Considering a LePan TC 970. Anyone have any experience with these?
For a couple of weeks now, I've been looking at different Android tablets. I know that the tablet I want will have features similar to the newest Samsung Galaxy pad, and I want it to be a 9.7-10 inch.
I found a model without much information on the web, a LePad TC 970. It was apparently new to the market as of June 2011. So far, I have discovered that this tablet has the best positive review ratio among any models available today. I did a little more research and it appears that the LePan is manufactured by Matsunichi, a very well known Chinese manufacturer. The price is $299 right now, about half of what I would pay for a bigger name brand with similar features.
I was wondering if there were any folks out there who might have considered or purchased this product and have any comments for me before I pull the trigger. I feel like I can't go wrong at that price point with the features and quality build.
I have been keeping an eye on these for a couple of weeks now. I tried my local MicroCenter to see it and even though the website said they have six there were none. I was really hoping to see one in person. Today they dropped the price to $299 from $350 and Amazon dropped the price from $299 to $292. I hope this trend keeps up until I am saved up to buy one.
I have a zenithink right now that even with all the quirks, I still like but it's pretty slow and the screen has slim viewing angle. looking forward to a nice screen as I use it for comics alot.
All reviews point toward the LePan being a good tablet, It's either this or the Viewsonic Gtablet.
I've had my tc970 about 3 weeks and paid $320. The day after I ordered Amazon dropped the price $20 and its dropped even lower since then. It was worth every penny I paid so at the current price nothing out there even comes close what you get for your money. This is my first tablet so maybe I'm a bit bedazzled with it but the screen image quality looks incredible on this. I can't imagine how anyone could be disappointed after buying one of these. BTW anyone who is having issues with this tablet should try the new firmware update. Its not available on the web site yet but you can post a request to support and they will send you the download link. After the firmware update the satellite image layer on google maps now works without crashing and flash video playback seems to work better now.
Decided to buy one. And it's pretty good! Battery life is excellent (more than 8h just running on web and games), viewing angle very good, and it is not expensive.
I've had mine for almost a month now. In fact, I'm typing this from my LePan. So far, I haven't used it heavily, but so far I'm pleased. My main complaint is the Android keyboard, believe it or not. My phone is an Incredible, and the default keyboard on it is much better than the one on the tablet. This keyboard is less user-friendly for me and it seems a bit laggy, but I haven't tried the firmware update. Another problem for me is that I've been unable to find an app that allows me to sync my exchange E-mail, although i suspect that it has something to do with our server and not the tablet. I had the same problem with my previous phone, an Eris. Believe me, I've tried every app for exchange, and I've yet to find one that works. But at least I'm able to use OWA and check my exchange mail online on the tablet, so for now, I'm ok with that.
The display is amazingly bright and is visible from nearly any angle. So crisp and clear! But of course it's a fingerprint magnet. I bought a plain cut-to-size screen protector, but it really doesn't seem to help. That, and the glare is awful. I still havent found a good anti-glare protector to fit this screen, but I bought one on ebay that was designed to fit an ipad but didnt appear to have the pre-cut parts like most others. I haven't had time to install it yet. I'll let you know when i have.
I couldn't find a good case with stand that fits it, either. I bought one on ebay yesterday that i thought might work, so I'm looking forward to getting it and trying it out. It is advertised as an ipad case but it is held on with elastic straps across all four corners and seemed like it might not cover up any crucial buttons.
I've used the tablet for all basic internet functions and E-mail, and also as a Kindle reader, and it works flawlessly. The battery life is excellent, especially when the power is left on and i dont touch it for a day or two. I have literally left it sitting (powered on) with half a battery for three days and picked it up and used it as an e-reader for more than three hours before needing to recharge.
I can't seem to get youtube videos to play back, but theres a little info regarding that issue and how to resolve it located on amazon. Again, I havent had time to try the firmware update or the suggestions in the Amazon reviews but i hope to soon.
As for the hardware, this thing is incredibly solid. There is no plasticky feel and the back is beautifully built. The chrome accents on the sides add to its visual appeal. It is a well built tablet, that's for sure. I'm not too fond of the power button being so tiny and hard to press when I want to wake the device, but that's a minor annoyance. It charges fairly quickly, and it seems to charge faster when powered down. I haven't used the camera yet, and dont really plan to listen to music, either, so i dont care about those functions.
Overall, I feel that this tablet is an excellent value. If i can try a different keyboard and find it to be better, and i can get youtube working properly, I'd rate this an 9/10. Give me compatible screen protectors and cases, and it might be a 10/10. Hope that helps your decision a little!
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I'm also interested in the Le Pan, but I'm worried about support. Their website seems rather lacking, and their forum has one member and the administrator. Have any of you had a good experience with support? I'm not sure why they don't have the mentioned update posted on their web site. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
I'm also interested in the Le Pan, but I'm worried about support. Their website seems rather lacking, and their forum has one member and the administrator. Have any of you had a good experience with support? I'm not sure why they don't have the mentioned update posted on their web site. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
I bought this little workhorse on sale for 250 bucks. Worth every penny. However, through most media websites and Le Pans own, they boast Netflix to be working.....
Any link on the market place was telling me "Sorry pal, cant do it". strange enough since its been o n the news that its supposed to run on this build.
I sent a request to their support wanting to know what gives and are they aware that they are boasting their tab as being Netflix capable, and I, as a customer can not... days and days have passed and I have yet to get a response...
Can't be that I am in Canada.. I know many people with other tabs either droid or pads all run netflix with no issues. I wound up having to sideload the 1.4 netflix apk and boom. It worked just fine...
Still confused as to why in the marketpalce that this app isnt showing up.....
The other issues with this tab:
placement of the flipping power button... why isnt it recessed? you bump it and it puts the tab into sleep...
Fingerprints... I know.. moot..but man this thing really makes a mess, front and back, it came with a cleaning pad, but you need to buff this thing out after even light use to get the smears off the screen and bezel.
Screen. large and pretty it is....but its slightly awkward to hold since the screen extends pretty much to the bezel, and of course when holding it, it will recognize the touch at the ends of the screen and the result is in gestures such as tapping, or even menus are opened etc
Accessories. There are none. I aint paying 40 bucks for a Ipad stand that was made from injection molds by some kid in Cambodia for less than 10 cents... I bought a 10 dollar photo easel and it works like a charm... I have yet to find a folding stand that fits. I wound up just buying a leather slipcase from Targus at walmart for 30 bucks...but there is no place to put my cables and such. Its fine for just day to day, but I ride a motor cycle and fly alot, and I was told that there are a lot of netbook cases that would more than likely work for my needs and cheap too.
native video does not support anything other than wmv etc. No avi etc, need an app for that...but thats okay.
I am really really new to the tablet market. This tab was the only reason I never bought the transformer (IMO is pound for pound the best deal going for new tabs with a boatload of bells and whistles at 399can), I find the price point way to high, and this tab being sub 300 is pretty badass...
Its stripped down. you need somehting thats a good eReader for all them comics or kindle? Hop on the net r play some games and watch vids while passing the time away? this thing is spot on.
even though the name and price should make you think its too good to be true? all my little beefs are easily overlooked. Its solid well built. the case is aluminum. not plastic. Screen is bright and huge. Speakers are good for its size. Picture quality is fine. Runs smoothly.
Got one for my wife. For the money, this thing rocks. Tremendous battery life. Solid build. Nice screen but does attract fingerprints. Biggest concern was support. Opened a support ticket on their website to inquire about purchasing spare 30-pin cables since they appear to be proprietary and I know I'll lose it. Got a response within minutes and even though I don't know of another source for the cables, they charged me a whopping $4 each. (iPad gets $19 for theirs.) If it lasts 2 years it was plenty worth it. Word on the street is it gets an Ice Cream Sandwich update in early 2012.
Last edited by punydevil; October 13th, 2011 at 11:05 AM.
The wife has a touchpad. It sucks compared to the le pan. Only problem I have is does anyone have a video chat app that works on the TC970. I can't get any working. Other than that it works great. If you want netflix in canada you have to find a apk to download and it will work . Mine plays netflix now and i'm from canada. Everything works great on the le pan, great screen resolution. Very happy with it.$235 at amazon.ca right now.
Just got it yesterday for just $269 from Amazon.
Very decent tablet for that price.
Still looking for a case/stand for it.
Any one found a compatible one ?
Another thing is how come Yahoo mail and messenger is not supported.
I search on market, it doesn't show Yahoo Mail an messenger.
I went direct to Yahoo website, tried to download it, it said the device is not supported ???
HI everyone, I am new to this site and received my le pan tablet two days ago. I like everything about it so far except that I constantly have to reset the tablet to wake it up from sleep mode. Has this happened to anyone else? Or do I just have a defective model? Thanks for any help you can offer!
HI everyone, I am new to this site and received my le pan tablet two days ago. I like everything about it so far except that I constantly have to reset the tablet to wake it up from sleep mode. Has this happened to anyone else? Or do I just have a defective model? Thanks for any help you can offer!
I have had the tab only lock up once, and needed to use the reset button.
all i need to to is tap the power button to turn the screen on and then slide to unlock.
@cuongvd - Walmart. Slips cases and netbook bags will work. As for a stand, I went to Greenearth and bought a metal picture easel and it works just fine.
EDIT: Just an update on its durability, I had accidentally placed it upside down in my saddle bag and when I removed the slip case from the bag, the tab hit the ground, right by the power button. Its scratched the bezel, and works just fine still. If this was a plastic case, i am sure it would have been worse.......
Last edited by TheJester73; October 12th, 2011 at 09:59 AM.
Time for an update about my LePan. We went on vacation a couple of weeks ago and I took the tablet with me. With the wifi connection available in the condo, I was able to surf the net as easily (or more easily than) as I could have with a laptop. It worked great for viewing all of our lovely vacation pictures, too. I sent a bunch of e-mails and caught up on some work while I was there.
When we returned home, all of a sudden I couldn't get the screen to power on. I tried everything I could think of, and finally opened a support ticket on the manufacturer's site. I had a response within MINUTES! That's much better support than I was expecting. They made a couple of suggestions as to what might solve this problem, but I had already tried those. Then they suggested that I plug another device into the charger to make sure it wasn't defective, but of course there were no other devices onhand that were compatible with the charger. I replied with that information, and they immediately generated a return authorization number and had me send it back for service. Yes, I had to pay the shipping myself but sending the most economical route through USPS with tracking and insurance only cost $11.00.
I'll update this post once I've had my next contact with support.
Just got it yesterday for just $269 from Amazon.
Very decent tablet for that price.
Still looking for a case/stand for it.
Any one found a compatible one ?
Another thing is how come Yahoo mail and messenger is not supported.
I search on market, it doesn't show Yahoo Mail an messenger.
I went direct to Yahoo website, tried to download it, it said the device is not supported ???
I've been using the tablet for a month now, and I got an odd issue with the Android Market. I can use the Market app without any issue, but if I go on the Android market website, if I log on with my google account, it says that I have no devices my account. Two weeks ago, the website used to dispay my device, and I could buy/install app from the website.
Contacted Google, they said that my tablet is not compatible with Market. Any of you guys have that issue?
I've had the Le Pan for about a month and I love it. I'm sure it will be even better with an update to 4.0. It goes everything that I wanted it to do. Great ereader, GPS works well, great video player.
Wish it had a standard usb plug but this is a small con. Paid 20 bucks more than the 250 dollar Nook and it is 100% better.
It is coming for their new tablet, not the current one. The TC970 runs 2.2 which is a completely different platform than 3.0+.
2.2 was designed for mobile devices; Google rushed its release to compete against Apple so it's lacking a lot of support. This OS wasn't meant for a tablet and it is not upgradable.
3.0 was designed specifically for tablets; thus having the ability to upgrade to 4.0.
I guess you get what you pay for ($260), still a worthy investment.
Just received my Le Pan last week. Very nice unit.
Problem I have , is it seems to be locking up when I use youtube for a few minutes, or do some heavy web surfing. All of a sudden video will not load,..or webpage will not load. Only way to continue using these applications is to power off, then on again. Have had to reset a couple times,... but frequently power on/off. Too frequent for my liking. Not sure if its related to my wifi signal,.. which at times shows 2 of 4 bars in my house. I am leaning towards sending this thing back,..otherwise I like it,..wish it worked flawlessly like most on this forum are reporting. Any thoughts or ideas ? Anyone?
Hi - I got the Le Pan TC 970 about a week ago (arrival date) from Amazon.ca ($235). I too have had issues with the unit freezing up when in sleep mode (requiring a reset), and a few times while using. Given the overall quality of this device, I can live with it, and simply power off when not using it. I contacted Le Pan tech support about this, and they offered to RMA it; I'll wait to see if I will take them up on that! ;-)
I really love this tablet!! The Wi-Fi capability is awesome, and I can relax in bed checking my Google Reader news feeds, facebook, searching the the internet, and reading ebooks (using the Aldiko app). I previously had two Archos tablets; the A/C charger connector (internal) broke about a week after the 1-year warranty (this should have never happened, as I am very gently), and they wouldn't fic it, gratis. So, that's it for them ...
The default video player can't play anything - highly frustrating when I first got it, but I installed the MoBo Video player, and no problems since (downloaded torrents: TV shows; music videos). That player will often crash after I've finished watching a video, and I can't set the default directory, but again - not a big issue, for me.
I was also having trouble with file transfers (those big videos / TV shows) via the USB cable/30-pin adapter, but I got a Micro SD card USB reader at London Drugs ($20), and now do direct transfers from my desktop computer/Ubuntu OS to my Patriot 16GB Micro SD card (bundled with the Le Pan for an extra $40).
Lastly, also at London Drugs I got a fabulous leather "i-CON" case, for ~$10 (intended for the iPad; in tan-colored leather, which I much preferred - more 'character' - over the black leather case, which was also more expensive, at $15; here's a link to a picture/description: i-CON by ASD iPad Genuine Leather Sleeve-Style Case (Brown) - Sale Prices - Deals - Canada's Cheapest Prices - Shoptoit). The case is very slim, and the tablet just slips comfortably yet snugly into it, there is a small leather tab at the top tha slips into a loop at the top, outer surface, preventing it from slipping out (like that could happen). I cut some of the case threads (it's stiched) to enable me not to have to remove my earbuds, so as to mot place strain on that connector (read my Archos parable, above).
Battery life is wonderful - easily two days of a couple of hours usage, daily. (I also downloaded a battery indicator app, that sits in the top menu bar and gives a percentage battery life remaining indicator).
I hope that these comments are helpful; I'd like to "root" this tablet, but am wary on that, as my main motive would be simply to install a better ad/popuo blocker, and to allow the clock to sync with an atomic clock. I ahven't rooted a device before, and I may need to RMA this, if the freeze-ups continue (i.e. are irritaing enough to do that).
I hammered them with a bunch of questions (cases) after I got this unit, about some of the issues in my last post, and they were very responsive, helpful (as much as possible), and sympathetic when they couldn't address an issue (offering, e.g., to RMA my tablet, as mentioned).
Device(s): Le Pan II, Galaxy Tab 8.9, Galaxy Player 5.0,Pandigital SuperNova, Arnova 7 G3,Viewsonic G Tab - Fla
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Hi all. I just got my Le Pan last week and I am very impressed with the unit. The more I use it, the better I like it. It has the best screen of all my units - view at any angle! And I have had to charge the unit only once. I read in another forum about the camera mirroring. I don't see any problem with the camera. The camera on my two other tablets are exactly the same as the Le Pan.
Update: After working with the LePan for a little over a week, I returned the unit. It worked perfectly for me but it is very heavy compared to other tablets and I didn't like the big icons on the tablet - looks too cartoonish! I am looking at the Samsung Galaxy Tablet 8.9 - even if is it $200 more. I think that it is a lot more likely that the Samsung will get Ice Cream Sandwich than the LePan.
Last edited by nuismer; November 6th, 2011 at 08:32 PM.
Reason: Updated my experience
First of all as many of you have stated this unit works great. Can't beat it for the price. The only issue I am having is when it starts up after a cold boot or hibernation it will take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes for the touch screen to respond normally. Sometimes I've needed to reset it. Once the issue clears up it works fantastic.
Le Pan has suggested I return the unit for repair or replacement. Before I do that I wanted to know if anyone had any ideas or had simulair issues. For what it's worth it did a complete lockup last night. The reset button was the only way to recover. Other than this, I really like this tablet.
I just got my tablet back from LePan support today. They called me about a week ago to discuss the problem of not being able to turn on the device, and it turns out that the charger was simply faulty. Yes, I paid $11 to ship it back, only to find that the charger was defective, but in their defense the service was excellent. I doubt that they could have known about the charger being defective just from the sole information that the tablet wouldn't power on.
I don't know what they did to the tablet to enable YouTube viewing, but now the app is working fine. The service was fairly quick and very good, with excellent communication throughout.
I am still very satisfied!
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Now that I have finally decided to purchase a LePan there is a statement that they are probably planning on a new tablet in 2012. Where did you see this or hear this? I would be interested in finding some information concerning the "new" tab. I have been convinced on the build quality of LePan and their service from several sales sites, and this thread. Not so much with other tabs---especially at this price point.
Walmart is now stocking the LePan for $218.00 online. Price too good to pass up. Maybe they are coming out with a new tab indicated by this price drop.
Just received my Le Pan last week. Very nice unit.
Problem I have , is it seems to be locking up when I use youtube for a few minutes, or do some heavy web surfing. All of a sudden video will not load,..or webpage will not load. Only way to continue using these applications is to power off, then on again. Have had to reset a couple times,... but frequently power on/off. Too frequent for my liking. Not sure if its related to my wifi signal,.. which at times shows 2 of 4 bars in my house. I am leaning towards sending this thing back,..otherwise I like it,..wish it worked flawlessly like most on this forum are reporting. Any thoughts or ideas ? Anyone?
cheers
Update,.... this tablet is nice,...but wifi connectivity was poor and too unreliable for my liking,..even though its cheap,..I still want it to do the things that I need it to do. Prices will continue to drop on tablets,...I suspect soon there will be many different products under $300. So,..I sent mine back,...will revisit the tablet market after christmas.
Very impressed with the build quality of the Le Pan tab. Beautiful screen, and much better build than many other tablets, and all tablets in this price range. Runs most apps well, screen swipes not as fast as tablets running duel cores, but who cares. HBO go runs fine. Quite happy overall with the tab (new price less than $200 at Walmart online), BUT, the tablet while downloading from Amazon, started to force close everything. Reset tablet and it still was happening. Did a complete reset wiping tablet and solved the problem. Probably just a random event. BUT, the tablet must have caught the thrive's SOD because it would randomly fall asleep and not wake up with the start button. Had to do a hard reset. Happened at unrelated intervals 5 times in the last two days. Even though I'm now rather bummed, I returned the tablet---I really don't want to carry a paper clip with me everywhere I carry the tablet. Android still has problems, even with this "stable" version. I really wish Le Pan would post more information on their site like most other tablet brands.
Hey, I have purchased a le pan tablet and I've been researching them for awhile. I've read that you need to side load the 1.4 netflix apk to be able to use netflix, I was wondering how you do this? Is there an app in the android market or do you need to do it from the internet? I've also read that there is a version of Skype that will support video calling on the lepan, does anyone know the link for that or how to download it??
I'm considering purchasing one of these. It's on sale at Amazon.ca for only $170 right now so am guessing the rumours of a new tablet coming out must be true.
I'm wondering if there are any custom roms available for this tablet that might help extend the longevity since it's only running Android 2.2 as shipped? Otherwise, even at $170 I might pass on it.
I just ordered one on Amazon.ca for $169.
Hopefully it works out great. i was thinking of the Kindle Fire or the Nook Tablet, but wanted "more" android than those tablets were offering.
This will be my first tablet.
I too picked one up Amazon.ca. $170. Price lowered no doubt because there are so many coming out in all shapes and sizes. Great reviews on Amazon.com.
First tablet for me. Size played a big part and the reported battery life.
Just came across this Forum...while looking for info regarding my new Le Pan.
Hi I have been looking into buying a tablet, the Le Pan TC970 looks like a good one to be our first. Amazon has it for 198.98 and the screen protector for 8.90 which helps with the fingerprint issue.
Thank you Nehinbin for the link to the great review on the LePan!
and to everyone else who has posted information!
I recieved my TC970 today. Looks good so far. I haven't loaded any apps onto it yet. Going to update the firmware first. Just waiting for my days off to play with it.
Will update a review after I've had time to play!
is anyone gonna make a forum we can all go to for this device? i'm getting mines tomorrow and i looked for the lepan under all the other android tablets and it wasn't listed. any reason? perhaps low development?
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Is there any video chat that works right on the le pan? I got the modified skype, it sends video of me to the device im calling, but it flashes black and back to the app for a while when the call begins, and it shows me big to myself on the le pan and the other device's video in the small box. I tried fring but it shows lines in the little box and after 5 seconds says device is overloaded, call will disconnect.
Anyone heard of LePan TC 970?
My impressions on the Le Pan TC 970 tablet
