Related
Hi Surface Owners!
I am still debating which tablet to get and have recently included the Surface in the list. Of the current crop of tablets available, it's between the Nexus 10 and Surface RT. I'm not sure what will be announced at MWC, but i'll keep an eye out obviously.
I wanted to get your advice, as most of the people reading will own a surface. How do you find it now a few months on from release?
I will be selling my Macbook, so my new tablet is going to be my go to for the time being. I will be going travelling for several months, so this will be it's main use. I am wanting something that I can connect either my camera or SD card to so I can download photo's on to the device but also from the device to an external HDD. Obviously using it for entertainment will be a big thing, as well as to plan out parts of our journey and using the internet. I wouldn't mind if I could do some very minor photo editing also. Can anyone let me know what the photo app is like on the device, also if there are any decent photo apps on the marketplace.
So the surface looks like a winner in terms of the USB and SD card slots, making it easier to connect whilst travelling. But the Nexus wins on the screen and probably power. I used Android already on my phone so am used to it, but I quite like the interface on Windows 8 as it's something new. Android and IOS get a bit boring after a long time...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. If anyone owns both tablets it would be great to hear your thoughts also.
Cheers,
Mike
Surface RT is my current ultra-portable computer, and it works well for that so long as it's not all that I have for an extended time. I miss the stylus that my old tablet had (an advantage of the Surface Pro) but do not find that, for example, the kickstand of the RT makes it hard to use on my lap (the way some reviewers have claimed). I have the Touch Cover (and am in fact writing this on it); it works great and you can type quite quickly and with perfect touch-typing muscle memory after a short time of using it.
Prior to the Surface RT, my most portable computer was an old Core 2 Duo ULV (1.2GHz) HP tablet, with a stylus but no touchscreen, 12" screen with 1280x800 resolution, 5 hours battery life (when new), 4GB of RAM (came with 1GB, upgraded immediately), an 80gb 4200RPM 1.8" magnetic hard disk, and 3.5lb weight. I loved it. Still use it, actually; it runs Win8 quite well aside from not being able to use Metro snapping. However, in almost every way possible, the Surface Pro blows it away. For less than the cost of old HP tablet (which was about $1500 new), I can upgrade the C2D to a quad-core chip with over twice the speed per core, I can upgrade the digitizer and add multitouch, I can trade in the 12" screen for one with far higher DPI, I can massively improve the storage by going solid-state instead of rotational (and can get 128GB), and I can keep the 5 hour battery life. The things I would lose are the ability to upgrade the RAM (4GB is a bit low, IMO) and storage (not that I ever did upgrade the old 1.8" drive) and the replaceable battery (I'll live). Oh, and swapping full SD for MicroSD and 2 USB 2.0 ports for a single USB 3.0 port, which means I'll probably want to get a hub. Still, it's tempting, and I may well buy myself one even though right now I don't really need it.
I have a Surface RT and use it as my portable device when I don't want to lug around my ultrabook. For some context, I have an iPad and an ASUS Transformer TF-101 as well. Prior to the Surface RT, I used the Transformer for that. But the lack of things that were important to me made the RT the go-to device when it came out.
For me, things like the USB port, MicroSD card, and Microsoft Office were important. Even more important was the built-in support for Bitlocker, so my MicroSD card can be encrypted at all times and easily read by my other Windows 8 machines. And my other external USB hard drives that are also encrypted can be easily opened by the Surface RT. Native VPN client and RDP helps with work as well (I know there are ways to do this with the other tablets).
I have the apps that I need at this point. I'm not a big social media person, so I can't speak to the apps for those things. But there are enough apps of interest to me that keep me satisfied. Can't speak to the photo apps, however. I don't take photos with it, though I have taken video and those were good.
Overall, I'm very happy with the RT. I got it with the Touch Cover and I can actually type fairly well on it. (I've actually had questions from iPad owners asking about the keyboard, if it was available for their devices.)
I had considered waiting for the Surface Pro, but the extra size and weight, plus the shorter battery life (I get great battery life with the RT, BTW), were concerns for me. I could just as well take my ultrabook (had an Asus Zenbook, now a Sony VAIO T13), which is quite a bit faster than the Surface Pro.
For what it's worth.
You can browse the store from any web browser:
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store
For your use cases:
> I am wanting something that I can connect either my camera or SD card to so I can download photo's on to the device but also from the device to an external HDD.
You will be able to do that so long as your camera doesn't need extra drivers to show up (as a USB store) or you use a USB reader for the removable media.
> Obviously using it for entertainment will be a big thing, as well as to plan out parts of our journey and using the internet.
Great web browser. Can play most video, Audio...
> I wouldn't mind if I could do some very minor photo editing also.
Check the store...
> Can anyone let me know what the photo app is like on the device, also if there are any decent photo apps on the marketplace.
The built in photo app is pretty basic.
I would expect you could get by with the surface rt - get the 64gb one, and get a 64gb card...
I took one on a week cruise (along with a netbook for backup) and was able to use just the surface for the whole trip, including dumping GoPro video and digital camera shots to the surface and then onto an external USB disk.
Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.
Just a quick note, I meant gallery app, to look and browse / organise your photos, not the camera app to take photos. I laugh when I see people taking photos with there tablet ha ha. I like the way the ipad shows your photos by map, gallery and a journal function for example.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda app-developers app
Mikeparakh said:
Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.
Just a quick note, I meant gallery app, to look and browse / organise your photos, not the camera app to take photos. I laugh when I see people taking photos with there tablet ha ha. I like the way the ipad shows your photos by map, gallery and a journal function for example.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Photo album app that comes with the RT is very basic. You may want to check out apps in the store that have more functionality.
Mikeparakh said:
look and browse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep
/ organise your photos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope.
Really basic. Grid of photos, or slideshow/swipe browse full screen. That's what you get.
What you are saying about getting bored with the other operating systems is exactly why I made Surface my choice. I've been playing with android for the last 7 years. And thanks to all the devs here at xda I was able to make all of my devices do exactly what I wanted.. But it was time for something totally different. I made the right decision. To be honest, at the beginning, learning the new ui was frustrating! :crying: Because I was having trouble finding things and when I did it didn't seem be consistent through the ui.... After about 3 days it all started to come together very well... you'll find that the system is actually set up quite well. I found everything I needed in the store. I'm very pleased with the purchase.
So any 2.5" hard drive will work with the Surface RT? Wow, I'm a bit surprised here. I thought there might not be enough power to power up a hard drive. Is the USB port capable of supporting a USB hub? My plan is to connect at least a 2-port USB hub, and transfer photos from my camera to the portable hard drive. If the Surface RT can do that, then I may not need to consider the Surface Pro even though it have USB 3.0.
---------- Post added at 01:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:47 AM ----------
Mikeparakh said:
Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.
Just a quick note, I meant gallery app, to look and browse / organise your photos, not the camera app to take photos. I laugh when I see people taking photos with there tablet ha ha. I like the way the ipad shows your photos by map, gallery and a journal function for example.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you and that's what I love about the iOS photo app. Does anyone here know of a photo app for Windows RT that can show my photos base on its location data?
So, all in all, are people happy with the device? What are the major issues to be concerned with, if any?
No major issues.
For the same price in Canada, the Asus ME400 offers Windows 8 x86 so I went with that due to needing Java/Cisco for remote connectivity to work. I did not regret owning surface. There was nothing majorly wrong with it, I loved the full USB port (which the Asus does not have). Surface RT use s a proprietary charger vs the Asus which uses micro-usb charger. Surface charges faster.
If the app you want is not in the app store, or you need drivers for your devices, that could be a problem. Note that Surface RT does not offer a full size SD card slot, only a micro. You can't put your camera card directly into Surface unless you are using microsd.
Build quality is top notch, the kickstand is great, battery life is very good, and Windows RT is pretty slick.
USB hubs work, but unless you use a powered hub (and power it from the wall or another source), you're still going to be limited by the relatively meager power of the Surface RT's single USB port. It's enough for a 2.5" disk of at least 5400 RPM (haven't tried 7200 RPM yet) but funning (for example) a mouse and a hard drive off of it might be too much.
It's sounding pretty positive so far! I keep reading reviews though and none seem to be great! But I think most of the companies doing the reviews are stuck half way up Apple's ass.
I keeping an eye on a few auctions ending on Ebay tonight, to see if I can pick up a bargain, fingers crossed! If not, I will probably purchase one from John Lewis over the next two weeks.
I've read a few sites that think Microsoft will drop the price on the RT soon, do you think this will happen? All speculation I guess, no one really knows..
The other thing is, they don't seem to hold there value well. Where as the Nexus 10, you could almost make money on if you decided to sell due to it being hard to get.
Mikeparakh said:
It's sounding pretty positive so far! I keep reading reviews though and none seem to be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They expected an iPad with a windows logo. They got a Windows tablet instead. Coupled with the need to dogpile on the new UI, and as you said the large number of Apple Experts With Very Short Memories, and the review effect isn't shocking.
I have a Surface RT and I love it! I use it for nearly everything. I use remote desktop or team viewer for anything that requires x86 apps.
Its brilliant to use around the house! my wife has her Nexus 7 and has to switch between that and her laptop every so often while I just use the Surface.
When my laptop dies which wont be long (though it could be longer as I don't use it now) then I plan on getting a Surface Pro. The build quality of it (Surface RT) is outstanding. I had an issue with the touch cover, contacted Surface support and they were amazing, got a new touch cover no questions asked and in quick time, reported the issue at around 1400 and got the new one at around 1300 the following day! I cant recommend it enough. Everyone I show it is impressed with near enough everything it can do, the only downside is that not all the apps I used to use on Android are available, but Android is coming up to its 5th Birthday in October and that will be 1 year of Win RT.
25'879 are in the Windows Store as of writing and if, this is a big if, Microsoft can some how link the WP store and the WinRT store then it has massive potential.
I only wish that Microsoft really pushed hard on getting these into people hands. In the UK John Lewis is a very repeatable store but that is the only brick and mortar place you can get one. In nearly every store I go these day there is a gadget area selling iPads and Androids, come on Microsoft lets have you back at the top of the tech tree, where you were when you bailed out Apple!
So I've gone ahead an purchased. I managed to get a bargain! £425 for a brand new Surface RT 64GB with black touch cover! Hopefully will arrive tomorrow, fingers crossed. Really want a blue touch cover, so might sell the black and get a blue.
Anything I should know before I first switch on and setup?
After some more usage with the RT, I'm quite liking it. There's definitely lag, especially on games. "Rat On A Snowboard" even lags and there's nothing even going on with that! Something isn't right and a Tegra3 should be able to at least handle ROAS.
Otherwise, "Mobile.HD" works brilliantly so that's a major plus. I've got the UK Netflix showing on my Metro UI, and then I can access the US Netflix using the browser so very pleased with that. "Pow!" seems decent for comics. "Tome" for Goodreads.
But the games really are a letdown. Hardly any decent games and what ones are there run very poorly. I realise it's not an iPad and that'd be more suited for games etc but the Tegra3 works great on the Nexus 7 and it's just not working right in the RT. Whether that's due to the Nexus 7 using all of the Tegra3 cores and the RT not using them all, or whether it's poor coding, or a problem with RT itself, I haven't got a clue. But it's not as fluid as it could/should be.
Surface RT
Again in context I have laptop Dell Duo Flip screen. Nexus 7, Playbook 64gb ( I like gadgets). I was considering a Surface RT or Surface Pro.
But I ended up with a RM Slate 100 (EXOPC) 2gb Memory, 32gb mini pe ssd card (also spare slot for second ssd card or gps unit, 2 usb ports full size, HDMI out, SD Card slot (I added 32gb 45mb sec) 11.6 inch screen I upgraded to Windows 8 Pro. in all it cost me £180 pounds.
it was a gamble but the result is a very capable Surface Pro look alike. Any wireless keyboard will work when needed. Linked to my Nexus with a mouse and keyboard simulator it works great through plasma TV via HDMI. Skydrive adds another 48gb storage, dropbox for moving files around.
Added bonus Android for X86 works as well from SD Card .
Boot time 20 sec with Office 2010 loaded. Program start times ready to go Word 3 sec, Excel 1.8 sec, Outlook 4.5 sec, Paintshop Pro X5 31 sec.
Any one else put together a surface pro look alike.
How does a Surface compare.
I have the Asus VIVO Tab RT which uses same OS. I love it as an ultra portable tablet/laptop but one thing I really hate is the browser. I just hate IE10 on Windows 8/Windows RT and wish Chrome or Firefox would release a browser for RT.
I just received my Surface RT 64GB with a black touch cover. First impressions are fantastic! I love the look and feel of the device. Just from setting it up, i'm amazed at just how responsive the touch cover is! I think I'll get used to it very quickly. Doing the updates now so haven't played much, but very happy thus far! Still would like a blue touch cover though!
I still wonder how it is possible that business devices like the Note 8.0 do not get a range of "pro" accessories from the get go, if anyway...
Does anyone know of some device specific docking station by Samsung or some OEM? Perhaps something has been anounced?
Thank You very much in advance!
Regards, Yoko
I don't know of any device specific, true docking stations, but the following are several types of stands that I've been considering:
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Portable-Fold-Up-Playbook-IPM-TAB1/dp/B000CKVOOY/ and http://www.amazon.com/IPAD-ST-Universal-Tablet-Stand-Kindle/dp/B0045JNBNU/
http://www.amazon.com/KB-Covers-Stand-iPad-Black/dp/B003VFALEQ/
http://www.radtech.us/products/bluelounge-nest-ipad-tablet-stand
http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-A-Frame-Tabletop-Samsung-Tablets/dp/B003GAJ67Y/
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Tablets-Readers-including-Samsung/dp/B0064EL2DK/
Thank You for the links, but at least for me one, if not the only reason to get a docking station would be hassle free charging and maybe syncing via USB or MHL linking to a TV, but mainly charging.
Generic devices still force You to plug the tablet in at the right position / angle.
Perhaps it´s only bugging me, but I can not wrap my head around the fact, that any 20$ cordless phone for home use has a charging station and for high end smartphones and "hybrids" like the Note 8 we still have to fiddle around with micro usb cables & plugs until some chinese factory manufactures the first halfway fitting, cheap looking dock six moths after the device is widely available (/rant over)
Yokobln said:
Thank You for the links, but at least for me one, if not the only reason to get a docking station would be hassle free charging and maybe syncing via USB or MHL linking to a TV, but mainly charging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand; that makes sense.
And I hear you regarding the lack of sophisticated docking stations. I wonder if part of the problem is that people are so mobile these days (and thus you're not going to take your docking station with you, most likely) and also quick to upgrade to new devices (in which case your old docking station may no longer have a use)? And if the combination of those two makes for less demand, or at least not enough perceived demand by manufactures to invest in developing the tech?
But I agree with you that it would be very cool to have a docking station that does what you describe.
Samsung's Smart Dock Multimedia Hub (#EDD-S20JWE) for the Note II & S4 "Should" work with the Note 8.0, but I don't know how stable it would be in this dock since it is made for the smaller devices.
I have this dock for my Note II and it works well. As soon as I receive my Int'l Note 8.0 3G (~May 8-11) I will test it and report back.
I'm thinking the following post relates to what @bbfoto is talking about, correct?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2244383
^Yes.
I just posted there as well. Thanks!
Thanks a lot for the input guys!
The Samsung Smart dock looks to be the closest to what I have in mind, though as pointed out in the linked thread it does not support the tablet in any considerable way.
I was looking for something more like the Nexus 7 docking station, unfortunately I can not link to images, beeing a newbie and all...
Well, who knows, perhaps sometime in the near future some company will think of (business) users, who simply want to throw their tablet on a perfectly fitting dock while at their desk.
Thanks again folks!
Regards, Yoko
itrek
Bought the itrek from amazon ill post more when it arrives.
I have put the Note 8.0 into the Samsung Smart Dock for the Note II. It works really well and holds things steady.
gbmitchell said:
I have put the Note 8.0 into the Samsung Smart Dock for the Note II. It works really well and holds things steady.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you able to use the device while on the stand without it falling over?
melvill said:
are you able to use the device while on the stand without it falling over?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It works great. I threw it in at work and plugged in a USB keyboard and mouse and worked with it that way. It's a really nice unit. Just too expensive.
gbmitchell said:
I have put the Note 8.0 into the Samsung Smart Dock for the Note II. It works really well and holds things steady.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if the Note 8.0 will fit in the Smart Dock with a Samsung Book Cover Case on it?
Yes it does
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
It also fits with the poetic case!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Does it work when you put it on its side? ( Landscape Mode)
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD
that's an universal dock
not special
gbmitchell said:
Yes. It works great. I threw it in at work and plugged in a USB keyboard and mouse and worked with it that way. It's a really nice unit. Just too expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the HDMI output the same resolution as the tablet or can it out put at higher res? Id be interested in it if it was higher res as it would make andriod office suites a viable option for me. At the moment I find the resolution hinders its use, especially with spreadsheets (which is what I use the most). From what I can gather it just mirrors the tablets resolution.
I might get one anyway as i like the idea of being able to plug in my PS3 controller via USB and play on some emulators. I find emulator a pain to use with touch controls.
hertsjoatmon said:
Is the HDMI output the same resolution as the tablet or can it out put at higher res? Id be interested in it if it was higher res as it would make andriod office suites a viable option for me. At the moment I find the resolution hinders its use, especially with spreadsheets (which is what I use the most). From what I can gather it just mirrors the tablets resolution.
I might get one anyway as i like the idea of being able to plug in my PS3 controller via USB and play on some emulators. I find emulator a pain to use with touch controls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be same resolution, just scaled. For example my MHL kit gives 1080p, my miracast kit gives 720p. Same amount of content on screen. Ditto if I use an adapter that only does VGA output.
You can't change that metric.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD
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
the first official android tv player has been announced. Interesting specs. Anyone thinking of getting one?
http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/15/6982375/google-nexus-player-android-tv-set-top-box-announced
http://www.google.com/nexus/player/
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using XDA Free mobile app
the concept is interesting, but the spec is not
99$? Insta-buy! Just waiting for the pre-order in Germany
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk 2
I have an ADT-1 and thoroughly love it. By far, the best XBMC experience you could ask for, but the device holistically is pretty damn cool too. Going to be ordering 2 of these as well.
what does this have to do with the Nexus 5 section? not wanting to be a forum-nazi, but it's pretty useless in this section.
There is no dedicated android TV forum
Edit found it now. Thread has been moved. Thanks moderator
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Really cool idea and I'd buy one if I didn't already have a Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Chromecast, a Slimport cable, and a PS3 controller. With all that, the possibilities are vast. If playing a game, I'll use my N5, hook it up to the TV via Slimport, and use my PS3 controller. If watching a show, I'll just cast my screen via Chromecast, with the option of using the Slimport cable.
So since the controller is Bluetooth Smart, I can sync it with my phone and tablet, right? Typical Bluetooth syncing process? A spare controller might be a nice little plus to convince me to buy a (another) little gadget device. Like I said, it's a neat idea but I definitely don't need it.
Quite interesting that it's using a Intel processor. Wonder how that will perform. Also any micro SD slot?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jumper62 said:
Quite interesting that it's using a Intel processor. Wonder how that will perform. Also any micro SD slot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there's a similar question i got:
does it have a usb host port?
As the specs don't mention one (like the sd-slot) i guess there won't be one, what makes sense if you think about their interest in people streaming stuff from google play...
Amazon blocks usb mass storage and google doesn't even add a port, what also makes usb gamecontrollers unusable...
I'll most likely buy one at some point to replace my Roku, but one of the important apps to me is the WWE Network app, and I highly doubt WWE will care enough about their app to update for compatibility with Android TV any time soon. So, I'll have to hold out until they support Android TV.
There is a mini usb port. External storage?
Sigh. Google, y u hate Ethernet?
Another stationary device that eats up wifi bandwidth to save on a 50 cent Gig-E port. Its just plain dumb.
Is there any official information about European availability?
Does it support HDMI-CEC?
I'll get one to replace the Chromecast in our living room. Will be really nice to have a remote to, for example, pause if I get a call. Try to do that on your phone while casting something..
If it hasn't got HDMI-CEC.. that would just be stupid. Hope it has.
Doesn't bother me that it hasn't got wired Ethernet. My WiFi is excellent and I can easily get +600Mbps real performance on my laptop and +250Mbps on my Nexus 5 so the AC-chip on this will do for all my streaming needs and then some.
Any information yet which formats are supported? Is it like chromecast limited to h264 and aac or can it play mkv files with dvd MPEG streams? (how I store my DVD library currently in plex)
Skickat från min GT-I9505 via Tapatalk
Konstigt said:
I'll get one to replace the Chromecast in our living room. Will be really nice to have a remote to, for example, pause if I get a call. Try to do that on your phone while casting something..
If it hasn't got HDMI-CEC.. that would just be stupid. Hope it has.
Doesn't bother me that it hasn't got wired Ethernet. My WiFi is excellent and I can easily get +600Mbps real performance on my laptop and +250Mbps on my Nexus 5 so the AC-chip on this will do for all my streaming needs and then some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My problem is that I don't live by myself, and we live in a relatively high density area (~3k to ~4k sq ft houses on 60 ft lots). We have three tablets, two ipod touches, two smartphones, occasionally a laptop or two. I have really good wifi coverage (using ubiquiti APs). But my next door neighbors media room is really close to our master bedroom suite and she uses wireless for everything (which is ridiculous...my old company wired her house...I know she has a lan drop in her media room, lol). So she constantly pegs 1 and 11 in 2.4 GHz. So I use 6 on that side of the house. But I can see at least 4 other APs from my neighbors on 6, and that's just those that broadcast. Our phones are are the only two AC devices we currently have.
It would probably be OK on AC. I have one AC AP and my family room cabinets where my equipment is in is only about 20 feet from the AP through wood cabinet doors. But add in a cheapo GigE port and there is nothing to worry about at all. Again, its a stationary device, no reason to use wifi. I think the issue is that these devices are developed by people who live in rented apartments or in parts of the world where adding a lan drop in a home is cost prohibitive (concrete walls, etc.). It never occurs to them that a huge portion of their target audience has a wired lan in their home.
mrw1215 said:
I'll most likely buy one at some point to replace my Roku, but one of the important apps to me is the WWE Network app, and I highly doubt WWE will care enough about their app to update for compatibility with Android TV any time soon. So, I'll have to hold out until they support Android TV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not be supprised, WWE app has been on Fire TV for a while. It should not take much, if any, reconfiguring to add it to the play store for the player.
Just heard about this. Interesting indeed. I am in the UK and have got an Amazon Fire TV on preorder (released 23rd Oct) not sure whether to ditch that pre-order and go for this or keep the AFTV.
No ethernet is a bummer, but I'm still looking forward to it
need to find the perfect Plex box
I'm going to be pre-ordering one tomorrow as soon as they become available for pre-order... If I'm still awake by midnight, might do it then.
The lack of Ethernet port is truly a bummer, but I guess I will try to get another device off my Wi-Fi lol
Hi Everyone,
I see another thread hard at work on dex without dex, but its 70 bux now on amazon prime used, I went for it. I mainly work from my hotel room, so I dont really need a laptop proper. I was wondering if i get one of those ultra-short throw projectors (LG PF1000UW for example), dex, my phone, keyboard and mouse, would that in theory work? I don't really know what projector (LG PH550 looks good too ), i want it to fit in my suitcase w my clothes, something small... Any recommendations? Maybe not the ultra short throw one... I will be using mainly office apps. Is there a VNC app for Dex? If not i guess i'll still need my tablet (which i can use w the projector)
Or this one seems ideal for dex...
The Optoma GT1080Darbee, it has no smart features whatsoever (let dex do the work), anyone have experience with it?
wolfie011 said:
Hi Everyone,
I see another thread hard at work on dex without dex, but its 70 bux now on amazon prime used, I went for it. I mainly work from my hotel room, so I dont really need a laptop proper. I was wondering if i get one of those ultra-short throw projectors (LG PF1000UW for example), dex, my phone, keyboard and mouse, would that in theory work? I don't really know what projector (LG PH550 looks good too ), i want it to fit in my suitcase w my clothes, something small... Any recommendations? Maybe not the ultra short throw one... I will be using mainly office apps. Is there a VNC app for Dex? If not i guess i'll still need my tablet (which i can use w the projector)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse