Gizmodo rips the Tab - Epic 4G General

http://gizmodo.com/5686161/samsung-galaxy-tab-review-a-pocketable-train-wreck
Apologies if this is a repost -- searched, and didn't find this reference.
Scathing review by Gizmodo. Judging by their review (and much of it is simply fact-based, not spin -- for example the issues with Swype), I'd never go near this thing.
Basically, it sounds like the Galaxy S phone ROM put on the Tab. I.e., everything designed for the phone screen size simply on a larger screen, with a few exceptions.
What a disaster of an idea. Many things that work with the finger interface on a 3.7" screen become impossible to "thumb-swipe", or become annoying to finger-swype with any finger when it is simply larger. Swype seems to be a poster-child for this.
I agree that this idea of Samsung's to "tween" a tablet between a phone and the iPad was an idiotic idea. Gizmodo makes the point that a Tablet is all about size, not compactness. That's the point. You want something compact, you get a smartphone on steroids, like the Epic. You buy a tablet to supplement a phone, not replace it. It replaces books, notepads, folios, etc. -- not your phone.
Samsung, are you listening? Here's the ultimate tablet, better than the iPad: Same size or even a little bigger than the iPad screen, higher resolution. Linux/Android OS, redesigned (as well as apps) from the ground up for the larger screen experience, not simply scaled up because they're on a larger screen.
And here's the key, something that's been a complete mystery to me about cell phones, the only explanation I can think of is cost: An LCD screen using the same technology Garmin uses for their Vista Cx handheld GPS.
This technology is the absolute best, most versatile, most readable color screen technology that I have ever encountered, anywhere. It is like a kindle -- except in color -- in direct sunlight... the brighter the incident light on the screen, the sharper and brighter the display. In darker environments, the adjustable backlight produces just as awesome results.
I don't know how this LCD display is constructed, but it accomplishes well the task of reflecting back through the display incident light, as well as allowing backlighting to achieve the same effect.
It's amazing. White is bright and very white in sunlight.
Probably quite expensive. Is it justified for a phone? While we'd probably all have a technogasm to have such a phone, I can see that it probably isn't justified from a cost perspective and whatever market analysis they've done.
A tablet is a very different proposition. It needs to be used in the same environments as a Kindle and that where a self-lit laptop would be. The perfect display tech is what I describe above. Even Apple is moronic not to incur the extra cost for this, maybe in a high-end model, and charge the extra $100 or so for it. Then market the hell out of the feature.
I believe they'd make a killing.
So, back to the thread topic, I can stomach an iPad, given all the objectionable aspects to it (iOS being enough). However, looks like it'll be a year or two wait before someone really does an Android tab even close to right, and it won't be Samsung, their software arm being such an incompetent bunch of Keystone Cops (like we didn't know that already).
And, I have no hope of my display technology wet dream. But I needed to get it off my chest.

Related

What do you think of the screen?

I've got a Desire and had it since launch but today I bought a Desire HD. I like the phone and I like the bigger screen but I can't help but feel a bit disappointed going from AMOLED to LCD.... the colours... the viewing angles.... even considering sending the phone back and staying with the Desire although the phone seems much faster, I can't help but look at the screen and feel disappointed....
What do you guys think?
Cheers
Scott
here is one good example desire vs desire hd screan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcEoKim7sCg
scott9824 said:
I've got a Desire and had it since launch but today I bought a Desire HD. I like the phone and I like the bigger screen but I can't help but feel a bit disappointed going from AMOLED to LCD.... the colours... the viewing angles.... even considering sending the phone back and staying with the Desire although the phone seems much faster, I can't help but look at the screen and feel disappointed....
What do you guys think?
Cheers
Scott
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't really understand what's the point in having 180 degrees viewing angle on a phone. Like I would like to look at the USB port when using my phone . All the time you are using it, you are looking directly at it. And the colors are pretty much a matter of opinion - I've seen the Galaxy S screen and it seems over saturated to me. Daylight visibility is very good also. The one thing that is a real advantage of AMOLED over LCD screens is the black. Other than that there is no real reason for HTC to put themselves in the same PR nightmare as they did with Samsung's inability/unwillingness to provide them with enough screens for the Desire. Yesterday I put an invisible shield on my wife's iPhone 4 and looking at the acclaimed Retina Display the first thought that went through my head was "OMG, it's so small" . I wouldn't give up the DHD anytime soon and definately not because of its screen.
I'm perfectly happy with the screen, it is amazing. I don't care about viewing angles, it is not like I look at it from a 45 degree angle.. It's always pretty much 90 degrees.
As with others here I'm perfectly happy with the screen. Also as pointed out the only real plus of an AMOLED based display is the black level which, honestly, isn't that big of a deal for me. Viewing angles is something that always puzzles me. Do people often try to use their phone from obtuse angles? The only time I can think of when I've done this is a quick glance at the screen but since only the power button wakes it up I don't think that will be an issue.
I think you're over-obsessing over something that in real use is a non-issue. I'd really like all these people who complain about viewing angles to give some valid reasons why they think it's such a problem.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Im have no complaints what so ever with the screen. A week into the relationship with my DHD and we are still very much in the honeymoon phase.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
I was the same... going from a Desire to the HD I was so disappointed with the 'washed out' appearance of the screen (I don't care so much about viewing angles)
But you know what... after a few days I really didn't notice it and I still have the Desire (awaiting eBay selling) and when I look at it I think the screen is too saturated!!
I miss the black levels a bit but on the whole I am more than happy with the screen colours now.
They are after all on a par with my laptop and netbook screens and I never complain about them!
This is part of a full review I will be posting on here once I have had a bit more time with the phone, any feedback would be appreciated. I'd like to answer any questions people have in the final review.
The screen.... the screen.... Seeing as the size of it dominates the entirety of the phone, this was always going to be an issue for many people! Before the phone was released I was actively following the LCD vs S-LCD debate and owning a Nexus One, had been treated to the 'contrastific' wonder that is AMOLED.
I'll be honest and say I felt panicked when confronted with the fact this maybe a regular TFT and not an S-LCD screen. Not an AMOLED or a SAMOLED in this day and age how dare they??! Considering Samsungs reluctance to part with the SAMOLED and the much reported worldwide shortage of AMOLED screens this was of no surprise and highly understandable.
Now I actually have the phone in my hand, I curse my stupidity in regards to getting caught up in 'the forum debate' and losing track on reality. As technophiles we all feel a twinge of excitement when quoting the relevant technology our handsets contain to our friends and fellow forum dwellers. I'm not discounting the real world benefits of such technology, but sometimes we tend to trust more in the branding terms than the actual real world performance.
After owning an AMOLED Nexus I cannot deny that the contrast levels are unbeatable (Samsung Galaxy S aside). Watching movies on the screen was a joy, especially in dark scenes when the black levels came through in all their glory. Personally, I liked the colour saturation (or over-saturation) which gave the display an eye grabbing brilliance which even next to the iPhone 4's lauded Retina Display (nice branding for what is simply a high res IPS LCD) it managed to hold it's head high.
When switching on the Desire HD after coming from a Nexus, the feeling compares to taking off your shades after a long day in the sun. The colours are not quite the same, the brightness has shifted and you find yourself blinking rapidly as your eyes slowly adjust to what is a different experience. Now to say this is a sub par experience is completely unfounded. Yes some people will instantly wonder whether their phone is functioning correctly, or take a swift trip down to the Opticians questioning their vision. They will finally end up cursing the lack of AMOLED on Xda-Developers, stating washed out colours and poor viewing angles (those who look at there phone sideways all day).
All I can say in response is that while coming from an AMOLED to the Desire HD is like taking off your shades, there are always those who keep their shades on all day long, even in the dark .
As my eyes adjusted to the screen I started to understand what the term 'over-saturated' actually meant! I wanted to apologise to my Iris, Cornea and Retina all at one time. The colours aren't washed out, it's just my eyes were over washed with a false spectrum for so long. The main benefits for this are seen when browsing the web and looking at images, they look REAL. I actually feel as if i'm seeing something in front of me and not looking at a phone screen. The only sadness I feel is when watching videos, it just doesn't look as VIVID, not to say it doesn't look good, but I guess those juicy blacks will definitely be missed.
Another thing is slowly dawning on me, PenTile displays are horrendous. I was duly concerned that having the same resolution on a 35% larger screen would mean the subsequent pixellation would have me screaming for Cupertino's Retina Display to come and save me (sickening thought). Strangely enough it actually feels as though the resoultion is higher. I remembered reading about the Nexus One screen here and feeling it was unfair attack (BTW anyone on here that doesn't read ArsTechnica, bookmark it now). The premise was that the subpixel arrangement on AMOLED screens (Even the SGS has this) meant the effective resolution was less than the 480x800 claimed and more like 392x653, something I now accept to be correct. Comparing the screens side by side it becomes all the more apparent that the resolution cannot be the same, as some images appear sharper on the larger screen which doesn't make logical sense. It is safe to say that for once I agree with Apple and their decision to keep away from AMOLED when many fanboys were demanding it after the 3GS.
Finally, the superior colour depth of the screen has slowly come to the fore. I've read conflicting reports of Nexus creen having 16m vs 65k colours and of being 16bit (Link). I can refer back to one of my earlier statements about technical branding vs reality. Whatever the specs of the Nexus One/Desire screen it falls flat on colour depth compared to the Desire HD. Backgrounds which previously suffered from banding are now brilliant and even the XDA app startup splash, which had serious banding issues on the Nexus now displays colours which weren't even visible before.
Overall, once over the adjustment period, the DHD screen trumps that of the Nexus or Desire and is simply stunning. The size alone renders many of the arguments pointless. I hold my Nexus now and have the same feeling as when I first held the X10 Mini, I feel as though my phone could eat it for breakfast the cute little thing it is. Don't fear the negative comments on here, see it for yourself and if you don't like it, you don't like it.
I certainly do.
Regards.
Some final thoughts....
Did somebody say fully multitouch??
TFT LCD vs S-LCD?? Just in case this is a TFT
HD2 (TFT LCD) Review Endgadget - In terms of colour and contrast, the HD2's screen is a champion. Images and video looked saturated but not drenched, and blacks seemed superbly deep to us.
HD2 (TFT LCD) Review Gizmodo - The 4.3-inch glass display is pure bliss
Comparison Image, Sorry for the poor quality!
very nice analysis of the screens lynx! Im looking forward to your full review! btw i really love the setup you have on your phone in that pic. Stock android looking with HTC's nice clock widget..
Thanks, it's Launcher Pro set up like the stock launcher with the original Fancy Widget. Add the 'Faux Sense' widgets and animations then you're good to go. Regarding the comparison picture, it may seem like the Nexus has more colour but it is simply the unnatural colours that make it seem that way. The DHD image is so real you feel you could pick up a pebble!
tkolev said:
I can't really understand what's the point in having 180 degrees viewing angle on a phone. Like I would like to look at the USB port when using my phone . All the time you are using it, you are looking directly at it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree.
All these comparisons about viewing angles, Touch response when doing swipes in slow-motion is so damn silly.
Way in the world would you like to be able to look at it from an extreme angles anyway?
Use the phone! I say it again: USE the phone!
If you like it keep it, otherwise sell it.
I get the impression that many people here are buying a phone just to impress their neighbour with the best spec-sheet. And then they get "sad like children loosing their favourite toy" when they can't. So damn silly!

Defective screen, ghost image.

Hello.
I wanted to share my experience... I love my Kindle Fire. It's an awesome little device. Even not taking into account the ridiculous price ^^
I love gaming in it, browsing, and fiddling with customization stuff in ADW Launcher EX.
But I noticed shortly after I received it that the screen was kind of funky. After displaying a still graphic or text for a couple of minutes, the image becomes "burned" in the screen around all borders, about half an inch into the screen. It is most noticeable by switching to a flat neutral color... The easiest way to check it is by bringing down the notifications overlay, which has a gray background. At first I thought that the notifications tray was kind of transparent, but that is not the case.
My 2 brothers also bought Kindle Fires, so I compared mine to theirs and found out that my screen is completely different. Colors are more greenish, and it seems brighter when looking at it perpendicularly. However, when looking at it at an angle, it loses a lot of brightness, which the other screens did not.
So I contacted Amazon tech support, and after doing just a cold reboot, they sent me a replacement kindle fire (which i'm currently waiting on)...
This leads me to think that this is a known issue. Maybe Amazon has 2 different screen suppliers, and one of them is of crappy quality. I recommend checking your screen against another KF, or at least checking to see if it has the "burned image" problem... You can do so by displaying a webpage, preferably white bg and black text, for 5 minutes still. Then bring down the notifications tray. If you see the "ghost" of the letters and graphics, then your screen is like mine and you should ask amazon for a replacement device.
Hope this helps someone!
Cheers.
haha damn... I was so sure there were no other threads about this. Not even google brought up any other posts talking about this. Still, more info on the topic is better, right? ^^ Sorry!
jedivulcan said:
Absolutely. No worries. I couldn't find but maybe one or two posts on it either using Google.
I threw our the other forum link because there's a few pictures and a link to Amazon'sessage boards with customers that have similar issues.
I went "OOO" when I saw your post though because the observations about the Kindle were similar to mine.
It's either multiple component suppliers or really bad QC or a combination of the two. I returned both of my Kindles and might wait it out for something else.
I hate LCD display raffles. The odds of getting two that are completely different ones seem pretty high or it's an extreme coincidence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's really annoying to get a bad LCD... It has happened to me with Dell laptops, but never with mobile devices.
My particular issues with the Kindle don't seem to be exactly the same as other people, since they only get dead pixels, light bleed or weird color temps. None (that I know of) have noticed image ghosting or poor viewing angles on their devices. Maybe this thread can work as a warning to check for these particular signs so you can see if you got an inferior LCD panel in your kindle.
I really like this device, kudos to Amazon for introducing a whole new price point for android tablets... But they should continue to acknowledge and take responsibility for poor quality items. And people should be aware of the issue so they can ask for a refund or replacement unit.
However, when looking at it at an angle, it loses a lot of brightness, which the other screens did not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitively sounds like a bad screen. IPS display panels (which kindles are supposed to have), should have a near 180 degree viewing angle without loss of image. That sounds more like what you get with a TN panel (what cheaper displays [sub 300-400 dollars in terms of desktop displays] typically use). Either the IPS display was damaged somehow in the process of making it or they stuck the wrong kind of panel on it.
IPS displays are also exceptionally bright. If any of you are experience "too much" light bleed all the time then that is generally not a defect. Read on:
Light bleed around the edges is typical for IPS displays (which nearly all tablets, touchscreen phones (minus the OLED ones like samsung's) and high end desktop/laptop displays are). The solution is basically turn down the brightness (because IPS monitors are also exceptionally bright). I have 3 IPS desktop monitors (HP2475 and 2 HP2335) and 2 IPS tablets (HP touchpads) and one phone and the brightness on all are around 30-35%.
Even ipads have the issue, because they too, are IPS displays (and so are iphones). Just random information..."retina" is just a fancy marketing buzzword for "high resolution IPS display."
Light bleed tends to obviously be more noticeable on dark backgrounds such as black. If it's really noticeable, your display is most likely too bright.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPS_panel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_crystal_display#In-plane_switching_.28IPS.29
The kindle fire uses LG displays, (same supplier to many HP products, Apple, HTC and others). That should be a good thing, but defects do happen. Just another random fact...there's only a handful of IPS display panel manufacturers (LG, Sony/Samsung [a partnership], a few chinese outfits and maybe another Japanese one). Reason being the cost to make them mostly. Most monitors are just displays from those companies re-branded and wrapped in a monitor shell.
The single most expensive subsystem in the Kindle Fire is the display and touch screen, at a combined cost of $87.00, or 46.9 percent of the BOM. Amazon sources the display from two companies: LG Display and E Ink Holdings. The display uses E Ink’s FFS technology, which LG Display has licensed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Samsung Galaxy Note - my review

Hi everyone, I'm not much of a forum poster per se, but the immense sense of satisfaction if I dare call it that this device has given me I wanted to share with the community and perhaps sway people that are on the verge of deciding whether to take the plunge or not.
Little demographic info because I believe it will influence this short review since the device itself falls under a sort of intermediary category (phone/tablet). I am month away from 30 years of age, 181 cm tall, big giant head, small hands .
-----
• Size and handling:
The SG Note in my palm, feels like a phone. I have by no means large palms, and the general feel is that the device is perfectly operational with 1 hand with the exception of typing. It's doable but the device has to be positioned so it's bottom edge in portrait lies on the little finger, then the whole on-screen keyboard is accesible with the thumb. In other words, for my type of usage, I'd even dare to ask for an even bigger screen, 5.5"-5.65" and even then I'd be using it as an all-in-one device.
Positioned next to the ear, you might get asked the "what's that question" but teen insecurities are long behind me so I don't give a damn of other people's opinion when it comes to my style or appearance let along gadgets I use. Small talk is for the weak.
In the pocket, the phone can fit just about any size, front/back pockets. So this is a non-issue when it comes to transport. I prefer wearing it in my front pockets. It doesn't create any noticeable bulge. Minor exception might be extremely elegant silk suits, but that's couple times a year scenario for me, and even then, the front jacket pockets would do just fine.
7.5/10 for size and handling (I'd give 9 to SGS2, 9.5 to HTC sensation)
• Weight:
With it's 178g, the device is light and easy to work and hold in the hands for prolonged periods of time. I've watched a full video without having to switch hands or body position, something I frequently do when using a tablet or a netbook. It's weight isn't felt even when worn in the front pockets of loose trousers, so you won't be getting that uncomfortable feel of unbalance and a weight pulling down.
8/10 for size and handling (I'd give 10 to SGS2, 8.5 to HTC sensation)
• Display:
In order to comment of the display, I have to mention previous handheld/PDA/cell phone history: Palm Vx, Nokia 6600, Dell Axim X5, Toshiba 640x480, Iphone 2G, Nokia E90, Nokia N900, HTC HD2, HTC Desire, Nokia N8, HTC Sensation, Samsung Galaxy S2.
And without hesitation I'd like to declare that SG Note offers the best viewing experience out of any of the aforementioned devices. It's a perfect blend of resolution and picture quality.
- Black color: 95% pure black. SGS2 has perfect, 100% black tones, and Note, in a pitch dark room can distinguish between absolute darkness and on-screen tones. But it would be an extreme nit-picking if anyone finds this objectionable since the difference is so miniscule that doubt any sane person or even extreme gadget/visuals freak will find it objectionable. Introducing ambient light in the room, makes the on screen black appear as perfect blacks.
- White color: perfect white! Unlike my SGS2 which was simply put blue, in the 6400K range, the SG Note has extremely accurate white color tones. Beats my IPS apple cinema display 30" / 27" setup. Not having a true white color made browsing and watching web sites unbearable of the SGS2, outweighing to a big extend the joy from watching 720p videos.
- Contrast, saturation and brightness : Perfect. Unlike SGS2 where red/green/blue was heavily over saturated, the balance here is perfect. Everything is easy on the eye, colors pop-up just enough to make you want to stare for a long time admiring HD pictures, videos or simply browsing your favourite sites. You don't get tired when watching the screen.
In a way, all the benefits or Super amoled combined with all the benefits from an IPS display technology.
The resolution, paired with 5.3" or real estate, is something I've been waiting since I first got my hands on a mobile device. Sole reason I've changed devices was having the need for getting the highest resolution on an ideal size (4.5-6"). Although Iphone 4 had and still has the highest PPI, the 3.5" makes it useless for my needs.
1280x800, on a 5.3", + the contrast, tonal clarity, 0% light bleeds/leaks or similar effects, only 1 stuck sub pixel (stuck red, unnoticable in daily use) - make it the best panel I've ever seen.
9.5/10 (I'd give 8.5 to SGS2, 7.5 to HTC sensation)
(To be continued)
nice review...
I would also add:
-GPS lock is simply the best from everything I used before the Note
-I wish the white color is more whiter (like in the iPhone4)
-the s-Pen could have been positioned located in a better place
- amazingly amazing for gaming
- try watching movies via HDMI using MHL on 1080p (when I demo this to my friends they go nuts)
- connect it to a screen and bluetooth key-mouse
the bueaty of the Note is that it does not lag, slow it is just snap... something I missed from the iPhone4.... it just need to get better and this should be fixed with ICS
Simple word to discribe it is "AMAZING!!" all my co workers at work are amaze of its!! I do have htc phone before, but no one feel anything. Until i own this note, everyone looks to me differently now..lol
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
Blagoja D. said:
Hi everyone, I'm not much of a forum poster per se, but the immense sense of satisfaction if I dare call it that this device has given me I wanted to share with the community and perhaps sway people that are on the verge of deciding whether to take the plunge or not.
Little demographic info because I believe it will influence this short review since the device itself falls under a sort of intermediary category (phone/tablet). I am month away from 30 years of age, 181 cm tall, big giant head, small hands .
-----
• Size and handling:
The SG Note in my palm, feels like a phone. I have by no means large palms, and the general feel is that the device is perfectly operational with 1 hand with the exception of typing. It's doable but the device has to be positioned so it's bottom edge in portrait lies on the little finger, then the whole on-screen keyboard is accesible with the thumb. In other words, for my type of usage, I'd even dare to ask for an even bigger screen, 5.5"-5.65" and even then I'd be using it as an all-in-one device.
Positioned next to the ear, you might get asked the "what's that question" but teen insecurities are long behind me so I don't give a damn of other people's opinion when it comes to my style or appearance let along gadgets I use. Small talk is for the weak.
In the pocket, the phone can fit just about any size, front/back pockets. So this is a non-issue when it comes to transport. I prefer wearing it in my front pockets. It doesn't create any noticeable bulge. Minor exception might be extremely elegant silk suits, but that's couple times a year scenario for me, and even then, the front jacket pockets would do just fine.
7.5/10 for size and handling (I'd give 9 to SGS2, 9.5 to HTC sensation)
• Weight:
With it's 178g, the device is light and easy to work and hold in the hands for prolonged periods of time. I've watched a full video without having to switch hands or body position, something I frequently do when using a tablet or a netbook. It's weight isn't felt even when worn in the front pockets of loose trousers, so you won't be getting that uncomfortable feel of unbalance and a weight pulling down.
8/10 for size and handling (I'd give 10 to SGS2, 8.5 to HTC sensation)
• Display:
In order to comment of the display, I have to mention previous handheld/PDA/cell phone history: Palm Vx, Nokia 6600, Dell Axim X5, Toshiba 640x480, Iphone 2G, Nokia E90, Nokia N900, HTC HD2, HTC Desire, Nokia N8, HTC Sensation, Samsung Galaxy S2.
And without hesitation I'd like to declare that SG Note offers the best viewing experience out of any of the aforementioned devices. It's a perfect blend of resolution and picture quality.
- Black color: 95% pure black. SGS2 has perfect, 100% black tones, and Note, in a pitch dark room can distinguish between absolute darkness and on-screen tones. But it would be an extreme nit-picking if anyone finds this objectionable since the difference is so miniscule that doubt any sane person or even extreme gadget/visuals freak will find it objectionable. Introducing ambient light in the room, makes the on screen black appear as perfect blacks.
- White color: perfect white! Unlike my SGS2 which was simply put blue, in the 6400K range, the SG Note has extremely accurate white color tones. Beats my IPS apple cinema display 30" / 27" setup. Not having a true white color made browsing and watching web sites unbearable of the SGS2, outweighing to a big extend the joy from watching 720p videos.
- Contrast, saturation and brightness : Perfect. Unlike SGS2 where red/green/blue was heavily over saturated, the balance here is perfect. Everything is easy on the eye, colors pop-up just enough to make you want to stare for a long time admiring HD pictures, videos or simply browsing your favourite sites. You don't get tired when watching the screen.
In a way, all the benefits or Super amoled combined with all the benefits from an IPS display technology.
The resolution, paired with 5.3" or real estate, is something I've been waiting since I first got my hands on a mobile device. Sole reason I've changed devices was having the need for getting the highest resolution on an ideal size (4.5-6"). Although Iphone 4 had and still has the highest PPI, the 3.5" makes it useless for my needs.
1280x800, on a 5.3", + the contrast, tonal clarity, 0% light bleeds/leaks or similar effects, only 1 stuck sub pixel (stuck red, unnoticable in daily use) - make it the best panel I've ever seen.
9.5/10 (I'd give 8.5 to SGS2, 7.5 to HTC sensation)
(To be continued)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, nice...
Одлично!
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
Yeap, it's simply AMAZING.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
Thanks for the review. I have added it to the note review sticky. No need to keep this thread open now.
Thread Closed​

Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2

Thinking about buying one.
Why?
1) Getting blind in my old age, well not blind but I need reading glasses
2) Bigger screen should be more natural with magazines
3) Has Android 4.4 (now I know I can root install custom ROMs etc... but I also had bad luck doing this with tablets)
Two questions,
It is only 2 inches bigger does that two inches make it much harder to travel with?
It runs the latest Android, does it run better?
It is expensive and I which when I bought my Note 10.1 (2014) .... what 3 months ago I knew this was coming.
has crossed my mind as well, I do a lot of reading/surfing/viewing and I don't really take it out much
saw one in a shop ...not exactly cheap not sure worth the extra coin being asked
spacecat said:
has crossed my mind as well, I do a lot of reading/surfing/viewing and I don't really take it out much
saw one in a shop ...not exactly cheap not sure worth the extra coin being asked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personal preference of course. Some things to consider.
It's huge and comparatively heavy.
The N10.1-14 is getting 4.4 and M-UX; it's already listed as a feature on Samsung's commerce sites. It won't get the Pro features but you can download the most meaningful, Hancom Office, in the app sub-forum here. There was some question about a modified version of the Tab/Note|Pro s/w because we have a menu button and those devices have replaced it with a task button. N12 owners have reported that long-pressing the task button provides the menu function we have which means it's one set of s/w with different button function mapping. Other than the remainder of missing Pro features the only two other unique features to the N12 are four multiview windows (vs. our two) and an expanded keyboard with FN, ALT, CTRL keys.
The N12 has an inferior display because the same pixel count that's on the N10.1-14 is stretched out over a larger area. The N12 has a gross PPI of 247 compared to 299 on the N10.1-14. Both use a RGBW PenTile display which means the net RGB pixel count is 227 and the N10.1-14's is at 274. The iPad Air is 264. A couple of reviewers have mentioned seeing a difference between the Tab|Pro 8.4/10.1 and N10.1-14's displays when compared to the N12.
It's got a bigger battery and will outlast the N10.1-14. But the Exynos N10.1-14's take forever to charge so increase that even more for the N12.
It's got USB 3.0 but it does nothing to improve charging time and increases data transfer rates on Windows (only) PCs that are USB 3.0 equipped.
So in the end, especially after the N10.1-14 gets its updates, there's not a lot of difference between the two h/w and s/w wise with the biggest exception being a fairly low (for a 1080P display) net RGB pixel count of 227 on the N12. For reference the N2's 720P display had a net PPI of 267.
Happy deciding.
Where is the downloads of the hanscom?
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
AstroDigital said:
Thinking about buying one.
Why?
1) Getting blind in my old age, well not blind but I need reading glasses
2) Bigger screen should be more natural with magazines
3) Has Android 4.4 (now I know I can root install custom ROMs etc... but I also had bad luck doing this with tablets)
Two questions,
It is only 2 inches bigger does that two inches make it much harder to travel with?
It runs the latest Android, does it run better?
It is expensive and I which when I bought my Note 10.1 (2014) .... what 3 months ago I knew this was coming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's really nice. I don't think the extra size makes it harder to travel with. It is noticeably larger, and you see it the most when holding it with one hand while tapping and navigating with the other. Because it is larger and heavier, there's a lopsided weight to it to where it feels like it's trying to twist out of your hand. Nothing overly dramatic, but you do notice it every time. Unlike the Note 10.1 where your hand covers a larger part of the device and so there is less / none of that feeling. Any type of case etc would most likely mitigate the issue. Other than that the screen is beautiful, sure it may be lower density but nothing I ever noticed after using the Note 12.2. You'll really appreciate the larger nature of text and graphics however, and that is priceless.
BarryH_GEG said:
[*]The N12 has an inferior display because the same pixel count that's on the N10.1-14 is stretched out over a larger area. The N12 has a gross PPI of 247 compared to 299 on the N10.1-14. Both use a RGBW PenTile display which means the net RGB pixel count is 227 and the N10.1-14's is at 274. The iPad Air is 264. A couple of reviewers have mentioned seeing a difference between the Tab|Pro 8.4/10.1 and N10.1-14's displays when compared to the N12.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I ask how did you get the net PPI figure?
Note 10.1 has an RGBW matrix made of ~4 Mpixels (2560x1600).
This equals to the same subpixel count as a ~2.7 Mpixel RGB panel (PenTile only have 2 subpixels per pixel compared to RGB's full 3 subpixels)
Which means that our Note's effective resolution is 1306x2090.
So the hypotenuse of the panel (via the pythahorean theorem) equals to the equivalent of 2464 RGB pixels
Which finally means that we have an effective 244 PPI (2464.5/10.1)
Which is lower than Ipad's but higher than other 10.1 inch android's. iPad's screen also consumes far less battery has (arguably) better colours and most importantly does not suffer from the grayish blacks we suffer. In short if you want the best "large" panel in the market you have to go to Apple, for everything else our note is the best deal.
Stevethegreat said:
So the hypotenuse of the panel (via the pythahorean theorem).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously?
The effective PPI of the N10.1-14's display is 299 PPI. It's achieved somewhat by slight of hand by using combinations of sub-pixels to create the illusion of more. That's the very definition of PenTile whose impact varies greatly based on implementation. My simple formula is essentially just factoring in the loss of 25% of the RGB sub-pixels to the added white ones and distributing the lost pixels across each of red, green, and blue. .
From WiKi...
PenTile RGBW technology, used in LCD, adds an extra subpixel to the traditional red, green and blue subpixels that is a clear area without color filtering material and with the only purpose of letting backlight come through, hence W for white. This makes it possible to produce a brighter image compared to an RGB-matrix while using the same amount of power, or produce an equally bright image while using less power.
The PenTile RGBW layout uses each red, green, blue and white subpixel to present high-resolution luminance information to the human eyes' red-sensing and green-sensing cone cells, while using the combined effect of all the color subpixels to present lower-resolution chroma (color) information to all three cone cell types. Combined, this optimizes the match of display technology to the biological mechanisms of human vision.[13] The layout uses one third fewer subpixels for the same resolution as the RGB stripe (RGB-RGB) layout, in spite of having four color primaries instead of the conventional three, using subpixel rendering combined with metamer rendering. Metamer rendering optimizes the energy distribution between the white subpixel and the combined red, green, and blue subpixels: W <> RGB, to improve image sharpness.
The display driver chip has an RGB to RGBW color vector space converter and gamut mapping algorithm, followed by metamer and subpixel rendering algorithms. In order to maintain saturated color quality, to avoid simultaneous contrast error between saturated colors and peak white brightness, while simultaneously reducing backlight power requirements, the display backlight brightness is under control of the PenTile driver engine. When the image is mostly desaturated colors, those near white or grey, the backlight brightness is significantly reduced, often to less than 50% peak, while the LCD levels are increased to compensate. When the image has very bright saturated colors, the backlight brightness is maintained at higher levels. The PenTile RGBW also has an optional high brightness mode that doubles the brightness of the desaturated color image areas, such as black&white text, for improved outdoor view-ability.​RGBW is funky in that when displaying certain fully saturated colors (yellow and green have been given as examples) on a white background there's some granularity issues on hard graphics edges.
Also from WiKi...
However, for the same resolution and size the PenTile screen can appear grainy, pixelated, speckled, with blurred text on some saturated colors and backgrounds when compared to RGB stripe color. This effect is understood to be caused by the restriction of the number of subpixels that may participate in the image reconstruction when the color is fully saturated. In the RGBW case, this is caused as the W subpixel will not be available in order to maintain the saturated color. For all other cases, text and especially full color images are fully reconstructed.​The impact of PenTile depends on PPI and even more so on visual acuity - the point at which the viewer's vision intersects one arcminute. For people with 20/20 vision holding a device the typical 10-12" away you can't see that the N10.1-14's display is PenTile; at least from a clarity perspective. Some people here with 20/10 vision have seen the RGBW saturation issue. I, with 20/20 vision, haven't.
Here's an interesting article talking about PPI and its impact on various content...
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/10/1080p-on-a-smartphone-screencan-it-possibly-matter/
Here's an interesting article talking about visual acuity in the context of Apple naming their display "retina"...
http://www.anandtech.com/show/3794/the-iphone-4-review/4
The pixel race explored...
http://www.anandtech.com/show/7743/the-pixel-density-race-and-its-technical-merits
BarryH_GEG said:
Seriously?
The effective PPI of the N10.1-14's display is 299 PPI. It's achieved somewhat by slight of hand by using combinations of sub-pixels to create the illusion of more. That's the very definition of PenTile whose impact varies greatly based on implementation. My simple formula is essentially just factoring in the loss of 25% of the RGB sub-pixels to the added white ones and distributing the lost pixels across each of red, green, and blue. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly don't get your point, a rectangle is made of two triangles whose hypotenuse is the diagonal of said rectangle, which is why one can use the pythagorean theorem to find the diagonal's pixel count.
As for the rest I calculated what's the effective PPI of our device is in RGB terms, again I don't see where I'm wrong. I called it effective because most screens use an RGB panel. A 1306x2090 panel produces exactly the same sub-pixel count as our note. Now due to subpixels' placing one may see a different picture altogether, but holding our note side by side with an Ipad it is more pixilated, which shows to me that the 299 number is literally meaningless since we are talking about a different screen tech...
Stevethegreat said:
I honestly don't get your point, a rectangle is made of two triangles whose hypotenuse is the diagonal of said rectangle, which is why one can use the pythagorean theorem to find the diagonal's pixel count.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I would have done it the same way Stevethegreat did. But I'm not familiar with how they create the illusion of more subpixels.
I am debating which one to get- the note 10.1 2014 or the tab pro 12.2. Does the screen size make it a must have?
Sent from my LG-VS980 using xda app-developers app
I wanted to get the Note Pro 12.2 until I saw the price (am in Bangkok):
29,900 baht (~$930). I love my Note 10.1 2014.
Stevethegreat said:
May I ask how did you get the net PPI figure?
Note 10.1 has an RGBW matrix made of ~4 Mpixels (2560x1600).
This equals to the same subpixel count as a ~2.7 Mpixel RGB panel (PenTile only have 2 subpixels per pixel compared to RGB's full 3 subpixels)
Which means that our Note's effective resolution is 1306x2090.
So the hypotenuse of the panel (via the pythahorean theorem) equals to the equivalent of 2464 RGB pixels
Which finally means that we have an effective 244 PPI (2464.5/10.1)
Which is lower than Ipad's but higher than other 10.1 inch android's. iPad's screen also consumes far less battery has (arguably) better colours and most importantly does not suffer from the grayish blacks we suffer. In short if you want the best "large" panel in the market you have to go to Apple, for everything else our note is the best deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stevethegreat said:
I honestly don't get your point, a rectangle is made of two triangles whose hypotenuse is the diagonal of said rectangle, which is why one can use the pythagorean theorem to find the diagonal's pixel count.
As for the rest I calculated what's the effective PPI of our device is in RGB terms, again I don't see where I'm wrong. I called it effective because most screens use an RGB panel. A 1306x2090 panel produces exactly the same sub-pixel count as our note. Now due to subpixels' placing one may see a different picture altogether, but holding our note side by side with an Ipad it is more pixilated, which shows to me that the 299 number is literally meaningless since we are talking about a different screen tech...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You guys do know that a rgbw pentile display doesnt render images in full pixels like a rgb panel right? Thus making a comparison of the two technologies a pissing contest at best. A rgbw panel renders images at the subpixel level using any arrangement of the subpixels to achieve the desired image (in a way more natural and easier on the human eye) whereas a rgb renders images using the entire pixel (all 3 subpixels as a solid unit) it takes a rgbw display 1/3 less subpixels to display the same resolution image with no loss of image quality. Yes if you jam your face into the thing you will notice the pixels slightly sooner than a rgb. All that means is you look less like an idiot while pixel peeping with the rgbw. On text you will never notice a difference. One of the biggest electronics companies of all time keeps using pentile panels and keeps getting great screen reviews in its products. Shut the stupid pentile assault down. I cant even recall a reviewer knocking any of these screens. At normal viewing distance they are marvelous. If you dont use it at a normal distance congratulations your the minority that uses his tablet pressed to his face. Oh the and the "slight" loss of sharpness on the display in comparison to the note 2014 is made up for by a larger screen used FARTHER AWAY meaning that with normal vision no discernable difference. And lastly in what universe have you compared the note 10.1 to the ipad air and found the note more pixelated? Even factoring the lost pixel count (BarryH_GEG is right) the note is superior to the ipad. The rgbw panel doesnt need the extra pixels because it looks just as good without them. And if it looks just as good whats your problem?
Op the 12.2 offers alot more screen real estate. It is a bit heavier but unless you have lost tge ability to wipe yourself you will easily be able to carry it around. My 90 year old grandmother still carries an ipad 3 (same weight). The screen is very efficient and this tablet is consistently beating the ipad air in battery tests. It will take awhile to charge if you allow it to drain all the way. Which you shouldn't do. Charge it when not in use and you will be fine. 4.4 is smoother and the pro features are nice. I would also point out that the charging port is on the side making use while charging much easier. If you are intrigued by its size try it out. Worst case you return it.
Sorry guys for ranting but I keep seeing the same false information over and over again. Your splitting hairs between ridiculously good and slightly more ridiculously good and smaller.......just like that stupid 4:3 is better for reading thing. (IT IS NOT IN ANY WAY BETTER)
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 02:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:14 AM ----------
Oh please notice the only time you can tell the difference is text against a fully saturated background.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 02:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:18 AM ----------
Also from Nouvoyance (a company owned by samsung doing their r&d for rgbw pentile displays) the are pursuing pentile because it relies on technology that tskes advantage of the human eyes natural mechanisms. Samsung obviously believes that pentile is the way of the future. they seem to be selling the idea very well.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
@ Duly.noted: OK I get you dislike of ipad and it is not without merit but I was comparing the sub pixel count of our device with that of ipad's and unlike what BarryH_GEG said my calculations are not wrong, you said it yourself we have 1/3rd less subpixels. Now I often keep my tablet at a distance of 8-10 inches close to my eyes. Granted I keep it closer than most people, and also -granted- text looks better but everything else *doesn't* and *that's* my point, technically we have a worse screen but to most people it is just fine. It is not splitting hairs though, I would much prefer ipad's panel but then I would lose android's flexibility and the spen
As an experiment put a red text in a yellow background and *tell* me that it looks the same to you (same clarity) as in an ipad, because it sure as hell doesn't to me.
Anyway, this thread is about Note 12.2, so imagine it as a thought experiment in an even larger more spread out fashion. Again to many people this is splitting hairs but I think it is more important to let more people learn of the impact of pentile technology than simply call the panel a 2560 x1600 panel and be done with it. I'm surely not as happy to learn about it *after* I bought the tablet, but you're right it may not be that big of a deal, the biggest deal by far (for me) was/is the "milky" blacks and the atrocious gamma raise when looked at from different angles, both not expected from a panel of this calibre. I sure hope that note 12.2 have/had this issue fixed, because especially in such a large panel it would make quite an impact to its picture quality. Much more than the pentile arrangement would (even in principle) be able to make.
Duly.noted said:
Sorry guys for ranting but I keep seeing the same false information over and over again. Your splitting hairs between ridiculously good and slightly more ridiculously good and smaller.......just like that stupid 4:3 is better for reading thing. (IT IS NOT IN ANY WAY BETTER)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are ranting, fine if you want to do that, but your rant has almost nothing to do with the post you quoted. It it not about false information, whether the screen was good enough, nor 4:3 ratio. It is about methodology for calculating PPI. That may be interesting for someone comparing a Tab Pro 12.2, Note 10.1 2014, or an ipad.
ddzado said:
I am debating which one to get- the note 10.1 2014 or the tab pro 12.2. Does the screen size make it a must have?
Sent from my LG-VS980 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's my input. I had the Note 12.2 for about a week. I returned it without hesitation for the Note 10.1 (14). Why?
1. It's heavier. I came from an original Tab 10.1 and one would think that 4 ounces more isn't a big deal. That's what I kept telling myself. Yet it is. My hand got tired holding it very quickly where it never got tired holding the 10.1.
2. It's larger. Well, you say, that's the point isn't it? Yeah, but there's an odd thing about it being larger, it's harder to hold it. If you remember your physics class then you'll understand that the center of gravity for the 12.2 moves further from the hand than the 10.1. Throw in 4 ounces more weight and the torque applied to the hand makes it uncomfortable to hold in one hand.
3. The screen is just bigger, not better. The apps don't use the real estate better. They're just larger. It's like putting larger buttons on a pushbutton phone. You don't get more buttons, you just get larger ones. It's the same with your TV. A 50" screen has the exact same number of pixels and resolution as a 40" screen, just larger. Now, for us folks getting older one would think that this would be a good thing. It wasn't. It just didn't feel right.
4. Magazine UX. It was fun. For about 30 minutes. Because it was so limited I found it to be boring after a short period of time. I installed Apex.
5. When I combined it with a Zagg hard keyboard case it did a fine job as a desktop device. The keyboard was full sized and easy to use. Felt great. But, then I found myself pulling out my 15.6" laptop for those times instead. After all, if 12.2 is good on the desktop 15.6 is better.
6. One thing that I really liked on the larger screen was the ability to have up to 4 apps running at once. Mult-apps feels cramped on the 10.1" screen and it felt much better on the 12.2" screen.
My comments here are very personal and may only apply to me. They're intended to be a "heads up." Here's what I'd recommend to anyone thinking about getting a 12.2" tablet. Buy it at Best Buy or any other brick and mortar store that permits easy returns. Try it out, you'll know in a few days if it's for you. If you don't like it just return it. No harm done. (Don't do this at Fry's, they charge a 15% restocking fee.)
---------- Post added at 07:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:27 AM ----------
Side note on PPI:
PPI doesn't matter. Look at the screen. Run the apps you normally use. Do you like what you see? Yes? That's all that matters. Period.
TabGuy said:
Here's my input. I had the Note 12.2 for about a week. I returned it without hesitation for the Note 10.1 (14). Why?
1. It's heavier. I came from an original Tab 10.1 and one would think that 4 ounces more isn't a big deal. That's what I kept telling myself. Yet it is. My hand got tired holding it very quickly where it never got tired holding the 10.1.
2. It's larger. Well, you say, that's the point isn't it? Yeah, but there's an odd thing about it being larger, it's harder to hold it. If you remember your physics class then you'll understand that the center of gravity for the 12.2 moves further from the hand than the 10.1. Throw in 4 ounces more weight and the torque applied to the hand makes it uncomfortable to hold in one hand.
3. The screen is just bigger, not better. The apps don't use the real estate better. They're just larger. It's like putting larger buttons on a pushbutton phone. You don't get more buttons, you just get larger ones. It's the same with your TV. A 50" screen has the exact same number of pixels and resolution as a 40" screen, just larger. Now, for us folks getting older one would think that this would be a good thing. It wasn't. It just didn't feel right.
4. Magazine UX. It was fun. For about 30 minutes. Because it was so limited I found it to be boring after a short period of time. I installed Apex.
5. When I combined it with a Zagg hard keyboard case it did a fine job as a desktop device. The keyboard was full sized and easy to use. Felt great. But, then I found myself pulling out my 15.6" laptop for those times instead. After all, if 12.2 is good on the desktop 15.6 is better.
6. One thing that I really liked on the larger screen was the ability to have up to 4 apps running at once. Mult-apps feels cramped on the 10.1" screen and it felt much better on the 12.2" screen.
My comments here are very personal and may only apply to me. They're intended to be a "heads up." Here's what I'd recommend to anyone thinking about getting a 12.2" tablet. Buy it at Best Buy or any other brick and mortar store that permits easy returns. Try it out, you'll know in a few days if it's for you. If you don't like it just return it. No harm done. (Don't do this at Fry's, they charge a 15% restocking fee.)
---------- Post added at 07:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:27 AM ----------
Side note on PPI:
PPI doesn't matter. Look at the screen. Run the apps you normally use. Do you like what you see? Yes? That's all that matters. Period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm hoping to try all this out and see if it bothers me. I've never had a tablet before, but I've used the tablets of others.
I am hoping that I can root the thing and change a couple of the things you were mentioning. For example, I'm on a G2 right now, having the same issues with a bigger screen/apps are just bigger. I changed my LCD density (effectively the screen resolution) and now have a much better use of the real estate on the screen.
Another big test would be if the S-Pen works well on the Tab Pro (yes that's right Tab Pro). You would instantly save $100 minus the difference for buying a stylus. I don't care for the S-Pen software, just the handwriting capability.
I am also nervous about all the bloatware/UX that comes with it... I'm a guy that buys a phone and has it rooted/ROM'd before I go to bed. We'll see how long I last....
TabGuy said:
[/COLOR]Side note on PPI:
PPI doesn't matter. Look at the screen. Run the apps you normally use. Do you like what you see? Yes? That's all that matters. Period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are many of us who like to read , for many hours. Be it literature, articles, long emails. While a screen may look beautiful at first glance after long hours it can and will become tiresome if the PPI is below some threshold. As a reader PPI is the first I look for when buying a new tablet. Fortunately note's pentile handles text beautifully so I suspect it would not be a problem for note 12.2 either
ddzado said:
Another big test would be if the S-Pen works well on the Tab Pro (yes that's right Tab Pro). You would instantly save $100 minus the difference for buying a stylus. I don't care for the S-Pen software, just the handwriting capability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't work. The tab pro doesn't have an active digitizer. It wouldn't even work as a capacitive stylus. You'd just get nothing.
mustbepbs said:
It won't work. The tab pro doesn't have an active digitizer. It wouldn't even work as a capacitive stylus. You'd just get nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that blows. I mean.. you can draw with your finger... so why wouldn't any stylus work?
ddzado said:
Well that blows. I mean.. you can draw with your finger... so why wouldn't any stylus work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A capacitive stylus is made with a material that effects the electrical current of the touchscreen causing it to register as a touch in the same way a finger does. Pieces of metal will register as well. The spen is a active stylus. The tip is a nonconductive rubber or plastic tip and it affects the touchscreen using a magnetic field detected by the digitizer layer. This allows much greater accuracy and by increasing the magnetic force with a button sensitive to pressure allows pressure sensing. However, it would not function on any device that did not have either a resistive touchscreen or digitizer layer.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Pure Ergonomic genius

The sad thing about ergonomics done well is that nobody notices! Whereas, if you screw something up so that a product is unusable, everyone notices. So I thought I'd sing the praises of the bezel design of the Nook HD+, which just struck me the other day.
See, I had read some (non-mainstream) review of the HD+ where the reviewer was griping because he didn't like the looks of the raised bezel around the screen on the Nook HD+. He thought the glass should extend across the face, like it does on my Galaxy Tab 2.
But have you noticed that, when you're holding the HD+ in your hand, that you aren't sending false touches to the screen? I've read that Apple had to put some software in the iPad to mitigate this. Others in the Android world (like, with the Galaxy Tab 3, simply gripe that they can't hold their Tablets in portrait mode without constantly causing a page flip due to a false touch.
But that raised bezel on the HD+ is subtle. It keeps your fingers away from the screen just enough so that there are no false touches!
Doesn't require any software. Doesn't require any leaning (how to hold the tablet.) Brilliant!
Yeah I like it too.
The only thing is it does not allow slide in gesture. Though that doesn't seem to be something that's used in android (it is used plenty in ios)
Unfortunately, b&n is so poorly run and their market share so small they're not going to get much props or respect for what they get right.
well done b&n, indeed.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using xda app-developers app
Now imagine if you will, this device with a genuine Tablet UI. Near Nirvana until Google decided to do us all a favor.
Yes the bezel does help in holding the tablet...though I am scared of gripping it too hard!
Excellent industrial design overall...at the current selling price, I would rate it better than any other tablet (based on price/performance or price/features ratio)...more so after installing CM11
.....A light sensor and a front camera would have killed the competition (at negligible cost to manufacture)
barth2 said:
Unfortunately, b&n is so poorly run and their market share so small they're not going to get much props or respect for what they get right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their loss, our gain. I bought my HD+ (CPO) for $120 a few weeks ago from Fry's Elec. Before that, I was hankering for an HP Slate 8 Pro, with it's 4:3 aspect ratio screen. But HP wants almost 3 times as much for their 8 Pro, and it has a fatal flaw!
I wish I had bought a HD+ for $99 on Black Friday, but the xda developers (and the CM developers) weren't as far along with ROM development as they are now. There was the brick bug problem with TRIM and it didn't seem like it would work. But now that all that's behind us, if prices dip again, I might buy a second one. I don't know that anyone is ever going to make a 3:2 screen again, even tho it's close to the "golden ratio" and arguably the best AR for tablets. (Okay, the guy says Apple got it right with 1.6. But for moving maps in airplanes, 1.5 is better. )
barth2 said:
The only thing is it does not allow slide in gesture. Though that doesn't seem to be something that's used in android (it is used plenty in ios)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused. In Google Play, I can come from the left outside, off the bezel, and "slide in" to open the left slide out menu. Is that a "slide in" gesture? Or is a "slide in" gesture something else? I've never used iOS, so I don't know.
PMikeP said:
I'm confused. In Google Play, I can come from the left outside, off the bezel, and "slide in" to open the left slide out menu. Is that a "slide in" gesture? Or is a "slide in" gesture something else? I've never used iOS, so I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. A flat bezel does make the slide in gesture a bit easier. But I think nook makes the right trade-off.
I also think the curved edge makes the nook more comfortable to hold. In the tech review game, however, it's all about looking cool and how many mm thick you can get down to, so nook loses again.
I only wish that B&N had also gone off the beaten path w.r.t. aspect ratio and picked 4:3 instead of 16:10. I think 4:3 is a lot better for web, email, reading, and even games (on small screen). That's 80-90% of what I do with a tablet. The only thing wide screen is good for is watching tv/movies. But that's what I have my big screen tv for.
barth2 said:
You're right. A flat bezel does make the slide in gesture a bit easier. But I think nook makes the right trade-off.
I also think the curved edge makes the nook more comfortable to hold. In the tech review game, however, it's all about looking cool and how many mm thick you can get down to, so nook loses again.
I only wish that B&N had also gone off the beaten path w.r.t. aspect ratio and picked 4:3 instead of 16:10. I think 4:3 is a lot better for web, email, reading, and even games (on small screen). That's 80-90% of what I do with a tablet. The only thing wide screen is good for is watching tv/movies. But that's what I have my big screen tv for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to nitpick but this is 3:2 ratio. At least the HD+ is.
I do agree that for pretty much ANYTHING other than media consumption 4:3 is the way to go. Even then, 16:9 shows aren't too bad.
Sent from my Nook HD+ using xda app-developers app
I get "false touches" on my HD+ a lot. So much so that sometimes I have to turn the screen off and back on to get it to register a real touch. I think it has to do with the metal sides conducting bioelectricity. So the bezel may be great, but it certainly doesn't serve much purpose aside from comfort in holding the device.
JeauxAdam said:
Not to nitpick but this is 3:2 ratio. At least the HD+ is.
I do agree that for pretty much ANYTHING other than media consumption 4:3 is the way to go. Even then, 16:9 shows aren't too bad.
Sent from my Nook HD+ using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, 4:3 seems to me to be the best form factor for a tablet overall. I've actually always been curious about this. Is there any consensus out there on why Android manufacturers mostly go with 16:10 instead? Do they just want to be purposefully different to the iPad, or are they making an educated assumption of some sort that a majority of users will use their tablets mostly for watching video?
episode96 said:
Agreed, 4:3 seems to me to be the best form factor for a tablet overall. I've actually always been curious about this. Is there any consensus out there on why Android manufacturers mostly go with 16:10 instead? Do they just want to be purposefully different to the iPad, or are they making an educated assumption of some sort that a majority of users will use their tablets mostly for watching video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think maybe originally it was just to be different from apple. But this was one thing Steve Jobs got right.
to me a lot of apps just feel better in 4:3. Take gmail. Pretty much the same app on ios and android in term of basic layout and functionality. But it looks more proportionally pleasing on my ipad than the nook. The message list is less cramped vertically, with right amount of white space. The message pane feels right, not too wide and short. Probably has something to do with the golden ratio and all that.
I can't find any 4:3 android tablet that isn't from a no name Chinese manufacturer. ditto Windows metro. The whole widescreen thing started when movie makers wanted to differentiate from tv. then HDTV came along and wanted to more closely resemble the movies (and differentiate from SD). They should've thought twice about replicating widescreen in a small multi-purpose hand held device.

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