Cheapest half decent Android Tablet?

Zascar

Are there any real basic & cheap but usable Android tablets available? I saw one a while back on some offer in my email for €120 which looked pretty decent but for the life of me I cannot find the thing. Thinking of getting one for xmas. I Just want it for the basics, I really cannot justify the price of an ipad etc

Any recommendations anyone?
Thanks

srsly78

Archos 101. Buy one in peats for e350. Has several bugs tho, waiting for software update. All other tablets are garbage, steer clear of samsung + toshiba.

Zascar

Thanks, looks nice alright but not sure I've been enough of a good boy for santa to spend 350 on me. All I went it for is internet, reading pdf's etc really nothing difficult - mainly when I'm sitting on a plane or bored in the airport. Is there really nothing in the cheaper range worth a look?
cheers

Khannie

Recently bought myself a ZT-180 for around that price. Waiting on delivery of it. 10 inch screen. 1ghz processor. Resistive touch screen though (not so great, but it looks responsive enough in the youtube reviews). Really looking forward to it. Plays back 720p content no bother.

mik_da_man

Anyone know much about these:

http://www.lightinthebox.com/wholesale-Android-Tablets_c4781

Any use or should I stay away?

Professey Chin

Id definitely go with the Advent Vega
And if you load the custom Modaco rom on it you get all the google features

scuby

there were 2 of these left in maplin yesterday, dublin,cant find code now for the stock check... same as on ebay link

http://cgi.ebay.ie/7-Android-2-0-Netbook-Tablet-PC-Notebook-Netbook-M005-/190472836559?pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&hash=item2c5910d5cf

slowlydownwards

If 7" is acceptable form factor (not too small), then Archos 70 is the best value there is atm, me thinks. Xtravision have them for 170euro. Highlights include, capacitive screen, 1ghz, froyo, full market (easy to sideload) and quite good reviews (sorry no links). Check out this community. Some people may prefer bigger resolution, but on 7" 800x480 is ok.

Dimithy

The Notion ink Adam looks like its finally going to be announced properly in the next day or so, and going on the specs its definitely one to look at.
It should come with 2.2, and apparently will get an upgrade to 2.3 shortly after release.
I've been keeping an eye on it since it was announced, hopefully it doesn't turn out to be a huge disappointment.
http://www.notionink.com

long_b

slowlydownwards wrote: »

If 7" is acceptable form factor (not too small), then Archos 70 is the best value there is atm, me thinks. Xtravision have them for 170euro. Highlights include, capacitive screen, 1ghz, froyo, full market (easy to sideload) and quite good reviews (sorry no links). Check out this community. Some people may prefer bigger resolution, but on 7" 800x480 is ok.

Are you sure it's this model for 170 in Xtravision?

mik_da_man

I wouldn't say so.
Prob the 7 home tablet not the 70 Internet tablet..

Brian

Rooted Nook Color (good luck getting one).

slowlydownwards

mik_da_man wrote: »

I wouldn't say so.
Prob the 7 home tablet not the 70 Internet tablet..

Think you may be right. Will double check tomorrow. Although market can be loaded onto archos 7, it is a very different (lesser) beast to archos70 and not really that much of a bargain.

Ardennes1944

this? its what im looking at getting http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140477480933&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_4817wt_1139

maiden

I bought the ZT -180 too, it was delivered yesterday but its a pressie for my sons so it wont be opened til Chritmas day. Paid €202 incl del from America.

I hope its an ok model, im not computer savvy so hoping they wont be disappointed.

maiden

Khannie wrote: »

Recently bought myself a ZT-180 for around that price. Waiting on delivery of it. 10 inch screen. 1ghz processor. Resistive touch screen though (not so great, but it looks responsive enough in the youtube reviews). Really looking forward to it. Plays back 720p content no bother.

What did you pay for your one?

Khannie

Sorry to break this bad news to you....but I paid 130 for mine including delivery. I got it on pandawill. Now delivery takes forever so mine may not get here before Christmas. They do have a fast delivery option for another tenner. I'm just too scabby to pay it.

maiden

Can you give the link to the exact one, i might buy another one!!! I cant seem to see it.

Have you bought from this site before? And its 100% legit?

Khannie

It's legit alright. They're not without people bitching about them, but overall it seems to be an ok site. I have not bought from them before. This is my first purchase from them and it hasn't arrived yet (though they say it has shipped). I bought it on the 1st of December.

Hmmm...here's the one on their site, but it doesn't list the reviews for me.

http://www.pandawill.com/zenithink-zt180-epad-new-version-10-inch-mid-android-21-wifi-720p-gravity-sensor-1ghz-cpu-rj45-adapter-silver_p37662.html

I found a 5% discount code on your first purchase in the reviews (which brought the price down to 130 euro). I note that this says "new version", whatever that means? (I know there were 1024x576 screens before the 1024 x 600 version...maybe that's it?)

edit: Maiden: Before you start using your, or your sons one, you should root it and do the txpower fix. I'll dig you out a link on how to do that. Not doing it can result in eventually arsing up your wifi transmitter as I understand it.

edit2: link: http://www.ibeau.net/tech/easy-root-txpower-fix-on-zenithink-zt-180/

edit3: The 5% discount code is 15450. Not a referal code.

Ardennes1944

android 2.1 doesnt support flash though does it?

FLOOPER

What is the best tablet out there for the least bucks? How does the ZT-18o compare to the Mobii http://http://www.backfromthefuture.ie/product_info.php?products_id=1414&osCsid=598da4f94fc2afc4f6a7335d508398c6in Back From The Future shop in Dublin.

Khannie

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

android 2.1 doesnt support flash though does it?

There's "flash light" or something. I think that covers up to version 9.1. To be honest, having had an iPhone for the last year I can honestly say it doesn't really matter.

Zascar

Thanks for the replies guys. The Zenithink looks great, and at a fantastic price, however it says battery life is only 2-3 hours??? I heard the ipad gets 8-10 - isn't there something somewhere in between??

Brian

Yep, there's 4-7.

Khannie

Hang your head in shame Baza. Shame on you.

The battery life is actually better than that as I understand it. 3 with wifi on, 4 with wifi off. There is also a battery mod that you can do if you're brave enough (I currently am not) that will bring it up to around the 7-8 hour mark.

I couldn't find anything that compared to the zt-180 in its price bracket.

Jomcc

Bought a Point of View Mobii 7". To be honest, I'm dissapointed with it. Was told it's upgradable to 2.2.......but according to POV website, it's not ...yet. I've tried to download some apps, but failed. Goes so far, and then restarts. Shop has no problem in taking it back, but is checking if it can be upgraded to 2.2. I made it clear that I was only interested in it if it can run Flash. Would be interested if anyone else has experience of them. Cost me 179. At this stage, I'm tempted to return it and pay the extra for the Archos 10".

slowlydownwards

The device needs to have ARMv7 cpu or better to run flash, irrespective of which android version is on it.

Zascar

Hmm I really cannot decide between the Archos 101 and the ZT-180. I really really did not want to spend 350 - but reading some reviews of the ZT it says that the wifi antenna is awful and you have to be pretty much right beside the router or it drops.

Khannie

I'm expecting mine to arrive next week. I think that wifi issue gets sorted with the txpower fix I linked earlier in this thread. I'll let you know.

Zascar

Good review here of the Zenithink:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpvIlSLwVi8

Going to order one tonight. How long does Delivery take? Did anyone get stung for taxes at customs etc?

Zascar

Khannie wrote: »

It's legit alright. They're not without people bitching about them, but overall it seems to be an ok site. I have not bought from them before. This is my first purchase from them and it hasn't arrived yet (though they say it has shipped). I bought it on the 1st of December.

Hmmm...here's the one on their site, but it doesn't list the reviews for me.

http://www.pandawill.com/zenithink-zt180-epad-new-version-10-inch-mid-android-21-wifi-720p-gravity-sensor-1ghz-cpu-rj45-adapter-silver_p37662.html

I found a 5% discount code on your first purchase in the reviews (which brought the price down to 130 euro). I note that this says "new version", whatever that means? (I know there were 1024x576 screens before the 1024 x 600 version...maybe that's it?)

edit: Maiden: Before you start using your, or your sons one, you should root it and do the txpower fix. I'll dig you out a link on how to do that. Not doing it can result in eventually arsing up your wifi transmitter as I understand it.

edit2: link: http://www.ibeau.net/tech/easy-root-txpower-fix-on-zenithink-zt-180/

edit3: The 5% discount code is 15450. Not a referal code.

Khannie how do you apply the discount code I'm trying to order now...
tx

Khannie

It's at the checkout stage as far as I remember. Could be towards the very end.

edit; Not sure if I'm going to get stung for taxes tbh. I'll post back here. You may want to hold off until I do.

Zascar

Ah screw it I just ordered it. Paid the extra for DHL delivery as I want it for xmas. But that means I'll most likely get stung by customs, but will prob only be €20 or so. Can't wait!

kevin12345

Just got the Point of View 7'' tablet for €189 in Slatterys. Fairly decent. Just wish it had Android Market The App Centre on it isn't great.

Ardennes1944

sorry but just to be clear...how much is it working out at to get the zenithink inc delivery and the discount ( if there is one) thanks:D

Khannie

Deutschlandfürimmer7 wrote: »

sorry but just to be clear...how much is it working out at to get the zenithink inc delivery and the discount ( if there is one) thanks:D

Mine was 130 delivered. Delivery time is long though. 15-20 days. I paid for mine on the 1st of december like and there's still no sign of it. I'm just hoping it gets here before Christmas.

Zascar

Mine was 136 including DHL Delivery

Khannie

Grrrrr. Exchange rate must have changed. I would have paid that for dhl.

maiden

I ordered mine a few days ago and paid extra for the delivery, hopes it gets here before xmas!!!

The email said between 5-7 days

Khannie

Seems my tablet finally left Chinese borders yesterday. Two fuppin' weeks. Hopefully it'll hit me by the weekend then. Fingers crossed.

maiden

Anyone having a problem accessing the site www.pandawill.com

Brian

Khannie wrote: »

Seems my tablet finally left Chinese borders yesterday. Two fuppin' weeks. Hopefully it'll hit me by the weekend then. Fingers crossed.

It will be a nice New Year's present for you...

mik_da_man

Hey Zascar,

I ordered mine yesterday too
They are not sure if it will be here before Christmas...
Was on chat to them today, 2-3 days "Processing" time cause the units go through QC and then 5-10 days shipping..

I'm not confident on getting it tbh.

Dont mean to put a downer on it, just be prepared.
they said if I was lucky I would get it, but they can't guarantee it...

Zascar

Mine shipped Yesterday, wohoo!

Thanks very much for your order# 20133243
We had shipped this order to the shipping address on 2010-12-15 - 23:11:03 .
the delivery time is about 3-7 days by express.

Even if it took 7 days l should still get it before xmas

sambora

Prixton 7" 199.99
Cool little gadget. Screen not as good as iPad, but what is? lol.

Zascar

Oh yeah can someone please explain the difference between the Capacitive type screen that the iPad has, and the resistive one on most of the cheaper ones?

justsomebloke

Zascar wrote: »

Oh yeah can someone please explain the difference between the Capacitive type screen that the iPad has, and the resistive one on most of the cheaper ones?

have you ever used a nokia 5800, if so picture using an ipad with that type of screen

Khannie

Zascar wrote: »

Oh yeah can someone please explain the difference between the Capacitive type screen that the iPad has, and the resistive one on most of the cheaper ones?

Capacitive screens are multi-touch. That is, they allow pinch to zoom and stuff like that. Resistive ones do not. Capacitive are also more responsive. That's it AFAIK. Having been used to the capacitive screen on the iPhone, I expect the zt-180 to be slightly frustrating to use by comparison. Mostly I'll be using it to watch videos though, so not the end of the world.

Zascar wrote: »

Mine shipped Yesterday, wohoo!

omghates!

maiden wrote: »

Anyone having a problem accessing the site www.pandawill.com

Working fine here.

Baza210 wrote: »

It will be a nice New Year's present for you...

TheDoc

Khannie wrote: »

Sorry to break this bad news to you....but I paid 130 for mine including delivery. I got it on pandawill. Now delivery takes forever so mine may not get here before Christmas. They do have a fast delivery option for another tenner. I'm just too scabby to pay it.

There is a guy in Dundalk selling them. He contacted a friend of mine and me ( somehow got our details) saying he say our itnerest on boards.ie and hes an irish retailer for the model.

He invited us up to have a look and see if we were interested, he had the 10" and 7" models.

We are both savy enough to recognise good and bad products. We also brought a guy with us thats like bringing a mechanic to a car purhcase.

The three of us, very quickly after initial handling, realised we did not want to spend money on this item. Its very poor, I know youve gone and spent some money for christmas but as far as Tablets go, but even a device running android, simply put it was muck.

We offered him €150 for three since we felt that was all they were worth, he wasnt in much disagreeance saying they werent a great item by any means, but there is silly demand for them, so we parted ways and left it at that.

I myself am going to hang off for something better down the line, the tablets I'm seeing at the moment are either piss poor or way too expensive for wha tthey can do.

A tablet imo should be priced between 250-350, anything higher is just not good value.

bnt

I'm also looking out for a Tablet of some sort - which will probably be Android, though I'd prefer a full Linux. The Application situation is confusing the heck out of me: why is everyone trying to copy Apple's "app store" model when there are already open source Linux apps for just about everything? (I'm not paying for someone to recompile existing open source code - I can do that myself.)

Then there's the hardware: old versions of Android with no upgrade path, copying the look of the iPad (ugh), slow CPUs, and poor screens - and don't even let you use the "app store" without hacks. The few decent ones (e.g. Samsung Galaxy Tab) are far too expensive for what they do. I can wait - I have a decent netbook already, and I expect its eventual replacement to do its job, but better! :cool:

Khannie

TheDoc wrote: »

He invited us up to have a look and see if we were interested, he had the 10" and 7" models.

Zenithink don't do a 7" model. Was the 10" the zt-180? Or some other 10" tablet? There is a *huge* amount of muck out there.