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So, right now, I have a desktop PC and a laptop PC that I use on a regular basis. The desktop is my master system and is good for another 2 years definitely. My laptop has been aging and we're on the verge of a revolution in small PCs.
I have a Dell XPS M140 that I upgraded to 2GB RAM. It has 80GB of hard disk space, CD/DVD burner, and Windows 7. It's getting old and I wondered if everyone could chip in some advice for a replacement.
I spent like $600 on it originally, so I'd like to stick with that price or less. I use it to browse the web and watch internet videos on it while I play XBox360 or when I have people over. I use it to feed to my TV when I have a movie to watch (movie file, not a DVD). I also take it with me on any vacations in the hotel room to keep connected to the internet.
For a replacement, I'm looking for the following...
-CD/DVD drive
-video out
-at least 120GB of disk space
-ability to run Windows 7 Ultimate with Aero
-ability to have 2GB of RAM at least
-USB ports
-Wifi (of course)
-A good processor
-HARD keyboard
-multitouch screen
-$600 or less
Preferred but optional
-ethernet port
-webcam
-4 USB ports
There may not be anything out there just yet that meets all the requirements, but if anything's close, let me know.
I have a Dell XPS M140 too. Great system. I loved the battery life -- 7.5 hours when I bought it like 3 or 4 years ago. But now its old and I rarely use it.
I've migrated to a Samsung N120 netbook. The keyboard is great even though its smaller form factor. The portability is excellent. It's so comfortable to use even with the 97% sized keyboard and 10" screen that I am still able to do most of my programming on it. So it can be used every day for hours with no eye strain or me wanting to throw it cause the keyboard is awkward. I love it.
I've run Windows 7 on it and it runs great once I upgraded it to 2GB. I did go thru the Windows Services and set to manual/disable some of those that I don't need (heavy networking ones) that made it a little faster. It can run OSX too as a side benefit. You can pop in a 640GB in here for cheap if you feel comfortable taking it apart.
I know there is going to be complaints about the processor speed...its a slow Atom. For daily browsing use its not that much difference than the M140's 1.73ghz P-Mobile. I do agree that its slow on Youtube videos and having multiple flash animations on the same page. The newer generation of netbooks are faster and will probably do a better job. Also Adobe is releasing a new version of Flash very soon that they have tweaked and stating would allow the Netbook to view Youtube without the jitters.
If you already have a desktop that is powerful enough for the heavy lifting tasks (photoshopping/video editing/filesharing/etc) then if I were you I would look into a netbook for its portability and convenience. It can still photoshopping btw, just going to take a little longer with the filters and handling large image sizes. And of course it is harder on the small screen.
You can get a great netbook in the $300-350 and get an external slim DVD burner for $50. If you do a lot of traveling or working away from home like at a cafe or just like having it on your lap surfing while you are in front of the TV, a 10" netbook is the way to go.
for the touchscreen thing,
i think you should buy additional hardware such as DUO.
Hmm. Very interesting! Thanks for the feedback.
I really appreciate that another M140 user out there has spoken. I haven't found anyone with this "XPS mini"!
When I upgraded to Windows 7, I can't believe how smooth everything ran. It really sold Windows 7 for me. Yeah, my desktop was faster but, wow, it turned by old M140 into a new PC. I haven't done much programming since college and even then, I did more making Counterstrike maps on their CAD-like interface software than anything.
I was really considering netbooks and your advice fits in well. I like the idea of add-on hardware like DUO to make anything touchscreen, but I would like to be ahead of the game with my new purchase. I felt like even my M140 purchase was behind the game. My desktop was nicely fit with a quad-core masterpiece at the time. Now it's commonplace.
I think a netbook fits my needs perfectly, but maybe I'm waiting for the next wave to include multitouch netbooks. The technology is definitely there, and fortunately it shouldn't be that expensive. I was waiting for someone to post the latest Eee multitouch PC, but I know that the processor is child's play.
I guess I see myself owning 3 systems...
Desktop PC - currently fulfilled need
Multitouch PC - for portability and ahead of the game portacomputing
Slate Phone - I know there's phones and then there's slates, but I won't be buying a replacement for my Rhodium until a nice slate phone arrives (with slide out hard keyboard, of course)
These 3 systems will practically make me have a mess in my pants. We're on the verge of #2, but I know I might have to wait 2 years for a good #3.
I'm staying away from virtual keyboards forever. I know how they are and I know what they can do, but I cannot accept 30 wpm slower. Unacceptable.
Great advice guys, and I really do appreciate your input. Tablet PCs are going to erupt soon, to prove that the iPad is garbage. And I just can't wait for the results. I dream of a day when I can just pop out my multitouch netbook in the comfy Hyatt hotel bed and respond to the next great XDA post.
I actually was looking tonight and there really isn't anything out there right now. I really hope this market picks up. The closest thing is the newest Eee PC, with a processor at 1.66 MHz. My M140 is at 1.73, so I can't go lower. Let's hope for a nice push in products...
Dell should hit this up. The only Multitouch tablet they offer is over $2k!!!!
I bought a LOADED HP tx2000z two years ago because I thought that I'd actually use the touchscreen/wacom digitizer. Boy was I wrong. 2000 bucks later, I honestly wish I would have bought a macbook pro over this POS.
Using a mouse or keyboard still is faster. Windows is not designed well for using a touch screen. Plus, that tiny swivel point where the screen connects to the rest of the computer isn't quite as strong as I had once thought, and all the wiring inside of it, over time, starts to get shorts in it. My sound crackles as I swivel the screen. Also, HP doesn't have the best of build quality in general. However, the digitizer does do an excellent job of speeding things up in photoshop.
My advise: Stay away from laptops with touch screens. Unless you spend the majority of your time in photoshop, it won't be worth it.
got the earlier tx1270 little brother of tx2000z
it get too hot to use in tablet mode and it's too fat and it makes too much noise
speedfan say the gpu is 89c in idle
the heat caused the wifi to stop working
but it was good for reading eComics on if I could stand the heat
I'm not put off tablets yet though
what laptop to get is really down to what one use it for
if it's surfing in the sofa netbooks are great and got long batt
but some people like to game on their laptops in which case they end up having to pay
a lot
got 2 dell work laptops both ugly and plastic'ish but better quality then crappy hp
and got a acer very underpowered one but manage with xubuntu
gf got a new macbook pro cost an arm and leg and kidney but the build quality is pretty good
osx remind me of linux really in a closed platform version though
if I were looking to get a laptop now I would look at tablets without combi keyboard option like the hp got
otherwise I would look at asus eebooks or whatever they are called
Hmm, good points. I guess my consideration for getting something with multitouch is basically to make sure that I'm consistent with the market. If that's what people are buying, I want to have my copy, just in case software erupts for it.
But I'm surprised at the story about the shoddy HP hardware.
I could, however, see how I can use a touchscreen with Windows 7. I won't touch Apple products because they don't suit my needs, but I guess that's why I won't spend $2k on a tablet PC. It sounds like it's just not worth that much.
Rudegar said:
got the earlier tx1270 little brother of tx2000z
it get too hot to use in tablet mode and it's too fat and it makes too much noise
speedfan say the gpu is 89c in idle
the heat caused the wifi to stop working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the SAME exact problems with my tx1219. Too loud, too hot, wifi stops working, and also the touchscreen is horrible.
I've only worked with the tx2000 for 10 minutes, so I can't comment on the problems, but the the touchscreen was really good on it.
yeah tx2000 and up have vacom active digtizer and some got capative with dual touch
but I don't trust their quality so even if they look good on papir I don't want to pay that much with such a high risk of being ripped off
With so many tablets coming out over the next few months, it seems to be a task just to find out which is the best value. We have some dual-cores, which are about 2X as much as the Archos 101 tablet; Google employees stating that Android's current state is not meant for the tablet form-factor; Android 3.0 (Gingerbread) on the horizon, which should be optimized for tablet-use.
The ones that I know about (and I'm sure I'm missing some)
Samsung Galaxy Tab
Archos 101
Archos 71
eLocity
Folio
So with all that said, for those of you planning on buying an Android tablet, which are you going to get? Are you going to be looking for one thing in particular (i.e. dual-core, or the first Gingerbread tablet), or are you just going to get the first one out?
I'm a little torn right now. With Google TV coming out soon (expected within one month), I honestly don't know if I can find the money for all of these gadgets, including getting the first dual-core 3.0 phone. I'm in need of other peoples' opinions.
Yesterday I was 100% certain I was going to get a Galaxy Tab. I woke up this morning and my RSS feeds are telling me it won't have voice capabilities, so now there is a 0% chance I will be picking one up. Even with the 4 carrier blitz, I suspect the Galaxy Tab will be a flop, but who knows..
I'll probably just get a Windows Phone 7 phone and wait for HTC's Q1 2011 tablet. Hopefully there will be native VOIP in Android by that time and I can get a Wi-Fi only tab off-contract for less than $300. I think the 7" form factor is the way to go too.
A part of me hopes WP7 flops just so I'm not tempted to get one. We'll find out soon.
I'm also with you that 7" seems to be the way to go. I'd still like to do a side-by-side comparison with a 10" though.
Tired of waiting.
When I heard Google saying that Froyo wasn't for tablets I realized I'd be waiting a while for an Android based tablet. Or I'd be looking at a Chrome OS tablet and I said screw it and bought an iPad.
Ipad is a little too large, and Tab is a little too small. I want something 9x6, just like a steno pad. I also wouldn't mind Chrome instead of Android as the operating system.
PS: Video chat and VOIP over wifi only? WTF is Samsung thinking? Why would Android owners buy a 3G model when our phones are freakin' hotspots?
Notionink Adam
Since the launch of iPad, sometimes I stop and think - why the hell would anyone need a tablet, and what exactly is this oversized phone good for?
Its functionality is lacking severely when compared to any normal laptop, but these things still require a bag to carry them around, because of their size. And if I want some productivity and have to carry a bag anyway - I'll most definitely be taking my laptop with me. For anything else, I have my phone that doesn't require a bag. So what's good in them? What can you do with one? Surf the web and watch videos? That's all?
Jack_R1 said:
Since the launch of iPad, sometimes I stop and think - why the hell would anyone need a tablet, and what exactly is this oversized phone good for?
Its functionality is lacking severely when compared to any normal laptop, but these things still require a bag to carry them around, because of their size. And if I want some productivity and have to carry a bag anyway - I'll most definitely be taking my laptop with me. For anything else, I have my phone that doesn't require a bag. So what's good in them? What can you do with one? Surf the web and watch videos? That's all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With my Nexus, I would say I use it 5% of the time as a phone (SMS, calls), the other 95% of the time is spent surfing the web, playing games, and watching videos. I feel like I am an ideal candidate for a person who would find a tablet extremely useful. It's not about productivity for me, and when it is I go straight to my laptop. For me it's about the leisure time, killing time, comfortably -- and not having to squint when reading webpages.
I think a tablet would be simply my home go-to device. If I'm the type of person who would rather surf the web on my phone vs. my 17", 5 lb laptop (due to size, weight, convenience), then I'm definitely the type of person who would prefer a 7-10" tablet over my 3.7" phone.
bigmout said:
Ipad is a little too large, and Tab is a little too small. I want something 9x6, just like a steno pad. I also wouldn't mind Chrome instead of Android as the operating system.
PS: Video chat and VOIP over wifi only? WTF is Samsung thinking? Why would Android owners buy a 3G model when our phones are freakin' hotspots?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a wifi iPad because of my N1! I agree 9x6 would be nice. But, games on a bigger screen and books is what did it for me.
I think Google should pick ONE manufacture and create devices like they did with the n1. Android is getting to be a little to all over the place, especially now that tablets are becoming something the general public wants. If Google wants Android or Chrome on tabs, they need to figure it out now.
I love Google products but I also would rather spend my money on something I know will work great and look great. I would like to see my Android apps on a bigger screen, but not if they look like crap.
I'm looking at the Archos 101, as long as I can fenagle the Android market onto it.
Jack_R1 said:
Since the launch of iPad, sometimes I stop and think - why the hell would anyone need a tablet, and what exactly is this oversized phone good for?
Its functionality is lacking severely when compared to any normal laptop, but these things still require a bag to carry them around, because of their size. And if I want some productivity and have to carry a bag anyway - I'll most definitely be taking my laptop with me. For anything else, I have my phone that doesn't require a bag. So what's good in them? What can you do with one? Surf the web and watch videos? That's all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have it on a dock in my living room....it will serve as a toy for my 3-year-old daughter (she loves my n1...even more than my mom's iphone! xD), laptop "replacement", as well as my universal remote once I get my Google TV set-top box.
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
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+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.
I'm a Java developer who'd like to start fiddling around with making Android apps (finally). I've had an iPad 2 for a long while, but think I'm ready to make the switch. A smaller device than the iPad is attractive to me for portability, but I also need one large enough for my stubby fingers to still type on, so the 7" form factor seems like a sweet spot. I'm also an avid GMail, Chrome, and Google Calendar user, and I need to be able to read graphic intensive PDFs regularly.
I chose to come here and ask about the device since I know I'll end up fiddling with it quite a bit and have a tendency to be a "power user." There's been a few complaints I've seen, and was wondering if they actually merit concern or not.
First, does the lack of Corning Gorilla Glass leave the N7 susceptible to scratching?
I've heard that the latest Android update (4.2) left out some functions for the N7 that the other Nexus devices received. True? Do they impact anything, or are they just cosmetic?
I've read a few complaints about Chrome not working well on the N7. Any truth to that?
Can the N7 play AAC files from my iTunes music collection?
Finally, from the information I've provided, would you recommend the N7 to someone like me?
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Yes, its a great device, especially for the price point.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
First, does the lack of Corning Gorilla Glass leave the N7 susceptible to scratching?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine hasn't scratched yet after about two and a half months and it still has a "scratch resistant corning glass", but it's supposedly less resistant than Gorilla Glass.
I've heard that the latest Android update (4.2) left out some functions for the N7 that the other Nexus devices received. True? Do they impact anything, or are they just cosmetic?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one feature it's missing from 4.2 is Miracast, but the Nexus 4 is pretty much the only device getting it.
I've read a few complaints about Chrome not working well on the N7. Any truth to that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rendering is good, but it lags when scrolling on some heavier websites. The stock android browser is much faster, but not included on the Nexus 7.
elias4444 said:
Can the N7 play AAC files from my iTunes music collection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does as far as I know, but most likely only those without DRM.
Best $200 I ever spent. And happened to buy it the day they lowered prices so scored a 16gigger.
My screen protector and case haven't arrived yet, and I've been throwing it in my bag with my keys and e-cig. Not a scratch to be seen yet.
4.2 didn't really change all that much to be honest except multi user, which I won't use, and broke some apps which I imagine will be fixed soon.
Chrome is fine IMO it just doensn't support Flash. The newest beta of Firefox runs fine on 4.2 and does support flash (which you have to sideload). Never tried AAC files but if it doesn't natively play them (and I bet it does) then you can find an app to play them. Doubletwist is what I use for all my media and I moved a bunch of my DRM free itunes music on.
I'm pretty happy with mine and use it frequently for media (movies, music, Netflix), e-mail, browsing, stock market stuff, some shopping, working on PC's (using Teamviewer full commercial version), and some other tasks. I use it both at home and at work because I can access my Drobo-FS at home and the servers at work.
I rarely use my actual computer anymore unless I'm doing case notes for work, working on my book, or anything that requires a lot of typing.
I also have an iPad 2 in the house and try and try as I might to like it and use it for my tasks...it just...seems lacking. It's too big, awkward, and the way it handles media and files in general just pisses me off to no end and accessing servers/file shares is a complete and utter joke in iOS (sorry...soap boxing a bit here).
So anyway, yeah...I would recommend it to certain people...most people in fact. Yet, there are those few where you just know that the best thing for them would be a different, non-Android tablet...but that's more about that person than the device itself.
I definitely would recommend it.
-Brought to you by Marino's Nexus 7-
very nice device for the price point. especially with the 32gb HSPA+ version.
elias4444 said:
I'm a Java developer who'd like to start fiddling around with making Android apps (finally). I've had an iPad 2 for a long while, but think I'm ready to make the switch. A smaller device than the iPad is attractive to me for portability, but I also need one large enough for my stubby fingers to still type on, so the 7" form factor seems like a sweet spot. I'm also an avid GMail, Chrome, and Google Calendar user, and I need to be able to read graphic intensive PDFs regularly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some PDF readers lag some don't I'm not entirely sure which ones as I don't use em very often but the typical think free suite that is built in works quite nice. Chrome has recently started running surprisingly smooth so that is a must. At least on the N7 still laggy on my Gnex.
There's been a few complaints I've seen, and was wondering if they actually merit concern or not.
First, does the lack of Corning Gorilla Glass leave the N7 susceptible to scratching?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really but if you're that concerned get a screen protector I used my shirts quite often to clean the bare screen not one scratch yet.
I've heard that the latest Android update (4.2) left out some functions for the N7 that the other Nexus devices received. True? Do they impact anything, or are they just cosmetic?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just miracast as its been noted. Which may or may not get added later. I would think so as its been advertised on tegra platform.
I've read a few complaints about Chrome not working well on the N7. Any truth to that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It used to be very choppy its since been updated and seems to work tons better. If anything switch to the stock android browser or boat browser or any other third party browser.
Can the N7 play AAC files from my iTunes music collection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Convert them and NEVER look back to iTunes. Its a monopoly.
Finally, from the information I've provided, would you recommend the N7 to someone like me?
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
If you want play apple formats use power amp. I use apple lossless with that music player
.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I've owned several android tablets over the last couple of years and I can safely say this is one of, if not the best. Previously I'd have made the complaint that 16gb of storage is inadequate, although recently Google have fixed that problem of course.
Currently I also have a Note 10.1 and the Nexus is noticeably faster than that tablet (although the Note is no slouch either). I know on paper the exynos quad is faster than Tegra 3, but Touch Wiz slows it down a bit. While the s-pen is awesome, the overall experience on the Note is inferior anytime you are doing something other than drawing or writing with the pen.
7 inches is the sweet spot for a tablet. I can hold it comfortably while also typing on the screen quickly. I have to put the Note on a surface if I want to type comfortably on it. Any smaller and Web pages and the like are a pain to navigate.
This is also easily the best Nexus device. The Galaxy Nexus is dated, Nexus 10 is too big, and the Nexus 4 is made by LG (who suck at making phones).
Certainly there have been some issues but the percentage of defective units out there in the wild is actually quite low. You never hear from people saying how they got a perfect unit, and only those who receive defective units tend to be vocal.
The one thing I'd be wary of is a screen lift. If at all possible, buy your N7 from a physical store and check the left side of the screen for separation before you buy it, or at least before you leave.
Never had a problem with screen scratching, but I do have a screen protector and use the official flip front case. Even if it was gorilla glass I'd still use a screen protector as scratches are a pita and hard to repair.
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Thanks
Big thanks for all the advice! Looks like I'm ordering one in the next couple of days here.
Any ideas where the best place to buy one is? I was considering Walmart with their added protection plan, but it sounds like a lot of people consider it a ripoff.
Play store is a good bet, depending on how sales tax works in your state.
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Hi,
I thought I'd share my thoughts on the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 I got last week. It's the LTE model, but UK so still uses the Exynos processor.
Firstly, I've been an Android user for quite a while. Started with the second generation of phones, and got a tablet shortly after. Had a wide range of cheap and cheerful devices , on which I always installed custom roms before becoming settled on Nexus devices a few years ago, and been happy with stock - had a nexus 4 and both generations of nexus 7.
I currently have an LG G3 for my phone (which is great btw)
I tend to prefer a clean, close to stock android experience, and I have always steered away from Samsung - never fancied touchwiz, wasn't keen on the oversaturated and blue hued screens, plus I like being different!. But based on the reviews, and after a quick play in the shop I took the plunge with the Tab S.
Firstly - form factor. I toyed with getting the bigger one, would have been better for work stuff, and watching tv/films at home, but I also use it a lot as an ereader. So the 8.4" form factor was best for me. I have big enough hands to comfortably hold it one handed on the train etc, and it is nice and light. Still sometimes wish I had got the bigger one though.
Interface - I actually like Touchwiz now.... I've not experienced too much lag, and I like the extra bells and whistles. The Notification bar is a little messy, but also has extra functionality so I will let it off (putting the IR blaster remote in there is a great idea) . The quick settings panel on the 2 finger scroll is a little cluttered, but functional too. I have replaced the launcher - I've used Apex for years and have got too used to the control it offer. Lets me get rid of the useless magazine ux too. Main thing about Apex is that it lets me use a much finer grid on the homescreens - I use widgets a lot, and like a lot more control over size and placement.
Screen - It's great. I'd like the whites to be a bit crisper, but the rest of the plusses make up for it. I actually like the active display mode - I keep trying it on basic, based upon other reviews and display tests, but keep turning it back. I like the wow factor. Maybe I will tire of it eventually and want something a bit more reserved, but for now I love it. Even on the active/AMOLED Cinema mode it is nowhere near as garish as early Galaxy displays.
If you want to show off the device, play someone the sample video that comes with the device. Obviously overtuned up to show off the screen but it is impressive.
Software - A lot of rubbish on the device obviously, but some is actually useful. The office viewers are handy, and the pdf viewer is a lot quicker than others I have tried, or using kindle which is very clunky.
Papergarden is actually quite impressive - it's the magazine experience I expected to get on a tablet (And annoyingly you can get more on an ipad...) - not sure how many magazines I will actually buy with my own money though.
Battery - It's ok, doesn't seem as good as my old nexus 7, but maybe I'm using it more, and probably cranking up the screen brightness too (And the 4g must use some too). I'll try it with some more reserved usage. Might try juicedefender on it too (which will probably help my data usage as well).
I also got a dud charger, which I will take back tomorrow - charging on a low power charger (supplied one is 2A) is pretty slow, but that's not the tablet's fault.
In conclusion - It's the best tablet I have had (Also the most expensive so you would expect it to be!). Performance is fine, the form factor is almost perfect for me, UI is good after some tweaking and the screen is great. Will post an update after I've been suing it for a month or two, see if I still feel the same.
Carl
interesting. very similar to me, coming from a N7 and using it a lot for media etc.
I was a very reluctant buyer, only the £50 play voucher pushing me over the edge as there were no other quality tablets out there to replace my nexus 7. I tried it out in john lewis and I was instantly impressed by the size and weight, not much different to the n7 but with the bigger screen.
so bought it, half expecting to just sell it in a year when something better came out. but the more I use it, the more I liked it. Switched out the launcher to nova and I was all set. I had no prior experience of amoled screens before, but as a big media watcher, I am now really glad I accidentally have one. I wouldnt bother so much on a phone, but on the tablet its perfect, I really notice the difference when using my partners regular tablet. I also went about downloading 2k youtube videos and putting them on the tablet and the quality was amazing, now of course its built into the app so even better!
The only lag I notice is sometimes on clicking the home button and I have had others tell me the tablet is bad as it does badly in benchmarks. which to me is crazy but its their call. the battery is not as good as the n7 but if you have the love the extra pixels, they draw more power. Luckily more than enough time for a good solid days usage but the n7 was better.
Active display mode?
I think the OP means "adaptive". The dynamic display mode that puts color and contrast into some kind of super overdrive. Eye candy in my opinion, but not for extended periods of time.
2k screen display consume alot of RAM and battery. Not redcommend for gaming
Seems good but some frustrations
Absolutely the main reason to buy this tablet is the screen. I don't think anything out there can touch it. My biggest issue is the SD card. I have a Patriot 64 GB microSD UHS-1 card and it just doesn't seem to work in this device at all. Tried formatting in Windows (ExFAT) - works great. Put it in my ASUS TF700 tablet - works great. Put it in the TAB S - mounted the card with no trouble but then when I try to write to the card (using the Myfiles app), it locks up. Sometimes it freezes solid and I can't get it to do anything until I pop the card out - then everything immediately starts working again. Obviously a card problem of some sort. So I tried another identical card I had for another tablet...same problem. Tried formatting in the tablet - it locks up. I left it for half an hour and came back - it was formatted but it didn't work at all. Tried a 16 GB FAT32 card - it works flawlessly. So...is it the card or is it the tablet...? Still working on this...
I'm not a fan of the Touchwiz interface but I'm adapting to it slowly. Removed most of the panels that were not useful and it's getting better. I'm really frustrated at how much storage is being used with crapware that I can't uninstall. Like WatchOn - I finally ran it to see what it was all about and there's a message that pops up saying that this service will no longer be in operation after December 31, 2014. Really? So I can't remove the app and I can't even use it now...that is NOT COOL! I've never had a tablet with less than 32 GB before (because the 32 GB version of the tab S seems to be a myth - in Canada anyway). There really needs to be a way to remove some of this stuff...especially since I can't get the SD card to work.
I mainly use a tablet for video - and that's where this really shines. Netflix, MKV files, streaming from my server, etc...works flawlessly! It looks amazing and that's why I bought it! I just wish I could get the storage thing figured out.
I really don't like the dedicated buttons for Home, Back and Recently Used Apps. Why they would reverse the buttons from the Android buttons, I really can't figure out. Often, when I'm in Netflix, I hold the tablet in landscape mode and my finger/thumb keeps hitting the Back button and then I have to reload the movie again...what a pain! I can't see the buttons in the dark either...don't like them! KitKat lets you run apps fullscreen so I don't get the dedicated buttons anymore!
The sound has been okay - probably on par with my Nexus 7 2013...but it distorts at full volume (subtly). Battery life is okay but not great - seems on par with the Nexus 7. The size is good - still fits in my inside jacket pocket like my Nexus 7 did - but has a much larger screen. My eyes aren't great these days so the web page text is fairly small but I'm getting by.
I see no issues with performance at all...not sure why people complain about lag - if there is any it's so subtle...it certainly doesn't affect the usage whatsoever.
I really don't like that you HAVE to use the Samsung charger and you HAVE to use the Samsung cable it came with...they're really acting like Apple in this way. I have 10' micro USB cables I use for all my other devices to charge and they've never had a problem...until I tried them on this tablet. So now I'm stuck with the 5' cable again and the single charger. Looking for options on eBay...
I need to find a case tomorrow...the Samsung book cover is on sale so I'll try it out.
Eventually, I'll get everything working! Still happy with the purchase (it was $50 off) but I'd like to get these little problems resolved!
I hear ya on the WatchOn thing. Waiting a week or two before I start learning to strip the bloatware out but right now I am okay with the stock ROM. Have disabled non-used items for now but as you said with only 16GB to work with I also want it as clean as possible
Will not lie, scared of voiding the warranty. Wishing I had bought the LTE version through Bell becaise through them you can buy insurance...
I picked up a 64GB card (AData) on sale for $30. Working with no issues. Possible the Patriot card is buggy? NCIX.com is a good place to shop
What's up with the USB charger and cable? They're standardised items, no? The whole idea with USB, or so I thought. One usb cable can't differ from another - that doesn't make any sense what so ever...!? Sure, the charger may vary in regard of ampere and volt, but why am one forced to use the supplied Samsung charger / cable?
No idea about the charger. I am using the OEM one for now but have always used a BB one for my S4. Strange
USB cables do vary. Some will only charge, and not carry data. Some will carry more current than others, and will therefore charge more quickly.
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