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I won't make this too in depth, but I'd actually like to address some of the development doubts I've seen for the 8.0 and share my fair opinion of the device so far. First off I'd like to compare it from my own personal experience to other tablets I've owned and used a fair bit.
First off I'd like to compare it to a Nexus 10. I spent roughly a week playing with a Nexus 10 and settled on returning it. This is going to sound a little strange being that I'm comparing such a close price point but the Nexus 10 to me was not worth the premium. Not only that but honestly with a 10" tablet I feel I may as well be using my 13" Lenovo Ideapad Yoga- BUT that is a personal preference and by no means a fair reference point. What did I experience with the Nexus 10? I did like the build quality, however the user experience was strangely underwhelming even after installing some custom ROMs. I'm quite aware this paragraph isn't too relevant, however I've found the Note 8.0 a fair bit easier to use in every day situations than any 10" tablet I've owned.
Comparing it to a Nexus 7 is another matter. I do own a Nexus 7, I've actually given it to my significant other's 12 year old girl to learn and play with. Originally though I do love the device far more so than it's 10" counterpart. The only problem is well, it's just slightly too small for some uses. The form factor I found to be slightly frustrating. Whenever I used it I felt I may as well just settle and use my Galaxy Note II. That said however the feel of it and the quality for the price point was obviously fantastic. It just seems that there is a sweet spot in my opinion on tablet size and I think that lies somewhere around 8 inches. It gives you plenty of room for web browsing, it's actually a decent amount more function to type on than even a Nexus 7 given the extra screen real estate, and it still works beautifully as an ebook reader/news source.
The biggest advantages really I've found is that the Note 8.0 while not having an entirely great screen resolution seems to have a better picture quality than a LOT of tablets I've played with. There is something slightly more sharp about the screen than even my experience with the Nexus 10, but let me make this clear. I'm not saying the screen is technically superior.
The other large advantage I've really noticed is how snappy even with the vanilla samsung ROM the note 8.0 is. Side by side it's by far the snappiest, quickest responding tablet in it's class for general use, save for mayhap using the home button. Yes, I don't necessarily like the hardware keys but they don't cripple the device in my own opinion. To be honest since I use a Note II for my phone it's helped the transition familiarity wise and I do think this was intentional more so than just developer laziness.
I would like to make a note I do own a 10.1 note also and I still do prefer my 8.0 at this point to it's use. Yes, I do wish Samsung would up build quality as of casing for these devices, but they are by far hindered by this. To be totally honest the plastic casing on my Note II and 10.1 has held up tremendously well to some nasty drops and spills, far better in fact than anything I've had with a more premium styled enclosure. That being said I do dislike the plastic creekyness which is very much noticeable with my 10.1.
The Note 8.0 strikes me as this, a great medium. It's not quite a full blown 10" media tablet and at the same time it's not quite so cramped as those 7" tablets available. As of the S-Pen functionality I honestly just think it's a plus. Even without it I would prefer these devices to most of the other comparable android devices in the US market at the moment.
When it comes to ROM development I would just say be patient. It's a new device with a definite premium price. It might take awhile but the forum on XDA just now really appeared within the last 24 hours and it might just take some time to get things going. That being said I would imagine the similarities to the Note II may speed up development once we have a recovery and such.
As a footnote, I've ordered this keyboard case which is due to arrive Tuesday and I will try give it a proper in depth review ASAP.
I apologize for this post being somewhat disordered and all over the place. I'm tired but I wanted to post something and participate in the forum. It's been ages since I have. Thanks everyone and have a good night!
I can agree with your post. I have a Note 8 and 10.1, Note 2, Nexus 7, amd GS3. The Note 8 is good in every way size, function, battery, software, and decent screen. The only issue is the captive buttons. They interfer with the usability at times, so if im watching hulu and holding the device one might hit the back arrow and stop the movie. How annoying. Other than that its my go to device
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Well said! I've owned the GS3 and own the Note 2, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Evo 4g LTE, and Nexus 4 and believe me the Note 8.0 is one of the top devices out there. Even though Im not a big fan of the plastic build quality I will say that it does hold up and it feels at least like expensive plastic lol. This device is quality and though Im not purchasing the GS4 simply because I want a change from Samsung the biggest reason is waiting for the Note 3. Development will pick up its only been available for a little while peeps. If your on the fence and want a Apple like quality tablet with Android the Note series of tablets are definitely what you are looking for. Also the amount of software additions in this tablet is rediculous.
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I will also be buying the Note 8 and think that it might turn out to be a great device (escpecially since here in europe it will also sport phone functionatlity), but nonetheless this thread smells like marketing directly paid by samsung (3 posts by OP and then this?). Sorry OP if untrue; i know that i might be completely wrong ("in dubio pro rero" etc.) but still my gut feelings tell me otherwise.
i sincereley hope the Note 8 will be a great device and have owned more or less every single one of the latest samsung smartphone / tablet gadgets, but being sensitized / aware of the latest news regarding samsungs marketing tatics to pay people to write positive comments in forums like this i am extremely pissed of by this pracise. apart of being unethical (in whatever holistic sense i am not able to properly articulate in english) this is simply not necessary, because most of the samsung devices i own / have owned are great, but the smell of being produced by such a kind of manufacturer spoils the joy. stop this an let (your very good, indeed) products speak for themselves.
Oxytoxine said:
I will also be buying the Note 8 and think that it might turn out to be a great device (escpecially since here in europe it will also sport phone functionatlity), but nonetheless this thread smells like marketing directly paid by samsung (3 posts by OP and then this?). Sorry OP if untrue; i know that i might be completely wrong ("in dubio pro rero" etc.) but still my gut feelings tell me otherwise.
i sincereley hope the Note 8 will be a great device and have owned more or less every single one of the latest samsung smartphone / tablet gadgets, but being sensitized / aware of the latest news regarding samsungs marketing tatics to pay people to write positive comments in forums like this i am extremely pissed of by this pracise. apart of being unethical (in whatever holistic sense i am not able to properly articulate in english) this is simply not necessary, because most of the samsung devices i own / have owned are great, but the smell of being produced by such a kind of manufacturer spoils the joy. stop this an let (your very good, indeed) products speak for themselves.
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I can assure you I'm not affiliated with samsung lol. I'm a court officer in Midwest City Oklahoma. I wish I was a Samsung rep though, I'd bet the pay is better than what I'm doing now xD
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I agree on the screen size thing.
The nexus 7 with a 16:9 screen at 7 inches sort of feels like a super large smartphone with insignificant space to pinch and zoom while on landscape.
My current 7.9 inch with a 4:3 screen ratio feels just right with significant space to pinch and zoom on landscape while making web pages somewhat more spacious for a desktop like experience.
Only draw back in the black bars but once again I am still using a old school 4:3 monitor at home
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I am sorry for my unnecessarily rude writing of yesterday; please accept my apologies.
I just came from reading the articels on arstechnica and our local newspaper on the mentioned (presumed) practice of samsung in korea and england before coming here in order to research about my new / future "baby" (Note 8). The first post I've read was yours, and I was like "oh my god, I can't believe it, it's indeed happening!" so I couldn't resist... (<--- I know, this doesn't make my rude behaviour better, just maybe a bit more understandable.)
LOL, do you think they pay that much? then I might also consider to enhance my meager daytime income (scientist now becoming a teacher) ...
again: sorry from my side and back on topic - good to hear that the Note serves you well I am a bit hesitating to order it due to the screen resolution; I tried to replace an Ipad (retina) with the Note 10.1, but couldn't stand the fuzziness of the screen, although I like the overall android tablet experience much more than the iOS thing.
UsagiMimi said:
I can assure you I'm not affiliated with samsung lol. I'm a court officer in Midwest City Oklahoma. I wish I was a Samsung rep though, I'd bet the pay is better than what I'm doing now xD
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium HD app
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Thanks for your review and thoughts on this. I am going to check it out in person this weekend and give it a go, I had the GN 10.1 for a few days but felt it just wan't a good fit for the resolution of a large device. Still I prefer Android over anything else and looking at ditching my current tab and finally be rid of the last Apple product in my house
Thats true
Oxytoxine said:
again: sorry from my side and back on topic - good to hear that the Note serves you well I am a bit hesitating to order it due to the screen resolution; I tried to replace an Ipad (retina) with the Note 10.1, but couldn't stand the fuzziness of the screen, although I like the overall android tablet experience much more than the iOS thing.
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Click to collapse
This is the only thing bugging me about it so far. Wonderful In the hand and love the SNote (Note 2 is my phone) but if you're used to high resolution screens the fuzziness is apparent when reading text. Not sure I can take it yet. I just picked up a Nexus 10 and am only going to keep one. The resolution is jarring between them. Going to wait it out a bit more and see. I need to be able to read books on my tablet.
my 2 cents
I have to agree about 8" being the sweet spot. I have had 7" & 10" tabs (and while 7" is more pocketable I like the 8" better) I have been a Note user since the GN I & II, we have some Note 10.1's at work and I really don't care for them. (the s-pen is nice to have for precise input) i was literally using a G Tab 2 7.0 and the GN 8.0 side by side for a day and decided on the Note 8.0 for my daily driver. Allot of i-devices at work but not my preference.
Cheers
BR
I got the 3G version, but I use this with tethered wifi with my Note II for internet. The wifi version isn't available in my region.
This is the most decent thread I've read about comparing the Note 8 with other tablets. This is my frst ever tablet, and I find it a relief to do stuff with a bigger screen when I need it like spreadsheets. I used to take attendance with my Note II. Sketching is quite easier too. I found the Note 10.1 too heavy as a portable Cintique stand-in. The Note 8 is lighter and easier to handle.
I can't see any point in getting anything without a Wacom sytlus after getting the first Galaxy Note more than a year and a half ago. I do detailed digital art as a hobby, and I'm weilding the Autodesk Sketchbook and Photoshop Touch to do photo-realistic art. The S Pen is such a useful addition!
I have my Note II as my main, but for times I need a bigger screen, the Note 8 is what I take out. I just wished with had a changeable battery. 8 hours of actual screen on time isn't enough for me. I do hate plugging in to an outlet or portable power to maintain a charge, unlike what I'm doing with my Note II with 12 hours of heavy usage at about 6 to 7 hours of screen time. I usually change battery late afternoon. I can't do that with the Note 8 - I'm guessing that the Samsung team did this for our dependency for the smartphones.
Bottom line for the Note 8 for me is it's what I do need. I don't complain of its plastic exterior. I appreciate it's more powerful than the other tablets for my digital art hobby with the Wacom digitizer onboard. The screen is crisp enough and I don't see the point of having this in full HD (more power consumption) and the 720p resolution it has is sufficient. Do you honestly see the pixels? I just wished it was a Super AMOLED and it could have given the Note 8 better power efficiency. Currently, the screen consumes 80% of the battery life.
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RE: Removable battery
I have had very good luck thus far using the Note 8 the entire day. I also use it in conjunction with the Note II and at this point, I feel I have the Nirvana of tech combos. Pretty happy all around here. I dont tether mine to my phone though, as I have a little prepaid hotspot to use out and about. For extended periods where I know I'll be away, like my backpacking trips on weekends, I bring a 10000mah portable battery and keep it in my pack/bag. I have only had to use it once, and that was to charge the Note 2
Yes, there are bigger, yes there are "better" specced devices, but honestly the SPen and a device I can literally use as a notepad replacement has changed my life as a network admin. I can't fathom going back to paper and pen.
I have to agree with the positive opinions expressed here. I love my 5110, especially after I rooted it. The lesser screen resolution doesn't bother me much, my eyes aren't that good anyway. The system's responsiveness and smoothness are a real joy.
What I DON'T love is the way available storage memory shrinks with each new generation of device from Samsung. 16 GB is small enough, but when half of that is taken up by the system, it borders on false advertising.
We need to start a letter-writing campaign to Samsung to get them to (a) change their firmware to allow apks to be stored and run from the external SD card, and OTA it to us as soon as possible, and (b) make 32GB the absolute minimum for internal storage on any future devices. Having to use workarounds is ridiculous.
Who's with me?
mudge
iCurmudgeon said:
I have to agree with the positive opinions expressed here. I love my 5110, especially after I rooted it. The lesser screen resolution doesn't bother me much, my eyes aren't that good anyway. The system's responsiveness and smoothness are a real joy.
What I DON'T love is the way available storage memory shrinks with each new generation of device from Samsung. 16 GB is small enough, but when half of that is taken up by the system, it borders on false advertising.
We need to start a letter-writing campaign to Samsung to get them to (a) change their firmware to allow apks to be stored and run from the external SD card, and OTA it to us as soon as possible, and (b) make 32GB the absolute minimum for internal storage on any future devices. Having to use workarounds is ridiculous.
Who's with me?
mudge
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I'm with you on B. A is harder insofar as I understand it the changes were in AOSP so it's really Google and not Samsung to blame for not being able to transfer apps to sd. It's getting silly now paticularly with the s4 which has about 7.8gb of usable storage. 9gb is closer to 8gb than 16 gb so it's kind of deceptive to call it 16gb. Many consumers who don't do enough research before buying will be quite disappointed.
Flash memory is actually pretty cheap now and Samsung manufacture it. It's time to stop being so tight Samsung.
Sent from the mighty Note II
l purchased it without seeing it and I am very satisfied with it. would definitely recommend
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I've owned a N7 2012 for about a year, and I have a buyer for my old one, so I'm looking at upgrading. I haven't used a stylus device in years, but I used to love them: precision text editing, sketches to supplement an explanation, and unambiguous link clicking in the browser.
I expect longevity from my devices, and my previous experience has been that the charging connector breaks first on every mobile device I've had. This gives the N7 the serious advantage with the Qi inductive charging.
OTOH, the Note's performance is more future-proof: a 96GB Note (thanks SD-card expansion) will stay useful longer with a 32GB N7, and the benchmarks also come out clearly in favour of the Note: (Slashgear Note 6900 http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/quadrant_gnote8_attwtmk.jpg vs N7 5600 http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content...enshot_2013-07-25-13-17-52-google-nexus-7.jpg ).
But the performance doesn't count for all that much, since my main use for my current N7 has been reading: PDFs, e-books and websites. I use it mostly around the house, and my phone when I'm out and about.
Can anyone suggest something I haven't considered that may be relevant? The price isn't going to sway me much one way or the other.
Thanks
I prefer note 8 due to larger size and I won't mind carrying a slightly bigger one. Was coming from 7.7. I would have taken if it's nexus 8.
Happy user of note 8.
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I don't know what I can add except my reason for buying a Note 8.0--the pen. I bought my Note for school to replace everything in my bookbag--no more notebooks, no more laptop, no more text books. So far I'm very happy with my decision. I was also considering the new Nexus but because I wanted the ability to take notes, the lack of a wacom pen was off-putting. The Note was well worth the extra money for me.
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
logicrulez said:
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
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why should we not expect updates for the note 8.0? I thought they were already working on e 4.2.2 build. in fact a quick search suggests thats its already available
I had the nexus 7.2 for a week and a half, the 16Gb version and it had a very nice screen fast processor but returned it due to frequent reboots, apparently it only happens on the 16Gb version. Got the note 8 instead. Am very satisfied with it.
I'd recommend you get the Nexus 7.2 first use it for a week then return and get the Note 8, that way you can see the strength and weakness of both and then decide which one is more useful to you. I am glad I did that, the Nexus 7.2 was how to say this not to hurt anyones feelings -plain vanilla- which is not bad, but you can't really compare the two because of the S pen feature on the Note 8. The Note 8 screen is not bad at all, but the 7.2 beats it, and I find that I do use the S pen more often than I thought I would. Also I'm a long time Samsung user and I like their products. I gave the Nexus 7.2 a try but am more comfortable with the Note 8, also love the S pen, for that alone it was worth it to me.
So as I mentioned get one use it as is for a week or two then return it and get the other one. Test both, but in my opinion you can't really pin the two tablets against each other. They are both good just depends what you are going to use it for, if you're a big game player get the Nexus, if you going to use the tablet for other things get the Note 8
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hertsjoatmon said:
why should we not expect updates for the note 8.0? I thought they were already working on e 4.2.2 build. in fact a quick search suggests thats its already available
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I've owned more than a few Samsung devices, I currently own a two SGS 3, AT&T and Sprint. Neither are on 4.2.2, which is why i'm on CM10.1.2. I'd be pretty happy with a TouchWiz 4.3, but I know Samsung is pretty lame at updates that's why I made that statement, if the Note does get the 4.2.2 update, that's great, but I don't think they will go past that.
Hopefully Samsung is doing an overhaul on TouchWiz all together, I may stick with Samsung devices, otherwise my next device will be a Nexus. I've given up hope for the skin based phones and updates.
It really comes down to how much you value the s-pen....i thought I'd get much more use out of it (i do a lot of handwritten note taking, but at meetings i typically type in notepad) and never did so I just put my Note8 up for sale because the extra $100 wasn't worth it because it was still faster/easier for me to jot something quick on a post it than to take out the spen, launch the note app, scribbe something, save it....
however when I was in school the ability to take down quick notes and write on-screen on pdfs/ppt was *very critical* and I loved my W7 tablet with ntrig (this is all pre-tablets so it just depends on your use case
With OTG usb, you can still use microsd on the Nexus7, althought it's a bit more work and takes up the charging port..not sure if the new N7 has that yet (you had to be rooted on the old N7 to use it)
screenwise, the new N7 quality is much better, but I find the slightly larger note 8 to actually be easier to read on and use
I'm close to making my final decision because I refuse to keep the Note 8.0 and the N7 (2013) that I currently have.
The N7 is super nice. The display keeps drawing me back over and over. I like the fact that I can watch Netflix on it and not accidentally press the back button like I tend to do on the Note 8.0. I love the crisp text in my ebooks. And who doesn't love stock?
The Note 8.0 is better from a productivity standpoint for me, and it's why it currently leads. Outside of holding it in landscape and pressing buttons accidentally, I actually prefer the feel of the Note 8.0 more than the new N7. The display isn't nearly as bad as some would have you believe either. Sure if you have it side by side the N7, you'll see it, but in my opinion it looks real good.
Also a sidenote for comic book readers. I use Comixology, and I'm not a fan of the panel to panel view unless I'm forced to use it due to something being very small. It's easier for me to read comics on the Note 8.0 compared to the N7. Probably because of the extra inch of real estate.
Probably the reason I still go back and forth is because I know I can expect updates and a vibrant dev community on the N7, but probably not so much with the Note 8.0. Heck, I have the AT&T LTE variant, and I sadly can't even root that yet. Good luck with your decision.
I went ahead and ordered the 32GB Nexus 7.2. I figure I can always sell it for about what I paid for it if I decide not to keep it.
I got the previous Nexus 7 as a gift, but actually ended up selling it (and keeping the more lowly spec'd Tab 2 7" I already had) because the Nexus was just so flaky. Apparently it was a great device prior to 4.1, but I only got onboard after that. Plus the speakers were PATHETIC (unacceptable for a device that screams multimedia consumption.) I'm hoping those are better this go-round as I use mine for backgound music/video quite a bit.
There's pros to being on the bleeding edge of updates I guess. But I almost view it like you're being an unofficial beta tester. Samsung may not always have the latest official Android version on all its flagship devices, but all my experiences with them to-date have been outstanding. There's a reason (beyond just marketing) that they're the most dominant OEM in the Android world.
If the primary purpose is reading as OP has posted, I would suggest note 8 to be better choice.
My primary reason for buying note 8.0 was reading (PDF's as well as comics) and considering that almost 38 GB of my external 64 Gig card is occupied by books i would say i am more than pleased by my choice.
The extra screen size does matter here though both share similar 16:10 aspect ratio , which is quite ok,
another surprise feature, the reading mode that samsung built into this is amazing (though it might appear strange at first) but now I just can't imagine reading without that , it's easier on eyes,less stress and for me makes for much better concentration. add a good reader app (I absolutely love the free perfect viewer app for pdf and comics)
The secondary thing for me was the s-pen. since i have been using wacom tablets on pc since late 90's I found this quite adequate. My N-5100 costed me around $530 USD) which is surely definitely on the costlier side of things however I would still consider it worth that extra dough.
I also primarily use this at home and mine is still unrooted (haven't found a need or reason to root it yet).
Gotta decide what's your most important feature.
For me tablets can have two distinct purposes, media consumption device or productivity device. As a media consumption device there isn't much use to me for a tablet because honestly, most things are just more convenient to do on my phone since I always have it, and it has a data connection.
Now as a productivity device, there are a couple things the note 8 excels at. PDF and textbook portability/editing, handwritten notes, and remote desktop control. The spen takes this device to a higher level of productivity because there is no device with a comparable stylus. But for anything else like word document editing, media production, music/picture editing, tablets in general fall short because laptops/desktops are just better.
So if you want a media consumption device, the new Nexus 7 is probably better or even the iPad for that matter. But for productivity the spen will make up for the other shortcomings like lower screen pixel density, less frequent operating system updates, etc.
MobileTechReview posted her review, comparing the two tablets. Everything she said is exactly the same thought I have between the two tablets. I currently have both. I'm more tempted to return the Nexus, but don't know yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7aPvUqdcds
But everything she states in the video is the same opinion that I have noticed from using them.
She doesn't mention bugs, but the Nexus has its own bugs too... such as apps crashing or becoming unresponsive to touches. I have seen the GPS crash several times using a GPS testing app.
It took me ages to decide between the N7 and note 8, and I decided on the note 8. But now I realise, that as I'm going university next year, I'll probably need a laptop, and I'm confused all over again
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
logicrulez said:
I'm split between these two devices also. The new Nexus has the 1080p screen and prompt updates in its favor. The Note 8, suprisingly has a very good screen despite being 1280*800, but don't expect to get any updates for this. I mean you can always go AOSP or AOKP but that defeats the purpuse of even buying a Note. So if being stuck at Android 4.1.2 forever doesn't bother you the Note is a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.2.2 is already out for uk. I am on it now
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TC93 said:
MobileTechReview posted her review, comparing the two tablets. Everything she said is exactly the same thought I have between the two tablets. I currently have both. I'm more tempted to return the Nexus, but don't know yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7aPvUqdcds
But everything she states in the video is the same opinion that I have noticed from using them.
She doesn't mention bugs, but the Nexus has its own bugs too... such as apps crashing or becoming unresponsive to touches. I have seen the GPS crash several times using a GPS testing app.
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Click to collapse
Agree with almost everything she said as well. I disagree with her assessment of the speakers and volume though. While this year's Nexus finally has proper speakers they're still not as loud as the Note 8's. The quality is a bit better as far as separation/bass goes, but not as loud.
I'm probably going to stick with the Note 8. It's just hard to go back to 7" display no matter what the resolution. It's great that the text is clear, but it's tiny - and the saturation isn't as good. And I've already experienced the Nexus bugginess (unresponsive to touches) several times as well.
htinaung said:
4.2.2 is already out for uk. I am on it now
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it compared to 4.1?
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Grogck said:
Agree with almost everything she said as well. I disagree with her assessment of the speakers and volume though. While this year's Nexus finally has proper speakers they're still not as loud as the Note 8's. The quality is a bit better as far as separation/bass goes, but not as loud.
I'm probably going to stick with the Note 8. It's just hard to go back to 7" display no matter what the resolution. It's great that the text is clear, but it's tiny - and the saturation isn't as good. And I've already experienced the Nexus bugginess (unresponsive to touches) several times as well.
Click to expand...
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I haven't had any complaints about the Note 8.0 speakers either.
xT4Z1N4TRx said:
How is it compared to 4.1?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe more smooth
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I own the original nexus 7...
I currently own an ipad 4 (so I'm used to looking at retina display), I've had the note 10.1, nexus 10, etc....
Honestly I think 8" is the sweet spot. I want to love thenew nexus 7 so bad but I feel like 7" is just a tad too small. The extra screen area from an 8" tablet seems sooo much larger and more usable when browsing websites. Am I crazy? I feel like I keep reading about screen clarity vs spen vs whatever ... but to me the real battle is do you prefer 7" vs 8" - I'm probably going to get both and then return the one I dont' like. As I said, I'm used to the retina screen as well as the beautiful screen on my htc one; however just playing around with the note in the store, the screen honestly isn't that bad and colors are quite quite good.
That said, the nexus 7 screen is by far superior BUT I still think the larger size provides so much better screen real estate and thus ease of use.
Anyone not get the nexus 7 simply because they don't like a 7" tablet?
I have owned note about one year, still play it every day, and find new functions and hidden features now and then.
Note 10.1 is so a versatile device that you can never take full advantage of it.
It is still the king of tablets at the end of 2014, and is the most underrated device in 2014(just see all the reviews at Android blogs.)
Note 10.1 is everything,
It is my camera, note 10.1 has the best camera among tablets (although most commentators just dismissed it as no so useful, and ipad air 2 suddenly changed their opinions)
It is my GPS, my note is wifi version, but can still be used as navigation device without data connection, and save phone a lot of battery power.
It is my noting and sketching book. Thanks to Lecture notes and Papyrus, I seldom use paper and pencil now. Paperless world isn't just a fiction.
It is my laptops, using Debian Jessie in chroot, and s-pen as mouse, I enjoy my geek life in two great world, Android and Linux.
I am waiting for note 10.1 2015,
64 bits computation
Multitasking perfectly implemented ( note4 already showed it)
flawless bluetooth connection
metal and slim frame
13M camera.
These are what I expect.
They should just update the software on the 2014 and we should be good but Sammy takes waaaaaay too long.
The screen still blows me away. I've owned a crapload of tablets and nothing else is really in it's class when you consider the usefulness of the SPen on something this size.
Unfortunately, Samsung is just awful with software, so a decent newer ROM is probably as good as it gets. I don't see anything out there I'd rather have.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Has there been any rumors for when we will get Lollipop?
Before the 2016 election.
http://www.techradar.com/news/mobil...spotted-in-samsung-s-own-app-listings-1270810
Waiting for this to be released. I skipped 2014 version and still on the first generation. But its too sluggish these days,,,,, Need a replacement soon.
So far, so good. Been using it for around 6 months. I have the WiFi version, which I will sell soon and get me an LTE version.
I am very happy with it. Owning an iPad Air also, make me think that the iPad is only for my wife and some fun games. Nothing else.
On the other hand, the Note has been proven a beast of a tablet. I hook it up with a BT mouse & keyboard, use Screen Mirroring to my TV and I have a nice laptop
Only thing that bothers me, is the somewhat laggy scrolling through the home pages. Hope it wont be like that with the LTE version.
aalupatti said:
http://www.techradar.com/news/mobil...spotted-in-samsung-s-own-app-listings-1270810
Waiting for this to be released. I skipped 2014 version and still on the first generation. But its too sluggish these days,,,,, Need a replacement soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Samsung are stepping-back and re-evaluating their products. They got killed on Galaxy S5 and having way too many Tab lines last year. I don't expect a new Note 10.1 until they can either put an 810 or their own 64bit chip in it. It will have their new look per the alpha and Note 4 lines (I immediately covered my 2014 Note 10.1 with a case, that fake stitching slippery plastic back is awful). I think we may see the new Note 10.1 (2015) around when the Tab Pro and Note 12.2 came out last year (1st quarter).
It is still cheaper to buy a Galaxy note 10.1 2014?
Bought the 2014 edition from dustinhome in norway for around $200 couple of weeks ago. was a great buy and comming from the 2012 edition its a decent upgrade.
(i know its a somewhat old thread. but i love this thing)
leyvatron said:
They should just update the software on the 2014 and we should be good but Sammy takes waaaaaay too long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they shouldn't play evil and they have to release our device's kernel codes ASAP,and we are fine without their trashy Touchwiz thing and their no worthy support
renux said:
they shouldn't play evil and they have to release our device's kernel codes ASAP,and we are fine without their trashy Touchwiz thing and their no worthy support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Define fine, one of the primary reasons to buy this tablet was/is the proper use of its size (multi-window) and the S-pen. And while S-pen support in AOSP is kind of good, multi-window support (which IMO is even bigger deal, in all tablets actually) is nowhere to be found.
I'm with you, AOSP is better than any OEM rom, but AOSP mostly cares about phones, has very few (if any) tablet specific characteristics...
Stevethegreat said:
Define fine, one of the primary reasons to buy this tablet was/is the proper use of its size (multi-window) and the S-pen. And while S-pen support in AOSP is kind of good, multi-window support (which IMO is even bigger deal, in all tablets actually) is nowhere to be found.
I'm with you, AOSP is better than any OEM rom, but AOSP mostly cares about phones, has very few (if any) tablet specific characteristics...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive seen some efforts to implement multi window!
for example Resurrection rom is among em:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal.../sm-p601-cyanogenmod-12-0-unofficial-t3052009
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61619511&postcount=379
not installed or tested it yet, ive downloaded it some days ago ,and still backing up my device so i can format it... not sure how itll do
renux said:
ive seen some efforts to implement multi window!
for example Resurrection rom is among em:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal.../sm-p601-cyanogenmod-12-0-unofficial-t3052009
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61619511&postcount=379
not installed or tested it yet, ive downloaded it some days ago ,and still backing up my device so i can format it... not sure how itll do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up . I will probably try it in the following days ...
I never really liked multiwindow, so I'm fine with AOSP, multi-window always got me to windows that were too small for me, but that might be my eyesight...
To bad the build quality is junk. My display ribbon came loose a few times now and I decided to leave it at home now.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
opitzs said:
I never really liked multiwindow, so I'm fine with AOSP, multi-window always got me to windows that were too small for me, but that might be my eyesight...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Split-Screen basically splits the screen into two 7-inch screens, most phones (for example) are way less than that. Also the best use that I've found for it is to merely "minimize" a window. That's especially useful if it something that can't properly run in the background like youtube, so I have youtube playing, doing my thing and if I listen something that may need my attention then I simply drag the "minimized" youtube down. One last use is that when an app refers to another the original is not "closed". For example my file manager points to a doc file, when I press to open, it opens on a split screen (almost like on a PC), basically letting me to choose on whether I'd "maximize" it (all the while the file browser is still open) or "minimize" it for later use. This "omni-presence" of windows makes things much faster and direct to me than simply using the recents panel (alt+tab equivalent), although it has its issues too.
Of course the above cannot be done with "drawable" windows (like the ones that exist in AOSP roms) or the ones that can be "drawn" by the S-pen in TW roms. Like you I find them useless as those mini-windows are way too small for proper interaction.
To sum up, multi-window (mostly of the split-screen variety) is an acquired taste. For the first few months I never used it, but once it becomes part of one's "work flow" it's hard to go back. In fact lack of (proper) split-screen is what has kept me away from AOSP for this device. Every single of my devices (other than Note tablet) have been using AOSP before long...
http://www.youmobile.org/blogs/entr...-Lollipop-Update-Confirmed-and-In-development
Is this still worth picking up? I see no 10.1 2015 or 2016 on the horizon. I played with the Tab A with s-pen and while I liked the size and features the screen is a big disappointment. Having a note 5 I guess you just get used to a clear screen. I see that 5.1.1 is out and hoping for good reviews and better battery life.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
If you get a good deal and care for the pen I would think it's still worth it! I got mine summer last year and am mostly happy with it! There is also still very good support from devs like @joshndroid who's providing us with temasek's unofficial CM13 for the tablet. Still has some issues, but I'm confident there will be a well running CM13 for it eventually. I was also very happy with temasek's CM12.1 version for it (am considering to go back to that until some of the CM13 issues are sorted). I cannot tell you much about the stock lollipop experience, as I never really used that.
I have to say that for me the ability to run a full desktop linux on it is what makes it most useful to me.
There are now a few reasonably priced windows tablets with pen support, in particular something like the Cube i7 Stylus which is pretty interesting (I'm not talking about higher classed devices like Surface or Lenovo's Thinkpad Yogas as they play in a different price league). But you should probably be able to pick up a used Note for still much cheaper and get a very nice experience.
Hi,
I can get a brand new Note 8 for $200 CAD. Do you think it is still worth it to get? Is the $200 asking price reasonable for a two year old technology? Can $200 get a newer technology? I will mainly use it for web browsing, email, and stuff like that. I was planning to get the Tab S 8.5. Bestbuy has it on clearance for $329. What do you think?
I can tell you that I was surprised to find that there Isn't anything out there right now from Samsung worth replacing my Note 8 with. Although I've grown kinda restless with it the screen is better than some of the new offerings. The Tab A 9 inch tablet has a screen that's of way worse quality. The Note 8 is actually pretty stout. Check out some benchmarks on it, I'm sure it holds its own with some of the newer tablets. The screen is also nice, it's not killer by today's standard but still better than 70% of what's out there even now.
God no, this tablet is around 3 years old now, and is running 3 year old tech. Screen is not great (for today that is), battery life is poor (again for today), and it doesn't seem like you'll have any use for the pen, which is the only real purpose for this tablet, and what differentiates it from the rest. And with that, pen support is poor, S-Note is a worthless app, and 3rd party support for the pen is poor. Paying $200 for it is beyond insane.
Still rocks
My Note 8 3G on TouchWiz 4.4.4 still gives me 16+ hrs screen time (mostly book reading & writing) even after two years (obviously after de-bloating & tweaking). It's pretty solid with no issues whatsoever. This may not be the thing for those who always need the latest this or that, but I wouldn't change this tablet for anything yet -- is there any really worthy replacement?
I'm going to get right to what you want to hear. No, for $200 the Note 8 isn't worth it nowadays. You'd be better off taking that same $200 into a pawn shop and buying a decent laptop. You're just using it for browsing the web and checking email. Plus you can do so much more with a PC than you could on a tablet.
If you want web browsing, etc. Spend the $200 towards a Chromebook. Best browsing out there. Dell & HP ones are really great.
AkiOrpheus said:
My Note 8 3G on TouchWiz 4.4.4 still gives me 16+ hrs screen time (mostly book reading & writing) even after two years (obviously after de-bloating & tweaking). It's pretty solid with no issues whatsoever. This may not be the thing for those who always need the latest this or that, but I wouldn't change this tablet for anything yet -- is there any really worthy replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you didn't answer his question. Would you, now, pay $200 for it. Forget tweaking, most people don't have the time, knowledge base, or desire for that, evaluate the stock device, as is. Is it worth $200? IMO, no way. I would rather pay $500 for a modern device that doesn't require any tweaking and debloating, to get acceptable battery life or performance, than spend days or weeks tweaking something. My time is more valuable than that. And I will argue that in real-world usage (browsing, videos, etc), your device will not come close to the 16 hours you claim. Book reading and writing is not typical usage, and any modern device will likely beat your battery life with zero time invested in modifying it. My 1+ year old iPad Mini Retina absolutely destroys my Note 8 in battery life. It's not even close. Not that it's without it's share of issues, but overall, it's a much better tablet than the Note 8. Of course, it's much newer, so that's expected.
sputnik767 said:
Well, you didn't answer his question. Would you, now, pay $200 for it. Forget tweaking, most people don't have the time, knowledge base, or desire for that, evaluate the stock device, as is. Is it worth $200? IMO, no way. I would rather pay $500 for a modern device that doesn't require any tweaking and debloating, to get acceptable battery life or performance, than spenda days or weeks tweaking something. My time is more valuable than that. And I will argue that in real-world usage (browsing, videos, etc), your device will not come close to the 16 hours you claim. Book reading and writing is not typical usage, and any modern device will likely beat your battery life with zero time invested in modifying it. My 1+ year old iPad Mini Retina absolutely destroys my Note 8 in battery life. It's not even close. Not that it's without it's share of issues, but overall, it's a much better tablet than the Note 8. Of course, it's much newer, so that's expected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not at all an Apple fan -- no SD Card support & a Mini 4 (16GB Cellular) costs $529! Also, Apple is nothing compared to the Android customization. I wonder if we were to put all the 431 Samsung stock apks on iPad Mini, how it would be on battery.
Regarding Note 8: Compared to the initial $499 price, $200 is a good price for me personally. According to the reviews Samsung Tab 3 not that good, I'll surely buy a Note 8 for $200, if I need one again. Tweaking is very easy due to Boeffla kernel and it's own apk with pre-made profiles. The only thing taking an hour is deleting unnecessary stock apks with Titanium. Obviously my tweaking did not take days or weeks (people spend more time on unnecessary things ). Since, I'll be using tablets or smartphones till I die, knowledge base is very useful in the long run rather than be a noob always . I do some browsing on the tablet during my lectures but I prefer big screen laptop for that, and movies definitely on laptop, not on an 8".
This tablet never gave me errors (even a FC) except when I mistakenly erased certain partitions about a year ago due to my noobness.
Thanks for the reply. I have decided to get the Tab S 8.4. Now is $329 a good deal? I know I can wait til Black Friday. But that is 1.5 months away. By that time the Tab S will probably all gone. I like the Tab S for its screen. Should I go for it?
Haha thats funny, thats the exact tablet I was looking at to replace my note. The screen on it is gorgeous I just wish the back was that faux leather like the Pro 8.4 has. Also you may want to look at the pro which has the same ppi its just Super lcd not oled like the Tab S. Anthet thing to consider is at least on Android Central theres a few people complainiing of lagginess o the Tab S. Best Buy has Tab S's open box for about $280. I had one in my hand, just couldnt justify getting over my Note and losing the S Pen. Plus although the screen is nicer its not $280 nicer so I couldnt justify it for me.
Tab S 8.4
jtcb said:
Thanks for the reply. I have decided to get the Tab S 8.4. Now is $329 a good deal? I know I can wait til Black Friday. But that is 1.5 months away. By that time the Tab S will probably all gone. I like the Tab S for its screen. Should I go for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go for Tab S 8.4, don't upgrade to stock Lollipop 5.0.2 -- friends told me it's pretty bad -- just keep the original KitKat. Especially, the Tab S battery is 300 mAh higher than Note 8, so does screen resolution (170 dpi more) -- almost double. Hence, the Tab S will use more battery. No proximity sensor in Tab S, which is very useful in Note 8 to wake the screen without using consuming HW buttons. No S Pen, which is bad if you like to use the tab as a handwriting notepad (Note 8 is pretty good at it). Also, Tab S 8.4 isn't a cellular tab.
However, in the end it's upto the person who spends the money!
Edit: If you can afford $100 more, this latest Samsung Tablet is definitely a winner >>> Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7
Tab S2 review
I have a note 8. I wouldn't pay 200$ for one because of the screen and lack of support from Samsung. You'll have to use a customized rom to get newer version of Android. You lose most of the pen functionality when you do that. That said, I would not opt for the tab s at $330 either. Limited support from Samsung and from what I've read, not a stellar performer based on the software.
Couple questions - are you stuck on Samsung? And do you have to buy new? A better Samsung option might be the tab A that has stylus. Not as much ram as the Note 8, but newer OS and I "think" samsung even announced another update for it.
Best option IMO would be to find a used Nvidia Shield. Can be found for the same $200 and its gotten the latest updates for Android and when it does get them they're timely.
dr_pepper said:
I have a note 8. I wouldn't pay 200$ for one because of the screen and lack of support from Samsung. You'll have to use a customized rom to get newer version of Android. You lose most of the pen functionality when you do that. That said, I would not opt for the tab s at $330 either. Limited support from Samsung and from what I've read, not a stellar performer based on the software.
Couple questions - are you stuck on Samsung? And do you have to buy new? A better Samsung option might be the tab A that has stylus. Not as much ram as the Note 8, but newer OS and I "think" samsung even announced another update for it.
Best option IMO would be to find a used Nvidia Shield. Can be found for the same $200 and its gotten the latest updates for Android and when it does get them they're timely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always prefer new so yes I would buy new. I have considered Tab A but the screen resolution is the worst in all tablet I have seen. I like the stylus in the Note 8 and A. But I can always get a separate stylus. I also consider Nexus 9 just for the frequent update.
jtcb said:
I always prefer new so yes I would buy new. I have considered Tab A but the screen resolution is the worst in all tablet I have seen. I like the stylus in the Note 8 and A. But I can always get a separate stylus. I also consider Nexus 9 just for the frequent update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shield has a stylus as well
AkiOrpheus said:
I'm not at all an Apple fan -- no SD Card support & a Mini 4 (16GB Cellular) costs $529! Also, Apple is nothing compared to the Android customization. I wonder if we were to put all the 431 Samsung stock apks on iPad Mini, how it would be on battery.
Regarding Note 8: Compared to the initial $499 price, $200 is a good price for me personally. According to the reviews Samsung Tab 3 not that good, I'll surely buy a Note 8 for $200, if I need one again. Tweaking is very easy due to Boeffla kernel and it's own apk with pre-made profiles. The only thing taking an hour is deleting unnecessary stock apks with Titanium. Obviously my tweaking did not take days or weeks (people spend more time on unnecessary things ). Since, I'll be using tablets or smartphones till I die, knowledge base is very useful in the long run rather than be a noob always . I do some browsing on the tablet during my lectures but I prefer big screen laptop for that, and movies definitely on laptop, not on an 8".
This tablet never gave me errors (even a FC) except when I mistakenly erased certain partitions about a year ago due to my noobness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that kernel, and all it's tweaking options. I have tried debloating, overclocking, undervolting, etc. Nothing gave me any appreciable improvement in battery life or performance, and many "tweaks" gave me stability issues. In regular usage, I would be lucky to get 7 hours on the Note 8, stock or otherwise. But like I said, that would be expected for a tablet that came out over 2 years ago.
The reason why I brought up my iPad was not because I am an Apple fan, but because it's a much more modern device with easily 3 hours more battery life in real-world use. Modern Samsung tabs get similar results, but my iPad was provided to me by my job, so that's what I have. This device's only selling point is the pen. If the OP needs one, this tab is for him, regardless of the price. If not, $200 is way too much to spend on almost 3 year old hardware. And I have a feeling that he is like 99% of people out there, in that he has no interest in investing (read: wasting) the amount of time necessary to learn tweaking, flashing, debloating, etc, and there are better choices than this one out of the box.
sputnik767 said:
I tried that kernel, and all it's tweaking options. I have tried debloating, overclocking, undervolting, etc. Nothing gave me any appreciable improvement in battery life or performance, and many "tweaks" gave me stability issues. In regular usage, I would be lucky to get 7 hours on the Note 8, stock or otherwise. But like I said, that would be expected for a tablet that came out over 2 years ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange sputnik767, because out of the box, Note 8 gave me minimum 12 hours with all the factory junk running. That time I knew nothing about tweaking or de-bloating. I heard some Note 8s had hardware issues since the factory; that may be your case.
sputnik767 said:
This device's only selling point is the pen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the reason I went for Note 8 + multi tasking, which are tremendously useful for me. However, judging a tablet just by specs is a difficult thing. Hidden hardware issues, OS issues, and battery issues only can be known after usage (sometimes user may never know ).
200... Yes yes and yes
Big screen... Yes
3g and calling ... Yes
Upgradeable to 5.1.1... Yes
And most important is the pen. Microsoft onenote is THEE industry leader to pen notes (sorry google keep).
Many people don't know what they want until they have it. And nothing on the market has this size screen with calling and a pen
FIN
Do you use the S-pen? I've used it for designing and drawing, including professional work, and then @$200 it's absolutely worth it. Which version is it the 4G LTE or the regular one? Could you link it here? I can say this is the best tech investment I've ever made. To me the size is perfect, and I use it as the GPS in the car, the kids watch movies on it, use it to draw manga and what have you, and it is still pocketable in a jacket, and I bring it with me everywhere. It's also the home modem hotspot for all computers. Too bad Samsung didn't sell enough of them, so there's no new version.
You can find one cheaper
I was able to get one for $75 a few months ago. Bought it off someone from a Facebook group. I am always looking at these groups in my city for all sorta deals form electronics to tools. If you really want something like the Note 8.0 take a look, there has to be someone out there selling one.
I recently switched from my Note 8.0, which I owned for about 2 years, to an Asus Zenpad 8.0 S (4Gbyte Ram, 64gb flash) and it works great with the z stylus from Asus. I can highly recommend it.
All together it cost 330 Dollar and you get a modern thin, light tablet. I use the tablet mainly for taking notes (LectureNotes), surfing and email. I also owned a Note 10.1 (2014 edition) for a few months, but that one was too heavy and big (and not cheap, otherwise a great tablet though).
I have been absolutely in love with my Note 2014 since I bought it, and with the help of this forum has been just about the perfect tablet for the last couple of years. But the battery has been struggling lately, and then a little while ago the s-pen broke, and it was impossible to find an OEM replacement. The crappy knock-off s-pen I was able to find online was pretty much unusable, and since I use my Note for handwritten notes and documents almost exclusively, took all of the fun out of the tablet for me. So I went looking for a replacement. I thought about just getting a new Note 2014 off amazon, but I thought it might be good to get something that will run 6.0+. I tried the Nvidia Shield K1, since it has a stylus, but I returned that after just a couple of days. The stylus was terrible, and palm rejection was spotty at best. Then I started looking at the Tab A 10.1 with an S-pen. I was concerned about the resolution mostly, but I went ahead and bought it. Initially, I thought I had made another mistake. The new Samsung Notes app just flat out stinks. Its trying to be an Evernote, and by trying that lost everything that made S-Note such a great program for me. I was about ready to return the Tab and just go back to my dying Note 10.1 when I stumbled across the apk for the updated S-Note. Installed that and I am happy as a clam! Quite a few improvements over the Note 10.1 version, but it imported all my old notes perfectly. I love the new s-pen functionality, and the resolution has not bothered me near as much as I thought it would. I'm sure if I took my Note out and laid them side by side I would notice the difference, but for my use it has not detracted from the tablet at all. The main complaint I have, and that others have made, is that for some ridiculous reason Samsung chose to put the speakers on the same side. That's ok if you are using the tablet in portrait, but who watches any kind of media with the tablet in portrait. So in landscape all the sound comes from the same side. Baffling. But other that that, it has been a great replacement for the Note 10.1. At lease until Samsung gets a clue and comes out with a Note 10.1 2017 edition!
I've been trying out the Tab A 10.1 with S Pen today, and I also really like it, and with Marshmallow it feels a lot more responsive than the Note Pro I've been trying out. But like you said, those speakers! Not only are they on one side, but they sound terrible and don't get loud enough. Still, I could forgive that if they were at least on both sides. After 15 minutes of watching video, I'm noticing a bad discomfort in my right ear (had the speakers facing that way) that I've never felt using myriad of proper stereo tablets I've had, even given that they're relatively quiet. So, I'm sending it back, as well as the Note Pro (thing is more unwieldy than I'd hoped) and hoping the Like New $200 10.1 2014 edition I saw on Amazon doesn't disappoint.
Any other issues with the 10.1 2014 beside the battery and broken pen?
Just wishing if somebody could make a port of tab A 10.1 rom for note 10.1 2014. But I know its practically impossible. So, just a wish.
Tab A 10.1 2016 with S Pen needs an OEM cover/case....the one advertised as an accessory for this tablet is actually for the Tab A 2016 (without S Pen) - which doesn't have the same dimensions. The cases on eBay and Amazon are less than desirable.
I sent mine back. It is a great device, but so is the 2014. A couple of things I didn't like: 16gb model only, speakers on one side when watching in landscape, 'soft' buttons aren't backlit....and absolutely no good options for a case. I also missed the 'swipe' to open the multi-window options, it was just fewer clicks to get everything set up.
I loved the battery (which was phenomenal) and the new/improved SPen functionality. The screen was great - I couldn't tell/see the lower resolution.
It is a great device, just not worth the money to upgrade.
I see the specs the resolution and ppi are lower, less ram?. Do you actually notice any differences?
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
radpp16 said:
I see the specs the resolution and ppi are lower, less ram?. Do you actually notice any differences?
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have any complaints as far as resolution or performance. Mine were fairly aesthetic (no case, lack of backlit buttons, etc.). If my Note weren't still running fine, I would have kept it. People who say it isn't a 'true' Note haven't tried it. The note functionality was fine - actually had some slight improvements over the 2014.
The resolution is half the 2014. It's very visibly different.
But at least it's a semi decent tablet with a SPen. Hopefully it will get released in a few more markets next year.
jeremyr62 said:
But at least it's a semi decent tablet with a SPen. Hopefully it will get released in a few more markets next year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the point of buying it over a Note 2014 though? You can find those dirt cheap on ebay these days.
For software updates you can always use CM. I honestly don't get Tab A, there is not one thing that it is better than a 3 year old tablet (that can also be found for less).
Battery life and improved SPen functionality are the TabA's advantages over the Note 2014. I disagree with RojoNinja's comment on resolution being 'visibly different'. It wasn't to my eyes and I had them side-by-side. My wife (who had no idea of the respective resolutions) even commented that the Tab A's screen looked better to her.
I have to admit to struggling with the idea of stepping back on the #'s in the specs was irritating but the screen was fine. The sound wasn't. When you watch a video, you usually watch it in landscape, When you watch in landscape using the Note 2014, there is a speaker on the left and on the right. When you watch with the Tab A in landscape, both speakers end up on one side, giving it a 'mono' sound.
One of my earlier complaints (the lack of an 'official' case) has been resolved.
I've had second thoughts on returning it based on the crappy (and getting worse) battery life of my Note 2014, it's the sound issue and curiosity about what lies around the corner that keeps me with my 2014.
In my experience finding a new or decent secondhand Note 2014 is not easy. They go for good money on Ebay in the UK at least. I replaced mine in the summer and paid a lot more for it than I did the first time around. So a new version with similar(ish) specs is OK in my book. Except it isn't released in UK/Ireland yet, and may not be.
ckelly33 said:
Battery life and improved SPen functionality are the TabA's advantages over the Note 2014. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is interesting to know actually. Never used Tab A, merely seen its specs. So how much SoT are you getting? After much tweaking, in medium to low brightness I'm getting 8 hours on average (some more some less) with my Note 2014, distributed over a 2-3 days of use (before charging again)
Mind you it's 6 AH (TAB A) vs 8.2 AH (Note 2014). I realize that Tab A has much less power hungry components which may explain the better battery. Still real life results would be interesting to know (by those that actually own the thing). Thanks.
jeremyr62 said:
In my experience finding a new or decent secondhand Note 2014 is not easy. They go for good money on Ebay in the UK at least. I replaced mine in the summer and paid a lot more for it than I did the first time around. So a new version with similar(ish) specs is OK in my book. Except it isn't released in UK/Ireland yet, and may not be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW may I ask why you needed a replacement for? Generally it is the battery that wears and ... tears eventually, but it's easy/cheap to replace. Have you experienced another one of your components going bad?
I put some huge scratches into the (soft glass) screen which I couldn't live with. The battery life was bad too. Much better in the new one. Screen protector mandatory IME.
I was worried about the reduced screen resolution, but I haven't noticed a difference at all. I was especially worried about how the resolution might affect the clarity of handwriting with the s-pen, but that has not be a problem at all. After more than a month with it I am totally satisfied.
cliemonster said:
I was worried about the reduced screen resolution, but I haven't noticed a difference at all. I was especially worried about how the resolution might affect the clarity of handwriting with the s-pen, but that has not be a problem at all. After more than a month with it I am totally satisfied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cliemonster - can you answer Steve's SoT question (above). I returned my Tab A (for reasons unrelated to dissatisfaction).
ckelly33 said:
Cliemonster - can you answer Steve's SoT question (above). I returned my Tab A (for reasons unrelated to dissatisfaction).
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Sorry for the late reply! The holidays are always a busy time. On days with heavy use, which for me means several hours of note taking via S-note, emails, a good hour or so of ebook reading, reading through the Wall Street Journal for the day, etc, I usually don't fall below 50%. I don't do a lot of streaming video, so I can't comment on that, although I do watch Grand Tour on Amazon Prime on my tablet and for an hour show it doesn't seem to bleed the battery dry. I'll check the exact usage next time I watch an episode.
sam_khan said:
Just wishing if somebody could make a port of tab A 10.1 rom for note 10.1 2014. But I know its practically impossible. So, just a wish.
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Why impossible!
---------- Post added at 09:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:55 PM ----------
cliemonster said:
I have been absolutely in love with my Note 2014 since I bought it, and with the help of this forum has been just about the perfect tablet for the last couple of years. But the battery has been struggling lately, and then a little while ago the s-pen broke, and it was impossible to find an OEM replacement. The crappy knock-off s-pen I was able to find online was pretty much unusable, and since I use my Note for handwritten notes and documents almost exclusively, took all of the fun out of the tablet for me. So I went looking for a replacement. I thought about just getting a new Note 2014 off amazon, but I thought it might be good to get something that will run 6.0+. I tried the Nvidia Shield K1, since it has a stylus, but I returned that after just a couple of days. The stylus was terrible, and palm rejection was spotty at best. Then I started looking at the Tab A 10.1 with an S-pen. I was concerned about the resolution mostly, but I went ahead and bought it. Initially, I thought I had made another mistake. The new Samsung Notes app just flat out stinks. Its trying to be an Evernote, and by trying that lost everything that made S-Note such a great program for me. I was about ready to return the Tab and just go back to my dying Note 10.1 when I stumbled across the apk for the updated S-Note. Installed that and I am happy as a clam! Quite a few improvements over the Note 10.1 version, but it imported all my old notes perfectly. I love the new s-pen functionality, and the resolution has not bothered me near as much as I thought it would. I'm sure if I took my Note out and laid them side by side I would notice the difference, but for my use it has not detracted from the tablet at all. The main complaint I have, and that others have made, is that for some ridiculous reason Samsung chose to put the speakers on the same side. That's ok if you are using the tablet in portrait, but who watches any kind of media with the tablet in portrait. So in landscape all the sound comes from the same side. Baffling. But other that that, it has been a great replacement for the Note 10.1. At lease until Samsung gets a clue and comes out with a Note 10.1 2017 edition!
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Can we ask any developer to make a rom from tab a 10.1 2016 with s pen to note 10.1 2014.
Not a great advance in the state of art
cliemonster said:
I have been absolutely in love with my Note 2014 since I bought it, and with the help of this forum has been just about the perfect tablet for the last couple of years. But the battery has been struggling lately, and then a little while ago the s-pen broke, and it was impossible to find an OEM replacement. The crappy knock-off s-pen I was able to find online was pretty much unusable, and since I use my Note for handwritten notes and documents almost exclusively, took all of the fun out of the tablet for me. So I went looking for a replacement. I thought about just getting a new Note 2014 off amazon, but I thought it might be good to get something that will run 6.0+. I tried the Nvidia Shield K1, since it has a stylus, but I returned that after just a couple of days. The stylus was terrible, and palm rejection was spotty at best. Then I started looking at the Tab A 10.1 with an S-pen. I was concerned about the resolution mostly, but I went ahead and bought it. Initially, I thought I had made another mistake. The new Samsung Notes app just flat out stinks. Its trying to be an Evernote, and by trying that lost everything that made S-Note such a great program for me. I was about ready to return the Tab and just go back to my dying Note 10.1 when I stumbled across the apk for the updated S-Note. Installed that and I am happy as a clam! Quite a few improvements over the Note 10.1 version, but it imported all my old notes perfectly. I love the new s-pen functionality, and the resolution has not bothered me near as much as I thought it would. I'm sure if I took my Note out and laid them side by side I would notice the difference, but for my use it has not detracted from the tablet at all. The main complaint I have, and that others have made, is that for some ridiculous reason Samsung chose to put the speakers on the same side. That's ok if you are using the tablet in portrait, but who watches any kind of media with the tablet in portrait. So in landscape all the sound comes from the same side. Baffling. But other that that, it has been a great replacement for the Note 10.1. At lease until Samsung gets a clue and comes out with a Note 10.1 2017 edition!
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I have managed to get a new battery installed in the Note 10.1 2014 and my stylus is still in a great condition. This morning, the tablet got one of the very rare software updates (mostly security, I would think), but it likely indicates that Samsung has not entirely abandoned it. The processor is still quite fast.