20120626 UPDATE (THIS IS IMPORTANT) - The MOG app uses "*read sensitive log data" permission -- The THRiVE is still the best tablet on the market this is just one of the "bad" things app writer's (both Apple and Android) do to unsuspecting users. If you are using Evrenote or are planning to download it, it too, uses the *read sensitive log data" permission.
Using your favorite search engine, read about the potential evil of the "*read sensitive log data" permission. It appears it should be a debugging-only tool! It should NOT be a permission left in app that is released to the community. MOG comes as in intrinsic app with the TOSHIBA THRiVE seemingly meaning that it cannot be removed, only the updates can be removed.
I WILL NOT USE the MOG app since it has over stepped common sense boundaries by forgetting about the user's needs for privacy and protection of their personal data from unintended disclosure to MOG; and, by MOG; or, by malicious apps using this exploit. If you want to learn what MOG collects, use the aLogcat app. For additional information about the *read sensitive log data, these URLs discuss how this permission has affected users and vendors ...
(NOTE: the URLs will probably be censored by amazon.com. Not to worry, use a search engine as mentioned above to do your research)
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20120625 UPDATE - MoKo folios have been in use for over six months and have taken a lot of wear-and-tear abuse protecting the THRiVEs traveling in a backpack through airport security then being dumped unceremoniously in an overhead bin then bumped and dragged through cities and the countryside in a daypack.
On another note, while traveling, the THRiVE's screen withstood a direct hit from a piece of metal that that came flying through the air making a sickening thwack that left a mark making me think, "Oh stuff!" I carefully wipped the screen with a soft microfiber cloth and was pleased to see no trace of the screen's encounter with the piece of metal. Several weeks later, this moment is only a memory!
20120420 UPDATE - There are notes scattered below of changes or new information. Here is one that may be useful. To make listening more comfortable, I initially added the Cyber Acoustics AC-204 Headset&Mic w/PC Y-Adapter (a necessity for Google Voice since the 903+, mentioned next, only operates as a headset on the THRiVE); however, I have migrated to the Plantronics BackBeat 903+ Headset for Music/Video and my cell phone - both of these are available "Prime" on Amazon.com.
WE BOUGHT TWO AND THIS IS WHAT WE THINK ABOUT THEM!
I looked for a tablet that met my needs. The iPad is way to proprietary for me and I do not use/like the iTunes closed environment. I also looked at the Xoom and the now defunct HP. I read about many others. Here is why I chose the Toshiba THRiVE tablet over any of the other tablets available and have been using it for several months now.
1. User replaceable/changeable battery that gives some 11 hours of usage (my longest continuous was 16 hours - of course, doing work that involved no movies, no video, and for grins and giggles I uninstalled the apps that unnecessarily consume battery and those apps that launch for no good reason at boot time and just run even when there is no need).
2. The spare battery allows me some 22 hours of time. I have run four (4) full length movies on one charge and there is plenty of battery charge remaining to do more stuff. If you travel long distances whether by airline, train, car, boat, etc., you will appreciate the time the THRiVE gives you with its replaceable battery. The "grand" iPad dies after a few short hours unless one has an extension cord or a power source to keep it running which means you must be okay with being tethered to an automobile's battery or a power outlet (if available).
3. Two fully functional USB ports. One for the stuff in the toy collection that needs a large USB connector; and, one for the other stuff in the collection that needs a small USB connector.
4. Though not suggested or recommended, it is possible for the THRiVE to be connected to a desktop and act as a drive. You will need to do your own research to learn more!
5. The THRiVE has a standard SD card slot. A few of the other tablets have a microSD card slot. The THRiVE offers 128gb SDXC (yes, that is an 'X') card usage capability. 128gb is not really what I need at the moment but I am glad I can upsize to 128gb should I need it in the future. Two 32gb class 10 SDHC (yes, that is an 'H') cards are pre-loaded with video and music and apps when I am on flights lasting as long as 13 hours. Unless first class is affordable, there are usually no outlets in the back-of-the-plane. The EuroRail offers 220 outlets that are suitable for the THRiVE without buying additional power modules (an adapter for the power plug is required to fit the power sockets). The SD cards give me the capability of having a tremendous amount of material to keep me occupied whether video, music, work, or whatever.
6. The 10 inch screen is very readable and the refresh rate is very good. The color appears to be good even though I have not done anything to color correct it. It fortunately does NOT seem to have that garish color saturation for the fake "vivid" look.
7. The THRiVE does not have to be "rooted" or "jailbroken" like some devices (iPad is the most notible) to provide some great features and wonderful capabilities that are highly desirable.
8. The Kindle app is available from the android market (20120420-now called Google Play) as are other great apps to meet probably most, if not all, of your needs. It is important to get the google account! Remember, like all of the tablets, it is a "cloud" device and connection to the "cloud" is an absolute MUST! Next, so you will never be disappointed with an app, it will be a very good use of your time to login, using your THRiVE account at Google.com, to the android market from a desktop and then find the apps that seem like something suitable for you. The android market will use your THRiVE login and the developer information to inform you if the app will work with Honeycomb 3.1 (your THRiVE's operating system) and the Toshiba tablet. Please do this. You will read a lot of comments from folks about apps they tried to use, on their tablet/smartphone, but did not check to learn if the app would work on their device.
9. The THRiVE has been traveling with me for some time. It always has worked as it should. It works even better when the developer creates a proper app that knows when the "cloud" is present and prepares itself to know how to work when the "cloud" is temporarily unavailable!
10. There are many more features and capabilities provided by the Toshiba THRiVE that set it apart from the other tablets that caused me to buy two (2) of them. I am trying to get time to play with all of the THRiVE's features and capabilities.
11. The THRiVE works flawlessly with my Pogoplugs so that I can stream/download video via Wi-Fi at the brick-and-mortor places I have tried this. Of course, I can put the THRiVE to work listening to my music on my Pogoplugs, vi Wi-Fi, while I do other things on the THRiVE.
12. If you are lucky enough to have, and can afford, a Mi-Fi or a Car-Fi the THRiVE's capabilities and features work flawlessly keeping you at work and entertained.
13. 20111011 UPDATE ... How could I forget! The next best thing to a user-replacable battery is a battery recharge that takes a discharged battery and fully recharges it about one (1) hour. The importance of this is that those two or more hours of "sit" time, in an airport, waiting for the next leg of the flight allows me to totally recharge both my batteries and use the THRiVE at the same time.
14. 20111013 UPDATE ... When reviewing an apps' permission, do make sure the "Show All" is clicked so that you can view the permissions that are not popular for a developer to use yet the permissions are used because they can be used and the use is not necessarily for the benefit of the THRiVE user.
Ya just have to admit that Toshiba and its THRiVE was the first tablet that was done correctly from the get-go!
Short comings (of wireless, developers, and ... that limit the THRiVE)
1. The THRiVE is a cloud device like the Xoom, the iPad, the xxx, etc. and is limited in what it can do once it is away from the internet. This limitation is mostly the fault of the developer of the app that forgets that Wi-Fi is not every where as one might think or is told. There are really places in these United States that are devoid of McDonalds, BurgerKings, and the like. When this happens, the interaction with the internet goes dark, very DARK! 3g/4g is no better. Unlike the advertisements where the wireless vendors would like you to believe that 3g/4g is pervasive, it is NOT if you leave the city/metropolitian areas.
2. The so called "unlimited" 3g/4g data packages are "capped" and very expensive. If you take a moment and read the fine print that I have read in the data service contracts it really limits what can be done with their 2, 5, 10 gig data plans (fine print from one wireless privider indicated if you use to much of your "unlimited" plan they can disconnect your service -- how does one use to much of "unlimited?"). I think T-Mobile is the exception at the moment but this may not be so for long with the eminent purchase by another wireless provider (?). A movie is about 4gb to download/stream unless you buy/obtain the movie and then dumb it down (lower the resolution/size) with software available at some retail outlets/online. The wireless vendors also control the speed available to the device at the tower. I can tether my old Motorola Razr (vintage 2007 - D and EV capable) to my computer and use a real "unlimited" data plan that is grandfathered at $30/mth that has gone, when tower allowed, to 1,000Kbps for extended periods when in the right place.
3. The THRiVE cannot access the Whisper Net like the 3g versions of the Kindle. Even the "crappy" experimental browser on the Kindle is better than a cell phone, Wi-Fi, laptop, iPad, Nook, etc. when there is no other access. "I know!" I was in the middle of no where on the EuroRail in Europe just East of the French border and I needed information. Nothing, from unlocked SIMM'd cell, to ... woked except the Kindle, it's "crappy" experimental browser, and Whisper Net. The "silk" browser of the "Fire" kindle is supposed to be much, much, better?
4. The THRiVE might be a little heavy for some of the critics. If you are like me and travel with a backpack it is no big deal. The provided default non-skid back has been a lifesaver - granted, it is not pretty but I do not need pretty!
5. Since the rage is the "black" appearing screen we are stuck with it. Like laptops, and other displays, the "black" appearing screen is for indoor office/home use. The designers forgot about us folks that are of the out-of-doors sorts. It has a mechanism that really tries to make the screen bright enough to see in the sunlight that does only a minimal amount of good. Fortunately, a shadow can often be made that allows the eyes to adjust and the screen can be seen a whole lot better than a smartphone.
6. A netbook, a laptop, and a desktop offer some privacy that is not in the scope of how things seem to work in the tablet/smartPhone cloud environment. App Permissions MUST be carefully checked (check the apps Permissions from a desktop/laptop connected to the Android market). Some apps watch and disseminate everything that is done and will continue to do so 24x7x365. As an example, think of it this way. There are certain apps where the coordinates of every bathroom stop made every day can be sent out into the internet along with any other information the developer chose to include while the device is carried and power to the device is enabled. The only way to stop this behavior permanently is to uninstall the app. The way to tolerate and coexist with this behavior is to review the intent of the app and plan what you do accordingly (20111027 - this context must be applied to the list of apps below for your use). When the tablet is not being used, totally power down (this would be the same as removing the battery if the provided on-off switch were not available). Another way is to uninstal the app when it is not useful (this is not painful and is for the most part a rather quick process unlike what most of us have experienced in the Microsoft world). With more research in the Android market, there is probably another app that will more than likely do the same thing and be less intrusive and invasive. I mostly go for the "free" apps and NEVER, never, the ones that have advertisements!
7. It is important to have something watch for malicious apps. "Yes!" there are evil people masterminding "tricks" to steal anything and everything (processing time, identity, passwords, etc.). Kaspersky, and Norton are probably the better tools designed for the Android tablet at the present time. There are some free tools that have not-so-good reputations in the technical trade publications.
8. Android tablets are also thought of as Smart Phones seemingly because when Android was first marketed by Google, there were only smartphones and there were no Android tablets. So, this might be a little confusing at first when the app only makes reference to smartphones.
20111027 - UPDATE ... I am answering this question, "What do I use on the THRiVE?" This is no endorsement of any of the Android apps, the developer(s), or any personal involvement (financial, ownership, etc.). I like these apps because they do what I want-and-need until I find something better. Keep in mind that some are particularly invasive to privacy, some use processor cycles that could be better used by another app, and some consume battery whether they are being used or not. The apps (in no particular order) ...
20120420 - UPDATE ... Try "Airplane Mode" with the apps on the THRiVE. Airplane mode often makes an app that tracks the device user workable so it becomes a way to manage "some" invasive apps that might otherwise be useful. Just remember to either uninstall/"Force Stop" the app and clear cache when finished using it. It if "pops up" on reboot it might be an app that has to be uninstalled when not in use.
ANDROID APPS (I use - downloaded ONLY)
A. Pogoplug - It provides access at the tablet to my Pogoplug that I use to store my video, music, pictures, and other stuff that I want to access while I am out and about (encrypted with PKWare AES 256). I do not really need it since I could go to <...> and do most of the same things if not more. (20120420-PKWare has posted that it will make available a reader for the android market in the 2nd quarter 2012. This is great news when one has to carry protected documents that now can be accessed on the THRiVE).
B. TripAdvisor - The online version was not all that interesting to me. There apps do it right! If you want to see what I mean, get one of them say, "Hawaii Travel Guide or Los Angeles City Guide!" When one is traveling it is not always possible to be connected to the internet (like flying - and a legal requirement is to have the THRiVE in "Airplane mode" over the Pacific on an aircraft that is not Wi-Fi equipped or I do not want to pay the fee to use onboard Wi-Fi ... ). TripAdvisor series of apps work where-you-are and when-you-need-them even if there is not internet connection (of course, an internet connection is necessary for updates to the apps and the data that can be done whenever). These folks are responsive to a user's thoughts, comments and feedback.
20120420-For some odd reason, the folks at TripAdvisor changed their strategy. An internet connection is now a necessity to use their apps - I would rate this app "BAD" if it were not for their good information. Now, I have to put myself on pause until I am within range of internet access ... .
C. Kaspersky - This is the only paid app on my THRiVEs. It was available before Norton. I wanted protection. These folks are responsive to a user's thoughts, comments and feedback.
D. Adobe Reader - Just have to have my PDF's! Enough written.
20120420-Check the settings for a lot more tools that will be very useful.
E. Amazon Kindle - Need I say more?
F. Google Docs, Google Earth, Google Maps, Google Translate, Google Voice, and Google Books - Each provides a glimps into the developer's Android creation. Keep in mind that the Google developer's belief appears to be that the user would always have "open" internet connection no matter where they were or where they went. "Ain't happening yet!" However, the tools are worthwhile.
G. Adobe Flash Player - Yep, it works and does what it should.
H. Androidify - Okay, so it is cute. I liked it and fits my creative side when I am bored.
I. Barcode Scanner - The one by ZXing Team I like the best. These folks are responsive to a user's thoughts, comments and feedback.
J. Centrury 21 Real Estate Mobile - The developer did a good job for the most part. These folks are responsive to a user's thoughts, comments and feedback.
K. Cracker Barrel - It is food that meets my picky needs.
L. ERA Mobile Real Estate - (see J.)
M. Finance - A Google tool. Weird that it only completely works on one THRiVE. I have hopes they will tell me where to find the corrupt data and how to delete.
20120420-There has yet to be a response on this from Google.
N. FlightAware Flight Tracker - This is good if you have to sit in an airport wondering where in the world and what is happening to the expected flight (also good for people collecting passengers from baggage claim and even better most other information that might be useful).
O. MyQR Code - You will understand once you acquire this one (see I.)
P. My Tracks - If the THRiVE can get a GPS signal, the track across the ground/highway/trail will be shown - map and terrain is optional because the developers forgot that internet connection is not pervasive.
Q. Kayak - Ah, I just love the multiple cities option and all the better "traveler" places to search for hotel, car, and plane reservations. These folks are responsive to a user's thoughts, comments and feedback.
R. WeatherBug - Get the version for Honeycomb. These folks are responsive to a user's thoughts, comments and feedback.
S. USA TODAY for Tablet - I am still looking. It fills the gap for now.
T. Norton Snap QR Code Reader, Norton Anti-Theft Plugin, Mobile Utilities & Task Killer, and Mobile Security and Antivirus - Keep in mind that some of these offer the complete set of advertised options for an additional subscription fee. They serve a purpose for me just as they are, for now!
U. 20120420 - Additional apps that might be of interest: BASIC!, Firefox Beta, Google Googles (careful!), Google Sky Map. Then there is Sketch n Draw that has advertisement; however, just go into "airplane mode" to mitigate and enjoy.
ANDROID APPS (Of no use or ... )
ZZ1. Adobe Photoshop Express - it is a social media tool that does not allow me to do what I want. If social media web sites are used, it might be okay?
BAD Apps
ZZ2. Videos - It is a Google app. It cannot be uninstalled. It just arrived a day or so ago. Even though I might like it (?), Google gives me no choice in the matter and appears to think everyone should have this. I suppose it is in the fine print, somewhere, so ... .
20120420 - Google+ became the user environment that added a lot of features of absolutely no interest to me. It was a disappointment that Google just did this, ... again, its probably in the fine print ... . Then, there is also Google Play Books. I did not want this but ... .
| Standing screen display size | 10.1 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 1280 x 800 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1280 x 800 Pixels |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR2 |
| Hard Drive | 16 GB |
| Graphics Coprocessor | GeForce |
| Chipset Brand | Nvidia |
| Card Description | GeForce Graphics |
| Wireless Type | 802.11bgn |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 11 Hours |
