Update July 13th: The device rarely wakes out of sleep mode and is going back until the issue is fixed. When I did this review, I had NOT yet done the firmware update. Since the update (not sure if that is the reason), almost EVERY time, I have to power the device down to get out of sleep mode. Reset to stock did not help. Shame, since the Thrive is some good stuff. I envy the folks that report not having the issue much.
End update
I bought a 32gb model today, mainly because BB did not have any 16gb models, but wanted to get one today (and use 18 month IF).
Build
End update
I bought a 32gb model today, mainly because BB did not have any 16gb models, but wanted to get one today (and use 18 month IF).
Build
- The design is functional and has a nice grip.
- Built solid (for plastic).
- Do not like how the sdcard sticks out slightly (probably being picky, since my M11X sticks out a lot more).
- The power button seems stiff and takes too much pressure to activate. This is especially an issue since the power button is how you wake the device, so not so sure on how durable it will be.
- The chrome around the cameras seems tacky and unneeded.
- Power supply is robust and extends about seven feet total. It is in two pieces (no thin short cable like A500), just like a laptop PS, but slightly smaller.
- Pixel coverage is as good as an IPS panel, so I am not getting the negative points by some folks. The Galaxy and Transformer have better contrast, but the colors on the Thrive look more natural.
- I see no lines as some have mentioned but do see them on the A500 (I had two of them).
- The display to me looks better than the A500 and Xoom, of which both are good displays as well- IMO.
- Touch response is better than the Transformer and seems the same as the A500 (maybe better, but not sure).
- Honeycomb is Honeycomb, so no big difference from others IMO. I do know that I utterly despise the locked navigator and info bar being visible always and taking display space. We are basically getting cut out of 10% of the display. What is so hard about making a translucent nav bar, or only show it when the volume button is touched?... Heck, ANYTHING except the lame a$$ locked nav bar. I really do not like it.
- Bloat like NFS demo game and a few others need to be purged ASAP, so hope root is achieved soon.
- I have had a gTablet since November (no freakin' locked nav bar on that) and an A500. Both to have performed the same, but 3.1 performs a lot better- especially video and Flash.
- Sounds as good as the A500, but speakers on the A500 IMO sound better. Still good though, for a tab.
- Even better than the A500 and 3.1 adds more support for gamepads. I have tried 32gb sd cards, 16gb and 64gb thumbdrives and 500gb hard drives. Not tried NTFS, but not expecting it to work.
- Next step is a 64gb sdxc card (if I keep the Thrive, since also looking at buying a Droid 3- not sure if will keep both, but might).
- Much better than the two A500s I had (both were unstable in low signal areas). Good range.
- Works fine with my Incredible using wifi tether
... but might get the Droid 3 which has no root yet ... 
- After one full charge, it seems to last nine hours with my use (six hours with a little under 40% left), but too subjective to use for any reference. Seems to last the same as the A500 and my gTablet.
- Fully charges in 1.25 hours with the fast charge tech it uses.
- The Thrive is a solid device, but the power button has me concerned.
- I know bad displays (I DO own a gTablet, you know) and the Thrive sirs & mams, is NOT a bad display. Quite the opposite.
- I hate the locked navigation bar in Honeycomb (sorry for adding that again).
- The Thrive is purchase worthy, but I would like an answer from Toshiba about the power button design. My guess is if anything fails, that will be what does. Maybe I am over-reacting?
