Hi guys,
I am weighing up the option of buying a Nook HD+, it will be primarily used as a ebook reader, majority of the content is large textbooks in PDF format, some are well in excess of 1000 pages, I was wondering what peoples experience was in such a case? What is performance like, i.e. scrolling?
It was between the Nook and Nexus 10, however N10 has too many issues with back light bleed and multiple RMA's, the screen on the Nook seems better for reading from what little reviews are out there, what you guys think?
Many Thanks
Rav3 said:
Hi guys,
I am weighing up the option of buying a Nook HD+, it will be primarily used as a ebook reader, majority of the content is large textbooks in PDF format, some are well in excess of 1000 pages, I was wondering what peoples experience was in such a case? What is performance like, i.e. scrolling?
It was between the Nook and Nexus 10, however N10 has too many issues with back light bleed and multiple RMA's, the screen on the Nook seems better for reading from what little reviews are out there, what you guys think?
Many Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the Nook HD+ for the same reason. The N10 screen issues, plus the fact that 7" is a bit too small for PDFs, made it my choice. Uptil now, I have no complaints, it's a great screen to read on. I have a 'matte' screen protector and brightness turned way down, and it really comes close to approximating my old Kindle in terms of lack of eye strain.
With the PDF size, I'm not so sure. I've gone upto 100-200 pages PDF with no issues (although ezPDF, the Android App. has a tendency to crash). Not sure about 1000 pages. One thing you could try is cutting them up into smaller sizes (say 200 pages each) before transfer.
I bought the nook HD+ exactly for this reason i.e. to read large pdfs. Till now I red pdfs with up to 600 pages, using Ezpdf and Mantano and I can confirm that both work fine. The stock reader is also fine albeit with just the basic functionality. One minor problem with Mantano reader is the inability to display the underlying "image" of an ocr'd pdf - it gives just the recognized text which sometimes isn't that accurate.
Thanks both Tarthenal and Tschumi, I appreciate your feedback.
Tarthenal - As for ezPDF crashing, from what I have read is that you can try two things to see if it helps:
1) In ezPDF turn off page turning animations, apparently makes a difference.
2) Enable "Force GPU rendering" to use 2D acceleration, I have this option in CyanogenMod on my Galaxy Note, I'm not sure if it is an option in the Nook HD+?
How are you also installing the third party applications, am I correct in assuming rooting the HD+, install Gaps, then through Google Play?
It sounds like I'll be just fine with the largest of my PDFs, what's it like as a general purpose tablet with something like CyanogenMod? My primary purpose is booking reading, so anything in addition to this will be a bonus.
The screen looks real nice from the pictures and videos I've seen, hopefully it will be just as nice when I receive it, I have not seen it in person.
The screen is superb. One of the best I have seen in a tablet. As for the ezpdf, I always disable the animations, but always feels laggy. You can enable 2d acceleration in the settings of the cm10 rom by verygreen but there's no such option in the stock options.
Rav3 said:
Thanks both Tarthenal and Tschumi, I appreciate your feedback.
Tarthenal - As for ezPDF crashing, from what I have read is that you can try two things to see if it helps:
1) In ezPDF turn off page turning animations, apparently makes a difference.
2) Enable "Force GPU rendering" to use 2D acceleration, I have this option in CyanogenMod on my Galaxy Note, I'm not sure if it is an option in the Nook HD+?
How are you also installing the third party applications, am I correct in assuming rooting the HD+, install Gaps, then through Google Play?
It sounds like I'll be just fine with the largest of my PDFs, what's it like as a general purpose tablet with something like CyanogenMod? My primary purpose is booking reading, so anything in addition to this will be a bonus.
The screen looks real nice from the pictures and videos I've seen, hopefully it will be just as nice when I receive it, I have not seen it in person.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen really is excellent. I have disabled page turning animations, will try the gpu rendering option, thanks for the tip! I'm running CM10 from the SD card, which is excellent (except for battery, as I mentioned, I get around 30% drain in 3-4 hours reading). But I used Leapinlar's thread to root stock as well. The 'general purpose' tablet is really good, although the lack of camera means you can't video skype (why you would want that on a tablet though, is beyond me ). Overall, I'm VERY satisfied with it. Now, I am just wondering if the bluetooth keyboard will work with CM10.
Since my HD+ is rooted, I've tried a bunch of apps for reading pdfs from every store (just reading--i can't really comment on other pdf features). My favorites are Adobe Reader and the Kindle reader app, both of which work flawlessly on my device. I found that the stock reader works great for text pdfs, but graphics and photos appear noticeably more contrast-y in the stock reader than they do in other apps. I've also had problems with ezpdf crashing and lagging, so I uninstalled that one. i'll try the things the other posters mentioned and see if i have a better time with ezpdf.
maxspr1 said:
Since my HD+ is rooted, I've tried a bunch of apps for reading pdfs from every store (just reading--i can't really comment on other pdf features). My favorites are Adobe Reader and the Kindle reader app, both of which work flawlessly on my device. I found that the stock reader works great for text pdfs, but graphics and photos appear noticeably more contrast-y in the stock reader than they do in other apps. I've also had problems with ezpdf crashing and lagging, so I uninstalled that one. i'll try the things the other posters mentioned and see if i have a better time with ezpdf.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. That sounds interesting. Do you know if you can highlight/annotate with the Kindle reader app?
Many thanks for your additional comments guys, I've gone ahead and ordered the Nook HD+ 32 GB, it should arrive next week, will share my thoughts, your inputs helped me reach a decision
As far as I can tell, the Kindle app can only be used to read pdfs--the pdfs look great, especially any graphics, but you really can't do much else with them.
Sent from my BNTV600 using XDA Premium HD app
From my case I can confirm two things.
1/ It read ebook <1500p ok (the number of page of my current reading book)
2/ the screen quality is much better than that of the first gen KF (I didn't feel pain in my eye when reading with the nook hd+)
Compare to N7 FHD
So, bumping an old thread as the 2013 FHD also has the same resolution.
How does 1920*1200 compare with the Nexus 7" to the HD+ 9"? Is it more comfortable? Or was the 1200*800 the bigger difference on the 7" ( or some current 10.1" devices?) because of the need to zoom and pan.
Basically, 7" & 9" @ 1920/1200, do you still zoom and pan?
vis1-0n said:
So, bumping an old thread as the 2013 FHD also has the same resolution.
How does 1920*1200 compare with the Nexus 7" to the HD+ 9"? Is it more comfortable? Or was the 1200*800 the bigger difference on the 7" ( or some current 10.1" devices?) because of the need to zoom and pan.
Basically, 7" & 9" @ 1920/1200, do you still zoom and pan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it may be too subjective to give an universal answer. For me, the Nexus 7 is too small regardless of resolution to read complex PDFs on it comfortably. I use Mantano Reader's crop feature to read on my Nook and that way I can read most of them in portrait mode and without the need to do any zooming at all. I wouldn't be able to do that on the Nexus 7.
It's definitely subjective as it depends on your eyesight!
However I find it easy to read standard pdf documentation without zooming on the Nook hd+, can't do so on any smaller screen or resolution devices at all.
If the margins on the pdf doc are large I do have to zoom a little on occasion, but only to offset the margin distance, so only once per page, & not on many documents at all.
Incidentally I read tonnes of comics, the resolution & screen size is perfect for that, it's pretty much a ready made comic book reader in the respect.
I'm running CM 10.1.3 on my HD+ and the screen is brilliant. Also, with Force GPU Rendering turned on, and using Adobe Reader, I've had no lag whatsoever on books upto ~4000+ pages (these things are like 500mb PDFs). Haven't tested on bigger PDFs (don't suppose anyone would ever even have to). Great tablet.
prabhjan said:
I'm running CM 10.1.3 on my HD+ and the screen is brilliant. Also, with Force GPU Rendering turned on, and using Adobe Reader, I've had no lag whatsoever on books upto ~4000+ pages (these things are like 500mb PDFs). Haven't tested on bigger PDFs (don't suppose anyone would ever even have to). Great tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
500MB pdf sounds like a scanned document. Is that correct?
I hope there is a decent Black Friday deal with international shipping. Ebay has refurbished models that are cheap but when I consider the international shipping spending a little more would give me the N7 FHD.
vis1-0n said:
500MB pdf sounds like a scanned document. Is that correct?
I hope there is a decent Black Friday deal with international shipping. Ebay has refurbished models that are cheap but when I consider the international shipping spending a little more would give me the N7 FHD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. Scanned. Although, let me give you a word of caution if you want to buy one. For some reason, the base UI, on all the ROMs out there is lagparadise. Incredibly poor performance there, but in-app performance is stunning. This thing scored about 17000 on Antutu 4.1.1 as opposed to the 14000 score I was able to achieve on my Galaxy Nexus OC to 1.5GHz (they has the same CPU, but lots of difference). Although, my Gnex's UI never lags. I believe it's that the Nook HD+ has ****ty flash mem. Transfer rates are also terribly slow on internal memory (works as it should on my class 10 mSD though, so it's got to be it.)
I have both a nexus 7 2013 and a nook hd+ and prefer the nook hd+ due to not having to zoom in. Don't get me wrong you can read detailed pdf's without zooming in on the nexus 7 2013 but it's much better with the 8.9" display on the nook. Also I wasn't happy with the pdf performance of the nook hd+ until I install smartq reader which renders pdf's so much faster than any other app and I've tried them all. At one point I was about to buy a ipad just for pdf's until I found smartq reader.
Related
Hey guys,
I want to buy a cheap tablet! I was wondering if NC can act like a tablet after rooting...
Here's what I need it to do:
1. Read PDFs without lag (using 3rd party apps).
2. Watch average quality AVI files smoothly using RockPlayer.
3. Decent web browsing experience.
4. Running basic games like Angry Birds without lag.
5. Using it as a portable device, carrying it all time (weight & size aspect).
Also would you tell me which screen protector is good to get? Clear one or Anti-Glare?
Thanks in advance.
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Yes
The NC has a glass screen so a screen protector is not necessary... unless you drop it on the edge of a rock. If that's the case, you'll probably have bigger problems than a scratch. Get some glass cleaner for all the finger prints the NC will accumulate.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
ricoishere2 said:
Get some glass cleaner for all the finger prints the NC will accumulate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? It doesn't have any of that coating on it that resists finger printing (like the EVO)? I was starting to think that was standard.
I have the BN brand screen protector on mine mostly because I'm paranoid, but I do like the fact that it has a slight texture to it that feels like paper. It does reduce glare quite a bit as well, I could easily see my face reflected on the screen before I put the protector on and it's not nearly as noticable now.
On the subject of a cheap tablet, I would say the NC is great. I got mine primarily to use as an e-reader, but after the easy root procedure I now have a LOT of additional functionality that make it an amazing device. I've been playing Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja on it, both run beautifully. I've got a bigger SD card on order so I can start storing some movies and TV on it as well. For $249 you can't go wrong here.
sidepart said:
Really? It doesn't have any of that coating on it that resists finger printing (like the EVO)? I was starting to think that was standard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't aware of any coating on the HTC Evo. My evo gets pretty good fingerprints on it every day, and I try to wipe the glass once a week. Not much of a big deal, just the price of dealing with glass I guess. Once the lcd comes on, you can't see the prints anyway. The amount of finger prints on my Evo and my nook color seem to be the same.
Eienkei said:
Hey guys,
I want to buy a cheap tablet! I was wondering if NC can act like a tablet after rooting...
Here's what I need it to do:
1. Read PDFs without lag (using 3rd party apps).
2. Watch average quality AVI files smoothly using RockPlayer.
3. Decent web browsing experience.
4. Running basic games like Angry Birds without lag.
5. Using it as a portable device, carrying it all time (weight & size aspect).
Also would you tell me which screen protector is good to get? Clear one or Anti-Glare?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Haven't tried a PDF on it yet
2) Haven't tried a locally stored AVI yet
3) Its an awesome web browsing experience, assuming you dont use the stock browser. Dolphin, Firefox.. both work amazing, and the screen is just beautiful for calrity and reading web pages
4) Surprisingly, Angry birds isn't that basic, and can make use of a good GPU. Thankfully, i can happily say that the nook runs AB great, as it does other 3D games (Asphalt 5).
5) Just be careful with the screen (yes its glass, but glass can break too, especially with no cover), and yes, it could easily be portable. Gaming all day will probably kill your battery by days end, but things like web browsing and such should be no problem all day.
I'm looking at this device as well. Can anyone report on:
1) YouTube app--is it working smoothly? (Under android 2.2, I mean)
2) Skyfire browser (specifically watching flash videos, on engadget for example; the videos they produce don't run well with the flash plug-in on my nexus one)
I imagine they'll work smoothly, but would love to hear about someone's first-hand experience. Thanks in advance.
Eienkei said:
Hey guys,
I want to buy a cheap tablet! I was wondering if NC can act like a tablet after rooting...
Here's what I need it to do:
1. Read PDFs without lag (using 3rd party apps).
2. Watch average quality AVI files smoothly using RockPlayer.
3. Decent web browsing experience.
4. Running basic games like Angry Birds without lag.
5. Using it as a portable device, carrying it all time (weight & size aspect).
Also would you tell me which screen protector is good to get? Clear one or Anti-Glare?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mrwed said:
I'm looking at this device as well. Can anyone report on:
1) YouTube app--is it working smoothly? (Under android 2.2, I mean)
2) Skyfire browser (specifically watching flash videos, on engadget for example; the videos they produce don't run well with the flash plug-in on my nexus one)
I imagine they'll work smoothly, but would love to hear about someone's first-hand experience. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is necessary, but you already knew this.
1. Yes, I just use Adobe PDF Reader. Works great.
2. Maybe, Have not tested on NC, but Rockplayer works great on my Evo.
3. Yes, I'm using Dolphin mini
4. Yes, Angry Birds runs great
5. Yes, very portable. I would recommend a small case or sleeve.
1) YouTube app-Yes, no problems here, but I have read reports of others with issues. Follow Nookdev's walk-through word for word, and you should have no problems.
2) Skyfire browser - Have not tested, but I'll give it a shot and update later.
The NC is a great product if you plan to root. As an ereader, not so great. B&N have made a great device and their Library/Store app are great, but if you really want to read books, nothing beats e-ink. As a rooted device, its hard to pass up this cheap Android tablet.
I wasnt a fan of the screen without a screen protector. LOTS of smudges and my finger tends to stick to the screen when trying to drag. I just picked up the anti glare screen protector. That should solve the stickt/tackiness. I had both gloss and anti-glare on my Evo. AG has better tactile feedback, but the gloss looks better.
Thanks leeh41. Any results w/ skyfire yet? If skyfire videos work smoothly this would be a very nice tablet for surfing.
Sent from my Evo using XDA App
mrwed said:
Thanks leeh41. Any results w/ skyfire yet? If skyfire videos work smoothly this would be a very nice tablet for surfing.
Sent from my Evo using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry not yet. Was busy playing with adding magazines and books to my home screen last night. It would not play flash videos on some sites when using Dolphin or the stock Browser.
I'm looking at possibly getting an Android tablet for some pretty basic use. Mainly browsing websites over wifi (or tethered to my DX), reading books, comics, maybe watching some TV/movies, etc. My main concern though is watching the videos...most of the movie files are HD video, 720p or 1080p rips. What kind of video playback performance does a rooted NC have?
I've just started thinking more about getting a NC and rooting it with a custom ROM, instead of getting a Xoom or the new 10.1 Galaxy Tab (mainly because of the price), but if it won't be able to reliably play my videos, that's out. I can always shrink the resolution down with Handbrake if needed, that's not a problem, I just don't want the playback to be all jittery/stuttering.
video performance will depend on which rom you go with. I believe DSP codecs are enabled in nookie froyo, but can't comment on the performance as i haven't used it.
cm7 is starting to get dsp support but video such as from the youtube app is still shakey.
but i actually tested some regular TV rips (avi) in MoboPlayer and they seem to run fine.
The Froyo version works very well with youtube and movies stored on the sd card. They look good to me and i am happy with the NC on Froyo.
I just installed CM7 last night so i can't really comment on that yet but i did read that youtube is not working right and videos have issues. I will try this tonight hopefully.
Videos do play in the newest CM7 nightly, albeit mainly around 15 fps, but it is pretty constant in this early face.
You will without a doubt have to encode your HD videos again in order to watch them on the nook without stutter and audio sync issues. With the hardware limitations the nook has videos need to be encoded in h.264 baseline format at a resolution of 854x480 or less. There is a handbrake preset thread on the forum that works well.
When the subject of video playback comes up often on these forums what you'll get are people chiming in that this and that will work. When in doubt press them hard for what their tolerance level is regarding playback quality. For some of us "it works" can mean that video plays and audio is heard well enough to be watchable but artifacts and stutter and audio sync issues exist. Others demand full framerate with no stutter and zero audio sync issues. Personally I fall into the latter so I resolve myself to adhere to the use or my handbrake preset and am satisfied.
If cost is a factor then be aware of the old adage that you get what you pay for. The nook is no POS by any means but is also not a Xoom or iPad 2. Its a fantastic value and works well for the purposes you describe provided you're willing to accept the compromises like re-encoding videos for smooth playback or tethering via adhoc wifi due to lack of 3g etc.
Devs are making great strides in the development of cm7 and it won't be long before a fully functional version is out that's suitable for daily use. They're not quite there yet though so compromises have to be made and you can read about those in the cm7 dev and user threads.
Sent from my nook color using Tapatalk
Thanks for the very informative replies, espcially muzzy996. I'll probably wait a bit and see what happens with CM7, or if the prices on the new Galaxy Tab 10.1 or Xoom drop down to a more acceptable amount before CM7 is good for daily use. Plus, now that I think about it some more, a 7" tablet isn't THAT much larger than my DX...I may just end up waiting on a decently priced 10" tablet regardless...
In my opinion:
No matter the kernel, build, processor, etc....Nook color (and Android in general) is going to struggle with sync (audio and video) issues of video encoded in a format that is not "native" to Android (The "infamous" iPod video format.) Anything else is decoded via software -- and will display less than desirable results. Like I said....I have noticed this on all 4 of the different Android devices I have owned...it is not specific to the Nook.
Well, I've had no problems with watching divx rips on my DX, but I haven't tried, that I remember, watching any HD video (mostly because the majority of my video files are several gig's, and I don't have that much room free on my memory card).
I am very picky about video playback and I find when videos are encoded for the Nook theg look and play wonderfully on rooted stock and Froyo.
sog1971 said:
In my opinion:
No matter the kernel, build, processor, etc....Nook color (and Android in general) is going to struggle with sync (audio and video) issues of video encoded in a format that is not "native" to Android (The "infamous" iPod video format.) Anything else is decoded via software -- and will display less than desirable results. Like I said....I have noticed this on all 4 of the different Android devices I have owned...it is not specific to the Nook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read that TI isn't exactly open about the DSP. If it were otherwise you would probably see much more flexible hardware decoding.
Guys, I want to share with you
I finally realize that the money I spend out to buy nook color is not worth it. beside used for browsing, youtube, playing game, I also want to use it for playing video, however when I try to play MKV files, the video and sound is out of sync, and when I try to play AVI file in mobo player, it can't be played and I switch to use QQPlayer and it plays fine however some frame is skipping so the video seems a bit laggy. THIS IS SO DISAPPOINTING, nowadays most video files are in MKV format, why this tablet is not supporting to play MKV video compare to other tablets?
FOr the same price I can get tabulet (tablet from china), it can play video file well compare to nook, the only problems maybe it will have slower update compare to phiremod. Now tell me, why you wanna buy a Nook color while the same amount of money can be used to buy other tablets or top up a bit to buy other tablet that can play video files.
What speed is your SD? I am running Gingerbread on a 16GB class 6 card and have no issues playing AVI files in Moboplayer.
If I was looking to buy a tablet today I would not buy a Nook, got mine for $200. But would instead buy the Asus Transformer if they ever get any in stock.
I also have no problem playing videos. That said, I've never tried an MKV file, as I've never heard of it. So I definitely can't support your assertion that most videos are in the format these days. But I'll have to trust you that the NC has troubles playing it.
I have no trouble playing mkv files using mobo player. I am using CM7 with OC Kernel 04/24.
Im watching the rite now on my nook color as we speak. Its very smooth and I'm using Mobo. So I dont see what you are talking about
Nook Color is an ereader that some people have converted to general tablet use. There is no reason why it would have its own video player.
reaper12 said:
I have no trouble playing mkv files using mobo player. I am using CM7 with OC Kernel 04/24.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully it's still not too late for you to return the Nook. The Nook was never known for it's multimedia capabilities. It was designed and marketed as an e-Reader. It's great that the dev community is able to enhance the capabilities of the device. Good luck!
reaper12 said:
I have no trouble playing mkv files using mobo player. I am using CM7 with OC Kernel 04/24.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am using phiremod 6.2 with 720p quality, how about yours? I guess must be 480p quality
I got my NV on Saturday then rooted it and put CM7.0.2 stable on the emmc (not SD). I converted three movies in Handbrake using recommended settings found on XDA to MP4. I use Rockplayer and it works great. The movies are about 900mb in size with running length about 1hr 45 min and no problems.
The only video/audio sync issue I saw was using MLB.TV app but the is a common problem with MLB app. Playon MLB app works fine.
innosia said:
i am using phiremod 6.2 with 720p quality, how about yours? I guess must be 480p quality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phiremod 6.2 IS CM7, with some extra skinning.
Anyway, a little research will go a long way. The Nook does not have the hardware to play most 720P movie; though Mobo player will play a few quite well. The built in hardware decoding can only do up to 480P, and Mobo player, using certain CPU decoding pieces, can do some 720P.
BUt as it is, you would have known all this if you had just done some research beforehand. Video on the nook is a hot topic, and not something you would have to dig deep to find out about, including its weaknesses.
And please... what a load about the Chinese players. Yes, you can get a crap tablet for $150... that has a low res resistive screen, Android 2.1, no community, and no support (oh, and looks like a bad iPad knockoff to boot). But please, since you alone seem to know about them, please point us to another knockoff tablet that has such an amazing screen, great hardware (all that can hit 1.1Ghz, and most that can hit 1.3Ghz), for $200-$225 (best buy was having a $25 gift card sale recently)..
same, try rockplayer, works for me.. running rooted stock and draggin-dropping .avi's to a class 16 class 2 sd, they play fine.
Divine_Madcat said:
Phiremod 6.2 IS CM7, with some extra skinning.
Anyway, a little research will go a long way. The Nook does not have the hardware to play most 720P movie; though Mobo player will play a few quite well. The built in hardware decoding can only do up to 480P, and Mobo player, using certain CPU decoding pieces, can do some 720P.
BUt as it is, you would have known all this if you had just done some research beforehand. Video on the nook is a hot topic, and not something you would have to dig deep to find out about, including its weaknesses.
And please... what a load about the Chinese players. Yes, you can get a crap tablet for $150... that has a low res resistive screen, Android 2.1, no community, and no support (oh, and looks like a bad iPad knockoff to boot). But please, since you alone seem to know about them, please point us to another knockoff tablet that has such an amazing screen, great hardware (all that can hit 1.1Ghz, and most that can hit 1.3Ghz), for $200-$225 (best buy was having a $25 gift card sale recently)..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you know nothing about tabulet (china tablet that rebrand by indonesia company), then don't say anything. Though it is 700mhz it can play video well,
so what if nook can be overclocked to 1,3Ghz? Is there so many apps that is running in background that need the speed? It is not a pc, it is a tablet mostly for single or two task for simple like listening to music while reading, it is not for running many apps behind the scene such as rendering video or encoding
the different between those china tablet and nook is their graphic capabilities. Those china tablet, viewsonic tablet or asus tablet has better VGA and hardware decoding features that enable them to play video smoothly, unlike nook which is merely an over expensive e-reader that both expensive and yet unable to play video files well. And FYI, tabulet or china tablet is now moving to capacitive, though not much is capacitive but most new product is in capacitive screen, so forget about your idea that telling you all china tablet is resistive!
So go buy a "china tablet" then. What's the point in whining about something that everyone knows about beside trolling?
Divine_Madcat said:
...And please... what a load about the Chinese players. Yes, you can get a crap tablet for $150... that has a low res resistive screen, Android 2.1, no community, and no support (oh, and looks like a bad iPad knockoff to boot). But please, since you alone seem to know about them, please point us to another knockoff tablet that has such an amazing screen, great hardware (all that can hit 1.1Ghz, and most that can hit 1.3Ghz), for $200-$225 (best buy was having a $25 gift card sale recently)..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. Everywhere I turn, I'm seeing more and more [email protected] tablets that are either running an old version of Android, have paltry memory, low res, horrible battery life, etc. Often times, it's a combination of ALL of these things. DealExtreme carries several pretty horrible tablets.
Innosia: That sucks that the nook isn't satisfying your needs. I can understand your frustration. What are you expecting by whining about it here? Do you want us to pass the plate around to fund a replacement for you? The only thing you're going to get, particularly here, is a lot of indignation. Again, that sucks that it doesn't do what you need it to do. Sell the damned thing on eBay or Craigslist before it declines further in value and buy yourself something that suits your needs.
I dont really see what the big deal is, reencode the videos. Itunes does that for IPOD/ipad devices, why cant you do that for the nook? Are you just saying your too lazy to use a template and reencode some videos you want to watch?
The nook was never marketed for its multimedia skills. The fact that it has a hw decoder at all, is pretty lucky. for 250 its the best device i found out there. it does everything i would want out of it. If i wanted more, i would have bought an IPAD.
lechiffre said:
So go buy a "china tablet" then. What's the point in whining about something that everyone knows about beside trolling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not rich and I already cheated to buy nook and not able to afford a new tablet unless selling this one, I am not whining or trolling, what I am trying to point out here is for newbie who want to buy nook color, hopes they dont fall to the trap in buying nook color if they need playing video. I am just warning them, so they can use their money wisely. Be careful for B&N over expensive e-reader sales team
What were you expecting from a hack eReader?
Be serious. Its an ereader. All the rest is gravy. Whatever else you can do with it (besides read books) is awesome. Stop whining long enough to understand what you DID buy and what you DIDN'T buy. When you recognize the absolute awesomeness of what you bought has become you'll thank these fine folks for all their hard work.
Thanks everyone for all the hard work, done on your own time, for nothing in return.
I really appreciate it! Cheers m8s.
It sounds like you want a video-player more than a tablet. I'm wondering why you would come on here to post about how bad the NC is for your purposes? From all the posts I read it seems like you could easily read on here about what video types work and how to get them working smoothly. If you want something working out of the box, then return the nook and get it. If you want to fiddle with the thing until things work, then keep the NC. Simple
Sell it on eBay for about as much as you bought it for. They're still going for pretty high.
As has already been pointed out, re-encoding the video into an appropriate format does wonders for allowing it to play properly on the non-multimedia optimized nook.
FWIW, I've also noticed that different players have better luck with different formats. I currently have 3 video players installed (yx, Vital, and QQ) and have found that one of them will almost always properly play any of the couple hundred video's I already have on my media server.
Between iPhones, Xbox, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and some random other netbooks and devices, I've gotten a lot of experience at getting video to work on a lot of platforms. It would be great if AirVideo decided to do an Android client.
The thing I use my tablet for most is reading books in PDF format (well, and web/email, etc). I've been using the TF700 for a while, but I've found it to be noticeably less smooth in rendering and scrolling through PDFs than, say, either of the Nexus 7 models or my old Galaxy Tab 10.1. The motion as I scroll down is always somewhat jagged. I don't know if that's a function of ASUS' graphics drivers or of the tablet's I/O issues (although keeping files on the SD card doesn't help so it probably isn't that).
Does the TF701 improve on this aspect?
Best for PDFs in my eyes is the Kindle App :good:
I want to change page left/right (not up/down), and I want to have it quick! Changes as well as displayed in good quality. Kindle does this very very well and I am reading a lot of magazines (about 50 MB and more per PDF) on my tablets... No problems with zoom or something, I like it very much
I tried a lot of PDF readers but only the Kindle app fits my needs, give it a try...
The installed polaris is pretty choppy so I didnt bother recording. Adobe pdf reader is much better. Still not butter smooth but much better.
UPDATE: Looks like it just needed to be cached as the PDF was pretty huge. See my post #6 for new result.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
perfectviewer with the pdf plugin. Nothing else comes close.
ezPDF reader is my choice
Enviado desde mi ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T usando Tapatalk 4
It looks like the pdf just had to be cached and now it's smooth with adobe reader. Same happened to my HP slatebook x2.
I use ezPDF reader myself, but I was really asking how readers perform on this particular set of hardware as compared to other tablets (since I've seen extreme variations from device to device).
Thanks for the helpful video, although it may be difficult to know for sure without seeing the 701 in person.
When you look at size, weight, build quality, speed, screen and price you cannot find a better Internet consumption device available today than the Tab S 10.5.
For what it is it is the best there is.
i'm getting one next month
mitchellvii said:
When you look at size, weight, build quality, speed, screen and price you cannot find a better Internet consumption device available today than the Tab S 10.5.
For what it is it is the best there is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just wish Amazon weren't pushing their Fire tablets so hard, then we could have Amazon Instant Video as well
not sure if the flash/dolphin hack still works but for those of us in EU, silverlight only
this could the start of premium android tablets driving apps designed for that screen real estate
can only be a good thing for the sector in general
orangespoon said:
we could have Amazon Instant Video as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use PlayOn (not free) for AIV and the rest (Hulu, HBOGO, TBS, Netflix, etc.). It uses the stock video player which works in multi view and pop-up-play. The stock player has lots of other features too like resizing, display settings, audio settings, and onscreen controls. So far, across the Notes, Pros, and S', the stock browser is the most responsive. I don't want to screw around with multiple browsers and Flash just to watch AIV. YMMV.
I like to watch mind numbing sitcoms while doing work on my tablet so view them in a pop-up-play window at the same time. Here's How I Met Your Mother on AIV...
Speaking of the stock browser. Any idea how we get it to sink with our Chrome Bookmarks? It used to do that but seems like it no longer does. How do I import my bookmarks?
I like Dolphin for one reason. Like the swipe bookmark sidebar that no one else has. Maxthon is also outstanding for easy bookmark navigation.
mitchellvii said:
When you look at size, weight, build quality, speed, screen and price you cannot find a better Internet consumption device available today than the Tab S 10.5.
For what it is it is the best there is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony's tablet is pretty sweet too.
mitchellvii said:
Any idea how we get it to sink with our Chrome Bookmarks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It went away when Google forked WebKit. You can sink your (Samsung) devices via your Samsung account though.
http://techcrunch.com/2013/04/03/go...ine-that-will-soon-power-chrome-and-chromeos/
I wouldn't sink this tablet. It isn't water resistant... I kid I kid...
psst sync
*this was probably the result of google voice dictation so please don't take it as serious criticism. Just me being bored.
HughesNet said:
Sony's tablet is pretty sweet too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well its not super amoled and has lower resolution. If neither of those appeal to you then yeah, it's not bad.
The only think about the stock browser, that bugs me to no end is, the fact you can keep "desktop view" on, at all times. I have too constantly select it for every website. They made a huge error, in that regard.
HughesNet said:
I wouldn't sink this tablet. It isn't water resistant... I kid I kid...
psst sync
*this was probably the result of google voice dictation so please don't take it as serious criticism. Just me being bored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If only auto-correct checked grahamer.
If you want a fast good looking browser that syncs bookmarks nicely over the cloud try Maxthon HD for Tablets. Very nice. One feature I really like is the ability to instantly go back to the prior page without reloading it from the web. It also does prefetch well. Pages seem to load very quickly.
I just got mine today... am extremely impressed with it so far. Very lightweight and good quality, screen is stunning, very fast so far as well. Now ive only just about set it up and haven't really done much yet so this will get a update later. all ive done is update all the apps, took a look at Galaxy Gifts and Essentials, and setup a few differents apps on it.
true but...
mitchellvii said:
Well its not super amoled and has lower resolution. If neither of those appeal to you then yeah, it's not bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony's skin/bloat-ware isn't as bad as Samsung and avoids having tro root and mess with ROMs etc
still undecided between Z2 and Tab S
orangespoon said:
Sony's skin/bloat-ware isn't as bad as Samsung and avoids having tro root and mess with ROMs etc
still undecided between Z2 and Tab S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing a decent debloating or rom can't solve. This Tab S 10.5 is pure ocular joy. Every day I am amazed by the extreme resolution, deep blacks and vibrant colors. The only reason I can see for going with the Sony is if you plan to use the tablet in the tub ☺.
thanks, sounds interesting...
BarryH_GEG said:
I use PlayOn (not free) for AIV and the rest (Hulu, HBOGO, TBS, Netflix, etc.). It uses the stock video player which works in multi view and pop-up-play. The stock player has lots of other features too like resizing, display settings, audio settings, and onscreen controls. So far, across the Notes, Pros, and S', the stock browser is the most responsive. I don't want to screw around with multiple browsers and Flash just to watch AIV. YMMV.
I like to watch mind numbing sitcoms while doing work on my tablet so view them in a pop-up-play window at the same time. Here's How I Met Your Mother on AIV...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used Plex a lot as well but I prefer a simple solution and not having another server on all the time
looks like i may be ripping my BluRay collection and sticking them on an SD card
orangespoon said:
Sony's skin/bloat-ware isn't as bad as Samsung and avoids having tro root and mess with ROMs etc
still undecided between Z2 and Tab S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not pro or anti Sony. But their bezels are just huge on all their devices. The Z2 tablet being waterproof is its only advantage over Samsung's tablets. You get a 1/2 larger display on the S in a smaller footprint. Until I see posts like yours I forget Sony even makes tablets.
yes but...
BarryH_GEG said:
I'm not pro or anti Sony. But their bezels are just huge on all their devices. The Z2 tablet being waterproof is its only advantage over Samsung's tablets. You get a 1/2 larger display on the S in a smaller footprint. Until I see posts like yours I forget Sony even makes tablets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
everyone has their own requirements
we have a 2.5 year old in the house and larger bezels would be useful
Sadly I'm returning mine today. I was so caught up in media consumption with the screen I neglected the web browsing experience which is less than subpar imo. My Asus tf700t did a better job web browsing and that was a piece of **** for lack of a better term. I'm loving the screen and battery life but I've tried all the tricks to get chrome running smoothly and it just suffers. Other web browsers aren't any better either so so long my love, I enjoyed the pleasure while it lasted :crying:
MarvelousOne35 said:
My Asus tf700t did a better job web browsing
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Click to collapse
If the N10.1-14 on 4.3 was faster than the TF-701 on 4.4 there's something amiss. AnandTech's Sunspider scores for the 8.4/10.5 were 1,082/1,015. That's pretty poor considering they and the N10.1-14 share h/w. Hopefully updates will improve things. As for Chrome, for whatever reason, it's a slug on all Samsung's high-end tablets and has been widely discussed on all their forums.
MarvelousOne35 said:
Sadly I'm returning mine today. I was so caught up in media consumption with the screen I neglected the web browsing experience which is less than subpar imo. My Asus tf700t did a better job web browsing and that was a piece of **** for lack of a better term. I'm loving the screen and battery life but I've tried all the tricks to get chrome running smoothly and it just suffers. Other web browsers aren't any better either so so long my love, I enjoyed the pleasure while it lasted :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try Maxthon HD Tablet browser? It is amazingly fast and full featured. Regardless for me Chrome ran perfectly albeit I don't care for how it handles bookmarks so I switched to Maxthon. Nevertheless, lag was never a problem and Web pages always looked great and loaded fast.
When I hear these reports of terrible responsiveness in something as basic as Web browsing I have to wonder if you have a defective unit or some sort of software causing a resource conflict. Are you still using Touchwiz? Did you try another launcher such as Nova or GO? There is simply no way a tablet with this level of hardware should struggle at Web browsing at all.