[Q] Is it good? - Huawei MediaPad, T-Mobile SpringBoard

I have a chance to choose as a gift between mediapad lumia 710 and wildfire s.
I don't want to go for the nokia, it's with wp7.5, and i already have an original wildfire for just about 1,5 years and has connection issues. Should I go for media pad? Is it worth?
I don't know this brand at all, is it trustworthy?

dark_fighter said:
I have a chance to choose as a gift between mediapad lumia 710 and wildfire s.
I don't want to go for the nokia, it's with wp7.5, and i already have an original wildfire for just about 1,5 years and has connection issues. Should I go for media pad? Is it worth?
I don't know this brand at all, is it trustworthy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to use it yourself then just go for it. If you want to sell it, depending on the country, probably Lumia or HTC are the better choices.
As for the credibility of Huawei, just Google it
Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk 2

You are comparing a 7" tablet with a 3.2" or 3.7" phone. You can find a spec comparison of the Mediapad and the Wildfire S here: http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4264&idPhone2=3777 You can also use the page for comparing the Lumina.
Besides their difference in size, there are also other significant differences, e.g. the Mediapad is more than three times the weight of the Wildfire S).
However: I just unpacked my Mediapad and it is an very nice device. Its built is solid and I like its feel (I had a SGT for a short time before. Didn't like it).
If you look for a tablet that size, go for the Mediapad. It offers a good value for the price (around 300€ in .de). If you look for a phone, probably the Wildfire or Lumina is the better choice.
Using the Medaipad as phone might also look a bit funny if you do not use a headset (maybe like this: http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/tablet-as-phone.jpeg?w=210&h=300)
As for the company, Huawei is a Chinese manufacturer, which is active in Europe mainly by providing infrastructure components for communication/GSM networks. They started to bring customer end-products to the European market some time ago and are set to drastically increase their market share.
From a consumer standpoint, I think they can be trusted the same way as aKorean or Taiwanese phone manufacturer. But maybe check for customer service in your area.
Cheers,
CS

Thank you very much for your replies. The fact is that I don't want a WP phone, as I am used to the android structure and interface, and also the openings that the android allows as an open-source os. I have never used a smartphone with an OS different than Android, and if wp are just like normal windows then it is for sure a no-go. And about Wildfire S... I don't know... I am using the original one right now, and from day first I wanted more performance, and this is one thing that wf's don't do. Also I have connectivity issues (signal and wifi) whatever rom or radio I used. And it is only 18 months old phone.
Amd yes I am going to use it as a phone too, to make calls and send sms's. One of my biggest concern is about moving with it around... Is it comfortable? (note, that I hadn't owned any other tablet in the past). Do you use/need a bag like a netbook/notebook?

dark_fighter said:
Amd yes I am going to use it as a phone too, to make calls and send sms's. One of my biggest concern is about moving with it around... Is it comfortable? (note, that I hadn't owned any other tablet in the past). Do you use/need a bag like a netbook/notebook?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I'm in the U.S. and the Springboard (which is essentially the Mediapad) is not used as a phone (by T-Mobile)... mind you once rooted it could be used as such (sort of. you need only to read the questions of folks trying to get their rooted Springboard to work as a phone). I don't know that I would want to use a tablet like a phone. For starters while it is not as large as a 10 inch tablet, it still would be awkward holding it up to your face to talk. I just recently saw a Samsung Galaxy Note. It's a 5 inch tablet that works as a phone but even that looked weird size-wise holding it to your face. You would probably not look as weird if you paired the tablet with a bluetooth headset and use it as a phone that way.
This tablet is 7 inches and you could put it in a case that would make people think you are carrying around an ebook reader. Since it's 7 inches you wouldn't necessarily need to cart it around in a netbook case unless you wanted to. It fits nicely in other things although I would probably put it in a protective sleeve if I were going to put it in a messenger bag or purse.

Windows Phone isn't like your regular windows. It's a true phone ui unlike the old Windows Mobile which felt like a small desktop ui. Just go to YouTube and see it yourself.
Of course nothing beats the openness of Android, but in media pad case, you basically only got root instead of a full custom rom since Huawei haven't release the source code. Root only is good enough for me, since I mainly use root access for backup. Other people might be disappointed because they're expecting custom rom.
As for using it as a phone, I don't think the size is friendly enough for this tablet to be used as your main phone. Maybe as a secondary phone, definitely not as your primary phone. It doesn't have a phone speaker, thus you use it like you use speakerphone. of course earphone (and blue tooth? never tried it) is an option.
Portability wise, for me it's a bit too big to be carried comfortably inside a pocket (it does fit nicely into the back pocket, but I really don't want to sit while it is in my back pocket). I usually use a small bag to carry it around.

Of course I am not going to stick a 7" tablet in my face to speak and of course I will use a hands-free set (I am used to it, since my wildfire voice speaker is crap and I don't hear sh*t if I am outside).
With mediapad, fact is that it offers the performance of a high end phone in a much much lower price, and since I can choose it as a gift, I consider it very seriously...
But the big question is, will it last for let's say 2-3 years? I mean I don't want to get full of problems with it after 1,5 year making it nearly unusable like my wf is now.

An other question... Is it possible in HC to use it as phone? I know that it hasn't any dialer in it, but is it possible to speak using a dialer like ExDialer or TouchPal?

I heard you can downlad phone.apk and install..

just like that?

dark_fighter said:
just like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Or you can install ICS rom which has built in dialer.

Related

Is it worth buying this tab

It is quite expensive to buy tab so if I decide to buy it I would like to get the best there is for my money.
So please share your experience, are you happy about it? Are there any major problems or bugs which you experienced? Is stock ROM good? Is it worth rooting? Basically whatever you think it's worth mentioning before I buy it.
and also is it possible to plug USB keyboard?
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
Yes
I have had it for a week now and yes, I would say it was worth it. My only disappointment was that it does not have 2G / 3G voice capabilities. So I still have to carry a regular cell phone. But I have used the data side with Skype and it works great. I am hoping someone on XDA will hack the dialler functionality soon!
Value is a personal thing, very subjective.
The fact that you're asking about plugging in a keyboard indicates the desire to use the tablet for more than content consumption (videos, music, simple web browsing, reading). Not sure if this would be your first tablet but if you're looking to do any type of serious work on one tread carefully.
I got my Verizon LTE version fully understanding that I'd use it purely as a content consumption device. As such I'm VERY satisfied with it. I have no expectations to do any work related stuff on it other than read and respond to emails as the kind of work I do can't be done on a tablet anyhow.
Things I like to do with it include web browsing, watching downloaded TV shows (EZTV.it downloads), watching my bluray rips (be warned, tegra 2 chipset has specific limitations on codec/encoding settings so don't expect all types of 1080p encodes to work) reading news, browsing youtube and listening to streaming music.
My tablet came with Honeycomb 3.1 and that was LAGGY out of the box. Changing to ADW Launcher EX helped a lot but going to the leaked 3.2 ROM and putting on a different kernel is what helped the most so to answer your question - hated stock, rooted . . love being on non-stock rom and kernels.
Thank you guys. Reason why I'm asking is that my laptop died yesterday and I need mobility of a laptop around the house but I don't like them, they are often poorly build, battery is not doing well and it is expensive to change and many more reasons. So I think it's time to end that nonsense and buy desktop PC for all kind of work and tablet for entertainment, Web surfing, Ebay communication. However I do like to write long emails and I'm not a fun of touchable keyboard, that is why I'm asking is it possible to plug regular one.
I never had tablet before, but I have now two Android devices and I am aware about some limitations, that is why I will by desktop PC as well. Waiting for more opinions. Thanks.
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
Anyone?
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
played with it 30 min at shop today, wasn't impressed, seem like a good device but it did not dropped my jaw with performance so I decided to w8 few months and I will try to get cheaper from Ebay, bought desktop PC today anyway
Biggest reason why I decided not to buy it is that stock ROM did not impressed me so I will w8 for cheaper opportunity and root it and get custom ROM
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
if you have patience to wait for transformer prime, don't go for this tab.
Two suggestions:
1) don't judge a tablet just by its specs and performance (it's like a car: just because it has a great engine doesn't mean it's fast, and certainly doesn't mean the seats are comfortable....). A light and easy to hold tablet is worth way more than a fast tablet with many ports and sharp edges (take my word, I tried 6 tablets before I found the GT10.1.). (Just to be clear, the GT10.1 is and will be the fastest tablet you can get until the Transformer Prime is launched).
2) don't judge a tablet by the stock ROM performance. If you know enough to find XDA, you should know that stock ROM and custom ROM are night and day... Keep this in mind for new tablets (it will be a few months before the Transformer Prime ROMs mature).
leyus said:
Thank you guys. Reason why I'm asking is that my laptop died yesterday and I need mobility of a laptop around the house but I don't like them, they are often poorly build, battery is not doing well and it is expensive to change and many more reasons. So I think it's time to end that nonsense and buy desktop PC for all kind of work and tablet for entertainment, Web surfing, Ebay communication. However I do like to write long emails and I'm not a fun of touchable keyboard, that is why I'm asking is it possible to plug regular one.
I never had tablet before, but I have now two Android devices and I am aware about some limitations, that is why I will by desktop PC as well. Waiting for more opinions. Thanks.
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own all three device types; four if you count my phone and my experience is this: my Tab used to be my wife's tab. Until she broke the screen, but she gave it to me because using it gave her RSI in her shoulder... the kind you need a fysiotherapist to look at and massage out. Holding it in front of you (lifting it) for extended periods time isn't recommended; you need to rest it on your lap or desk once in a while.
My experience with the tablet so far is that it's good for checking your email, your facebook/twitter/g+, browsing and the occasional game (Apparatus is really good on the Tab). However, if you're going to do more typing than 5 or 6 lines (long emails), you're better of with something that has a keyboard, like your desktop. Not only is it faster, it is way more comfortable. I wouldn't use my Tab to post this.
If you're planning on plugging a keyboard into a tablet, in other words: trying to make a tablet into a laptop, in my book you are doing it wrong and you would've been much better off buying a simple laptop. IMHO a tablet is not a laptop replacement. However, I do think it is possible using an OTG usb plug to use a keyboard with the Tab if you really want to; most likely you will need to run a custom 3.2 ROM. A mate of mine with a Transformer had loads of problems with the external keyboard on 3.1.
So what does it add to my desktop/laptop/phone I already have you may ask? Well, I'm gonna try and see if it works as an electronic notepad. My desk is littered with sheets of A5 paper filled with scribbles of meetings and ideas. I've ordered a Dagi P507 stylus (should be accurate with a capacitive screen) and I hope that it will work reasonably well in combination with handwriting recognition.
Also it just looks sexy on the coffee table.
So it's great for occasional use (look up imdb during a movie), but it's just not very good at "normal" productivity. IMHO it's a nice-to-have: I would not buy one if I didn't already have a laptop and a desktop.
If you use a custom Rom and one of the nice kernels this tablet performes well. There are some Keyboards availablefor example
amazon.com/GSAstore-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Designed-Samasung/dp/B005MEHB1K
Thanks for all the opinions guys, I will anyway w8 till price goes down, I am kind of sceptical about rooting and losing warranty on device worth 400 pounds. I already felt worried about this with my HTC sensation which was much cheaper. If the price will drop to about 300 our if I can get it fairly cheap second hand then I will buy it so I guess I will w8 with it.
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App

Can anybody try to sell me on Windows Phone (HTC Radar specifically)?

First smartphone was some low-end Android phone on a prepaid carrier, and even though it ran like crap, I've loved Android since. I took a shot with Windows Phone by buying a Dell Venue Pro, but the main reason I chose it (hardware keyboard) turned out to be a bit disappointing, and I kinda came with a negative attitude toward the OS, and eventually returned it. Plus, it was last-gen specs and it had its share of issues, so I probably wouldn't have kept it regardless.
Anyway, I've really been considering getting an HTC Radar on T-Mobile US, because I love everything about the phone (size, design, cameras, etc.)...but I need to be sold on Windows Phone and its functions/capabilities. I'm not too big on customization with Android (single homescreen with no widgets), and most apps I could live without on a daily basis (the few apps like Square I could plan in advance for and use an Android phone). I did like how smooth it was overall, but it seemed like a lot of basic phone/messaging/internet options were either hidden in weird places or non-existent (like manually refreshing certain stuff). And I did update the Dell to Mango, so I don't need to be told about the benefits, unless some of them apply only to the 2nd-gen WP devices like the Radar.
And in this case, I'd either get a Radar and then a Flyer so I can keep Android (and still use it as a phone if necessary), or just the new One S and no tablet.
First of all, everything is about your priorities and preferences. Mobile devices are a personal decision because there is always a tradeoff between cost, power, size, simplicity, customization, prior experience, and battery life. I can only tell you what works for me, then you can evaluate and come to your own decision.
In my signature you can see the devices that I have used, so I have some experience on both the Android and Windows Phone side. Last year I bounced back and forth between the two, but came down on the firmly on the Windows side for one major reason:
Simplicity.
It takes me two or three days to get an Android phone into a usable state so I have my major apps front and center, and eliminate as much "junk" as possible. (Of course, one man's junk is another man's favorite app.)
Windows Phone has most of what I need already set up once I've loaded my Google, Live, Exchange, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts. As a matter of fact, give me the standard Microsoft apps, plus a Google Voice client, and I can do just about everything I need to do.
Also, I find the Live Tiles and Hubs very useful in pulling information together from multiple sources. The clean, bold, unified design of the OS is icing on the cake.
After using Windows Phone, Android looks like a mish-mash of random interfaces and cluttered design.
But that's just me.
I've got a Radar on T-Mobile and a Nokia Lumia 900 on AT&T. One of them has to go this week. The Lumia is about the most beautiful phone I've ever used and the AT&T LTE is strong and fast where I live. On the other hand, the Radar feels perfect in the hand, and T-Mobile's HSPA+ is fast enough. (But the coverage doesn't stretch out into the suburbs where I sometimes go.)
If you like Windows Phone and are a T-Mobile customer, the Radar is a quality choice. Also take a look at the Nokia 710. Some people like that handset better.
That's my opinion, for what it's worth. Best of luck!
Thanks for the quick reply. I do agree that Windows Phone is much simpler, and that definitely does appeal to me. I looked around and saw that it's possible to get OEM apps like the Nokia-specific apps without much work, that's nice. It's also nice that there might be a ROM for the Radar sometime soon.
However, I'm a bit confused when it comes to side-loading apps and unlocking and whatnot. I read something about Chevron tokens, and that they're out of stock, but then the official site charges $9 to unlock - what exactly does that do? And then in another thread I read something about being able to unlock it for free through a student DreamSpark account...is there a simple explanation about unlocking and ways to do it?
Anyway, I might be a little more sold on it as a result...if I can get one for a good price, I might jump on it soon.
EDIT: Also, since I saw you had a Nokia N8...where does Symbian fall into any of this - would it be something you'd ever consider going back to? I haven't had the chance to experience it, and have no idea how it compares to Android or WP7.5
magus57 said:
I'd either get a Radar and then a Flyer so I can keep Android (and still use it as a phone if necessary), or just the new One S and no tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive also had experience of both and getting a tablet is a sensible thing.. I have a Galaxy 5 Wifi for my media player and now a Radar for my Phone.
As has been mentioned here.. the best thing is simplicity, unfortunately, Android is being hammered at us from every angle from the One X to the Sensation XE, the Galaxy S2 and now 3 to the Note and sadly, WP7 seems to be getting left behind.
This year we're now seeing HTC and Nokia battle it out, but ultimately.. its down to you.. My advice..
Dont follow the Advertising and Media circus.. it'll drive you mad and no matter what you buy, theres always something new coming out.. so is it Android, with its many apps and open source marketplace.. which can result in some rubbish apps or WP7 for simplicity and ease of use, but without the customisation, just add ons.
Bear in mind, at the end of the day.. they are just phones.. even though the adverts will tell you different. A ONE X is just a faster Desire.. but its still a phone. I find WP7 call quality is much better than my old Wildfire S and under Mango theres alot more to work with.
Good luck
magus57 said:
...However, I'm a bit confused when it comes to side-loading apps and unlocking and whatnot. I read something about Chevron tokens, and that they're out of stock.. Also, since I saw you had a Nokia N8...where does Symbian fall into any of this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If side-loading apps is your goal, WP7 is not the best platform. The Chevron unlocker was available to aid developers of the first edition of Windows Phone. But it was never updated for later versions, and after Mango it is useless. So there is no easy way to open up the platform, although some have managed it on a phone by phone basis. But, really, Android is so much more open in that respect that I would stay in that environment if hacking is your goal.
As for Nokia, they consistently make the best phones. The N8 is still unsurpassed as a camera phone. No one has even attempted to put that large a sensor in any smartphone since. It will only be bested this month when Nokia releases the 808 PureView running Symbian. They are ahead of the competition in build quality and their radios usually pulll in better reception that others.
Their move into Windows phone looks very strong, and they have only been making them for six months. It will be interesting to see how that lineup grows.
The Symbian OS, however, gets mixed reviews. Back in the days of Windows Mobile, it was a very strong competitor. In a post-iPhone world, however, it cannot match the mobile operating systems that have been conceived from the ground up for touch navigation. Although they have made huge advancements, including touch-enabling the whole OS, it will always feel a bit more like a super-advanced feature phone OS when compared to Android, iOS, WM7, and WebOS.
Even so , I would say that the combination of Nokia hardware and Symbian represents the best value for money of any phobne / OS combination. For example, all of these phones can upgrade to the just released Symbian Belle update and are faster and have more features than they did when they were originally released:
N8 - Feels incredible in the hand and even more distingushed from the competition today. $340
E7 - The business phone; a tilt-up touchscreen with a great slide out keyboard. $380
C6 - essentially a thinner, lighter version of the N8, minus the super large camera sensor. $215
The problem for most Americans is that they have never used a Symbian phone before, so the whole feel of the OS is odd.
I think Nokia made the right decision moving to WP7, although Symbian will remain a strong platform for them, especially in new developing markets.

Would I buy a Tablet S again.....

....I think the answer to that is a resounding NO, I was willing to be patience and wait for upgrades etc to fix probs but having just upgraded to ICS Im very disappointed.
No fixes for various bugs (for me primarily wifi connection), and now I find my gps is not working for some reason, the device nearly went out of the car window yesterday when i was stuck on the A13 with no gps, but then I thought about littering .
Together with the car charging problems (had To buy an Inverter, more money), no hdmi socket no perifials, Car bracket etc, battery life, its not adding up to a good deal.
I originally bought a Ipad on the recomodations of a salesman and assurances that flash would work with it (yea right), so that went back in favour of the 'S', but what next, do I leave it at home and cut my losses (wad of dough).
Its seems that despite advances in technology we are always being used as guinepigs for devices that eventually end up on the scrap heap and never seem to last until the device is broken beyond repair but are dumped by the manufactorer in favour of another useless device, witness my Ipaq stopped supporting Windows, My Dell Streak mini 5 cant even get spares for them anymore, I could go on.
And we seem to accept it without protest almost as if its expected that we lay out loads of dosh for a inferior product, imaging the outcry if we bought cars (or other products) on the same basis, 'oh bear with us, sir, you will be able to drive from A to B as soon as we have sorted out the engin bugs'.
anyway sorry about the rant, Im still simmering from the A13 incident,
Well..
there is a reason why the most tablets still not 100% work like they should be,
Because the tablets like they are now are just still too new,
Better tabs are coming and more abillities are coming too, and then our
problems maby be fixed, Except then there are other problems because there are new things to do with a tablet and ofcourse a higher change to get problems.
I'm sorry to learn that you're upset with your tablet, maybe a tablet is not for you?
Would I buy the s again? Yes. I replaced a Windows Vista Laptop which finally died with my tablet S.
I took a long hard think about what I actually used my laptop for before purchase. Mainly sofa surfing, emails Facebook etc.More importantly it was to have this ability on the move. The small amount of application work could be relegated to my old desktop. I help run another website which has some flash parts so I that meant could not get an i-pad, besides I hate i-tunes.
With the S I'm now able to control my hifi with one device, manage DNLA media on my server, check up on emails and social networking and sofa surf all from one little lightweight and highly portable device. Chuck in free SatNav with Navfree also.
Most android devices could do all this to a certain extent however the IR and playstation integration made the Sony the only choice for me. I also find the screen a higher quality and the shape nicer to use.
Minor bugbears:
Direct communication with SD card socket - ICS fixes this
Lack of Sky go / MS Silverlight - will probably happen in the end
Missing MS Excel - some partial success with apps but would really like a proper MS version.
Would like it to be a bit nippier
Nice said!
Now thats what you call a nice short review. +1
To be honest, it seems like most of those problems could have been avoided with just a little research before you bought. Obviously, different tablets suit different people and if you wanted HDMI-out, lots of weird peripherals and a car bracket, you should've bought a Toshiba Thrive or a Samsung Galaxy Tab.
The Sony's features and advertised purpose are well-known and it is obviously meant to be a media device, and it excels at that. I'm not sure why your battery is not good, but mine far outlasts my iPad's. As for peripherals, as far as I'm concerned, if it'
s got mini-USB which can be turned into full-size USB with a short cable, thats all the peripherals I'm ever going to need.
I respect your opinion and your choice and for the record I don't have any WiFi problems and haven't upgraded to ICS (waiting for official) so I can't comment on that.
However, it seems as if many of your criticisms (including those of other disappointed Tablet S owners) could've been solved by a tiny bit of Internet research and some forethought about your buying choices.
In short, it seems harsh to blame the tool, if you're using the wrong tool for the job that you wanted
Sorry for the rant, but I love mine and am often mystified by these disappointed stories.
I have to agree with the above! I love mine because I did a lot of research before I bought it and realised the sony was the one for me. Does the iPad have hdmi out? I don't know I don't buy into all the apple crap. But if it doesn't then why bring it up. Like said earlier, if that's what you were after there's plenty of devices on the market that could have fulfilled your needs.
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using Tapatalk 2.0
-GPS problem is more of an Android problem, the SGS Tab and most phones have crappy GPS as well.
-The wifi issue is hardly a bother, come on. The tablet S literally takes a second to reconnect when you open up the display. It's really quick. How much do you really NEED wifi when the screen is off? Would it be great? Yes, but is it a dealbreaker? hardly not.
-I have no idea what you are talking about about peripherals. The tablet has a full sized SD card slot. I cant think of any other tablet which does. The MicroUSB does the job for connecting as well.
-Battery life has been good for me, even better than the iPad 2.
People can whine and complain all they want, but at the end of the day it is your fault for not researching more about a tablet that would suit your needs. You can't whine about the tablet not having an HDMI slot if you had a choice to choose one that did. Sony never lied and never stated that there was an HDMI slot. Battery life has never been a problem for most people, even the reviewers say the battery life is great. I agree, though, that the charger is retarded.
That said, it seems that those who complain about the Tablet S are expecting too much from the tablet. Sony have been very upfront about what it can and cannot do, and reviews have put this in the top 5 tablets for a reason. It's easy to criticize what something doesn't have, but people forget the good things about a device (SD card slot, great screen, universal remote, playstation etc.)
I am very happy for my table S and would definitely bye it again.
I have actually thought of buing a second as this one is so heavily in use.
I hated mine for the first couple months. Never had any probs with the hardware (nor any wifi/battery issues). For me it was just a crappy slow as firmware. I said on here once that it would all be fixable with root access.
Fast forward to present with me strappin' a rooted ICS loaded Sony Tab and you're looking at one happy camper . I've even adjusted to the fact I stuffed the screen a little when it slid off my car bonnet.
Does everything I want it too and the only time I turn on a laptop anymore is use the all in one tool on it .
Yes. Yes I would.
henly said:
....I think the answer to that is a resounding NO
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Click to collapse
Umm, well. Yes I would, and yes I did.
I have several tablets, a couple of Sony Tablet S's (16 & 32gb) a Samsung Galaxy 10.1, an ASUS TF101, and a couple of Kindle Fires (rooted and totally recreated as fine little tablets in their own right.) I've also had two iPads in the past, a v1, then v2 (those both went to the niece & nephew for Xmas, total kiddie ware going no-where.)
So, guess which one goes with me in the car and on the plane? Easy, the 32gb Sony. I throw the poor thing around like a paperback book, and it definitely takes a licking. Never complains a bit and still looks new. (Think airport check-ins, X-ray bins, getting banged around on plane tray tables & overhead compartments, etc.) Battery life is xlnt, the display is bright, saturated & Sony sharp, reading Kindle books is hand-natural specific, and... I can load my 64gb SDXC card with just about anything and everything.
Other than the Kindle Fires, (Kinder Panzers?) all of the other tablets I have either had (or have now,) are FRAGILE.
OK: The universal remote. I use the Sony S for everything in the house, especially the WD Lives... this thing is a godsend compared to the little piece of crap they give you for a remote! That Sony Tablet S remote feature sets up easy and remembers forever.
Also, I use either my HTC Desire or Desire HD to connect to the Internet, apply the wifi hotspot, then connect the Sony S to that. Skype calls for free. Wait, somebody say free? Internet and hands free International calls. Easy.
I could go on here, but there's plenty more.
Again, yes I would buy it again, and yes, I already did.
henly said:
....I think the answer to that is a resounding NO, I was willing to be patience and wait for upgrades etc to fix probs but having just upgraded to ICS Im very disappointed.
No fixes for various bugs (for me primarily wifi connection), and now I find my gps is not working for some reason, the device nearly went out of the car window yesterday when i was stuck on the A13 with no gps, but then I thought about littering .
Together with the car charging problems (had To buy an Inverter, more money), no hdmi socket no perifials, Car bracket etc, battery life, its not adding up to a good deal.
I originally bought a Ipad on the recomodations of a salesman and assurances that flash would work with it (yea right), so that went back in favour of the 'S', but what next, do I leave it at home and cut my losses (wad of dough).
Its seems that despite advances in technology we are always being used as guinepigs for devices that eventually end up on the scrap heap and never seem to last until the device is broken beyond repair but are dumped by the manufactorer in favour of another useless device, witness my Ipaq stopped supporting Windows, My Dell Streak mini 5 cant even get spares for them anymore, I could go on.
And we seem to accept it without protest almost as if its expected that we lay out loads of dosh for a inferior product, imaging the outcry if we bought cars (or other products) on the same basis, 'oh bear with us, sir, you will be able to drive from A to B as soon as we have sorted out the engin bugs'.
anyway sorry about the rant, Im still simmering from the A13 incident,
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Click to collapse
I have to agree with you. I mean, I like my tablet s, but I think I'm pretty tired of crappy problems/errors. I have an xperia x10i, and also there, other problems. This mainly happen because we have many different models and hw to be adapted to the operative system (this doesn't happen for ipad, just because they have a few hw models and just one corporate workin on sw). Sony produces beautiful machines and great hardware, but they always lack on software, don't know why.

[Q] Thinking about buying a Tablet S

Hi!
As the topic says i am seriously thinking about buying a 32 GB STS but i have a couple of questions first.
1: Is it good/better in comparison to other tablets out there today in the same pricerange?
2: How is ICS on it?
3: Does it need root or is it good even without it? (Asking mainly because i read if ICS is on it already it isn´t possible to root it)
4: How is the support from the community and Sony?
I am not a newbie when it comes to android, coming from a Samsung galaxy s and currently using SGS2... but i have no experience in tablets, except for the crappy aPad i have.
So, if there are any other reasons to why i should get one please tell me
I already know about the IR and playstation certified which are the two main reasons i am looking at this tablet.
Awaiting response
/Kolipko
1: Is it good/better in comparison to other tablets out there today in the same pricerange?
The screen seems better and the general feel of it to me was more polished than others I tried. You have the built in ir & media control which gives it an advantage over the competition and flash over the ipad.
2: How is ICS on it?
Pass, patiently awaiting it in the UK, my only bugbear is direct access to the SD card which root or ICS fixes.
3: Does it need root or is it good even without it? (Asking mainly because i read if ICS is on it already it isn´t possible to root it)
See above, I'm happy as it is apart from direct SD card access, but ICS is smoother and adds this as far as I know.
4: How is the support from the community and Sony?
Sony are no better or worse than any manufacturer that I know of but the support and information on this forum is second to none.
Since having mine I have realised a few things, I use it a lot more for stuff I didn't think I would at first (ie. Playing ps1 games etc.) And havnt used it as much for stuff that I thought I would like music and web browsing.
I have rooted mine on honeycomb but I am going to install the pre-rooted ics as soon as my sd card turns up.
The only drawback to having the sony tablet S for me is the lack of sales... it means simply that there are less devs working on things like unlocking the bootloader and although it wouldn't be the end of the world if we never get to make custom roms it would still be nice.
If the only thing you are after is to flash roms and customise it like crazy id say get a galaxy tab. Otherwise the sony is the daddy!
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using Tapatalk 2.0
Thank you both for your replies
I am not looking to flash/customise it like crazy, it´s good to know that root isn´t that important for it as it seems but if i manage to get it with HC preinstalled i might root it (if it has the right kernel) and be happy with that.
The lack of sales and support is a little disturbing though, but since it is android most things are applicable from other devices... right?
Honestly i must say i am a little sick of samsung because of the UI, like i said in my main post i had a SGS1 and use a SGS2 now but i am thinking about leaving that aswell for some other phone... but that is another story.
The screen is probably the most important thing on a device IMO and i did go to a local store and compare the Sony with a few other devices like the iPad and Samsung, the Sony felt more responsive...
And the more i look at it and search the web i am getting more and more convinced to get a Sony tablet and we can always hope that something happens in the dev part for this tablet but if not i hope i wont regret buying it... but coming from a chinese piece of crap like the AverMedia 6850 aPad i think i will be very happy
/Kolipko
What really struck me about the tablet what how natural it felt to hold & use compared with the standard 'flat' tablets.
For me, I've surprised myself with hoe much I use it - I now use to to control pretty much every bit of electronic kit in my living room. I use the IR to control TV/BluRay/AMP/XBOX (yes, even the xbox, though not for gaming, of course). I can then turn on my HTPC from it, and stream music to my AMP using the Sony as the playlist editor, or pick a film to watch from XBMC, read about it on the tablet, hit play, and it's on screen.
It was intended to be (and still is, really) a luxury 'do I really need it' but now value it (and use it) more than my phone to be honest
aldredd said:
What really struck me about the tablet what how natural it felt to hold & use compared with the standard 'flat' tablets.
For me, I've surprised myself with hoe much I use it - I now use to to control pretty much every bit of electronic kit in my living room. I use the IR to control TV/BluRay/AMP/XBOX (yes, even the xbox, though not for gaming, of course). I can then turn on my HTPC from it, and stream music to my AMP using the Sony as the playlist editor, or pick a film to watch from XBMC, read about it on the tablet, hit play, and it's on screen.
It was intended to be (and still is, really) a luxury 'do I really need it' but now value it (and use it) more than my phone to be honest
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Click to collapse
This too.
I wouldn't worry about the UI. Like you say on your galaxy s2... you should try MIUI.US rom, it will be like having a new phone. I'm using it on my desire z. however like I say, to me the UI is the least important part of choosing a device mainly because android itself is so customisable with icons/launchers/themes/widgets etc..
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using Tapatalk 2.0

[Q] Looking for: 5" wi-fi only tablet

As the title above states, I'm looking for anyone's recommendations on a 5 inch tablet. I'd prefer it to be running Android 4.0 or later of course, but that isn't necessary. I'm not looking for brand names, not even real support for it either. The only concerns I have is that it comes in around 5 inches (I suppose something even 4.3 would be fine). Also, I'd like to have root access.
I'm trying to get my mother to replace her iPaq which is on it's way out. She refuses to get a Smartphone, because she refuses to get a data plan. For this reason I'm also looking to get something in the cheap range. A front facing camera wouldn't hurt, but isn't needed. I'm just trying to get her to use Skype more often.
So the basics
4.3 to 6" Tablet
Android 4.0 or later preferred
Micro SD slot for documents/pictures/videos
I know what you're going to say, why not the nexus 7 right? Well, it's more than I'd like to spend on something I don't know if I can get her to ever use. Also, she wants something small like her current iPaq that will fit in her pocketbook and not take up a lot of space.
Comments and suggestions are welcome, flames are almost expected. But any help will be appreciated.
Thanks all,
-Finire
Finire said:
As the title above states, I'm looking for anyone's recommendations on a 5 inch tablet. I'd prefer it to be running Android 4.0 or later of course, but that isn't necessary. I'm not looking for brand names, not even real support for it either. The only concerns I have is that it comes in around 5 inches (I suppose something even 4.3 would be fine). Also, I'd like to have root access.
I'm trying to get my mother to replace her iPaq which is on it's way out. She refuses to get a Smartphone, because she refuses to get a data plan. For this reason I'm also looking to get something in the cheap range. A front facing camera wouldn't hurt, but isn't needed. I'm just trying to get her to use Skype more often.
So the basics
4.3 to 6" Tablet
Android 4.0 or later preferred
Micro SD slot for documents/pictures/videos
I know what you're going to say, why not the nexus 7 right? Well, it's more than I'd like to spend on something I don't know if I can get her to ever use. Also, she wants something small like her current iPaq that will fit in her pocketbook and not take up a lot of space.
Comments and suggestions are welcome, flames are almost expected. But any help will be appreciated.
Thanks all,
-Finire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nowadays 5" screens are just considered as Phone or even Phablet (Phone+Tablet). So I don't know whether Tablets of that size is available recently. Sony did a release some time back about a fold-able tablet with 2 screens, but that was a failure in the market and was pretty expensive too. So as you've said Nexus 7 would be a choice as its pretty cheap too the 16GB version, though no MicroSD cards are supported. Galaxy Tab and other Tablets does comes with much higher amount than Nexus 7. Also, I would be totally wrong if 5-6" tablets are available nowadays.
coolsandie said:
Nowadays 5" screens are just considered as Phone or even Phablet (Phone+Tablet). So I don't know whether Tablets of that size is available recently. Sony did a release some time back about a fold-able tablet with 2 screens, but that was a failure in the market and was pretty expensive too. So as you've said Nexus 7 would be a choice as its pretty cheap too the 16GB version, though no MicroSD cards are supported. Galaxy Tab and other Tablets does comes with much higher amount than Nexus 7. Also, I would be totally wrong if 5-6" tablets are available nowadays.
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Click to collapse
Being that I have been completely unable to sleep tonight... err... last night... due to pain from my car accident.... I did spend several hours searching Google for a possible solution. It turns up that I came around with this...
http://www.chinavasion.com/china/wh...0_Tablet_Upgrade_-_Mini_4.3_Inch_Pocket_Rock/
I'm not completely sure how I feel about it, but for the price, well... I'm not sure I could turn it down. Maybe this can be my mums transition to the smart phone world, without the smart phone itself. The hardware is iffy, but it'll be perfect for her grocery lists and maybe some crossword puzzles.
I'm going to leave this thread open for a while though, in case anyone comes up with some better suggestions before I can order this for my mum. All of my cash at the moment is tied up, and I'll have to wait for the car insurance payout on my now totaled baby... RIP 2009 Ford Focus, I thank you for saving my life.

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