Tablets, eReaders, Media Players - 2016

[Manabi]

Originally Posted by sufue

And, after that bit of good news, a bit of bad news. My LG Volt from two holiday seasons ago (???) now seems to have stopped recognizing its micro SD card. I've cycled the phone, taken the card out and put it back in, tried a brand new card, pretty much everything I can think of short of doing a factory reset - which I really don't want to have to do since then I have to re-tweak it to get it the way I want it again (and it might not work even after that). Oh, and BTW, the original card it doesn't recognize works okay in a card reader hooked up to my desktop. So I really think it is the phone.

Anyone else have this happen, or have any suggestions before I try the reset option? Or maybe order a second refurb Moto E...

Try reformatting the new card with SDFormatter and see if it can recognize it afterward. (Go with format type of FULL (ERASE)) Sometimes devices get really picky about the formatting on a card. I've had this happen on my Nook HD+, where upgrading the Cyanogenmod version led to it crashing constantly because of the MicroSD card. After formatting it with SDFormatter, it's worked fine. This card had been working fine in it for nearly a year with the older version of Cyanogenmod.

You can also try the same with the old card, but make sure you back it up first! You can always copy all the data back to it after reformatting it.

I don't know for sure that this will work, but it's certainly worth a shot before doing a factory reset! I hope it works out for you!

[cromag]

Originally Posted by cromag

Right now B&H Photo is offering the 8GB Sandisk Clip Sport for $37. This is a good price for a very good MP3 player. I don't use them for audiobooks but I have three different Clips -- an original Clip and two Zips -- and they do a great job with music and have been very reliable over the years.

B&H warns that they have a limited number at this price.

My link goes to the Pink model. Scroll down for the other available colors.

And I just received an email from B&H that the 8GB SanDisk Clip Jam is on sale for $29.99, ten dollars off the regular price. The email came in this afternoon, but it's labelled a "Labor Day Sale" so I assume this is a short term offer.

To recap I have an original Clip and two Zips, and I don't use them to listen to ebooks, so I can't vouch for the Clip Jam's abilities in that area, but the description at B&H does list "Audible" among compatible formats. It's reasonably well reviewed at B&H and Amazon. Some reviews specifically mention that it works with Overdrive.

I don't know much about the Jam model, but it appears to be a "cost reduced" version of the Clip. In particular, it has a monochrome screen, so it might not be a good choice for someone who really wants to see album art to find tunes. It does have an FM tuner, though.

8GB Clip Jam at B&H

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by cromag

And I just received an email from B&H that the 8GB SanDisk Clip Jam is on sale for $29.99, ten dollars off the regular price. The email came in this afternoon, but it's labelled a "Labor Day Sale" so I assume this is a short term offer.

To recap I have an original Clip and two Zips, and I don't use them to listen to ebooks, so I can't vouch for the Clip Jam's abilities in that area, but the description at B&H does list "Audible" among compatible formats. It's reasonably well reviewed at B&H and Amazon. Some reviews specifically mention that it works with Overdrive.

I don't know much about the Jam model, but it appears to be a "cost reduced" version of the Clip. In particular, it has a monochrome screen, so it might not be a good choice for someone who really wants to see album art to find tunes. It does have an FM tuner, though.

8GB Clip Jam at B&H

See this post for a comparison of the various Clip models and the features present.

[booklover6]

I ordered a used Clip Sport from ebay. I considered the Jam, but I really like the Sport. I'll use it for audio books, mostly. My current Sport I'll use mostly for music.

[tubemonkey]

Heads Up

Black Friday is just around the corner, so I'm starting to prep this thread for the event. Informational posts will be linked to the OP for easy reference. If any of you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to let me know.

thanks, tm

[tubemonkey]

No Contract Phone Specs 2016 --> prices

No Contract Phones (NCPs) make great audio players (audiobooks, podcasts, music, radio) and BF is the best time to get one because prices are really low. The key thing to remember is to avoid getting an underpowered device. Pay particular attention to the OS, CPU, RAM, and onboard storage. Usually, with low-end phones, the OS is rarely upgraded. So if you're not happy with the OS version a phone comes with, find another phone.

This post will list the phones, key specs, and recommendations. Prices and stores will be listed on the front page. Ratings are from Amazon.


Ranked by Specifications

Unlocked Phones --> retail -- OS -- CPU -- RAM -- ROM -- disp -- ppi -- carrier

1. Sam Galaxy S7* --> $670 - 6.0 - 2.2GHz x4 - 4.0GB - 32GB - 5.1" - 577 ppi - $550 BB
   
2. Huawei Honor 8 --> $400 - 6.0 - 2.3GHz x8 - 4.0GB - 32GB - 5.2" - 423 ppi - $330 BB
   
   
3. ZTE Axon 7 Mini --> $300 - 6.0 - 1.5GHz x8 - 3.0GB - 32GB - 5.2" - 423 ppi - $200 BB
   
   
4. Moto G4 -----------> $230 - 6.0 - 1.5GHz x8 - 2.0GB - 32GB - 5.5" - 401 ppi - $170 AMZ
   
5. Moto G4 -----------> $200 - 6.0 - 1.5GHz x8 - 2.0GB - 16GB - 5.5" - 401 ppi - $130 AMZ
   
   
6. Moto G4 Play -----> $150 - 6.0 - 1.2GHz x4 - 2.0GB - 16GB - 5.0" - 294 ppi - $100 AMZ
   
   
7. Alcatel Pop 4+ ---> $150 - 6.0 - 1.1GHz x4 - 1.5GB - 16GB - 5.5" - 267 ppi - $50 BB
   
   
8. BLU Neo XL -------> $110 - 5.1 - 1.3GHz x4 - 1.0GB -- 8GB - 6.0" - 244 ppi - $100 MC

* Galaxy S7= IP68 waterproofing


Ranked by Specifications

No Contract Phones --> retail -- OS -- CPU -- RAM -- ROM -- disp -- ppi -- carrier

1. Galaxy S6 --> $399 - 5.0 - 2.1GHz x8 - 3GB - 32GB - 5.1" - 576 ppi - Straight -- $249 WAL
   
   
2. Ascend XT --> $149 - 6.0 - 1.5GHz x8 - 2GB - 16GB - 6.0" - 245 ppi - AT&T -- $49 WAL
   
3. Galaxy J7 ---> $200 - 6.0 - 1.4GHz x8 - 2GB - 16GB - 5.5" - 267 ppi - Boost -- $90 BB
   
   
4. LG Stylo 2 --> $130 - 6.0 - 1.2GHz x4 - 2GB - 16GB - 5.7" - 258 ppi - Boost -- $60 BB
   
   
5. LG Tribute HD --> $80 - 6.0 - 1.3GHz x4 - 1.5GB - 16GB - 5.0" - 294 ppi ---- Boost -- $20 BB
   
6. LG Phoenix 2 --> $100 - 6.0 - 1.3GHz x4 - 1.5GB - 16GB - 5.0" - 294 ppi ---- AT&T -- $30 BB
   
   
7. Galaxy Luna ----> $99 - 6.0 - 1.2GHz x4 - 1.5GB - 8GB - 4.5" - 207 ppi - Straight -- $20 WAL
   
   
8. Galaxy Sky --> $139 - 6.0 - 1.2GHz x4 - 1GB - 16GB - 5.0"- xxx ppi - Straight -- $49 WAL
   
   
9. LG K3 ------------> $80 - 6.0 - 1.1GHz x4 - 1.0GB - 8GB - 4.5" - 218 ppi --- Virgin -- $30 BB

Android 5.0 Lollipop --> don't expect an upgrade to 6.0 Marshmallow

1. Galaxy J3 ---> $180 - 5.1 - 1.2GHz x4 - 1.5GB - 16GB - 5.0" - 294 ppi --- Virgin -- $60 BB
   
2. Alcatel Flint --> $80 - 5.1 - 1.1GHz x4 - 1.5GB - 16GB - 5.5" - 267 ppi - Cricket -- $40 BB
   
   
3. Galaxy On5 --> $80 - 5.1 - 1.3GHz x4 - 1.5GB - 8GB - 5.0" - 294 ppi -- Simple -- $30 BB
   
4. Galaxy J3 ----> $99 - 5.1 - 1.2GHz x4 - 1.5GB - 8GB - 5.0" - 294 ppi - Verizon -- $39 WAL
   
   
5. Alcatel Ideal --> $50 - 5.0 - 1.1GHz x4 - 1GB - 8GB - 4.5" - xxx ppi - AT&T -- $10 BB
   
6. LG Rebel -------> $80 - 5.1 - 1.1GHz x4 - 1GB - 8GB - 4.5" - xxx ppi -- Trac -- $20 BB

Old Technology

1. iPhone 5S --> $149 - 10. - 1.3GHz x2 - 1GB - 16GB - 4.0" - 326 ppi - Straight -- $99 WAL
   
2. Galaxy J1 ----> $80 - 5.0 - 1.2GHz x2 - 1GB -- 8GB - 4.3" - 217 ppi -- Verizon -- $20 BB

Brands --> Alcatel (3) | Glxy (9) | Huawei (2) | LG (5) | Moto (2) | other (3)

Carriers --> ATT (3) | Boost (3) | Crkt (1) | Smpl (1) | Strt (4) | Trac (1) | Verz (2) | Virg (2)

• AT&T --> Cricket
  
• Sprint --> Boost, Virgin
  
• T-Mobile --> MetroPCS
  
• TracFone --> NET10, Simple, Staright Talk
  
• Verizon --> n/a

Important Links

• NCPs as Audio Players
• Cellphone Carriers in the US
  
  
• No Contract Phones 2016
• No Contract Phones 2015
• No Contract Phones 2014

.

[tubemonkey]

eReader Specs --> see post #4
.

[BearMountainBooks]

Thanks, T-Monkey. I'll be watching this thread and waiting for the best deals!!!

[tubemonkey]

Tablet Specs 2016 --> prices


Amazon Fire -------> release -- OS ---- CPU ---- speed --- RAM ---- ROM --- mSD -- disp --- ppi

• Fire HD 8 ----> Sep 16 -- 5.3.1 -- quad -- 1.3GHz -- 1.5GB -- 16~32 -- 200 -- 8.0" --- 189
  
• Fire HD 10 --> Sep 15 -- 5.3.1 -- quad -- 1.5GHz -- 1.0GB -- 16~64 -- 128 -- 10.1" -- 149
  
• Fire Tab 7 ---> Sep 15 -- 5.3.1 -- quad -- 1.3GHz -- 1.0GB --- 8~16 -- 128 --- 7.0" --- 171
  
• Fire HD 6 ----> Oct 14 -- 5.3.1 -- quad -- 1.5GHz -- 1.0GB --- 8~16 ---- no --- 6.0" --- 252

Apple iPad ------> release --- OS ----- CPU --- speed ---- RAM --- ROM --- mSD -- disp --- ppi

• Pro 12.9 --> Nov 15 -- 10.0.2 -- A9X -- 2.24GHz -- 4GB -- 32~256 -- no --- 12.9" -- 264
  
• Pro 9.7 ----> Nov 15 -- 10.0.2 -- A9X -- 2.16GHz -- 2GB -- 32~256 -- no ---- 9.7" -- 264
  
• mini 4 -----> Sep 15 -- 10.0.2 -- A8 ---- 1.50GHz -- 2GB -- 32~128 -- no ---- 7.9" -- 326
  
• Air 2 -------> Oct 14 -- 10.0.2 -- A8X --- 1.50GHz -- 2GB -- 32~128 -- no ---- 9.7" -- 264
  
• mini 2 -----> Nov 13 -- 10.0.2 -- A7 ---- 1.30GHz -- 1GB -- 32 -------- no ---- 7.9" -- 326

B&N Galaxy Nook

Samsung Galaxy
.

[tubemonkey]

Introducing the All-New Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote—The Next Generation Of The Best-Selling Fire TV Stick—For Just $39.99

The only streaming media stick with a voice remote, the all-new Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote enables universal search across more than 90 apps and channels using just your voice

Ask Alexa to play TV shows and movies, launch apps and more using the included Alexa Voice Remote

Access more than 7,000 channels, apps and Alexa skills, 300,000 movies and TV episodes, and coming soon, an updated visual experience that makes browsing content even easier

Enjoy great picture quality and fast performance with a powerful quad-core processor and the fastest Wi-Fi of any streaming media stick

Customers who activate by October 31 get up to $65 in free content from Sling TV, Hulu, and Amazon Video

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 28, 2016-- (NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced the all-new Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, the most powerful streaming media stick available. Up to 30 percent faster than the original best-selling version, the next generation Fire TV Stick is more powerful, offers access to over 300,000 movies and TV episodes, and includes the Alexa Voice Remote – for only $39.99. The only streaming media stick with a voice remote, the new Fire TV Stick is available for pre-order starting today from www.amazon.com/fire-tv-stick and will begin shipping to U.S. customers on October 20. Eligible customers who purchase and activate their device by October 31 will also receive a free content package worth up to $65, including one month of Sling TV, two months of Hulu (Limited Commercials), and a $10 credit for Amazon Video to rent or purchase new releases or old favorites.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160928005726/en/

[AnemicOak]

Not a bargain, but Roku has announced five new media streamers...

https://blog.roku.com/blog/2016/09/2...re-roku-ultra/

Today marks the biggest streaming player launch in Roku history! We’re introducing the Roku Express, Roku Express+, Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+ and Roku Ultra. With this lineup, plus our recently updated Roku Streaming Stick®, there’s a player for everyone. In addition, we’ve reached another first – now there are 100+ streaming channels in our search feature allowing you to find more of the content you want to stream.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Not a bargain, but Roku has announced five new media streamers...

https://blog.roku.com/blog/2016/09/2...re-roku-ultra/

Thanks - as soon I get done updating the tablets, I'll tackle media players

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Thanks - as soon I get done updating the tablets, I'll tackle media players

Not out yet, but the Mi box has been getting a lot of buzz lately...
http://www.mi.com/en/mibox/

Hopefully a good competitor for Roku.

[BearMountainBooks]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Not out yet, but the Mi box has been getting a lot of buzz lately...
http://www.mi.com/en/mibox/

Hopefully a good competitor for Roku.

We just got a roku--it's not the latest, but Sling offered it "free" if we paid for 3 months upfront.

https://www.sling.com/devices/roku

If you page down on the Sling homepage (all the way to the bottom) there's a "deals" -- there are some other deals listed. We're liking the sling/roku a lot. Waaaaaay cheaper than direct tv.

[AnemicOak]

Yeah, Sling works pretty well. I had Sling Orange for a while and found it very reliable most of the time. I do wish for a true ala-carte (probably never happen) or a skinnier skinny bundle though.