Recommendations for Android Gaming Tablet - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi folks,
Before you roast me, I did use the search function but got old results for the most part.
I'm looking for advice on a new media consumption tablet. I have a Samsung Tab S, SM-T700 today. It's been ideal for size and performance. It's getting older now and some of the newer games don't perform as well on it.
I watch a lot of movies and read a lot of books while on a plane, so 10" is less than ideal due to the "packed in like sardines" nature of air travel. When not stuck in the middle seat between two NFL lineman, I use my tablet for some mobile games. I don't care about the camera or speakers, I never use the camera and always use headphones. An SD card is a requirement now that Amazon Prime and Netflix let you download to watch offline.
I've read a lot of reviews online that seem to conflict with the user reviews in certain marketplaces so it's hard to know what to trust. I am hoping there something out there the community is recommending these days? Or maybe something new is just around the corner and the best advice is to wait for this new model XXYZ?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers!

Related

[Q] Few questions before buy...

Hi!
I read that Archos 101 have some issues with Google Marketplace.
I'm between buy Archos 101 or iPad (I'm inclined to Archos)
I want to use it for read large-sized pdfs, comics (CBR and CBZ), web browsing, office productivity and read news.
My questions is:
- Is it possible to install apps like NyTimes through the apk, since it is protected market and can't be installed through the Market? I searched but nothing found (it's a bit difficult to understant since I dont have the tablet yet )
- Is it posible to install RepliGo or other fast pdf readers through the appmonster or the Market and use it with good quality (I mean, full res and full size pages?)
- Is it posible to use BT keyboard?
- Is it multitasking?
Thanks in advance!
Best Buy
There is a Tablet at Best Buy for 300 and it is made by Huawei. It includes the market and hard button home. It looks like a really good device. I would have bought that if I had know it was out before getting this.
The plus side to Best Buy is get you better support then you do from Archos. I am not sure the quality since I did not buy that one. It is something to keep in mind.
I am not saying I don't like my device but I am saying they left much to be desired that could have been better for the same price.
As far as questions go, since market is not default you have to use another app to get to the apk. I am not sure if NYtimes is working. Also there has been reported issues with BT and KB while using Wifi. I am not sure if this was fixed in the last patch. All Androids are Multitasking. I dont think they ever released on that was not. I hope this helps. You make want to go to a store and look at a 10" and 7". You may find the 10 is to cumbersome. Also Apples device is much heaver then Archos.
Faldiin
P.S. MOD can we move this to the correct forum please. They will get better Answers.
faldiin said:
There is a Tablet at Best Buy for 300 and it is made by Huawei. It includes the market and hard button home. It looks like a really good device. I would have bought that if I had know it was out before getting this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While it has built in GPS it doesn't have quite a few things that the Archos 70 and 101 have.
The 70 and 101 have capacitive screens while the Huawei is the less versatile resistive screen.
The Archos Gen8's have hdmi out while the Huawei does not.
The Archos have internal storage (8g and 16g) and supports SD cards up to 32gb, but the Huawei lacks internal storage and is limited to 16gb sd cards.
The Gen 8's are running Android 2.2 (which has JIT and flash support) while the Huawei is stuck running 2.1
The Gen 8's support many video formats that the Huawei does not.
There are additional advantages to the Archo's Gen8's over the Huawei, but for most people the list above is enough to see that the Huawei is lacking in quite a few areas.
I bought the Archos 101 mostly for the things you want them for. Reading comics and PDFs with some web browsing and simple document work. Repligo works fine for PDF, though I prefer EZPDF Reader. Has a better interface. Quality is good, full size and res. ACV works really great for comics and is free. Reading in landscape or portrait is a snap. Scrolling is smooth as is page transitions.
I had an iPad before and reading comics and PDFs was definitely not as convenient as it was with the 101. The widescreen is more conducive to reading I found and the device is actually a bit lighter as well.
And if you care, the video capabilities of the Archos blow the iPad out of the water. I'm not sorry about returning my iPad at all.
Thank you for the quick reply, guys.
(and sorry for the wrong forum )
Well, I can't test an Archos on the store, since I live in Brazil, and they don't sell it on the stores yet. My brother will gonna bring me a tablet in January, so, that's why i'm asking some simple questions.
I believe that Archos will be my better - and cheaper - choice. I'm little afraid about the comic resizing (since here, in Brazil, comic formats are different from the USA. They're most like 4:3 aspect ratio).
Last two questions:
About magazines (like MAD Magazine ), mostly then are readable at full screen?
And, most important... Does Repligo or EZPDF (or any pdf reader) have the "lock scrolling" feature, like GoodReader for iPhone? Let me clarify: if I use lock scrolling, It's not posible to make horizontal scroll, only vertical. It's useful for pdfs that have big and uniform margins.
Tks again!
mercantigo said:
Thank you for the quick reply, guys.
(and sorry for the wrong forum )
Well, I can't test an Archos on the store, since I live in Brazil, and they don't sell it on the stores yet. My brother will gonna bring me a tablet in January, so, that's why i'm asking some simple questions.
Tks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about the P.S. Part. It was not meant as a flame. I was saying that so we could get more comments for you. There is always a different opinion depending on what each uses the device for.
Like for me, I find no use in the HDMI out. I don't use it and you need a special cable. 16GB of storage, Well I never use the 8 I have in mine. Since all my stuff is compressed and on my 16gb stick. I am happy. So each has the plus and minus for what you use it for. I read the Newspaper on mine with the App. I have not tried Magazines. I would love to thou. I need to look in that. I like reading books on mine but the software buttons get int eh way of my reader. This is the down fall of the way the device was made. I still like mine thou.
Faldiin
P.S. Have your brother check it for errors before coming down. I got mine with dead pixels out of the box. Waiting to get mine back from the shop. Shipping from Brazil is probably not cheap.

Ipad 2 vs EEE pad

this isn't a legit versus, i just need some advice on which tablet i may enjoy more.
I love to watch youtube, i love to surf the net and play flash games.. I love to read books.
my main uses i got out of my ipad 1 was utube and browsing, but i can't handle lag... will this device be faster then the ipad 1? in all aspects? Is the ipad 2 really that big of a leap from the first?
edit: i used the ipad mainly for these little things, but that doesn't mean i wouldn't love other things. I have no idea what this tablet can do, i only did those simple things before because i couldn't find any other uses out of my ipad.
For you use, either one is fine. In fact, you should save some money and pickup the original Transformer and that should be enough for your usage.
ajamils said:
For you use, either one is fine. In fact, you should save some money and pickup the original Transformer and that should be enough for your usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read my edit
Either device should be fine really.
In terms of Youtube, Browsing, and Flash Games, the Transformer has an advantage as you have the OPTION of Adobe Flash. Sure it slows browser speed and drains battery but at least you have the option and you can disable it to achieve "normal" speed.
For me, im getting the Transformer because I like the flexibility Android gives as well as the dock option. That way I could walk around with the Prime as a tablet with just the screen and dock it when im going to be sitting down and doing something.
You should also note that the Android Tablet market is far behind the Apple Tablet market. There are not too many apps for Android Tablets atm (which im sure will change eventually like it did for smartphone apps). You could look at your favourite IOS Apps and try to see if you can find them in the Android market.
xGary said:
Either device should be fine really.
In terms of Youtube, Browsing, and Flash Games, the Transformer has an advantage as you have the OPTION of Adobe Flash. Sure it slows browser speed and drains battery but at least you have the option and you can disable it to achieve "normal" speed.
For me, im getting the Transformer because I like the flexibility Android gives as well as the dock option. That way I could walk around with the Prime as a tablet with just the screen and dock it when im going to be sitting down and doing something.
You should also note that the Android Tablet market is far behind the Apple Tablet market. There are not too many apps for Android Tablets atm (which im sure will change eventually like it did for smartphone apps). You could look at your favourite IOS Apps and try to see if you can find them in the Android market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
truth be told i do like the little games, but there not a huge deal to me, every once and awhile i would go look at a top 10 and find a few games, spend an hour or so on them and be done. Games are fun, but im sure android will be enough for me.
Im concerned that with flash on the browser will be laggy? even with the quad core?
what other things have people found they like to do with there tablet?
blaziner18 said:
truth be told i do like the little games, but there not a huge deal to me, every once and awhile i would go look at a top 10 and find a few games, spend an hour or so on them and be done. Games are fun, but im sure android will be enough for me.
Im concerned that with flash on the browser will be laggy? even with the quad core?
what other things have people found they like to do with there tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a bunch of reviews on this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1370912
Regarding flash, it will definitely be slower than HTML5 but it is definitely still usable. Generally flash should be kept off unless you are on a site that is not compatible with HTML5.
xGary said:
There are a bunch of reviews on this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1370912
Regarding flash, it will definitely be slower than HTML5 but it is definitely still usable. Generally flash should be kept off unless you are on a site that is not compatible with HTML5.
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Click to collapse
not sure what HTML.5 is... im pretty choked to hear that my browsing will be laggy with my flash on. I don't know nothing about nothing, but 4 cores can't handle flash? that sucks.
Why not go to best buy (or wherever) and play with the original transformer TF101? Browse to some flash websites and see how they feel.
Until any of us actually get or hands on one of these, all of these helpful comments are just based on speculation and "hearsay"
I wouldn't mind knowing what people liked to do with there old android tablet.
blaziner18 said:
not sure what HTML.5 is... im pretty choked to hear that my browsing will be laggy with my flash on. I don't know nothing about nothing, but 4 cores can't handle flash? that sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTML5 is a number of API's and technologies that add new functionality to the modern web. Modern web consists of PHP or other server side engine that generates pages of HTML for you, HTML itself that is sent to your browser and is rendered by your browser, CSS that styles how HTML looks and JavaScript that modifies what is displayed by your browser.
HTML5 is an incremental update to most of those technologies. It consists of new HTML elements that your browser knows how to display (like video and audio without flash), it consists of CSS3 which includes new rules that describe to your browser how to display certain HTML elements (like rounded and gradient buttons that so far have been only possible with pictures only) and new JavaScript API's that allow your browser to draw Flash-like animations, store data locally in new ways or use geolocation in your device.
As a regular user you won't notice a difference in the end, HTML5 is still not an official standard but after a while it will replace all existing Flash in the web. For example, many browser-supported games already work without Flash (including Angry Birds) and sites like YouTube have an option to already work entirely without Flash and display videos through HTML5 only.
In few years time Flash won't exist in any of the major services you are using today and most users won't even notice a difference while web will be faster and more standardized in the end.
Possible uses:
- manga reading: install one of manga reader apps (I recommend Manga Watcher, tried a number of them and this one is the best) and create your manga library... it downloads them from assorted web sites and stores on your tablet
- ebook reading: best app would be MoonReader (it's free, and there is MoonReader Pro, paid version)
- comics (cbr/cbz)
- movies: Original TF plays well up to SD (640x480) and widescreen (maybe up to 800ish x 400ish, 720p is hit and miss, usually too slow. With all software updates it plays well up to 720p but not 1080p. Try RockPlayer and MoboPlayer
- Netflix
- games: there is better stuff than flash games... look for THD-labelled games. Also stuff from Gameloft. Still, I would expect iPad 2 to be better in this regard.
- as a notebook if you have a keyboard... its Office app package is usable for taking notes etc, but it's definitely not in the same class as the regular MS Office which you can have on a Windows netbook.
- Skype? Not using it myself, but it should be a decent Skype device.
No Gameloft games work on the Transformer.
Well, at least gameloft doesn't allow Transformer users to buy their game for whatever dumb reason they have.
blaziner18 said:
I wouldn't mind knowing what people liked to do with there old android tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most common uses for me:
- handwriting for studies (also on PDF books),
- games
- reading PDF books (those that my Kindle can't handle) and comic books,
- reading news and www in general,
- youtube videos,
- e-learning (I study in a mode where half of the lessons is on the internet).
I'm an iPad 1 owner that is getting an Transformer Prime.
I bought my iPad because there were no good Android 10 inch tablets at the time. I tried upgrading to an original Transformer and Galaxy Tab 10.1, but Honeycomb really disappointed me. So I returned those and stuck with the iPad.
Flash used to be important to me. It's less important now. I still want it to play videos, because a lot of videos are still Flash only. I would not use it for Flash based web games though. Flash really kills browser performance. So it's a double edged sword. But still nice to have.
For me a big deal with an Android tablet over an iPad are things like having micro SD and HDMI ports. I can easily supplement my storage and pretty much have unlimited storage capacity by just buying more SD cards. And I can plug in my tablet easily to my TV (without the need of a big ass ugly adapter).
iPad certainly dominates when it comes to apps. But Android actually has a pretty decent selection of apps that work well. Unfortunately sometimes I find an Android version of an app to be inferior to an iPad version, such as TuneIn. But it's usually not to big an issue.
Not sure if the iPad 2 supports USB controllers. I know I can plug in a USB keyboard with it's adapter. I may end up playing 3D games on my Transformer Prime though because Android support game controllers (I'll need to buy a big ass ugly USB adapter like the iPad though).
I'm really torn on which screen ratio I like more. At first 16:10 was my obvious favorite. But after using an iPad for well over a year. I'm kinda found that 4:3 ratio has some pretty nice points as well. If I want to hold the tablet in one hand, I found it's more comfortable to do that in portrait mode. 16:10 tablets are way too narrow to read many websites in that position, while 4:3 still has more width for that.
iPad has a much smoother overall experience. Android 4.0 looks like it's improving, but they seem to still be behind trying to catch up. But on the other hand Android let me put my icons where I want, use widgets and customize my UI a lot more.
I really liked my iPad. And the iPad 2 looks great. But for me the Transformer Prime is an no brainer.
kokusho said:
No Gameloft games work on the Transformer.
Well, at least gameloft doesn't allow Transformer users to buy their game for whatever dumb reason they have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this really true? I hope not as I have a ton of great game loft games on my iPad that I hope will be on Android also once I get the Prime. Even of it doesn't let you download the game, can't you side load it or install the game from another android device if you put the APK on it? Why would game loft make such a dumb move. It's not like their apple only as I see some older game loft titles on other android devices. Asus prime with tegra3 would be perfect to showcase the great games they put out. I won't base decision on getting tablet based solely on video games. I don't have any home console systems anymore and haven't for a long time but my iPad 1 is now my only source for playing video games and served that purpose very well. Game loft needs to get with the program ASAP. Anyone know the reason why they won't work on Transformer? I have tegra2 Atrix phone and side loaded Order n chaos up there and it played perfectly. This was even before they officially real eased it to be compatible. Thanks to this great XDA forum . So if it could play perfectly on my Atrix phone, I'm sure the original transformer or the new prime shouldn't have any trouble pushing it.
As far as other uses for tablets, it's what you make the most of it. I do all these things other posters stated and more on my ipad1. Trust me, a lot more can be done with these Android and apple tablets than most people believe. It's not all about playing games and watching movies or you tube..lol. These are and can be great productivity devices and make things a lot easier and more efficient. Since I got my iPad almost 2 years ago or whatever, I've never used a regular computer since. Whether it be a desktop or laptop. Never had the need to. Everything I can do so much faster with my iPad. As I have it jail broken and modded out like crazy to allow me to do most things a regular pc can do. Everyones needs will be different. I'm still amazed with this tablet just like the first day I got it. Can't wait to get my hands on the Prime and fall in love all over again.
---------- Post added at 01:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 PM ----------
Ravynmagi said:
I'm an iPad 1 owner that is getting an Transformer Prime.
I bought my iPad because there were no good Android 10 inch tablets at the time. I tried upgrading to an original Transformer and Galaxy Tab 10.1, but Honeycomb really disappointed me. So I returned those and stuck with the iPad.
Flash used to be important to me. It's less important now. I still want it to play videos, because a lot of videos are still Flash only. I would not use it for Flash based web games though. Flash really kills browser performance. So it's a double edged sword. But still nice to have.
For me a big deal with an Android tablet over an iPad are things like having micro SD and HDMI ports. I can easily supplement my storage and pretty much have unlimited storage capacity by just buying more SD cards. And I can plug in my tablet easily to my TV (without the need of a big ass ugly adapter).
iPad certainly dominates when it comes to apps. But Android actually has a pretty decent selection of apps that work well. Unfortunately sometimes I find an Android version of an app to be inferior to an iPad version, such as TuneIn. But it's usually not to big an issue.
Not sure if the iPad 2 supports USB controllers. I know I can plug in a USB keyboard with it's adapter. I may end up playing 3D games on my Transformer Prime though because Android support game controllers (I'll need to buy a big ass ugly USB adapter like the iPad though).
I'm really torn on which screen ratio I like more. At first 16:10 was my obvious favorite. But after using an iPad for well over a year. I'm kinda found that 4:3 ratio has some pretty nice points as well. If I want to hold the tablet in one hand, I found it's more comfortable to do that in portrait mode. 16:10 tablets are way too narrow to read many websites in that position, while 4:3 still has more width for that.
iPad has a much smoother overall experience. Android 4.0 looks like it's improving, but they seem to still be behind trying to catch up. But on the other hand Android let me put my icons where I want, use widgets and customize my UI a lot more.
I really liked my iPad. And the iPad 2 looks great. But for me the Transformer Prime is an no brainer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great points as I'm an ipad1 owner also. I use it for everything. Feel the same way as ipad1 and 2 is great BUT Transformer Prime will be my next device. As it seems more future proof. Plus you won't necessarily need adapter for game controller for Android, it's been stated and seen the bluettooth wireless gamepads are supported now on Android. Lots of reviews where people using new transformer prime with logitech wireless controller. Asus also states it will work with Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, and most other wireless models also. So wireless controller gaming on original and transformer prime already been confirmed.
demandarin said:
Lots of reviews where people using new transformer prime with logitech wireless controller. Asus also states it will work with Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, and most other wireless models also. So wireless controller gaming on original and transformer prime already been confirmed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At first when they mentioned wireless game controller support, I assumed I could use my Xbox 360 controller without having to plug in the receiver. But then I noticed in some reviews the guys had to plug in the wireless USB receiver with their Logitech controller ASUS gave them. So now I'm assuming the Xbox controller will be the same, need to plug in the wireless receiver to work. Which kinda makes "wireles support of game controllers" kinda silly marketing bull if true.
To me the worst part about the iPad is the screen, or more specifically, the screen resolution. I bought the original iPad when it came out, and the reading experience was just crappy - the fonts were just fuzzy and it tired my eyes too fast.
Ravynmagi said:
At first when they mentioned wireless game controller support, I assumed I could use my Xbox 360 controller without having to plug in the receiver. But then I noticed in some reviews the guys had to plug in the wireless USB receiver with their Logitech controller ASUS gave them. So now I'm assuming the Xbox controller will be the same, need to plug in the wireless receiver to work. Which kinda makes "wireles support of game controllers" kinda silly marketing bull if true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed that also. I guess it depends on the type or wireless controller it is. Of it relies on just bluetooth, then I don't think you will need a receiver plugged into USB port. Some videos show no piece hooked up and the wireless controller working fine. I guess through Bluetooth.
As an owner of both an iPad 2, and 2 Android tablets, If you want Youtube, and flash games, android is the only way to go.
The Android Youtube app is much less restrictive. Most VEVO content, and music videos can be played, whereas most music videos are blocked on the iPad app.
Flash isn't even available on the iPad, but it kinda makes up for it since there are many more games on Apple's AppStore, but as much as I love paying money for games, free flash based games are better.
/2cents
I'm web developer for many years and if Flash is properly optimized it will take less power-processor usage then HTML5, also when people say HTML5 have in mind HTML5 on its own can't do much, it must work with CSS2/3 and JavaScript to be able to do some proper "stuff".
Flash will rock on games and video especially HD and that will be the future, HTML5/CSS3/JavaScript will take more websites. But Flash and Flex will remain as superb choice for creating advanced RIA's or Apps for Tablets and Smartphones.
Flash and Flex has unique very advanced GUI that no other solution on this planet can compete with and when they would be able to, Flash technology will have even more features than what they have.
So entertainment Flash is #1 choice for a long long time to come. Just keep yourself updated with latest versions and you'll be all good.
I like HTML5/CSS3/JS but you gotta make ton of manual coding, where in Flash you can simply do drag&drops and do this far more easily then in any other technology. Not to mention components for developers, it's just too easy comparing to anything else.

[Q] New tablet owners advice on apps/practices

This is going to be my first tablet and I was wanting to hear from the tablet vets what are the best, must have apps and what are the best practices for ownership?
Do you recommend some brand of shields for the screen?
Best cases for the transformer?
Apps that you install before anything else?
What services did you tie in and are their any tricks to using the? For example I use to use dropbox to sync many system pref between the systems by making symbolic links to the Dropbox dir. (yes, that is a very old and not usually needed trick but you get the idea.)
Are their any cases that allow the tablet to dock w/o removing the tablet from the case.
What do you think of the asus drive privacy terms? I will not use amazons cloud drive w/o encrypting the entire contents due to their privacy clause.
Splash top works well on my wife's iPad was planning to use that, then heard of asus's implementation of splash top or is there better for android? Did some searching on it and found asus is using splash top too, is there any reason to buy splashtop hd? Didn't see any solid answer on that with google.
I think that is enough of my ideas just interested in hearing what everyone has found in their own experences.
I did some searching and all I have found is threads about best app and such looking for alittle more that fotm apps. Though I think my search foo is weak, if this has been posted sorry and would appreciate a link pointing me to the right place.
Ah one more from me any brands of shdc cards I need to avoid?
I ordered a skinomi clear skin /screen protector! This will allow It to dock! I would have gotten carbon but the speaker cutout will look weird! Remember that with any case their will be a square cutout for the speaker!
I'm in the same boat as you this will be be my first tablet!
I think you should have made a separate post for the must have tablet apps!
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
I think that if I ask about best apps you would need what type of app you are looking at like
What is the best keyboard app?
What is the best rdp app?
Looking for something alittle more general than that. Like:
I need a battery monitor app/widget, I personally use battery monitor widget the pro version is nices as it allows battery tracking.
Best apps change as they new ones come out or old ones get updates, but the role they fill always needs filling.
Thanks for recommendation on the cover! Googling it now.
Also posters if you see someone recommending and app/case and you know of a flaw or problem with said item please tell us your experience and how you have worked around or solved said problems.
Selutha said:
This is going to be my first tablet and I was wanting to hear from the tablet vets what are the best, must have apps and what are the best practices for ownership?
Do you recommend some brand of shields for the screen?
Best cases for the transformer?
Apps that you install before anything else?
What services did you tie in and are their any tricks to using the? For example I use to use dropbox to sync many system pref between the systems by making symbolic links to the Dropbox dir. (yes, that is a very old and not usually needed trick but you get the idea.)
Are their any cases that allow the tablet to dock w/o removing the tablet from the case.
What do you think of the asus drive privacy terms? I will not use amazons cloud drive w/o encrypting the entire contents due to their privacy clause.
Splash top works well on my wife's iPad was planning to use that, then heard of asus's implementation of splash top or is there better for android? Did some searching on it and found asus is using splash top too, is there any reason to buy splashtop hd? Didn't see any solid answer on that with google.
I think that is enough of my ideas just interested in hearing what everyone has found in their own experences.
I did some searching and all I have found is threads about best app and such looking for alittle more that fotm apps. Though I think my search foo is weak, if this has been posted sorry and would appreciate a link pointing me to the right place.
Ah one more from me any brands of shdc cards I need to avoid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Less than a handful can actually comment on experience with this tablet as it's not officially out yet. Less than 5 here have it in possession already. There are reads in prime section of forum that basically covers all your sections. You will want spalshtop HD as it works great with Android tablets. As far as accessories and cases goes, check out the thread called Ultimate transformer Prime accessories thread. Also look into accessories sub forum here. There's a lot of people commenting on various cases that would be good for this device. For apps, that depends on what you looking for. Productivity, entertainment, games, research, etc.. Be more specific. Now with memory cards, there's a few threads here in general section that will answer your questions on that.
I know there is a lot of b.s. Preorder threads to sift thru here in general section. But all the answers you looking for are here. They may be a page or two back in this section. I would post links but there are so many. Good luck on your search
I will start flipping back in the pages to see what I can find. Thanks for the search pointers!
Though I do know only a few here have the device but, I was thinking that for most this would not be their first device and I was not looking for experience with "asus transformer prime" but more general knowledge with a leaning on the prime. I though that most here would be more knowledge able about the spec that the asus prime would have and most tablets have hc on them.
Though you make good points and I thank you for your advice. Going into the sub forums, damn there are a lot of pre order threads almost wish there was a temp sub forum called preorder.
I can't see if find if the asus splash top is splash top had or not anyone know?
This list should keep you busy for a while.
Best Free Android Apps 2011
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-android-apps.htm
Top 160 best Android apps 2011
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone...-phones/top-160-best-android-apps-2011-693696
The Best Free Android Apps of 2011 (So Far)
http://www.pcworld.com/article/229323/the_best_free_android_apps_of_2011_so_far.html
The 10 best free android apps of 2011
http://galaxys2apps.net/newsandmagazines/the-10-best-free-android-apps-of-2011/
The 40 Best Free Android Apps for 2011
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2366244,00.asp
Results for "best android apps"
http://www.cnet.com/1770-5_1-0.html?query=best+android+apps&searchtype=videos
Ultimate Transformer PRIME TF201 Accessory Guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1377669
Thank you for the links and yes it will keep me busy for some time.
Sorry for my weak search foo
Tablets are pretty fun to use. However, it is rather difficult to bring out a tablet in public as they are quite cumbersome and you look like a pompous asshole with it; trust me. However, the transformer series has the keyboard dock, making you look like a more practical human being.
I used my TF101 in some college classes for note taking. I used Evernote. Worked beautifully. However, I want some faster speed lol.
Selutha said:
I will start flipping back in the pages to see what I can find. Thanks for the search pointers!
Though I do know only a few here have the device but, I was thinking that for most this would not be their first device and I was not looking for experience with "asus transformer prime" but more general knowledge with a leaning on the prime. I though that most here would be more knowledge able about the spec that the asus prime would have and most tablets have hc on them.
Though you make good points and I thank you for your advice. Going into the sub forums, damn there are a lot of pre order threads almost wish there was a temp sub forum called preorder.
I can't see if find if the asus splash top is splash top had or not anyone know?
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There was a thread talking about that splash top. I don't think the one included is the HD one. I think it's the regular one. Splash HD is the one you really want though as it has all features unlocked and better for tablets. All I've heard is great things about it though. I have it on my iPad and Atix4g.
---------- Post added at 01:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:58 PM ----------
xTRICKYxx said:
Tablets are pretty fun to use. However, it is rather difficult to bring out a tablet in public as they are quite cumbersome and you look like a pompous asshole with it; trust me. However, the transformer series has the keyboard dock, making you look like a more practical human being.
I used my TF101 in some college classes for note taking. I used Evernote. Worked beautifully. However, I want some faster speed lol.
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What do you mean by cumbersome? Lmao as my iPad is light and very easy to carry around. Now for the pompous comment, I guess some could see it like that. I always get looks n comments like oh look, he has one of those iPad/tablet things. Lol. Like people who have/carry tablets are better than everyone...
Just saw the stylus jot pro it looks like pure sex in the ultimate as stories thread I am ordering one of those.
Thanks for the info on splash top I was hoping that I could use the asus provided on but hd looks good compared to splashtop
demandarin said:
Less than a handful can actually comment on experience with this tablet as it's not officially out yet.
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Click to collapse
90% of what he asked was generic and the Prime's going to run the exact same applications every other HC tablet does exactly the same way (albeit faster). There might be some Teg3 optimized games but, other than that, it's just another tablet from a utilization perspective.
Here's some apps I can't live without:
Plex and Playon for video streaming
With Plex, you can store all your audio and video content on your home PC, NAS, or WHS and play it on your tablet, even over a 3G connection. It does an impressive job of organizing, labeling, and presenting your content and the tablet interface is pretty slick. I have 2TB of video that I stream to my tablet. It does a fantastic job of transcoding so the video quality's great even over sketchy connections.
PlayOn provides access to Hulu, Amazon VOD, and Netflix. It too is excellent at transcoding and actually does a better job in terms of video quality and buffering than the native apps. It's the best way to access Hulu content.
Pulse and News360 for news
Both have great tablet interfaces, sync with their desktop companions to bookmark or save stories, and can be highly personalized.
Zinio, PressReader, and Next Issue for magazines and newspapers
All have great content available and are designed for tablet screens. Next Issue content is free if you already have print subscriptions.
Read it Later for offline web surfing
Great app for finding web stuff to download to your tablet either as you see it or from your desktop PC to read later.
Swiftkey Tablet X & Swype keyboards
Swiftkey is a fantastic keyboard with excellent predicitive word logic and layout. It also has a thumb keyboard setting which is great when you aren't using a physical keyboard.
Swype has a mini-mode which takes up about 1/8 of the screen and is really fast when you're writing longer e-mails or docs.
CoPilot for navigation
Google map caching is hit or miss when you need to deviate and don't have a wireless signal. CoPilot stores all data locally and doesn't require any wireless signal to be fully functional.
TouchDown for e-mail
It's the best e-mail app for contact management and tasks. You almost have to have it if you connect to Exchange. It's got the best widgets of any e-mail program out there.
Worldmate travel companion
If you travel a lot Worldmate stores the details of your future trips on your tablet. As you're traveling it provides alerts for gates and times and any delays or changes to your itinerary. You can check flight status for any airline in real time and look up alternates if you're screwed.
Widgets
There's tons of screen space to fill on a tablet and these are some of the widgets I think are cool looking, useful, or both.
- Google Market
- AP Mobile
- CNBC
- CNN
- Pulse (multiples)
- Touchdown e-mail, calendar, and tasks
- Worldmate (live flight alerts on your home screen)
- Social Hub
- Gallery
- Kobo
- Amazon MP3
Task killers, batter managers, and the like
Tablets are different than phones and they're used differently. Android as an OS manages resources incredibly effectively. While it's a personal choice, adding things that use resources to save resources seems counter intuitive to me and I don't use them.
Half the fun of an Android tablet (vs. iOS) is the ability to make it your own. Enjoy.
Asus already included a big portion of the apps you might need for basic usage.
But here s some apps I use pretty much every day with my transformer, they re almost all optimized for tablet (android 3.0 framework)
Wizz Widget (for social feed)
tTorrent (for downloading)
subloader (for automatic subtitle downloading)
mobo player / bs player (for watching any kind of video)
File manager HD (a file explorer, better than Asus's one)
Newsr (a google reader better than google reader)
Catch note (to take and read note in the cloud, protect by password and synchronised on every device)
Google Current (offline reading of RSS feed with a very nice looking layout)
Beyondpod HD (best podcast apps)
And Adobe Photoshop Touch, Adobe Idea, Autodesk Sketchbook Pro, Picsay Pro, cause I'm a computer graphist.
Those are the apps I use the most, along which there is some usefull apps like skype, messenger, dropbox, splashtop HD, Facebook and pretty much every google Apps. (chrome to phone, translate, maps, etc etc)
Unless you're a super reckless user, a screen protector isn't going to be necessary (and is sometimes ugly/degrades screen quality). It's really hard to scratch this screen, and other ones like it.
kokusho said:
File manager HD (a file explorer, better than Asus's one)
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Click to collapse
I second that.
Newsr (a google reader better than google reader)
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Click to collapse
I would reconsider. Newsr is really buggy and slow, crashes a lot and behaves very strange when you start it before WiFi is connected. I didn't find anything better though.
For me most important are also:
- ezPDF - I don't know any better app for PDFs on any system or device (great for taking notes on books or writing answers in exercise books for school).
- Writepad Stylus - for writing (not perfect, but the best I found, if you are buying Adonit Jot, you will find it useful),
The rest for me is mostly games. Cut the Rope is the "must play". Dizzy is the "greatest but probably only appreciated by fans of the original".
hauj0bb said:
Unless you're a super reckless user, a screen protector isn't going to be necessary (and is sometimes ugly/degrades screen quality). It's really hard to scratch this screen, and other ones like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I've had my Galaxy S (Gorilla Glass screen, like the Prime) in my pocket "unprotected" for about 18 months now, and although I was anxious at first, I haven't noticed any scratching of the screen. Screen protectors might have been recommended for resistive touchscreens, but I don't think they're necessary with capacitive touchscreens, because the glass is tough enough already.
Magnesus said:
I would reconsider. Newsr is really buggy and slow, crashes a lot and behaves very strange when you start it before WiFi is connected. I didn't find anything better though.
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Weird, I don't have any problem at all with newsr. Butter smooth, fast feed load, super stable, not a single crash. Sure if you re offline it doesn't login but that's expected from a RSS reader and nothing strange happen, just a message saying that you need an internet connexion.
I wonder why you seem to have problem with it.

[Q] Need help with Android Tablet decision

I'm trying, (probably lot many people) to decide between the current dual core tabs and the quad core.
I will be using this tablet for most anything you can use a tablet for - lots of art applications, streaming movies and music (flash required), some sort of g-sensor/accelerometer, and bluetooth, as I already have a good bluetooth keyboard that pairs nicely with my Android Phone.
I currently own the Acer A500 but I'm still within my return period. I'm strongly leaning towards returning it and getting a quad-core tab but I like the features such as the full size usb port and I want to be able to use that for an external HD for movies, music, etc. Of course, a lot of web surfing will be included. I will be using it for some office features but mostly through Google Docs, as that's what I use on my current mini-notebook (which I'll probably get rid of once I have the tablet decided on for sure). Price is a thought but I want a 10" inch screen and front facing camera so I can use internet video chat, etc. which I think means I'm in the $500 dollar general price range.
I find the Asus Prime intriguing but I'd like to have a USB port without having to have the dock to get it. I read somewhere about either Toshiba or Lenovo coming out with a quad-core with full size usb but I can't find the release date on it now. I'm willing to wait a bit, but also know there is always something better around the corner and at some point I need to just pull the trigger as they say. Some people want to know about basic computer literacy...I'm comfortable with Android and some basic rooting etc - have had an Android phone for 2 years and followed the development closely for some time prior to that. I've rooted my phone & my husband's from about the first week we had them. In addition, I used to run a triple boot laptop with two linux distros and a Windows install so I'm fairly comfortable with the ins and out of doing something like that.
I guess my questions are, has anyone heard of any release dates for quad-core tabs beyond the Asus Prime? Are there any other tabs that you'd say "forget the quad core and go for... instead?" Any info on release dates (other than the general sometime in 2012 would be uber cool to hear).
Oh, I'll also be using it in the hospital quite a bit with multiple surgeries coming up and digital magazines and e-books are definitely part of what I'll be using it for.
Thanks so much in advance! I look forward to your advice!!
Rae
You DEFINITELY don't need a quad-core phone if you are mostly looking for reading books and watching movies.
Look for tablets with extended battery life (larger batteries).
Also you might want to take a look at eReaders on which CyanogenMod has been ported, allowing you to run Android on devices with awesome displays for extended reading.
GoodLUCK!
Ainol Elf II. 'Nuff said.

[Q] Looking for a tablet for under $100. Ideas?

Hey guys
I've been looking a LOT around amazon and such for a tablet under $100. Why under $100? I need it to be under that price because there's a very high "luxury" tax applied in my country to products over $100, and it's an extra money I would rather not give to the govt because it's plain ridiculous already. Also, I'm planning on getting two of them, and I can't afford more than $150-200 on them. Why? this stupid country only gives you a "coupon" of $400 to spend online -YEARLY-, and I don't want to use it all on just two tablets, or be left with less than $200-250 to spend on other stuff I also need.
Monetary reasons explained and set aside, I'm getting the tablet for my mom, who only needs to browse the web, get on facebook, get & reply to emails, maybe some chatting and whatnot. She doesn't need much and I'm sure a simple Zeepad or something similar would do, but I'm a power user who mods almost every device that comes across his hands, so I'm using this chance to get a tablet too -if- I like the one I'm buying to my mom.
My mom's needs are... well, the basics. Maybe playing a video or two and nothing else. Me, on the other hand, want to upgrade it to the highest android version available for it (whether it be GB or ICS, or even Froyo since some come with Eclair (Eww)) and give it lots of possible uses. These include using it as a VNC viewer, remote keyboard/mouse, some development (if I get a keyboard+case for it), some gaming (ok, maybe not THD or anything but if it runs Angry Birds I'm happy XD) etcetera.
So, to resume, I'm looking for something including these specs, if possible:
3G (optional but it would be a big plus)
WiFi (must, or if not, then 3G)
600-800Mhz CPU (ARM? Adreno? Cortex? wtf?!)
A decent GPU (PowerVR? (like my Defy)?, what's a good GPU in android devices anyways?)
No stylus-exclusive (avoid if possible)
No resistive screen (I've heard they suck, and I don't want to push a screen like if it were a button (Blackberry Storm anyone? Eww xD) and be forced to use a stylus. If I can use my fingers on a resistive screen and it feels like a capacitive one, then that's okay with me )
USB host (to be able to plug in USB drives, keyboards, mices, etc)
Ethernet port optional but cool if it has one.
Tethering ability (though I think this is more OS-dependant than anything else)
Full Android Market (stupid chinese tablets)
SD card reader
Medium-small size. My whole Nook Simple Touch has the right size for the screen size I'd like (I think that's 7-9 inches?), I don't want to carry a tablet of the size of a notebook. Something that can fit a big pocket in a jacket or a pant would be cool, like the NST . This is optional but not required.
Battery life to stand a lot. Hey, my phone lasts only a day even without WiFi turned on which sucks. I've heard their batteries are like 6 or more hours, which seems okay... I'm not really sure what is "good" in this aspect.
Camera would be cool.
Phone (or at least SMS) functions would be cool, too.
And last but not least, able to be upgraded, or at least with a good hacker community stabilished. I want to be able to upgrade the tablet to other android versions (I don't mind if they're experimental) or at least compile a version for it. With this, I'm saying I don't want to be using google translate to find info on how to install another ROM in my tablet because everything comes from chinese forums and the tablet uses a random, non-standard OMFG-9372 processor nobody knows -anything- about and have to use dodgy apps or hacks to modify it, mmkay? okay.
Now, I've done my homework and these are the items I've came up with, however I'm still looking for more devices:
EEpad MID: http://www.amazon.com/Android-Table...C2/ref=sr_1_99?ie=UTF8&qid=1334592070&sr=8-99
Elsse: http://www.amazon.com/Elsse-Interne.../ref=sr_1_125?ie=UTF8&qid=1334592099&sr=8-125
Pandigital: http://www.amazon.com/Pandigital-An...H0/ref=sr_1_60?ie=UTF8&qid=1334591812&sr=8-60
Zeepad: http://www.amazon.com/Zeepad-Tablet...7Q/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1334591744&sr=8-25
Skytex: http://www.amazon.com/Skytex-Primer...E0/ref=sr_1_50?ie=UTF8&qid=1334591812&sr=8-50
Zeepad (2): http://www.amazon.com/Zeepad-Androi...1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334592627&sr=8-3-fkmr1
Coby Kyros: http://www.amazon.com/Coby-MID7015-.../ref=sr_1_121?ie=UTF8&qid=1334593041&sr=8-121
"Random" brands:
http://www.amazon.com/Boxchip-Corte...0K/ref=sr_1_82?ie=UTF8&qid=1334592041&sr=8-82
http://www.amazon.com/Tablet-Intern...5Q/ref=sr_1_91?ie=UTF8&qid=1334592986&sr=8-91
Now, my thoughts:
EEpad MID: Looks good, but it has no reviews, so that detracts me from buying it. I can't find much info on the web on modifying it though.
Elsse: Seems like an asian tablet with no official Android Market, but eh, what do you guys say?
Pandigital: Looks like it sucks .
Zeepad: There isn't much info about it
Skytex: Looks cheap-o and low-quality :/
Zeepad (2): Seems to have good features and such.
Coby Kyros: Now, this, coming from Coby it makes me think of a cheap device like the MP3 players they make, but surprisingly, it has more reviews than the rest of the tablets and it's under $100. Also, it seems to be more powerful than the rest of the ones I've looked at (in the links here), and the reviews seem to be good. It makes me think if it's possible to upgrade it to 2.2 or 2.3, it would be really cool if it would.
---
Sorry for the long read!... in case you want a resume, I'm just looking for two tablets: A simple one for my mom to browse the web, emails, play some games, chat and etc, and another one (or the same one if possible) for a power-user who would modify/upgrade it and use it as an IT work tool (VNC viewer, dev. tool, document editing, pdf reading, flash, some gaming, etc).
Any thoughts you guys have in relation to an android tablet to get? what's something "good" and something "bad"? I'd like to see opinions, reviews or suggestions on other tablets to look for or what other keywords should I look for in Amazon?
Thanks in advance!
- DARKGuy
Bump?
Coby Kyros is listed as "resistive" on Amazon, i'm not sure you've noticed that. I think you should check the Ainol (or any allwinner based device). They have somewhat limited community and support but it should be good for performance and gaming. Or bump the price range to 150 and look at Cortex A9 devices with reputable brands..
I agree with NightWatch71 about the tablet but not the price. I found it at around $75 in some places, but that was a long time ago so I forgot. Try looking around on Google Shopping.
Prices on Amazon change so often it's almost impossible to keep up and new manufacturers are releasing tablets a dime a dozen
This list is kept up to date tabletninja.com/finding-the-best-tablets-under-100/
A lot of the same options listed with a few new options from some newbies

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