ASUS Zen Pad thread [general + accessories + dev]

[mingkee]

It has not shown up at ASUS US site yet, but it's available at Best Buy.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-ze...lack/7650139.p?id=1219681450081&skuId=7650139
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-ze...lack/7649882.p?id=1219681443557&skuId=7649882

The spec looks very promising for 8" model:
4k (2048 * 1536) IPS touchscreen
2GB (4GB for 64GB model) RAM
choice of 16GB ($180), 32GB ($200), and 64GB ($300) NAND + micro SD
Android Lollipop

7" model is very cheap ($100)
1024 * 600 IPS touchscreen
1GB RAM
16GB NAND + micro SD
Android Lollipop

The question is the bootloader locked or not; if so, we may have hard time to root.

 

[Takinato]

I am basically waiting for atleast a root or something. But I might not be able to wait that long, I really want to buy this.

 

[mingkee]

I am basically waiting for atleast a root or something. But I might not be able to wait that long, I really want to buy this.

Actually, I don't really need root as 5.x has a new method to allow the app to save data to memory card as long as the app supported.
I tried the unit in person and I really like the screen (very sharp and bright), but it's difficult to get accessories even the size is similar with iPad mini (front speakers killed it).

 

[Takinato]

Actually, I don't really need root as 5.x has a new method to allow the app to save data to memory card as long as the app supported.
I tried the unit in person and I really like the screen (very sharp and bright), but it's difficult to get accessories even the size is similar with iPad mini (front speakers killed it).

I was more so speaking in terms with titanium backup to freeze some of the Bloatware

 

[madsquabbles]

i've already rooted it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/zenpad-s-root-achieved-t3160422/post61941689

you should probably do a nandroid as your first step for just in case. i haven't done one so i have no clue if it restores properly.

you achieve root through a temp/tethered cwm.

hopefully someone can take all that and maybe make it simpler. i'd love to have a perm cwm or twrp.

i think it may have been more appropriate to have posted it to this subforum.

 

[mingkee]

i've already rooted it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/zenpad-s-root-achieved-t3160422/post61941689

you should probably do a nandroid as your first step for just in case. i haven't done one so i have no clue if it restores properly.

you achieve root through a temp/tethered cwm.

hopefully someone can take all that and maybe make it simpler. i'd love to have a perm cwm or twrp.

i think it may have been more appropriate to have posted it to this subforum.

Unfortunately, there's no dedicated forum, but I requested one.

 

[dubbactrumpetmsu]

Unfortunately, there's no dedicated forum, but I requested one.

How do you do that? I'd love to add my name to the list. I know I should wait and see before buying, but I couldn't resist. Moved from a Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 to this one. Still have 14 days to play with it, so we'll see how it goes. Even though the Tab S 2 is coming in the same 4:3 ratio, I'm sure it'll be priced well above this one, since its got the octacore and whatnot.

 

[madsquabbles]

How do you do that? I'd love to add my name to the list. I know I should wait and see before buying, but I couldn't resist. Moved from a Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10 to this one. Still have 14 days to play with it, so we'll see how it goes. Even though the Tab S 2 is coming in the same 4:3 ratio, I'm sure it'll be priced well above this one, since its got the octacore and whatnot.

samsung is juicing the hell out of that exnyos5. sad thing is that almost all their "premium" tablets run pretty much on the same hardware but they've abandoned the galaxy note 10.1 2014 - the first with that processor.

i'v read that tablet is gonna be over $500.

 

[dubbactrumpetmsu]

samsung is juicing the hell out of that exnyos5. sad thing is that almost all their "premium" tablets run pretty much on the same hardware but they've abandoned the galaxy note 10.1 2014 - the first with that processor.

i'v read that tablet is gonna be over $500.

That's true. $500?! Wtf. I know they have an 8 and 9.7" version...I'm guessing 399 for the 8 and 499 for the 9.7"? Back to trying to compete with Apple, I suppose. I wanted something different to go with my 6+, so I've been bouncing around tablets using the 14-day return policy (though two were defective anyway so they didn't sount). Maybe I should just wait for the 4GB version of this one. Here's hoping we get a forum and some major interest soon. I'd love to run CM and a few others on this thing.

 

[mingkee]

samsung is juicing the hell out of that exnyos5. sad thing is that almost all their "premium" tablets run pretty much on the same hardware but they've abandoned the galaxy note 10.1 2014 - the first with that processor.

i'v read that tablet is gonna be over $500.

Hey,
You can check out bestbuy for Tab Pro 10.1 which is similar EXCEPT S Pen.
I really don't want Samsh*t, but, unfortunately, most of manufacturers are digging on basic models (720P screen, 1GB RAM, 8-16GB NAND).
I used to own two Asus ME572c, but both are broken (and one of them thrown out of window). I wanted the third one but it's no more.
The only thing I don't like is 4:3 ratio which leaves HUGE black stripes when watching TV and video.

 

[madsquabbles]

Samsung makes good hardware bt lack in support and charge near apple prices. at least with an apple you'll get some support for the money you dump into it.

I love 4:3 for web browsing and reading. portrait is easier to hold and having the extra width (compared to a 16:10 of the same diag size) is great. but when you watch movies you do feel like you're losing some real estate... unless you're watching an old TV show like Oz.

I considered getting the tab s 10.5 but gaining an amoled wasn't worth giving up the pen. the note pro 12.2 is exactly the same hardware as the 10.1 but has a more recent OS last I looked.

 

[rachelm920]

Good afternoon (or morning depending on where you are LOL)
For those of you who purchased this tablet, how do you like it so far? I am looking to replace my boyfriend's nexus 7 (also made by ASUS) since the charging port stopped working. He doesn't care about rooting, and basically uses it to browse the net, facebook and play games like Candycrush lol I'm thinking the 32GB model for $199 will suffice, although he may end up with the $99 one if there's expandable memory. I didn't see anything about a MicroSD slot on it. Is there one?

 

[madsquabbles]

yes it has a mSD slot. I think it only supports up to 64GB. I'm loving mine. main use is book and comic reafing, plus web browsing. I've tested a couple games- Minecraft and soul calibre and both ran flawlessly. don't let the speaker size fool you, this thing is loud and clear!

no regrets buying mine. trying to get my daughter to let me buy her one but she won't let go of her memopad!

only downside right now is lack of accessories. I can't find anyone that can get me a case until after August. I love how thin this tablet is, but it feels so dainty without a case,lol.

 

[rachelm920]

yes it has a mSD slot. I think it only supports up to 64GB. I'm loving mine. main use is book and comic reafing, plus web browsing. I've tested a couple games- Minecraft and soul calibre and both ran flawlessly. don't let the speaker size fool you, this thing is loud and clear!

no regrets buying mine. trying to get my daughter to let me buy her one but she won't let go of her memopad!

only downside right now is lack of accessories. I can't find anyone that can get me a case until after August. I love how thin this tablet is, but it feels so dainty without a case,lol.

Wow not even amazon? That's where I always find cases.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[madsquabbles]

Wow not even amazon? That's where I always find cases.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

that's where I've been keeping an eye out. nothing yet except stuff in china.

 

[mingkee]

i've already rooted it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/zenpad-s-root-achieved-t3160422/post61941689

you should probably do a nandroid as your first step for just in case. i haven't done one so i have no clue if it restores properly.

you achieve root through a temp/tethered cwm.

hopefully someone can take all that and maybe make it simpler. i'd love to have a perm cwm or twrp.

i think it may have been more appropriate to have posted it to this subforum.

Finally I got mine from Best Buy.
The way I root is following the instructions above, but...
1. choose T2 in command prompt
2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE 32GB or lower SD card (CWM does not support FAT64).

Compared with ME572c:
572 is a bit louder
Quadrant is around 14000 (572 got 18000)
Antutu is 37000
It's recommended to have protection on the back
Bootloader is not locked (as of now even after updated to latest ROM)
The viewing area is about the same with 9:16 videos
It only supports B/G/N Wi-Fi, no 5GHz
Backup from 572 can be restored in this unit except system apps
You can tap the screen twice to wake like LG units.

The store rep told me Z580c is selling pretty fast, and I found it's already sold out in many stores in Manhattan (I got mine at Atlantic Terminal store where only has one unit left)

 

[madsquabbles]

The store rep told me Z580c is selling pretty fast, and I found it's already sold out in many stores in Manhattan (I got mine at Atlantic Terminal store where only has one unit left)

congrats on your new toy. good to hear it's selling well. hopefully someone with some skills will pick one up soon.

 

[mingkee]

congrats on your new toy. good to hear it's selling well. hopefully someone with some skills will pick one up soon.

Actually, I'd like to get the 10.1" model as well, but BH (bhphotovideo.com) doesn't have it in stock yet.
$180 with 2GB RAM is pretty unusual.
If 10.1 models came with unlocked bootloader, it will attract a lot of developers.

 

[madsquabbles]

Actually, I'd like to get the 10.1" model as well, but BH (bhphotovideo.com) doesn't have it in stock yet.
$180 with 2GB RAM is pretty unusual.
If 10.1 models came with unlocked bootloader, it will attract a lot of developers.

pretty good specs for under $200. i'm supposing they didn't include 5ghz on this model either given how cheap it is. 1280x800 isn't as bad a resolution as some people make it out to be at such a small size unless you're looking at tiny old fonts. movies have very little benefit going to 1080 at this size.

 

[rachelm920]

that's where I've been keeping an eye out. nothing yet except stuff in china.

It seems that it fits in the generic 8 inch tablet cases. Bought one at Five below yesterday... Said it fit the kindle HD and iPad mini. The hole for the camera even lined up. I brought the tablet with me to make sure it fit.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk