Padfone or G-Nexus-7 combination
I've been using a SIM-free (unlocked and rooted) Motorola Atrix 4G with the lapdock everyday as my "daily-driver" phone/laptop solution since April of last year. I used the webtop, and later on, a modded version of Gentoo with Google Docs and Libre Office to get things done. I work at a university, so if I need something other than regular office software, I just use one of the hundreds of workstations I have access to on our campuses-- I've never experienced the so-called limitations that the lapdock+phone combo presents, and the fact that I ride very crowded trains in Tokyo precludes me from bringing my $1500+ laptop around everyday.
So when the Asus Padfone came out, I was sure that this would be my upgrade path! A phone that goes into a tablet that clips onto a keyboard. Brilliant! But hang on-- now there's the Nexus 7... Pure Google, and OPEN... That plus a Galaxy-Nexus... hmmmmm.... Could that also do the trick??
Well, there's always "let's wait and see a few more months..." But the obvious happened a week ago-- my Atrix's screen gave up the ghost... Sure I can plug it into HDMI, and use the lapdock just fine, but I can't use it as a phone... GRRRR!! Oh, and check out my location to the left-- I live in JAPAN, but I travel a lot, and go back to the US every year; actually, I'm going home in a week for a month!! So I NEED a phone either just before I go, or when I get there....
REQUIREMENTS:
- SIM Free (unlocked): I travel. A lot. Internationally. I needs my unlock!
- Multi-band support: Japan uses 2100MHz for HSPA+, and so does most of Asia. The US is 850, 1900, 1700... I'd like to find a phone that supports both of these... The Padfone will only support the Asian frequency, but nothing in the States-- I'd be stuck on 2G back home for a month... I can tolerate that though because I'll at least have AT&T hotspot support. The G-Nexus of course has a PENTABAND 3G radio (why the F don't other phones <other than the iPhone> have this same radio?!) so it'll work with whatever network I throw at it.
- Open bootloader/Rooted: One of the things I really enjoyed about my Atrix was being able to tweak tweak tweak. The Nexus devices don't need an explanation here-- They're designed to root and tweak. The Padfone can be rooted now--but it's bootloader is locked... But with the exotic tweaks made to get the tablet and phone UI to work, I doubt I'd use a custom ROM anyhow.
- Tablet/Phone combo: I got spoiled by my Atrix. Being able to use a physical keyboard to respond to an incoming text message is really habit-forming. Especially if I need to type it in Japanese. Of course the Padfone would win here... Not sure if there's an app that lets you see the text and MMSs on a phone through a tablet though. The other obvious thing here is that the Padphone *IS* the tablet, once docked into the PadStation. No tethering, no separate data plan, no hotspot needed. The G-Nexus-7 combo would see me tethering the G-Nex to the Nex-7. Is there a simple app that can make an on-demand data connection between the two happen at will?
- Updates: This is what pissed me off about Motorola. The OG Atrix's Tegra 2 processor can more than handle ICS, but here it is almost 6 months later, and nothing. Luckily I can get Kang builds, but certain things just don't work for me--for example Chrome crashes ALL the time. Camera sucks, etc. Hence, I'm over using another Moto device. Obviously the Nexus duo will ALWAYS get the latest and greatest; no-brainer there. Asus? The TF series got their updates to ICS within the first 3 months IIRC. Since Jelly Bean is just a point update, perhaps the Padfone will see an update in the fall sometime--I can live with that.
- Ease of use: Not the OS, but the physical pieces... The G-Nex-7 combo is easy in the way that both are able to use the same charger (micro USB). Padfone just nests together. I like how the Padfone keyboard has USB ports and an SD card slot... Not to mentin BATTERIES galore. It's hard as hell trying to find a place to charge my phone all the time, and sometimes I'd just use the Moto's lapdock as a battery charger!
- Price: this is the kicker... The Galaxy Nexus/ Nexus 7 Combo will come out to less than US$600 when bought from the Google store. Even buying from a grey-market distributor in Taiwan, I can't buy the Padfone/PadStation/Keyboard combo for less that US$1000... I have barely that much to spend though.
Friends, I need some help deciding! Here are my pros and cons for each device as it stands today. I'm posting this in the Padfone, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7, and my old Motorola Atrix forums as well. I want some good honest and thoughtful opinions-- no haterism, flaming, or retardedness please. This is an extremely important purchase for me, and needs to be done ASAP.
As always, thank you so much for your opinions!
$200 for the N7 + $350 for the GNex is way better than the almost a thousand for the Pad phone with tablet dock + keyboard dock. (You can buy a laptop with the difference) The main advantage of the Padfone is the monster battery and you don't need to carry 2 devices, but everything else is just "meh"
Review from the Verge:
The PadFone nails the idea, but misses on the execution to the point where it feels more like a tech demo than a viable product. There are enough performance issues and app interface problems that I began to avoid using the PadFone as a tablet, and even the phone itself has some underwhelming specs for a supposedly high-end device. I want badly to be able to ditch my laptop, set up a dock at work and a tablet at home, and just carry my phone everywhere knowing I can get done whatever needs doing. The PadFone hints that we're not far from that day, but proves conclusively that it's not here yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the end though, it's really up to you. If you miss the all-in-one option of the Atrix, maybe it's worth it. If you can live without it, GNex + N7 is the best option
The gnexus or the nexus 7 should be the best option . Although it might not be the perfect solution for your requirements.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
harveydent said:
$200 for the N7 + $350 for the GNex is way better than the almost a thousand for the Pad phone with tablet dock + keyboard dock. (You can buy a laptop with the difference) The main advantage of the Padfone is the monster battery and you don't need to carry 2 devices, but everything else is just "meh"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, I've seen this too. thanx.
So what are some ways I can make the tablet/phone combo a "cohesive" solution? For example, someone showed me a way to use SMS on the tablet via a software link to the phone... (of course I also use Google Voice in the US too, so there's that)
But what about being able to tether the two together? Not by a hotspot, but some sort of "on-demand" tethering? For example, I'd rather use the big screen of the tablet when navigating maps, but there's no cellular connection. Is there an app that would have the two connected via low-power bluetooth all the time, then when the tablet needs an internet connection to do something, it can send a signal to the phone and create a hot-spot (or since these are 2 jellybean devices, wifi-direct link) on demand?
For $1000 the Asus parade is a no go. For $600 it would probably be a nice experiment. For $600 I am sure the nexus x2 would inconveniently meet your needs and wants and somebody will come out with a phone/tablet case combo to wirelessly tether the nexus combo into an interchangeable video/keyboard combo. Would be cool for the geek factor too. Is it a keyboard or a monitor. You decide. :what:
butter and jelly please...
^^ Now that would be impressive ^^
I could just "make" this happen actually- All I'd need is a smallish keyboard... hmmm....
starrwulfe said:
^^ Now that would be impressive ^^
I could just "make" this happen actually- All I'd need is a smallish keyboard... hmmm....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe the inventor/craftsman in you could make a homemade version that would make any fruit logo devotee cringe at your awesomeness. No patents included.
butter and jelly please...
I love this dilemmas. I have had the Droid Bionic, HTC phone and Motorola phones and I have never been happier than with my Galaxy Nexus. Stock is the way to go. The Nexus 7 is a tablet and not a phone though. So if your looking for a phone. I would say, go with the Galaxy Nexus. There is a reason Apple is trying to stop Google from selling it.
Mike @ Guy4Tech.com
Galaxy nexus
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Gnexus + iPad 2
bash me all you want, but android tablet apps suck and that's all that matters.
I would say the Gnex/Nexus 7.
The dev community on the Nexus devices is just insane. Plus, because it is a nexus device, it gets updates the fastest. Also, seeing this : http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/6/3064317/asus-padfone-review , I honestly wouldn't get a padfone.
No bashing here man. That's a valid setup too. As long as I can tether to the G-nex for data out in the wild, that's all that matters. Not to mention, half the people I know are on iSomething, so I can IM them thru imessenger and facetime.Need to check Wi-Fi only prices though. No need for 2 data bills.
Sent from my SBM005SH using xda app-developers app
starrwulfe said:
No bashing here man. That's a valid setup too. As long as I can tether to the G-nex for data out in the wild, that's all that matters. Not to mention, half the people I know are on iSomething, so I can IM them thru imessenger and facetime.Need to check Wi-Fi only prices though. No need for 2 data bills.
Sent from my SBM005SH using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G-nex seems the best to meet your requirement. You can always tether it to either your Nex-7 or iPad2 depending upon which one meets you needs (app wise).
I am using G-nex on SBM and wi-fi only iPad2. The G-nex is almost always in hotspot mode. Ofcourse you might want to invest 2-3k yen in a good external battery.
^^Ahh, a fellow Softbank user who doesn't use a Softbank phone!^^
I know if I get the G-nex, I'd be getting the 3800mAh battery as well from Seidio. What external battery do you recommend? Of course we live in the land of Akihabara, Yodobashi Camera, and more-- but this Zagg Sparq seems like the ticket to me... Can charge both tablet and phone at the same time, and it's only $50 right now too! Hmm...
Since you're doing the same thing I want to do, what is your experience like with battery and speeds? Also have you been able to use Softbank's WiFi spots with the iPad?
starrwulfe said:
^^Ahh, a fellow Softbank user who doesn't use a Softbank phone!^^
I know if I get the G-nex, I'd be getting the 3800mAh battery as well from Seidio. What external battery do you recommend? Of course we live in the land of Akihabara, Yodobashi Camera, and more-- but this Zagg Sparq seems like the ticket to me... Can charge both tablet and phone at the same time, and it's only $50 right now too! Hmm...
Since you're doing the same thing I want to do, what is your experience like with battery and speeds? Also have you been able to use Softbank's WiFi spots with the iPad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't comment on the seido battery but I have had great experience on my Verizon nexus on the oem extended 2100 battery. Perhaps you would be fine with the Samsung 2000 hspa+ battery. I have found after market batteries to be very hit or miss. Another great thing about the OEM extended battery is it doesn't really make the phone any thicker and it feels good in the hand. I actually prefer the feel over the stock battery.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
ArmanUV
I have the iPad 2 also. The apps on the iPad are much better and even act better on iOS. That is why I am very hopeful with the Nexus 7.
Developers will finally be able to developed on an open and pure platform. I hope to see some improvements soon
Mike @ Guy4Tech.com
kizuki.buy said:
G-nex seems the best to meet your requirement. You can always tether it to either your Nex-7 or iPad2 depending upon which one meets you needs (app wise).
I am using G-nex on SBM and wi-fi only iPad2. The G-nex is almost always in hotspot mode. Ofcourse you might want to invest 2-3k yen in a good external battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't suppose you would be able to share your APN settings? I have an iPhone 4 but want to use my Nexus with my iPhone SIM instead. Do Softbank ever catch tethering to iPads?
Guy4Tech said:
ArmanUV
I have the iPad 2 also. The apps on the iPad are much better and even act better on iOS. That is why I am very hopeful with the Nexus 7.
Developers will finally be able to developed on an open and pure platform. I hope to see some improvements soon
Mike @ Guy4Tech.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also considering the nexus 7 over upgrading my original iPad as it'd be much smaller and I'm hoping for some real developer improvements.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Get a transformer and dock. not a prime they suck at GPS, WIFI, BT)
And GN (can't beat a flawless phone for a cheap price).
Matching phones and tabs is overrated. You know what, buy the transformer, if you don't like it, just return it
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
There's a very simple rule to remember when buying an Android device:
Nexus > Not Nexus
I've found this out the hard way.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
The Nexus combo by far.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
So I have my nice new GN2 and my nice couple month old Nexus 7 both sporting awesome NFC tech, but what to do with it? My first though was pairing them via bt and using the lte from my Note 2 over my college's sad excuse for a wifi system to power my N7 during the day. Then I though maybe auto establishing a tablettalk connection as well. Does anyone know of a way to program the two devices to automatically connect in such a way?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
I'm not sure if you can do that by using NFC on both devices. What I have done is put an NFC sticker on the back of my tablet which toggles my GN2's wifi hotspot on and off.
I was kind of hoping there would be a way to program the interaction to act as a sticker so I don't have to put one on my device.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Ok, so after I got this phone on launch I enjoyed using it alot, everything was good but since it was the international version and I have t mobile my data speeds were too slow. Than the T Mobile version came out and I sold the international version and got this one.
Now this is a perfect phone for me. But since its so powerful and get almost all the things I need done on daily basis with ease, my question is, if I get rid of mt tab and laptop and just do all things on this device you think it will burn out. Will it be able to hold strong for a good year?
I do alot of emails, video watching, skyping, gaming, right now I have been doing all those things off this phone and havent touched my tab or laptop.
How heavy you guys been using this?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
EvoYas said:
Now this is a perfect phone for me. But since its so powerful and get almost all the things I need done on daily basis with ease, my question is, if I get rid of mt tab and laptop and just do all things on this device you think it will burn out. Will it be able to hold strong for a good year?
I do alot of emails, video watching, skyping, gaming, right now I have been doing all those things off this phone and havent touched my tab or laptop.
How heavy you guys been using this?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Due to my situation I did exactly that with my Droid X. My Droid X lasted the fully 2 years and more using it as my main and mostly only computer. My Droid X is still going strong. So I believe that Galaxy Note 2 can do the same. But with all computers they will show age sooner or later.
But yes, I believe Galaxy Note 2 can last as a main computing device for a year or two.
Titanium Backup shows 770 apps in my Galaxy Note 2 . I use it daily for most computing usage. The only thing I need is Microsoft Office (Word) for customized text boxes that I use sometimes within documents. And without a physical keyboard, word processing can be a pain. So laptop or a tablet with optional physical keyboard can come in handy with that. But otherwise Galaxy Note 2 is a nice daily computer device. Still a laptop or a tablet with optional physical keyboard can sometimes come in handy.
You can also turn your Galaxy Note 2 into a desktop type computer too. Adding wireless mouse/keyboard, large monitor, etc. Shows how far these PPC (Pocket Personal Computer) devices and Android OS have come. But still as room to grow.
EvoYas said:
Ok, so after I got this phone on launch I enjoyed using it alot, everything was good but since it was the international version and I have t mobile my data speeds were too slow. Than the T Mobile version came out and I sold the international version and got this one.
Now this is a perfect phone for me. But since its so powerful and get almost all the things I need done on daily basis with ease, my question is, if I get rid of mt tab and laptop and just do all things on this device you think it will burn out. Will it be able to hold strong for a good year?
I do alot of emails, video watching, skyping, gaming, right now I have been doing all those things off this phone and havent touched my tab or laptop.
How heavy you guys been using this?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using it non stop so I could understand but it's always a good idea to keep your laptop imho.
It will definitely last a year without any problems. The only thing that seems to go after about a year or so is the battery so eventually you will need to get that replaced. Other than that it should be fine. But a backup device is always a good idea!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Yes, the battery will go. But you can replace the battery with no problem.
Thanks for the response guys. So I guess what I will do is buy a smart dock, sell my laptop and desktop n keep my monitor keyboard and mouse for smart dock, and make N2 my main computing device.
I'll keep my N7 for just incase moments. this will be fun, i love this phone.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Hi all, I'm in the market to purchase and aftermarket car stereo, and I'm looking for opinions. I know it may seem odd to have it in a Nexus 5 accessory forum, but I plan on using my stereo in unison with my Nexus 5 on a daily basis.
I'm between these:
http://www.amazon.com/JVC-KDX250BT-...86620151&sr=8-4&keywords=car+stereo+bluetooth
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DEHX6...86620241&sr=8-9&keywords=car+stereo+bluetooth
Any thoughts on the above models? Or would you recommend something different?
Thanks, hopefully others can find good advice in this thread as well. :good:
I'd reccomend this but it's way more expensive than you prolly want to spend...
Pioneer AVIC
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVIC-...qid=1386640107&sr=1-3&keywords=pioneer+stereo
+
ARLiberator
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kyle.arliberator&hl=en
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
mjs2011 said:
Hi all, I'm in the market to purchase and aftermarket car stereo, and I'm looking for opinions. I know it may seem odd to have it in a Nexus 5 accessory forum, but I plan on using my stereo in unison with my Nexus 5 on a daily basis.
I'm between these:
http://www.amazon.com/JVC-KDX250BT-...86620151&sr=8-4&keywords=car+stereo+bluetooth
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DEHX6...86620241&sr=8-9&keywords=car+stereo+bluetooth
Any thoughts on the above models? Or would you recommend something different?
Thanks, hopefully others can find good advice in this thread as well. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got this one. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0090EC7BM/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It works amazingly well.
mjs2011 said:
Hi all, I'm in the market to purchase and aftermarket car stereo, and I'm looking for opinions. I know it may seem odd to have it in a Nexus 5 accessory forum, but I plan on using my stereo in unison with my Nexus 5 on a daily basis.
I'm between these:
http://www.amazon.com/JVC-KDX250BT-...86620151&sr=8-4&keywords=car+stereo+bluetooth
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DEHX6...86620241&sr=8-9&keywords=car+stereo+bluetooth
Any thoughts on the above models? Or would you recommend something different?
Thanks, hopefully others can find good advice in this thread as well. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either of those are fine. Just be aware that the first one isn't a CD player, it's just a digital media receiver.
And it's also on sale at Best Buy right now for $70 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/built-i...860195583&skuId=7767105&st=KDX250BT&cp=1&lp=1
I'd gotten a pioneer deh4500bt a few months back it works really good with both my nexus 4 and 5, the only issue I'd run into is the blue backlight on mine gets annoying at night but the 6600 you linked to should have an adjustment for different colors. The one thing to keep in mind is that there isn't a stereo (that I'd found) that would work with MTP on nexus 5 so charging from the usb input won't work since the stereo will get stuck in a loop and quit working.
Thanks guys. I ended up going with the Pioneer DEH6600BT. After trying them all in the store, this one connected to the phone the fastest. Plus the display is gorgeous. I can put it on a cycle where it changes colors every 5 seconds.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
mjs2011 said:
Thanks guys. I ended up going with the Pioneer DEH6600BT. After trying them all in the store, this one connected to the phone the fastest. Plus the display is gorgeous. I can put it on a cycle where it changes colors every 5 seconds.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a decent stereo. I had it in my old car, but the colors are so bright and get annoying really fast at night.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2
frigidazzi said:
It's a decent stereo. I had it in my old car, but the colors are so bright and get annoying really fast at night.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. I noticed that it does have a dimming feature, so I'll probably use that if have the same issue.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
mjs2011 said:
Thanks for the heads up. I noticed that it does have a dimming feature, so I'll probably use that if have the same issue.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I really want (which I don't think I'm going to get) is a car deck that supports AptX (http://www.csr.com/products/60/aptx) and have the Nexus line support it. I think the HTC One supports it but the Nexus line doesn't.
I'm so tired of the Bluetooth quality issue that was introduced in 4.21.
So I am getting tired of carrying around 2 devices. I enjoy carrying my tablet for reading etc but still have to carry a phone. What I want to do is get an LTE tablet (Hopefully the note 10.1 2014) and use it as both. I would just take the sim card out of my phone and put it into the tablet and use a bluetooth headset to make calls. Is this possible after doing some modifications or due to hardware issues would it never actually work?
rans0m00 said:
So I am getting tired of carrying around 2 devices. I enjoy carrying my tablet for reading etc but still have to carry a phone. What I want to do is get an LTE tablet (Hopefully the note 10.1 2014) and use it as both. I would just take the sim card out of my phone and put it into the tablet and use a bluetooth headset to make calls. Is this possible after doing some modifications or due to hardware issues would it never actually work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite what you want, but have you seen the app called tablet talk? still needs a phone though...
rans0m00 said:
So I am getting tired of carrying around 2 devices. I enjoy carrying my tablet for reading etc but still have to carry a phone. What I want to do is get an LTE tablet (Hopefully the note 10.1 2014) and use it as both. I would just take the sim card out of my phone and put it into the tablet and use a bluetooth headset to make calls. Is this possible after doing some modifications or due to hardware issues would it never actually work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends what country you're in, US has a bad habit of crippling the phone (dialler) so it can't be used as a phone. I'm in Oz (Australia) and my tablet works fine as a phone...
Did this with my old Note 10.1 when I broke my Note phone.
Was working as expected.
But die more comfort calling and seeing who is calling I would suggest a smart watch like the gear.
As headset I am using the Jaybird Bluebuds X little bigger than standard in ear stereo headset but with 8 HOURS runtime listening to stereo music. Charging time 1-2 h
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium HD app
Yes I live in the US and nope not interest in tablet talk. Hoping to be able to leave the phone at home all together.
An option I was throwing around would be using Google voice to handle the calls and texts.... Just unsure if i would have the data for it since I am in the phone quite a bit. Using the tablet to make regular gsm calls would be best...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
My p605m model has the dialer build in. I'm running stock firmware. I can make calls as in a phone.
Sent from my SM-P605M using XDA Premium HD app
84tdan said:
My p605m model has the dialer build in. I'm running stock firmware. I can make calls as in a phone.
Sent from my SM-P605M using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the response but just looking over which bands it uses I don't think I could use the lte data in the US. Would kill part of the niceness of having an LTE tab when the media starts coming in slowly.