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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Netflix blocking chromecast for devices older than 4.0 with screen of hate

In its latest anti-consumer move Netflix has deemed that only those with Android devices greater than version 4.0 should be allowed to cast videos to chromecast.
While my streaming streaming service worked fine last night, I went to watch some netflix this morning on my chromecast and was met with only the screen of hate:
Please update the Netflix application on our mobile device to continue casting Netflix to this TV.
Netflix works with Android 4.0 and later, iOS 6.0 and later, and the latest version of Chrome.
For more information, visit www.netflix.com/chromecasthelp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no intention of replacing my android device at the minute, and will probably just end up using an android RDP app to start the streaming from a pc, but maybe I will give my $8 a month to Cruntchyroll or Hulu+ or someone who still wants to provide service to my devices.
so, here is my plea to netflix from the internet:
dear reed hastings,
I can haz chromecast streamings back plz?
kthanks

I like backwards compatibility, but are you really laden with devices that have 4.0 on them still? No access to a desktop so you can install Chrome on it?
I prefer Swedish Netflix...

Sorry, but Android 4.0 its already more then 3 years old, and it has been replaced with versions 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 5.0. I think, that they hold backward compatibility for good amount of time. Google himself are desperately trying to replace 2.x versions of Android, which is a 4 years old system, so I don't see anything wrong on compatibility with just 4.0+ system.

Srandista said:
Sorry, but Android 4.0 its already more then 3 years old, and it has been replaced with versions 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 5.0. I think, that they hold backward compatibility for good amount of time. Google himself are desperately trying to replace 2.x versions of Android, which is a 4 years old system, so I don't see anything wrong on compatibility with just 4.0+ system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree but I also understand the frustration of anyone still stuck on Gingerbread.
What is likely the case here is Netflix app is now using google code to do ccasting where before it may have been built into the app itself.
While it sucks to have to go buy a new device just to get Netflix support it really is time for the OP to look at upgrading.

Sailfish OS for Nexus 6? (on multirom hopefully (so talking to you as well Tassadar))

I've looked into porting this myself based on the instructions provided from Jolla's website (found here https://sailfishos.org/develop/hadk/), it seems pretty straight forward. However apparently (according to Jolla) it cannot be done on a 32bit system even if I use Linux (which I do). I was wondering if anyone has entertained the thought of porting it, as there's a 2.0 version of the OS out now and I really want to try it. Kind of missing it from when I used to play around with it on my Nexus 5.
Conversely, if anyone knows a workaround to using a 32bit system, or if they have knowledge of it actually being possible on a 32bit system (could be Jolla is being overly cautious in requiring a 64bit system, but I believe it has something to do with working with MER), your advice would be forthcoming. Willing to put in the work, I just apparently don't have the tools according to Jolla and can't afford a new computer. My two Linux systems (one running Kubuntu, one running Backbox) are very capable. This is just the only prerequisite I don't meet.
As far as multirom, I'm curious if anything special has to be done besides the instructions from Jolla to make it compatible as a secondary rom at least.
Thanks in advance for all responses and patience. I may be a low contributor/noob to this site, but given the proper tools and advice I think I can pull it off. I haven't found anyone that's working on this for the Nexus 6, so if there is someone, obviously I'm willing to help or test.
Special note to Tassadar if you happen to see this: Multirom is the best thing that's happened to android since custom kernels. lol Big ups for your creation!

Awesome I hope more are interested too, I don't have resources to help either besides a test.
I can say that I have never been more impressed with a UI than the one I flashed on my n5 called Sailfish, Same as you I think.
To others of you have what's needed and haven't seen the ui please check it out. I thought it was minimal, sleek, and I believe it used mostly touch commands.

This thread is kinda in the wrong forum. Should be in q and a or general discussion.
But yes I would love to see this on my phone

First, don't post Q&A in development forums. Second, the first step in the guide states the device must be officially supported with CM 10.1.x, which this device isn't. Unless they just haven't updated their guide this will never be possible until it's updated to something based on Lollipop.

nuevosean said:
I've looked into porting this myself based on the instructions provided from Jolla's website (found here https://sailfishos.org/develop/hadk/), it seems pretty straight forward. However apparently (according to Jolla) it cannot be done on a 32bit system even if I use Linux (which I do). I was wondering if anyone has entertained the thought of porting it, as there's a 2.0 version of the OS out now and I really want to try it. Kind of missing it from when I used to play around with it on my Nexus 5.
Conversely, if anyone knows a workaround to using a 32bit system, or if they have knowledge of it actually being possible on a 32bit system (could be Jolla is being overly cautious in requiring a 64bit system, but I believe it has something to do with working with MER), your advice would be forthcoming. Willing to put in the work, I just apparently don't have the tools according to Jolla and can't afford a new computer. My two Linux systems (one running Kubuntu, one running Backbox) are very capable. This is just the only prerequisite I don't meet.
As far as multirom, I'm curious if anything special has to be done besides the instructions from Jolla to make it compatible as a secondary rom at least.
Thanks in advance for all responses and patience. I may be a low contributor/noob to this site, but given the proper tools and advice I think I can pull it off. I haven't found anyone that's working on this for the Nexus 6, so if there is someone, obviously I'm willing to help or test.
Special note to Tassadar if you happen to see this: Multirom is the best thing that's happened to android since custom kernels. lol Big ups for your creation!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please read the Forum Rules on posting, Moved here...

FYI, android also has needed to be built on 64 bit only for several versions now. I think since Ice Cream Sandwich.. 32 bit just isn't cut out for it.

Sorry to raise this thread from the depths, but why haven't any devs pursued this?
I would love to try sailfish os on the nexus 6!
A $200 budget device was released just a few days ago in India that runs sailfish os natively, which is why i started looking into it for shamu.
Thought about picking one up, but the cellular bands aren't great for use in the U.S., and spec-wise doesn't hold a candle to shamu.
Through a little searching, it seems one person with the handle of mad_fitter on merproject irc attempted a port back in March, but never finished it afaict. Apparently, the fact that he had an intel chip prevented him from completing the final steps somehow...

This is an old post, but i love my phone and have dabbled with sailfish os before. If it could be ported that would be great and according to the the HADK documentation you can now use a cm 12.1 image instead of 10 to build it, whih was available for shamu. Someone could get the image from archive.org and use that. I have no experience with porting roms so i wouldn't be able to do it but if someone else could it would be great for the few of us that want it.

I would love to try this on my shamu, as well.
Has there been any development on this?

What to do? unopened Fire 7 (2015)

Looking for input/opinions- thanks in advance!
I bought a Fire during one of the Christmastime sales a few years ago and never did anything with it. The box is still in shipping plastic.
I'd like to have an Android tablet for surfing and a few simple games (think sudoku, solitaire, word games).
I watch a lot of youtube videos, so being able to do that is a must.
Also, getting onto my google play account would be nice, hence the Android request.
Seems that Amazon has fallen out with Google of late and taken out much of the cross-connections from the Amazon interface. Is that right?
Not afraid of rooting things- been doing it since OG Droid days.
I'm not really sold on becoming a netizen of the Amazon fabric. I don't have any sort of Prime membership or use any of their services, outside of buying stuff.
I appreciate any and all responses!

phonetool said:
Looking for input/opinions- thanks in advance!
I bought a Fire during one of the Christmastime sales a few years ago and never did anything with it. The box is still in shipping plastic.
I'd like to have an Android tablet for surfing and a few simple games (think sudoku, solitaire, word games).
I watch a lot of youtube videos, so being able to do that is a must.
Also, getting onto my google play account would be nice, hence the Android request.
Seems that Amazon has fallen out with Google of late and taken out much of the cross-connections from the Amazon interface. Is that right?
Not afraid of rooting things- been doing it since OG Droid days.
I'm not really sold on becoming a netizen of the Amazon fabric. I don't have any sort of Prime membership or use any of their services, outside of buying stuff.
I appreciate any and all responses!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Given your description there is a good chance the device has the original 5.x bootloader which means a custom lollipop based ROM (Fire Nexus or Lineage 12.1) can be easily installed and maintained. Both are stable and feature complete. There is no reason to boot FireOS...ever. Doing so may yield an unrootable device that can not be rooted or accommodate a custom ROM. Once FireOS has been banished the device has no affiliation with Amazon other than the name on the back.
Keep in mind the device is strictly entry level: 1 GB RAM, 8 GB User Storage (5 GB usable), 600x1024 low-res panel, etc. Almost any modern phone (and most burner varients) will run circles around a 5th gen Fire.
I'm happy to provide an outline of the steps required which are not lengthy/hard if you remain somewhat skilled in tethered operations and have familiarity with terms such as ADB, Fastboot, GApps, SuperSU and TWRP. You'll also need a suitable Windows host, be comfortable working with file systems and the Windows command prompt. That said, I prefer not to invest the time if the device will remain drawered or sold given its limited capabilities. A simple ask before responding.

Davey126 said:
Given your description there is a good chance the device has the original 5.x bootloader which means a custom lollipop based ROM (Fire Nexus or Lineage 12.1) can be easily installed and maintained. Both are stable and feature complete. There is no reason to boot FireOS...ever. Doing so may yield an unrootable device that can not be rooted or accommodate a custom ROM. Once FireOS has been banished the device has no affiliation with Amazon other than the name on the back.
Keep in mind the device is strictly entry level: 1 GB RAM, 8 GB User Storage (5 GB usable), 600x1024 low-res panel, etc. Almost any modern phone (and most burner varients) will run circles around a 5th gen Fire.
I'm happy to provide an outline of the steps required which are not lengthy/hard if you remain somewhat skilled in tethered operations and have familiarity with terms such as ADB, Fastboot, GApps, SuperSU and TWRP. You'll also need a suitable Windows host, be comfortable working with file systems and the Windows command prompt. That said, I prefer not to invest the time if the device will remain drawered or sold given its limited capabilities. A simple ask before responding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for the info and offer!
I would like to try to put one of those two on the device.
I'm away from home this week, so cannot attempt anything just yet.
My Windows machine is a Samsung UMPC running Win7, otherwise I have a Raspberry Pi that does daily work. It does have ADB, but I haven't used it successfully (couldn't figure out the proper command structure on linux).
I'll do some reading this week on what's needed for the effort.
Thanks again!

Chromecast Audio hardware alternative, with community ROMs

Hey Folks,
So I just read the news. Chromecast Audio has been discontinued as a Google product, and I'm quite upset because I love it. I use mine every day.
I've been poking around the internet, and came across this section of XDA, and I'm honestly very pleased that someone has already not only dumped the ROMs from Chromecasts, but released rooted versions of it.
So I was wondering, since this is Linux at the core, is there any way we could build our own Chromecast Audio devices from other hardware and "Google Cast" to them like we normally do?
I'd prefer to just buy more Chromecast Audios, but at this point, I'm not sure if I'll be able to get my grubby paws on them now, let alone when I want more in the future. So Google really is forcing my/our hands here.
Like, surely we could hack this onto a Raspbery Pi, or some other integrated system we could plug into a speaker, yes? It is Linux after all.
But hey, I'd love to hear from someone who knows more on this subject than me. Namely the lovely people in this forum.
Thoughts?

BTW had to get a mod's help (SacredDeviL666) to get this posted. For some reason it kept triggering spam checks whenever I tried to post (even though I was passing ReCaptcha). How odd.

old Android phone?
Hello, I want to know if there is the possibility of using the Chromecast audio OS on an old Android so you can give new life to an old phone and stereo