Dumb TV Price Trends/Discontinuing?? - Off-topic

Hi everyone. With the current trend of smart and 4k TVs it looks like the price of your older school 1080p "dumb" (non smart) tvs are coming down nicely. However, if you walk into any electronics store you'll find dumb tvs harder and harder to come by. However, when you do find them they cost much less than their smart counterparts.
I'm in the market for my first TV. I want a dumb tv that's 1080p that's 50"+. My laptop can easily supply the "brains" and 4k doesn't provide a noticeable improvement unless I sit really closely. In Canada they're easily under 1000. My question to you, my fellow gadget lovers, is now a good time to buy or will the prices drop even lower forseeably? Or will dumb tvs go extinct and this is as good as it gets for price?
You're thoughts??
Content wise, it's gonna be used almost exclusively for anime.

Related

Cheapest Place to Get A HDTV's

Hey,
Im looking into getting a new tv by the end of this month and I wanted to see if you guys know the best place and price to get one. I want to get one that is 40" - 46", 1080p(with or without 120hz). I dunno if I should get a 120hz tv or not, what do you guys think?! As for brand it looks like Sony, Sharp, and Samsung are best ones. So far I been looking online and prices range from $1200 - $2000 but I would prefer to pay around $1500. Also what is a good surround system for the tv that doesnt cost that much, around $200-$300. Here are the tv's I have been looking at.
Samsung LN40A650 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40A...8?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215698013&sr=1-8
Sharp Aquos LC46D64U 46-Inch 1080p LCD
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-L...2?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215698310&sr=1-2
Sharp Aquos LC46D82U 46-Inch 1080p
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-L...4?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215698310&sr=1-4
Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S4100 40-Inch 1080p
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-K...1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215698604&sr=1-1
Sony Bravia W-Series KDL-40W4100 40-Inch 1080p
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-K...8?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215698604&sr=1-8
Samsung LN46A650 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN46A...3?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215699058&sr=1-3
120hz has got to be THE biggest consumer scam in electronics since laserdisc.
don't bother getting 120hz.
try looking at vizio. They supply sam's club (the slightly less evil wholesale version of wal-mart) with LCD HDTVs and their prices are usually lower than the big 3 S (Samsung, Sony, and Sharp)
Wal Mart Def The Best
rico002 said:
Wal Mart Def The Best
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
never. i hate wal mart
I disagree good sir! Costco Or Sams Club FTW!
Kraize
zeezee said:
never. i hate wal mart
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol you posted the same minute as me except it was a sec before so your post went before mine >.<
thanks guys, now I just got to check to see who has it cheaper. I live in NYC so no Walmart close to me :-( and no Sam's club but there is one in NJ lol As for models, any of them that you guys owe or would recommend?
im spanish so wal mart fits my budget hahahahahaha jk
dblock3nine said:
Hey,
Im looking into getting a new tv by the end of this month and I wanted to see if you guys know the best place and price to get one. I want to get one that is 40" - 46", 1080p(with or without 120hz). I dunno if I should get a 120hz tv or not, what do you guys think?! As for brand it looks like Sony, Sharp, and Samsung are best ones. So far I been looking online and prices range from $1200 - $2000 but I would prefer to pay around $1500. Also what is a good surround system for the tv that doesnt cost that much, around $200-$300. Here are the tv's I have been looking at.
Samsung LN40A650 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40A...8?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215698013&sr=1-8
Sharp Aquos LC46D64U 46-Inch 1080p LCD
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-L...2?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215698310&sr=1-2
Sharp Aquos LC46D82U 46-Inch 1080p
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Aquos-L...4?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215698310&sr=1-4
Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S4100 40-Inch 1080p
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-K...1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215698604&sr=1-1
Sony Bravia W-Series KDL-40W4100 40-Inch 1080p
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Bravia-K...8?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215698604&sr=1-8
Samsung LN46A650 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN46A...3?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215699058&sr=1-3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if they have them in your area Costco is by far the best deal for hdtv (most bang for your buck).
fzzyrn said:
120hz has got to be THE biggest consumer scam in electronics since laserdisc.
don't bother getting 120hz.
try looking at vizio. They supply sam's club (the slightly less evil wholesale version of wal-mart) with LCD HDTVs and their prices are usually lower than the big 3 S (Samsung, Sony, and Sharp)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but you have to admit 120hz does look good when something supports it. but otherwise, most things don't support 120hz so yeah it's pretty useless.
here in Canada cheapest place is probably Costco as well, but not sure about the quality..
If you have a Fry's Electronics in your area, they beat Wal Mart in price any day. Here's a 52" Samsung for 1799 duckies. And, if you are near the DFW area, Star Power would be even cheaper for the higher end TVs.
Vizio and Costco ftw. You can't beat Costco's return policy. We have a 37in Vizio lcd htdv. Is it the best out there, of course not, but for $720.00, it is dirt cheap and they get fantastic reviews for their price.
We bought ours a year or so ago, so they probably are cheaper by now.
Jeff

Help with buying a HDTV with XDA expertise...

I'm looking for some help with buying a HDTV. I would like to keep it between $500-$1000 with a good 5 yr warranty.
I'm open to all suggestions, lcd or plasma, or whatever anyone has to say.
Are there any deals somewhere? I know Circuit City will beat prices...
I see a lot of people here at XDA who know what they are doing and so why not ask for help?
Thanks
edit: Does anyone know when the industry switches so that I might get an older model for cheap?
what do you mean does anyone know when the industry switches?
Rory
yi3o8 said:
I
edit: Does anyone know when the industry switches so that I might get an older model for cheap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometime in February 2009, but this will not effect HDTVs as they are already digital. This will only affect older model TV's that require an analog signal.
Hey mate
can I suggest you go to www.avforums.com. This is a forum all about audio/visual kit and by far and away one of the VERY best places for advice like this.
It is a UK site but the models and comments will be relevant to you. They will probably even know where to get "it" in the US as well as a lot of them buy kit and ship it over.... gota love that American "Monopoly money"
Thanks.
I have checked out avforums, I know what to get, but I am trying to find a deal cuz I'm a poor ol' college student.
By switching over, I mean getting rid of all the old models, I don't plan on using an antenna for a hdtv
Thanks again, and I'll post when I figure it out. So far, a 42" element for $700 at circuit city looks good, but I am trying to get the $400 warranty down
By switching over, I mean getting rid of all the old models, I don't plan on using an antenna for a hdtv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Over here in the UK, as I understand it, we are about to launch the first freeview HD "over antena" where previously it has been the domain of Freesat or cable.
$700 for a 42"???? Thats a bit cheap to say the least, what model is it? Is it only 480 or does it go to 720? I doubt for that price its 1080. $400 for a warranty? Doesn't it come with one included? Us Brits really start appreciating our "1984 Sales Of Goods Act"!
I picked up my 42" LCD at Best Buy. I managed to haggle to sales manager down to $980. Came out to $1230 out the door with tax and the four year warranty included.
The new LCD's are amazing. Ultra thin, crystal clear quality. I run mine in 1080p via HDMI cables; The HD cable box, the X Box 360, the Blueray player, all via HDMI. Gorgeous.
42" is too small for a 1080p screen. Over on AVForums they suggest the bare minimum for seeing the extra detail that a 1080 screen gives, you need at least a 46 and ideally a 50 .... or its just wasted and the human eye cannot see the diference between 720 and 1080.
Out of interest, what model can you get for that money? (excluding warranty)
Monty Burns said:
42" is too small for a 1080p screen. Over on AVForums they suggest the bare minimum for seeing the extra detail that a 1080 screen gives, you need at least a 46 and ideally a 50 .... or its just wasted and the human eye cannot see the diference between 720 and 1080.
Out of interest, what model can you get for that money? (excluding warranty)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The model is
Element 42" Plasma HDTV
(ELE PHD42W39US)
Asked to get the tax covered which makes it $700. The specs look good, but I would need the warranty even if it was a name brand.
Decided on...
I realize noone will probably care, but I decided on a philips 32" that I like. I was told they were bought by LG, but this tv looked good and so I went for it.
I got it from newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889104111 and was given a $40 discount and it came with free shipping. With a 4 yr warranty it all came to $760.
This tv from sam's club would have been $638 + $78 3 yr warranty (which I don't trust walmart to be easy to deal with) + $44 taxes = $760 ... plus a lot of gas.
From circuit city, I could have got a 40" samsung or polaroid for about $1000 after the 3 yr warranty, or a 37" vizio for $785 - all of these being open box and reduced.
I went for higher end and a place that I trust.
Sounds very coool! Let us know how it works out for U...
Hah something on XDa that i know more than a few people...with tv i would go with Sony or Samsung LCD their new line are very good...deep black level i would go with samsung 6 or 7 series...and Sony their new XBR8 coming out soon which is over price but should be very nice...some people say that HDTV they all look the same nuh uh...lil things like 120htz and 1080p matters but only if u get something bigger than a 40 inch...best is research on avsforum cause stores like bestbuy and all of them set their tv on display or store mode where the contrast and brightness at highest u got to see a tv in dark room to apppreciate its beauty...
Yep, little things do matter
jtoyz2 said:
Hah something on XDa that i know more than a few people...with tv i would go with Sony or Samsung LCD their new line are very good...deep black level i would go with samsung 6 or 7 series...and Sony their new XBR8 coming out soon which is over price but should be very nice...some people say that HDTV they all look the same nuh uh...lil things like 120htz and 1080p matters but only if u get something bigger than a 40 inch...best is research on avsforum cause stores like bestbuy and all of them set their tv on display or store mode where the contrast and brightness at highest u got to see a tv in dark room to apppreciate its beauty...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. I couldn't find a 120 mhz for cheap, and I'm on a budget. But I looked very closely at bigger tvs that did not look as good as the philips 5000 series which has a 26000:1 contrast ratio. If I had more money I would have gone with the 7000 series and if I had a ton of money I would have went the route you mentioned
Stupid commercialism, it's like: spend just this much more and you get this this and that. If you try to get a deal and buy junk, you realize these things make a big difference. And 1080p will be standard by next year...
yi3o8 said:
... And 1080p will be standard by next year...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope not!
I would imagine the bulk of TV's are the 40" or below area and thats useless for 1080. As I mentioned and the poster above you need somewhere in the 40's and idealy higher foro 1080 to be any use. Mines a 46" Samsung and to be honest, I can't really tell the diference when playing a BD through it from a 720 or 1080 - mind you, my eyes are 34 years old
If it becomes standard, a lot of people are going to be paying extra for tech in the tv thats useless.
yi3o8 said:
Thanks for the advice. I couldn't find a 120 mhz for cheap, and I'm on a budget. But I looked very closely at bigger tvs that did not look as good as the philips 5000 series which has a 26000:1 contrast ratio. If I had more money I would have gone with the 7000 series and if I had a ton of money I would have went the route you mentioned
Stupid commercialism, it's like: spend just this much more and you get this this and that. If you try to get a deal and buy junk, you realize these things make a big difference. And 1080p will be standard by next year...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont think 1080p will be standard by next year...HD and Digital will be...cause 720p is HDTV...if you on a budget buying a TV you are looking at the right direction with Philips LCd they are very good...
I just recently bought one of those new Vizio Plasma's and I must say I am quite impressed. This is the first hdtv I have purchased since my old fat sony one has lasted for more than 15 years haha. I got the 32 inch model for only 549 from walmart. That seems like a pretty damn good deal to me for a 32 inch screen. Picture quality is excellent even compared to my friend's auquos. My only gripe is the sound quality inst the best coming from the small drivers under the screen. However, 549 for a 32 inch plasma is almost unheard of for the type of quality that you receive with these displays. Good luck.
Vizio are decent tv...the best out of the lesser known brand...but if u can buy it at costco because their return policy is 90 days...and in that time frame u can decide if that something u would like to keep...Aquos have the best black level on most LCD...their black level can be compare with Plasma sometime even better...of course lcd and plasma u can compare the difference only if its 40inch or bigger...anything smaller i think most brand would do...

Going digital, trying to make decision...

I've been amassing a huge collection of DVDs and blu-rays, over the years, both of movies and my favorite TV shows, but I'm looking to go digital, moving forward in the future. The problem is, I can't decide which "ecosystem" I want to commit to, and I was hoping to have people give some input.
I'm mainly an Android user, so I have no interest in going with Apple. That said, I have a Roku 3, and a couple Chromecasts in my home, and I'm also an Amazon Prime subscriber. So, that seems to leave my choice between Google Play and Amazon. Google Play seems to have a higher level of compatibility with my devices; obviously, it works with the Chromecast, along with my phone and tablet, and I *think* I can cast to the Roku as well (but I'm not sure about that one?), while Amazon only works on the Roku.
At the same time, though, I'm also very interested in getting stuff on sale (more so full TV seasons, than movies). I know when I was buying physical DVD sets for TV seasons, if I waited for the holiday season, Amazon would do some good deals on them, like $20 and under. But I wonder, do either Amazon or Google Play ever put full TV seasons on sale, digitally? Sometimes, I feel like Amazon is more inclined to have sales, but I haven't really paid enough attention to know that for sure.
So, any input?
mrw1215 said:
I've been amassing a huge collection of DVDs and blu-rays, over the years, both of movies and my favorite TV shows, but I'm looking to go digital, moving forward in the future. The problem is, I can't decide which "ecosystem" I want to commit to, and I was hoping to have people give some input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you've pretty much gotten the two best choices out there for you.
I'm in the same boat with slightly different criteria. I don't mind Apple. Also I mostly watch my digital goods at home through the consoles and Google isn't really present in those places. In my house that gives Amazon a pretty huge edge. I can watch my Amazon library and Prime on the XBox One, PS4, PS3 and iPad. Plus Prime has a lot of real world benefit (streaming and free shipping). Amazon seems to have merged better with other services and devices, so even though I don't own any Amazon devices I'm still able to use my digital stuff. Since you have a lot of Google devices maybe that's a better fit, I'd just worry about 5-10 years down the road when perhaps Google isn't making the same devices you love today. The Play service so far hasn't played well with others and seems a lot more dependent on you using their devices to some extent.
Personally I'm waiting for one of the huge mega corps to win out and establish themselves everywhere. So far Amazon is winning in my home, though they have a ways to go yet. The problem I've had is that just when a single service seems poised to take over my digital future, a lot of content becomes unavailable or moves to other services. In the meantime I'm paying a little more attention to physical discs that come with codes to let you add them to your digital library. Lately a lot of Disney Blu-Rays have included options to add those titles to Amazon, iTunes and to their own new streaming service as well. Also most of the Blu-Rays I've been picking up lately have included codes for UltraViolet so I've been amassing a large digital library there as well, but it still isn't available everywhere I want it to be. And once again Amazon has a big benefit with audio, buying most CDs there will automatically add those songs into your Amazon mp3 account. Also it's worth noting that while I am amassing a lot of digital content in a lot of places, none of those digital codes worked with Google Play.
There's still a long way to go before any service really comes out as a one size fits all solution. I'd recommend holding out as long as you can and enjoy the benefits of the competition. Let those corporations fight it out for a while, reap the benefits and in the end when the right solution comes along you'll know. At least that's how it's been working for me.

Display resolution

Hey guys!
I'm currently using a xperia zl. I will get a new phone soon, and I really love the z3 compact.
There's only one thing that bothers me: the display resolution
Is it possible for a normal human being like me to see any difference between my current full hd reaolution and the z3c's hd?
I'm reading a lot on my phone, what about tiny little fonts?
I am also connecting my phone to my tv via mhl. Does the resolution of the phone's display affect the pictire on the tv?
Or am I just a victim of the full (or even quad) hd advertising campaign...?
Thanks for your opinion!
sturmtruppler said:
Hey guys!
I'm currently using a xperia zl. I will get a new phone soon, and I really love the z3 compact.
There's only one thing that bothers me: the display resolution
Is it possible for a normal human being like me to see any difference between my current full hd reaolution and the z3c's hd?
I'm reading a lot on my phone, what about tiny little fonts?
I am also connecting my phone to my tv via mhl. Does the resolution of the phone's display affect the pictire on the tv?
Or am I just a victim of the full (or even quad) hd advertising campaign...?
Thanks for your opinion!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
Maybe...?
Yes
Yes you're being brainwashed by ads. Companies tend to go for higher and higher resolutions acting as if that really makes a phone better, but it doesn't. Why would such a small device need such a high resolution? It's not like we'll see the difference between 720p and 4k.
On a big screen (monitor) yes! On a phone, HELL NO... It will only deplete your battery faster.
About your TV resolution... well I think it depends how old your TV is. If my mind serves me right, TV's didn't had that great resolutions.
sturmtruppler said:
Hey guys!
I'm currently using a xperia zl. I will get a new phone soon, and I really love the z3 compact.
There's only one thing that bothers me: the display resolution
Is it possible for a normal human being like me to see any difference between my current full hd reaolution and the z3c's hd?
I'm reading a lot on my phone, what about tiny little fonts?
I am also connecting my phone to my tv via mhl. Does the resolution of the phone's display affect the pictire on the tv?
Or am I just a victim of the full (or even quad) hd advertising campaign...?
Thanks for your opinion!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you will notice no difference.
Also some big TV´s had in the past "only" 720p....
720p is full enough and will save the battery comparing to FullHD
On a screen of this size I think even 720p is more than sufficient. Even on a 32" TV your naked eyes will not be able to differentiate 720p from 1080p from a certain distance. The advantage in terms of battery saving is huge and I really am happy that this phone came with only 720p.
sturmtruppler said:
Hey guys!
I'm currently using a xperia zl. I will get a new phone soon, and I really love the z3 compact.
There's only one thing that bothers me: the display resolution
Is it possible for a normal human being like me to see any difference between my current full hd reaolution and the z3c's hd?
I'm reading a lot on my phone, what about tiny little fonts?
I am also connecting my phone to my tv via mhl. Does the resolution of the phone's display affect the pictire on the tv?
Or am I just a victim of the full (or even quad) hd advertising campaign...?
Thanks for your opinion!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like everyone else said, 720p is just perfect for a phone of this size. 1080p or higher would has been an "overkill" at the expense of battery life.
As for the TV output it depends on the resolution/quality of the original content. If you are just generally mirroring your phone screen it will have a resolution of 720p on the TV (which itself is a very decent quality, most content on TV is 720p anyways). But playing back a high quality 1080p or 4K (the Sony Z3 Compact supports 4K video recording) video from phone, it will be displayed as Full HD on the TV.
http://wolfcrow.com/blog/notes-by-dr-optoglass-the-resolution-of-the-human-eye/
The most important thing when talking about ppi and which no one of the marketing departments mentions of course, is the viewing distance.
This article is very clear, for a normal human eye 720p at a viewing distance of 30 cm which is quite normal for a phone is sufficient. So, 1080p is already for most of us overkill and everything above pure male cow excrement.
No, No, & No lol. I enjoy that some companies are trying to get rid of this ridiculous trend (SONY, Motorola, etc.) I'm sure there are more trying to. We could probably have had 3-4 days battery by now if people weren't obsessed with buying into expensive power hungry components.
Guess ads are to blame too, thanks Samsung. Cough *Galaxy Notes -__- nothing wrong with a Note but the screen res is overkill to the max. Anyway rant done, enjoy your amazing battery life you buy it because you didn't get sucked into buying an unnecessary big display.
Ok, ok, I understood...
Thank you all for your opinions and links! :thumbup:
You could probably tell side-by-side. You won't care.
Side by side with my one m7 full hd and i can t tell the difference.
Hi
In my opinion it's all about compromise and priorities. Personally I have just moved from an LG G3 (Quad HD display) to the Z3 Compact.
Side by side the LG G3 really looks the business - in fact it is startling. But, the Z3C has a good screen, is much more pocketable, has brilliant battery life (I used to carry a spare with the LG just in case though never actually needed it - came close though), and outdoors in bright sunlight the Sony is much better.
So for me the compromises favoured the Sony.
As ever it's just my opinion but I hope it helps

S2 experience for watching videos and movies?

Hi,
I'm considering buying a tablet for media consumption (reading, browsing, emails, videos and movies) at home mostly but also for occasional travel.
I have ruled out the S3 as it's too expensive, too heavy, I don't need stylus support, and I really don't like glossy or glass finishes. I love the soft touch plastic finish of the S2 and it's incredible low weight especially the 8.0" version. The AMOLED display is stunning as well. I'm also considering the Huawei MediaPad M3, some Asus models, and maybe the iPad Mini 4 (but I have never used iOS before). I'm struggling to decide on two things:
1. 4:3 or 16:10 display?
2. 8" or larger?
Although 4:3 is great for reading it's worse for videos, and I watch a lot of video. I used to own the Galaxy Tab 7.7 (16:10) and I loved it. Great battery, lovely display and a nice size. Would watching standard widescreen (16:9) on the S2 8.0" give me at least the same video size as watching on the 7.7" (assuming no cropping and native aspect ratio)? Are there any links on the internet that show it with video playing? I have read a lot of reviews but none seem to show it playing movie clips. I just want gauge how large the letterboxing will be.
The second point is probably related too the first. I would go larger if I choose a 4:3 tablet.
Are there any tablets with 3:2 display or similar? I only know of the MS Surface tablets and the Pixel C.
Thanks
szqnl said:
Hi,
I'm considering buying a tablet for media consumption (reading, browsing, emails, videos and movies) at home mostly but also for occasional travel.
I have ruled out the S3 as it's too expensive, too heavy, I don't need stylus support, and I really don't like glossy or glass finishes. I love the soft touch plastic finish of the S2 and it's incredible low weight especially the 8.0" version. The AMOLED display is stunning as well. I'm also considering the Huawei MediaPad M3, some Asus models, and maybe the iPad Mini 4 (but I have never used iOS before). I'm struggling to decide on two things:
1. 4:3 or 16:10 display?
2. 8" or larger?
Although 4:3 is great for reading it's worse for videos, and I watch a lot of video. I used to own the Galaxy Tab 7.7 (16:10) and I loved it. Great battery, lovely display and a nice size. Would watching standard widescreen (16:9) on the S2 8.0" give me at least the same video size as watching on the 7.7" (assuming no cropping and native aspect ratio)? Are there any links on the internet that show it with video playing? I have read a lot of reviews but none seem to show it playing movie clips. I just want gauge how large the letterboxing will be.
The second point is probably related too the first. I would go larger if I choose a 4:3 tablet.
Are there any tablets with 3:2 display or similar? I only know of the MS Surface tablets and the Pixel C.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, my experience is that watching videos without headphones is dreadful due to the dire sound quality of the device. Hope this helps!
StrangerWeather said:
Hi, my experience is that watching videos without headphones is dreadful due to the dire sound quality of the device. Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I got that impression from all the reviews that I have read. They really didn't even try with the speakers. What's the audio quality like with headphones? I'm worried that there maybe a difference between the Exynos and Snapdragon versions. There seem to be a lot of different models around.
I found a really good comparison between the Tab S 8.4 and Tab S2 8.0 on YouTube. The letterboxing isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I think I can live with that. Trying to find a good deal on the S2 8.0 Wifi version now. Seems as though only the LTE version is available in Asia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-ZaifGOV2U
szqnl said:
I found a really good comparison between the Tab S 8.4 and Tab S2 8.0 on YouTube. The letterboxing isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I think I can live with that. Trying to find a good deal on the S2 8.0 Wifi version now. Seems as though only the LTE version is available in Asia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-ZaifGOV2U
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not consider the Tab S? Still has the best display for video.
I wouldn't be looking at the 8.4 for media consumption the larger screen of the 10.5 makes all the difference.
ashyx said:
Why not consider the Tab S? Still has the best display for video.
I wouldn't be looking at the 8.4 for media consumption the larger screen of the 10.5 makes all the difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was an option but it's quite old now and not for sale anywhere where I live. I don't like to buy second hand electronics, at least not without testing it first in person. As for size, I'm not sure yet. I have a 5.1" smartphone and 12" laptop so anything between 8-10" should fit nicely. I need to spend more time playing around with display units.
szqnl said:
Th As for size, I'm not sure yet. I have a 5.1" smartphone and 12" laptop so anything between 8-10" should fit nicely. I)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why you need something in between?
My Tab S2 does a fine job with video, and it really doesn't look bad at all when it letterboxes (which is practically all video these days). I will concur that external speakers or headphones are practically required, though. The built-in speaker is good for little more than notifications and background music.
claudioita said:
why you need something in between?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't need, just want
I like to use a "smaller" smartphone in my daily life but it's not great for watching movies or extended browsing/reading. The odd YouTube clip is fine. The Windows laptop I use for work, both at home and when travelling. It's non-touchscreen. I love it and I currently use it for watching movies and browsing/reading at home, but it's not that convenient for media consumption on a casual basis.
A lightweight portable tablet (10" or less) for use around the home and on long trips would be nice. It's definitely not essential which is why I'm looking for a cheapish tablet but I don't mind spending a little more for a quality display. That's why I'm looking for a discounted S2.
Samsung S2 will make a charm
szqnl said:
Don't need, just want
I like to use a "smaller" smartphone in my daily life but it's not great for watching movies or extended browsing/reading. The odd YouTube clip is fine. The Windows laptop I use for work, both at home and when travelling. It's non-touchscreen. I love it and I currently use it for watching movies and browsing/reading at home, but it's not that convenient for media consumption on a casual basis.
A lightweight portable tablet (10" or less) for use around the home and on long trips would be nice. It's definitely not essential which is why I'm looking for a cheapish tablet but I don't mind spending a little more for a quality display. That's why I'm looking for a discounted S2.
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Click to collapse
I would go with Samsung S2. Works well for me. Plus, if you want to hook up a hard drive or speakers to your tablet, you can use accessory called SimulCharge USB (aka TL-002). It provides a simultaneous access to USB devices and charging for the tablet and peripherals in the same time. Now, you can watch all night movies
szqnl said:
Don't need, just want
I like to use a "smaller" smartphone in my daily life but it's not great for watching movies or extended browsing/reading. The odd YouTube clip is fine. The Windows laptop I use for work, both at home and when travelling. It's non-touchscreen. I love it and I currently use it for watching movies and browsing/reading at home, but it's not that convenient for media consumption on a casual basis.
A lightweight portable tablet (10" or less) for use around the home and on long trips would be nice. It's definitely not essential which is why I'm looking for a cheapish tablet but I don't mind spending a little more for a quality display. That's why I'm looking for a discounted S2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see.
I am in a (little) better position.
I have a 5,7 inch smartphone and a Surface Pro 3, 12 inch. The last is good for watching movies, although not optimal as laptop (but ok).
I was wondering if going a different route:
- (keep) the 5,7 inch snartphone
- (buy) a tablet in the 10 inch range
- (buy) a laptop in the 13-14 inch range.
Or just stay as I am ...
claudioita said:
I see.
I am in a (little) better position.
I have a 5,7 inch smartphone and a Surface Pro 3, 12 inch. The last is good for watching movies, although not optimal as laptop (but ok).
I was wondering if going a different route:
- (keep) the 5,7 inch snartphone
- (buy) a tablet in the 10 inch range
- (buy) a laptop in the 13-14 inch range.
Or just stay as I am ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I understand. I thought about getting an SP4 before I bought my laptop. Would have negated the desire for a separate tablet. But in the end I decided to get a traditional laptop for usability as I would be using it the most and I found 2-in-1s to be a little awkward to use as a laptop and too heavy for extended tablet usage.
Maybe wait until the SP5 or updated Huawai Matebook are announced to see what they offer. Also, if you are ok with Android and Samsung, wait for the Note 8 that will likely feature a 6.4"+ display.
No perfect solution, there's always going to be a compromise. I drive myself insane sometimes trying to think about what combination of devices would be best for me and end up buying nothing. :silly: In the end I decided based on convenience and usability of the most important aspects, working and connectivity.
Really want a tablet now though
AMOLED vs IPS.. very simple answer: get the s2 Tab!
It's cheap and the display is stunning. Audio is grand with headphones.
Niii4 said:
AMOLED vs IPS.. very simple answer: get the s2 Tab!
It's cheap and the display is stunning. Audio is grand with headphones.
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That's good to know, thanks. Don't really care about the speakers but the audio quality via the headphones needs to be high.
Once you go OLED screen for videos you never go back.
IPS backlight glow is a bad joke.
StrangerWeather said:
Hi, my experience is that watching videos without headphones is dreadful due to the dire sound quality of the device. Hope this helps!
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The ostracised frustrating thing for me is that the device has stereo speakers, but there are pointing in the same direction, a really terrible waste.
DShot92 said:
the device has stereo speakers, but there are pointing in the same direction, a really terrible waste.
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The speakers are chiefly for the LTE version of the s2 Tab. Namely phonecalls.
Seriously, who watches videos/movies on speaker while en route?
It's just wonderful in every sense. I take it with me in my back pack everywhere and I truly love it. I have a wonderful galaxy s5 too which is also great but when I have time to read and surf the web I take the tab and it's so great and light and fast that I doubt there's anything better in the market. I am writing this from the park in the grass. I use the 8" for the lightweight and comfort of holding it with one hand. I also have a very light 1kg laptop that I only use when I need to type long stuff. For bed and street always the tab s2.
pxp3 said:
...I use the 8" for the lightweight and comfort of holding it with one hand...
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That's exactly why I'm inclined towards getting the 8" version of the S2. It's incredibly light at 265g. You can literally hold it for extended periods with the fingertips of your thumb and index finger alone. The soft touch plastic back is a refreshing change to metal and/or glass. Much easier to hold and looks better in my opinion.
It's also a really comfortable size. I was a little worried about videos being too small due to the display ratio and subsequent letterboxing but it's actually ok. The AMOLED display is gorgeous as well.
An S-Pen would make this perfect! Not important for me though.
I have pretty much decided to get this now. Just waiting a while because I sense a price drop coming when the S3 becomes available here. Although I get the impression Samsung may keep the Tab S2 series going at the same price due to the S3 not really being a direct replacement.
Thank you to everyone for your comments and input
I was a little worried about videos being too small due to the display ratio..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is definitely a sub 8" experience with movies that have only x800 something vertical pixel (e.g. 1920x816) so I prefer x1080 videos. But still, the display is the very best on the market; for its price.
I would not wait for a price drop.. it may very likely rise or worse be sold out soon, once people recognize its value.

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