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TL;DR
This is an awesome little machine, and I'm very happy with it. And even though the price is slightly premium for a netbook and there are some issues you should not expect from such a pricey device, it's still definitely worth buying in my opinion. If you think you like the idea of the transformer (as in, a modular keyboard dock) or are impressed by the specs, then you should get it! It's as good as it looks and you won't be let down!
So, I was really looking forward to getting the Prime, as I needed a replacement for my laptop for studies, and I thought that the Prime would be the best investment as a laptop (which doubles as a tablet, sweet). Though, as I was looking around, I saw lots of reviews praising it as the best tablet ever, but on the other hand I saw a lot of complaints on the XDA forum from people who actually own it about what a terrible experience it is. So I just wanted to share what my experience is, and if you're considering getting the Prime (and particularly as a laptop), then this sums up what I think of it and if it's worth getting.
To start with the issues:
I've never even had the chance to test out the GPS, which should not be functioning, as you probably know. I sometimes wish the WiFi signal was stronger, but I don't think it's any worse than the other gadgets I have lying around the house. I just recently started getting the random reboots. Yeah, that's annoying. I think it has to do with the flash player (2/3 times it was with flash in the foreground, and the third time I just opened flash and switched to something else). You know what, I'm not worried because even though it will probably start to bother if it continues, I'm sure updates and fixes will follow.
What I'm really bothered by is some ICS tweaks to make it more keyboard-friendly and more desktop-like instead of phone-like. For example, I'm still looking for a decent browser that can be set to desktop user agents (to show desktop sites instead of mobile sites). Also, multitasking on this thing is awesome, until you have to open two files of the same kind (you need to get two PDF readers if you want to have two PDF files open at once). These too will be fixed with software updates or app updates. Soon people will realize that Android is also a computer OS and not just a phone OS. These software issues have nothing to do with the Prime and will get ironed out as time goes along, and it won't matter if you have the Galaxy Tab or the Prime.
But I should stress that I am in no way regretting getting this thing. This thing is comparable to a netbook in size and a laptop in power, and better than both together in battery life. The whole package is incredible: the looks, the screen, the power, the keyboard dock, the freakin' battery life, everything is just top notch. I literally can't convince you enough how pleased I am with the hardware. You couldn't find a netbook out there that competes with this on any scale - on ANY scale. And you'd have a hard time finding a laptop of this price with this kind of power. Just take a look at Shadowgun on youtube. Then imagine it looking three times better when it's actually in your hands.
I'm using it for studies, and I take notes with Google Docs - which could use some work, but you can bet Google will be updating it to work better on tablets. The best thing I like about this is that I use this as a laptop (which don't get more than several hours if you're frugal), and this one can run for almost two full (and I mean FULL) days without a charge. Before I got it, I had a hard time finding a review focused on the keyboard dock as a central input device (as if to replace a laptop). I'm glad to report, as a student, that it is. I can totally see myself seeing slides and taking notes on this, and never worry about finding a wall outlet. I'm hoping to post a video review on YT for students considering this tablet as a school device. Highly recommended.
All in all, I'm very pleased with this thing. If you're considering the Prime, ask away here if there's anything you're unsure about, I'll try to answer as best I can. But if you're reading this much in to the Prime, you should probably just go ahead and get it.
good honest review.
The complaint about being unable to open more than one document type at a time is a legitimate one, and applies to just about every mobile OS in existence. It really crystallizes why these devices are really good for some things, but in general do NOT replace notebook computers.
As an aside, one mobile OS that fixes this limitation is webOS, which DOES allow multiple instances of a document type to be open at once. Emails, PDFs, Web pages, you name it, all can be opened as separate documents and used as one expects--for example, refer to other email messages when writing a new one, jump back and forth between open Word documents to compare versions, etc. I really do wish that Google would adopt the webOS "cards" multitasking metaphor for Android. It's really too bad that webOS has generally been such a failure, because it really does have some unique strengths.
Sorry for hijacking the thread, but I think just needed to be said.
So glad we have yet another one of these threads... Oh wait.. That feeling is gas... Closing this thread before it stinks in here.
Sent from my Epic 4G Touch using Forum Runner
Does anyone know where I can find a standalone email .wgt (I don't want to connect to my phone... it's apple... don't kill me)?
Also, an android launcher .wgt like nova launcher would be really cool! (I don't care about battery life if I'm running this)
The main reason my wife bought me this watch was so I could be sneaky and check my emails while I'm in meetings... that way I'd have more time to spend with her at home rather than answering emails until 8pm... I'm pretty much screwed either way, but my inner geek wants to make this work, and I don't like Samsung limiting what my property can do.
This watch can be a completely stand alone device, but Samsung has crippled it's capabilities in an attempt to force us to buy one of their smartphones. I'm not a big fan of these marketing tactics, and have made it my mission to make this watch do what I want it to do, and know it can do. I will not buy a Samsung phone just so I can play with my watch.
I'm a complete noob at this, but thanks to this forum, I've been able to learn quickly. I've been able to root the watch and sideload all of the apps i can find (and think are useful).
I still don't have access to download registered apps, since I didn't cave in and buy a samsung phone. I'm sure there are a lot of good apps that help increase the functionality of the watch.
I'm hoping there are some geniuses out there who could help me out with the email and android launcher questions.
Email/apps
I'm in the same boat as you are. Not spending the extra cash on an additional phone has left much to be desired with the watch. Being a standalone device I thought I would have at least been able to get emails, so a new app is much needed.
Btw I did several searches but could find how to Sideload apps onto the gear s...do you happen to have a link? What apps were you able to find, and can you post them? Thanks, like you I'm very new but willing to help in any way I can.
Now if we can figure out the pit file/ full android I'd be set!
Thanks again!
weedenrw said:
Does anyone know where I can find a standalone email .wgt (I don't want to connect to my phone... it's apple... don't kill me)?
Also, an android launcher .wgt like nova launcher would be really cool! (I don't care about battery life if I'm running this)
The main reason my wife bought me this watch was so I could be sneaky and check my emails while I'm in meetings... that way I'd have more time to spend with her at home rather than answering emails until 8pm... I'm pretty much screwed either way, but my inner geek wants to make this work, and I don't like Samsung limiting what my property can do.
This watch can be a completely stand alone device, but Samsung has crippled it's capabilities in an attempt to force us to buy one of their smartphones. I'm not a big fan of these marketing tactics, and have made it my mission to make this watch do what I want it to do, and know it can do. I will not buy a Samsung phone just so I can play with my watch.
I'm a complete noob at this, but thanks to this forum, I've been able to learn quickly. I've been able to root the watch and sideload all of the apps i can find (and think are useful).
I still don't have access to download registered apps, since I didn't cave in and buy a samsung phone. I'm sure there are a lot of good apps that help increase the functionality of the watch.
I'm hoping there are some geniuses out there who could help me out with the email and android launcher questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
crazyshakespeare13 said:
I'm in the same boat as you are. Not spending the extra cash on an additional phone has left much to be desired with the watch. Being a standalone device I thought I would have at least been able to get emails, so a new app is much needed.
Btw I did several searches but could find how to Sideload apps onto the gear s...do you happen to have a link? What apps were you able to find, and can you post them? Thanks, like you I'm very new but willing to help in any way I can.
Now if we can figure out the pit file/ full android I'd be set!
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone will come up with a standalone_email.wgt soon.
Right now I'm looking into the feasibility of flashing an Android ROM onto my Gear S.... if that's even possible. Given the limited apps available for Tizen, and all of the built in mess that samsung has provided with this phone, I'm thinking that is the way to go. But, I'm a noob, so haven't had a chance to work with ODIN too much on the ROM flashing side of things.
this is by far the best guide on sideloading apps for Gear S (for your average noob like me):
denvycom.com/blog/how-to-install-wgt-files-gear2
A few wrinkles they don't go over:
Make sure your Java is up to date. If it isn't, Tizen won't install. However, more problematic for me, was getting the developer.samsung.com website to work correctly with my default browser. I uninstalled it and re installed it (and all versions between 6 and 8) quite a few times. If you have the same problems and the website isn't loading java correctly, it's going to be virtually impossible to get your author cert or device profile licenses. I hope you don't run into this problem.
Once you get all of that working, you can scour the Gear S and Gear 2 forums for .wgt files (these .wgt are the "application" files that Tizen uses). There are a lot here on this forum. just download them, copy them to the SDB folder, open up your CMD prompt, find sdb foler, type sdb install xxx.wgt, the press enter.
I'm still not happy with what I've been able to find, pretty much the only .wgt files I've found that are nice are opera mini and a few calculators. Opera mini can't even load flash, so kiss listening to Pandora over your Bluetooth headphones while running.
which brings up another good app request... if anybody is listening... a pandora.wgt would be really really cool!!
Hope this helps
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's called "getting tricked by the biz"! It's like buying a $50 t-shirt! At least you can wear the t-shirt
Sorry man, not trying to be negative, I know it would be easier to do it this way. The fact that they're making me buy one of their phones to make my watch work makes me want to buy a Samsung even less!
weedenrw said:
That's called "getting tricked by the biz"! It's like buying a $50 t-shirt! At least you can wear the t-shirt
Sorry man, not trying to be negative, I know it would be easier to do it this way. The fact that they're making me buy one of their phones to make my watch work makes me want to buy a Samsung even less!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not saying I don't disagree with you. It's a real BS game these guys play! These two devices are the first and only Sam tech I have, and never found their forced ecosystem tactics tasteful. In the end, i REALLY did try to find a possible alternative...From LG to Umeox to ZGPAX. I struggled with an Omate TS for almost a year...to get what the S does out of box (w/compatible Sam, or course) and more.
For me...i needed a reliable device...function beat out emotion and personal feelings in this case.
weedenrw said:
Hopefully someone will come up with a standalone_email.wgt soon.
Right now I'm looking into the feasibility of flashing an Android ROM onto my Gear S.... if that's even possible. Given the limited apps available for Tizen, and all of the built in mess that samsung has provided with this phone, I'm thinking that is the way to go. But, I'm a noob, so haven't had a chance to work with ODIN too much on the ROM flashing side of things.
this is by far the best guide on sideloading apps for Gear S (for your average noob like me):
denvycom.com/blog/how-to-install-wgt-files-gear2
A few wrinkles they don't go over:
Make sure your Java is up to date. If it isn't, Tizen won't install. However, more problematic for me, was getting the developer.samsung.com website to work correctly with my default browser. I uninstalled it and re installed it (and all versions between 6 and 8) quite a few times. If you have the same problems and the website isn't loading java correctly, it's going to be virtually impossible to get your author cert or device profile licenses. I hope you don't run into this problem.
Once you get all of that working, you can scour the Gear S and Gear 2 forums for .wgt files (these .wgt are the "application" files that Tizen uses). There are a lot here on this forum. just download them, copy them to the SDB folder, open up your CMD prompt, find sdb foler, type sdb install xxx.wgt, the press enter.
I'm still not happy with what I've been able to find, pretty much the only .wgt files I've found that are nice are opera mini and a few calculators. Opera mini can't even load flash, so kiss listening to Pandora over your Bluetooth headphones while running.
which brings up another good app request... if anybody is listening... a pandora.wgt would be really really cool!!
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice...hopefully I can get to installing some later today. After purchasing the gear and soon learning all its limitations I went to Walmart and purchased a prepaid Samsung phone for the first time pairing before returning the phone. While I managed to get a few apps I quickly found out that most are useless without a paired device.
I do have opera install but found after rooting the gear the app opens to a black screen and that's all.
Long story short, until a new rom is created I'm pretty much stuck with a phone and messaging device (which is nice and all...but not for the price we paid)
Thanks again for all the info!
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there!
I am in the same boat as you. iPhone 6 is my primary phone but i also have a twin SIM card that i want to use with the Gear S (standalone). However i still need a (cheap as it can get) Samsung phone for setting up the watch, installing apps and the remote connection.
Can you please confirm that the S3 mini is indeed compatible with the Gear S; What version of Android does it have? Can you post the exact FW name? I was not sure it supported BT 4.0 hardwarewise.
Thank you so much!
gidi said:
Hi there!
I am in the same boat as you. iPhone 6 is my primary phone but i also have a twin SIM card that i want to use with the Gear S (standalone). However i still need a (cheap as it can get) Samsung phone for setting up the watch, installing apps and the remote connection.
Can you please confirm that the S3 mini is indeed compatible with the Gear S; What version of Android does it have? Can you post the exact FW name? I was not sure it supported BT 4.0 hardwarewise.
Thank you so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, this is a great one. Did this for a friend a few weeks ago...an iPhone 6 playing nice with a Samsung! (Think I heard something about Hell and freezing on this subject But all kidding aside, she does get a lot of comments about the phone/watch combo.
To be honest, I think there's a lot more phones that are compatible with the S that Sammy is letting on. At our Main OFFICIAL AT&T store...their little tablets show maybe 7 or so Samsung models that are "officially" compatible. However, I've heard, and read of some folks trying cheap, simple pre-paid models...and all is working.
After doing some quick research, it seems that it's more important to have Android 4.3 or higher to ensure full functionality. It's the additional Gear Mgr software that will handle the S's functions... And their 4.3+/TouchWiz combo seems to be the key.
Hope this helps... Good luck!
Oh, and BTW, I don't have an iPhone... I do have an android based phone, the HTC One M8. I just have never cared for TouchWiz, nor Samsung's designs.
(Please no OEM wars, just stating my personal opinion)
e-mail
Hi! I do not have a Samsung smartphone. I want to send and receive mail at the clock. Need advice.
So, I was super excited and super satisfied with my LG G Watch for the past 3 months+.
However, I was just given a 1st gen Galaxy Gear and am totally blown away by the ability to make and receive phone calls with it! Not only that, but the screen is far superior. The Tizen operating system is much more pleasing to the eyes as well. The only complaint is the limited supply of apps available for it. With that said, I don't really know what else I need aside from what comes on it stock.
If given the choice @ $100 price point, I would choose the Galaxy Gear hands down.
Just my 2 cents
I agree, have a Gear 2 and now a Gear S and I do not use a lot my G Watch or my R Watch. R Watch just standalone for the face.
On Gear I have all app I need and more than the Wear : Google Task on Gear but do not exist on Wear.... incredible to not have Google app on wear
Can take note with keyboard on Gear even without phone or internet connexion but impossibble with wear. Speaker on Gear to answer on voice command but not on wear.... and many many many....
Glad you love it. I just cannot imagine talking to my wrist on a phone call, though.
I actually had the Gear first and was using it with Tizen before I got my LG G watch...I am still floored to this day that Google decided to take this gigantic leap backwords by releasing the androidwear spec without phone capabilities.
The move is so moronic that my head explodes if I think about it too much...I mean, the technology was right there...Samsung did it on the original gear!!!! I was using it virtually every day...
Anywhoo... I still use my androidwear G watch as my daily driver as I like the app selection and love my custom watchface that I made with Facer giving me all the info I need at a glance...but if google ever decides to get their heads out of their a$$e$ and include telephone support...I'm all over it..
Watches with phone capabilities have been out forever. Never really caught on. I doubt I'd ever use it if I had it.
Agree. It makes my head explode that people want this feature.....
7eregrine said:
Agree. It makes my head explode that people want this feature.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it bothers you that people would want a feature that would be totally unobtrusive to you if you chose not to use it?
i would love a samsung watch but do not and will not have anymore samsung phones. wish they worked on any android phone
Ouch, why would someone want to make phone calls using the watch???
That's what BT headset or earpiece is for.
lifeisfun said:
Ouch, why would someone want to make phone calls using the watch???
That's what BT headset or earpiece is for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you ever seen someone with a bluetooth headset? i make fun of them everytime. the watch is great while you're on hold, or talking to tech support. medical pros don't have to take their gloves off to take a call. just answer it with voice. it's really got alot of good reasons to have it.
masterhaides said:
have you ever seen someone with a bluetooth headset? ........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, all the time
And not only all over Europe
masterhaides said:
have you ever seen someone with a bluetooth headset? i make fun of them everytime. the watch is great while you're on hold, or talking to tech support. medical pros don't have to take their gloves off to take a call. just answer it with voice. it's really got alot of good reasons to have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd think with that ability they'd break patients confidentiality more easily? I can't imagine a personal call these days with these gadgets. I agree those Bluetooth headset!
i really thought the headset was outdated by now. maybe medical professionals wasn't the best example, how about tattoo artists? or anyone that types on the computer all day?
masterhaides said:
i really thought the headset was outdated by now. maybe medical professionals wasn't the best example, how about tattoo artists? or anyone that types on the computer all day?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would I want everyone to hear my conversation? Why would a wireless device that is used to keep personal conversations personal be outdated? Do we all of a sudden live in a society that values hearing what others have to say in a phone conversation? Hell, even in my car, my phone is connected via Bluetooth for hands-free communication. But then again, the whole world doesn't have to hear it with the windows up
What I think is outdated is holding a phone up to your head, which deserves equal ridicule under your view most likely...
I got my hands on the gear S, and I'm lacking a few things that i could use that are quite useful. I've made some pretty good android, iphone apps, and i've decided to give Tizen a try. Thus far, I have a working prototype, and it does EXACTLY what i wanted it to do. I built it to compare the speed on my motorcycle to the speedometer that's on the bike, so I could see my speed while I ride. However, I've noticed that i'm using it a bit more frequently. I use it when im in the car and someone else is driving, or when i'm on my bike. It's not geared towards anything in particular, it's literally just a GPS speed, however, it doesn't use the phone. It uses the standalone system on the S, rather than having to be tethered. I'm thinking about making it more " UI friendly ". However, I don't really know what use anyone else would find for it. Could I get some feedback on if this is something anyone would actually want, before i decide to pretty it up and stick it in the market?
Thanks!
+1
Sounds cool, interested.
+2
Yes! Def interested
+4 want this
yillbs said:
I got my hands on the gear S, and I'm lacking a few things that i could use that are quite useful. I've made some pretty good android, iphone apps, and i've decided to give Tizen a try. Thus far, I have a working prototype, and it does EXACTLY what i wanted it to do. I built it to compare the speed on my motorcycle to the speedometer that's on the bike, so I could see my speed while I ride. However, I've noticed that i'm using it a bit more frequently. I use it when im in the car and someone else is driving, or when i'm on my bike. It's not geared towards anything in particular, it's literally just a GPS speed, however, it doesn't use the phone. It uses the standalone system on the S, rather than having to be tethered. I'm thinking about making it more " UI friendly ". However, I don't really know what use anyone else would find for it. Could I get some feedback on if this is something anyone would actually want, before i decide to pretty it up and stick it in the market?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's great. But, if you could change it to a monitoring device that monitors the device GPS & other sensors and publishes it as a website on the net, it would have been great!
: Dobrý:
Nice idea.
You should deploy the app to your Gear S and use your friends as beta testers. They will give you a direct feedback! :good:
I think it's a great little app to have. Would be nice if you could customize the color, even just a few basic colors.
I'm interested.
Interested for sure.
yillbs said:
I got my hands on the gear S, and I'm lacking a few things that i could use that are quite useful. I've made some pretty good android, iphone apps, and i've decided to give Tizen a try. Thus far, I have a working prototype, and it does EXACTLY what i wanted it to do. I built it to compare the speed on my motorcycle to the speedometer that's on the bike, so I could see my speed while I ride. However, I've noticed that i'm using it a bit more frequently. I use it when im in the car and someone else is driving, or when i'm on my bike. It's not geared towards anything in particular, it's literally just a GPS speed, however, it doesn't use the phone. It uses the standalone system on the S, rather than having to be tethered. I'm thinking about making it more " UI friendly ". However, I don't really know what use anyone else would find for it. Could I get some feedback on if this is something anyone would actually want, before i decide to pretty it up and stick it in the market?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
I have been thinking about why has nobody created an app like WatchChat but for Wear OS
I have no idea how to create it, but I think if you create it you will earn a lot of money. A lot of people would be happy to pay for a suscription to use that
It sucks to only be able to answer notifications and not being able to open a chat and write
Smart Watches has a lot of potential, But there aren't many apps available
yes we can do a lot of money with this
Hey everyone, actually I also had a Wear OS version in the store for like a year however it wasn't financially viable to keep it online so I had to pull it unfortunately.
Probably the biggest issue was piracy which is a huge problem especially on the Play Store but even with that factored out, there unfortunately wasn't much money to be made. Besides that, on Android you generally have a much lower conversion rate due to people expecting stuff for free.
Not blaming anyone, back when I was in school I'd rather put hours into finding a crack and installing dodgy APK's (soft bricking my device and on the bright side learning a lot along the way) instead of simply paying 50 cents for an app, I definitely know where some people are coming from with that and I can't judge - but the bottom line is the same, I wasn't able to justify putting any more work into this since it couldn't attract many people so I had to drop it.
I may get back to Android development at some point, maybe things have changed since then but at the moment that's the status.
alexbassapps said:
Hey everyone, actually I also had a Wear OS version in the store for like a year however it wasn't financially viable to keep it online so I had to pull it unfortunately.
Probably the biggest issue was piracy which is a huge problem especially on the Play Store but even with that factored out, there unfortunately wasn't much money to be made. Besides that, on Android you generally have a much lower conversion rate due to people expecting stuff for free.
Not blaming anyone, back when I was in school I'd rather put hours into finding a crack and installing dodgy APK's (soft bricking my device and on the bright side learning a lot along the way) instead of simply paying 50 cents for an app, I definitely know where some people are coming from with that and I can't judge - but the bottom line is the same, I wasn't able to justify putting any more work into this since it couldn't attract many people so I had to drop it.
I may get back to Android development at some point, maybe things have changed since then but at the moment that's the status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just sold my Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, I will switch to Apple Watch because I really need an app like WatchChat
I don't like iPhones, I was very happy with the S21 Ultra, but I'm a medical student and I need to check my messages fast and write fast too and I can't take out my phone because I'm not allowed to