Tablet?

[koditten]

I am confused. I want a 7" tablet that has bluetooth. This tablet will be used primarily to scan vehicle information. I will most likely use it for ereading as well.

Needs:
Android app compliant and amazon books. I plan on running the Torque pro application and the tablet will usually be left in the vehicle.

So, does anyone have a reciommendation for a tablet that will work? The prices are all over the place.

As well I have no fear bying used if someone is upgrading and want to get rid of their starter tablet.

Thanks in advance

Kirk

 

[nnoble83]

Look into the nook line of tablets i think they got bluetooth sorted out for this sort thing on xda. I use torque a few times a week with my phone great app

 

[pipsters]

I don't think the nooks are android though are they?

 

[RKA]

You can root them. Put the Andriod OS on an SD card and it will boot from there. Otherwise, remove the Andriod SD and it will boot up normally.

 

[bcradio]

I havent been keeping up on tablet technology lately... Tablets have scanners built in now?

 

[toolmaker1]

sorry for the thread derail but how capable is the torque app and what bluetooth obd2 adapters are recommended?

 

[v7guy]

bcradio - There are programs you can download to let it connect to a plug that you put in the OBD port.

Not sure leaving a tablet in the vehicle is a good idea due to the massive temperature swings. As mentioned, you can put an android OS on the nook and it's "cheap" and relatively easy to do.
I'd probably also look at the Samsung tablet if you're really stuck to a 7" size.
Personally I'm partial to my "old" xoom.

 

[bcradio]

bcradio - There are programs you can download to let it connect to a plug that you put in the OBD port.

Thanks... cool to know. Do you plug them in via USB or use bluetooth to sync or something else?

 

[kythri]

Most are Bluetooth, as a lot of tablets don't have a USB port that's capable of connecting to external devices (and Bluetooth doesn't require extra drivers).

There's "Kiwi" by PLX:

http://www.plxkiwi.com/kiwibluetooth/

I'm sure there's others out there.

 

[v7guy]

The torque app connects via bluetooth. I haven't tried it personally but a lot of guys online seem to really like it.

 

[Danglerb]

Tablets move FAST, week to week changes.

My suggestion, go to the torque application support forum and ask there what tablet works best, and don't worry too much about how it does for anything else.

As for "bluetooth obdii" I don't think there is any official product, just dozens of China sellers.

My wife wants a new portable device, like a Nook, mostly for ereader use, and we are both computer professionals, and haven't made up our minds in a couple months of looking (no real pressure to buy now, and they continue to get better and cheaper).

 

[TheFarmer]

You can try and find a used first generation Samsung Galaxy Tab 7" model, these are mostly carrier branded in the US (T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, etc) but they will work w/o being activated. I think it's a very good tablet for what you're trying to do. There are newer models like the 8.9" and 7.7" Tabs but those are bling and I'd rather put my money elsewhere.

 

[Sage55]

I'd suggest taking at look at the Asus EEE Transformer. It's "last years model" as there is now an Asus Prime Transformer, but about $200+ more.

I have the EEE Transformer myself and it's plenty powerful. Dual core CPU and microSD card support. You can also get a dock like I have myself which adds to the batter life, easily twice as much, plus gives you a touchpad and keyboard.

Otherwise, if you're stick on a 7" size table, the Samsung Galaxy would be my next suggestion.

 

[kythri]

Really, any recent 10.1" Android 3.0 tablet would be good - they're all virtually the same thing, anyhow - the Transformer, the Xoom, the Galaxy, etc.

They're all the same processor, virtually the same reference design, etc.

Woot just sold a refurbed 10.1" Galaxy Tab for about the same price, you can get WiFi Xoom's just about anywhere.

Heck, if you're willing/able to wait a bit (and willing to carry a service contract), do a bit of research, and watch the cellular carriers for a tablet about to be replaced by the new version. I picked up my 3G/4G Xoom for $200 from Verizon as they were clearing them out for the Xoom 2/Xyboard. Not even two weeks later, my buddy got one for $100 from a local Verizon 3rd-party reseller.

Sure, we've got the contracts, but if you've got ubiquitous WiFi in your travel area, you don't use that much, so you can survive with the 2GB contract, and it's incredibly handy to have available when WiFi isn't.

 

[MN Falcon]

Thanks for the info, now I found a use for my wife's new Kindle I did a quick google search on bluetooth OBD2 devices and read about the Kiwi and it seems like there are a lot out there. Any feedback on any of the OBD2 devices?

 

[JASTECH]

I buy all mine via PC venders that carry cell/tabs now. This way No Contract, the best way too. Them GSM is easy via your SIM card, just plug it in as you don't have to let the carrier know what you have. I wipe out the ROM and then flash what I need/want. Android OS is best IMO. So, now your going to use BT for comm., then go to the fastest BT 3.0+ HS. I think ASUS and Samsung both make fine units. If you want the phone too then start with Galaxy Note with 1.5 GHz, 2GB RAM, 16GB HD and then add 32gb class 6 memory.
Thanks, JASTECH & Son