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We are considering getting my Mother in Law something like this for her birthday. She reads alot, so the Kindle came to mind. After she saw one, she didn't seem too pleased with the lack of color. I know, other models are out there that have color, but do they really compare with the versatility of an Android device? I own an Android phone (rooted of course) and am pushing it to the limits. I'm never going to buy an iPad or iPhone. Android has more to offer.
Since she would be using this for reading, I'll start with questions for that use. How big are books in terms of Mb? Not War and Peace, just the typical novel. What is the popular app for reading? Does Kindle dominate or is there another?
I have read that the Android Market app can be installed. I prefer that, as that is what I am using on my HTC device. Is the installation just a matter of copying over the .apk and installing it using a file manager? Is there a file manager app already installed? Is the AppsLib app as reliable as the Android Market?
I know that this device doesn't have GPS, but with that processor, it can run Google Earth. Does Google Earth require internet to get directions?
Is there a calendar that syncs with google calendar and facebook?
I'm doing so much research on this gift idea, I think I want to give my wife one! (Though I might wait for HTC to produce one with Sense - I'm one of THOSE people.)
Anyone using Tasker on this device?
I'm not even a noob yet, don't flame me for asking the obvious.
duckredbeard said:
We are considering getting my Mother in Law something like this for her birthday. She reads alot, so the Kindle came to mind. After she saw one, she didn't seem too pleased with the lack of color. I know, other models are out there that have color, but do they really compare with the versatility of an Android device? I own an Android phone (rooted of course) and am pushing it to the limits. I'm never going to buy an iPad or iPhone. Android has more to offer.
Since she would be using this for reading, I'll start with questions for that use. How big are books in terms of Mb? Not War and Peace, just the typical novel. What is the popular app for reading? Does Kindle dominate or is there another?
I have read that the Android Market app can be installed. I prefer that, as that is what I am using on my HTC device. Is the installation just a matter of copying over the .apk and installing it using a file manager? Is there a file manager app already installed? Is the AppsLib app as reliable as the Android Market?
I know that this device doesn't have GPS, but with that processor, it can run Google Earth. Does Google Earth require internet to get directions?
Is there a calendar that syncs with google calendar and facebook?
I'm doing so much research on this gift idea, I think I want to give my wife one! (Though I might wait for HTC to produce one with Sense - I'm one of THOSE people.)
Anyone using Tasker on this device?
I'm not even a noob yet, don't flame me for asking the obvious.
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I like the Kindle app for reading ebooks but some people prefer programs that allow for epub books which allow you to check books out from the library. I have just gotten used to the Kindle. A book is typically less than a megabyte so you don't have to worry about the size. I was just looking at Stephen King's Full Dark, No Stars which is a collection of 4 novellas (probably the same as a large novel) and it is 878 Kb. Kindle (and probably others) allow you to sync your devices which I love so I can read on the train and then later in the day pull my phone out and continue at the same point while I wait in line somewhere.
Installing the market and other gapps is as simple as installing an apk. There are a couple of additional steps to take to make sure all the apps appear but it is nothing more than stopping the service on the device through application manager.
I use appslib sometimes to look for optimized apps for tablet and it seems like it works more or less like the official market just with fewer apps.
Once you install the google apps on the device, the calendar will automatically sync with google calendar. As a matter of fact I think the calendar IS google calendar. It can also sync with an exchange calendar and email for work.
The normal Android facebook app works without a hitch and gives the ability to sync contacts from facebook.
You might also want to consider the Nook Color or the Archos 70 if you are looking for a device that will primarily be used as an ereader. The Nook Color is rooted and people have been raving about the performance of the device once rooted. I love my Archos 70. I think the 7 inch devices are far superior to reading than the 10 inch devices like the 101 and the iPad (which I thought was way too heavy).
Good info, thanks. The only reason I was considering the 101 is for size, the one getting this device will be 70. Bigger is more visible, right? Hmm...maybe the number 70 is relevant.
My last Intruder was a Grumman A-6E.
I want to buy the 101 to read a lot of .pdf ebooks.
Why shouldn't the 101 be better than the 70? The larger screen must be easier to read! ... ?
cybercrash said:
I want to buy the 101 to read a lot of .pdf ebooks.
Why shouldn't the 101 be better than the 70? The larger screen must be easier to read! ... ?
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To be honest, I haven't used the 101 but I have used an iPad and I thought it was too heavy to hold in one hand like a book for more than a couple of minutes. It is just a personal preference.
richdaley said:
To be honest, I haven't used the 101 but I have used an iPad and I thought it was too heavy to hold in one hand like a book for more than a couple of minutes. It is just a personal preference.
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I use the 101 to read both epubs (using Nook reader software) as well as pdfs. No issues so far, I like the resolution and that I can increase font sizes to make life easier. Also on the Nook app, you can change the background color to make it non-white so that it is easier on the eyes. Weight-wise, its ok for 30-45 mins, after that I have to set it down on my lap or put it on its stand for 10-15 mins before I pick it up again. While I could hold it in my hands for a couple of hours, I dont see reading on the 101 as a form of exercise, so I dont bother with more than 30-45 mins.
Thanks for your opinion,
right now I have to read a lot of .pdf and I choose to read it white on black background. This seems to be the most relaxing way of reading for me.
So it's good to know that nook reader will support this as well.
I guess I still have to think about buying the archos 101.
I got my wife the 70 instead of a Kindle or Nook Color given the ease of loading market and the Nook Color root was not done yet. she uses the Kindle, Nook, Aldiko, google ebooks on it and likes it a lot. the loading of market and flash took like 5 minutes then other than GPS you have a fully capable Android tablet. Her calendar syncs with her phone (via gmail) and contacts all imported from gmail/phone as well. I can't speak for the size weight of the 101, but she has no issues reading for hours at night (white text/black background) with the 70.
I bought the 101 also and love it. Just like my EVO phone and like you said other than GPS. I play my scrabble game Word Feud on it. I've read about Kindle and Nook so you just get the apps on the Archos and read the books through the App. Sounds Cool! I recommend the Archos. I 101 is so lite and I don't have to worry about dragging my heavy laptop anymore. I have my contacts and my calendar on there as well. I use this business calendar I just found in the market place and I just now put it on my tablet. A few things messed up my tablet and didn't work and I had to reset it a couple times but now it's all good. Google Voice Search didnt work for me but I use it mostly on my phone to call places. My phones not rooted I know nothing about rooting but I would love to be able to tether my Archos from my EVO but I don't think I can without being rooted. my next to read up on rooting your phone. LOL!
minterbartolo said:
I got my wife the 70 instead of a Kindle or Nook Color given the ease of loading market and the Nook Color root was not done yet. she uses the Kindle, Nook, Aldiko, google ebooks on it and likes it a lot. the loading of market and flash took like 5 minutes then other than GPS you have a fully capable Android tablet. Her calendar syncs with her phone (via gmail) and contacts all imported from gmail/phone as well. I can't speak for the size weight of the 101, but she has no issues reading for hours at night (white text/black background) with the 70.
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I LOVE my rooted EVO - that's what got me hooked to android os. I got an Archos 101 2 days ago and haven't really had a chance to play with it yet. I originally wanted a tablet to use as an ereader (I'm physically disabled and all the typical reading devices are not accessible), but now that I've experienced the os I definitely plan to use it for a lot more than just reading!
Here's a question for you developers out there. Is there a way to use it as a giant phone if it's tethered to my Evo? The reason I ask is because my power wheelchair has bluetooth built in and can operate as a mouse (which is how I'll use my tablet). The rom I have on my phone currently doesn't have the mouse functionality, but I really like the rom. I use android screencast currently to operate my phone, but that's dependent on it being plugged into a PC. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Ok, first off I don't have a NC yet. The reason? Well, honestly because I haven't found anything clear enough for me to buy it...and I'm waiting for a sale *cough cough*. This is the closest thing to a tablet I could possibly afford, but I need to know that I can use it for certain tasks and such. Right now, I work as the help desk at my church and often have to carry around my netbook to use LogMeIn and make administrative changes to user information or to log onto other computers on the network. I don't like having to open and wake up my netbook only to wait for it to figure out where it is and what networks are available.
However, I am also in school. Although I haven't been able to find the specific textbooks I wanted via nookStudy, I still like having ebooks and such available for references and study tools. Honestly, I just hate carrying books.
I've heard some people say "heavy" and "light" internet usage. I don't know what to consider my usage. Most of my day is spent browsing, using forums, facebook, etc. I occasionally use YouTube, but not often enough for it to be regular. I don't usually use a lot of Flash websites or anything either. Something that just keeps me busy in front of the TV at home, at the Fire Station, or at work while waiting on updates to finish.
Also, I don't quite have the grasp of performance differences in rooting the actual hardware versus just using an SD card. I would love it if someone could provide a list of good SD cards for the job and/or explain the differences.
So to sum up, I need a tablet to have these features:
*LogMeIn or some other remote desktop capability
*Pinch-to-zoom browsing (does Miren Browser work?)
*A decent touch-keyboard
*Have decent battery life (during use and in sleep mode)
*Still have a decent and preferably stable ebook reader for school/study
*Touch screen sensitivity/functionality comparable or better than recent Android phones
So based on those needs, do you think I would do well with a NC? If you think I should get a NC, should I root and how? I have this bad habit of downloading woefully outdated installers that no longer work, so any updated resources you can point me to would be awesome.
Thanks in advance! If you need any further details from me I will answer as best I can.
TrekMedic said:
Ok, first off I don't have a NC yet. The reason? Well, honestly because I haven't found anything clear enough for me to buy it...and I'm waiting for a sale *cough cough*. This is the closest thing to a tablet I could possibly afford, but I need to know that I can use it for certain tasks and such. Right now, I work as the help desk at my church and often have to carry around my netbook to use LogMeIn and make administrative changes to user information or to log onto other computers on the network. I don't like having to open and wake up my netbook only to wait for it to figure out where it is and what networks are available.
However, I am also in school. Although I haven't been able to find the specific textbooks I wanted via nookStudy, I still like having ebooks and such available for references and study tools. Honestly, I just hate carrying books.
I've heard some people say "heavy" and "light" internet usage. I don't know what to consider my usage. Most of my day is spent browsing, using forums, facebook, etc. I occasionally use YouTube, but not often enough for it to be regular. I don't usually use a lot of Flash websites or anything either. Something that just keeps me busy in front of the TV at home, at the Fire Station, or at work while waiting on updates to finish.
Also, I don't quite have the grasp of performance differences in rooting the actual hardware versus just using an SD card. I would love it if someone could provide a list of good SD cards for the job and/or explain the differences.
So to sum up, I need a tablet to have these features:
*LogMeIn or some other remote desktop capability
*Pinch-to-zoom browsing (does Miren Browser work?)
*A decent touch-keyboard
*Have decent battery life (during use and in sleep mode)
*Still have a decent and preferably stable ebook reader for school/study
*Touch screen sensitivity/functionality comparable or better than recent Android phones
So based on those needs, do you think I would do well with a NC? If you think I should get a NC, should I root and how? I have this bad habit of downloading woefully outdated installers that no longer work, so any updated resources you can point me to would be awesome.
Thanks in advance! If you need any further details from me I will answer as best I can.
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Wow. A lot going on here. As a LocalAdmin for my work I use my NC rather often (with my laptop if I am in my office) and find it a useful adjunct to my daily tasks (running CM7 OC 1.1). I do enjoy the form factor for both pleasure reading and research whilst not in office. (Aldiko) AdroindVNC (free) works well (stock and CM7) as does Logmein. I've read some have success with Remote Desktop but I have not had occasion to employ that. I've not had issues using Dolphin or Opera (nav and pinch). The keyboards have all been fine for my use (often use a stylus). Battery life has been fine (all day use on both). Only used LCD Density and/or Recalibrate once or twice (was fiddling with settings for curiousity).
As far as your studies go much would depend on what texts you use and how they "get along" with Aldiko and related apps. Try out different ones to find what works. (Wish I had this option in grad school myself and PA practice). Find many uses even now.
Hope this helps.
To sum up what skeeterpro said, yes it does all that and has many programs that can do what you want.
That said, yes you should root. As some of your textbooks may not be available through Nookstudy, but maybe through Amazon, in which case you can then easily read them on your rooted nook without any special converting, etc.
Logmein works very well. It's got the same interface as the Ipod equivalent so if you've played with that, you'll know if it's really what you need.
Honestly I think it would work very well for your needs. But before you buy it, know that it far exceeds tablets that are $100-200 more, in performance. So take a look at some of the main stream tablets and see if they do what you want first. If they do, then you can have confidence that the Nook Color will most likely do it better.
As far as battery usage during sleep, keep in mind the source for the .32 kernel has just been released, so the CM7 crew (Custom rom for the nook color that makes it so much better than anything else on the market without a dual processor) is currently configuring it and recoding it for their rom, which will lead to much better battery life while idle. Otherwise CM7 roms usually get a full day of use before your nook's battery runs out.
Well my first tablet experience involved a Cruz Velocity Micro. That was the same price I think. Was so horrible I returned it the next day! So I imagine my experience will be even better! Also, should I install to an SD card? That appears to be the safest way to root. Are the
Sent from my DROID PRO using XDA App
Sorry. Didn't finish the post. Pushed a button when someone threw a frisbee at me. Anyway are there advantages to the other way of rooting?
Sent from my DROID PRO using XDA App
TrekMedic said:
Well my first tablet experience involved a Cruz Velocity Micro. That was the same price I think. Was so horrible I returned it the next day! So I imagine my experience will be even better! Also, should I install to an SD card? That appears to be the safest way to root. Are the
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This should be helpful:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1058166
That is EXTREMELY helpful! Thank you all!
Would like to request a forum for the Barnes & Nobles Nook Simple Touch. It runs Android 2.1, and has been rooted. It is the first e-Ink reader with a full-fledged OS, and is eminently hackable. Its SoC is the same as the Nook Color, and CM7 will likely be ported to it. It has a 2-month battery life and daylight-readable screen, at a low cost of $139. It is shipping now.
http://barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp
Rooting instructions: http://nookdevs.com/NookTouch_Rooting
Reviews: http://barnesandnoble.com/nook/reviews/index.asp
I second this request.
Agreed. I want to see this thing rooted!
It's been rooted! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1115701
Please add a forum for Nook Simple Touch !!!
Agreed! Already rooted my Touch, but there seem to be no forums dedicated to this thing. This will be the ultimate e-reader when you can put Kindle/Kobo etc. on it!
+1
+1. The device is already rooted,and the forum link above is holding discussions on getting a launcher on there. Roms are soon to follow.
+1
Right now I'm thinking on how to get this nook. It should be very interesting - kind of e-ink tablet
Heh, we're skeptical about adding this. The Nook Color was easy because it's a full color Android tablet, and once rooted, it's a pretty great device. But the new monochrome Nook, even once rooted, can really play back videos, browse the web very well, etc.
But...if there's enough interest, we might have to oblige.
svetius said:
Heh, we're skeptical about adding this. The Nook Color was easy because it's a full color Android tablet, and once rooted, it's a pretty great device. But the new monochrome Nook, even once rooted, can really play back videos, browse the web very well, etc.
But...if there's enough interest, we might have to oblige.
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It would be great if we could convince you to overcome your skepticism. I have a rooted Nook Color and just got the Simple Touch for my mother. It's a great little ereader, but my idea in getting it for her was to root it and set her up with some basic Android goodies like email, calendar, Facebook, other ereader apps like Kindle and Aldiko. Videos clearly out, but that's fine for this kind of device.
Please chalk me up as interested!
Another vote for a specific Nook Simple Touch forum!
It has been rooted, it is similar under the hood to the Nook Color, and it runs Android. Just because it has an e-ink screen and can't do full motion video doesn't mean the machine isn't capable of being utilized for more than what was intended. The sooner we get a dedicated forum the better. If there isn't one, we are going to end up with a flood of posts in the Nook Color forums where they don't belong.
onlyforandroid said:
It would be great if we could convince you to overcome your skepticism. I have a rooted Nook Color and just got the Simple Touch for my mother. It's a great little ereader, but my idea in getting it for her was to root it and set her up with some basic Android goodies like email, calendar, Facebook, other ereader apps like Kindle and Aldiko. Videos clearly out, but that's fine for this kind of device.
Please chalk me up as interested!
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I agree, I don't think anyone is expecting the touch to ever be able to work like a "standard" tablet with angry birds (despite the demo, lol) or video playback. What would be excellent however would be development of a ROM or guides to aide loading that allowed additional apps that increase the usefulness of the nook touch, for example:
Additional ebook readers/distribution services like the kindle app (the lack of access to the kindle bookshop is the main criticism highlighted in reviews)
Word processing/editing applications on the go
Web browsing/social networking like Facebook
Simple gaming, for example chess or draughts or turn based strategy games like uniwar.
Essentially giving you an ereader that can also do a few extra functions when you are out and about
svetius said:
Heh, we're skeptical about adding this. The Nook Color was easy because it's a full color Android tablet, and once rooted, it's a pretty great device. But the new monochrome Nook, even once rooted, can really play back videos, browse the web very well, etc.
But...if there's enough interest, we might have to oblige.
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Svetius,
I agree, the Nook Touch has its limitations as compared against conventional tablets. But that is what makes it interesting. As said, it's the only e-Ink product that has full-fledged Android and can be hacked to run regular Android apps. It's not a conventional tablet. It has its drawbacks, but it also has its unique strengths. It's very cheap, very light and compact, its battery lasts forever, and it can be used anywhere, indoors or out.
I've always thought of XDA as a place where we can talk about interesting tech toys, not just toys that are popular, or toys that have to be the same as other toys. Rather than adding yet another me-too Tegra 2 tablet, why not have something different and interesting for a change?
HP
I think that what we're looking at here is not simply an e-ink tablet (write mail, surf,etc), but the "One Ring" of e-ink readers. One e-ink device for all formats. Add my request for a NST forum please.
Picked one up at the bricks&mortar store tonight... It definitely has potential!!
Haven't had a chance to root it yet, but managed to load all of the Adobe Digital Editions books that I had collected on my 1st gen s-l-o-w kobo... (from several different bookstores) The browser needs work (I could see my gmail messages, but attempting to reply shut down the browser) There is no zoom or rotation for pdfs yet, and some obvious file formats (.jpg, .png ??) don't seem to be recognized consistently... but the screen isn't bad and it's relatively snappy. It's light, and really small... wifi works flawlessly, kb is pretty good.
Would love to see what can be done with it.
iam interested too!!
eink tablet would be awesome
thinking of text based services/apps like ssh, icq, irc, twitter, email, electrodroid, wikipedia...
e.mote said:
I've always thought of XDA as a place where we can talk about interesting tech toys, not just toys that are popular, or toys that have to be the same as other toys. Rather than adding yet another me-too Tegra 2 tablet, why not have something different and interesting for a change?
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My thoughts exactly!
another one requesting this forum !
At the moment little bits of information are being scattered here and there, would be great to have them all in one place!
Another vote for a Nook Simple Touch forum!
I picked mine up yesterday and it's a fun little device. I'll be rooting it soon, and this thing definitely has lots of potential with a good community of developers!
For instance, how to unlock that gig of storage space that's reserved for bought B&N books... hehe
svetius said:
Heh, we're skeptical about adding this. The Nook Color was easy because it's a full color Android tablet, and once rooted, it's a pretty great device. But the new monochrome Nook, even once rooted, can really play back videos, browse the web very well, etc.
But...if there's enough interest, we might have to oblige.
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Click to collapse
Come on! Get moving on a forum for the Nook Touch!
I just got ADW and K9 e-mail running on this thing! Reading e-mail is beautiful on this thing!!! We need a proper Android distribution that gets around the menu and launcher navigation issues.
Maybe rename the Nook Color main section to be 'Nook devices' and drop this underneath as a sub-forum?
But aye, looks hackable, is a /really/ neat device. Deserves one forum hopefully, not sure (for now) needs the usual 'general/qa/dev/accesories' splitting.
So from the various threads that are around in the Nook Color thread, so far people have managed to
- root the nook touch,
- access superuser permissions,
- Work out there is 728mb usable ram and 228mb program memory,
- Install and run ADWLauncher and LauncherPro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4dMZvff9qg- Install and run FBReader
- Install and run the Kindle app http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4MJungKIxY
- Suggest that the CPU is the same as the Nook Color?!?
- Suggest that the Nook Touch has Bluetooth but it is disabled
- Suggest that devs will start work on a CM7 port
Some excellent developments already and an exciting future for the device, please may we have a forum/sub-forum now? Pretty please with sugar and cherries ontop?
Hey guys, I had a nook color but after I got bored of all the experimenting with different roms, I found no actual use to it and sold it.
Prices of the Xoom have been dropping dramtically here and the gadget addict in me just cannot resist it much. I know that answers here are going to be biased but would you recommend the Xoom? Also, what do you use your Xoom/tablets for so I know what to do with it instead of getting bored of it like I did with the nook color.
Thanks
I use it for a browser, really. The dual core makes the browser actually somewhat effective. Mainly that and games. Nothing a PC can't do better.
If I were you, I'll wait for the quad-cores and Ice Cream Sandwich to come out first and see how the tablet scene is affected.
Anyway, I use my Xoom for surfing the net, watching youtube vids, reading my ebooks and my comics. Oh and the occasional gaming of course.
surfing the net, watching movies/youtube, music and playing around with apps
SuicideMyk said:
surfing the net, watching movies/youtube, music and playing around with apps
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All of the above and productivity too. I use it whenever I'm away from the office instead of a laptop and it works brilliantly. The BT keyboard and occasionally my BT mouse, Office Suite Pro and I'm set.
I even use it at work, where I get a really good 4G wimax signal on my Clear mifi, because our servers are sometimes so sluggish, I can browse the web a heck of a lot faster on the Xoom.
The Xoom has great hardware and computing speed which, when exploited properly using the right apps in combination with a home network, can actually afford its user nearly the productivity abilty of a laptop.
Before I get flamed, let me explain...
First you need to set your home desktop up as if it were a data base. Not a server so much, but there are great apps that can bring your home desktop right to your tablet. I will use examples, but do the research for these apps and see if alternatives might be better for you. (Most good productivity apps are paid apps, and not cheap, so when someone has shelled out for them, they naturally tend to stick with them even if competition has surpassed the ones they use. Just bear that in mind.)
Here's an example; I use "Phone My PC" to access my computer from anywhere. It's great. I mean really KEWL! BUT!- It won't download a file to your Xoom. So I use "Dropbox" for that. Now I not only have access to the files on my home PC, but I have a means to upload them to my tablet.
Simple enough.
I bought "Documents To Go" about 18 months ago, thinking they would continue to improve. They didn't. But there are a few other Microsoft editor Suite apps (Polaris Office is great, IMO, and ironically, it's free.).
Now I can actually edit the documents I pull from my home computer.
It's tedious compared to a laptop, make no mistake about it! Go here, do that, load this, etc, etc, whereas with your laptop everything is already right there, including the fast editor.
If you are actually looking for the versatility of a tablet regarding productivity, you simply can't do it without a keyboard.
I'm on my Moto BT keyboard now. The Xoom is "mouse ready", so the keyboard along with a nice compact Bluetooth mouse will make your tasks a lot easier.
Let's seriously take into consideration application...
I've been very proud to have accomplished tasks for work regarding productivity. I wrote that just as I meant it; "accomplished". It was an accomplishment, but I know that the next Excel spreadsheet I make from scratch on my Xoom will go faster. I also know that I will need to load that to a Windows machine to finish it the way I need it because all 4 of the Office apps I have are very much incomplete.
If a student asks if a Xoom can replace his/her laptop, I say "NO!" Networked like I say, you can accomplish anything that you could do on a laptop, but it will take at least twice as long, and that's after you get used to learning how to deal with it's limitations.
The apps are fantastic, though. I bought "printer Share" last year, and can print right to my home printer (and others) from anywhere in the world. I didn't have that on my laptop; wifi on the same network, sure. But now there are even free apps that will allow this in a limited capacity.
Anyway, that's my schpiel. Right now I put the Xoom at 30% productivity and 70% media, but the productivity capability is growing all the time.
thanks for your replies guys. still not convinced I need a tablet but they are selling really cheap here, like 450 bucks for the 32gb wifi model so i'll see how it goes
Well I think a tablet is a luxury item. I bought it because I do not own any laptop or netbook, just my trusty desktop PC so it made my decision to get a tablet that much easier. If you have a laptop, you might think twice on dropping money on a tablet.
Something to think about.
I use mine for amusing the kids, a bit of web, youtube and kindle.
dpakrr said:
thanks for your replies guys. still not convinced I need a tablet but they are selling really cheap here, like 450 bucks for the 32gb wifi model so i'll see how it goes
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Try like $350 today on WOOT.com
I've had this transformer since it came out. Dont use it much, except when I need to finish up some work on the road which is the reason why I bought it...having the flexibility of keyboard...
Are you still excited about it? What purpose does it serve you? Whats your favorite feature?
I just bought an HDMI to mini HDMI cable so I could connect it at my in laws T.V and my children can watch Netflix or movies we have purchased on Amazon. Any other use for it?
Thank you for your suggestions.
The TF101 is a great device! I've had it almost as long as it's been out and I still love it. If you are having a hard time finding a use for it then you either didn't really need a tablet in the first place or are not looking at its full potential. I use mine for everything, it has totally replaced my laptop. Android has tons of productivity and office apps, apps for sharing documents and other work, loads of games, eBook reading apps, etc., etc.
Any device can be written off as not necessary, after all people can get along just fine with no electronic devices at all (I used to work and live in a wilderness training camp myself). The key to revitalizing the shine on any tablet is to start using it for everyday things and to try changing the look and feel. Try doing something on it that you would normally do on a laptop or PC, after the initial shift in feel you may find that you like the tablet more. You could also try a new ROM to change the look, feel, and performance. If all of this seems like too much work then maybe you should just sell it and move on...tablets are not the answer for everyone.
Sent from my Asus TF101 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
If you need others to remind you what you should use your tablet for, then maybe you don't really need one?
I'm not at all saying this to mock you, I purchased a TF101 myself and have the dock too. I use the tablet for Netflix, casual news reading and a little bit of playing games like Machinarium and Rayman Jungle Run. I intended to use it for Skype as well, but the mic volume was always too low so I gave up on that and went back to my laptop for Skype.
My three year old son uses the tablet a lot more than I do for watching videos and playing games in Zoodles Kid Mode.
The dock I use for one thing and one thing only: backup battery when traveling - what a waste of money! (for me)
I like having a tablet even though I'm far from a heavy user and I like my TF101. That said, I'm tempted to get a Nexus 7 and let the Transformer call it a day.
It's convenient, small, and can do everything... well almost. I mostly use it at work to connect to switches, serial ports, etc. That way I don't have to carry the macbook around. Then at home it becomes a remove for my TV device, a portable crappy-game station, a small OGT TV for streaming from the SAN, etc. There's so many uses!
TF101 Uses
dinc2010 said:
I've had this transformer since it came out. Dont use it much, except when I need to finish up some work on the road which is the reason why I bought it...having the flexibility of keyboard...
Are you still excited about it? What purpose does it serve you? Whats your favorite feature?
I just bought an HDMI to mini HDMI cable so I could connect it at my in laws T.V and my children can watch Netflix or movies we have purchased on Amazon. Any other use for it?
Thank you for your suggestions.
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I love my TF101. Best part is the "instant on" feature. When I need to quickly check something quickly on the Internet without waiting for my laptop or desktop to boot.
How about buying a Bluetooth OBD II adapter (less than $20 on Amazon) buy the app "Torque" and for $25.00 you have an excellent OBD2 diagnostic tool. I have one and it works great!
Rodger
I just use my transformer to output video to my TV. Other than that, not many uses. Used to use it a lot more when I was using my Nexus S.
Now that my phone is more superior (in specs) to my Transformer, I use it a lot less and less.
Would I get another tablet? Probably not because it doesn't fit my needs. For some people, it fits into theirs. For me, I use my desktop a lot so a tablet doesn't necessarily replace anything for me. I find some uses for it when I'm reading on the go though, although this semester it wasn't needed as much--others it was more handy.
Just kind of hard to find the balance between tablet and phone usages, in my opinion.
Was extremely excited to flash ROMs and all that on my TF101, but now that the community isn't as active (most has shifted to other devices) this has gone downhill.
bedtime surfing
I only really use mine for bedtime surfing, youtube and occasionally Music. I like playing with different ROMs and now I'm trying to get Plasma Active (Ubuntu.... proper Linux) on it.
I use mine for a multitude of things, from inventory control, web surfing, submitting customer orders, receiving inventory, word processing, spread sheets, games, and more often then not when I am out camping. I go camping A LOT in summer here in Alaska, so it is a lot easier to tote around the TF101 then it is to tote around my 17" Toshiba laptop.
My tf also serves as my GPS in the car when I'm on the road visiting customers. Tethered to my phone just for the web connectivity since I did not get the 3G version. Honestly the TF has changed the way that I use computers and my work. Yes the "instant on" feature is very nice. But the portability and feature rich ability is the sole reason I wanted one.
Let's see: internet, email, netflix, crackle, remote into home pc and most importantly as a head unit in my truck, lol! Since it is my head unit, I use it almost everyday.
diffrnt said:
Let's see: internet, email, netflix, crackle, remote into home pc and most importantly as a head unit in my truck, lol! Since it is my head unit, I use it almost everyday.
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Ok, you get a WIN and a +1 from me. How exactly do you have it as your head unit? Mounts? Pictars wud be gud....Ja!
diffrnt said:
Let's see: internet, email, netflix, crackle, remote into home pc and most importantly as a head unit in my truck, lol! Since it is my head unit, I use it almost everyday.
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pics or it didn't happen...