I am not quite sure as to the variation of included accessories from carrier to carrier but this is a question to at least the Tilt 2 owners and anyone else who's Touch Pro 2 came with that handy charger which has on one end a small block housinga flip up wall plug and on the other a female USB connection, this came with an USB to mini USB cable. The reason I ask is that after purchasing mine in February the mini end to the cable has completely come apart. It actually started within weeks of getting the phone. When I saw what was happening I wrapped it with some splice tape thinking it would be fine, but nope. The end fell out the other day and I was shocked to find that the small metal end was seated into the decidedly softer plastic plug in no more than maybe 1/32". How is something that is the junction for a lot of force anytime one moves the phone supposed to last with this kind of construction. AT&T says they warranty everything in the box? Nope. They will give you a wall charger that they retail for $29 as opposed to sending you the cable which retails for $10 less. My suspicion is that they are well aware of the fragile nature of this cable and so would rather you have something less likely to need replacement, at least while one is still under warranty. So I was curious if others have experienced this and if so, what did you do? Is there something to replace it with that is built better? OEM or not, I would love to know. I won't even go into what HTC said, but lets just say they are of a split mind on what to do.
I don't understand when you say that part is under a lot of force. I just don't see this with normal use.
Cords in general are not known for being durable, and prone to failure. But I agree that failure after 3 months is ridiculous. I've had mine since October, and it works fine. I also have the original cable for the old Tilt, which is 2-1/2 years old now, and well as the old charger (cord is not detachable). Admittedly, I probably don't use the newer USB cable as much as others, since I have these old accessories, which are still used with my Tilt2.
It sounds like ATT is willing to give you a new charger (with non-detachable cable), but not a new cable? That does seem odd. If you need a new cord, get one from Amazon or similar, it cost about $3.50 shipped.
http://www.amazon.com/HTC-Cable-Shadow-Diamond-myTouch/dp/B002CZQ2IK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=wireless&qid=1274720016&sr=8-1
im in the same boat as OP. Althought his seems to have lasted longer, LOL. Mine started to pull away from the usb b type end after the second week of having the device. Lucky for me i had some electrical tape and as soon as i noticed it i wraped it up good. I also have pleanty of usb to usb b cords laying arround seeing as i own a ps3 also. If you have any you can just use them they fit quite well and work fine.
redpoint73 said:
I don't understand when you say that part is under a lot of force. I just don't see this with normal use.
Cords in general are not known for being durable, and prone to failure. But I agree that failure after 3 months is ridiculous. I've had mine since October, and it works fine. I also have the original cable for the old Tilt, which is 2-1/2 years old now, and well as the old charger (cord is not detachable). Admittedly, I probably don't use the newer USB cable as much as others, since I have these old accessories, which are still used with my Tilt2.
It sounds like ATT is willing to give you a new charger (with non-detachable cable), but not a new cable? That does seem odd. If you need a new cord, get one from Amazon or similar, it cost about $3.50 shipped.
http://www.amazon.com/HTC-Cable-Shadow-Diamond-myTouch/dp/B002CZQ2IK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=wireless&qid=1274720016&sr=8-1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I mean by force is imagine that point where the mini usb meets the phone as a lever point. So when the phone moves at all, you go to pick it up you bump it,what have you, that is where all of the stress forces will be at play. Considering that point is just a tiny piece of metal and plastic that is only inset about 1/32" what can you expect. The new versions have been redesigned, si I am sure they know. I am also pretty sure this is why neither HTC nor AT&T will carry them in their warranty department. In fact, AT& T doesn't deal with Tilt 2's at all at their service centers. Funny that HTC passed Apple in sales this quarter but might have forgotten Apples hard learned lesson that they received when it was realized that the iPod's battery could not be replaced. The Phones are great, the accessories they by from someone else ordinarily so they are hit and miss
And yeah 1 L0v3 my HtC, I just learned that any mini USB will do. I thought that the ends were proprietary and so the would be hard to find but the different shape fits afterall which is what I am using now.
I have never used mine. I've used my old Motorola charger from day one.
nerv666999 said:
What I mean by force is imagine that point where the mini usb meets the phone as a lever point. So when the phone moves at all, you go to pick it up you bump it,what have you, that is where all of the stress forces will be at play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's what I figured you meant. Just doesn't seem like much force to me at all. Sure, cables have a stress point right at the plug, and that is where almost all cables go bad eventually. But if your device is just sitting there, plugged in, I don't see how much stress is being applied to it, even if you bump it.
redpoint73 said:
Yep, that's what I figured you meant. Just doesn't seem like much force to me at all. Sure, cables have a stress point right at the plug, and that is where almost all cables go bad eventually. But if your device is just sitting there, plugged in, I don't see how much stress is being applied to it, even if you bump it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I empathize with the OP. I have thrown away a number of older cables due to short circuits at that junction. It no so bad, unless it shorts out during a flash... :eek At any rate, I now wiggle them before initiating a flash. I also bought new cables with the HTC connector and no longer use mini usb.
I have a number of 'antique' cables and chargers from my 6800 days and a number of newer ones. All are working just fine.
Does anyone know where I can find a micro USB cable replacement that is compatible with Samsung's drivers?
My original cable crapped out, so I bought a Gigaware to replace it; phone charges fine.
However, know matter which drivers I try (or cpu), I can no longer get a cpu to recognize my phone.
And I of course need this functionality in order to use Odin (yay!).
T-mobile does not sell the original cable.
Any ideas or advice?
Thanks!
Idk but I do know LG does not work I've tried 3 different ones so far. No joy. So avoid those. Its not much but I hope it helped.
Sent from my Vibrant using XDA Premium App
Thanks Twisted. Helps me know what to avoid.
Anyone know of/have one that works?
Been using this for about a month now, nice cable, works perfect. $6 is not bad either.
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-USB-Cable-Micro-Meters/dp/B003ES5ZSW
Awesome, thanks.
Ordering.
I have tried most USB cables out there and I'd recommend ORIGINAL cable since its nice and long and perfectly thin for a microusb yet high quality
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049IE70I
icarianecho said:
Does anyone know where I can find a micro USB cable replacement that is compatible with Samsung's drivers?
My original cable crapped out, so I bought a Gigaware to replace it; phone charges fine.
However, know matter which drivers I try (or cpu), I can no longer get a cpu to recognize my phone.
And I of course need this functionality in order to use Odin (yay!).
T-mobile does not sell the original cable.
Any ideas or advice?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Monoprice . Com
Best site for all your cable needs
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
I use a nokia one from my old Nokia e72. It's perfect.
I'm using my old mt3g cable works just fine
I use swype so expect bad grammar and errors
Lord... Stop spending all this money!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QATRCA
Best simple awesome working cable that works like a charm. Solid, good build and cheap as heck.
Enjoy.
I had my entire quad buy a ton of these, no issues whatsoever and shipping is freaky fast.
merophosis said:
Lord... Stop spending all this money!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QATRCA
Best simple awesome working cable that works like a charm. Solid, good build and cheap as heck.
Enjoy.
I had my entire quad buy a ton of these, no issues whatsoever and shipping is freaky fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10303&cs_id=1030307&p_id=4867&seq=1&format=2
only $1 here with waaaay much better reviews than the one you posted.
I'd personally think that the RIM brand is better quality build, though I could be wrong, and as far as reviews go, the cable I bought was nice and sturdy and can take quite a beating and works just fine :-/ To each his own!
Went with the cable from monoprice because shipping was MUCH cheaper.
Will post results on receipt.
On a recent stopover in Hong Kong, I bought several cheapie cables. These ended up being neither cheap, nor functional. They cost $2-3 each. And were only good for providing power to the phone.
At home, I have several cables from various devices (e.g. Logitech Harmony remotes, Blackberry, Motorola ...). All of these cables work just fine.
So the moral of the story is to stay away from cheapie no-name brand cables.
anandneemish said:
On a recent stopover in Hong Kong, I bought several cheapie cables. These ended up being neither cheap, nor functional. They cost $2-3 each. And were only good for providing power to the phone.
At home, I have several cables from various devices (e.g. Logitech Harmony remotes, Blackberry, Motorola ...). All of these cables work just fine.
So the moral of the story is to stay away from cheapie no-name brand cables.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These cheap no brand cables are rare and useful. Try charging with them. Many of them charge 2X as fast as a normal cable, as the device recognizes the charging as 'AC' instead of 'USB'
Edit: haha I just noticed how old this thread was
wirelesss freak can u post a link to order a few such ones and get it shipped to inida?
thanx
icarianecho said:
Went with the cable from monoprice because shipping was MUCH cheaper.
Will post results on receipt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for monoprice
I picked up a 3ft and 6ft lengths in black and "splurged" the extra few cents to get ferrite cores and the thicker gage power wiring (28/24 vs. 28/28 as they list it).
In comparison to the Samsung OEM cable, they have "chunkier" heads with harder and thicker plastic. They don't interfere with the phone housings in any way and are much more cat-proof. My cat made swiss cheese out of the ends of one of my Samsung cables.
The thicker gage wiring option is nice if you anticipate cable abuse (stepping on it, pinching the cable in doorways, etc) - great for vehicles and small kids. The thicker wiring does however results in a notably stiffer cable, so I can't easily wrap one tightly around my palm, for example.
For the prices they charge you could easily get many for the "price of one" in a brick and mortar store, so if you're one to deliberate to excess you could just order a few different options knowing you'll get something to your liking .
FYI - the best cable for Samsung phones and drivers are the blackberry ones IMHO there chunky on the tip and the wire is thicker than SAMMY's good luck everyone
http://www.amazon.com/BlackBerry-DataSync-Charging-Cable-Micro/dp/B001UC9NOQ
Well, I'm thinking about just buying a micro usb to usb B cable converter.
Then, just go to any thrift store and buy a USB B cable that would come with a printer. Those things are everywhere and cheap. Unfortunately I've only seen the converter online, and it sells for 7USD.
so i'm looking into buying another usb wire, being that i have my main wall charger+wire plugged into the wall next to my bed where it charges while i sleep. but my computer is somewhat under my desk and a hassle to get to all the time, so was wanting to have one always plugged into both for less swapping around all the time and also being able to charge while im at the computer if i'm getting a little low.
the only thing i could find that might be right is
http://www.amazon.com/Original-HTC-Wildfire-Supersonic-Incredible/dp/B004T0GHOU/ref=pd_sim_e_3
but i don't see the 3d as part of the compatible devices. more than likely i'm sure it uses the same wire as these phones but i thought i'd ask here and be better safe than sorry.
also, would this wire be exactly the same as the official one? it's kinda cheap, would rather spend a few more bucks to guarantee that i'm getting an official one because ive heard a few stories of bad wires causing grounding issues and botched data syncs and whatnot.
any input is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.
I got a charger and cable for 2.80. Search micro usb and you will have much better results.
Can s-off come out and play? You run but you can't hide
anyone else have any specific experience buying an official htc micro usb wire?
http://www.amazon.com/Original-HTC-...GHOU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310562160&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/SPH-D700-Capt...P8IY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1310562160&sr=8-2
Or I can sell you a brand new set for $15.
This is your chance to get a BETTER USB CABLE so do it. The cables sold by BB and Motorola are better quality and much less likely to kink, etc.
FWIW I've been using a few 6 foot cables from Monoprice with no issues. I used them to charge my old busted Palm Pre, and continue to use them on my 4G and now my 3D. My wife also uses them to charge her Shift... The cables are well over 2 years old and have yet to let me down
I duno if the Evo3D has redesigned cable, but there was report the OG EVO HTC cable have a tendency to short out and may melt/burn
http://www.goodandevo.net/2011/04/h...amage-your-computer-burn-your-house-down.html
There is no reason to pay for an "official" cable. You can get better quality cables for less. Monoprice.com is the perfect example of cheap high quality cables. The main thing you need to worry about is the AC adapter not the cable.
I've ordered the cables with ferrite cores off of Monoprice. In each one, the prongs that hold the cable to the phone will eventually sink in and the cable will no longer stick. Monoprice was really good about the issue and gave me a refund (and i didn't even have to return them). The blackberry ones on Amazon have been really good.
I really like the right angle micro USB cables from ezeStand dot com. They are cheap, durable, and work perfectly. I just ordered the bigger stand (old one only works in portrait) and a few extra cables. Going to sugru one of the cables right to the stand to turn it into a one step nighttime dock.
The one that came with my evo 4g is a piece of junk, dosent make a solid connection, i would go to monoprice like mentioned and get some of the 6 foots there and call it a day.
I too will highly recommend monoprice.com
Though one caveat; do NOT use the 10' microUSB cable. Due to the voltages being so low (4.7 if memory serves) the 10' is too long for the full amount of it to go through the long cable. It ends up being like 3.8 (I honestly am pulling this from thin air as I don't feel like looking up the thread even though I have posted in it) and it takes either a long time to charge or as in my case; would not charge while I was using 4G or Wifi.
The 3' cable is PERFECT for a laptop user who has limited space or wants to tether; I have owned them since micro USB was found on my first phone and both of them have been through commercial and industrial settings as well being thrown in a backpack countless times.
The 6' cable is ideal for desktops or as an extra charging cable if purchased with the AC to USB adapters (the white ones work perfect) and have also been using those for at least a year.
Being the type of geek I am, I am VERY anal about the quality of anything technological I purchase because I want the best that is available to me. I am 100% sure there are others just like me here. There is not a single bad thing I can say about monoprice.com , the quality of their cables, their customer service, or their prices.
Yes, some items do cost more than I think they should but I would imagine it is because of the amount of man-hours put into researching what will and will not work. I can always find items that monoprice does not carry (MHL adapters currently) but if enough people send them emails asking for it, they will add it to their stock.
Is it possible to purchase a spare USB Connector Cable without the wall charger?
I want to get a few spares - to keep one at work, and maybe a couple at home.
Any Ideas?
I saw some on eBay for about 10 bucks. No US sellers though.
goalkeepr said:
I saw some on eBay for about 10 bucks. No US sellers though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. A bunch of Chinese knock offs but they're just 40pin connectors. I'd rather pay 10$ for one on ebay than 30-40 for an OEM Asus cable..
mazjohn said:
Is it possible to purchase a spare USB Connector Cable without the wall charger?
I want to get a few spares - to keep one at work, and maybe a couple at home.
Any Ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try reading the STICKY THREAD first
Ultimate Transformer PRIME TF201 Accessory Guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=20013463#post20013463
10. TABLET - USB Cable
USB Cable (3 Feet) - $18
http://us.estore.asus.com/index.php?..._detail&p=4067
USB Cable (5 Feet) - $20
http://us.estore.asus.com/index.php?..._detail&p=4293
I purchased and have received two of the 5 ft USB cables.
18$ 3' cable is a ripoff lol
I've been using "Chinese" made type cables for years just because I can buy like 10 of them for the price of one OEM type. And they do actually work. I bought some Apple itouch cables from Ebay that were cheap as hell and work perfectly. Apple wanted mega bucks for the same thing.
I could only find USB cables for the TF101 at the Asus store, and I know they are the same as for the prime, but get this.... They are all out of stock on the Asus website.
How could Asus not have figured out that these cables would now be in higher demand? It's ridiculous to spend 500 bucks on a new tablet, and not be able to pick up a spare charging cable right away.... I am NO APPLE LOVER, but at least you can walk into a Best-Buy and pick up a charging cable without hunting across the entire planet to find one. If a company is going to make their cable proprietary, at least make it readily available for purchase. Real poor shoddy job by Asus on this... They really need to up their game. Their tablet can certainly stomp on the competition, but things like this keep holding them back.
Will the prime charge over this proprietary cable over usb?
mazjohn said:
I could only find USB cables for the TF101 at the Asus store, and I know they are the same as for the prime, but get this.... They are all out of stock on the Asus website.
How could Asus not have figured out that these cables would now be in higher demand? It's ridiculous to spend 500 bucks on a new tablet, and not be able to pick up a spare charging cable right away.... I am NO APPLE LOVER, but at least you can walk into a Best-Buy and pick up a charging cable without hunting across the entire planet to find one. If a company is going to make their cable proprietary, at least make it readily available for purchase. Real poor shoddy job by Asus on this... They really need to up their game. Their tablet can certainly stomp on the competition, but things like this keep holding them back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I ordered the charger and USB cables on Dec 8, didn't want to get caught in the Christmas PRIME rush
I have a house full of Sony products, I like the brand and build quality very much, but, with the Sony tablet, I cannot undersatnd why, they choose a 'special' impossibe to obtain plug, also, a charging voltage of 10.2v!
The internal battery inside the tablet is a standard 5v type, as are the workings I believe, so, it would very possible for them, to allow charging via micro USB at a standard +5v, as a lot of other tablets do.
The charger is £29+ to buy, nothing special, if I could get the plug, I'd knock one up for couple of £.
I also have a high end Sony 3D televison, that has facility for internet via USB, but, you can't use a standard USB wireless dongle unit, it has to be Sony, as they installed some data in the USB stick to stop you using cheaper USB dongles..... why?
Further, my Sony MP3 player NWZX1060, will not accept charge via any other, but Sony 5v power supply, the Sony ones are of course 5 times the price!
Don't get me wrong, I love Sony gear, but, feel slightly annoyed the way they do things, even more so with the Sony Tablet.
Anyone else with simialr feelings?
Horse Trader said:
I cannot undersatnd why, they choose a 'special' impossibe to obtain plug, also, a charging voltage of 10.2v!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that Sony's plug selection was ludicrous; however, because most USB ports on computers and chargers cannot supply the 2.9 ampere charging current that the tablet requires, I believe Sony purposely selected to use a non-standard connector to help prevent their customers from damaging their computers, etc. And Sony using 10.5 VDC instead of 5 VDC decreases charging time (similar to the difference between quick-charge and trickle-charge of an automobile battery charger).
I understand exactly what your saying, but, surly for sheer convenience, Sony could has incorparated a slow(er) charging facility from standard 5v supply, using computer USB or different lower current charger, most other portable devices allow this.
I love Sony stuff, but, they always seem to do things differently, nothing wrong with that of course, until it cost your more, sometimes unnessacery money! ..... maybe!
Horse Trader said:
I also have a high end Sony 3D televison, that has facility for internet via USB, but, you can't use a standard USB wireless dongle unit, it has to be Sony, as they installed some data in the USB stick to stop you using cheaper USB dongles..... why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know, I've heard this a lot, but I bought some nameless brand USB adapter plug on Amazon and it works just fine. Maybe I got lucky.
As for the power adapter, I always assumed it was a special port to accommodate their cradle and keep other tablets from taking advantage of it. Seeing as I don't care about the cradle and would love to charge this thing in a car, it's still awfully inconvenient.
hogaburger said:
I bought some nameless brand USB adapter plug on Amazon and it works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please provide a link to the adapter you bought. Thanks.
Horse Trader said:
Further, my Sony MP3 player NWZX1060, will not accept charge via any other, but Sony 5v power supply, the Sony ones are of course 5 times the price!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've not had any problems charging my NWZX1061 with my PC, USB hub, or Sony Ericsson EP800.
Horse Trader said:
Further, my Sony MP3 player NWZX1060, will not accept charge via any other, but Sony 5v power supply, the Sony ones are of course 5 times the price!
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but this is wrong! You shouldn't buy the cheapest China Crap charger but your x1060 works with non Sony chargers, too. I had a x1060 and it cod be charged through my Usb-chargers from Palm, Belkin, Blackberry etc. without problems!
On the rest you are right... but most companies do this!
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2
Cat McGowan said:
I agree that Sony's plug selection was ludicrous; however, because most USB ports on computers and chargers cannot supply the 2.9 ampere charging current that the tablet requires, I believe Sony purposely selected to use a non-standard connector to help prevent their customers from damaging their computers, etc. And Sony using 10.5 VDC instead of 5 VDC decreases charging time (similar to the difference between quick-charge and trickle-charge of an automobile battery charger).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rapid charge thru higher amps lessens way battery life way faster and Sony know that but people want faster charging times
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk 2
Cat McGowan said:
Please provide a link to the adapter you bought. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027YYMU6/
So far I've connected a keyboard, mouse, logitech usb gaming controller, and synced my PS3 controller with this adapter. I'm on stock ICS.
Sorry for the late reply. Just got a new phone and haven't made it back around to this part of the forums yet
Feel like Ive been treated as a crash test dummy.
Wish I'de never bought this tablet, the main reason is the charging problem, I spend most of my life on the road with no respite until I get home in the evening and no access to the 240v needed for charging, with the occasional foray into work related periods during which time my tablet is important, so many times have i had to rely on paper and pencil until I got home because the tablet was dead, which defeats the whole idea of mobility.
And dont tell me about the tablet needs a certain amperage or voltage or charging time etc., other tablets manage without the stupid tethering to a socket and as for the ics fiasco for Uk users, what can I say.
As a product I like it, but its a bog standard operating system nothing to set it aside from the rest except its design, but the cons far outway the pros for me.
Mind you sony are not alone in there disregard for their user base, I started with HP ipaqs, until HP decide in there wisdom to stop supporting them, then there was the Dell streak episode (painful) Im still paying for a phone contract for a phone that I cant get repaired because the parts are no longer available, had about a years use out of it befor it broke, not good for a £400 + phone.
Im of an age that expects more out of my purchases than the shoddy service we get served up with by manufacturers that treat us with destain and use us as a beta testing ground with impunity when things go wrong.
Sorry about the rant, must have got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning, still its a thumbs down from me.
Expectations and Reality
henly said:
Wish I'de never bought this tablet, the main reason is the charging problem.
And dont tell me about the tablet needs a certain amperage or voltage or charging time etc., other tablets manage without the stupid tethering
As a product I like it, but its a bog standard operating system nothing to set it aside from the rest except its design, but the cons far outway the pros for me.
Mind you sony are not alone in there disregard for their user base.
Im of an age that expects more out of my purchases than the shoddy service... and use as a beta testing ground
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree with you here (respectfully, of course).
Battery:
Although other tablets can be charged off USB, they have sacrifices as well. Tablets chargable by USB will be much slower to charge and (theoretically) have shorter long-term lifespans. Sony decided that the 240v-only charing was a worthy tradeoff for the quick charging time and long battery lifespan.
Software:
This software is actually quite distinct from most other HC/ICS tablets. It is thankfully spared from the mess that is TouchWiz UX, and instead gets useful additions like Small Apps, the Favourites launcher, the three-icon dock, and heavily customised and highly versatile stock app inclusions. Although I like Acer's wheel launcher, the Sony is the best all-round software package I've seen from an Android tablet since my original Galaxy Tab.
Support lifespan:
I feel for you on this one as a previous owner of an original Galaxy Tab, the disregard for older devices is disheartening, but is to be expected in any dynamically developing field such as Android Tablets. It is simply not economical for companies to maintain full support for product lines that have been superseded, are getting old or simply don't have the users. It doesn't make business sense. In their defense, Sony support have been fantastic in my limited experience.
"Beta" nature:
It's unfortunately the nature of cutting-edge products that there will be unexpected quirks, but you should factor this into the buying decision. Long-established lines like Samsung's Galaxy Tab's are an obvious example of better-known, and more refined tablets. As an iPaq owner, you should remember that the original ipaq's were very quirky, buggy and generally lacking in refinement at the expense of their great functionality. The same is to be expected of this product, which you must remember is Sony's first foray into the Android Tablet market.
Anyway, sorry for the even longer rant, but I simply love my Tablet S and find that many users are maintaining some unreasonable expectations for this product and generally not thinking before they're buying in some cases.
I agree with most of what you've said, but as a comsumer with no loyalty or affiliations to any one product I simply want what is best for me, and you know as well as I, that when you buy a product such as this, it is mainly bare bones for a while until the industry gets it act together and things like car chargers etc come along, and that is what I expected, I did'nt realise until much later that you couldnt charge through the usb port in fact there are still items being sold on ebay under the term Tablet S charger which appear to be just a standard usb lead.
I originally bought a Ipod 1, which I returned to the store because the salesman assured me that it would play flash vids which in fact it would not, (some problem with Adobe apparently, fixed now I believe in Ipod 2.) and the Tablet S was the next thing to be recomended and with the dearth of info on the net at that time, I didnt have much option.
As for software, the first thing most of us here on this forum do is to root, then rip out all the stock apps and Bloatware and replace with different UIs etc.
Support seems to be shoddy in the extreme (and I dont nesseccarily mean Sony here), but most like you (respectivly) seem to accept it, personaly I hate it, but I seem to be in the minortity, I would dearly love to go round to some of these companies with pitchforks and burning firebrands (joke, in case anyone takes me seriously), would you accept the same thing if it were a car you were buying or a house, just because a thing is only current today doesnt mean it should not be fit for purpose, it should have a life span of more than two weeks.
Economically viable, Ha, have a look at Sony share prices or any of the market leaders come to that.
I simply dont factor in quirks or anomallies into my buying decisions because I as a paying full price consumer, expect things to be fit for purpose, and, i reiterate, with a resonable life span, how can it be right that something you pay good money for be entirely unusable in the space of a few months.
Thats all I'll say on the matter, please dont regard this as a flame because it isnt meant as such, and im sure I must be breaking some forum rules ranting on, my appoligies if thats so.
I can see what you're saying.
This is not specifically about you, more other users, is that everyone needs to remember to research before buying a product. In your case, a quick Google Search would reveal that no iOS products are capable of playing Flash content and never have been. WP7 is the same while Android can play it after installation. The same goes for the Tablet S in that anyone who posts about no hardware video out, a lack of custom ROM support, or simply the smaller screen size has obviously not done much research about what they're buying. Different devices have been designed for different purposes, and people are expected therefore to buy the right tool for the job.
As for Sony themselves, remember that this is their very first Android tablet and is a very small part of their business. Their tablet division, which hasn't sold amazing numbers, would be being helped along in terms of share price and revenue by Sony's other businesses including the highly successful BluRay, DLNA licensing, PlayStation, XPeria, Walkman, Sony Pictures, Sony Music BMG, CyberShot, and BRAVIA units. Compared to those, the Tablet S is a minor blip in the radar.
Although to me your expectations seem high, and references to two-week lifespans seem odd, thats obviously your opinion and you're entitled to it. Just trying to give any readers a clear picture of what to expect.
.... Some very interesting replies in this thread, most, of which I agree with.
Sony, is now a massive company, huge, so, surly, theR & D departments would have given an indication of what people actually wanted in a tablet?
Another thing about Sony is, they seem to lock their (modofied Android) firmware down, such as the Sony Xperia S I bought a couple of months ago, this I discoverd some time later, has a locked bootloader, so, I can't put another (better?) firmware, I think it's simlar to the Sony S tablet?
Some people will say, it's to stop you messing and spoilng things?? if a person wants to change firmware etc., surly it's up to them, if they mess up, it's their fault, and, if neccessary, should pay to have it rectified (by Sony?)
I love Sony stuff, I have a house full of it, but, when you want to expand, use non Sony gear with it, change or, deviate from the norm, there is usually always a problem.
Is this all in Sony's interest to generate even more cash ......... I wonder?
Just my thoughts.
Although cash is a bit of the process, its more to do with Sony's hardware and software philosophy. All of Sony's devices from the Xperia's to the Tablet's to the PlayStations rely on Sony's design which uses locked down software models to ensure that the device works as Sony designed it. They basically believe that a tradeoff in user customisation is worth the more polished experience. This does unfortunately mean that early products in a line (think early Ericsson-partnered Xperia's and the Tablet S) sometimes mess up the balance a little.
Sony, as a brand, often invests in its own proprietary formats, software and designs, and therefore tends to lock them down more than their more open brethren at other brands like Asus.
I agree with you about their R&D and I find it odd that in some respects they nailed it (I love that glorious curved design), but in other respects buggered it (battery,software tweaks). Meh, who knows??
imho opinion the S is the best non-ipad tablet out there. If you think Sony lock the system down and control how you use the device you haven't experienced Apple products.
I'm happy with the S. The remote control, native DNLA and Flash support are the 3 things that sold it to me. Now upgraded to ICS It's not rooted and I can;t see a need to root it.
sure I;d like a better screen and a faster machine but who wouldn't.
Hi ...
I echo what you, and the previous 'senior member' said, I too have no reason to root the Sony Tablet S, yes, it's a lovely machine, that's why I bought it, mine was the same price as the iPAd, but, I choose Sony, as, I'm sure lots of other people did too.
My gripe was directed at the Sony Xperia S mobile too, that firmware is locked down firmly too, and, being a fully qualifed electronics engineer, I cannot understand, why, the Sony S tablet, has a UK charger of 10.2v at 2.9A.
It would have been a great help, if a slow (emergency?) charge facility was available via the micro USB socket at 5 volts, although, your limited to 500mA on USB 2... more people now have USB3 which allows much higher charging current, so, in my opinon it's very possible.
Or, maybe 2 x USB leads, as on the Sony portable CD reader/writer, that uses 2 x USB plugs to deliver the extra current required.
The internal battery inside the Sony S tablet is actually 5 volts, so, it seems quite possible in theory, to allow a lower current charge at 5 volts, although will take a lot longer to charge up fully of course, maybe up to 10 times as long? ... B U T , it might just get some people out of a mess?
Also, the wierd plug Sony use for the Tablet DC power supply charger, if I could get a plug itself, I could build my own car charger, an easy task.... a 'standard' DC socket arrangement, would have been better, some tablets use this type already, they could even incorparate that into the dedicated Sony Cradle.
Just my opinion, Sony do things in strange ways ........
What does anyone else think?
I totally agree that Sony does some strange stuff sometimes.
Still love the innovation that Sony brings to their products.
Sony has a long history of doing things that make their consumers feel like they have gotten the finger. The company spent more see development time on the PSP blocking hacks rather than adding the features those hacks were being used to create. The same energy initially went into their music sales; anyone else remember the rootkits that came with their disks at one time? All of the proprietary things mentioned above fall into this category too.
That said, this tablet is yet another in a long line of successful products in terms of usability, ingenuity, and quality from the company. I have rooted, but for the most part Sony's product works well on its own. I'm overjoyed with the USB conversion dongle, and the tablet is nice to hold.
It's unfortunate that the company has so many low lights in its dealings with customers, but it's not like we should be surprised. Personally, i bought this tablet when i saw this board and knew that it would be another Sony product with side development for the dumb bugs. Now if i could just get plants vs zombies to work...
--Databoy2k