I couldn't find a forum dedicated to this tablet so I thought I'd give the Android fanatics in the Prevail forum (since I own a Prevail) a heads up.
For those who don't already know, Big Lots recently got a shipment of Polaroid PMID701C 7 inch capacitive display tablets. I've been looking for a decent inexpensive tablet for two years and I finally found one that meets my price/performance ratio.
No custom ROMS yet but I rooted it with SuperOneClick v.2.3.3 and installed all of the Google Apps (it doesn't ship with Google Play or any other Google apps).
I'm attaching my post-root screenshot and shots from the box.
Benchmark:
The Following User Says Thank You to Antiluddite For This Useful Post:
It's not the thickness that counts, it's how you use it...
Some comparisons:
New Galaxy Tab 10.1: 8.6 mm
IPad 2: 8.8 mm
Amazon Kindle Fire: 11.4 mm
Nook Tablet/Nook Color: 12.0 mm
Polaroid PMID701C: 13.0 mm
I don't have an exact weight measurement, but it's a little bit heavier than my Kindle Keyboard (old Amazon Kindle 3G). I've already used it for extended periods and for me it feels light.
New Galaxy Tab 10.1: 8.6 mm
IPad 2: 8.8 mm
Amazon Kindle Fire: 11.4 mm
Nook Tablet/Nook Color: 12.0 mm
Polaroid PMID701C: 13.0 mm
I don't have an exact weight measurement, but it's a little bit heavier than my Kindle Keyboard (old Amazon Kindle 3G). I've already used it for extended periods and for me it feels light.
That's not as bad as it looks then. been wanting a tablet but really wanting a Kindle Fire with Cyanogenmod
Antiluddite, I am new to the forum and have just bought one of the Polaroids. Would you mind sharing the step by step instructions you used to root your tablet? Thanks
Personally I prefer the thicker tablets over the thin ones myself. I have a Nook Tablet running CM7 with a book style case and it is the perfectly thickness for me probably because I am use to holding thick paperback novels. The weight works for me as well.
Antiluddite, ...Would you mind sharing the step by step instructions you used to root your tablet?...
Sure:
Note: This device ships partially rooted. For a full root, follow the procedure below.
Second Note: There are other methods to root this device, including manually since it's already almost fully rooted. This is a no-brainer procedure that the less-technically inclined forum denizens can follow without bricking their devices. Having said that, as usual, the >> rooter assumes all risks <<. I've rooted three of these tablets with the below procedure with no issues.
Note the Third: I have the Android SDK installed. I don't believe SuperOneClick needs it, but if you get any error messages regarding ADB commands go to Android SDK | Android Developers. Download and install your appropriate package.
Go to shortfuse.org and download the latest version of SuperOneClick (I used version 2.3.3).
Shut down and remove your SD card from the tablet (if you've added one).
Boot up, go to Settings > Applications > Development > and check USB debugging.
Attach the tablet to your computer via the USB cable. MAKE SURE THE COMPUTER DETECTS THE DEVICE.
You don't need to install communications drivers specific for the manufacturer. SuperOneClick will install a generic driver. Execute SuperOneClick AS AN ADMINISTRATOR ON YOUR BOX.
Click the Advanced tab.
Click the button Check Drivers.
SuperOneClick will detect your device and prompt you to install a generic driver. Confirm this prompt.
Click the General tab.
Click the Root button.
SuperOneClick will begin to analyze the device. It will detect the partial root and state that the device appears to already be rooted. Tell SuperOneClick to continue the process.
Rooting is fast, ~ 8 seconds. When it finishes, the utility will ask if you wish to perform a test. Cancel the dialog.
Reboot, then open your applications drawer and check for the SuperUser.apk.
H@x0r t43 P1@n37
After rooting, shutdown, replace your SD card (if you have one) and download an appropriate Google Apps package for Android version 2.3. Obviously, I can't post a link for that package here as that would be a TOS violation of the forums and Google would remove me from their Christmas card list.
The Following User Says Thank You to Antiluddite For This Useful Post:
We only have two Biglots locations here in Omaha, Nebraska. I bought the last tablet they had after seeing this thread. I only had time to turn it on and take a quick look and it seems pretty responsive.
I got it rooted fine. I am new to Android and rooting and got a little confused but read and re-read instructions. I saw where I was stumbling and then moved on to root. I have a couple of issues with the "market" install. It is working but not fully correct yet. Since that issue seems to be off limits here I will continue to work on this in due time. Thanks again for the root instructions and the forum in general... PRB
Thanks a bunch Antiluddite, was having real problems finding a driver for debug, and that hit the spot. We do have a great core group working this tablet over on FreakTab.com. Ultimately looking for IceCreamSandwich since there are very similar tablets with it on.
Oh and DC, I picked up a second one at the 132nd and Center location yesterday (wanted a new one for testing, eventually for my nephew) and as I was leaving the lady told someone to get more out of the back to re-stock the case. Asked her and she said they have plenty of them.
I came across this forum post the other day and went to Big Lots and purchased one. I've always been skeptical of items they sell, but from what was posted here, it seemed like a decent purchase.
Well, I bought it today and the screen is so hard to read... Went to the internet and you can barely make out what is on any website. So my question is this... The screen shots you posted... Does it actually look like that on your tablet? Mine doesn't even remotely resemble the imagery on the box itself. Perhaps the video card is messed up.
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Cdhoward. Not sure if the picture you posted is true to what it looks like. If it is then you definitely got a damaged device. That looks like the pixels are all over the place and a lot of blurring.
If the picture you posted is what it looks like in real life then I'd definitely go in and get a different device as your one is damaged.
Just to confirm, you bought a "new", sealed in the box, PMID701C? I just checked the site you pictured and mine is clear. I haven't used mine too much since purchasing last week. Mine has very good display quality. I have loaded a few pictures to test but have not tried a video yet. I did get it rooted fine as you can see above with the help from Antiluddite. I assume you are running stock operating system; I see no available display setting in stock build. I have not tried any display adjustments, so I am still stock in this area as well. Sounds like you may need to exchange the unit for another...
The Following User Says Thank You to PRBMAINT For This Useful Post:
Thanks for the feedback, guys. The picture is pretty close to what it looks like. I'll be going back to Big Lots and getting another one. Even tried playing the video in that picture and it plays with greatly distorted sound and image quality is worse than the website. Tried playing music from the radio app and it does just fine. Tying it all together, it certainly does seem like a video card problem.
This is my first tablet and first Android as well.
...Even tried playing the video in that picture and it plays with greatly distorted sound and image quality is worse than the website. Tried playing music from the radio app and it does just fine...
You've definitely got a bad unit and will need to return it. I purchased three and had to take one back because the wifi receiver wouldn't hold a connection. The replacement works great BTW.
When you return it, make sure you get an unopened box. The Big Lots employees at my store open the box before they hand it over--I assume--to make sure a unit is inside so the customer can't claim later they were sold an empty box. I saw a couple of open boxes in the display case and was almost given one during my second purchase so defective returns may be finding their way back into the stock.
On a lighter note, here's a conversation I had with the customer in line behind me:
customer me
What is that? Some kind of computer?
It's an Android tablet.
*blank stare*
It's basically the same OS that's installed on the majority of mobile phones.
You make phone calls with it?
No, it's for browsing the web, running applications, reading e-books, etc.
you've definitely got a bad unit and will need to return it. I purchased three and had to take one back because the wifi receiver wouldn't hold a connection. The replacement works great btw.
When you return it, make sure you get an unopened box. The big lots employees at my store open the box before they hand it over--i assume--to make sure a unit is inside so the customer can't claim later they were sold an empty box. I saw a couple of open boxes in the display case and was almost given one during my second purchase so defective returns may be finding their way back into the stock.
On a lighter note, here's a conversation i had with the customer in line behind me:
Customer Me
What is that? Some kind of computer?
It's an android tablet.
*blank stare*
It's basically the same os that's installed on the majority of mobile phones.
You make phone calls with it?
No, it's for browsing the web, running applications, reading e-books, etc.
*blank stare*
It's like a smaller, inexpensive ipad.
oh! I've heard of those!
lmao !!!
__________________
Is there a reason you're not rooted yet??
Do the right thing and hit THANKS!
You've definitely got a bad unit and will need to return it. I purchased three and had to take one back because the wifi receiver wouldn't hold a connection. The replacement works great BTW.
When you return it, make sure you get an unopened box. The Big Lots employees at my store open the box before they hand it over--I assume--to make sure a unit is inside so the customer can't claim later they were sold an empty box. I saw a couple of open boxes in the display case and was almost given one during my second purchase so defective returns may be finding their way back into the stock.
This one was a sealed package, but will be making sure I have a solid, working unit before I leave Big Lots.
I have ordered a Sony 10A1-04106 Audio/Video cable to try the TV connection. There is a lot of work going on at freaktab.com on the Polaroid PMID701C. I have signed up there and I am seeing a lot of development from the forum members try to build the ideal ROM and see what this unit is really capable of doing. If you look closely to your unit it does not have the official Google Market, now Google Play, installed. I didn’t try to install the market without rooting, but I think you need to be fully rooted to do this correctly. You can stay stock and buy from the Amazon App Store (installed) or get apps from other trustworthy places on the web. You may be limited in you app selection without the market. Mainly, without rooting, your device will pretty much be as it is out of the box, excluding the apps you install. There are a lot of cool things you can do to improve the stock state and you can get apps that require root access for more uses and applications designed for root. If you want to learn more about modifying your Polaroid check out Freaktab.com. I have also ordered an adapter for the USB to use a full size, standard USB connection, not sure if this will work on a Polaroid but some tablets will allow external keyboards. Good luck
I have also ordered an adapter for the USB to use a full size, standard USB connection, not sure if this will work on a Polaroid but some tablets will allow external keyboards. Good luck
Someone else may confirm, but I think this might be limited by the OS. If they are making an ICS rom, then this should be available.
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Not a bad looking tablet for the price. May have to look into this for my son
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I have ordered a Sony 10A1-04106 Audio/Video cable to try the TV connection. There is a lot of work going on at freaktab.com on the Polaroid PMID701C. I have signed up there and I am seeing a lot of development from the forum members try to build the ideal ROM and see what this unit is really capable of doing. If you look closely to your unit it does not have the official Google Market, now Google Play, installed. I didn’t try to install the market without rooting, but I think you need to be fully rooted to do this correctly. You can stay stock and buy from the Amazon App Store (installed) or get apps from other trustworthy places on the web. You may be limited in you app selection without the market. Mainly, without rooting, your device will pretty much be as it is out of the box, excluding the apps you install. There are a lot of cool things you can do to improve the stock state and you can get apps that require root access for more uses and applications designed for root. If you want to learn more about modifying your Polaroid check out Freaktab.com. I have also ordered an adapter for the USB to use a full size, standard USB connection, not sure if this will work on a Polaroid but some tablets will allow external keyboards. Good luck
Just a note that I was able to get the Google Play (Android Market) installed by searching for the two packages below and transferring to the sd card. Use the file manager to install each.
1. GoogleDervicesFramework-signed.apk
2. vending-3.1.3-signed.apk
I just picked this tablet up and am trying to use the step above with Superclick. When I click check drivers, i get the missing drive popup. I say yes and get "no signature was present in the subject." Any ideas?
My market works okay , but I cannot "see" all of the apps in the store. I have a droid phone so I can easily check for apps there as well, besides using the PC to search. I am wondering why I can't "see" the same apps. I have explored with editing the prop file but that has not worked so far. I have also changed display settings. From what I gather from Antiluddite's comment above, this area my be unwanted in this forum... I am looking on other forums and following their expertise and testing as well. I may factory reset mine to try all of this again to find a cure and learn from the entire process. Any ideas or pointers would be appreciated- PRB
My market works okay , but I cannot "see" all of the apps in the store. I have a droid phone so I can easily check for apps there as well, besides using the PC to search. I am wondering why I can't "see" the same apps. I have explored with editing the prop file but that has not worked so far. I have also changed display settings. From what I gather from Antiluddite's comment above, this area my be unwanted in this forum... I am looking on other forums and following their expertise and testing as well. I may factory reset mine to try all of this again to find a cure and learn from the entire process. Any ideas or pointers would be appreciated- PRB
There is a market unlocker that you can download and I've only used it once or twice . Maybe someone that has used it more can give you a little more info on it .
This is a super excellent thread. My wife and mom just got these tablets they are soooo similar to the prevail I was thinking root and roms as soon as I saw them. Good job!!
We did successfully add the play store, the Google services framework was already installed so you only need the vending apk
Last edited by jwh42000; April 7th, 2012 at 12:20 AM.
I just got a Polaroid PMID701C today. I cannot connect to the internet. Any suggestions?
I have gone to the wi-fi settings and see my connection, typed in the correct password and keep getting the message "Scanning, connecting, disconnected".
I just got a Polaroid PMID701C today. I cannot connect to the internet. Any suggestions?
I have gone to the wi-fi settings and see my connection, typed in the correct password and keep getting the message "Scanning, connecting, disconnected".
What's your setup for Wi-Fi? Do you have your own router or you trying to hop on other people's hotspots?
My market works okay , but I cannot "see" all of the apps in the store. I have a droid phone so I can easily check for apps there as well, besides using the PC to search. I am wondering why I can't "see" the same apps. I have explored with editing the prop file but that has not worked so far. I have also changed display settings. From what I gather from Antiluddite's comment above, this area my be unwanted in this forum... I am looking on other forums and following their expertise and testing as well. I may factory reset mine to try all of this again to find a cure and learn from the entire process. Any ideas or pointers would be appreciated- PRB
The way I understand it, the market filters results for what's compatible with your OS and device.
Redlaser works with the prevail but market swears it doesn't. Google can provide a lot of compatibility info
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dpierce15
I just got a Polaroid PMID701C today. I cannot connect to the internet. Any suggestions?
I have gone to the wi-fi settings and see my connection, typed in the correct password and keep getting the message "Scanning, connecting, disconnected".
I do not have the device so I'm just throwing out a generic solution to the issue that I've noticed on Android.
Depending on your router, if its dlink type 192.168.0.1
Netgear is either 192.168.1.1
Or http://router login.net
Admin
Password blank or password
Verify correct security key in wireless settings
You can also add your device here.
If none of that works hard reset your router
Hold in the reset for 5 sec then pull power cord
Continue holding reset for 10 sec and release
Plug power cord in
You will have to set your router back up but its pretty straight forward
I just got a Polaroid PMID701C today. I cannot connect to the internet. Any suggestions?
I have gone to the wi-fi settings and see my connection, typed in the correct password and keep getting the message "Scanning, connecting, disconnected".
I see this a lot lately with tablets and smartphones of all flavors. Sometimes it's
just a matter of backing out of wireless settings then go back in and presto! connected.
Failing that, try long pressing on your wireless network ssid and select 'forget'
then try to reconnect and pay extra special attention when typing in the
security key. Very easy to fat finger on these touch keyboards and accidentally
type the wrong character. Rather then tell you it failed, it'll just keep trying to
obtain an ip.
Oh yeah at risk of stating the obvious, your key is case sensitive.
Last edited by UncleBud; April 9th, 2012 at 08:59 AM.
Reason: stating the obvious
I got this to work! I was trying it on a XP computer. I connected to a Windows 7 computer and it worked! We still can't download Pandora but I haven't got to play with it in a couple days.
I just got a Polaroid PMID701C today. I cannot connect to the internet. Any suggestions?
I have gone to the wi-fi settings and see my connection, typed in the correct password and keep getting the message "Scanning, connecting, disconnected".
I had this exact same problem with my third tablet. Spent the better part of a day troubleshooting to no effect. Finally returned it and the replacement hasn't given me a wifi headache since.
Has anyone gotten the voice command and voice search to work on this. I have not yet rooted mine, just picked up yesterday. So far I have been able to load all the apk's I was interested in. Got swipe working, but voice search crashes and closes. Maybe I am missing some support files for it.
I have attempted the full root of this device on 2 different computers and can not get SuperOneClick to recognize the device, it sees it, but does not install driver. I did download and install Android SDK | Android Developers. Made no difference. SuperOneClickv2.3.3.0 offers to force driver, but when I click yes, it says no signature was present in subject and fails to install driver. I have tried to point device to drivers in the SuperOneClick folder, it says no driver that matches, or however its worded. I downloaded the RK29 drivers they also do not work for Polaroid PMID701C.
I think the problem with superoneclick is as djotherguy mentioned. It will not work on XP or Vista. I have tried 5 computers and the closest I get is SuperOneClick recognizing device, but when you click on yes to force install of drivers it errors with "no signature was present in the subject" or "unable to load difxapi.dll" I have tried downloading and manually registering this dll but still get errors forget exact error, something about entry line. Anyone know if this dll is unique to Win 7 or part of latest version of framework not available in other versions of windows? has anyone got SuperOneClick to work in Vista or XP? I have rooted dozens of mobile phones and never had a problem with other methods on XP or Vista. I have updated operating systems and installed latest version of Framework. Also tried installing Android SDK. I have 6 or 7 computers available to me, but none with Win 7. I have been hesitant to manually change system folder to RW since much info on this device shows that is not a persistent state, changes back on power off and can brick device. Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks Everyone for all the great information on this device.
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Crap. You already broke it? Google my man!
BTW. If anyone cares to get in touch with an admin/moderator they'll very easily create a section in the forum for this tablet instead of it hiding in the Prevail's subforum.
Polaroid PMID701C
Note: This device ships partially rooted. For a full root, follow the procedure below.
customer
Oh! I've heard of those!
