Serious question - Acer Iconia A500

Before you guys go crazy, I have a a500 right now and LOVE it!
But I am looking at the new Asus Prime, at least its not apple! I am a speed freak and I have to have the fastest I can get.
I am looking at this tablet ONLY for the Tegra 3, but I NEED a usb slot. I use my usb everyday and I do not know what I would do with out it. I would not mind using a keyboard for extra battery and a usb, but what if I did not want to use it and Im not at home, I dont want to leave a $150 keyboard just laying around.
Does anyone know if the docks can be reversed so the keys touch the back of the tablet when closed?(transformer or prime)
or do you think I should wait for the A510,700? A 1920x1200 screen would be amazing, and worth the wait.
There is no sure date when it will come out and when they do I have a really bad feeling there is going to be no usb. People want thin, that is the major complaints of this tablet, its actually too thin for me lol, but the usb slot forces it to the size it is now. So I dont know if should buy this now and have usb with the dock.
I know there are people who have both tablets and it would help with any suggestions.

Based on what I have seen with the transformer, I would say you probably cannot reverse it so the keys are on the outside. I haven't physically held one of those before so I cannot say 100% though.
If Acer decides to ditch the full sized USB in their Tegra3 tablets (which they better not) then you could also look at the Lenovo thinkpad tablets. They currently have a full size USB and I would be VERY surprised if their next gen android tabs didn't have it. Lenovo builds "enterprise" class products and a USB is quite important in an enterprise setting.

hardslog said:
Based on what I have seen with the transformer, I would say you probably cannot reverse it so the keys are on the outside. I haven't physically held one of those before so I cannot say 100% though.
If Acer decides to ditch the full sized USB in their Tegra3 tablets (which they better not) then you could also look at the Lenovo thinkpad tablets. They currently have a full size USB and I would be VERY surprised if their next gen android tabs didn't have it. Lenovo builds "enterprise" class products and a USB is quite important in an enterprise setting.
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i was thinking about lenovo, because of the 2 gb ram. But my cousin bought his last month (Tegra 2) with keyboard for $750! No tablet is worth that.
I'm just really hoping that Acer doesn't drop there usb
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium

Im not a big Toshiba fan.But there tablet thou heavier and bulky.it has full size USB full size HDMI and full sized card sslot not just micro.
I have seen some people that own it love it.They too will be rushing a ics tablet to market I'll guessing it will remain with all the ports. Toshiba is known for this.
I do like the lenova products as well.But this acer tablet is super ffast does what I need. Just wish browser was a bit more compatible with web content.such as pogo and so on.
I would say WAIT WAIT WAIT.And see what t3 will bring.
Good luck

http://androidandme.com/2011/11/dev...hion&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews
It looks like Acer is keeping their USB ports!
This is a link to the a200 video. It looks great but it is only going to be a tegra 2.:-[
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

Related

Xoom vs. The Toshiba Tablet

I'm really eager to get my hands on a Xoom but the Toshiba tablet is very intriguing as well.
The specs look really good and the thing I love is that it'll have a replaceable battery.
Does anyone know if the Xoom's battery will be easily replaceable?
More info on the Toshiba Tablet here:
http://www.thetoshibatablet.com/
I'm leaning Toshiba
Any news on USB Host on Toshiba...Could I split the Normal Size USB to run both keyboard and Mouse for when i want a normal PC experience?
Also Swear I read or watched somewhere that the mentioned the HDMI was 2 ways, so the Toshiba could be used as a monitor as well? ANYONE?
I did see a youtube video that said it handled the new card types, so it could run 128 gig card even and wasnt limited to 32.
flipper44 said:
Also Swear I read or watched somewhere that the mentioned the HDMI was 2 ways, so the Toshiba could be used as a monitor as well? ANYONE?
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I have not read or heard that anywhere.
I'm also interested in this tablet, especially if it is cheaper than the leaked prices of the Xoom.
They don't make 128gb card yet so I don't think that it matters. I wouldn't be mad if someone proved me wrong but I think I'm right.
Sent from the moon ***** using XDA App
Are the Xoom and the Toshiba the only two Honeycomb options at least for the first half of the year?
Drewmungus said:
Are the Xoom and the Toshiba the only two Honeycomb options at least for the first half of the year?
Click to expand...
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Not sure when the LG slate is coming in. Have been hearing Q2 launch from LG...
Im on the fence between these two :-(
BIONIX V -Vibrant
The Toshiba tablet is looking more enticing tonight.
The only thing that scares me with the Toshiba Tablet is the community support. As long as the Xoom isnt totally locked up it should be very popular and have lots of customization done to it rather quickly.
I do not personally trust Toshiba to be giving me updates/etc.
If anything this is pushing me towards the Gtab.. you can pick one up used for 200-250 and it has a pretty large developer community already. Specs wise its good (other than not as good res and terrible viewing angles) I would prefer the Xoom but only time will tell i suppose.
Drewmungus said:
Are the Xoom and the Toshiba the only two Honeycomb options at least for the first half of the year?
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T-Mo's LG G-Slate coming sound March.
I have my eyes set on Xoom or G-Slate.
Sent from my Bionix powered Vibrant
Xoom vs. Toshiba
If the Toshiba Tablet matches the Xoom's hardware and software, and undercuts it in price, the decision will be easy. I'm sure Toshiba will support it fully with updates, etc. Btw, I read somewhere that Toshiba was the largest manufacturer of laptops in the world, so I'm sure their Tab will be a quality product.
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Sent from my Palm Pilot III
Wow, USB host mode with full size usb port, hdmi port and full SD slot. How did I miss the Toshiba tablet last month? Personally this is my new favorite; naturally there's a lot of unknowns here that could totally sink it, like battery life, screen performance, internal memory, RAM, etc. But being wifi only means a lower price point (I hope!) and I'm already digging the added "full computer" like features that I haven't seen anywhere else. (Notion Ink aside, sorry Adam fans) I never did understand why these tablet OEMs didn't use full size SD cards instead, it's not like they couldn't fit them in and they're soo much cheaper, faster and more reliable (from my experience)
Now if only we knew when Toshiba's would come out. Trouble is that it takes a lot of willpower to not get a tablet (Xoom) when you know that it is available out there
"Spoken like a typical gadget-whore"
Yep, im over the Xoom. Toshiba it is. And if you see some of the videos on youtube a couple of reps quoted the $500 price range
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I find this Toshiba tablet a bit ugly, but hey..who cares. Let's hope it'll be as good as Xoom (in specs), but much cheaper
The Toshiba Tablet is nice, but it is thicker than every other tablet out there excluding the Adam.. I assume this is because of its added peripherals..
Oddly such a minor detail is somewhat irritating to me.
I'm leaning toward the Toshiba for 2 reasons:
1) Price
2) Read the specs page, says "Battery Replaceable? Yep. By screwdriver-savvy people like you."
The latter leads me to believe opening the case isn't going to void your warranty, whereas I can't see Motorola being so consumer-friendly.
Why do you want the possibility to replace the battery by your self?
By the time the battery in XOOM gets old and loses it's power you have already sold and bought a other Tab.
Sent from my GT-P1000
bd85 said:
By the time the battery in XOOM gets old and loses it's power you have already sold and bought a other Tab.
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True dat
After a year, XOOM II will be out.
It's not about wanting to replace the battery, it's about their openness to you opening the case, rather than a "DON'T TOUCH THE INSIDE OF YOUR OWN DEVICE OR ELSE".

On the fence (Xoom or Transformer)

Six weeks ago I ordered the Asus Transformer. Even though the retailer was happy to charge my card right away, I later found out that they never had it in stock and I keep being told it will take more time.
So, I am starting to look into the Xoom once again. I almost pulled the trigger on one right before the Transformer was released.
Did they ever fix the SD card slot? This was a major reason I didn't originally place my order.
Does anyone have any hands on experience with both of the devices? I came across a pretty sizable thread on the topic but it seemed to mainly just be speculation with the Transformer and not actual hands on comparison.
The SD is an Android problem not xoom and no it has not been addressed yet
Sent from my captivate BLAZING on firefly 3.0
The SD slot is still not fixed by Moto/Google/whoever else is to blame. However there are custom kernels out there which enable it.
Here's the reason I wouldn't go for the Transformer though: OK, it has SD access stock but it does not have a USB connector. Sure the dock has USB but I don't want the dock, I will never use it. Apart from using the USB ports on the thing the dock would be completely useless to me.
Note I said useless to ME, if you'd like a netbook with HC on it fire ahead, who am I to say what anyone else might want.
burden010 said:
The SD slot is still not fixed by Moto/Google/whoever else is to blame. However there are custom kernels out there which enable it.
Here's the reason I wouldn't go for the Transformer though: OK, it has SD access stock but it does not have a USB connector. Sure the dock has USB but I don't want the dock, I will never use it. Apart from using the USB ports on the thing the dock would be completely useless to me.
Note I said useless to ME, if you'd like a netbook with HC on it fire ahead, who am I to say what anyone else might want.
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Yeah, the onboard USB port is a big plus in reconsidering a Xoom. Although, I'm not sure if it has been released yet, but one of the official Asus accessories is a USB adapter that plugs into the proprietary port. I have also read that a USB 3.0 male to female adapter will also do the trick.
However, proprietary ports suck and is one of the major turn-offs of the Transformer.
Love the Xoom
I purchased a Xoom after having an Acer A500 for a month.
The Acer has full size USB A, micro USB and micro HDMI as well as SD support out of the box.
The Xoom accessory and dev support along with the Motorola name is why I switched. The A500 is a solid device and $150 less than the Xoom. A better option than the Asus if you're still wavering.
the chance of getting a xoom with good qc i'd say is greater than the tf. check the tf forum for issues. note, not everyone has them and those that don't have a wonderful working tablet.
Xoom needs to be customized to reach its full potential
If you think that there is no sdcard support I guess you're not rooted with the latest HC update and overclocked Tiamat kernel. I have external sdcard and smooth, fast scrolling, browsing and gameplay. This Xoom wifi has hardly been out of my hands in the last 3 weeks. It has completely replaced my notebook when I'm working away from the office. The stock Xoom was fine when I bought it, but since I've customized it, it's fantastic. It's so well built and so powerful and easy to unlock and root..the wonderful development community (especially BigRushDog) will make sure that the Xoom experience will continue to be improved. I feel like I'm going to get a lot of use out of it for a good long time.
love xoom. more than ipad 2, not mentioning asus transformer, which really look and feel cheap. tried on at friend's house. feel much cheaper than xoom feels.
Transformer screen is a lot brighter and displays colors a little better in my eyes. I had one for about a week but switched it out for a Xoom because of horrible light bleeding. After reading up on the forums I found out it is a very well known issue, so the QC on the Transformer doesn't seem to be so good. If you can live with a proprietary port, I'd personally recommend waiting for the Galaxy 10.1. If you want stock USB support, and an awesome modding community, go with the Xoom. I LOVE my Xoom way more than my ipad. There's something about the build quality that just feels right to me.
I have heard that the Acer screen is brighter though. If there was one thing I could change on my Xoom it would be the screen
Don't forget the Xoom will always get updates first until it's outdated.
If you know what fastboot is, and you know that the Transformer doesn't have it (and doesn't even have kernel images in the "standard" Android format), then you have your answer.
But the galaxy tab may lack a sd card slot and that is a must have for me
Sent from my captivate BLAZING on firefly 3.0
I'd go with the Xoom due to the fact that it's a reference device so it will get updates quicker. Not to mention the fact that it's easily unlocked to boot.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
I just had them change my order from a 32GB Transformer to the Xoom. They even price matched Walmart's $569 price tag along with free shipping and no tax. Because I would have had to get the Transformer from another retailer, I would have spent close to that price anyways after tax and shipping so I am quite happy with my new order.

I love my Transfomer but I wish I had ??? and why.

Hello, TF'ers. I'am asking a simple question for those who love their Transformers but for some reason is lusting after one of the other tablet's. Please list the tablet you wish you could have and why.
Thanks.
I have my TF101 and I'm happily satisfied with my purchase.
I love this thing. Nothing else comes close.
Sent from my awesome Asus Transformer using XDA's premium app.
Love mt TF but I always wonder if I would love the Acer Iconia A500 better.
I have had every tablet out, and the iconia was ok, the screen is not as good as the TF, but at least the browser does not crash as much, no lag while trying to type, and the usb...
I am looking at the thrive... if I know what kinda of glass it will have I would order one.
More than happy with my TF'er. Tried the Zoom, tried the Ipad2 but neither come close. I'm mildly interested in the GT 10.2 to see what the fuss is about but the lack of SD card immediately puts a dampener on it.
Thremix said:
I have had every tablet out, and the iconia was ok, the screen is not as good as the TF, but at least the browser does not crash as much, no lag while trying to type, and the usb...
I am looking at the thrive... if I know what kinda of glass it will have I would order one.
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I have 0 lag and havent had the browser crash once. I have 2 usb's slots and both SD and MiniSD card slots. I use a wireless mouse and BT headset nd get over 24 hours of battery life on hard use. Hwat else could you ask for?
Sent from my awesome Asus Transformer using XDA's premium app.
As a launch-day Pre purchaser who converted to Android in January of this year, I have to admit that I'm intrigued by the TouchPad. webOS really is SOOOO much better in terms of multitasking that I'd love to have it on a tablet.
However, there are three things that temper this notion. First, webOS does not and likely will not have the apps that I need for quite some time. The TouchPad won't even have Office document editing out the door, which is simply ridiculous. I can't believe that Samsung can completely redesign their tablet and release it in a few months, while HP can't get a single freaking app written that's absolutely vital to their product's success. Really, webOS made me promise myself never to buy something for a feature that's "coming soon."
Second, until a tablet has a keyboard dock as functional as the Transformer's, I'd have a hard time switching over. There's simply no better device for straight writing (i.e., just laying words down on the page) on the go. If HP releases a similar hybrid device someday, I'll think about it (assuming the apps are there), but Transformer is just a great all-around mobile device.
Third, while webOS is a nice OS in many ways, I'm disappointed that HP didn't design it to make better use of a tablet's screen size. Ultimately, webOS 3.X is just a blown-up version of the smartphone OS, with the same number of cards showing, only bigger. They could have done so much more with it. I really like how Honeycomb's screens can provide so much useful information at a glance. I often just turn my TF on, check to see if I have any emails, upcoming appointments, what the weather's like, etc., etc., and then just turn it back off. It's like a dashboard for my life, and so far no other tablet OS comes close in this respect.
wynand32 said:
...........It's like a dashboard for my life.........
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Thats how I would describe it to the "T". You should sent that to Asus for branding...lmao
Sent from my awesome Asus Transformer using XDA's premium app.
Love my Transformer... But wish I have an iPad only due to the vast number of case options available. However I'm looking forward to receiving my multi-angle rooCase.
I don't undestand why you would want any other tablet (at least any other android tablet)
The TF offers everything all the other android tablets offer PLUS MORE... Anything else would just be a downgrade.
the only thing I'm lusting for currently is a fully functional Netflix app. I really love to watch movies quietly at night and currently have to switch over to my Nook Color to do this. TF is awesome, working Netflix would make it total perfection for my needs.
Digiguest said:
Love mt TF but I always wonder if I would love the Acer Iconia A500 better.
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The Transformer is better than the iconia. I had one, the screen on it sucks and it weighs a lot more. The only things it has over the transformer are the aluminum body (I actually prefer the transformer's body but most like aluminum that I've talked to) and the speakers have more bass. IMO the transformer wins hands down.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using XDA App
ClevelandWheeler said:
I have 0 lag and havent had the browser crash once.
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Bollocks
10char
ClevelandWheeler said:
get over 24 hours of battery life on hard use. Hwat else could you ask for?
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Did you do something special to your batteries?
I wish it had normal browser like Chrome with extensions and such. I wish it had mouse hover capabilities.
I have a XFormer, but would love a Xoom, but only to see the benefit of Internal 3G.
Badwolve1
Yep the grass always seems greener on the other side. I'm lucky enough to be able to try them all out. I've got the Asus Iconia, the Transformer, and iPad 2 already, and the Galaxy 10.2 is in the mail. Starting to get a better profile of how I use them. Want to copy your camera photos to the tablet? Something with an SD slot will make you happier. Have movies on an external USB hard drive? Having a standard USB port will make you giddy if you want a movie off that drive to watch on your tablet. These emotional highs are momentary moments though, and 99% of the time I'm just playing games, reading email, checking the web, facebook, youtube. Every tablet does these fine, and during that time I appreciate the lighter ones. They all have a way to add a keyboard to them. Bluetooth is easy, especially once you've paired a keyboard. Apple and Samsung have $69 keyboard docks for their thin tablet dock ports. You pay more to get the Transformer's keyboard dock, but you get a far better integrated and multi-functional add-on for your money. Hooking up to these is an inconvenience of varying degrees. You are not likely to have the iPad or Galaxy keyboard docks with you when you leave the house, so they suck. Good bluetooth keyboards are always wider than these tablets are, and as such less likely to fit in the same case with your tablet. If you've got a case for your Transformer, it is likely for netbooks and will hold both the tablet and keyboard together. So if you prefer a physical keyboard to an onscreen one, the Transformer is clearly the standout choice. You have to weigh that importance though, as that keyboard dock doubles the total weight you'll be carrying.
I've been working on a showdown between these tablets for my blog. Easy enough to ding this one and promote another for a slot or port or not. Not sure the small time these features come into play will aggravate a user enough to choose ports over weight/looks though. Money obviously play a role, as the difference between the Asus and a full set of features with its dock and an iPad with all the same features via add-ons is huge. It help that the Asus starts out $100 under the iPad. Samsung is certainly brave going head-on with Apple, I'll give them that. They must be thinking that iPad buyers didn't mind no MicroSD or USB ports, and millions were sold, so microSD and USB ports don't really matter. They might be right. Time will tell if they sell more Android Honeycomb tablets than Asus. I can't see them ever catching up to iPad sales though, with nothing to add value to iPad prices. Pay that much and you might as well get an iPad. JMHO.
I am a very happy Transformer owner, everything else (at the moment) on the market, even the ipad 2, would be downgrading.
I love my ASUS transformer too.
However, if I had to pick another table between xoom or samsung galaxy v2 10.1 or iPad.
I would get the Samsung Galaxy 10.1, I checked it out at Best Buy yesterday and it was pretty nice. No lag at all either and it was very responsive.
Sometimes my transformer feels unresponsive, and it lags but it could be due to my tons of widgets on the home screen.
However if Samsung did have a keyboard dock like transformer, I would hop on it however I heard their updates were lacking and slow to be released.
Though I like how its lighter, thinner the transformer, and looks a bit nicer. Also I enjoyed the PLS screen as it also had more VIBRANT colors then the transformer.

still not sure if i want it - why did you buy?

i am still not sure i want to by the Acer,,, or the Asus..
be honest with me.. why did YOU buy the Acer.
it doesnt have to be Asus vs Acer. it can just be why you got the Acer.
was it the usb port?, the expandable memory? price? (target has them for $399 so i am really tempted.)
so what pushed you over the edge to buy the Iconia ?
i also am still not sure if it cna see dSLR cameras on the USB port to read the images off the cameras memory card so if someone says it works for their dSLR then thats a huge game changer for me.
i own an ipad and its really really a tough choice given the app and game availability on the ipad, but i am an android phone user so i am very familiar with Android.
USB Full
All the features, mainly usb
To be honest, it was down to the Acer or the ASUS for me although I did like the fact the hardware was working at launch (SD slot, USB etc).
While everyone seems to be complaining on the Acer ROM update schedule, or lack thereof, I am happily running a custom ROM (of which there are several now) which is now at 3.2
What drove me to the Acer was it was available when I decided to buy. Otherwise, it would have been a hard choice. But, I think after actually looking and holding the ASUS I would have picked the Acer.
I use it primarily for business (sales) showing customers products by using well bookmarked PDF files, email (I moved my domain over to Google Apps for business and quick lookups while I am on the road (WiFi tether to my HTC phone) so I don't need a seperate data plan.
No complaints.
do either of you own or owned an ipad to give me your thought comparisons outside of the obvious massive App lead that the ipad has?
I got it for free... kinda... I traded some work for it.
I needed an upgrade from the Archos 101 which was only about three weeks old at the time I saw the upcoming Acer. Preordered it from BB.
I still would have gotten the Acer if Asus TF was available. I need the USB. Period. And I don't care about the TF dock feature.
Well I just plugged my Canon Power Shot A1100 IS in and the Aconia recognized it right away and the pictures showed up right away.
I haven't tried my Nikon or Canon DSLR yet but no reason why they shouldn't work as well on jpg files.
I bought it because of the USB slot, expandable memory, HDMI and the price.
Bought mine for simple reasons
I did the stupid thing and did not bother to do any homework before going out and buying my first tablet (apple I pad 2) - returned to the store the next day. Had no idea it had no native flash support (the "solution" was to use Skyfire for crummy flash support).
Went home, did my homework - when it came down to simple price/vs features the Acer Iconia seemed like the best choice - microSd, full size USB port (awesome for me - it works with a USB hub also, I have lots of USB devices).
Not sure we can claim apple has much if any "app lead" over android tablets - and once you consider how many apps are written for the Android phone but run great under Honeycomb as well. Don't feel much of an app shortage here, the Droid market is freaking huge.
All in all, very happy with my purchase.
I bought mine largely due to the full-sized USB port as I'm an avid retrogamer, so getting to play emulators with the actual controllers (I have USB adapters for them) on my tablet was pretty much a childhood fantasy come true ^_^.
Anyway, that and I really love the metal casing... it just feels solid and sturdy, not large or bulky at all even though it's the heaviest tab of the bunch. I'm sure in some instances, like holding it up over your head in bed or something, you'd notice the weight, but really, there are no heavy or bulky tablets in this category at all, only those that are impressively small like the Galaxy Tab 10.1.
I will note that Acer is so far the worst at getting updates out, but the community here seems pretty devoted, not to mention there's a ton of cross-developer action as the Tegra 2that all of these share means much of the software can just be transplanted from one brand to another. So, if you're going to root and run roms, software becomes a bit less of a concern. As far as the hardware goes, I love it myself.
It was a choice between the Acer and Asus for me. I got the Acer because I was impatient, but I ended up not returning it because after using it I couldn't see myself getting by with no usb and no flash. I considered the new Galaxy Tab as well but for the same reason I decided not to wait.
If I DID end up waiting, I'm sure I'd have decided to wait for a Kal-El based tablet. At some point in the 'waiting for better to come' game, you have to take a step or you'll never buy a product. I use the tablet daily, even my wife uses it now and so it's proven it's value to me.
I use the flash for extremely stupid things, but tbh to each his own, right? One of these things is to sneak into bed at night. By the time I go to bed sometimes my wife is already sleeping and she's a very light sleeper. Flicking a light on to see where I'm going would surely wake her up and it's sometimes difficult to navigate around the bed (without smacking off a big or little toe). I thought, "can I live without the flash? Sure!" But it would be an inconvenience, especially if I do ever find myself in a slightly more important scenario where I need it and don't have (for taking a pic in low light, for eg).
The USB is a must as I travel a lot and the big reason for getting the tablet beyond using it in my home is so I can travel light (without having to use my laptop). With the usb I can plug flash drives or hard drives in and watch my tv series and movies or use it to juice my phone if I strain it chatting too long or whatever.
Other than that, I didn't like the feel of the Transformer and I didn't want to depend on getting/using the keyboard part to have usb functionality. I had been keeping up with all the pics of the light bleed and saw it first hand. Who wants to worry about getting a tablet with light bleed at a time when they weren't in very many stores? That would have meant back and forth shipping. Not my thing.
The Acer is fully usable as-is, with the Asus and Samsung you MUST buy accessories for them to get a usb port.
I also considered resale value, like any tech head . If I am to resell my Acer A500 right now, I'm going to get ~$400 for it (not everyone knows about the sale price of 350 at certain stores). In a few months, I will lose another $50 to depreciation...as by then I'm sure the price will further fall to something more attractive to fringe and impulse buyers.
The Samsung with added accessories to make it function similarly to the Acer is already in the $550 region, but it will depreciate exactly the same as the Acer, unfortunately. Same with the Asus.
So after you buy the accessories to get USB (if you need it), you still end up selling the other tabs (with accessories) for approximately the same price as the Acer, as resale value for accessories is little to nothing and you can very rarely if at all sell them on their own. (This is based on the many, many times I've seen people reselling their tablets with accessories like docks and cases for way, way less than what they got it for).
In essence, you lose more money with the other tablets IF you need* to accessorize them. *(to play catch up to the A500, like buy the keyboard section for Asus or buy the proprietary addon for the Samsung to get USB)
I replied before reading the whole thread and missed the inquiries into the Apple side of things <insert evil grin>... imma hate me some on Apple, hoo wee. Android is slowly doing to Apple in the mobile market what Microsoft did to Apple in the computer market. What's amazing is that everyone always said Microsoft beat Apple because of developer support, because Windows had all the software, all the games. Now, we've seen the exact opposite, Apple with all of the software goodies and their competitor standing out alone on their OS alone... but what happened this time? Android is proving once and for all that Apple's walled-garden approach, their almost communistic approach to electronics just isn't going to appeal to the masses once they are exposed to the idea of choice, something Android offers in spades. We all want to do whatever we want with our devices... they are OUR devices after all, not Apple's or Samsung's or HTC's or Google's. Apple has made it clear that they intend to impose strict control over their hardware and software, whereas Google has opened the door wide and invited everyone in with a gentle wave. I, for one, after having had (and at the time loved) an iPhone for 2 years, will NEVER buy a single Apple product again.
entropy.of.avarice said:
I did the stupid thing and did not bother to do any homework before going out and buying my first tablet (apple I pad 2) - returned to the store the next day. Had no idea it had no native flash support (the "solution" was to use Skyfire for crummy flash support).
Went home, did my homework - when it came down to simple price/vs features the Acer Iconia seemed like the best choice - microSd, full size USB port (awesome for me - it works with a USB hub also, I have lots of USB devices).
Not sure we can claim apple has much if any "app lead" over android tablets - and once you consider how many apps are written for the Android phone but run great under Honeycomb as well. Don't feel much of an app shortage here, the Droid market is freaking huge.
All in all, very happy with my purchase.
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I'm not a huge Apple fan at all but in their defense they do have a huge "app lead" and it's not necessarily the number or amt. (though it certainly does have that as well) it's the popularity of the device. The iPad has had hulu and netflix forever and Android is just getting it now. It's not a huge deal but the fact is, apps will almost always hit IOS first, and that IS saying something.
I agree with you though, I don't feel a shortage. I have every app I need (and many I don't, lol) so I'm not worried. With Hulu and Netflix now on 2.2/2.3 and heading soon to 3.1 I can safely say I'm completely happy with my purchase as well.
v_lestat said:
do either of you own or owned an ipad to give me your thought comparisons outside of the obvious massive App lead that the ipad has?
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I don't, my daughter and son-in-law do (Ipad 1 & 2). I had enough time to use theirs but to each his own they say.
I like being able to read/write office files (Polaris) and maybe you can do that in the App Store?? I also don't like needing to use iTunes for everything (and maybe you don't?).
Like I said, no regrets on my part.
If I was going to be torn between devices it wouldn't be between the Acer and the Asus it would be between the Acer and the Toshiba Thrive.
I have the ipad2 32gb 3g Verizon. Stood in line on March 11. It's nice I play w/ it occasionally. I really like my Acer a500 though. It does more than the ipad can. Imo the Acer is a better machine.
I have the Nikon d3100 dslr. Both tablets will display the jpegs. I pop out the SD card and use a card reader, in the Acer, or the adapter, in the Apple, to access the pictures.
Also, starting tomorrow, the Acer is $350 at Target ($399-50gc).
Like most people, full size USB. All Android tablets are pretty much the same... this had full size USB so easy choice.
However, if I had to make a choice now, it'd be a bit harder cos the Tosh Thrive has it as well but that looks massive! But you can get it in pretty colours.. oooh!
edit: Oh, I also see it has a full size hdmi! I've already broken 2 micro-hdmi cables on the Acer cos all u need to do is put a tiny bit of pressure on the cable and the end snaps off!
For me it was all about the SD expandability, if I had known about the Toshiba Thrive, I probabbaly would have waited. It's not all about micro-weight and thickness with me. Acer tab has micro SD up to 32 G, Toshiba has full SD up to 128 G I believe.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
has anyone compare this acer iconia a500 to the viewsonic gtab, which have similar hardware. only difference is the older android 2.2. it has usb and hdmi and etc... i am debating between the two. also gtab aonly cost 260 buck at amazon
As far as the gTablet goes, the software isn't a concern since roms for all of these Tegra 2 devices are becoming plentiful and easy to install, so finding 3.0 or 3.1 on the gTablet is likely a piece of cake. Now, as far as the SCREEN goes ...
The aspect ratio on the gTablet is just off... everything is squished just a little, so round things are slightly ovular, squares are slightly rectangular... I got a Pocket eDGe off of woot a while back and it was the exact same way. The screen on the gTablet is also off-center with that thick-ass bezel along the bottom. Personally, I originally wanted a gTablet until I saw that screen, but if you can live with it and wanna run a custom rom, it's the cheapest way to get a Tegra 2 tablet, and it even has a full-size USB port on there, which was one of the reasons I'd originally considered it. As for how it feels in the hand, I played with one and it feels like a cheap Xoom... similar thickness and feel to the edges, but obviously a lower (though acceptable) build quality. I still think the way my Acer feels in my hands is the best of all those I've tried, including the Xoom and Galaxy Tab 10.1 (oh but the GTab 10 is f-ing sexy... my bf has that one). If you can afford the Acer, I'd still say go for that one, but if money is your primary concern and you're not bothered by the screen, go for it. Just remember, the screen's resolution is slightly lower (1024x600 vs 1280x800 on the rest), and there's only 512MB RAM in there vs the 1GB the others have... also only a front facing cam, none on the back, but I never take pics with my tablet anyway... that's what my phone is for. Otherwise, it's Tegra 2 all the way... it's definitely worth what they're going for these days, but so is the Acer even though it costs more.
Torisen said:
For me it was all about the SD expandability, if I had known about the Toshiba Thrive, I probabbaly would have waited. It's not all about micro-weight and thickness with me. Acer tab has micro SD up to 32 G, Toshiba has full SD up to 128 G I believe.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
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I'm right there with you. I'm still within my return window, so I'm seriously considering returning the a500 and getting the thrive when it comes in august. I've always been a toshiba fan.
My only concern is will the toshiba be locked down and unrootable.
Mainly because of Android (aka not an oversize iPod) and the USB slot.
Would have gone for another if it was thinner. Now with the acer case on it's darn fat and heavy. If you don't really care about the USB go for samsung 8.9. I'm still torn between the two.
Target plus $50 gift card
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

Would you recommend buying Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet today?

I currently have a nook color and looking to get a larger tablet. I was first looking at the acer a500 but didn't like that wouldn't charge over usb (same with their a200 model, and the a200 loses hdmi I believe).
The Lenova thinkpad is currently selling for 349.99, (canadian prices) but acer just came out with their a510. The 510 has tegra 3 processor but otherwise the specs seem pretty similar and it's for 100 dollars more. And the Lenova has an ips display so I'm sure the screen is better.
A couple of things I want is charge over usb (even though it's slow, you're not completely stuck without an adapter) and I want usb hosting.
I saw one review on this and she mentioned that plugging in a harddrive didn't mount.
Can anyone expand on how good the usb host is? Drives/mice/keyboards? Mulitple devices via usb hub? I was even thinking on having it wired to my network (via usb over ethernet) and I saw a review that actually mentioned usb over ethernet driver is included with the a510.
From going over these forums I gather the Lenova honeycomb is a little buggy but plain stock ics is on the way in june. I didn't like reading a thread about fixing the power button, that definitely gives me pause.
I'd like to save where I can and I don't see a better tablet for 349 (remember in canada) offering what I want. So trying to decide if the extra 100 is worth it and just get the new (and already has ics) acer 510.
I really enjoy the Lenovo tablet however if flashing roms or doing a lot of customizing is your thing I would look at something different. I'm very happy with the hardware itself but dev support for this device is just not there. Now yes I know we have an ics port but its really the only rom avalible and there are quite a few bugs with GB stock rom. Lets just hope ics works better than GB does.
Sent from my ThinkPad Tablet using XDA
Maybe Not
From your use description, the ThinkPad Tablet may not be the best choice. The number one selling point for this tablet is the pen and active digitizer. I came here from an iPad2 because it could NOT support hand-written note-taking well enough for me to use in university classes. If acurate pen input is not high on your list then another tablet might be a better choice. Charging over USB may not work for you, my macBook Air running Linux has a software hack to provide extra current, the Thinkpad indicates that it is charging but I have not actually tested it for charge time or anything like that. The cheepo aftermarket charger I use for my Samsung Galaxy Note will NOT charge the ThinkPad.
The Accer is likely thinner and lighter which you could translate as more portable or less durable depending on your point of view.
-j
The Lenovo thinkpad tablet is mostly aimed at people who wants to "work" with their tablet. Being productive with note taking and so forth.
If you just looking for a tablet, get what ever you want. Could be the Lenovo thinkpad or that Tegra 3 tablet.
It's a great choice in many ways, unless you need GPS or a pen that works predictably. Good screen, decent battery life, good form factor, comfortable to hold.
Unfortunately for me, the pen and GPS are pretty much essential for utility. And they just don't work on this device.
I got the K1 in December because it was $250 for a 32gb tegra2 tablet with 10" 1200x800 screen. At this point, however, there's a multitude of tegra3 tablets being released so I'd either wait for those to drop in price or I'd pick up a current tegra2 if it's sub-$200. There was a dell streak 7" for $170 a few days ago. Granted that tablet has a low resolution screen and less than spectacular battery life but even high end tablets like the transformer and xoom have been in the $250 range recently.
If I needed pen input I'd only go for the thinkpad if it was significantly less than the Note. Samsung has hinted that their next Galaxy Tab may have pen input which may be worth waiting for.
Definitely Not!
SImply put I would not recommend Lenovo TPT at the moment. Feedback from the Lenovo developers conference and a recent WSJ article suggest that Lenovo will have a new "strategy"
which will produce a cheap android tablet and make their higher end offerings Win 8 tablets.
I am looking for my first tablet and was seriously considering a TPT but decided to wait for the TPT2 because of the problems plaguing the TPT. Now it looks like Lenovo will probably not produce a TPT2 so ot looks like I will wait for a Galaxy Note 10.1 ( I seriously want a pen ). Hopefully while I wait Lenovo's strategy will become clearer and hopefully it will include high end android tablets.
Not surprisingly considering how little attention Lenovo pays to resolving the TPT issues - little and none. :-/
The n-trig stylus is the biggest draw card, otherwise hard to recommend it.
Ditto. And once ICS ruins pressure sensitivity it's a no go.
Yes, Lenovos slow (and now poor quality) work on the ICS updates so far, their use of only patched updates, etc now make it impossible to recommmend it to either tech or non-tech users alike, where initially I was quite happy with it.
It's a new release for Lenovo, so their Android venture doesn't have all of the bugs worked out yet (including what the target market really wants, and all of that "fringy" stuff). I would say no, not now. I don't know what the competition offers, though, and I don't know what their bugs are.
Once everyone gets the ICS update, the camera focuses properly, the power button, usb port, and GPS hardware issues are resolved with newer releases of this tablet, then yes. The caveat is that you really need to know, then, when the tablet was manufactured to make sure you're not getting a flaky, early release that hasn't been fixed.
I'd definitely go for whatever Lenovo releases next.
That said, I can't imagine living without my stylus. I'll have to live without it, though, for what they said would be a week. I'm sending mine in for repair. They seem hellbent on keeping me happy.... We'll see.
Hm. Bleeding edge, I guess.
The short answer to your question is no. Search this forum for the immense dissatisfaction felt by users of this tab. When a company refuses to provide system images of their tablets needed because it would prevent them from selling custom Roms, that says it all about how selfish they are and that their priority is money not customer satisfaction. Read all about the gps issues, power button issues, broken USB ports, pen "wonk", botched updates, etc and the truth, (even to those singing lenovo's praises) is that being the first tablet of its type is no excuse because the tpt is filled with both hardware and software bugs. The galaxy note is the first phone of its kind with a pen yet its not like this bug-ridden POS. The tpt is a failure and if not for the pen that I manage to use when it works, I would have ditched the thing.
Its not even the negative actions of lenovo that bother me but the behavior behind it. For a so called business tablet, they provide zero support. Just imagine a tablet used for business being stuck in some bootloop and yet no custom image is provided for recovery unless you pay Lenovo $3000. Windows PCs come with recovery discs maybe Lenovo should learn from that. I WILL NOT be buying any Lenovo products because of these dodgy behaviors. And oh, I forgot to mention that they have a Backdoor into your tablet and they can patch whatever they want without your permission. They can probably steal your business info if they wanted.
When the Samsung tab with pen comes out, I will be moving swiftly as I have a long experience with Samsung devices such as my current gs2. They have never failed me.
Hey, but in the end, make your own choice. Just weighing in my 2cents.
TPT
No.. don't get one.... microUSB port for charging (which is painfully slow at the best of times) and ON/OFF switch fail... warranty support very variable. Lenovo forum on this topic is now about 20 pages long!! So.. no charging, not being able to switch on equals A LEMON!!
I was too interested in this tablet, but reading the previous comments I think I'd better wait, or ask for some more advice... also because I'm buying my first tablet and have no experience at all...
I just want an android tablet with its input stylus pen (and possibly a slot to keep the pen with the tablet).
I don't care much about its handwriting recognition software. I'm just interested in keeping ink "grahpics" notes (mainly math).
Display size should be around 10'' (say more than 9'')
Is there anything like that already available and/or advisable?
I saw reference to a "Samsung tab with pen" coming out... when will it be? What model?
Maybe I could also do with an ordinary tablet and with a separate (high quality) input pen?
Thanks for your help
toenail_flicker said:
Ditto. And once ICS ruins pressure sensitivity it's a no go.
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My n-trig on my TPT has been nothing short of amazing. It's the reason to get one of these. It's in the shop for repair (gps, power button, home key was giggly), so I haven't tried ICS on it yet, but pressure sensitivity is very much intact on my Galaxy Note on ICS.
I definitely prefer the n-trig over the s-pen (wacom), except for the clickiness.
As far as Lenovo goes, they seemed hellbent on making me happy when I called to send in the TPT, but I sent it in on the 1st, it's the 9th, and it's still sitting at the shop waiting for parts. It's listed as waiting for parts on both the 5th and the 7th, which means they didn't assess the thing upon arrival completely so they could order all the parts right way. That's just inept. It feels to me like dealing with a drinking alcoholic. If you get one, make it one that's proven working, and don't rely on support.
I have yet to plug anything in the TPT's usb port and not have it work. I might reccommend a GPS mouse....
The TPT is still the only game in town if you need a 10-inch tablet with an active pen (i.e., one that operates independently of one's own hand). I need a 10-inch tablet with an active pen, so I'd buy one again, today ... but probably not after the Galaxy 10 Note comes out (but right now that's vaporware).

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