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Colleague of mine asked me about E-readers as Nook or Kindle.
He wants to get one for his wife, but does not like the screen size.
If I remember correctly I read somewhere that G-tab can be used as an E-reader.
Tried to search the forum but didn't come with any answers.
If anyone using G-tab as a reader, could you please let me know if there is some specific app that can be installed on G-tab to use Amazone or Barns$Nobel.
Greatly appreciated.
I have used Barnes & Noble Nook eReader application, Amazon's Kindle eReader, and the Google eReader and all worked great for me. I'm settling into my favorite being the Google reader because it syncs what I'm reading across multiple devices. That works well for me because I tend to read on my Motorola Droid X phone sometimes and on the GTab other times. The Google eReader keeps my place no matter how many times I switch devices.
These eReader programs are all free so you might want to check first for the price of the ebooks. I found B&N to be most expensive but not by too much. Google and Amazon are about the same and pretty cheap, cheaper than buying paperbacks.
Good luck.
Kindle. Kobo. Barnes and Noble. Google Books. All of them work; all of them are on the market - and on the Viewsonic Favorites page if you're still on stock.
I'll add that I've used Kindle app with about 20 books on this tablet and had no issues whatsoever.
btw, I think the screen for the gtablet would kinda suck for an e-reader. Bad angle and because the home buttons aren't lit, you need a light on.
if you have one already, lots of options. But if you are looking for a new tablet. I would go color nook, or spend a bit more and go with a xoom or wait for a few weeks for the a few others coming out.
Moon reader is my favorite.
Not sure if it's relevant, but the reading app Aldiko has direct access to numerous free (public domain) book catalogs. It's super-easy to download and then read them in the app.
Lilwolf2000 said:
btw, I think the screen for the gtablet would kinda suck for an e-reader. Bad angle and because the home buttons aren't lit, you need a light on.
if you have one already, lots of options. But if you are looking for a new tablet. I would go color nook, or spend a bit more and go with a xoom or wait for a few weeks for the a few others coming out.
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Click to collapse
As he said, it is quite hard to read. I have serious back injuries and at times have to lie on my sides with pillows between my legs and such. With my new tablet, I can lay it flat on the bed near my head and read it no problem. I'd guess maybe at a 50 degree angle to my eyes. With the gtab I'd have to wedge a piece of cloth under the far side of it to bring it up to a smaller angle. It's not impossible to use, you're just going to be more limited where you can place or hold it and still see it.
Yeah, gTab is a pain to use as an eReader in bed. I eventually just had it propped up on my bed in my M1 case, and read laying on my side. Reading on my back, with gTab propped on my chest didn't work so well, as any slight tilt made things tough on the eyeballs.
I use the Nook app, which should also sync across devices. They just released an update yesterday which makes it more tablet friendly. it is pretty nice.
No worry about the buttons, really, as you can swipe to turn pages. I don't do a lot of reading in bed, so the angles don't both me.
Pretty sure they all do that (Google Books, Nook and Kindle), sync across multiple devices.
I have all installed but primarily use the Kindle app and I know it keeps my place when I read something on my PC, then later go to read it on my Droid or Gtablet.....and then back to the PC. It's always putting me where I last was no matter which device I am now using.
MSU_Sparty said:
I have used Barnes & Noble Nook eReader application, Amazon's Kindle eReader, and the Google eReader and all worked great for me. I'm settling into my favorite being the Google reader because it syncs what I'm reading across multiple devices. That works well for me because I tend to read on my Motorola Droid X phone sometimes and on the GTab other times. The Google eReader keeps my place no matter how many times I switch devices.
These eReader programs are all free so you might want to check first for the price of the ebooks. I found B&N to be most expensive but not by too much. Google and Amazon are about the same and pretty cheap, cheaper than buying paperbacks.
Good luck.
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Click to collapse
I highly recommend http://www.smashwords.com/ to buy your ebooks. You don't have to deal with all the drm crap. When you buy your ebook, it's really your ebook. You don't have to jump through hoops to read your own goddamn book.
TheKaz said:
I use the Nook app, which should also sync across devices. They just released an update yesterday which makes it more tablet friendly. it is pretty nice.
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Click to collapse
The new Nook app is great. I really like the magazine option. It's kind of awkward to read some of them due to having to magnify a bit, but still cool.
Perhaps not the best e-reader
I bought a gTablet for my mom. It's working out well for her, but I don't think I'd recommend it as an e-reader. Besides the poor viewing angles, it's a bit "heavy" at 1.8 pounds. Not something many would feel comfortable holding with one hand, etc.
I don't have a problem using the G Tab as an ebook reader. The app I like is Moon+Reader Pro, it will do Text to Speech and it will link up to Calibre network.
You can use more than one reading app
Maybe it makes sense to have most of your content for one app because it makes it easier to find content, but keep in mind you can have more than one reading app on a device.
FIY Kindle APP also lets you use content on more than one device i.e. I have the same content on my PC and my Kindle. I would definitely say the Kindle's screen is not too small to read on, but to each their own. Also, you can kind eBooks on other sites, paid or free.
If you want a tablet and your wife wants an e-Reader, by all means get a tablet. If you're not thinking of buying both then you're probably (like me) on a budget, so maybe the Nook Color would fit the bill. It's marketed as an e-reader so it would be an easy sell to the wife, you can dual-boot so you can add roms without messing up your wife's reading experience, it's cheap at $250; and since it's android, you can add other e-reader apps.
I managed to grab an almost-new Galaxy Tab off Craigslist for $250 today to replace my gf's busted Sony Pocket Reader. Figured I could just get her another reader, or something that does a hell of a lot more. The GT is really nice, perfect size and weight for reading, very solidly built too with a great screen, might be a better fit for an eReader.
One of the reasons I bought this was to use as an e-reader and it fails miserably. The screen is just terrible for it, especially in portrait mode.
I decided to buy a kindle and it is much better and doesn't give you "black dots" in your eyes when you read it before bed.
I know it is possible, but imo it is very unpleasant to use this device as an e-reader.
Tester30 said:
Colleague of mine asked me about E-readers as Nook or Kindle.
He wants to get one for his wife, but does not like the screen size.
If I remember correctly I read somewhere that G-tab can be used as an E-reader.
Tried to search the forum but didn't come with any answers.
If anyone using G-tab as a reader, could you please let me know if there is some specific app that can be installed on G-tab to use Amazone or Barns$Nobel.
Greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just about any mainstream device can be an ereader, since it's just software. Google Books, Nook, and Kindle apps on Android (or iOS) will give you full access to those bookstores.
I read mostly in the Kindle app, and frankly reading on an iPhone4 is more pleasant than reading on the g-tab. The screen sucks (which, hopefully you really understand by now, because when we say it sucks we mean it really really sucks) and it's uncomfortable to hold for extended periods of time, and it weighs a ton compared to a dedicated reader, or even to a 7" tablet.
Battery life is acceptable (but nothing like a kindle) and it's not horrible for reading in the dark, while seated with a desklike surface in front of you. Basically, you can use it as a reader if you're going to have it with you anyway, but buying it as a reader first and foremost wouldn't be my first choice. Or my second.
I'd like to make a list of the things you can use your Xoom for. Like most people, I use my laptop for most stuff; the Xoom is just for messing around. I find myself walking over to the laptop to respond to emails, to see things full screen, and for anything productivity related.
It's a pretty expensive piece of kit for messing around; I'm looking for reasons to keep mine (beyond that I'm a huge geek and love this tech stuff). I admit that I thought that the 3.1 update would bring more functionality, but I'm a bit disappointed to find that it's pretty much the same (in terms of how I use it); and there are so few apps with tablet functionality that I kind of wish it was just a phone...
Here's what I use it for: (I'll expand the list with your suggestions)
Check email---ususally switch to the laptop to write back (unless it's short)
Check schedule and change schedule
Check blogs (through pulse; the web browser is too clunky)
Watch videos while I'm working
Listen to Grooveshark while I'm working
Google video chat---Most people tell me it's annoying on their end though
Reading---(this one I'm not certain about yet. It's really too heavy to hold up like a kindle...)
Casual gaming---Only for silly time-wasters like "chalkball"; cordy and dungeon defenders and similar games are just stupid and clunky compared to console or PC gaming.
What I don't use it for:
Web surfing---drives me nuts
Productivity (document editing)
Video to TV---Laptop has HDMI and I also have a PS3
I really like this thing, but considering what I use it for, I could save money and get more satisfaction by buying a kindle and a nice phone. I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Browsing, email, music and kindle.
That's about it.
I'm not sure tablets really have much use beyond that right now. But, to be fair, I do use it a lot for those things. Almost never use my laptop except for work.
I use mines for a substitute for my laptop. I'm a student and rely on it heavily for:
Evernote
Logmein
Pulse (while in boring lectures)
Music
Web Browsing XDA and other forums
Google Docs
Dropbox (Saved my ass several times when thumb drives failed me)
Everything I can do on a laptop I can do in my Xoom. I had the Xoom for 4 days and it blows away the iPad 2 which I traded for the Xoom. More freedom and desktop like experience. To the OP I type my papers on an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
got mine as a stop gap for the galaxy tab 10.1. Don't get me wrong this is a great device, its just a shame about the weight in my opinion.
risq said:
got mine as a stop gap for the galaxy tab 10.1. Don't get me wrong this is a great device, its just a shame about the weight in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha, same here. Figure I can sell this for about 400 and then grab a 16gb tab for 499.
I bought it so excited thinking it would help me with work and this and that, and I hardly use it for anything productive.
Maybe with more classy apps it will work better.
I'm waiting for the funds, but the second I get them I will be applying my Xoom to Photoshop CS5.5, I'm almost positive that expirence is going to be a whole other world for me.
But yeah, so now I mostly use mine for watching videos, general web browsing (personally I find it quite pleasurable in that aspect), BS gaming, and, when i travel I bring this and my ps3 with me and use the Xoom to hop on the PSN.
8 hrs of game play on Black Ops (which is all I tested for that duration of time) only uses up too 200 megs, a lot less than I initially thought.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
I don't see why you would wanna spend another 100 dollars and cut your memory in half.
What is the gtabs screen going to be like compared to the Xooms?
Like besides weight, what's the gtab got on the Xoom?
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
school work
I'm a student so I use it for notes, and if class gets boring I whip out angry birds
RadDudeTommy said:
I don't see why you would wanna spend another 100 dollars and cut your memory in half.
What is the gtabs screen going to be like compared to the Xooms?
Like besides weight, what's the gtab got on the Xoom?
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't need the extra 16gb and in any case I have an SD card which I can use if needed.
Tab has a PLS screen. Supposed to be better than IPS and way better than the TFT in the xoom.
And as a European user I have more faith in Samsung than Motorola when it comes to updates.
hatworthy said:
And as a European user I have more faith in Samsung than Motorola when it comes to updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is just the opposite here in America. Motorola has shown good faith in updates since androids original release.
My girlfriends Samsung Galaxy S Captivate just got Froyo a month ago.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
True, though I think the carriers over there played a part in that fiasco. Motorola on the other hand just don't give a **** about Europe. They don't even release most of their phones over here.
I use mine to take to classes for notes and dungeon defender, its also useful to take to the bed for studying
RadDudeTommy said:
I don't see why you would wanna spend another 100 dollars and cut your memory in half.
What is the gtabs screen going to be like compared to the Xooms?
Like besides weight, what's the gtab got on the Xoom?
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO USB, NO HDMI ports on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 means no video out and no keyboard/mouse for easier input/navigation.
I really like the fact the Xoom has a true GPS on the WiFi models. That feature seems to be missing from the Acer and Galaxy Tab 10.1.
shobirama said:
NO USB, NO HDMI ports on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 means no video out and no keyboard/mouse for easier input/navigation.
I really like the fact the Xoom has a true GPS on the WiFi models. That feature seems to be missing from the Acer and Galaxy Tab 10.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Video out will be through a proprietary cable, just like the iPad. First i've heard about the gps though. Got a link?
I'm using it more and more....
At home/fun: watching movies, playing angry birds (which at first I had no interest in and now I'm hooked) streaming radio/playing mp3s, surfing the web...
Work: I have two jobs.. a part time IT job, which I use dropbox, logmein, browser, office docs, and GPS.
My other job is in sales... which I use GPS almost every day... dropbox... office docs, mostly excel, and calculator..
While driving I'll either play music or videos... I cover larger distances and don't have satellite radio, so streaming is better then having to keep switching stations plus I get tired of the same music over and over again.
I'm very happy with it... well worth the money.
This weekend I just started to customize it... got a long way to go but I plan to have one screen for each job... and then a couple just for fun stuff.
-R
I use mine a lot. I keep finding more and more uses for it.
Uses:
Just discovered evernote, so looking forward to using that more
Movies/anime
Games - Angry birds, stupid zombies, robodefence
Reading - Bible and others (like "In the Plex")
Browsing and email
Pulse
Taking notes at meetings, then I can just email everyone the word document instead of rewriting it up and then doing so.
GPS, Google maps works really well, and you only need to turn on internet every 30 min or so, as it caches the maps quite far ahead of you.
That's all I can think of at the moment.
I don't really use:
music
video editing
camera
Browsing
News stuff (see also browsing)
Email
Twitter
Facebook (to a lesser extent)
Games/Angry Birds
Streaming media - Plex
HDMI connection to TV (see streaming media)
Gallery for viewing photos
Emulators for SNES etc. (will probably use this more when I have 3.1)
Camera (a couple of times)
I'd probably use RDP when I get a mini server set up at home..
That's about all for now.
Almost everything tbh. For non work related purposes I use it exclusively.
reading comics
reading news stories
keeping the kids occupied during tripts
internet
watching movies and shows
playing games
email
messaging with gtalk
reading and editing docs
taking notes
browsing forums with tapatalk
accessing files that are not stored on the xoom - dropbox
slack04 said:
What I don't use it for:
Web surfing---drives me nuts
Productivity (document editing)
Video to TV---Laptop has HDMI and I also have a PS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find that setting webpages as bookmarks on the homescreen improves my browsing experience.
I use the speaker dock from Moto and that sounds great with music player.
How does this work as a laptop replacement in a school environment? Taking notes, web experience, etc. I'm looking to replace my laptop for at school.
How does it do rendering blackboard ?
Any help would be appreciated I might pick one up tomorrow with the keyboard. Is it responsive to type documents on?
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
As a direct laptop/desktop replacement, I do not believe it will do that. However, if you are looking for something that is light, takes notes with a stylus, web surfing, movies, music, etc... Then it would be perfect. I am a college student, and have used an iPad and now this for school, and it fits perfectly into my daily life.
With the keyboard dock, this thing would seriously be a netbook type device, so typing on one I would not know. I use the Transformer by itself.
Hmmmm, I have found the best solution for my studies (masters in education) was a touchscreen laptop like the fujitsu lifebook using OneNote. I have the keyboard dock for the transformer and I simply love it. I am currently forcing myself to use this instead of my lifebook simply to see the abilities of this in the classroom. This machine falls a bit short of being the perfect companion, thats pretty good. No OneNOTE, but with printershare that makes up for it a bit.
The lightness of it is huge ofcourse, its sturdy as well. Internet is less cumberson than on a windows based machine. There are several apps that can be used for office, or you could use google Docs. Also, once rooted, you can download any file type and with the USB ports on the dock you will be able to move files at your whim.
ON THE OTHER HAND... (And this point just came to me as I was typing this) I have not used my laptop since I purchased this machine a few weeks ago and currently about to finish my last class. So maybe it is a good solution.
Give me sme real world applications (how you want to use it) and maybe I can give you some suggestions.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
boglwe said:
Hmmmm, I have found the best solution for my studies (masters in education) was a touchscreen laptop like the fujitsu lifebook using OneNote. I have the keyboard dock for the transformer and I simply love it. I am currently forcing myself to use this instead of my lifebook simply to see the abilities of this in the classroom. This machine falls a bit short of being the perfect companion, thats pretty good. No OneNOTE, but with printershare that makes up for it a bit.
The lightness of it is huge ofcourse, its sturdy as well. Internet is less cumberson than on a windows based machine. There are several apps that can be used for office, or you could use google Docs. Also, once rooted, you can download any file type and with the USB ports on the dock you will be able to move files at your whim.
ON THE OTHER HAND... (And this point just came to me as I was typing this) I have not used my laptop since I purchased this machine a few weeks ago and currently about to finish my last class. So maybe it is a good solution.
Give me sme real world applications (how you want to use it) and maybe I can give you some suggestions.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks in advance you are really helping me out. Well some apps i'd like to use would be:
-an office-like application to edit/compose word docs or essays.
-view pdf files
-i have used evernote in the past, but i also like using powerpoint to take notes in the notes pane under slides....(i think with google docs i can toggle speaker notes which may solve this issue)
-another thing on taking notes, can u insert bulleted lists/ numbered lists/ indents to keep notes organized on any notetaking software for the transformer?
-as far as music goes, how does it handle multitasking with music. FOr example, playing audio in the background while i study.
-ease of copying/pasting.
I am thinking it may just suffice and have that 'wow' factor too. I do have a desktop at home, so for anything real intensive i am sure i could use that (which i have been neglecting lately).
Im familiar with rooting/flashing devices as i've come from a captivate and now use a atrix. I feel like im rambling, but the more i type the more it sounds like a viable solution for taking notes in class.
one last thing, i have seen a few threads about some keyboard lag...is this a serious issue? is there a fix? I saw that there are several iterations of the keyboard, is there one i should try and get when i go shopping over others?
i just dont want to have to wait for the keyboard to catch up if i'm taking notes in evernote.
I think i may just pick it up tomorrow and try it out for a few weeks since school isnt until august 29th...but i could use any insight on it i could get!
August 29th... semester system?
I've not used it to take notes yet (summer research), but for school life, entertainment-wise, since I've had it, I haven't used my laptop much for anything other than the occasional Netflix (and I've stopped since I finished BSG ).
I'm using my laptop right now to play some game, but really, the TF has almost replaced everything I need it. The typing lag does kind of suck so if you're some kind of student with a major that will require lots of typing..
asdfuogh said:
August 29th... semester system?
I've not used it to take notes yet (summer research), but for school life, entertainment-wise, since I've had it, I haven't used my laptop much for anything other than the occasional Netflix (and I've stopped since I finished BSG ).
I'm using my laptop right now to play some game, but really, the TF has almost replaced everything I need it. The typing lag does kind of suck so if you're some kind of student with a major that will require lots of typing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how bad is the typing lag? i dont do a TON of typing, but i am taking an online class so i may need to type into a forum style system box to submit.
edit:
i see that it is only an issue with SOME apps? have you used thinkfree office?
domin8 said:
how bad is the typing lag? i dont do a TON of typing, but i am taking an online class so i may need to type into a forum style system box to submit.
edit:
i see that it is only an issue with SOME apps? have you used thinkfree office?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not too bad but not like iPad fast either,it lags but catches up easily on everything you type.
It catches up for short typing sessions. When I typed up a document for my parents, it was really noticeable in a bad way though.
The keyboard lag is NOT all the time; I mostly see it in the browsers and its actually rare but when it happens, you know it. A few things to note regarding using this machine for serious work...First there are several apps that can be used for Office (documents to go, and polaris, that latter comes with the machine, but I have yet to find one that has auto-save, and that can be scary when writing those long papers. If the machine is rooted you can copy paste ANYTHING, without root, its kind of a hit and miss.
You can play music in the background, so no worries there. most music apps attach to your task bar in any ways.
The way I find myself using this device many times in in conjuction with my own desktop now or at the school library computers and have this next to me at all times. It is an amazing resource to share information point blank with peeps and youself. There is also a thread somewhere here talkin about a Onenote alternative for android using a stylus, I have yet to try one of these apps.
PDF files are easy enough, here are tons off apps to do this.
Something else to remember is that these pads are getting TONS of attention right now from all kind of devs and apps are being made DAILY, its really just a matter of time for an app to show up to do EXACTLY what you need. IMHO
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Yeah, he's totally right about the apps showing up. Now... all I need is... STRATEGY RPG LIKE FINAL FANTASY TACTICS! (Who's up for making/porting one?)
Anyway, I like my TF for what I've used it for so far. Just grab one and try it, and return it if it doesn't work for you ?
I'm pretty much in the same boat as you bud. I bought the TF foreseeing that I would hopefully be able to us it for school and I was very pleased with my decision in the end.
To answer your questions...
It is a very viable (and in most case preferred) option to do basic school work on, especially simple stuff like note taking and editing documents. The included office app (Polaris) is actually a very nice feature and includes just about everything you would need to type an essay such as indentations, points/dots/whatever they are (as you were looking for), also includes numbering, double spacing, different font sizes and colors. Now it's not a full Microsoft Office replacement, but it definitely has all the basic features you'd be looking for.
You can also find a handful of microsoft office editors in the Android market. I haven't personally tested any of them yet (but will use them when school comes around) however from my knowledge they seem capable of editing word, powerpoint and couple other office applications--which is good enough for me.
To address the keyboard lag. I can speak from experience, when typing in most apps (especially apps like colournote, AKnotepad, Polaris or anything else that allows you to take notes or write extended paragraphs/papers) there is absolutely no lag with the keyboard. Once you get the hang of it, you will be typing at a decent wpm rate and you won't tell the difference between the tf dock keyboard and any other. There is however a noticeable lag when using the stock browser but from my knowledge this is due to having flash enabled and has nothing to do with the dock/keyboard itself. Also, the knew dolphintab browser seems much better at cleaning up any lag in the browser and I feel with the net couple updates it will be a near perfect option for tab browsing. That aside, I would like to reiterate the fact that the keyboard does not lag when using things related to note taking or Polaris office. It is for the most part a browser specific issue.
As far as highlighting words and copying and pasting, that is the one thing the tf doesn't really excel at. You can still copy/cut and paste pretty much anything you want but it is just not as fluid as using a pc.
So there you have it. The transformer is pretty much a nice fit for doing basic school work BUT it is not in any means a complete replacement for having a desktop/full size laptop. There will definitely be times when you will come across things that you just have to have a pc to do, but for the most part, especially when it comes to basic stuff like note taking and writing papers, the TF is perfect.
I would also like to note that there are some apps out there that let you control a pc from your android tablet/phone such as phoneymypc or logmein. I highly suggest taking a look into those as they are great tools that you can have at your disposal with the TF and will make being away from you pc all the much easier.
Like I said, i'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I'm an MIS major and I often get annoyed at having to lug around my laptop just to take notes and do basic remedial things that something much lighter and more compact such as the TF can do wonderfully....
One more thing (wow this is a long post). You can easily find top notch netbooks (which offer the productivity of a pc with the portability of a tablet) for the same or even lesser than the TF. This was one of the things I took into consideration before I got my TF. I had to ask myself am I getting this thing solely for school, or do I want it for the other things android has to offer (entertainment wise). Overall I decided that i'd go with the TF because to me it had the best of both worlds as I am a huge android fan and have been an early adopter since the days of the G1, so the TF was a perfect fit for me...Just something to keep in mind.
boglwe said:
The keyboard lag is NOT all the time; I mostly see it in the browsers and its actually rare but when it happens, you know it. A few things to note regarding using this machine for serious work...First there are several apps that can be used for Office (documents to go, and polaris, that latter comes with the machine, but I have yet to find one that has auto-save, and that can be scary when writing those long papers. If the machine is rooted you can copy paste ANYTHING, without root, its kind of a hit and miss.
You can play music in the background, so no worries there. most music apps attach to your task bar in any ways.
The way I find myself using this device many times in in conjuction with my own desktop now or at the school library computers and have this next to me at all times. It is an amazing resource to share information point blank with peeps and youself. There is also a thread somewhere here talkin about a Onenote alternative for android using a stylus, I have yet to try one of these apps.
PDF files are easy enough, here are tons off apps to do this.
Something else to remember is that these pads are getting TONS of attention right now from all kind of devs and apps are being made DAILY, its really just a matter of time for an app to show up to do EXACTLY what you need. IMHO
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wish i'd of read this post before I spent 10 min typing mine up... I suck at making things compact, lol.
To the dude asking about rpg games. You absolutely HAVE to buy battleheart RIGHT NOW. It's not ff but it is an amazing rpg game and hands down the best you will ever find for android. (I haven't played them all so I really can't say that, but it is freaking awesome.)
Best of luck to you OP.
I'm used to use a 15" HP ProBook at school, but I do feel that my transformer can replace it...
But I guess I have an advantage as IT Professional, I run some servers at home (one of them has serveral types ov VPN on it, in case one is blocked by any firewalls), so I can access my desktops, and just use Office 2010 or Sony Vegas on a Core I7 (video editing), there is pretty much no limit for me...
But even if I was not able to make it this easy for me... I really love the Android OS, and it grows so fast in a short period of time... I wonder where it is in another 5 years... If Android goes on liek this, I think it will replace Windows (for regular users, not for companies)...
When I go back to college in 4 weeks )), I'll leave my laptop at home for the first week to see if I miss it for my everyday tasks...
I've used it for school and managing my work.
As a photographer it is needed that I have seemless integration of the sd card slot and a good device to support it, the transformer can handle it with ease!
The polaris office (or whatever its called) lets you make documents, excel sheets and powerpoint.
With a good stylus you would be able to take notes in like drawfree for example.
It handles music quite fine as it lets you multitask between apps and music.
And while Im doing all of this I can still get in touch with my friends because of the social part of the transformer that updates my status once in awhile ! ^-^
Its not a full fledged netbook but a nice replacement so far!
asdfuogh said:
Yeah, he's totally right about the apps showing up. Now... all I need is... STRATEGY RPG LIKE FINAL FANTASY TACTICS! (Who's up for making/porting one?)
Anyway, I like my TF for what I've used it for so far. Just grab one and try it, and return it if it doesn't work for you ?
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Already exists, playstation one emulator or gba emulator. They redid fft on gba.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
domin8 said:
How does this work as a laptop replacement in a school environment? Taking notes, web experience, etc. I'm looking to replace my laptop for at school.
How does it do rendering blackboard ?
Any help would be appreciated I might pick one up tomorrow with the keyboard. Is it responsive to type documents on?
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I use it for uni, and it seems to function quite well.
As a notetaking tool in lectures, it works fantastically, and it's so much better than lugging my Dell laptop around with me all day, which would just be a pain. If you've not got the dock or a bluetooth keyboard, it might be a bit of a hassle- I found that on the touch screen keyboard, hurriedly jotting down notes meant that I had to constantly backspace to correct formatting, punctuation, or spelling mistakes.
Polaris Office also tends to be a bit weird with me, though- sometimes files that I make on the transformer refuse to open using Microsoft Word on my computer, and vice versa. If you're doing a project with heavy formatting, you should probably stick to your desktop as Polaris tends to screw all that up for me.
It renders BlackBoard very quickly, and is great if you want to sneak a peek at a document that a teacher has uploaded there.
I'd say that you shouldn't use it as an all out replacement for your laptop where all school work is concerned- but as a device to take notes on, get quick snippets of information on, and access the web, it's perfect. Plus it helps that I can play Angry Birds if a lecture gets especially boring...
My semester just started again last week and I've been trying the TF (with dock) out as a netbook replacement for a week now.
I've been using freenotes to take notes in lectures and it's worked wonderfully. The built in email/gmail apps have worked wonderfully for email use and I use Dolphin for web-browsing and it's all been a real delight to use. Reads pdfs fine and I've got all my textbooks on internal storage (best thing ever).
The only annoying thing is coding on it. Doing a few Java projects this semester and as I'm still getting to terms with this language, I like to be using a full IDE for auto-correction etc. Anyway, I've been using vi via the terminal and this has been fine so far for code editing.
So yeah, after a week it's proved to be a pretty nice netbook alternative. Plus everything's nice and speedy unlike my clunky atom based netbook, plus it doesn't run hot on my lap and I've got no fans blaring constantly. Best thing about ARM from an end-user point-of-view
EDIT: I've also purchased a stylus for my TF last week, so I'm going to see how that goes for taking quick notes during lectures on my TF. Will report back if it's any good or if the keyboard is easier.
If you're looking for a more "desktop"-like experience, install Ubuntu on the internal storage. It's working wonderfully now (apart from a few small things) and you've pretty much got a full x86 laptop replacement in a nice lightweight ARM tablet.
this is why i love XDA, you guys have really answered all of my questions thoroughly! I am going to try and use that staples coupon that's floating around since it expires today and pick one up thanks so so so much guys, I plan on sticking around the transformer forums just as much as i do the atrix forums now
so it works! im glad i found this. this was my original plan to buy a tablet of some sort tablet with a dock (atrix with lapdock was my failed attempt) cuz i dont plan to carry my 17 inch laptop around. lol.
|I think I have seen something that can now replace my laptop and tablet into one complete package.
I use my laptop to surf, word process, email, listen to music and play movies.
my tab is for games, movies and music and web browsing.
now the transformer prime seems to be a convergence device for me, provided 'docs to go' is any good?
I 've never used it before. I don't do stuff like that on my phone. I don't do it on my tablet cos I've got my laptop. so provided the docs to go is 'good to go' then this is for me. it'll have better res than my laptop and it'll do everything I want, as long as I can word process.
so
anyone who uses docs to go on the current transformer. what's it like? what's your experience of word processing on the tablet?
Erm, I've been typing personal statements on my tablet lately, and I gotta say, it's mostly like how it is on my laptop (I use open-office, starting to learn to LaTeX). With Polaris, the office app that comes with the TF, I gotta say, it's more or less just a normal word processor with the one exception of the lack of spell check. I've gotten used to seeing the red lines if I have typo's so that would be a big plus if they had it. Otherwise, nothing wrong with typing on my TF. (By the way, anyone recommend a different office app, which is as good as Polaris, but with an auto-spell check thing?)
Ooo, also, copying and pasting is kind of a hassle because you gotta long click and etc.
TL;DR: Tablet word processor (Polaris) = same as laptop, with exception of copy and paste, and spell check.
thanks for that. It sounds what I'm looking for. I don't do anything complex on laptop. Its just my work a day tool. I do all my main editing, typesetting etc on my main machine. The laptop is purely for me to work when I'm not in the office and I need to do some more writing.
this sounds good. Can the built in processor handle doc format? I assume that would be a no which is why docs to go would be what I'd have to consider.
anyone who's used docs to go on the TF able to chime in?
I just sold my Transformer today, but I do have Docs to Go. It is pretty fair. I find the user interface the most lacking, but I might be spoiled by a PC.
Although Asus ships with Polaris Office. I've used it in a pinch, but Docs to Go is much better. I also prefer the FAOTD from Amazon better as well (Office Suite 5 Pro).
office suit 5 sounds not bad either. I'll do some more reading. like I say, I just want to type already created docs for word.
anything I create fresh will just have basic layout anway. this is sounding pretty good.
a convergence device, capable of doing all the multi media, AND be used for work purposes, presentation work as well. I LIKE
ExploreMN said:
I just sold my Transformer today, but I do have Docs to Go. It is pretty fair. I find the user interface the most lacking, but I might be spoiled by a PC.
Although Asus ships with Polaris Office. I've used it in a pinch, but Docs to Go is much better. I also prefer the FAOTD from Amazon better as well (Office Suite 5 Pro).
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I got office pro when it was free on amazon the other day...quite nice actually.
BTW....what did you get for your TF? I'm thinking its time to sell mine and its dock because I'm going back to my laptop which has no issues with HD video
out of interest what issues did you have with HD vide on the tablet? was this using a native player or an app from the market?
It won't play some encoding. I have a ton of mkv with ac3 encoding that just wont play.
thebadfrog said:
BTW....what did you get for your TF?
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$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
thebadfrog said:
It won't play some encoding. I have a ton of mkv with ac3 encoding that just wont play.
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thanks. well that's all right then, cos I don't use MKV files on tablets or my phone.
I stick to flv, avi (with xvid codec) and mp4. so I should be okay then.
ExploreMN said:
$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
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Thanks....good to know. I have a B40 with a dock so I should be okay then
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
Polaris Office works fine with MS Office files I've tried, onoy gripe I have is it can't read my Open/Libre Office files!
asdfuogh said:
I use open-office, starting to learn to LaTeX
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Using a Debian chroot you can run LaTeX on your TF. TeXLive might be impossible though, never tried it for Linux/ARM.
I am happily using my TF to replace my netbook and workstation, which replaced my laptop; and it has almost replaced my new quadcore desktop. Should note that I don't care about office suites though, lol. I use other tools for that.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Hmmm, interesting.. I have some different app I use to run OpenOffice documents. Not on tablet atm so I can't check .
To answer the OP's original question, yes the transformer+dock can replace your laptop GIVEN that you do not try to use it like a laptop.
3 things the OP needs to know.
(1) The transformer ain't no laptop.
(2) Android ain't no windows.
(3) Android ain't no mac OS either.
If you try to use the transformer like a laptop, you will be vastly disappointed. It's like buying a motorcycle and then try to use it like a car. You will complain about the cold weather, the lack of storage space (like the trunk), the lack of a windshield, the air blowing into your face, etc. People don't buy motorcycles and try to use it like a car. Why in the world would you buy a laptop-tablet hybrid and try to use it like a laptop?
I have not touched my laptop for 5 months now. I've found that the transformer has completely replaced my laptop plus more. I can do things with my transformer that I previously could not do with my laptop. Here are just a few things that I need to do with my transformer that I used to do on my laptop.
-Check emails.
-Type reports.
-Create and give presentations.
-Play games.
-Skype.
-Surf.
-Read pdfs.
-Much much more!
Here are some things that I can now do with the TF that I never could have done with a laptop.
-Go on the entire day without even thinking about recharging.
-Carry around just the tablet part in the field for aci and astm references.
-Take hand written notes.
-View autocad drawings on-the-go.
-Much much more.
The point is if you're going to try to use the tablet like a laptop, you will be disappointed. The tablet is an entirely new thing. You need to treat it like a new thing.
Will I do heavy duty things like autocad drawings on my tablet? Probably not. That's what my PC is for.
Now, the part where the transformer is superior to all other tablets. It is not a coincidence that all ipad users I know carry around their ipads for fun and games and their clunky laptops for real work. I only carry around my transformer+dock for everything.
Just the other day, I saw a guy sitting across the room typing on his laptop. Now, this was one of the guys who for months kept telling me I should have gotten an ipad 2 instead of a cheap imitation (the transformer). I went over to make small talks. Eventually, I asked him where his ipad was and what he's been using it for. He told me he uses it to play games every once in a while and that he now thinks he wasted money on it. That answer surprised me, because for months he was convinced his ipad was much better than my transformer. As I was about to turn around and went back to my thing, he said, "yeah, I should have gotten what you have" nodding at my transformer+dock sitting across the room.
So, if you want to get a tablet that you have for bragging rights, get the ipad2. If you want something that's worth your investment, get the transformer.
@ above poster. that was precisely my reasoning.
I only use my laptop to type when I'm out and about but all the other media stuff I know do on a pad. ergo. if android can now handle office stuff well with docs to go or some other office suite software and can open doc files, then I've found exactly what will suit my needs.
I'm looking to cover that laptop aspect with a transformer prime as well. My question is how you subjectively feel the productivity suites on transformer can stack up against a laptops. I've typed a bit on the keyboard and feel comfortable there, but haven't used any android word processors or presentation makers to get a good comparison vs something like ms office software. I know they won't be as powerful, but in practice, do you feel the lack, or are you happy with stuff on transformer?
ExploreMN said:
$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
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Was that for just the TF or the TF and a dock?
---------- Post added at 07:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:16 AM ----------
ExploreMN said:
$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
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johnchad14 said:
I'm looking to cover that laptop aspect with a transformer prime as well. My question is how you subjectively feel the productivity suites on transformer can stack up against a laptops. I've typed a bit on the keyboard and feel comfortable there, but haven't used any android word processors or presentation makers to get a good comparison vs something like ms office software. I know they won't be as powerful, but in practice, do you feel the lack, or are you happy with stuff on transformer?
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Personally, I find the Android office suites only good for the simplest projects. For example, I can write fiction using them but not non-fiction or work documents because those need things like robust headers and footers. Polaris is pretty good at viewing my work presentations (which have complex graphics) but not for creating them. And etc.
Overall, I've found the Transformer+dock to be good for doing draft work on-the-go, but not for any complex creative work. The office suites just aren't robust enough. But for just laying down text, it's great--there's just not a better lightweight device with such great battery life and decent keyboard available anywhere, particularly for the price. The Prime is just going to make that equation stronger.
Note: For pure writing without worrying about formatting and such, I've actually been using Evernote. It works well enough, and of course everything I write gets automatically synced to every device I own. It's nice to not have to worry in the slightest about whether my latest version of a document is saved everywhere.
Thanks, prettymuch what I figured. Doesn't dissuade my interest in the device. I'm looking forward to the day when some real high quality productivity stuff gets made...or will hope someone figures a way to dual boot with win 8 down the road =).
After playing with a TF since April I think it is OK for many tasks, but is not a laptop replacement. Too often I find I need to run some applications that is only available for laptops. This is where I think Windows 8 can really shine so I will probably hold off on another 10 inch tablet until I can try something running Windows 8.
johnchad14 said:
I'm looking to cover that laptop aspect with a transformer prime as well. My question is how you subjectively feel the productivity suites on transformer can stack up against a laptops. I've typed a bit on the keyboard and feel comfortable there, but haven't used any android word processors or presentation makers to get a good comparison vs something like ms office software. I know they won't be as powerful, but in practice, do you feel the lack, or are you happy with stuff on transformer?
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I have. I absolutely don't miss my laptop at all. I've created several presentations while on the train with my TF+dock. I've typed many reports with the TF+dock.
Again, I got the TF+dock with the attitude that I needed to learn an entirely new platform to make it productive. And in this, I've succeeded. My laptop has been untouched for 5 months. It will soon go onto ebay.
I've also known some people who got the TF+dock intending to use it like a laptop and then when they couldn't they ***** about it.
Your choice, really, what you want to do with your investment.
Added by edit.
Windows 8 will be a plus. While I do not have a windows 8 tablet, I have some friends who are devs and have gotten their hands on the windows 8 tablet. They've assured me that it's pretty slick, even if it's only a beta. When it comes out, we will be able to enjoy all the full features of microsoft office right on our tablets.
Of course, by then android devs may have already created office apps that have just as much and good functionalities as microsoft office. Only time will tell.
BTW, I've bought all the office apps available on the market. My favorite is office suite pro 5, but others are good, too. My only disappointment is none of the excel functions have something as simple as x-y scatter plot. What I wouldn't give for an android excel app that could do this.
There was some weird voice in my head when I saw the new Nexus 7 (2nd gen) coming out: "buy it, you need it, you want it, you deserve a new toy". I have a few friends that were really happy with the 1st gen Nexus 7, so I was tempted to buy the 1st Nexus7, but didn't.
I should have really thought it through before buying the 2nd gen Nexus7. After having it for 4 months I concluded that the only reason to have it is if you like games.
Downsides and reasons I decided to sell:
- portability. Even thou its portable enough, i found that my old HTC Desire Z has the same functionality and use as the Nexus7 for daily tasks, plus also offers the portability of fitting into a pocket without tearing it.
- no vibro. I am used to have tactile feedback when writing messages, getting alerts and such
- no 3G/4G LTE The whole thing about the tablet is using it to consume stuff online and the 3g version costs 50-100 pounds extra. That's unfair
- influences to play games. Having something as powerful as it and not playing games seems like a waste of money and the crisp clear screen
Why would I want something as powerful as the Nexus 7 just to check my email, read news, e-books and the like? I can read mail and news on my phone and read books on my Kindle.
Don't get me wrong, the Nexus worked really smoothly and with just an occasional hiccup. But before getting it I would look at girls in public transport awkwardly and sometimes even get enough balls to actually say "hi" to them instead of turning my eyes red in that 7 inch, 50Hz shining light-bulb that seems to exploit my brains psychological fallacy to stay "on top" of (not important) news, games and apps.
I decided to get a Asus EEE for work and learning, Linux my Kindle and read PDF's on it (the battery holds in the count of weeks not days) and use my phone for android and stuff on the go.
After I built a desktop just for gaming I replaced my laptop with an ASUS Transformer - it's lighter, the battery lasts longer and I like it a lot better than a netbook. I still use my e-ink Kindle because I much prefer reading books on e-ink. My phone is pocket sized but isn't the best when I'd rather have a keyboard to type with.
For me, this is what works. It's all about arranging the tools in your life to work best for YOU.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
There is nothing better than hardware keyboard and mouse in notebook or PC. In most cases tablets are running Android, so they can't run programs like PowerPoint or Excel.
I use it mostly for watching videos... Works great for that purpose. Still prefer reading on my kindle though. Also browsing the web is a little easier on the larger screen.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
- no 3G/4G LTE The whole thing about the tablet is using it to consume stuff online and the 3g version costs 50-100 pounds extra. That's unfair
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What about tethering then?
I wanted to buy tablet for myself for few times, but i dont see point now with my phone. Almost all that i can on tablet, i also can on my phone. And for some serious work i need keyboard and thats that. My wet dream is ultrabook but i cant justify cost
Pennycake said:
After I built a desktop just for gaming I replaced my laptop with an ASUS Transformer - it's lighter, the battery lasts longer and I like it a lot better than a netbook. I still use my e-ink Kindle because I much prefer reading books on e-ink. My phone is pocket sized but isn't the best when I'd rather have a keyboard to type with.
For me, this is what works. It's all about arranging the tools in your life to work best for YOU.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
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Transformer is only called tablet, but it is much more
A tablet has no advantages.
1) The main thing I use my Galaxy Tab 3 for is reading e-books.
It's pretty cool having a portable library where you can change the text size and color (red is easier on my eyes).
I really like to read, both fiction and non-fiction, and a phone is too small for that, even my Nexus 5, it's just too small. 7" is perfect for reading, as is 10"
2) Also, I have taken some vacations this year, and took a bunch of pictures that my family wants to see. Very easy to just bring a tablet if a family member is in the hospital (I have such a person) or if I go somewhere else, and I can show them come pics and videos right on the 10" tablet.
3) Work. Some of us work in fields where we would like to show pictures of things we sell or explain things to customers, and this comes in handy as a tool.
4) Games. I play chess and checkers on the 10" tablet sometimes and it's pretty fun. Some games really shine on a bigger screen.
Now what I find ridiculous, and I have seen this recently at a concert and at the zoo, is people taking pictures with their tablets, namely iPads. It's pretty crazy that you brought a tablet to that venue, and you're using it as a camera?
Really don't get that.
Lamalord2 said:
A tablet has no advantages.
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SIZE. Bigger than a phone, smaller than a laptop.