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Hi,
I bought this Sony Tablet S last weekend with the idea that I would try it and return it. I also bought a Motorola Xoom with the same intentions. I wasn't really able to try the Tablet S because everytime I picked up the device in the store the anti-theft alarm would sound. The salesperson reluctantly admitted I could take it back if I didn't like it, I usually don't this kind of thing as I prefer to wait and buy online cheaper.
Anyways it's been a week. My heart was set on getting an Xoom, I like Motorola but the screen quality... I don't want one even though I found two used for $300 with accessories.
So on to the Tablet S... I kept going back and forth on it. My biggest gripe is that this will be worth $200 in a year and it may even be completely out of date as Tablets mature.
The things I like about it:
- Durable! I plan on having this in my bedroom, I can fall asleep with it in the bed and I highly doubt I'd break it. Same for carrying it around the house, it doesn't need any kind of case.
- The Shape. It is decent to hold and it really does work well at a table. The angle makes viewing and typing a lot better.
- It's a Sony. I like Sony, I just hope they actually support this device unlike that piece of junk Sony Dash I foolishly bought last year.
- The remote feature. It's not near as advanced as I would like but the software is "Version 1.0". I'm hoping it progresses and becomes more advanced with "activities". I don't mind the layout at all, I think the buttons look good. The one thing I find is that it could be faster in switching between devices.
- The screen. I like that it's 9.4" as this gives you more pixels per inch than a 10.1" display resulting in a sharper image. The viewing angles are good, but I have to admit.. I do wish Sony put an even better quality screen in. I don't think I would want to read a book on this device. By the way the 9.4" screen is easier to reach with your fingers but it's less appealing to the eyes, that extra 1/2" does make a difference in screen "real estate".
- I like the charge system. I don't have a dock yet, it's ordered but I like the fact it just drops in and easily lifts out. I could see all the other tablets docks requiring more effort to align and slide in/out of their respective docks.
- The Sony tweaks to the Android OS. I like them, I just hope it's not a drawback... waiting for Sony each time a new version is available.
- The Sony games. I don't game much anymore but it's a welcome addition for me.
- The HD Remote. Man, I wish I waited six more months before buying my XBR-LX900. This years models seem to have a better integration with this tablet.
- I like the fact that it's user serviceable. The battery can be changed and a 3G/4G card can be inserted.
What I don't like:
- The screen. Another 1/2" would be more visually appealing. The colors could pop more and I wish it was better on the eyes for reading. One day I suppose, for now I'll be keeping my Sony eReader.
- It's looks. At times I like the way it looks, at other times... I think it looks / feels cheap. But mind you, it's very durable the way it is. I wouldn't hesitate to allow a child to play with it.
- The price. Way over-priced for what it is! I suppose all tablets are though, but at least Motorola has style. I like the looks and feel of the Motorola build much better.
- Weight... it is a touch heavy even though this is suppose to be one of the lighter tablets. Just imagine in five years the tablets we will have?
- The charge cord. If you don't use a dock (which should come with it!!!) that charge cord is going to break.
- And again lastly.. this isn't really a knock on Sony but I honestly feel it's too early to spend this kind of money on this types of hardware. Tablets are in their infancy, none of them are worth what we are paying for them. Honestly I think most tablets really should be priced at $199 or $299 for what they are. $499 is just.... too much money for what it is.
Anyways for me, I've decided to keep the Tablet S even though I know I will regret it in six months. I need a new alarm clock, I'd like to be able to convienantly check things from my bedroom and I would like to experiment with Android... so here I am.
I see the Tablet S as having a long life with me for it's simple durability. I don't have to baby it, it'll serve well for what it is. A portable household browser / email device. I don't think of this Tablet as something you would take out with you. For that I will mostly likely get a second or third generation Motorola.
I am also a proud owner of the Sony Tablet. This review is very well said.. can't disagree.. you should post this review in sites like Amazon.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App
dberladyn said:
So on to the Tablet S... I kept going back and forth on it. My biggest gripe is that this will be worth $200 in a year and it may even be completely out of date as Tablets mature.
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This unfortunately is always the case with tech, once the Kal-El (quad core Tegras) come out you'll see price drops on the dual core ones. Doesnt mean your tablet is going to become useless though just you wont be state of the art anymore
- The screen. I like that it's 9.4" as this gives you more pixels per inch than a 10.1" display resulting in a sharper image. The viewing angles are good, but I have to admit.. I do wish Sony put an even better quality screen in. I don't think I would want to read a book on this device. By the way the 9.4" screen is easier to reach with your fingers but it's less appealing to the eyes, that extra 1/2" does make a difference in screen "real estate".
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Really? I absolutely love reading on my S tab, the display is sharp and clear.
- The screen. Another 1/2" would be more visually appealing. The colors could pop more and I wish it was better on the eyes for reading. One day I suppose, for now I'll be keeping my Sony eReader.
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I agree on this, wish the colors did pop a bit more something in between S tablet and Galaxy would have been nice. And yeah the thing I hate most is the charging connector, everytime I plug it in I feel like its going to break. Guess Ill have to buy a dock as well.
Yeah I agree, it's totally overpriced, the cost of the case is ridiculous too... but, that's Sony for ya.
I also have a wifi Xoom and think it's a piece of junk compared to the S, and most other HC tablets out there. It's laggy and the screen is so washed out and bland. The Sony S flips through screens so smoothly, gives a nice tablet experience.
Damn... my country still haven't release Sony Tablet S... ARGHH!!!.... my don't they just do global release...
Yeah Sony product is expensive but GOODD!!!
tbh go save your money or spend it on something worth the money like the Jetstream or the Ipad2.
Tablet S just does not compare. In every single way my jetstream was better, so I ended up returning the TS.
Maedhros said:
tbh go save your money or spend it on something worth the money like the Jetstream or the Ipad2.
Tablet S just does not compare. In every single way my jetstream was better, so I ended up returning the TS.
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Dude. Enough with the jetsream already! Its all you talk about. No offense. But go get a jetstream, and post in their forums.
Sent from the most "Epic" phone in the world! ...Using XDA Premium app
Maedhros said:
tbh go save your money or spend it on something worth the money like the Jetstream or the Ipad2.
Tablet S just does not compare. In every single way my jetstream was better, so I ended up returning the TS.
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The Jetstream blows.
Transformer Prime Champagne Gold impressions
Well, as karma has it, I was able to get a 32GB Champagne Gold Transformer Prime, with the dock, last Friday and played with it over the weekend.
I was worried about many of the problems people were reporting and I was slightly afraid when starting up the device, I did not want to see bad light bleeds or dead pixels and so on. While the tablet itself ended up being perfect, I was still hit with a crippling bug of the keyboard dock not being able to be used for typing at all.
I found it almost ironic that I ended up with a serious flaw like that. I really thought that forums give a wrong impression about ASUS quality control, but reality is that it really is very, very bad. It is almost like gambling, chance that you'll get a functioning device without flaws that will annoy you from the very beginning, are very low.
I'll get the device replaced and essentially add to the pile of devices that are being returned to ASUS. But that aside, here are my impressions about the tablet, since I did use the tablet without the keyboard quite a bit.
Champagne Gold is absolutely beautiful in real life. It is a really attractive looking device, it's not as 'white' as Apple's aluminum devices are and is so much better for it with the slight golden gue making it look less clinical. Pictures don't do it justice, Champagne Gold Transformer Prime is the best looking tablet I've held in my hands.
The build is also very sturdy. I am glad I did not go for one of the plastic built tablets of yesteryear as I really love the feel of the tablet when I hold it. It is slightly heavier than I expected but only because I've never used tablets this extensively before.
Of course this design has its drawbacks, such as very weak GPS, but I tend to use my phone for GPS due to assisted GPS from cell towers, which is just much quicker. As for WiFi issues, I did not notice any, but I also did not run any speed tests. I mostly make the tablet use my phone as source of internet and it didn't have any problems doing so.
The first bootup ran Honeycomb and I immediately noticed that it simply did not run smoothly despite quad-core processing power driving it. But I liked the screen and after wiping the screen properly, touch responsiveness was good.
A mere 15 minutes later the device had updated itself to Android 4.0 and I had no stutter or lag issues anymore when moving around the menus or using the browser.
The screen is really beautiful and bright with good contrast. And the external sound is better than I expected. I watched the new 30 Rock episode with girlfriend on a couch and it was a nice experience, much better than trying to hold a laptop comfortably while watching a show. MX video player works very well on Prime, I watched Boardwalk Empire on my way back home on a train and it is a great device for extended viewing. It is amazing how much more natural it feels to watch series or movies on a tablet device like this as opposed to laptop.
Most apps seem to run quite well on Prime. But Android has its drawbacks on tablets, a lot of really great looking games do not have HD versions, making them look less attractive on the screen. Some of my favorites such as truly amazing World of Goo and Cut the Rope worked well on Prime, but their beautiful art was stretched to full screen, making the games look less magical than they felt when I was playing them on my Galaxy Nexus phone (which has a similar resolution to Prime, but far smaller screen).
I tried to use my tablet as a netbook, but without working keyboard I coould not really give it as much of a go as I hoped. But browsing around in the internet was fast and smooth and I really like Android for a tablet OS.
Battery lasted less than I hoped, but I cannot say it was bad since I did not charge it enough times for it to live up to its full potential. But I did not have to charge it while I was using, so it did not cause any battery stress.
I also liked that ASUS does not enforce its things on the user. Majority of pre-installed apps can be disabled and ASUS own enhancements are good for the device. They did not add anything that felt like bloatware.
As for the screen, yes it is certainly a fingerprint magnet. It does not bother me until I start watching a movie or whatnot. Makes me feel like I should clean it up because it simply is dirty (even when hands are less oily and have recently been washed).
Is this the best tablet I have ever used? Not really, iPad 2 is still a better media and content consumption device and I find Prime a much less comfortable to use when held in portrait mode as opposed to iPad 2 (but of course widescreen videos are much better on Prime as a result). But I can really see how the keyboard dock can enhance the Prime experience enough for me to never consider iPad 3, even if it comes out with HD screen and even better battery life.
I should also make additional note about the keyboard dock. I don't find the build of the keyboard dock to be as good as I hoped, it angles up really awkwardly on the Prime when screen is lifted, the back hinge is basically the thing it starts 'resting' on and differently from the rubber it rests on in front of the dock, the back rests on plastic knob-thingies, which have less grip. So on a less sturdy surface or when typing, the device is prone to move a lot more than you'd expect.
To sum things up, ASUS did a good job at everything except quality control and body design for GPS. If it had 3G, better WiFi and functioning GPS I would easily grade it the best tablet ever, but right now I don't see iPad 2 being actually dethroned before the end of this year where Google's rumoured tablet and possibly another Transformer can really kick things up a notch.
2012 is the year of 4G and HD screens on tablets, but I must say I did not really think Prime needs a HD screen. It is not because it would not look more beautiful - it would and I can easily see pixels when reading the web on Prime - but I just think that Android market won't catch up to HD apps before 2013. Today most apps look stretched and the apps that don't, do not seem to need HD anyway.
But yes, a wonderful device, just make sure to not throw away the box and other items so you can quickly refund, since chance has it that it might come with a hardware flaw or two.
Nice well written review.
Got it exchanged and keyboard works now! By the way, those wishing to buy it in Estonia, it seems to be sold downtown in both Euronics and Klick stores. Can't be bought online yet and seems to be only the champagne gold 32gb model.
Thx for the review man
On thing i want to add though: You have to compare the transformer prime to the ipad2 wifi only. If you want to compare it at all. And that device has no gps module at all, so a more or less working gps is still better than none at all.
But those comparisons are fundamentally flawed imho. I buy a device because of its features. iPad and TP offer very different things which results in the situation that there are fans of one device (because it has everything they wish for) and fans of the other one debating which one is better...
In the end there is only "whats better for you" and never "whats better for everyone". For me its clearly the Prime.
Dude i get carried away again. My Prime shall arrive! NOW!
I'm with you with the Champagne Gold color.
The photos online do not give justice to the Champagne Gold color as it is absolutely beautiful in real life.
The Gold hue does not overpower the Aluminum Color and has a rather subtle hint to it.
Excellent review. A good model for all to follow!
My "purplish" grey one is to arrive tomorrow....wish I could have ordered the champagne colour. I'll probably end up putting a skinomi skin on the back as I'm not really into the purple tones...plus, I heard the aluminum scratches easily.
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
oasis9389 said:
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
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+1. Where is this mythical gold dock? Surely not the one I've had on BB preorder since late November? lol <bangs head into wall>
I'm using a Champagne Prime mated with a Gray dock. I actually like the look better than a matched set. Something to think about if you can't find a Champagne dock...
wynand32 said:
I'm using a Champagne Prime mated with a Gray dock. I actually like the look better than a matched set. Something to think about if you can't find a Champagne dock...
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can you post some pics?
Just as an FYI, your prime screen is capable of 720p hd video playback, just not 1080p. still HD, just not the best HD. Great review though.
oasis9389 said:
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
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ASUS is selling 32GB Champagne Gold TF201's in Estonia, it's the EU version (tablet and dock in one). And it is also localized, with local adapter and US keyboard that has russian letters in the corner (we also have a large number of russians living here).
irishtexmex said:
+1. Where is this mythical gold dock? Surely not the one I've had on BB preorder since late November? lol <bangs head into wall>
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It seems that ASUS did not just do a UK launch, it was an EU launch and a lot of tablets are being sold in various countries, often without advertisements. Here we have Champagne Gold one, sold 2-in-1, dock and tablet. I haven't seen Amethyst Grey being sold anywhere here (and we seem to have two chains selling TF201's without ads at the moment).
It just shows how little this tablet is really known outside these forums and tech world. People don't know about it. Stores don't even know that they have the hottest Android tablet on their shelves.
clouds5 said:
Thx for the review man
On thing i want to add though: You have to compare the transformer prime to the ipad2 wifi only. If you want to compare it at all. And that device has no gps module at all, so a more or less working gps is still better than none at all.
But those comparisons are fundamentally flawed imho. I buy a device because of its features. iPad and TP offer very different things which results in the situation that there are fans of one device (because it has everything they wish for) and fans of the other one debating which one is better...
In the end there is only "whats better for you" and never "whats better for everyone". For me its clearly the Prime.
Dude i get carried away again. My Prime shall arrive! NOW!
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Well, true, but it is worth a comparison simply because you would not own a Prime and an iPad 2 together, they overlap in functionality. I will still recommend iPad 2 to anyone who is not a tech person as I believe that today it is a better device for content consumption and don't believe Android will catch up in app-market with HD apps and experience at least until 2013.
I am really neutral in that opinion here, I own an Android 4.0 phone and tablet now, I love Android. But today iPad 2 is a better tablet for an average person even if you don't consider GPS, WiFi quality or 3G existence important.
I would not buy Android for my grandparents, if I had to choose I would buy them iPad 2.
But anyways, I love it. Those of us who know tech and prefer Android, this is a brilliant device if your device does not have issues resulted from bad quality control.
Conduitz said:
Just as an FYI, your prime screen is capable of 720p hd video playback, just not 1080p. still HD, just not the best HD. Great review though.
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Thank you for the correction.
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
vitalero said:
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
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Think you might struggle to use this as a laptop replacement - depending on what you use your laptop for.
Yes, it's called tethering - setting your phone up as a wifi hotspot then connecting your tablet to it. No bluetooth needed. However, some Prime users report issues with this since the ICS update.
And more opinions!
I've had the chance to use the keyboard dock for a while, as well as test out a variety of apps. Some apps are much better in HD on a tablet, this surprised me quite a bit. For example IMDB app is really good on tablet and gMail (and really, all Google apps) is very high quality.
Apps run quickly and without problems. I also haven't noticed any problems with the tablet I got for exchange, no dead pixels. There's faint backlight bleed near one corner but I can not notice it while using a tablet unless brightness setting is too high and screen itself full of black colors.
As for the keyboard. I really love that it is Android focused keyboard. The keys make sense and are intuitive. It really is the first time I've felt comfortable with a keyboard that is similar to old school Windows keyboards, while never making me feel like it is one of those 'modified' PC keyboards. The top row buttons are all very useful, there are no bloated keys.
At first I wished there was 'recent apps' key, but there isn't. Alt+Tab does exist, but since there is no Alt key on the left hand side of the keyboard, you have to use two hands for it (I always Alt+Tab with left hand on my PC). So that's a bit annoying.
Keyboard itself is comfortable to write on if you've used smaller netbooks before. It takes a short time getting used to since at first you expect keys to be further apart, but adjustment does not take long. Feel of the keys is really good and they are well built, I like that spacebar, while long, goes down on both sides if you only press on one side. While it seems simple and does not look as expensive as Macbook Air keyboard, it feels really well built.
The dock also protects the tablet really well. The keys are not elevated on the dock, so they don't touch or get close to tablet screen and leave marks of any kind on the screen in the long run (this happened with my nice Compaq netbook 311C that had a beautiful LED screen that just looked worn thanks to keyboard after a while). Dock is also separated from the tablet with little rubber knobs
The touchpad is basically pointless, I am not sure why it is even needed, but I like that it is there in case I ever would need it. Using screen touch is simply faster, since apps are usually built keeping that in mind. Touchpad is just slower in comparison. I did however find it helpful when writing a lot of text and needing to correct something. It is also great that you can turn the touchpad off so it doesn't activate by accident while you are typing.
Certain apps are also less-keyboard friendly. While typing is supported all around, certain apps are less friendly when it comes to common usability features such as tab key changing selected input field (like going from username to password). You cannot really use the tablet without resorting to touching the screen every now and then, but I must admit that it is better than I originally expected. I actually like having the keyboard on, since on-screen keyboard is really something I don't like to resort to.
I did notice that capacitive pens are not very good on Transformer Prime screen. I have cleaned the screen very well, but capacitive pens are not sensed unless brushing them more noticably against the screen. The pen is a high quality one originally built for iPad 2 by Bamboo, worlds leading company when it comes to graphic tablets. I guess the non-air-pad type capacitive pens would work better though.
For some other things that are not as perfect as they could be, there is a very tiny amount of lag in the system at times when using the keyboard. It is certainly not as responsive as a keyboard should be if you, say, played competitive first person shooter games. But it doesn't really annoy and some apps are better than others at it. This will possibly improve even further with newer Android or firmware updates since it is not a hardware issue at all.
One thing I can tell you though is that TF201 makes quite an impression. I've shown it to two friends and the dock really makes the tablet. It takes away one of the most uncomfortable things about tablets - typing on that awkward screen - as well as offers natural protection without needing a case to protect the screen. Two of my friends who played with it were very impressed. If there's an Android device to wow people who only really know about iPad, it is not good to show the tablet without the dock - since it is just too similar - but the dock helps it really set it apart.
vitalero said:
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
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When using it as a replacement for a netbook, the device works really well. But one has to keep in mind that it is a content-consumption device. You can draw sketches here or write essays, but it is really something that you should consider as a replacement for netbook if you mostly watch movies or surf the internet on your netbook. You are still faster with a netbook if you need to do more intensive work.
But pay attention that I said 'netbook', not laptop. Laptop is still a better device, if you don't have a desktop PC, then I suggest keeping laptop around, since at times it is simply needed to 'create' more than consume. You cannot develop on Android, really edit videos or photoshop pictures or do extensive office work.
When it comes to sharing the internet then yes, I have an unlimited data plan on my phone so I can easily tether my 3G connection. It is not as fast as tablet itself having a 3G, but it is still quite good. I don't stream videos on my tablet usually or if I do, I have a better WiFi connection somewhere. For on-the-go use, it works really well.
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Some people also requested I post a picture of the dock that has Russian letters. It is a US dock, but if you select Russian as Android language, you can easily use the dock as well, since it shows where the letters are located. For Estonians (if any of you are out there), there is no Estonian layout supported sadly and from what I was told, there won't be one. Contents of the TF201 box however are Estonian, it has Estonian manual and everything.
Why was this thread moved to 'accessories'?
kristovaher said:
Some people also requested I post a picture of the dock that has Russian letters. It is a US dock, but if you select Russian as Android language, you can easily use the dock as well, since it shows where the letters are located. For Estonians (if any of you are out there), there is no Estonian layout supported sadly and from what I was told, there won't be one. Contents of the TF201 box however are Estonian, it has Estonian manual and everything.
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Thanks for this info. But I have a question, sorry my stupidity. What does "it shows where the letters are located" mean? There is no secondary letter set on a US keyboard dock (you said it is a US dock). And the only way in my opinion is - to have a Russian phonetic layout added to ASUS keyboard, so it will be possible to use US dock and type in Russian for those do not remember by heart location of Russian "QWERTY" layout ("ЙЦУКЕН"). I am looking desperately for this possibility - with Russian phonetic layout for ASUS keyboard life will be perfect . I can type Russian using on-screen keyboard but this is not nice when using dock. If you have any info about this - it will be very helpful.
Thanks
EugeneR said:
Thanks for this info. But I have a question, sorry my stupidity. What does "it shows where the letters are located" mean? There is no secondary letter set on a US keyboard dock (you said it is a US dock). And the only way in my opinion is - to have a Russian phonetic layout added to ASUS keyboard, so it will be possible to use US dock and type in Russian for those do not remember by heart location of Russian "QWERTY" layout ("ЙЦУКЕН"). I am looking desperately for this possibility - with Russian phonetic layout for ASUS keyboard life will be perfect . I can type Russian using on-screen keyboard but this is not nice when using dock. If you have any info about this - it will be very helpful.
Thanks
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In the keyboard dock picture he attached you can see the actual Russian phonetic layout on the buttons, so it's not exactly the US dock, but like a US dock with Russian phonetic layout added to the buttons.
it makes the tablet 3" thick!
beerman99 said:
it makes the tablet 3" thick!
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Id revise this to Don't get it if its your ONLY case. I actualy like using mine with Evernote for coursework. When I dont need the keyboad, I use another case.
beerman99 said:
it makes the tablet 3" thick!
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PM sent.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
The keyboard case is about the only way I carry mine. I have a nice laptop that sees almost no use now. Great keyboard btw.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Thoughts on Keyboard Folio
The main problem for Android for me has been typing. I've spent hours getting used to swipe technology because I hate softkey keyboards, then came along this little keyboard folio.
At first I regretted buying it. I spent $90+ to get it, and as soon as it showed up I was unhappy. But then I started using it. The way that the tablet itself is not connected to the keyboard is a little bit awkward. You only can place the tablet at 3 viewing angles which vary by only a few degrees, rendering them almost useless. The folio case also takes up the full size USB slot, which was one of the best features of it imo. Also, the way it slides in and out of the slot does not seem like it would stand up against a lot of use.
That being said, getting this case literally redefined how I use my device. UX is now no longer a problem at all. The keys are individual, and spaced at a perfect distance so typing on it comes very naturally. Instead of a tablet, it seems like I have an android netbook now. I am a web designer/developer by trade. Using the tablet by itself is perfect for designing, the adobe touch apps are great, however I was never able to code due to the lack of a keyboard. This folio has changed that.
I recognize that half of my excitement over the folio is just the fact that I am using a keyboard with an android device, and that can be achieved simply by plugging in a regular USB keyboard into it, however after a little use, I rarely take the tablet out of the folio unless I am designing.
I like the keyboard. But I have in my bag and use it when I need heavy typing. Very impressed with the quality of it, there is some issues however, if you don't use the native english version. Then you'r at times stuck, with ENG layout, which can be rather annoying.
I find mine indespensible. If I'm not mistaken, it's the fastest for coding in Android from powerup to first keystroke, even on pokey stock ROM. The speed of getting hooked up with BT isn't something I like. The battery drain is a hassle for me, too. Granted, I use it mostly for typing rather useless stuff like this, but I really like it. It's a one-of-a-kind at the moment.
Yes, it's about 1.25 inches (33mm) thick, not counting the magnetic flap closure. The TPT in my Sikai case is 15/16 of an inch (23mm), but it doesn't seem like it thanks to its design. They could have worked a little harder on either the aesthetic or the actual depth. It's definitely not slick looking, but its a great workhorse. For criminy, it's Lenovo. What do you expect?
I think it's a transitional gadget, perhaps ahead of its time. They will get thinner. We will be jealous. We'll get the fourth gen and be smug for a month or two. But for now, we have the only one.
I just got my tablet yesterday, but so far I really like the keyboard folio. I do a lot of posting on various forums as well as document editing for clients. My only complaint with the folio is with the trackpoint. I was hoping it would be a traditional trackpoint. I find myself having to get used to rubbing my finger over the trackpoint instead of just pushing it in the direction I want the mouse to go. However as I use it more and more, I will get used to it.
In the realm of what I really want is a backlit keyboard. I would prefer if it was kind of like the Asus keyboard dock in that it offered additional battery life when in use. That beings said this is a rev 1 product and I am sure in the future things will improve. As it stands now I am about 90% satisfied with it the way it is.
Regarding the tablet in general I wasn't too sure about moving to a 10' device over my Nook tablet, but last night I read a book on it just fine when it was out of the folio, and difference in weight didn't bother me one bit. I love this thing.
Sent from my ThinkPad Tablet using xda premium
I also bought the keyboard folio and it makes the TPT heavier and thicker. It would only fit(snug) on my 11 inch sleeve case.
I like to use the keyboard folio when I am replying to emails, but it drains the TPT battery faster so I always have it plugged in to a power source.
And the magnets are very strong (compass apks will be useless)
Function keys
Has anyone found a solution to using the Fx keys? (F1-F12) I need them to use some work apps in Citrix. Besides that this keyboard is awesome.
Great for travel
I use mine quite a bit for travel when I don't want to bring a laptop and a tablet. This gives me just enough laptop functionality on the go and tablet when I need it.
Bummer, I wish I'd seen this thread before I ordered my keyboard today. It was on sale on the Australian Lenovo site for AUD$60, reduced from $90 and freight was free. I have a 10" netbook which I have just upgraded with a Vertex SSD but I prefer not to cart it about everywhere with me as it needs to go in my motorcycle backpack. It seems like they will be about the same size in the end. Sigh..
I can't really complain though, I picked up the 16Gb ThinkPad on a 1 hour sale for AUD$249 so in the end it's a pretty cheap solution for an iPad killing android tab, especially now I've upgraded it to ICS which I much prefer over Honeycomb.
All I'm waiting now is for a rooting solution for ICS on this pad, that will be brilliant.
If anyone has one of these they want to sell, i'll take it for a good price.
Better than it just lying around ya?
I received mine. It's not too bad and protects my tab in my backpack.
I don't use it at home unless I am using a citrix client in a window where I am unable to use the native ICS keyboard.
ghirsh said:
I use mine quite a bit for travel when I don't want to bring a laptop and a tablet. This gives me just enough laptop functionality on the go and tablet when I need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works great when you want to leave the laptop at home.
So I'm getting the AT&T G Note I in a couple of days from a rep that saved me from canceling 4 lines. I haven't been really checking into anything about the device because it wasn't on my radar at all. I recently got the SII Skyrocket and I'm pretty pleased with it, well, I was before the ICS update, but that's a whole other story.
As far as the Note I was wondering how many people do really use the S Pen, I use my stylus/keyboard almost exclusively on my tablet. I will admit that I have smaller hands and I have trouble with one-hand operation with the Skyrocket at times. I'm not a power texter though, I mostly surf, and will be doing a far bit of note taking for school and I tend to jot notes frequently in a small journal I keep in my purse. For my tablet (ASUS TF300) I use a Rocketfish stylus I got out the discount bin at Best Buy, and the only thing I don't like about it is not being able to draw fine lines, and a lot of times it gets in my way. However after trying out several others, I've decided that for about as much as I want to spend I have the best that I'm going to get. That brings about the second part of my question, my stylus has the heft, weight and fits in my hand like a really expensive fountain pen, so I've been wondering if I should pull the trigger on the S Pen holder kit, 60.00 ( have 50% off promo code though) at Samsung and 40 at Amazon. Both of which are quite expensive to me for something I'd probably lose. But since my right hand is still healing from 5 fractures, and I type all day for work, I'm usually in pain at the end of the day, and if I use the Note as much as I think I will the investment may be worth it. So I'd like to hear from heavy users of the Note, do you use your stylus a lot, and do you have or would get the stylus holder kit? If you use another that will work well with the S Pen apps, especially those for note taking I'd like to hear about those as well.
Welcome and hope your fractures heal soon. I've had my note for about 4 months now and really don't use the stylus that much. Others may have a different take. I do use a swype like keyboard which really cuts down on the typing aspect of things.
As for note taking, I am more of an emailer but there is an app called floating note (I think) that is really good. Handwriting notes on it is easy and it stays on top of your screen until you cancel it. Really well done and might be of assistance to you.
All in all, I would wait to plunk down the dollars for another stylus until you have used your note for a while to see if you even need another one.
Again, welcome to the Note section of XDA.
Thanks for the warm welcome. I think I'll do as you suggested try it out first then see if I'll need the pen kit.
The healing is going slow but I'm making progress, or so they say.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Hello geekygirl!
I got the official Samsung S Pen holder thingy and find it to be too top heavy honestly. The lower half of it is all plastic while the top half is all metal. Makes it awkward to use in my opinion.
I will tell you that since the digitizer used on the Note is of the Wacom variety I've read (but have never tested) that MOST if not ALL Wacom pens will work with the Note. So you might want to look into getting a standard Wacom pen. It should be much cheaper, easier to handle, and you can always keep your S Pen in your Note so you'll never lose it.
As far as note taking goes I would say I have medium to large hands and I still haven't found a proper way to hold the Note comfortably enough to actually WRITE with it efficiently. Unless I feel like burning some time and just doodling little drawings here and there I rarely ever find myself actually using the S Pen functionality. Obviously this isn't the case for all. It's just that in my case, the 5.3" screen is amazing and sight to behold. Makes everything you do seem better and more awesome, however, I still find it too small to actually comfortably use for note taking and drawing. 7" screens are the smallest I can go to actually write and draw effectively. Considering your smaller hands though you might not find this to be the case.
Also using S Memo and S Note I've noticed that the software tends to put a "tail" on the end of the lines when drawing...doesn't seem to want to be 100% accurate with your actual input...it likes to add its own little flare.
As far as the size of the Note goes do keep in mind that it IS definitely made to be more of a two handed device, ESPECIALLY with those that have small hands. I have found that the extended battery/battery cover from Tmart (link) not only doubles the battery life of the Note (which needless to say isn't all that great to begin with) but the hump from the battery cover makes it 1000x easier to hold and handle over all. Plus it's only $10!
Overall though I LOVE my Note and honestly would not and could not go to a smaller phone anymore. Surfing the web, watching videos, reading books are all just leaps and bounds better over "other" phones. Even the Galaxy SIII seems small to me now!
Either way, I hope you learn to love your Note, it really is the best phone out there in my opinion, seconded only by the Note 2!
geekygirl74 said:
I tend to jot notes frequently in a small journal I keep in my purse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is precisely how I use my Note: as a small journal. That and grocery lists, taking notes while on calls, etc.
Don't bother with the stylus holder. Just buy a stylus for a Wacom tablet. I use the one from the Fujtsu Lifebook T4220. You can turn it over and the back automatically functions as an eraser. I also replaced the plastic nib with a felt tip for a more realistic writing feel.
Hi, AndroidVageta ! Thanks for the advice, and I'm the same way about smaller screen phones/ tablets. I had the Kindle Fire 1st gen, an iPod touch (the geek in me had to check it out) that's 3 years old, and an Metro PCS LG Esteem until a couple of months ago. I made the switch to AT&T and got the Skyrocket because of the screen size, and got the ASUS TF300 tablet for school, since then, I haven't used the iPod except for an Alarm Clock and occasionally hook it up to my speakers to play music, sold the phone and I gave my techno illiterate mom the KF who thinks it's awesome . I can't go smaller any more, I need the real estate. I believe I'm going to love the phone way too much. I've been searching out all sorts of info about it since Monday when they offered it. I can't wait, should be delivered tomorrow \o/
bigmout, I was wondering about the Wacom styli, I've been wanting a drawing pad for a couple of years now, but really have never been able to justify the costs since it was just for creating custom content for a game. I've priced quite a few threw Amazon, but have never seen any with the felt tips, that does intrigue me, I like fine tips, even with physical pens. That's the only irking thing about styli IMHO. I've just popped open a tab to search Amazon for the stylus and felt tip nibs now.
OMG GEEKY!!! YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THESE HAVE YOU?!
Monoprice Graphics Tablets
Got a 8x6 inch tablet a few months ago...$40 to my door. Awesome. 1024 levels of pressure, GREAT software and drivers (much less problematic and more customization than Wacom), and GREAT build quality. They work perfectly with all drawing and design programs including Photoshop and AutoCAD among others that I've tried.
Only issues is that the pens are battery powered (but last forever, have the same Ultimate Lithium Energizer in mine that I put in when I got it, and I use it every day, and I've owned it for at least 8 months now) and they only have TWO pen styles...the standard stock pen and the Graphic Drawing Tablet Pen. The pen in the link is the one I use, really a good one. But its the only good one they have. Also there aren't any different tips...just the plastic ones. However, they last forever and it still feels good when using it.
Either way...just thought I let you know about these...just incredibly cheap for something that's basically an off brand Wacom at like 1/4 the price if not less than that.
Here's a good review if you doubt them:
http://frenden.com/the-little-monoprice-graphics-tablet-that-could/
EDIT: Just wanted to add for you and anyone else that might see this that the tablets are produced by a Taiwanese company called UC-Logic. They have different styles of stylus that Monoprice doesn't carry. Actually glad I found this!
Awesome info indeed, 40 bucks I can afford. Btw got the Note and it rocks, the text input is pretty cool, and I believe with time I'll perfect it. I honestly don't think I'll use it much for taking notes for school. I'd be way too tempted. And a quick bench mark test scored this darling right under the TF201. I'd say that's pretty impressive. All smiles over here.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
To use my Xperia Tablet Z profesionally, I realized that I need a physical keyboard. For the onscreen keyboard I installed Swiftkey and I'm satisfied with it compared to other onscreen keyboards but it is no competition for a physical one.
I looked around on various sites e.g. Amazon but unfortunately there is no case with integrated bluetooth keyboard has been designed specifically for the XTZ. There are enough bulky, generic cases with keyboards out there but let's be honest... we hate bulky crap! If you bought an XTZ you want a clean and professional looking case. :cyclops:
The Kensington KeyFolio Expert Folio & Keyboard for Android/Windows tablets appealed to me because of it's interesting micro-suction technique to hold the tablet in place. I decided to give it a try and was able to order one for EUR 50,-.
I'm sharing a couple of pics for you guys to see what it looks like together with the XTZ. The keyboard fits my needs perfectly and pressing any key works to wake up tablet. The dimensions of the XTZ seem perfect for this case and so I must say I am satisfied. Especially because this case allows a position where you can charge from the micro usb port! That darn micro usb port has finally been owned
(unfortunately since i only just registered my account i am not allowed to post outside links)
dropbox.com/s/3zh5i13p3f6riha/2013-08-07%2015.33.32.jpg
dropbox.com/s/h5ak0o5xrp4hwpg/2013-08-08%2012.41.51.jpg
dropbox.com/s/hfnfoz4rcmdjb56/2013-08-08%2014.36.27.jpg
What do you think?
Doesn't look too bad considering the others I've seen online. I needed something similar but went for a separate logitech bluetooth keyboard and the poetic case. In my job I need the ability to type quickly while sat in an office but also to take the tablet out around steel plants and take notes where I couldn't use the case keyboard. How do you find using the XTZ as a normal tablet with the on screen keyboard in that case? I can just imagine that having to keep changing the input method in settings each time I wanted to use Swiftkey instead of the cases keyboard would be a bit of a nuisance.
does the keyboard consume quickly the battery?
Could you please link the case that you bought? Tried searching for it but found alot of different version both for the iPad and stuff. Would be nice if you could paste a direct link to the case so I dont make any mistake if I buy one.
Is this the right one? amazon.com/Kensington-KeyFolio-Multi-Angle-Bluetooth-K39532US/dp/B007RB10K4
Please excuse me jumping in on your thread?
Not exactly confused but needing a bit more solid feedback on available android keyboards for XPERIA TABLET?
I have just watched the video on the kensington and it seems fine to me.but I wondered what other choices are out there? I have spent a long time searching and all I can find is APPLE Keyboards and one or two generic keyboards for Android.
I know Logitech make one which is probably the front runner?
any additional feedback most welcome as I have just ordered my Xperia z tablet
All The Best Steve:good:
norsk1 said:
Not exactly confused but needing a bit more solid feedback on available android keyboards for XPERIA TABLET?
I have just watched the video on the kensington and it seems fine to me.but I wondered what other choices are out there? I have spent a long time searching and all I can find is APPLE Keyboards and one or two generic keyboards for Android.
I know Logitech make one which is probably the front runner?
any additional feedback most welcome as I have just ordered my Xperia z tablet
All The Best Steve:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as the "Apple" keyboards use bluetooth you should be good. Most keyboard will work with the XTZ, it just boils down to personal preference.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
Good day shangrila500:highfive:
Many thanks for your reply, much appreciated.
I had never thought of actally usuing the APPLE Keyboards for ANDROID?Tablet,but it`s an interesting thought.can see that APPLE Specific keys would be lost on an Android keyboard though.
will think about it and see if we get anymore feedabck
Regards steve:good:
norsk1 said:
Good day shangrila500:highfive:
Many thanks for your reply, much appreciated.
I had never thought of actally usuing the APPLE Keyboards for ANDROID?Tablet,but it`s an interesting thought.can see that APPLE Specific keys would be lost on an Android keyboard though.
will think about it and see if we get anymore feedabck
Regards steve:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the Apple specific keys wouldnt do anything just as the Windows key wouldn't.
There are a lot of iPad keyboard cases at BestBuy so you could go look at them and see if theyd fit.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
Apple For Android???
Hello shangrila500
Really do appreciate your reply,I am not very tech minded..so it all takes a bit longer to sink in with us old folk
are there any good reasons why you would not use an APPLE keyboard with an ANDROID Device?
Something I and maybe others have not thought off,because if we can use an APPLE Keyboard then the choices really do increase,from 2-3 good keyboards,Kensington,Zagg e.t.c to a very wide choice.
Would love to hear from folk who have being using APPLE pads and how they find them
All The Best Steve:good:
shangrila500 said:
Yes the Apple specific keys wouldnt do anything just as the Windows key wouldn't.
There are a lot of iPad keyboard cases at BestBuy so you could go look at them and see if theyd fit.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
norsk1 said:
Hello shangrila500
Really do appreciate your reply,I am not very tech minded..so it all takes a bit longer to sink in with us old folk
are there any good reasons why you would not use an APPLE keyboard with an ANDROID Device?
Something I and maybe others have not thought off,because if we can use an APPLE Keyboard then the choices really do increase,from 2-3 good keyboards,Kensington,Zagg e.t.c to a very wide choice.
Would love to hear from folk who have being using APPLE pads and how they find them
All The Best Steve:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason you would not want to use it is if it has some proprietary Apple connection that is what it communicates via. If it uses bluetooth you should be fine.
Ive recently found a sharp looking Nexus 10 keyboard that looks like it should work, the only thing I am worried about is that the case has the rounded edges for the Nexus tablets instead of the sharp square ones like our tablet has.
Here is a link to it:
http://www.amazon.com/GreatShield-S...67698&sr=8-26&keywords=nexus+10+keyboard+case
It may not work but im going to order one next month when I get paid and test it out. Im in the middle of writing reviews for the cases I currently have for the XTZ so I may wait to post them until I get that case/keyboard combo and just post them all together.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
Many thanks Shangrila500
Really do appreciate very much you continued advice
I will certainly check out the Nexus Keyboard,and look forward very much to hearing more from you when you have tried it.
shangrila500 said:
The only reason you would not want to use it is if it has some proprietary Apple connection that is what it communicates via. If it uses bluetooth you should be fine.
Ive recently found a sharp looking Nexus 10 keyboard that looks like it should work, the only thing I am worried about is that the case has the rounded edges for the Nexus tablets instead of the sharp square ones like our tablet has.
Reagrds Steve :good:
Here is a link to it:
http://www.amazon.com/GreatShield-S...67698&sr=8-26&keywords=nexus+10+keyboard+case
It may not work but im going to order one next month when I get paid and test it out. Im in the middle of writing reviews for the cases I currently have for the XTZ so I may wait to post them until I get that case/keyboard combo and just post them all together.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shangrila500 said:
The only reason you would not want to use it is if it has some proprietary Apple connection that is what it communicates via. If it uses bluetooth you should be fine.
Ive recently found a sharp looking Nexus 10 keyboard that looks like it should work, the only thing I am worried about is that the case has the rounded edges for the Nexus tablets instead of the sharp square ones like our tablet has.
Here is a link to it:
http://www.amazon.com/GreatShield-S...67698&sr=8-26&keywords=nexus+10+keyboard+case
It may not work but im going to order one next month when I get paid and test it out. Im in the middle of writing reviews for the cases I currently have for the XTZ so I may wait to post them until I get that case/keyboard combo and just post them all together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you would be wasting your time because the case is dimensionally and geometrically incompatible with the XTZ. Even its cutouts are in the wrong locations. The case also looks bulky, heavy (15.2 ounces), and God-awful ugly.
Cat McGowan said:
I believe you would be wasting your time because the case is dimensionally and geometrically incompatible with the XTZ. Even its cutouts are in the wrong locations. The case also looks bulky, heavy (15.2 ounces), and God-awful ugly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it looks that bad for a keyboard case, it looks a lot better than most and out of all the keyboard cases I've seen it looks the best. It is going to weigh quite a bit because of what it is, if Sony made a KB case for the XTZ it would be nice and sleek but until then we have to ,odify cases that have been released for other tablets that are going to be bulkier.
The weight is on par with other keyboard cases and will be about the same as the Surface KB case that someone has already confirmed worked for our tablet
A for the geometrical imperfections I plan on making some modifications to the case to hopefully make it work, it may not in the long run but I plan on eventually getting a Nexus 10 so if I think there is no possible way it will ever work once i get it I will just hang on to it.
The cutouts are going to be wrong on every KB case until Sony or someone else releases one specifically for the XTZ.
All that being said I may just go with the Surface case for a KB case, I just don't particularly case for it but beggars can't be choosers.
P.S.
Would you mind if I sent you a PM to ask a few questions?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
shangrila500 said:
Would you mind if I sent you a PM to ask a few questions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I would not mind.
What about this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Bluetoot...d=100033&prg=1011&rk=1&rkt=1&sd=321175329656&
I`m now sorted thanks.
:good:Hello oraziox
Good to hear from you
I think this case was flagged up some time back, but I could be wrongit looks fine,but speaking persoanlly I am now sorted,purchased the Logitech 810 keyboard(backlit) world class keyboard,and I also purchased the Petic slimline case direct from Poetic.
all the best Steve:good:
looking more at a keyboard the the tab can be insert so it's easier to used like a laptop I have a nice mini suit cover and will use the keyboard from time to time anyone knows this one Lerway Smart Slot Bluetooth Keyboard for IPad2 New Ipad Galaxy Tablet see the attachment. thank you
sensr said:
To use my Xperia Tablet Z profesionally, I realized that I need a physical keyboard. For the onscreen keyboard I installed Swiftkey and I'm satisfied with it compared to other onscreen keyboards but it is no competition for a physical one.
I looked around on various sites e.g. Amazon but unfortunately there is no case with integrated bluetooth keyboard has been designed specifically for the XTZ. There are enough bulky, generic cases with keyboards out there but let's be honest... we hate bulky crap! If you bought an XTZ you want a clean and professional looking case. :cyclops:
The Kensington KeyFolio Expert Folio & Keyboard for Android/Windows tablets appealed to me because of it's interesting micro-suction technique to hold the tablet in place. I decided to give it a try and was able to order one for EUR 50,-.
I'm sharing a couple of pics for you guys to see what it looks like together with the XTZ. The keyboard fits my needs perfectly and pressing any key works to wake up tablet. The dimensions of the XTZ seem perfect for this case and so I must say I am satisfied. Especially because this case allows a position where you can charge from the micro usb port! That darn micro usb port has finally been owned
(unfortunately since i only just registered my account i am not allowed to post outside links)
dropbox.com/s/3zh5i13p3f6riha/2013-08-07%2015.33.32.jpg
dropbox.com/s/h5ak0o5xrp4hwpg/2013-08-08%2012.41.51.jpg
dropbox.com/s/hfnfoz4rcmdjb56/2013-08-08%2014.36.27.jpg
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we need a link to that case.
Poetic has Bluetooth Keyboard case to pre-order:
Amazon Link
cheesemaker99 said:
Poetic has Bluetooth Keyboard case to pre-order:
Amazon Link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link doesn't work.