Have tried out the 10.1v this week - Galaxy Tab 10.1 General

Was lucky enough to get some hands on time with a pre release 10.1v at the gadget show live in the UK, along with the Xoom (both versions) and the Asus EEE Transformer. Probably spent a good 20 minutes running through the OS with the guy demoing the 10.1v and I have to say, it felt a seriously well made piece of kit.
I went to the show with the intention of buying either a Xoom, Transformer or an iPad 2 depending on my first experiences with Honeycomb, but I now think I'll wait for either the 10.1 or 10.1v; the contours and embossed back of the 10.1v made it very comfortable and light.
There was also a pre honeycomb version of what is to become the Iconica tab on the Acer stand but the unit itself left me massively underwhelmed.
As for the transformer; not impressed at all. It felt and looked like it was all bezel.

that's what i don't like about the Transformer.. too much bezel, but i guess that's because it has more ports, and maybe the SRS speakers add to it as well.. did you get to try out the speakers? are they any good?

I didn't think to really, it was at a massively busy exhibition and when I think of the use I'd get from a tablet I generally imagine I'd be using earphones.
One thing I would say is that the Xoom (and this isn't necessarily a bad thing) did feel noticeably heavier, but at the back if that makes sense.
Just seen that Vodafone Australia has opened up pre orders to start shipping 1st May so hopefully UK will follow suit today.

I bought a 10.1V last week... and I'm planning to return it back.
In general i liked it. A lot.
Honeycomb UI is quite good, well organized and easy to use.
It convinced me more than the Ipad.
I believe that with some bug fixes and optimization it could be very good for this use as tablet.
The Honeycomb version of chrome is quite decent.
It runs heavy pages full of pictures and embed videos very good, what is nice for those like me that pretend a tab most for web browsing.
But there a few things that I didn't like:
It lacks the SD card slot...
And unfortunately, I only found that V version is the only one without after open the box.
And it seems that does't have enough horsepower to run videos on HD!
It works... but not as smoothly as expected.
Also, multitask is not so multitask as I expected.
Most background applications are freezed, wich means for example changing from youtube videos to browser or even a new tab... sound stop playing.
Battery life is nice... but could be better.

dfelix said:
But there a few things that I didn't like:
It lacks the SD card slot...
And unfortunately, I only found that V version is the only one without after open the box.
And it seems that does't have enough horsepower to run videos on HD!
It works... but not as smoothly as expected.
Also, multitask is not so multitask as I expected.
Most background applications are freezed, wich means for example changing from youtube videos to browser or even a new tab... sound stop playing.
Battery life is nice... but could be better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HD playback issues are a know problem of Tegra 2 and "false" multitasking is due to Honeycomb. Are you gonna return Samsung Tab and wait for kal-el (quad-core Nvidia processor) and a more mature version of Honeycomb or you gonna just buy another tablet on the market? The complaints will remain if you follow the later option.

myself11 said:
HD playback issues are a know problem of Tegra 2 and "false" multitasking is due to Honeycomb. Are you gonna return Samsung Tab and wait for kal-el (quad-core Nvidia processor) and a more mature version of Honeycomb or you gonna just buy another tablet on the market? The complaints will remain if you follow the later option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If 10.1V had the SD slot I would keep it...
The reason I bought a tablet was a compact solution for web browsing and media.
And the 10.1V would fulfill the objectives if it had more storage.
Now I really don't know.
The real 10.1 would be enought for now.. but probably only come to Portugal in the end of next month.
And I guess Kal-El based devices will only be available in the end of the year.

10.1 will come out in the US in June. Expect at least a month later here in Portugal.
The reason I haven't bought 10.1v is fear that Samsung won't release updates to it, which are necessary 'cause Honeycomb is still imature.

myself11 said:
10.1 will come out in the US in June. Expect at least a month later here in Portugal.
The reason I haven't bought 10.1v is fear that Samsung won't release updates to it, which are necessary 'cause Honeycomb is still imature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what this site is for
Although, I doubt there will be many developers for the 10.1V.

If only 10.1 ROM's worked on 10.1v...

Thanks for posting that dfelix, I've been wondering whether to get the 10.1v when it comes out over here in the UK.
I have to be honest, at the moment I'm pretty close to not bothering with any of the current crop of tablets. They're all "alright" but I think dropping that sort of money on something that is the equivalent of a 3 year old laptop in spec (weight aside) isn't that attractive now I've used most of them.
But that's sensible me. REAL me wants a thin 10.1v and an iPad 2 so I get the best of both worlds.

mrdannyaitch said:
wants a thin 10.1v and an iPad 2 so I get the best of both worlds.
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Click to collapse
Whats the "best" coming from the iPad 2? i honestly cannot see why they are popular with the alternative 10.1 and XOOM

Apps, that's the best of ipad2. And its hardware dimension, also battery life.
Everything else are not that good in my opinion.
I own one, for my wife mainly while i am waiting the Samsung 8.9".

Stability, apps, weight. The whole ecosystem has massive flaws but I also think the iOS consumer base has a bigger draw for developers and manufacturers. Believe me, I HATE iTunes with a passion but I don't think you can fault their equipment that far. Xoom is heavy and the screen is rubbish. I've tried it on at least five occasions trying to convince myself it was ok, but it's just not.
I said in my other post I want a thin 10.1v, I mean the 10.1 obviously.
There seems to be a massive thing whereby you have to buy one or the other out of Android or iOS which I just don't understand.

Related

New Samsung Tabs Announced 8.9 and 10.1 Honeycomb ...

Looking good, starting at $469 too...
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/samsung-galaxy-tab-8-9-and-new-galaxy-tab-10-1-thinner-than-the/
I think the original has been left behind, no mention of updates for it ?
Wonder if the new 3G models will have phone thats the one thing about the current tab that sets it apart.
The current 7" fits in my coat pocket perfect, so 8.9" and 10.1" are not of interest to me.
If nothing else, hopefully they'll release later 7" Tabs that are thinner.
Then again, if there was an extended battery option for these larger tabs to get a bigger back case but another 6 hours, I'd probably be fine with the extra size/weight too.
All about choice, and we're certainly getting it.
(but yeah, I totally prefer the existing size, the best Tablet to have is the one with you, and I can't imaging lugging a 10" tablet around with me as easily as the 7" models)
They both interest me and good potential upgrades over my current tab !! I'd pick it up without any hesitation - although I'd prefer a stock honeycomb UI over the TouchWiz crap :\
I wished they make another 7", although google doesn't like honeycomb running on anything smaller than an 8" screen. Best part about my tab is putting it in my back pocket.
noobporter said:
I wished they make another 7", although google doesn't like honeycomb running on anything smaller than an 8" screen. Best part about my tab is putting it in my back pocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google doesn't want that?
HTC's Evo View 4G is getting Honeycomb, and it's a 7" with specs similar to the HTC Flyer.
I waited to see what they had to announce today......then I went out and got my new Tab. The others don't fit in pocket and wifi only prices are ok, but I want 3G for on the go.
codewisp said:
Google doesn't want that?
HTC's Evo View 4G is getting Honeycomb, and it's a 7" with specs similar to the HTC Flyer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1, the acer iconia A100/A101 and i think the MeMo from Asus are both running honneycomb aswell.
After they have left behind the original model so early (I bought mine only 2-3 months ago!!!), I won't ever look again at any Samsung tablet, so I don't care too much what they showed yesterday.
Is not the fact that we won't have Honeycomb (officialy, I'm quite sure that the developers will get it fully working, because the device is totally capable). Is the fact that it seems that they forgot they ever had an original Galaxy Tab. They don't even say that support will be discontinued, although we all know it.
At least Apple says "ok guys, you had support for your 3G for two years, is time to move up if you want further upgrades". Samsung throws a device to the market and then they change their mind and say "to hell with early adopters".
I will keep my original Tab until I feel I need a change (because it's working fine and it does what I need). But when the need for a new device comes, I will surely look out of Samsung catalogue, no matter what they offer. Let it be Xoom2 or iPad3 or whatever, but they will not "cheat" me again.
EDV11 said:
After they have left behind the original model so early (I bought mine only 2-3 months ago!!!), I won't ever look again at any Samsung tablet, so I don't care too much what they showed yesterday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you *know* they've left the original Tab behind?
Last rumour I heard Samsung said that we would get an update to at least Gingerbread.
Regards,
Dave
Bought it one week ago knowing that the future support will be uncertain. But, as I've read these days, the Gingerbread seems to be a sure bet for the first Tab.
Someone from Samsung was asked about this in MWC in Barcelona. This is the translation
There will ever be Honeycomb for Galaxy Tab?
No. The 7" Galaxy Tab does not comply with the necesary specs to run Honeycomb. The problem is related to the resolution and not the size, as many says.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As we all have seen, some developers made it to run already, so the resolution is not an issue.
The new tabs look really nice to me although I'm happy with the Gtab & don't need anything bigger. Knowing Samsung the hardware like the screen will be very nice & we have XDA for the software side. Not sure why they insist on touchwiz although it doesn't look too bad as far as skins go. Would be a shame if using an alternative launcher lost the cool new features of honeycomb like the status menu & new notification bar.
Overall I think we'll soon have a clear leader in the tab market that's android based. Apple really need something special with iOS 5 to compete.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
They look....Interesting.
the future is coming...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtqXLGPzVMk&feature=player_embedded
Tab 7" won't be abandoned, because it's at the limit of being mobile, but also not too small like phones. I usually bring my tab when I'm jogging, see how far I already run and then while drinking coffee, using it for browsing or swyping. It is the perfect size. I can't imagine bringing 9 or 10 while I'm jogging or anything else outside office or house without attracting too much attention and it fits my back pocket or my suite just fine! For phone or messaging I have my bb 9780 for massive and fast texting without worrying it's gonna break soon as I use it pretty rough.
I can imagine tab 7"with dual core, amoled display for 30% more battery life, 4g, thinner design, more lightweight, matured android os, more apps, better camera, more battery life, it would be perfect!
if that not going to happen, I'm jumping to playbook.

2 days left to return XOOM to BB -> Samsung 10.1

Got the XOOM wifi for my Bday. Totally enjoying the android tablet experience (also a Fascinate phone user). There are a few minor nit-picks for me with the XOOM. Seeing the Samsung 10.1 at Google IO is making me reconside my selection:
XOOM Nit Picks:
A bit Heavy (but certainly sturdy). I don't have any real need to lug this thing too far from my home office, so not really a deal breaker.
Power button on the back. I lie the XOOM flat on my desk. I need to pick it up to wake it up - many time per day. I find this oddly annoying!
Display just feels washed out to me. I have gotten away from the conservative auto-brightness to manually adjusted to better suite my taste. This is surely an UNFAIR LED vs Super Amoled comparison (like on my phone), but nonetheless, it is an issue for me.
Non-USB charging - yep, one more cable to manage. Again, this is an Android Tablet general concern, not specific to the XOOM.
So, the Samsung hits a couple topics for me: Lightweight, thinner, button on edge. But has its own set of issues for me:
Not 3.1 yet, Samsung seem terribly slow to push out upgrades (maybe really a Verizon issue on my phone?).
No HDMI/USB support. I am guessing they will provide some sort of dongle to provide these features, but ONE MORE piece to manage.
No SD Card support. I don have a big concern here, but who knows in the future?
Construction. The Google IO devices really looked/felt like cheap-plastic with that funky white back - but this may be how they get the weight spec to fall just below the iPad2. This is one of my gripes with the Fascinate phone - cheap back. I've not heard any reports of the retail config in June. Will it be like the IO devices, or return to something more like the original 10.18.9 black back.
I am totally on the fence here. Any suggestions??
Thanks,
Mark
Have you held a tab 10.1? it does not feel cheap and plasticy.
Xoom:
Available now w/3.1
802.11 a/b/g/n (as far as I know it's the only device with 5ghz wifi)
OTA updates (kies LOL)
Weight:
I typically carry mine around in some sort of folio case, or padded bag. To me, a few grams of weight is 100% negligible because of that fact... if I had any other tablet I'd stick it in a folio or case of some sort as well which surely adds to the weight. I don't know very many people that use their tablets without any form of cover/folio/case/screen film/etc. Even when I'm "around the house" I put it in a gel sleeve which adds to the weight. So... truly... is weight an issue on any of these tablets?
Screen:
I've held an ipad, an ipad2, a xoom, and an acer all together (not at once) - generally the screen on the ipads just seem better. dont know what the trickery is because its not just the fact that its an IPS screen vs a TN panel... I played with an Acer which is supposedly IPS as well and I thought it looked practically the same as my Xoom. I did get to hold it side by side with my Xoom at a tradeshow, it was a fun little tablet but it felt a little awkward to me. The button and output placement on it was better.
Peripheral placement:
Where the Xoom "sucks" the most if i may say it... is where everything plugs in. Short of the contacts for the power dock being on the bottom everything else is just wrong. You can't dock it and plug it into USB at the same time, gee thanks motorola.
My opinion:
Someone gave you a Xoom and you're out nothing. If you want a samsung tablet just wait until it comes out and sell your Xoom for $399 to someone as a deal and use that money to subsidize your samsung purchase.
I've got until tomorrow to return mine if I want. I've owned the original iPad, the Playbook and rooted a Nook Color. Currently, I have a Transformer on order and who knows if it will ever ship. Anyway, I agree with the previous poster that a little weight really is of little importance, especially when you put on a case. Also, for me, the connectivity is a concern because I use HDMI out a lot.
The Galaxy Tab looks appealing and I'm sure the screen will impress. However, I wonder if it will suffer from the light bleeding issues other such screens seem to have. I am also hesitant to jump in because of the stated concerns about Samsung not updating their products. That wouldn't be as great a concern if 3.1 wasn't such a dang improvement in performance and stability. Personally, I think the wiser course of action is to wait until the Galaxy 8.9. By then, surely 3.1 will be implemented and you will get a better form factor for carry.
Hi MarkP,
I think it`s really a hard decision, every review is saying great things about the Tab 10.1, for me the mains CONS are exactly those you mentioned, lack of ports and SD Reader (to be confirmed, actually, there are rumors that the retail version will have an SD reader).
Just to correct one point, the Tab 10.1 is not AMOLED, Samsung did not mention the display technology and people is speculating that it could be a Super LCD (the qualitty is very good), but is no AMOLED for sure.
I would be very worried about the pace of updates from Samsung, specially in the case of the retail tab which is supposed to come with some sort of TouchWiz (TouchWiz in itself is a big MINUS in my opinion, I like the Google Experience).
I think in any case you will be with a nice tablet, dependes of what is more important to your specific use case.
Regards ans good luck.
Sandro
dulaney22 said:
I've got until tomorrow to return mine if I want. I've owned the original iPad, the Playbook and rooted a Nook Color. Currently, I have a Transformer on order and who knows if it will ever ship. Anyway, I agree with the previous poster that a little weight really is of little importance, especially when you put on a case. Also, for me, the connectivity is a concern because I use HDMI out a lot.
The Galaxy Tab looks appealing and I'm sure the screen will impress. However, I wonder if it will suffer from the light bleeding issues other such screens seem to have. I am also hesitant to jump in because of the stated concerns about Samsung not updating their products. That wouldn't be as great a concern if 3.1 wasn't such a dang improvement in performance and stability. Personally, I think the wiser course of action is to wait until the Galaxy 8.9. By then, surely 3.1 will be implemented and you will get a better form factor for carry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, weight is a non issue for the most part, and I also agree about waiting to see if samsung updates...I mean, I have a Samsung Vibrant and have had a Samsung Galaxy Tab, and the updates are slow to come(if they come at all.)...Don't get me wrong maybe Samsung will shape up in the future, but for now til I see it I am going to try to stay clear of Samsung Android devices.
I personally don't understand the argument of Xoom's weight. Did people become that fragile that they can't carry around a device that is less than 2 lbs?
Also, Xoom will have a superior build quality compared to Tab 10.1, this is why it is heavier. You cannot have a slim, lightweight device that will have fantastic build quality. When you make a device that lightweight, you are giving up quality.
To me, it seems Xoom will always get it's updates quicker than any other Honeycomb tablet. Don't forget, Iconia and Transformer will get it in June, even though they are already available. With Samsung having touchwiz, my guess it will get updates a few weeks if not more after Xoom. And remember I/O? Xoom was the device Google used through out their experiments. If this is any indication, Xoom will probably get more dev support in terms of hardware capabilities.
I guess I can't really add anything that numerous people here have already pointed out. My biggest disappointment with the xoom is the display. It's just not vibrant in any way. Pretty dull really, in my opinion. However, the fact that the xoom has pure honeycomb and will get updates much faster than other tablets that contain OEM bloat is the key factor in my wanting the xoom over others. And, the bootloader is open. My first and current android device is the Moto Atrix, and I really wish I waited or researched the android world more before I bought it, and go a device that didn't have a locked bootloader, or could be unlocked.
If you're really on the fence about it, just return the xoom before it's too late, wait for the Samsung to come out and go compare them side by side. Unless of course you must have a tablet to use between now and release.
holtenc said:
I guess I can't really add anything that numerous people here have already pointed out. My biggest disappointment with the xoom is the display. It's just not vibrant in any way. Pretty dull really, in my opinion. However, the fact that the xoom has pure honeycomb and will get updates much faster than other tablets that contain OEM bloat is the key factor in my wanting the xoom over others. And, the bootloader is open. My first and current android device is the Moto Atrix, and I really wish I waited or researched the android world more before I bought it, and go a device that didn't have a locked bootloader, or could be unlocked.
If you're really on the fence about it, just return the xoom before it's too late, wait for the Samsung to come out and go compare them side by side. Unless of course you must have a tablet to use between now and release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think the display is bad from vibrant standpoint, but I wish there was some way to change the color temperature to make it a little warmer. Frankly, I don't care much for the overly saturated colors of the Samsung or iPad.
samsung has always been slow and lazy on updates.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
i think I need to see the galaxy 10.1 display in person because the colors I have seen in all the pictures look a little too saturated to me...I think that would get annoying after a while. From a color saturation standpoint, I would prefer the xoom over the GT 10.1
Thanks everyone!
A few notes to add:
The Bday gift was to myself
Yep. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 display is also LED, not amoled like my Fascinate (I wish!). Probably will look very much the same as the XOOM, unless Samsung is able to config color/contrast/saturation default levels before shipping - or provide an interface for these options.
I think I may just return the XOOM, and go tablet-less until ~June 4 timeframe, then try to find a Samsung 10.1 display to do the touchy-feely stuff.
Worse case (or best case) - I buy the XOOM again, probably for a discount over the $599 I paid ($569 prices around today).
Will be only a small issue to go tabet-less for the next 20-30 days!
Looks like the GTab 10.1 i/o devices are suffering from a bit of backlight bleed themselves.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13959199#post13959199
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qVS8KhM_rtXC555bw011jg
Good luck being able to rip open 10 of them on launch day to find a good one. Sometimes the quality control (or lack thereof) just baffles me.
^something like that I completely allowed on my $200 nook color. But when you double-plus the price, my tolerance grows quite thin and I expect the hardware to be as close to perfect as possible. Meaning: no back-light bleed.
Why not return, then repurchase at a different merchant to re extend your return time so you can wait for the Samsung to come out and be able to make a more informed decision? Once you sign into Google with the newly purchased xoom, virtually everything but your movies music and photos will be loaded back onto it.
You probably shouldn't do this, I only did something like this one time when i had a wedding shoot and really needed the money but had just sold my Sony nex. I went to Walmart and bought a dslr camera and returned it after the shoot. I'm sure if lots of people do this, it could **** with the merchants and Motorola. But, you know, its all well within your rights, just frowned upon. Your call.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Xoom is not the best, but enough to make me satisfied. The problem is Honeycomb itself (lag, missing apps..) not the xoom hardware.
tritran18518 said:
Xoom is not the best, but enough to make me satisfied. The problem is Honeycomb itself (lag, missing apps..) not the xoom hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you still having lag issues even after 3.1? Are you able to surf the net and listen to mp3 without any issues? I have a TF and I dont know if its worth waiting for 3.1 in June. My return date for my TF is at the end of May. I heard good things about 3.1. Listening to my music and surfing is one of the thing I do the most, and on 3.0 using either playerpro or PowerAMP cause so much lag that it will lock up the browser or the player. With PlayerPro it will actually stutter during playback
I was planning on waiting for the 10.1 but started having doubts when I heard about the lack of SD card, then in a moment of doubt I found a xoom on ebay for $405, I definitively think its worth it fr $405.
tritran18518 said:
Xoom is not the best, but enough to make me satisfied. The problem is Honeycomb itself (lag, missing apps..) not the xoom hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you not on 3.1?
erzhik said:
I personally don't understand the argument of Xoom's weight. Did people become that fragile that they can't carry around a device that is less than 2 lbs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no ****. you gotta laugh when someone complains how tablet x is soooo much heavier than tablet y... and the difference is only 100 grams!

Anyone considering the Toshiba Thrive?

There's some info on Endgadget and the specs don't look too shabby, is anyone considering this machine?
Toshiba didn't exactly jump into the tablet market head first, but now that it's come clean with the Thrive, its first pad for the US market, it's wasting no time -- we just got some hands-on with the 10.1-inch, Android 3.1-powered slate -- which, by the by, is the first that we know of to sport a removable battery. It's also got a few more rarities: full-sized USB and HDMI ports and a full-sized SDHC / SDXC slot. Oh, and its $429 starting price ain't bad either. So was Toshiba's entry into the world of Android tablets worth the wait? Join us for a tour past the break, and decide for yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/toshiba-thrive-hands-on/
This does seem like a fully loaded device but I think compared to the portability of the Tab 10.1, it will soon become annoying. I think I'm going to stick with the Tab 10.1 and purchase the adapters for USB/HDMI. I'd only need to carry them on 5% of my journeys anyway.
Yes, I'm interested. 1.6 lbs is like the Ipad 1 tablet and the reviewer states that its really not that bad. Ports are important, and the user removable battery is a real plus. Thickness is a bummer, but over all, the tablet looks like a real contender
this WAS the 1 i really wanted but when i saw it had more bulk than my xoom i've decide to go with the 10.1, but i would take this over the xoom.
The location of the cameras is ODD. Seems like it would be difficult to hold and not obscure the cameras.
I like that you can change the battery but me personally I don't need all those ports. If I have to have all that I may as well get a laptop or netbook. Also I'm not keen on that chrome around the camera. It's petty but I also like looks when it comes to my devices
It just moved up to number one on my list just waiting to see what HTC comes out with with in a 10.1 tablet
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
No.
1. I hate that silver / chrome plate around the camera. It is too distracting, look cheap and ugly. I cannot stand it, period.
2. It is too bulky and heavy. I don't need all those ports, especially because I will use it rarely.
3. I don't need replaceable battery. From my experience, even after a year or two, the lithium battery is still good. And by that time, I have upgraded to a new device anyway. I know, it is a plus to have replaceable battery, but if it adds to the weight and bulkiness (because of the mechanic or whatnot), then I don't want it!
GTab 10.1 is still my number one choice ... IF I can buy one
I like what I've seen. I was following this for a few months, but scratched it off due to the Tab 10.1. Now I've written off the tab 10.1 I think, because it just leaks cheap. I'll reserve my final judgement until I see some reviews.
I'm sorta curious what the odds of being able to install Windows 8 on it might be. It appears to be the same exact design as one of Toshiba's upcoming Windows 8 tablets they showed at Computex, just with a different processor. I'm not excited about Tegra 2... but..... if it's really that bad, that is why they have return policies. A Dual boot Android / Windows 8 tablet might be a serious case of Winning!
Oh, I also am looking forward to see what HTC is bringing to the table as well. I don't want to count them out.
I am the one considering the Toshiba Thrive as well.
Yeah the Thrive is thick and heavy with the chrome camera and rubber back that sound odd, but the fact that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has no SD card and USB slot turns me off, it seems like Samsung is going to rip us off with accessories that I have seen in the youtube video shown in another thread, so Samsung learned styling and ways of money making from Apple huh?
Full size USB, HDMI and SD card port, plus attractive pricing and the Toshiba brand outweight the clumsy look. Hope XDA will have the Thrive forums soon.
bbeelzebub said:
Now I've written off the tab 10.1 I think, because it just leaks cheap. I'll reserve my final judgement until I see some reviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely worth reserving your final judgement because the reviews that I have read all pretty much say how premium the quality of the 10.1 is compared to what they expected before they saw it in person. I didn't bookmark all the reviews I read so can't seem to find them all but Engadget wrote:
"It's a tremendous thing to hold, and it truly oozes quality from corner to corner".
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/samsung-galaxy-tab-10-1-review/
Personally, I don't think it looks that cheap but like you, I am also reserving my final judgement until I see it in the flesh.
No XDA forum - No buy!
It's very simple, I like the device and want to get one. But with no XDA forum (yet), I'll have to wait. I do like to try out custom rom's, etc., as well as the practical uses. Right now I have an LG G-Slate, and with no XDA forum I can't do anything (other than rooting). So, if one is interested in simply "using" a device, then the Thrive looks excellent except for its bulk. For those of us who want to do more - we'll need an XDA forum.
Looks like a cool tablet. Had it come out a month earlier, I might have bought it.
These guys releasing Honeycomb tablets in July, August, and September just feel like they are a bit late to the game.
Ravynmagi said:
Looks like a cool tablet. Had it come out a month earlier, I might have bought it.
These guys releasing Honeycomb tablets in July, August, and September just feel like they are a bit late to the game.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes total sense. So I take it you only buy your devices briefly after a new OS is introduced? How old is your Windows/Apple desktop/laptop?
akarol said:
That makes total sense. So I take it you only buy your devices briefly after a new OS is introduced? How old is your Windows/Apple desktop/laptop?
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With laptops/desktops, I can update the OS whenever I wish. I'm not dependent on the hardware manufacture to make a custom OS for my computer. So tablets are very different from a laptop or desktop. Though I do know people that do hold off laptop/desktop purchases if a new OS release is near, to avoid having to buy an upgraded OS later.
I love Android, but 3.0 and 3.1 have not been that good. It was a rush job and the source code was never even released. And hardware manufactures already proven they are very slow with major OS release updates. With the hope that Android 4.0 will unify the phone/tablet OS and includes major improvements to stability, compatibility, and fragmentation...
Personally I think there probably is a line in the sand somewhere where a person should ask themselves, do I really want to get into an Android 3.x tablet now with 4.0 coming soon?
I'm not sure I made a good decision getting my GT 10.1 back on June 17th (really nice hardware though). It is really going to suck if I'm still rocking Android 3.crap in 2012. Really hope that doesn't happen, but I have no idea.
Techno79 said:
This does seem like a fully loaded device but I think compared to the portability of the Tab 10.1, it will soon become annoying. I think I'm going to stick with the Tab 10.1 and purchase the adapters for USB/HDMI. I'd only need to carry them on 5% of my journeys anyway.
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I totally agree.
By looking at the photos, it seems as though the rear camera does not include a flash.
I went with the GT 10.1. LOL I got tired of waiting and I didn't like that the Toshiba doesn't have Gorilla Glass, is a lil' heavy and apparently just uses a regular LCD screen with some sort of software to make it crisper and brighter.... The GT has such a nice screen, I couldn't resist. It also feels so light in hand.
Still, different strokes for different folks. I'm sure the Toshiba has nice things about it too... like the ports. Still... I like weight of the GT sooooooo much.
I was seriously considering waiting for the thrive since its almost 100 bucks apart, you could get a 8g, plug in a 16g SD and in the end beat the 10.1 in memory.
But then I thought real hard about what I needed a tablet for. I have a NB at home and at workplace, and if I needed to do stuff that needed serious computing, I would choose the NB over any tablet even if it was quad-core.
The reason I need (or, want) a tablet is for portability, acccessibility to games, video, web surfing and data/email checking. I dont see how often I will cry over that lack of ports, if ever at all. and ports and price are probably the only things that toshiba has an edge over the 10.1. Once I decided that I really dont need the ports (especially you can get the usb dongle for $20 for the rare occasions that you need the port), it was a no brainer decision.
I would think that the Thrive buyers would have to use usb host a lot in order to feel better about the decision over 10.1. Otherwise, everytime you browse the web, watch videos, read papers, or play games on 10.1, it's just hard to think that there's a alternative attractive choice.
arnold88 said:
It's very simple, I like the device and want to get one. But with no XDA forum (yet), I'll have to wait. I do like to try out custom rom's, etc., as well as the practical uses. Right now I have an LG G-Slate, and with no XDA forum I can't do anything (other than rooting). So, if one is interested in simply "using" a device, then the Thrive looks excellent except for its bulk. For those of us who want to do more - we'll need an XDA forum.
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Here is a Thrive forum for you. Its not XDA but a good one never the less
http://www.thriveforums.org/forum/forum.php
If I just wanted to have a usb port or SD slot just once in a great while, than the Thrive is a winner. The comments that the thrive is clunky and heavy is way off base. Its been reported by reviewers that the weight is not heavy and feels good holding it. By the way, the Transformer 2 has been reported today to be coming out this October with Tegra 3, the new OS and goodness who knows what other upgrades. Some thing to consider as well
SR45 said:
Here is a Thrive forum for you. Its not XDA but a good one never the less
http://www.thriveforums.org/forum/forum.php
If I just wanted to have a usb port or SD slot just once in a great while, than the Thrive is a winner. The comments that the thrive is clunky and heavy is way off base. Its been reported by reviewers that the weight is not heavy and feels good holding it. By the way, the Transformer 2 has been reported today to be coming out this October with Tegra 3, the new OS and goodness who knows what other upgrades. Some thing to consider as well
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Click to collapse
The Thrive is 1.6 pounds. My Acer was 1.7 pounds, and it felt a lot heavier than my Tab 10.1
I can now surf the web with one hand, unlike the Acer. The Thrive will definitely feel heavier than the Tab 10.1
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

Need some Advice - Which tablet to buy..?

Need advice on which tablet to get.
I can't seem to make the decision! (It's like picking paint, once you've seen so many, you cant decide...)
I've figured it's between the:
Galaxy Tab 10.1 (P7500)
HTC Jetstream (although not available in Australia - Not sure how i'll tackle this)
Asus Transformer 3G
Can anyone who has used all three (or the transformer/galaxy tab) let me know how it feels, response wise?
I will be using it for business also (meetings, typing notes, etc).
I need 3G and at least 32GB storage (will go 64GB with Samsung 10.1)
Do not expect people who chose SGT 10.1 to recommend other tablets if they decided SGT was best for them.
I had similar choices and chose Samsung, a lot of threads to read for reasons.
Yeah, on this Forum, SGT10.1 will be the choice.
There really is little difference in terms of performance, since all the internals are more or less the same (Tegra2, 1GB RAM, Honeycomb 3.1). As for notetaking you have to go for HTC Flyer (7 inch) or wait for the Galaxy Note (5 inch).
For me, it was the form factor - slimmer, lighter, and ergonomically better (especially compared to the Transformer) that sold me to a SGT10.1. Then the brighter screen was a plus. If you cherish mobility, thumbs down SGT10.1.e
I can talk about the Jetstream and the G-Tab. I'll start with the Jetstream. It's extremely well made and Sense on it is pretty cool. It has a ton of well-done widgets and lots of options for personalization. Now for the bad. It weighs a ton, is oddly shaped which makes it tedious to hold, and HTC did a crap job with the video implementation and codecs. It's been out for months and there's still no accessories for it. It's fast at UI navigation, on par with the G-Tab at browsing, and worse at video because of the crap job HTC did. It's also insanely expensive. I had one for nine days and returned it.
When asking people about the G-Tab, you also need to ask how they use it. I use it to consume content, mostly while traveling. I use Plex and PlayOn for video streaming, Rhapsody for remote and local music, web browsing, e-mail, newspapers and magazines, productivity apps, and some light gaming. For that, it's teriffic. Samsung does the best of all the manufacturers with audio and video drivers including DRM support. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give overall performance an 8. It stutters and bogs occasionally but it's random and occurs less than 5% of the time. It's thin, light, has a gorgeous (if somewhat oversaturated) display, and has a lot of pretty cool optional accessories.
A lot of people will tell you to wait because there's better around the corner. The only possibilities in 2011 are the Toshiba AT200 and Transformer2. The Xoom 2 might also appear before the end of the year. They'll have better processors and maybe ICS but are expected to have the same resolution. Samsung's launching the 7+ and 7.7 in November/December with 3.2 vs. ICS so who knows what the other new tablets will have.
Others can discuss the Transformer but I'd definately pick the G-Tab vs. the Jetstream. If you can wait until December or Q1 2012 you might have better options but for now (IMHO) the G-Tab's the best of what's out there in the 10.1 category.
BarryH_GEG said:
I can talk about the Jetstream and the G-Tab. I'll start with the Jetstream. It's extremely well made and Sense on it is pretty cool. It has a ton of well-done widgets and lots of options for personalization. Now for the bad. It weighs a ton, is oddly shaped which makes it tedious to hold, and HTC did a crap job with the video implementation and codecs. It's been out for months and there's still no accessories for it. It's fast at UI navigation, on par with the G-Tab at browsing, and worse at video because of the crap job HTC did. It's also insanely expensive. I had one for nine days and returned it.
When asking people about the G-Tab, you also need to ask how they use it. I use it to consume content, mostly while traveling. I use Plex and PlayOn for video streaming, Rhapsody for remote and local music, web browsing, e-mail, newspapers and magazines, productivity apps, and some light gaming. For that, it's teriffic. Samsung does the best of all the manufacturers with audio and video drivers including DRM support. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give overall performance an 8. It stutters and bogs occasionally but it's random and occurs less than 5% of the time. It's thin, light, has a gorgeous (if somewhat oversaturated) display, and has a lot of pretty cool optional accessories.
A lot of people will tell you to wait because there's better around the corner. The only possibilities in 2011 are the Toshiba AT200 and Transformer2. The Xoom 2 might also appear before the end of the year. They'll have better processors and maybe ICS but are expected to have the same resolution. Samsung's launching the 7+ and 7.7 in November/December with 3.2 vs. ICS so who knows what the other new tablets will have.
Others can discuss the Transformer but I'd definately pick the G-Tab vs. the Jetstream. If you can wait until December or Q1 2012 you might have better options but for now (IMHO) the G-Tab's the best of what's out there in the 10.1 category.
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Great comparison! - Quick question (I could probably find this out if i searched)... Will the Galaxy 10.1 get ICS in the future? I know some say might say yes and some might say no, but has anything been announced saying GT10.1 will get ICS?
Me personally...I make a list of devices to choose from (like you did), then I look around XDA for the device with the best support, the most activity, the nicest ROMs, and stuff like that. I was between the Transformer and the 7510, and I chose the Galaxy. Loving it. Not sure how the 7500 holds up, but from what I know, I'd go with the Galaxy.
(Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of good out there for the transformer too)
It's probably 6 of one, half dozen of the other.
Yianni said:
Great comparison! - Quick question (I could probably find this out if i searched)... Will the Galaxy 10.1 get ICS in the future? I know some say might say yes and some might say no, but has anything been announced saying GT10.1 will get ICS?
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Click to collapse
I guess Samsung could go one of two ways:
1) Introduce a G-Tab 10.1+ with a better processor, higher res display, and ICS leaving everything else pretty much the same. In the process they'd leave the original Tabs on 3.X. This would obviously piss all us early adpoters off enormously.
2) Since they're still rolling out the 8.9 and 10.1 in a lot of the world and its always been the tablet priced closest to the iPad, they introduce ICS as soon as possible to improve the user experience (existing and new) to continue to try to steal Apple's marketshare. This would make existing customers happy and allow them to get more mileage out of their investment in the 8.9 and 10.1.
Obviously, I'm rooting for number two and Samsung's always been fairly customer-centric so number one wouldn't fit their historical behavior. But, to answer your question, there's been no commitment by Samsung to upgrade either the 8.9 or 10.1 to ICS. The 7+ and 7.7 are supposed to launch on 3.2 and there's been no mention of ICS for them either. The Toshiba AT200 is launching with 3.2 and I don't think anything's been confirmed for the Transformer2 yet. From what I've read, both Honeycomb and GB apps have to updated to work on ICS. Even if ICS was released tomorrow, there's tons of work app developers and the OEM's have to do. So I'm guessing its first appearance on a tablet will be later rather than sooner. If I were a manufacturer I'd see how the Nexus Prime faired in the wild before I started migrating devices to ICS. Historically, Google devices (Nexus, et. al.) have always come out with a new OS months before its generally released/available. It's due out this month or next which could mean Q1 before other devices start to appear or get upgraded. Bottom line is your guess is as good as mine.
How about the OIL SLICK issue on the sgs tab
I just made this decision and got the tab 10.1
Reviews pretty consistently call it the current best. It is slimmer and lighter by far then the other two you mentioned. etc etc.
I knew about the oil slick, but from what I have read in hear I think Samsung has a fix for it. So I don't think new models will have the issue. I think B6 and B7 have the issue, and the one I just got two days ago was a B9. I think the number indicates the month, i.e. june, july, sept.
So my vote was Tab 10.1. To compensate for the lack of sd, I got the 32gb version. Yep, their plan worked..
raufhon said:
How about the OIL SLICK issue on the sgs tab
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I've never had it nor known anyone to have it.
raufhon said:
How about the OIL SLICK issue on the sgs tab
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Click to collapse
Few early devices had them, I had it on mine but Samsung replaced the screen under warranty and no issues after that. So if you are buying now you should be fine since Samsung would have fixed the issue in the new batches.

About to sell before the Nexus tablet

Hi all,
I'm about to sell my 7.7 its a great device but the OS sluggyness (more than a second to unluck is not right) is getting on my nerves.
Its clear this isnt going to get any form of regular updates so to stave my losses on it I'm going to sell this now and ideally do so before the Google Tablet arrives.
Is a great machine but with the lack of dev community its a no go for any early adopters liking to play.
Real shame samsung.
btk
Is this where we post "Cool story bro"?
Just remove the lock option if its peeing you off,
i don't have it set on mine so its instant off,
also use another launcher or if you like the stock launch then just have it set with the single home screen,
i currently use the TW launcher with 1 home screen and 2 widgets no problems,
have come close to buying another tablet but there isn't one that feels as good a the 7.7...
I still cannot believe that the nexus tablet is going to be sold as cheap as it is rumored to be atm.
Anyways, let's say it really is: Then it would actually be a good idea to get rid of the unsupported tab 7.7 in time, as you could easily buy two nexus tabs for the money the 7.7 is valued right now.
I think there has to be a hook somewhere.
billytkid said:
Hi all,
I'm about to sell my 7.7 its a great device but the OS sluggyness (more than a second to unluck is not right) is getting on my nerves.
Its clear this isnt going to get any form of regular updates so to stave my losses on it I'm going to sell this now and ideally do so before the Google Tablet arrives.
Is a great machine but with the lack of dev community its a no go for any early adopters liking to play.
Real shame samsung.
btk
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Click to collapse
it is a really good idea i have a same feeling too
I guess I see it as a quirky exotic car. Not as reliable as a cheaper econobox, but 7.7 has my favorite combination of build quality, super thin form factor - yet great battery life, and awesome screen. To me there isn't enough improvement over the 7.7 with the Nexus Tablet that makes me want to swap.
As others have mentioned, swap out the stock launcher & browser, use NoLock, etc. I have tweaked around almost all the deficiencies of the 7.7 and have 99% of what I want in my perfect tablet. The only troublesome issues are this random looping reboot problem that we're discussing in the other thread I haven't been able to make headway with and also that i wish i could enable bluetooth phone profile on the Verizon version.
Maybe when more details are announced for Nexus Tab that make it more awesome, and if the damn random reboot problem on my VZ 7.7 keeps happening.
rEVOLVE said:
I guess I see it as a quirky exotic car. Not as reliable as a cheaper econobox, but 7.7 has my favorite combination of build quality, super thin form factor - yet great battery life, and awesome screen. To me there isn't enough improvement over the 7.7 with the Nexus Tablet that makes me want to swap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do sympathize with the OP. The 7.7 will be my last Samsung product. it's simply not acceptable anymore to launch a premium tablet without appropriate support when the software is just not adequate.
This said, I agree with above. It is still the "best" hardware on the market as far as 7" format goes, with the only possible upgrades being the processor and the screen (resolution wise; would make a huge difference for ebook reading - you get used to the retina screen). I'd have to wait to be tempted by any of the upcoming models, an still seriously hope Samsung will do the right thing and release ICS soon.
The main drawback compared to the Google offering will be the lack of phone option.
globiboulga said:
I do sympathize with the OP. The 7.7 will be my last Samsung product. it's simply not acceptable anymore to launch a premium tablet without appropriate support when the software is just not adequate.
This said, I agree with above. It is still the "best" hardware on the market as far as 7" format goes, with the only possible upgrades being the processor and the screen (resolution wise; would make a huge difference for ebook reading - you get used to the retina screen). I'd have to wait to be tempted by any of the upcoming models, an still seriously hope Samsung will do the right thing and release ICS soon.
The main drawback compared to the Google offering will be the lack of phone option.
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Click to collapse
100% agreed
There will be compromise, Mostly screen Nothing beats Amoled!!, no gsm 3g, maybe tiny battery , bigger chunkyer, not magnesium crappyer build quality. The reason the cpu will be good is because it will be mass manufactured, and thats why the price will be so affordable. I think.
I was reading a report online last week that spoke of them going into mass production with some CPU manufacturer, lets see as I have my good days and bad day with the galaxy tab 7.7....
Do wish they would kick the ICS out for this baby and we could see if worth keeping or not, but yes I totally agree with most people on this and Samsung has dropped the ball on this and will be my last Samsung product
I also agree with OP's point to an extent. I actually went from an original Galaxy Tablet, to the 7 Plus, and hate that Samsung does this to their customers. They got our money and forgot about after purchase support. If the 7.7 wasn't such a great device I wouldn't have went with another Samsung.
The next best device I would consider for myself would be the Toshiba Thrive 7.7 - also a SAMOLED+ screen, Tegra 3, skinnier than 7.7 but Wifi only and i really enjoy the battery life and built in LTE from the tablet w/ my 7.7.
be aware !
nexus tablet might lack 3g,LTE, rear camera to make it a affordable device.
evil_penguin said:
be aware !
nexus tablet might lack 3g,LTE, rear camera to make it a affordable device.
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Click to collapse
to hit the price point, those things are well worth the sacrifice.
unless your tablet is your sole device, most people will have a phone which can do all those other things. the tablet was meant to be a secondary device you can use which is inbetween completely portable (phone) and non-portable (desktop).
Humm, no 3g that sux. I use 3g for data.
WiFi at home 3g when I am not, thats a deal braker for me.
I don't have the 7.7 but having played with it in store, I can't imagine Google matching it in quality for the price point they want. That'd be a pretty incredible feat.
Given that I think it'd be a hasty mistake to sell. It sucks for ICS to still not be there but it'll come - and chances are good you'll have a better tab than Google's then.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Got £340 in the end for the tab and have just spent £200 on the g7,sold just in time me thinks.
Feels like I got there just in time.
If 7.7 had Samsung support I wouldn't have swapped
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
The Nexus tab is a competitor to the Kindle and Nook, i dont know why you would downgrade, give it a few weeks and ICS will be available.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
adinis78 said:
The Nexus tab is a competitor to the Kindle and Nook, i dont know why you would downgrade, give it a few weeks and ICS will be available.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep though Tegra3 is superior CPU, I think once ICS drops, aside from Tegrazone games we won't notice any real life difference. The CPU @ 1.4 in our 7.7 is more than fast enough. Heck even my 1Ghz Tegra2 sony tablet s flies with ICS
The killer battery life and 3G is whats making me keep this instead of flogging and buying a Nexus 7 (at a profit too lol)
I agree with more or less all the comments on here, the built quality of the 7.7, weight, and that screen is amazing, but we have been waiting far too long for ICS and Jelly bean is around the corner. We have the advantage of a SD slot 3g etc but the hardware specs of the Nexus 7 is just better in terms of CPU GPU etc under the hood. In my opinion if you just use your tablet for casual use, browsing and consuming digital content then the Nexus 7 makes sense. for cheaper and better experience. But if you have loads of apps, content and you use your tablet as a travel companion and main device to create and produce things then the 7.7 is still a great device. I am in 2 minds right now, might sell up with all my accesories and get 2 nexus 7's one for the wife and one for me. Just not sure
giotecno said:
I agree with more or less all the comments on here, the built quality of the 7.7, weight, and that screen is amazing, but we have been waiting far too long for ICS and Jelly bean is around the corner. We have the advantage of a SD slot 3g etc but the hardware specs of the Nexus 7 is just better in terms of CPU GPU etc under the hood. In my opinion if you just use your tablet for casual use, browsing and consuming digital content then the Nexus 7 makes sense. for cheaper and better experience. But if you have loads of apps, content and you use your tablet as a travel companion and main device to create and produce things then the 7.7 is still a great device. I am in 2 minds right now, might sell up with all my accesories and get 2 nexus 7's one for the wife and one for me. Just not sure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wait for ICS, with hopefull improvements it will blow the nexus tan out the water even if it has "better software"
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium

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