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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
As anyone who follows the mobile industry knows, Palm is in a world of hurt.
One can point out many things that were flawed in their strategy, I personally thought the delay in releasing their PDK and their initial partner choices were some of the biggest missteps, not to mention their bizarre marketing campaign.
Now I'm being very US-centric here, but even their recent release on VZW and pending release on ATT won't make a whole lot of difference, because the Pre/Pixi hardware is now old hat and it'll act as "just another phone."
Despite all of that, I think webOS is a cleverly designed OS that might just be ahead of its time or outside of the capabilities of Palm to properly nurture.
In any case, as an ecstatic HD2 owner, I'm happy to see the form factor propagate in the form of the Evo. I was speaking with a friend of mine who has a Pre on Sprint and he acknowledged that the Evo was very cool, but wished it had webOS.
It stewed in the back of my mind for a while, but it vaguely came together just a few moments ago.
The problem with Palm right now is their hardware. The original Pre had horrid battery life, and sorely lacked RAM. The Plus editions added the RAM and continued with the poor battery life.
What's the next step? It'll be expensive as always to design, test, and roll out a new piece of kit. So why not continue in the Palm-as-of-late fashion and step on some toes.
If anyone remembers, when they first launched the Pre, it synced with iTunes because it looked like an iPod or an iPhone - I don't remember. And despite constant attempts by Apple to block it, Palm just kept coming back with an update.
So what of the possibility that Palm partially becoming a software house. I'm not advocating they ditch hardware design, but considering the porting of webOS to select hardware for a nominal fee ($100?) This would be similar to going out and buying Windows 7 to upgrade your XP or Vista machine.
Yes, it would require things like HSPL in the case of WinPhones or rooting in the case of Android phones, but that's why it would only be available on select hardware. Go to the Palm store and buy the webOS release for the HD2, and just pop it on. It would supply an additional revenue stream, probably cheaper than designing new hardware, and promote further webOS usage.
Potential problems include warranty voiding etc, but there's nothing stopping an image being made before flashing a new ROM.
Is this just the late-hour talking or what?
Personally outside of the multitasking my pre really hasn't impressed me. I think that they miscalculated on that fact that people would want to run multiple apps from their phone. However most phone users are very single minded when it comes to doing things on the phone. So why the concept was a good one, it fell short on the consumer side. That is what is really killing Palm. They did little bring the "cool factor" which in today's market and what Palm wanted to do (sell lots of phones) was a bad miscalculation. So I'm not sure they would be able to sell the OS to phone users, since well most phone users wouldn't care to move over.
Just my two cents.
Palm Hardware Old?
I find it funny that people call Palm's hardware old. Sure it may not have the Snapdragon like my HD2... but it's TI OMAP processor running around 600 Mhz is capable of running Adobe Flash. Hmmm... Sounds like ARM is the outdated hardware...
Now for the design the Pixi blows... A SureType keyboard would be redeeming on that device.
The Pre... Bigger screen would be nice and a slighly wider keyboard.
But yes... Amazing idea... I would love to see something like this come to fruition...
I believe that VMWare could be oursolution to this though. They're working on a product that will allow for dual boot OS on a phone device... WM Pro and WebOS would be my choices... unfortunately the lack of keyboard support on the HD2 would be an issue with WebOS. Most WebOS virtual keyboards are copy and paste after typing applications.
If a driver could be written for the PS3 bluetooth mini keyboard that would be great for both WM and WebOS.
So viewsonic's 7" tablet just hit Amazon, and is priced at $230.00.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
It's an interesting device that's pre-loaded with a bunch of Amazon apps (including teh Amazon App store). Sorta like a pseudo-Amazon Kindle Color.
And Viewsonic is aiming squarely at the Nook with this device, just scroll down to the end of their product page for a spec-by spec comparison:
http://www.viewsonic.com/products/vb730.htm
Funny thing: though the spec sheet mentions that both tablets have a 7" screen, it conveniently fails to list their resolution. (The Viewsonic is just 800 x 480).
Still, the fact that this thing includes built-in stylus technology makes it a serious competitor to HTC's 7" View tablet. If it weren't for the low resolution screen, i might even consider one myself.
Wow for 230.00 bucks i would of bought that.... that's a great priced little tablet.
Yes, the NOOKcolor does have serious competitor.
Feature-wise, so far that Viewsonic has offered a lot more. Few down-side
+ far less superior screen
+ no wireless-N
+ seperate charger port. NC uses microUSB port as charger
+ thicker 14mm (vs. NC 12mm)
But it gains
+ default bluetooth 2.1
+ microphone
+ webcam
+ 1GHz CPU (can it be overclocked?)
+ regular miniUSB
+ miniHDMI
+ 10hrs vs 8hrs battery life (not much diff. i guess)
+ front speaker (better than on the back like the NC, i personal feeling)
+ lighter 15.2oz (vs. NC 15.8oz)
Next question, can this V730 be flashed and run CM7 like we did the NC?
I think if it has IPS screen tech, it will beat the NOOK.
What I've come to learn about Android phones and tablets is, the specs are near meaningless, the real strength of a device is it's community. Imagine the Nook without CM7 or even root... I have a friend who has the Galaxy Tab(CDMA), which pretty much out specs the Nook in every way, but I would never trade, because the Tabs community is basically just a rag tag group with no star action. Matter of fact my friend is jealous of all my Nook can do...
Most device manufacturers load down their android devices with so much crap or don't optimize enough that even dual core devices run like crap...
/end of rant
votinh said:
Yes, the NOOKcolor does have serious competitor.
Feature-wise, so far that Viewsonic has offered a lot more. Few down-side
+ far less superior screen
+ no wireless-N
+ seperate charger port. NC uses microUSB port as charger
+ thicker 14mm (vs. NC 12mm)
But it gains
+ default bluetooth 2.1
+ microphone
+ webcam
+ 1GHz CPU (can it be overclocked?)
+ regular miniUSB
+ miniHDMI
+ 10hrs vs 8hrs battery life (not much diff. i guess)
+ front speaker (better than on the back like the NC, i personal feeling)
+ lighter 15.2oz (vs. NC 15.8oz)
Next question, can this V730 be flashed and run CM7 like we did the NC?
I think if it has IPS screen tech, it will beat the NOOK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would it beat the nook? Even if it were an IPS screen (and knowing Viewsonic, it will be the cheapest crap they can find; already demoed by the pathetic 800x480 screen), the other "extra" features really aren't that great.
I will knock bluetooth off your list, since it works just fine in CM7 (yes, range could be better, but frankly, i have never had a problem there either).
So, it leaves you with some extra ports and a crappy webcam. Sorry, but i will take the amazing quality IPS screen any day over some extra ports and webcam. (BTW - the "regular" USB thing is silly, since "regular" microUSB plugs in just fine to our port..)
The 800x480 resolution makes it a non-starter for me.
So you're telling me if the VB730 has 1024x600 IPS screen, just like the NC, it is still a bad one, and can't compete to the NC?
Divine_Madcat said:
Why would it beat the nook? Even if it were an IPS screen (and knowing Viewsonic, it will be the cheapest crap they can find; already demoed by the pathetic 800x480 screen), the other "extra" features really aren't that great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. The biggest selling point of the NC for me is the beautiful IPS hi-res display. Viewsonic won't have a solid competitor (IMO) with such a low-res screen.
Stock-for-stock, it'll be a better option for Joe Schmoe in the market for a cheapie tablet, though. That is, unless a Nook owner gets to them first... haha
votinh said:
So you're telling me if the VB730 has 1024x600 IPS screen, just like the NC, it is still a bad one, and can't compete to the NC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF it had as good a screen as the Nook, then yes it'd be an interesting stock alternative. But as it's spec'ed now with thet 800x480 screen, that probably makes it a negative for a large number of folks. The Bluetooth is a plus vs Stock NC, but not versus CM7 NC. The mini-USB port vs micro is nice in that it's probably a fair bit sturdier than what we've got now, but all in all, not a huge deal.
The mini-HDMI is interesting, but again, when paired with the 800x480 screen, it's unclear whether it will push out worthwhile resolution. The thing that will be interesting is if they come out with a version that's got a higher resolution screen, and what the real detail is about their CPU/GPU.
The stylus is a marketing hype positive against a stock NC. You can obviously buy a stylus for any capacitive screen tablet for under 20 bucks. Whether or not the Viewsonic "RiteTouch" is any good, only time will tell.
The rest of the list is pretty much vs the Stock NC, so this is a stock vs stock argument. We have no way of knowing whether or not the hacking community for this device will be as strong as the one for the NC, so again only time will tell.
But right now, with what knowledge we have... I still feel NC is better, at least for my needs.
That's what I stated up there, the VB730 has far less superior screen compared to the NOOK. Also said if it has the same screen tech/resolution as the NC, then it is a serious competitor. Assuming xda-developer as well as cyanogenmod gurus will tackle this little tablet later on like they did for the NC, then this guys would be good.
Don't know why this site has too many hot-head blindly jumped on defending their Nook.
Can they relax and open their mind? Geez
I think it has to do with the unique nature of unlocking an e-reader for use as a full-fledged tablet, and it's great hardware for the price.
Also, I wonder how much a comparable screen would raise the Viewsonic's price.
Have you folk ever actually tried to use a capacitive stylus? I mean, give me a break . . . unless you like writing with a crayon, they are mostly useless. Pretty much impossible to use one to underline *.pdf files (or, for that matter, comfortably write).
For me, depends on the stylus technology. If you're getting something like the HTC Flyer's stylus, I think it would be a good deal, so long as there is more built-in software support. But they're kind of vague about the whole thing on the website. I haven't been able to find more information about "RiteTouch" technology. I'm waiting to see what somebody serious says about how the stylus actually works with the device.
kennyminot said:
Have you folk ever actually tried to use a capacitive stylus? I mean, give me a break . . . unless you like writing with a crayon, they are mostly useless. Pretty much impossible to use one to underline *.pdf files (or, for that matter, comfortably write).
For me, depends on the stylus technology. If you're getting something like the HTC Flyer's stylus, I think it would be a good deal, so long as there is more built-in software support. But they're kind of vague about the whole thing on the website. I haven't been able to find more information about "RiteTouch" technology. I'm waiting to see what somebody serious says about how the stylus actually works with the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Looking for a review. If the stylus works well, I'll probably wait and see if they release an upgraded version with a 1024 x 600 screen and then maybe.
joenathane said:
What I've come to learn about Android phones and tablets is, the specs are near meaningless, the real strength of a device is it's community. Imagine the Nook without CM7 or even root... I have a friend who has the Galaxy Tab(CDMA), which pretty much out specs the Nook in every way, but I would never trade, because the Tabs community is basically just a rag tag group with no star action. Matter of fact my friend is jealous of all my Nook can do...
Most device manufacturers load down their android devices with so much crap or don't optimize enough that even dual core devices run like crap...
/end of rant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. When the honeycomb/ICS source code launches, we have a strong enough community that we will be seeing a port, and its going to completely transform our ereaders into full fledged tablets. This viewsonic tablet probably wont have that support if previous models are anything to judge by, and the horrible screen resolution means that even if it did, it would be stuck with the phone UI since there simply isnt enough space to show tablet optimized applications.
So the first Amazon reader review is in:
http://www.amazon.com/ViewBook-VB73...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Reviewer claims it has a RESISTIVE screen! Whoa! Hadn't seen that mentioned anywhere. In fact, I hadn't seen any mention either way. But if this is true then it surely makes a big difference (and explains the included pen). The next question is: is it multi-touch? I have to assume it is, because it would be pretty crippling if it weren't.
Now, I'm not going to immediately discount a device with a resistive screen (no doubt the technology is improving day to day) but I'd definitely want to read some in depth testimonials on how it compares to the capacitive screens we've all grown to know and love.
(EDIT: The Tiger Direct page lists "resistive screen" in the specs: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=782735&CatId=6957 So this Nook competitor is becoming less impressive the more I read about it.)
Depends on if they are using new multitouch resistive controllers.
h t t p://w w w.designnews.com/document.asp?doc_id=230884&
dsf3g said:
So the first Amazon reader review is in:
http://www.amazon.com/ViewBook-VB73...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Reviewer claims it has a RESISTIVE screen! Whoa! Hadn't seen that mentioned anywhere. In fact, I hadn't seen any mention either way. But if this is true then it surely makes a big difference (and explains the included pen). The next question is: is it multi-touch? I have to assume it is, because it would be pretty crippling if it weren't.
Now, I'm not going to immediately discount a device with a resistive screen (no doubt the technology is improving day to day) but I'd definitely want to read some in depth testimonials on how it compares to the capacitive screens we've all grown to know and love.
(EDIT: The Tiger Direct page lists "resistive screen" in the specs: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=782735&CatId=6957 So this Nook competitor is becoming less impressive the more I read about it.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it has a pen input, then resistive is really the only way to go there. As said, writing with a capactive stylus is annoying at best.
As for multitouch, usually that is NOT possible on resistive but I don't think it's impossible either.
Really, the advantage of capacitive touchscreens is probably a little overstated. I currently have two resistive touchscreen tablets. The T91MT was one of the first cheap tablet devices on the market, and it has a pretty sensitive screen with multitouch features. Most people would have trouble telling the difference between that and a capacitive screen. My Pocket eDGe has a much less sensitive screen, although its ability to use a stylus makes it much more useful than most recent Android devices. I'm not entirely convinced that a capacitive touchscreen is the best option, especially when you consider that the technology has likely advanced over the last couple years.
So . . . a resistive touchscreen . . .
(1) can have multitouch support;
(2) can be used at any temperature;
(3) can be used with any object that applies pressure;
(4) is extremely accurate;
(5) is cheap.
I'd still like to see how the stylus works. It would be really neat if it had palm rejection.
That amazon review is mine .. I had a gift card to amazon so i ordered this instead of the nook.
Since writing that review initially the amazon market has more annoyed me as I am lacking things I wish i had from the google market and I can't seem to find any drivers to support this device to make any attempt at rooting it so I can get the google market on it.
Hulu+ runs on it though thats a bonus i think.
The screen is difficult to tell if it is truly a resistive screen or something else, as why i put in the review it appears to be a hybrid of some kind. Using my Bamboo Capacitive Stylus I am able to control the screen and all just the same as using the included Rite Touch stylus, which as far as i can tell is nothing but a regular old resistive plastic tip stylus. On the Multi-touch issue I've read it is but it doesn't appear to be as I can't pinch to zoom and the usual multi-touch gestures although the double tap to zoom I use more even on cap screens than the pinch.
Divine_Madcat said:
Why would it beat the nook? Even if it were an IPS screen (and knowing Viewsonic, it will be the cheapest crap they can find; already demoed by the pathetic 800x480 screen), the other "extra" features really aren't that great.
I will knock bluetooth off your list, since it works just fine in CM7 (yes, range could be better, but frankly, i have never had a problem there either).
So, it leaves you with some extra ports and a crappy webcam. Sorry, but i will take the amazing quality IPS screen any day over some extra ports and webcam. (BTW - the "regular" USB thing is silly, since "regular" microUSB plugs in just fine to our port..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have problems with bluetooth keyboards, runing nightly 126 and 131. I have a Xoom bluetooth with a modified qwerty.kl file to enable most of the android special keys to work. The three annoying issues with Xoom keyboard is that it will stop working while typing long messages, have to hit power button on it to restart; a key will stick kkkkkkkkkk; and not easy to get out of pop-up for accent keys. You do not see these problems? The best feature is that I can leave power adapter plugged in with bluetooth.
When I use my Logitech wireless usb combo keyboard and mouse I only seem to get the pop-up accent box. The negative is even with a y cable it does not seem to charge nook while in host and v-bus mode. The combination arrow and keyboard interface is really slick.
Anybody else notice these flaws with bluetooth and usb keyboards?
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
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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.
Before you continue reading, I would like to mention I work well with both Windows and Mac OS, one is not better or worse to me, I'm familiar with both operating systems.
I'm starting College next year, and I'll need a Laptop! I'm shortened my list of possible options to now two main competitors in my opinion, the Surface Pro 3, and the Macbook Pro.
The prices of the Model I am deciding between:
Surface Pro 3: $999 - i5 128GB (Additional $130 for Keyboard, $1129 total)
MacBook Pro: $1299 - i5, 128GB (2015 Model JUST announced)
In YOUR opinion, which would you choose if you could pick between either, and why? I understand this is a personal option, and there are many factors to consider, but I'm looking for other's opinions and their reasoning why
Surface. Tablet/pc, touch screen is really handy, all Windows programs, Linux if wanted, Windows 10 and more.
Source: Have some Lenovo ThinkPad yoga laptop for school, with Windows 8.1.
You know, there are many other options you can choose from, which are better for even a better price
Personally, if I HAD to take one of the two, I would take the Surface
The major question is: 'what do you need it for?'
Closely followed by 'Why a Macbook?'
Is it going to be used for mainly browsing and documents or coding? Then the Surface if a good idea. It's versatile.
Graphic design? Whatever anyone says, a uniform Mac is very much NOT a good choice for a designer who's supposed to be unique and creative. Every Mac is identical as customisation is nearly impossible. (As a Windows using designer I hate those hipsters.. Half of Uni was filled with them.) Get a proper laptop. I did Multimedia Design and my Asus ran laps around even the most expensive Macbook. For half the price. And I could game on it, too.
3D/Video/Gamedesign? You need something heavy duty. A Macbook isn't powerful enough.
Do you also intend to use it for home/on the go use for normal everyday things? The Surface will do.
If you're looking for an Android alternative to the Surface, there's also the NotePro.
Quite frankly a Macbook is a severely overpriced product with mediocre specs. I truly do not see the point of a Macbook. (I've worked with them, it's not ignorance.)
You're on XDA, so obviously you know your way around technology, rendering the major selling point (easy to use for the technologically handicapped) redundant.
You're much better off getting a Windows laptop/Ultrabook or the Surface.
Hell, you could get both for the price of a Macbook with good specs.
Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Using Tapatalk
ShadowLea said:
The major question is: 'what do you need it for?'
Closely followed by 'Why a Macbook?'
Is it going to be used for mainly browsing and documents or coding? Then the Surface if a good idea. It's versatile.
Graphic design? Whatever anyone says, a uniform Mac is very much NOT a good choice for a designer who's supposed to be unique and creative. Every Mac is identical as customisation is nearly impossible. (As a Windows using designer I hate those hipsters.. Half of Uni was filled with them.) Get a proper laptop. I did Multimedia Design and my Asus ran laps around even the most expensive Macbook. For half the price. And I could game on it, too.
3D/Video/Gamedesign? You need something heavy duty. A Macbook isn't powerful enough.
Do you also intend to use it for home/on the go use for normal everyday things? The Surface will do.
If you're looking for an Android alternative to the Surface, there's also the NotePro.
Quite frankly a Macbook is a severely overpriced product with mediocre specs. I truly do not see the point of a Macbook. (I've worked with them, it's not ignorance.)
You're on XDA, so obviously you know your way around technology, rendering the major selling point (easy to use for the technologically handicapped) redundant.
You're much better off getting a Windows laptop/Ultrabook or the Surface.
Hell, you could get both for the price of a Macbook with good specs.
Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Really appreciate you taking the time to respond!
At this point, I'm no longer considering a Macbook. The reason I even considered a Macbook was simply because of their reliability, design, and influence by the specific University I'm going to, the school is flooded with Apple devices because Steve Wozniak was once a student there (he's donated an insane amount of apple products to the school).
Sure other devices are sleep and reliable, in my opinion, Macs are just the overpriced versions.
At this point, I've eliminated any Apple product.
Now.. I do realize there has to be a million other Laptops better than the Surface, in the same price range, but there are a lot of factors I'm trying to consider
1. The design matters to me. As silly as it may sound to others, I'm willing to sacrifice power for something "sexy". (Not TOO much though!)
2. It needs to be reliable.
3. It needs to be portable.
4. Decent-Good Battery Life
5. 1080p screen resolution minimum.
6. Prefer a touchscreen for the price I'm willing to pay.
Being able to do some form a gaming or video editing, etc, would be nice, but it's not a MUST-HAVE. I wouldn't want a fat, 3-4 lb laptop with fat round edges, just so I can play games d:
The surface is appealing to me because it can do what I need it to do, it's thin, sleek, sexy, and reliable (with reliable support as-well if I need it).
If you can think of something better that may be appealing to me, PLEASE let me know a device name or include a link, because I certainly will look into it!
Lenovo ThinkPad yoga (whatever the latest number is). have one for school, touchscreen, powerful enough to play games like need for speed carbon (haven't tried PhotoShop), and my favourite part, the keyboard folds behind the screen rather than detaching, so you don't have to ditch it anywhere when using tablet style. Thin, and Imo beautiful, as well as powerful.
If for some reason you want to use android on it (no idea why, but shadowlea posted it) try amiduos(.com)
2PMintheAM said:
Really appreciate you taking the time to respond!
At this point, I'm no longer considering a Macbook. The reason I even considered a Macbook was simply because of their reliability, design, and influence by the specific University I'm going to, the school is flooded with Apple devices because Steve Wozniak was once a student there (he's donated an insane amount of apple products to the school).
Sure other devices are sleep and reliable, in my opinion, Macs are just the overpriced versions.
At this point, I've eliminated any Apple product.
Now.. I do realize there has to be a million other Laptops better than the Surface, in the same price range, but there are a lot of factors I'm trying to consider
1. The design matters to me. As silly as it may sound to others, I'm willing to sacrifice power for something "sexy". (Not TOO much though!)
2. It needs to be reliable.
3. It needs to be portable.
4. Decent-Good Battery Life
5. 1080p screen resolution minimum.
6. Prefer a touchscreen for the price I'm willing to pay.
Being able to do some form a gaming or video editing, etc, would be nice, but it's not a MUST-HAVE. I wouldn't want a fat, 3-4 lb laptop with fat round edges, just so I can play games d:
The surface is appealing to me because it can do what I need it to do, it's thin, sleek, sexy, and reliable (with reliable support as-well if I need it).
If you can think of something better that may be appealing to me, PLEASE let me know a device name or include a link, because I certainly will look into it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm an avid Asus user so this'll be quite a bit biased, but..
The Asus Zenbook NX500 is a powerhouse with a very beautiful exterior. (It looks a bit like a macbook). 15.6" 1080p Touchscreen, i7 4712HQ, GTX850M 2GB GDDR5, 16 GB RAM. This could handle both regular use and heavyuse.
An equally pretty one to look at is the ASUS ZENBOOK UX301LA. i7 4558U 2.8 GHz ~ 3.3 GHz. 13.3" Touchscreen Corning Gorilla Glass 3 16:9 WQHD (2560x1440)/Full HD. IntelHD 400/5500 (not exactly optimal for graphic use, but then the Macbook uses an IntelHD 4000 too).
Both are Ultrabooks, so they can't be detached.
The only real option in the tablet range is indeed the Surface. Everything else runs on Android or iOS, which whilst great, is a bit limiting.
Please ask in our dedicated **Desktops and Laptops Thread**.