• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Got my 8.9, still unsure

R

reiththestud

Android Enthusiast
I got an 8.9 last night at BB. I definitely love Samsung's form factor. That thinness is a must have in a tablet IMHO. I had a Xoom for about a month before I returned it because of its weight and uneven shape on the back. The plastic construction is bearable, but longterm I am going to want something to protect this thing.

I was impressed with how much smaller it was than the 10.1. I thought the two would be nearly indiscernible, but it is noticable. However, I still think I want the Tab 7.7 that they announced at IFA. If they announce availability sometime before my return period is up, I think I'm going to return the 8.9 and wait for the 7.7. 8.9 just isn't "handheld" enough for me. Otherwise it's a great tablet and the screen is AMAZING!
 
I picked up mine 2 days ago. I own an ipad 2 and wanted to try the 8.9 and compare the two. First of all, I love the size and weight over the ipad 2. Although the 8.9 screen is smaller, when playing a widescreen movie you can't tell the difference between the ipad and 8.9 screen size. The 8.9 speakers are much louder than the ipad. One feature the ipad lacks for now that I really like on the 8.9 is the Usb connection kit for $20 at Bestbuy. With my ipad camera connection kit I can only transfer pictures and video. With the 8.9 and the USB connection kit I can playback videos, view Pdf's, doc files, pictures, etc. Basically you can view and/or transfer files to and from the 8.9 to a thumbdrive, SD card (with an Sd card reader) and I'm sure a camera. This makes a big difference in usability.

So what don't like about it? The lag! The ipad 2 has virtually no lag, but I'm sure if it had widgets it would have the same problem. I'm not sure if it's a touchwiz issue or honeycomb 3.1 problem. Basically, as you swipe between screen
 
I've noticed the lag too. It's actually better on the 8.9 than on other Tegra tablets I've tried. I just don't use live wallpapers. That helps a lot. One of the things that kept me away from the tabs for awhile was the need for adapters. Too apple like for my taste. But ultimately the thin and light form factor won me over. Good job finding the USB accessory in store. I haven't been able to find any tab accessories in store. I need to find the hdmi adapter for a good price
 
I played with it in HMV other day, loved the size and weight of it and made me lean more to this than the 10.1

However the price is stupid!
 
What made me purchase the 8.9 instead of waiting for the 7.7 is the price. For 399 currently I don't think you can beat it. Great tablet with a lot of functionality.

I also have an iPad 2, yeah the UI is smooth but I am so tired of the grid of static icons, how boring.
 
Picked mine up at BB for $399 on Saturday and Skylanders MEGA PACK for my son for $99. Threw the whole thing on my BB Card and I have 18 MONTHS interest free.

$27 per month.....for both...not bad eh? Goes well with the new SMART car I just leased....fun fun fun!

Haze
 
Just picked up my 8.9 from BB for $350 with a free keyboard dock. Pretty pumped about it. I had a 10.1, but thought the size was a bit too big. Tried the HTC flyer and its too small. When I saw the price dump on the 8.9, I had to give it a try.
 
I use an Evo View now and like it, but playing with the 8.9 made me think it's the way to go, and I also picked it up with the BB deal along with a few RZ certs. Would love to see a transformer like laptop dock for this, but their keyboard dock will suffice for now.

I'm annoyed they're at 2.5a to charge when the rest of the tabs are at 2.1 and none of my 2.1 chargers seem to charge it well as I get the stupid red X in the battery icon. I'm actually more than annoyed. I'm tired of buying charging adapters. And we're talking OEM ones from Dell and Palm, all greater than 5v and at 2.1a.

Wish there were more slim cases besides the belkin. The Acase/Blurex ones aren't bad, but they are thicker than the Belkin. I did pick up the rotating case. It's not bad. Just wish it was a touch thinner. Hate to make the svelte 8.9 any thicker than it has to be.

One plus with the rotating case is you an use the card or usb connection kit while it's in a viewing position in the case, you just rotate the bottom to the top. So that's convenient at least.

The other issue is the MTP issue or the lack of MSC. There are a lot of apps and kits that use an MSC connection to read or sync. Don't know how I can get Docs to Go's desktop app to sync to the 8.9 now and will have to resort to dropbox or sugarsync. dropbox would require me to completely rearrange my file structure, and sugarsync starts from scratch every time I wipe the slate, flash a rom or what not.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom