When I switched it on, I had two firmware updated to do, one for the tablet and one for the keyboard – they only took five minutes. Docking the screen into the keyboard was a little frightful, however after reading the instructions and found the release catch, it slotted in with a gratifying click.
The keyboard itself is actually superb. It was actually the fact it has the keyboard that inspired me to get this one, because it’s simply so much simpler to write docs, mails and so on. Once it’s docked, you get added benefits as well, like doubling the battery charge lifespan, access to two standard USB ports and the standard SD card slot. You may also put a microSD into the screen part itself, so while travelling, you are not restricted to taking one or two pictures, you literally can take a smattering with you.
As I have an Android telephone, after hooking it to my wi-fi and logging in with my gmail account, all of the applications I got used to, car downloaded. In the Google Market place site, your device will appear and you can pick applications and have them sent to your tablet over the air, just as you can with the telephone – however I have spotted that some applications were not available – like desire to go fast (which would be cool on the big-screen) but I am sure it will be ported shortly enough. Unlike Iphone programmes running on the Ipad in a tiny letterbox in the centre of the screen, Android applications that have not been ported for the Tablet, still look fine, because they take up the entire screen anyhow and space their material our appropriately.
Web surfing is a great experience. I am just using the stock browser right now, but with Flash support, sites like the BBC reports site are complete along with in page video and so on. I realized that you aren’t getting redirected to the mobile site … For instance, Facebook, so you get the full site, which always frustrated me a bit on my telephone. For more work related applications, it includes an Office alternative, which appeared to open the two MS Word documents I tested (2003 and 2010) and they maintained all the formatting including tables, book marks, pictures for example. The keyboard is pleasant to work with and I do not believe it will become a difficulty – appears robust enough and does not seem any different to a notebook keyboard.
In my role as an IT geek, I hope that I am able to take this with me on site and hook into serial ports of servers through the USB or thru bluetooth serial plugs and provision systems (with the built in telnet customer) without the necessity to pile a full sized portable computer around with me. I haven’t truly used it in outrage yet, nevertheless it covers everything I have wished to do with it so far. I’ve had one die hard Apple fan bitching the screen switching is not as smooth as the ipad – but the iphone was always smoother the Android telephones.
Looks like Apple have put so much effort into animation; they did not remember to make it compatible with anything more. I’m not sure if there’ll be a 3G version, but I am pleased to use my telephone as a wifi hotspot if I need the net while I am out. Therefore in summing up – if you’re considering an Ipad – then you must actually think about that as an acceptable choice. If you are already an Android user – this is a no-brainer.