Eken m001 Android 7 inch Tablet - First day impressions

[cutterjohn42]

DO NOT buy one of these! The Via ARM implementation is AWFUL, and it is NOT a 600MHz CPU, but a 350 MHz(overclocked the via 8505 is rated @ 300MHz) AND these things are RAPIDLY being supercede by Rockchip 2808A based tablets, Telechips based tablet, and MORE IMPORTANTLY and MORE upgradeable Cortex A8 based tablets.

So, sure if you get one for $50 or less shipped they're a semi-decent deal if you're not expecting much, but otherwise expect to be grossly disappointed...

just go and browse slatedroid.com's forums when they're back up...

[EDIT] This IS posted about 3m after the original buyers, so take that in context as well...
[/EDIT]

[rty]

To minimize my disappointments, I use it strictly as a bedtime e-reader.

Spoiler:

[JWM]

I have a Eken M001 and have been pleased for the most part. The WiFi does not have the range of my other wireless devices. Anyone have a suggestions.

[denclock]

Originally Posted by ColdSun

I think it reads books just fine, but the main problem is the battery life is not good, better with wifi off, but still not good. If you don't mind charging it a lot, I've seen these selling on eBay for as low as $49 (without shipping). You might want to look into the aPad iRobot which has better performance and a better battery. It is slightly more expensive but I've seen them go as low as $130 on eBay. The aPad is a dual core processor with I believe a 3000mAH battery? Don't hold me on that though, going from memory.

I have had trouble finding a place to purchase this item, that isn't ebay, is there a corporate website for the Apad Irobot?

[Dewi]

I bought this unit as a cheap and cheerful colour reader for flights and hotels, well until the WeTab is available.
Wasn't expecting €400 performance and didn't get it, however the firmware upgrade fixed most of the issues (WiFi, display turn etc.) but it seems the App Store icon has gone walkies.
Is there anyone who knows how to get it back or where I can get the Kindle for Android app without going to the App Store?
As a browser reader its now reasonably acceptable.
Thanks for your patience.

[Corpbob]

I had Eken m001 and it worked for about 15 seconds. Luckily the Hong Kong seller on Ebay gave me a refund.

[Dulin's Books]

Originally Posted by Dewi

I bought this unit as a cheap and cheerful colour reader for flights and hotels, well until the WeTab is available.
Wasn't expecting €400 performance and didn't get it, however the firmware upgrade fixed most of the issues (WiFi, display turn etc.) but it seems the App Store icon has gone walkies.
Is there anyone who knows how to get it back or where I can get the Kindle for Android app without going to the App Store?
As a browser reader its now reasonably acceptable.
Thanks for your patience.

pm nate the great. i believe he has the apk's for kindle, b&n, kobo and borders

[jalandar]

I am sure, since the apps are all free from the market, that redistributing them won't cause a problem. So I've uploaded them to mediafire for you.

http://www.mediafire.com/?7bar6swirwoo0

It has the latest Kindle, Nook, Borders, Kobo, and fictionwise ereaders, as well as a few free ereaders that I usually install, including Aldiko, iReader (Free version), Wordplayer, FBReaderJ and Laputa. Which ones you use is of course up to you.

[imaredr]

Thanks! I needed these and was having a heck of time getting some of these readers without access to Google Market. Sent Karma your way!

Ellen

[KarenH]

Thanks so much for uploading these apps! I've been looking all over for a way to get the Kindle app on my tablet, so this is much appreciated.

[batmana]

Hello. I have a problem with my EKEN M001. The gravity sensor doesn't work. At first I assumed the accelerometer is broken but then I read the original post where it said Android has a similar issue. Can anyone please tell me what to do? I got mine via ebay and I sincerely hope it is OK and in need of just a minor tweak. Thanks in advance.

[DonX]

Hello
I made firmware update: to sd card "scrip" folder 1.7.2 firmware. Now the installer says:" Prepare update files...
Waiting mount sd card sec
No upgrade package, exit "

Now only scanner bar down will blink...

Reboot sd card removal:
Android robot, scanning bar
1.6 version
kernel 2.6.29
wmt skd 1.7.1

Nothing else happens, my pad is death now !

Please help me to get my Eken m001 working again.

[DonX]

Originally Posted by DonX

Hello
I made firmware update: to sd card "scrip" folder 1.7.2 firmware. Now the installer says:" Prepare update files...
Waiting mount sd card sec
No upgrade package, exit "

Now only scanner bar down will blink...

Reboot sd card removal:
Android robot, scanning bar
1.6 version
kernel 2.6.29
wmt skd 1.7.1

Nothing else happens, my pad is death now !

Please help me to get my Eken m001 working again.

Solution:
Use http://www.7-zip.org/download.html
Now it work again 'n newest firmaware from http://www.ekengroup.com/en/products/index.asp?bid=2

[Eneco]

I just brought one from eBay because I was interested in testing one out. I wasn't put of by the "it is a piece of junk" reviews. Got mine at $75 AUD cheaper than others I have seen on eBay ($100 - $300) This is the only reveiw that I think is worth reading. I mainly want mine to have a decent internet connection (WiFi) and and decent hand-held gaming. I have never used android but I like trying new O.S's I haven't tried before. I'll think of mine as a bigger-screened mobile. (I don't use my mobile for calling or texting). I mainly mod hack, games etc. As long as it lasts more than six months I guess I'll be happy. I normally keep my laptop, phone and everything else pugged in 24/7 so the battery doesn't annoy me at all. The only con you said that annoys me is the sound. Other than that... I only signed up for this site to reply.

'._-Eneco-_.'

[jalandar]

Originally Posted by Eneco

I mainly want mine to have a decent internet connection (WiFi) and and decent hand-held gaming.

Hi Eneco.

I wouldn't expect much in the way of handheld gaming on this device.

The lack of a dedicated DSP makes it nearly impossible for anything beyond games like Solitaire and Sudoku or the like that don't attempt to utilize any fluid video/3d functions.

If you're looking for a device that is cheap and can handle the android games, I'd look at the 8th Gen Archos, but you will be looking at 2-3x the price you paid for the eken.