Prime - First week thoughts

[JAy3001]

So just to start off with, i had originally ordered the Silver version. But after a long delay i dropped it for the Grey version and i could not be happier.

After reading all the issues with the first batch of primes i was worried my would be screwed too. But after the delay i was hopeful i would get a second batch, maybe with less issues.

I guess this may have happened as so far i have had few issues:

• Dead on arrival - Lucky for me mine powered up with no issues,
• No serial number - Again, lucky as mine is fine,
• Update brick - No issues with applying the updates,
• GPS - Seems ok indoors, not tested outside yet,
• WiFi issues - So far no real problems and i can get 2 bars on the second floor with what seems a constant download speed with no drop outs,
• Light bleed - None.

Overall I am loving the Prime and have only had one crashed app so far. The screen is lovely, the sound is good - although it takes some getting use to because of the single speaker arrangement (ie stereo field effect).

The build quality is fantastic, although not without issue. The big one being the idiot that designed the micro SD slot too small!! I'm not sure if the SD card slot is the same as I've not tested that so far.

ICS is a lovely update and everything seems to run very smoothly. The default tablet keyboard is a little tricky to use, although I have got use to most issues there are some that drive me nuts. Like if you type too fast it goes into swipe mode and starts splitting your words up, selecting an area within some text is a nightmare. Also the spell check is a little odd as i'm use to inline adjustments rather than touch screen adjustments.

Now the default browser seemed fine to me, but I did not use it for long as I missed the Ad-Blocking ability's of Dolphin HD - So that is my choice atm and it runs very smoothly and much more stable than the mobile version.

Apps wise I have had very few issues with most of my original apps/games running fine on ICS. Although there are some that have disappeared from the store due to lack of support, but hopefully they will get an update soon.

Games wise I have tried several Tegra games including GTA 3, Shadowgun & GOF 2 THD and they run beautifully without any major issues. The only thing I have noticed is that some will just plain shutdown if you disconnect the keyboard while playing with no error.

One thing I am struggling with is the sensitivity of the screen in games like Shadowgun and GOF 2, while trying to do precise aiming the screen just does not seem to respond. Only when you push a little harder which then means you have missed your target! Frustrating, I'm not sure if there is some adjustment that can address this.

So all things considered i'm very happy with the purchase, being lucky with the delay meant most issues had been dealt with via updates before I got mine.

I shall probably feedback some more once I have had more time to play.

 

[theandies]

Awesome, glad you like it. I received mine on 12/27 and the only problem I have is I can't put the damn thing down.
GPS dosen't work but I have a BT GPS receiver that works great with the Prime. Anyway GPS is not a big deal to me. I tried navigating with my BT GPS and to be honest the 10.1 screen is so bright (even with the brightness turned all the way down and the navigation software I'm trying set to night mode) it still lights up the inside of my car like a Christmas tree at night. Not good at all. I'll just keep using my phone for navigation when I need to.

 

[kronie]

Nice. Mine arrives today. I hope its a keeper too!

 

[Cobravision]

I've had mine for a week and a half, and I haven't suffered from any of the issues that cropped up when the TP was first shipped. Wifi has been fine, the unit has never rebooted or crashed, and I had zero problems with the ICS updates. I haven't tested the GPS because I never intended on using it.

The split Thumb Keyboard on the TP is hands down the best touch keyboard I've ever used. The Swiftkey X for tablet is probably as good or better, but I didn't feel like dropping the dough for slightly extra functionality. I can type fast and accurately in portrait mode because of the split keyboard, and having the number pad in the middle is very convenient.

The only real thing I dislike design-wise is the SD slot. The card is simply too exposed the way it is -- the other day, I knocked over an almost empty water cup and the TP got slightly wet. I wiped it down really vigorously, and at some point I unknowingly popped out the SD card.

In any case, all of the positives about the device are outweighed by one thing -- it's heavy. Now, compared to other 10" devices it's light. But compared to my 7" Galaxy Tab, it feels heavier holding it in one hand. Now, I'm not going to return it since it does do lots of things my Galaxy Tab is unable to do. And the keyboard dock I haven't gotten yet may tip the scales. But I think the best tablet is a light 7" device with 1280 X 800 resolution and the same internals as the TP. Which is why the upcoming 7" Tegra 3 ASUS tablet looks like a real winner. For $250, that's the best tablet for my needs.