Database Develop

[Q] FP: Can I use this phone+tablet sans the phone?

My My..what a Charming Video. It's a pity that I in this First Post case I can't be brief. I feel I must state WHY am here for the best effect later on. I presume there is a sense of community here so I feel it is best to get it all out of the way now in my first post and be done with it. That said I have to applaud you all for being so thorough. Its Very Impressive...though I suppose nothing less should be expected from coders.
Goodday All,
First... Let me introduce myself - I am CrazyOGuy.
While I do what I can to be technical (and I can tout a decent share), over all technology of today is nothing less then science fiction made real. Its... humbling. Just for the sake for putting down the ground work..for me it will be a bit slower and take longer to gather my thoughts and in turn understand all this...*Stuff*. Please ...Mercy upon me with all your infinite wisdom. Work with me and I shall return the effort.So with that said... with this post here I am officially one step closer at trying something completely new to me. For the sake of incite for the wall of text I shall summarize what to expect all this text for; It's for a audiophile and his Music, New Devices and its respective OS, and What I can do with them (Root). I have been very busy in my exhaustive research.
There is a reason for all the text here before the final literal line (information is like that), but if you wish to skip to the main point of this post, I have made it so you can do so and just get to the point.
---------------
As stated Music is a big thing for me, and as such I had for a time something called a Cowon J3. With its BBE enhancements along with other proprietary enhancements, a OLED Screen, Amazing Battery Life , and the ability to play practically every Audio (and Video) file under the sun It was just about everything I could ask for. But then I found I bonus use for it- Just Icing on the cake; I also used it as a portable portfolio of sorts. With its stunning OLED Screen I used it to show video and pictures of things I have made. Then I put it in my pocket and it was my Personal Media Player again. Then - Gone. ( I'm not going to elaborate in that part so please don't ask.) That's what I miss the most. I miss bringing my music with me - but oddly enough what I miss more so is not having my archive of past work at my finger tips. That's what I have been searching for. Sadly the J3 is one of a kind and has just recently discontinued. If it wasn't for the successor being right around the corner (which I have heard October) I would probably get another one and be done with it.
You can change software - But hardware is a bit more permanent - these are the things I think about when I make a "computer based" purchase. But events have forced my hand... I can't wait anymore. So I am now considering what ...I really....REALLY...I mean REALLY! ...Didn't want to consider. Blasted Newfangled Tech. I have yet to interface with an Android OS. I have of course heard about it, but don't really know much because I haven't needed to. I haven't held it in my hand and played with it. I don't know how far I can mod it. How to shape it... help make the device "My Own" (like remove the TouchWiz UI).
So with that said I first looked at tablets and settled on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7. While it doesn't play FLAC out of the Box I hear that there are Android Apps one can get that can make it play .flac and sound better...like Voodoo or Power Amp (thought I would prefer BBE which unfortunately is iOS only for now). It also has a very nice screen. But then in my ever classic fashion of being thorough I said...Ok I like this; Just to make sure let's see If I can find something better. Better in this case means : Smaller, Nice Screen, Plays FLAC default...
Then I found something better. The catch was it was a "Smart Phone" - or as I call them- a REALLY small computer. The Phone in question is the Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 ( I know about the chip difference in the Samsung SGH-i717 Galaxy Note LTE).The thing is...I'm not going to use it as "A Phone" because I have a phone. It makes calls and DOESN'T DROP THEM 99.8% of the time. That's all it does. It's all I need it to do. It does a great job at it. I'm happy. There are more reasons...but it would be best not to start the rant. Not going to talk any more about it.
Therefore I want to use the small computer phone as a small computer tablet but with the main purpose of a PMP which happens to have some extra features along with it.
---------------------------------------------------So why am I posting this here? ---------------------------------------------------
The reason I have just submitted this "wall of text" because I am in need of a informed second opinion(s). I know NOTHING about this kind of stuff, so I need to make sure that this Crazy Idea of mine isn't just wrong due to something I may have missed. I have found that no matter HOW GOOD you are (or at least for myself) at researching and gathering data about -whatever- it's never fully done without a subject savvy/aware Human being giving their thoughts on whatever the matter may be. With that said here is what I want to do..."THE PLAN" as it were.
I intend to buy a Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 5.3" Android (Unlocked, 850/1900 3G) and use it as the world's smallest Tablet PMP. NO PHONE USE. In regards of its connection to the internet/"Google Play" I intend to use its WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct & Wi-Fi hotspot abilities when I need to. No Sim Card. I will then proceed in doing what it takes to modify it (though I don't know much about that bit right now which is why I am posting here) and add the appropriate apps to either bring it to -OR- exceed the J3 PMP Sound Quality.
I want to Root...but I have Never done anything like this before and am ignorantly unaware of how these things work (and to a degree the total power of rooting a device). All I really know is that if done incorrectly I get a really expensive paper weight. ( I imagine I will be reading a lot of your wiki...I have already gathered some info from the wiki about the wifi issue)
Is my plan/idea feasible, or will the lack of the sim card cause the wifi to be moot? I have a million questions want to ask like can I turn off the GPS and do things for tablets work with this...phonetablet? All this is in the to make sure I don't waste the cash on false pretenses.
Thank You for your Understanding (particularly if you read all of this post. Bravo!)

CrazyOGuy said:
My My..what a Charming Video. It's a pity that I in this First Post case I can't be brief. I feel I must state WHY am here for the best effect later on. I presume there is a sense of community here so I feel it is best to get it all out of the way now in my first post and be done with it. That said I have to applaud you all for being so thorough. Its Very Impressive...though I suppose nothing less should be expected from coders.
Goodday All,
First... Let me introduce myself - I am CrazyOGuy.
While I do what I can to be technical (and I can tout a decent share), over all technology of today is nothing less then science fiction made real. Its... humbling. Just for the sake for putting down the ground work..for me it will be a bit slower and take longer to gather my thoughts and in turn understand all this...*Stuff*. Please ...Mercy upon me with all your infinite wisdom. Work with me and I shall return the effort.So with that said... with this post here I am officially one step closer at trying something completely new to me. For the sake of incite for the wall of text I shall summarize what to expect all this text for; It's for a audiophile and his Music, New Devices and its respective OS, and What I can do with them (Root). I have been very busy in my exhaustive research.
There is a reason for all the text here before the final literal line (information is like that), but if you wish to skip to the main point of this post, I have made it so you can do so and just get to the point.
---------------
As stated Music is a big thing for me, and as such I had for a time something called a Cowon J3. With its BBE enhancements along with other proprietary enhancements, a OLED Screen, Amazing Battery Life , and the ability to play practically every Audio (and Video) file under the sun It was just about everything I could ask for. But then I found I bonus use for it- Just Icing on the cake; I also used it as a portable portfolio of sorts. With its stunning OLED Screen I used it to show video and pictures of things I have made. Then I put it in my pocket and it was my Personal Media Player again. Then - Gone. ( I'm not going to elaborate in that part so please don't ask.) That's what I miss the most. I miss bringing my music with me - but oddly enough what I miss more so is not having my archive of past work at my finger tips. That's what I have been searching for. Sadly the J3 is one of a kind and has just recently discontinued. If it wasn't for the successor being right around the corner (which I have heard October) I would probably get another one and be done with it.
You can change software - But hardware is a bit more permanent - these are the things I think about when I make a "computer based" purchase. But events have forced my hand... I can't wait anymore. So I am now considering what ...I really....REALLY...I mean REALLY! ...Didn't want to consider. Blasted Newfangled Tech. I have yet to interface with an Android OS. I have of course heard about it, but don't really know much because I haven't needed to. I haven't held it in my hand and played with it. I don't know how far I can mod it. How to shape it... help make the device "My Own" (like remove the TouchWiz UI).
So with that said I first looked at tablets and settled on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7. While it doesn't play FLAC out of the Box I hear that there are Android Apps one can get that can make it play .flac and sound better...like Voodoo or Power Amp (thought I would prefer BBE which unfortunately is iOS only for now). It also has a very nice screen. But then in my ever classic fashion of being thorough I said...Ok I like this; Just to make sure let's see If I can find something better. Better in this case means : Smaller, Nice Screen, Plays FLAC default...
Then I found something better. The catch was it was a "Smart Phone" - or as I call them- a REALLY small computer. The Phone in question is the Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 ( I know about the chip difference in the Samsung SGH-i717 Galaxy Note LTE).The thing is...I'm not going to use it as "A Phone" because I have a phone. It makes calls and DOESN'T DROP THEM 99.8% of the time. That's all it does. It's all I need it to do. It does a great job at it. I'm happy. There are more reasons...but it would be best not to start the rant. Not going to talk any more about it.
Therefore I want to use the small computer phone as a small computer tablet but with the main purpose of a PMP which happens to have some extra features along with it.
---------------------------------------------------So why am I posting this here? ---------------------------------------------------
The reason I have just submitted this "wall of text" because I am in need of a informed second opinion(s). I know NOTHING about this kind of stuff, so I need to make sure that this Crazy Idea of mine isn't just wrong due to something I may have missed. I have found that no matter HOW GOOD you are (or at least for myself) at researching and gathering data about -whatever- it's never fully done without a subject savvy/aware Human being giving their thoughts on whatever the matter may be. With that said here is what I want to do..."THE PLAN" as it were.
I intend to buy a Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 5.3" Android (Unlocked, 850/1900 3G) and use it as the world's smallest Tablet PMP. NO PHONE USE. In regards of its connection to the internet/"Google Play" I intend to use its WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct & Wi-Fi hotspot abilities when I need to. No Sim Card. I will then proceed in doing what it takes to modify it (though I don't know much about that bit right now which is why I am posting here) and add the appropriate apps to either bring it to -OR- exceed the J3 PMP Sound Quality.
I want to Root...but I have Never done anything like this before and am ignorantly unaware of how these things work (and to a degree the total power of rooting a device). All I really know is that if done incorrectly I get a really expensive paper weight. ( I imagine I will be reading a lot of your wiki...I have already gathered some info from the wiki about the wifi issue)
Is my plan/idea feasible, or will the lack of the sim card cause the wifi to be moot? I have a million questions want to ask like can I turn off the GPS and do things for tablets work with this...phonetablet? All this is in the to make sure I don't waste the cash on false pretenses.
Thank You for your Understanding (particularly if you read all of this post. Bravo!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly I want to say hello to you!
Yes, you can use galaxy note without SIM card and use it only as a Wi-Fi device. You can root it, customize it, flash ROMs on it, do pretty much whatever you want. You can install different players if you want FLAC funcionality, play store has a lot of music players apss to choose from.
But I want to give you an advice. If you don't want to use it as a phone, if you want a big screened device which plays audio and video, and it's capable of browsing the web etc., then you should really consider NOT to buy Galaxy Note!
Instead you can get Galaxy player with 5' screen! It has a slower processor and a screen with lower resolution but it is far more cheaper and perfect for your needs.
Power Amp has great sound quality in my opinion and it has built in EQ so you can adjust it just the way you like it!
take a look at this video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T-zazpaY_A

TL;DR
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

mix001 said:
Firstly I want to say hello to you!
Yes, you can use galaxy note without SIM card and use it only as a Wi-Fi device. You can root it, customize it, flash ROMs on it, do pretty much whatever you want. You can install different players if you want FLAC funcionality, play store has a lot of music players apss to choose from.
But I want to give you an advice. If you don't want to use it as a phone, if you want a big screened device which plays audio and video, and it's capable of browsing the web etc., then you should really consider NOT to buy Galaxy Note!
Instead you can get Galaxy player with 5' screen! It has a slower processor and a screen with lower resolution but it is far more cheaper and perfect for your needs.
Power Amp has great sound quality in my opinion and it has built in EQ so you can adjust it just the way you like it!
take a look at this video!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woah! - you quoted the entire thing. The Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0 is nice and if I was just doing thing on simply a music stand point I would be absolutely agree.
But since I the Samsung Galaxy Note N7000 has a Wacom Pen in it, for me it opens up possibilities in the event I use Adobes mobile apps. In the event I am showing off things visual in nature the nicer OLED based screen is a good idea. Also its since its supposed to be a phone its smaller than the smallest average tablet...making it abit more pocketable (thought I know it's pretty big for a phone).
I don't mind putting down money If I can make the most out of it...make it worth the investment (which with the database of this place I intend to do).
Besides If I for some reason wanted it to be a phone I would likely have gone with the LTE vers. which is slower and more expensive. That's the logic I'm telling myself any way.
I don't know what some of the things you mentioned are...but I guess that gives me something to look up later on.
Thank You.

The note is definitely quite a step up from your old j3 . (never heard of Cowan or j3 before )
I googled a bit and found that j3 had good battery backup so if you are planning to replace that with a galaxy note you should also be aware that this phone is really powerful and it chugs up the battery like crazy.
So if you plan to go all out editing multimedia,streaming videos,dlna,wifi....it won't last that long.
I am not discouraging you from getting the note, cuz other than this issue you will absolutely love the note.

itsrijo said:
The note is definitely quite a step up from your old j3 . (never heard of Cowan or j3 before )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not surprised at all. It's a very audiophile centric device. If it wasn't for its (or should I say Cowons reputation) for Legendary sound quality and Great Battery life they probably wouldn't exist anymore. Everything else Cowon does is...seemingly erratic and odd. They only just recently shipped their first android device with 2.3 Gingerbread, which was one of a few reasons I found was odd enough to look other places. And so... I am here.
itsrijo said:
I googled a bit and found that j3 had good battery backup so if you are planning to replace that with a galaxy note you should also be aware that this phone is really powerful and it chugs up the battery like crazy.
So if you plan to go all out editing multimedia,streaming videos,dlna,wifi....it won't last that long.
I am not discouraging you from getting the note, cuz other than this issue you will absolutely love the note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that is something I am currently looking into. It's the one thing that I'm unsure about. As quoted from your wiki (and I Samsungs website) when on Stand-By the Battery lasts Up to 960 h (2G) / Up to 820 h (3G) and during Talk time (which I'm going to presume it means use of the respective connections): Up to 26 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 13 h 30 min (3G). The thing is I won't be using 2 or 3 G. Just Wi-Fi. So I'm thinking that If I can disable things that I'm not going to use at all I can boot the Battery time up for a few extra minutes. I also need to see if I can disable the GPS because I'm not going to really use it since the only reason I would have Wi-Fi on is to Upgrade or Download an app, even then I presume I could just connect the Note to a computer and get the same thing done that way. All this is presuming that I can do these things.
The main power drain for my expected uses would be from the screen and this amazing Exynos chipset I keep reading about. Otherwise Ill just turn the screen off and listen to my music.
-----------------------------
Edit:Well I have been peruseing this forum I have noted some things. There is no dedicated post for newer individuals... fortunately I found a video about What a Root is (which I essentially knew already). I see all this talk about Roms and can't help but feel a little overwhelmed. There are so MANY of them...whatever they are. I also keep reading about USBs and SD cards - Kernels and Flashing. I have looked at the wiki but I find my self still not comprehending what all this is about. Sense its my intent to mod the Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 to my likeing- I think it would be a good idea if I understood what I would be getting into before I jump in. I must be crazy - Looking before I leap!? Absurd!
Since I presume that when/If I root I am saying "So long" to the warranty, does this mean I can't get a Samsung Account? Ive looked around and I can't seem to find a Download to Odin - which I currently think is required to root the Sam-Note. I'm not complaining, but I have to say there is just so much here. The hardest part is figuring out the right question to search.

I apologize for the bump, but I have a few more questions before my use of this thread I have created is complete. I also apologize for the...link format. Its the spam filter...I'm still new apparently. Go figure. Ill presume you all will know what needs to be filled in.
The Questions:
Does anyone have a recommendations on where I should buy the Unlocked SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE/GT-N7000 Note? I just want to know the options I may have other than Amazon, Ebay, or Expansys.
Will [".youtube.com/watch?src_vid=cJjh6gi0Spw&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_802229&v=ehXcnqntsro"]THIS[/URL] root method work with 4.0 Ice-cream Sandwich? Is there currently anything here that won't work/isn't stable with said Android OS version?
Will Adobes Apps ([".adobe.com/products/photoshop-touch/tech-specs.html"]Photoshop Touch[/URL] for example) work on the SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE/GT-N7000? I ask this because said app is made for a tablet...but the GALAXY NOTE isn't your average tablet since it's a phone? It meets the resolution requirements... just not the size. Hence the confusion. This kind of thing is actually my biggest query at the moment...perhaps I should broaden the question...If it is made for a standard tablet, will it work with this sort of tablet?
Will Rooting make my phone more susceptible to being Hijacked/Hacked /Virus?..so on. I presume its no, but security is nothing to play with. Does McAfee have an App? (That was a joke)
Once I have rooted- is there any way for ME to customize the UI and how the hardware (such as GPS and Ram) functions. As you may have gathered I know my away around Adobe Suite and I could at the very least do some of that... or do I just have to...ugh...what's the jargon word...
Flash the Rom with someone else's handy work?
I also have a VooDoo Music App based compatibility question but I'll just ask in its respective thread later on.
---
You all (well most) have been very helpful. I know the main purpose of this site is Modding Android (or at least the phones they come on) , and not to play 20 questions with the noob who doesn't even have the device yet! So - Thank you for your understanding. It is greatly appreciated.

When will Google Tv be loved?

This is just a topic open for debate and discussion based on my limited knowledge and consumeristic, impatient, and biased views.
Perhaps like many of you when I heard about Google TV I dropped a load. Holy $&!# I thought. My android phone is rooted and running custom ROMS and doing things the manufacturer and carrier never allowed or implemented. So I went out and bought a NSX46GT1 and havent looked back since. I have never been able to compare my Sony say LG's version or Apple TV but I feel its safe to say that Google TV is the future. Its kind of "gimmicky" right now but Im confident it will only grow because of Androids almost limitless potential. There has been some back and forth at least from big manufacturers about producing a set top box or all in one TV. However at least a handful of kickstarters and smaller companies are putting Google TV and Android on USB sticks or other peripherals. Amazing in my opinion and I cant wait for it to blow up for the simple reason of when I can finally modify and play with as I have been accustomed to with my phone and tablet. As of right now I am disappointed with the growth of development, at no fault to the community itself. Firstly Sony (maybe others) have updated their TV's to remove root exploits. Secondly saturation in the market is very low. The less people and devs are exposed to it the less of community will build around it. Thirdly, and this may be a sticky point, fragmentation. The variety of set top boxes and TV's, ect. can effect development. Now I have side loaded a number of Apps, Launchers, File Browsers, Live Wallpapers, ect. and at least in my case much of it has been removed because it mostly doesn't play well. Again I only have experience with my TV so milage may vary. And also updates; I'm still running 3.2! Thats 2 versions behind. If I had to rethink my purchase then perhaps I would either wait or buy a set top box. When it gomes time to upgrade either your Google TV or TV set, you can do so seperatly with a set top box. Also Sony isn't the best company when it comes to unlocking their devices as has been seen with the PS3. Most of my complaints stem from impatients but that is because I know how great the potential can be. To end, again Im biased, not a developer, an Android Fan Boy, and clinically diagnosed with ADD! So what are your thoughts?

Ease of use

I am considering upgrading to the new 4G network my phone provider has upgraded to and have a few questions for you One fans. The choice is between Galaxy S4 and HTC One. I almost know the answer but where does the One excel? And 2: Is the One as easy to root and install new ROMs on as the Galaxy S III I have (or rephrased: is the One easy to root and install new ROMs on if you have no experiences to compare with).
I could not think of any place else to ask this, I have had so uch use of this site.
From the middle of a heavy hurricane-like storm
Benny in south-west Denmark

The better place to ask such a question is in the Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting forum, which is where I've moved this to
As a future reference, only development work belongs in the development forums. If the thread is anything else, it doesn't belong there.
Now, in regards to your questions, I'd honestly say the One excels throughout. I've had the phone since March (just after release) and not had a single problem with it since. Even the fact that mine is an early build hasn't presented any issues either. The thing I'd pinpoint as far as what impressed me the most is the BoomSound dual speakers. The volume and clarity is perfect and is still as good now as when I first got the One.
Rooting and installing ROMs is just as simple as with other phones as well. If you have a search around this forum you'll soon find guides and videos about how to root the One and installing ROMs is exactly the same as with other devices.
I hope this helps

Thank for the help moving my posting. There's a new contender, the Asus PadFone, but a serious drawback is that the pad is only working WITH the phone inserted.... The tablet tempts, though. A LOT. Desicions, desicions ;=) But it will probably be one of the two first, since they have the capability to act as IR remote for my stereo for a minimal amount. Any experience in that department, any one?? Does it work, without having it hooked up to a car battery under the reclining chair??
From extremely stormy south-west Denmark
Benny

Thank for the help moving my posting. There's a new contender, the Asus PadFone, but a serious drawback is that the pad is only working WITH the phone inserted.... The tablet tempts, though. A LOT. Desicions, desicions ;=) But it will probably be one of the two first, since they have the capability to act as IR remote for my stereo for a minimal amount. Any experience in that department, any one?? Does it work, without having it hooked up to a car battery under the reclining chair??
From extremely stormy south-west Denmark
Benny

Axon Mini Announced!

I am pretty excited! I have been looking for a 5-5.2 inch device that was not under powered. The new Axon Mini looks like it could be interesting! http://www.androidcentral.com/zte-adds-axon-mini-and-axon-watch-its-flagship-lineup
I hope it has NFC and supports ATT LTE Bands. I am concerned about the lack of support/interest on the Axon forums here at XDA. I wish we had root and custom rom support. Hopefully that will come with time?

I'm still scouring the web looking for root for the Pro. No luck yet. I have a pm on MIUI forum but my account is messed up and I can't access it. Support is working on it. The message is in Chinese so I need to translate it and see if the root method works. Mini looks nice. Can't locate list of LTE networks supported yet. As far as a developer community for this device, it is non-existent. Not having root certainly doesn't help. Love listening to music on it though. No other device I've tried even comes close.

augie7107 said:
I'm still scouring the web looking for root for the Pro. No luck yet. I have a pm on MIUI forum but my account is messed up and I can't access it. Support is working on it. The message is in Chinese so I need to translate it and see if the root method works. Mini looks nice. Can't locate list of LTE networks supported yet. As far as a developer community for this device, it is non-existent. Not having root certainly doesn't help. Love listening to music on it though. No other device I've tried even comes close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its unfortunate that there is no support- I wonder why that is? Seems like a good little phone.

To tell you the truth, because root is not available, I have not messed with the phone, obviously. And I don't miss it one bit. It's an almost vanilla experience. It runs smoothly. I haven't had any totally negative experiences with bugs etc. If they manage to get it on MM within a couple of months I'll be happy. The only thing I'm missing is Adaway. I really don't feel the need to jack with it anymore.
I have a couple of phones that I've ROM'd the hell out of and it's a time consuming all life encompassing thing. Making nandroids, installing dailies , restoring, rinse and repeat.
I'm Enjoying my time with a phone that runs well and hasn't got a bunch of **** on it so I have to rom it to get a decently passable experience. (I'm looking at you Samsung/Sony).
Root to me, is more of a freedom thing. If you can root you have the freedom to make the device be what you want it to be. The Axon Pro isn't that far away. For me at least.
More than anything, the lack of root will be a killer for the device, because if the modding community doesn't support it, then the device will lose the cult following it needs to bring it to the mainstream consumer that are obsessed with name brands. This is a shame because it is seriously one of the best phones I've ever owned.

Jonathan.Parker2005 said:
To tell you the truth, because root is not available, I have not messed with the phone, obviously. And I don't miss it one bit. It's an almost vanilla experience. It runs smoothly. I haven't had any totally negative experiences with bugs etc. If they manage to get it on MM within a couple of months I'll be happy. The only thing I'm missing is Adaway. I really don't feel the need to jack with it anymore.
I have a couple of phones that I've ROM'd the hell out of and it's a time consuming all life encompassing thing. Making nandroids, installing dailies , restoring, rinse and repeat.
I'm Enjoying my time with a phone that runs well and hasn't got a bunch of **** on it so I have to rom it to get a decently passable experience. (I'm looking at you Samsung/Sony).
Root to me, is more of a freedom thing. If you can root you have the freedom to make the device be what you want it to be. The Axon Pro isn't that far away. For me at least.
More than anything, the lack of root will be a killer for the device, because if the modding community doesn't support it, then the device will lose the cult following it needs to bring it to the mainstream consumer that are obsessed with name brands. This is a shame because it is seriously one of the best phones I've ever owned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats quite the endorsement! I only use root for Tasker and a backing up through Titantium. I have scaled back a tone on custom roms. I jsut want a phone that works well and isnt huge.
How is the GPS on it? I lose signal all the time on my G3 and my wife's G2.

shaxs said:
Thats quite the endorsement! I only use root for Tasker and a backing up through Titantium. I have scaled back a tone on custom roms. I jsut want a phone that works well and isnt huge.
How is the GPS on it? I lose signal all the time on my G3 and my wife's G2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As much of an endorsement as someone who hasn't bought a brand name phone since the Xperia Z1 (and that was for my girlfriend). The shortage on storage could be an issue but I'm used to it with my OPO, so I moved everything over to cloud storage anyway. It maybe because of the Find7/OPO/Nexus 5 combo of my last 3 phones but I'm happy NTL. I'm not a big phone gamer though.
GPS is sweet, never had an issue. It stays connected and locks quickly. I've used it in a couple of states over the US and it's never been a problem. It gets a bit warm, but if you have a case you won't really notice.

Not sure this is coming to the states. The chinese version will support ATT HSPA which is fast enough for me. Just nervous about the lack of interest and lack of official support from ZTE.

Okay I bit the bullet and bought the Chinese version of the Axon Mini, It should get HSPA on ATT.

Is touchpad a good option for kids in 2020

Hi- I have a 9 year old daughter who is learning to play piano. We were recommended to give her a specific Android app by her teacher to use. The problem is, I'm having a hard time finding an appropriate device for her. I already have several phones in the house, some old kitkat era cheap-as-heck tablets from forever ago, 3 Kindle Fires, 2 Microsoft Surfaces and some laptops. It runs perfectly fine on my old phone, but the screen is too small for her to read along and practice. I can run bluestacks on a laptop and get it working on a nice big display, but its too cumbersome and not practical for her, not to mention some complications with Google's account services in paying for courses on the app. It seems to recognize that it isn't a real Android environment in the emulator. The Kindle Fires are the perfect form factor and can sort of sideload the APK, but it's the same problem as the emulator, the app relies heavily on Google's account services framework to work, and while I was able to launch the app, I can't make it connect to an account to purchase courses properly (keeps throwing errors). The old kit-kat era tablets are having trouble even loading up the app, so I think it just needs a more modern OS.
So I'm sitting here thinking, gosh, I should just buy another tablet. Which feels dumb for a specific-use like this. I'm having trouble justifying the cost of another portable computing device. My brother offered his old Touchpad, saying it is honestly collecting dust right now and runs some versions of Android. So I headed over here to see how development is going.
I see there's some Pie flavors available now (nice!), but I'm also seeing that they are somewhat works-in-progress and may not be reliable, fast, or have full support for audio (something I definitely need - the app requires mic and sound control). Kit kat seems like it was reliable on the Touchpad, but I definitely don't want to go back that far and find out it still won't work like my other tablets.
How's Oreo on this device? Is it well supported? Does it run smoothly with all hardware working?
Am I barking up the wrong tree?
Looking forward to your opinions, thanks so much!