Andriod Tablet advice needed

[flower]

Hi,
I need some help.
I need advice on getting a tablet computer. I love my Android touch phone, so I was looking at the Android tablet. The question I have is concerning whether the device has to be activated.
I have my own home wireless WIFI and we have hot spots all over town. Since I already have internet I’m thinking I won’t have to do anything, just get the tablet and be all set, just like my laptop computer. HOWEVER…that wasn’t true of my cell phone. It had to be activated to work and I pay extra for the internet package to go with it.
The tablet costs enough…I don’t want to have to pay an activation fee and another monthly charge to use it. I want to get my tablet from e-Bay as opposed to going to Best Buy….I can read up on what kind of device I want to get, and what speed it works… but no information on if fees are attached if I want to use such a thing.

 

[novahobbies]

What are you planning on doing with it? I have a Kindle Fire, because I realized my idea of "tablet computing" is really just reading, watching movies, and web surfing. And the occasional Draw Something game. It has WiFi, can access any open hotspot, and generally does the job I want.
My wife has a very generous boss, who recently bought her a new iPad so she can.....ahem...."Work from home."
Ha.
She surfs the web, watches netflix, and plays blast 'em, draw something, and bejeweled. On a $600 tablet. My Kindle set us back $200.

 

[novahobbies]

I will say this. Many forums (including this one) aren't exactly the friendliest of beasts for Android browsers. It's sometimes hard to post comments on my Kindle, so I usually save my pearls of wisdom for when I have time to reply on a PC. I've noticed that this is not the case on Michelle's iPad....the Safari browser on her Pad looks and acts the same as any Apple Safari browser. If you're going to get a pc based tablet, I would check to see if it has more connectivity for Windows-based applications. Either that or wait for the web to catch up with Android based products....which admittedly probably will be happening fairly quickly.

 

[dragonzim]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476413
Hi,
I need some help.
I need advice on getting a tablet computer. I love my Android touch phone, so I was looking at the Android tablet. The question I have is concerning whether the device has to be activated.
I have my own home wireless WIFI and we have hot spots all over town. Since I already have internet I’m thinking I won’t have to do anything, just get the tablet and be all set, just like my laptop computer. HOWEVER…that wasn’t true of my cell phone. It had to be activated to work and I pay extra for the internet package to go with it.
The tablet costs enough…I don’t want to have to pay an activation fee and another monthly charge to use it. I want to get my tablet from e-Bay as opposed to going to Best Buy….I can read up on what kind of device I want to get, and what speed it works… but no information on if fees are attached if I want to use such a thing.
It depends on whether you got a tablet that is just WiFi capable or 3G4G capable as well. If its just WiFi, you really shouldnt have to do anything, just tie it to your home wireless if you have security enabled on your network, or just let it connect if you dont have security. If you got a 3G4G capable tablet you will need a data plan with a cellular carrier for it to be able to connect when you are away from an open WiFi source.

 

[flower]

Thanks guys,
I had given up hope of ever finding an answer...you guys must have been enjoying the Holiday outdoors instead of sitting at the computer like I do.
I can't afford a fancy tablet with Windows based OS. I wish I could, but my 90g needs an improved CUC. I went on E-bay and found a Motorola Xoom PC tablet for $300.00 refurbished from the factory. It runs Android 3.1 with a free upgrade to "ice cream sandwich" 1GB ram and 16GB storage memory..upgradable to 32GB..That's huge but then so are all the programs. It can connect it to my home PC with a cable, or use a flash drive to swap info if I need to. It also has an HDMI cable so I can take a video and run it on my big screen...With a 5 MP rear camera, I'm not so sure how good the picture quailty would be...but I can also do Skype and talk to the grandkids.
I wanted to make sure my Wifi at home was good enough and hot spots at McDonalds...I don't want another gizmo I have to pay to use each month. My Android phone costs me enough already..along with that I pay for Netflix, HD Direct TV, Starz, and my Mothers cell phone.
Now what is it about Android that won't mix with SWF? I am supposed to be able to speak my text and not even have to type my message...I bet it spells stuff right too...LOL...My phone does anyway...Texting has never been so easy.
I have not purchased anything yet.

 

[dragonzim]

For the price, the Xoom is a pretty good tablet. You should enjoy it. Not sure what your problem is with Android and SWF. I can check it on my Android phone with no problems at all.
Once you get the tablet, get the DirectTV app. You can watch your premium channels on it from anywhere. They dont give you access to all the channels you would have at home, but Starz, HBO and other movie channels are available.

 

[bionicarm]

Sorry I didn't see this one. I purchased an ASUS Transformer Prime. 10" screen (can do 720p), quad core, Android Ice Cream Sandwich, 8GB disc, SD slot to add up to an additional 32GB, 2GB memory. I purchased tha optional keyboard/docking station, so it's actually just like a portable PC. 7 hour battery life on the tablet, and when plugged into the docking station, it gets 15 hours. Haven't had many issues surfing the web (posting this message on it as we speak). Pick up the tablet and the docking station as a package on Amazon for $488.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476640
Sorry I didn't see this one. I purchased an ASUS Transformer Prime. 10" screen (can do 720p), quad core, Android Ice Cream Sandwich, 8GB disc, SD slot to add up to an additional 32GB, 2GB memory. I purchased tha optional keyboard/docking station, so it's actually just like a portable PC. 7 hour battery life on the tablet, and when plugged into the docking station, it gets 15 hours. Haven't had many issues surfing the web (posting this message on it as we speak). Pick up the tablet and the docking station as a package on Amazon for $488.
Asus is closer to $500.00, not a bad deal but too much for me right now...here is what i found...what do you guys think? I can get a Keyboard/case with stand for $15.00 so I'm not too concerned with extras at the moment....LOL...I will wait until i have the thing first.
Here is what is on the Xoom for $350.00 New, $300.00 factory refurbished and a used one in (they say) great shape for $102.00 (start bid).....I bid on this first one, I'm the highest bidder at $350.00 and I did find the same unit on Motorola's site for $449.00...on sale, so I'm willing to up the bid to $400.00 I hope it's a good one... If I don't get the bid I can out right purchase one of the others listed. between $300.00 and $390.00
Seller writes: This Motorola Xoom 32GB is new with the latest Android Ice Cream Sandwich update. It comes with its original box, charger, USB cable and I’m adding a nice red case (in the pictures). Please email me if you have any questions.





Item specifics










Condition:

New other (see details): A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, or in the original packaging but not sealed. The item may be a factory second or a new, unused item with defects. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections.




Brand:



Motorola





Color:



Black

vi-ia-attrColPadding" id="v4-151" nowrap="nowrap">Carrier:


Not Applicable





MPN:



00011NACND1



Storage Capacity:



32 GB







Type:



Tablet



Internet Connectivity:



Wi-Fi







Product Line:



Xoom



Screen Size:



10.1"







Operating System:



Android 4.x Ice Cream Sandwich















Product Identifiers







Brand



Motorola







MPN



00011NACND1







Carrier



Not Applicable







UPC



723755000117, 723755000469, 723755868809


br />








Key Features







Type



Tablet







Family Line



XOOM







Display Size



10.1in (25.65 cm)







Hard Drive Capacity



32 GB







Operating System



Android







Internet Connectivity



Wi-Fi







Color



Black















Processor







Processor Manufacturer



nVidia







Processor Type



Dual Core







Processor Speed



1 GHz















Display and Screen







Display Tech



WXGA





Display Max. Resolution


1280 x 800












Digital Camera







Rear Camera Resolution



5 megapixel







Front Camera Resolution



2 megapixel















Connections and Expandability







Expandability



SD Card Slot







Expension Ports



HDMI, USB 2.0







Wireless capabilities



Bluetooth, WLAN 802.11a, WLAN 802.11b, WLAN 802.11g, WLAN 802.11n







Audio Input



Microphone







Audio Output



Line Out















Dimensions







Height



9.8in (24.91 cm)







Width



9.08in (24.91 cm)







Depth



0.51in (1.29 cm)





Weight

1.56lb (0.71 kg)










Battery







Battery Run Time



24 Hours















Additional Technical Informations







Input Method



Touch-Screen















Miscellaneous







Release Date



2/24/2011

 

[gemmy]

Flower, check out Newegg.com.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemmy http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476671
Flower, check out Newegg.com.
Oh ...I remember those guys...Thanks Gemmy!

 

[flower]

Wow Gemmy, I wish I had checked New egg first...Dan and I used to get all kinds of good deals there back in the day when computers cost us over $3000.00. It's been years, and I forgot all about them.
I checked them out as soon as I read your post.... They have the transformer refurbished for under $300.00. If my ebay bid loses on the Xoom....I'm going over to new eggs. On ebay once you bid, your committed to purchase if you win. I will know around 8pm tonight if I won it, LOL.... I can't believe I am now crossing my fingers that I lose a bid.......but I can only afford one cheap tablet. If I purchased the one, and then won the bid on the other, it wouldn't be good.

 

[bionicarm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476726
Wow Gemmy, I wish I had checked New egg first...Dan and I used to get all kinds of good deals there back in the day when computers cost us over $3000.00. It's been years, and I forgot all about them.
I checked them out as soon as I read your post.... They have the transformer refurbished for under $300.00. If my ebay bid loses on the Xoom....I'm going over to new eggs. On ebay once you bid, your committed to purchase if you win. I will know around 8pm tonight if I won it, LOL.... I can't believe I am now crossing my fingers that I lose a bid.......but I can only afford one cheap tablet. If I purchased the one, and then won the bid on the other, it wouldn't be good.
Be aware that ASUS refurb unit is the Model 101, which is the 1st generation of the Transformer product line. I think it has a dual core processor instead of the quad core, and it's running the older version of Android (3.0). I imaggine you should be able to upgrade the OS, but I'd check first if you do decicde to purchase that unit.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476740
Be aware that ASUS refurb unit is the Model 101, which is the 1st generation of the Transformer product line. I think it has a dual core processor instead of the quad core, and it's running the older version of Android (3.0). I imaggine you should be able to upgrade the OS, but I'd check first if you do decicde to purchase that unit.
Thanks for the heads up on that. The xoom I bid on has the 4.0 android and 32GB memory with 1GB ram. That's pretty big but I've been out of the loop on computers for the last 2 years and boy has things changed.E-Bay has a bunch of China made tablets for under $200.00 but I didn't trust them and decided on Motorola since I knew that brand. I can get the keyboard and case for another $30.00 (on e-Bay)...the keyboard for the transformer is $199.00 at new eggs.

 

[bionicarm]

Looks like you can buy a refurb Xoom directly on Motorola's site for $299.99:
http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Tablets/MOTOROLA-XOOM-WiFi-REFURB-US-EN?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=NA_US-EN_PPC_XOOM-WiFi-Refurb-Q2-2012&WT.mc_ev=click
Amazon has the keyboard and stand for $28.80:
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Leather-Motorola/dp/B0081P08OY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1338396900&sr=8-6

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476767
Looks like you can buy a refurb Xoom directly on Motorola's site for $299.99:
http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Tablets/MOTOROLA-XOOM-WiFi-REFURB-US-EN?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=NA_US-EN_PPC_XOOM-WiFi-Refurb-Q2-2012&WT.mc_ev=click
Amazon has the keyboard and stand for $28.80:
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Leather-Motorola/dp/B0081P08OY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1338396900&sr=8-6
I have my bid on a new one for $350.00...two hours to go, and so far I'm still the higest bidder..fingers crossed. Leather like case, Keyboard and stand for $27.00

 

[dragonzim]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476767
Looks like you can buy a refurb Xoom directly on Motorola's site for $299.99:
http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Tablets/MOTOROLA-XOOM-WiFi-REFURB-US-EN?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=NA_US-EN_PPC_XOOM-WiFi-Refurb-Q2-2012&WT.mc_ev=click
Amazon has the keyboard and stand for $28.80:
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Leather-Motorola/dp/B0081P08OY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1338396900&sr=8-6
Out of stock according to that link..
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476826
I have my bid on a new one for $350.00...two hours to go, and so far I'm still the higest bidder..fingers crossed. Leather like case, Keyboard and stand for $27.00
So, did you win the auction?

 

[bionicarm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476826
I have my bid on a new one for $350.00...two hours to go, and so far I'm still the higest bidder..fingers crossed. Leather like case, Keyboard and stand for $27.00
Reading the Ebay listing, I guess you need to take the seller's interpretation of "new" with a grain of salt. The only reason I say that is the statement "Comes with its original box, charger, and USB cable". If it were "new", wouldn't those "original" items be a given? I have a feeling the guy opened it, played with it for a while, realized he didn't like it, so he packed it back up and is selling it on Ebay because he couldn't return it back to the store he bought it from. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the unit, but I wouldn't expect to receive it in "brand new" condition where the box is sealed from the manufacturer.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476867
Reading the Ebay listing, I guess you need to take the seller's interpretation of "new" with a grain of salt. The only reason I say that is the statement "Comes with its original box, charger, and USB cable". If it were "new", wouldn't those "original" items be a given? I have a feeling the guy opened it, played with it for a while, realized he didn't like it, so he packed it back up and is selling it on Ebay because he couldn't return it back to the store he bought it from. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the unit, but I wouldn't expect to receive it in "brand new" condition where the box is sealed from the manufacturer.
I contacted the guy...He says he opened it, and loaded the 4.0 on it probably so he would get top dollar when he put it up for bid, and added a nice case (bright red...LOL...now that is interpretation).
It worked because I bid that extra $50.00 for the already installed upgrade and whatever the case is worth. I won the bid last night, and I'm ordering the case/keyboard for $27.00 and I plan to put a skin on it from skinit too. I order a skin for all my electronic pets, I like my stuff customized. I'm just sitting at home, it's not like I need it for work or anything, so it should be more than enough to amuse me.
I sure appreciate everyones help. I like the Motorola brand, all my cell phones are that brand too....I hope they make a good tablet, we shall see.

 

[flower]

Well now I think I know why the guy upgraded the xoom before putting it up for sale...I assumed he did it so he could get the bigger bid but another person told me the free upgrade expired the end of March of this year, so I guess all the xoom tablets that say upgradable to 4.0 will have to pay for it now.

 

[dragonzim]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/391794/andriod-tablet-advice-needed#post_3476911
Well now I think I know why the guy upgraded the xoom before putting it up for sale...I assumed he did it so he could get the bigger bid but another person told me the free upgrade expired the end of March of this year, so I guess all the xoom tablets that say upgradable to 4.0 will have to pay for it now.
Android devices have always had free upgrades as long as the carrier supported it. For WiFi only devices like the tablet you are getting, there is no charge for an update.