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should i buy a vega because i have always fancied it but never put down the cash.
So what is it like to use?
Does the tegra 2 really preform in games?
and what are the chances of getting honeycomb when it source code is released because i see u have cm7 allready which is promising and honeycomb would make it a definate yes!!
cheers, Adam
For the price the advent vega is great. The tegra chipset is more than powerful enough to handle everyday activities, nice and smooth. Game performance is good, but with future updates i think it will be even quicker. Honeycomb will come to are device, i have no doubt on that. Its just will it be official or a custom rom from one of are (or other great mobile site) Great dev's
I have had mine since Christmas, and i have no regrets.
Hard to say if YOU should buy it...
I have no regrets but I can see myself going for a higher res tablet once those come out (the currently announced honeycomb tablets).
The screen is the only real disadvantage of this tablet, regarding viewing angles and perhaps resolution. (About android, android 2.2 is ok for tablets... not the best but works just fine. Really hope honeycomb will become available though.)
But for regular browsing, watching videos, listening to some music, checking some email, playing the occasional game (I'm not a gamer though) it's just fine and imo certainly worth the money.
Lo there,
the vega is a nice "cheap" piece of kit.
Do not expect to have an ipad like experience though, and out the box its a bit poo.
You definitly have to be prepared to have a fiddle to get the best out of it.
Rgds
L
cheers guys
i have heard it is a bit ram out of the box but i dont mind custom romming it it would be the second thing i do after turn it on!
I do really hope it can get honeycomb because that would make it a real i pad competitor for £250
It does seem well suited to honeycomb since it has no physical buttons, tegera 2, and a ten inch display which is what the xoom and galay pad are. but alot more moneys!
Do not underestimate the effect of the screen. You use a tablet interacting through an user interface with a screen. The UI here is Android, which is top... but the screen is bottom. Seriously. I would have shelled out 60 euro extra for a better screen.
Logseman said:
Do not underestimate the effect of the screen. You use a tablet interacting through an user interface with a screen. The UI here is Android, which is top... but the screen is bottom. Seriously. I would have shelled out 60 euro extra for a better screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
really? what else is their out their for that price and whats so bad about it the viewing angles?
The bad viewing angles make tasks like reading or watching videos while lying on bed a more straining task than it ought to. Plus, they strain the eyes more than better screens. That said, no tablet offers what the AV gives for its value, especially for mod-savvy use like the folks here or in MoDaCo.
Cheers thats what seems to be the general consensus. I cant justify the big price tags my self and i think i could live with pore viewing angles.
Plus im hopeful for honecome for this which shouldnt be too hard to build from source code since it has no cellular capabilities or gps which will mean their are less things to fix. WiFi would probably be an issue but fixable and personally i dont care about bluetooth.
if it gets this it will realy add value because the only niggles seem to be the screen and software!
well I have the galaxy tab...but miss the large screen of the ipad..(gave to son for xmas)....so I ordered a vega and it arrives wed morning..so will see if it does me...obviously will have to mod it..will just try the add on first...market etc...then try it out for a week and if happy enough will sell the galaxy tab..
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Gotta say, ive had no issues with viewing angles at all in real world use.
Its definatly not great, especially when comared to an ipad, but i use m vega to read books, graphic novels, watch videos etc and unless youre a quality nut, the vega is perfectly useable, for the price.
I think of the vega as more of a kit or scratchbuilt pad rather than a finely honed apple product so i put up with its shortcomings.
Rgds
L
The viewing angles are a bit dodgy but bareablyr, tbh I Havnt touched ny vega for over 2 months, I just don't really have a use for it right now, but as soon as honeycomb offically/gets ported onto the vega I'm going to start from scratch on this beast, start bringing it to work, etc...
Right now its just not 100% for me, something is missing, I don't know what apart from honeycombskis.
By the way, in no way do I regret buying it though, under the bareable screen is a beast begging to be unleashed, just a matter of time...PLUS the support for the product from officials is outatanding, I have seen the best customer support and its still going...they actually listen to their customers which is a good strategy!
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
kalfou said:
The viewing angles are a bit dodgy but bareablyr, tbh I Havnt touched ny vega for over 2 months, I just don't really have a use for it right now, but as soon as honeycomb offically/gets ported onto the vega I'm going to start from scratch on this beast, start bringing it to work, etc...
Right now its just not 100% for me, something is missing, I don't know what apart from honeycombskis.
By the way, in no way do I regret buying it though, under the bareable screen is a beast begging to be unleashed, just a matter of time...PLUS the support for the product from officials is outatanding, I have seen the best customer support and its still going...they actually listen to their customers which is a good strategy!
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with the customer service statement - just have a look over at MoDaCo!
Also, I can't wait for honeycomb too. It'll be great. If you want a preview just search for the sdk on google, bing etc.
So after watching Apple royally screwing up the launch for their customers (not themselves, of course), I decided to give the Xoom a try. I had already tried the original iPad and really loved it for what it could do, especially the battery life which was simply amazing.
Funny thing is, I'm really enjoying the web experience of the Xoom more than the iPad. I just hated the checkerboard while scrolling but I guess the iPad 2's engine has solved that problem. I also am enjoying the Xoom's speakers which are much louder than the iPad as that was one of my main issues since I like listening to the talk radio while in the shower. One thing I have noticed is that there seem to be more free apps for the Android than on the iOS side which is another huge plus.
I have read that many Xoom users were having issues with the browser crashing but so far after using it almost all day I have experienced just one force close. I agree with those that say the Xoom feels like a half baked product or was launched a bit too soon but if Google's commitment to their android OS is any indication then I see no reason why the Xoom can't become a serious iPad 2 competitor.
I have been using the Xoom since about 12:30pm and the battery finally died around 8:30pm, not bad at all but still nothing compared to the iPad which gave me almost 11 hours for the same type of use i.e web surfing and watching some videos on Youtube. Before I bought the Xoom I also played around with the new iPad 2 which was on display at my local BestBuy store and I really liked the design but something about the widgets that just seemed so boring compared to the honeycomb.
Yes I know the iPad 2 just spanks the Xoom as far as graphics go, according to Anandtech but then I never use the tablet for gaming. For that I have my 2010 Mac Pro and I don't really game much even on that. For me the Xoom is full of potential and because of that reason is a gamble while the iPad is safe territory but the potential is somewhat limited.
From the reviews/comments I thought I would really hate the Xoom but so far I'm really having fun with this thing!
It took me a couple weeks to notice the browser issues. I've actually had quite a few browser related problems since then. The Xoom is a riot. I love Honeycomb.
The Xoom is for geeks and techies. IPad is for ggeneral population
ipad2 for wife and xoom for me.
Well put.
My wife wanted a tablet for movies and games and is heavily invested in itunes, so the Ipad2 was her choice.
I, on the other hand, and an android geek and so the Xoom was wht I got this weekend.
I really dislike the whole Itunes echosystem and like my media to be portable to as many devices as possible (My pc, my phone and my tablet and my laptop).
you made the right choice
I have the same setup and it works great. Why only have one when you can have both? Each one has its strengths but I personally use the Xoom and wife uses ipad
kiwiruss said:
Well put.
My wife wanted a tablet for movies and games and is heavily invested in itunes, so the Ipad2 was her choice.
I, on the other hand, and an android geek and so the Xoom was wht I got this weekend.
I really dislike the whole Itunes echosystem and like my media to be portable to as many devices as possible (My pc, my phone and my tablet and my laptop).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
To be honest.. My experience with the Android platform was very short lived. Now I will admit I was running a GTablet (Tegra 2, etc.) with Froyo.
What I found was
General instability - Didnt crash all that much, maybe once or twice over a 10 hour period. In this day in age, crashing is unacceptable - especially for a $400 plus device.
Lack Luster SDK - I didnt find the SDK all that polished. I was surprised to see how much deprication there was and how little developers did not adhere to new develop APIs. One thing that still perplexes me is that the depricated APIs were being suppressed by Google during compile within the Android Framework!!! This caused a bunch of issues on the GTablet - easy to fix but still..
Market - Mostly poor applications - For a platform that has been around now for a while I found over 70% of applications were of poor quality. Either they were unstable, unusable or just down right JUNK. Dont get me wrong I was attracted to the Android platform due to its openness but honestly I also want quality.
Fragmentation - I noticed that though a robust SDK it didn't absorb well the various platforms. Each platform needs to be tweaked for that device to properly work. Typically this should be absorbed by the framework... This lends to the reason why most wait for fixes from their cellular vendors/phone manufactorers and not from Google. I think this is a big mistake. Eventually Google will cave in due to the poor implementation quality from these 3rd party vendors. Information Security will drive this..
Performance - Generally OK but I found too much overhead from the OS and Framework. The OS and framework need some optimization. This will reduce the need of a tablet having 1GB of ram... That is insane for a device like this!
Anyway.... Soo I ended up selling the GTablet and just picked up a IPAD 2... All I can say is that they are in two difference classes - this coming from a Linux/Java developer...
I will eventually head back to Android once it becomes more mature as I am most comfortable in that environment - until I want a tablet that I can be productive with, less on the fiddling side.
^
I've noticed that unless an application comes from a major company, more than likely it will look horrible or just "unkept". Obviously as I have said "more than likely" there are a few exceptions, but other than that many Android applications simply don't match their iOS relatives in terms of aesthetic appeal. Or even overall quality for that matter. I'm shocked that Android doesn't receive horrible backlash from this.
To make things worse, you were using 2.2 on a tablet. Pre-3.0 versions of Android on tablet devices simply fail to even rival the iPad. I wouldn't even choose one myself despite my undying love for Android.
Choice is amazing isn't it. Nobody made a rule you can only pick one and be stuck with it. I agree apps on IOS are superior in general to Android but everything else on Android is better than IOS. The notification system and half ass mutiltasking on IOS alone drives me crazy. Also most apps on IOS are used a bunch in the beginning and then never again, there was even a study on this a while ago. So I only have a few things I do frequently and the Xoom does them excellently.
stanglx said:
To be honest.. My experience with the Android platform was very short lived. Now I will admit I was running a GTablet (Tegra 2, etc.) with Froyo.
What I found was
General instability - Didnt crash all that much, maybe once or twice over a 10 hour period. In this day in age, crashing is unacceptable - especially for a $400 plus device.
Lack Luster SDK - I didnt find the SDK all that polished. I was surprised to see how much deprication there was and how little developers did not adhere to new develop APIs. One thing that still perplexes me is that the depricated APIs were being suppressed by Google during compile within the Android Framework!!! This caused a bunch of issues on the GTablet - easy to fix but still..
Market - Mostly poor applications - For a platform that has been around now for a while I found over 70% of applications were of poor quality. Either they were unstable, unusable or just down right JUNK. Dont get me wrong I was attracted to the Android platform due to its openness but honestly I also want quality.
Fragmentation - I noticed that though a robust SDK it didn't absorb well the various platforms. Each platform needs to be tweaked for that device to properly work. Typically this should be absorbed by the framework... This lends to the reason why most wait for fixes from their cellular vendors/phone manufactorers and not from Google. I think this is a big mistake. Eventually Google will cave in due to the poor implementation quality from these 3rd party vendors. Information Security will drive this..
Performance - Generally OK but I found too much overhead from the OS and Framework. The OS and framework need some optimization. This will reduce the need of a tablet having 1GB of ram... That is insane for a device like this!
Anyway.... Soo I ended up selling the GTablet and just picked up a IPAD 2... All I can say is that they are in two difference classes - this coming from a Linux/Java developer...
I will eventually head back to Android once it becomes more mature as I am most comfortable in that environment - until I want a tablet that I can be productive with, less on the fiddling side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
ok one issue I have noticed while watching video streams on the Xoom is that the quality seems blurry. On the original iPad the same videos looked very clear and sharp. I watch Twit.live and revision 3 and while they were pretty sharp on the iPad, they just look blurry on the Xoom. What's going on here? Is that related to H.264 issue? I heard there will be a fix for that but I'm not sure. On the positive side tethering the Xoom to my T-Mobile Vibrant was effortless and worked beautifully!
f1restarter said:
ok one issue I have noticed while watching video streams on the Xoom is that the quality seems blurry. On the original iPad the same videos looked very clear and sharp. I watch Twit.live and revision 3 and while they were pretty sharp on the iPad, they just look blurry on the Xoom. What's going on here? Is that related to H.264 issue? I heard there will be a fix for that but I'm not sure. On the positive side tethering the Xoom to my T-Mobile Vibrant was effortless and worked beautifully!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using flash or HTML5? If it's flash, all the videos are blurry with the leaked 10.2 Flash apk. I'm hoping it's fixed in the final version. HTML5 videos look great although keep in mind the XOOM has a much higher res display than iPad (1280x800 vs 1024x768) and a bigger screen so if the video is low quality it will show on the XOOM and not on the iPad.
Ahh the high res screen. That makes sense! Yes I'm using html 5 and had my dolphin HD browser set to "iPad" in the UA. I had installed the leaked flash apk but it just seemed like a huge mess with it not being touch friendly at all, so I uninstalled it and am hoping they improve flash before releasing it officially. Personally I'm just hoping google would simply get rid of flash crap once and for all and just go with HTML 5.
I got the Xoom and I love it. Once we get the update for official flash and the SD card this thing is going to rock. I have a Samsung Fascinate and I would never buy another Samsung phone.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
I love my xoom! Every time I think I may want to trade it for the iPad2 because maybe iOs has better apps or a better gpu, I think what am I going to be doing 90% of the time on my tablet, browser and gmail. Which does this the best hands down? Xoom!!! Plus the xoom is Google's reference hardware and will be updated quicky and often! The rest will come!
I currently have the 3G Xoom that I bought the first week that it was out.
I also bought the 64 GB Playbook on its release day.
This thread is for people who is thinking of getting a smaller device than the Xoom.
Playbook vs. Xoom:
Advantages of the Playbook:
1. More portable and lighter. I carry it almost everywhere I go because it can fit into my leather jacket pocket. I can hold it up longer than I can do with my Xoom while laying in bed without the fear that it will fall on my face.
2. Better screen. The whites of the playbook is whiter. The picture looks sharper. It seems to have a better viewing angle.
3. It can play high-profile h.264 movies. It cannot play .mkv container movies yet but if you convert the high-profile h.264 movies to .mg4 (using the free program called XenonMKV) then it plays flawlessly with its high-profile h.264 quality unchanged from original....only the 5.1 DTS sound is downsample to stereo AAC.
4. Multitasking is better on the Playbook than the Xoom.
5. The speakers are better on the Playbook because it directs the sound toward you instead of away from you.
------------------------------
Disadvantages of the Playbook:
1. Smaller screen than the Xoom
2. No default email (yet)
3. Cannot play .mkv container file (yet)
4. No micro SD card (but if you buy the 64 GB version then you don't have to worry about lack of space)
5. Not rootable (hope someone at XDA developer or any skilled person can hack it in the future)
6. No cellular feature (for the wi-fi only version)
7. Less apps (will improve in the future)
---------------------
For me, I like the Playbook better despite the negatives. I am trying to sell my 3G Xoom but I am keeping the 64 GB Playbook. I don't even have a blackberry phone and yet I still like the Playbook more.
It comes down to how I use the tablet the most that make me decide which is better. For me, it is portability (will use it more often) and watching high profile hi-def movies.
What does no default email mean? Like I could not use Gmail or Exchange?
Really I appreciate your opinion and if you would like I would take the inferior Xoom off your hands if u are giving it away.
Brenardo said:
Really I appreciate your opinion and if you would like I would take the inferior Xoom off your hands if u are giving it away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not giving it away. I am trying to sell it.
Ok, that's nice... thanks.
I don't really care though. If I was in the slightest bit interested in Blackberry, I would have waited around for the Playbook. If I wanted something 7", I would have gotten one of the many 7" Android tablets by now.
okie dokie
4. Multitasking is better on the Playbook than the Xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explain. 10char
Why is this even in a xoom forum...troll elsewhere please.
www.facebook.com/redcardgreencardpage
jondwillis said:
Explain. 10char
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mutitaking seems to be better on the Playbook because I can open more windows. I believe that the Xoom can only have the most recent 5 that you can choose to mutitask. The Playbook can have more than 5.
Will the apps come for the playbook? Apps never came for Blackberry phones...
they will have the ability to use Android apps, but its still to be seen how well it will be integrated into the ecosystem.
csseale said:
Why is this even in a xoom forum...troll elsewhere please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, because there is no forum that is dedicated to the Playbook here in XDA-developers forum.
Also, I also have the Xoom so I can make a comparison between the two devices.
Earthbrain said:
Mutitaking seems to be better on the Playbook because I can open more windows. I believe that the Xoom can only have the most recent 5 that you can choose to mutitask. The Playbook can have more than 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give you that, the 5 item back history seems arbitrary and limiting. Its not like the apps are killed, you just can't get back to them super quickly.
Earthbrain said:
Mutitaking seems to be better on the Playbook because I can open more windows. I believe that the Xoom can only have the most recent 5 that you can choose to mutitask. The Playbook can have more than 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't base my opinion on that, seeing as how there aren't really any decent apps for the Playbook, according to the Ars review posted today ;-)
Don't get me wrong, I liked the Playbook when I first heard about it. The specs are awesome, but it has two major downsides: lack of good 3rd party apps, and no native email/calendar/contacts sync support. It has to sync via a Blackberry handheld. Frankly, that sucks, and it's a gaping hole in design.
ANY other tablet, even the cheapo Android tabs, can sync your email without requiring any 'bridging' to a mobile phone.
The QNX OS is great, a lot like webOS, very intuitive and flexible. But without even basic messaging available out of the box (unless you already have a blackberry mobile), this is an epic fail in my book, and a major lost opportunity. "I coulda been a contender..."
The Xoom has its issues of course, but it isn't hampered out of the box like the Playbook is. I'm disappointed in RIM.
Earthbrain said:
I currently have the 3G Xoom that I bought the first week that it was out.
I also bought the 64 GB Playbook on its release day.
This thread is for people who is thinking of getting a smaller device than the Xoom.
Playbook vs. Xoom:
Advantages of the Playbook:
1. More portable and lighter. I carry it almost everywhere I go because it can fit into my leather jacket pocket. I can hold it up longer than I can do with my Xoom while laying in bed without the fear that it will fall on my face.
2. Better screen. The whites of the playbook is whiter. The picture looks sharper. It seems to have a better viewing angle.
3. It can play high-profile h.264 movies. It cannot play .mkv container movies yet but if you convert the high-profile h.264 movies to .mg4 (using the free program called XenonMKV) then it plays flawlessly with its high-profile h.264 quality unchanged from original....only the 5.1 DTS sound is downsample to stereo AAC.
4. Multitasking is better on the Playbook than the Xoom.
------------------------------
Disadvantages of the Playbook:
1. Smaller screen than the Xoom
2. No default email (yet)
3. Cannot play .mkv container file (yet)
4. No micro SD card (but if you buy the 64 GB version than you don't have to worry about lack of space)
5. Not rootable (hope someone at XDA developer or any skilled person can hack it in the future)
6. No cellular feature (for the wi-fi only version)
7. Less apps (will improve in the future)
---------------------
For me, I like the Playbook better despite the negatives. I am trying to sell my 3G Xoom but I am keeping the 64 GB Playbook. I don't even have a blackberry phone and yet I still like the Playbook more.
It comes down to how I use the tablet the most that make me decide which is better. For me, it is portability (will use it more often) and watching high profile hi-def movies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thanked your post because as I see you do actually own a Xoom you are giving us a brief rundown of a feature comparison between the two devices.
When I heard about this device on the radio I was interested until I heard all the **** it just can't do.
No email app out of the box? Really? That's hilarious, what a worthless peice of equipment if I can't read e-mail on it. App support? Lol WHAT App support have you seen in overwhelming display from Blackberry? All I know about Blackberry is that my experience in supporting their god awfull devices is just that... god awfull.
The screen is better, thats good.. smaller size is cool but then I agree with another guy... I'd just get a smaller android device.
With all that said, thanks for your write up and I hope that we dont get a huge proliferation of non-Xoom comparisons as a result.
cwizardtx said:
With all that said, thanks for your write up and I hope that we dont get a huge proliferation of non-Xoom comparisons as a result.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, I love to read about device comparison. The more, the better. However, I would prefer that the person who writes the comparison actually own the devices and have been using it for at least 1 week.
I actually currently have 4 tablets. They are the jailbroken ipad, T-mobile Samsung Galaxy tab with custom ROM Overcome 1.6.3, Xoom 3G, and the 64 GB Playbook.
Each has its strong and weak points. I use each one according to the situation that I am in. I don't like to bash other devices (or the people who buy them) because of the reason that I just mentioned. I just like to point out the advantages and disadvantages and let people decide for themselves.
You must have really weak arms if the Xoom is a challenge for you to hold up for long periods of time. Try going to the gym?
Also, I can see why the Playbook would be able to play high profile h.264, it's pushing less pixels and has a higher clocked CPU. How does it do playing 720p Youtube videos in browser though? You know how often I've played 720p video files on my Xoom? Once, because I wanted to try it. How often do I Youtube? Just about every day and the new Flash 10.2 makes 720p video playable on the Xoom(granted overclocked to 1.5ghz, the Xoom at stock clock does pretty poorly with 720p video on Youtube still).
Earthbrain said:
For me, I love to read about device comparison. The more, the better. However, I would prefer that the person who writes the comparison actually own the devices and have been using it for at least 1 week.
I actually currently have 4 tablets. They are the jailbroken ipad, T-mobile Samsung Galaxy tab with custom ROM Overcome 1.6.3, Xoom 3G, and the 64 GB Playbook.
Each has its strong and weak points. I use each one according to the situation that I am in. I don't like to bash other devices (or the people who buy them) because of the reason that I just mentioned. I just like to point out the advantages and disadvantages and let people decide for themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well there's also the fact that if people in this forum were at all interested in other devices I'd wager that we'd be in other device forums looking for those reviews. Honestly... I want to come to the XOOM Forum to read about the XOOM and not a bunch of other stuff which is why I left my reply off with the comment I did. I gave you thanks for your comparison between two devices but something tells me that a new rash of "im taking my xoom back for XYZ thing" is around the corner and let me tell you those get old and boring fast.
Again... appreciate your write up. From the looks of the features of that tablet... I wouldn't even be able to use it for the most menial of day to day things and thats laughable (to me).
Elysian893 said:
You must have really weak arms if the Xoom is a challenge for you to hold up for long periods of time. Try going to the gym?
Also, I can see why the Playbook would be able to play high profile h.264, it's pushing less pixels and has a higher clocked CPU. How does it do playing 720p Youtube videos in browser though? You know how often I've played 720p video files on my Xoom? Once, because I wanted to try it. How often do I Youtube? Just about every day and the new Flash 10.2 makes 720p video playable on the Xoom(granted overclocked to 1.5ghz, the Xoom at stock clock does pretty poorly with 720p video on Youtube still).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you ask 100 people if they would prefer a lighter tablet or a heavier tablet, I would bet that more than 50% of the people would say that they prefer a lighter tablet. I would even bet that most professional weight lifter would prefer a lighter tablet.
The Playbook is great at playing 720p youtube videos. In fact, flash seems to be better on my Playbook than on my Xoom, even when I just upgrade to the latest Flash version on the Xoom yesterday.
Earthbrain said:
If you ask 100 people if they would prefer a lighter tablet or a heavier tablet, I would bet that more than 50% of the people would say that they prefer a lighter tablet. I would even bet that most professional weight lifter would prefer a lighter tablet.
The Playbook is great at playing 720p youtube videos. In fact, flash seems to be better on my Playbook than on my Xoom, even when I just upgrade to the latest Flash version on the Xoom yesterday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I weight train, I'm not a professional but I do alright, the weight on the Xoom truly doesn't matter. 1.3lbs or whatever it is is next to nothing. Your experience with Flash on the Playbook doesn't seem to match that of anyone reviewing it.
To OP, I think you are compare two devices with different usage.
I’ve a Xoom mainly to use at home, and a Samsung Galaxy tab as media consumption device for daily commute.
I think the playbook cost too much and not offer any advantages over Android and Apple products.
For example, the Playbook doesn’t have enough apps to attract any android and Apple users and it don’t have 3G version.
I’d recommend 7” Android tablet for anyone who wants a mobile device.
I.E. the cheaper Galaxy Tab have all the advantages you listed, plus with Overcome ROM is very fast and lag free. Since its running Androide 2.2, nearly all the apps in market will work on the device. Also it can play mkv files.
P.S. I use MultiTasking Pro as work around for the limited app switching in Xoom, works well and I can also close most of the apps.
I am very hesitant in getting that phone, I've heard alot of good things and alot of bad things
I've seen specs and I've seen reviews, but I want to know people's personal opinion as they have the phone for full everyday use and not just reviewing it.
Is it worth it?
My advice do not go for it,you have better options for the same price.even if you are into gaming do not go for it...you can wait for NGP later and get dual core mobile now like galaxy s2/sensation/optimus 2x
I say go for it 4 sure. If you're like me who loves Zelda OOT, buy it! There is nothing like sitting on the subway while kids are playing their angry birds on their iphone while you sit there with your play and play Zelda or tekken 2 It's totally worth it!
everyday phone? Oh yeah! It works great!
Don't listen to that guy talking about dual core. You don't need it on a phone!! seriously, WHY would you need dual core? Everything i've tried on my play works like a charm!
jassired said:
My advice do not go for it,you have better options for the same price.even if you are into gaming do not go for it...you can wait for NGP later and get dual core mobile now like galaxy s2/sensation/optimus 2x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, get a dual core mobile now so you can play the exact same games you can play on the Xperia Play, only with worse controls and worse battery life.
Then get an NGP later so you can carry around two devices for ultimate portability!
hairdewx said:
Yeah, get a dual core mobile now so you can play the exact same games you can play on the Xperia Play, only with worse controls and worse battery life.
Then get an NGP later so you can carry around two devices for ultimate portability!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that was exactly what i meant haaha +1
^^^ I'm being sarcastic in my last post, in case the OP didn't catch that.
I'm very happy with my Play as a gaming phone and everyday phone. My wife has a Droid 3, and there isn't much difference at all, if any, in app performance and daily phone use. I have much better battery life as well. She has a better camera Maybe eventually apps will start taking advantage of multiple cores, but it's going to be a while.
You can't play this game on a touch screen very well...
Yourmama said:
I am very hesitant in getting that phone, I've heard alot of good things and alot of bad things
I've seen specs and I've seen reviews, but I want to know people's personal opinion as they have the phone for full everyday use and not just reviewing it.
Is it worth it?
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Click to collapse
It is very simple. How much do you value playing both Android-native and emulated games against the rest of features in a phone? If you really want to play games in a phone, this is your device.
If you don't value playing games over dual core CPUs, slick designs, gorgeous screens and feature-rich cameras, you're not the target for this device. It has a very specific niche, which Sony Ericsson has spent millions in digging out. It's a love-it-or-hate-it product, with little middle ground.
Oh, and it has an astonishingly precise GPS.
There are bad points about this phone but show me a perfect phone.
The best 2 things about this phone are obviously the control pad for 1 and the battery life, which has amazed me so far.
The only thing that I find annoying is the lack of decent games taking advantage of what is a great phone.
But I have to say I have started using emulators and they are quality, n64oid and fpse especially.
So to sum up its a great mix up between a gaming device and a smart phone. It is let down on the development side.
It all just depends on what you want if you like gaming I dont think you will be let down in purchasing this phone
Thats my two pennies anyway
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
I have an xperia play and a few of my mates have dual core phones (SGS2, Optimus x2 e.t.c). I would not swap the Xplay for any of them.
As hairdewx has shown if you plan on playing anything with FPSE or emulators it is pointless on anything other than an xplay. The emulators alones let you play thousands of games with proper controls (makes it a 1000x better)
The speakers are the best on any phone. And the battery life is amazing to say this is a gaming device. Just using it as a normal phone it is as good as the rest.
I would recommend you get this phone. I think it will be hard for me to upgrade to a newer phone @ the end of my contract, unless it has proper gaming controls . (Xplay 2 hopefully)
Thanks guys I don't know I just might get it the only setback was the lack of an HD screen and the core issue but seems that the people who have the phone are enjoying it, I will see
Just wanted to give a perspective from someone who just bought the phone yesterday.
Waiting in the Verizon store I got the chance to mess with a few other phones. I actually played a couple games on some as well and just took an overall look. So to start lets forget the coolness of the control pad, and also that IMO playing games with motion/touch controls aside from something designed for it like Angry Birds absolutely sucks. Its why I seriously have not been into mobile gaming until now and I'm a big gamer. Just can't stand those controls.
Most of these new 4G dual core phones are huge. Seriously I was playing with one of the new 4G phones and the damn thing was like a doormat it was so big. Meanwhile the Xperia Play dimensionally is almost identical to my OG Droid, but space wise is designed better so that the 4" screen pushes to almost the edges of the device which uses space very well. Fits in my pocket WAY better than those 4G devices with a screen thats only 0.3" smaller.
Next up is speed. The OS is just as responsive on the Play as any of the 4G devices, I'm honestly not sure how much a dual core processor can help on a cellphone especially for normal every day tasks, with an OS that while multitasking, is not like a PC where you can physically have 2+ windows on screen at once. The way Android prioritizes memory, if you are using multiple apps at once, I just don't see there being a possibility of an everyday advantage. Needless to say, touch them side by side, there is NO difference in speed. Which brings me to games. I played a couple on the newer devices, they looked and played the same as on the Play, no faster, no better graphics, no nothing.
Finally would be features, ok so the camera is ok but not as good, 4G where available, is REALLY fast so thats nice as well and if you're in an area its common, and you have a need for that kind of speed, well then its something you should consider. And HDMI out, not on the Play. I personally have no use for it but if you do then theres another loss. So this comes to opinion - IMO the camera is good enough, it does the job, its a cell phone not a Canon. 4G? I live in the NY metro area basically where 4G service should be mostly available but its spotty, meanwhile WiFi is everywhere, and everywhere I'd sit and use it I have WiFi (my home, my folks house, my firehouse etc), when I travel I book hotels that have free WiFi, also my ISP provides open WiFi in many areas. Also I have no shame I use peoples open WiFi signals if I have to, so honestly I don't miss the speed there. 3G really isn't THAT bad either, however its a compromise, and I'm sure outside of this area it could be a problem for some. Then HDMI out, I bet I'd try it out for a novelty but I'd probably never use it. I have a PS3, I watch movies on my big screen from that or my PC with HDMI out.
And 2 things I've said above become an advantage for the Play, no 4G and no Dual core = better battery life.
So all in all I don't for a second regret the purchase, you get 95% of the performance of a 4G phone, with the advantage of better battery life, and the completely awesome built in control pad. If you want to game, its a no brainer.
When I saw the title of the thread I opened it to give my opinion about this phone. But when I read the previous answers, all that I wanted to say had already been said, so I gave up writing a big text because I don't have anything new to say!
Then I'll only say that it's an awesome phone, buy it without any fear, you won't regret it.
_terror_ said:
If you're like me who loves Zelda OOT, buy it! There is nothing like sitting on the subway while kids are playing their angry birds on their iphone while you sit there with your play and play Zelda or tekken 2 It's totally worth it!
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WTF! did you get a stable enough N64 emu (not to mention enough ram to run the rom) I have a GBA SNES NES GameGear and Genesis, but i cant find a good (preferably free at least till applanets back up) 64emu anywhere....and how are you running tekken two though all the psx emus crash cause of sony releasing this phone....oh and as long as you plan to plug the thing in everynight for like 8 hours (although 2.3.3 update fixes that a small amount if you dont game or browse or call or well pretty much emulate any sort of energy from it) than dont buy this phone really takes a commitment, i hate that i bought it then found out motorolla is releasing the droid 3(name changes between SP's) with HDMI out 1Ghz process 8mp cam rear and ii believie dont quote 3.2 front (might have been 2.3 or somewhere goin on memory of specs) THAT IS THE PHONE YOU WANT IF YOU ARE STILL LOOKING but release does depend on SP Bell got it first! havent folllowed up on it much just pisses me off that i bought a damn sony product over a 3ds.......oh and sorry if i repeated anyfacts
It is my favorite device. I just put in 2 hours of Beyond the Beyond without any awful on screen controls or bluetooth shenanigans.
Sound quality is spectacular too, as is the battery life.
The only thing that could use some improvement is the camera.
If you enjoy games more than just casually and really enjoy emulation, there is no other real option IMHO.
Sent from my R800at using Tapatalk
KronikonE said:
WTF! did you get a stable enough N64 emu (not to mention enough ram to run the rom) I have a GBA SNES NES GameGear and Genesis, but i cant find a good (preferably free at least till applanets back up) 64emu anywhere....and how are you running tekken two though all the psx emus crash cause of sony releasing this phone....oh and as long as you plan to plug the thing in everynight for like 8 hours (although 2.3.3 update fixes that a small amount if you dont game or browse or call or well pretty much emulate any sort of energy from it) than dont buy this phone really takes a commitment, i hate that i bought it then found out motorolla is releasing the droid 3(name changes between SP's) with HDMI out 1Ghz process 8mp cam rear and ii believie dont quote 3.2 front (might have been 2.3 or somewhere goin on memory of specs) THAT IS THE PHONE YOU WANT IF YOU ARE STILL LOOKING but release does depend on SP Bell got it first! havent folllowed up on it much just pisses me off that i bought a damn sony product over a 3ds.......oh and sorry if i repeated anyfacts
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N64oid v2 runs alot of roms pretty perfect now, and fpse eats tekken alive, infact i havent found one ps1 rom it dosent run pefectly
jdsemler said:
Sound quality is spectacular too, as is the battery life.
The only thing that could use some improvement is the camera.
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Click to collapse
K Sound Agreed, Battery however i would like to know what miracle device you are using to keep it powered cause even with the 2.3.3 update which i wont le improved battery life significantly, i dont find its able to keep up with the demand especially noticable when streaming data i.e. skyFM or TuneInRadio(awsome app by the way for a phone with no FM reciever any radio station you could imagine....from all 7 contenent...yes there is a sat radio station based in antarctica for the 12 people that are ever there at one time, sheesh im Canadian and i say no thanks to that lol sorry off topic tired and ranting), and camera is decent quality 5.0mp front is only1.2 so self portraits are a little grainy i find, but none the less i have to agreee it could use more features to the actual cam its self
AndroHero said:
N64oid v2 runs alot of roms pretty perfect now, and fpse eats tekken alive, infact i havent found one ps1 rom it dosent run pefectly
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Click to collapse
didnt know N64oid v2 was out thanks!, and as for the ps one emu i think i might just steal whatever games they release seeing as i pretty much bought a psone in a phone seems a little redundant to download a program on top of that....just cant wait to see if they find a way to release FFVII and VIII to the phone
Just get an android phone you like
to the guy who started this thread truely you just want an android phone PERIOD with it dominating over 50% of the smart phone generation other companies are trying to figure a way to eat a piece of googles pie....ie rumors which are now apparently confimed (which i havent seen first hand knowledge) but the iPhone 5(BOOO) is set to release with BBM installed, and we all know android with get it first probably for free with some sort if ad support....its like comparing a PS3 to Xbox360 its just not necessary 360 wins in every department like android.(minus blueray but you can obvi get a cheap one of those now to make up for it)
Anyone interested
found a decent site on app creation for android....vogella.de/articles/Android/article.html
sorry bout not making it a link apparently i havent posted enough for our Naziesq forum rules
KronikonE said:
to the guy who started this thread truely you just want an android phone PERIOD with it dominating over 50% of the smart phone generation other companies are trying to figure a way to eat a piece of googles pie....ie rumors which are now apparently confimed (which i havent seen first hand knowledge) but the iPhone 5(BOOO) is set to release with BBM installed, and we all know android with get it first probably for free with some sort if ad support....its like comparing a PS3 to Xbox360 its just not necessary 360 wins in every department like android.(minus blueray but you can obvi get a cheap one of those now to make up for it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't you pissed on this guy's thread enough? Then you come into a forum with people who are obvious playstation and Sony fans and say the Xbox360 "wins in every department" which is so untrue its not even funny but I'm not getting into that flame war here.
You don't seem to like the phone much, and you don't seem to like PS much, door is to the left, go buy another phone then.
Hi,
I am new to the world of tablet & I am going to buy my first tablet & got stuck with two choices - xoom & sony tablet S (ruled out tab 10.1 due to lack of expandable storage option). can you guys please suggest on this? (p.s. - android OS is not new to me)
Also, I would be grateful if you guys can inform me about the 3G frequency band being used in xoom. Also, please let me know what type of SIM being used in 3g xoom for ex - normal SIM card or U-SIM.
p.s. - didn't found any thread for this comparison
Both tablets aren't really very smooth.
Of the two, its hard to choose. The sony tablet looks very nice.
As the owner of the xooms, the display is dull and poorly calibrated, unbearably ugly heavy and fat. Shadowgun isn't completely smooth. Playable, but not smooth.
Live wallpapers does not work, UI still lag. Sony tablet also didn't get such rave reviews
You sure you need so much space? Please consider the samsung 10.1, due to the ****ty screen of the xoom I didn't even bother putting videos on the tablet.
32GB sounds enough I seldom use my sd card too.
Mine has a good screen, the weight is fine, live wallpapers work fine and ICS is on par with iOS.
The Xoom's panel is really bad.
I wouldn't think like that if I also didn't own a Galaxy S2. Comparing the 2 panels is like comparing a V12 Ferrari to a V8 Mustang on a racetrack. Obviously the Mustang is pretty and powerful, but once you have them side by side competing against each other, you come to think that the once mighty Mustang might be just a cheap POS when compared to the almighty Ferrari V12.
The other downside of the Xoom is the lack of 1080p output on the micro-HDMI port. I can connect if to my big LED TV, but all I get is 720p.
It has many obvious advantages over the Galaxy Tab 10.1, but if image output (either on its display or on TV) is important to you and a deciding factor, rule the Xoom out.
ccaian1 said:
Both tablets aren't really very smooth.
Of the two, its hard to choose. The sony tablet looks very nice.
As the owner of the xooms, the display is dull and poorly calibrated, unbearably ugly heavy and fat. Shadowgun isn't completely smooth. Playable, but not smooth.
Live wallpapers does not work, UI still lag. Sony tablet also didn't get such rave reviews
You sure you need so much space? Please consider the samsung 10.1, due to the ****ty screen of the xoom I didn't even bother putting videos on the tablet.
32GB sounds enough I seldom use my sd card too.
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Click to collapse
I would return the Xoom if you are not happy with it. I love my Xoom and wasnt expecting the best of the best when I purchased it. The build quality of the Xoom is far superior over any other Android Tablet out there right now. Maybe the screen isnt the best or some other asepects but that doesnt bother my. It does what I want it to do. Enjoy. Thanks
hotdude2411 said:
Hi,
I am new to the world of tablet & I am going to buy my first tablet & got stuck with two choices - xoom & sony tablet S (ruled out tab 10.1 due to lack of expandable storage option). can you guys please suggest on this? (p.s. - android OS is not new to me)
Also, I would be grateful if you guys can inform me about the 3G frequency band being used in xoom. Also, please let me know what type of SIM being used in 3g xoom for ex - normal SIM card or U-SIM.
p.s. - didn't found any thread for this comparison
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For us to better help you, I would suggest listing things that are important to you.
Then instead of people complaining about things only they care about, you can actually get some usable opinions.
Also,the Xoom uses a standard SIM. Not sure about the bands it uses.
ccaian1 said:
Both tablets aren't really very smooth.
Of the two, its hard to choose. The sony tablet looks very nice.
As the owner of the xooms, the display is dull and poorly calibrated, unbearably ugly heavy and fat. Shadowgun isn't completely smooth. Playable, but not smooth.
Live wallpapers does not work, UI still lag. Sony tablet also didn't get such rave reviews
You sure you need so much space? Please consider the samsung 10.1, due to the ****ty screen of the xoom I didn't even bother putting videos on the tablet.
32GB sounds enough I seldom use my sd card too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely disagree with you, regarding the performance of the Xoom.
My experience is the opposite. On EOS ICS, especially, my Xoom is super smooth, fast and responsive. I have a good screen. I can do everything I want with my Xoom. I don't have all the troubles reported by owners of other tablets, including the Transformer Prime. I don't know the Sony tab but, the Xoom is a terrific device...even better than when it was first released, because of the software development.
Also have to disagree with ccain1,
the xoom is a nice product, performance wise even on stock ICS the performance is great, no lag, very smooth. apps are snappy.
as for the screen, majority say its dull, but thats because its not as contrasty as the samoleds that people regard as the holy grail of screens, the screen does the job, looks fine with movies, youtube and games. its just a heavy duty LCD screen.
they arent many niggling issues that other tabs suffer from that many complain about. (transformers dock/battery issues, 10.1s screen "oil mark" defects/all other tabs lack of updates)
Plus the Xoom, is considered a nexus device, which is why its the only tab released last year that officially running ICS. and likely will continues to receive updates.
You also gotta realize that is this complaint/fix heavy forum. Most things you read hear unfortunately will be negative, people don't come to brag about how things are great too much, only to complain and look for fixes.
bundled with a 32gb mSD you max out at like ~60GB of usable space.
easy to unlock/root
it is kinda heavy tho buts a 1st Generation tab, @ 1.7lbs, same weight as the first gen ipad
Only have the wifi version of the Xoom so can't tell you anything about its 3g. Have never tried the Sony model so can't give you an opinion on it. However, what I can tell you is that the Xoom has taken me completely by surprise. I was lucky enough to pick up a cheap xoom at the airport and within one day I had rooted it and put a custom rom on it. It was really easy even for a non-techie like me. And when the ICS custom roms started appearing it was not a problem putting that on it. It's a whole new experience from Honeycomb.
All in all I can only recommend the Xoom. Unless you can get the Sony model a whole lot cheaper I can't see the reason for you not getting a Xoom
Don't get the Sony. Made of plastic, even the screen is plastic, not Gorilla Glass like the Xoom. There's no development on the Sony and is not very popular. ICS on the Xoom is very very good.
I was also considering between these two and I finally chose xoom. It is cheaper and the screen is gorilla glass.
I don't what you are looking for in the Xoom so like others I will give you my opinion based on my needs. I am middle aged business man not interested in rooting and playing games on the Xoom. I use it for travel and work when I don't need my laptop. I have the 4G version so still on Honeycomb. All the griping about lag, delays and fingerprints is just that gripes. If someone thinks a tablet should be the end all to all of the computer needs well they are not very realistic. Got a problem with fingerprints then get a screen protector or a stylus pen. Need to access your laptop from afar, download an app and there you go. Wanna watch a movie on the plane no problem works great. Do you want to read in bed it works great. Good battery life and one last thing I would rather have a little bit heavier device that is built better then save a few grams for a plastic device.
KGOKnicks said:
I don't what you are looking for in the Xoom so like others I will give you my opinion based on my needs. I am middle aged business man not interested in rooting and playing games on the Xoom. I use it for travel and work when I don't need my laptop. I have the 4G version so still on Honeycomb. All the griping about lag, delays and fingerprints is just that gripes. If someone thinks a tablet should be the end all to all of the computer needs well they are not very realistic. Got a problem with fingerprints then get a screen protector or a stylus pen. Need to access your laptop from afar, download an app and there you go. Wanna watch a movie on the plane no problem works great. Do you want to read in bed it works great. Good battery life and one last thing I would rather have a little bit heavier device that is built better then save a few grams for a plastic device.
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Click to collapse
Agreed!!
Minus that im a younger geeky dude that like to expirement with rooting and getting my hands dirty unlocking the true potential out of our devices, The only thing I hate about the Xoom is motorolas lack of not being able to give there customers the support we deserve and for releasing other newer products before perfecting the ones that have been released!!!
KGOKnicks said:
I don't what you are looking for in the Xoom so like others I will give you my opinion based on my needs. I am middle aged business man not interested in rooting and playing games on the Xoom. I use it for travel and work when I don't need my laptop. I have the 4G version so still on Honeycomb. All the griping about lag, delays and fingerprints is just that gripes. If someone thinks a tablet should be the end all to all of the computer needs well they are not very realistic. Got a problem with fingerprints then get a screen protector or a stylus pen. Need to access your laptop from afar, download an app and there you go. Wanna watch a movie on the plane no problem works great. Do you want to read in bed it works great. Good battery life and one last thing I would rather have a little bit heavier device that is built better then save a few grams for a plastic device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree.... I purchased my Xoom on day one and haven't looked back. With the HC upgrades and now ICS it's like I have a brand new top of the line device.
Even with all the new tablets being released I have yet to see one that is as well made as the Xoom.