Photon Companion Devices

[zombdroid]

The Lapdock 100 has been a great companion device for my Photon. I usually keep it on my desk at work as it a great way to surf the web using a larger screen and keyboard. With Sprint's unlimited plan it has been a great tool for research and I love that I have a physical keyboard for my phone, not to mention I don't have to pass through my company's proxy server in order to do research for my job (no blocked sites or big brother monitoring my web activity).

I just read today that Motorola is launching the wi-fi Xyboard (zy-board) on January 19. I checked out the review on Youtube of the existing 10.1 Xyboard that is currently exclusive to Verizon, 3G and 4G only.

I have to say this tablet looks awesome. I am wondering if we will be able to use this device to surf 3G via the Photon, like you can with the Lapdock 100 without a data plan.

Either way, I am getting this tablet. I have been waiting for a tablet that appeals to my wants/needs and I think this is it. This unit is slated to get ICS as well, I just hope Motorola keeps inter-device connectivity in mind.

If you want, checkout the review below.

 

[Foster6565]

Well if its anything like my galaxy tab 10.1, which it is you should be able to tether your connection via bluetooth for free even if it doesnt have connectivity

 

[wubbie075]

I would kill for a tablet dock where you slip your phone in and get a bigger screen (and battery) with the same (or improved) OS. Only problem is this would defintely be very device specific.

 

[drexappeal]

Well if its anything like my galaxy tab 10.1, which it is you should be able to tether your connection via bluetooth for free even if it doesnt have connectivity

You can tether using bluetooth? How is that accomplished exactly?

I have a HTC Flyer (purchased before there were crazy deals, during the holidays, on no a no contract EVO View) and have only connected using wifi, but if I could tether off my MoPho using bluetooth, that'd be awesome.

 

[whatsitsname]

For the same $499 price I would have gone for the Asus Transformer Prime.
Quad core vs dual core, micro sd vs no micro sd. Availability of a lapdock with full size USB support, plus the Prime's ICS update is already coming out.

 

[twospirits]

Very good video review by Lisa over at MobileTechReview. She really does good reviews.

I love the accessories for it like the keyboard folio. The keyboard with that mouse free cursor and a separate menu button is nice. (Unlike the Lenovo Thinkpad Folio keyboard where the Ctrl button is also the Menu button and opens up any menu when you do a copy and paste).

The only issues I have with it is...
1- naturally the price is too high,
2-and the stylus can't be inserted within the tablet, but the folio takes care of that problem.
3-The tablet does not have many apps that work with the stylus, but according to the video, with ICS and native stylus support we should see more stylus apps.
4-No sdcard slot. Really Motorola.

It's a shame, because I really love Motorola products. They are very well made and work great.

As for the lapdock 100 or 500
The only reason I have the Lapdock 100 is for travel purposes. It beats having to lag a digital camera, camcorder, laptop and camera on trips. The lapdock 500 is something I would love to get for work since I can connect it to an additional monitor and not have worksense get on my ass for visiting forums and un-authorized work sites.

But I do like the concept of tablets and tablet/keypard combos. But until these manufacturers get it thru their thick heads that price matters and price these tablets (much like Asus has) then they will never be able to make a killing in the marketplace.

Now I'll be honest, if I did not have the Lenovo Thinkpad tablet, I would have probably gotten the xyBoard (if it was priced lower) but as whatsitsname said the Asus Transformer Prime tops it.

TS

 

[zombdroid]

I agree with your observations, especially on price and the lack of the SD Card slot for the Xyboard.

I really would consider the Transformer Prime, but the GPS issues being reported scared me off. I was hanging out reading post at that forum and I found a satisfaction poll that did not look too good. Bunch of reports where the TP can't find a Sat signal in doors at all. Quad core is very cool, but not enough to make me jump.

 

[twospirits]

hmmm Forgot about the Asus gps issue.

TS