nub microphone from ebay to try and boost volume capture rather than relying on microphone inside the device.. i was gonna grab one for my phone, but most of my lectures weren't assessable ie it was more the skills (as i do forensics) rather than spit out what they said to us

joshndroid said:
[just a thought] if the device headphone port can also act as a microphone you can always buy a micro nub microphone from ebay to try and boost volume capture rather than relying on microphone inside the device.. i was gonna grab one for my phone, but most of my lectures weren't assessable ie it was more the skills (as i do forensics) rather than spit out what they said to us
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I don't see why the nub mic wouldn't work. I was thinking of getting one myself.

with the zoom, is HC 3.2 rootable?

romagnus said:
with the zoom, is HC 3.2 rootable?
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Click to collapse
Uh, yeah, definately. Use this guide if you like: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1249798
Please note that if you flash the Tiamat Moray 2.2.2 ROM, you can skip step 5 (Rooting) because Moray is pre-rooted, but also remember that when you unlock, your device will be wiped, so back-up everything you can 1st.
Good luck!

Those who up'd from TF101 - was it worth it ?

I have 2 of TF101 plus a dock. Thinking about getting TF700 . Those who took the route - what are your impressions ?
I use the table 90% of the time as ebook reader - pdf and epub, using Mantano reader most of the time. Higher rez should make for a better ebook experience I hope, although I can not claim that I find TF101's screen lacking in clarity/sharpness department.
So far I dont feel that dropping $700 will fetch me much outside of small incremental gains over TF101

rashid11 said:
I have 2 of TF101 plus a dock. Thinking about getting TF700 . Those who took the route - what are your impressions ?
I use the table 90% of the time as ebook reader - pdf and epub, using Mantano reader most of the time. Higher rez should make for a better ebook experience I hope, although I can not claim that I find TF101's screen lacking in clarity/sharpness department.
So far I dont feel that dropping $700 will fetch me much outside of small incremental gains over TF101
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Click to collapse
Biggest advantage is screen. Most apps don't push the 101 cpu anyway. But the screen is amazing and i loved tf101 screen too. For books it's probably iffy. I read a lot of comics and all I can say is wow. It's also a little thinner and lighter but i dont find it much easier to hold for reading. So if you're a gamer or you read comics or magazines its totally worth it.

if you read books a lot then i think you should get a 7 inch tablet like the nexus 7, it's light, easy to hold and you can hold it by 1 hand without getting tired. more importantly the nexus 7 has a very good screen display (1280x800)

For me I went from a TF101 to a TF201 and then to my current TF700T. From the TF101 you will notice a faster unit, better screen, thinner profile unit (both for the tablet as well as the dock keyboard), better battery length (at least for me). On the negative you will have one less USB port to use. I ended up getting a small USB hub to use and all of the things I used the USB ports on the TF101 would connect into the USB hub and work just fine, in fact all at the same time! Do not get the TF201 as an interim step simply because the GPS and in some instances the WiFi radios do not work or work in a restricted way. The TF700T that I have all of its radios work just fine.

I'm getting worse battery life but I'm experimenting with uninstalling and disabling apps and any background stuff (updates/sync/etc), I'm hopeful it will improve.
ergonomics, fit and finish, display resolution and readability, brightness, wifi range, storage (got 64GB with a 64GB card on the way), and the placement of controls and i/o connectors - hell yes, it's a primo upgrade from the Tf101.
Color balance on the screen is not good, too yellow, and battery life like I said is terrible compared to the TF101. I also don't like how the dock charges the battery, much prefer the TF101's method of keeping the tab at 100%.

Coming from a TF101 was a big jump for me. I decided to wait for the nicer screen. The screen and much more powerful CPU make watching movies a lot better.
I'm having to get use to the button and input placements, especially the power button. Coming from a TF101 dock to a TF201 dock, I was sad to lose a USB port. I still have my TF101, though I am trying to get rid of it, but once more apps are updated, and rooting/recovery becomes easy/one-click I will not use it again.

I'm coming straight from a rooted tf101 which I sold tablet/dock to a buddy of mine for $250. I mainly used my tablet for browsing the internet and watching movies. As you already know, the screen is much nicer and the engine in this thing is blazing. I get random lags here and there even after the newest update, but it can only get better especially after rooting and custom roms become more widely available. My tf101 couldn't even play 720p mkvs, but the tf700t handled the highest quality 1080p mkvs that I have without a hiccup. Colors are very vibrant imo. As far as internet browsing, some content takes slightly longer to render because of the hd screen I presume, but I know it will get better. It's lighter and more sleek than my bulky brown tf101. I also noticed I don't get as much battery drain while sleeping than I did with my tf101. As others have stated, I would rather my dock drain first leaving my tablet at 100% instead of both draining simultaneously.
The tf101 advantages were the 2 speakers and the two usb ports. I bought a small cheap rechargable speaker from walmart for $8 which was surprisingly useful called bomb speaker. I will also get a usb hub from amazon so those disadvantages are no deal breaker to me.

Just curious - what the hell are you guys connecting to your TF700 where one USB port isn't enough for normal use? I don't think I've even used both USB ports at the same time on my TF101, so 1 USB port didn't seem like a problem. I'm just curious what types of devices you guys connect where you need more than one USB port normally...
Thanks!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

jtrosky said:
Just curious - what the hell are you guys connecting to your TF700 where one USB port isn't enough for normal use? I don't think I've even used both USB ports at the same time on my TF101, so 1 USB port didn't seem like a problem. I'm just curious what types of devices you guys connect where you need more than one USB port normally...
Thanks!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Not a big deal but I have a low profile usb thumb drive in my dock at all times, and would then want to attach a mouse. Now I have to pull it to use mouse

rashid11 said:
I have 2 of TF101 plus a dock. Thinking about getting TF700 . Those who took the route - what are your impressions ?
I use the table 90% of the time as ebook reader - pdf and epub, using Mantano reader most of the time. Higher rez should make for a better ebook experience I hope, although I can not claim that I find TF101's screen lacking in clarity/sharpness department.
So far I dont feel that dropping $700 will fetch me much outside of small incremental gains over TF101
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen alone is worth the money.
I was never able to read a lot on my TF101G I still used my ebook reader because it looked so pixaleted on the TF101G.
However with the TF700 that problem is gone and I just like it very much.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

jtrosky said:
Just curious - what the hell are you guys connecting to your TF700 where one USB port isn't enough for normal use? I don't think I've even used both USB ports at the same time on my TF101, so 1 USB port didn't seem like a problem. I'm just curious what types of devices you guys connect where you need more than one USB port normally...
Thanks!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
I connect a wireless mouse at times as well as a external USB cased hard drive. Also occasionally a memory stick. The USB hub is also used for my Asus UX31E for the same devices.

rlarson)mn said:
I connect a wireless mouse at times as well as a external USB cased hard drive. Also occasionally a memory stick. The USB hub is also used for my Asus UX31E for the same devices.
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Ahh, I've been using a bluetooth mouse, which leaves the USB port free... Wasn't thinking about a mouse that required a USB port - then I could see two USB ports being useful....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

rashid11 said:
I have 2 of TF101 plus a dock. Thinking about getting TF700 . Those who took the route - what are your impressions ?
I use the table 90% of the time as ebook reader - pdf and epub, using Mantano reader most of the time. Higher rez should make for a better ebook experience I hope, although I can not claim that I find TF101's screen lacking in clarity/sharpness department.
So far I dont feel that dropping $700 will fetch me much outside of small incremental gains over TF101
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
\
I upgraded from the TF1010. The factors for me were the screen, the faster speed and the lighter weight. The TF101 was just starting to feel a little heavy for me, especially once I had it in a case. My TF101 was also starting to feel a little sluggish, so I decided to go for it. Couldn't be happier, the TF700 is really smooth and I haven't had any problems, with the exception of the battery life, I am one of those people that feel the Wifi is draining the battery pretty quickly.

nooktablet said:
if you read books a lot then i think you should get a 7 inch tablet like the nexus 7, it's light, easy to hold and you can hold it by 1 hand without getting tired. more importantly the nexus 7 has a very good screen display (1280x800)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you read a lot of Comics or magazines or illustrated books, I would give the exact opposite advice. I have a 7" and 10.1" device and comics/magazines are unbearable on the 7 incher after having used a 10 incher. Provided you're strong enough to hold up the 10 incher. LOL.
That said, if 90% of your application is eBooks and you have already outlaid for the TF101 dock, I personally would not even consider upgrading until the next device given the cost for what would only be a very small incremental improvement for your application.
ASUS still needs to get their firmware act together for the T3 devices and QA is still something I'd be wondering about.

I upgraded from the prime after selling it (originally was going to get the Acer a700, glad I passed on that debacle). It was definitely worth it although I do miss AOKP and Jermaine's other work.
Signature: Going to butthurt ban me? Well go ahead.

Yes. Just for the screen
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app

I also primarily use mine as an ebook reader (using the Aldiko app), and also use a few different news ready apps (Currents, Appy Geek and Pulse primarily).
I don't see much of a difference in how crisp the text is in any of these apps, however on the TF101 the white background had very faint artifacts (you might see them as little dots, or a pattern of some sort) which the TF700 doesn't. The white background on the TF700 is just solid white to my eyes. That makes reading for a long time much easier on my eyes.
I never really noticed that 'artifacts' (Warehouse 13 anyone? ) on the TF101 until I tried (and returned) an iPad 3. The screen on the iPad is gorgeous, as one would expect, but IOS is not for me. If there is a difference between the iPad and the TF700 screens, it's not something that *I* can see. I know the iPad has a somewhat higher resolution, but it's not enough for me to tell the difference - and that's all that matters.
So, in short, go for it - you'll love it.

I actually wasn't planning on upgrading, but the charging port on my TF101 broke about a week ago and the RMA process was going to take a few weeks so I figured why not? Honestly if my TF101 hadn't broken I would have been fine with it for another few months at least, if not another year.
As mentioned above, battery life isn't as good. Screen is excellent. I do notice considerably less lag when typing, especially in a browser. Loading pages is a bit snappier. It's a nice upgrade, but not worth $500 IMO, unless you have to like I did.

Headcase_Fargone said:
I actually wasn't planning on upgrading, but the charging port on my TF101 broke about a week ago and the RMA process was going to take a few weeks so I figured why not? Honestly if my TF101 hadn't broken I would have been fine with it for another few months at least, if not another year.
As mentioned above, battery life isn't as good. Screen is excellent. I do notice considerably less lag when typing, especially in a browser. Loading pages is a bit snappier. It's a nice upgrade, but not worth $500 IMO, unless you have to like I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I sold mine for 200$ .
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Nebucatnetzer said:
That's why I sold mine for 200$ .
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Click to collapse
Clearly you don't have a wife that swipes your gadgets when you're done with them.

Changes that need to be made to the Transformer series:

In order for me to even consider continuing on w/ the next model...
Better build quality (needs to be on par w/ MS Surface and Apple iPad)
A magnetic snap-on keyboard or (if already patented by MS) a keyboard that requires less effort to connect to the tablet
Front facing speaker(s)
Improved WiFi reception (my HTC Rezound grabs a full signal, but my Infinity does not)
Resolve I/O issues
I think those are my five main wishes for the next device in the Transformer lineup.
Anyone else care to chime in?
I'd also like to add that I love my TF700T and that this is not a complaint thread. ASUS is so close to hitting the sweet spot.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app

Joeful said:
A magnetic snap-on keyboard or (if already patented by MS) a keyboard that requires less effort to connect to the tablet
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Click to collapse
I wouldn't want the Surface's keyboard, because of one simple reason: It doesn't hold the tablet. For the Surface to stand up with the keyboard docked, you have to flip out a stand on it.
The Transformer keyboard is more robust since it acts as the stand itself. That way, it can stand up in any angle.

Joeful said:
In order for me to even consider continuing on w/ the next model...
Better build quality (needs to be on par w/ MS Surface and Apple iPad) - I think it's good enough and don't want it to be more expensive
A magnetic snap-on keyboard or (if already patented by MS) a keyboard that requires less effort to connect to the tablet - No... definitely not.
Front facing speaker(s) - Yes!
Improved WiFi reception (my HTC Rezound grabs a full signal, but my Infinity does not) - 5Ghz wifi please, I was a little shocked to find out it doesn't have this
Resolve I/O issues - Yeah.... data2sd in the mean time
I think those are my five main wishes for the next device in the Transformer lineup.
Anyone else care to chime in?
I'd also like to add that I love my TF700T and that this is not a complaint thread. ASUS is so close to hitting the sweet spot.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Otherwise: An possiblity to fully unlock the bootloader (like it was) so I can dual boot Android and Ubuntu without having to reinstall stuff from the recovery
And... errr, yeah that's it.

For me i agree with :
- resolve io issue
I would had :
- better browsing experience (it has improved a lot since july and now it's usable but it's still lacking speed and responsiveness (any browser i tested)
- prepare me a coffee when i go back home after work
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app

firetech said:
I wouldn't want the Surface's keyboard, because of one simple reason: It doesn't hold the tablet. For the Surface to stand up with the keyboard docked, you have to flip out a stand on it.
The Transformer keyboard is more robust since it acts as the stand itself. That way, it can stand up in any angle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True but they could still manufacture a megnetic keyboard that still has a strong hinge to be able to hold the tablet in place at almost all angles. Have you seen how strong the bond between the Surface keyboard and the tablet is?
Sent from my HTC Rezound

It would be nice if the manufactures could standardized one type of power plug. This feels like the days of cell phones having different plugs for different handsets, even among the same manufacture. They can still manufacture it in a way that the dock would only work with the Transformer line. It would have to be a thickens to fit in the dock slot or a separate part next to the plug that does the data transfer between the two. But it would be fantastic to walk into Best Buy and get a general plug that would charge multiple tablets.
Then front speakers.

Joeful said:
True but they could still manufacture a megnetic keyboard that still has a strong hinge to be able to hold the tablet in place at almost all angles. Have you seen how strong the bond between the Surface keyboard and the tablet is?
Sent from my HTC Rezound
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Click to collapse
The magnetic connection between the Surface keyboard and tablet is indeed strong, but it does not hold the tablet at any angle with only the magnetic bond. Consumer magnets are not strong enough for that.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app

Better build quality (needs to be on par w/ MS Surface and Apple iPad) : You mean like the Surface keyboards that are coming apart just weeks after shipping? TF Build quality is fine. Every tablet has bad units.
A magnetic snap-on keyboard or (if already patented by MS) a keyboard that requires less effort to connect to the tablet :No Thanks as mentioned already I prefer the keyboard hold the tablet up. I do not like the surface keyboard at all.
Front facing speaker(s) :AGREED, but hardly a reason worth choosing a table on IMO.
Improved WiFi reception (my HTC Rezound grabs a full signal, but my Infinity does not) : My TF700 gets wifi considerably better than my Rezound. Neither has great bandwidth, but reception is perfectly acceptable.
Resolve I/O issues: This one I have to agree is unacceptable cheapness on ASUS' part.

gottahavit said:
Better build quality (needs to be on par w/ MS Surface and Apple iPad) : You mean like the Surface keyboards that are coming apart just weeks after shipping? TF Build quality is fine. Every tablet has bad units.
A magnetic snap-on keyboard or (if already patented by MS) a keyboard that requires less effort to connect to the tablet :No Thanks as mentioned already I prefer the keyboard hold the tablet up. I do not like the surface keyboard at all.
Front facing speaker(s) :AGREED, but hardly a reason worth choosing a table on IMO.
Improved WiFi reception (my HTC Rezound grabs a full signal, but my Infinity does not) : My TF700 gets wifi considerably better than my Rezound. Neither has great bandwidth, but reception is perfectly acceptable.
Resolve I/O issues: This one I have to agree is unacceptable cheapness on ASUS' part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By build quality, I mean the tablet itself. The brushed aluminum they use is horribely scratch prone and feels a little cheap. Although, my TF is covered by a carbon fiber decal from Skinomi.
Front facing speakers are and should be common sense.
The WiFi reception is absolutely not acceptable for the price of the tablet. I can pay 300 dollars for a crappy laptop with better reception than my 600 dollar TF.
Like I said, they've almost hit the sweet spot. I think their next model (if they don't drop Android entirely) will be much better than the TF700. They will end up pulling and using ideas from the Nexus and Surface tablets. I would gladly pay an 100 dollars or more for a model that included everything I've mentioned.
I think that with the tablet market being young still, consumers need to be as vocal as they can about issues they find with their devices. Consumers really don't realize how much power they have in numbers.
With all that being said, I am still glad that this was my first tablet and I've learned a lot from it. I know what I want in a tablet now and it will be much easier for me to choose my next tablet.
Sent from my HTC Rezound

oops

Apart from the IO problem, I cannot really agree with what you have stated in your OP. If brushed aluminium is seen as cheap in your opinion, I suspect gold is the only thing that can satisfy your material requirement of not being cheap. The iPad is equally scratch prone, if not more (take a look at the iPad Mini and you can see what I mean). Frankly, I have never encountered any Wifi reception problem, and I cannot notice any difference between the tf700 and my Sensation in terms of wifi performance. Magnetic connection in the Surface cannot hold the tablet without the kickstand, so it is quite useless for most people who want a full-blown keyboard.
If ASUS needs to improve th tf700, my wish list would include mainly hardware components:
1. A much better SoC, Tegra 3 is terrible at full HD, games lag miserably. What I need is Exynos 5, Snapdragon S4 Pro, and something like Apple A6X. Much as I hate it, Apple A6X is the most powerful SoC in the market right now. Maybe Kepler-based Tegra 4 will change things a bit, but I seriously doubt it.
2. Dual-band wifi => industry standard.

androidxen said:
The magnetic connection between the Surface keyboard and tablet is indeed strong, but it does not hold the tablet at any angle with only the magnetic bond. Consumer magnets are not strong enough for that.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
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Proof?
To clarify, there would be a snap or cog based hinge between the magnets and keyboard. I don't think you understand what I'm getting at.

huy_lonewolf said:
Apart from the IO problem, I cannot really agree with what you have stated in your OP. If brushed aluminium is seen as cheap in your opinion, I suspect gold is the only thing that can satisfy your material requirement of not being cheap. The iPad is equally scratch prone, if not more (take a look at the iPad Mini and you can see what I mean). Frankly, I have never encountered any Wifi reception problem, and I cannot notice any difference between the tf700 and my Sensation in terms of wifi performance. Magnetic connection in the Surface cannot hold the tablet without the kickstand, so it is quite useless for most people who want a full-blown keyboard.
If ASUS needs to improve th tf700, my wish list would include mainly hardware components:
1. A much better SoC, Tegra 3 is terrible at full HD, games lag miserably. What I need is Exynos 5, Snapdragon S4 Pro, and something like Apple A6X. Much as I hate it, Apple A6X is the most powerful SoC in the market right now. Maybe Kepler-based Tegra 4 will change things a bit, but I seriously doubt it.
2. Dual-band wifi => industry standard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brushed aluminum IS cheap and scratch prone. I think you may have misunderstood my idea of a sturdy magnetic keyboard. I am not asking for a clone of the TOUCH COVER, but a refined TF700T dock that utilizes magnets. I do agree that with you in terms of SoC, though. I am not a fan of Apple and I'd rather see MS and or Google with superior hardware.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app

Joeful said:
True but they could still manufacture a megnetic keyboard that still has a strong hinge to be able to hold the tablet in place at almost all angles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knowing my physics, that would probably require a magnet so strong that it would wipe your hard drives and credit card by being near them. Not going to happen. You need some kind of support other than magnets to hold a tablet by its base at an angle...

The biggest thing for me is the io. If they fixed that it would be the perfect tablet IMO. Its still a great tablet.
But a few tweaks here and there it would be the best. The next one does need a new soc as the tegra 3 is starting to show its age
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

How about faster updates? I would like that. Oh, and make it so unlocking the boot loader doesn't void your warranty. Last but not least, NvFlash support.

add support for Dual Band wireless 2.4/5GHz.
Come on even the Kindle Fire HD supports Dual Band wifi.
---------- Post added at 09:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:37 PM ----------
Even my Blackberry Playbook supports the 5GHz band.

the_game_master said:
add support for Dual Band wireless 2.4/5GHz.
Come on even the Kindle Fire HD supports Dual Band wifi.
---------- Post added at 09:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:37 PM ----------
Even my Blackberry Playbook supports the 5GHz band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even the new iPod Touch has dual band 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0 too.

ostar2 said:
How about faster updates? I would like that. Oh, and make it so unlocking the boot loader doesn't void your warranty. Last but not least, NvFlash support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ASUS is very at getting updates out quickly. Although, faster wouldn't hurt.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app

I agree with much that has been stated already. I would also like to see the USB host jack moved to the tablet itself....along with the SDCard slot. I know that it would turn the kb dock into a battery/kb device only, but I'm fine with that. It may also necessitate making the device a bit thicker. I don't see this as a problem either, as it is so thin now, they can't keep the glass connected to the thing all the way around the edge. It may eliminate that issue with build quality. It may also lower the price of the dock.
SoC...which may fix the awful I/O.
Move USB and SDCard slot to the tablet.
NVFlash...(no encryption)
Generally improve build quality. This could apply to most manufacturer's but more so with Asus from what I have seen.
My 2 cents worth....
Brad

Tablet Purchasing Advice

I'm looking for advice on purchasing a new tablet for an after Xmas present.
I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Google Nexus 10 or the Asus TF700T-C1-CG with WiFi 10.1.
The reason I chose the Asus is that I like the ability to dock it to a keyboard then my laptop is out the door! That said, if I do want to go that route I just read where Lenovo is launching a new tablet combo next January that is incredible.
I would really appreciate user's thoughts!
Happy Holidays!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

randun said:
I'm looking for advice on purchasing a new tablet for an after Xmas present.
I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Google Nexus 10 or the Asus TF700T-C1-CG with WiFi 10.1.
The reason I chose the Asus is that I like the ability to dock it to a keyboard then my laptop is out the door! That said, if I do want to go that route I just read where Lenovo is launching a new tablet combo next January that is incredible.
I would really appreciate user's thoughts!
Happy Holidays!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u plan on rooting and flashing ROMs, get the Asus since it will have the keyboard. If u keeping stock, get the nexus for fast updates

^ Agree.
Also, when it comes to being a laptop replacement, just be aware of the limitations.
I can still use Flash on Jelly Bean, but it might not stay that way forever - well, almost certainly won't. And it's almost certainly going to take web developers longer than that to ditch it for compatibility's sake.
I'm going to be giving some of the Office software a shot, but for some people MSOffice is the only thing that will work for their jobs, or they need something very specific. This also goes for other programs that might not have direct, or good, translations to Android.
I find that I can use my TF101 basically any time I'd be using my laptop - although this is only because I built a desktop that I use for my heavier computing needs.

Pennycake said:
^ Agree.
Also, when it comes to being a laptop replacement, just be aware of the limitations.
I can still use Flash on Jelly Bean, but it might not stay that way forever - well, almost certainly won't. And it's almost certainly going to take web developers longer than that to ditch it for compatibility's sake.
I'm going to be giving some of the Office software a shot, but for some people MSOffice is the only thing that will work for their jobs, or they need something very specific. This also goes for other programs that might not have direct, or good, translations to Android.
I find that I can use my TF101 basically any time I'd be using my laptop - although this is only because I built a desktop that I use for my heavier computing needs.
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Click to collapse
Thanks 'Brandonarev' & 'Pennycake' for the info.
I have a Sony All-in-one Touchscreen that I use as my 'workhorse'.
The laptop is networked for use in my bedroom at night or when traveling. Wish the Nexus had a keyword then I'd buy that in a NY second!
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an Asus.. or if you wait i think nexus 10 will have smartcover like accessory and keyboard dock .. cause it has 6pin connector on bottom i think... correct me if im wrong

lokenok said:
an Asus.. or if you wait i think nexus 10 will have smartcover like accessory and keyboard dock .. cause it has 6pin connector on bottom i think... correct me if im wrong
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Now that you mention it I seem to remember seeing something about the Nexus 10 having keyboard capability. Where did you find this info out? Tx
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lokenok said:
an Asus.. or if you wait i think nexus 10 will have smartcover like accessory and keyboard dock .. cause it has 6pin connector on bottom i think... correct me if im wrong
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I actually Googled accessories for the Nexus 10 & found keyboards, etc. so it looks like I'll be heading in that direction.

^ good cause nexus 10 is beast even thou i dont have it :l

You can get a bluetooth keyboard for pretty much any tablet or even phone.
The TF keyboard dock isn't just a bluetooth keyboard, though. It's an effective counter-balance what with the large battery in it - a battery that charges the tablet and effectively doubles battery life. In a bluetooth keyboard, you'd either have to have dead weight in the case or a kick-stand, and you'd be charging it / replacing batteries separately - a nice feature of the connected dock is that you'll know the battery level so it won't be a surprise to have it suddenly die (and it will still work as long as the tablet has power). The keyboard dock also benefits from having a hardware connection over bluetooth - and it has two stabiliser connections that don't send data, so that it can't wiggle around, as well as being held against the front and back by the part that serves as the immediate dock. It's very stable, just like a laptop or netbook.
The keyboard dock also has two full-size USB ports and a full-size SD Card slot and a track-pad.
Not trying to be a salesman, just point out the differences between what you get with a bluetooth keyboard versus the TF keyboard dock.
It will be interesting to see what they come up with for the Nexus 10, but it will certainly be more like the Surface than the TF series. The TF series is good for people who want something that can function as both a netbook and a tablet. The Surface is a step above regular bluetooth keyboards, but still isn't the same level of purpose and functionality as the TF dock - but it really depends on what you want.

Pennycake said:
You can get a bluetooth keyboard for pretty much any tablet or even phone.
The TF keyboard dock isn't just a bluetooth keyboard, though. It's an effective counter-balance what with the large battery in it - a battery that charges the tablet and effectively doubles battery life. In a bluetooth keyboard, you'd either have to have dead weight in the case or a kick-stand, and you'd be charging it / replacing batteries separately - a nice feature of the connected dock is that you'll know the battery level so it won't be a surprise to have it suddenly die (and it will still work as long as the tablet has power). The keyboard dock also benefits from having a hardware connection over bluetooth - and it has two stabiliser connections that don't send data, so that it can't wiggle around, as well as being held against the front and back by the part that serves as the immediate dock. It's very stable, just like a laptop or netbook.
The keyboard dock also has two full-size USB ports and a full-size SD Card slot and a track-pad.
Not trying to be a salesman, just point out the differences between what you get with a bluetooth keyboard versus the TF keyboard dock.
It will be interesting to see what they come up with for the Nexus 10, but it will certainly be more like the Surface than the TF series. The TF series is good for people who want something that can function as both a netbook and a tablet. The Surface is a step above regular bluetooth keyboards, but still isn't the same level of purpose and functionality as the TF dock - but it really depends on what you want.
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Thanks much for this great info! One KB that I'm looking at for the Nexus 10 is a Motorola with kickstand, built-in battery, & protective case. Probably not as many bells & whistles as the one for the TF but close.
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I have an asus and its nice but use my nexus 7 alot more...

I would go with the nexus, they are wonderful and fast. They root easy and are quick to flash roms, making it less of a pain. Great display too!

linkman88 said:
I would go with the nexus, they are wonderful and fast. They root easy and are quick to flash roms, making it less of a pain. Great display too!
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I'm definitely going that route if I can ever find one to buy!
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I got my Nexus from gamestop which was great because I got enough power up rewards points to get a t shirt that has the black mesa logo on it!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

linkman88 said:
I got my Nexus from gamestop which was great because I got enough power up rewards points to get a t shirt that has the black mesa logo on it!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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How long ago was that? I've used several shopping tools & I can't find one anywhere except for places that I've never heard of..
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tablet Prestigio
Hi,
what is about the new Prestigio 8" MultiPad Pro Duo (PMP5580C_DUO) ?
Fast Dualcore and fine Display....

Surface RT - now that they can run desktop apps compiled for ARM

I would say the best tablet is the surface, I love mine and the fact it can do anything a desktop can with the exception of installing legacy apps.

Luis_GT said:
I would say the best tablet is the surface, I love mine and the fact it can do anything a desktop can with the exception of installing legacy apps.
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This this a thousand times this.

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all of the advice. Unfortunately I missed a few updates from the thread as I've already purchased a Nexus 10. It arrives today.
For those who recommended the Surface, while it's a nice 'hybrid', the price is not justified IMO. I'll see what happens with the Nexus.
RD
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[Q] [A700] Pre-Purchase Questions

I'm considering purchasing a A700.
I've used CyanogenMod on other devices before, and having it available is a big plus for this tablet, even though My understanding is that there is a factory 4.1 that is also pretty good.
I have read the sticky's and done some searches, but I still have somethings I would like specific answers on:
Is USB storage mode supported? I am asking about when the tablet is connected to a PC, Not USB OTG. If so, is the internal 32G and the SD card available? Please answer for Factory ROMs and for CM 10.1.
Does the CM 10.1 DSP Equalizer work? I have read that messing with the EQ settings does not change the sound.
Is there anything in CM 10.1 that does not work that I should know about? GPS? (Including decent time-to-fix), both cameras? are both mics (noise cancellation) supported? Bluetooth (for everything - Keyboards, Stereo sound, File transfers)?
There are some pretty good prices on the A700, but it is very late in the A700's life cycle, and there are much newer devices available cheaper. EX: The Nexus 7 (2013) has the same resolution, twice the RAM, more clock speed, and weighs 1/3 as much. (I know it has no SD slot, no HDMI, and it's 7 inches instead of 10).
Is it still worth buying an A700?
Thanks for any comments/suggestions.

Linuxslate said:
I'm considering purchasing a A700.
I've used CyanogenMod on other devices before, and having it available is a big plus for this tablet, even though My understanding is that there is a factory 4.1 that is also pretty good.
I have read the sticky's and done some searches, but I still have somethings I would like specific answers on:
Is USB storage mode supported? I am asking about when the tablet is connected to a PC, Not USB OTG. If so, is the internal 32G and the SD card available? Please answer for Factory ROMs and for CM 10.1.
Does the CM 10.1 DSP Equalizer work? I have read that messing with the EQ settings does not change the sound.
Is there anything in CM 10.1 that does not work that I should know about? GPS? (Including decent time-to-fix), both cameras? are both mics (noise cancellation) supported? Bluetooth (for everything - Keyboards, Stereo sound, File transfers)?
There are some pretty good prices on the A700, but it is very late in the A700's life cycle, and there are much newer devices available cheaper. EX: The Nexus 7 (2013) has the same resolution, twice the RAM, more clock speed, and weighs 1/3 as much. (I know it has no SD slot, no HDMI, and it's 7 inches instead of 10).
Is it still worth buying an A700?
Thanks for any comments/suggestions.
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Darn Mate. You ask a lot of questions for one whom doesn't own the tab
For CM10.1 questions, you should review pawitp's CM thread. Personally I prefer stock. Less issues when modifying things, and better compatibility across the board.
USB storage supported (nobody would get one if it didn't work).
I have 0 issues when connecting to PC. I get both storage. (although you will not get access to /system, unless using ADB). This is a root/rw issue.
As with audio, can't tell you about DSP, as I don't use it. I use Android4Viper. Might as well go for the best. It replaces the stock/CM.
If you buy a new tab, regardless of brand, and just want immediately to goto CM, well, you take your chances. CM is CM. You can have 10 roms built from CM, but the source is pretty much all the same. CM.
I like the 701. Has most of the same specs as others. To say it's at the end of it's life cycle is pretty off. I don't see any quad 8 processors. Maybe a little more RAM, but hey, we ain't recalculating 1gb spreadsheets here.
(comparing 7" to 10", well, do the math)
The 70x is just now getting good dev. I hear rumor another dev from the 50x forums will be joining.

It's no suprise that a 7" wheighs less then 10"
Personally no sd slot is no go for me.
I really really like the screen of the A700. It's so much better then the Tab2 from my son.

herogjan said:
It's no suprise that a 7" wheighs less then 10"
Personally no sd slot is no go for me.
I really really like the screen of the A700. It's so much better then the Tab2 from my son.
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Agree. A device without an SD slot, chills my bones. A big turn off. Also, android can sometimes have issues transferring huge chunks of data, like 20 videos at once, so it's an advantage to copy it using the PCs sd card reader.
Acer made a couple improvements over the 50x. The 70x can use USB charging (although really slow, and you don't want to be using tablet). They removed the USB Port, but supply a USB dongle. Speakers are a touch better. And, they gave us unlocked bootloader :good:. So it makes rooting a breeze.
People complained about a processor overheat, but all the high performance tabs do that. Price we pay for the great display. I've never had issues though.

Well Guys, Thanks, but I went with the New Nexus 7.
A 20% off coupon for the Nexus 7 was the tie breaker for me. -- $90 dollars less than the best deal I could find on an A700.
The 1G RAM on the A700 also worked in favor of the Nexus 7. I think, unfortunately, than Android is getting more RAM hungry, The race to add features vs. optimization/cleanup. Otherwise the Tegra 3 wins easily.
Another big factor was standard USB charging. What I read here indicated that the A700 did slow charge over USB, but from what I know about other devices, slow charging does not even keep up with use.
I also decided that I would carry a 7" tablet places I would not carry a 10" tablet. If I am going to carry around a 10" tablet, I may as well carry around my Ultra Book.
I can also put the N7 in the back pocket of "normal" pants. Obviously, I cannot really carry it that way, because If I sit down, I *will* be buying an A700, but If I need my hands free, I can put it there temporarily. I am not of the proportions necessary to wear pants that have pockets big enough for an A700
Yes, no SD and no USB Storage mode is very frustrating. It's crippleware -- Defective by design. I wish Google would wise up to this.
Thanks for the answers, and sorry that in the end I wasted your time. I think if I ever see someone using an A700, I'll be at least a bit jealous.

Linuxslate said:
Well Guys, Thanks, but I went with the New Nexus 7.
A 20% off coupon for the Nexus 7 was the tie breaker for me. -- $90 dollars less than the best deal I could find on an A700.
The 1G RAM on the A700 also worked in favor of the Nexus 7. I think, unfortunately, than Android is getting more RAM hungry, The race to add features vs. optimization/cleanup. Otherwise the Tegra 3 wins easily.
Another big factor was standard USB charging. What I read here indicated that the A700 did slow charge over USB, but from what I know about other devices, slow charging does not even keep up with use.
I also decided that I would carry a 7" tablet places I would not carry a 10" tablet. If I am going to carry around a 10" tablet, I may as well carry around my Ultra Book.
I can also put the N7 in the back pocket of "normal" pants. Obviously, I cannot really carry it that way, because If I sit down, I *will* be buying an A700, but If I need my hands free, I can put it there temporarily. I am not of the proportions necessary to wear pants that have pockets big enough for an A700
Yes, no SD and no USB Storage mode is very frustrating. It's crippleware -- Defective by design. I wish Google would wise up to this.
Thanks for the answers, and sorry that in the end I wasted your time. I think if I ever see someone using an A700, I'll be at least a bit jealous.
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No problem mate. No waste of time Doesn't hurt to get some opinions before buying.
However, I hear from my mates, that the new N7 is prone to random re-boots and sleep of death. Not all of them, but a good chunk of them. Seems some software issues. Might wanna check the N7 (2013) forums for the post.
Good luck with your tab!
MD