The Next 8.9 tablet ? - Galaxy Tab 8.9 General

Like many others on this forum, I am deeply enamoured to the 8.9 form factor. For me it's the sweet spot between having enough screen space for lounging at home without being too bulky or heavy to throw into my messenger with other stuff and carry around. When LG first announced their first tablet would be 8.9 based on customer research, I knew I'd be drawn to it, having found the original iPad too bulky. But by the time it came state sides as t mobile spring board it was out of spec and unwieldy. So when Samsung announced the galaxy tab 8.9 with current specs and lighter and thinner than ipad2 dimensions, I knew I was going to get it. After playing around with the 10.1 while waiting for the 8.9, then getting the 8.9 soon after it's release, there was no turning back!
Now, I plan to stick with this 8.9 for at least through the year, but admittedly in a world where quad cores and 1080nd screens are coming out, I've been keenly waiting to see if a current successor to the 8.9 would be announced, either by Sammy or another vendor, and I have become anxious that this form factor might die out. I secretly hope that there will be a galaxy note 8.9 in addition to the galaxy note 10.1 set for Q3, but I'm not seeing anything.
Then today I read this news on the new kindle fire rumors, and lo and behold, a 8.9 size with 1080hd screen is there!
http://m.cnet.com/news/at-least-three-kindle-fire-2-tablets-one-with-4g-on-the-way/57467294
This kind of torments my heart. I'm glad to see a manufacturer come up with these specs and hope it prods others too. But I'm not really glad it's a Amazon kindle. I tried the kindle fire for about a month before selling it, and I was quite disappointed at the sluggishness, box like design, and I'm not sure I trust Amazon to build a quality tablet anymore. And I fear Amazon will be more restrictive in terms of root-and port-ability, not to mention lack even more developer support.
But then if this is the only 8.9 tablet on the market at the end of the year and foreseeable future, I might feel compelled. What are your thoughts on the next 8.9 tablet for you?
Sent from my GT-P7310 using xda premium

if we can hack it and use a real version of Android then i can NOT wait for an 8.9 update.
I hate the Amazon interface, i personally really prefer Google's Android and the variety of choice in Google Play.

bdfull3r said:
if we can hack it and use a real version of Android then i can NOT wait for an 8.9 update.
I hate the Amazon interface, i personally really prefer Google's Android and the variety of choice in Google Play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if the hardware is good enough(quad core and 1080p), and it is hackable, then I guess I'll consider the kindle too.
Though Amazon app store had a few good deals, I have to say, I much prefer the Google play too (as much as I dislike that name), if only to avoid update lags.
I so do wish we'll have more 8.9 inch options later this year!

Jnn1 said:
Yeah, if the hardware is good enough(quad core and 1080p), and it is hackable, then I guess I'll consider the kindle too.
Though Amazon app store had a few good deals, I have to say, I much prefer the Google play too (as much as I dislike that name), if only to avoid update lags.
I so do wish we'll have more 8.9 inch options later this year!
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Click to collapse
Same here. All I wait is for an HD version with quad-core 8.9 and I will pounced on it.
Sent from my GT-P7300

I'm surprised the 8.9 size isn't more popular to be honest. I've always though that the iPad was a hell of a cumbersome thing, even the 2nd and 3rd generation versions, but that the Kindle Fire and other 7" devices tend to be almost like slightly overgrown smartphones, too small for web browsing and barely an investment in themselves unless you're a heavy eBook reader. 8.9 got it bang on but doesn't seem to have kicked off, to the point that Sammy haven't done an 8.9 Tab2.
Do remember though that the Tab2 range is almost the same product manufactured differently to get the price down (and redesigned to avoid further law suits from Apple) so other than waiting for OS updates there's not much of a disadvantage owning a Galaxy Tab 8.9.
But yeah, the 8.9 is the Goldie-Locks tablet, it's not too big, not too small, just right!

Personally, if we can get a Jelly Bean port after the official ICS release then I'm set.
I don't play intensive games so have no need for quad core anything. I'll be sticking with my GT8.9 for some time I think.

I do enjoy my 8.9 as well, but I think Samsung and other manufactures put out a bunch of different sizes the last couple years to feel out the market. Its looking like the 10inch and 7inch are prolly gonna become the normal going forward with most manufacturers if I were to guess.

Benknot said:
I do enjoy my 8.9 as well, but I think Samsung and other manufactures put out a bunch of different sizes the last couple years to feel out the market. Its looking like the 10inch and 7inch are prolly gonna become the normal going forward with most manufacturers if I were to guess.
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Click to collapse
Which is really tragic, considering he majority of consumers never had much of a chance to try out a 8.9. If anything, I hope a kindle fire does come out in 8.9, if only, so that it peaks consumer and manufacturer interest in the 8.9 form factor!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I think 8.9 could do well if one company focused on only 8.9...

I have the same feeling about me 8.9, it is just the perfect size, I really dont get why
We dont have a new Sammy 8.9, I think Xoom2 is a alternative.
Sent from my GT-P7300 using xda app-developers app

sbeddoesdesign said:
I think 8.9 could do well if one company focused on only 8.9...
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Click to collapse
Well, not that I'd wish to restrict the choice of others, but if you think about it, the tab 8.9 if the same height as the iPad, which speaks to it's optimal size, yet it's lighter and with 16:10 dimensions good for watching movies too ... so I do wish and think companies should show more love for 8.9s.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

8.9 is the right size but too many people dont know it :-(
I have tried the Ipad, the original thrive and galaxy, a trans prime, the fire and the Acer 7 inch, and my beloved touchpad and the galaxy tab 8.9 is just the perfect size and the screen is much prettier than ips displays. I love it. But the tegra 2 is just not enough. My poor tab just can't handle HD vids. So sadly my touchpad gets more use than my galaxy. Also I wish it had expandable memory. Come on Sammy why didn't you give this beauty an SD card slot? So while I agree that the 8.9 is just the right size it is due for an upgrade. Sadly it doesn't look as though one will be here soon enough. So for me its just waiting for someone to make a tab with a prettier screen and expandable memory. Unfortunaty for me none of the new tabs have a good screen. Ips displays have washed out colors when you compare them to an Ipad or a Samsung tablet. As for the 8.9 fire 2 it could be a decent machine. I put an aokp ics rom on my friends kindle and its a decent tablet now. Just a bit too small for me. Only time will tell but here's to my prayers for Sammy to make an 8.9 2 with a real processor and a SD card slot! That would be the best.

I've owned: Transformer w/dock., Iconia A500, Toshiba Thrive, Streak 7, Evo View, 8" china pad, Evo View, Archos 80 G9 and of course the 8.9. Left in the stable are the
Evo View: I'm on sprint so having the data plan is nice, but it sits on my nightstand on wifi and used once in a blue moon. Will probably sell it soon while it still has some value. 7" is just too small and not enough of a size difference over my 4" phone. I like the stylus, but haven't used it as much as I thought I would. The data plan is nice because some wifi at the hospitals I go to have a sign in, and for some odd reason webmail doesn't work while on it. Really odd. It was the same on the touchpad. Yet the Apple crowd had no issues. Haven't figured that one out.
Archos 80 G9: I paid $125 via Staples last month for it. Like the 4:3 8" size. Dual core OMAP, connectivity out the wazoo (full size usb, hdmi, microSD and microUSB), and I've been on official ICS since day one. The screen isn't bad. It has a little more heft and big side bezels, but it's comfy and more comfy to hold than any 10.1". Plus it has the built in kickstand. Another reason to ditch the Evo View. I have a dock for it, and I wouldn't need the dock to keep it upright on the nightstand. still not my ideal screen size as HD content is no better than a 7" tablet, or slightly less even. Not sure on that math.
And the 8.9: Tegra 2 is fine for me. No hi profile blu ray rips for me. I have the usb dongle for a card reader. Great screen even if it is PLS. The size and weight is the perfect trade off for carrying between the 10" and 7" while still having enough real estate to make media viewing and reading enjoyable. Best screen size out there if you ask me.
That being said, I want a 9 or 4:3. I think that's the best of both worlds. HD would still be a bit larger than a 7" tablet and everything else would be a nice 4:3 9" . And I want built in connectivity. microSD and HDMI are key. So until that comes, I have no need to buy another tablet unless the 8.9 and Archos become obsolete.

Yeah, I getcha... An 8.9 with Tegra 3 would be nice. For me, well, HD Movies on this little screen, personally I wouldn't notice/appreciate the difference, I watch some SD stuff and stream Netflix on there when I can't use my TV and it looks sharp as anything to be honest, heh... Tegra 3 would be nice for gaming though.

I know what you mean, I've been hoping to hear some rumors of a Galaxy Note 8.9 as well. Honestly the 10-inch form factor feels too big, and the 7-inch too small. The 8.9 felt just felt perfect and the S-Pen is now a big deal for me on a tablet. Stick in some internals like whats in the Galaxy SIII (quad-core, 2 GB ram, NFC/Android Beam, Jelly Bean, and 2MP FFC/5MP Rear Camera). Bring back the IR blaster from the original Tab 8.9, and a 1080p screen (to keep in competition with the Retina display). Then all they'd have to do is keep it thin and light (not plastic-like) and I'd probably camp out for that one, even if it costs $599

Related

[Q] Is P1000 still worth buying TODAY?

I'm looking for a Tab, but Transformer seems to big for me. P1000 is the perfect size, but it is pretty old device. Is it still worth buying today?
Thanks.
If you think 7" tablet is a perfect size for you then why not, the Galaxy tab is only 1 year old and it still stands against any other alternatives out in the market today.
I would hardly say just because the tablet is "pretty old" that it isn't a good purchase. It's well supported by developers and the fact that people are still purchasing it... Its a solid working and built piece of kit.
You won't be disappointed.
I would say that they are definitely still worth it. The price point alone is a great reason. You can get a Galaxy tablet for less than half the price of many of the newest tabs.
It's already been shown that these models are capable of running the new firmwares. There are ports of Honeycomb out there already, and though there are still some issues to be ironed out, they work pretty well. Since installing a 2.3.4 rom on my vzw tab, I've been very impressed with how responsive and cleanly it runs.
Having handled some of the newer and larger tablets, I've found that the smaller size is really more ideal to me personally. I can fit my Galaxy tablet in my pocket. My folks for example both have iPads, and they are just much larger and bulkier devices. You can't drop one in your pocket real quick while you are out on the run.
Anyway, hope that helps!
Seamus1 said:
I would say that they are definitely still worth it. The price point alone is a great reason. You can get a Galaxy tablet for less than half the price of many of the newest tabs.
It's already been shown that these models are capable of running the new firmwares. There are ports of Honeycomb out there already, and though there are still some issues to be ironed out, they work pretty well. Since installing a 2.3.4 rom on my vzw tab, I've been very impressed with how responsive and cleanly it runs.
Having handled some of the newer and larger tablets, I've found that the smaller size is really more ideal to me personally. I can fit my Galaxy tablet in my pocket. My folks for example both have iPads, and they are just much larger and bulkier devices. You can't drop one in your pocket real quick while you are out on the run.
Anyway, hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in eastern europe and here the tab's price is almost the same as Transformer's. And that one has Tegra 2 and a nice 10.1' IPS display. They are both here 540 USD / 380 EUR. I tried Iconia A500 Tab, but I was quite disappointed - it was very heavy, typing text while trying to hold with one hand was challenging. The OS and that big display sure looks great, but for now I can't see my self taking this out in the street while walking, or chatting (IM) while sitting in the bus on my way college. How much is the P1000 in the US? Or UK?
esthreel said:
I live in eastern europe and here the tab's price is almost the same as Transformer's. And that one has Tegra 2 and a nice 10.1' IPS display. They are both here 540 USD / 380 EUR. I tried Iconia A500 Tab, but I was quite disappointed - it was very heavy, typing text while trying to hold with one hand was challenging. The OS and that big display sure looks great, but for now I can't see my self taking this out in the street while walking, or chatting (IM) while sitting in the bus on my way college. How much is the P1000 in the US? Or UK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the UK, the P1000 (if you can find any in stock) still goes for around £399 and the P1010 is currently in bestbuy/currys for £299.
But search on ebay or other sites, you can find one for a lot cheaper. I got mine brand new from ebay for £250 (P1000).
Of course, these will probably fall in price when newer alternatives comes out but for now, they are holding its value as they are still popular and people are buying them.
I just bought one today. So far I am happy with it.
I have seen the US models selling new for between $150-200 when you buy from a mobile provider. For example, I know Verizon was selling them earlier this year for $200 when you agreed to a two year service agreement. I've also seen the WiFi only tablets for $350. Personally, I was willing to sign a contract, because having the 3g data access was something I desired.
But, I would do as one of the other posters suggested, and check ebay. As I understand it, you can buy a US model and put a European firmware on it. I would double check that though, as I don't want to tell you something I am not entirely sure of.
Got mine a month ago in aussie land, on a 12 month contract. 0 dollars for the tab and $39 a month for the plan with 8g of data and I get 3 months of the plan for free. Was really happy with that price.
Got mine in Italy for 300 Eur. Best purchase of the year: perfect balance between pocketability and readability, and with Gingerbread it is lag free and quick.
Rumours are that Samsung is going to present a revamped 7" tablet w/ upgraded cpu and amoled screen. I won't upgrade unless it has usb host or otg, which is the feature I miss much on my Tab.
Ernesto de Bernardis
N900 - Galaxy Tab 7"
Nothing wrong with the P1000. Good support is important. Even if it's a year old it still beats an ipad. Good resolution and speed, and very complete. Very sturdy, durable Gorilla glass.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
If 7" tablet is your preference, get a HTC Flyer or Huawei Ideos Slim?
Unless u want the voice call/sms capabilities
debernardis said:
Got mine in Italy for 300 Eur. Best purchase of the year: perfect balance between pocketability and readability, and with Gingerbread it is lag free and quick.
Rumours are that Samsung is going to present a revamped 7" tablet w/ upgraded cpu and amoled screen. I won't upgrade unless it has usb host or otg, which is the feature I miss much on my Tab.
Ernesto de Bernardis
N900 - Galaxy Tab 7"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any Samsung official reading this would love to put usb otg and make you upgrade
While for me, I ll try not to upgrade, but the amoled screen might tempt me.
esthreel said:
I'm looking for a Tab, but Transformer seems to big for me. P1000 is the perfect size, but it is pretty old device. Is it still worth buying today?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine last month, and I love it. My pocket is not that big to fit in the tab, so I bought a small bag to bring around. I was confused whether buying Galaxy S (for super amoled and small factor) or Galaxy Tab (for bigger screen to read ebooks). Well, its worth buying
I bought one a couple of weeks ago, and am very happy so far. Yes, it's a year old - but the screen is very good (much better than alternative 7" tablets'), it's relatively cheap & there's lots of development going on with it.
The next 7" from Samsung is set to have an AMOLED screen & will probably be dual-core, which will be awesome, but I wanted something now & wasn't prepared to 1) wait & 2) pay much more than I did...
Make sure you root & stick Overcome ROM on it! It becomes a different animal once you do!
Got an Asus Transformer for the home/travel, but day to day chucking in pocket (albeit large pockets), still love the Tab. Got it for 200bucks so can't complain.
If I had to pay full price? I think I'd skip, for that price a newer 7" tablet would still be preferred.
Main thing it comes down to though is where are you, and do you need voice? if so, Tab might still be perfect for you.
It's a good question to ask here, as the answer isn't obvious. Without a tablet, I would, if I had the cash, get the Tab again. It's portability still makes it a winner for me.
Waiting for the next model is ok, but... these things always seem to take 6months longer than initially planned it appears.
Thee galaxy pad still a good tab/phone. its fast, not to big and have a lot of apps/games that works so...
Galaxy tab worth to buy.why?
The best tablet for 7 inch tablet.
Equiped with microsd,simcard for mms,sms,3g and telephone
the best size to carry around even easily beat ipad
Development of Custom rom and stock rom are always up to date
unless samsung release new 7 inch tablet with dual core processor and amoled sceen
then it is not worthy anymore to purchase
When I got the P1000, my standard in speed and responsiveness on android began to change. I began to compare the Qualcomm chipset based androids vs. the Hummingbird of Samsung. The P1000 (and the original Galaxy S Plus which runs the same thing) is really good and even better can match the next gen Qualcomm. See how the original Galaxy S graphics even beats the Galaxy S Plus (newer release), is because of the same speedy setup done before.
The P1000 is a very good device. Really crazy why Samsung shortchanged many unknowing people as they downgraded the P1010 with an inferior chipset and graphics.
Is there already a dual core 7" as good as the P1000? The Dell Streak 7 besides abit more massive has a problem with batt life. Archos I didn't bother to consider. Is there anymore? The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is coming out better (dunno when), but it is not 7". Nothing compares that I know... for now.
I've only had mine for about a week, I bought it second hand for a great price and I love it so far. I use it more than my laptop and my Asus Transformer. I LOVE the size. The 10" tabs you pretty much need to use both hand to hold it all the time, the G.Tab easily in 1. Plus being able to type with both thumbs instead of finger pecking is a HUGE plus.
Yeah, the Galaxy Seven will probably be out in a couple months but if you need one now then it's a great little tab.
I was at the shop today again, played with XOOM and again with Galaxy Tab. Damn its size is just perfect and the screen so detailed and feels high quality. But then I tried to do what I do on My N900 (Maemo 5 OS), and WOW :O IT CAN NOT MULTITASK. I never noticed that! You can not have skype online and browse the web while listening to music. I asked the guy at the shop. He confirmed, just some can "run in the background" but there is no task switcher... Maybe you can make it multitask? On iOS i have backgrounder and Kirikae and it works like a charm, can you do the same on android?
Skype online while browsing the web and listening to music? won't the sound conflict?
Sent from my SK17i using Tapatalk

trying to decide between 8.9" and tab 2 7"

which one should i get? galaxy tab 8.9 is used for $200 or pay $270 for tab 2 7" at BestBuy?
I use to look in gsmarena, you can compare devices with lot of details, IMO you
have to think in size and in CPU/Chipset, Exynos 1.2G of 7+ is faster.
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4208&idPhone2=3891
:|
In this case you have to make your decision because of the size. I love my 8.9 because 7" is to small and 10" to big. Thats the reason why I have bought this tab. I dont know why no other manufacturer produce a tab in this size ... in my eyes 9" or better 8.5" is the best size for a tablet. I used the Ipad from my mom and after 30 minutes it was to heavy for me. I also used the 7" pad from a friend and its to small in my opinion. When i have to made a decision between these to (Ipad and 7"), i woukd choose the 7". But we all are lucky that samsung created these perfect 8.9
I've had a 10" tab and it was just too big. I had a 7" tab and I didn't use it much because it wasn't much bigger than my phone. That's why I went with the 8.9 and it's perfect for me. If this didn't exist, I'd probably stay with the 7" tabs.
It all depends on how you're going to use it: landscape vs portrait.
I bought the 8.9 because I tought a 10.1 would be too big, but after hours of continuous use in landscape, browsing and IM-ing, I started to feel that I needed and even lighter tablet. Until I figured out how easy it is to use it in portrait mode instead of landscape. Holding it is easier, scrolling is easier, typing is way easier (obviously) and now the weight issue is simply non-existent. Now I am even thinking about a 10.1 to be my next tablet, although the main reason would be the higher resolution (read: Transformer Infinity) that would help with browsing websites in portrait, which is really the only downside right now with my tab.
I don't know why everyone is avoiding portrait when it comes to big Android tablets, probably because they want to be different then all the iPad owners, but, really, you should try it, it's a whole new experience. I can't imagine myself using landscape again other than for watching movies, on a tablet. I would love it on a desktop PC too, if it were possible, since all the websites are built on columns and after a few scrolls you end up reading a bunch of text that is concentrated in the middle of the screen, on 50% of your monitor's area..
jlobodroid said:
I use to look in gsmarena, you can compare devices with lot of details, IMO you
have to think in size and in CPU/Chipset, Exynos 1.2G of 7+ is faster.
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4208&idPhone2=3891
:|
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP said Tab 2 7", different than the Tab 7 Plus. The Tab 2 is OMAP4 powered.
I have a Tab 8.9 and a Tab 2 7in, and there are things I like from both. Honestly, I'd prefer the Tab 8.9 but with a faster CPU and an sd card slot. Got to have an sd card slot in any future tablet I buy. Expandable storage is such a crucial feature, its mind boggling how some manufacturers can exclude it.

8.9 vs note 10.1

Forgive me if I do something really wrong...this is my first post here.
I got a Samsung Note 10.1 today and have been playing a few hours now. It is really sweet...except it is just too damn big. I grabbed a 32gb at Amazon. I have 30 days to decide. The pen is much improved over the phone version (which I have) but the sheer size of this tablet is just off putting.
I really wish Sammy would release this in the 8.9 size. Maybe after the lawsuits are concluded we will see it...somehow I doubt it, considering the support the 8.9 has gotten so far.
Don't know how to list the phones and tablets I have had so far...it's a bunch.
The 8.9 size is just too perfect.
You are complete right, 8.9 is just the perfect size, and GT NOTE 8.9 would be a dream, you are a lucky!, GTN10.1 should
be a great device.
Sent from my GT-P7300 using xda app-developers app
OP, what are your opinions of the build quality? Most reviews are tearing it up for being shoddily made. Android Police tore it a new one.
That said, I would like to stick the Exynos 4412 and 2GB of RAM into my Tab 8.9.
I don't understand the bad reviews on the build quality. I have read that it is so flimsy you can twist it easily and feel the "guts" through the thin back cover. Just not true. It is as stout as the 8.9. Also, some have complained about a light bleed on the screen. No problem there either.
My honest opinion?
Apple fan boys at Android Police getting REALLY nervous.
It's a real nice, very fast, device. Just wish it was a bit smaller. I have kept my HTC Evo view all this time because a 7 inch device with a working pen is just so handy. If Samsung would put the Note out in an 8.9 size, I would sell everything else in a heartbeat and be a very very happy little girl.
The 10.1 looks truly amazing. Yeah, Sammy's 10.1 inch tabs are a little bit (bigger than iPad even) but I imagine that can be handy for work stuff.
I wouldn't recommend switching it to the 8.9 for software reasons. The 10.1's software is much better. On the 8.9 we're still stuck here with Android 3.2, way way way out of date, and the processor, whilst better even than the iPad on paper, really struggles to play 3D games at a good framerate. The Note 10.1 has the same advantage of the Galaxy S3 in that it's way more powerful than it could ever possibly need to be so whatever you throw at it will run lovely and fast.
8.9 may be the perfect size but the software and performance are pretty bad and the service even worse (we still don't know even IF we're getting Ice Cream Sandwich, every month news sites say the next month but when people e-mail Sammy they say they have no official release date, and the unofficial ICS rom has bricked my tab by killing the battery).

A New 8.9 Tablet ! - Kindle Fire HD

WOW. So it just happened. We finally have a new 8.9 tablet, though it's not the successor to the Galaxy Tab 8.9 that I was hoping for.
http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/6/3296477/amazon-kindle-fire-HD/in/3061995
Like many other users here, I'm partial to the 8.9 size. I've tried 7 and 9.7 and 10.1 inch tablets, and 8.9 was the best fit - portable with enough screen space, and though I'm not up for an upgrade yet, I've been keeping an eye out for new 8.9 tablets without much success until today - this Kindle HD 8.9.
Spec-wise, with 1920*1200 (1080p) HD screen, a 254 ppi (more or less the same as the new ipad (254 ppi), and a OMAP 4470 (again similar in graphics power to the A5), it seems like true contender. And at 299 dollars, it kills. I'll have to wait and see if it is as light and thin as our Galaxy Tab 8.9 and thus just as portable and one-hand useable, but the price point/hardware equation is really really tempting. Of course, personally, I'd probably ditch Kindle OS and put on CM10 as soon as possible, but it's tempting.
Just hoping that this pushers other maufacturers to re-look at the 8.9 form factor, and hopefully release even better one. A Galaxy 8.9 with 1920*1200 screen and Exynos Quad-core (or even better, the new Qualcome S4 quad-core) would be my fanatsy tablet ....... please, sammy or somebody!
Jnn1 said:
I'll have to wait and see if it is as light and thin as our Galaxy Tab 8.9 and thus just as portable and one-hand useable, but the price point/hardware equation is really really tempting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Size/weight don't look good, if this website is to be believed. It looks to be larger all round, and over 100g heavier than the Samsung
a commentor on the android police story said they're going to have locked bootloaders. I haven't seen that anywhere else, but if it's true you probably won't get cm10
gcogger said:
Size/weight don't look good, if this website is to be believed. It looks to be larger all round, and over 100g heavier than the Samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
567 gs. If this turns out to be true, that is no good ... that's as heavy as the original galaxy tab 10.1 ... not good for one hand holding... sigh
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
jackgibbs said:
a commentor on the android police story said they're going to have locked bootloaders. I haven't seen that anywhere else, but if it's true you probably won't get cm10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm ... I thought that as long as we could load custom recoverys via odin or so, we could flash custom roms. My 8.9's bootloader is still locked, but I have CM10 on it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
If CM10 does get on this, I may get a refinished one after they are available.
This is direct from Amazon:
Product Dimensions: 9.4 inches x 6.5 inches x 0.4 inches; 1.2 pounds
So bigger and heavier all around. Shame. Though I bet that screen is nice, and it has hdmi out. But if I feel like I'm carrying around a 10 incher, it's just not worth it. Defeats the purpose of going that size in the first place.
sent from your 18yr old daughter's room
No gps? No brightness sensor (read on gsm arena link).
Anyway, Amazon proved 7" is desirable size, and other manufacturers followed.
Hopefully they'll do the same for 8.9... Although I do say they are taking a risk, cause for book reading, (7" and) light weight and cheap, are likely the killer features.
Yeah, after looking up more details, it does seem like it's lacking in gps, brightness sensor, back camera, etc.
And it is heavier by about 100 grams, which is a major sore, and wider and taller and thicker by some margins (1 cm, 0.6cm, 0.2cm).
Still, 1920*1200 res with less glare should be nice, while the performance of the OMAP 4470 (upgraded from the 4460 in this galaxy nexus) is for the moment uncertain.
I think I'll wait till the actual thing is out, and devs have a root/custom rom for the thing. Hopefully, Sammy or someone will have a better 8.9 out soon!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

[Q] Is it too late to buy an 8.9?

Well I asked this question in the CM10 thread but was told it was best left for the general thread. I am in a position to get my first tablet and have it down to the 8.9 and the nexus 7. I love the hardware on the 8.9, and the screen size is perfect, but it is a little older and I plan on putting CM on it to keep the software up to date and it might not be able to keep up much longer. I like the Nexus 7's hardware but I have a feeling it'll be just a little too small for any sort of productivity (mostly taking notes) and I have never been a fan of the 7 inch form factor. So I ask you 8.9 owners, how does CM10 run on it and how do you think it'll fare in the future? Would you recommend it still as a purchase? Thanks in advance.
Brettbesa said:
Well I asked this question in the CM10 thread but was told it was best left for the general thread. I am in a position to get my first tablet and have it down to the 8.9 and the nexus 7. I love the hardware on the 8.9, and the screen size is perfect, but it is a little older and I plan on putting CM on it to keep the software up to date and it might not be able to keep up much longer. I like the Nexus 7's hardware but I have a feeling it'll be just a little too small for any sort of productivity (mostly taking notes) and I have never been a fan of the 7 inch form factor. So I ask you 8.9 owners, how does CM10 run on it and how do you think it'll fare in the future? Would you recommend it still as a purchase? Thanks in advance.
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If you can get it cheap it is still a very good tablet but I wouldn't recommend paying full price for it now as the hardware is a bit outdated. I'm personally aiming for a nexus 10 or 7 because of the high res screen is just too tempting!
There can unfortunately be very few guarantees made about future developments. The dev community on 8.9 is small, and any time one of the remaining devs decide to buy a new tablet, support for cm ROMs may disappear without notice...
Or it may be continued by new devs who currently are happy to watch and learn.
The good thing is the similarity to 10.1 tablet, so the 8.9 devs can inherit a lot direct from 10.1 devs.
It is still a very able, good size and weight tablet for mobility, and for a good price, I'd pick it up again. Personally I'd like a 8.0 to 8.4 inch, max weight 300g... For even more comfortable reading. But everyone differs...
Its your first tablet, so I'd be going for future updates. The n7 and n10 are great choices for you first tablet.
My first tablet was the OG Xoom. Then I got a flyer and hated the small screen. I was glad I don't sell the Xoom, as it is great, but still needed something a bit more portable, so I picked up a used i957 for 200 and really haven't touched the Xoom since.
Not that the gtab is better, but I needed something bigger than the note I had, but smaller than my Xoom, plus the cellular connectivity my note had.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Premium HD app
Ps. It struggles with high bitrate, fast motion x264 video... My own encodes (720p -crf22 -ref5) run fine...
Brettbesa said:
Well I asked this question in the CM10 thread but was told it was best left for the general thread. I am in a position to get my first tablet and have it down to the 8.9 and the nexus 7. I love the hardware on the 8.9, and the screen size is perfect, but it is a little older and I plan on putting CM on it to keep the software up to date and it might not be able to keep up much longer. I like the Nexus 7's hardware but I have a feeling it'll be just a little too small for any sort of productivity (mostly taking notes) and I have never been a fan of the 7 inch form factor. So I ask you 8.9 owners, how does CM10 run on it and how do you think it'll fare in the future? Would you recommend it still as a purchase? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 8.9's are closing to a phase-out. I think. CM10 works like a charm on the 8.9, if you're not after face unlock. And I hear there's a school in SE Asia that uses 8.9s as ebooks. So maybe it's a sign that it's good.
you can always check out the nook HD+. they've rooted (temp root) it and found the bootloader unlocked so development should be starting up soon. as to whether i like it better than the sammy, hell no!
as it is its running b&n's launcher and the tablet is laggy as hell. scrolling netflix queues is as slow, choppy and unresponsive as my tf700's were. the sammy is better, but not as good as the galaxy note 10.1.
i'm still on the fence on whether to keep it or not. CM may bring out some better performance, but right now it's just a high res book reader (which it's market to be - and a pretty good one at that.) since i'm a silver rz member i have 45 days to make up my mind.
Just bought an 8.9 from Amazon - very pleased
HI - I just bought a 3G Galaxy Tab 8.9 from Amazon.co.uk - for £250...it was a refurbished one, but is in mint condition. I love it. Need to work out how to root it and get rid of the Samsung Apps - but once I've done that I will be set. I was also going to go for the Nexus 7, but found that when using the keyboard in landscape mode - the keyboard takes up half the screen. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it, but I have no regrets on the 8.9 - for me it is the ideal size screen... speakers on the 8.9 are surprisingly good too. Go for it!
i just picked up a used one with a nice leather case for $220. Boss is going to pay for the data plan, so I'm all set.

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