Database Develop

Returned mine today.

Well after having my HD7 since launch I returned it today and went back to my HD2 running Android.
The last straw for me was using Youtube and seeing the lousy video playback..in a centered screen. WTF is that? Totally unacceptable in my book.
While I like the look of the UI, theres just something about it that got tiresome.
Real Cons for me were.
I really dislike IE.
Youtube.
Battery life.
No LED notifications.
Amount of animations to get something done.
No Google Maps.
Homescreen tiles. While pretty, because most tiles are the same color I found it confusing to quickly choose what I wanted.
Camera was a toss up. Some photos were great, some not.
I never got around to playing games on it because battery life was so bad.
Anyway you get the idea. I gave it a shot and I will be keeping an eye on it.
I hope it works out for all you others.

Good for you. I don't think you are set to be an early adopter anyway.
This OS is still in its infancy. So, I would say you guys should hold off on getting the WP7 until the next version.
I, for one LOVE this OS and I do not have any issues for the functions that I use this phone on a daily basis... Phone Call, Internet, Mails, Movies and Music. No issues what so every. I also use the camera, and if at all, thats the only only issue I have compared to the HD2. I think the camera should be improved a bit more.

Agreed
I do have to agree that the OS is still new and has some bugs to be worked out, but over all I really enjoy the HD7 and WP7. The OS is simple and for myself was ready for something a little simpler them the current OS systems out there. I have found it in some ways to be a blending of the Android and IPhone, but still remaining Windows. The camera is a little difficult and touchy to get good pics, but hey it's a phone.
I think in the months to come we will see updates from MS and they will adress some of the small issues. MS has invested alot money into the development of WP7, and feel and hope that MS will really put the resources needed to futher develope the firmware/software.

Sorry to hear that but hey it wasn't meant to be a fully loved OS by everybody.
Btw what are you going back to ? (or forward)
Personally, I am very satisfied with the OS so far and I am in a long run with Microsoft on this one. If other OSs aren't catching up in terms of speed (besides functionality) I doubt I will break away from WP7 any time soon. Me being more the music/browsing/e-mail type of guy it does perfectly what others haven't been able to reach yet.

i have to agree on some points. I do like the fact it's "speedy" but really dislike about camera (but that is not a OS issues but HTC's, i believe). considering the platform being only a few weeks (almost a month) old, it's got good start. Just as Nokia N900 when it first came out, there were issues. they will be address as time pass by. Microsoft just need a bit of support from all of us to really expand their market.
I think having Apple, Google and Microsoft in the mix will keep different inovation to come into the market.
i'm sorry for your experience but i guess no single solution will make everyone happy.

yly3 said:
Sorry to hear that but hey it wasn't meant to be a fully loved OS by everybody.
Btw what are you going back to ? (or forward)
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Going back to HD2 running Android.

harsaphes said:
Going back to HD2 running Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would be interested to know what Android web browser has that WP7 IE does not?
speed is the same, rendering is the same, Android has a tendency to "block render" a bit more than IE on slow sites, overall same experience between the two.
Also, Youtube is an application for WP7, it is not part of WP7 so judging the OS based on a crappy app is not a fair evaluation of its capabilities.
I am usually streaming youtube vids from home while connected to my WIFI and quality is pretty decent, got a bit worse over slow 3G but don't see how it could better with Android.

guys its personal preference and if some one likes to RUN android on a machine which is not made for it.. i will rest my case....
why do u want to run android on a WM device when there are so many android device in the market...
all the best to u my friend.... and the only valid reason u had was the youtube app... which ic not even WP7 app... any way all the best..

I've considered returning my HD7 many times. What's really keeping me from returning my phone is the potential. The UI on WP7 is beautiful. If you guys try the Flux and the IMdB apps, you'll know what I mean.

I'm keeping mine. I actually love it. I had a first gen iPhone and loved it. This HD7 and WP7 is every bit as good as that iPhone and is better in numerous ways. To me, it feels like a luxurious high-end Lexus or Infiniti. I find it to be the absolute best phone ever created. Just purely gorgeous from every aspect, externally and internally. WP7 is a sweet piece of kit.
Too bad you are giving up on it. The next update will likely solve your concerns. I knew what would be *initially* lacking in WP7 and still find it pure bliss.

MartyLK said:
I'm keeping mine. I actually love it. I had a first gen iPhone and loved it. This HD7 and WP7 is every bit as good as that iPhone and is better in numerous ways. To me, it feels like a luxurious high-end Lexus or Infiniti. I find it to be the absolute best phone ever created. Just purely gorgeous from every aspect, externally and internally. WP7 is a sweet piece of kit.
Too bad you are giving up on it. The next update will likely solve your concerns. I knew what would be *initially* lacking in WP7 and still find it pure bliss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. I'm willing to do without a few features for another month or so till the update, because this phone is fantastic. Once the updates starts taking care of more and more issues being one of the first WP7 (specifically HD7) owners will be so worth it.

I been from Nokia apple android and now the Hd7
So yeah I have had all of them Each has the goodies and the baddies
although I am more inclined towards android.. ( hope nokia ditches symbian and goes with their meego which is also linux based like android.. or just go with android )
WM7 and HD 7 is the lovable although i do agree they they to update the OS which I am hoping will be next year
Must admit thought that Microsoft has taken the best of both android and apple with WM7 so fingers crossed that the updates will sort us out

unlockMe said:
Also, Youtube is an application for WP7, it is not part of WP7 so judging the OS based on a crappy app is not a fair evaluation of its capabilities.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never owned a recent phone that Youtube video doesnt play full screen.

truffle1234 said:
why do u want to run android on a WM device when there are so many android device in the market...
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Click to collapse
Its just to hold me over till the Nexus S comes out. I have no problem with the HD2 running Android. The size is great. I also have the N1, but prefer this form factor. And it wasnt "just" youtube. It was many things.

harsaphes said:
Well after having my HD7 since launch I returned it today and went back to my HD2 running Android.
The last straw for me was using Youtube and seeing the lousy video playback..in a centered screen. WTF is that? Totally unacceptable in my book.
While I like the look of the UI, theres just something about it that got tiresome.
Real Cons for me were.
I really dislike IE.
Youtube.
Batter life.
No LED notifications.
Amount of animations to get something done.
No Google Maps.
Homescreen tiles. While pretty, because most tiles are the same color I found it confusing to quickly choose what I wanted.
Camera was a toss up. Some photos were great, some not.
I never got around to playing games on it because battery life was so bad.
Anyway you get the idea. I gave it a shot and I will be keeping an eye on it.
I hope it works out for all you others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you on many, but not all.
I took some pictures last night, and I have to say the button to use ( like a camera ) is the most annoying thing ever, the HD2 / I phone and I think many phone on screen touch button was the best, you tap it, it auto focuses and walla good pics, I took 15 pictures last night in a low light condition with flash, not one is clear, every pic came out blurry, then I realized its because i move the phone a tiny bit when attempting to press the worst button created for taking pictures.
I still have 10 days left before I can return mine, going to contemplate.

MartyLK said:
I'm keeping mine. I actually love it. I had a first gen iPhone and loved it. This HD7 and WP7 is every bit as good as that iPhone and is better in numerous ways. To me, it feels like a luxurious high-end Lexus or Infiniti. I find it to be the absolute best phone ever created. Just purely gorgeous from every aspect, externally and internally. WP7 is a sweet piece of kit.
Too bad you are giving up on it. The next update will likely solve your concerns. I knew what would be *initially* lacking in WP7 and still find it pure bliss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts exactly. I knew what I was getting, and what I wasn't, and I love it!
I find it a bit strange as well to go back to Android on the HDS - why not the Desire HD - same phone but actually made for Android?!

I love the new Windows Phone 7 OS, but the HTC HD7 really is a piece of s**t. Ive got to send mine away for repair already due to the power button getting stuck in, not exactly what you'd call a high end quality product. Ive had plenty of HTC phones, since the days of the XDA 1, and to be honest they have all been utter s***e. Im definately never going to buy another HTC product, I suppose thats what you get for buyin stuff that comes from China.

rob_p said:
I find it a bit strange as well to go back to Android on the HDS - why not the Desire HD - same phone but actually made for Android?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I own the HD2 and the Nexus 1...so Im using the ones I have until the Nexus S comes out, hopefully in december.

s1nn0n said:
I love the new Windows Phone 7 OS, but the HTC HD7 really is a piece of s**t. Ive got to send mine away for repair already due to the power button getting stuck in, not exactly what you'd call a high end quality product. Ive had plenty of HTC phones, since the days of the XDA 1, and to be honest they have all been utter s***e. Im definately never going to buy another HTC product, I suppose thats what you get for buyin stuff that comes from China.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most phones and most electronics come from China. The iPhone, designed and developed in the USA, is made in China. Most Sony phones...Japanese phones...are made in China. Pretty much any electronic equipment you own is likely made in China. HTC is a Taiwan company and is the major producer of nearly all the major phones from most companies. They made all the Palm devices prior to the Pre and Pixi...not sure who makes the Pre and Pixi now. Apple has always used Foxconn ...a Chinese company... for production of the iPhone and most, if not all, of their other products. MS used a Chinese producer for the Zunes. HTC is a similar producer. They are contracted by a number of electronics makers to produce their products. The HTC quality has always been quite good. But, until recently, that quality has nose dived a bit...for whatever reason.
My HTC HD7 is an outstanding phone. The quality is exemplary. But it took 3 other, defective, HD7s to get the good one. I feel my HD7 is like a high-class, high-end automobile in look, feel and construction.

Hi guys,
Using my HD7 for the last 5 days and until now everything runs fine
In my opinion this is an outstanding phone. Excellent quality and the new SO is very good for my use (professional and personal)
Of course some things must be corrected by MS, let's wait for the updates that all people are waiting

[Q] Android phone or iPhone with Nook Color

I am new to android and the NC is my first device with the OS. I currently have a Storm 1 on Verizon and I hate it. I love Verizon's network but hate hate hate my phone. I'm out of contract and ready for a new phone.
With all the Verizon iPhone rumors, I'm conflicted. Do I get an iPhone when it most likely arrives on Verizon or an android phone that is already there to go along with the NC?
I'm asking this here as you all seem to know so much about android and the NC. I want to tether whatever phone I get to the NC. I'm a mac user solely and like the compatibility there and would have gotten an iPhone immediately a year ago. Now, after experiencing android, I'm not so sure anymore that I even need or want the iPhone.
What are your thoughts on the two paths in regards to phone/NC compatibility and also to a Mac/phone/NC relationship? I really want to sync data between all three fairly seamlessly. Would having devices running different OS's make things too tough or are there enough cross platform apps and functionality to make it not matter?
I fully understand that the NC's capabilities are a long ways from being fully tapped. This might also be moot as both probably can serve my purposes. Figured I would pick your brains and experiences.
Sent from my Nook Color

I have a Mac, iPhone 4 and NC right now and love all three. Apple's stuff are sexy and reliable but closed off. Android is less mature and lacks polish but has so much more potential. When I'm ready for my next phone, I'll look long and hard at an Android. If you like to.customize, I'd say go android. But I love my iPhone. You'll need to jailbreak it to unleash its potential.
Sent from my XDA app on my Nook Color

This is exactly my setup, Mac, iPhone, NC. Syncing, one word - Dropbox. There is entire cottage industry around Dropbox, your Mac, and iOS devices. I don't think you'll be hard pressed to find exactly what you need right there.
But out of curiosity what are you going to be using the NC for, light word, excel type documents, pdf's? I use mine mostly to read ebooks/pdf's, 90%. There are a lot of things in the cloud that are fairly platform agnostic, Evernote comes to mind and different calendar sync apps. Just iTunes search for various one's to sync with google if want it to go with your NC.
As far as Verizon and iPhone, we'll just have to wait. In the US we have it bad, as iPhone (limited by att) does not tether. It's shocking, because in the rest of the world people tehter their iPhones.
I'd say go with iPhone, best of all worlds here, Mac, iOS with iPhone, and Android with the NC. What's not to love, you have it all. That's speaking as a Mac user of course.

newton1666 said:
I'd say go with iPhone, best of all worlds here, Mac, iOS with iPhone, and Android with the NC. What's not to love, you have it all. That's speaking as a Mac user of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same. I love my i4 and I also love playing around with my rooted NC, I wish the phone could just dual boot both OS and I could be content with that magic phone for the rest of my life.

Each has his/her own preferences, it's really what you're looking for . . . I'd recommend spending time with a rooted android phone--not just the NookColor--before making a decision.
We're doing some amazing stuff here with the NookColor--considering what we started with--but this is barely scratching the surface of development on a device that's still running an eReader's stock ROM for crying out loud. That's not even to mention that it's based on (in tech years) an ancient version of android.
If you spend some time with a rooted Evo, Nexus S, or Droid X running a cyanogen ROM, I wouldn't even remotely say android is immature or lacks polish compared to iOS. If anything, I'd say it's the other way around.
I'm a former iPhone 4 and iPad owner, and I much prefer both my HTC Evo and the NookColor (even in its relatively primitive stage of development) over both of them (Plants vs Zombies is the only thing I miss, and it'll be on Android soon).
They say opinions are like a-holes: everybody has one . . . If that's the case, people having a-holes makes the world go 'round, because android would be much less interesting without iOS, and vice versa. I'd say go to stores where you can play with each OS' flagship devices for a while, check out the best each has to offer, and find what works for you.

I would actually say that stock android is better than stock iOS. But until android can support encryption out of box, I can't make the full switch because I can't sync with work.
Sent from my XDA app on my Nook Color

As usual, ask a question like this and you will end up getting every response possible if you wait long enough.
I know folks who love their Iphones and tether with them here in the US. Jailbroken, or whatever its called and some custom stuff, of course. So I don't think that needs to be an issue in the choice.
Android phones have excellent qualities out of the box though, and once they start being rooted and rom'd- fantastic, as far as I am concerned. The ability to customize and make them YOURS instead of the CARRIERS (at least in function and appearance) is far and beyond anything I have seen on an Apple phone.
There are some advantages to either, as always- if you are on the fence then I too would suggest trying to "spend some time" with both and see if that helps make the decision.

I appreciate all the responses. I know that everybody is different, but it's still nice to hear others experiences regarding their setup.
I an an architect by trade and my mac is my lifeline to do all my drawings and graphics, etc. I'd be lost without it. I won't be a hardcore user with all three phone/mac/NC in regards to work. I mainly want email, music, movies, contacts, calander, etc. to be able to be sync'ed between all devices. I make a change in one and I can update in all three.
I've been playing with both iPhones and rooted Android phones and it really is a tossup. I do like the idea of having the iPhone so if there are special iOS apps, I can get it and have the NC for any special Android apps. Best of both worlds. I also really have to wait and see how the Verizon iPhone will be. I'll play with it in store for awhile before I make a choice.
Then the next question is do I wait for the 4G Android phones to come out on Verizon? I'm content to wait until late 1st quarter 2011 until the dust settles on some of this. I just wanted to get some feedback from people on how their NC's are working with their phones, iPhone and Android.

[Q] When will Froyo 2.2 officially come to NC?

Does anyone know when Barnes and Noble will drop the official Froyo update for the Nook Color? Back in December every tech site was saying it was due in January, but that obviously did not happen. I am trying to decide whether to root mine now or wait for the official OS update before I start messing with my NC. Thanks

brendan6q66 said:
Does anyone know when Barnes and Noble will drop the official Froyo update for the Nook Color? Back in December every tech site was saying it was due in January, but that obviously did not happen. I am trying to decide whether to root mine now or wait for the official OS update before I start messing with my NC. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldnt ever expect it officially. Most of these rumors started with nameless sources, and employee talk. They also made the claim that we would have the appstore but we know how that went. As many have stated, the nook is an E-Reader first. It doesn't need anything past what it has now, to do what its designed to do.

I still think B&N is working on their app store. It's an opportunity to make more money. How long it will take to get released, who knows.

Ultimately I think it depends on what you're looking for in the software. Even if B&N updates it to 2.2 it won't be the same look and feel you get on other android devices. I don't think it's going to happen that they release a software update that upgrades this thing from an e-reader to a tablet pc. The talks are they'll incorporate some customized market for software in an update, so maybe we get the android market, but probably just some bastardized form of it. I think if you want a true tablet experience with the NC, you'll never get that without rooting it. Don't think of it as a Froyo update, but rather a NC update, if it comes from B&N. Just the same e-reader with a different foundation.

there is no consequences of rooting your nook. you can always flash your nook back to stock. thay being said i would suggest you try nookie froyo. even if froyo DOES come out from B&N there is no gurantee it will give the full tablet experience that AOSP froyo does.

I realize the update was never intended to bring the full 2.2 experience to the NC, but i had heard that it would offer more or less the homescreen experience along with a curated B&N app store. I just think this thing has so much more potential then B&N is currently offering on it. I think it is in dire need of more basic stock apps such as email, a calendar, calculator, etc. I bring my NC with me everywhere... classes, on the subway. I think the addition of these apps would make it a complete device rather than just an e-reader. And it is not just an ereader... that designation went out the window the second it got that beautiful color display. Also, I think 3rd party apps like dropbox, instapaper, and an rss reader that syncs to google reader would be amazing on the NC. I realize I can get all of this by rooting, but I would feel much more comfortable if they were eventually offered by B&N

brendan6q66 said:
I realize the update was never intended to bring the full 2.2 experience to the NC, but i had heard that it would offer more or less the homescreen experience along with a curated B&N app store. I just think this thing has so much more potential then B&N is currently offering on it. I think it is in dire need of more basic stock apps such as email, a calendar, calculator, etc. I bring my NC with me everywhere... classes, on the subway. I think the addition of these apps would make it a complete device rather than just an e-reader. And it is not just an ereader... that designation went out the window the second it got that beautiful color display. Also, I think 3rd party apps like dropbox, instapaper, and an rss reader that syncs to google reader would be amazing on the NC. I realize I can get all of this by rooting, but I would feel much more comfortable if they were eventually offered by B&N
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look, if I burn the desk I'm sitting at and I find that it burns well, that doesn't mean the company that makes it actually makes firewood. If by "complete device" you mean a tablet pc, then B&N could have released it as such when it first came out. But what you're refusing to acknowledge is that this thing wasn't created for that, however capable it may be. At this point all I've heard is we may get some form of a software market, which doesn't need a kernel update from 2.1 to 2.2, so even with that, we may not get an android update. Like I said, just stop thinking that, because this can be an effective tablet, B&N will go out of their way to make it one. For that matter, you shouldn't expect it to have the look of an android device any more than it currently does. It seems to me that B&N would be pretty particular about the appearance of their software.
Listen, just wait it out if you don't want to root the thing. Maybe they will give us a decent app list, and maybe it won't take forever and a day to get to us. But don't expect them to offer any software from a competitor, or book/magazine/newspaper reading software that doesn't require you get the material from them.

At the end of the day, BN would be insane to release a full fledged version of the market onto the NC. The absolute last thing they want is Amazon, Borders and others competing with them on their own platform. I think we will see a market of some sort released down the road. When I don't know, but I'd be surprised if we never see one. BN intends for this thing to just be an e-reader. They don't want people to buy it and use it as a tablet. They want it to be an e-reader because it's then basically tied to their store for content. That is what they want.

Second Tuesday in the first week of June
March 7th. Note no year specified.
February 31st
How would we know?

Nobody knows. Just speculation and guesses out there.

"When it's ready."
That's the only answer I would actually believe, and even then I'm not inclined to accept it as truth.

What if they are planning to go straight to HoneyComb?

Holy ****! It never ends

V.A.T.Juice said:
What if they are planning to go straight to HoneyComb?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In what ways will Honeycomb make the NC a better ereader for B&N-purchased ebooks?

The only reason I believe they would even go to an underlying 2.2 is for Flash. I could imagine them coming out with some very cool eReader applications for it such as in-magazine videos and other book/magazine related media features like that. It's a very capable little device and I positively love mine, but I feel like there are many people buying it as a $250 Galaxy Tab competitor, and it's simply not. The community here is great and tons of people are doing absolutely outstanding work unlocking a wealth of potential, but at the end of the day we will never get fully featured android support from B&N and it would be silly to expect it.

miemens said:
The only reason I believe they would even go to an underlying 2.2 is for Flash. I could imagine them coming out with some very cool eReader applications for it such as in-magazine videos and other book/magazine related media features like that. It's a very capable little device and I positively love mine, but I feel like there are many people buying it as a $250 Galaxy Tab competitor, and it's simply not. The community here is great and tons of people are doing absolutely outstanding work unlocking a wealth of potential, but at the end of the day we will never get fully featured android support from B&N and it would be silly to expect it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly right, it won't be supported as a tablet. If/when someone cooks up a rom for this thing based on honeycomb, it'll be the same as autonooter and nookie froyo now. What I mean is we'll get a device that reports itself as some other device, the xoom or some other thing, just so the market has an idea of what apps we should have available. But they'll have such higher powered tablets with better cpu's and more ram, better screens, and they'll have nifty docks and bluetooth attachments, and we'll be luck if someone just gets our bluetooth runnning smoothly.

Once they get the textbook thing straightened out, do you think they might need flash for streaming classes? I know some unis have classes where you can either attend virtually or at least replay lectures.
Homer

Game over tab 8.9?

Samsung will likely release a next gen tab in Barcelona. Will this mean minimal support for our tab?
I was a big defender of android for 2 years. But i have had it. Will switch over to iphone 5 and ipad 3. Our tab rom from Samsung is suboptimal to say the least. Still no ICS. App quality still sucks for business, science, musicians etc. Improvement too slow. I thought differently 6 months ago but now it seems we can not catch up to Apple ecosystem.
I am just trying to make a rational decision, no ideological arguments.
I know I know...go ahead, hit me...
cheers
chris

There's a couple of nice ICS roms over in the development forum, I'm using the latest Galaxian Soup alpha and it's awesome.

I agree.. I'm feeling frustrated from lag and the low support from my device. Yes Apple taking the full control for IOS.. But I realise that its for good.....
Sent from my GT-P7300 using XDA App

I am still not sold on the iOS

here at the WEF
I also need to admit that I am in a bad mood right now...which prompted me to start this thread.
I am here in Davos at the wef. looking around I see only ipads. the special wef app on my tab 8.9 fcs all the time, looks terribly designed and can not be used in landscape on the tablet!
on the ipad the same app looks great andworks in landscape. that just fuelled my anger....

MelFranks said:
There's a couple of nice ICS roms over in the development forum, I'm using the latest Galaxian Soup alpha and it's awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of the roms for the 8.9 seem to display hdmi out correctly or have other significant issues.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk

SGSChris said:
I also need to admit that I am in a bad mood right now...which prompted me to start this thread.
I am here in Davos at the wef. looking around I see only ipads. the special wef app on my tab 8.9 fcs all the time, looks terribly designed and can not be used in landscape on the tablet!
on the ipad the same app looks great andworks in landscape. that just fuelled my anger....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well but that ain't really androids or samsungs fault. if someone designs a crappy app for android and a well working app for ios then of course it will look better on ios....
as for support. the older iphones aren't getting any updates and ipad1 is missing out on a lot of features that the ipad2 got via software. so it aint like android is all bad and ios is all good.
that being said, yeah samsung is being slow releasing stuff and touchwizz is bloated crap. they should try and please people releasing updates as fast as possible instead of bloating them and making them slower.

I've only owned my sgt 8.9 for a month and I think th nhardware is fantastic and going from iphone 3-4s and my wifes ipad 2 to this android and samsung show they can pull it off better than apple in most ways.... But.....
Time between releases isn't practical, the features of true clean android os (no samsung excess besides ebook) are fantastic but samsung kill it with touchwiz and excess compulsary samsung apps, and the market is great but also it's own worst enemy. (but we cant do anything about that because its un-regulated so to speak). Been muking around with custom roms and my hats off to the develooers as they're are really trying to polish up and bring us the best experience possible but they're relying on samsung to continue support but sadly they just are developing enough for our developers to improve on.
It's sad when a combination of 2 great products with both ability, style and funding can't bring it together and focus on fewer models or realeases to perfect something thats already almost there and really flex there muscles in the face of the competition.
Sent from my GT-P7300 using Xparent Blue Tapatalk

jpbutler said:
None of the roms for the 8.9 seem to display hdmi out correctly or have other significant issues.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true, I suppose it really depends upon what you are using the tablet for.

pseudoheld said:
well but that ain't really androids or samsungs fault. if someone designs a crappy app for android and a well working app for ios then of course it will look better on ios....
as for support. the older iphones aren't getting any updates and ipad1 is missing out on a lot of features that the ipad2 got via software. so it aint like android is all bad and ios is all good.
that being said, yeah samsung is being slow releasing stuff and touchwizz is bloated crap. they should try and please people releasing updates as fast as possible instead of bloating them and making them slower.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree, but that is why we need to consider the whole ecosystem that generates design standards, a sense of esthetics and professionalism and coolness...
samsung seems to push new bricks with better technology at a frantic speed but this does not improve usability. they are bad at engaging users and are terrible on the softwareside. It also seems that the ios ecosystem has the more demanding users that care less about tech and custom roms but overall usability.
I have my tab now for 5 months, there has not been a release of any appropriate rom by samsung for a 600$ Tablet! not acceptable...and my sgs i9000 is also not supported anymore by samsung...

I have an 8.9 and I feel your pain as well. I want Android to work out but it seems the manufacturers are only interested in the initial sale of the item, after that support dwindles quickly. Compare this to Apple who understands that your building a relationship with your customer. I think it sucks that the Kindle Fire has better support then the Galaxy Tab and most honeycomb devices.
App support with Android is poor at best. When compatibility has to be reviewed for each device by the developer (Hello hulu, netflix, & Gameloft!), you have a poor ecosystem. A number of really good games avail on the iPad do not even have Android the radar.
Still, I hang in there, because I don't like Apples restrictive system. Hoping manufacturers & developers will get on board and fix things. If it doesn't change in the next year though, I'm out and going back to iPad, because at the end of the day I want to use my device not hack it.

I can understand the frustration fully. I have an LG Optimus S, and my wife just upgraded off her Samsung Moment. Sometimes, vendor support for the latest version of android is minimal at best. In contrast, Apple EOLs their hardware, and there is no coming back from that. Every hardware update/major version release sees the previous oldest supported platform unsupported. Additionally, even the previous version sees missing features on the software side (ref iphone 4 + siri) that hafe been proven to run on the older platform.
Atleast with android, you can rely on strong dev communities to build new versions of the software in a timely manner. All weekend I ran the ICS alpha/beta and it is very nice!

I like my tab mainly for the size and form, and for 360 dollars it was a deal. It doesn't work any better them my Acer A500, which is more use full in the long run. Anyways my first android was the Samsung Moment which was terrible, htc hero, evo, nexus s, Acer A100, Acer A500, nook color, I pad 2, and now this 8.9. So I have had a lot of experience and I can surely say this is my last android mobile device. I'm tired of being a lab rat for these half baked devices all has had major problems. I don't want to have to rely on developers to fix things. I have only kept the I pad for a month and couldn't live without Google's services, but now I'm over it. Until they get more control over these manufactures to provide updates in a timely manor and manufactures fix their hardware I don't see a reason to stay. I guess the flexibility of android comes at a price and we all get burned.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk

This is a really interesting thread, because it portrays what I think would be a very different opinion versus if you asked the same question other in the dev board. And the different demographics involves paralleled a conversation I had the other day at work.
I am a complete Android head - half the appeal for me is tinkering with the thing. I see that as normal - no, actually I see that as a big part of the experience. I hate the iPad because it is so rigidly locked down in every respect. I had an iPad, but found it stifling and could get on with it even jailbroken.
I was shocked, however, when a girl at work gave a ten minute scathing diatribe on Android based on her experience with a low end Samsung phone. "But that was a low end Android phone!" I said. "It was bound to be slow and clunky. That's not a fair assessment of Android to base it on that experience. Plus, even if it was underpowered hardware, you probably could still have found a ROM for it out there that'd solve most of the problems you were having".
She didn't care. She just wanted the thing to work out of the box and her eyes glazed over when I started talking about ROMs.
It was a new perspective for me and I find myself recommending devices differently now. Time was I would have recommended the GT 8.9 unequivocally. The form factor plus hardware (in my opinion) beats anything else currently on the market. And I'd put my ICS equipped 8.9 up against any iPad in terms of user experience and I'd say it comes out on top. However, if you want a tablet that you get out of the box and use, it's not this one. The stock Samsung Android install is an abortion and unless you are happy to tweak (or have a family member who'll do it for you) it's not the device for you.
And therein lies the problem with 99% of Android devices on the market. Until vendors get over this need to differentiate their devices by adding layer after layer of bloat on top of Android, Android will continue to play second fiddle to iOS in terms of the user experience - even if that iOS user experience is rigidly controlled and prevents you from doing basic things like moving an icon a couple of spaces away from another.

I never had a problem with android until I lost my nexus one. Then I entered the world of other manufacturers devices. So far they all suck. HTC has the ****ty looking sense the I dare to define a great punch in the face to good design, Samsung is notoriously known for making good hardware but not giving a crap about the software, I'm not sure why this is, why they think that the software is not as important to the device. My next try will be with Asus, they seem to update their software on top of having decent hardware. This in regard of tablets for phones, i'll switch to a nexus device as soon as my HTC dies or the galaxy nexus comes to t-mobile.
I went through apple and i dont like the company. First of all i'm forced most of the time at work to use imacs to work on visual effects, i dont know where studio owners get their facts, but those machine sucks for production! They are designed for customers not professionals, they have the guts of a laptop and none of the benefits. Then i have a macbook that gave me nothing but hardware problems for 3 years, an iphone 4 that i can't use because its super locked to at&t and i used to have an ipod touch which died unexpectedly during a vacation. The only apple stuff i'm kinda happy about are my two ipods that still survive (and yet do not allow, me to officially get my music out of them).
So as you can see I'm fed up with apple and their shady hardware, they killed all the great professional stuff they had (shake, final cut pro, quicktime pro, apple servers and raids) and i don't think osx has any advantage over windows anymore either.
There are two faces to every coin, but I'm sure one day I will find a good tablet/phone/computer maker for my needs, it's just a trial and error job.
Good luck with Apple I hope you'll be more lucky than me!

Loccy said:
It was a new perspective for me and I find myself recommending devices differently now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice post mate. i totally agree with you and half the fun for me with android is the messing about and tweaking stuff. the only android phones i would recomend without thinking twice are the nexus series (because they are bloat free) and the s2 because its just and awesome device. but yeah if you have something more "consumerish" and don't feel like messing around with it you aren't gonna have the nices experience.
for the technologically unprepaired person an iProduct is probably better because it just works as they think it should (even though its awefully restrained and restricted)
DBBGBA said:
I never had a problem with android until I lost my nexus one.
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Click to collapse
i'm still running my n1 and loving it
as for apple machines for production...i have a lot to do in the video sector and we use macpros with final cut (7 not x )
i must say they are awesome machines but also have a few downsides.
they are friggin expensive (as everything apple)
they are not the error free devices everyone thinks they are. only last month we had 2 graphics cards dying 1 hdd giving up and 2 OS corruptions. so the myth about apple products not breaking down is...a myth!
so yeah if you are prepared to tinker i would go with android all the way. if you are my mum or someone else that just wants to USE something and not get involved with it...then i guess the i is the way to go.

I showed my stock skyrocket when I first bought it, she didn't even wanted to look.
Then I installed my preferred launcher (Launcher 7) and custom roms, lots of small tricks and clean ups (hid all the extra apps like Ti Backup, Root Explorer, etc.) and let the Windows Phone 7 interface dominate with big Twitter and Facebook buttons, Big camera and email button, weather. She was sold. She played with it while I was watching tv for a good while.
If the iPhone 5 will feature yet another 3.5" display, I'll take your phone no problem, she said.
I think the Android Interface, esp. the launcher, the widget handling, etc. leaves a lot to be desired. WP7 less is more approach works for some.

RipplingHurst said:
WP7 less is more approach works for some.
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Click to collapse
I agree in fact I'm very curious to try one WP7 device for a while and maybe start suggesting that instead of iphones.

SGSChris said:
Samsung will likely release a next gen tab in Barcelona. Will this mean minimal support for our tab?
I was a big defender of android for 2 years. But i have had it. Will switch over to iphone 5 and ipad 3. Our tab rom from Samsung is suboptimal to say the least. Still no ICS. App quality still sucks for business, science, musicians etc. Improvement too slow. I thought differently 6 months ago but now it seems we can not catch up to Apple ecosystem.
I am just trying to make a rational decision, no ideological arguments.
I know I know...go ahead, hit me...
cheers
chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need an application that you cannot live without then go with ipad. You might be prepared that new ipad3 will blow ipad2 away but this is a bout making more and more money.
I was with Apple before Android. Now I am proud not following the iCrowd.
After stripping all bloatware and services my Sammy serves me well.
In regards to ICS I tried it on Xoom and didn't see anything vitally important.
It seems that in one year every piece of hardware becomes largely irrelevant and in two obsolete.

its still fck alpha so whats the point here??
---------- Post added at 02:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:12 PM ----------
qhinton said:
I like my tab mainly for the size and form, and for 360 dollars it was a deal. It doesn't work any better them my Acer A500, which is more use full in the long run. Anyways my first android was the Samsung Moment which was terrible, htc hero, evo, nexus s, Acer A100, Acer A500, nook color, I pad 2, and now this 8.9. So I have had a lot of experience and I can surely say this is my last android mobile device. I'm tired of being a lab rat for these half baked devices all has had major problems. I don't want to have to rely on developers to fix things. I have only kept the I pad for a month and couldn't live without Google's services, but now I'm over it. Until they get more control over these manufactures to provide updates in a timely manor and manufactures fix their hardware I don't see a reason to stay. I guess the flexibility of android comes at a price and we all get burned.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is soooo true... despite to the fact how much i hate apple as company...
---------- Post added at 02:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:17 PM ----------
Adapt0r said:
If you need an application that you cannot live without then go with ipad. You might be prepared that new ipad3 will blow ipad2 away but this is a bout making more and more money.
I was with Apple before Android. Now I am proud not following the iCrowd.
After stripping all bloatware and services my Sammy serves me well.
In regards to ICS I tried it on Xoom and didn't see anything vitally important.
It seems that in one year every piece of hardware becomes largely irrelevant and in two obsolete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you like to use half finished products just not to follow the iCrowd than i am sorry for u... just that.

have to return rented ipad to school and considering buying this- but have questions

Hey Guys! so heres my situation: my high school wanted to go digital so added wifi to the entire school and made us all rent ipads from them (private school). I graduate next month and will have to give my ipad back. There is supposed to be an option to be able to buy it, but I have always been an android and open source person who liked to tinker so I am looking to get a new tablet. This tablet was on Amazon for $367 for a little while, but is back up to $400. My 18th birthday is next month and should get more than enough money to buy this tablet and accessories. I want to know if there are any major issues hardware, software, or something slowing down development since I most likely will root it. I am going to college next year and am considering the much cheaper older models with the keyboard dock since people keep complaining about issues with this versions keyboard dock. anyone want to clarify on that? I do have a wireless full sized keyboard that folds in half from my ipad will work, but the USB 3 and extra battery and potential to not need a case is tempting. The other thing is if I root and run the 4.4 rom builds (Am I correct it is only 4.3 that is officially supported, and boot loader unlocking tool is officially available from Asus?) will the official accesories still work without issue? I am considering buying this adapter and a micro HDMI to HDMI cable or this miracast dongle to access my movies on my 2TB seagate external hard drive (with its own power source) to watch movies instead of using an xbox 360 or my laptop around home and when I travel (which is at least once a month). I am also thinking of connecting a ps3 controlled with sixaxis app then to a TV for a more portable console for gaming. I have already done this with my LG Optimus G. Also how far along is development? I see hardly any roms. two CM11 rom and a few 4.3 roms but seems only one is heavily customized. I have experience with adding some tweaks, themes, debloating, and compiling (official) nightlies of CM for other devices and was wondering if there is enough for me to be satisfied with a hopefully not overly customized official 4.3 build and might be able to take my knowledge to help contribute to the community if I buy this. if anyone can answer a single question of this long post it would be awesome.
edit: I was thinking since I am just asking a laundry list of questions, can a mod please move this to Q&A? sorry about this

If you like the functionality of this tablet + dock it would be a grave mistake to buy the older versions of the Transformer series. I have owned the 700 for more than a year now and flashed most CM based roms as well as all CROMi based roms to it. The improvement compared to stock is amazing, but none of the best custom roms are as good as the TF701 on stock. The TF701 is gorgeous out of the box and that is also the reason you probably won't see the level of development the TF700 received.
Why?
Because there is way less user demand. This tablet is so good on stock, that only the serious flashoholics crave a custom rom.
The CM based KK roms all have minor issues with implementing the full functionality of the keyboard. It's only special function keys like wifi toggle, trackpad, auto brightness etc that don't work (and maybe never will) and at this point there seems to be an issue with the USB 3.0 functionality of the USB port, but if those are important to you, just flash CROMi-X 6.1 which is based on the official Asus firmware where everything works.
That is my preferred rom for this tablet. It's based on the latest 4.3 JB and it beats me why people HAVE TO HAVE the KitKat rom - I don't see much of an improvement in 4.4 compared to 4.3....
Can't help you with Miracast and the other game stuff - I don't use any of it.
The dock can be an issue. My second one works fine, but it's still something you have to pay attention to and possibly exchange/replace if the known issues show up. I have read about one user now receiving a 2014 keyborad without issues. So there is the chance that they finally fixed the disaster the dock has been in 2013. But I would be watching this...
Sent from my K00C using Tapatalk

If you like to tinker I think you'll like this device. As Bernd says it is very good out of the box and my CROMi-X build is what I run as a daily. I'm more than satisfied and my keyboard works fine. I love it.
You could join the CROMBi-kk team if you want to learn more about building a solid rom. I'm on holiday at the moment (typing this in a coffee shop in Japan) but when I get back there will be more improvements made to kitkat as well as the kernels we are using

berndblb said:
If you like the functionality of this tablet + dock it would be a grave mistake to buy the older versions of the Transformer series. I have owned the 700 for more than a year now and flashed most CM based roms as well as all CROMi based roms to it. The improvement compared to stock is amazing, but none of the best custom roms are as good as the TF701 on stock. The TF701 is gorgeous out of the box and that is also the reason you probably won't see the level of development the TF700 received.
Why?
Because there is way less user demand. This tablet is so good on stock, that only the serious flashoholics crave a custom rom.
The CM based KK roms all have minor issues with implementing the full functionality of the keyboard. It's only special function keys like wifi toggle, trackpad, auto brightness etc that don't work (and maybe never will) and at this point there seems to be an issue with the USB 3.0 functionality of the USB port, but if those are important to you, just flash CROMi-X 6.1 which is based on the official Asus firmware where everything works.
That is my preferred rom for this tablet. It's based on the latest 4.3 JB and it beats me why people HAVE TO HAVE the KitKat rom - I don't see much of an improvement in 4.4 compared to 4.3....
Can't help you with Miracast and the other game stuff - I don't use any of it.
The dock can be an issue. My second one works fine, but it's still something you have to pay attention to and possibly exchange/replace if the known issues show up. I have read about one user now receiving a 2014 keyborad without issues. So there is the chance that they finally fixed the disaster the dock has been in 2013. But I would be watching this...
Sent from my K00C using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. So if I get enough money for my bday then I'll get this. Considering the dock price, issues, and I need some stuff for my raspberry pi, I'll get the tablet now and get the dock later. But other than that this tablet has everything I need, and appears to be the best hardware out there and has an even better price comparatively. I'll be watching for the docks too.
sbdags said:
If you like to tinker I think you'll like this device. As Bernd says it is very good out of the box and my CROMi-X build is what I run as a daily. I'm more than satisfied and my keyboard works fine. I love it.
You could join the CROMBi-kk team if you want to learn more about building a solid rom. I'm on holiday at the moment (typing this in a coffee shop in Japan) but when I get back there will be more improvements made to kitkat as well as the kernels we are using
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. So I can have stability and features when I want it, and have a lot of tinkering when to also. That's exactly what I need. Nandroid and tinker on weekends, stable when I have classes. And if I get it I'll definitely join. Maybe I can join now though and start learning more. And until I get the tablet (maybe next week) I can use what I learn on my og Evo 4g, LG Optimus G, and nook tablet. I'll message you later most likely, but the main things I believe I need to move forward are the updates script and such and how to fix syntax errors so I don't need dsixdas kitchen to recompile everytime I make make a change even if it's just updated gapps, new ringtone, etc. the other thing I really want to figure out is how to setup aroma installer which I believe ties into the other thing. Them learn java with the coursera class I put my name down for and I could start to do a lot. Thanks for the help guys! This pretty much answers everything I need except for one thing. The ps3 controller I'm sure will work, but with the miracast dongle I'm not sure if I would be able to use midi direct straight to the dongle, and connect to local wifi in case I want to stream or play online games like clash of clans or war of nations (seriously check out the second one, it's new to android but amazing on ios). If that works and doesn't have miracast/DLNA bugs like some devices then I'll have everything I need or want. If not I can get a 15 ft micro hdmi to hdmi cable for like $10 on amazon (I have prime)

I like this tablet. I think its great for what you get. Higher resolution, pushes the limits etc. Just dont drop it. Doesnt look pretty if you plan on rooting which is a must if you want to actually use it. Get some depth of knowledge. Seems people cant repair it in some places without paying a lot of money especially after the warranty is voided. They need to offer better service in that area. I guess if you want to void your warranty and root it. Dont buy an extended one. That would not make sense. Correct me if Im wrong. Aside from shipping costs ASUS should be giving lifetime warranties only because they cut and past peoples software which is fine. Just give us what we're owed. :cyclops: LOL i dont know.

YayYouFixedIt said:
I like this tablet. I think its great for what you get. Higher resolution, pushes the limits etc. Just dont drop it. Doesnt look pretty if you plan on rooting which is a must if you want to actually use it. Get some depth of knowledge. Seems people cant repair it in some places without paying a lot of money especially after the warranty is voided. They need to offer better service in that area. I guess if you want to void your warranty and root it. Dont buy an extended one. That would not make sense. Correct me if Im wrong. Aside from shipping costs ASUS should be giving lifetime warranties only because they cut and past peoples software which is fine. Just give us what we're owed. :cyclops: LOL i dont know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean doesn't look pretty if I root it? Rooting doesn't affect how it looks. Unless you mean if you damage it and can't get it fixed because of warranty? And my trick is if it's damaged enough I need it fixed I plug it into my laptop and hard brick it's I'm on my 5th Optimus G already and only paid $150 once. Only once was a shattering screen,

evodev said:
What do you mean doesn't look pretty if I root it? Rooting doesn't affect how it looks. Unless you mean if you damage it and can't get it fixed because of warranty? And my trick is if it's damaged enough I need it fixed I plug it into my laptop and hard brick it's I'm on my 5th Optimus G already and only paid $150 once. Only once was a shattering screen,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what I mean is I have a desktop PC or a laptop. I can have root. I do not need to void my warranty. Why would they need to void the warranty for root access?

YayYouFixedIt said:
I think what I mean is I have a desktop PC or a laptop. I can have root. I do not need to void my warranty. Why would they need to void the warranty for root access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you have to unlock the bootloader to get root on the TF701.
@evodev I think you would make a great addition to the team. Get the tablet!
One condition though: Start to use paragraphs [emoji12] [emoji56] [emoji23]
Sent from my K00C using Tapatalk

berndblb said:
Because you have to unlock the bootloader to get root on the TF701.
@evodev I think you would make a great addition to the team. Get the tablet!
One condition though: Start to use paragraphs [emoji12] [emoji56] [emoji23]
Sent from my K00C using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I literally wrote every reply right before the bell for my next class rang so I had to be quicked. Interestingly enough clash of clans and some tech sites and all are blocked, but xda I can access without having to use my phone for a hotspot connected to my 22,000 mAh battery. And I'll know be the end of next week if I'm getting it or not, I'm going to see if there might be a price drop in the near future to save some money though.

evodev said:
What do you mean doesn't look pretty if I root it? Rooting doesn't affect how it looks. Unless you mean if you damage it and can't get it fixed because of warranty? And my trick is if it's damaged enough I need it fixed I plug it into my laptop and hard brick it's I'm on my 5th Optimus G already and only paid $150 once. Only once was a shattering screen,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're saying what I think you're saying, that won't work with the TF701T as when you unlock it (which is needed for rooting), it "phones home" to the Asus server to tell them that you've done it, which instantly voids your warranty. It doesn't matter how much your hard brick it after that - they just look at the serial/IMEI number and compare it to their list of unlocked devices, and won't touch it.

pelago said:
If you're saying what I think you're saying, that won't work with the TF701T as when you unlock it (which is needed for rooting), it "phones home" to the Asus server to tell them that you've done it, which instantly voids your warranty. It doesn't matter how much your hard brick it after that - they just look at the serial/IMEI number and compare it to their list of unlocked devices, and won't touch it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang it. I need to do more research. Someone needs to make a modified version of the program that blocks that. Or if it doesn't require downloading the files during the process and can be unlocked offline, just create a firewall blocking all the addresses or disable wifi. Problem solved. Lol. I might look into it more when I get the tablet.

evodev said:
Dang it. I need to do more research. Someone needs to make a modified version of the program that blocks that. Or if it doesn't require downloading the files during the process and can be unlocked offline, just create a firewall blocking all the addresses or disable wifi. Problem solved. Lol. I might look into it more when I get the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe its possible. Unlocking requires a unique per-device key, and there's no way to get that other than from Asus, so it cannot be done offline and without Asus knowing, at least not unless there's a flaw in their encryption etc.

pelago said:
I don't believe its possible. Unlocking requires a unique per-device key, and there's no way to get that other than from Asus, so it cannot be done offline and without Asus knowing, at least not unless there's a flaw in their encryption etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So firewall definitely won't work. And anything to get it working I don't think anyone will bother doing. Not worth the time. Just have to be as careful as I usually am for now. Might not even root it off the bat and see how stock suites me until I want to add a ps3 controller to it.

evodev said:
So firewall definitely won't work. And anything to get it working I don't think anyone will bother doing. Not worth the time. Just have to be as careful as I usually am for now. Might not even root it off the bat and see how stock suites me until I want to add a ps3 controller to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No way around it I'm afraid. You can only unlock using the Asus unlock tool due to the encrypted keys they use.
However I'm pretty sure a ps3 controller works without root.

Just to give you guys an update I'll have the tablet tomorrow and the case on Saturday.