Handheld device to read comics

Zero-Cool

Hi, I'm looking to get a handheld device for reading digital comics. I'm looking to spend about 100 - 150 euro. Something around the size of a kindle but needs colour. Reading through the gadget thread, I hadn't even thought of an Android Tablet as I thought they would be very expensive but one of you posted this one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Superpad3-Android-Tablet-External-KEYBOARD/dp/B006AOAG36/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1334843128&sr=1-1

Anyone here use an android tablet to read digital comics? Do they get displayed okay?

I'd only really be using it for reading so not really interested in the other specs. My android phone is too small to be reading them.

Thanks for any advice.

Carter P Fly

I use Comic Reader Mobi on my Kindle fire (7 inch andriod tablet) and its great.

Zero-Cool

Are epads any good? Also, I hear hp touchpads are cheap now but I cant find any cheap ones

Zero-Cool

After searching some more, I definitely want to get a HP touchpad as it sounds perfect for what i'm looking for.

Can anyone clear something up for me though, is the HP Touchpad discontinued? I saw Harvey Norman have a HP Touchpad section but only selling accessories for it. I can't seem to find on in any shop, only online where they seem to be expensive seeing as they were being sold for $99 last year.

Then on Amazon, the 16gb version is £362 while the 32gb is £279

longhalloween

sheehy83 wrote: »

After searching some more, I definitely want to get a HP touchpad as it sounds perfect for what i'm looking for.
I can't seem to find on in any shop, only online where they seem to be expensive seeing as they were being sold for $99 last year.

Then on Amazon, the 16gb version is £362 while the 32gb is £279

There's a thread in the Bargain Alerts section dealing with this. General consensus is that you shouldn't pay more than €200 for one.

I took the plunge and bought a Zenithink ZT280 C91 from aliexpress today. Including shipping and a discount coupon I found the whole thing came to €120ish euro.

Seems to have decent reviews everywhere I look.

Zero-Cool

longhalloween wrote: »

I took the plunge and bought a Zenithink ZT280 C91 from aliexpress today. Including shipping and a discount coupon I found the whole thing came to €120ish euro.

Seems to have decent reviews everywhere I look.

That looks excellent man!! I never heard of that shop before but that seems a great price for a 10" capacitive screen. Can I ask where you got the voucher and how much it was? Is it new or 2nd hand?

Looks a bit too good of a deal

longhalloween

sheehy83 wrote: »

That looks excellent man!! I never heard of that shop before but that seems a great price for a 10" capacitive screen. Can I ask where you got the voucher and how much it was? Is it new or 2nd hand?

Looks a bit too good of a deal

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-gs/481576098-Hot-selling-10-2-Zenithink-ZT280-C91-Android-4-0-Tablet-PC-Capacitive-1GB-RAM-Cortex-wholesalers.html

That's the link for the tablet. The seller has good feedback, reviews of the device seem genuine and people on boards have recommended the site on a few threads so I gave it a go.

The code for $10 off is rewardbuyer0416.

The website estimates the delivery at 7-10 days so I'll put a quick review on here when I get it, just so you know if I was sold a lemon or the genuine article

Zero-Cool

Thanks man, best of luck with it!

Great user name btw

Zero-Cool

Feck it, i'm just going order this, looks like a great deal!

Long, what delivery did you use? I see china mail is the default and has delivery of 30+ days where as UPS is an extra 4 quid for 3-5 days. I just don't want to get stung with customs charges.

longhalloween

I went with ups expedited.kinda regretting it now because seems they're strict with customs. But there's a space on the order form for requests so i asked for the package to be marked as a €20 gift. Whether is will be remains to be seen. :-)

Zero-Cool

Ya I was gonna go with UPS Expedited too, just seems to be fluke if UPS decide to take a look inside or not. I'm gonna go for Bundle 4 as well that comes with leather case, screen protector and in-car charger. No need for the car charger but an extra tenner for the leather case and protector seems to be worth it.

Zero-Cool

Just ordered one, can't wait to give it a lash

longhalloween

Mine shipped today. UPS say 3-7 days for delivery. If I'm lucky it might be here by Friday

Zero-Cool

class man, my status is 'order being processed'. I sent them a message about customs and they said they put down that it is an ebook with $50 value to avoid customs.

Let us know when you get it and if it's any good, you should def post it up on bargain alerts.

Zero-Cool

Mine shipped this morning but tracking number isn't showing any info, spose it won't for a few days. Come on customs, be kind!

longhalloween

Got mine today. 2 days from Shenzen to Drogheda ain't bad.
I have it charging now.

Unfortunately the charger I got with it wasn't the right one, but I have an adaptor that does the job perfectly.

Also, I fired it up for a few minutes while it was charging and the screen started to flicker. Did a quick search and came up with this: http://www.androidtablets.net/forum/zenithink-zt280-c91-c91-upgrade/35988-touch-screen-issues-whilst-charging.html

Hopefully this will solve the problem. I'll update this after the tablet is charged.

Zero-Cool

Jaysus that was fast!! Just got my eta a while ago, said I should have it by Tuesday, 1st May. I'm just happy it passed customs.

That flickering sounds mad, glad theres a fix for it.

Can I ask what adaptor you had to fit it? I'd like to have one ready when it arrives.

longhalloween

Yep, I had no problems with customs. 'Ebook reader - Gift' was printed on the packaging.

It takes a 9V,2A charger. I don't know how to decribe the plug, only that it's smaller than my psp charger and larger than an old nokia phone charger
The screen flickering stopped by itself after the first hour and hasn't started again.

I was getting a bit worried because the battery charge levels stuck at 16% for about 3 hours, then moved erratically between 50% and 30% for a while. for example I unplugged it and the battery level display in the corner went from 50% to 16% in about 5 minutes, but hung on 16% for 2 hours, then slowly creeped down to 10%.

I left it charging for the night and when I turned it on this morning it was at 100% charge and everything seems fine

For €120 it does everything I want. I dled adobe reader from the app store then I put a few pdfs and comics on it and they look brilliant. Colours are great, it's nice and fast scrolling through the pages. Web browsing is fast and youtube works well.

There's no markings on it at all, and no barcode on the box so it looks to be a knock-off but aside from the few hiccups yesterday, I'm very happy with it.

@sheehy: Let me know what your impressions of it are when ya get it!

Zero-Cool

Thanks for that man! sounds great!! Mine is in the arab emirates at the moment, should have it by tuesday.

DVD-Lots

sheehy83 wrote: »

Thanks for that man! sounds great!! Mine is in the arab emirates at the moment, should have it by tuesday.

Ordered mine Tuesday night also and it was shipped yesterday, currently sitting in UAE and should have it by Tuesday too so fingers crossed. :P

Zero-Cool

Long, are you using a travel adaptor kind of thing or a different power supply that you had around the house?

Also, what comic reader are you using? I looked up the android market and the most popular one was comic reader 11.99 euro, bit steep.

longhalloween

sheehy83 wrote: »

Long, are you using a travel adaptor kind of thing or a different power supply that you had around the house?

Also, what comic reader are you using? I looked up the android market and the most popular one was comic reader 11.99 euro, bit steep.

Yeah, it's one of those multi-voltage, multi-adaptor types. Cost €12 in power city last year.
It's similar to this one http://www.amazon.com/PowerLine-600mA-Universal-Adapter-Compatibility/dp/B0042X8XNW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_1

See the row of adaptors in the pic? The one I'm using at the moment is third from the right.

AFAIK comics can be viewed in adobe reader, but I have this: http://www.appbrain.com/app/a-comic-viewer/net.androidcomics.acv as well

Zero-Cool

Thanks for the links Long, I bought a vistor masterplug adaptor in argos for 7 quid, hope it fits. Just wanted something ready for when it arrives.

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/9827590/Trail/searchtext%3EMASTERPLUG.htm

ETA is now wednesday instead. DVD, let us know when you get yours as well. One of the lads I know might be buying one as well if mine is any good, these things could be popular!

DVD-Lots

Yeah mine is pushed out to wednesday too, stuck in Germany since Friday evening. Must get me one of those plugs too, trip to argos tomorrow!!!

Zero-Cool

Mine is back to Tuesday ETA and it's currently in Shannon, so close!

Zero-Cool

ah it just arrived!! Looks great! That argos plug works and it's currently charging. One little thing though, The colours don't look crystal clear. I know for the money I spent, I'm not expecting the best but I can see the little pixels in any picture/colour. I tried to take a pic with my phone but it didn't come out properly.

Long, did you notice anything like this? Mad to get home from work so I can have a proper look at this!

DVD-Lots

Nice one, mine is still in Germany, hasn't updated since Friday! Hope nothing has happened to it.

Zero-Cool

Well having played around with it a bit more, it's a great little device. One problem though, I only noticed it when I got it home, it has 1 dead pixel. Hardly noticible at all except when you are looking at a mostly dark screen. Not a big enough problem to send it back but sickner none the less. The comics really look great on it but videos are playing too fast and with no sound. Tried a few players and all the same, will need to look into it more.

longhalloween

I almost feel like doing a video review at this stage

I've been playing around with this the last few days, testing its limitations and the apps that it will/won't run.
I put the Walking Dead and a few Batman comics on it, and they look great. The backlit screen makes the colours more vibrant and better than reading an actual comic

The camera isn't up to much, slow framerate and not too high resolution( in fairness I don't care, I don't skype and I can't see myself rushing to take a picture with it)

Games are fine, I got angry birds and a snes emulator and they run with little lag.
It's a bit too slow to do any multitasking

@ sheehy, I haven't noticed any pixellation in photos or videos. It's nowhere near retina display quality, but that was expected.

I've installed MX player and that works for me.

Is the volume on the app and the tab up full? Did you have any problems charging it at the start?

Zero-Cool

I used MX player but would only run files from an SD card and I don't have one. Thought it was weird I just couldn't play a file from internal memory. Ya the volume is up and working okay. Must be something to do with the codecs. I will try another movie player tonight. Will have to get an SD card as well. I only find it looks 'dirty' on a white screen but yeah, for the price I didn't expect super HD. All I wanted was a comic reader and I got a really great one. That dead pixel is only noticeable on a black screen but it's rear the screen would be dark anyway.

Very tempted to download GTA 3 and try it out.

EDIT: No problems charging it, i saw the percentage would jump around but looks okay not it is fully charged

DVD-Lots

Mine has made it to dublin but is now at the dreaded Import Scan stage......please please please get through!!!! :pac:

EDIT: Nope, got stung for VAT @ €26, not bad I suppose but still.....unit will be here in 10mins so will have a play at lunchtime and report back.

Zero-Cool

ah crap, thankfully there a bit more relaxed about it in Shannon

Can anyone tell me what the buttons are for on the page left of the homescreen. There are 4 buttons, one is for the wireless and one is for brightness. What are the other 2 for?

DVD-Lots

The icons are Wireless, GPS, Synch and brightness in that order. I have them on my phone too, very handy for quick access.

DVD-Lots

I have to say that after using it for almost 6 hrs yesterday, I am well impressed. For the money it does exactly what it says on the tin. Comics look great, books look great, games play great (except for Ice Age Village which comes up with "Your device is not compatible, please ask for a refund" even though the game is free!) and the internet is perfect.

Haven't tried HDMI yet as I am waiting on a cable ( I only went and purchased a standard cable, didn't realize I needed a mini HDMI! ) but played a few clips from youtube and they looked amazing, especially the Avengers HD Trailer at 1080p.

Battery life was over 6 hrs on 1st charge and that was with the kids playing games for a good 3+ hours, wifi on all the time and brightness up full. The capacitive screen is good, not great like the screen on the Samsung Galaxy lets say but you get used to it pretty quick. The processor is pretty good for a single core, only really chugs when installing an app and trying to do something else but again, to be expected.

The only thing I have to complain about is the weight, it is a bit heavy to be holding for too long in one hand while reading, it's no Kindle weight wise but that's to be expected with everything else it does. Oh and make sure you have a Micro SD card, I have a 16GB one on order as the 128MB one I had lying around just doesn't cut it tbh!!!

As a general user I would not be looking for anything special out of this unit. It was bought solely for games for the kids, comics and books for myself and for the wife to browse the web instead of hogging my PC. It delivers on all fronts and will hopefully be a good media player once I get the cable sorted. I'd score it a 9/10 overall for the price range it is at.

Zero-Cool

Well thats 3 happy customers, someone should put this on Bargain Alerts if it's not already there. That brightness button on the left is great. Low, Medium and High at the touch of a button makes it handier for reading comics in low light and then switching back for browsing and games.

In the File Browser, it looks like the default place to store files is /MNT/FLASH. I think I better get an SD card.

DVD-Lots

Here's what I ordered, a steal at that price I think....

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Micro-SDHC/Kingston/Kingston-16GB-Micro-SD-%28SDHC%29-Card---Class-4-%2B-SDHC-Adaptor

longhalloween

Did either of you get the correct charger in the box?

Zero-Cool

No, had to buy an adapter in Argos.

DVD-Lots

I did, standard 3 prong charger, didn't have to purchase one thankfully.

longhalloween

sheehy83 wrote: »

No, had to buy an adapter in Argos.

I email the sellers on Wednesday about the charger and they replied today. The correct adaptor is in the post now

longhalloween

sheehy83 wrote: »

No, had to buy an adapter in Argos.

I emailed the sellers on Wednesday about the charger and they replied today. The correct adaptor is in the post now

pleasant Co.

How's the battery life on this thing? is there expandable memory (8gb is a bit on the teeny side)

Had an ipad2 for a little while but barely used it (even though it was great, just not worth the price for the use I was getting out of it) but i'm kinda interested in having a tablet for fcuk about with and it would make a handy remote vnc access point too.

DVD-Lots

Battery is really good, getting 5/6hrs use with full brightness and wireless, not sure about a full charge and idle as I literally unplug it when I get home and it gets used 'till the battery is nearly out again.

You can stick up to 32GB SD Card into so that should cover most needs.

pleasant Co.

DVD-Lots wrote: »

You can stick up to 32GB SD Card into so that should cover most needs.

I wonder if it could go higher? using a SDXC card formatted to Fat32.....hmmmm I'll have to investigate further :pac:

Zero-Cool

Hey lads, wonder if any of ye can help. Turned on my zt-280 last night. The ZT PAD logo came up on the screen as usual. I left it down for a minute and when I came back, the screen was black but pressing the power button did nothing. I had just fully charged it yesterday. I pressed power button multiple times as well as holding it down for long periods but no joy, it's completely dead. I plugged the charger back in and it was showing the red light meaning it was charging. When I was charging it yesterday, it had a red light and I waited for the light to go off before unplugging it.

Is there a reset hole on this or am I screwed?

DVD-Lots

Happens to me all the time!!! The reset button is on the very left on the bottom, small paper clip or pin will reset it, just press for a second or two, then press the power button and it should reboot fine. I panicked too the first time it happened........

Zero-Cool

Thanks man, gonna give this a go! Haven't heard back from aliexpress yet. Hope this fixes it

Zero-Cool

Worked!!! Legend DVD-LOTS! Phew, it was an early birthday present and it's my bday this week. Would have been bad if I had to send it back so soon.

DVD-Lots

Good stuff!!!! It's a pain when it happens so I always keep a paper clip in my wallet when on the road, just in case!!

Sesudra

I see yis are all in love with your zt-280s but just thought I'd add my handheld comic reader experience. I got the Samsung Galaxy 8.9 tablet a few weeks back and I love it! Screen is crystal clear, the comics look great on it. I use Perfect Viewer which I find really good, the bookshelf is easy to navigate and you can customize the touchscreen set up whatever way you want (I have it set so touching the left and right side of the screen turns the pages and touching the middle brings up the main menu).

It does have a view downsides - 13 GB storage, which isn't huge, and no way to put in extra storage also, the battery life isn't great, between reading the comics and looking up stuff online, I end up charging it every two days.

I picked it up for just over €300 and I'd highly recommend it!

longhalloween

Sesudra wrote: »

I picked it up for just over €300