Good Android tablets for around $100?

Lkillergreely on 09/11/2012 - 09:18

Just curious about Tablets, as it's a topic I'm not well versed on… A friend is after an Android tablet for around $100 and can't stretch the budget much further. Wonderin gwhat's wrong with this kind of thing?

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-Arrival-7-Freelander-PD10…

Are there any compatibility issues with the CPU for instance? Are there large numbers of apps that won't run for some reason? I'm so not worried about obvious shortcomings, as the person in question is on a tight budget, so can't afford to be too fussy. Also, when they say "market compatible", does that mean you have to add the market APK yourself later on?

The main duty of the unit would be for video chatting, web browsing, email, playing media (music and movies), reading the odd ebook and playing the occasional kid's game. HDMI out is going to be a sought after feature, as are decent storage options. Compatibility with 3G dongles, while not an absolute requirement, would also be nice.

Computing

closed Comments

  • Davros on 09/11/2012 - 09:27
    +1

    Look at ainol on this forum
    Similar price but well regarded.

  • StewBalls on 09/11/2012 - 09:35

    Just search OzB for Ainol & Cube, that will give you all the info you need.

    [edit] ^ What he said!

    • killergreely on 09/11/2012 - 09:42

      Clearly it hasn't, hence the post.

      • StewBalls on 09/11/2012 - 09:59

        Clearly you haven't read those posts properly, there's a shitload of information in both the comments & tangential links.

        You're coming across as a lazy person who wants to be spoonfed ATM!

        • killergreely on 09/11/2012 - 14:11
          +1

          Clearly you didn't bother reading my questions at all.

          I asked what was actually wrong with tablets such as the one I posted a link to. I didn't ask for recommendations as to each person's favourite model. If I wanted that, then yes, previous threads would have answered my question.

        • StewBalls on 09/11/2012 - 14:22

          Yes, and if you had read most of the comments in those threads on cheap China tabs or followed any of the links then you would have had your question answered.

          I have, so I knew the answer before you asked…you're either just being lazy, or understanding the subject matter is an issue for you…if it's the latter then I sincerely apologise.

  • killergreely on 09/11/2012 - 09:40

    The Ainols and Cubes with the same features are at least $50 more, as far as I can see?

    As I say, I'm interested in what may be wrong with a unit such as posted. What I'm not after is recommendations of other brands, unless they have the same features at the same price.

  • scotty on 09/11/2012 - 09:41

    Ainol Novo7 Cyrstal — that should just be a few dollars above $100, and comes with 1GB RAM, 8GB flash and Jelly Bean.

    Edit: As of Freelander one you've linked on Aliexpress, it's a lesser known brand which means less community support. Ainol has sold a lot of cheap tablets (Mars, Elf II, Aurora/Aurora II) and their latest gen hardware (Fire, Crystal) fixed quite a few issues.

    • killergreely on 09/11/2012 - 09:47

      Can't find one for under ~$130 (plus at least $10 shipping). As I said, the budget limit is ~$100. Does look a nice unit (perhaps they'll come on special again). Still more interested in what's actually wrong with ones such as posted.

      • ESEMCE on 09/11/2012 - 09:56

        That's been explained..

        As of Freelander one you've linked on Aliexpress, it's a lesser known brand which means less community support.

        So noone can recommend the one you've linked to as noone has experience with it.

        As a rule, these days you want 1Gb RAM, 1GHz CPU and as much community support as you can get (means ROM updates and bug fixes)

        • killergreely on 09/11/2012 - 14:12

          So the only thing that's "wrong" with them is a lack of community support, which means no modding? But then that's of no concern to my friend. There's nothing they actually "don't do"?

      • scotty on 09/11/2012 - 10:01
        +3

        Looks like you have already had your mind set and not looking hard enough even with links provided :)

        For example, this one from ZZKKO (also linked from the product link above), is still $109.99 posted.

        Still more interested in what's actually wrong with ones such as posted

        Freelander

        • Lesser known brand so less support? Aliexpress page says "upgradable" to Jelly Bean but it's currently on ICS, whereas Ainol Crystal comes with JB.
        • Inconsistent spec. Aliexpress page for Freelander PD10 has 1024x600, but Pandawill and AHappyDeal both list the tablet as 800x480. These are just the top 2 results from google search of the product.
        • TCC 8923 Cortex A5 is a single core @ 1.5GHz with Mali400 as GPU (might be overclocked). Comparing to Cortex A9 based AMLogic dual core used in those Ainol tablets…

        The only good thing about Freelander is its inclusion of GPS. There are some video reviews on the net, and game playing looks laggy.

        • killergreely on 09/11/2012 - 14:17

          There were precious few links given. I was just told to "go look at previous threads", with no actual links to examples by the posters in question. The one link given to the Crystal was useful, as it is a similar spec machine. I was not at any point asking for links to other products, so I don't understand the problem here. If I'd asked for links to other products and ignored them, then sure, you could say I was ignoring advice.

          I have not made up my mind in any way. The link to the unit was given to me by a friend. They asked me if I could find out what, if anything, what wrong with that model, or similar. I have previously sent them links to Ainols and others that are simply out of their budget.

          Almost everyone here ignored my questions (re-read them and look for one direct reply other than your own) and merely posted that I should look at other brands. That does not answer the questions I asked and is not helpful, I'm afraid. I'll check the links you've provided however, at least you posted some, rather than telling me to go fish :)

        • StewBalls on 09/11/2012 - 14:24
          +2

          That does not answer the questions I asked and is not helpful, I'm afraid. I'll check the links you've provided however, at least you posted some, rather than telling me to go fish

          Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; teach him to fish, and you feed him for life! You've been given plenty of bait… ;)

        • CyberGenesys on 11/11/2012 - 11:41

          Lack of community support is a BIG concern when buying cheap tablets from China because inevitability they have at least one fault and the return/refund options are usually a joke. Save your self from spending 100$ on something that is broken/faulty etc with nobody else to ask for help from, effectively leaves you with a paper weight.

          It's simple really;

          • Either buy name brand (eg Samsung, LG, Asus etc) and get 'proper' support.
          • Buy Chinese name brand (eg Ainol) and get far more useful community support.
          • Buy unknown (eg FreeLander) and rage when things don't work.

          This tablet is unknown: it might support Play store, might support dongles, might not play certain apps, etc

          Why risk gambling 100$ on something when you could just get the Ainol Novo 7 Crystal which specifically states that it supports these features?

  • Davros on 09/11/2012 - 10:16

    What am I missing here?
    What you linked to cost's US $117.07 inc. delivery

    Ainol Novo 7 costs $119.99 with free delivery

    http://cs.bicoin.com/new_en/details/7-ainol-novo-7-crystal-a…

    • killergreely on 09/11/2012 - 14:19
      -4

      You're missing my original question, which was… What is wrong with the tablet in the link I posted. Thanks for the link, but I didn't actually ask for links to other products at any stage (even though everyone in this thread is assuming I did).

      It is an interesting product however and it comes close to their budget. I'll shoot it through to them, thanks. BTW, where they are they can get the original tablet I posted with free freight, so your point on price is somewhat moot, but then you couldn't know that I guess.

  • Shout It Out on 09/11/2012 - 14:53
    +1

    Ok your question has been answered by Scotty 4:

    Freelander

    • Lesser known brand so less support? Aliexpress page says "upgradable" to Jelly Bean but it's currently on ICS, whereas Ainol Crystal comes with JB.
    • Inconsistent spec. Aliexpress page for Freelander PD10 has 1024x600, but Pandawill and AHappyDeal both list the tablet as 800x480. These are just the top 2 results from google search of the product.
    • TCC 8923 Cortex A5 is a single core @ 1.5GHz with Mali400 as GPU (might be overclocked). Comparing to Cortex A9 based AMLogic dual core used in those Ainol tablets…

    The only good thing about Freelander is its inclusion of GPS. There are some video reviews on the net, and game playing looks laggy.

    You ask what's wrong and scotty4 gives you a few things to consider. What else could you possibly be looking for???
    I'm going to tell you pretty much the same as scotty4 has, as it seems you are ignorant of his answer to your question:

    1 The GPU is inferior to other tablet in similar price range, and therefore will be lagging more than others.

    2 If you need support with a problem, you will have to look hard for it as it's unlikely you'll find any support on tech forums in Australia. Simply because it's a lesser known brand. The only support you might get is by calling some phone number in China.

    1. Android version is older and needs to be updated if you want to get the most out of this tablet.

    2. The specs seem to vary a bit. When you order this tablet, you can't be too sure what you're gonna get: 1024X600 OR 800X480.
      I can pretty much guarantee you that if you want to watch videos/movies on a tablet, the 1024 X 600 is a must have and so is a good GPU.

    So physically there might not be anything wrong with it. It's just going to be slow and outdated. Noone here has tried this brand so they can not give you a users perspective. They can only give you reasons based on written specs.

    EDIT: The title of this thread is "Good android tablets for AROUND $100" it does not say "What is wrong with THIS particular tablet".

    You can get an Ainol Novo Chrystal which much better specs (faster processor and jelly bean) for $110,99 free shipping. Oh and a leather pouch and screen protector too lol.
    I personally consider $110,99 to be around $100,- Plus if they're such good friends of yours that you spend all this time looking for a tablet for them, surely you can throw in that $10,99 as a Christmas present? :oD

  • Davros on 09/11/2012 - 17:44

    What he said ^^

  • astarman on 09/11/2012 - 18:41

    okay. define what you mean by "what is wrong"
    nothing is wrong. it works. so thats enough for it to be right?
    seems like you dont care if its good value or not and that so long as it works then its right.
    so yes, go buy it. there is nothing wrong with low resolution , its just higher is better.

    from pictures it looks like it is good. nothing wrong with it. no physical dents, no screen cracks. the website says it works and is in perfect condition. excellent colour etc… so its good!

  • tonyjzx on 10/11/2012 - 13:02
    +2

    problem as i see it is that Ainol seems to have the range covered…

    $100? Crystal/Aurora 2

    $150? Fire/Venus

    $200? Hero

    feature for dollars, they're the best

  • ProspectiveDarkness on 10/11/2012 - 23:42

    Good Android tablets for around $100?

    I always laugh when people ask this question, just like "Good Android phone for under $200?". Ainol tablets can be considered 'not bad', but compared to most OEM tablets, any other cheap China tablet under $100 will pale in comparison.
    Just like a Samsung Galaxy Ace is a 'good' Android phone for under $200, but is utter crap compared to a Galaxy S3.
    You get what you pay for.

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