Looking at the cheaper Chinese tablets

[netizenmt]

Has anyone found one of the low end tablets that's worth a look. I don't have much money, but I also don't need to run Netflix. (Although Flash support is desired and Netflix wouldn't hurt!) I have an LG Ally smartphone running Velocity 1.1 at the moment, which unfortunately does NOT have Flash support. I'd like to be able to watch video, browse the net via WiFi, maybe text or email. Games aren't as important.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

 

[Xeroblaqk]

Google for WonderMedia WM8650, it's the tablet I use, it has Flash and runs the web/video just fine. It's not the best for gaming but you apparently don't mind. It only cost me $90 for it and after I flashed it with the Uberoid rom it became an even better tablet. Good for the money, just isn't the best one out there obviously!

 

[netizenmt]

Yeah I looked at that and if I could find one around that price, I'd probably go for it. What is the correct RAM and "drive" space - I'm seeing them with 256MB RAM and 2 GB NAND flash. I also don't want to make the mistake of buying the wrong one, and there seems to be multiple vendors for them. Also is the VIA 8650 the same thing? An example would be this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/7-VIA8650-Table...&itu=UCC&otn=5&ps=63&clkid=521906481199296166

Anyone else have suggestions?

 

[swerver]

I just purchased this MID the other day at the local electronics market. I think it's really great considering the specs and the price is around 175-200$

Cube U9GT Gingerbread tablet | Laptop, Netbook & Tablet PC

 

[Xeroblaqk]

The VIA8650 is basically the same thing as the WM8650... just a different stamp on it. Most of the 8650's are the same down to every spec minus the camera and if it vibrates or not. Personally, any 8650 will do. Just before you flash it with a new ROM, make sure you have the right one for your model.

Specs on that ebay link look exactly like mine.

 

[jrizal]

AFAIK VIA is the parent company of WonderMedia both headquartered in Taiwan.

BTW, I can't run Netflix on this machine though I'm able to access my account. The screen is blank and audio sound like it is running twice the normal speed.

 

[Xeroblaqk]

BTW, I can't run Netflix on this machine though I'm able to access my account. The screen is blank and audio sound like it is running twice the normal speed.

Yeah I have that same problem, it's a shame, I wonder how long before a fix or a work-around comes out

 

[netizenmt]

Idk where you found yours for $90. Most of the ones I've seen are quite a bit more than that. Ima keep looking though.

 

[Xeroblaqk]

Idk where you found yours for $90. Most of the ones I've seen are quite a bit more than that. Ima keep looking though.

eBay is where I got mine. The link posted earlier has it for $85.

 

[netizenmt]

Finally won one @ $78.00 with free shipping. Now it's just a matter of waiting for it to arrive. I'll post more when I get it.

 

[bs04c]

i am having a problem with my new android with WM8650. i factory restore data my android and it turns ok and clean. but unfortunately i can't see my file browser anymore and i cant see an internet browser too. how could i get it back? please help.

i cannot see my sd card even if the tablet can read it correctly.

 

[netizenmt]

Well I guess my next question is going to be just how hard is it to root and ROM the 8650. Seems like several folks have managed to brick theirs. Also - can you install a custom recovery to make a nandroid backup? Just trying to plan ahead while I wait the MONTH its going to take to get my tablet here from China.

 

[netizenmt]

The VIA8650 is basically the same thing as the WM8650... just a different stamp on it. Most of the 8650's are the same down to every spec minus the camera and if it vibrates or not. Personally, any 8650 will do. Just before you flash it with a new ROM, make sure you have the right one for your model.

Specs on that ebay link look exactly like mine.

Well, I hope the statement "any 8650 will do" proves to be true in the case of the one I bought. I've been reading some of the posts from that Tecknow site you put me on to, and it sounds like some guys have run into problems.

Question: how best to backup the native firmware/ROM prior to trying to update it? If it was a phone, I'd go with ROM Manager and use Clockwork to create a nandroid. Or Amon Ra, whatever... Is there a similar ability with these tablets or do you just flash them and hope for the best?