Telechips Android 2.1 Apad – Real soon now? 5:59 AM

The APad we’re all used to seeing is the RK2808 powered version which runs on the admittedly outdated Android OS version 1.5. A new version of the APad has popped up and this instead features Android 2.1 in an interesting move, and is powered by the Telechips TCC8902 chipset, based on ARM11 architecture. This is a good move for the APad as the RK2808 version was more of a trial run for Rockchip. They have since announced the upcoming chip RK2818, which is supposed to run at 1GHz and will support Android 2.1/2.2, so this Telechips model looks to be in direct competition with that, beating it to the market. Another benefit of the TCC8902 powered APad is that it should be able to “handle” 1080p video, but we’ll see. It is presumed that functionality remains, at the very least, the same as the RK2808 version of the APad. Also, with the addition of 1080p support, one of the USB ports has been changed into an HDMI port. Things are progressing not all too slowly for the generic Android-powered Chinese MID market via Shanzhaiben

$35 for an Indian vapourware tablet … or $99 for an Eken? You call it!:) 5:47 AM

From WIRED:   Why India’s $35 Tablet May Be Just a Dream By A prototype tablet from India that looks similar to the iPad but costs a few hundred dollars less than the magical device is on its way, according to the country’s government officials who showed the device at an event Thursday. The Linux-based tablet from India is priced at $35 with the potential to drop it to either $20 or $10. The tablet will support video conferencing and wireless, have open source software on it including Open Office, and will include a media player. It will also have a solar-power option. The government has not disclosed details about the tablet’s processing power, memory or storage. It is also not clear if the device will have a touchscreen or a pen-based input. The Indian government hopes to bring the tablet into production in 2011, but first it must find partners to build it. So far, no manufacturers have been announced, though officials claim several have expressed interest. The success of Apple’s iPad and the demand among consumers for a slick media-consumption tablet has spurred the quest for a low-cost device that has the looks of an iPad and the functionality of a laptop. The One Laptop Per Child Project in the United States recently announced that it is planning to create a $75 OLPC tablet. But the first version of that tablet is unlikely to be available before the end of next year. OLPC’s current low-cost laptop sells for $200. In March, chip maker Marvell showed a prototype that will offer web access and high-definition content for just $100. The tablet called Moby will be targeted at students, says Marvell, and it will run Marvell’s Armada 600 series of application processors. So far,  Marvell’s $100 tablets have yet to go beyond a reference design. Current estimates on the cost of components show that getting the cost of a device below $100 isn’t easy. The cheapest version of Apple’s iPad costs $500. A teardown of the iPad shows the bill of materials alone for it is $230. A six-inch black-and-white screen on a Kindle 2 alone costs $60, according to iSuppli. To create its $35 tablet, the Indian government says it partnered with some of the country’s best technical universities including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Students involved in the project created their own motherboard and PCBs for the device, say officials. Interestingly, the government says private companies in the country showed little interest in the idea. The bill of materials of a prototype tablet came to $47. But officials didn’t explain how they think that cost can shrink to $35 and lower. “It could be seen that by customizing the device to the needs of learners across the country, and by utilizing the processor capabilities of the processors suitable for the purpose, it was possible to substantially reduce the prices of such access-cum-computing devices,” a press release from the country’s Press Information Bureau said. Deciphering that is not easy. Even more puzzling is that the announcement of the tablet did not mention who will manufacture the product or how it will be distributed. It is also not clear if the $35 price tag includes a small profit margin or if the product will be sold entirely at cost. Despite the introduction of the latest tablet with much fanfare, India doesn’t have a history of delivering on its much-hyped promises about electronic devices. For instance, Indian startup Notion Ink has been promising a tablet for months called Adam that is yet to hit the market. In February 2009, Indian government officials announced a $10 laptop that ultimately proved to be vaporware. The $35 tablet could go the same way. Read More http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/07/india-35-tablet/#ixzz0uyr1WItd

Kmart stocks Apads! 3:24 AM

Well, whaddayaknow! Here’s a nice safe place to get one ….

Android shops at Kmart by Mp4doggie Imagine my disbelief when I found out that Kmart will now be carrying a Android 2.1 tablet running at 800 mhz, and you thought they only sold pants and hairspray. Kmart has already began carrying the Augen Gentouch and from what I read, this tablet is no slouch and according to the official site has a working Android market and of course a resistive touch screen . The price according to the mailer is about $150 or the equivalent of 300 full size Snickers bars ( but from what we can tell the snickers are not as cool).So please check the specs below and make way for one kick butt blue light special. Product Features 1. •800x480 color TFT touch panel screen 2. • CPU: 800 Mhz 3. • Ram: DDR2 256mb 4. • Internal Memory: 2GB 5. • Expansion Slots: SD/MMC card slot up to 16GB 6. • Wi-Fi Connectivity with Full Web Browsing Capability 7. • Supports Ebook Formats: Text, PDF, E-PUB, HTML 8. • Supports Media Formats: MP3, WMA, FLAC, AAC 9. • Supports most popular E-Book formats 10. • Picture Viewer in JPEG, BMP 11. • Video Player 12. • Rechargeable Lithium Battery 13. • Carrying case included 14. Android 2.1 with Market Link to AUGEN official site Accessories Included 1. • Leather Carrying Case 2. • USB Cable (for data transfers only) 3. • UL Certified AC Adapter Tags : android 2.1 android tablet augen gentouch 78

Apads that run Windows 7/XP 4:35 AM

Remember this? It’s real.  Check out this video (and if you really really want one, the site that made the video apparently sells ‘em):

And here’s a Benq that does Windows XP.  A bit fat, and the screen’s on the small side, but just think about what sort of tablet PC $399 would have bought you 12 months ago, and you’ll see why this is a big deal!

Bloatware problems on Android phones … 5:48 AM

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/07/bloatware-android-phones/ I wonder if the chinese Apad apps qualify … I guess if you’re not Chinese they’re a bit like Bloatware!

Can your phone do this? 5:42 AM

WinCE on Eken! 5:40 AM

Another Slatedroid 1st as far we know . This M003 by mod donaldson with a few tweaks ,running ce with 800 x 600 resolution win ce link : http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?2629-WinCe-almost-working

Opera Mini 5.1 released 7:13 AM

Opera Mini 5.1 for Android released Opera Mini raises the game on Android phones. Since its Opera Mini 5 beta release, Opera Mini can now be set as the default browser for more convenient Internet access. Opera Mini 5.1 also offers improved page layout on high-end Android handsets with large screens. Read more: http://www.opera.com/press/releases/2010/07/14/ Download: http://www.opera.com/mobile/download/versions/ My impressions: it's more stable, can handle more tabs open, can be set as the system default browser and support "real" full screen.

If you’ve used an Apad, you’ll know why this – a stable browser - is very important! Nudge nudge, wink wink.

Fix for Blue LED Apad firmware 7:11 AM

Read more here: http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/content.php?241-Android-tablet-stores-fixes-the-blue-led

Eken M001 now runs Win CE (this is a good thing, right?) 7:09 AM

Eken M001 and Windows CE ( a match made in heaven) Slatedroid is proud to announce another 1st for the site. The Eken M001 and a working copy of Win CE with touchscreen drivers. See the proof below with video goodness thanks to xdpirate for spearheading the operation and mingnon for uploading working firmware. ps:let the custom firmware begin   Read more here: http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/content.php?237-Windows-ce-on-the-Eken-M001

Window 7 Apad … $389 – believe it or not? 4:23 AM

In my travels, I’ve come across this! Never mind that you wonder how all those specs can fit into an Ipad lookin’ tablet casing – I mean, 2 x PCI-E s;pts? REALLY? – it’s also apparently a mere $389, and presumably comes with a registered copy of Windows 7?! Read all about it here: http://www.firstsing.com/FS07004%20160GB%2010.1%20inch%20GPS%20WIFI%203G%20MULTI%20TOUCH%20SCREEN%20Windows%207%20Apad%20ePad%20MID.htm

My pappy always says if it’s too good to be true it’s ‘cos you want it to be. But no harm in looking:

FS07004 160GB 10.1 inch GPS WIFI 3G MULTI TOUCH SCREEN Windows 7 Apad ePad MID More Photo Features FS07004 160GB 10.1 inch GPS WIFI 3G MULTI TOUCH SCREEN Windows 7 Apad ePad MID CPU Intel Atom Mobile N450@1.66GHz Chipset Intel Intel GMA3150 Display 10.1" TFT touch screen 1024*600 WXGA System Memory DDR2 667/533/800 MHz memory, DDR2 SO-DIMM slot ,1GB (upmost to 2GB) Storage  SATA HDD,160GB (upmost to 320GB) Sound System High definition Audio support 2.1 channel output Two Audio jacks I/O Ports  3×USB 2.0 ports 1×VGA port 1×Headphone jack 1×Microphone jack 1×Internal Microphone  1×RJ-45 port for LAN 1×DC-In jack 1×3in1 cardreader  Slots 1×DIMM Slot  2×Mini PCI-E slots: built-in WIFI, 802.11b/g/n 54mb  Bluetooth(optional) built in EVDO 3G module(optional) LAN On board 10/100MB LAN PC camera  1.3 Mega Pixels  Power  3cells 3000mAh battery,2.5 h battery life Input/Output Adapter Input:100-240V~50/60Hz Security  Kensington Lock O.S. Windows 7/2000/XP, Vista, Linux

And how do I know the price? I received this email:

Dear Larry, Here is the price list for FS07004: USD389/PC for sample USD340/PC for 100pcs Can you tell us your order qty? Best Regards. Cherry Chen Firstsing Co.,Ltd.

I’m real tempted, I have to say!

Rogerbraun Hybrid Rom v5.1 6:12 AM

Features:

[ROM] Hybrid custom firmware for aPad 5.1 (updated July 3rd) This is a custom firmware that tries to take the best parts of the several roms for the Rockchip: Archos 7HT, Ramos W7, aPad. This version will run only on an aPad WITH camera! What works: new in 5.1 * Wake-up issue fixed * "Display turns off when trying to shut down" issue fixed * 300 mb size for apps (thanks xaueious) * Home key mapped to back (thanks xaueious) * Adblock using host file (thanks xaueious) * Removed everything (IME/apps) except media players/browser/gapps * Starts up in english (thanks fun_) * Rotating launcher (thanks again xaueious) * Other stuff. * READ INSTALL NOTES! Grab it here: http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/downloads.php?do=cat&id=16

Apad HybridKangXau v1.3 Apad rom released 6:08 AM

[ROM] HybridKangXau v1.3 Standard, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese Versions (07/05/10) Batch2 only! 3 versions of my ROM now. English ROM is very similar to rogerbraun's. This release was made mainly for the Arabic and Chinese localizations. Includes 300MB data, hardware back key, proper landscape apps... Head over to my blog post for the full gist of what this is all about http://myapad.wordpress.com/2010/06/...stom-firmware/ I don't want to retype it 3 times. Download link is here. v1.3AR Arabic ROM Test direct link Download Arabic ROM specific notes here: http://myapad.wordpress.com/2010/07/...r-apad-irobot/ It displays Hebrew and most other languages just fine, by the way. But I'll tune one for Hebrew maybe later:

How to make an Apad USB Host cable 6:03 AM

Read this: http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?2137-Make-a-USB-Host-Cable

Stream live TV on Apad 6:00 AM

Stream live TV on your Apad with this magical .apk file:

Spb Tv Full SPB TV is a highly usable IP-TV solution, optimized to run on mobile devices. Spb TV provides users with lots of channels in multiple languages with easy-to-use features and settings. No subscription fee! Requires a reliable 3G or WiFi network connection for proper streaming. Get it here: http://blackdroid.net/?file=2&sort=2

Thanks to johnnyp for the  tip!

A week in the life of a Rockchip Apad user 5:55 AM

Check out riki1kenobi’s glowing review of one of these babies: http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/entry.php?46-A-week-in-the-life-of-an-apad-%28rockchip%29-user&s=290fabff68ceae02c2bd339e9299109b

New incompatible Apad emerges! 5:50 AM

Warning – before buying a new Apad, read this:

Apad iRobot / Moonse E7001 Alternate Incompatible Blue LED Tablets have Emerged by xaueious on 07-08-2010 at 11:59 PM (291 Views) (pictures from Slatedroid members who own the devices) These tablets reportedly have blue LED charging lights instead of red, and require the top instead of the bottom mini-USB connection for firmware flashing. The outer shell is identical to the plastic shell of the original Apad iRobot / Moonse E7001. There are NO distinguishable differences when the device is not powered on. Some of these come in boxes with 'iWeb' printed. They have different PCBs than the Rockchip tablets most of the other users on Slatedroid have. The origin of these units is currently unknown. Users have discovered that any firmwares intended for the original Apad iRobot / Moonse E7001 cause issues with their Blue LED Apads, resulting in non-functional touchscreens. There may be other hidden issues. Do not flash the firmware for the Apad iRobot / Moonse E7001 onto the Blue LED Apad. Details in this thread: http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/...ash-ROMs/page6 Internals of the Blue LED Apad: Here are the internals of the original Apad iRobot / Moonse E7001 for comparison: Updated 07-09-2010 at 12:05 AM by xaueious Tags: None Categories Uncategorized

Bad Joss, Taipan! No Android 2.1 for Apad … 3:55 AM

Our hopes have been dashed … hiapad has gone ahead and confirmed there will be no Android 2.1 for Apad: Boo hiss! Read more here: http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?1823-NO-Android-2.1-for-apad

Is this a Rockchip Apad in disguise? 8:18 PM

The Specs seem to be the same … right down to the planned Android 2.2 upgrade reported by Hiapad.com!  This can only be a good thing!

1&1's 7-inch SmartPad is the most unlikely Android tablet you'll ever see By Darren Murph posted Jul 2nd 2010 at 1:44PM We knew at Computex that tablets were on track to completely take over the world, but now it's official: a German internet provider has just revealed that it'll soon be offering a branded tablet PC of its own. You heard right -- a German ISP is making a tablet. The delightfully named SmartPad is a 7-inch, touchscreen-based slate that'll eventually support Android 2.2 (v1.6 will be pre-installed), and there's also inbuilt WiFi and an optional 3G module for those looking to "stay connected." It seems as if the company is still hammering out the final specifications, but we are told to expect an SD card reader (2GB will be included), a USB socket, a 500MHz ARM11 processor, 256MB of RAM and a proprietary app store that'll undoubtedly enrage you. According to the promotional video hosted just past the break, it should ship later this month for precisely nothing so long as you pick up a data plan to go alongside of it. 'Course, getting one outside of Deutschland is another challenge entirely...

Introducing … the Pandigital Novel 5:08 AM

This appears to be an ebook reader that wants to be an Apad.  Check out the official site here: http://www.pandigital.net/

And read first impressions here:

http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?957-The-definitive-Pandigital-Novel-review

It’s rooted too!

http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?1546-pandigital-novel-rooted

How to get 3G mobile internet on your Apad (or any freakin’ wifi device, for that matter) 4:59 AM

This is the answer:

http://www.trustedreviews.com/peripherals/review/2009/10/07/3-MiFi-Huawei-E5830/p1

Huawei make these lovely rechargeable battery powered 3g modems that connect via wifi! They’re called “mifi”’s, if you search around, or simply search for Huawei E5830 modems. Here’s a few: http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=m570&_nkw=huawei+e5830

The only downside? They’re about $150. 

On the other hand, they’re still much cheaper than an Ipad 3g. Just charge the modem up, pop one in your pocket, connect your Apad to it by wifi, and even with the price of an Apad thrown in, you’re likely to be able to Apad in public for less than $300!

Definitive Rockchip Apad specifications 4:44 AM

Specifications Hardware specifications for the Rockchip based Apad iRobot Android Tablet, Batch 2: * CPU: RK2808 Chipset (ARM9 @ 600 MHz + DSP @ 550 MHz dual-core) * Operating System: Android 1.5 * Supported Languages: English, Chinese, others * Display: 800×480 7″ LCD * Input: Resistive single point touchscreen * Sensors: Accelerometer * Camera: .3 Megapixel camera (extrapolated to 1.3 Megapixels) * Audio input: built-in microphone * Audio output: 3.5 mm jack, integrated speakers * Networking: 802.11 Wireless b/g * Peripheral Support: USB HOST (mouse, keyboard, memory stick, more untested) * Battery: 3000 mAH, 2 hours continuous use wifi on, 4 hours reading time wifi off * RAM: 128 MB * ROM: 2 GB * Expansion memory: Transflash (microSD) up to 16 GB * Supported video formats: MKV (H.264 HP)/RMVB/MPEG-4/FLV/MPEG-1/MPEG-2 up to 720p * Supported audio formats: MP3, WMA. FLAC, AAC, AC3, OGG, WAV * Supported picture formats: JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF

Here is the source: http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?1654-Hardware-Specifications-for-the-Apad

Where to buy a Rockchip Apad 4:42 AM

Many people would like to be sure they are getting a Rockchip, not VIA powere Apad. look at this sticky on slatedroid to guide you here:

http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?483-Buying-the-APad-%28Where-Apad-has-been-identified%29

and here:

http://www.slatedroid.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?1222-Definitive-Apad-iRobot-Listings-for-International-Buyers-Need-contributors!

I got mine from this seller on ebay: http://myworld.ebay.com/zmxepri/ and can attest that he sold me a Rockchip one with camera.