Thrive problems, questions, and comments

[packisback]

First of all the Thrive is my first experience with the Honeycomb tablet world. So far I have been happy with a lot of the features the Thrive has and only disappointed in the way a few things work. I am having some problems though that are probably due to my stupidity and I am hoping someone can help me out.

I am trying to transfer some movie files from my PC to my Thrive and can't seem to get it to work. When I tried last night with my laptop running vista I got an error when it was recognizing the device but the files seemed to transfer fine. Today at work I was trying to transfer a few more files using my work laptop (runs XP) and I get a message that the computer can't install the new hardware (AT100). As a result I do not see the tablet storage when I go to "My Computer" and I can't transfer files to it. Has any one else had this problem?

Another problem I have is with wifi tether from my phone. I have a rooted OG Droid with the wireless tether for root users app but my Thrive doesn't seem to recognize the network it creates. I have read this might be due to the wireless tether app I am using creating an ad hoc network which apparently Honeycomb tablets don't support. Is there another wireless tether app I can use with my OG Droid or some sort of wired tether app that will solve my problem?

Last I would just like to make a few comments about the tablet itself. It is definitely heavier than any of the other tablets I played with in the store but I really wanted the ability to have a full size USB and HDMI. So far I am happy with that decision (if I can get the above problems solved). I have found the tablet ti be much easier to type on than I expected and casual web browsing is so much better on this than my laptop. I would appreciate it if those of you who have been using honeycomb for a while would recommend some good tablet games or apps.

 

[hummingbirdhill]

How are you transferring the files? Via USB or SD card or what? Could the XP tech be outdated (for compatibility with the Thrive)?

 

[packisback]

How are you transferring the files? Via USB or SD card or what? Could the XP tech be outdated (for compatibility with the Thrive)?

I am trying to transfer the files using the USB cable. I guess XP could be considered out dated but it would seem odd that Toshiba wouldn't support XP when it is still commonly used especially in the business world.

 

[rsix]

First of all the Thrive is my first experience with the Honeycomb tablet world. So far I have been happy with a lot of the features the Thrive has and only disappointed in the way a few things work. I am having some problems though that are probably due to my stupidity and I am hoping someone can help me out.

I am trying to transfer some movie files from my PC to my Thrive and can't seem to get it to work. When I tried last night with my laptop running vista I got an error when it was recognizing the device but the files seemed to transfer fine. Today at work I was trying to transfer a few more files using my work laptop (runs XP) and I get a message that the computer can't install the new hardware (AT100). As a result I do not see the tablet storage when I go to "My Computer" and I can't transfer files to it. Has any one else had this problem?

Another problem I have is with wifi tether from my phone. I have a rooted OG Droid with the wireless tether for root users app but my Thrive doesn't seem to recognize the network it creates. I have read this might be due to the wireless tether app I am using creating an ad hoc network which apparently Honeycomb tablets don't support. Is there another wireless tether app I can use with my OG Droid or some sort of wired tether app that will solve my problem?

Last I would just like to make a few comments about the tablet itself. It is definitely heavier than any of the other tablets I played with in the store but I really wanted the ability to have a full size USB and HDMI. So far I am happy with that decision (if I can get the above problems solved). I have found the tablet ti be much easier to type on than I expected and casual web browsing is so much better on this than my laptop. I would appreciate it if those of you who have been using honeycomb for a while would recommend some good tablet games or apps.

As far as apps go, try Tablet keyboard.... It improves the typing experience a lot. They have a free and a paid version, so you can try it out for free, then kick the developer a buck if you like it.

The Google+ app is handy, I like it so far. Fruit Ninja HD is a bit pricey but it's a ton of fun, and has multi player mode. The new tablet optimized words with friends is free, and they improved the UI so much over what they had before.

For fun I like Google Sky and Google Body, it's stuff like those apps that make me like Google. They really show off what the tablet can be used for.

 

[david6785]

I've tried every honeycomb tablet and this one is my favorite by far. I don't find the thickness or weight a problem considering what features you get with the thrive. I absolutely love full size SD and HDMI slots. only real issue I have is with video playback problems. honeycomb is very fast and smooth! bring on 3.2 !

 

[packisback]

I solved the problem of not being able to transfer files from my XP laptop. Apparently the Thrive uses MTP which is not built into XP. In order to add it to XP you must install windows media player 10 or higher. It seemed to fix the problem and I can now transfer files.

 

[packisback]

I've tried every honeycomb tablet and this one is my favorite by far. I don't find the thickness or weight a problem considering what features you get with the thrive. I absolutely love full size SD and HDMI slots. only real issue I have is with video playback problems. honeycomb is very fast and smooth! bring on 3.2 !

If you are having problems with your video files playing you should try a program called dvdcatalyst. It is an easy to use conversion tool that has many device profiles to choose from. Right now they don't have a profile set up for the Thrive but you can use the one they have for the xoom and it should play perfectly on your Thrive. The full version of the software is only $10.

 

[nonie]

Hi, I am waiting for my Thrive, it has been shipped, I am new to the Android Honeycomb. One question I have is about the Kaspersky anti virus for it, has anyone tried it? what do you use/
I've been looking at the games, just wondering how you know which ones are safe to download and which ones will work on it. Don't know about the "permission", what do I look for to know which ones are safe?
Thanks for any help.

 

[merc15]

Has anyone hooked the Thrive up to a high-def TV and gotten a little android guy on the TV screen with the writing, "720p?" next to him? I'm trying a new HDMI cable soon, but just wanted to see if anyone else ran into this.

 

[rsix]

Hi, I am waiting for my Thrive, it has been shipped, I am new to the Android Honeycomb. One question I have is about the Kaspersky anti virus for it, has anyone tried it? what do you use/
I've been looking at the games, just wondering how you know which ones are safe to download and which ones will work on it. Don't know about the "permission", what do I look for to know which ones are safe?
Thanks for any help.

Hi Nonie,

Congrats on your first Honeycomb device! You're going to love it!

As far as Anti-Virus programs go I don't know a lot about them because I don't use them, but the main question I would pose to the sales man, is how often does it update and will it protect you from malware. Malware is going to be your main issue (albeit a small one, continue reading).

Now as far as malicious apps, common sense will go a LONG way here. The main thing to avoid is downloading apps from questionable 3rd party sites, stick with the main ones (Google, Amazon, GetJar, etc.). This won't completely prevent you from malicious apps but it's going to go a long way. Stick to known developers, because lets face it, they are going to have the best apps anyways.

For permissions basically follow the same advice above, common sense. Especially when dealing with an up from a smaller or unknown developer. Ask yourself, why does this app need full internet access (or any of the permissions it's asking for). If you can't think of a good reason or aren't comfortable with it, don't install it.

Hopefully this helps, have fun with your new tab! Android Centrals App Picks are a super useful tool for finding new apps (and ones you can trust) as well as the forums.

 

[nonie]

Hi Nonie,

Congrats on your first Honeycomb device! You're going to love it!

As far as Anti-Virus programs go I don't know a lot about them because I don't use them, but the main question I would pose to the sales man, is how often does it update and will it protect you from malware. Malware is going to be your main issue (albeit a small one, continue reading).

Now as far as malicious apps, common sense will go a LONG way here. The main thing to avoid is downloading apps from questionable 3rd party sites, stick with the main ones (Google, Amazon, GetJar, etc.). This won't completely prevent you from malicious apps but it's going to go a long way. Stick to known developers, because lets face it, they are going to have the best apps anyways.

For permissions basically follow the same advice above, common sense. Especially when dealing with an up from a smaller or unknown developer. Ask yourself, why does this app need full internet access (or any of the permissions it's asking for). If you can't think of a good reason or aren't comfortable with it, don't install it.

Hopefully this helps, have fun with your new tab! Android Centrals App Picks are a super useful tool for finding new apps (and ones you can trust) as well as the forums.

how safe are internet hotspots, when your away from home? Any advice on using them.

 

[rsix]

how safe are internet hotspots, when your away from home? Any advice on using them.

Any publicly used network is not going to be secure at all. If you're going to use them don't login to any sites that you would be concerned if they were compromised. It should be reasonably OK if they are using https but I wouldn't chance it. General internet browsing shouldn't be an issue.

If you're going to be using your device on the go a lot I recommend a mobile hot spot. Depending on your location they are available on a month to month basis so you can activate them as you need access. Just beware of data caps, the only mobile broadband without data caps in the US right now is Sprint (When you activate mobile hotspot on your Android phone. Their data cards are capped).

 

[hummingbirdhill]

Although my Inspire 4G is on AT&T of course, I use a Samsung Hotspot from Verizon for wireless broadband. Not only are Verizon's wireless b'band prices much lower than AT&T's, I have much better signal from Verizon.

The Kaspersky that is preloaded on the Thrive is a free trial version, so I intend to try it first---and then either purchase a subscription or try Lookout to compare the two. Lookout has been highly recommended to me on several occasions.

 

[nonie]

Any publicly used network is not going to be secure at all. If you're going to use them don't login to any sites that you would be concerned if they were compromised. It should be reasonably OK if they are using https but I wouldn't chance it. General internet browsing shouldn't be an issue.

If you're going to be using your device on the go a lot I recommend a mobile hot spot. Depending on your location they are available on a month to month basis so you can activate them as you need access. Just beware of data caps, the only mobile broadband without data caps in the US right now is Sprint (When you activate mobile hotspot on your Android phone. Their data cards are capped).

Probably only be checking my email when not at home, so that might be safe?

 

[rsix]

Probably only be checking my email when not at home, so that might be safe?

Most webmail clients I've used use https which makes them safer when on public networks. Nothing in computing can ever be considered truly "safe or secure", you just have to decide if your level of exposure is worth it. General browsing, email reading etc. should be fine. Online Banking/Investing/Shopping I would never do on a public network, the potential consequences aren't worth the risk.

 

[hummingbirdhill]

Probably only be checking my email when not at home, so that might be safe?

My practice, while on a public network, is to use nothing that requires a password. Fortunately I am not often on a public network.

 

[nonie]

My practice, while on a public network, is to use nothing that requires a password. Fortunately I am not often on a public network.

I don't think I will be on public network, very often either.

And for sure don't plan on doing any banking or purchases.

Thanks for everyones advice.

I have been looking thru the android mkt, for a Mahjong and a couple of ohter games, found plenty of them, but haven't found one that I liked there permissions.

I'm sure when I get the Thrive next week, I will have more questions.

 

[rsix]

I don't think I will be on public network, very often either.

And for sure don't plan on doing any banking or purchases.

Thanks for everyones advice.

I have been looking thru the android mkt, for a Mahjong and a couple of ohter games, found plenty of them, but haven't found one that I liked there permissions.

I'm sure when I get the Thrive next week, I will have more questions.

I just thought of one more thing, usually a good indicator on the Android market is the number of downloads an App has received. 50,000+ and you're going to be fine... I'd be wary of the sub-500 downloaded apps. It should just trigger you to think twice about it.

 

[hummingbirdhill]

I am very impressed with the quality of the packaging of my new Thrive, and it doesn't feel heavy to me.

It's been on the charger for almost two hours; does anyone know how long the initial charge requires?

Is this the type of battery that needs a total charge prior to use?

The Quick Start brochure says to connect to a power source . . . The Power light glows white. Well, the battery light is orange but the power light hasn't yet glowed. Is this normal?

Perhaps the power light glows white when the Thrive is fully charged???

Of course, I'm havin' fits to boot the Thrive; will it hurt the battery for me to boot prior to a complete charge?

EDIT: The battery completed charging and the power light glowed white just a few minutes after I posted this . . .

 

[rsix]

I am very impressed with the quality of the packaging of my new Thrive, and it doesn't feel heavy to me.

It's been on the charger for almost two hours; does anyone know how long the initial charge requires?

Is this the type of battery that needs a total charge prior to use?

The Quick Start brochure says to connect to a power source . . . The Power light glows white. Well, the battery light is orange but the power light hasn't yet glowed. Is this normal?

Perhaps the power light glows white when the Thrive is fully charged???

Of course, I'm havin' fits to boot the Thrive; will it hurt the battery for me to boot prior to a complete charge?

EDIT: The battery completed charging and the power light glowed white just a few minutes after I posted this . . .

Looks like you answered some of your own questions

I will answer the battery question. The thrive has a lithium ion battery. Those batteries aren't subject to "memory" like some are. You should be fine unplugging it whenever.