Android Tablets

AHOY! Anybody else have android tablets? Galaxy Tab? Xoom? Tf101? I just picked up my Tf101 (Asus EEE Pad Transformer, name is too long), or Iconia?

This is an Android tablet thread. iPad/iPad 2 owners can discuss their product here -blush2

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Just messed around with some remote desktop app, Splashtop.



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How are you guys feeling about your Android tablets?

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My brief experience with the Asus Tf101 so far
Pros:
Speedy, ran remote desktop with video and World of Warcraft on, everything transitions fluidly, although I haven't figured out how to increase the resolution size if possible.
Not too heavy feeling, it's lighter than the Xoom but heavier than iPad 2
Internet browsing is good, pinch functions respond well.
I loaded some manga/comics/eBooks onto it and played with it on

Cons:
Usb charge cable is like short. It's like 3" shorter than the iPod Touch transfer cable.

 

I am considering a tablet purchase, and I was considering the Xoom, Transformer and the Iconia. However they all cost $499 here in Canada. What makes me angry with Android tablet vendors is that Android tablets are supposed to be the budget alternative for the iPad. The iPad is merely $20 more.

I can argue, that as a developer, having an Android tablet would be wonderful, as it implements an open architecture, and much easier to develop on. It also has a much higher potential as being the next business/corporate mobile platform, and evolution as a consumer device.

I can also argue that some come with USB ports, HDMI ports, whereas iPads (and all iOS devices), require proprietary accessories.

Furthermore, I can argue that the hardware in an average Android tablet is much more powerful than that of an iPad's.

Android tablets seems like the answer.

However here's where it all goes wrong for me.

There's nothing wrong with the Android OS, being an owner of one. There's nothing wrong with the hardware itself. The problem lies with the marketing strategies of these Android tablet vendors.

Why is it that the iPad, an inferior product in terms of hardware performance, hardware compatibility (HDMI/USB/ETC), software development potential, having a much better success than an Android tablet?

1) Apple is the king of being able to convince their potential clients that they need Apple products. Android device vendors simply market their devices by stating that their devices are superior, have the following specs etc etc. But they never marketed their devices as a need. The problem this will lead to (and is already occurring), is a lower client base, which means less apps, less support (look at the Nexus One), less overall usage of the devices by a population.

2) Bugs. Android is designed to work on a MUCH larger collection of devices, from phone to tablets. iOS is designed for a handful of iphones, ipod touches and ipads, whose hardware architecture is generally the same regardless of version models. iOS is optimized, which means less bugs.

3) Price. If Android tablets are supposed to be the budget tablets to the iPad, why is it that we can buy an iPad for $20 more? Why not just buy an iPad? You get a larger app collection (yes I know you've heard that one trillions of time), you get an optimized OS for the device, you get more support, and businesses/corporations/organizations, such as hospitals, are leaning towards iOS devices more than Android (currently). It's ridiculous to see Android tablets running at the same price as iPads.

They market themselves as competitors to the iPad, and being alternatives to the iPad. For a population whose majority is absolutely tech-illiterate, even if an Android tablet is loaded with diamonds, why would they pick an Android tablet if the majority of the population is using an iPad? Why wouldn't they pick a device that's less buggy due to OS-hardware optimization? And the app collection and business/corporate support speaks for itself.

As much as I love Android, and want to stay away from this Apple madness, it saddens me that the main reason why Android devices are not doing well is due to the incompetent marketing abilities of Android vendors.

What are your reasons to buy an Android tablet? Maybe (or definitely) I've missed some points, and I'd like to re-ignite the wish to buy an Android tablet.

 

I'm curious to see that TOshiba!

 

last time i checked, the Acer android tablet is indeed faster than the other droid tablets. Though the xoom is also fast. Not too bad though, i prefer the Acer one cuz its prettier and in my opinion the colors are better

 

They have a Windows 7 based tablet netbook, I think it's the Acer Iconia w500 or something. It's real beast with AMD Fusion, 2gb ram, 32gb SSD, and Radeon graphics under the hood.

 

you should get the extension cable i got mine from monoprice.com for $3.86

and this one is mine with the dock and 3.1 update xP

 

I like the android tablet because it supports flashplayer. til now ipad still doesn't support it. The market have alot of free apps compare to ipad have to pay for so many! I have a android phone now and i love it.

 

That looks good. I may pick up the docking keyboard later on when the prices stablize haha.

 

So you guys are happy with your Transformers?

Because I'm two seconds away from ordering one.

 

I have officially joined the Asus Transformer boat.

 

FIrst thought: I have a small backlight bleeding issue.. Going to ask for a replacement today, and I will provide my review of it once replaced.

Anyone else having backlight bleeding issues?

 

Any recommended apps? I just got a Asus Trans(no dock might get one later), Im kinda new to this android world :O

 

Initial thoughts of the 32GB Transformer (No keyboard):

Prior to purchasing the Transformer, I had also considered the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 that was released at Google I/O. What I liked about the GT10.1 was the thickness (being skinnier than an iPad 2), the screen quality, and the overall design of the GT10.1. I opted for the Transformer for the simple fact that it provided much more features (HDMI/USB/MicroSD expansion), and the lower cost. The 16GB model apparently had more issues than the 32GB, so I just went for the latter.

Aside from that minor mishap with the bleeding backlight, the screen quality is pretty sharp (although probably wont match the vibrant colours of the Galaxy Tab 10.1). After the Android 3.1 update, the screen is much snappier, much crisper and much more responsive. It probably wont match the responsiveness of an iPad, but it holds its own pretty well.

I initially had my doubts, and I was afraid of running into the same problems as my Nexus One.. The Nexus One was plastered with flaws, from the screen, to the wireless adapter, laggy OS, button quality... But after half a day with the Transformer, I'm pretty happy.

Multi-touch works very well with the Transformer, as opposed to others that I've tried (the first Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Tab 10.1v, etc).

In terms of tablet design, the Tablet has a curved back, which makes it appear much thicker than it is. I have to say though, this curved back is kind of annoying, as it makes hard to hold the tablet with one hand... The back is textured, which does help in terms of grip, but it kind of looks ugly lol

Looks aside, the Transformer provides the most features for the lowest cost, while also having the quickest updates and the most support from a manufacturer, out of all android tablets out there.

I have yet to use the tablet to its full potential, but with a Tegra2 processor, I don't think it'll have any problems handling anything I throw at it.

I'll give it a while longer, when I familiarize myself with the device. Going to do another review then.

Some stuff I plan to do on it:

RDP
Light Weight App Server
App development
And mostly using it as a media device, watching movies on TV through its HDMI.

 

should really apply for swiftkey beta really nice tablet keyboard on landscape with nice look. Curvy is a pretty fun game and the others i have to look at my tablet i'll get back at you with more currently rooting my tablet. hope it works xP

i could of gotten it for 120 but missed the boat on tigerdirect through buy.com i regret it -cry2

 

interesting, i have to choose out of an ipdad2, android tab or an Acer revo for my tv. i think the tab is the better option, not sure if i should go droid or apple though, with apple they lock you into to much stuff with them so i think ill go droid.

 

what case/sleeve are you guys using for your transformers ?

 

i got the official one. i regret getting it. the flap that suppose to tuck in under the tablet in keeps on slipping out. other then that pretty good on holding the tablet up.

but i'm yet to find 1 with the dock and tablet