7" tablet shopping

[ejay]

I have wanted a android device for a long time, only a few things hold me back. One being far more important to me than the others. The major benefit of owning an android tablet, is your ability to upgrade it to the latest version on your own. Even from compiling your own source distribution. That means long after it's been deemed unsupported, you have a tool that will continue to work. As an example the Zaurus was still in wide use, long after they should have.

Are there any 7" tablets that are basically more "open" than others?

Next up the hardware. Is there a consensus on which tablets have a better quality that others? I see lots of people very unhappy with the device quality of their tablets.

Lastly network service. I know I'll be using WiFi, but is it worth getting wireless service support? What provider has the least hassle? Best terms? The last thing in the world that I want is a provider telling me what I can do, and how much I should be paying. If I want to be a customer, great. When I'm tired of paying their bill, I'll be on my way tysm. Is it even worth having a data service on a tablet?

I'm really looking for advice, and to explore other's experience. I'd appreciate any thoughts you might have.

 

[shortylickens]

Welcome Newb!

Some of us get pretty emotional about mobile devices so dont be surprised if you hear heated arguments when asking this question.

My opinion is the Android devices are the most open, even before you root them. After rooting they are much more open than any other device could hope to be.

On top of that, I like the Blackberry Playbook but found the missing email, calender, and contacts to be very annoying. I suggest you go to a Best Buy or Staples and play with as many devices as you can. We can sit here all day and discuss what we think is best, but if you see for yourself you will know what fits you best.

I think that since tablets arent going to be held up to your head and used like a phone you dont really need cellular service. But, you may find in your town theres not enough open Wifi spots to suit your needs. Look around and see if you can get by on just wifi. Cuz if you change your mind later you normally cant add in a cellular radio and service to a tablet.

 

[ejay]

I really don't want a device I have to "root." I would prefer to load the software from source directly, and develop my own apps for it. Also use an app store type of thing to buy software made for it. I don't want a "closed" device like a cell phone where there are things you just can't remove, or install. This is my foremost concern.

 

[shortylickens]

OK, you are very much confusing me.
You dont want to root, but you want to develop your own apps?

 

[Pliablemoose]

See stickied nook color at the top of this forum.

 

[poofyhairguy]

First things first - you got to know up front that the tablet market, especially for seven inch tablets is VERY immature. There doesn't exist a single Honeycomb 7 inch tablet so ANYTHING you buy is obsolete in six months hardware-wise.

Because of a lack of decent 7 inch tablets, many of us have Nook Colors to fill that role. It seems EXACTLY what you want- 7 inch, completely open, by FAR the most hackible and hacked tablet device with a GREAT community, a great screen, ton of people happy with it, great build quality, etc.

The only issue with the Nook Color is that the hardware is weaker than most Honeycomb tablets, it lacks a camera and GPS, and its wifi only.

If the Nook Color doesn't work for you your only other decent option is last year's Galaxy Tab. It is more powerful but less hackible.

 

[PlatinumGold]

I would say a GSM galaxy tab would be exactly what he is looking for. Especially if he wants 3g coverage. I got a cdma galaxy tab from Verizon and its my favorite device. But the GSM tab is easier to root and there are better Roms available for it.

 

[ejay]

When you say "root", does it imply the need to use their OS asis. I would like to build the OS from source code, and make my own stuff. Thus no need to "root" the thing. I have tried the sdk emulator, and it is too slow. I feel the need to try on a real device.

Has anyone done anything like this before? How did it go for you?

 

[shortylickens]

When you say "root", does it imply the need to use their OS asis. I would like to build the OS from source code, and make my own stuff. Thus no need to "root" the thing. I have tried the sdk emulator, and it is too slow. I feel the need to try on a real device.

Has anyone done anything like this before? How did it go for you?

WOW!
Ok, I think you should start as a user first, before you start writing new OS's and such.
Get a nook color and start learning how to use it.
In fact Staples has them dirt cheap this weekend, 250 brand new which is actually a good deal.

 

[ejay]

No, I didn't say write a new OS. I said install the OS from the SDK sources. It's a totally different thing. I would like to do apps for android, but the emulator that ships with the SDK is way too slow.

 

[shortylickens]

Doesnt matter. Either way you need to get in to Android before you start writing apps for it.
And the color Nook is the best way. For an app developer rooting is a very minor issue, so dont let that stop you.

 

[Tristicus]

WOW!
Ok, I think you should start as a user first, before you start writing new OS's and such.
Get a nook color and start learning how to use it.
In fact Staples has them dirt cheap this weekend, 250 brand new which is actually a good deal.

Um, that is the normal price.

 

[Bateluer]

No, I didn't say write a new OS. I said install the OS from the SDK sources. It's a totally different thing. I would like to do apps for android, but the emulator that ships with the SDK is way too slow.

Right now, there is no tablet on the market at all, from any vendor, that allows you to compile the OS from source. The HoneyComb source has yet to be released. Regardless, compiling from source and flashing to a device will require you to root the device.

 

[shortylickens]

QUIET YOU!

 

[Slammy1]

I bought my mom a Nook Color for mothers day and I really like it, made me go out and buy a tablet. It was 250 and came with a $25 GC so she could get a cover for it. I'm getting happier with my Acer Tab as I slowly replace the default software. Haven't rooted it yet but there is software to get more base control of the unit. From what I'd read, the advantage is freedom to go to restricted sites...

 

[ejay]

Well Nook looks ok, anything you guys waiting on? New features, I'd like to see OLED begin to replace lcds.

 

[Tristicus]

Well Nook looks ok, anything you guys waiting on? New features, I'd like to see OLED begin to replace lcds.

Um, look out for Samsung's 8.9" or whatever releasing.

 

[kmmatney]

I just bought a refurbed Color Nook for $189 (free ship, but $200 after tax) on e b a y. I had planned in getting an iPad, but I just want something for light web browsing, email, and light gaming. The iPad seems overkill for that, and the Nook perfect for the price.