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I've read many many many threads and web articles about this topic but I can't seem to find one that is really close to today's date (September 3, 2011) I'm sure everyone has had enough of these threads already but I really could use the advice and help but I don't have any friends with the knowledge to call on.
Here is my problem... I bought a Nook Color about a week ago without doing nearly as much research as I should have (and normally do). I haven't rooted it yet but I'm still happy with my NC, which I've just been using to read and browse the web now and then. Today as I was looking at best buy's website and I came across the Samsung Galaxy Tab for only $30 more than what I paid for the NC... so that leaves me with the options of keeping my NC and rooting it or returning it and getting the Galaxy Tab.
I've never had a tablet before and this is the first real spend on myself in a really long time, so I want to make sure I make the right decision and don't regret it once it's too late. I'm looking for like an all around good e-reader/tablet but not looking to spend a whole lot of money on it, and at the time the NC looked like I wouldn't even have a doubt in my mind, until today. The cameras and gps and other random things the Galaxy Tab can do aren't really my main concerns but it sure factors into the whole picture. I'm thinking I'm ready to take that step into either starting the rooting today or getting the tab and just start playing around with it.
I guess what I'm looking for in an answer would be should I keep my NC and start going about the rooting process or should I just return it and get the tab and basically be good to go right out of the box?
That being said, I also saw that the next NC could be coming out really soon. But that doesn't really matter too much to me as I'm looking for of a more "right now" than a "near future" haha.
Thanks!!!
Edits - Really, any help/opinions/suggestions are greatly appreciated. And I guess another of my concerns and reasons for making this new thread was to maybe get insight about this topic in the "now" with the recent release of the 1.3 update and next nook color coming out "soon."
It all comes down to what you plan to do with it, knowing that the more you learn about it, and play with it, that could change.
We have 3 Nook Colors and love them. The price, the ease of use, the great screen, are all benefits of the NC. I am not happy with the speaker or the sound from the NC, so headphones are a must. We don't have any Galaxy Tabs so I can't really tell you about them.
We use the NCs primarily as eReaders, with a few apps/games for the kids. They are (or were until BN pushed the 1.3 update) rooted so that takes a little bit of set up and maintenance time. We don't need the the cameras or the gps so we really don't miss that. We love the original NC eReader app (not the market one) so for us, I think that puts the NC over the Galaxy Tab.
I am still in search of a good music/video player, and overall, while the NC does what we need, my wife still has iPad envy so we will probably be getting an iPad 2 in the near future.
Hope this helps.
I agree with madman.
I like my NC (just got it a few days ago) and love it so far.
Somehow, I doubt the Galaxy Tab would measure up now. It seems like it would be a bit bulkier, maybe heavier... and it doesn't seem like it bring much to the party... the hardware may be a little better though (ram/cpu). The NC doesn't have any outputs though to hook up to a TV or anything like that... For some reason I want to say that the Galaxy Tab does have some sort of hdmi out, I could be mistaken though.
But, it's a matter of opinion I guess.
@madman390:
Try MoboPlayer I use it for AVI files that I stream over the network for my daughter. It works great, and has a library poster layout feel to it. Though, it won't load your files unless you enable the "software decoding" for them. You can set it in the options though, to always use it.
Yoinx said:
I agree with madman.
I like my NC (just got it a few days ago) and love it so far.
Somehow, I doubt the Galaxy Tab would measure up now. It seems like it would be a bit bulkier, maybe heavier... and it doesn't seem like it bring much to the party... the hardware may be a little better though (ram/cpu). The NC doesn't have any outputs though to hook up to a TV or anything like that... For some reason I want to say that the Galaxy Tab does have some sort of hdmi out, I could be mistaken though.
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I just have to correct some misstatements here. I have a rooted CM7 Nook color and a stock Galaxy Tab. The NC is great, and very functional as a low cost, no frills, easily customized tablet with a nice screen.But where it lacks the Tab undeniably shines. The Tab is lighter, smaller, and has a wonderful Gorilla glass screen. The cameras and video capabilities are sharp and convenient. And with HDMI output, I'm able to share the contents of my Tab on a larger screen easily. And the speakers are much much so much better than those on the NC it is not even funny.
For only $30 more, the bang-for-the-buck in me outshouts the geek in me and says the Galaxy Tab wins out.
cymoze said:
I just have to correct some misstatements here. I have a rooted CM7 Nook color and a stock Galaxy Tab. The NC is great, and very functional as a low cost, no frills, easily customized tablet with a nice screen.But where it lacks the Tab undeniably shines. The Tab is lighter, smaller, and has a wonderful Gorilla glass screen. The cameras and video capabilities are sharp and convenient. And with HDMI output, I'm able to share the contents of my Tab on a larger screen easily. And the speakers are much much so much better than those on the NC it is not even funny.
For only $30 more, the bang-for-the-buck in me outshouts the geek in me and says the Galaxy Tab wins out.
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Like I said... ionly have the nook color. I wasn't trying to spread misinformation... just giving my speculative opinion. Like I said.. the HDMI would be worth it. And the NC speaker suck without nook tools boosting sac.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk
Im with Cymoze. I own em both and the Gorilla Glass and the "feel" of the Galaxy Tab make it my go to device. The added hardware and the drop in price make it even more appealing.
I will say this. Flashing the tab with better then stock firmware is a bit more troublesome although not impossible. The Nook Color cant be fubar`d and that appeals to alot of folks.
Not to mention making phonecalls on the tab just friggin ROCKS.
If your able to follow instructions buy the tab.
For those who have used them side-by-side, what do you think about the reading experience on the Samsung? Is it radically different or worse than the NC (I'm just talking screens here, really--I mostly read in Aldiko, sometimes Kindle)? I'm hoping and assuming the Samsung has better audio...am I right?
I have a line on a GSM Galaxy Tab 7" at a decent price, but I couldn't afford to keep both devices. Reading is a high priority, and I'm just a little concerned that if that experience suffers much, the Samsung won't feel like an upgrade.
ETA: I guess this answers one of my questions:
cymoze said:
And the speakers are much much so much better than those on the NC it is not even funny.
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assuming it also applies to the 3G model.
I dont hqve a problem reading on the tab. But i cant say i do it for extended periods of time.
Id do spend a lot of time on it vs. The nook color. I just dont like the feel of the nook and that bezel drives me crazy.
I don't own a Galaxy Tab (however I do own a Samsung Captivate). Just based on Samsung slowness to put out firmware updates, I think B&N wins in the customer support category. However I do wish the NC had HDMI (or usb) video out. Also the NC struggles with HD video (I'm running CM7 nightly 160 and haven't had luck with any video player with HD...also struggles with youtube HD). I think if you have the patience you can tweak the NC to perform just as fast as the galaxy.
I think for $30 I might go Tab. However, check Ebay or Buy.com....NC refurbs can be had for $160-$169 (I got one I swear it looks brand new...I think B&N is just dumping them to get ready for the NC2).
I bought a NC back in March I believe and I love it. Yes, the speaker sucks, the screen, while works okay, is a little unresponsive, but other than that I prefer it over the tab 7 WIFI! I stress this because I got the Galaxy tab 7 WIFI version for FREE and after using it only twice I got rid of it. If you're going to get the tab, the WiFi version is a NO GO! It lacks in every way compared to it's counterpart. It's slower, less ram, no HDMI out possibilities, bluetooth is locked down, and there is virtually no community support (you cannot use the GSM or cmda roms). Touchwiz SUCKS on any device and even more so on the bigger screen of the Tab.
If you don't care about the GPS, camera, etc. then the NOOK should be your choice. You can do so much more with it and, to me, it feels like a budget tablet should feel. The galaxy tab, to me, just felt like a childs toy.
I read on my nook color ALL the time using Aldiko and I love it. I didn't like the way the Tab 7 felt in my hands, it did feel bigger and more bulky. It was thicker by a lot, although not quite as tall due to the n button area on the nook.
Call it a bad experience, but I'd still rather have a nook than a galaxy tab 7 any day. I love samsung as a brand, but their tablets have not impressed me at all (although I do like my rooted gummycharged Droid Charge).
Another general warning about Samsung android devices....they lock down their bluetooth so that you can't use a lot of the things that you could on other devices like the PS3/wii controller, HID devices, etc. Some say they did it on purpose, others say it is just the way it happened. I hear HID is unlocked with the gsm/cdma galaxy tab 7 but I cannot confirm this.
...I can understand the "Why would I want a tablet?" crowd a little better. I'm late to the smartphone party; my half-bright phone (SE Walkman 760) kept me happy for quite a while, with first a netbook and then the NC filling the gap between phone and PC. The other day, though, I snagged a used Xperia X10 on craigslist, and I'm starting to wonder how much use my NC will see aside from e-reading, which would be served as well or better by an e-ink device.
I mean, if the phone and the tablet are both in arm's reach, sure, I'll go for the bigger screen, but their uses are almost 100% redundant now. The only thing I couldn't see doing on the phone is reading comic books, which I rarely do on the NC anyway, and I could still read b&w comics on e-ink. Some games would be kind of pointless on the X10, but overall the two devices break even there, given the NC's bigger screen and the X10's better touch response. The same could be said for web-browsing; the NC's screen is a gorgeous klutz, as touch screens go. That trade-off doesn't apply to tablets in general, but the rest pretty much do; many phones are at least as capable as any tablet near the NC's price range.
The NC is a great platform for exploring ROMs and mods to a greater extent than I'd be comfortable doing on my phone--really, the NC has been a hobby unto itself in the time I've had it, but I think I've covered all the mods I care to explore. I may well sell it off and pick up a N2E or other rootable Android e-ink device (are there any others yet?) in the near future.
I started with the smartphone, then picked up my NC a year later. The Nook is very much my reader of choice. On long hauls, I'm OK with running down my Nook's battery, while keeping my phone for "serious" use.
Of course, the phone does SMS more cleanly. The phone is always with me, whereas the Nook is more for planned long periods of downtime. While I could do it all on my phone, the larger Nook screen has made reading and browsing more of something I enjoy doing.
- Bob
Battery life is the upside of redundancy, for sure, but for reading at least, an e-ink device would have substantial advantages over the NC in that department. Something like the STR that can be rooted to display pretty much any document format and has some limited browsing capability might end up absorbing more of my juice-intensive activities than the NC. It's also somewhat relevant, for me, that the STR would be more efficient in terms of my personal power consumption, drawing much less juice off the grid.
I'm not decided on shelving the NC--I've had the phone less than a week, so I'll see how my usage patterns shake out. Still, it's tempting to go e-ink. It would also give me a new device to mod
I use my phone on the go and my Nook at home. I like having a bigger screen to do my browsing, movie watching, book read etc.
I don't don't see why you would drop the nook for an e-ink as the nook can do almost anything while a stand alone reader does one thing.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk
koopakid08 said:
I don't don't see why you would drop the nook for an e-ink as the nook can do almost anything while a stand alone reader does one thing.
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Click to collapse
What it can do is immaterial if I do not in fact use it to do those things--most of my uses for the larger display would be met by the STR, primarily reading and some browsing.
I don't know, though--I probably will end up sticking with the NC. A lot of my reading is at night, where the backlight is a plus, and every once in a while I do get into some dumb game on the NC (often sitting less than six feet away from a PC with probably 20 real games installed ).
Mainly, I just have more sympathy for the people who are baffled by the tablet phenomenon. A decent Android phone is an extremely capable device, and all a tablet really brings to the table are those extra inches.
Since I flash my phone quite often I try to keep the installed apps to a minimum while my nook is loaded to the hilt. Since it (the Nook) fits in my back pocket I take it everywhere so it keeps me from draining my phone's battery as well.
My $.02 with data being so expensive for phones now I actually save money by using the nook everywhere and not using phone data. I love my nook, I can hardly even stand browsing the web on my phone now that I have been spoiled with the nooks brilliant screen. I use my phone primarily when I am super bored in class and to keep updated on email everywhere. And my phone is a mytouch.4g so not a bad phone for comparison. I don't even understand the hype on the Amazon tablet except for the price, if you ask me the brilliant people that designed the nook color should be receiving all the press. Everything but dual core almost a year in advance, am I wrong?
Cant agree more, I found myself using nook more than my EVO.
ncmt4g64 said:
My $.02 with data being so expensive for phones now I actually save money by using the nook everywhere and not using phone data.
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Would you please elaborate on that? I don't have a data plan for my phone because I have almost universal access to good WiFi networks, and it doesn't cost me any.
inportb said:
Would you please elaborate on that? I don't have a data plan for my phone because I have almost universal access to good WiFi networks, and it doesn't cost me any.
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Right, you can always use both when there is wifi, I would choose nook everytime. But since I started using my nook so much, I reduced my phone data plan to 2.5gb instead of 5gb, mostly because I tend to hold off using my phone for internet and stuff especially on data since the nook is so much bigger and also my primary Android device now.
I watched about 4 hours worth of Archer on my NC while flying from Raleigh to Denver recently. Can't imagine doing that (enjoyably) on my phone. Video quality its pretty darn good on the Nook.
bagelicious said:
I watched about 4 hours worth of Archer on my NC while flying from Raleigh to Denver recently. Can't imagine doing that (enjoyably) on my phone. Video quality its pretty darn good on the Nook.
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For frequent flyers who aren't trying to work on the plane, tablets are great, no question. Me, I take a 2-hour trip every month or two, and while it's not out of the question I would want to watch a movie, more often I end up reading or listening to music or audiobooks, and/or napping.
ncmt4g64 said:
My $.02 with data being so expensive for phones now I actually save money by using the nook everywhere and not using phone data.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, $$ is still my primary concern, I'm no luddite (if that's not obvious from running a hacked nook), but the required data plans for phones add up to hundreds, sometimes thousands a year (eg; family). Personally, I'd rather spend that money on other areas (travel / retirement), so I'm seeing how long I can go for feature phone + nook.
NCKevo said:
I'm seeing how long I can go for feature phone + nook.
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That's what I was doing when I picked up the NC in May; no way was I getting a smart phone on contract. Since I ditched my contract, though, getting a smartphone actually lowered my phone bill, or at least forced me to look into my options and discover it could be lower. I was doing AT&T/GoPhone's $50 prepaid unlimited they introduced this summer, but they blocked my data when I got the X10, so I'm looking at what I can do, and they'd introduced another new plan last month, with 250 min. and unlimited texts for $25. I don't have to carry any data, but I got a 10MB/$5 "emergency" plan in case I need a map in a tight spot...or want to check Facebook at a bus stop
At any rate, I'm in love with my NC again, mostly because I found an app that handles both epubs and pdfs really well (Mantano) and another one that can read my rtfs (CoolReader). I'm still taking Mantano for a test drive, but I expect it will replace Aldiko and ezPDF. I swear I have about ten reader apps
You guys looking for cheap smartphones. Check out Virgin Mobile. $35 a month unlimited data, and texting with 300 minutes. It's on Sprints network so depends where you are but I have great coverage everywhere I go. Also its prepaid so no evil contracts!
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Sent from my LG Optimus V using Tapatalk
If this post helped you don't forget to say thanks!
Taosaur said:
Battery life is the upside of redundancy, for sure, but for reading at least, an e-ink device would have substantial advantages over the NC in that department. Something like the STR that can be rooted to display pretty much any document format and has some limited browsing capability might end up absorbing more of my juice-intensive activities than the NC. It's also somewhat relevant, for me, that the STR would be more efficient in terms of my personal power consumption, drawing much less juice off the grid.
I'm not decided on shelving the NC--I've had the phone less than a week, so I'll see how my usage patterns shake out. Still, it's tempting to go e-ink. It would also give me a new device to mod
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you'll find that once the novelty wears off you won't want to deal with the tiny screen unless it's your only option (ie at the dr, lunch etc.). I use my fascinate for phone calls, wifi hotspot and personal email and gchat at work (blocked on my work laptop) or when I have nothing else. The 7"screen is the right compromise between comfort and big enough text to be comfortable for extended use where the phone isn't, even with the beautiful amoled screen on the fascinate. I use the NC at home for most browsing and reading (and for tracking my fantasy football team on sundays).
Taosaur said:
At any rate, I'm in love with my NC again, mostly because I found an app that handles both epubs and pdfs really well (Mantano) and another one that can read my rtfs (CoolReader). I'm still taking Mantano for a test drive, but I expect it will replace Aldiko and ezPDF. I swear I have about ten reader apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Holy hell! I LOVE mantano! It's an immediate new favorite over aldiko and already has all the things I loved about aldiko, but it handles the PDFs soooo much better. The hint on using coolreader for rtf's was also good, as i gave up looking for something that could handle that format.
Now i'm going to go whole hog and couple mantano to calibre and be in heaven...
A hundred shiny new internets to you for such a great find, sir!
koopakid08 said:
You guys looking for cheap smartphones. Check out Virgin Mobile. $35 a month unlimited data, and texting with 300 minutes. It's on Sprints network so depends where you are but I have great coverage everywhere I go. Also its prepaid so no evil contracts!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I considered them (and could have sworn it was $25 when I looked at it), but the only Android they had was the LG Optimus V, which didn't look so hot, and while their service is decent right where I live, it's extremely spotty everywhere else I go. "Unlimited" sounds great, but "enough" is just as good for all practical purposes, and the aftermarket for AT&T phones is quite solid.
skwalas said:
Holy hell! I LOVE mantano! It's an immediate new favorite over aldiko and already has all the things I loved about aldiko, but it handles the PDFs soooo much better. The hint on using coolreader for rtf's was also good, as i gave up looking for something that could handle that format.
Now i'm going to go whole hog and couple mantano to calibre and be in heaven...
A hundred shiny new internets to you for such a great find, sir!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mantano CS/development is very engaged, too, and making constant improvements. They're active in this thread over on mobileread: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131997
I wish I could find a rtf editor for Android. I don't have a keyboard for the NC right now, but it is my preferred medium for word processing, and I'm thinking about doing NaNoWriMo this year, so it would come in handy when I'm on the road around Thanksgiving.
Taosaur said:
I considered them (and could have sworn it was $25 when I looked at it), but the only Android they had was the LG Optimus V, which didn't look so hot, and while their service is decent right where I live, it's extremely spotty everywhere else I go. "Unlimited" sounds great, but "enough" is just as good for all practical purposes, and the aftermarket for AT&T phones is quite solid.
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Yes it was $25 and I'm still grandfathered into that price. They do have other Androids now the Moto Triumph looks pretty good but they also got some HTC phone and the optimus slider.
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If this post helped you don't forget to say thanks!
After reading the Endgadget review, I'm kinda considering getting one, mostly for how easy-to-use the UI is, and the nice sleek physical design of it. I currently have a HTC G2, and I'd either be upgrading to the new Nexus on T-Mobile (or if it doesn't have the proper bands, the GSII on T-Mobile) otherwise. Getting an iPhone (for the UI and sleek design) is out of the question since I can't get it on T-Mobile, and don't want to pay for AT&T or whoever when I can pay $40 and get all that I want.
I know, Meego is dead and there aren't many apps for it, it isn't that powerful, there's a WP7 version coming out, etc. - but I want a phone that's good at the basics (phone calls, texts, emails, and web browsing) with a nice screen/size, battery life, and camera, and the N9 seems to do all of that just fine.
I don't care for games or other such apps, and a lot of the "nice" features on these new phones (like huge screens, NFC, etc.) don't appeal that much to me (I'd be getting the Nexus or whatever more for dev support and screen quality than anything else).
I mean, I have CM7 on my G2 and I even OC'd it, but there isn't much on it that I can't live without by getting rid of Android (and I'd probably get a Honeycomb tablet to supplement the N9, if anything).
Anyway...anybody here use or own one that can comment on how it performs and feels and whatnot?
Also, any idea how the N8 with the Anna update fares now? I'm looking at it based mostly on the amazing camera/flash.
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Thread moved to off topic.
I just got the N9 about a week ago. The os is so smooth and so easy to use. The design is great as well. Pictures and video does not do justice you really have to see it in person. I had Android and IOS and for me Meego is a way better OS, only problem is the apps store. But like you I can live without all those apps, Nokia already have intergraded apps and the import ones I use are in the App store.
fixedtrd said:
I just got the N9 about a week ago. The os is so smooth and so easy to use. The design is great as well. Pictures and video does not do justice you really have to see it in person. I had Android and IOS and for me Meego is a way better OS, only problem is the apps store. But like you I can live without all those apps, Nokia already have intergraded apps and the import ones I use are in the App store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I can definitely live without the apps, but looking into it, Skype video calls don't seem to work on Meego or Symbian Anna, so I think any Nokia device is out for me...I'm currently looking at the iPhone 4S instead, with a prepaid carrier.
deadlocked007 said:
It's does have nfc so much for not having features xD nobody beats Nokia
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I read into it a lot, and it's not full NFC - it's missing some security-related stuff which won't ever allow it to have virtual wallets like Google Wallet.
Hi all,
I don't know if this thread is still alive, but I figured that maybe there are still people out there wondering whether to get the N9.
I've got mine sitting on my desk right now, and wow! it's such a beautiful piece of hard- and software! I've tried them all, iOS, Android, WP, webOS - and Meego on the N9 just beats them all in terms of pleasure in usage. The screen where you get time, weather, missed notifications and facebook/twitter/RSS feeds has just about all the info you need in one neat place. It makes even the WP UI look fragmented. So this is a gorgeous device...
IF...
... if you can live with restricted options as far as apps and expandability go. If you're okay with the N9 as it is, you'll love it. It does calls, email, SMS/MMS, Calendar, on- and offline navigation (Nokia Drive!), RSS feeds etc beautifully. (although I found that even my old Windows Mobile 6.1 devices offered deeper support for Outlook integration). The browser is very minimalistic. There are a few preinstalled additional apps that I don't use, and there's a bit more in the Store. That's about it.
Like I said - for sheer joy of use (the live standby screen with time and notifications alone is a beauty) this is the best device I've used so far. For the expensive device that the N9 still is, even on eBay, there are far more powerful alternatives out there.
The thing is: I LIKE IT, and don't see myself giving it away. For the money I've spent (I have the 64 GB version) I could get a SGSII or similar, but if you've used the N9 you'll find any Android or iOS user interface offensive. Not to mention the hardware: Size is just perfectly right, and you'll be hard pressed to find a device with similar elegance out there. The HTC One X has taken design clues from the N9 (like the curved glass), but it doesn't match the comfortable fit in your palm.
Give me a shout if there's anything particular you want to know.
N.
They are beautiful, if the lumia 800 had all the same hardware, it'd be the best phone ever. Right now, the Nokia n9 may reign supreme. It multitasks better than the one x
Nightcookie said:
Hi all,
I don't know if this thread is still alive, but I figured that maybe there are still people out there wondering whether to get the N9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, interestingly enough I was just thinking about the N9 again the other day. Thanks for the detailed post, I'm definitely interested in it again. I've realized that in day-to-day use, I'm perfectly fine with the functions/features you mentioned - if anything, I'd prefer something that minimalistic so it doesn't get too cluttered. I'd still want to keep an Android device for certain apps (like Square), of course.
Anyway, I guess I have three kinda important questions:
-Can the N9 sync Google contacts, calendar, and mail?
-The N9 can do wireless hotspost, correct? And how does it affect battery life?
-How's the virtual keyboard? Coming from a G2, I want to make sure I don't end up regretting the switch.
magus57 said:
Yeah, interestingly enough I was just thinking about the N9 again the other day. Thanks for the detailed post, I'm definitely interested in it again. I've realized that in day-to-day use, I'm perfectly fine with the functions/features you mentioned - if anything, I'd prefer something that minimalistic so it doesn't get too cluttered. I'd still want to keep an Android device for certain apps (like Square), of course.
Anyway, I guess I have three kinda important questions:
-Can the N9 sync Google contacts, calendar, and mail?
-The N9 can do wireless hotspost, correct? And how does it affect battery life?
-How's the virtual keyboard? Coming from a G2, I want to make sure I don't end up regretting the switch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it syncs google contacts, the wireless hotspot offers a bit more battery drain, but barely noticable, your options are swype, which I took, or the stock keyboard which is the only one I've seen rival WP7 in terms of responsiveness. Its a great experience.
z33dev33l said:
yes it syncs google contacts, the wireless hotspot offers a bit more battery drain, but barely noticable, your options are swype, which I took, or the stock keyboard which is the only one I've seen rival WP7 in terms of responsiveness. Its a great experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'm sold on it, especially for the pentaband 3G (meaning I can switch carriers easily if I want to). Now I'm wondering what Android device I'd want to supplement it. I'm thinking either a Xperia Play with a bad ESN (since they go as cheap as $100 and would be great for portable gaming) or some 7" tablet (probably the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, although that wouldn't be as portable as the Play...).
You could also just dual-boot android on it... It does emulation up to the playstation better than ANY android phone.
Sent from my Lumia 800 using Board Express
z33dev33l said:
You could also just dual-boot android on it... It does emulation up to the playstation better than ANY android phone.
Sent from my Lumia 800 using Board Express
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Wait, really? I remember hearing something about an Android port, but it was really buggy/unfinished - how is it now? Do you have a link to it maybe?
In any case, I'd still probably prefer the Xperia Play if only for the hardware controls (not a big fan of touchscreen controls, especially when something like a PS1 game would take up like half the screen in buttons) - and at $100 for a dedicated gaming device, I can't say it'd break the bank.
http://forum.nitdroid.com/index.php?topic=94.0
It's pretty complete, I only had one issue overall in that I couldn't turn when driving on NFS, aside from that I didn't notice any issues. I'll still speak on the behalf of emumaster though, it's outstanding. I bought an xperia play for the same reason, because with all my Lumia love, I can't emulate a PS1 on it and why buy a new psvita when you can just buy a play?
z33dev33l said:
http://forum.nitdroid.com/index.php?topic=94.0
It's pretty complete, I only had one issue overall in that I couldn't turn when driving on NFS, aside from that I didn't notice any issues. I'll still speak on the behalf of emumaster though, it's outstanding. I bought an xperia play for the same reason, because with all my Lumia love, I can't emulate a PS1 on it and why buy a new psvita when you can just buy a play?
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Oh wow, didn't think it'd be that nice. Any idea if it's still being worked on? Only ask since it's been a little over a month since the last update.
Also, can you still get official updates for Meego with that, or would an update screw everything up, or what? In any case, with it being able to dual-boot, it's nice to know I wouldn't have to worry about forgetting my Android device in case I need to take a Square transaction or something. And I'd definitely get the 64GB version in that case.
EDIT: Just saw the Alpha #3 on that same site, nice.
Spoke with the developer last Thursday and he said he expected to keep working on it after finals, he's had a hectic schedule. There have been no official updates since nitdroids release but they are speculating that it will block nitdroid when the next pr goes public.
Crap...I just won ~$50 of accessories toward a T-Mobile phone of my choice, and now I don't know whether I should still get the N9 and forfeit the accessories, or get a One S (which would be about the same price as the 16GB N9) with said accessories. I do really prefer the design/style of the N9, but the One S certainly does have its advantages (faster data, much better specs, and full Android primarily)...
Edit: sorry my phone went crazy and quoted the post
the n9 sounds really great. unique UI that makes the phone easy to use. lets ignore the fact that this phone is getting less and less support and has a poor app selection
why pick the n9 over the galaxy nexus? they are about the same price and as unique as the n9 is, isn't the UI of ICS just as usable? i wish the n9 was 50-100 bucks cheaper!
"What a tablet gains in mobility it loses in utility."
To me that sums up a Tablet. I do not get where it fits in to the degree that Apple has sold 55M of them in 2 years. Smartphone sales are through the roof, and phones are getting bigger and more capable. The only thing tablets have on smartphones are bigger screens. And phones have gsm voice capabilities whereas most tablets do not. So where exactly do tablets fit in if you own a smartphone and a laptop?
High end smartphone - does everything a Tablet does in a more mobile package but is less comfortable to use for some tasks due to smaller screen
Tablet - a "gsm voiceless" smartphone with a bigger screen but limited in function compared to a laptop
Laptop - a true computing device that is the least mobile of all but does more functions that all
So if I own a new iPhone 5 with a 4" screen and a Macbook Air, why do I need an iPad? Or I am just not with it?
I don't get them either, but I want one so badly I feel ill.
I want one because I don't call or send texts. My last call was 3 years ago and my last text was 2 years ago Mobile phone are not used for calling anymore!
nicksti said:
"What a tablet gains in mobility it loses in utility."
To me that sums up a Tablet. I do not get where it fits in to the degree that Apple has sold 55M of them in 2 years. Smartphone sales are through the roof, and phones are getting bigger and more capable. The only thing tablets have on smartphones are bigger screens. And phones have gsm voice capabilities whereas most tablets do not. So where exactly do tablets fit in if you own a smartphone and a laptop?
High end smartphone - does everything a Tablet does in a more mobile package but is less comfortable to use for some tasks due to smaller screen
Tablet - a "gsm voiceless" smartphone with a bigger screen but limited in function compared to a laptop
Laptop - a true computing device that is the least mobile of all but does more functions that all
So if I own a new iPhone 5 with a 4" screen and a Macbook Air, why do I need an iPad? Or I am just not with it?
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My Phone does everything I need yes, but reading books and watching films is a pain on my phone.
Laptops are too big/bulky imo, phones are too small (mainly when reading PDFs or watching films that have a massive letterbox), not to mention battery life on a tablet is far better than both
sleepingsword said:
My Phone does everything I need yes, but reading books and watching films is a pain on my phone.
Laptops are too big/bulky imo, phones are too small (mainly when reading PDFs or watching films that have a massive letterbox), not to mention battery life on a tablet is far better than both
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Totally agree with you there and why I appreciate having my Galaxy Tab 10.1. A lot of the print magazines I subscribe to went all digital and consuming these on my phone is not useful nor sitting at my desktop computer. I suppose having a light laptop like the Air would change this behavior.
One thing a tablet exceeds with is the touch screen interface which most laptops cant compete.
Anyway, my 2 cents
Apple excels at creating demand for products that a consumer never knew they desired or needed, lol. I agree with OP, I actually bought a Galaxy Tab 10.1 wifi, and after the first few weeks never picked it up again and ended up selling it. I suppose the uses for the device vary greatly among all, but for me a tablet is just too large to be lugging around to work and back. The phone, although with a smaller screen is always with me and more of a convenience than a tab ever will be.
Tablets are like netbooks, only difference netbooks had no restrictions like an iPad and you could use an decent office suite on it.
I don't get tablets either, but its more meant for using internet if you do not wish carry your notebook because its heavier.
But for me I do not mind carrying my notebook, even though it weights 2,62kg so yes its heavier then a tablet, but it also got much more power then a tablet.
My gf also said to me: You don't need an iPad you already have an notebook. Notebook plus smartphone is best combo for me, the smartphone for on the go and notebook when I can sit somewhere down like at home.
What is it that you'd like a tablet to do with regards to the "limited functionality"?
I am not taking away that there are some pros with tablets. But then there more than enough cons.
Doing simple inputs are easier on a touchscreen, simplified device. Tablet wins here. Doing more complex inputs (more intensive data entry like typing up long emails, or forums ) are better suited for laptops. Sure you can add a bluetooth keyboard but then you are adding bulk which defeats the purpose of the mobile tablet.
Maybe tablets suit people with a more outdoorsy lifestyle. Hanging out in Cafes, Parks, airports, etc. I would not be surprised that there are a few people that bought into a tablet and it is now collecting dust. I also know some people love them.
nicksti said:
"What a tablet gains in mobility it loses in utility."
To me that sums up a Tablet. I do not get where it fits in to the degree that Apple has sold 55M of them in 2 years. Smartphone sales are through the roof, and phones are getting bigger and more capable. The only thing tablets have on smartphones are bigger screens. And phones have gsm voice capabilities whereas most tablets do not. So where exactly do tablets fit in if you own a smartphone and a laptop?
High end smartphone - does everything a Tablet does in a more mobile package but is less comfortable to use for some tasks due to smaller screen
Tablet - a "gsm voiceless" smartphone with a bigger screen but limited in function compared to a laptop
Laptop - a true computing device that is the least mobile of all but does more functions that all
So if I own a new iPhone 5 with a 4" screen and a Macbook Air, why do I need an iPad? Or I am just not with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're obviously just not a tablet kind of person. That's fair enough. I use mine a lot, but I don't have a laptop - I have a desktop PC at home. Saying that, I'd be less inclined to take my laptop out with me than I would a tablet. It just about sits comfortably in my pocket (7" Galaxy Tab) and it keeps me entertained for hours on end with no effort at all. The battery lasts longer than a laptop, which is a plus, but of course a laptop is generally better than a tablet at most things. It just all depends on whether or not you can see a use for a tablet in your life, and you obviously can't.
Just don't get one
Won't pick one up until windows 8 arrives. If I'm blowing that much, it better function as a computer.
Archer said:
You're obviously just not a tablet kind of person. That's fair enough. I use mine a lot, but I don't have a laptop - I have a desktop PC at home. Saying that, I'd be less inclined to take my laptop out with me than I would a tablet. It just about sits comfortably in my pocket (7" Galaxy Tab) and it keeps me entertained for hours on end with no effort at all. The battery lasts longer than a laptop, which is a plus, but of course a laptop is generally better than a tablet at most things. It just all depends on whether or not you can see a use for a tablet in your life, and you obviously can't.
Just don't get one
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Click to collapse
But you see, your tablet is your mobile convergent device. I would take a wild guess that you have a desktop with a nice, hi-res, big screen with specs that are nicer than the average laptop. So you have a phone and a desktop without a mobile computing stopgap.
Also, I am not blind to the usefulness of a tablet. I am not suggesting it is not for anyone. 55M in sales from Apple + say 30M from all the rest combined.... I am surprised the marketspace is that big with laptops getting more portable and smartphones having such a high penetration.
Its a happy medium
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using XDA
I don't like them either. It would be nice if someone would give it as a gift, but spending my own money for it won't happen. If I want mobility, I'll use my phone; If I want to do work or watch movie, I'll do it on my laptop.
In less than a month I will be buying my first tablet and I cannot ####### wait....
There are so many times a day that I need to quickly nip online to do something but it's often not worth booting up the laptop for and is a pain in the ass to do on my phone.
I don't want to have to carry a laptop to work just to be able to do a few minor things on my lunchbreak but a tab will do just fine..
It won't be an Ipad though....
Sent From My Fingers To Your Face.....
My macbook pro over heats like no tomorrow, so my transformer fits in perfect when I need to watch netflix or youtube... By the way my macbook pro isn't old it's 2011 model...
I use my iconia daily for uni. Far more portable than my laptop.
I get where you are coming from though. I know a girl with an iPad because other people said its the best lol
Sent from my Rachael using XDA App
Honestly I don't get Smartphones today. Battery is crap, they're not that smart in utmost basic features, and they can't even call. LOL
My battery works great..
I have a notebook that is pretty large (alienware M17x) and it is more than a tablet can think of being.. it takes it a matter of no more than 15-20 seconds to boot and load.. so, not bad on quick needs..
Like the Jack's films video
IPad= big iPod touch
Sent from my Supercharged R3velation v2 Infuse
I have a Razr Maxx and a Toshiba Quosmio 17" gaming laptop. I needed something in the middle. Laying down on my bed right before going to sleep my Acer Iconia A500 is perfect for checking emails or maybe even checking out some youtube. Also, i love the fact that i can just throw it in a bag and gives me 8-9 hours of usage, enough for a flight from Connecticut to California and back. And reading the occasional ebook.
I loved the design and hardware of the Nexus 7 but unfortunately, I barely used/am barely using the tablet; I know it's wasn't exactly expensive but I use my PC a lot to the point where tablets and even mobile phones don't really get much use. I am getting a full refund from Tesco. I played the odd game but apart from that I've done everything else on my PC. I feel the exact same as I did before I bought it; I want to get rid of it because I barely use it but I don't want to get rid of it at the same time (It's hard to explain)
Anyone else in the same position?
Yeah kind of.. I was reading a thread about 7 exchanges for numerous faults when I spotted a dead pixel, so I thought I would go for a replacement, the replacement has light bleed. Now I am just thinking about getting a refund. I barely use it and I bought the 8 GB version which really does not have enough space. I like the tab, but I feel I have no real need for it. If Google can't sort it out soon I will get my money back..
Either way I am not too bothered.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Tricky103 said:
Yeah kind of.. I was reading a thread about 7 exchanges for numerous faults when I spotted a dead pixel, so I thought I would go for a replacement, the replacement has light bleed. Now I am just thinking about getting a refund. I barely use it and I bought the 8 GB version which really does not have enough space. I like the tab, but I feel I have no real need for it. If Google can't sort it out soon I will get my money back..
Either way I am not too bothered.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
This is exactly how I feel. Mine has no issues whatsoever; It's a 'perfect' device. I don't know if it's just a case of sticking with it and trying to find a use for it or just get a refund while I can.
It depends on your usage. For just general browsing I was using my computer which was fine but I'd have to sit down and plug it in all the time. This allows me to be more efficient and get other things down while reading the news and stuff.
Sent from my paranoid Nexus 7.
I use my desktop most of the time when I'm home, but I do find the Nexus 7 nice when I'm walking about, traveling, and etc.
Sorry to hear that. I also prefer to use the PC as well - much faster to get things done.
Have you considered it for sofa/bed use?
Whats the point of this thread ?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Salty Wagyu said:
Sorry to hear that. I also prefer to use the PC as well - much faster to get things done.
Have you considered it for sofa/bed use?
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Click to collapse
Yeah sure. But also have a s3,
....
Actually I probably would miss it a bit. Xmbc works well and I can also hear Tune In Radio whilst in the shower (which I can't on the s3). I knew before I bought it that it would be switched off more than it was on.. I thought the internet was supposed to stop impulse buying but this was my first . It is only £168 and in a years time I will have a 7" tab running the next OS.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Salty Wagyu said:
Sorry to hear that. I also prefer to use the PC as well - much faster to get things done.
Have you considered it for sofa/bed use?
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Click to collapse
If I'm honest, I don't really spend a lot of time downstairs/on the sofa and I don't really like using gadgets in bed. For me, my bed is for sleep and that's it. I currently don't have a mobile phone and to be honest, it's not like I need the money from the refund, I just don't think that the amount I will use it justifies me having it.
Yeah there a big toy for me, I have a gaming pc, a laptop, and a smart phone. I don't need one but they are fun mess with lol
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2
Yeah I mean, it's not like I hated using it; It's really fun to use but honestly, I prefer using my PC for like 90% of tasks.
>Anyone else in the same position?
+1. I think N7 hardware is great, even if missing a few features. The problem is that Android underwhelms me. It's been two years since 2.x, 1.5 years since the first official Android tab, and there isn't much new functionality. HC was a beta, ICS unifies phone+tablet, and JB adds some UI speed (and a Siri-alike). Multiuser is still missing along with networking, periphs support, etc etc. App support is still abysmal. It's still pretty much a phone OS, just like iOS.
I think my largest disappointment was from this year's I/O, where the main pitch was Google peddling its Play store wares, and the N7 was basically a kiosk for that--ie a carbon copy of Amazon's strategy. There's nothing about the tablet as a future computing device, just a consumption device (of Google content).
Gadget lust aside, my uses for Android tabs given their present limitations are pretty sparse as well. E-reading is great, and light web browse. My ultraportable does everything else, albeit with a bit less portability.
I'll probably pick up another tab or two this fall when more stuff shows up. But Android isn't a lock. the rumored iPad mini is appealing, and I'm also in a holding pattern to see how WinRT/Win8 toys pan out.
>Xmbc works well
I prefer vids on a big screen, so am aiming for a settop or a stick PC for this.
I don't really like using gadgets in bed. For me, my bed is for sleep and that's it
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Click to collapse
.
Someone doesn't get laid.
I'm the opposite. My netbook and top of the line desktop PC's are hardly ever used anymore. I take my tablets with me everywhere I go, and only use the desktop when I really have to.
I'm using mine frequently enough, but only when I could be reading instead, which would be healthier and a better use of my time.
That's true for the desktop as well to an extent, but before I had a tablet reading before bed was part of my routine. Lately I've been streaming over the network or watching Netflix instead. And that's not a good way to fall asleep.
It's like those instant versus delayed gratification studies where people choose to watch Mrs. Doubtfire today and Schindler's List tomorrow.
http://youarenotsosmart.com/2010/10/27/procrastination/
So I guess I'm sort of having the opposite problem. I should be reading Confederacy of Dunces in bed, but I'm watching Deadwood and Archer on my Nexus instead, regardless of my priorities.
If I can't trust my own preference for when I choose to use it, then what's the point of having it.
You must retrain your mind and think of the tablet as a read-only device.. Use it to read news, rss feeds (using pulse), books, mags, anything/site that doesn't require a lot of interaction, etc.. It's not made to replace your computer, or even be used the same way.. Once you get in the habit of using it for what it makes faster, it ends up saving you time.. On the other hand if you sit and force yourself to do things on it that are normally done faster on a PC/Notebook (ie. typing a lot of emails, or really anything to do with a lot of typing) - you will not be getting any advantage.
Perfect use examples..
Pulling up a manual, and working on something w/ it there next to you.. it fits in places a notebook/pc just aren't practical.
Monitoring Blogs via RSS (using pulse reader where you can see a lot of blogs/posts at the same time, and skim fast)
Monitoring News, etc using widgets on home screen.. real time data from multiple sources updated and presented on a single screen.
Texting using Google Voice
Reading emails - writing them is not always fun.
GPS navigation using tethered phone in car.
Slacker, Pandora, etc in car using tethered phone - the screen size makes for easier to use interface when driving (if you have the right mount, etc)
Reading books / mags, etc of course (helps get rid of that paper / mag clutter in your home)
Makes for the perfect thing to manage tasks, and calendar, etc - (use Gtasks to sync with gmail's built in tasks)
Start off by training yourself that its a Read-only device and delegate those tasks to it, and you will "Get it"..
Just some thoughts!
>think of the tablet as a read-only device
Yes, "content consumption." The question is whether your consumption is such an overriding need that you must have access everywhere. If you don't do much social media, or online news/RSS, much of the tablet's advantage is obviated.
That's not to say that tablets won't be popular. They obviously are, if iPad (and plateauing laptop) sales are any indicator. But I take it to mean that for most of the population, "consumption" is and has been their main use for PCs, not "computing" per se.
I work in IT, work in computers all day long, sit at a desk a lot. So when I get home, I do spend some more time at my desktop. But I love having a tablet, so I can get away from the desk and keyboard. I like to grab my tablet, stretch out on the sofa or on the lawn chair on the back porch and just surf the web or watch YouTube or something.
Ravynmagi said:
I work in IT, work in computers all day long, sit at a desk a lot. So when I get home, I do spend some more time at my desktop. But I love having a tablet, so I can get away from the desk and keyboard. I like to grab my tablet, stretch out on the sofa or on the lawn chair on the back porch and just surf the web or watch YouTube or something.
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+1
My tablet has pretty much replaced my laptop for general web viewing. And since it's uber portable, I find myself having it in places I used to take my GS3 and usually wouldn't take my laptop. Yeah, I could just use my phone, as I did for years for most things, but the tab is a lot easier on my eyes.
One place I really wanted to use my tab is at school. But after using a stylus for the first time, I'm not sure that I can use it for serious note taking, which sucks as I would love to get rid of paper notebooks.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
I guess I'm sort of in two minds as to whether I should keep it or not.