Question on some tablets
 

I've heard alot of bad things about the processor ZT 180. I've also seen it next to the name ARM 11. Im not 100% on these processors and dont want to make some huge mistake. So my question is is the infortm processor different than the ZT 180?

Also comparing these two processors, which is better? Thank ya!
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-gs...olesalers.html

OR

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-gs...olesalers.html

Re: Question on some tablets
 

Both of those have their own advantages/diadvantages... so its tough to say. What are you planning on using a tablet for?

Have you tried the iPad/iPad2, Galaxy Tab/XOOM, or more importantly have you seen the Viewsonic Gtablet/Advent Vega/Malata Zpad/WooW! The One ??

Re: Question on some tablets
 

I want to use it for general use, email, videos, youtube, maybe facebook games too. 9 inch+. 512 RAM. Android 2.2 for flash reasons. Doesnt have to have 3G but I want b/g/n for wifi if I can. Biggest battery I can get (you need to it's a portable device)

I ruled out I dont want a ZT 180 processor. Yet these sites are not always accurate and can give conflicting information. So I wanted another eye to determine if Im getting somewhere with that processor wise. I dont want to spend a lot either, hence why Im looking at these. I pretty much determined one of these two. To me the rest named are just too expensive. Im looking to spend max 300 on one if I can. If not I'll probably sack the idea.

Re: Question on some tablets
 

I'd like to help you, but just from looking over I can't really recommend either. They seem exactly like those ARM11 craplets only with Cortex A8's. Please reconsider purchasing, because money doesn't really lose value but electronics do, especially electronics that go unused (that's money wasted).

The Nook Colour has a lot of support (eg Honeycomb) and is toting a Cortex A8, its also physically great! And if you get lucky with a cheap one, it is in your budget :)

Now, I know your budget is $300, but just check this out:
for $60 more you get the peace of mind (and great support from xda)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Viewsonic-G-1...ht_2643wt_1139
Or you can get lucky in the auctions for these (only bid at the last minute):
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Viewsonic-G-T...ht_2815wt_1139
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Viewsonic-G-T...#ht_500wt_1156

Re: Question on some tablets
 

I don't think the processor should be of major concern to you, if theyre both A8, they'll both have roughly the same grunt. More likely they will be the inferior A8's so it'll match the performance of the Acer Liquid (768MHz First-gen Snapdragon) which does differ to those 1.2GHz Hummingbirds. What is more important is RAM size (512MB should be minimum).

But still things won't play out like you expected -- you need good drivers and good kernel/roms for speedy responses and no crashes. This is why a more supported device is better (eg if its on android forums like xda). Out of those two devices, the Freescale iMx515 is more widespread so I'm guessing it could be more supported = more drivers/custom roms, but you'd need to check. http://www.codon.org.uk/~mjg59/android_tablets/


Out of the first two, the second one's major advantage is the capacitative and multitouch (really does make a better experience). But the first one has more features, so I wouldn't say its worth "upgrading" from the first one to the second one for $100. Try to find the first tablet but with a capac-multitouch display for $100 more and it should be sweet, or you know take my advice above.

But if you're really really not going to invest another $50-$100 for a more future-proof and peace-of-mind, then I can recommend one single craplet: The Herotab.
1) $180 (since December 2010 - can you believe it!)
2) 8" (4:3) screen that's 800x600
3) 1GHz A8 (Freescale IMX515) 512MB RAM, 4GB NAND
6) 4,200mAh battery
7) G-sensor/Wifi/Headphone/microSD/3G through external module
8) Looks okay, feels cheap plastic, Android 2.2, mediocre entertainment for your home perfect for kids

.... after comparing, it seems like the second one is* the Herotab. Only that they've added a Bluetooth module, given a MT-capacitative screen, made it pricier, slimmed down to a 2GB NAND and changed the screen for a 1024x768 (instead of 800x600) ... which is not that much better since Android Apps are more typical to 16:9 size.

Re: Question on some tablets
 

And here is the high-end of craplets, http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....ht_8062wt_1139
notice its much more sleek/better software but is more expensive and less features.

But I somehow cannot recommend that one ...but there's even more, how about you go through this catalogue I found http://www.wholesaleonepiece.com/Who...?productsort=4 Its always difficult learning the details of craplets (Engrish certainly doesnt help) but a rule that helps is: if its not listed assume it doesn't have it/it has the inferior one.

But this one (Superpad2) looks like the first one (you linked) except its even cheaper (just slightly) http://www.aliexpress.com/product-gs...olesalers.html It actually looks like its better than the Herotab despite being at the same price, guess the consumers win. Just watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiV1P6jzg8w

And if you really wanted to, you could "upgrade" for $100 to a model which drops a few features (but certainly is less of an eyesore) just to have the multi-touch capacitive screen. A total cost of ~$280. There you go, I found one that's within your budget but much better http://www.china-tablet-pc.com/apad-...ion-p-162.html XD
Hell if you're anything like Ben Heck, you will buy 10 Superpad2's and 10 of the $280 one, and transplant the screens, probably refunding/selling the now $280-resistive-pads for a profit and selling the now "Superpad3" to cover the cost of your effort and keeping one to entertain yourself....

...Then again if you add another $80, you can upgrade from your $280-tablet to a Tegra2 model (Advent Vega/Vs G-tablet), but always remember its your money!

Re: Question on some tablets
 

Oh, I think it would be much quicker if I just give this link:
http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...411#post926411

Re: Question on some tablets
 

i have Motorola xoom, I think it is the best tab,Try it!!!

Re: Question on some tablets
 

Wow Kangal fantastic information! Im kinda new to tablets and this has been a real eye opener. Everything I asked and more. Thank you very much! I'll spend some time looking at what you have presented and will go from there.

Re: Question on some tablets
 

In nowadays i like apple ipad 2 very much,i support apple ipad 2.it is so perfect in the tablet space.i recomment you to buy latest apple ipad 2,i have got one Apple iPad 2 Tablet 32GB wi-fi+3G MC983LL/A White from one online store

Re: Question on some tablets
 

Costs too much in my opinion. Plus it will be surpassed soon so heh that kinda lowers the importance to me. Kangal, if you're still kickin around here. Can the SuperPad 2 or hero tab run Java?

Re: Question on some tablets
 

spam much?

Re: Question on some tablets
 

Lol!

Android is built via a java implementation, but I'm guessing you mean J2ME (eg java-games etc). As of Froyo iirc, the new Browser (aka Chrome Lite) in Android now does support J2Me. Just goto Menu>Settings>tick Enable Javascript.

But the question is a little difficult to answer:

The superpad2's processor is equivalent to the Nexus One's. And in the spectrum of Cortex A8 phones the Nexus One is the slowest processor and the Hummingbird the fastest. I've customized my Galaxy S to run a ROM (latest build, kernel etc). It's not lagfixed (Hardcore's kernel is swell) and its not overclocked to 1.2GHz (battery life reasons). There still is a few things I could do to make it run faster, but right now its superb. And with this setup I can barely play Plants Vs Zombies (pogo.com). I mean it starts off a little slow but later there are frameskips and freezes to the point of useless.
I think on my phone I could get a better experience if:
- game on a better site
- phone lagfixed and overclocked
- All apps closed and all browser tabs closed
- Played a less complex game
But so far the Javascript implementation in Browser is poor, maybe it runs better on other browsers (haven't tried). Perhaps the performance has been enhanced in Gingerbread which I'm waiting upon for MIUI ROM

edit: These games run fine but aren't too fun http://www.playscreen.com/g1/

Long story short, the Superpad2 can run Java(script) but expect to play games with low-demands.

Thank you very much.
I believe the screen estate gained in a 7" device isn't that much over a 4" smartphone, so why not just use your phone like S'Jobs said. I think it needs a little more screen-estate to be able to do extra, but not too much so that its still ultraportable. Thus 8.9" and up is what I believe (and 9.9" being my niche), so I'm on the same boat with you.
But then again, what is nice about the 7" size is that its smaller, easier to hold (reading for extended time), much easier to balance with one hand. Also it fits perfectly in the centre-console of most cars, so you can have it as an in-car GPS, stereo/music/movie player etc as you travel (which is many hours per week). So if you have any second thoughts about 7" size, there are alternatives like this which is only inferior in screen resolution (800x480 is a let down) http://cgi.ebay.com.au/SULI-SL-7i-AN...ht_8964wt_1139

The Superpad2 is a really good entertainment tablet for the home (especially the kids) if you can grab one for $180. Anything more and it gets a little redundant, considering resistive screen will give you constant headaches (no joke).

Well the thing about the Nook Colour is that its built with high quality (iPad), the screen quality is superb (better than iPad) and its got a slightly better processor than the Superpad2 (but not a dualcore). So it really is a great tablet, once you tinker with it (which I presume you will). Also the Nook has better community support than the Viewsonic or the Superpad2 (nearly nonexistant).
There was a special you can buy them Brand New from B&N for $199 on eBay which is a steal.

The Galaxy Tab is an okay device, about on-par with rooted Nook Colour. With the successor about to debut, more Honeycomb devices and others like iPad2/Playbook/Touchpad the price should be dropping, aim for below $300.

The only great thing about the Viewsonic is that it is future-proof. When the Honeycomb AOSP is released, it will update instantly. And when new tablet Apps are made that require more horsepower, they should run smoothly on the VS but perhaps not so on the Superpad2/Galaxy Tab/Nook Colour.

I personally prefer the VS, but wouldn't mind buying the Nook for $200 (a good $150 cheaper). I could make it better by attaching it in my Shitbox (car) and overclock to 1.1GHz, CM7/Gingerbread running, get Google-Apps (Market, Maps etc) and also enable Bluetooth (there is one inside its just dormant). But then miss out on 10" size, hdmi/tv out, and usb host.

So its a very difficult decision indeed, it all depends on:
1)screen size
2)price (2xSuperpad2 = 1xGtablet)
3)TV out/USB HOST/Screen quality and other features
3)how much time you want to spend hacking it

Let me know what device you decide upon, thanks.

Re: Question on some tablets
 

This is just like shopping for your first (used) car:

One is a Fiat (low quality), sedan-sized like you wanted (10") with many features (air con + air bag =hdmi+usbhost) but it is manual and you don't like manual (resistive touch). It costs (eg $4,000) and is well within your budget. You could have difficulty selling the Fiat (Superpad2).

The other is a Volkswagen (high quality), a small hatchback (7") which lacks a few features (no airbag/air con) but is auto and parts are easy to find (xda commuity support). It is also just within (eg $4,500) your budget. The VW (Nook Colour) shouldn't lose much value over time.

There is another car you like. This one is a Honda (medium quality) which is a sedan (10") and is automatic (capacitive multitouch). It comes with a 2.5L 4cyl (Tegra2) engine which has more horsepower than those 1.6L 4cyl cars you previously saw. So it will endure long and mountainous trips more easily (demanding Apps; eg N64oid). It has many features like airbags (full size usb), ABS-brakes (front facing cam) but it needs a (cheap) new compressor (dock) for the air con (HDMI out) to work. Parts are easy to find almost as abundant as the VW. It costs (eg $5,700) and is just outside your budget. The Honda (ViewSonic Gtab) shouldn't lose much value over time.

All three cars come with a bad stereo-speaker system (software), but you can easily change this for something you want for relatively no cost (only costs time and effort).

Is it worth paying more for a decent engine?
If not, which of the two cheaper cars do you choose (and making a compromise)?

Re: Question on some tablets
 

Great analogies Kangal, I go with the Honda in real life so why not buy in to the analogy as well? It seems like everything I buy computer wise is related to lifespan and durability. My next big purchase is going to be some good email marketing software, have any ideas? :)