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Hey guys,
This is my first serious thread, so please hit me over the head with a frying pan if I did anything wrong. I won't take it personally. I tried to search the forums for an answer to this question but I couldn't find a thread about it, so here goes...
I'm sorta looking at the Droid 3 as a replacement for my Milestone. I've also looked at the Desire Z, but I'd really like to have a dedicated number row, which is one reason I'm not too keen on the Desire Z. So the Droid 3 looks pretty good to me right now, but it depends on how the keyboard feels.
My question is basically, has anyone who's owned a Droid or a Milestone (or any of the other phys-key phones) bought one of these, and can they tell me how the keyboard feels in comparison? Since I'd have to import it, I can't really go out to the store and try it for myself, which is what I'd normally do. Preferably I'd like to hear if the keys feel like they are just one plastic sheet, or actual different buttons. That's my main complaint with the Milestone, that all the buttons feel like they're connected and just cut out.
(Note: I don't want to start an argument about physical keyboards vs. virtual keyboards. I can't live without my QWERTY! )
Had an OG Droid with the bubbling keyboard issue. So in my experience this is much, much better. Keys feel great, perfect size, etc.
Sent from my DROID3 using xda premium
I had an OG droid since day 1... 3 days ago I picked up a D3 and I have to tell you, the absolute best part about the phone is how exceptional the keyboard is. The Keyboard is the #1 reason I picked up the D3, I just cant stand using a touchscreen to type.
The phone has it's flaws, but I couldn't be happier having such an excellent keyboard. Totally worth it man.
i have 3 milestones, each with a slightly different physical keyboard (one completely flat, on slightly raised, and one really raised), and a couple of my mates have desire z's. i havent played with a d2/ milestone 2, but what i can say is that the d3's keyboard is infinitely better than any of my milestones, and better than the desire z's... the buttons on the d3 are much much easier to press than the ones on the milestone
it took me a while to get used to the d3 cause if the slightly larger size, but after a week or 2 i'm back to being able to type without looking, and i'm probably a little faster than i was with my milestone.
Thanks guys, that sounds reassuring! It sure looks like a good device too. I might hold off until some ROMs start showing up and development becomes fired up (Cyanogenmod is so lovely on my Milestone, I don't know if I could go back to stock), but it's definitely at the top of my to-get list with comments like that.
And yeah, I tried the Desire Z briefly with a friend and it was ok, but I didn't like the hinge (maybe it was my friend's set that was bad, but it didn't snap, so it would get stuck halfway, and if you held it upside down, it would just sort of hang there and get in the way of the keyboard)... And the number row is a big deal for me, too!
The keyboard feels like each key is an independent button. Sort of like the newer 'Chiclet' style keyboards on laptops and netbooks. Honestly, it is the best physical smartphone keyboard I have ever used.
The keyboard is the reason I got the Droid 3 over the Bionic.
D3 definitely feels like the keyboard has seperated keys, extremely nice to use in hand
I'm pretty sure this verdict will all depend on what phone you're coming from. I had a Touch Pro2 and that keyboard was amazing, arguable the best available to date. After having the D3 activated and under use for about 6 hours i'm not as impressed as I would have liked. One thing that is really bugging me is the sliding mechanism...I did see on all the reviews that they mentioned there was no spring in it but I really underestimated how hard it would be to open the keyboard, especially with the thin styling (not much to push against). I always find myself pushing slowly until i hear the 'click,' because i don't want to damage it but need to slide it all the way to reveal all the keys. Also the buttons are a little smaller than the TP2 so this will be a learning curve for me...it took me about a month to get used to a Blackberry I had as a temp phone so I'm hoping I'll get accustomed to this one just as quickly if not faster.
I'm almost positive in the end it will be more than satisfying. Just sort of a downgrade for me.
Easily the best physical keyboard I've ever used. The keys have a nice layout, perfect spacing and size, and the click is just right.
GoogleAndroid said:
Easily the best physical keyboard I've ever used. The keys have a nice layout, perfect spacing and size, and the click is just right.
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Click to collapse
Like (almost) everyone says . . . they keyboard is exceptional. I thought the Atrix4g was well made, but this D3 takes the cake. It's hard for me to believe I once thought that HTCs were well-made phones. Moto has come a long way in build quality since my squeaky, uncomfortable-to-do anything with Timeport!
Id love to upgrade to this from my touch pro 2, but I really need a keyboard for Txting. anyone know of a bluetooth keyboard that is good?
thank you!
-Jamie, loves her tp2, but hates its sluggishness.
Apple Keyboard
A full sized Apple Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard worked. Took a while to figure how to pair it. Its full sized and its not necessary for texting but it works... This keyboard could be better for a tablet.
all bluetooth keyboard to work?
All full size Bluetooth keyboards I've tried worked ok. But that is a no go for on the go at least for me. Do update if you have success with any of the 4 to 5 inch keyboards as that would be interesting. Foldable is also an option but than price shots trough the roof.
ogremount said:
All full size Bluetooth keyboards I've tried worked ok. But that is a no go for on the go at least for me. Do update if you have success with any of the 4 to 5 inch keyboards as that would be interesting. Foldable is also an option but than price shots trough the roof.
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Does anyone have a link to "cheap" keyboards? I want a pretty much full size one, or one, which is about as big as a laptop keyboard. I would like to use it for university and there a full size one is the best option i think. I also got a laptop, but thats too heave to carry it with me everyday.
I am wondering between few 15 to 25 euros keyboards on Amazon and not entirely sold on neither. The one i like the most is this one for the size
www.amazon.co.uk/7dayshop-Mini-Blue...sr_1_7_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Or this one for the extra space when unfolded.
www.amazon.co.uk/7dayshop-Bluetooth...4O/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1334175728&sr=8-10
Both have dubious reviews but for that much money not the end of the world.
Only thing stopping me is the fact that Swipe has started working absolutely brilliantly since last update and makes correct predictions in all the languages i use.
I'm looking into getting the tf701 as my first Android Tablet. I think I've pretty much settled on it, but I just have a few questions.
Is it fully functional without the keyboard dock, or has the UI been changed in such a way that using without the dock is problematic (I don't plan on getting one for at least the first year)?
What am I missing out on without the dock? As far as I can tell, they dock offers a keyboard (duh), extra battery and USB 3 connectivity. As far as I can tell, All other slots (SD Card, headphones) are on the tablet, please correct if I'm mistaken.
Is there a dongle to enable USB without having a dock? It seems there was one for older models, but I can't find one for this model specifically.
If i connect a bluetooth keyboard, is the experience the same as with the dock? (minus battery and USB obviously)
What kind of case is necessary? Do I need a heavy duty otter box style case, or do the basic pleather ones do well enough.
The only other tablets which seem to be comparable are the Sony Xperia Tablet Z, which is something else I'm considering, and the Galaxy Note 2014 (quite a bit out of my price range). Are there any other tablets I should be looking at?
Sorry for all the questions, but these tablets aren't cheap, and I want to make sure I'm making the right decision.
CastrTroy said:
I'm looking into getting the tf701 as my first Android Tablet. I think I've pretty much settled on it, but I just have a few questions.
Is it fully functional without the keyboard dock, or has the UI been changed in such a way that using without the dock is problematic (I don't plan on getting one for at least the first year)?
What am I missing out on without the dock? As far as I can tell, they dock offers a keyboard (duh), extra battery and USB 3 connectivity. As far as I can tell, All other slots (SD Card, headphones) are on the tablet, please correct if I'm mistaken.
Is there a dongle to enable USB without having a dock? It seems there was one for older models, but I can't find one for this model specifically.
If i connect a bluetooth keyboard, is the experience the same as with the dock? (minus battery and USB obviously)
What kind of case is necessary? Do I need a heavy duty otter box style case, or do the basic pleather ones do well enough.
The only other tablets which seem to be comparable are the Sony Xperia Tablet Z, which is something else I'm considering, and the Galaxy Note 2014 (quite a bit out of my price range). Are there any other tablets I should be looking at?
Sorry for all the questions, but these tablets aren't cheap, and I want to make sure I'm making the right decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello tab works fine with out keyboard. it is just like any other tab
the keyboard adds a sd card slot. usb and battery, track pad. the tab has a micro sd slot.
it is worth getting the dock if you like to sit on the train and watch a video or do some emails/ work much more comfy than holding the tab or sitting it on a bag or lap to do this.
any case is fine i like the caseen ones.
I don't own the dock. If I wanted a dock I'd buy a laptop. For me, it defeats the whole purpose of owning a tablet.
Sent from my Transformer Infinity TF701T using Tapatalk HD
I've had my tf701 for almost a month and I'm not a fan of not having a kb. I like being able to type faster and having different degree of tilt when I'm using the tablet, plus the extra battery life of the dock. And it's a PITA trying to hold the tablet when I'm watching a video in bed. My tf700 has a dock and I can just lay it on my lap or if I'm laying down I lay it on my tummy and angle the screen down so I have the best viewing angle and my hands are free. And to me, my tablet is my laptop replacement.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
The auto-background-dimming problem kills it for me, even if there were no issues with the dock.
improvius said:
The auto-background-dimming problem kills it for me, even if there were no issues with the dock.
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Click to collapse
has anyone spoken to asus about it?
mine in jp doesnt dim like in the vid else where but does change too often for my liking and doesn`t fade the dim like my old acer a510 wish it did.
improvius said:
The auto-background-dimming problem kills it for me, even if there were no issues with the dock.
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Click to collapse
The dimming issue is for me really not a biggie, I hardly notice it.
But main concern is for me the dock connection problem.
My expectance is that all users who don't have the problem now wil have it sooner or later because the mechanical stress put on to the connector (both female and male side) is immense and (as electronic engineer with my own engineering company) it will fail for sure later on.
We would NEVER put an electronic device on the market with such a dorming problem!!
I had a TF700 for a year without a kb dock, it's really not necessary. Android and tablets in general are designed to be used from a touch screen. SwiftKey is a really nice keyboard btw, I like the split keyboard for thumb typing.
That being side when I got the TF701, because of the TF700's annoying lagginess, I picked up the keyboard with it on a whim. It's actually really nice to be able to plug in a real keyboard when you want to type out an email or a forum post. The track pad on the keyboard sucks by the way, but you still have the touchscreen so it's not a game killer.
on the subject of keyboards. the Japanese supplied keyboard app that runs with the dock sucks when in tablet only mode you must press enter every word you type. There is no option to remove this even with predictive off.
I downloaded a third party jp keyboard but it fills up half the screen when typing on keyboard dock and it doesn`t register the keys for changing input language.
does anyone know if there is a multi language keyboard that will work correctly with the tf701 keyboard and all it`s keys.
The physical keyboard is a real blessing especially if you have to be on the road a lot. Typing emails, longer texts just isn't and will never be as smooth and fast without a real one. I'm currently using the tf300 combined with the KB and its like a mini notebook.
Will be buying the tf701 next year - the screen is like night and day compared to the tf300 - my girlfriend just bought it and i cannot get her to trade wonder why +gg+
If yyou are looking for a great keyboard app, I'd recommend thumb keyboard, no other KB has that much customization options.
The formfactor of the TF701 (tablet+keyboarddock) is just the USP that makes people choose for this tablet.
When bought without the dock and no need for a keyboard there are more competitors with similar products which you can compare to each other.
Then things like support (updates frequently available), build quality, stability and over all speed are most important.
The dimming issue will be fixed in a future firmware update. The dock issues are being addresses as well. The tablet is less than 2 months old. We'll always suffer as early adapters with Asus. It is what it is..
Sent from my Transformer Infinity TF701T using Tapatalk HD
Thumbs up for Thumb Keyboard
frankgreimes said:
If you are looking for a great keyboard app, I'd recommend thumb keyboard, no other KB has that much customization options.
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Click to collapse
I also use Thumb Keyboard and think it's hands down the best android keyboard out there. The only downside I've found is that it doesn't do swiping. I've recently discovered Swype and for quick texts on a phone it's much easier to use. For the tablet, however, it will always be Thumb Keyboard for me!
yeah it`s not supporting jp at this time so i`ll keep looking for a good app.
After learning about the official specs for the Nexus 9, I decided to get the Tab S 10.5.
The Nexus 9 turned out to be a huge disappointment, aside from the Tegra K1 chip and stock Android. Let's see:
- smaller screen size
- lower resolution
- slightly lower ppi
- smaller battery
- higher price tag (for a Nexus device)
- only 2 GB of RAM
- thicker bzels
- no stereo front speakers
- thicker and only a few grams lighter, despite being a whole lot smaller
I'm aware that I'm kind of comparing apples to oranges, as they're different screen sizes, but they're *my* choices.
I'm seriously disappointed with Google for botching the Nexus 9. It could've been awesome... The Nexus 6, however, is one damn nice phone.
the screen of Tab S kills the Nexus 9.
[email protected] said:
the screen of Tab S kills the Nexus 9.
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That's another reason the Tab S is better than Nexus 9.
Nexus devices never had AMOLED displays. The Nexus 6 will be the first.
rodrigorajao said:
That's another reason the Tab S is better than Nexus 9.
Nexus devices never had AMOLED displays. The Nexus 6 will be the first.
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nope the Legend Nexus One had one, Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus too, it was from Nexus 4/5 we did not get AMOLED
rodrigorajao said:
After learning about the official specs for the Nexus 9, I decided to get the Tab S 10.5.
The Nexus 9 turned out to be a huge disappointment, aside from the Tegra K1 chip and stock Android. Let's see:
- smaller screen size
- lower resolution
- slightly lower ppi
- smaller battery
- higher price tag (for a Nexus device)
- only 2 GB of RAM
- thicker bzels
- no stereo front speakers
- thicker and only a few grams lighter, despite being a whole lot smaller
I'm aware that I'm kind of comparing apples to oranges, as they're different screen sizes, but they're *my* choices.
I'm seriously disappointed with Google for botching the Nexus 9. It could've been awesome... The Nexus 6, however, is one damn nice phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, been waiting all year for the announcement and just getting more and more disappointed as the rumours trickled out. You don't mention what was the real deal-breaker for me: the 4:3 aspect ratio . Have they never tried to watch a movie on an iPad ffs?
Picked up my new Tab S 10.5 on Thursday to find a great offer just started (here in the UK anyway). Warranty extended to 3 years, £50 of Play Store credit and a free 32GB micro-SD card thrown in!
This is the first Samsung device I have owned. I was willing to give Touchwiz a try but I'm afraid it only lasted a day. I had been a bit worried about all the talk of lag around here. I can confirm it is there but very, very slight and as far as I can see is completely confined to the stock launcher and its widgets.
I now have Nova laid out the way I like it with 3 home screens full of scrolling APW widgets for news, Twitter, agenda etc as well as Google Now stuff and I can tell you everything behaves beautifully and as smooth as butter. The underlying Android menus which Samsung have fiddled with always were very smooth even with TW launcher.
This is one beautiful piece of kit and my only regret is having hung on so long for news of the Nexus.
Restorer said:
I had been a bit worried about all the talk of lag around here. I can confirm it is there but very, very slight and as far as I can see is completely confined to the stock launcher and its widgets.
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Click to collapse
Rooting + TiBu Freeze of Samsung bloat apps = lag free experience.
tbcpn said:
Rooting + TiBu Freeze of Samsung bloat apps = lag free experience.
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Click to collapse
As I said replacing TW's launcher with Nova Launcher was enough to get rid of all signs of lag for me . It would be nice to get rid of more of the Samsung bloatware just on principle but unfortunately some of us are too reliant these days on root-detecting apps which makes rooting more trouble than it's worth.
Restorer said:
As I said replacing TW's launcher with Nova Launcher was enough to get rid of all signs of lag for me . It would be nice to get rid of more of the Samsung bloatware just on principle but unfortunately some of us are too reliant these days on root-detecting apps which makes rooting more trouble than it's worth.
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Yes, Nova Launcher helps considerably. I've been running it on all my devices since its first beta. Good stuff.
was waiting for nexus 9
but now i hate it is very disappointment
i really hope lg make great tab like my lg g pro 2 it is fantastic phone no lag at all very very fast love the software
tbcpn said:
Rooting + TiBu Freeze of Samsung bloat apps = lag free experience.
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Click to collapse
Indeeed, the Tab S has great hardware, but terrible software. My 16GB RAM has over 4GB of "system files" out of the box. This is totally unacceptable in my book.
I'll root this sucker and uninstall the crap as soon as my return period is up.
nexus 9 has stereo front facing speakers
tm15 said:
nexus 9 has stereo front facing speakers
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Yep, and if they are anything like the M8's speakers, they will blow away the Tab S's. Having said that I still think the Tab S is an overall better device. The worst thing about the Nexus 9: it looks like an ipad.
The worst thing about the nexus 9 is the smaller screen and higher price tag.
I bought one the other day instead of getting the iPad Air 2. So far so good. Only thing I need to get used to is holding in landscape all the time. I never turn my iPads to landscape.
Restorer said:
As I said replacing TW's launcher with Nova Launcher was enough to get rid of all signs of lag for me . It would be nice to get rid of more of the Samsung bloatware just on principle but unfortunately some of us are too reliant these days on root-detecting apps which makes rooting more trouble than it's worth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Nova makes a huge difference. Rooting for me is a no go on this device as well for the same reason.
blueboy1971 said:
Same here. Nova makes a huge difference. Rooting for me is a no go on this device as well for the same reason.
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Sad though that a manufacturer as large as Samsung can't get its own software to work smoothly on its own flagship device when a little outfit like Nova can get their stuff optimized just fine
I've come from the Galaxy note 10.1 2012 edition which was also a great tablet but this Galaxy S is just a stuipdly good tablet and you can pick up some recon bargains from Argos now too, got mine for £329 - it came brand new in opened box, looks like it had been opened and then just returned, still had plastic cover and all cables were still bagged etc.
Screen is simply amazing in the dark, still get inky blacks in pitch black, however there is a greeny colour cast orsomething to it in daylight when the birghtness is turned down and the headphone volume could be about 30% louder (system\etc default volme tweaks dont work for me for some reason).
I just bought a 10.5 last night and I couldn't be happier. The screen is amazing! Haven't experienced any lag but I put nova launcher on it rite away since I always use it on my phones. Loving it so far
I think Tab S is a good choice.. I have one question though.
How to hold the Tab S in protrait mode as I keep pressing the menu or back key.. Please help.
leojab said:
I think Tab S is a good choice.. I have one question though.
How to hold the Tab S in protrait mode as I keep pressing the menu or back key.. Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hold it lower or use one hand - it's light enough ! This is my first Samsung and I need to get used to the hardware buttons - especially since they decided to put Back and Recent the other way round to normal Android.
They say it takes 30 days for our brain to form new habits. Oh well, only 3 weeks to go now .
Normally use Gboard but two days ago install Swiftkey on my Note 8
Wow .... I mean terrible terrible gesture our floor typing. I sometimes couldn't even get really simple words to be correct even if I was really slow and careful
It was essentially unusable
Has anyone else noticed this? Is it a Swiftkey problem or one specific to Note 8
whats worse, is they reduced the sizes in menu as small as samsung keyboard, the older versions one could make it as large as the screen.
yeah i dunno what happened to them, they used to be great, now just horrible
Swiftkey used to be an AMAZING app years ago. It was one of those REQUIRED apps to download like Nova. But after they were acquired by Microsoft it became fully sh*t.
Guess I'm the opposite. I think Gboard is terrible compared to SwiftKey.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Update: I have officially retired both Swiftkey and Gboard for Samsung's updated keyboard. This blows them both out the water.
The problem with Samsung keyboard is when u change the dpi, keyboard won't occupy the whole screen, kind of like one hand mode
Is that on Oreo? You can now resize the Samsung Keyboard.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
J used to use guard and swiftkey all the time. Like someone else said it was one of the first apps that I downloaded but honestly I'm really liking Samsung's keyboard after the update.
On a slightly different topic, after Oreo I decided to retry the Samsung keyboard, still crap.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk