Database Develop

[Q] Case with Bluetooth Keyboard for NookColor

I've been looking high and low for a more generic case with included Bluetooth keyboard in it. Obviously manufacturers are not going to design this for the NookColor since it isn't even support to have bluetooth, so it has to be something more generic. I realize that the 7" Galaxy Tab is similar in size, but slightly smaller, so anything designed for the Tab specifically with no give for space is not going to work.
Has anyone found one that has worked well for them? There is one at Suntek Store (Black Leather Case with Bluetooth Keyboard for 7 inch Tablet PC
Item ID: 10010816 - I can't post a link due to not enough posts)looks promising, but my concern is that the Nook just won't fit in there.
Anyhow, thanks in advance, it would be an awesome find!

Found this on Google: someone who converted a tab case:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwward0/sets/72157626423783404/

Has anyone tried using a bt keyboard case made for a larger tablet with the NC?
Sent from my NookColor using XDA Premium App

Bakermd said:
Has anyone tried using a bt keyboard case made for a larger tablet with the NC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tested a keyboard pairing with BT and working fine, it's just been the fit that's been the issue. Most 10" tablet cases are far too large to put the Nook Color into.
I look the link you sent geek_riot, it's probably very functional but it kind of looks junky like that. I'll keep looking!

I also noticed that the BB Playbook is closer to the dimensions of the nook. I'm going to look into that option as well.

I've just ordered an eWonder bt case/kbd designed for the 7" Galaxy Tab. Hoping I can make it fit. We'll see. $39.99 at Amazon
I previously snagged a Logitech rf full size kbd/mouse combo MK320 that works perfectly with the Nook off a single dongle, but its way too big for travel, & I hate plugging in the dongle with the micro-to-A usb adapter.
Will report back my success/failure with the eWonder!

geek_riot said:
Found this on Google: someone who converted a tab case:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwward0/sets/72157626423783404/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can vouch for this one. It works great, solid, though typing at 90 WPM can get laggy.
Overall, 8.5 out of 10.

M&P340 said:
I've just ordered an eWonder bt case/kbd designed for the 7" Galaxy Tab. Hoping I can make it fit. We'll see. $39.99 at Amazon
I previously snagged a Logitech rf full size kbd/mouse combo MK320 that works perfectly with the Nook off a single dongle, but its way too big for travel, & I hate plugging in the dongle with the micro-to-A usb adapter.
Will report back my success/failure with the eWonder!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am thinking about purchasing this case. How di it work for you?

geek_riot said:
I am thinking about purchasing this case. How di it work for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not having a very good experience with the keyboard - paired easily enough, but the NC stops receiving input from it after 3-4 characters. No such issue with another generic handheld BT keyboard. :/
Anyone else using the eWonder having good success?
Rodney

geek_riot said:
I am thinking about purchasing this case. How di it work for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has worked very well for me. I have no major complaints at all. Your milage may vary!
A couple of issues to note that you may find annoying. It is at least 3/8" thicker than other cases due to kbd. Also weighs noticeably more for same reason. Has no clasp on outside to hold both halves together when carrying. Also, it goes to sleep if no key is struck for about 5 min. When that happens, it disconnects from Nook. When a keystroke wakes it, it takes 20 sec or so to reconnect. Can be annoying. The up side is it is energy conservative. Im heavy user so I have to recharge the Nook daily (sometimes 2X/day). I charged the kbd 10 days or so ago when I first got it, had have not had to recharge it yet. Also, you REALLY should turn off the Android kbd when using the bt kbd!
Again, caveat emptor.

E-Wonder BT kybd
M&P340 said:
Has worked very well for me. I have no major complaints at all. Your milage may vary!
A couple of issues to note that you may find annoying. It is at least 3/8" thicker than other cases due to kbd. Also weighs noticeably more for same reason. Has no clasp on outside to hold both halves together when carrying. Also, it goes to sleep if no key is struck for about 5 min. When that happens, it disconnects from Nook. When a keystroke wakes it, it takes 20 sec or so to reconnect. Can be annoying. The up side is it is energy conservative. Im heavy user so I have to recharge the Nook daily (sometimes 2X/day). I charged the kbd 10 days or so ago when I first got it, had have not had to recharge it yet. Also, you REALLY should turn off the Android kbd when using the bt kbd!
Again, caveat emptor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just received this kybd but am unable to connect- it searches and finds "Bluetooth Keyboard" and then when I tap on it, it asks me for a PIN number. I tried both "0000" and "1234" as suggested but nothin doin. Also, how DO you turn off Android kbd?

Puddynose said:
I just received this kybd but am unable to connect- it searches and finds "Bluetooth Keyboard" and then when I tap on it, it asks me for a PIN number. I tried both "0000" and "1234" as suggested but nothin doin. Also, how DO you turn off Android kbd?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have that prob. Did you enter the "0000" on the kbd immediately after you entered it on the Nook (i.e. type in 0000 and hit Enter)? Gots to enter it on both or it won't pair, & pretty quickly when prompted. Then, once it pairs & connects, you never have to enter it again.
To turn off the built-in kbd, go to Settings:Language & Keyboard, and if you are paired/connected, the Android kbd will be likely be checked, and Null kbd will be shown (that's the bt kbd). Simply click off the Android kbd. Keeps it from popping up each time you need to enter a line.

Come on B&N
haha they needa start coming out with these types of cases and accessories for the new revolution of tabletry lol

Nook BTkb Option
I just purchased a BT Keyboard designed for the "Galaxy 8.2-inch" Tablet.
It is a bit "loose" on the Nook; however, a couple of strips of the "hook" part of some two-part, adhesive-backed, Velcro(tm) tape and it nestles right into the keyboard holder and "frames up" nicely in the opening. The keyboard is a bit bigger, too -- which also helps those of us with "fat" fingers.
Anyway, no "warranty-voiding" modifications were required to either the Nook or the Keyboard to make it work. The cost was about $35...
FWIW,
--101--

sesquipedalian101 said:
I just purchased a BT Keyboard designed for the "Galaxy 8.2-inch" Tablet.
It is a bit "loose" on the Nook; however, a couple of strips of the "hook" part of some two-part, adhesive-backed, Velcro(tm) tape and it nestles right into the keyboard holder and "frames up" nicely in the opening. The keyboard is a bit bigger, too -- which also helps those of us with "fat" fingers.
Anyway, no "warranty-voiding" modifications were required to either the Nook or the Keyboard to make it work. The cost was about $35...
FWIW,
--101--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link please? Or was this purchased in a store? Make and model, at least. My sister is looking for such a thing
Sent from my NookColor using xda premium

i just order this one from eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/22100007869...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_1427wt_1113
i'll check back with my impressions...

hey guys what about samsung galaxy 7.7 keyboard case. the dimensions of galaxy tab 7.7 are 196.7 x 133 x 7.9 mm and nook color are 210 x 130 x 12 mm. quite close, ha?

p0llux said:
hey guys what about samsung galaxy 7.7 keyboard case. the dimensions of galaxy tab 7.7 are 196.7 x 133 x 7.9 mm and nook color are 210 x 130 x 12 mm. quite close, ha?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That 13.3mm difference in length is equivalent to over half of an inch. I'm not familiar with the case you're asking about, but I can't think of many designs that fit well with tablet over 1/2" longer

alright...i just got here today: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-K...Accessories&hash=item20c477fe0f#ht_2366wt_807
so based on a couple of hours playing with the keyboard. its not the best. kind of small. so my fat fingers double type alot. but maybe its something i can work out over time. another thing, the feedback isnt the best. it is very difficult to tell whether you actually pressed down on the key. my speed has been reduced because i cant tell if i actually pressed the key and the spacing is very small between the keys.
now, as far as fitment. it is a very snug fit!! the nook is a little fatter than the Samsung Tab 7". but it fits. a little stretching and a little cutting. no big deal. it does the job.
the leather...well..feels fake. so dont expect real leather...hehehe!!
but for 30bucks...not bad. pairing was easy. no issues there. i'll check back in when i've used it for a while.
if anyone has any questions...dont hesitate...post here or PM...
thanks!

djfrost17 said:
alright...i just got here today: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-K...Accessories&hash=item20c477fe0f#ht_2366wt_807
so based on a couple of hours playing with the keyboard. its not the best. kind of small. so my fat fingers double type alot. but maybe its something i can work out over time. another thing, the feedback isnt the best. it is very difficult to tell whether you actually pressed down on the key. my speed has been reduced because i cant tell if i actually pressed the key and the spacing is very small between the keys.
now, as far as fitment. it is a very snug fit!! the nook is a little fatter than the Samsung Tab 7". but it fits. a little stretching and a little cutting. no big deal. it does the job.
the leather...well..feels fake. so dont expect real leather...hehehe!!
but for 30bucks...not bad. pairing was easy. no issues there. i'll check back in when i've used it for a while.
if anyone has any questions...dont hesitate...post here or PM...
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So updates? How is it now that you've been using it for awhile? Are you willing to post any pictures or videos of you using it?
--bornagainpenguin

are there any bluetooth keyboards for this phone?

Id love to upgrade to this from my touch pro 2, but I really need a keyboard for Txting. anyone know of a bluetooth keyboard that is good?
thank you!
-Jamie, loves her tp2, but hates its sluggishness.

Apple Keyboard
A full sized Apple Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard worked. Took a while to figure how to pair it. Its full sized and its not necessary for texting but it works... This keyboard could be better for a tablet.

all bluetooth keyboard to work?

All full size Bluetooth keyboards I've tried worked ok. But that is a no go for on the go at least for me. Do update if you have success with any of the 4 to 5 inch keyboards as that would be interesting. Foldable is also an option but than price shots trough the roof.

ogremount said:
All full size Bluetooth keyboards I've tried worked ok. But that is a no go for on the go at least for me. Do update if you have success with any of the 4 to 5 inch keyboards as that would be interesting. Foldable is also an option but than price shots trough the roof.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone have a link to "cheap" keyboards? I want a pretty much full size one, or one, which is about as big as a laptop keyboard. I would like to use it for university and there a full size one is the best option i think. I also got a laptop, but thats too heave to carry it with me everyday.

I am wondering between few 15 to 25 euros keyboards on Amazon and not entirely sold on neither. The one i like the most is this one for the size
www.amazon.co.uk/7dayshop-Mini-Blue...sr_1_7_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Or this one for the extra space when unfolded.
www.amazon.co.uk/7dayshop-Bluetooth...4O/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1334175728&sr=8-10
Both have dubious reviews but for that much money not the end of the world.
Only thing stopping me is the fact that Swipe has started working absolutely brilliantly since last update and makes correct predictions in all the languages i use.

TAB S 8.4" - My thoughts after a week

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.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

[Q] Buyer Advise for TF701T

I've had a TF201 for a long time but it is now almost dead (smashed screen, dents, slowdown, random reboots).
The TF701T looks like the direct replacement but I suspect it won't get a production Lollipop update.
I am no stranger to flashing custom ROMs and would happily do so again but CM12 development doesn't look quite stable yet although the unofficial ROM in the dev threads looks promising
Question/Poll:
Get a TF701T for form factor and ignore lack of official Lollipop
Get a Nexus 9 with Keyboard and ignore price
Get something else (Asus X205TA Atom for example)

I love mine. With the dock it is basically a laptop replacement for me. Using CM12 as a daily driver with no issues, seems super stable to me.

I was considering a Nexus 9 but decided against it for 2 reasons:
1. no sd card and I use my tablet for a lot of textbook pdf's for school and also emulator roms
2. 4:3 screen and I like widescreen
The keyboard dock on the tf701 is sweet

Sleeepy2 said:
I love mine. With the dock it is basically a laptop replacement for me. Using CM12 as a daily driver with no issues, seems super stable to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, just sometimes Dock connection trouble
Gesendet von meinem LG-D855 mit Tapatalk

Any idea if they are releasing a model for 2015? I can't find any news if there is a new release or this is the end of line for the transformer line
Slim-bacon

Another contender was announced yesterday at MWC 2015
Sony Z4 tablet with keyboard dock
I'm glad to see someone making a high end android device with a keyboard dock.

mashed_ash said:
Another contender was announced yesterday at MWC 2015
Sony Z4 tablet with keyboard dock
I'm glad to see someone making a high end android device with a keyboard dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, although it seems to be a Bluetooth keyboard without an extra battery to charge the tablet, rather than a Transformer-style keyboard.

OP, I'm in the exact same market at the exact time
pelago said:
Interesting, although it seems to be a Bluetooth keyboard without an extra battery to charge the tablet, rather than a Transformer-style keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True question, but Asus products are all over the place these days. This particular tablet 701t should have been an absolute killer in sales, but it just didn't amount to much. After not such stellar sales on android, microsoft was right up their alley. The transformer tablet concept is just the best IMO. It definitely beats all Apple/Surface keyboard concepts I've seen. It makes sense for them to consider moving to windows. 2in1 windows devices seem to get a lot of help at least from microsoft and trying to push their way into small home office and hospital environments. Lot of that junk still running xp, so there is a big fat corporate market out there. As android goes, it's just too fickle on the high end to predict a standout winner.
Really too bad that asus didn't have a tf702-t or infinity-redux lined up for 2015. I'd be all over that, but no way I'm going to windows. Considering the Sony is waterproof and their android interface is nice and stock-like, I'm going to go for the z4 instead of the asus at this point. Definitely more expensive, but I want ac-wifi and waterproof anyway (not just perks, but things I wish Asus had)
As to battery life, looks like the z4 is reported to be in the 701t+dock territory all on it's own. Sure the dock will suck a little juice, but bt4-LE for keyboards is pretty efficient. I would be surprised if it drained more than an hour in a day. Maybe not, I'll buy it and see

Yep, even Asus's newer tablets like the TF103C no longer have a battery in the dock (although it connects physically rather than Bluetooth), so maybe that's the way things are going. And given how unreliable the dock connector is on the 701, maybe Bluetooth isn't such a bad idea!
I'm also very tempted by the Z4 tablet. I see it will be £499 in the UK, including the keyboard, though, which is a lot more than the 701 initially was priced at, I think.

I was wondering the price as well. Fortunately electronics don't ever seem to price at the transfer rate anyway. FWIW, I'd bet it launched within in $50 of that exact number of pounds rather than the equivalent exchange rate
I don't recall the price of the 701t at launch either. I thought it was something like $399 and no clue on the dock msrp

I think eventually we will see Asus come out with something big.
It may not be too soon. I think they learned their lesson about putting stuff out soon.
For a lot of what Asus makes quality is very important. But pushing out too many tablets too soon has reduced buyer confidence.
They will wait when they have a high spec device that smashes all other competition.

Yeah the tegra4 arrived ahead of the "pack" in the 701t. No reason to think they'll release yesterday's news with a k1 Denver. They seem to be in bed with Intel which is making progress, but compared to nvidia and Qualcomm. . . Intel feels like they are stuck in molasses. Lib-houdini was big, and a joint effort between Intel and Asus primarily (it seems, iirc) hopefully the lull is paving the way for something big and Intel will be aosp friendly

The TF701 will probably be getting official lollipop ROM according to semi-reliable rumors.
I have a TF701 and a TF103C.
If you don't need the higher specs of the 701 you will be happy just using the 103 and saving a bit of money. 103 screen resolution is just fine for normal everyday use, youtube etc. One thing I don't like about the 701 is that it runs kind of hot. On the back upper left where the Tegra CPU is. Battery life is not all that great either. The TF103C with it's Intel CPU does not have the heating issue and seems to be better on battery life. They changed the keyboard option on the 103C. It's a different part# that does not include a battery. So if you want to use the keyboard you will probably be better off with the 701.
One benefit of the keyboard change on the 103 is they moved the USB port to the side and just use a standard micro USB connector for that now. I don't use the keyboard option so one thing I really don't like about the 701 is that proprietary USB connector on the bottom designed for the keyboard. The case I use does not have a hole in the bottom so I cannot close it when charging. Could easily cut a hole I suppose. The other problem with that location is it's very very difficult to use it when plugged in. That connector at the bottom sticks out a ways and is fragile so it would't take much to break. The TF103C location is much better on the side and it's just micro USB that doesn't stick out too far so easier to use while plugged in and less likely to break.
You will be happy with either one I think and I'm pretty sure they will both get official lollipop. Can always use custom ROM lollipop which is available now for the 701.

get the tf701t and ignore the fact that there is no official lollipop yet. the inofficial cm12 is very good, I'm using it all the time. no problems till now

aydink said:
get the tf701t and ignore the fact that there is no official lollipop yet. the inofficial cm12 is very good, I'm using it all the time. no problems till now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there any serious competitors to consider to the 701? I can get it with the dock for $295 from Amazon right now and unless I am missing something out there or coming out soon - there seems to be nothing even close to that price with this performance AND a keyboard without spending $500...
Am I missing something? I ask because looking at a birthday present to myself and want something that has a keyboard and is Android. I will mainly be using it with keyboard for web browsing as a "laptop", watching videos on trips, reading, and some gaming here and there but nothing major. Seems to be a MUCH better alternative and more flexible than the chromebook I was looking at.

General Using the Mi 11 Ultra instead of a laptop

Hi All
This isn't rocket science, but thought I would pass on something I've been working on.
My Ultra has more ram, more storage and a better processor than my laptop along with 5x the battery life. So... I wanted to use it to work on the train and needed to print labels and stuff envelopes.
I bought a Zebra ZQ310 which is a very nice battery powered Bluetooth receipt/label printer. The printer is brill, but the Zebra Android software on Play is very old, but works.
I bought AndropenOffice Pro for £7.99 which I really like, it's got a mouse icon at the bottom and pressing it offers an area of the screen at the bottom as a touchpad, but for me,I bought a Jelly Comb Bluetooth trackball which is easier for me and won't take up too much area on the table. And, significantly it's much lighter than my old clunky laptop with a spare battery.
I bought the pro version of andropen Office as you can't print with the free version. My original idea was to use Google Print but that was jettisoned in December last year.
The only irritation with this is I bought it from the Amazon appstore and it requires you are running appstore and be signed into it to use andropenoffice. This is irritating as I'm guessing they are harvesting my personal data at the same time.
Any road up, Noroot firewall sorted that out. The appstore app is now blocked and andropenoffice seems to work just fine.
The combination of AndropenOffice and the Zebra printer work very well. I can print text, fonts and graphics and it's all fine.
For the keyboard, I've bought one of those PU leather wallets with an integral Bluetooth keyboard (see pic) so it ends up quite like a laptop.
This morning I processed half a dozen orders and printed address labels and it works well. It takes a little getting used to, with the small screen and occasional large windows that need dragging around but I'll stick with it and see how I get on.
Although our local trains often have Internet and mains power, you can't guarantee it so I've got an 18650 power bank which will charge the phone and the printer which, conveniently, is USB-C.
Although there are many more apps for Windows, I'm going to push ahead and see how far I can go. I use paint.net quite a bit on the laptop, so if anyone knows an equivalent for Android, please let me know.
Oops uploaded an Amazon joke too,so enjoy....
Cheers
Steve

You bought a 1500$ cellphone and can't afford a decent laptop to get your job done?
Get your priorities straight.

I disagree.This phone is powerful enough to comply with all his needs, what's the point to spend money on a laptop? The only reason he should buy one is the use of Windows

Hi @vagelis199 are you having a bad day or are you this rude all the time? I explained my reasons so try reading the post again lol. I Paid $1000.00 for my phone so I think you may have been stung lol.
I already have a laptop, but it's heavy to lug around and my phone is always with me.
I program PIC chips from time to time. I don't think there is anything for Android but that would be a real bonus for me.
Anyone know of a decent paint program for Android?
Cheers
Steve

Well, the keyboard/case arrrived and it works well (see pic).
The keyboardi s removable and very thin. It atttaches to the case with integral magnets. The only gotcha is it's a US keybaord so shift-3 is # and not £.
Need to find a good key re-mapper or save the £ symbol in a text file.....
Cheers
Steve

picitup said:
Well, the keyboard/case arrrived and it works well (see pic).
The keyboardi s removable and very thin. It atttaches to the case with integral magnets. The only gotcha is it's a US keybaord so shift-3 is # and not £.
Need to find a good key re-mapper or save the £ symbol in a text file.....
Cheers
Steve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great setup man, you gave me idea that i can do some parts of my job with phone too

picitup said:
Well, the keyboard/case arrrived and it works well (see pic).
The keyboardi s removable and very thin. It atttaches to the case with integral magnets. The only gotcha is it's a US keybaord so shift-3 is # and not £.
Need to find a good key re-mapper or save the £ symbol in a text file.....
Cheers
Steve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What mouse is that?

Hi @lortwarCECH
Glad you like it. With the latest generation of phones, I'm finding myself moving more towards the phone than the laptop. It's a bit of a learning curve, but processed a dozen orders today in no time.
Hi @22naresn it's Jelly Comb track ball Model MT50:
MT50 Trackball Mouse
Trackball Mouse: an amazing alternative to traditional mice, allows you to navigate the cursor through your thumb Ergonomic Design: minimize arm & wrist movements, reduce muscle strain, and relieves RSI (repetitive strain injury)Bluetooth4.0 & 2.4G Wireless: connect up to 3 devices...
www.jellycomb.uk
It's a piece of cake to use. It just fell off the arm of a chair and bust a plate on the floor and the ball popped out. Hope I didn''t break it sod the plate!
Cheers
Steve

Update: No tracker balls were harmed in this post. The ball popped back in just fine so life is good. The plate bits are in the bin.
It has a USB-C charging port so that's convenient. I forgot to turn it off (that's the issue with BT devices) and left it on all night. In the morning it worked just fine. Dunno what the battery life is, but it seems pretty good.
Cheers
Steve

Just a little more background on this as it's been quite a long journey then I'll stop droning on
The first printer I bought for this project was a Milestone MHT-L5801 here:
Milestone MHT-L5801 Portable Bluetooth Thermal Printer 58mm Pos Barcode Printer | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Milestone MHT-L5801 Portable Bluetooth Thermal Printer 58mm Pos Barcode Printer at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk
And it really is a piece of junk. The plastic clip that holds the platen roller in place broke very quickly and sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. One issue was the blutooth range which was about 3 inches lol. I almost had it working,then it started printing very light, with parts of the text missing, Cleaning the head with an IPA wipe made no difference.
I contacted Milestone initially by email and got no reply to my first email or chasers then facebook and they said they would send me new firmware by email. Nothing arrived and when I chased them, they just said 'sorry'. Chased them again and they jsut said sorry again, but no firmware.
So, poor mechanical design, crap firmware with zero support.
Next up was a Zebra LP2824 printer here:
LP 2824 Desktop Printer Support & Downloads | Zebra
Find information on the Zebra LP 2824 Desktop Printer drivers, software, support, downloads, warranty information and more.
www.zebra.com
I bought it for 30 quid on eBay and Zebra printers are good quality. They are designed for use in warehouses etc. It's a desktop printer which makes it a bt heavy to lug around, but it *just works* and there are plenty of spares for it on Aliexpress so it can be maintained.
The power supply is 19v, like most laptops and I bought a USB/19v power bank from aliexpress which works using 18650 batteries here:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32619062806.html
The power bank powered the printer just fine and next up was to connect the RS232 port to a bluetooth dongle so the it would be transformed form a desktop printer which was battery powered with bluetooth.
I bought a couple of Bluetooth modules, but coudn't get them to work, then I saw an eBay ad with a guy selling the ZQ310 printers cheap (£100.00) which are designed to be portable (battery powered and Bluetooth) so bought one.
Now the desktop LP2824 is on my desk.
As mentioned earlier the Android software is very old and a bit scrappy, but it seems to work.
I didn't want to use some random labelling software, all I wanted was to be able to print from Open Office and I could then print anything. With Andopenoffice, this all works well and I can print text, fonts and graphics so job's a good 'un.
It's been a labour of love (and hate!) but now everything works fine.
I'm going to email Microchip and see if they are considering producing an Android compiler for their PIC chips. I guess they will think I'm nuts, but if I could program PICs on the train my life would be complete lol.
Ok I'll stop banging on now
Cheers
Steve

And finally (Ithink) here it is cast to a PC monitor using an Amazon Firestick
With the phone running andropenoffice
The firestick plugs into the HDMI port on the monitor and you go to:
Home/Settings/Display/Enable mirroring and it works like a dream
See attached pic.
Cheers
Steve

vagelis199 said:
You bought a 1500$ cellphone and can't afford a decent laptop to get your job done?
Get your priorities straight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you care what others do?

It looks a bit bizarre tbh but if it works for you and you have good eyesight go for it
I would guess a 14" laptop would be miles more productive but the phone is surely powerful enough to be a workhorse if necessary

Hehe I just got on abit of a roll and wanted to see what could be done. My eyesight is crap but I have good glasses and you can always zoom a web page.
I must admit, I like the laptop better, but for long battery life on a train with no Internet, USB or mains power, the phone is a good substitute. It takes a bit of getting used to, but my speed is improving daily.
You're right - it's a flippin' powerful computer and so small
Cheers
Steve

I have tried using large phones with Bluetooth mouse and keyboard cases for a long time. Every time I realized Android cannot replace desktop OS. Multi-tasking in Android is painfully slow, whatever you use, split-screen or free size windows, and whichever OS version, I have tried from android 6 to 10. Nevertheless, if you are keen on trying here is some setup I have used
Tablet autofit cases: http://amazon.com/ZAGG-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Android-Tablets/dp/B00IBW5XWY, it has a spring holder, tablet just fits snugly in the top shell. it becomes a foldable laptop-like device.
This used to come in 7 inches, 8 inch, and 10-inch compatible sizes. I used this with Huawei mediapad X1/X2, Mediapad M3 8.4
I then got this mouse Logitech t630. It's a very small slim mouse with a touch surface.
When I moved to a little less wider phone, due to unnecessary skewing of display aspect ratios (16:10 -> 18:9 -> 19:9 -> 20:9), the Zagg autofit keyboards no longer fit the phones even of 7+ inch diagonal.
I have Huawei mate 20x most recently. For this phone, I use this keyboard and Logitech T630 mouse as mentioned above.
Another trick to try is to add custom keyboard shortcuts from accessibility -> switch access.

Hi @bark1234
Thanks for all the useful info. Although my speed with the setup described isn't yet as fast as a laptop, I'll be doing 5 hour train journies, so any time I can use fruitully is good. Some eBay pages don't seem to scroll or zoom so that's an irritation, particularly when giving feeback.
I guess time will tell. I will either eat if for breakfast or pull my hair out lol. Fun project though
Cheers
Steve

Just a quick update on this. I've been using Andropenoffice to print labels to a Zebra battery label printer for some time. My speed has improved and now prefer my mi 11 ultra to a laptop. I got caught out with the A12 update as I bought andropenoffice from the Amazon Appstore which doesn't support A12 yet. The options were Update or Quit, but update didn't work so it broke Andropenoffice. Good 'ole Amazon. On the ball (asleep at the keyboard) as usual.
Anyway, rather than grab a pen, I bought Andropenoffice again, but this time from the Play Store. Works great lol.
So in summary, nice small phone to process my orders, but problems with software compatibilty just like a PC.
Some days I really like being an early adopter and other days....
Cheers
Steve

I bought a mi pad 5 pro
It actually feels faster than the mi 11 ultra somehow
Maybe because it has more space for cooling down the chip etc
The battery life is great and it's super smooth
Might be a better productivity device because it is designed for a keyboard and mouse and pen etc but I just wanted to use some apps on a bigger screen and it's great