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First of all, this isn't a "why I don't like the Xoom" post. Actually, there is a lot that I do really like about the Xoom, and I'm optimistic that once Flash, 4G, and a few more Honeycomb-optimized apps come to the device, it will be a very capable device.
The reason I'm posting here is that I purchased the Xoom online from Verizon when it first came out, but there were a few things that bothered me enough about it that I returned it after about a week to make sure that I didn't land outside the return window. I have however, been considering buying another one, this time directly from the Verizon store so I can spend a little more time with it to determine if I like it enough to justify the $800 expenditure. So, I wanted to post my major nits with the product here to see if others have found them to be not as much of an issue or had found workarounds that solve some of these problems. I know there have been other posts about many of these problems, but I was hoping to get some fresh perspective now that the device has been out and in people's hands for a little longer.
Here's what is keeping me from going out and buying another Xoom right now.
1. I didn't like the display. On auto-brightness, it seemed like it was always too dark, and even the maximum manual brightness setting it still wasn't bright enough to overcome the glare that the screen attracted when I was sitting by a window or near a lamp. I felt like I was always struggling to see what was on the screen, even when indoors. Has anyone had luck solving this with, for example, an anti-glare screen protector? Or was this something that you adjusted to and found to be less of an issue over time?
2. The portfolio case, though serviceable, was unattractive and clunky, but I didn't like the lack of screen protection on the gel case. Is the gel case maybe worth another look, or are there any third party cases in the works that look promising?
3. It can't charge via USB, and the power adapter is a little larger than something I would like to have tucked in my bag all the time. How do you keep your Xoom charged on the go? Do you find that the advantage of being able to charge the Xoom quickly makes up for the fact that it can't be charged by a universal mini-usb?
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this. It turned out a little longer than I had originally intended. Looking forward to your feedback.
lazy_rider said:
First of all, this isn't a "why I don't like the Xoom" post. Actually, there is a lot that I do really like about the Xoom, and I'm optimistic that once Flash, 4G, and a few more Honeycomb-optimized apps come to the device, it will be a very capable device.
The reason I'm posting here is that I purchased the Xoom online from Verizon when it first came out, but there were a few things that bothered me enough about it that I returned it after about a week to make sure that I didn't land outside the return window. I have however, been considering buying another one, this time directly from the Verizon store so I can spend a little more time with it to determine if I like it enough to justify the $800 expenditure. So, I wanted to post my major nits with the product here to see if others have found them to be not as much of an issue or had found workarounds that solve some of these problems. I know there have been other posts about many of these problems, but I was hoping to get some fresh perspective now that the device has been out and in people's hands for a little longer.
Here's what is keeping me from going out and buying another Xoom right now.
1. I didn't like the display. On auto-brightness, it seemed like it was always too dark, and even the maximum manual brightness setting it still wasn't bright enough to overcome the glare that the screen attracted when I was sitting by a window or near a lamp. I felt like I was always struggling to see what was on the screen, even when indoors. Has anyone had luck solving this with, for example, an anti-glare screen protector? Or was this something that you adjusted to and found to be less of an issue over time?
2. The portfolio case, though serviceable, was unattractive and clunky, but I didn't like the lack of screen protection on the gel case. Is the gel case maybe worth another look, or are there any third party cases in the works that look promising?
3. It can't charge via USB, and the power adapter is a little larger than something I would like to have tucked in my bag all the time. How do you keep your Xoom charged on the go? Do you find that the advantage of being able to charge the Xoom quickly makes up for the fact that it can't be charged by a universal mini-usb?
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this. It turned out a little longer than I had originally intended. Looking forward to your feedback.
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Click to collapse
1. I agree with the auto brightness. I turned this off and keep the brightness at 75%. I added Zagg invisibleshield and it has significantly reduced glare, fingerprints and smudges. I am happy.
2. I ordered this but it has not arrived yet: http://www.zoogue.com/shop/#xoom-zoogue-case-genius I am currently using the Moto gel case and it works for now.
3. I haven't had an issue with the charger. It charges very fast and the battery life is very good.
I love my xoom, though i don't see a lot of resolution for you on these issues.
1. I love the display, agreed it's hard to see in bright light (but this to me is normal).
2. I like the portfolio case and use it constantly.
3. For me the lack of usb chargning is fine, as the default charger charges so fast and my battary lasts me all day. I can charge from empty to full in less then two hours and get at least a good 12 hour day of off again on again usage.
Hope this helps.
same here.
i turned of auto brightness and the screen is great for me now.
haven't put a case on it (waiting for a good one to come out).
i left the shipping cover plastic on the screen until i decide on what screen protector i am going to use.
no usb charging was not a deal breaker for me as it has been noted before that the charge time is fast and the use time is high.
1. I use mine on a bus and outside and haven't really had a problem with brightness, the glare is a killer though. Inside, at night when using the kindle app, I'd like to turn down the brightness. I picked up the Steinheil screen protectors (matte) and it really cut down on the fingerprint smudges and glare. Yea, the screen isn't as crisp as without the protector, but the smudges ruined it anyway. I took auto brightness off but keep the display turned down.
2. I haven't seen any third party case even for the ipad that I really like. The portfolio from Motorola is the best I've seen so far and I'm really disappointed. It needs to have a typing position, maybe 20-30% incline.
3. I would have liked a mini usb charger. I'll probably get a second one but by charging it at night I have more than enough juice to get through a day.
Motorola had a $100 off coupon floating around and the wifi models are being released at the end of this month which should be less expensive.
keitht said:
1. I agree with the auto brightness. I turned this off and keep the brightness at 75%. I added Zagg invisibleshield and it has significantly reduced glare, fingerprints and smudges. I am happy.
2. I ordered this but it has not arrived yet: http://www.zoogue.com/shop/#xoom-zoogue-case-genius I am currently using the Moto gel case and it works for now.
3. I haven't had an issue with the charger. It charges very fast and the battery life is very good.
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Click to collapse
I have a Zoogue iPad case and have used it for the past 8 months. It is amazing and has held up perfectly. It is an awesome case especially if you intend to watch a fair bit of videos with your tablet. Maybe not the prettiest case around, but it protects the hell out of the tablet and not only allows you any angle of incline, but also a very sturdy base so that it wont go tipping over if you tap the tablet too hard.
I agree with most people here.
1. Forget the auto brightness. It's useless.
2. I really want the zoogue case, let me know how it is. I'm ok with the portfolio case. It's definitely grown on me. I have two big issues with it though: lack of a 30-degree angle for tabletop use, but i've gotten used to the "low angle", and no charging while closed. someone in the accessories forum suggested punching a hole with a punch meant for making holes in a belt and it worked like a charm (hint: try asking your dry cleaner/alternation shop if you can use theirs, that way I didn't have to buy one). Looks like it almost was meant to be there.
3. I would have liked the 'option' of a mirco usb charger, but honestly, I use it every day at work unplug in the morning, use at home after dinner and plug in at night, and have never had an issue. I even went away for the weekend (sat morn to sunday night) and brought my charger, but i never charged it. I dont see it as an issue.
lazy_rider said:
First of all, this isn't a "why I don't like the Xoom" post. Actually, there is a lot that I do really like about the Xoom, and I'm optimistic that once Flash, 4G, and a few more Honeycomb-optimized apps come to the device, it will be a very capable device.
The reason I'm posting here is that I purchased the Xoom online from Verizon when it first came out, but there were a few things that bothered me enough about it that I returned it after about a week to make sure that I didn't land outside the return window. I have however, been considering buying another one, this time directly from the Verizon store so I can spend a little more time with it to determine if I like it enough to justify the $800 expenditure. So, I wanted to post my major nits with the product here to see if others have found them to be not as much of an issue or had found workarounds that solve some of these problems. I know there have been other posts about many of these problems, but I was hoping to get some fresh perspective now that the device has been out and in people's hands for a little longer.
Here's what is keeping me from going out and buying another Xoom right now.
1. I didn't like the display. On auto-brightness, it seemed like it was always too dark, and even the maximum manual brightness setting it still wasn't bright enough to overcome the glare that the screen attracted when I was sitting by a window or near a lamp. I felt like I was always struggling to see what was on the screen, even when indoors. Has anyone had luck solving this with, for example, an anti-glare screen protector? Or was this something that you adjusted to and found to be less of an issue over time?
2. The portfolio case, though serviceable, was unattractive and clunky, but I didn't like the lack of screen protection on the gel case. Is the gel case maybe worth another look, or are there any third party cases in the works that look promising?
3. It can't charge via USB, and the power adapter is a little larger than something I would like to have tucked in my bag all the time. How do you keep your Xoom charged on the go? Do you find that the advantage of being able to charge the Xoom quickly makes up for the fact that it can't be charged by a universal mini-usb?
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this. It turned out a little longer than I had originally intended. Looking forward to your feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 - I operate my device on auto brightness pretty much all the time, the only exception to this is when QuickPic fires up because it ramps it to 100%. I have found that in most normal operating environments I can see the screen perfectly. I am not outdoors with it very often but I know what you are talking about because it is difficult to see under direct or even semi direct sunlight.
2 - I'm going to buy a gel case right now, I already own the protective case. I want to try them both and figure that I'll use the Gel case around the house and the protective case out at work.
3 - There is a car charger, but I am unaware of a more compact Xoom charger.
Thanks to everyone who has commented so far. I'm leaning strongly towards giving the Xoom another shot, although I might wait until they start shipping with 4G, so I don't have to send it back to Moto for a week for the upgrade.
lazy_rider said:
1. I didn't like the display. Has anyone had luck solving this with, for example, an anti-glare screen protector? Or was this something that you adjusted to and found to be less of an issue over time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still not over the display quality. This is one of the main factors why I'm weighing to sell the xoom and get another honeycomb tablet in the future.
lazy_rider said:
2. The portfolio case, though serviceable, was unattractive and clunky, but I didn't like the lack of screen protection on the gel case. Is the gel case maybe worth another look, or are there any third party cases in the works that look promising?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't say as I've never used it before.
lazy_rider said:
3. It can't charge via USB, and the power adapter is a little larger than something I would like to have tucked in my bag all the time. How do you keep your Xoom charged on the go? Do you find that the advantage of being able to charge the Xoom quickly makes up for the fact that it can't be charged by a universal mini-usb?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the xoom's ability to charge quickly makes up for the lack of usb charging. additionally, when in a car traveling long distances, i can hook up the charger to a power generator i bought for the car that easily hooks up to the lighter port.
I'm going to wait it out, and try and get the samsung tablet 10.1 coming out in about a month.
I too use auto brightness all the time, but maybe I live in a dark existence.
I use the gel case all the time, and no screen protector. When I take it with me, its in my protective net book sleeve in my backpack so I'm not really worried about the screen. If I start to hear complaints here about screen issues (other than the gym bag guy) I may seek better protection.
I don't find the charging to be an issue as the battery lasts a long time. I think the car charger (<$30) is a good idea if you are gonna be in the car for even 15 minutes or so. If you can hook up the standard dock someplace in your car you can charge it and play audio from itnto the aux port on your stereo if you have one...
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
lazy_rider said:
Do you find that the advantage of being able to charge the Xoom quickly makes up for the fact that it can't be charged by a universal mini-usb?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very much so; it charges it so fast and the battery life is so good I just don't worry about it any more. I might get a car charger for the times I can't get home in time, once they get 2nd-sourced (to save money) but so far, so good.
I suffer under no delusions that a device like this will be viewable in direct lighting (including sunlight). I pretty much assumed going in that I'd still be using my classic Nook with e-ink for reading outside...
i bought one and I returned it because of the same issues. Then I bought my wife an I pad 2 and i tested it for a few day and I
notice the xoom is so fast and you not handcuffed to apple products that I went and bought the xoom again and this time I'm keeping it.
Looking for two things...
1. I want to use my tablet as an alarm clock. Can somebody suggest me a dock or a stand that I can get off of Amazon that will charge the tablet as well as keep it standing up (landscape)?
2. I need a portfolio case, not expensive off of Amazon as well. Suggestions?
I purchased a cheap portfolio case of amazon, it's much better then the riot brand one I already had, and at 1/4 the price, it also came with a screen protector (which I haven't installed yet) and an hdmi cable. all for $15. It has the cutout for the dock.
Also Acer does sell a dock but it does not charge from the dock. Your search might just be the case I have acres portfolio case and it pretty good.
Sent from my Acer Iconia A500 using Tapatalk
Yeah, thanks for the info but links would be really helpful.
Google them that's how I find
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
BrianDigital said:
Google them that's how I find
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
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Kind of a big variable. I am looking for specifics that people have had luck with.
Bump...
Have you looked through Amazon and read the review of products?
Have you gone through this forum and looked at the reviews people have posted?
You could just get a case that stands well in landscape and plug your tablet in... you would kill two birds with one stone.
It seems like you are expecting people to come here and tell you what to buy, and I just don't think that will happen. If you have gone through all the review threads here, you should have a good idea of what cases people like and if you can narrow it down to a few I am sure people would be able to give you their opinion of one over the other.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n...=acer+a500&ie=UTF8&qid=1330355343&rnid=541966 - There are all the accessories Amazon has for the A500.
Anybody have luck with this at all?
http://www.amazon.com/rooCASE-Multi...ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1330453459&sr=1-1
rooCase FTW!
The rooCase is a badass case, I have it, it has velcro on the bottom so you can adjust the angle to your needs, and it even has magnets on the top of the lid, it´s pretty awesome for $15, seriously. Tablet won´t slip and you get access to both sides without trouble. The only but is that you have to take it out of the casse to get to the microsd slot (which for me is not a big deal, seriously).
Plus it´s leather!
http://www.amazon.com/BLUREX-Leathe...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337535049&sr=1-1
The BEST case for the A500.
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2
I bought a Acer brand folio case and its pretty nice but if you use zagg screen protector It doesn't work that well since its kinda sticky film but.. The folio case is perfect for any one that wants a dock feel plus cheep!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Hello friends! I am in love with my Nexus 4 (despite USB-OTG not working so far). I am coming from a Casio rugged smartphone that didn't require a case because it was bulletproof, so I have no idea who makes the best cases these days.
I think I want to go with a slide in Pull Tab case. This way I don't have to worry about "will this work with the Qi charger," and this thing fits perfectly in my hand right now for one handed use...I fear adding any thickness in the form of a case will make it just a little too big for my hands.
I don't mind spending the money on a case that looks nice, feels nice, and is high quality. I ordered one of the cheapo Pull Tab cases off of e-bay just to hold me over....but who makes some of the nicer pull tab cases? I know they won't have one for the Nexus 4 just yet, but I want to stalk their website until they do.
Thanks!
(side note: I ended up purchasing a Wi-Drive from Kingston. This little thing makes a perfect addition to our phones. I really hope USB-OTG gets worked out, but for those of you who want some extra storage for travel, the Wi-Drive worked better than I imagined).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2003934
-=chad=- said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2003934
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That would be awesome if they made a Nexus 4 specific one. I would love the LED and speaker cutouts. I will keep an eye out!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2012524 is the one I'm using, along with some pictures. It's designed for the Galaxy Nexus, but fits perfectly. And is only $12.98
Was looking around for a good keyboard + stand combo for the 10.1, something like the official one sold by samsung but cheaper.
Sorta new here just got my tablet 1 1/2 months ago, so just wanted to know if u guys have any suggestions
sent from my "Ur IPhone will never do this" Phone
sgaheer said:
Was looking around for a good keyboard + stand combo for the 10.1, something like the official one sold by samsung but cheaper.
Sorta new here just got my tablet 1 1/2 months ago, so just wanted to know if u guys have any suggestions
sent from my "Ur IPhone will never do this" Phone
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Click to collapse
Personally, I like using the stock cover set at the "typing" angle and using the SwiftKey tablet keyboard. It eliminates the typing of the 3 and 8 on accident, like pon the stock keyboard.
Otherwise, I would just go for a blue tooth keyboard.
This was the nicest one I saw., and almost bought it.
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/wedge-mobile-keyboard
I bought the Zagg Flex BT keyboard, which is still on sale for 50% off. It has a standard key layout and is very comfotable to type on. It has a case to protect it when not in use that can be used as a stand for your tablet. I did a brief review in accessories, which discusses Android function keys and has a photo. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2162886 Here's a link to the sale page, which has more info and a short video . http://www.zagg.com/accessories/zaggkeys-flex-tablet-keyboard-stand
I have the Microsoft Wedge Bluetooth keyboard, the cover is a nice hard but oddly flexible rubber like plastic that fills and supports the Note in both landscape and portrait mode. The keyboard is well built with a high quality finish and despite the keys sitting so close to each other that they actually touch it's surprisingly easy to write on. My only complaint is that when the tablet had been turned off for a while the connection is lost and sometimes I've had to reboot to reestablish a connection.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk HD
mke1973 said:
I bought the Zagg Flex BT keyboard, which is still on sale for 50% off. It has a standard key layout and is very comfotable to type on. It has a case to protect it when not in use that can be used as a stand for your tablet. I did a brief review in accessories, which discusses Android function keys and has a photo. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2162886 Here's a link to the sale page, which has more info and a short video . http://www.zagg.com/accessories/zaggkeys-flex-tablet-keyboard-stand
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Click to collapse
Just missed out on the deal, damn
the keyboard looked promising.
Thanks for the suggestion but $80 is a bit steep for me now
Bought one of these the other day, hoping to modify the bracket to fit, however to my surprise if you have the genuine slide cover you can fold it such a way it actually holds and works with no modding!! the silver plastic bar does flex but easily returns to its straight form when taken off. Only downside is you couldn't hold it for ages it is heavy.
just an idea
can you use it the over way around, so that the silver bar is on top and not gets pushed like this?
cars10k said:
can you use it the over way around, so that the silver bar is on top and not gets pushed like this?
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Click to collapse
afraid not as the position makes the screen hang over the joy pad. you could adjust the pad so it grips more of the front bezel that would solve it. Hasn't done any damage to this one.
Interesting.
Sent from my TegraNote-P1640 using Tapatalk
Is that the g910 gamepad? I tried that one and while it seemed nice for the price, it was a pain to connect for me. Many times I had to reboot the tablet, and the controller, turn bluetooth off and on, just to get them to talk to each other. I sent it back and bought a moga power pro. It works very well.
tsbrewers said:
Is that the g910 gamepad? I tried that one and while it seemed nice for the price, it was a pain to connect for me. Many times I had to reboot the tablet, and the controller, turn bluetooth off and on, just to get them to talk to each other. I sent it back and bought a moga power pro. It works very well.
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Yes it is, just wanted something cheap as they get knocked about anyway. Looks like they updated it as the D pad is not the standard XBOX360 one anymore, it connected straight away with dead trigger and nova. I am guessing build quality and battery life is nowhere near a moga, cheap though.
Ya, I really wanted to like mine. It overall worked ok, I updated the firmware and did everything by the book, but any time I would turn it off, then try to use it later, I had to jump through hoops most of the time to get it to work.
I first ordered it straight from geekbuying for $27 or so, but after a month and a half waiting, I finally canceled that order and picked it up from Amazon, also from geekbuying, but out of Amazon's warehouse. I paid about $32 or so that time. When I decided it wasn't good enough really, I found the moga power pro (newest one) on Amazon's marketplace for $50 I figured it was only about $17 more to get the real thing.
Overall I don't regret sending the g910 back and getting the moga. It has worked flawlessly so far. Plus the app is pretty nice too.
I hope it works out for you, the reviews were really good, that is why I went with that one first.
update
Although using the cover case folded as a means to grip the tegra worked, it wasn't very secure and could easily flip forward. So I opened up the game controller, changed the analog sticks as my dog manage to chew one off. In doing so I was able to look at the mechanism for the phone grip part, the arm is far too short to allow a 7inch tablet, however using an old piece of plastic, cutting it down to length and adapting it to extend the original arm it is possible now to fit the tegra securely with or without the case cover, the spring loaded grip works just as well as the original.