Related
Just wanted to know who plans on not purchasing the dock(since that was the main selling point.) How do you think you will do without a usb port?
For me personally if it wasnt for the dock (full keyboard, extra battery and full size usb ports) id have just gotten the Tab 10.1 in june instead. Although its too bad they're using tegra 2 and not their own chips for the tab but oh well.
I'm not planning on it as of right now. Once I have it in my hands and start messing with it, I can reassess the need for it from there.
personally i would like the dock however it all depends upon the price of it here in the UK !!
I do not plan on it...anything i need that would normally be synced through a USB can be put on the device with bluetooth or pulled off my wireless network. I honestly dont think I will mind not having one (besides needing to charge on that darned proprietary cable!)
Once there is any temp. price drop that makes keyboard dock for $90 or so I can get ..other wise....big NO
I don't think I'm getting the dock either. Firstly the price is too high, if it was less than $100 i would have considered it, i have 3 laptops already so I dont need it to do any work or typing. I actually may even get rid of the transformer depending on how the samsung is reviewed since its lighter and thinner. If i end up keeping it for the long term I may get the dock later but only if it comes down in price.
One of the main reasons that I'm getting the Transformer over any of the other Android tablets is the keyboard dock (which isn't sold in the US yet!).
So I definitely plan on getting on when they start being sold here.
kxs783kms said:
How do you think you will do without a usb port?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Supposedly there is an adaptor accessory that will provide a USB port.
Regards,
Dave
I most definitely WON'T buy the keyboard dock.
I simply don't need it - my house is already littered with computers (2 laptops, 2 desktops, 1 server).
I needed a lightweight, always-on, touch device, not another notebook
I don't plan on buying the dock anytime soon as mostly I will be using it to read books, browsing the internet and few other things which would not require dock. Moreover, the price of the dock is (errrmmm keyboard ) is just too much for me to come to terms with it. So, unless it drops down to like $79 bucks, it won't happen in next year or so.
One of my main uses for the Transformer is writing, and conducting the research for writing. I wanted a device that will last for a long, long time on a charge so that I can be ready to write in any situation. Also, I got tired of setting up my HP Envy notebook on the tray and hassling with the power cable every time I wanted to do some writing late at night in bed.
So, the dock is the entire point of buying the TF for me. A physical keyboard is necessary for long-form writing, of course. The extra battery means it'll last a full day of writing, so it'll always be available. And because there's also no heat and thus no fans, I don't have to mess with power cables and lap trays when I want to write at night. Just plop it right on top of the covers, no problem.
The dock will also serve as a cover (I imagine I'll pretty much carry it around with the dock most of the time, but I did buy a sleeve just in case) and a prop. Overall, I think the price is good enough for a 24.4Whr battery and portable charging station, with a hardwired keyboard (avoiding Bluetooth connectivity issues) and trackpad.
I know the thread was about people NOT buying it, but I thought I'd interject. Just 'cause I like talking about it, and need something to do until it arrives later today.
I will buy it, since I don't have a personal laptop (do have a work laptop, that's it) and only a high end desktop.
The long lasting battery and dual option (tablet and netbook) do it perfectly for me. Also, my 30" desktop monitor is IPS panel, so I won't go anything below that in picture quality.
Currently I have no interest. Not because I think it's a dumb idea, I just don't need it for a tablet, that's not how I'm using mine. I do appreciate the idea, though. If it cost less, I'd probably bite just to have the option handy, but $150 is too much for something I'd rarely use. I find that the on-screen keyboard is very good for the amount of typing I do on the Transformer (I do find myself hitting the keyboard minimize button by accident too much, I wish it wasn't underneath the shift key).
The dock should turn it into a Windows laptop, have the cpu etc in the dock.
I'd pay for that, but see no reason for a Honeycomb tablet dock unless it was $60 or so.
I'm not much interested in the keyboard dock. I've got a laptop with a 9 hr battery and bigger screen that weighs three pounds, I'd use that. I might be interested in the desktop dock thing that just charges it and holds it though, if the price was right and they ever became available.
If the dock without a keyboard has battery inside I might not buy the keyboard dock and go for the keyboardless dock.
i'm also torn between getting the dock or not. i do like the idea of extended battery and the ability to type with a physical keyboard. but then i already have my laptop for that. another thing is the price - $150 is kind of high. but then i already preordered it from amazon. lol. if anything it'll be a pure impulse buy or i end up forgetting that i preordered and then it ships. haha
Never intend of getting the keyboard in the first place, if I need a keyboard I will use my notebook.
Tf2 is rumored to release soon,
Will you upgrade?
If not what kind of price spec / dimension, thickness of the new tf would make you do it?
To me if they keep the same price, better camera, better speaker, as thin as galaxy tab 10.1 then SOLD
!!
i probably wouldn't, the next tablet i want to get would be a win8 tablet, not sure if i want an arm or x86 processor yet...
so, a TF2 that runs win8 would be something i would consider.
BUT, if i could sell my TF and get a TF2 for like ~$100 i would probably bite, ICS would have to be something FAR more cohesive and polished though.
only if they make a TF2 that supports the current docking.
I paid $170 for the docking, tax+shipping.
No way I would buy another Transformer if they make a new docking for every upgrade.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
myamex said:
only if they make a TF2 that supports the current docking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that they already announced it would be compatible with the existing dock...which suggests it will have the same thickness as the current model in order to fit in the slot...or it will have a "bulge" in the back if it needs to be thicker to accommodate the new tech.
I've recently aquired a TF101-B1/32GB model as an upgrade/replacement to my 1015PE EeePC. Software wise the only stuff I could aim for improvements, can be done with OTA updates or ROMs. Hardware wise, unless the battery life goes up to like 4x, what improvements we can expect in terms of CPU/RAM/Storage are just not worth it to me.
So I'm sticking with my Andrea
My TF1 now is enough for me .
i would upgrade. Win 8 is going to support Kal El chipset. ICS + Win8 + awesome hardware? Yes please. The trusty TF will go to my wife and get her off my equipment
I will probably not upgrade. I love my TF, and the only thing I would want would be a dual boot with win8, so IF it supports the current dock, AND it gets a dual win8 boot then I would consider it. Otherwise I will probably wait for the next chipset and skip the kal-el.
ExploreMN said:
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that they already announced it would be compatible with the existing dock...which suggests it will have the same thickness as the current model in order to fit in the slot...or it will have a "bulge" in the back if it needs to be thicker to accommodate the new tech.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am thinking they might come out with an adaptor,
but rumors are the TF2 is thinner/lighter than Ipad2.
Only if it had at least several of the following changes:
* Significantly faster while retaining similar battery life -or- similar speed with a significant improvement in battery life
* Equal or better screen with less glossy finish
* A better microphone and (less important to me) speakers
* FM radio receiver (it's already in the current chipset, just not enabled and I'm guessing not the correct antenna type to support it)
* Faster GPS lock, since Android seems to have to start over from scratch on the GPS lock every time you leave the GPS-aware app and reenter
* Better wi-fi range / less dropouts
* Support for dual-boot to some other more fully-featured OS (Windows, Linux, whatever)
Thinner is utterly unimportant to me. I wouldn't want to have to buy my dock all over again (well, I have two tablets and two docks, so twice all over again). I don't see them making an adapter as it'd be too kludgy, so the only way it'll be thinner is if it has an unsightly bulge for the dock, or requires an entirely new dock. Size and weight are already near-perfect for me.
I will in the interim, but looking forward to W8.
I believe the dock can be modified easily for a thinner tab. If you've ever looked at your dock, you'll notice the hinge is attached with screws, making switching to another hinge adapter very easy.
EMINENT1 said:
I will in the interim, but looking forward to W8.
I believe the dock can be modified easily for a thinner tab. If you've ever looked at your dock, you'll notice the hinge is attached with screws, making switching to another hinge adapter very easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is absolutely zero chance they're going to put out an adapter that requires customers to dissassemble the existing hinge section, even just by removing four screws. If there's an adapter of any kind, it will sit inside the existing hinge assembly.
That said, I would happily place a bet that there will be no such adapter at all. If Asus had intended to accomodate slimmer tablets with the same dock, they've have provisioned an adapter with some kind of easily-removable docking plate in the first place.
My guess is either the followup will be the same thickness, or it'll be incompatible with the existing accessories. (And given that other than the dock, basically none of the promised accessories are available even this long after launch, I'm tending towards the latter.)
Asus has so far failed to build up the ecosystem that Transformer owners were led to believe was on the way, and that suggests to me that they've pushed delivery of that ecosystem back to their second-gen product, if at all. The only reason to do that is if it's no longer compatible with the first generation.
Also, note that while you can remove the inner trim piece by removing four screws (and perhaps the two star-shaped screws in the outside of the hinge, although I'm guessing those mate into the combined latch mechanism / tablet jack assembly), this doesn't remove the hinge itself. Its outer dimensions are still dictated by the thickness of the current tablet. Hence, even if they offered an adapter of some kind, it would leave a large, unsightly bulge on the back of a thinner tablet when docked. (All of the slack has to be taken up behind the tablet, because the tablet itself has to be flush with the dock when closed, meaning that any reduction in thickness of the tablet will leave the hinge mechanism standing proud of the tablet's back surface by the same amount, beyond what it already does with the existing tablet.)
Sorry. With the newer Transformers locked down I have to believe the next gen will be as well. As much as I like my TF, I will be switching to a more open manufacturer. I'm not paying $500+ to be locked out of my own device.
Add another vote for Windows 8 instead. My TF1 will continue to do work as a dev test platform for Android.
Everything I do works just fine on my current TF. Unless there are things that the TF2 does that my current one cant, and it were things I would do, then yeah I would buy the TF2.
But if not, then I will keep my TF until it stops doing what I want it to do..
I'd buy it only with an unlocked bootloader. A stock machine is 50% useless.
knoxploration said:
There is absolutely zero chance they're going to put out an adapter that requires customers to dissassemble the existing hinge section, even just by removing four screws. If there's an adapter of any kind, it will sit inside the existing hinge assembly.
That said, I would happily place a bet that there will be no such adapter at all. If Asus had intended to accomodate slimmer tablets with the same dock, they've have provisioned an adapter with some kind of easily-removable docking plate in the first place.
My guess is either the followup will be the same thickness, or it'll be incompatible with the existing accessories. (And given that other than the dock, basically none of the promised accessories are available even this long after launch, I'm tending towards the latter.)
Asus has so far failed to build up the ecosystem that Transformer owners were led to believe was on the way, and that suggests to me that they've pushed delivery of that ecosystem back to their second-gen product, if at all. The only reason to do that is if it's no longer compatible with the first generation.
Also, note that while you can remove the inner trim piece by removing four screws (and perhaps the two star-shaped screws in the outside of the hinge, although I'm guessing those mate into the combined latch mechanism / tablet jack assembly), this doesn't remove the hinge itself. Its outer dimensions are still dictated by the thickness of the current tablet. Hence, even if they offered an adapter of some kind, it would leave a large, unsightly bulge on the back of a thinner tablet when docked. (All of the slack has to be taken up behind the tablet, because the tablet itself has to be flush with the dock when closed, meaning that any reduction in thickness of the tablet will leave the hinge mechanism standing proud of the tablet's back surface by the same amount, beyond what it already does with the existing tablet.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol! Such a long winded post. I merely stated how easy it is to take off the back part of the hinge and you're making it sound as impossible as time travel. 2 screws, and replace. Done.
Now, whether they choose this easy route, make the tab the same thickness (at least at the bottom) or go with a **** move by renigging on what they said about being compatible, is anyone's guess and pure speculation right now.
The fact is, I don't really care. I don't mind jumping ship if they don't make it compatible. I'm looking forward to the next greatest thing with W8.
Definitely planning to acquire TF2 with Android as a first tablet. No Microsoft [email protected] aka Windows8 for me plus it's immature and won't be ready until later in 2012.
Ill buy it porbably after 5 to6 months after release as i did it with the tf 1.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
kal-el seems to be over hyped :/ and now we get other quad's from qualcomm etc might as well wait and after the smoke clears re evaluate our options :/ prices will drop and specs will rise eventually
Update:
Crowd funding campaign is online:
www.startnext.de/en/andock
Hello everyone,
Today I would like to ask you about your opinion on my self-developed Nexus 4 Dock. First, I wanted to develop the station just for me, because I couldn’t find a Nexus 4 docking station that really fits my needs. Now I’m thinking about starting my own crowd funding campaign with this station. I already got some positive feedback on the German website android-hilfe.de.
The features of my docking station are:
- SlimPort included
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
- Display in widescreen format unlike the usual docking stations
- NFC-Tag
- cube shape design
- Docking Station is weighted to provide more stability
I also created a website for this project: andock.com
What do you think? Would you be interested in such a station? Thank you for your opinion.
So here are some pictures:
1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.
snapper.fishes said:
1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.
Noc2 said:
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I like it!
Does it charge the phone fast enough to gain a charge when outputting it to a TV? How about with Bluetooth on also for controllers and the like?
I agree that it would be nice to have it adjustable to fit other phones (and cases/bumpers). This might be the only phone with a Slimport, but who's to say other phones won't have them soon?
I agree the whole thing does look a little old school, but as long as its functional.
I would also prefer no LED light, but I might in the minority. I hate how everything in my home has a glow to it LOL.
Ultimately the biggest determining factor for me in buying something like this would be price.
Noc2 said:
Hello everyone,
<snip>
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
<snip>
So here are some pictures:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an N4 owner I'm excited to see any development of nice quality support h/w.
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.
mark398 said:
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can switch the fan on and off. Besides I got good results in tests with the fan on. If you run a lot of benchmarks in a row (especially while the Nexus 4 is charging and connected to a TV via bluetooth), you’ll experience a decrease of the benchmark score. The fan definitely reduces this issue. I will post some results in the next days.
I want to make the price as low as possible without any quality restrictions. It will be under 100 Euro.
Great to see people developing unique accessories for the Nexus 4, but for me this dock is just awkward.
The power switch should be replaced with something more modern, and the design should maybe better match the N4. Maybe a glossy black plastic and an led mounted under a more transparent plastic like the led on the N4 is mounted under the glass. Over all, I love the idea and would probably buy it even in its current state.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app
I'd love it as a kit to put together myself and keep the cost down... already as an option.
100euros would be a bit steep imo. I can already get a dock for cheap.
Your slot should come with a way to accommodate cases too... atleast the bumper
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Your dock is interesting, but, unless you're a developer that needs a cable connection (in my opinion) it makes a lot more sense just to buy an Orb and be done with it. File transfers can be done with AirDroid (for example). Wireless charging on the Orb is just as fast as trough cable (I have one) and it doesn't have the hassle of connecting/disconnecting the cable itself.
For someone that really wants the cable connection, it's useful. The design, if you want to really produce it, I'd recommend you to make it in a way that you can plug-in most android phones with the usb dock on the bottom. Make it simpler, why leds, buttons and fan (sorry, but I really don't think you need a fan in it)? Otherwise, good work.
Hi, I don't own a nexus 4 but I'm intrigued with ur project. To me, the concept is nice: something minimalistic, able to cool down the phone and provide connectivity to another device (or computer). It'd be a good idea if u can make the cube have a glossy texture, like white or black because it will still look nice even if u don't want to smooth out the edges. Also, it would be nice if it can accommodate phones that have a screen size of 5" or more (perhaps a slightly bigger cube). Also, I think led is fine but the switch for the fan should be smaller, maybe something rounded like the buttons of the iPhone 5 or a power button of any android phone and can also disguise with the cube's color. I believe something like that would look really nice on any desk.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Thank you for your feedback. I take it seriously.
Here is the promised article about the fan of my docking station:
http://www.andock.com/2013/04/the-temperature-of-google-nexus-4-with.html
The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.
I'm intrigued. If this went to market I would be very tempted to buy. Could set it on my desk, hook up sixaxis controller and jam out a few games easily.
Sent from one device or another.
this is awesome man, i hope you can built more and can sell to us or me
Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.
irishrally said:
Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s SLS.
I really liked it because of the structure of the material. It’s not like the usual plastic or FDM.
threeclaws said:
The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
pnnorth said:
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's beta/developer hardware right now, the retail stuff will have to be better (they are planning on selling at BB/Amazon.) The software on the other hand...I already went through that once with the boxee box (solid hardware + crap software.)
I apologize, but I live 300 miles from any town with electronic stores to seek these answers, I also would be reluctant to trust a sales person anyway. I am a smart phone aholic and get tremendous amounts of good Intel on this site, so I came here.
I really need to update my laptop and am thinking of getting the new Surface. The way I understand it is you can buy a case with a hard keyboard, so you can use it like a laptop, and also take that off and make it a tablet. How do you install new software? Does it have a DVD, or do you connect to external? Is there any drawback to this device? Thanks
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
If it's a Surface RT the only way to install software is through the Windows 8 app store. If it's a Surface Pro you can install any software you would on a PC including apps from theb Windows 8 app store. I'm pretty sure you could hook up an external DVD drive to it...
big70tom said:
I live 300 miles from any town with electronic stores
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm convinced you could only be living under a rock or a cave in the middle of nowhere. :laugh:
big70tom said:
Is there any drawback to this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A Microsoft Surface is not a replacement for an actual laptop despite what anyone says. The answers to all of your questions is "Yes", however, you are still making a compromise. I love my Windows 8.1 Pro tablet, I use it daily, however you aren't going to be as "productive" as you would be getting an actual laptop?
The Surface (Pro) is a really good buy for the fun factor.
The thing you're thinking of buying is the Type Cover (the second generation one has backlit keys and is a bit thinner, but the first-gen one is cheaper and works fine). It's a full-size keyboard (that is, the keys are full-sized and at the usual spacing; it obviously doesn't have room for the full 104-ish keys of a desktop keyboard) plus a trackpad. It is not a case in any traditional sense, although it does work as a screen protector when "closed". It connects magnetically; removing it and reconnecting it is literally a snap (or perhaps "clack!") The magnets are strong enough you can fold the cover behind the tablet (although with the type cover this feels weird because the keys can move beneath your fingers, but at least they turn off automatically) or even dangle the tablet from the cover (not recommended but a cool trick anyhow).
Installing software is done the same way you would on any recent PC; you download it. The tablet has WiFi built in. There's a built-in store that can install and update "modern" apps, but you can also just download programs off the web/FTP servers/whatever. If you need to install off of an actual optical disk (CD or DVD) rather than a disk image (which Win8 can mount as a virtual drive), you will need an external optical drive that connects to the tablet using USB (there's a full-size USB3 port on the side of the Surface Pro). If you really need a wired network connection for some reason, you can get a USB Ethernet adaptor (they're only a few dollars) but that will take up the tablet's USB port. You can also use (USB) external hard disks or flashdrives with the tablet, as a way to transfer files including installers. I recommend getting a USB hub (ideally, one that can handle USB3) if you're going to use a lot of USB devices.
As for drawbacks, the biggest one is arguably that it's small. It's thick for a (modern) tablet, but at only 10.8" (about 28cm) diagonally, the screen is on the small size for a laptop. The case also doesn't have room for a lot of ports. You've got the aforementioned USB3 port, a miniDisplayPort, a headset (headphones+mic, like for a smartphone) port, a microSD card slot, the magnetic power connector (which is also where the stylus rests), and the magnetic cover port (which is how the covers send keyboard and mouse input to the tablet). No VGA (you can get a converter for the miniDP port, though), no surround sound output (the built-in speakers are ok for a tablet but nothing special), no serial or parallel ports (you can use a USB adaptor), no PS/2 port (USB adaptor), no wired Ethernet ports (USB adaptor), no card-reader for anything bigger than microSD (USB adaptor), nowhere to install additional storage or an optical drive (USB...), and only one USB port (hence the recommended USB hub). The Type (or Touch) covers offer very usably-sized keyboards, but a lot of keys are missing or require you to hold the Fn key at the same time. The next-biggest drawback is probably the price-to-specs ratio; while very attractive compared to other "ultrabooks" and high-end x86_64 tablets, you can get a more powerful actual laptop for half the price. The first-gen Pro also has a pretty mediocre battery life (5-ish hours) and a kickstand which only opens to one angle (which some people find to be not the correct angle for them). None of the internal components (battery, CPU, RAM, Flash storage, etc.) are removable/replaceable/upgradable, and the max specs of the original Pro (5GB of RAM, 128GB of internal Flash storage) aren't very impressive. There's also no dedicated graphics processor; the integrated Intel graphics are OK for light-to-moderate gaming, but not for serious gamers or any task requiring much GPU acceleration.
With all that said, it's a very nice, compact, lightweight 64-bit Windows computer with an excellent display (for the size), excellent stylus and touchscreen, very durable body (even without cover, though you really should get one anyhow), and good manufacturer support. It's usable as either a tablet or a laptop, and while it can't be said to be ideal for either, it's pretty good.
To give you any more advice on whether it's suitable would require knowing a lot more about why you're thinking of buying one and what you'd be doing with it.
Which I had read and understood a review like yours before I made a compulsive purchase on Christmas night! I purchased an RT 64GB version, not realising that it is not very well supported on the available app front.....no Google chrome and very few other apps that I have become to consider standard with my Samsung Android tablet. I think note in hind sight I should have purchased the pro version but the price difference from Tesco was GBP 400 vs GBP 950 for the pro. I agree that you should definitely get the cover keyboard and the old version (mk I) is on special offer at GBP 45 vs GBP 99 for the mkII with back light keys.
Oh and there is no onboard GPS receiver so forget navigation!
Sent with desire from My One
Introduction
With every Android device, accessory availability is one of my biggest concerns. Having been with the Nexus and HTC lines for a long time, this was an intimate, but expected pain. That’s why when I saw Zerolemon put out an extended battery case for the 6P, I was both excited and amused. The thought of adding 8,000+mah of battery to a 5.7” device with such a large footprint due to the front facing speakers was going to be a disaster. But Zerolemon did it, and in what I believe is the most elegant way possible. Sturdy tpu, and clever cutouts for the camera, fingerprint sensor, and ports. Enough intro, let's dive into what’s happening with Version 2.0 of Zerolemon’s Nexus 6P battery case.
This review is going to be mostly a response to the famous AndroidPolice article that infamously bashed this case, and rightly so! You can view that here.
While I didn’t get to test the first version, there’s a reason (or many) they pulled it, and while correcting the fatal camera issue, they fixed a few more. It’s baffling that they released the original case so late in the 6P’s lifetime, and Version 2 just leaves me scratching my head (but admittedly grateful).
Quick Gallery Here
The good stuff:
Capacity: With 8,500mAh of juice, this case will keep your Nexus 6P ticking for almost 2.5 times as long. I don’t know why people say almost three, but let's break it down. 8500/3450= 2.463768. We’ll round that to 2.46, and then generously bump that up to 2.5. What’s the big deal? Like 7100mah, which is larger than the battery in an iPhone 6s. Yikes. Regardless, this case is going to be great for travelling, being out and about all day and night, and or a camping trip.
Protection: The multi-layer design offers ample plastic/TPU(in fairly large quantities) to protect your device. There is a front lip (insert picture), that should have the surface area and depth to save your phone from drops.
LED charge indicators: Four LEDs on the back of the case show the current battery level. A pretty standard feature, but useful nonetheless.
The Not So Good Stuff:
Weight: A naked 6P, without a screen protector or case, weighs 179 grams. The combined weight of the ZeroLemon case and the phone itself pushes that up to about 430 grams, which is more than twice as heavy! When a phone weighs nearly a pound, it makes it cumbersome and tiring to hold or use for long periods of time, and that’s definitely at play here.
Bulk: I’m going to heavily borrow some stats here, but here we go. Putting this case on your phone makes it ridiculously large. So large you’ll not want to carry it around, and it will definitely draw looks. It adds 23mm to the length of the phone, 10mm to its width and 14mm the thickness. It triples the thickness of the phone, destroying every design and engineering feat of the phone.
You’ll be using this thing with two hands at all times, and probably be wishing you had a third to help balance this thing.
Here’s where things really start to differ though. Remember those improvements I was talking about at the beginning of this article?
Charging speed: ~~Neither the input or output of the battery pack supports any sort of quick charging. Charging the case, and charging the phone with the case, is slow. It takes several hours to charge the case from empty, so you better not forget to plug it in overnight, because you aren't going to add much juice to it during your 30 minute commute to work.~~ Both the input and output of the device support quick charging over USB C! Admittedly charging both the case and phone from empty will take 7-8 hours, but you can definitely plug it in and top up in thirty minutes.
Camera issues: We've already established that the rear of the ZeroLemon case is thick.~~ In order to accommodate the camera, a deep canal cuts through the back of the case, exposing the lens, LED flash and other sensors. However, the canal is not quite wide enough, leading to an unintentional vignette on the left side of all pictures and video. The shiny plastic on the sides of the cutaway also reflects light, which adds further artifacts to images. As a photography enthusiast, this drives me absolutely insane. How did no one notice this when the product was tested!?!~~ This was the reason the case was discontinued for a bit, and I’m happy to report there are no camera issues here! Snap away on that weekend camping trip
Unfortunately the fingerprint reader problems are still very much an issue. Unless you initially trained your phone to recognize your finger tip, you will have to go into your settings and re add your fingers, or repeatedly press them to the sensor in hopes it trains them on that part of your finger (unsuccessful for me).
NFC is no longer blocked! I can confirm it does in fact work now. Android Pay your way to the future!
Assembly: It is a tad confusing, but basically you slide your phone down onto the brick part, place the plastic ring on top of your device and the battery pack, and then slip that into the TPU part. Not super easy, but you should get the hang of it without too much trouble.
Build Quality: The plastic ring looks and feels cheap; I’d definitely handle it with care. The TPU part does very much have those injection molding nibs, but their placement makes them unnoticeable unless you're searching for them. The TPU feels sturdy, and I haven’t noticed any flexing or creaking. The cutout around the headphone jack can hinder the use of certain cables though, due to its shape.
Conclusion:
One day I was going about my business. Using my phone from 7am 6pm. Then I spontaneously agreed to go to a concert. I was tired, but I made it through! My Nexus 6P did not. That night I started looking for a battery case for my 6P, and saw the Android Police review of it. I was willing to even accept the camera issues! I followed the Amazon link, and saw it was discontinued. I then found out why, and heard they would be releasing a newer, tweaked version. So I held out.
My patience rewarded me with a gigantic, but significantly less flawed case than I had anticipated. I can slap this case on and not have to be near a charger for 3-4 days, but make no mistake- I swap to my TechArmor bumper otherwise.
No more NFC blockage, camera artifacts, and the addition of quick charging make this case a buy for anyone who might find themselves in a situation where they’re using their phone excessively, or in a remote area (me). Or people who dislike external battery packs (also me). The only showstopper: the $60 price tag. You be the judge, but I don’t think it’ll disappoint!
Thank you to Lemonzero for providing me with a review unit, and readers can use the coupon code RGSQJDX8 to get a USB C charging station with four UBS ports for just $19.99!
Please feel free to ask questions if you have any!
Does this have a built in screen protector?
Pandawg said:
Does this have a built in screen protector?
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No
MyNarwhalBacon said:
No
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Thanks. I hated the screen protector that came with my Note 3 Zerolemon case.
Got mine two days ago. It is very big, but that is expected. I was wondering if you could use the USB C port for data on the case. I wanted to buy a USB C flash drive and load it with songs, movies, and TV shows for an upcoming airplane trip, and was wondering if it was possible to use the USB C port on the device for the flash drive, and still have it charge the device too. I would test it myself, but I don't have a USB C flash drive, and don't want to buy one unless this works.
Pandawg said:
Got mine two days ago. It is very big, but that is expected. I was wondering if you could use the USB C port for data on the case. I wanted to buy a USB C flash drive and load it with songs, movies, and TV shows for an upcoming airplane trip, and was wondering if it was possible to use the USB C port on the device for the flash drive, and still have it charge the device too. I would test it myself, but I don't have a USB C flash drive, and don't want to buy one unless this works.
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Using the USB to USB C adapter that came with my note 7, and using a sandisk flash drive with it, it does NOT work. I put the drive in the adapter and adapter directly to the 6p, it recognized, formated it, and transferred a file to the drive. Then I put the case on, then, inserted the drive, and nothing. Turned the case on to charge, reinsert the drive, nothing. So in my testing, no, it doesn't work. I have no reason to believe a specific usb C flash drive would be any different
mrjkwik said:
Using the USB to USB C adapter that came with my note 7, and using a sandisk flash drive with it, it does NOT work. I put the drive in the adapter and adapter directly to the 6p, it recognized, formated it, and transferred a file to the drive. Then I put the case on, then, inserted the drive, and nothing. Turned the case on to charge, reinsert the drive, nothing. So in my testing, no, it doesn't work. I have no reason to believe a specific usb C flash drive would be any different
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Chances are the connector only has the power pins connected, with no data pins actually connected.
asylumxl said:
Chances are the connector only has the power pins connected, with no data pins actually connected.
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I can confirm as much with different drives and also using different usb settings in dev. options no luck with data transfer.
1 Now my case unicorn beetle , love big phones
2 I use my phone with two hands, no problem
Want use this case as daily case. Possible ? Worth ?
Any one in Canada or Toronto selling their zerolemon battery please let me know. Thanks
Me too, but im from europe (Lithuania) want buy it, pm me.
doombox414 said:
Any one in Canada or Toronto selling their zerolemon battery please let me know. Thanks
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you can order right from there web site