I am currently on my 2nd Prime. The first was returned after 4 days. This one is as close to 100% as I can imagine.
Anyway, I had grand visions of all sorts of things I could use it for; however, they haven't really come true.
I also own an Asus Netbook (slow, but at least 3 times the computer that the Prime is), and a Dell laptop running both Win 7 & Simply Mepis Linux. I also have a very good desktop box (which I triple or quad boot).
I do not have the docking station for the Prime.
I desired to use it to view Instrument Approach Plates (Aviation Stuff). They are downloadable as a very large PDF file (598 pages for Alaska) which does not have a linked index (not the fault of the Prime). As you may guess, scrolling to the "Y's" is very slow.
Without purchasing an external Bluetooth GPS, it cannot be used with a moving map--even is one can be found.
I have found it very difficult and cumbersome to move files between the Prime and any of the other computers.
I have attempted to use the bundled browser (POS, in my opinion), and Firefox for Android (FF is my preferred browser on the computers) and found it lacking on the tablet. I have finally settled on Opera Mobile--Not great, but at least useable. (It doesn't even have a HOME key/button, for goodness sakes.)
I attempted to transfer files via Bluetooth from my laptop (yes, they can see each other), but gave up in frustration.
So, without seeming to be whining, what do other owners use the Prime to do?
Jerry in Anchorage, Alaska
Undocked:
1. Random surfing
2. RSS reading
3. ebook reading (my #1 use)
4. Video watching
5. Email triage
6. XDA forum browsing
7. Light gaming
Docked:
1. Draft writing
2. Note taking in meetings, seminars, etc.
3. Responding in email
4. Posting to XDA forums
Undocked:
- browsing the web
- emails on the road or office or on the can
- some games
- Google maps and navigation
- check movie times
Docked:
- browsing the web
- documents and emails
- watch movies (MX Player is the best and NetFlix)
- transfer data from mini SD to micro SD to move files between laptop and Prime
I do video and music editing on the laptop still and if I am really getting down and dirty on writing emails or documents, I would switch to the laptop and use Word 2010. Other than that, I can't see myself using the laptop for anything and prefer the Prime as it also lasts 12 hours on the tablet alone and I have not done a full test on how long it lasts with the dock.
Just have to know what it can and cannot do and work with it. You sound like you need something a little more robust than a tablet. I wouldn't dare to think of doing any kind of video editing on the Prime or even music.
Porn. Basically just porn.
Heh, ok not really
Web surfing, email, games, watcing videos, etc. Normal stuff you would use a computer or laptop for.
Reminisce on what else I could have spent $500 on.
other than that:
Games
Web Browsing
Music
Movies
some word processing
Emails
Navigation (Oh wait thats right my prime has never seen a satelite, I dont think it knows what one is or what to even do with it if it found one) Thanks ASUS!
I think if you want to figure out whether or not a tablet is for you, it's best to consider exactly what makes a tablet different from a notebook. It's those differences that make the tablet much worse for some things, but much better for others.
They are:
1. Instant-on: tablets can be turned on and off instantly. That means they can be used for quick tasks like checking email where booting/waking a notebook is simply less convenient and/or less efficient.
2. Standby battery life: can sit there for days unused, which along with #1 makes them great for doing ad hoc stuff where often a notebook will often be out of power and need plugging in.
Note: Ultrabooks and Macbook Airs mitigate some of the advantages here, but I think even with those wake and standby times are still tablet strengths.
3. Form facter: tablets can be used in more settings and positions than notebooks. For example, lying on a couch or in bed, standing in line, etc.
4. Mobile OS: touch-based, relatively simple interface makes casual tasks easier and more pleasant. Modern tablet OSs provide a more natural interface for many things, getting rid of mice and trackpads for direct manipulation of on-screen elements.
These things combine to make tablets great for things that don't require a great deal of content creation (the Prime's keyboard dock changes that equation a bit when you're talking about raw data entry). No, they can't beat notebooks for heavy duty tasks, but then again that's not their strength: they're best for all the non-heavy-duty tasks we use computers for. If you stop and think about how you use a computer, I think you can probably come up with a good list of such tasks.
A tablet won't replace a notebook for many people, but it makes a great adjunct device. Even here at the office where I have a decent notebook (HP Envy 14), I still use my tablet for some things because it's more comfortable, efficient, and/or just more fun.
Pure entertainment:
games - Really diggin Blood and Glory right now
netflix
youtube
web searching
gmail
Haven't tried an ebook yet
To help transfer files use Dropbox. It has clients for Windows and Linux and mac and Android so very easy to move stuff around. Between that and having a freeNAS box that I can easily browse with es file explorer I have no troubles with it.
I personally use it mostly for Web browsing and forum posting. I also ssh into my university Linux system often to work on labs and whatnot. I do watch some video on it when bored and it's my primary email device.
Do you own another Android device with a GPS? Bluetooth2GPS is free and works fine between my Prime and Nexus.. solved my only 'slight' issue with the device
I run in performance at 1.5 with vc and I'm mainly in Browser -much easier to use with touch than on my notebook (Toshiba 16" i7) ive actually forgotten and touched the screen on that by accident!! just my preference I guess seems just as fast as Chrome on there. Facebook, Netflix, GTalk and Gmail ...also makes my notebook pretty much just for games now. Transferring files I simply hook up over USB and drag and drop... ASTRO or the native Asus file manager that came with it to mess with them once they are loaded.
rand4ll said:
To help transfer files use Dropbox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even better, add in Dropsync, to sync files locally. I do that so I have my important files synced but available when I'm offline.
Related
I have ordered a Zenithink ZT-180-102A and plan to use it to view sheet music for the band I play in, and turn the pages with a USB foot switch that sends a PgDn key to Acrobat Reader.
Has anyone tried this before? Any gotchas?
I would think that the tablet will be (just) big enough to view A4 PDF sheet music at 10.1" (would have preferred slightly bigger)
I'm hoping Adobe Acrobat Reader for Android can go full screen and respond to PgDn messages
Battery life seems a bit light, but figure I can run it from the power adapter if required
Hopefully no outside gigs, as I don't know how well the screen would work in sunlight
If I'm reading the foot switch description right, I can configure the key press via the software on a Windows machine, then plug it directly into the Zenithink as a standard HID device. Anyone tried anything like this?
Zilch said:
I have ordered a Zenithink ZT-180-102A and plan to use it to view sheet music for the band I play in, and turn the pages with a USB foot switch that sends a PgDn key to Acrobat Reader.
Has anyone tried this before? Any gotchas?
I would think that the tablet will be (just) big enough to view A4 PDF sheet music at 10.1" (would have preferred slightly bigger)
I'm hoping Adobe Acrobat Reader for Android can go full screen and respond to PgDn messages
Battery life seems a bit light, but figure I can run it from the power adapter if required
Hopefully no outside gigs, as I don't know how well the screen would work in sunlight
If I'm reading the foot switch description right, I can configure the key press via the software on a Windows machine, then plug it directly into the Zenithink as a standard HID device. Anyone tried anything like this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, did you get this set up yet? I was looking at something similar for my band. Does the ZT180 have usb slot in it for the foot switch?
Yeah - that particular tablet is pretty iffy in build quality and design. I posted some details on it here.
The main limitation is the screen size for displaying A4/Letter. Since it's a 16:9 (or 16:10?) ratio, you get black bars at the top and bottom if you display the full page, so it's more like A5 size. For most of my music that is readable, but not ideal.
In landscape the size is about right, but you can only see half the page at a time.
The Adobe Reader software lets you do Cntl-N to move to the next page (dunno why PgDn doesn't work). The cheap footswitch I got of eBay works fine (you set it up once with some Windows software and then plug it into the USB port of the tablet)
I've ordered a 3 pedal one to try though, (cheaper than the 2 pedal ones strangely) so I can do Forward/Backwards, a maybe some sort of Scroll with the middle switch if I have it in landscape mode.
A proper A4 one would be nice though. I think I would actually take an eInk based one in preference - if I could find a reasonably priced A4 one - as the battery life would be so much better. Or maybe a Windows tablet so I could also run GuitarRig or similar for FX/MIDI stuff at the same time. Still thinking about it though. Let us know how you go.
Any update?
I would love to hear how this is going.
I am planning on getting a tablet for guitar music and would love foot pedal options.
Any suggestions? Tablets, apps, pedals etc...
I haven't used it much to be honest. The screen is a bit small, esp at 16:9 ratio for A4/Letter sheet music. The pedal idea works pretty well though, I'm using on my Thinkpad (sitting on it's side on a a music stand) for now.
I'll revisit when some genius invents a tablet which is greater than 10.2", and when a decent build quality model with Gingerbread is out.
I have to admit I'm slightly tempted with the 14" (?) EEE Windows slate that has come out recently. I think it's an i5 or so, and this would allow me to run guitar rig etc while viewing sheet music.
I purchased a Viewsonic G tablet for this very same purpose. I can read my music using Adobe in the Portrait mode ok but I would like to put it in landscape mode and use my cicada by page flip foot pedal to do a page up and page down. Have you come across anyone who can remap the keyboard to recognize page up and page down or as you have found out control N for page down.
I got my Gtablet a few weeks ago and have been playing with a few apps.
Chord Reader (pretty much just a phone), eSongBook and GuitarTapp
The each have nice features but I really need a combination of the three. I don't own a foot pedal but would like to have that feature and hear how that is working for other people.
Features I would like:
1. Change keys
2. Make setlists
3. Nice, big display
How are people mounting this for a stand? Or do you just set it on a music stand?
Best rig would be with a 13 inch macbook I believe. Check out Modbook http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=modbook
New Sheet Music Reader: MobileSheets
For anyone that happens to come to this thread looking for information, I recently released an android sheet music reader app called MobileSheets. It's currently only available for 10'' tablets. The app is designed to let you take images or PDFs you have (either from scanning, taking a picture with the tablet camera, or from files obtained on the internet) and create songs from them. You can organize your library based on album, artist, and genre, and create setlists. It also comes with a built-in metronome, and companion app for your PC. Please check out zubersoft.com/mobilesheets for more information.
One of the best reasons to get a tablet ever! How does the footswitch work?
An update is coming out this Sunday, Dec 4th that's going to add support for any bluetooth pedal for hands-free playback. Examples of supported bluetooth pedals include the Cicada PageFlip and the Airturn BT-105. I'm going to start offering a deal soon where if you buy the Airturn BT-105 through a link on zubersoft.com/mobilesheets, you will be given a free copy of the paid version of MobileSheets.
As for how the pedal works, the previously mentioned devices have two pedals. My app supports multiple modes - the default mode is the left pedal goes back one page, the right pedal advances a page. Another mode is the left pedal scrolls the page while the right advances to the next page (great for landscape mode). Once you try hands-free page turning, you will never want to go back
hmmh... this seems to be just what i was looking for... i am planning on going completely digitla on my students, as in: have 'em watch their sheetmusic on the tablet in lesson (in this case motorola xoom), then afterwards send 'em the sheets for them to print out by themselves. i'm just sick of lugging 10+ kg of sheetmusic around all day actually i was planning on buying an inexpensive printer and hook it up to the zablet via usb, wifi or bluetooth and print the stuff for them on site, but as there's no pc or router nearby and usb doesn't semm to work either, i settled for the paperless approach (which does have it's pros and cons).
one thing i'd like to know about your program though: i've got several realbooks in pdf form that i'd like to use, each containing around 2-300 songs on about as much pages. how would i go about organizing those? simply bookmark each song seperately? or would i have to split the huge single pdf into small, single ones?
[/quote] from blue powder --- one thing i'd like to know about your program though: i've got several realbooks in pdf form that i'd like to use, each containing around 2-300 songs on about as much pages. how would i go about organizing those? simply bookmark each song seperately? or would i have to split the huge single pdf into small, single ones?[/QUOTE]
I use ezPDF viewer. (available on Android Market) It allows me to use my foot switch (cicada page flip) and allows me to mark my .pdf sheets with notes for corrections or whatever. I agree with a previous poster, once you use a foot switch you won't want to go back. I am in a JAM that has about 500 songs. It took two 3 inch binders to carry them every night. Well we have now converted 16 of the 21 members to electronic viewers. It is the only way to go.
As far as organizing my folders I simply created 26 folders labeled "A" to "Z". Then every time I add a new song I simply put it in the appropriate folder. You can leave them all in one giant folder but it takes longer to find the song you want later. I found a little pain up front saved a lot of pain later.
Enjoy
do you mark your pdf's using a pen? if so, which one? if not - how DO you do it? that's one thing i would be missing in a purely digital surrounding, being able to mark up certain things etc. i don't think i'm going to have much need for a footswitch in a teaching situation, though, and as far as gigs are concerned, i play mainly jazz, and most of the leadsheets i get are a page long. if not - tough luck, i'll play better from memory anyway ;-)
the folder a to z folder-approach seems absolutely feasible, i'd probably go even more ballistic and create several mainfolders (like fingerpicking, theory, leadsheets etc), then have the a to z folders inside those. something like that. i'm more worried though that my students will be turned off by not getting physical handouts anymore. may take them a while to get used to it
ezpdf app and boxwave pointing devices
bluepowder said:
do you mark your pdf's using a pen? if so, which one? if not - how DO you do it? that's one thing i would be missing in a purely digital surrounding, being able to mark up certain things etc. i don't think i'm going to have much need for a footswitch in a teaching situation, though, and as far as gigs are concerned, i play mainly jazz, and most of the leadsheets i get are a page long. if not - tough luck, i'll play better from memory anyway ;-)
the folder a to z folder-approach seems absolutely feasible, i'd probably go even more ballistic and create several mainfolders (like fingerpicking, theory, leadsheets etc), then have the a to z folders inside those. something like that. i'm more worried though that my students will be turned off by not getting physical handouts anymore. may take them a while to get used to it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK first I would recommend looking at ezpdf on the android market. The developer has been very quick to make certain changes. I can say that the program has really improved 800 % over the past 4 months I have been using it. The developer updates the product about every 4 days. New features and bug fixes. Granted I don't use all of it's features but I think it is better than Adobe. I tried to embed a copy of the annotations page but I could not so go here "https://market.android.com/details?id=udk.android.reader&hl=en"
Pen - I do use a pen/pointer to write on my pdf's. I use the boxwave products as they were rated the best and most reliable on a capacitive screen. I have bought others but I keep coming back to the boxwave products. I even have one with an actual writing pen on the other side of it so I can take paper notes if I have to.
Folders - I do the same thing with my music folders. I have it broken out to Christmas music A - Z, Our Regular Music A - Z, Then stuff that I am practicing for my self A - Z.
Sheet Music - If you are going to stick to one page and you are young enough to be able to see clearly then forget the foot pedal. It is just one more thing to have to carry. I am 60, the old eyes are not as sharp as they used to be.
Students - I don't know how you are planning on giving them the files or where you teach, ( private classes, class room setting, high school etc) But - Hey when I was learning (still am) I would have loved it if the instructor gave me a downloadable file with all of my music for the semester. Then I could either print it or put it on a tablet. My choice. Most parents today think that if they don't buy their kids the latest gizmo they will be stunted or social outcasts, so I bet most of your students already have tablets.
Another thought - Another thing to keep in mind. My buddy teaches banjo. He was going to get a tablet for himself then we talked and he decided to get a tablet and a notebook and a projector. He then calls up the sheet music on his laptop and projects it on the screen for the class of 6 students. He uses the tablet for private instruction with out the projector.
Hope that helps.
Really take a look at ezpdf
Hello -
My solution to this problem was:
1. Scan in all my sheet music as high resolution files (300 or higher).
2. Use a photoshop technique on each image to eliminate grey and make sure the blacks are black and the white background is white - (there is a great way to do this with the eyedropper tool which you can find on youtube). At this stage I also straighten the image of each page.
3. Use a photoshop action to import the individual scanned image of each page as 'layers' on a single photoshop document --- and then save as a photoshop document.
4. Use a photoshop action to stack each photoshop layer (on a given document from step 4) out in a long continuous sheet of music and then flatten the image and save as a bitmap (so now the image would look like a flat, opened out, long, scroll).
5. Use a photoshop action to set the canvas size the correct dimensions and dpi for your given display/tablet.
6. Manually open each 'scroll' and move around the systems of your music to fit in the window you have made in step 5 ---- and save each window as a high res jpeg. Save the jpeg as the name of the piece followed by the page number.
7. Use a photoshop action to add a text layer of the same value as the file name. Save as a pdf.
8. Combine the individual pdf pages into a single pdf document for each individual piece.
9. All done. I now have 3 hours of music as PDFs that are perfectly viewable in my tablet AND can be searched for using the find feature of the PDF reader (thanks to step 7). What could be easier!
----
The lenovo A4 size tablet is an ugly looking brick - I wouldn't like that compared with this ipad solution
Fakebook
For many of the above reasons my favorite gigging tool is the Fakebook. It does PDF very well (even importing and indexing huge collections like a real book or vocal book), but at the same time it has thousands of built in chord charts (transposable). Nice annotation or scribbling, search, links to YouTube and Spotify performances and great playlist editing.
Best $1.50 spent on my Google Play account! play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skrivarna.fakebook.android
The Adobe Reader software lets you do Cntl-N to move to the next page (dunno why PgDn doesn't work). [/QUOTE said:
Yes. ctrl + n gDn. But what could be the code of PgUp?? If anyone knows the answer, please describe it is very important to me. . And there's a code table of Adobe Reader for Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently got a gtab last week and have been looking to use it to stream line my grad school and work life. I'm running vegan 5.1.1. So far I use
Documents to Go (Reading/editing/creating docs)
Drop Box (synching my work/school files)
Gtasks (to do list that syncs with google tasks)
Handwrite & Genial Handwriting (for use with a stylus to hand write notes, style trying to decide which one to go with)
Repligo Reader (to annotate pdf files)
Thinking Space (to make mind maps, haven't really used it much but could be useful)
Sketchbook Mobile (for drawings, mostly for fun haha, but could be good to draw up a quick diagram)
Thumb Keyboard (alternate Keyboard with lots of customizations for better use on tablets)
iDisplay Wow this app is amazing, allows you to wirelessly use your gtab (or any android device) as a second monitor for your comp. If you have a case with a stand, or an independent stand, you'll really be amazed at how useful it is
How do you guys use your tab for Business or School?
What are some other useful or productive apps you guys use for business or school?
Also, can anyone recommend a good solution for handwriting notes on the gtab? Genial Handwriting and Handrite both work pretty well. MaplePaint seems alright, but not good for longer sessions. Most of the paint apps fail for this reason.
Anyway, I just thought this thread could be really useful for the Enterprise and Educational users. I'm trying to get to the point where I can use my laptop less and less, that way I don't have to carry it with me to class or meetings.
You hit a lot of the good ones I like. Checkout Springpad for an on the fly catchall note/reminder/organizer app. I really like Business Calendar. its a paid app but looks great on the gtablet. I sometimes use mNote for the quickest possible text cloud notes (like stuff i dont need in a word doc or springpad).
Titanium Media Sync is a great app for syncing a folder to your Dropbox account. Its the app dropbox should have been. careful on the first sync though - make a new folder in dropbox jus for this because it will erase the folder and make it identical to the one on your gtab on the first try. i lost a whole day if shoulder notes that way.
I think thats the stuff i go to daily. Thumb Keyboard is a great keyboard that is optimized r tablet use. you can customize where the break is, and how tall the keys are.
Oh yea I forgot to put thumb keyboard on there. I completely agree, makes typing on the tab way more bearable. I'll check out the other ones you mentioned too
Business user
I don't do a lot of heavy lifting on the gTab. I have a beefy laptop that has enterprise apps I use for work and use LogMeIn Ignition on my gTab to remotely access my work laptop to do "real work".
Yea the gtab can't replace a laptop (no tablet as of now can). Like you I still need my laptop for the more intensive tasks. I guess a better way to think about it is rather than replace a laptop, I'm looking to better incorporate the gtab into my workflows that way I can use it for the tasks that don't require a laptop.
Another app to add to the list "Idisplay", it allows you to use your gtab as a second monitor and works insanely well. No chords needed. Its been incredibly useful when typing while having another document open to reference.
any of you know of a good pdf reader like adobe but with bookmark option?
Great list, I'm going to have to try out that iDisplay!
I've also been searching for a good stylus and note taking application to replace onenote... anyone find any comparable solutions?
I use for fun at this moment
Wuala-for password protecting mu cloud files
Team viewer-for remote dedktop access
Touchdown for full exchange sync
Lazy droid to easily transfer files beteeen computers and tabs
World mate live-for tracking my travel
For business use, I like to have lots of calendars all integrated into one, and Executive Assistant and Business Calendar are two apps that help do to that.
opnsrcaddict said:
Great list, I'm going to have to try out that iDisplay!
I've also been searching for a good stylus and note taking application to replace onenote... anyone find any comparable solutions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For stylus notes i've been bouncing back and forth between "genial writing" and "Handrite". Genial is prettier, but handrite seems more functional
RE: Business Presentation
Hello...I want to use my gtablet for business presentation...I want to hook my gtab to the TV to show my presentation...is there a special cable and application to do this? thanks
I set my gtab up for work. Some of my favorite apps are:
VPNC Widget for connecting to our Cisco VPN.
CifsManager for connecting to Windows file shares.
Quickoffice for viewing and editing Word docs and Excel spreadsheets.
Password Safe Pro for storing user IDs and passwords.
Daris
Foxit reader beta for android is out! I have been test-riding it and works smoothly so far. The ink annotation capabilities are better than repligo in my opinion, plus this is free! Got it directly from the foxit site (could not find it in the market):
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/products/mobilereader/android/
Enjoy!
As an instructor, I've loaded my lesson plans on it and use Docs2Go to read them during class. I've also used androidVNC to control my desktop and server. I've used netstat and other network tools to monitor network traffic during my class. And have used ConnectBot to access my UNIX server.
And of course I use it for entertainment purposes after class as well.
Jerome,
If you had the Malata dock, you could just use an hdmi cable to connect your Gtab to a tv. I'm not sure about other adapters, but you might be able to plug an RCA via the headphone jack. I haven't tried that, I might when I get home because I have one of those for my vibrant phone and that works.
pyro6128 said:
Yea the gtab can't replace a laptop (no tablet as of now can). Like you I still need my laptop for the more intensive tasks. I guess a better way to think about it is rather than replace a laptop, I'm looking to better incorporate the gtab into my workflows that way I can use it for the tasks that don't require a laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I commute everyday for work and don't want to bring with me corporate laptop. What I do is leave the laptop in my office and bring home/clients my gtab. It works fine if you only need mailing, browsing, reading,... (simple tasks). Office productivity is limited. I have tried all office suites for android. Powerpoint will only allow to read, it's impossible to edit. As for excel yesterday it took me 1 hour to make some easy spreadsheet calculations.
To all business users, I must add that android has some connectivity issue when it comes to corporate wifi. Like many other people, I'm not able to use my company's wifi PEAP network (sadly my workmates with ipad have no issue!!).
aldo.caruso said:
I agree. I commute everyday for work and don't want to bring with me corporate laptop. What I do is leave the laptop in my office and bring home/clients my gtab. It works fine if you only need mailing, browsing, reading,... (simple tasks). Office productivity is limited. I have tried all office suites for android. Powerpoint will only allow to read, it's impossible to edit. As for excel yesterday it took me 1 hour to make some easy spreadsheet calculations.
To all business users, I must add that android has some connectivity issue when it comes to corporate wifi. Like many other people, I'm not able to use my company's wifi PEAP network (sadly my workmates with ipad have no issue!!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried writing a wpasupplicant file to connect to PEAP? The TNT settings framework doesn't have the option but i believe the hardware supports it.
Thats how i connect to my university's secure network.
ønline student
Has anyone attended online school using their g tablet?if so let me know how it was or is and if it means anything im going to attend, JONES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY.
THANK IN ADVANCE
I thought I'd start a review page for the Touchpad. I got my Touchpad on Tuesday and have spent a good bit of time with it. In general, I see a lot of potential. I am disappointed that it took so long and isn't better than it is.
Now I understand most of the poor reviews that the unit has gotten. Comparing a first generation product with a 2nd or 3rd generation product doesn't is not likely to be very positive. But, most of us thought, between HP and Palm, the unit would be a lot further along. Perhaps HP is too big to be creative and responsive enough for a fast moving market like phones and tablets. However, to be fair, the things the unit does well, it does very well. And, what it doesn't do well, it generally doesn't do at all.
First, the weight. Personally, I like the feel of it. A few ounces either way really doesn't make much difference. It has a good balance and feels solid.
Second, the WebOS. I am new to it, but so far, I am impressed. The multitasking is really well done. The setup on the unit was simple and logically organized. There is a somewhat intuitive feel to the interface, even though if I knew more, it might be even better.
I setup my Exchange client with no problems and it works well. I will try to add some more accounts later for testing.
Now for the items I am disappointed with. I know it sounds like I don't like the unit, but I do, and it is so close. But, unfortunately, close only counts in horseshoes and nuclear war.
First, as far as I can tell, whoever designed this either never used an iPad or Android tablet or didn't use it much. They don't understand the first rule of the smart device market: You have to have some key working software. Okay, there is some, but in general, it is a real disappointment. There will be lots of other things needed, but everyone wants video, music, news, and a way to move data around. A lot of people will want a time manager, too. If you missed that in the design, you missed the key items.
It plays MP3s well, but without Pandora, it doesn't really matter much.
The worst thing so far is that the video player is useless. Most of the videos I see and use are AVIs and they don't work at all. And only about half of the MP4's have worked so far. One of the top priorities needs to be a movie player that isn't useless. Something like VitalPlayer for the Android.
You also need a good news reader. If you have an Android you get News360 or Pulse. Where is the comparable product?
Oh, by the way, it isn't terribly easy to find anything in the Appstore. It doesn't give enough granularity. It is hard to find the diamonds amoung the trash.
The other item that is needed is a file manager. Something like ES File Explorer on the Android. It allows you to move files from the LAN to the Local file structure and to move files inside the unit. I know the idea is that WEBOS handles it. But as far as I can tell, I have to hook up to a PC to move files. There is a paid app in the app store, but it doesn't do enough.
I have used Android up to this point. A year ago, it was pretty bad. But, today it is a great competitor. WEBOS can be there, too, but it can't take very long or there won't be a market. If HP is counting on business users only, they are probably DOA. From what I have seen, other than e-mail, business use takes a back seat to personal applications on tablets.
What do you think?
7-25-2011 It is getting better
Today, I downloaded KalemSoft Media Player and Gemini File Manger. They each fill at least part of the gap in the functionality of the Touchpad. The KamelSoft Media Player has added considerable functionality to the media play including additional codecs for AVI, etc. And, the MP4s that didn't work with the built in player seem to work with it. It is a $6.99 item but, so far, it seems to be a good investment. I had to add an app to my Android 2.2 unit to get the same capabilities, so it is makes sense that I will have to do the same for a first generation WEBOS tablet, I guess.
The Gemini File Manager is a valuable addition, because it has a nice two column, full screen, interface and has networking capablities. Currently it only works with Dropbox. But it is a step in the right direction. I had to download a file manager, ES File Manager, with this functionality for my Android also, but it was free. ES File Manager allows local network connection, which is pretty useful. This is pretty inexpensive at $2.99 though.
Last week, I downloaded SpaZ HD Beta Preview 1 to use as a Twitter client. It is worth a look. I have enjoyed learning how to use it.
I have download several news readers, but so far nothing that is as good as Pulse or News 360. NewsRoom is a start, but it is still in the phone format.
Pandora works, but it is in the phone format. And, that doesn't really matter much to the functionality.
So things are coming along. With a few more apps, it will be almost as good as my Android for my daily use. Android and iPad have a lot of apps, but how many are of any real use?
There are a few things missing. A working RDP app is essential for small businesses. A solid time management package that interfaces with Quickbooks would be useful, also.
Agreed, thanks for that review
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA Premium App
Well, I am wrong about at least one thing. There is a Pandora app. It works, but it is a phone app and takes a little getting used to. But, it seems to work well.
I bought Newroom hoping it will be like Pulse. It is also a phone app and will take some work to get used to. But it might do some of what I want until a better app comes along. I also bought TapNote for Touchpad which I think will be a good tool, and Internalz, so I can get to the file structure. It is a phone app, so it will be a little strange until it is upgraded.
I downloaded TED, which is a source for seminars that seem to be pretty diverse. The first one I watched was great. It showed off the video pretty well.
I'm still impressed.
I prefer to buy the Touchpad than iPad. Because Touchpad is a way better than other tablets but is a bit buggy yet, but with time and devs, all can be solved.
Good luck with devs and with OTAs touch pad FAIL and webOS phones are butt ugly with a nice OS
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
I actually want to buy a touchpad....only if it doesn't become a dead system and gets reasonable support compared to android and iOS from developers
I would have to add that the font rendering is the ugliest since Windows 3.11. Seriously. The UI itself is beautiful, but reading web pages or mails hurts your eyes after a few minutes. The fonts look like they are smudged, like the screen is blurry. It is a huge fail and the biggest downside IMO. Sure, application load times are really bad, and there are no apps. But apps only need to be loaded once, and the number of apps might change. The incredibly distracting font rendering won't go away
Send an email to: Leo Apotheker, Sean Robison & Steve DeWitt. They need to hear from you.
First name.Last [email protected]
Think it's Stephen but will check. No hear back from me then it's that.
Sent from my Sapphire/dream using XDA App
Can only print to HP printers.
-1. My HP laptops can print to my Canon printer
Can't wait for Android on this thing
I bought one of the firesale units and starting playing with it. I have some questions:
1) It don't seem to support ad-hoc wireless networks. Is there any software I can add or configuration change I can make to change this? I have a Windows Mobile cell phone that can share its connection over wifi, but its ad-hoc only.
2) I put some pdfs and an m4v and flv video on the device, organized in folders. I go in acrobat reader and it seems to find the pdfs, but just puts them in a single list, rather than showing the file hierarchy. I would like to be able to browse the file hierarchy and touch a file and have it open in an appropriate player or reader. I have a lot of pdfs to put in the device and they need to be organized, not one big list.
3) Acrobat reader and Quick Office seem to be a little slow to load. I am wondering if there is an app that is quick loading that will show a file hierarchy and show or play pdf files and videos, similar to GoodReader for ipad?
4) Is there anything that will play .flv video files? The m4v video showed up in the photo viewer, but not the .flv
Thanks in advance.
guyandhisdog said:
Can only print to HP printers.
-1. My HP laptops can print to my Canon printer
Can't wait for Android on this thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can my Lenovo laptop.
But this isn't a HP laptop.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
I know its not a HP laptop. Just sayin, one HP product can and one (newer) can't. That = -1
anyone else notice that this thing seems to crash/freeze alot? have to reboot quite often.
treestump said:
anyone else notice that this thing seems to crash/freeze alot? have to reboot quite often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have u updated the pad? i've been playing with mine for 2 days and havent had a hang up or freeze yet.. u might have a faulty model
I haven't gotten my HP Touchpad yet. Heck, still listed as "shipping soon" from Amazon/eCost.
This may be useful for improving performance until we have Android running:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-news/how-to-improve-the-performance-of-your-new-hp-touchpad/3866
hurrpancakes said:
So can my Lenovo laptop.
But this isn't a HP laptop.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read a review that said you can print to other printers but its a bit harder. Don't no the details sorry but at least you can. (supposedly)
starfcker69 said:
I haven't gotten my HP Touchpad yet. Heck, still listed as "shipping soon" from Amazon/eCost.
This may be useful for improving performance until we have Android running:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-news/how-to-improve-the-performance-of-your-new-hp-touchpad/3866
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Picked mine up Saturday morning and found that article yesterday. By all means do what it says, helps a lot. The more I use my touchpad the more I like it. Great little $100 investment IMO. Really wish there was a Wordfeud or Words with Friends app for it though. Preware should be installed on every WebOS device.
starfcker69 said:
I haven't gotten my HP Touchpad yet. Heck, still listed as "shipping soon" from Amazon/eCost.
This may be useful for improving performance until we have Android running:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-news/how-to-improve-the-performance-of-your-new-hp-touchpad/3866
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for this link! I don't even have my touchpad yet but i look forward to being able to poke around with it and get every ounce of performance possible.
Are there any other good resources for WebOS tweaks or mods? Ultimately i'll probably put android on this thing (once the devs do all the hard work) but in the meantime, i'd like to see just how usable the device is as-is.
my gripes:
browser - not as good as Android's. some pages had minor render issues, some menus didn't work right. some flash videos would not play.
browser - only way to go "back" is the back arrow at the top left corner so you have to keep your thumb near it.. awkward to hold. why no left swipe or something?
lists, any - no scroll bars! i added like 100 bookmarks then it's a pain in the ass to get from top to bottom. have to swipe down like 10 times
camera - no app is included to use it other than skype.
video player - videos files are shown as group of big icons, no way to change that to a list view, and the space allocated for the name does not have enough characters
no way to change the icons on the taskbar?
serious lack of good apps that are designed for touchpad .. maybe a dozen that i ended up keeping.
no included rss reader, calc, notes, etc.
i don't believe the Bing navi app has 3D mapping or live rerouting (for use with tether) and i didn't see any in the market.
no voice to text function ?
doesn't support mkv or avi out of the box (same for Android, iOS) .. have to reencode videos from usenet. there is a (1) paid app that can play these apparently, haven't tried it yet
no video out, rear camera, back / search / menu buttons, low-res screen, heavy... but you know that going in.
App Store - no sorting options (ie, #downloads, #reviews)
.....
things i like:
hardware is solid, battery life is impressive, viewing angles excellent, and the GUI looks polished. OS is reasonably responsive and stable (after ota update). basic functions (wifi, web, email, IM, a/v playback) work as expected.
good deal for $100.
I like my 32GB Touchpad so far, I applied the improvements and it does seem better, I have to try the overclock. It's good for the price I paid, but not for it's starting one. I'd still like to see Android on it and I hope there's more development both on webOS and Android for it.
For your news reading needs you could try the Mosaic app, it's similar to Pulse with its own twist.
os10 said:
my gripes:
no way to change the icons on the taskbar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can by going into the Launcher and touching an app for a few seconds so you can move them around.
Googling around I see the original Transformer can do a remote desktop with a Windows computer. So I ask...
How good is it? Is it very choppy or smooth like you are really on that other computer?
And do you have to be on your home network to access it or can you be somewhere else and access your home computers on the internet?
I'm wondering this just because I'm not 100% sure this could be a good laptop replacement, but I could just access my Windows 7 desktop on it and it work well, I'm getting the Prime ASAP.
I think Splashtop, from what I've read, is what you want. Supposedly the best and fastest. I believe as long as home pc connected to Internet, you can access it anywhere from prime as long as it has a good connection also. Get splash top HD for android tablet. Then get free splash top program for pc. Supposedly a very easy setup, basically one click n you good to go. The prime client will automatically find the pc version and connect.
it's fine depending on what you want to do with it.
not fast or 1:1 mapped well enough to play most games, but to access files, even use productivity apps to a degree (i've made small changes to illustrator files) is pretty handy.
Sounds good. I won't be playing any games or anything like that, just want it for MS Office mainly and some other programs that won't be available on Android.
The laptop I have now if still perfectly functional and works great but I love the portability of the Prime. If I could just leave this laptop on a desk and use my Prime to access it whenever I need that would be perfect.
I'm so getting this now, can't wait.
wifesabitch said:
Sounds good. I won't be playing any games or anything like that, just want it for MS Office mainly and some other programs that won't be available on Android.
The laptop I have now if still perfectly functional and works great but I love the portability of the Prime. If I could just leave this laptop on a desk and use my Prime to access it whenever I need that would be perfect.
I'm so getting this now, can't wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, tons of apps to remote connect to your desktop.
Try also logme in (free and paid version, but free should be enough) and Teamviewer is also excellent - especially once you get used to the mouse pointer, very precise.
Teamviewer is completely free.
I am actually looking for an RDP client. Anyone can suggest a good one? I have iTap on iPad, but since that is going on a shelf to collect dust, I need something for Prime.
splashtop is also free as asus includes it in the tablet (they call it something else, myasus or some stupid name, but it's splashtop)
splashtop has been the best (for me) out of the few that i've tried.
Meanee said:
I am actually looking for an RDP client. Anyone can suggest a good one? I have iTap on iPad, but since that is going on a shelf to collect dust, I need something for Prime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be ideal. These other apps that send images are not in the same league as a true RDP client.
Meanee said:
I am actually looking for an RDP client. Anyone can suggest a good one? I have iTap on iPad, but since that is going on a shelf to collect dust, I need something for Prime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use this https://market.android.com/details?id=com.xtralogic.android.rdpclient&feature=search_result ... it is a bit pricey but I use it for work so it was totally worth it. It is seamless as an RDP client. Just make sure you use a physical keyboard or a software that has all the keys you need without switching back and forth (such as A.I. Type Keyboard)
Is the included Splashtop that Asus bundles in the regular Splashtop or the Splashtop HD?
i'm going to assume the HD variant since they list comptability with the TF101 on there...
Splashtop is the only one I've used that properly utilised the Transformer's keyboard dock, brilliant app (original Transformer that is).
I'm using Splashtop HD, I think the included splashtop in the TF101 is the regular version.
Anyway splashtop HD is a wonder. At first I tought that was going to be a headach to setup, then I tried:
1) Install Splashtop HD on your computer (it automatically update)
2) Install Splashtop HD on your tablet.
3) Log into both with your regular google account
Done.
It find automatically your devices everywhere on wifi and 3G.
If you re on the same wifi network as the computer you re accessing it's blazing fast almost no delay. Browsing the web with the real chrome browser at full speed on a tablet is a joy by itself (and make you realise the huge gap there still is between mobile device and desktop computer in terme of browsing speed )
If you re on over the internet there is more delay, depending on your connection both at home and currently but it's still usable for quick files transfere, small correction. I do some tweeks on Maya (CGI software) that way and it's really convenient to be able to check and redo some rendering that happen home when you're at work.
I dont know Splashtop, seems to be very nice. But Teamviewer is also excellent on every platform!
I am partial to Logmein. I support my customers with it. It's completely free on PC, but if you want to access it from a mobile device, you need to fork over $30 for the Logmein Ignition app. Their ipad app is pretty nice, and I test drove Android app on Samsung Tab. Great thing about Logmein, is that it does not require any tinkering with routers, or dynamic DNS.
what if i was in china, could i access my pc from there? what about youtube? could i access vpn on my asus? is there any apps for that ****?
blaziner18 said:
what if i was in china, could i access my pc from there? what about youtube? could i access vpn on my asus? is there any apps for that ****?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest a VPN service. There's a monthly fee, but it gives you full access to the web. And I believe it should work with "Great Firewall of China". I personally use StrongVPN. Service is something around $7/mo and works quite well.
This page has setup instructions for almost every device: http://www.strongvpn.com/setup.shtml
Anyone try Remote Desktop Client from the market?
wifesabitch said:
Anyone try Remote Desktop Client from the market?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the one who already linked to it earlier in this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20126208&postcount=9
tried it.
I used Logmein Ignition for Android. It supports (connecting to) a system with Multiple Monitors. Allows you to scale the screen to the default of your Transformer, with a dialog to switch back and forth between monitors.
I had to pay again Ignition for Android, to go with the one I use for Windows.
I've also surmised that SplashHD is mainly designed to allow you to shadow HD movies being played on your main PC, being i/o'd to your Transformer. Supports one monitor, and navigation in the window is a pain.
I use SplashHD religiously for Hulu+ until Hulu gets of their deadweight asses and supports the Transformer directly.
Steve
Hi all,
So I've had this tablet for a bit of time now and I've had trouble setting it up for productivity.
I'm a high school student and this tablet is my main productivity device (the HP desktop I use has the computational power of a lemon).
So I want opinions on apps and setups that will help a high-school student like me get some serious work done over the course of this year.
Currently I use:
Google Drive, because cloud syncing documents and work is glorious and has saved my life on multiple occasions
Timetable - cause I'm still settling in to my new routine
Stock calendar/S-Planner - this syncs events with my S3
A Bluetooth keyboard that gets the job done. (seperate from the case)
USB OTG adaptors for USBs and SD cards, and a 16GB USB.
Google Drive, while allowing cloud syncing, is lacking in quite a few basic features which would actually be really helpful to me, eg. Calibri font, picture inserting/editing etc, and my exams that need written material usually have to be handed in via Word document.
Polaris office and some other suits I've tried also seem to have trouble with word formatting (on a computer, words at the end of a line are chopped off and put on the next line).
A few other things I want to add:
I do a lot of my schoolwork at home using the tablet, especially for written assignments. (not sure how this would help in any way but just in case)
I would use LectureNotes, but with a finger it is REALLY inefficient. The crappy stylus I have doesn't help either.
Some of the subjects I have chosen for this year require a LOT of writing, so apps that can handle that well are preferable as well.
I don't print too much, and when I do I use the school music department (cause its free for me ahaha)
Something that syncs with Drive would be preferable as well, as I often access files from the S3 on the go.
I want to stay on stock for the most part - however if there's a really good app that needs 4.1+ for example I can consider it...
If anyone has any ideas on how I could set my productivity suite up, please let me know of apps that could help or any links thanks!
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