X10 Community Forum

X10 AirPad Android Tablet => AirPad General Discussions => Topic started by: Jimdi on April 06, 2012, 01:44:44 PM

Title: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 06, 2012, 01:44:44 PM
OK - some have posted that they wish there was a review of the Airpad XL... so I am accommodating. :)
I purchase the Airpad XL refurbished - based on the ad that says "Like-New" and the "Only difference is the price!"
Shipping was prompt and even though I did standard shipping - I received mine in 2 days.  I must live within a state or two of the warehouse. :)
When I opened the box - "it did look like new" As a matter of fact - I couldn't tell at all by appearance that they unit was a refurbished one.
The only "technical" issue I had was the "how to" of inserting a micro SD card. The instructions were not clear on how far to press it in. You feel tension and then need to push further until the card is actually about 1mm inside the case before it will click into place and stay in the tablet.
X10 support was VERY GOOD at returning my call the following business day to answer all my questions. They even updated the WIKI page on the micro SD card to be more complete. They also answered my emails within a day or two.
So for service - so far -- I give them another big :)
The tablet itself has been great - It runs all the apps I have downloaded from Amazon apps without a hitch. And after almost 2 weeks of daily use - battery life seems very good -lasting me all day and evening. So far - there have been no technical issues, once i figured out how to insert an SD card correctly! :)

Yes it does support external USB devices like keyboard, jump drives, and hard drives.

The downside: You can't download From the Google apps website - which makes finding a few select apps difficult. You can get most directly from the developers website -- Like PlayOn for example.

Technical shortcomings include: No Bluetooth, No bluetooth support, No GPS. Other than that - it's pretty sweet.

So for $200 bucks if you can live without Google Appstore - and Bluetooth, and GPS - you have a pretty sweet tablet!

Post if you agree - disagree!


 
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on April 06, 2012, 01:54:28 PM
there r posts here on how to get "google play" up and running.
H
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 09, 2012, 09:11:45 AM
Yes - but as a "newbie" to Airpads (not pcs) I am hesitant to hack the system to get to a feature I need.

If the process was simpler than I have seen posted here - I might not list it as a "downside."

Out of the box - the airpad doesn't connect with Google - so that is a negative.

Out of the Box - it has no support for Bluetooth - that is a negative.

If someone could provide me with a simple way to access Google - I might rethink it.
(if that matters at all)

Jim
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on April 09, 2012, 09:56:11 AM
The 4.0.3 ROM has Google play installed and running
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 09, 2012, 11:55:36 AM

Good I will be glad when the "alpha" version is out for the XL...

Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: daldude on April 20, 2012, 04:02:01 PM
I got mine on Tuesday 4/17 and I am Not Happy with it. It definitely looks used, has  a scratch on the edge of the screen and marks all over the frame these cosmetic defects are not a major problem but why did I get one that looks more then just lightly used it looks like it was used for a extended period of time.
The major problem it has is the screen is not very bright at all and I have it at Maximum brightness, compared to a IPAD it's no where near as bright and if you say "You can't expect it to have a IPAD Quality screen image" I had a Nextbook 7 inch Tablet that had a screen as bright as a IPAD even at half brightness. I was in a building with overhead florescent lighting and it was not real bright lighting like found in Walmart or Grocery stores where it's almost blinding but a mid level brightness.

Also many programs lock up or crash run on it like The Weather Channel App, Weather Bug App, Al-Quran by Zoxcell,  and all these programs ran fine on the Nextbook. Also Tunin Radio and IHeart Radio  can't be installed via Google play or Amazone Appstore  App and I had to find the apk files and manually install them on the XL and NEXTTALK Smart Phone App can't be installed via Google Play and I have not found the apk file yet. Also WinAmp and Google Play crashes on it. There are other programs that don't run, lock up, or crash on it that did not do this on the Nextbook but I can't remember the programs names.

I am Not At All Happy with this Tablet and I hope it's just a defective unit because if this is normal then it's Not worth $200 and is a piece of junk.

Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 21, 2012, 10:14:00 AM
Wow it sounds like you got a rough one.  Why don't you return it exchange it as defective.  My screen is plenty bright - so there is a problem right there.  Granted it's not an IPAD -- but for what it is I have been mostly happy with it.  Although this Crappy Playback of AVI's is starting to bug me.

I am also getting really ANNOYED on this ridiculous DELAY ON ICS --- the ad Say's "Ice Cream Sandwich Upgradeable" but should say "If we ever bother to post it."


$200
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: daldude on April 21, 2012, 02:25:53 PM
That is exactly what I am doing, returning it for a replacement and it better fix the problems I'm having especially the locking up / crashing problems. I called X10 Friday and they said I should get a return label Saturday or Monday in my email in box (Why does it take so long to Email a shipping label file?   ::) )

Wow it sounds like you got a rough one.  Why don't you return it exchange it as defective.  My screen is plenty bright - so there is a problem right there.  Granted it's not an IPAD -- but for what it is I have been mostly happy with it.  Although this Crappy Playback of AVI's is starting to bug me.

I am also getting really ANNOYED on this ridiculous DELAY ON ICS --- the ad Say's "Ice Cream Sandwich Upgradeable" but should say "If we ever bother to post it."


$200

Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 21, 2012, 05:23:31 PM
Don't really have any locking up crashing problems - the only thing I can really bitch about is the lousy video playback, and the LONG time it's takeing to get ICS out there for us.


Jim
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: dberk on April 23, 2012, 11:36:21 AM
I just spoke with "Jessica" from X10 Customer Service. At first she said that ICS would be available in three weeks, but then said it was really thought to be available in 7 days. She said that "writing a total operating system for a table is a big project, and X10 is not a big company". I asked her what my recourse would be if ICS was never released for the product, and she reminded me that for refurbished units, all sales were final. I asked her if that was a little unfair, since the webpage clearly indicates that the unit was ICS upgradable, and while she agreed it said that, she said all sales were final. She said that "X10 would not lie to millions of people. ICS will be available."

The call was pleasant and nonconfrontational. I will feel better when somebody on the forum says that ICS is available and works.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Brian H on April 23, 2012, 11:45:31 AM
I doubt X10 is writing it at all.
I would suspect it is being customized by the OEM who made the tablet X10 puts its name on.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: dberk on April 23, 2012, 11:51:28 AM
I doubt X10 is writing it at all.
I would suspect it is being customized by the OEM who made the tablet X10 puts its name on.


Brian,

You are most likely correct. That brings me to my personal issue. Can you point me to a tutorial, or book, or article that teaches a newbie like myself how to upgrade an Android Tablet to a upgraded operating system that might be available from Ployer? A lot of us out here are Computer literate in general, but don't have a firm (or even limp) knowledge of the Android environment. I haven't found the "for dummies" book that puts it in simple enough terms...

Regards,
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 23, 2012, 10:56:30 PM
Yes please how to and the link for download please.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Brian H on April 24, 2012, 06:33:17 AM
I am not a tablet user and have no data on them.

You may want to search the forums for information. There are a few very knowledgeable tablet users here and would help you find the proper firmware files for your particular manufacturers device.

Seems many of the X10 Tablets are assorted models and manufacturers. Each has its own particular upgrade if released and using one for a different model or manufacturer could be a problem.

Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: X10 Repair Depot on April 24, 2012, 08:54:07 AM
I just spoke with "Jessica" from X10 Customer Service. At first she said that ICS would be available in three weeks, but then said it was really thought to be available in 7 days. She said that "writing a total operating system for a table is a big project, and X10 is not a big company". I asked her what my recourse would be if ICS was never released for the product, and she reminded me that for refurbished units, all sales were final. I asked her if that was a little unfair, since the webpage clearly indicates that the unit was ICS upgradable, and while she agreed it said that, she said all sales were final. She said that "X10 would not lie to millions of people. ICS will be available."

Upgrading the Android OS is not like upgrading from one version of Windows to the next. Every device needs to have an customized version created for it, and that involves a lot of work. The CPU manufacturer needs to do work, as does the motherboard manufacturer, the manufacturer of the tablet, and X10. I am highly involved with getting this released, and unfortunately it has been taking longer than expected. I expect to be able to test a new version tomorrow, and if it works properly we should be able to get it to everybody soon. I cannot promise an exact release date, but it will be released when it is ready.


dberk and Jimdi,

There is a post stickyed on the forum that gives step-by-step instructions on how to upgrade the OS. Currently, for the XL there is only a link to the original GB version of the software, but the instructions are the same if you choose to install another version. That being said, the other version has significant issues, so installing it would not really be a good idea at this time.

Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 24, 2012, 10:01:44 AM
Thank you for the Heads Up Repair Depot - I appreciate it.   Many talk about ICS as the next coming... Promises to solve video playback and Google ap store problems...

Just wish there was more light at the end of the tunnel on when ICS will be available....

Please keep us posted -

Thanks for the Update
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: daldude on April 24, 2012, 11:12:28 AM
I just spoke with "Jessica" from X10 Customer Service. At first she said that ICS would be available in three weeks, but then said it was really thought to be available in 7 days. She said that "writing a total operating system for a table is a big project, and X10 is not a big company". I asked her what my recourse would be if ICS was never released for the product, and she reminded me that for refurbished units, all sales were final. I asked her if that was a little unfair, since the webpage clearly indicates that the unit was ICS upgradable, and while she agreed it said that, she said all sales were final. She said that "X10 would not lie to millions of people. ICS will be available."

Upgrading the Android OS is not like upgrading from one version of Windows to the next. Every device needs to have an customized version created for it, and that involves a lot of work. The CPU manufacturer needs to do work, as does the motherboard manufacturer, the manufacturer of the tablet, and X10. I am highly involved with getting this released, and unfortunately it has been taking longer than expected. I expect to be able to test a new version tomorrow, and if it works properly we should be able to get it to everybody soon. I cannot promise an exact release date, but it will be released when it is ready.


dberk and Jimdi,

There is a post stickyed on the forum that gives step-by-step instructions on how to upgrade the OS. Currently, for the XL there is only a link to the original GB version of the software, but the instructions are the same if you choose to install another version. That being said, the other version has significant issues, so installing it would not really be a good idea at this time.




It's better then the piece of crap GB that is on the XL Now, no Video Sync Problems and the interface is much better totally cool and Awesome once you go to ICS you will never go back to GB.
Also it has Google Play
You do how ever have to edit the key files because the Volume buttons don't work but most of the time you can access the tool bar without exiting the program and control the volume.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: X10 Repair Depot on April 24, 2012, 12:20:24 PM



Quote


It's better then the piece of crap GB that is on the XL Now, no Video Sync Problems and the interface is much better totally cool and Awesome once you go to ICS you will never go back to GB.
Also it has Google Play
You do how ever have to edit the key files because the Volume buttons don't work but most of the time you can access the tool bar without exiting the program and control the volume.

I think you are being a bit harsh. We have sold a ton of the XL with Gingerbread, and have had very few complaints or returns of this model. GB is stable, and outside of a few comments on the forum the video issue does not seem to bother most people. I have been using one of these for months and I did not notice it at all until it was first mentioned up here. Also, due to licensing issues, the X10 version will not have Google Play installed.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on April 24, 2012, 12:22:05 PM
were u able to get them to put in external bluetooth support ?
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: dberk on April 24, 2012, 12:56:44 PM


From X10 Repair Depot:

 Also, due to licensing issues, the X10 version will not have Google Play installed.


Two issues with this:
1) Wouldn't it be fair to your customer base to note this on your website? Full disclosure is important, especially to android newbies like myself.
2) Can somebody post a newbie-link to a workaround to allow us to access android market product? I'll assume that X10 doesn't want to / can't give us that information directly.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on April 24, 2012, 01:19:28 PM
once they release the X10 version I will look at adding google play and post instructions. as long as the released version is rooted we should have no issues.

H
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: X10 Repair Depot on April 25, 2012, 07:58:58 AM
were u able to get them to put in external bluetooth support ?

No, I was told that it will not be possible to add bluetooth support to this release.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: X10 Repair Depot on April 25, 2012, 08:09:25 AM


From X10 Repair Depot:

 Also, due to licensing issues, the X10 version will not have Google Play installed.


Two issues with this:
1) Wouldn't it be fair to your customer base to note this on your website? Full disclosure is important, especially to android newbies like myself.
2) Can somebody post a newbie-link to a workaround to allow us to access android market product? I'll assume that X10 doesn't want to / can't give us that information directly.

Thanks.

Our sales website states that our tablets have Amazon Market support, it never indicated that the this unit would have Google Play (Market) support. This will not change with the new release.  Getting certified by Google to be able supply Google Play is a huge undertaking and it is the reason that no low to mid range tablets LEGITIMATELY have Google support.

If you choose to install the manufacturer's OS rather than the X10 OS, then you should refer to forums specifically geared towards the OEM model.

 
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: dberk on April 25, 2012, 09:57:15 AM


From X10 Repair Depot:

 Also, due to licensing issues, the X10 version will not have Google Play installed.


Two issues with this:
1) Wouldn't it be fair to your customer base to note this on your website? Full disclosure is important, especially to android newbies like myself.
2) Can somebody post a newbie-link to a workaround to allow us to access android market product? I'll assume that X10 doesn't want to / can't give us that information directly.

Thanks.

Our sales website states that our tablets have Amazon Market support, it never indicated that the this unit would have Google Play (Market) support. This will not change with the new release.  Getting certified by Google to be able supply Google Play is a huge undertaking and it is the reason that no low to mid range tablets LEGITIMATELY have Google support.

If you choose to install the manufacturer's OS rather than the X10 OS, then you should refer to forums specifically geared towards the OEM model.

 


I did go back and read the website.

"Full-Featured"
"With all the features you could want"
"Upgradeable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) in February" (2012 assumed)


I aslo have a Galaxy Tab. On the chart on your website, it compares the AirPad only in ways that the AirPad can be perceived as better. This might have been the place to indicate that the Galaxy Tab was "certified" and the AirPad was not.

I realize that it is kind of a "newbie tax". If I want the AirPad to do what my Galxay Tab does, I will have to get support elsewhere. As you have indicated.

On your forum, you ask us to report how we are using our AirPads. That is all I am doing.

Peace Out,
Dberk   B:(
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: dave w on April 25, 2012, 11:53:47 AM
I aslo have a Galaxy Tab. On the chart on your website, it compares the AirPad only in ways that the AirPad can be perceived as better. This might have been the place to indicate that the Galaxy Tab was "certified" and the AirPad was not.

I realize that it is kind of a "newbie tax". If I want the AirPad to do what my Galxay Tab does, I will have to get support elsewhere. As you have indicated.

On your forum, you ask us to report how we are using our AirPads. That is all I am doing.
Lets make this fair: How much did you pay for the Samsung Tab??
You did not pay $500 for the AirPad, why are you trying to compare to a $400 to $500 tablet? I suppose you expect your Smartcar to drive like an Esplanade also.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: daldude on April 25, 2012, 12:45:06 PM


From X10 Repair Depot:

 Also, due to licensing issues, the X10 version will not have Google Play installed.


Two issues with this:
1) Wouldn't it be fair to your customer base to note this on your website? Full disclosure is important, especially to android newbies like myself.
2) Can somebody post a newbie-link to a workaround to allow us to access android market product? I'll assume that X10 doesn't want to / can't give us that information directly.

Thanks.

Our sales website states that our tablets have Amazon Market support, it never indicated that the this unit would have Google Play (Market) support. This will not change with the new release.  Getting certified by Google to be able supply Google Play is a huge undertaking and it is the reason that no low to mid range tablets LEGITIMATELY have Google support.

If you choose to install the manufacturer's OS rather than the X10 OS, then you should refer to forums specifically geared towards the OEM model.

 


This is just Wrong  ::), Google has no right to force people to buy over priced Tablets or Cell Phones just to have access to the Android Market which contains most of the good Apps, Google Play should be available on Any Android device starting at GB  why should I have to sacrifice quality Apps just because I can't afford a device that averages  $400 or more. I checked Bestbuy and the cheapest ICS Flash compatible Tablet was 329 by Archos and was in limited stock probably because it was a discontinued model and it has no Memory Card Slot.
You can get a Samsung - Galaxy Tab 2 ICS Tablet for 250 bucks that has flash, GPS, Bluetooth and WIFI but it has only a 7 inch screen so the screen would be too small for us old people with not so great sight who would have to switch to our reading glasses to use it.

Also why can the manufacture of the tablet a cheap unknown company in china get their version approved by Google but X10 can't? Or how did they get the Google Play App installed on their version of the Tablet?  B:(
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: X10 Repair Depot on April 25, 2012, 01:38:00 PM


Also why can the manufacture of the tablet a cheap unknown company in china get their version approved by Google but X10 can't? Or how did they get the Google Play App installed on their version of the Tablet?  B:(

"LEGITIMATELY" is the key word here. The low priced tablets in China are not certified. Google either cannot control them or they choose not to. They can and do control Android tablets that are sold from US based companies. 
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on April 25, 2012, 03:02:29 PM
Everyone,

This is not something that is uncommon in the tablet world. that is why there are forums that give support to people that want more out of there tablets.  I for one don't mind flashing my tablet with an image that is not from the OEM, or rooting my tablet with third party software.  if you think this is the only tablet that has Google play issues go check the forums on slatedroid and/or XDA.

So far I am very happy with my XL and all that it is capable of and will work on getting a kernel that will support bluetooth because that is something that I want on my tablet, and yes I knew when I bought it that it did not come with built-in bluetooth.

H
 
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: ce_runner on April 25, 2012, 03:48:19 PM
Hairface... I could not agree with you more... I have flashed my 7p numerous times with X10, Ployer and 3rd party images and it gets better with every flash. For the money, these are great tablets... My 7p was purchased as a refurb and I have not had one problem (except the ones that I caused...) with it.
 cj 
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: dberk on April 25, 2012, 04:09:13 PM
I aslo have a Galaxy Tab. On the chart on your website, it compares the AirPad only in ways that the AirPad can be perceived as better. This might have been the place to indicate that the Galaxy Tab was "certified" and the AirPad was not.

I realize that it is kind of a "newbie tax". If I want the AirPad to do what my Galxay Tab does, I will have to get support elsewhere. As you have indicated.

On your forum, you ask us to report how we are using our AirPads. That is all I am doing.
Lets make this fair: How much did you pay for the Samsung Tab??
You did not pay $500 for the AirPad, why are you trying to compare to a $400 to $500 tablet? I suppose you expect your Smartcar to drive like an Esplanade also.

Please comment on the fact that the website says the unit will be upgradeable to ICS in February. I wasn't the one who tried to compare it to a more expensive tablet. X10 was. See the website. Even X10 now admits that video playback is out of sync. The topic of the forum thread is Airpad XL Refurbished Review. Review means discuss the bad with the good. If the advertising isn't totally honest, which advertising usually isn't, this is where you  point it out. We can expect it to not be as strong as an iPad, for sure. But why can't we know where the weaknesses will be? The SmartCar doesn't advertise itself as "full-featured". If you knew video playback was going to be out of sync, and you bought it to watch video, you probably wouldn't have purchased it. Can't comment on an Esplanade because I don't know what one is. My bad. :'
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on April 25, 2012, 06:11:42 PM
dberk

if you really want google play send me a personal message and I will assist you. I have no problem setting aside time and helping someone with there tablet. 
 
The forum is here for us to help each other.

Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 26, 2012, 08:39:45 AM
daldue and hairface:
Quote:
"You do how ever have to edit the key files because the Volume buttons don't work but most of the time you can access the tool bar without exiting the program and control the volume."


Ok X10 Repair depot says the install is the same for ICS ployer as GB posted here, but you make mention of above instructions -

Can you post what a newbie would have to do?   If google play isn't going to be part of X10's post - I think I want to go with the Ployer one.

BUT as a "newbie"  I need some help please!

And also please let me know what I "cannot do" with this new Upgrade....


This is the latest Ployer download for ICS for the XL?
http://en.ployer.cn/uploadfile/201204/CM008-4-0406.rar

Please and Thanks
 
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 26, 2012, 08:55:44 AM


From X10 Repair Depot:

 Also, due to licensing issues, the X10 version will not have Go ogle Play installed.


Two issues with this:
1) Wouldn't it be fair to your customer base to note this on your website? Full disclosure is important, especially to android newbies like myself.
2) Can somebody post a newbie-link to a workaround to allow us to access android market product? I'll assume that X10 doesn't want to / can't give us that information directly.

Thanks.

Our sales website states that our tablets have Amazon Market support, it never indicated that the this unit would have Google Play (Market) support. This will not change with the new release.  Getting certified by Google to be able supply Google Play is a huge undertaking and it is the reason that no low to mid range tablets LEGITIMATELY have Google support.

If you choose to install the manufacturer's OS rather than the X10 OS, then you should refer to forums specifically geared towards the OEM model.

 

I agree with Repair depot - however I would point out in all fairness that I was taken in by your ad SHOWING things like facebook etc... when the Actual Facebook app and other that you advertise are NOT available on Amazon - that you must go to google to get them.  Amazon does have some third party apps - but you don' show those in your ad-- you show facebook.  While "technically" you are right - it is a little misleading - it got me.  -- The ad shows Facebook - Youtube and Watch Movies - as big selling points with pictures - there is no * saying with 3rd party apps.  Google play is huge= - spend the the money - or give us the option of paying for it. Please! And thanks you.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on April 26, 2012, 09:10:04 AM
jimdi,

putting google play on the tablet is not a big deal and most apps can be gotten from other sources.

the key files only need to be changed if u upgrade to ICS.

the 0406 image is not worth the download.....lots of bloatware and nothing new.

H
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 27, 2012, 11:05:26 AM
Here is a list of apps that I wanted that are not on Amazon:  (I have found some sources like H says - if you know of more apps/sources - please add them to the list)
Shazam - (No direct download mfg - found a version - don't know if it's current at a 3rd party site - no update ability available except through Google)
Facebook  (No direct download from mfg -it's Google or nothing.)  Using Friendcaster from Amazon - don't know if it's better or not - seems clumsy.
PlayOn- called tech support - the directly emailed me the app - they only distribute through Google.
EyeFi - called tech support - the directly emailed me the app - they only distribute through Google.
Youtube - just 3rd party apps
Google Maps?
Google Earth?
I also had an app looking for a "speech engine" that was only from "google apps" dumped it and got another reader.

Again if you know of a Solid Source for Apps other than Google and Amazon - please post.

Thank You




Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on April 27, 2012, 11:39:14 AM
try
www.freewarelovers.com (http://www.freewarelovers.com)
u will find some of them on that site

H
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on April 28, 2012, 10:47:51 AM
Thanks...will take a look
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: dberk on May 03, 2012, 09:46:34 AM
The X10 website regarding the XL now states:

"The new AirPad XL is powered by Android 2.3.4, and will be upgradable to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) soon."

That is to say, it no longer claims that the ICS will be available in February.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on May 22, 2012, 03:56:47 PM
OMG!!!!!!!!! -:)

JUST installed ICS v 4.03 with Google Play /android app --- Night and Day difference in tablet performance.

Videos play smoother, videos over my network play smoother....

tablet apps are more responsive....

I dont' see a downside to this....

And the App Store!  Google compared to Amazon is like Walgreens VS Walmart for selection.

Couldn't live again without Google Play / Android App store!
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: cjhallx on May 22, 2012, 10:21:23 PM
Which build of the 4.0.3 version?  Helps everyone to know please.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on May 23, 2012, 11:58:44 AM
Sorry - 4-03331.rar is the downloaded compressed image...Android version just says 4.0.3 on the tablet

img file is 01F2-P1-H1-M01-1883.20120331.img


I haven't come across one chinese character anywhere in the process....

I really haven't noticed spell check for better or worse - It seems to be displaying words as I type and they seem correct.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on May 23, 2012, 02:16:22 PM
The 0514 image is better than the 0331.

H
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: cjhallx on May 23, 2012, 09:49:12 PM
Yes, you definitely want to upgrade.  That is why I asked.  :)
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on May 24, 2012, 08:20:51 AM
"The 0514 image is better than the 0331."


In what way?   I assume with 0514 - I would have to do the Google Play Store Hack you had sent me...

Please let me know I am curious.

Oh yes ... I can still use the same version of Livesuit for 0514 that I used for 0331 correct?
and follow the same install procedure - only this time I can skip the volume key hack correct?

Jim
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on May 24, 2012, 09:01:38 AM
yes to livesuit and correct on keyfiles.
it seems to run faster than 0331

Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on May 27, 2012, 02:06:55 PM
Did the Google hack some stuff didn't work...

I assume it was a mistake in the instructions vending.com vs vending.apk....

AFter I got stuff up and working....

Noticed the X10 version 4.03.0514 was missing some google apps vs the 4.0331 version.

Didn't notice a speed difference in the X10 version.  Seemed about the same to me.

Personally - the 4.03 version seemed "fuller" if that makes any sense at all.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on May 28, 2012, 10:23:58 AM
More on ICS 0514 vs 0331 ---

Greenmountain software - - - All the Audubon Guides Crashes instantly on 0514 but runs fine on 0331...

And while I was typing this on my tablet under 0514 the Keyboard just jumped into Chinese!

I think0514 is the Buggy Version - that Repair Depot was working with.

I think I will wipe the tablet and go back to 0331.   

Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: IPS on May 30, 2012, 09:02:26 PM
Jimdi

I tried to download from
 http://en.ployer.cn/uploadfile/201204/CM008-4-0406.rar
without any luck
what is the trick?
Please help.

IPS
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: cjhallx on May 30, 2012, 10:52:54 PM
Did not have any problems, perhaps their server was down.  Don't forget the time difference.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on May 31, 2012, 01:39:57 AM
These downloads from China go slow... but H says this download (406) isn't woth the trouble.  I use 40331 and I am very happy with it. I find it very stable.
http://en.ployer.cn/UploadFile/201204/CM008-4-0331.rar
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: cjhallx on May 31, 2012, 10:25:54 AM
That link has been removed. Anyone have a good link? Thx!
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on May 31, 2012, 01:17:45 PM
i have a copy of 0331 in my dropbox if anyone needs it

H
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: IPS on May 31, 2012, 02:57:26 PM
Hi H

Thanks for your help. No luck with your link

IPS
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on May 31, 2012, 03:13:06 PM
I clicked on the link that i sent u and it went straight to the file. what problems/errors r u seeing ?
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: IPS on June 02, 2012, 06:06:50 AM
Hairface

What is image 0510 & 0330? I am new to tablet and have no clue about any of the terms used. Can you please explain some of them?

Also i would like to install google play on mine. But so far i have not been able to down load. Every link that i have tried has failed. What am i missing here?

Is there a auto correct while typing?

Please help.

IPS
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: IPS on June 02, 2012, 07:22:03 AM
Hi H

Problem with down load:

When i click on link, it says: starting download. When i look for downloaded file it says:
  <unknown >
gives file name
failed

Tried many times no luck. What am not doing?

IPS
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: BuBuSpidecky on June 07, 2012, 12:52:54 AM
OK - some have posted that they wish there was a review of the Airpad XL... so I am accommodating. :)
I purchase the Airpad XL refurbished - based on the ad that says "Like-New" and the "Only difference is the price!"
Shipping was prompt and even though I did standard shipping - I received mine in 2 days.  I must live within a state or two of the warehouse. :)
When I opened the box - "it did look like new" As a matter of fact - I couldn't tell at all by appearance that they unit was a refurbished one.
The only "technical" issue I had was the "how to" of inserting a micro SD card. The instructions were not clear on how far to press it in. You feel tension and then need to push further until the card is actually about 1mm inside the case before it will click into place and stay in the tablet.
X10 support was VERY GOOD at returning my call the following business day to answer all my questions. They even updated the WIKI page on the micro SD card to be more complete. They also answered my emails within a day or two.
So for service - so far -- I give them another big :)
The tablet itself has been great - It runs all the apps I have downloaded from Amazon apps without a hitch. And after almost 2 weeks of daily use - battery life seems very good -lasting me all day and evening. So far - there have been no technical issues, once i figured out how to insert an SD card correctly! :)

Yes it does support external USB devices like keyboard, jump drives, and hard drives.

The downside: You can't download From the Google apps website - which makes finding a few select apps difficult. You can get most directly from the developers website -- Like PlayOn for example.

Technical shortcomings include: No Bluetooth, No bluetooth support, No GPS. Other than that - it's pretty sweet.

So for $200 bucks if you can live without Google Appstore - and Bluetooth, and GPS - you have a pretty sweet tablet!

Post if you agree - disagree!

Before I start, I would like to say I have been having Superb experiences with X-10 and their products since the days of Dial-up! And this is the very first time I have ever had a problem with their product...
 B:(  I just got mine in Over the Memorial day weekend. It actually arrived in three days (Thursday) but I didn't have a chance to open it till Friday evening. So it took till Tuesday for me to be able to call.
Right out of the box I found I could not hold it cradled in either hand without the touch screen freaking out, not taking input, popping up the keyboard and blasting 'R" and 'Q' across the text input line..

Then I loaded some trusted apps and went looking around. It was supposed to have 8GB Ram. No Sir only 5.12GB of ram. Calibrating the sensors is useless, when it's laying on a solid table, without vibration, those buttons are Jiggling constantly.

So OK, got to send it back. Then the display/home page starts jiggling side to side.. I discover it works just fine laying flat. Great. OK I still love this thing, Friends and Business Friends love the thing. It's way better than their iPads.

On Tuesday I call customer Support and they are willing to issue an RMA. Haven't received the RMA info yet.
Then today, my Keyboard disappears and all the settings for it.

Then I try to hook it up to my computer. No Sir. Doesn't work. That USB port (mini) is dead. 2K, XPro, Vista Ultimate, Win7, Even PR-Win8, no see tablet.

Finally, as I said, the soft keyboard disappeared tonight. Well at least I can get that Macros keyboard up.

So we'll see when I get a new one. BTW, I just went through this with Whirlpool. Under the US lemon laws they are sending a NEW appliance even though I purchased a Factory Refurbished model. Airpad's are Appliances. I just don't want to go through 6 months of crap this time.

I don't believe X-10 will do that. They are a good company.

This Air Pad is great, even with all the things going wrong. I haven't told anyone anything bad about it. It is, in my eyes superior to most out there, for a great price.

It's saving graces are the Battery time is great, that I can plug in a 3 port powered USB hub, have a mouse, External keyboard (Targus iPAQ stowaway, or regular), and a 350GB hard drive attached to it. AND the Display. Crisp and Clear.

Cheers,
BuBu



Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on June 07, 2012, 01:49:38 PM
I found them quick to respond to my questions when I first received mine.  If you are like others who have had problems - they should address yours quickly as well. I would hope.

I guess I was lucky - my refurbished model was like new - you are the 2nd to report a problem refurb unit.

I can say they did take care of the first persons problems in a timely manner.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: BuBuSpidecky on June 21, 2012, 09:19:25 PM
 :'
I saw the first post that say';s you can't DL from the Google Apps Store. Humm, I have no problems with Mine...Although it updated the Google Apps Store software the first time I used it.

 :)% 
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on June 27, 2012, 02:48:43 PM
Ok I am at about a month of using ICS 0331 following Hairface's instructions on "fixing" the keyboard and volume controls. (simple process).

And no problems to report.   To me it is faster and superior to 2.34 (what came on it) and I have had no crashes or bugs.  New apps are out each day for ICS and they all seem to run fine.

Google Store and google apps run so well, I can't believe you would be without them.

I do notice the spell check is short on words - but "who caares?" :)
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: daldude on June 27, 2012, 03:05:42 PM
Ok I am at about a month of using ICS 0331 following Hairface's instructions on "fixing" the keyboard and volume controls. (simple process).

And no problems to report.   To me it is faster and superior to 2.34 (what came on it) and I have had no crashes or bugs.  New apps are out each day for ICS and they all seem to run fine.

Google Store and google apps run so well, I can't believe you would be without them.

I do notice the spell check is short on words - but "who caares?" :)


What do you mean by simple process when referring to "fixing" the keyboard and volume controls? It took me 3 hours online with Hairface via IM to get my key files replaced with the working ones it was not easy for me because it involved confusing to me Unix commands, are you a advanced Unix programmer or Unix user?

I have 0331 and both web browsers run slowly and I constantly get the message that the browser is not responding with the option to wait or end the program, maybe it has something to do with whatever apps I have installed but I don't know how to determine which app is causing the slow browser performance maybe the weather apps I installed that run in the background checking to see if the weather data has been updated or maybe the program that keeps my system clock acculturate(ClockSync) to the atomic clock which I installed because I kept noticing the system clock was off by 2 or 3 minutes and once it was off my over 10 minutes and I have the Automatic date & time option enabled in system settings, maybe my ISP's clock is not very accurate.
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: hairface on June 27, 2012, 03:17:45 PM
just as an FYI I have a batch file you can run on your windows machine and it will update the keyfiles for you, also have one for adding google play.

H
Title: Re: Airpad XL Refurbished Review
Post by: Jimdi on June 28, 2012, 08:49:31 AM
Well any "Weather" app to me is problematic.  Especially if it's from Weatherbug.
But in my experience - with ICS 0331 - Internet and OS is MUCH faster and snappier than with Gingerbread.

Not to Mention - how wonderful it is to have all the missing Google apps working like Google App Store.

The original step by step - did have some omissions in it - and I have NEVER used UNIX before  - but I figured it out on my own.  I then sent back a revised script with the omissions added (it was nothing serious - just in parts they forgot to say hit return --- etc.)

Now there is a batch file from hairface - do it the easy way.

By the way Hairface - I would love a copy of both batch files. :)

Now on the other hand ICS 0510 - the "beta" for X10 missing Google app store - was a disaster.  I simply don't understand how 0331 can be so close to perfect, and the one made for X10 can be such a disaster.

Does removing the Google app store - really trash the OS that bad?

No wonder we have heard nothing from Repair Depot in weeks about the ICS upgrade....

If you want my opinion - reload the OS - and run it alone for a week and see how you like it - don't pile it full of apps right out of the gate - then you will never know if the OS is the problem or if the apps are.  Add apps one at a time - and see how they affect your performance.  When it dogs down, you will know which apps is the trouble maker.

ES taskmanager is great for seeing what is loading on boot, and managing memory.

here is a hint - if you have a ton of apps syncing - that could be your problem - try switching them to manual sync.