[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Acer Iconia Tab A500: An Android Tablet Impresses, But Still Misses its Mark here

[FrankMcManuso7io]

Thankyou!!!!!!!!!!! of the dozens of Honeycomb tablet reviews I've read, your is the first to address the horrible manner in which these Android tablet renders photos. It is an embarrassment for Google and why it hasn't been addressed after all this time makes me wonder how much they care about the user experience. The much maligned Playbook renders photos beautifully. So why not android? Anyhow, it's easy to see you actually took the time to review the unit in the proper way. Kudos for the best review to date.

[MilindRao5v2d]

I agree with Frank. This is a very good review. I'm not too bothered by the deficiencies in Android 3.0. Given the speed at which Google releases new versions, I'm sure all these problems will be handled in a few months. However, you are going to be stuck with the hardware. So the grid on the display is something to be concerned about. I'm torn between the Acer and the ASUS eee Transformer. It's $50 cheaper at $400 and has the excellent keyboard dock which doubles as an extended battery. But it's USB and micro SD ports are on the keyboard and not on the tablet itself. I have to decide which is more important. If only the Asus transformer had the USB port on the tablet, it would be a easy decision!

[SimplySoftwaregfq3]

I have purchased one of there, although I agree with you on some of your comments, I have to disagree on the grid comment. It is not that visable as you claim and you have to really look for in in the correct lighting conditions to notice it. Also the viewing angle is fine, what is the personal sitting next to you going to read it text at a really silly angle. My girlfriend next to me can see the screen perfectly fine. I will admit that it the software needs a spell checker :-)

[KwaZhiYingrsoe]

Thanks for the well written review. However as the owner of an Iconia Tab A500, I would like to clarify some issues for those interested in one. Firstly, yes, the stock android gallery is PATHETIC. I was utterly disappointed too. But, there is a fix to this. Download QuickPic, an alternative photo viewer and you will be AMAZED how beautiful your screen is. (Works for all honeycomb tablets including XOOM.)

[tktim]

RAM (256 iPad) 512 MB iPad2 vs 1 G Acer
No USB port iPad2 (need external sd/usb adapters *) vs USB port Acer
No SD Card slot iPad2 (need external sd/usb adapters *$29) vs SD Card slot Acer
No HDMI output port iPad2 (need external adapter $39) vs HDMI output port Acer
No Camera flash “bulb” iPad2 vs Camera flash “bulb” Acer
Camera Rear less than 1 MP (0.92) iPad2 vs 5 MP Acer
Camera Front less than 1 MP (0.7) iPad2 vs 2 MP Acer
Speaker 1 iPad2 vs 2 Speakers Acer
No Browser Tabs iPad2 vs Browser Tabs Acer
No Adobe Flash Player iPad2 vs Adobe Flash Player Acer
Requires iTunes even for file transfers iPad2 vs Normal file transfers – USB, SD card, etc. Acer
Carry On: Tablet + 3 adapters (USB,SD,HDMI) iPad2 vs Tablet only Acer
Weight in pounds (iPad 1.5+++) iPad2 1.3+usb+sd+hdmi adapters vs Acer 1.66

Wifi Price 499+29+39=$567 iPad2 vs $449 Acer Iconia A500

[tktim]

Screen 1024 x 768 iPad2 vs 1280 x 800 Acer
GPS iPad2 3G Only vs Acer GPS w/Wifi

[FrankMcManuso7io]

KwaZhiYingrsoe, on 26 April 2011 - 06:38 AM, said:

Thanks for the well written review. However as the owner of an Iconia Tab A500, I would like to clarify some issues for those interested in one. Firstly, yes, the stock android gallery is PATHETIC. I was utterly disappointed too. But, there is a fix to this. Download QuickPic, an alternative photo viewer and you will be AMAZED how beautiful your screen is. (Works for all honeycomb tablets including XOOM.)

Great tip on Quickpic. Photos are much sharper. Color is still off, as is contrast, but a huge improvement. Thanks.

[MindyLeBlanclw1x]

Does anyone know why you can't play the facebook apps on here is there a solution for to be able too?

[thewizardofwor]

I agree with SimplySoftware's claim that the grid is not visable and I had not even noticed it until I read the review (even then could barely tell!) The Iconia Tab 500 is a really well built, solid and fun machine to use. I like the comparisons listed earlier of the Iconia versus the iPad II; differences really stand out. I own the 1st Gen iPad and I find I am using the Iconia a lot more -- videos play well and the USB ports make it so versatile. Very good buy and highly recommended!

[ScottEpsteinq4x6]

I can only see the grid when the unit is off, and only at an oblique angle. I cannot see it at all when the unit is on.

[ahmedaanm]

bnjr
je viens de m'acheter une ICONIA A500 il ya qlq jours mais je ne sais pas comment ni quelle applications je dois utiliser (genre office) pour travailler.

[leonsera]

Sorry,I'm not used to this kind of thing.Can I install MS Office Application in in?Thanks

Can I install and use MS Office Apps?

[az4mecbh]

MilindRao5v2d, on 24 April 2011 - 08:15 AM, said:

I agree with Frank. This is a very good review. I'm not too bothered by the deficiencies in Android 3.0. Given the speed at which Google releases new versions, I'm sure all these problems will be handled in a few months. However, you are going to be stuck with the hardware. So the grid on the display is something to be concerned about. I'm torn between the Acer and the ASUS eee Transformer. It's $50 cheaper at $400 and has the excellent keyboard dock which doubles as an extended battery. But it's USB and micro SD ports are on the keyboard and not on the tablet itself. I have to decide which is more important. If only the Asus transformer had the USB port on the tablet, it would be a easy decision!

the asus eeepad transformer has a microSD card slot on the tablet and an SD card slot on the docking station. ther isnt any USB ports on the tablet but theres 2 on the docking station. the transformer lets you do more for some what less and if you got it you probebly wouldnt mind the docking station but you can easily geteather on and injoy them about the same amount. there basicly the same thing except that the transformer has a portible docking station ( keyboard ) you most likly well injoy eather on and i hope you injoy what ever electonic you shall get.

[Annieh55443]

MindyLeBlanclw1x, on 06 May 2011 - 12:17 PM, said:

Does anyone know why you can't play the facebook apps on here is there a solution for to be able too?

I am having the same issue. I can't plat the facebook games. I specifically bought this because it has flash and I wanted to be able to access the FB apps. What the crap?! Can someone address this issue?

[CarlosGonzalezy9fs]

i Liked it but compatibility issues with windows just gave me a head ache. Plus customer service was not helpful and just wanted to charge me 100 dollars more to help me with the "how too's." The extra effort Acer should take is to teach the consumer how to use it; it may make them a buck or two. But in reality its no ipad.

[mav0987]

Annieh55443, on 20 June 2011 - 06:49 AM, said:

MindyLeBlanclw1x, on 06 May 2011 - 12:17 PM, said:

Does anyone know why you can't play the facebook apps on here is there a solution for to be able too?

I am having the same issue. I can't plat the facebook games. I specifically bought this because it has flash and I wanted to be able to access the FB apps. What the crap?! Can someone address this issue?

[mav0987]

Difficult to use, tried several times to load flash so I could catch up with missed TV progs, etc etc. Downloaded user manual, won't let me use it without upgrade its 77 pages long so printing off my desktop is not an option. What's the point of a tablet if you can't even view user guide. Other features advertised by well known TV seller are not free and require payment just to see what you are buying, ie docs. Can't say I am a Techno guy but years of computer and laptop use why is this so hard to use. Wish I had paid the extra and bought a brother for my iPhone. If anyone finds a solution to the flash would be pleased to hear.

[WilliamBobbitt45zn]

You do not have much good to say abot it? Was going to purchasen, but should I?

[WilliamBobbitt45zn]

I use Quikpic for my Samsung tab its very nice!


uote name='KwaZhiYingrsoe' timestamp='1303828697' post='477412']
Thanks for the well written review. However as the owner of an Iconia Tab A500, I would like to clarify some issues for those interested in one. Firstly, yes, the stock android gallery is PATHETIC. I was utterly disappointed too. But, there is a fix to this. Download QuickPic, an alternative photo viewer and you will be AMAZED how beautiful your screen is. (Works for all honeycomb tablets including XOOM.)
[/quote]