8+ Readers in comparison

[sww]

I accidentally ended up with both a couple of months ago and have been using them. I've posted my comments on http://humanitiesinformatics.blogspo...dition-vs.html
Summary: each has its advantages!
S.

[mgmueller]

Wow. Only 2 days of usage - and already I don't like my 7" (similar size and form factor) Samsung Galaxy Tab anymore.
I'm on a trip for 10 days.
I brought with me:
Samsung Galaxy Tab (7"), Apple iPad2, Kindle DX Graphite (my favorite eInk), BlackBerry PlayBook, Motorola Xoom.

My personal ranking of those units:
#1: BlackBerry PlayBook
No apps, but a beautiful and "smooth" gadget. Give it Android multi boot in addition to the RIM OS, and it kills them all.
#2: Motorola Xoom and iPad2.
Motorola Xoom (or is it Honeycomb? Or both?) is a very positive surprise. iPad2 because of BlackBerry PlayBook only is 2nd most beautiful unit, but still a great design.
#2: Kindle DX Graphite.
I don't compare it to the tablets, it's an entirely different concept. But I absolutely love all about it: Size, weight, form factor, contrast, battery, Amazon bookstore, free 3G, ...
#3: Samsung Galaxy Tab (7").
Although I only have it for 8 or 9 months, it already feels a bit dated. BlackBerry PlayBook is so much faster, Motorola Xoom so much smoother.
Will there be a Honeycomb update? Nobody seems to know for sure, but without it's a dying unit.

[Edy]

I find the Playbook a nice toy for my work e-mail. But for everything else I still prefer the iPad2. Although the Playbook has a quality display and great video output. The Facebook app is great!

Since I bought the Playbook end of April, there were already 3 OS updates. The latest one about ten days ago, which added support for other languages (German). What's still not yet fixed is the autocorrect function. The word gets underline, but of no use without spelling suggestion. This is something, which bother me and I find rather embarassing of RIM. Also when I bought the Playbook BBM (Blackberry messenger) was not yet enabled. It was after a later update.

This shows a bit that the Playbook was rushed to market, but then I think, really rushed to market. It was announce many months ago.

I believe Google is working at a new release of Android, code name sandwich ice cream, rumours says due in fall.

Edy

[mgmueller]

I'm in Provence for 10 days.
I brought iPad2, Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab with me.
I'm using them with a Multi-SIM (3 SIM cards with the same mobile number via my old iPhone contract) from German Telekom (roaming here via French Orange of course).
It's far from being a valid representation of course.
But still I find the differences in reception quite significant and interesting:
iPad2 is a disaster. No chance mailing some pictures. 2 bars, but painfully slow.
Samsung Galaxy Tab is slightly better, but still horrible.
Motorola Xoom is surprisingly good, even downloaded 20 new eBooks from Kobo.
May make sense, Motorola being in the mobile phone business the longest = most experience re. reception, antennas and the likes. Then Samsung, then Apple.
I'll test Kindle DX Graphite next.

I've had similar experiences with iPhone4 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab in Germny re. phone availability.
I'm riding the train at least twice per week. Very often I receive calls on my Galaxy Tab, whereas iPhone4 doesn't have any reception.
Still I have to say: I wouldn't choose a Samsung phone over iPhone.
I love my iPhone4. But solely as a gadget (surfing, multimedia, navigation, ...), not as a phone. And I'd never call it a "business phone".

[SolRaven]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

I find the differences in reception quite significant and interesting:
iPad2 is a disaster. No chance mailing some pictures. 2 bars, but painfully slow.
Samsung Galaxy Tab is slightly better, but still horrible.
Motorola Xoom is surprisingly good, even downloaded 20 new eBooks from Kobo.
May make sense, Motorola being in the mobile phone business the longest = most experience re. reception, antennas and the likes. Then Samsung, then Apple.

I'm surprised they aren't closer in reception quality, but not surprised that Motorola's is the best. Heck, their telecommunication equipment was used in WWII

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Oh, the HP Tablet thing just came out, did you get your order in yet?





BOb

It will be here tomorrow (July 4th).
I really look forward to it. After having used PlayBook for 3 weeks now, I'm getting bored with iPad2 and Android units. PlayBook perfectly demonstrates, what a tablet should be about.
On one hand, I hope iOS and Android will copy the innovative features of PlayBook. On the other hand I hope (and guess), RIM did patent their innovations well enough.
PlayBook is really extremely well thought out and a beauty. But so far I've installed about 25 apps - that's all somewhat interesting apps I've found in the appstore.
I've found a perfect description about the BlackBerry apps(t)ore in an article: "Welcome to Soviet market" or something like that. I hope HP, with it's market muscles, will be more successful to attract developers.
And I hope for the Android player on PlayBook.
Or an Android multi-boot on both...

[HansTWN]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

It will be here tomorrow (July 4th).
I really look forward to it. After having used PlayBook for 3 weeks now, I'm getting bored with iPad2 and Android units. PlayBook perfectly demonstrates, what a table should be about.
O

Could you tell us more, some specifics? I only know about real multitasking.

How does the screen compare? And is flash support better or worse than Android?

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by HansTWN

Could you tell us more, some specifics? I only know about real multitasking.

How does the screen compare? And is flash support better or worse than Android?

Just got an update.
On Saturday, order status was "delivery July 4th".
Now I see "in production".
#§$%&/!§?# I guess this can take a while.
I hate this.
Why do they say "deliverable", if it's obviously not?
Unfortunately, this seems to be the general trend. More and more of my purchases are getting frustrating instead of fun.
Delays in delivery, low build quality, wrong features (different product photos), ...
I'd really wish for more quality products, even if it was for higher prices.
And I have to say: In general, I'm not too fond of Apple products. But they definitely understand efficient product launches with rigid timelines and quality as promised...

[mgmueller]

It's here!
Didn't even expect it, as my delivery status yesterday said "in production".
They really should redesign their status messages on their website (which btw doesn't work at all with Mac/Safari).

First impressions:

It's a bit "plasticky".
Design-wise certainly no iPad2 or PlayBook.
It's about the same "touch and feel" as Samsung Galaxy Tab 7".
Well built, nice enough. But no "eyecatcher".

And again:
Country + language.
I'm in Germany. But I don't want to have German, I want to have English.
Why is this so complicated?
I hate this. Had this on Xoom and other units as well.

And again:
Like most units, it wants to go online while still setting it up.
But I have to check the MAC-address before that.
(Because of performance issues, I'm using MAC-filters instead of other security options).
Is this so uncommon?
I can't even setup the unit without going online.
I can't go online without seeing the MAC-address. I hate this.
So I'm using my MiFi instead of WLAN. WTF...

So far I have to say: Totally idiotic!
For now: No match at all for BlackBerry PlayBook!

[mgmueller]

I've made it through setup - via Zoom hotspot!

But now: My first "wow" factor.
In settings, there's a menu "add accounts".
Just added LinkedIn, MobileMe and some others.
That's really convenient.
Even more comfortable as on Android. Not existent on iOS at all.

The iOS is a bit less intuitive as PlayBook's.
For now, I have to check how to close all those open apps and settings.
Anyway: It is multi-tasking. I easily can switch between various apps and don't see any lag at all.
I prefer the gestures on PlayBoook though. Just using the bezel, no physical buttons or pushing on-screen buttons.

[mgmueller]

It's a bit less intuitive than PlayBook.
But still, the multi-tasking is solved extremely efficiently.
I see all the open apps in a kind of "cover flow" view, similar to PlayBook.
I simply flick apps, I want to close, off the screen.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by mgmueller

(Because of performance issues, I'm using MAC-filters instead of other security options).

As long as you know and understand MAC filtering is NOT a security feature.

Frankly, I have my WiFi open. I really see no reason to lock it down. I know many will think I am crazy.

BOb

[mgmueller]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

As long as you know and understand MAC filtering is NOT a security feature.
BOb

Can you elaborate?
I know it's not the safest method against "hackers".
But still: I only allow certain MACs to my router. Doesn't this stop the average user from using my WiFi? At least personally I wouldn't know how to circumvent it...

-->Enable MAC Address Filtering on Wireless Access Points and Routers
Improve home network security http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/w...macaddress.htm

I've had my WiFi open for quite some time as well.
But quite frankly, I've gotten a bit worried, someone might download tons of illegal stuff while I'm traveling.
I find the performance enormously suffers with most security measures, so I went for MAC filtering. Meaning: I can't log into my WiFi when setting up a new unit without knowing its MAC address...

[mgmueller]

I'll add further features within the next few days...
As usual...just my personal opinion...

OS:
#1: BlackBerry PlayBook
Intuitive, straight forward, almost perfect.
#2: HP TouchPad
A bit less intuitive than PlayBook, but still exactly what a tablet should be about: No physical buttons, all touch gestures, highly efficient.
#3: Android
Lots of potential, 3.0 being a quantum leap from 2.2.
#4: iOS
Easy to use, very convenient. But extremely "simple".

Apps:
#1: iOS
Mass and often class.
#2: Android
Good enough, rapidly expanding. Getting closer to iOS.
.......
# 17: HP TouchPad
I wouldn't call it #3 yet. The gap is too big. Good quality, but way less apps.
# 2345: BlackBerry PlayBook
It's a shame. Such a brilliant unit, but close to no apps to use (I've got about 25, I simply didn't find any more half-way interesting apps).

I guess it's quite simple: Android grows exponentially because of various manufacturers and being the widest spread OS.
iOS would be way more exotic, but has the "cool" factor from Apple and is kind of the trendsetter.
PlayBook and TouchPad obviously suffer from being a single gadget. Hopefully they can bring some attraction to 3rd party developers. Or they simply go for multi-boot (Android + original OS). Or at least the Android emulator, promised for PlayBook.

Display:
Surprisingly huge differences.
#1: BlackBerry PlayBook
For whatever reason it's even readable in direct sunlight (well, what we call "sunlight" in Germany).
#2: iPad and some Android units.
Surprisingly, the differences in display quality are quite significant on the various Android units. Acer Iconia for example is "worse" than Motorola Xoom or Asus EeePad Transformer.
#3: Some Android units and HP TouchPad.
I've read disastrous reviews about Motorola Xoom. Quite frankly, I find it one of the better units. I'd rather call HP TouchPad a bit "washed out" than Motorola Xoom.

Multi-Tasking:
#1: BlackBerry PlayBook
Flawless and convenient, no noticeable lag.
#2: HP TouchPad
In some areas even more advanced than PlayBook. But sometimes it "stutters" for a second.
#3: Android
Not quite there yet, but already good enough.
#734: iOS
What multi-tasking?

Notifications:
#1: BlackBerry PlayBook and HP Touchpad
Almost perfect. All information there, but not intrusive at all.
#2: Android
Close to #1, slightly less appealing to me.
...
# 734: iOS
Disastrous. A notification pops up in front of my app. I'm in the middle of typing something. I'm not fast enough, keep typing and the notification is gone. Or it disturbs my ongoing activity.

Fullscreen of mobile phone apps:
It's not perfect on any of those units.
#1: Android and iOS
The standard mode of iOS is slightly better. At least you can double the size by simply pushing an onscreen button.
With "Spareparts" app on Android and jailbreaking iPad, both are similar. Not perfect, but way better than just doubling and pixelating the apps.
#734: BlackBerry PlayBook
It's tough to rank.
On one hand, all apps so far perfectly fit the display size. On the other hand, that's not too difficult for some dozens of apps.
#347680: HP TouchPad
So far, I haven't found any "hack".
The app is either fullscreen or it's not (LinkedIn).
I didn't even see any "warning" in the appstore.
And there doesn't seem to be a "doubling" option like on iPad.

Flash:
#1: BlackBerry PlayBook
Smooth and without need for any "hacks".
#2: HP TouchPad
A bit less fluent than #1.
#3: Android
Sometimes a bit slow and "stuttering", but working.
#4: iOS
What Flash? Only with 3rd party browsers. With these browsers, it's about even with Android.

Form Factor:
Personally, I prefer the 16:9 aspect ratio of Android to the 4:3 of iPad2.
I won't give a ranking here, it's way too subjective.
iPad2: 4:3
HP TouchPad: Almost identical to iPad2, I even can use the very same neopren sleeve.
PLayBook: 16:9
Xoom: 16:9

Cover:
There are tons of 3rd party covers of course.
For comparison, I use the standard one of the original manufacturer.
iPad2: It really is a smart cover. I love, that I easily can separate it. When reading, any cover only distracts and disturbs, so I simply put it aside.
But: The back isn't protected, so I use a separate body for that - fully smart-cover-compatible.
TouchPad: Almost a copy of the original cover of iPad1. Good enough and even fits better than the Apple cover did on iPad1. Still...feels and looks a bit dated...
PlayBook: I didn't buy the original cover yet. Only a back cover, which might be enough given the PlayBook's small size. Even this back cover probably wouldn't be necessary, as the back and the sides of PlayBook are rubberised already.
Xoom: I absolutely hate the original cover. It's stiff and huge. Well, it certainly would protect an entire Airbus...

Support:
Wow! On HP TouchPad, in the "Help" section, there's live chat with HP support incorporated. I'm just chatting with Veronica about Kindle app, GPS and such...


In general:
iPad and the Android tabs, in my opinion, definitely aren't the best tablets out there.
iPad to me has a single advantage: iTunes = tons of apps and multimedia content.
I prefer some of the Android tablets (Motorola, Asus) to iPad2. Some others (Acer, Galaxy Tab 7") are slightly behind iPad2.
BlackBerry PlayBook and HP TouchPad have way more advanced OS from a tablet perspective. PlayBook for now seriously lacks content, TouchPad seems to be on a better way.
Meaning:
If PlayBook can attract 3rd party developers or (quickly) offers an Android emulator or Android multi-boot, it can "kill them all".
If PlayBook keeps suffering re. number of apps, TouchPad may be the silent winner...

[mgmueller]

For some time now I have a strange experience with (most of the) Apple products.
I usually start quite enthusiastically. Their products are well thought out, brilliantly designed and marketed. After some time, I identify the gaps. Typically, their products aren't really that great. At least there aren't any outstanding features, which would explain their often magnificent successes.

With lots of other gadgets it's exactly the opposite.
Very often I start extremely frustrated. Why did the HP website state "in production"? This came to me quite as a shock and I really prepared myself for 10 days or so of waiting period. Instead, it did arrive the very next day...
So usually, it takes some time to get fond of these units. But very often, after some time, I even find some "diamonds".

To me, this clearly means:
Would companies such as HP, Samsung, Toshiba, Dell, ... be half as good in marketing and planning product launches, Apple might have serious problems.
Instead, most of Apple's competitors make serious mistakes in the initial phase: Accessories aren't available at launch of the core product, delivery dates aren't met, core features aren't described in depth, barely any marketing information available, ...
Quite surprising, comparing Apple to the rest...