Tablets - iPad, Galaxy Tab, Playbook, XOOM & More

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Azure

Ah, didn't even realize that.

Tough choice then. I can get a brand new Nook Color for $180 right now, but I like what the Kindle has to offer.

Nook Color has priced dropped due to release of Nook Tablet.

The Nook Tablet also doesn't need a root or any rom replacement (it's nice of course) to access the full marketplace. The preliminary versions seem to be able to just download apps from the marketplace if you use the loophole of going through the marketplace or getting APKs via the Web Browser. Then it opens a hidden menu for allowing unknown sources.

[chemgear]

Originally Posted by Slava

I know that you could do this at Staples. I bought one right when it came out and returned it within 14 days.

Really, you returned it? I thought you really loved it.

(it's nice to have that option though.)

[calf]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

You've got a Vox? Have you used other tablets before? I'd like to know how it compares - I've heard nothing but negative reviews on the Vox so far.

For me, i got it as an eReader first, tablet second. It's perfect to bring along when I travel to read, catcch up on the news, play the odd game of angry birds, etc. If you want way more apps, I understand it is limited by its hardware....but for me and what i wanted, it's great.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by chemgear

Really, you returned it? I thought you really loved it.

(it's nice to have that option though.)

I returned it and bought an iPad2. Then I went back to the Playbook from the iPad2. I do love the Playbook though and when I had the iPad I was missing "my best friend" as my wife calls it. I would definitely recommend it.

I didn't quote whoever liked the form factor of the fire, but that is also one of the things I like about the Playbook. While I haven't seen a fire in person, I am led to believe that they are really similar in that vein.

[FlamesPuck12]

Originally Posted by Slava

I returned it and bought an iPad2. Then I went back to the Playbook from the iPad2. I do love the Playbook though and when I had the iPad I was missing "my best friend" as my wife calls it. I would definitely recommend it.

I didn't quote whoever liked the form factor of the fire, but that is also one of the things I like about the Playbook. While I haven't seen a fire in person, I am led to believe that they are really similar in that vein.

Fire is closer to the Playbook more than Galaxy is close to the iPad.

[chemgear]

^ Yeah, didn't they both partner up with Quanta - form factor was almost identical I heard.

Hmmm, the usual rumors and such but I wonder if/when/what the "mini" ipad tablet will be like.

[seattleflamer]

Originally Posted by Azure

Nope.

Pretty sure the OS is so heavily modified that you can't access the Android marketplace.

Amazon is trying to get people to buy everything from them in order to justify losing money on the actual sale of the device.

Its a great idea, IMO. They are perfectly setup to make it work.

I've had the Fire for about a week now. I haven't sideloaded any apps since I wasn't sure if I was going to return it. Frankly, for my needs which are ebooks, a radio tuner, podcasts, Hulu, netflix and center ice via silk webbrowser, I haven't had the need to; though I'll probably do that for Centre Ice. Otherwise, all the apps in Amazon's store have been vetted and probably fit the needs for most people.

I haven't tried it in Canada yet but other than streaming the latest Harry Potter movie, I haven't used Amazon for any content. Even for the ebooks, I used my local library's content. I think Amazon has done an ok job with net neutrality issues from what I've needed it for thus far. It was a little annoying not being able to listen to a streaming podcast and surf another website at the same time on the silk browser so I ended up getting a podcast app.

It is the size of trade paperback so I would get one of those leather covers which gives it some leverage since it begins to feel heavy after reading for an hour.

Also I wish there was a physical home button and volume controls w/o using the touch screen. So for $200 bucks, you can't really go wrong if you are looking for an ereader plus a whole lot of downstream entertainment in the palm of your hand.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by seattleflamer

I've had the Fire for about a week now. I haven't sideloaded any apps since I wasn't sure if I was going to return it. Frankly, for my needs which are ebooks, a radio tuner, podcasts, Hulu, netflix and center ice via silk webbrowser, I haven't had the need to; though I'll probably do that for Centre Ice. Otherwise, all the apps in Amazon's store have been vetted and probably fit the needs for most people.

I haven't tried it in Canada yet but other than streaming the latest Harry Potter movie, I haven't used Amazon for any content. Even for the ebooks, I used my local library's content. I think Amazon has done an ok job with net neutrality issues from what I've needed it for thus far. It was a little annoying not being able to listen to a streaming podcast and surf another website at the same time on the silk browser so I ended up getting a podcast app.

It is the size of trade paperback so I would get one of those leather covers which gives it some leverage since it begins to feel heavy after reading for an hour.

Also I wish there was a physical home button and volume controls w/o using the touch screen. So for $200 bucks, you can't really go wrong if you are looking for an ereader plus a whole lot of downstream entertainment in the palm of your hand.

I've been having a hard time getting concrete info on what the experience of using a Fire would be like in Canada today. How often are you in Canada?

I know what services won't work but I'm talking specifically if I bought one for a parent, are they going to notice how neutered it is?

[seattleflamer]

^^^I won't going up till December but I'll let you know what I see.

Off the shelf, they'll definitely not be able to see content to the "Store": Amazon content and services. So you'll have to sideload and preload books and music. Watching movies will be an issue since there is only about 6G available on hard drive so you'll need dropbox or another online storage site.

But yeah, as is, it will look pretty empty and a glorified web browser without some help to bypass.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by seattleflamer

^^^I won't going up till December but I'll let you know what I see.

Off the shelf, they'll definitely not be able to see content to the "Store": Amazon content and services. So you'll have to sideload and preload books and music. Watching movies will be an issue since there is only about 6G available on hard drive so you'll need dropbox or another online storage site.

But yeah, as is, it will look pretty empty and a glorified web browser without some help to bypass.

Whoa - you can't buy books in Canada on the Fire? Are you sure?

[seattleflamer]

^^^I'm not sure is the thing. Hopefully when you go to the "Store", you can see ebooks available in Canada and it syncs or if work around is necessary.

I'll find out in a couple of weeks.

[Hack&Lube]

My buddy got a 64GB Playbook for $200 because it was a customer return. It's not bad but relying on RIM for apps is something I am wary of and their future Android support will only be partial.

Still, there are some great apps on there. My friend was streaming all his home movies (10GB rips) which automatically compressed themselves and streamed over the internet to his Playbook which played them flawlessly.

[Rathji]

Just ordered a 16GB Playbook from Futureshop. Figured since I have a Blackberry for at least the next few months, I might as well give it a shot and return it if it sucks.

[woob]

Has anyone seen the Galaxy Tab 8.9 wi-fi show up on any Canadian electronics sites yet?

[Hack&Lube]

Personally, I think a Samsung note would be the perfect form factor and size for me. Unfortunately, it's such a niche product, I would probably have to live with the standard kernel and rom and not be able to take advantage of custom options out there which I have grown accustomed to.

I'm tempted to pick up a new tablet (gave Nook Color to parents) but having to tether many of them to phones for internet is a bit clumsy. Then again, most place I goto have WiFi.

[Kipper is King]

I picked up my mom an Amazon Kindle Touch 3G for Christmas. It's shipping from my cousin in the States. It seemingly should work just fine up here, and I think it should be simple enough for my mom to use. She loves reading, but is not a big fan of overly-techy stuff.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Kipper is King

I picked up my mom an Amazon Kindle Touch 3G for Christmas. It's shipping from my cousin in the States. It seemingly should work just fine up here, and I think it should be simple enough for my mom to use. She loves reading, but is not a big fan of overly-techy stuff.

I picked up 3 of the new low end Kindles for gifts in my home. It's not a tablet, but I'm not interested on spending $200+ on a tablet for two kids that have yet to hit double digits. And I can't give my wife a full-on tablet, because then she won't need to inherit the iPad when I upgrade to an iPad 3

I'm an iPad guy, but the Kindle Fire is an awfully enticing looking device. I know for a fact I'd miss the 3G, GPS, specific apps like NHL Gamecenter, and a number of apps that tie closely into my workflow like Omnifocus, but man, if it does the other 80% of what I use the iPad for well, I think it has a bright future ahead of it.

As do the base Kindles for reading - its incredible that you can get them for right around $100.

I think the Amazon name and ecosystem will do a ton to legitimize and seed the non-iPad tablet market (notice I didn't say Android - I think Amazon will co-opt Android and make themselves #2 after Apple, leaving Android at #3, much to Samsung's dismay). It's the first Android based tablet that's captured my interest as an iPad user.

[CKPThunder]

Just looked at the Staples flyer today and it looks like both the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the iPad's will be reduced by $50 on Friday only. Haven't heard about any other deals like this from the other retailers.

[Violator]

Walked into walmart looking to buy BF3 walked out with a playbook still cant figure out what i did.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Violator

Walked into walmart looking to buy BF3 walked out with a playbook still cant figure out what i did.

psychedelics?