Cheapest Android Tablet option

[RiceGrain]

Just confirmed with merimobiles, they will send it back to me when they receive it.

 

[seasonscrystal]

In case you're wondering if your tablet is powerful enough to support ICS, there a look here: http://www.androidmemo.com/2011/10/...-ics-minimum-hardware-requirements-256mb-ram/


"...all android devices must have 256 MB RAM or more and also decent GPU since Hardware-accelerated 2D drawing might be needed, 2D acceleration depends on your phone GPU not the CPU so, there’s no problem if your smartphone still powered with ARMv6. I think only middle and high-end phone meet that criteria. But if your phone doesn’t meet those, it doesn’t mean you will never has chance to install it, CyanogenMod Team with CM9 and another developers will work hard to make it work on all android phone."

Nice^^ thanks for the info.

If it depends only on GPU & >=256MB RAM, then Novo7A confirm can. Since the GPU similar to GS2. It runs GS2 gameloft game nicely

 

[seasonscrystal]

Just confirmed with merimobiles, they will send it back to me when they receive it.

Nice to hear Hope u'll get it soon.

 

[kyleongwl]

From what I know, Novo7A will not get 3.2. 3.x is not open source, the reason what Novo7B will get 3.2 is because of the processor it use (not A10), that company has some agreement with google. That's why tablets with that chipset will likely get 3.x update.

i had saw instructions on how to upgrade to 3.2 on novo7...
had not tried

 

[pat7471]

Just confirmed with merimobiles, they will send it back to me when they receive it.

Another thumbs up for merimobile. Unfortunately, you'll now have to wait double the time for it to be sent back and ship to you again. Patience is a virtue, you'll get it eventually... By then, we might even have a better and more stable firmware, giving you an better overall experience.

 

[w00tw00t]

I went Expo and SLS, tried the tablets there, and all of the > 7" tablets feel laggy / sluggish. This may be normal as the same processor (found on 7" tablets, 800 x 480 resolution) has to work harder on larger tablets (e.g. 1024 x 600). Comparing the 800 x 480 vs 1024 x 600, the former has almost half the no. of pixels of the latter. Gamers will understand this as they reduce their game resolution if it is laggy.

I guess I'm too used to my 7" C8 as the Novo 8, Zepad and my top choice Aoson / Wopad M12 9.7" IPS, are noticebly laggy. As I slid through the different screens, the contents were jerky. Angry bird and Ninja Fruit were noticebly jerkier as well.

Most are already on Gingerbread, so there's nothing really much the software can be improved to increase the smoothness of the UI. Though they may have enough RAM for Ice Cream Sandwich, I am quite certain the processors (tried A8 and A9) are not powerful enough to support a "usable" ICS interface.

I didn't try the Novo 7A as I'm only keen on larger tablets. Is its UI less laggy as the larger tablets?

 

[w00tw00t]

Aoson / Wopad M12 9.7" IPS Tablet Android 2.3

I tried the Aoson / Wopad M12 9.7" IPS Tablet Android 2.3 in Sim Lim Square, and here's my brief review.

You can find it on sale on several counters selling Chinese tablets and media players. The standard retail price is S$369.00, but by just asking if it could be cheaper, I was quoted S$350.00. I suspect it go even lower with more effort. Note that Merimobiles is selling it at USD 247.99 (~ S$314) inclusive of shipping charges.

First impression, the tablet is good. The IPS screen looks nice but due to the screen protector, I can't really appreciate its true colours. The view angle is really wide.

The UI is a little sluggish for my liking. This is quite a turn off for me. Interested buyers should try it out before purchase. You may find it acceptable.

The tablet is heavy. This might make it unsuitable for female users.

It supports Android Market and Flash. I didn't really explore this in detail. However, the tablet is not rooted by default. Merimobiles claim it is rootable though.

All the sales personnel seem to be equipped with the same sales pitch: This is the "latest" tablet, and has the "same" screen as iPad. That's why it is more expensive, but it is "worth the money". Though you can get it cheaper online, it is not much cheaper (S$350) because you get 1 year warranty if you buy from the shop.

I think some of us here are interested in this tablet. My advice for you to try it. If you're really keen, try bargaining and let us know how much lower they can offer.

 

[innovativeint]

I went Expo and SLS, tried the tablets there, and all of the > 7" tablets feel laggy / sluggish. This may be normal as the same processor (found on 7" tablets, 800 x 480 resolution) has to work harder on larger tablets (e.g. 1024 x 600). Comparing the 800 x 480 vs 1024 x 600, the former has almost half the no. of pixels of the latter. Gamers will understand this as they reduce their game resolution if it is laggy.

I guess I'm too used to my 7" C8 as the Novo 8, Zepad and my top choice Aoson / Wopad M12 9.7" IPS, are noticebly laggy. As I slid through the different screens, the contents were jerky. Angry bird and Ninja Fruit were noticebly jerkier as well.

Most are already on Gingerbread, so there's nothing really much the software can be improved to increase the smoothness of the UI. Though they may have enough RAM for Ice Cream Sandwich, I am quite certain the processors (tried A8 and A9) are not powerful enough to support a "usable" ICS interface.

I didn't try the Novo 7A as I'm only keen on larger tablets. Is its UI less laggy as the larger tablets?

mate, have you try the DreamPads at SLS #05-61? let me know your feedback, if same got the prob with the pads you seem, i will ask the engineer to tweak it...or increase the cache..and ya i have a 8inch prototype there too on display too, juz arrived yesterday...

but got 1 issue, the new version "market" block download of number of softwares and say "this device is not compatible" but actually is compatible, we can install from standalone apks and works great...

weird... on our other dreampads which is using the same telechip korea processor but running on older stable "market" versions , works like a breeze..

wonder what is the secret behind the google bro is working on to prevent download... hmmmm.....

 

[w00tw00t]

I'm only interested in 9.7" / 10" tablets. I went to Expo but to my disappointment, I found no 10" tablets. The 8" tablets are still too smaller for my needs. So no point for me to test them out.

For Android Market compatibility, you need to play with the build.prop. My C8 used to have a very limited Market until someone tweaked it, somehow.

 

[seasonscrystal]

I didn't try the Novo 7A as I'm only keen on larger tablets. Is its UI less laggy as the larger tablets?

Thanks for the efforts and reviews

That's one of my worries, as 1024x? resolution tends to slow down the tablet. Novo8A demo could be using the factory default firmware, as there are resports after update to latest it becomes more smooth.

Novo7A (or A10) is more snappy overall, the major lags I encountered is due to multi-task (like download a couple of files and trying to get play to do something). Also some minor lag if I have too many widgets on screen with some higher resource required launcher (like go launcher ex). I still find laucherpro better than ADW.

From what you reported, I guess I'll skip RK2918 and look forward to A10 high resolution tablets. Onda has annouced their new Vi30w deluxe/luxury 8" will be 1024x768. Should be interesting to see the performance when it's out.

 

[koxinga]

http://buytabletspcs.com/Anson-M19-...e-Touch-Screen-1GB-DDR3-Dual-Camera-Wifi.html

Is the M19 available? I saw a few websites selling.

 

[kyleongwl]

I tried the Aoson / Wopad M12 9.7" IPS Tablet Android 2.3 in Sim Lim Square, and here's my brief review.

You can find it on sale on several counters selling Chinese tablets and media players. The standard retail price is S$369.00, but by just asking if it could be cheaper, I was quoted S$350.00. I suspect it go even lower with more effort. Note that Merimobiles is selling it at USD 247.99 (~ S$314) inclusive of shipping charges.

First impression, the tablet is good. The IPS screen looks nice but due to the screen protector, I can't really appreciate its true colours. The view angle is really wide.

The UI is a little sluggish for my liking. This is quite a turn off for me. Interested buyers should try it out before purchase. You may find it acceptable.

The tablet is heavy. This might make it unsuitable for female users.

It supports Android Market and Flash. I didn't really explore this in detail. However, the tablet is not rooted by default. Merimobiles claim it is rootable though.

All the sales personnel seem to be equipped with the same sales pitch: This is the "latest" tablet, and has the "same" screen as iPad. That's why it is more expensive, but it is "worth the money". Though you can get it cheaper online, it is not much cheaper (S$350) because you get 1 year warranty if you buy from the shop.

I think some of us here are interested in this tablet. My advice for you to try it. If you're really keen, try bargaining and let us know how much lower they can offer.

the unit looks gr8..."same as ipad" hmmm....wat a sales man.

 

[seasonscrystal]

http://buytabletspcs.com/Anson-M19-...e-Touch-Screen-1GB-DDR3-Dual-Camera-Wifi.html

Is the M19 available? I saw a few websites selling.

Pre-order, likely to be out in 2 weeks 1st batch expect to have some issues

 

[pr0dygi]

thanks wootwoot for the review.

i also looking at 9.7 / 10 inch tablet. u find any good one pls update here k?

thanks ah.

season-> so realistically usually how long after a tablet is release then is "safe" to buy?

 

[seasonscrystal]

thanks wootwoot for the review.

i also looking at 9.7 / 10 inch tablet. u find any good one pls update here k?

thanks ah.

season-> so realistically usually how long after a tablet is release then is "safe" to buy?

For me, I'll try get after 3rd batch bah. Getting Novo7A kinda surprised myself, as it was the 1st batch. I was betting on Ainol's repuitable Was kinda waiting for wopad to become stable, but ended up with Novo7A.

Actually even different batch, the quality might be different. I strongly suggest you try getting reviews of people who bought recently.

 

[w00tw00t]

Zepad vs M12

I saw Zepad (not sure which model but I'm guessing it to be C91) selling alongside the 9.7" IPS M12. The main differences are the resolution (Zepad is 1024x600 while M12 is 1024x768) and the processor (Zepad uses A9 while M12 uses RK2918).

Zepad was selling at S$320.00 while M12 was selling at S$369.00.

Performance wise, Zepad is slightly sluggish as compared to the M12. The screen also pales in comparison to the M12. After comparing the two, I made up my mind to get a IPS tablet. You have to compare it side by side to know why. But if you don't, Zepad is actually not too bad. Zepad seems to be slightly lighter as well.

Personally, I won't get the Zepad though it is cheaper. I like a bigger and clearer screen that is found on the M12. I see if I can source for a cheaper M12 else I'll just wait for another IPS tablet but with a better processor. M19 is not available yet but it will be sold at a premium price, considering M12 is currently a premium product already.

 

[seasonscrystal]

Personally, I won't get the Zepad though it is cheaper. I like a bigger and clearer screen that is found on the M12. I see if I can source for a cheaper M12 else I'll just wait for another IPS tablet but with a better processor. M19 is not available yet but it will be sold at a premium price, considering M12 is currently a premium product already.

I guess I'll do the same and wait for A10 9.7 IPS There's a rumor today that the preorder price for M19 is 1398 RMB, which is same as U9GT2.

 

[koxinga]

I saw Zepad (not sure which model but I'm guessing it to be C91) selling alongside the 9.7" IPS M12. The main differences are the resolution (Zepad is 1024x600 while M12 is 1024x768) and the processor (Zepad uses A9 while M12 uses RK2918).

Zepad was selling at S$320.00 while M12 was selling at S$369.00.

Performance wise, Zepad is slightly sluggish as compared to the M12. The screen also pales in comparison to the M12. After comparing the two, I made up my mind to get a IPS tablet. You have to compare it side by side to know why. But if you don't, Zepad is actually not too bad. Zepad seems to be slightly lighter as well.

Personally, I won't get the Zepad though it is cheaper. I like a bigger and clearer screen that is found on the M12. I see if I can source for a cheaper M12 else I'll just wait for another IPS tablet but with a better processor. M19 is not available yet but it will be sold at a premium price, considering M12 is currently a premium product already.

I am in the market for the same specs as you. If you can find somewhere cheaper, do let me know. C91 was my other choice too since there is so few that meet that specs. I was also wondering if it was cheaper to get from SLS, your review cleared it up (it is not).

Used to own a Nook Color but sold off awhile back.

 

[Globe]

sorry to be asking again but anyone came across any chinapad that have a full size sd slot before ?

 

[bigtux]

I think a number of us are looking at a 9"/10" tablet. I am too.

If you recently made a purchase of a 9"/10" tablet, please let us know you considerations and why you made the choice. I'm hanging on for a while, probably till end Nov 2011.