Develop Bugs

[reviews] no brand faux leather case, official Samsung USB adaptors

OK first off, apologies if this is long winded or if I should have posted this in the other accessory threads. I've had my Note 10.1 for five days now - case came the day I picked up the tablet (good timing!), and the USB adaptors arrived today.
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Blue Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 'Executive Plus' Faux Leather Case with Screen Protector and Stylus Pen Holder (Fits both Tablet Versions Note 10.1 N8000/N8010):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Exe...XVJ0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1353061991&sr=8-2
Packaging
The case arrived in a nondescript cardboard box inside another cardboard box (nobrand ). The insides were kept in shape by a foam insert. I also got a screen protector with this package (again, nobrand)
Usage
The case itself is really well made, the note slips inside a pouch and velcro'ed in, and the front cover folds backwards to form a stand. Access ports are unblocked, with generous openings for the cameras and sensors, as well as holes where the speakers are (smart!). Removing the S PEN from its slot is not very easy since there's no hole cut into the case for that. There is, however, a pen holder loop built on the top ridge of the case where your power buttons and I guess you could store the S PEN there, or buy another S PEN and keep it there (I'm tempted to do that)
The lid stays shut with the help of magnets built into the top edge of the case, seems sturdy. There are two slots for SD cards built into the inside of the case but I don't think I will use them - they're exposed when you flip the lid open to form the stand and I'm not too convinced the cards will stay where they are.
Overall, a good case, hard, slim, functional. And its a nice blue colour . Might not be as padded as other cases but it is light and does protect the tablet to some degree. The only real gripe I have with this case is the flap the lid slots into when using it as a stand. It's made of hard material, but it feels like it will go out of shape after extended periods of use. The screen protector is nothing to shout home about, it does what it does, protects the screen. Screen brightness is affected slightly by the protector though.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 SD Card and USB Adapter - Black:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Gal...2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1353062038&sr=1-2
Packaging
Small box the size of cigarette cartons. Does say Samsung Galaxy Tab but it works just as well with the note. Comes with instruction sheet (!)
Usage
The USB adaptors are amazing. All plastic, good build quality, light weight. You get one 30pin to female USB connector, plus another 30pin to full sized SD card adaptor. Connected my camera direct to the note using the USB and it had no trouble reading it or transferring pictures from the camera's SD card. Same with other USB sticks. The SD card adaptor works in the same way except only for SD cards of course. Streaming movies was not an issue.
Only problems might be the 30pin itself. Feels like the slightest knock will bend it out of shape when its in the note. Overall I am really pleased with the adaptors, although they are a bit more expensive than the other brands and you'll need to carry both adaptors plus other bits compared to, for example, the eKit.
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Bonus - the Sony Ericsson MW-600 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones works amazingly well with the phone and Note 10.1. It has multipoint tech so you can have both devices connected to the headset - listening to music from the Note 10.1 then taking calls from the phone feels just right. Buy Tablet Talk and you won't need to take the phone out of your bag or pocket anymore.
Just remember to pair the Note 10.1 first, and THEN hold the call button on the headset to pair it with the phone, other wise it might not work. This particular headset is a bit "old" (released 2009, I bought it last year), and Sony had replaced it with another similar headset, Sony Smart Wireless Stereo Headset Pro. Not had the pleasure of using that yet but I don't plan to buy another headset until the MW600 breaks.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Ericss...VZT4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1353081705&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Smart-...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1353081875&sr=1-1
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......feels like whatever savings I've made from buying the Note 10.1 have been sunk into accessories lol.

Keyboard that lets you charge...

Looking for a good keyboard/cover for my Note 10.1 that lets me use the docking connector (charge/OTG while typing) but so far nearly everyone one I've seen has the note rest flush against the bottom of the case so I cant access the port. Is there one on the market that keeps the note raised up enough to use the connector without turning the note upside-down (which makes the wake/volume buttons and the headphone jack inaccessible)

Ashton_Durkhun said:
Looking for a good keyboard/cover for my Note 10.1 that lets me use the docking connector (charge/OTG while typing) but so far nearly everyone one I've seen has the note rest flush against the bottom of the case so I cant access the port. Is there one on the market that keeps the note raised up enough to use the connector without turning the note upside-down (which makes the wake/volume buttons and the headphone jack inaccessible)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you consider the Samsung keyboard dock. It works great for me!

You do know that you can position it so the port is on the top?
Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk HD

Kumabjorn said:
You do know that you can position it so the port is on the top?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RIF:
Ashton_Durkhun said:
... without turning the Note upside-down (which makes the wake/volume buttons and the headphone jack inaccessible)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doodle said:
Did you consider the Samsung keyboard dock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone know if the Samsung Keyboard Dock will fit if the device has the Samsung Book Cover on it?

Guess I messed up, sorry.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk HD

Is there a Samsung keyboard dock?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app

davefromohio said:
Is there a Samsung keyboard dock?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah but they stopped making them due the fact that they weren't as popular. i purchased one off of ebay and i think it's amazing

I am just using the Universal Dock - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007UOXV3W with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse as a compromise. I have the Poetic cover - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008YZ8VL8 which can stay on with the stand in use.

dmarchant said:
I am just using the Universal Dock with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse as a compromise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I do, too. Also, I have the Samsung Book Cover and the Note fits in the dock with it on.
I only wished I'd've bought more than one of these when I had the chance: Motorola Wireless Keyboard and Trackpad. It's perfect for traveling (I keep one in a keepcase that I carry the note around in). It's thin, has a cover that doubles as a stand, integrated trackpoint mouse and charges via MicroUSB. Picked up one on sale for $40 and haven't seen it that cheap since.

I had a galaxy tab 8.9 and still have the original Samsung keyboard dock. If you take out the black plastic insert (it pops out along the top edge), the Note10.1 fits in relatively well with the bookcase cover still on. The extra thickness of the cover actually works pretty well to support the tab given that the custom insert isn't in there.
Not perfect, but you can still pick up keyboard docks for the 8.9 or 7 relatively cheaply on Amazon. ($30 less than perfect vs. a $100 import from Asia)
Sent from my SCH-I925 using Tapatalk HD

Chugo said:
yeah but they stopped making them due the fact that they weren't as popular. i purchased one off of ebay and i think it's amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw one of these on eBay, I agree it looks great but they wanted $100 for it, I coudl get probably 8 or 9 bluetooth keyboards for that cost...
dmarchant said:
I am just using the Universal Dock - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007UOXV3W with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse as a compromise. I have the Poetic cover - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008YZ8VL8 which can stay on with the stand in use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is basically what I'm looking at doing, except my folding case lifts the charging port off the table if I turn it facing out, watching some normal BT keyboards/mice on eBay (average cost $20-$30)
kcrudup said:
I only wished I'd've bought more than one of these when I had the chance: Motorola Wireless Keyboard and Trackpad. It's perfect for traveling (I keep one in a keepcase that I carry the note around in). It's thin, has a cover that doubles as a stand, integrated trackpoint mouse and charges via MicroUSB. Picked up one on sale for $40 and haven't seen it that cheap since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that had an actual trackpad on it, I might bite, but I absolutely *hate* the "dots" (one of my laptops actually had it's dot missing the cover so it was unuseable - I never noticed I jsut used the trackpad)
slamorte said:
I had a galaxy tab 8.9 and still have the original Samsung keyboard dock. If you take out the black plastic insert (it pops out along the top edge), the Note10.1 fits in relatively well with the bookcase cover still on. The extra thickness of the cover actually works pretty well to support the tab given that the custom insert isn't in there.
Not perfect, but you can still pick up keyboard docks for the 8.9 or 7 relatively cheaply on Amazon. ($30 less than perfect vs. a $100 import from Asia)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might try this, I've seen the Tab docks cheep, didn't know if they used the same pinout for the connector or not. (and now wondering if it's somehow using the USB OTG and a usb keyboard with a pass-through for power... might be able to take it apart and mod in a micro-hub connection if their room...)

Ashton_Durkhun said:
If that had an actual trackpad on it, I might bite, but I absolutely *hate* the "dots"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heh. Touchpads and Trackpoints are apparently polarizing; I'm quite the opposite (I can't stand touchpads and tend to disable them unless I don't have an external mouse )

Galaxy tab 8.9 works great!
slamorte said:
I had a galaxy tab 8.9 and still have the original Samsung keyboard dock. If you take out the black plastic insert (it pops out along the top edge), the Note10.1 fits in relatively well with the bookcase cover still on. The extra thickness of the cover actually works pretty well to support the tab given that the custom insert isn't in there.
Not perfect, but you can still pick up keyboard docks for the 8.9 or 7 relatively cheaply on Amazon. ($30 less than perfect vs. a $100 import from Asia)
Sent from my SCH-I925 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Picked one up used off of Amazon for $16. With the book cover one, it is well supported. Android specific keys are great. Thanks for the suggestion!

slamorte said:
I had a galaxy tab 8.9 and still have the original Samsung keyboard dock. If you take out the black plastic insert (it pops out along the top edge), the Note10.1 fits in relatively well with the bookcase cover still on. The extra thickness of the cover actually works pretty well to support the tab given that the custom insert isn't in there.
Not perfect, but you can still pick up keyboard docks for the 8.9 or 7 relatively cheaply on Amazon. ($30 less than perfect vs. a $100 import from Asia)
Sent from my SCH-I925 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick question - Does the blue light on the keyboard stay on when your Note is docked and charging? I thought mine did initially but now it doesn't consistently stay on. It also seems to charge slower (but that could just be my imagination).

horsemom said:
Quick question - Does the blue light on the keyboard stay on when your Note is docked and charging? I thought mine did initially but now it doesn't consistently stay on. It also seems to charge slower (but that could just be my imagination).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure - I never charge while it's in the dock. The blue light seems to come on intermittently for me - not sure why. At first I thought it was strictly for caps lock, but it is not consistent.
Sent from my SCH-I925 using Tapatalk HD

Bear Motion Bluetooth Keyboard Case for Kindle HDX 7" review / impressions

Just received this afternoon (before Christmas, yeah!)
This is the "Bear Motion Premium Folio Leather Case with Detachable Keyboard" Purchased at $21.99 (Amazon Link) (Wait, they just sold out?)
The box is a very plain white box with orange highlights that bears (no pun intended) no brand name, just "Bluetooth Keyboard case" (for Kindle Fire HDX7)
Strangely, my box appears to have been opened, and the microUSB cable was left stuffed on top of the flap, but the device appears to be untouched. (Maybe it's for testing? Bear Motion claims they test every device)
Instructions (a tiny CD-jewelcase insert sized brochure) states that you should leave it charging for a couple hours. Their USB cord is a bit short, so I used my Kindle microUSB cable for charging.
The keyboard is just attached via magnet to the case, and is detachable, pretty firmly. I separated it to charge while I studied the case.
The case itself is made of "leather" and has a nice "foamy" backing that makes it somewhat spongy. I was momentarily flummoxed by how to insert my HDX, then I realized I have to open the hook-and-loop flap, slide the thing in from the bottom, then try to fit the flap back in to secure the HDX.
The case has nice big openings for the volume and the power button, as well as rear holes for the stereo speakers. It has a "jackstand" that pops out, but it does not have multiple angles. However, it appears to have metal backing instead of plastic that can break.
I inspected for broken stitches and such and cannot detect any at a cursory inspection.
Keyboard... looks quite generic. It is a basic keyboard, really squished together to fit on a 7 inch platform. I am a touch typist (85WPM) and I cannot touch type on that keyboard at all. None of the keys are in their proper positions, but then you don't really expect to touch type on this, do you? This is for the two-finger typists who need to enter more than usual text but don't want to touch the screen. I suspect those with the 8.9 inch version of this may have more luck. They also have versions for various Samsung devices and iPads.
Key feel is "meh". Tiny keys, tiny travel. Can't swear to durability as I've had it for less than 24 hours. Pairing per instructions is painless. Turn on Bluetooth and sync, turn keyboard on, and hit sync on keyboard... Tap, enter a code supplied by HDX, and voila, I am paired.
This is not a laptop replacement nor is it meant to be. It's a convenience keyboard that can help you enter more text than onscreen keyboard while you're on the go. If you want a BETTER Bluetooth keyboard, and don't care about the case, well, go buy a Microsoft Mobile Sculpt KB for $23.40. If you want to carry your keyboard with you... this is not a bad choice.

I'll check it out.

Laptop Replacement Case

I'm looking to turn my Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition into a full replacement for laptop. What I would like to find in a case:
1.) Ruggedness. I'd love to be able to accidentally drop my tablet while carrying it with me to class and not have to worry about having broken such an expensive gadget.
2.) Flexible angles. My laptop can pivot to a wide variety of angles. I would love to see this for my Note tablet too.
3.) Trackpad. When my tablet is in the case I would love to be able to switch to a trackpad approach of navigating the screen.
4.) Keyboard. Moreso than a bluetooth keyboard I would love something that can get its power from the tablet itself.
5.) High quality materials. I don't want flimsy faux leather or plastic. Metals would be preferred.
Are there any products that match some or all of the things I want in a case? Money isn't really an object provided it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

thatblokematti said:
I'm looking to turn my Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition into a full replacement for laptop. What I would like to find in a case:
1.) Ruggedness. I'd love to be able to accidentally drop my tablet while carrying it with me to class and not have to worry about having broken such an expensive gadget.
2.) Flexible angles. My laptop can pivot to a wide variety of angles. I would love to see this for my Note tablet too.
3.) Trackpad. When my tablet is in the case I would love to be able to switch to a trackpad approach of navigating the screen.
4.) Keyboard. Moreso than a bluetooth keyboard I would love something that can get its power from the tablet itself.
5.) High quality materials. I don't want flimsy faux leather or plastic. Metals would be preferred.
Are there any products that match some or all of the things I want in a case? Money isn't really an object provided it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Things like having a track pad, the wide angle range, and a keyboard that gets its power from the device (usually you would want vice-versa) is probably something your only going to find with a Asus transformer pad and its keyboard dock. I don't think such a thing will ever exist for this tablet. The best you can do is a bluetooth keyboard and a bluetooth mouse.

keyboard cover - can it be flipped over?

The new S4 is marketed as to use with a keyboard, preferably the original samsung keyboard cover. In multiple reviews I've read you can use this cover in only one position. What I would like to know is if you can flip the keyboard completely over (360 degrees) as I would do intuitively when using it as a drawing block using the S Pen.

Wondering that too, I've pre-ordered so will get the keyboard cover free a few weeks after I get the device, so potentially it'll be unprotected during that time. I'll probably buy a case from Amazon (seen one for around £6) to see me through.

From what I saw in store, yes the keyboard can flip over behind the device.
Though I did find this interesting on the Tab S3 the little 1/3 flap behind the tablet secured to the back side of the device automatically, pretty well to hold it in place if you flipped the keyboard over behind the screen. The S4 did not, and there was a little extra slop in the case because of this. Course it might be the security device holding it down but its just something I noticed.

Well, yes and no. It can but backwards. It would have been nice if it was able to fold back with the tablet's back against the keyboard but it actually flips over so that the keys are at the bottom and the tablet is at the top. I'm unsure if this does damage to the keys but its not optimal.

Silly question but...
why not just use the otg cable, plug in your logitech module, and use your logitech keyboard and mouse? For the rare times I need a keyboard, that's what I do. Then the tablet is still easily used as you always would, flip, landscape, etc.
just a thought.

AsItLies said:
Silly question but...
why not just use the otg cable, plug in your logitech module, and use your logitech keyboard and mouse? For the rare times I need a keyboard, that's what I do. Then the tablet is still easily used as you always would, flip, landscape, etc.
just a thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a silly question because many folks will use this as a traditional portable tablet as well as an occassional desktop machine. When you are out and about with your expensive tablet, you need a case to protect it from accidents, but this case also needs to be convenient. Leather wallet / folio cases are ideal for this, but (most) obviously don't feature a keyboard. Given how slippery this tablet is, with its all glass rear, I'm guessing that accidents may be relatively frequent!
So the OPs original question is pefectly valid. What is the likely durability of the keyboard when folded right over and sat on the users lap, for example, playing Pokemon on a bus? Perhaps, maybe, the keyboard case is an expensive gimmick and a standard leather wallet case would be a much better option (if such a thing actually exists yet)? The real leather case on my Galaxy NotePro 12.2 has served me extremely well over the years.

Yemble said:
That is a silly question because many folks will use this as a traditional portable tablet as well as an occassional desktop machine. When you are out and about with your expensive tablet, you need a case to protect it from accidents, but this case also needs to be convenient. Leather wallet / folio cases are ideal for this, but obviously don't feature a keyboard. Given how slippery this tablet is, with its all glass rear, I'm guessing that accidents may be relatively frequent!
So the OPs original question is pefectly valid. What is the likely durability of the keyboard when folded right over and sat on the users lap, for example, playing Pokemon on a bus? Perhaps, maybe, the keyboard case is an expensive gimmick and a standard leather wallet case would be a much better option (if such a thing actually exists yet)? The leather case on my Galaxy NotePro 12.2 has served me extremely well over the years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who said the OP question wasn't valid? Who said not to use a case?
I'm merely suggesting an alternative for those of us who don't play "Pokemon on a bus", for example.

AsItLies said:
Who said the OP question wasn't valid? Who said not to use a case?
I'm merely suggesting an alternative for those of us who don't play "Pokemon on a bus", for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I never play Pokemon, however, my daughter does on her commute to work... and the Tab S4 is her tablet Cables and peripherals are totally impractical in this particular usage case. Everyone has different requirements. Anyway, her "free" keyboard case has just been delivered today, so I'll check it out tonight.

Yemble said:
Everyone has different requirements. .
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Click to collapse
thank you for making my point.

AsItLies said:
thank you for making my point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome.
However, this is an interesting point for discussion, as to how folk plan to make use of their new investment. From what I can work out from my daughter, at home it will be docked into a Cable Matters USB-C hub and used to stream movies over an Ethernet LAN connection, to her HDMI TV, amongst numerous other things. At work, she will use it as a desktop with the keyboard case and a bluetooth mouse. I've already described her commute.
If it were mine, I'd be using it as a passenger navigation device, along with AlpineQuest and a full set of OSGB maps, which is what I currently do with my aging NotePro.

Now that I've received the keyboard case I can confirm that the case can be flipped in such a way that the keyboard faces up, into the rear of the case when using as a traditional tablet. In this mode, the footprint of the tablet extends along a long edge by 38mm, which is due to the way the "fold" works.
Alternatively, it can be flipped with the keyboard facing down, which only extends the footprint by 10mm along the same edge.
First impressions are that it adds a fair bit of weight to the tablet, mainly due to good build quality. The case is pretty solid, but not padded, so it may not be great at absorbing shocks, say from a drop! The keyboard is compact, but has a reasonable feel. Note, that the pen is essential for using the keyboard with DeX as there is no trackpad.
Is it worth the RRP? Err, no, however, as a pre-order "freebe", I've got no grounds to complain.