Android Tablets

[dpuck1998]

Anyone gotten their hands on one of these yet? 129 bucks on sale for Black Friday in some stores!! I'm thinking of getting one for my oldest since he is getting a droid phone for xmas.

 

[jodiey]

What is an Android Tablet if you don't mind me asking?

 

[FireDancer]

What is an Android Tablet if you don't mind me asking?

A tablet computer that runs Google's Android operating system. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a good example.

Don, I haven't gotten my hands on the tablet yet but have no doubt as an OS it will be a win. It will come down to the processor power, battery life, and form factor and for that I would rely on cNet, gdgt, and Engadget reviewers.

 

[dpuck1998]

A tablet computer that runs Google's Android operating system. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a good example.

Don, I haven't gotten my hands on the tablet yet but have no doubt as an OS it will be a win. It will come down to the processor power, battery life, and form factor and for that I would rely on cNet, gdgt, and Engadget reviewers.

Agree, this is where apple has a slight advantage. They control those factors and make sure the build is solid. The Android will be like the PC, could be crappy hardware or could be solid. For 129 bucks though I might give it a shot for my kid. Ohh, and most of the apps are free on the Android

 

[Renysmom]

A tablet computer that runs Google's Android operating system. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a good example.

Don, I haven't gotten my hands on the tablet yet but have no doubt as an OS it will be a win. It will come down to the processor power, battery life, and form factor and for that I would rely on cNet, gdgt, and Engadget reviewers.

I have read a few reviews on the Samsung the last few days and I am really intrigued. Can't wait to learn even more about it.

 

[darrengs]

Unfortunately Android OS is not yet optimized for tablets, personally I am waiting until a tablet optimized version (Honeycomb) is actually released.

 

[FireDancer]

Unfortunately Android OS is not yet optimized for tablets, personally I am waiting until a tablet optimized version (Honeycomb) is actually released.

Thankfully there is no carrier involved who insists on controlling the update process and you should be able to upgrade to the new version at your own pace.

 

[dpuck1998]

Thankfully there is no carrier involved who insists on controlling the update process and you should be able to upgrade to the new version at your own pace.

 

[kimisabella]

Do you have to pay for a monthly service for this? I was looking at it last night on the Toys R Us flyer and thought it would be nice for my daughter, but my husband said there would be a monthly fee to get internet service on it?

 

[dpuck1998]

Do you have to pay for a monthly service for this? I was looking at it last night on the Toys R Us flyer and thought it would be nice for my daughter, but my husband said there would be a monthly fee to get internet service on it?

I'm assuming they have built in wifi, but if you wanted celluar access I'm sure you would need a service. I haven't seen any of the major cell players selling on yet. IMHO, Wifi is plenty for these devices, but that is just me. I use my phone if I need internet on the go. Plus, I bet you can tether these a lot easier than an iPad and not pay for wireless internet twice like at&t demands.

 

[FireDancer]

Do you have to pay for a monthly service for this? I was looking at it last night on the Toys R Us flyer and thought it would be nice for my daughter, but my husband said there would be a monthly fee to get internet service on it?

In addition to what Don said you can also go with a device that can turn your cellular data connection into a WiFI hotspot, like the Verizon Mifi.

 

[dpuck1998]

In addition to what Don said you can also go with a device that can turn your cellular data connection into a WiFI hotspot, like the Verizon Mifi.

Or you can just jailbreak your Android and make it a hotspot for free

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

Or you can just jailbreak your Android and make it a hotspot for free

I thought the whole point of Android was that it was an open platform, and therefore there's no need to "jailbreak" it, because it's not "jailed" in the first place.

 

[dpuck1998]

I thought the whole point of Android was that it was an open platform, and therefore there's no need to "jailbreak" it, because it's not "jailed" in the first place.

While it is open, most cell manufactures do not give you "root" access. They want to be able to support the phone and charge you to use the wifi hotspot. "Jailbreaking" lets you customize more and use apps that the providers do not allow.

 

[darrengs]

I thought the whole point of Android was that it was an open platform, and therefore there's no need to "jailbreak" it, because it's not "jailed" in the first place.

Most of the limitations placed on phones is carrier based, and Verizon is by far the worst when it comes to locking things down.

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

While it is open, most cell manufactures do not give you "root" access. They want to be able to support the phone and charge you to use the wifi hotspot. "Jailbreaking" lets you customize more and use apps that the providers do not allow.

From what I've seen (in Canada, maybe different in the US), the android tablets are not tied to a specific carrier. You can use a carrier of your choosing by cionfiguring it to your own settings.

 

[kimisabella]

I'm assuming they have built in wifi, but if you wanted celluar access I'm sure you would need a service. I haven't seen any of the major cell players selling on yet. IMHO, Wifi is plenty for these devices, but that is just me. I use my phone if I need internet on the go. Plus, I bet you can tether these a lot easier than an iPad and not pay for wireless internet twice like at&t demands.

In addition to what Don said you can also go with a device that can turn your cellular data connection into a WiFI hotspot, like the Verizon Mifi.

Thanks for the clarification. I was thinking that the Wifi should be sufficient as well.

 

[FireDancer]

I thought the whole point of Android was that it was an open platform, and therefore there's no need to "jailbreak" it, because it's not "jailed" in the first place.

As stated Google doesn't lock the phone down, it is the carriers which is unfortunate. One of the drawbacks of an open platform is that it is open for everyone to ruin if they choose. T-Mobile is the best as far as allowing the phone to remain as Google intended and they have the least expensive plans for bringing your own phone. If you are in a city where they have or are rolling out HSPA+ they will be the best option even if you bring your own Android phone.

 

[simmons_m]

Love my htc incredible phone (droid), but I also really like the stability, and ease of use of the iPad. Plus, at this point i trust the app store more so than the android market place.
The way I look at it, I have the best of both worlds.

 

[DUHgreg]

As a non tech person, I thought your robot had a headache.