Review: W1060 7-inch MID by WireLession

[Tekka]

@mervsduh

How did you get WIFI to work? I installed the English Android 1.6 but WIFI doesn't turn on. The only version with WIFI working was the Chinese Beta dated 5/18/10

I tried the Chinese version and tried to change the language to English but there was only 1 language listed

[pphilipp]

Here's a note to artists...

Great news! I have now tweaked 'Mobile Atelier' to work on the W1060. The speed of the Cortex processor really gives the drawing/paintbrush tools extra smoothness, and the paint actually keeps-up with the brush... even with fast movements! This app shines on this device.

For those not familiar, Mobile Atelier (also called ncanvas and a couple other names) is a Japanese art program developed about ten years ago for pocket computers. It's real specialty is that many Japanese artists draw Manga with it (or they once did). It's interface is very compact and at first glance, limited. But upon learning and using it a bit, it's power really emerges.

If someone can tell me how to share files, I will be glad to zip and post it for anyone who would like to use it.

FOOTNOTE: Dang! The important 'save' function is not working. Any advice?
(Back to the drawing board.)

[pphilipp]

Someone had asked wayyyy back in the forum if Olivetree Bible Reader works on the W1060.
It does now!
It was just a matter of locating the correct version, and adding the required DLL files to it.

If you're used to Olivetree on a small screen, you'll love it on this 7" one!

Again, If someone can tell me how to share files, I will be glad to zip and post it for anyone who would like to use it.

[FriendOfEntropy]

It was I who asked. I just sent you a PM.

Originally Posted by pphilipp

Someone had asked wayyyy back in the forum if Olivetree Bible Reader works on the W1060.

[pphilipp]

I've had the W1060 for about ten days and now have an opinion based on some hands-on experience. It's a good device with more strengths than weaknesses. It has issues, ((but look how many years Archos has been in business selling potentially good devices that are famous for their problems and limitations.))

Here's a sporadic list of good and bad aspects based on my device.

Some good points...
1. Extremely quick wifi connection (are there any other devices that are connected to the internet 30 seconds after you push the start button?)
2. Cortex processor (about as good as they get)
3. Responsive resistive touchscreen (sharp and bright too)
4. Decent 3000mah battery
5. Easy file explorer / browsing makes navigating all files quick and easy
6. As small as a 7" device can functionally get
7. Metal support stand
8. Iris web browser gives fast, accurate web browsing
9. I've found around 100 working apps... and currently tweaking more to run too
10. Very fast 15 to 20 second bootup time
11. Everything functions well enough that on my trips to Starbucks, Panerra, airport, etc...
I really can leave the laptop at home!!!

Some bad points...
1. Wince apps are iffy... some work perfect, others have nonworking features, some don't work at all.
2. Standby doesn't normally wake-up (goes to white or black screen with no image)
3. Drains battery even when fully off (red and green lights are always barely shimmering)
4. Keyboard doesn't fit in portrait mode and often pops-up when least expected
5. Bezel around screen has too much 'play'.
6. Coreplayer video app still doesn't work on youtube and is not implemented well
7. Touchscreen needs a 'palm rest' function so cursor doesn't jump to palm location
8. On/off button doesn't always appear to be working... then it suddenly surprises me and works
9. Accessories??? I'm having a hard time locating leather cases, holders, etc, which fit
10. Smooth, rounded, slippery back make this an accident waiting to happen... Oops!!


Would I trade or sell it right away? Maybe for an iPad... but not for an Archos Home Tablet, SmartQ, Apad, or other similar Android or Wince device. For the current 7" tablet offerings, the W1060 is about as good as they get.

[-+Bert+-]

Photos updated device

[mervsduh]

Just letting everybody know --- there is already a working Android image with English language and working WIFI. Check out the Jiongtang Forums for MID > A81 and you will find the instructions and related links on this Android.

Be warned though - it works but the touchscreen is very bad. Rarely accurate or does not respond. The power off and power on is a little bit sketchy. For some reason every time I turn off the A81 Android device and leave it for some time, when I turn my A81 back on, I lose all my configuration and some apps no longer work.

So I am testing for the following:
1> Proper shutdown procedures
2> Apps that will put the MID on standby or sleep (so there is no need for a full shutdown which I believe is causing the problem. Because in real life you don't really turn off your Android --- you simply put it to sleep or standby. Auto screen shutdown built in on Android does not shutdown the screen - it dims it but it never shuts down)

The good news --- HA! Almost all apps work, well apps with APK that you can find. And you can easily install it via PC or even directly from inside the MID itself. There is an app that does that. Combine it with downloading power of the Opera Mini 5 then you got a killer MID that has an Android market.

I'm still trying to figure things out. Anybody needs help let me know. Cheers.

[Tekka]

Damn it doenst include Marketplace. Have you tried installing Vending.apk? I found a couple of versions but don't know which to use. Maybe I try the version for archos 1st.

[mervsduh]

no it doesn't include Android market yet but there's APK installer for PC and for SD. if you've installed how do you turn off yours?

[Chokolone]

hi, i have tryed to install the android version with English language and working WIFI,
but evrytime on the screen are 4 colourd squares then it turns white and then black!!!
I tryed it with the following instructions:

1 Use HPUSBFW.EXE to format TF CARD with your PC Window XP OS
format.
2 Copy document MLO to TFCARD

Tip: The document MLO must be the first one that is copied to the formatted

3 Copy the file mmcuboot.bin (my is called mmcflash.bin, ist that the problem???)、ubi.img、u-boot.bin、uImage and x-load.

4 Power off the MID and take off the battery, then Insert the TF to slot,
(the round hole near the USB port) button do not release and then power on t
charger, about 5 seconds the machine will start to update firmware automatic
show on the display, then release the push on power key and reset hole.

i think i cant do something wrong with this instruction
when i install wince there is no problem and everythink works fine.
can anybody help me, please!!!

[pphilipp]

Is it just my imagination, or does this thing get faster the longer you use it?

A couple of examples...
The incredibly fast wifi. For days my unit would connect to wifi within 30 seconds of starting the device. Now it connects within about 17 seconds. I'm talking about bringing this up from totally off, from the time I turn it on to the time it's connected is no more than 17 to 20 seconds!! A normal Windows computer is still lumbering on the first start-up screen with a minute or two to go when the W1060 is already connected.

The new IE browser. The first few days I owned this I wasn't all that impressed with surfing the web with the newest IE browser, but now... it's displaying pages as fast as any of my other computers do!

I'm really not sure if this is normal or if it's due to the many mods I've been adding to it. I'm not the most brilliant computer guy, but I have been using WinCe devices for over ten years and know my way around the many utilities and add-ons.

I will analyze what I've added to the Wits and see if I can figure out why it's speed seems to be improving. If I come to any conclusions, I'll pass them along here.
(And no... I don't smoke any of that funny weed, LOL).

[Tekka]

The default browser on the a81 is really fast and i'm loving it. I tested Skyfire Beta for android and it works awesome too although it is a bit slower since it has flash. Youtube videos are not displayed in browser but a second window window called Skybar video pops up and plays the video instead.

My problems with android beta is touchscreen is not consistant and I have to tap multiple times for it to register anything. Also the screen flickers when typing on the keyboard. It doesn't do this in CE so I'm guessing they still have a few things to work out. This thing deffinitely need more than 1 button as its a bit annoying having to time my button presses. Also the volume is really low.

Getting market to install is a bit annoying. I'm trying a bunch of different vending.apk ( Market install file) to instal through the browser but so far no luck. Guess i'll have to try installing through the USB cable...


AHHH when are they gonna get this thing to Android 2.2?

[mervsduh]

@Chokolone
You gotta be patient mate. Follow the instructions and when you see the four color screen leave it. It will turn white then yellow then black - or something and it won't do anything - you need to leave it alone for at least 5-10 minutes. Because during the time its not doing anything (with nothing on the screen) it is actually installing the firmware at the background.

You'll see what I mean because I thought I was doing it wrong then I just gave up after the four color screen and just tossed it. When I came back --- heck the Android calibrate was on.

After 5-10 minutes you will see the Android Calibrate. You will need a full restart after that (because the calibrate will not apply the setting after a restart). If you do not restart you will find that your touch is UPSIDE DOWN. Yeah! How crazy was that.

@Tekka
How do you turn off your Android A81? Do you leave it on or do you shut it down completely? What I found is if you shut it down completely when you turn it on again, the apps won't work anymore. You will have to reinstall them again. Try it...

---
The good thing about the Android A81 is that TONS and TONS of apps are working. Heck I even managed to install OPEN HOME app screen for a complete home screen customization. Any APK you find it will work as long as its for 1.6.

The only problem is turning it off. I am still looking for STANDBY or SLEEP app for Android but A81 does not SLEEP or could not. It keeps the back LCD on for some reason.

[Tekka]

Hmm The only app i tried so far is Skyfire and it installed fine. Its works even after a reboot.

I just hold down the power button and count to 5 and let go and the thing goes black.

[Chokolone]

@mervsduh

Much thanks, it works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!