As some of you may know I was gonna buy a tablet so now I actually am so my first was the xoom family edition but when I read the reviews I decided to buy the normal 32gb version
Is it a good choice?
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Device: HTC G2
Rom: ILWT CM7
Kernel: ILWT kernel 1.5.1
With ILWT OC Daemon
Maybe wait for the Transformer 2?
It seems like a really good tablet.
I am in love with my HP Touchpad. Didn't think I needed a tablet but now that I have one I don't see how I lived without it. Well ... I basically used my phone like a tablet ... but now ... I have a tablet. Sorry ... not pertinent to your request ... but I think a $250 32GB HP Touchpad that you can put Android on is a pretty great deal considering the build quality of the device. $250 is what I see it going for on eBay ... so yeah.
Well the thing I like about the xoom is that is google's nexus series but in tablet form and I heard that the xoom is getting ice cream sandwich too!!!
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Device: HTC G2
Rom: ILWT CM7
Kernel: ILWT kernel 1.5.1
With ILWT OC Daemon
Well, my suggestion goes to Amazon Kindle Fire. Also run with Android, and it has such a rich daddy- i mean Amazon online sales service, there is no reason why i shouldn't choose it
Motorola Xoom, not bad
I have a transformer and love it. The 2nd gen is out soon as mentioned. Asus has so far put out updates before moto too. Its been confirmed that 1st gen transformer is getting ICS. Saying that, build of the moto is better but I am generally careful with my tech.
Just my 2p
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
CCpotter said:
Well, my suggestion goes to Amazon Kindle Fire. Also run with Android, and it has such a rich daddy- i mean Amazon online sales service, there is no reason why i shouldn't choose it
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Kindle Fire is locked to Amazon App Store, no Android Market. Its a closed ecosystem like the iPad. The OS on the Fire is highly skinned to be Amazon-centric, somewhat similar to how the Nook is (with Barnes & Noble). Some would say this is not "real" Android. Also from what I've read, the Fire is just a slightly updated version of the RIM Playbook hardware, running Android. Which I find very underwhelming. How is that for reasons not to buy the Fire?
Of course, the price of the Fire can't be beat. And some of the Amazon-centric features of the Fire are intriguing. Such as the ability to play Amazon streaming videos (especially if you are already an Amazon Prime member, which I am). And the Fire already a big seller, even before its released. So availability of good 3rd party accessories is all but guaranteed.
That said, I have an HTC Flyer, and love it. If you are a big fan of HTC phones, you should also check out their tablets. The Flyer has a similar 7" form factor to the Kindle/Fire, but with an aluminum body and the build quality that HTC is known for. And if you are familiar with HTC Sense and actually like it (like I do) then you will feel right at home with the Flyer. Plus, its not locked down to Amazon like the Kindle Fire; and the Flyer has already been rooted. Considering the build quality, front and rear camera, microphone (Fire lacks any cameras or microphone) and stylus pen capability, IMO the Flyer is a better value than the Fire despite being $100 more.
The HTC Jetstream is also a great looking tablet. It has a 10" form factor, and runs Honeycomb out of the box. But its only available from AT&T, and the price of $700 on contract ($850 full retail) is obnoxious. Maybe it will get a big price cut like the Flyer did.
Hello I'm thinking about purchasing the fire hf 8.9 my kids. But i would like to know a few things.
1. If i install a custom rom based on stock rom and a new launcher and then remove all amazon stuff. Will it then run smooth like for a nexus 7, and have the vanilla feel.
2. Will it run most of the games from google play.
Thanks
ClausG76 said:
Hello I'm thinking about purchasing the fire hf 8.9 my kids. But i would like to know a few things.
1. If i install a custom rom based on stock rom and a new launcher and then remove all amazon stuff. Will it then run smooth like for a nexus 7, and have the vanilla feel.
2. Will it run most of the games from google play.
Thanks
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Click to collapse
1. It should be fine with some mirror issues, just like sound problem if u are using Harshcode's custom rom. He's still working on it. Be patient!
2. If your device is rooted and unlock bootloader, you can run any apps and games on playstore but the 3d games somehow can't work properly on it.
Anyway, Kindle fire HD 8.9 is a good media device, however if your kid wanna play the games, try to think about nexus 7(it's smaller than KFHD though)
Hope it help you.
xxxGiantxxx said:
....
Anyway, Kindle fire HD 8.9 is a good media device, however if your kid wanna play the games, try to think about nexus 7(it's smaller than KFHD though)
Hope it help you.
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IMHO Nexus 7 is lovely but the screen size is just that bit too small and the screen resolution also not as good as the KFHD 8.9. The sound is also much better on the KFHD. I know this because I moved from the N7 to the KFHD 8.9!
I have both devices, I like both, but mostly use the N7 for book reading now.
The KF8.9HD is a great device for movies and gaming, and with Hashcodes CM10 it is very smooth, not quite a smooth as an N7 but very good all the same. (all the games I have played on the N7 play on the KF except for a couple of tegra tuned games.)
I also use the KF for PDF Magazine reading, get a whole page in portrait mode.
The KF is a lot heavier than the N7 and that may need to be taken into account for younger/smaller kids.
Hope this helps you.
Thanks. So generally, you think the nexus 7 would be better?
ClausG76 said:
Thanks. So generally, you think the nexus 7 would be better?
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I'm not sure who you are asking this, but if I had to choose between them I would keep the KF
ClausG76 said:
Thanks. So generally, you think the nexus 7 would be better?
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And don't forget that you're asking the question in a KFHD thread!
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
nvolotou son
I have both the n7 and kindle. I bought the n7 first and really like it a lot. Then I saw the amazon christmas discount and decided to buy one for my parents since Android was so good from the n7 experience and the kindle 8.9 hd had several better features such as the screen resolution, size and sound. When I got the kindle that's when things didn't go according to plan. It was so limited with amazon's change that I was shocked. I couldn't even change the language of the os. That was a no go for my parents. So they kept the n7 and I'm stuck with kindle hoping one day to unlock it and give it to them specifically for the larger screen. Now the recent update to kindle have language support so that's good but still I really dislike the kindle interface and it's crippling experience. Now that I was able mod and get cynogenmod on it, I'm reluctant to give it back to my parents! It's so nice and smooth and I have most of my n7 feel back using this with the benefit of kindle features. To summarize, if you want to spend the time and unlock it and compare the n7 and unlocked k8.9 hd, feature wise I would go with kindle but both are a win whichever you choose.
Trying to decide between these two devices for my son. It looks like I can get a manufacturer refurb Nook HD for about the same price as a new Kindle (with Special Offers).
He is interested mostly for reading books, so book selection (both buying and borrowing for free from libraries) is a top concern.
Also interested in web browsing, email, and some games.
I'M interested in how hackable it is, installing a better version of Android on it, unleashing some more potential, etc.
Thoughts? Advice? Thanks.
I've just bought 2 of these for my kids ( the new 2015 cheap kindle fire tabets )
Hoping to Install a simple android rom. Is this gonna be any different from the older kindles
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3210485
[Index]Amazon Fire (5th Gen-2015)
Sent from my KFFOWI using Tapatalk
Before anyone says game streaming I wanted to know if there was any other features that I should consider when deciding over a cheap android box and the shield. I owned a cheap android box for 2 years and it was really good but it was slow and never got updates but kodi worked perfectly until 17 update, but it's hard justifying a $300 price tag for the 16gb over $50 for the cheap one.
1. CPU performance, much faster then any s912, especially it have active cooling make it can keep in full speed, if you use any old amlogic box you will know you just can't decode any 1080 hi10p due to either the HW decoder not support or CPU not fast enough for SW decode. The shield can do it by CPU with 50-70%cpu usage max. Also although newer amlogic such as S912 support h265 but it is very buggy, the shield TV on the other hand is very stable.
2. For Android gaming I don't think you can find any android box in this size/price can better then it. Sure you can get a x86 box but that will much more expensive and larger.
3. Support 1080 ycbcr 422 12bit , I don't have 4K so dunno what is support, but as I remember there are no other cheap android box will support this output. (Sure you will need to take care the HDMI version mismatch problem if you got AVR)
If you will not use Plex and don't need IR then I suggest you just get the 16GB version, by the way I attach a 128GB USB stick to store my mame rom, much faster then hdd version.
Previous I use mi box and some other android box, but I can say shield TV is the most problem free and the fastest one for me.
$50 android boxes are junk, period. These things should be illegal to sell in USA. The manufactures are horrible at support & you never get updates. The only time a cheap android box is worth buying is if there are active private developers. Here's where the price difference matters, your $50 box lasted you 2 years. I've had my shield tv for almost 2 years & my guess is it'll still be alive & kicking in 10 years & still be my main media center. The shield tv was released as a future proof device, meaning it has a long life span while the $50 junk boxes have a very short limited life span hardware & software wise, you'll be replacing these types of boxes every 2 years.
Since when was the 16GB version $300?!
What feature(s)?!
In One Word... Widevine L(evel)1 support. (Ok tht was Two Words, whatever...)
Why is this a big deal? In Two Words this time. Amazon, and Netflix. In full UHD, let alone FHD. Your ~50$ 'Droid Box most likely will never have it. The only exception to that rule would be the Xaiomi Mi Box. Which like the Shield TV is a licenced AndroidTV Box. Which is based on the well known AmLogic S905 SoC. I have no ideas on how, or if Amazon will ever be ported to it. For now I gather it's a bit of a Shield exclusive. But, Netflix should be fine, along with the other usual suspects.
There is also the Gaming, and Emulation side of the Device, that puts it well ahead of the competition. With its small but exclusive Titles under the nVIDIA Lightspeed Studios. But, that may not be enough to convince a mass take up of it considering the initial cost.
If all you need is a cheap Kodi Box than by all means. You could pick one up, and gamble that you get a working one. Note I got burnt TWICE with an AmLogic S912 SoC Device. The first One cooked itself, while using Chrome, and the Second came with a defective WiFi Chip. So you take your chances with an unknown when buying One of these Devices.
When it comes to Updates, you'd be lucky to see a few Bug fixes before whoever's in charge gets bored, and moves on. nVIDIA have been supporting the Shield TV since it came out in 2015, and they will probably still be supporting it for a while yet with the 2017 version.
One last thing you might like to know about Kodi, and these Cheapo Boxes. Unless those Manufactures get off their butts, and code their CODECs to Android spec. Kodi will only ever function in Software mode only. Which will have a major impact on Video performance. Alas I don't know if the Mi Box also has that problem. Given its a specialized AmLogic build, perhaps not? But, a native Netflix App does not a Kodi make.
Of course there is One other thing that separates both the Shield TV, and the Mi Box. (Which I hinted at earlier.)
They are both Licenced AndroidTV units. And, in case that isn't quite clear to you. Then a word of caution to you. AndroidTV ≠ Android (e.g. Some generic 'Droid Box.), You should expect to see virtually nothing in the (AndroidTV), PlayStore. Certainly nothing like what most People probably imagine, after getting off the PlayStore on their Samsung Phablet. And, you can thank Google for that!
se1000 said:
Since when was the 16GB version $300?!
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Probably since nVIDIA weren't able to meet the demand for the Device which drove Scalpers to scalp it along with the Pro for Upwards of 600€'s, and no I wish I was making that up. The only time the Shield came down to reasonable levels, was just before they announced the Shield 2 (a.k.a. The Shield TV Slim), which was rightly rejected by those who already had a Shield. Seeing that I was able to get a used '15 Pro for 'round 200€ back in January. Good luck finding one now, for that price. If I wanted to spend nearly 300€ on a used One. I would rather just buy the new '17 Model for a fraction more. (i.e. 329€).
Ichijoe said:
What feature(s)?!
One last thing you might like to know about Kodi, and these Cheapo Boxes. Unless those Manufactures get off their butts, and code their CODECs to Android spec. Kodi will only ever function in Software mode only. Which will have a major impact on Video performance. Alas I don't know if the Mi Box also has that problem. Given its a specialized AmLogic build, perhaps not? But, a native Netflix App does not a Kodi make.
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You are correct on this, most cheap android box had broken mediacodec support, as KODI remove the amcodec support so either 1. switch to old version/spmc which have amcode, 2. SW decode, but the cpu not fast enough most of the time.
the google version of mi box's mediacodec are ok, but it still cannot hw decode hi10p (main reason I switch from mi box to shield tv)
DummyPLUG said:
You are correct on this, most cheap android box had broken mediacodec support, as KODI remove the amcodec support so either 1. switch to old version/spmc which have amcode, 2. SW decode, but the cpu not fast enough most of the time.
the google version of mi box's mediacodec are ok, but it still cannot hw decode hi10p (main reason I switch from mi box to shield tv)
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Click to collapse
Outside of actively getting off my [REDACTED] to search for some hi10p Materials, back when I was still knee deep in Linux VDR (i.e. HTPC). The chances of actually encountering anything actually encoded at 10bits is extremely rare. And I do likes me some KissAnime. So I would chalk it down as a nice to have feature, and not the Killer One, that Widevine Level 1 is. As only the Select TVs running ATV, or the MiBox, and Shield TV are capable of such high end DRMs, for legaly being able to watch Netflix in either FHD, or UHD.
Since those other Boxes only have Widevine Level 3. You'd be lucky to watch Netflix in 480p MAX!
So for me that's a bigger deal going forward. Mores the pitty that the MiBox is virtually useless outside of North America though.
Not going into hard core comparison as far as audio support and video support but just general laymen comparison.
As reference current devices I own a A95x cheap android box, Fire TV Sticks, Nexus Players and 2nd Gen Fire TV, Roku2, Shield TV Gen 1
1. Performance - I didn't think the difference would be that huge since I mainly just use streaming services and apps like Netflix and Kodi to name a few but it's noticeable even in just those two areas. My FTV2 was snappy I thought compared to my other devices but the Shield just Launches apps quicker and goes through local and internet streams a lot smoother. Not a gamer but I have used them and let kids use them to try games and again just performance is amazing.
2. Ease of use my gripe with the a95x cheapo is It was IR remote and the interface just sucked. FTV2 and FTV sticks had their own interface over Lollipop and this too I am not a big fan of. Nexus Player and Shield TV are very straightforward and use the Leanback Launcher IMO easier to use and get google play store unlike Amazons offerings.
3. You get what you pay for. It's an investment that hopefully it will last. Performance wise I'm not worried about having to get a new box for a while now. Also the build and the remotes just are more appealing with the metal finish and all and they are rechargeable (yes the drawback is it's not replaceable batteries). It's running official Android TV yes the Playstore is limited for TV devices but for average user that doesn't want to side load and just works great out of the box it's perfect.
If cost is an issue like it was for me just wait for a deal or find one used if you're willing to take the chance. I just got my 1st gen Shield 2 weeks ago because I bought it used for $120 and had I tested it beforehand I never would have bought my a95x, fire tv sticks. I am happy with the Nexus Players I scored those for $40 but it's discontinued and my FTV2 but the Shield TV kicked those devices out of the family room and now those are in mine and kids bedrooms.
If performance isn't a huge deal then I wouldn't upgrade. If it is but cost still too high there are alternatives Fire TV (Just ew Amazon interface) and Nexus Player (Discontinued) or Mi box (Owned for a month and returned it performance wasn't as good as Nexus Player).
I have 2 fire sticks, a firetv box, and the new version of the shield TV. The shield is fast and responsive, but I don't think its performance justifies the price. If you not going for game steaming... I would just use a firetv box. Kodi performance is on par.
Here is my problem with the shield TV. Ram. For its price point I would expect 4gb of ram. This was a huge mistake I feel when they released the new version.
Don't get me wrong, I love my shield but if I didn't get mine for 175 with a deal, I would have not got it.
I couldn't disagree more with the majority of what's been said. It is true that the shield is an investment. It's worth it in the long run to get a shield. Talks of "4gb of ram" are comical at best. You want 4gb of ram buy a jetson tx1 for $500+ The point is, 4gb of ram isn't required when you have a constant power source. Take the Nintendo switch for example, yea sure it's basically a jetson tx1 (4gb ram) but clocked at a much lower speed to run on battery.
I would say it depends greatly upon how you want to come to the Shield TV. If your looking at it as just another in a long line of 'Droid Boxen, then that is how you will see it. If your like me, and your coming in from the huge running costs of an HTPC, with VDR Recording capabilities. Then the Shield becomes self-evident. As it can do those same jobs in a much tighter Footprint, and use just a microfraction of the Electricity to do it. Everything else is just a nice bonus. e.g. The Games, Emulations, Android itself.
So no Op is correct the Shield TV isn't the right answer for everyone. If for example Op wanted just the cheapest Box to do the most basic streaming (Amazon, Hulu, Netflix HBO Go, etc....), Then the Amazon Fire TV, would be right up his street. But IIRC, that only had 2GB of RAM, not that you would need it.
Also, if you want extra storage, you're better off getting the 16GB model and adding an external HDD. The way Nvidia set up the Pro model is kinda dumb - everything (including the system ROM) runs on the HDD, not flash, so it's really slow. It's also not user-replaceable without voiding the warranty and a lot of hassle. 4 TB portable drives are a bit over $100, so you can get a lot more storage for almost the same price.
Mogster2K said:
Also, if you want extra storage, you're better off getting the 16GB model and adding an external HDD. The way Nvidia set up the Pro model is kinda dumb - everything (including the system ROM) runs on the HDD, not flash, so it's really slow. It's also not user-replaceable without voiding the warranty and a lot of hassle. 4 TB portable drives are a bit over $100, so you can get a lot more storage for almost the same price.
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That might be true... But it's not like you couldn't just clone the contents of the Original SSHD, and then write that to the heavier, faster SSD. There are at least Two Threads on that subject, that I'm personally aware of. As to it being slower? That only applies when doing things like unlocking the Bootloader (a precursor to rooting), or factory resetting it where in both cases it'll take the best part of 2h to complete. Under day to day use However, I greatly doubt there is any major difference in the overall speed.
Also the newer Slim (and, light) Shield TV, also lack a few things, like the IR Port (for Harmony Remotes), and the OTG MicroUSB Port, and worse of all the MicroSD Slot.
Also one thing about Adopted Storage, e.g. adding external Storage. Just because you could add a 4TB SS/H/DD, doesn't give you licence to go 'round installing everything to your heart's content as not everything will be installed to External (Adopted), Storage and you will most likely be scratching your head about not having enough Space to install some Game even if you have the best part of 4+ GBs left inside in your External Storage. Just the way it is on my Phablet alas Adopted Storage is kind of a lie. As I see it.
If you replace the Pro HDD with an SSD, you're paying $100 just for the hard drive bay. (Edit: I did not realize the Pro hardware was basically unchanged.) Also, I would not recommend using an HDD as adopted storage anyway. Better to leave it as NTFS since Android network transfers are so slow.
Finally, it is possible to boot the Shield TV from an external SSD. You need a special boot image (MM only unfortunately) and an SSD in a USB enclosure. It's a bit tricky to set up but works pretty well. A Nougat version is in the works.
Ichijoe said:
That might be true... But it's not like you couldn't just clone the contents of the Original SSHD, and then write that to the heavier, faster SSD. There are at least Two Threads on that subject, that I'm personally aware of. As to it being slower? That only applies when doing things like unlocking the Bootloader (a precursor to rooting), or factory resetting it where in both cases it'll take the best part of 2h to complete. Under day to day use However, I greatly doubt there is any major difference in the overall speed.
Also the newer Slim (and, light) Shield TV, also lack a few things, like the IR Port (for Harmony Remotes), and the OTG MicroUSB Port, and worse of all the MicroSD Slot.
Also one thing about Adopted Storage, e.g. adding external Storage. Just because you could add a 4TB SS/H/DD, doesn't give you licence to go 'round installing everything to your heart's content as not everything will be installed to External (Adopted), Storage and you will most likely be scratching your head about not having enough Space to install some Game even if you have the best part of 4+ GBs left inside in your External Storage. Just the way it is on my Phablet alas Adopted Storage is kind of a lie. As I see it.
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Try enable force app install on external in developer options, I had no problem to save everything to my USB.