Two of my friends (real-life friends that I have known for years in person, not mysterious strangers on the internet) rushed out to buy the Augen Gentouch tablet when it came into stock at a Kmart nearby. I'm not buying one, I actually have an iPad (don't beat me!). This is a summary of their experiences with it over the past two days:
Uses 9V, so many cell phone chargers won't charge the battery (some non-standard ones will). The charging port is not any variety of USB, but a hollow pin with a hole in it like I associate with Walkmans from the 1980s....
Google mail syncs right up. Works fine as a web browser through wifi (see below about finger flicks).
Android buttons are on rear of device. Can't see buttons while viewing screen. Use a labelmaker to put something on the front as a guide.
SD card slot tricky to use, tweezers are a big help. PC cannot access SD card through the USB connector, even with patch installed that is supposed to solve this.
One friend can access android market. Other cannot. Official website agrees that flakey Market access is a real bug. patch is supposedly coming.
Both have installed Kindle app, the guy who can't get to the Market sideloaded the Kindle app. Both agree it works well as an ereader.
Device comes preloaded with "Ibooks" ereader that works well for some, but not all non-DRM ebook files. Won't even recognize Amazon ebook files of course.
Finger flicks are problematic on screen, otherwise screen responsiveness okay.
quality of screen image is decent. Works as a picture viewer. These guys scorn video on small devices, so I have no info on that, but it presumably would work fine.
In cool environment, about three hours of battery life, but sensitive to heat--battery drained while stored in hot car.
Manual poorly-written and almost useless (I'm sure you all are shocked and surprised to hear that).
Comes with a fairly nice case that claims to be leather (and smells like real leather).
Google maps is installed, but no GPS.
The android OS appears to be ported over from a phone with no mods, and even makes phone references, but of course no phone function inherent in the device.
In general, not perfect but good value for money for those who are willing to fiddle a bit. Will be MUCH better when patch allows reliable access to Android Market. My personal advice is to hold off buying till you receive reliable reports that the Market problem is fixed.
Uses 9V, so many cell phone chargers won't charge the battery (some non-standard ones will). The charging port is not any variety of USB, but a hollow pin with a hole in it like I associate with Walkmans from the 1980s....
Google mail syncs right up. Works fine as a web browser through wifi (see below about finger flicks).
Android buttons are on rear of device. Can't see buttons while viewing screen. Use a labelmaker to put something on the front as a guide.
SD card slot tricky to use, tweezers are a big help. PC cannot access SD card through the USB connector, even with patch installed that is supposed to solve this.
One friend can access android market. Other cannot. Official website agrees that flakey Market access is a real bug. patch is supposedly coming.
Both have installed Kindle app, the guy who can't get to the Market sideloaded the Kindle app. Both agree it works well as an ereader.
Device comes preloaded with "Ibooks" ereader that works well for some, but not all non-DRM ebook files. Won't even recognize Amazon ebook files of course.
Finger flicks are problematic on screen, otherwise screen responsiveness okay.
quality of screen image is decent. Works as a picture viewer. These guys scorn video on small devices, so I have no info on that, but it presumably would work fine.
In cool environment, about three hours of battery life, but sensitive to heat--battery drained while stored in hot car.
Manual poorly-written and almost useless (I'm sure you all are shocked and surprised to hear that).
Comes with a fairly nice case that claims to be leather (and smells like real leather).
Google maps is installed, but no GPS.
The android OS appears to be ported over from a phone with no mods, and even makes phone references, but of course no phone function inherent in the device.
In general, not perfect but good value for money for those who are willing to fiddle a bit. Will be MUCH better when patch allows reliable access to Android Market. My personal advice is to hold off buying till you receive reliable reports that the Market problem is fixed.
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