Android 2.2 8 inch Tablet Pc - A8

UPDATE: This gadget was terrific--for the 3 days that it actually worked! I put it on to charge and the next morning it wouldn't come on at all--never to come back to life. It seems that several others have had the same problem. I emailed the seller, who responded immediately, who acknowledged the problem and has promised a full refund when he receives it. So disappointing, as it was great when it worked. Hopefully, the bug will be worked out of these and they will be available at this price point, as they are tons of fun.

I received my tablet yesterday, 11/17/11, well before the promised delivery date, so was really surprised at the speedy delivery. I was somewhat taken aback by the fact that there was no manual or instructions of any sort, and this was a bit intimidating since I have never had an Android device. It would have been nice to at least have a diagram to tell me what the basic function buttons were, but after a bit of playing around, I was able to figure out most of it and download a couple of apps that I really wanted (Kindle, Nook & Audible). I did download a Kindle publication that covers Android 2.2, but it is aimed at the Galaxy so is of only general use. I could't find any aftermarket resource that specifically discusses the operation of Android 2.2 in a tablet, but there may be one out there. There are boards and blogs that might be useful for dealing with specific issues, but so far I have been able to intuit the functions that I want with no previous experience with Android OS's.

I am disappointed that my device does NOT have a USB input jack on the unit as indicated in the described specs. The one I received has a black edge, not silver like the one in the picture, so I am not sure if it is the same brand/model (the unit itself has no brand on it, and the packaging has something in Chinese characters but no English label) or not. It has a separate doggle that plugs into the power port, so I am crossing my fingers that this will operate without any special tweaking on my part, since I am not a "techie". I don't really expect to have to use that all that often, so having to do one step more than just plugging into the port is not that big a deal.

This tablet is absolutely great as an e-reader that allows me to access a number of different sources. Being a senior citizen, I like the backlit screen for reading (I found the e-ink of the Kindle 2 difficult to read even with large type). Browsing the web is straightforward and the Market has more apps than I will ever use. I don't expect this to replace my iPhone (which I love and am lost without), but it is nice to have an app-based way to access the functions I use most often. The lack of documentation and USB jack caused me to deduct one star on the rating, but those would be easy to fix.

This little guy does not replace my laptop or my iPhone--too small for the first and too big for the second. But it fills a gap between the two, being the right size for book reading (especially with the ability to re-size the text), read email and do some basic surfing. The size of this unit is perfect (8"), being large enough to read easily and small enough to be easy to handle and hold for an extended period of time. I have yet to find out how long the battery will stay charged, but it is not anywhere near as long as the Kindle (but I need to tweak a couple of settings--turn off the GPS--for longer life, I just found out), but it will certainly get you through a day of reading. It can be recharged with a wall socket or USB connection. I think it will be ideal to take when traveling, since I usually am too busy to spend much time on the internet. Being able to carry books, read mail and check some news is well within the capabilities of this little unit. For 40% of the price of the basic iPad, only slightly more than a Kindle and less than the color Nook, it is a very handy crossover device and worth the cost if I don't ever use it for more than I have already gotten it to do.

What had drawn me to this device was that it had the latest Droid version. Although that might be the case, it is some sort of hybrid of a Droid. First of all during boot, a Linux logo appears in the left hand corner of the screen. I thought Droid was a stand-alone operating system. The device does not have a connection to the Droid Marketplace. It has a connection to some other app store that does not offer nearly what I have access to on my Droid phone. The device works okay. Wifi works fine and the battery life seems stable. But the bottom line is that it is just 1/2 of a Droid. I essentially bought a wireless web browser that will also play some games and will be good for eBooks. It runs Google Maps, and I found a few interesting apps on the third party app store. Overall, I would not recommend it unless you have disposable cash and need something a little larger than your phone to use when you are bored at the airport or coffee place. I intend to keep the device. Maybe over time things will improve and I enjoy the touch screen interface that Droid offers. Besides, I'd be out money if I were to return it, which makes no sense. The device was made in China. If you are really interested in owning a tablet device, focus on devices made elsewhere.

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This Apad8 operating system and software works well. The actual physical tablet worked for about 12 days then died.

The little manual does not explain at all how the unit should be charged correctly, I left the device to charge the battery overnight and next day was dead.

Android Padlet gives only 7 days warranty on the unit. Android Padlet did not respond to my inquiry for more information for the unit.

I have tried to reset the unit, pushed all the buttons and the device is totally dead, I would assume that during charging it shorted.

For , the use of 12 days this actual tablet pc is not worth buying from any seller. I do not recommend buying it.

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01/26/2011

Just want to mention: Amazon.com and the third party seller have no fault on this transaction that went wrong. Android Padlet did contact me trying to address my concerns. So I change my stance on the seller.

Amazon.com is a great place to shop with confidence. The only thing I wish, is that Amazon.com and the third party sellers stop allowing these companies, like the manufacturers from China to take advantage of the customers: No troubleshooting instructions, less than 30 days return policies, no technical support, no-name companies, no location address, no customer service toll-free phone.

Ofcourse lots of electronics are made in China but generally speaking, those sold in the US are backed by a Company Name, who offers warranty and returns / repairs / replacements unlike this Android PC tablet. Google does not manufacture the tablet PC, they only put the operating system on it, and offers software downloads.

These A-pads and Android phones evidently have major flaws and the customer is doomed to hang with a lemon. Everywhere on the internet are now a lot of people who feel they have been scammed, and to add insult to injury, are required to pay a hefty return transportation. That automatically rise the price at over $300.00 for this particular item, not to mention the frustration, aggravation, and time.

Google should take note if they want to save their face with these devices (too bad because android 2.2 is a great system) Give the job to other country, that keeps accountability and good reputation for their products.

Chinese manufacturers would better either honor their product or cease to sell through Amazon, Google and other reputable companies. Nobody wants a deal with dishonest companies. Their no-name now is in the mud. No PC or digital phone repair shop want to even touch these devices. There are no spare/replacements parts for them in the US.

Who sells this item? Amazon, Google, Alibalba, Aliexpress, Chinadigitalcomm, Dhgate, Umibuy, LightinTheBox, Android Padle, Merimobiles and many others.

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My wife wanted a larger tablet than the Archos A32 that I use. She found this on Amazon's site and was interested so I bought it for her birthday. What a disappointment. The touchscreen doesn't read 90 percent of the time, the unit locked up twice in the first hour I tried to use it and the WiFi will NOT CONNECT to any network at all, including my secure network and my OPEN network.

I contacted the seller and they are very committed to making this right. Sports Entertainment immediately refunded my shipping charges to my account while I shipped it back to them. Once I shipped the unit they refunded my purchase price. I would not buy this product but I would definitely buy from Sports Entertainment again since they are very responsible in my opinion.

Want Android 2.2 8 inch Tablet Pc - A8 Discount?

I received this Android 2.2 OEM Tablet (No brand name) with the condition as expected. My experience of using Verizon wireless Android smart phone apply to using this tablet.

The difference:

1) 8" resistance touch pannel works well but requires harder push when operate.

2) Loaded with Quickoffice to open MSFT office documents. On my cell hone I have to pay for a copy to run on cell phone.

Pro:

Got to market to download and run APP.

A few APP failed to run, but most runs fine. Adobe reader also work as expected.

Good response and speed to operate

Con:

Not sure if GPS is not working or not included. This is not clear to me. Product only comes with a 4 page instruction.

System may sometimes lock up and requires a reset if try to use USB connection with a PC.

Adobe flash 10.1 download from market failed to install. Don't know if this is expected?

It's not the good quality of workmanship you would expect from a brand name high priced iteam. I got what I pay for.

In summary, worth the money and do what supposed to do.