Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

I have to say, I am dead obsessed about the form factor, it is a make or break for me. I looked at several 7" tablets, they can easily hold up in your palm, easily, from the youtube posted. While a 10", unless it is a special breed, it is broader then a palm. I think fits my palm or using 2 hands is a huge difference. For me, 7".

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

congrats to apple, now the industry follows you, you have control of the future, if all the sudden you make a tablet when there are much faster more populated os's you will win, even when it is just a big iphone without multitasking

so let me guess make a turntable and people will be lovin back turntables

gg

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

A new contender from the old UK home grown company Binatone. The 8" Android tablet was supposed to be their breakthrough in the Indian market but is also starting to make an appearing in the EU.

For those of us in the UK, the Cash&Carry wholesalers Makro have these on sale NOW for £139.99. I know I am very tempted.

http://www.techlivez.com/wp-content/...etBinatone.jpg
http://www.techlivez.com/wp-content/...oidTablet2.jpg


Binatone HomeSurf 8 Android Tablet

HomeSurf 8™ Touch Tablet
-8” TFT LCD, 800x600 pixel (SVGA)
- Resistive Touch Screen with Stylus
- 5 Cap-Sens keys
-WiFi b/g
- Android OS
-2GB Storage (expandable via MicroSD)
-Auto rotating screen
-Micro SD Card slot (SD/SDHC)
-Video Playback support MP4, H.264
-Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
-Video Playback Time 4h
-Stereo Speakers
- Built-in microphone
-3.5 mm Stereo Audio Jack
- Mini USB cable for data transfer
- Charging dock with Speaker

£179.99 / € 229.90 UK and European version

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

android os ? key info
bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

well take a hint from the price and "resistive touch" that it won't include multitouch and/or the user experience won't be fluid (cheap resistive requires a firm touch while swiping screens = bad user experience).

btw bun, I know how you're interested in the whole 7" vs 10" tablet form factor I thought I would redirect you to THIS just to illustrate how trimming the bezel off from a 10" can keep it quite small (actually comparable with 7" ones with large bezels which is very common) but give you just enough screen-estate to do those productive tasks (Office, surfing etc) much better (with other benefits like better movie viewing and easier gaming like lets say 2-player online flash games).

Have I persuaded you yet?
Just be on the look out for a thin 10" with trimmed bezel just so you can physically understand the point of my ramble :D

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

The Archos 70 looks like one of the best WiFi only, low cost tablet. Charbax does a rather mumbly video review, but the features are very nice, as is the price:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK3ovYyh-34

- HDMI out
- USB host (or so Charbax claims)
- 7" @ 800x480
- Stock android 2.1
- No Google Market (may be a 'feature' for some here -- though it can be loaded on)
- Kick stand
- $275 US

If I were looking for a WiFi tablet and wanted no more than 800x480, this likely would be it.

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Only android 2.1? :(

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Yeah, only 2.1, but I hear that it's due for a 2.2 upgrade. Besides, there's always cyanogen.

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Dont get too fixated on 2.2, almost all 2.2 now (android tabletwise) running are pretty 'rough'. The only 2.2 kind of running fine is probably the nitdroid. I am a chicken, I am kind of happy my 2.2 is shipping in Nov, hopefully the bugs are slightly iron out by then. Some of the sporadic posts I read are pretty NOT COOL, like "...shipped with 2.1, self updated to 2.2, screen turned half black, got updated driver from manufacturer, screen turned totally black..." Eventually may be a happy ending, but it sounds da ja vu from N900, just a joke, dont shoot.


bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Sorry for the late reply bun :)

It appears as though there is very little info on this ATM as many of the sites are just regurgitating the same three lines given to them.

Here are just a few more pieces of key info that I could findx from the web.

Resistive 8" Touchscreen
Android 1.6 OS
ARM 11 667 MHz processor
128 MB RAM
Does not feature 3G

Whilst the specs are not that amazing it is nice to see "well known" company release one of these devices for a budget.

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

I am afraid that is all you can say about this one, it is a me too thing. Personally I would not look at anything 128 MB RAM, it is like running win 98 with 24 MB (the minimal requirement), and you know, it installs and loads but walks, not runs :) , 140 pds is about $230 us, it is about right, but would have problems compete with $150 and 256 MB RAM in the US, which has tons of choice by now; however, it still competes as they are expected to have better after sale service, like upgrade? Nice find, buddy

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

More stuff here, http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...728#post843728

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Hey, pal, I am going to get my toy in the next few days, How's your toy? Anything that is real bad :) ? Does the thing work right out of box, like our beloved N900, or does it need to be kick around a few times before it can be turned on? Hope you like your toy... I keep my fingers crossed

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

I've just got mine. Runs great... However I first flashed the 1021 fw and then the Hazard Full on top of it. Also remember to stop the AutoRotate feature in Android options, this will really speed up the whole thing (due to no accelerometer). Didn't yet try to put anything else on it, though it seems possible to run an OS from a partition on the card.

Oh, one really strange thing - my firmware updater refused to start unless I used a very specific version of the HP USB Disk Format Tool to format the microSD - 2.0.6!! I lost a whole evening to that :(

And one bad thing that can be fixed - with the last firmware the battery indicator is not updating :(

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

There's new firmware with the battery fix on SlateDroid...

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

I read your thread about the 1029 firmware. If the battery indicator light is NOT fatal, may want to stick with 1021 for the time being, or there is other 'compelling' factors :( .... I am getting my toy NEXT WEEK, Yah!

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

I meant that 1029 is better than 1021 - 1029 has the battery indicator fix and its clocked at 800MHz, not 1GHz - the performance difference is negligible.

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Honestly I would like to pay the minimum price for anything I buy.
But from experience I can tell you that most of the money wasted go to things that we think would suffice and end up failing. What happens is we waste more money on another device.

This is why I think it is more wiser spending money on a proper good device once and just stick with it for a long period (eg 1year or more).

That's why I'd recommend a hi-specced Android tablet that costs double the price as your average $200 one (which is a disaster waiting for you to buy it). Over the long run, the better device will cost the same (or even less) and do so with fewer heart-aches.

So far I am waiting to see how these will be priced and reviewed:

eLocity
http://www.amazon.com/eLocity-Touchs...577421&sr=8-25

Advent Vega
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/s...-tegra-tablet/
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/17/a...t-might-get-it

Toshiba Folio 100
http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/t...o-100-preview/

Or any other tablet with:
- battery life of >5hrs
- performance > Droid2
- decent size (thin) and >8.9in and <11in
- Android(unlocked bootloader)/MeeGo/Win7(depending on other factors)
- Wifi/BT/GPS/3G/SD/USBhost/HDMIout/3.5mmjack
- G-sensor/1.3MP front facing camera/decent storage/multitouch (capac preffered)/
- good screen (viewing angles, no gloss, > 600p, size)
- good body (eg Aluminium/hardplastic, not too heavy)

And suddenly there seems to be a new contender:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/31/v...akenly-claims/

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

The requirements you list should be covered in at least triple the price... ,)

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

My Archos 70 arrived today and my first impression is quite good. Fast. Display could be better.

But hey: 250€ is a fair deal!

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

How does this $99 7" Android tablet strike you?

http://www.focalprice.com/CE009W/Por...ml?SSAID=90215

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Swing and miss. :/

To be honest the only one in this long list for me is probably the that Atom tablet. Sure I've been a hard preacher of the HP TC1100 for a while but only because nothing is better. The WeTab(What's with these stupid names?) is the superior design I look for in a tablet.

Mid-range CPU
More than 512MB ram
Multitasking(it better)
Screen greater than 1024x768
Zomg random SDHC port!
Webcam! Squeeeee!
2 FULL USB ports? So even if I have something incompatible I have a workaround
Does everything my N810 and Zen can on a bigger screen

I think that pretty much sums it up. I don't have a need for GPS as long as I have the N810 and since I can't seem to find a better mapping app than Maemo Mapper. The only thing making me cringe is that price tag. It looks like a good planner, art tablet, media center and note taking device. I would be interested in something else because of the price but the battery is the main saving grace.

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

If you never have android before, this may be a good starting place

pros 7" and $99, a toss out thing if you dont like it
cons 128 MB ram and android 1.6; I am NOT sure how does these affect performance, everybody wants the latest, froyo, honestly, nitdroid froyo is probably THE only one that works alright today, problems of froyo on tablet is admittedly, quite common. Focal place is an unfamiliar vendor though.

Beware, couple evaluation posted saying surfing and reading only, video/games or heavy duty stuff, forget it. Be prepare this maybe only as good as surfing.

With that kind of spec, you get more choice with familiar vendors like dealextreme or meritline.

Edit: I really dont have a feeling about 128 MB ram with the way Android OS does thing. I wish someone can speak out. To me, 256 MB on Nitdroid works very well. then this 1.6 Os is the most broad Android version released. I am guessing, almost anything before 5/2010 apps, should work with 1.6, in other words, you only missing the really really recent stuff. This may be a good starting tablet to get a feeling about android. For me, my ONLY interests, nothing else, only interests is video. For others, it is games, for bunanson, video, streaming video, TV, etc

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

care to leave an impression? Or just a note about performance, likes or dont likes?
TIA,

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

You have a point. However, I am NOT sure one should plunge $500 or $600 into something without playing around with the system 1st, in particular, maemo users! Maemo users are spoiled with multitasking, easy hack, getting root, copy and paste etc. In android, even changing your display, dim or brighter, you HAVE to get out of your app to do it, this irritates the hell out of me even after 1 month 'training'. Is this a make or break thing, it all depends how one adjust/adapt to it. Seriously, you have to play with android for awhile in order to 'see' the difference. Androi is NOT maemo. Apple is NOT for me for a long shot.

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Or... try to connect to ad-hoc or bluetooth dun/pan :D

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

To see why there are problems with chasing the latest, froyo, this is a very good explanation,
copy from someone's postings,

================================================== ===
You need to understand that all those tablets and smartphones out their are not compatible with each other. There is no way you can have a single Android distribution that works as-is on all of them.
For each device running Android, device drivers specific to its hardware and a BSP had to be written for it.
So just because Android 2.2 is out, doesn't mean the manufacturer can copy it directly to their tablet. They need to put in a lot of work in to developing, testing, debugging the device drivers and BSP. Considering their very slim profit margins (the tablet sells for $100 after all), they may not be up to it.
Some knowledgeable enthusiast might not mind putting in their time for free, that you may find on the web many unofficial firmwares for Android devices in forums on the web.

================================================== ========


bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

@Bundyo: what do you think about 128 MB ram on android? Is that a horrible thing? I know, it depends on your personality, I guess :); what I am asking, is an average consumer able to do some mild stuff with 128 MB ram, or they get shift in and out for each single app?

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

No idea :)

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Cheaper at Dealextreme, http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.39169
300 Mhz! It is as fast as my 1998 IBM thinkpad! single speaker, not upgradable, unless you are good at hacking,

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

any <250$ tablets with 3g available known to you?

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

What about a tablet with this sort of design:

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7218/andotab.png

The whole point about the PC Security Lock holes on either end is for a keyboard accessory to latch on.
Eg a keyboard/second screen similar to this one:

http://a.imageshack.us/img713/2139/exoslatej2.jpg

PS: I will re-edit the image to fix it up and make it look nicer, its just an illustration for now to get your thoughts on the design aspects. For instace, does the idea of sliding doors to cover the connectivity ports (a la Galaxy S) strike you as useful? Does the unibody design seem stylish? etc etc

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

You won't find anything below $300 with 3G, if not more. All these $200-$100 tablets coming out of china are bottom-of-the-barrel in terms of specs and probably have fairly badly adapted installs of Android on them. I'd be shocked if the sources for the kernel on them (never mind Android itself) were even available.

Expecting anything other than a device that turns on and runs an old version of Android, badly, is expecting too much.

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

I think this is a good summary;

http://www.jkkmobile.com/2010/09/top...d-tablets.html

is it missing anything formidable?

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

A bit incorrect I think to suggest that the Galaxy Tab has "TV-out". More accurately, it has a general purpose 30 pin port to which you can connect an as of yet unavailable composite video cable

http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wire...roductid=27060

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Oh nice observation, gracias aMeeGo!

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

After a looong consideration, I finally decided for the A81e.
It's very portable, it's Froyo, have lot's of users to help me when I brick it, and costed 220$.
If I get to use it a lot, maybe I'll risk it and get a better one (Did anyone say WeTab?)
Bundyo, Bun, I think this is the model you've got, isn't it? What about a little "what-to-do first" for me to warm up until it comes next week? :)
Cheers!

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

Well, right from bunanson' private messages:

"Latest firmware here:
http://www.slatedroid.com/nationite-...-2-1102-a.html

Install this after that:
http://www.slatedroid.com/nationite-...zard-full.html

It will get you root.

After that, follow this tutorial to move your app folder to the SD card (I made mine 2GB):
http://www.slatedroid.com/nationite-...e-apps-sd.html

If you have problems with a software that doesn't want to install - unmount your SD card and try again (the secure containers on the card do not work for some reason)."

Also - for some reason you need to use HP SD formatter 2.0.6 to format your card before copying the firmware files - this is important...

I'm still trying to get MeeGo on it with limited success, there are some things missing from the original kernel which are needed for the newer framebuffer drivers and config or sources aren't available. I'll probably end up recompiling one of the drivers if I figure out how to get a full-blown ARM MeeGo emulator running (I really don't want to compile on the N900)...

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

For me, missing the g-sensor is a surprise disappointment. The current batch of shipment does NOT have g-sensor. If that is important to you, you may want to do something quick. The next batch, dont know when, will ship with g-sensor.

So far, I am please with my A81e. That is because it does what I want.

Pros:
- Froyo 2.2
- 7 " form factor
- I have yet to find one video that does NOT play. It plays anything I throw to it.
- large amounts of streaming internet TV around the world and USA
- hackable if you know how
- Android market with hack
- less thing to carry, it is a netbook without the keyboard, weights really really light
- wifi stable

cons:
- battery sucks big time, 3 hrs max, but they shipped you two batteries
- still monkey with the gps 3 days into ownership!
- 7" form factor, too big to hold in your palm
- no true multitask
- Android, a controlled linux
- like your maemo tablet, you need to do a little bit work to make it performs better. Right out of box performing are just ok.
- only 113 MB ram after flash (Nitdroid managed to have 227 MB!)

If you love your N800, you will like this thing. It almost does everything your N800 does and better, except true multitask. Web browsing/reading ebook/video playing/number of apps/email is many times better than N800. However, if you dig a little bit deeper, like hacking/root/SSH/streaming TVvideo, N800 is 'easier' for the linux newbees like myself

Regarding the form factor. I know 10" is way too big, I was shocked that 7" is still too big. I cannot comfortably hold the thing between my index finger and my thumb, I have to lay it on my palm. I am now interested in a 6" thing if there is such.

7" screen makes reading a breeze. As I am trained with N800, now N900, I changed the fonts from the default, medium, to very small. on browsing, I see the full screen without scrolling. All my collegeaus think I am crazy by using such small fonts. If you are the one that constantly set your desktop monitor to the highest resolution, 1280 X 800, you would love this A81e, no scrolling, you are seeing the full screen. That is already better than my netbook, which I have to constantly scroll up and down. And then, rotate this thing into portrait mode, this is even reading more than my laptop! For reading, this is bravo!!!

Bottomline:
You want a shipping froyo today, this is the only one in the whole world. All others are 'coming', 'shipping', 'on schedule'...
For me, no microphone and no g-sensor miss a lot of fun.

Knowing what I know now, would I buy it? An absolutely YES. In particular, if my ameego Bundyo packs it with meego.... :)

More reviews here:

http://digital8.org/reviews/wits-a81e-review-1767.html
http://mp4nation.net/blog/2010/09/5-...g-the-rocktab/
http://digital8.org/reviews/wits-a81...vert-1765.html

bun

Re: 7" tablet android.$350. comment?
 

I ordered from mp4nation.com, A81e + gps = 227$ shipped.

In the box: A81e, AC adapter, auto adapter, USB cable, batteries X 2; no user manual.

It came with FW 1021, has since updated to FW 1029, FW 1102 and FW 1102 variations.

I played with the original firmware for 4 hrs, to make sure everything worked, I then flashed it to FW 1102. Not happy with it, flashed to petolley 1102 variations.

Needs to install:
- LauncherPro to make rotateD works
- flashplayer 10.1 (check flash player with website youtube.com or kongregate.com)
- ConnectBot> (= xterm)
- z4root (not necessary)
- Titanium backup (need root)
- shootme (screen capture)
- ES file explorer (talk with your winPC)
- Advance task manager

Enjoy,

bun