Android tablet computing (Nexus and cetera)

[Yw-slayer]

I'm thinking about selling my 1st-gen Nexus 7 and (shock, horror) my Nexus 10 32GB. Since the ipad has 4G it's just more convenient to use it most of the time.

[Mr Wonder]

I just picked up an on the go usb connector for my galaxy note 10.1 2014. Now I can plug in game controllers and whatever. Most importantly I can now plug in any external hard drive. In addition to the 96Gb in the tablet (32 gig on board plus a 64 gig micro sd card) I now have access to all the films/music on my portable drive. Flights are now much more enjoyable.

Has anyone got any game recommendations? Everything seems to have gone free to play, even some I've already paid for, and after trying a couple I can't stand them. Admittedly some paywalls are better implemented than others but I've not found one that is is unobtrusive yet. Asphalt 8 is a huge slog without paying to unlock cars, and Real racing 3 was a fucking joke. It's a business model I fundamentally disagree with and I will not support it in any way shape or form.

[Yw-slayer]

Yeah, SuperGNES and an OTG connector with a Buffalo/Super Famicom controller is the main reason I keep my Android tablets around. Not that I've actually played any games ont hem recently.

[M4FFU]

GNES all the way. Endless fun!

[Random]

Hmm...you guys just reminded me to install jnes on the Venue. :up:

[SportWagon]

Most of the KROSS tablets I bought came pre-rooted.

Thus it was relatively easy to install Debian.

And then I can install and run nethack!!!!

(Hardest part of producing this post was finding /mnt/sdcard/Pictures/Screenshots/ )

[SportWagon]

So my original Motorola MB860 (Atrix) finally got scarily flakey the other day. The touch screen sensor had been acting up for over two months. Using a landscape keyboard, I would reliably enter as either "O" or "U", but never "I". Well, I could rotate 180 degrees and get different key problems instead. :) It was even worse in the vendor screens which wouldn't rotate. Guy at the store said it won't get better.

Anyway a couple of days ago even though I'd set my unlock code to a repeated single digit where I thought the creeping problem wouldn't reach, I didn't seem to be able to get "okay" sensed. Luckily a power cycle fixed that. But my "I" reliably never works.

So a few months ago I'd bought a prepay no-contract Samsung Galaxy Discover for real cheap, and had experimented with it as an aPod. I'd put a bunch of apps on via .apk files I'd happen to acquire. Interestingly, in early December the guy at the store suggested getting such a replacement and switching the SIM card, otherwise I need to pay more to buy out my contract. That is, after I'd already bought the Discover as an aPod. Which was good news at the time. (This is a guy who's been there a long time, and seems to know what he's talking about; actually he said I should have got a Huwai model as better value for money).

So, I switch the SIM card and the new phone does work as a phone. But I register at PlayStore and can't update packages or download new ones. Some obscure error.

But a little while later it works. But I notice I've got that free PlayStore upgrade that made everything bigger so that you see less on the screen at a time. Grrr. I wish that size was configurable. So presumably PlayStore was updating and until it had it wouldn't work. Or something like that.

One good thing about this phone is it is Ice Cream Sandwich, so I can use Terminal IDE (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spartacusrex.spartacuside&hl=en).

So now I have about 40 apps to eventually update.

Managed to install
My Data Manager (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobidia.android.mdm&hl=en) and
3G Watchdog (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.rgruet.android.g3watchdog&hl=en) (he should change his name)
which made me feel more at home.
I already had...
Usage Timelines (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.als.usagetimelines&hl=en).
Not to mention the invaluable
Folder Organizer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abcOrganizer.lite&hl=en) which more than makes up for the lack of the folders which I had had on my old Froyo phone.

Anyway, I thought I'd use my old phone as an aPod until it completely dies. But, wow, it says "SIM card removed or changed, login to Motoblur to unlock". I thought Motorola had actually shut that down; the icon seemed to have disappeared from my screen a while ago. It never really seemed terribly useful.

Oh well, I did correctly remember the value of my password function which I had used for that site, but it took me about 5 tries before I determined the correct email address. (My PlayStore gmail address, actually). And since then the phone has worked unlocked as an aPod, even after a power cycle.


Sorry, maybe this doesn't belong in this thread, but I don't really distinguish between Android Tablet computing and Android Phone computing (though I suppose sometime I'll see what sort of USB devices just work with this new phone, and which don't).

[Blerpa]

You know, SW, actually it isn't that strange, as Android is pretty scalabe (moreso than iOS) and Android Tablet or Phone does not make that much of a difference. And Honeycomb already proved that dividing *that* much Android tablets and Android phones does not work really.

[SportWagon]

An Android Tablet will tend to work with a USB keyboard, but an Android phone will tend not to. My new phone doesn't. The old Atrix was jimmied to work in a strange way only with Motorola's propietary "dock".

But the Atrix did work with a Bluetooth keyboard. I keep meaning to find time to try a Bluetooth keyboard on the new phone.

[Kchrpm]

That's just a matter of if the device supports USB OTG (on the go).

[Freude am Fahren]

I'm thinking about a tablet (you may have seen me annoying people in the iPad thread too). I like the idea of the Note 10.1 2014 as an alternative to the iPad, but from what I understand you can't use it (in the US at least) on anything but WiFi. Is this correct? Or can I go to AT&T and start a data plan and get a sim, plug it in and boom, cell connectivity? I don't see any different versions with cell network capabilities. If they're are seperate versions, do they even sell them in the US?

[Kchrpm]

It's very possible Samsung didn't get any carrier deals in the US for the 10.1, so they didn't bother selling it here. The American version is not the same as the international version, from the cell capabilities to the eight core processor the international version gets vs the quad core that we get.

Checking Best Buy, I only see Wi-Fi versions :-/ I'm not sure what the best options are for 10" segment, the Nexus 10 is older and due for a replacement.

[SportWagon]

So I go to load stuff onto the SD card on my ICS phone, expecting to just plug it in as a USB device, and instead learn about MTP (http://www.mysolutions.it/mounting-your-mtp-androids-sd-card-on-ubuntu/).

My immediate solution was to remove the card from the phone and use a card reader.

Strange thing was the graphical browser opened up a window showing the device and some of its contents, but it wasn't visibly mounted anywhere. If I can't chdir to it, it's not real.

[Yw-slayer]

I'm getting all my old Android tablets and phones to hit up my WCG/BOINC group. GO GO GO

[SportWagon]

Here's on my (Ubuntu 12,04 (Linux)) desktop a running emulation of a 1280x720 Android 4.2 tablet. Runs reliably on my new more powerful desktop.


I tried to use the browser running there to do the upload, but it was a no-go. It's difficult because I don't seem to be able to cut-and-paste into the emulator, and it seemed that perhaps also the Browser didn't actually have the permissions required to save a temporary copy if I fetched the pictures via a URL.

[Jason]

http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/03/gartner-android-passes-ios-tablets/

Android now owns the Tablet market as well as the Mobile Phone market. Almost doubling up iOS's share. Google now owns the mobile markets much like Microsoft owns the PC market. :up:

[Kchrpm]

Correction, Samsung owns the mobile and tablet market. And TVs, I think.

[Jason]

19.1% for Samsung out of the 62% for Android total leaves a lot of room for other Android manufacturers, even if Samsung is the biggest.

[Kchrpm]

They just need to come out with one more size variant, THEN they'll be dominant.

[Freude am Fahren]

I don't get why they have the Tab Pro 10.1 AND the Note 10.1. THey're the same except the pen (and the Pro has Kit Kat, but just bc it's a few months newer).

Also bring the damn mobile version of the Note here, dammit.

[overpowered]

Got an 8.4 Pro today. It's very fast and the screen is gorgeous.

Having trouble getting the BT keyboard to work. It says it's paired but I type and nothing happens. There don't seem to be any options available to enable it. Grrrrrr.

[TheBenior]

Keep us updated, that's one of the tablets that I've thought would be a good replacement for Janelle's old single core Galaxy Tab 8.9, which of course no longer receives updates or can be counted upon to work with current apps. I see plenty of deals on Galaxy Tab 3s, but the occasionally laggy performance of my Galaxy S3 makes me question how much life/support a 1.5GHz dual core processor Android device has left.

[Yw-slayer]

Pretty much nothing. I have, however, put my old tablets etc. to use by way of BOINC.

[Kchrpm]

If you're looking around 9", the current scuttlebutt is that a new Nexus tablet will be announced in that range.

[SportWagon]

I bought a couple of these a few months ago. Turn your TV into a klunky Android tablet. Emulating touch screen with a mouse can be a little painful. Getting a keyboard to work would be tricky even its possible, since the USB port needs to be occupied by the mouse wireless minidongle. (A dongle on a dongle). So typically for keyboard input you guide your mouse over a soft keyboard.

http://www.factorydirect.ca/Canada-Ontario-/Cabling_Switchboxes/Video/Adapters/CR0601/CVD601_Craig_Cvd601_Smart_Tv_Hdmi_Adapter_73139843 6019/0

Found it easier to use than anything else when checking on my http://www.strava.com/ results after a ride. And did watch some videos using it.

Initially I set it up for Android Market, then I back-tracked and merely loaded it up with some handy .apk files I happened to have. Means I'm stuck at arbitrary versions of those apps, of course.

I left one at ICS, and upgraded the other to JellyBean. Seems like JellyBean incorporated some functionality rollback in at least one app, likely in the name of DMCA.

Oh yes. Ultimately you ended up wondering why Android insists on being WiFi. Being able to plug this into wired Internet would be a distinct improvement.

[Kchrpm]

You'd be better off getting a GoogleTV device than one of those, I think.

[TheBenior]

If you're looking around 9", the current scuttlebutt is that a new Nexus tablet will be announced in that range.
I've heard this, and if history repeats itself, it'll be hard to beat a Nexus device for value.

[es nes]

Is it possible to install an older version of an app? I've an older galaxy tab 10.1 and just did a restore to default settings and now I can't download Netflix since it says its not compatible with my version.

[Kchrpm]

Only if you can find the ripped apk online.

[overpowered]

Battery life on the 8.4 Pro is very impressive, especially when the screen is off. I get a ton of email for work and it's downloading all the time but it barely using anything to do it.

I have the screen locked on full brightness though so when I'm actually using it, it does draw a bit of power but it still lasts pretty long.

[overpowered]

Google Sky Map is surprisingly fast on this thing. Handy while checking to make sure I was really looking at Mars tonight.

[overpowered]

Amazon Prime Instant Video is not available on Android devices, except of course, Kindle Fires. iPad? Yes. iPod? Yes. Just not Android unless it's a Kindle.

Booo Amazon.

[SportWagon]

Is it possible to install an older version of an app? I've an older galaxy tab 10.1 and just did a restore to default settings and now I can't download Netflix since it says its not compatible with my version.

Only if you can find the ripped apk online.
Before doing the restore, you might have been able to use the following app from play.google.com to create your own copy of the old .apk
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sylark.apkextractor

(Or, even better, if you have access to another similarly obsolescent device with Netflix installed, use it now).

But I wouldn't be surprised if something went wrong when trying to use that extractor app on an installed Netflix app.

There are about half-a-dozen similar apk extractor apps, but the one above seems to float to the top. I think some of the others might allow better "batching" capability however. (E.g. so you could have extracted *all* your .apk before restoring).


But it's not that difficult to find lots of different netflix.apk on the web, but assessing the trustworthiness of the source would be easier if you had made your own copy.

[SportWagon]

Actually I'd put https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.advancedprocessmanager on nearly all my devices, but only just noticed that one of its facilities is "backup apps" (also "restore apps") which quickly creates a nice directory containing an APK for each app on your phone. Easily transferred to the external SD card (well actually it's tricky with my broken touch screen; I actually eventually ssh'd in via an old version of https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=berserker.android.apps.sshdroid and used command-line to do it), and then to home computer and Internet.

Android Assistant seemed to get things overlooked by the other alternative; more system apps, and also codecs for video players.

[overpowered]

Hmm. I have 4.4.2 Kit Kat but Samsung has not done a port of the Android Runtime for this device so I'm still stuck with Dalvik. Boo.

[Blerpa]

I have 4.4.4 on my Motorola Moto G but seemingly some apps do not work well with ART and can send the device randomly in bootloop. So, for the time being, I'm keeping Dalvik on my phone, especially since ART eats up 500MB of physical memory and I've the 8GB model (only 5.5 free space at phone first boot - right now around 2.5GB free).
I'll wait patiently for Android L by which ART will be the one and only runtime on the system.

[Kchrpm]

Sony announced the Z3 Tablet Compact, their first 8" tablet (I think). Headlining new feature is PS4 remote play.

http://gizmodo.com/sony-xperia-z3-tablet-compact-so-light-youll-forget-yo-1630037915

[Yw-slayer]

http://gizmodo.com/while-you-werent-looking-dell-announced-the-worlds-mos-1632621335

[M4FFU]

Be interested in anyones positive experience about photo editing apps/software on their android tablet. I've got a Samsung Tab 8.0 that I'd like to start using in this manor rather than using my laptop.

[Yw-slayer]

Well, the best experience I've had is with Lightroom Mobile, but that's only available on the ipad, and it's only for certain things.

[Blerpa]

Photoshop Touch (not Express, that is the dumb version), Snapseed and Vscocamera (albeit different).

[Random]

Just picked up a Nexus 9...what are the cool Android games I've been missing out on? Raiden? Any of the RTS games worth mentioning?

[Yw-slayer]

I usually go with TrustedReview's recommendations for mobile games. Most of them are ios focused though.

[SportWagon]

Just picked up a Nexus 9...what are the cool Android games I've been missing out on? Raiden? Any of the RTS games worth mentioning?

Pocket Trains (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nimblebit.pockettrains&hl=en)

We were at this place with an ice cream sundae bar. They had a topping bowl labelled as "Crushed Kit Kat". And I thought, "That sounds like a good idea".

Other fun games...
Linux Deploy (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.meefik.linuxdeploy&hl=en)
NoRoot Firewall (aka minimize mobile usage) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.greyshirts.firewall)

[21Kid]

Amazon (http://smile.amazon.com/b/ref=sv_mas_1?ie=UTF8&node=2446009011)gives away a ton of free apps. A new one every day. I've only actually paid for a few of them. I have got more than i know what to do with. Today's free app is a paid version of Cut the rope. A fun puzzle game.

[Random]

Oh yeah, Amazon app store. Totally forgot that existed. :lol:

[Random]

Mostly unrelated to the Nexus-ness and the Android-ness of my new tablet: it showed up with a European charger (two round prongs (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Euro-Flachstecker_2.jpg/320px-Euro-Flachstecker_2.jpg)). I emailed the seller (this was "Fulfilled by Amazon") and they apologized and promised to send out a US adapter.

Which they did: an adapter from the Euro plug to a US plug! Derp. "A" for effort, I guess, but now I have a charger that is about 4 inches long. :lol:

[Yw-slayer]

Doesn't everyone charge off a USB port anyway? I have a 10 port charger at home which does full 2.1V to every port. It does have a fan and make noise but when you need to make a big omelette...

[Random]

Yeah, by charger I mean "black box with plug on one side and USB port on the other." :)

[SportWagon]

All my Android tablets (5 varieties, I think) have a primary charger which is probably USB-base somehow, but has a transformer plug at one end, and a cyclindrical plug at the end which goes into the tablet.

There is a USB port for doing various fun stuff, such as attaching a keyboard, and you can charge through it too, but it seems a lot slower.

[Yw-slayer]

Yes, I know, but you could buy a charger that takes up ONE power socket and outputs MORE THAN ONE USB socket for you to charge your stuff from.

For you guys, something like this: http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-multiport-usb-wall-charger/ or http://www.oricoonline.us/goods.php?id=6016

[Random]

We've got one. But it stays in our living room, not in my work bag. :)

[Yw-slayer]

For the work bag, just get one of these, Bro Random: http://www.mi.com/en/powerbank/

[SportWagon]

I just use an AC powerbar and lots of single transformers.

A classic (http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/noma-power-bar-8-outlet-0527209p.html#.VeCQSrOYOlM).

Though I use two single-strip ones in the bedroom, actually. (They have the rear key slot/holes so they can hang vertically from screws in a "wardrobe unit").

And I do also have a couple of Lithium cell boosters. The single cell one (from "Giant Tiger") seemed to work once on a recent bicycle ride, but now seems busted. The dual cell one from Source (not Radio Shack, sort of) has survived a 100mile ride about two years ago and seems to be going strong.

[Random]

The HTC "case" for the Nexus 9 is actually just a cover. Not for the whole tablet, just the screen. It's held on with magnets, so you detach it to flip it around to the back to convert it into a stand.

It kinds sucks. :|

I'm getting a cheap IVSO folio-style cover, like the one I had for my Venue.

[Yw-slayer]

I just use an AC powerbar and lots of single transformers.

A classic (http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/noma-power-bar-8-outlet-0527209p.html#.VeCQSrOYOlM).

Though I use two single-strip ones in the bedroom, actually. (They have the rear key slot/holes so they can hang vertically from screws in a "wardrobe unit").

And I do also have a couple of Lithium cell boosters. The single cell one (from "Giant Tiger") seemed to work once on a recent bicycle ride, but now seems busted. The dual cell one from Source (not Radio Shack, sort of) has survived a 100mile ride about two years ago and seems to be going strong.

I have power bricks AND multiple port chargers AND external batteries. LIKE A MAN (or something)

[SportWagon]

This could just as well go in the Android phone thread too...

I have a SIM-less phone and a small tablet which I keep in sync for a particular game. The game uses Google Play do its sync.

Currently I usually play on the phone, and sync afterwards on the tablet. (Play is a lot faster if you keep WiFi turned off. So I keep it off until I've done the day's mission, and then turn it on to sync.

But the tablet wouldn't sync today.

I noticed on the phone that the "Google Play Services" app had been recently updated.

Indeed, I activated the "Google Play" icon on the tablet, and it said it would not run until "Google Play Services" was updated.

But attempts to update "Google Play Services" on the tablet kept failing to install with "insufficient storage available".

Eventually I used root on that tablet and discovered that /data/data/com.google.android.gms was using an inappropriately large amount of space. Under a subdirectory called code_cache. Lots of redundant-looking copies.

I blew away those mysterious files under code_cache, and then, indeed, "Google Play Services" updated successfully. Before removing the files I had made copies of the key state files for the game (elsewhere under /data), since I could use them to restore the game state if sync never became possible again (or, in worst case scenario, the game decided to reset its state). (I'll probably now woo try to root the phone, too).

And eventually seemed to run properly. Strangely, I was able to get the game to sync before I was able to get a proper page to come up from "Google Play".

Later, after the reboot which I should probably have tried soon, the "Google Play" icon brought up its full appropriate page.

Why should this be so complicated?

[Kchrpm]

Introducing Pixel C (http://pixel.google.com/)

http://pixel.google.com/static/images/home-hero/hero-image_2x.jpg

$499 for the tablet (32 GB, $599 for 64 GB), but not for sale yet (think holidays)
Nvidia Tegra X1 (same chip used in the 4K capable Shield TV)
Keyboard/Stand ($149) that charges, connects and holds tablet in place wirelessly (via inductive, Bluetooth and magnets, respectively)

[Yw-slayer]

So everyone is admitting that MS was right all along and that the Surface Pro 3 was a brilliant piece of design. Got it.

[Kchrpm]

The Surface Pro wasn't the first tablet with a keyboard kickstand. This is closer to the old Asus Transformers than a Surface Pro.

[Yw-slayer]

But the SP3 was the first real work hybrid with an infinite kickstand and a keyboard that you can hang the main computer off, magnetically. The Transformers were just toys.

[Kchrpm]

Ok, but the stand on SP3 is on the tablet itself instead of a stand on keyboard itself.

Not that it matters, of course, they're all competing pretty differently. The Surface Pro has a 12" screen, desktop OS and a stylus, the iPad Pro has a 12" screen, mobile OS and a stylus, the Pixel C has a 10" screen, mobile OS and no stylus. The keyboards are different, the kickstands are different, and there are various alternatives to all of them. IMO no one is really copying anyone more than anyone else, they're all just seeing where the market is going and trying to find a space in there.

[Yw-slayer]

I must disagree. When the SP3 came out there was nothing really like it, save for the previous Surfaces. In terms of design, the other two remind me of the SP3 more than anything else. Stylus? Keyboard? Productivity focused? A magnetic keyboard that can hold the main tablet portion without falling off? Yeah, fine, but which one can run the full, proven version of Office and millions of pieces of Windows software on a full-fat, full-power processor ?

It's OK to admit that MS is a design leader, particularly when other firms are using marketing BS to talk up the productivity aspect of their competitors, such as "The 10" screen is like a sheet of A4". No, all that means it that has the same ratios as a sheet of A4. A sheet of A4 requires a 13" screen. My SP3 has a larger screen than the Pixel C-Word, and the screen is NOT as large as a sheet of A4.

[Kchrpm]

I don't care enough to do a deep dive on the history of tablets, it would just get into the weeds of small differences and similarities. Microsoft did a good job with the Surface Pro, there is a market for "premium" tablets/convertibles, and the three biggest consumer computer players all have an entry in it.

[21Kid]

This could just as well go in the Android phone thread too...

I have a SIM-less phone and a small tablet which I keep in sync for a particular game. The game uses Google Play do its sync.

Currently I usually play on the phone, and sync afterwards on the tablet. (Play is a lot faster if you keep WiFi turned off. So I keep it off until I've done the day's mission, and then turn it on to sync.

But the tablet wouldn't sync today.

I noticed on the phone that the "Google Play Services" app had been recently updated.

Indeed, I activated the "Google Play" icon on the tablet, and it said it would not run until "Google Play Services" was updated.

But attempts to update "Google Play Services" on the tablet kept failing to install with "insufficient storage available".

Eventually I used root on that tablet and discovered that /data/data/com.google.android.gms was using an inappropriately large amount of space. Under a subdirectory called code_cache. Lots of redundant-looking copies.

I blew away those mysterious files under code_cache, and then, indeed, "Google Play Services" updated successfully. Before removing the files I had made copies of the key state files for the game (elsewhere under /data), since I could use them to restore the game state if sync never became possible again (or, in worst case scenario, the game decided to reset its state). (I'll probably now woo try to root the phone, too).

And eventually seemed to run properly. Strangely, I was able to get the game to sync before I was able to get a proper page to come up from "Google Play".

Later, after the reboot which I should probably have tried soon, the "Google Play" icon brought up its full appropriate page.

Why should this be so complicated? You could use CCleaner (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAAahUKEwji_f7Qvp_IAhWQFJIKHbE3DvA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2 Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.piriform.ccleaner%26hl%3Den&usg=AFQjCNGt8G5Bq4NhvLs-LRAOpgyS-5N20w&sig2=-1jAhVvwtXNATg9-8ZIw4g&bvm=bv.103627116,d.aWw) to clean it out. I do it every few months on my phone.

[novicius]

Was just gifted a "Special Offer" Amazon Fire (5th gen) today. :up:

As a freebie, it's not bad! Yes there are ads on the unlock screen but for the price of 'on the house', I can deal.

[thesameguy]

Flawless victory!

From what I understand, the "special offers" can get *really* special around the holidays... not a bad thing to win!

[Yw-slayer]

Ordered a 128gb 4g ipad pro on Tues, should arrive on Friday. The pencil will apparently take longer.

[Kchrpm]

Wrong thread: http://gtxforums.net/showthread.php?561-Apple-itablet-icomputing-(iPad-and-derivatives)&highlight=ipad

[Yw-slayer]

No one bothers to post in that thread anymore, so I didn't know of its existence. :lol:

[Jason]

If you have an Apple product, you tend to be looked down upon, so I don't bother posting about anything Apple :P

[Yw-slayer]

I use mine for SRS BSNSS work, not writing my screenplay in Starbucks. :p

OK, that and Marvel Unlimited.

[Jason]

Exactly what I'm talking about, so why bother. :)

[Yw-slayer]

Anyway, I was called and told that my tablet had been "lost" (stolen) in delivery, so I now have to wait a few more days.

[SportWagon]

That's upsetting. I hope it doesn't significantly hold up your screenplay.

[Yw-slayer]

I know man, only those pumpkin spice lattes are keeping the fire ALIVE.

[thesameguy]

I let my dad borrow my Venue Pro 8 w/ Win10 on it to mess around with, but I think he is having issues with it's size. He's old, and frankly never played enough video games to have a prayer of a chance using an 8" Windows tablet.

He has indicated he wants a tablet for Christmas, and obviously a VP8 ain't it. I am not going to go with a Surface simply because it is never going to get any use. He has a Galaxy cell which he really likes, so I am thinking about an Android tablet. I was initially considering a Dell Venue 10 7000 because the display is awesome and I dig the form factor, but thought I'd inquire as to other opinions. I think the max budget is $450, but I'd be really darned happy if it was $200 or $300. Any suggestions?

[Random]

I let my dad borrow my Venue Pro 8 w/ Win10 on it to mess around with, but I think he is having issues with it's size. He's old, and frankly never played enough video games to have a prayer of a chance using an 8" Windows tablet.

He has indicated he wants a tablet for Christmas, and obviously a VP8 ain't it. I am not going to go with a Surface simply because it is never going to get any use. He has a Galaxy cell which he really likes, so I am thinking about an Android tablet. I was initially considering a Dell Venue 10 7000 because the display is awesome and I dig the form factor, but thought I'd inquire as to other opinions. I think the max budget is $450, but I'd be really darned happy if it was $200 or $300. Any suggestions?

If he's already happy with the Samsung experience, they have a wide variety of tablets in various form factors and abilities.

The Galaxy Tab S2 9.7" seems like the most obvious answer: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-32GB-Black/dp/B0134RE54W/ Reasonable size, up-to-date OS, reasonable specs.

The Nexus 9 might be good, too, though it's not that much bigger than the Venue 8, screen-wise. Cheaper than the Samsung.

[thesameguy]

I am having trouble determining (in my head) whether it's the screen size or the element size that's the issue. Windows tablets have some really small elements on an 8" screen. Android, OTOH, works fine on a 4" screen so maybe an 8" screen would be fine here. I have zero idea what he actually wants to do with the thing.

[thesameguy]

I painfully established today we are definitely talking about an Android tablet and not a Windows tablet or converible or an iOS device. I got the impression Fire HD(X) is not a possibility because it's not hardcore enough. I could not make a clear determination about size, but the sole purpose is web surfing, so I don't think size actually matters. I think the only important physical specification is removable storage... for whatever reason, that's important.

I think I am leaning towards the Dell Venue 8 7000 since it offers a good price point and removable storage. The GTS2 is a close second. The Dell supports more storage, has the gimmicky 3D camera, and I can save a wad of cash. The Samsung is physically nicer (thinner, lighter) and has the TouchWiz he is familiar with and costs more.

Is "multi window" a TouchWiz thing?

Bah, yeah, it is.

[thesameguy]

I made the call for the Dell Venue 10 7000. I really liked the idea of sticking with Touchwiz and the Samsung offer 3gb of RAM vs. Dell's 2gb, but Dell has a much cheaper accidental damage warranty than commercially available ones and I have a comfort level with the warranty/service process. I was also able to employ a $200 discount, the Dell has a faster processor (2.3GHz vs 1.9GHz) and offers an OLED screen which, by all accounts, is stunning along with sizable speakers. I did not go for the "integrated" keyboard because I don't think he'll do any real typing. If he does, we can pick it up later.

It'll be here Thursday, but obviously I won't see anything but the box until X-MAS. Hopefully it was the right choice.

[Random]

"TouchWiz" makes me snort every time I read it.

[thesameguy]

It's a dumb damn name for sure. Samsung succeeds despite its terrible branding, which is probably baffling to American "Branding is Everything" companies.

[thesameguy]

Is anyone aware of a low-end Android tablet that has a charging dock available for it? I am not interested in a top-dollar Galaxy or anything... it would be wasted. I just need a 7"-ish device that has a stand type thing that I can just slot in and charge. Seems like this should exist, but the only setup I can find is a universal dock where you have to plug in the universal USB cable separately, and nobody got time for that. :(

Edit: In a flash of brilliance, maybe a Qi-type device would work. But, really, I think I'd prefer a stand over a mat. Still, an option.

[Yw-slayer]

Unlikely, as low-end tablets usually wouldn't have people who would bother with a dock. Maybe some of the China-only Lenovos?

Or this? http://www.unitek-products.com/ct/product_detail.php?id=307

[Kchrpm]

There are older ones, Sony Z3 Tablet Compact and Nexus 7 2013 both have one. I don't know about any new ones.

There's a cheap 8" tablet with a built-in stand, so all you'd need is a charger: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-yoga-tab-3-8-tablet-16gb-black/4497103.p?id=1219755047163&skuId=4497103

[Random]

Is anyone aware of a low-end Android tablet that has a charging dock available for it? I am not interested in a top-dollar Galaxy or anything... it would be wasted. I just need a 7"-ish device that has a stand type thing that I can just slot in and charge. Seems like this should exist, but the only setup I can find is a universal dock where you have to plug in the universal USB cable separately, and nobody got time for that. :(

Edit: In a flash of brilliance, maybe a Qi-type device would work. But, really, I think I'd prefer a stand over a mat. Still, an option.

1 Gen Nexus 7 had a pogo-pin dock, didn't it?

[thesameguy]

I think an old Nexus/Galaxy/whatever would probably work.

I did some research on the Qi stuff last night. I guess the "receiver coils" are quite compact and work through some cases. I don't think I'd ever need to sync this thing via USB, so maybe just a receiver coil stuck to the back and a slim case over it?

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0219/3168/products/730059_07_large.jpg

and then something like this?

https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_800_800/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAkjAAAAJGRlYjA1MmY5LTc0NzktNGQ1Yy1iYW Y5LWIzYWNmYjM0MDE2MQ.jpg

That could open the door to using cheap [disposable] tablets.

(I realize those pictures are all of iPhones, this is definitely an Android app :) )


There are older ones, Sony Z3 Tablet Compact and Nexus 7 2013 both have one. I don't know about any new ones.

I have never seen that before, but that's a great idea. I just really don't want to be hassled (#1wp) with fishing for a cord and plugging it in. I know that sounds childish, but for this application it's sort of necessary.

Edit: Meh... guess it doesn't matter. That thing isn't available anywhere. :(

[Kchrpm]

Nexus 7 2013 (https://www.amazon.com/Nexus-Google-7-Inch-Black-Tablet/dp/B00DVFLJDS/) + Asus PW100 Wireless Charging Stand (https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-PW100-Wireless-Charging-Stand/dp/B00IAMEGPU)

[thesameguy]

There we go - that's a good combo. Do all 2013+ Nexus tablets have wireless charging? As much as I'd be into a cheap Chinese Android tablet, I think I'd be happier long-term with a genuine Google device. Plus, not having to strap on a Qi receiver would be far more convenient. :up:

[Kchrpm]

No. The Nexus 7 2013 was the only Nexus tablet with wireless charging. I'm not finding any currently sold tablets with it. I think the battery size and rate of charging compared to the quick charge tech that has come out has made it less appealing to manufacturers.

[thesameguy]

Aw hell!

It looks like certain generations of Dell Android tablets also supported it, but they've discontinued their line entirely to focus on Win10.

I am not going to do anything til next month when I get back so I have some time to look I guess. I'd rather not buy a three year old tablet design, but hey, beggars can't be choosers!

[Yw-slayer]

Do you know what? I have an Xperia Z Ultra with a dock (and some spare magnetic wireless charging cables). I say Spare as I have so many Androids it's not really useful. The other reason it's not really useful is that by reason of my using it for folding, the heat caused portions of the rear cover to pop off(!!) and it is now no longer waterproof. If that cover issue is not a problem, I can look into how much it would cost for me to mail/DHL the whole shebang to you for postage (hopefully not more than USD40, including insurance?), and if it's not too high then maybe a nominal amount on top such as USD10 or something like that. Let me know.

[thesameguy]

Thank you for the offer! I am still compiling the...um... options for lack of a better term. My parents have a pair of Galaxy Somethings they aren't using anymore that might work too (with a wireless charging dock) - gonna try that out this weekend. I have no idea what the form factor should be.

[thesameguy]

I am seriously considering giving this a go:

http://www.android-x86.org/

Kinda wishing I still had my Venue 8 Pro on which to do it.

[Kchrpm]

Where is it? I thought you and Russ were Venue Windows tablets brothers.

[thesameguy]

I sold my 8 when I got the 11. I'd almost consider Android-ing the 11, but I use it pretty often, the hardware is gross overkill for Android, and - the women are right - 11" is just a little too big for comfort.

I may, however, watch the Outlet for a VP8 or VP10. Sometimes they're like $66. I'd totally sacrifice one, and I have - I think - $89 in credit there.

[Kchrpm]

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 is the new version of the one with the built-in stand I linked earlier: http://phandroid.com/2016/08/31/lenovo-yoga-tab-3-plus-specs-info/

http://phandroid.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/08_Yoga_Tab3_Plus_DolbyAtmos.png

Lenovo Yoga Book is...well, it's a 10" hybrid tablet, except instead of flipping out a keyboard, you flip out a Wacom-style drawing tablet...with an illuminated keyboard under the surface. Oh, and it's available with either Windows 10 or Android.

http://bgr.com/2016/08/31/lenovo-yoga-book-hands-on-release-date-specs-photos/

http://cdn.bgr.com/2016/08/bgr-yoga-book-3.jpg

http://cdn.bgr.com/2016/08/bgr-yoga-book-2.jpg

http://cdn.bgr.com/2016/08/12_yoga_book_painting_creat_mode_portrait_drawing_ pad.png

http://cdn.bgr.com/2016/08/yoga-book-android.png