10 Common Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Problems & How to Fix Them

The Samsung Galaxy Android 5.1.1 update is still current on devices like the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy Note 4, and Galaxy S5 and it's still causing problems. With that in mind, we take a look at some common Samsung Galaxy Android 5.1.1 problems and offer some potential solutions.

In late 2014, Google rolled out its Android 5.0 Lollipop update. Since then, the company's rolled out several bug fix updates aimed at alleviating some of the problems that plagued Nexus devices and various other Android phones.

Google's final Lollipop update is Android 5.1.1, a bug fix update that addresses lingering Lollipop problems and problems that Android 5.1 brought to Android users. It's not widely available for Samsung's Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

Over the course of 2015, Samsung pushed out Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy Note 4, and Galaxy S5 Android 5.1.1 updates in the United States.

Samsung's Android 5.1.1 updates come with a series of fixes and enhancements that are aimed at stabilizing these flagships and curing them of their Lollipop ailments.

We've heard good things about the upgrades but we also continue to hear complaints about Samsung Galaxy Android 5.1.1 problems.

With that in mind, we want to take a look at some of these initial Samsung Galaxy Android 5.1.1 problems and offer some potential fixes for Galaxy users.

How to Fix Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Installation Problems

One of the Samsung Galaxy Android 5.1.1 problems that we're hearing about has to do with the update's install process. Some Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S5 users are saying that they're unable to install the update on their device. Fortunately, this is a common problem, one that always pops up after new Galaxy Android updates.

One method that's worked for us in the past is a quick cache partition clearance. It's a bit tedious but it's gotten several of our past Galaxy Android updates unstuck. We've put together a guide that will show you how to quickly and efficiently clear the cache partition on the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S6. The steps are similar.

To clear the cache partition on the Galaxy S5:

Turn the Galaxy S5 off.

Press and hold Home, Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the device vibrates.

When the Samsung logo appears, release them.

Tap Volume Down repeatedly until you Wipe Cache Partition. Select it with the power button. Select Yes.

Wait for the process to complete. It could take awhile.

Reboot your Galaxy S5.

To clear the cache partition on the Galaxy S6:

Turn the Galaxy S6 off.

Press and hold Home, Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the device vibrates.

When the Samsung logo appears, release them.

Tap Volume Down repeatedly until you Wipe Cache Partition. Select it with the power button. Select Yes.

Wait for the process to complete. It could take awhile.

Reboot your Galaxy S6.

If that doesn't work, we recommend letting your Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge or Galaxy S5 drain all the way down to 0% battery and die. Recharge the phone to 100% battery and then try installing the update again. This has also worked to get updates unstuck.

If neither of those methods work, head down to the bottom of this page to learn about the factory reset option. Factory resets will often jumpstart the installation process though the process is slow and it will require you to backup your important files before starting.

How to Fix Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Battery Life Problems

The Samsung Android 5.1.1 update is several months old and and we're still seeing complaints about abnormal battery drain. This isn't too surprising given that battery drain is one of the more common problems smartphone users encounter after a major update. That said, it's usually not the update itself causing the problems.

In response to these Samsung Galaxy Android 5.1.1 battery drain complaints, we've put together a guide that will take you through some potential fixes and tips to help you recover battery life on your Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S5. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick tweak to the software or your habits to fix these issues.

How to Fix Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Wi-Fi Problems

Wi-Fi problems are extremely common and we've begun to hear and see complaints about poor Wi-Fi connectivity after the Android 5.1.1 update. Granted these complaints are isolated but as more people get the update, we expect complaints to pick up. They always do.

If you're experiencing Wi-Fi problems on the Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 4, or Galaxy S5, the first thing you should do is restart your phone. Hold down the power button, power it down, and then power it back on. This has worked for us and many others in the past and it might work for you.

If that doesn't work, it's time to turn your attention to your router. If you're getting a bad signal, try restarting your router.

Unplug it for 30 seconds and then plug it back in to see if that helps. If it doesn't, you should also consider unplugging your modem and updating your routers firmware. The instructions for firmware updates will vary based on router make and model so you might need to look online.

If none of these work, it's time to head into your settings. The first thing you'll want to do there is forget the problem Wi-Fi network. Before you do this, make sure you have the Wi-Fi password handy. You'll need to enter it in after you forget the network connection.

On the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, this can be found in the Connections portion of Settings. Once there, select Wi-Fi. Tap on the desired network and select the Forget option. The process is similar on the Galaxy S5.

If that doesn't fix your connection, you will want to head into Wi-Fi settings, tap More in the top right corner, and select the Advanced option. Ensure that Always allow scanning is turned on. You'll also want to make sure that Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep is set to Always.

You might also want to go into Power saving mode options to check if Wi-Fi restrictions are in place. If you use this feature, you might be limiting your Wi-Fi connectivity.

How to Fix Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Bluetooth Problems

Bluetooth issues are still a big problem for some Galaxy smartphone and tablet users on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.There are a few ways to fix Bluetooth problems.

The first step is to toggle Bluetooth off and then back on to see if that jumpstarts the connection. You can do that in the Quick Settings menu on the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S5. You can also do it in the main Bluetooth menu in the main Settings page.

If that doesn't work, you'll want to forget the Bluetooth connection that's giving you trouble. On the Galaxy S6, go into Bluetooth, tap the connection and select Forget. You need only do this for the devices causing the problems. The process is the same for the Galaxy S5.

If you're having trouble connecting to Bluetooth in your car, then you're going to need to consult your car's manual in order to reset the connection. Once you've done that and forgotten the connection on your phone, then you should try to reconnect and see if they're able to pair.

If those fixes don't work, you might want to try booting into Safe Mode to see if an app is causing Bluetooth problems. Safe Mode disables third-party apps and that will allow you to isolate troublemakers. It's tedious but it's worth a shot if your problems are persistent.

To boot into Safe Mode on the Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S5:

Power down the device. Then, press & hold the power button and volume down key.

Once it boots up, you can let go of the power button but keep the volume key held down.

When you have successfully entered into Safe Mode, you will notice the text 'Safe Mode' at the bottom left corner of the screen.

How to Fix Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Lag

Samsung Galaxy S5 users in particular are complaining about lag after installing Android 5.1.1 on the device. Often times, these performance issues will dissipate a few hours or even a few days after an update's arrival. If they don't, you can try fixing them using a few different techniques.

The first thing we always recommend is clearing out the device's cache partition. Instructions on how to do that can be found above under our fixes for installation problems. There are a few other remedies to try if that doesn't work.

If you own a Galaxy S5, you can try limiting animations. In order to do this, you'll want to hold down on a blank space on the screen, go to the Home Screen Settings then Transition effect and then select None. You can always enable transitions again if this doesn't help.

We recommend halting your use use of live wallpapers as they can negatively impact performance on Galaxy devices. You can also try downloading a different launcher. The TouchWiz launcher is improved on the Galaxy S6 though you might notice some gains after installing a popular one like Nova Launcher.

If you own a Galaxy S6 and you are willing to go to great lengths to improve performance, you can play with the device's animations. To do this, go into the About section of your Settings, it's found under the System tab.

Once there, tap the Build Number section seven times to get into the phone's Developer mode. Warning, novice Galaxy S6 users should not attempt this.

Once your Developer options appear, there should be options for Window animation scale, Transition animation scale, Animator animation scale.

By default, these are set to 1x. Some Galaxy S6 users have said that changing them to .5x will enhance the phone's performance. We haven't tried this ourselves so you'll want to be extremely careful.

How to Fix Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Overheating Problems

Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Note users are complaining about issues with the temperature of their smartphone. This is a common complaint and one that you can fix.

If this happens to your Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S5, or another device, you'll first want to try restarting your phone to see if that helps. You'll want to leave it off for a minute or so and then reboot.

If this doesn't work, boot the device into Safe Mode. The instructions on how to do that can be found above. Often times, an app will go rogue and start overworking your phone. Safe Mode will help you spot the rogue application.

The Galaxy S6 doesn't come with a microSD card slot so you can't try this next step if you own one. If you own a Galaxy S5 though, it's worth a shot.

Power down the phone but this time remove the battery and your microSD card from the microSD card slot. Pop the battery back in without the microSD card in and see if that helps cool down the phone.

How to Fix Galaxy Android 5.1.1 App Problems

We're hearing about poor app performance, something that doesn't come as much of a surprise given that apps always act up after major Android updates. Most Android developers do a great job keeping their apps updated and stable but there are always a few that cause trouble.

If you run into app problems after installing Android 5.1.1 on your Galaxy phone or tablet, you'll first want to try updating the application. Make sure you read the latest reviews before you do.

If that doesn't work, try reinstalling the application. If that doesn't work, you'll want to report bugs to the developer so that it cane work on fixes. If your problem is enterprise related, you'll want to talk to your IT department if you have one.

How to Fix Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Charging Problems

Some Galaxy S and Galaxy Note users are complaining about slow charging problems. If you see this issue, there are a few things to try.

First, you need to make sure the device is charging on the charger that came with the phone. If you need to dig the charger up, dig it up. It could help. If the stock charger does nothing, try using a charger with the same voltage rating as the stock charger. That information can be found in a manual online.

If neither works, you can try using a USB cable instead of a wall charger. You should also try plugging your Galaxy into a computer to see if that helps.

How to Fix Galaxy Android 5.1.1 GPS Problems

GPS problems are also common after Android updates. If you run into GPS issues after installing Android 5.1.1, know that there are a few things to try to jumpstart the connection.

If you own a Galaxy S6, you'll want to head into the device's Settings. From there, scroll over to the Personal tab and select Privacy and safety. Then, tap Location and Location Method.

Once there, you can try using GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks to try and track your location. If that's not accurate, try Wi-Fi and Mobile only. If that still fix the issue, try using GPS only. You can also try toggling Location On then Off then On from the previous screen to see if that jump starts the GPS connection on your Galaxy S6.

If you own an older Galaxy like the Galaxy S5, head into Settings, Location and then make sure the Mode is set to High Accuracy. If that doesn't solve the issue, it's time to boot the phone into Safe Mode to see if a third-party application is causing the problem.

Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge users can also try Safe Mode to see if you can isolate a problem application.

How to Fix Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Problems If Nothing Works

If nothing else works, you can look into the downgrade process and potentially move back to an older version of Lollipop or even Android 4.4 KitKat.

You can also try performing a factory reset on your phone though we only recommend this if you can't find any fixes for your problem and it's severely impacting the performance of your device. You'll also want to make a backup of your important files before starting this process because it will wipe everything. Again, it's a last resort.

To factory reset the Galaxy S5, go into Settings, User & Backup, and select Backup and Reset. From there, select Factory Data Reset. From there, select Reset Device and then Delete All.

To factory reset a Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge, go into Settings then Personal then Backup and reset. From there, select Factory Data Reset. From there, select Reset Device.

One final reminder. Before you factory reset or return your phone, you'll want to scour the internet for other potential fixes. Our fixes are a great starting point but they may not work for everyone. Make sure you dig around before you do something drastic after getting the Android 5.1.1 on board.

You can also reach out to Samsung or your carrier for more information and potential fixes.

Source: 10 Common Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Problems & How to Fix Them

Featured Review: Nokia N1 Tablet

Nokia's long-awaited return to the world of mobile devices that don't run Microsoft's failed mobile Windows experience has been a long time coming, but as of 2015 we've finally seen some slight resurrection of the former tech giant from Finland.  Espoo was once the home of a company who's phones permeated culture, from the indestructible bricks with black and white screens to the smartphones with cameras that the competition took years to catch up to, Nokia really used to be something special.  The Nokia N1 launched earlier this year to a very limited portion of the world, mainly China and Taiwan, but these were some seriously anticipated tablets at the time.  The biggest problem is that Nokia still hasn't brought the tablet anywhere else in the world, and those that got the Chinese version of the tablet weren't able to get Google Play Services working on it for months.  Getting Play Services on the Chinese version still isn't easy, and on top of that there' s a high risk of bricking, but if you're able to snag the Taiwanese version you won't have to worry about any of this.  Is it still worth buying the device nearly a year later?  Let's take a look.

Specs

Gracing the front of this all-aluminum tablet is a Gorilla Glass 3 coated 7.9-inch 1536 by 2048 resolution IPS LCD display with 324 pixel-per-inch density.  Under the hood is a fairly rare Intel Atom Z3580 Quad-Core 2.3GHz processor with a PowerVR Rogue G6430 GPU, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.  An 8-megapixel camera graces the back of the tablet while a 5-megapixel shooter sits on the front with up to 1080p video support for both cameras.  Dual-band WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/a/ac are available and Bluetooth 4.0 is here as well as a USB Type-C connector running at USB 2.0 speeds.  Powering the whole experience is a non-removable 5,300mAh battery and Android 5.0 Lollipop.  The whole package is pretty small for a tablet and measures in at 200.7mm high by 138.6mm wide and 6.9mm thin, with a weight of 318 grams.

In the Box

The box is a pretty simple affair, which you might imagine if you're getting a tablet with these specs for under $250.  Other than the tablet itself there's a manual in here as well as a USB Type-C cable and a wall charger.

Display

IPS LCD displays are the most common type of display on the mobile market right now, and most of the time the cheapest for everyone involved.  Given that this tablet retails for under $250 it should be no surprise to see a cheaper type of display on it, but that certainly doesn't mean a bad experience.  This panel is bold, bright and sharp, encompassing all the best qualities of IPS LCD displays, but still suffers from the traditional negatives of them as well.  Black levels are decent but not great, and the viewing angles could certainly be better when it comes to dimming of the display, however there's little to no color shifting and it's overall a great visual experience.  Colors are nice and accurate and the white balance is near perfect, laying only just slightly on the cool side.

Touch responsiveness is fantastic too, quickly responding to everything I tried on it including typing and multi-touch gaming.  The aspect ratio here is 4:3 with a super high resolution of 1536 x 2048, meaning you're looking at some seriously crisp and clear images.  This is the same aspect ratio as an iPad or the last year's Nexus 9, which means it's better optimized for games and apps rather than movies, as you'll have to deal with black bars above and below the video when playing any widescreen content.

Hardware and Build

Many criticized Nokia's design when the tablet was first announced for being too iPad like, and there's definitely some really obvious Apple copycat styling going on here.  Nokia seems to have only taken the really good parts of Apple's design though, including all metal buttons and a full metal back, as well as separated volume buttons instead of a long volume rocker.  The bad or questionable things, like a physical home button, are thankfully gone, and the rounded edges of the metal body blend perfectly into the display creating a seamless experience that makes pulling out menus and other swipes from the edges of the screen a joy.  The tablet itself feels like for this type of device, and that comes with the reduction in size when compared to much larger tablets.

The 7.9-inch display is probably only around 2 inches or so larger than your average smartphone nowadays, and it feels like it too.  The bezels on the left and right side of the screen are small for a tablet, but thankfully Nokia has included big enough chin and forehead bezels to allow users to grip the tablet in a place that won't affect actual use, i.e. you won't have to worry about pressing pesky buttons in these areas.  On the bottom you'll find a dual speaker setup with a USB Type-C reversible port in between the two.  On the right side near the top are separate metal volume up and down buttons, while the metal power button is on the top all the way to the right side.  Because of the size and the slim build this one feels great in the hand, and those rounded corners do wonders for how it feels after holding the tablet for a long time.

The size of the Nokia N1 really is sort of an ideal size for a tablet, as it's just large enough to fit more information on the screen than a phone, but still small enough to be comfortable when holding and using it.  Many larger tablets might have the advantage in productivity when paired with the right keyboard or other accessory, but they end up feeling awkward when it comes to just using them by themselves.  Curiously enough there appears to be no vibration motor inside of this device, meaning notifications and other actions that would usually vibrate a device won't be doing that here.  On a low note it seems like the low price and higher quality materials may have translated into a more cheaply made tablet.  Out unit in particular has parts of the screen that aren't fully adhered to the body, and while this is only noticeable if you're looking for it, it certainly brings up some concerns about the longevity of such a device.

Performance and Memory

Intel's chipset has held up remarkably well over the course of about a year, and I found that running even the most intensive games and apps is a near perfect experience on the Nokia N1.  Games ran nearly flawlessly with very little to no slowdown depending on which game I played.  More memory and process intensive games like Fallout Shelter and the latest Need for Speed titles were basically console quality in their performance, showing off that powerful PowerVR Rogue GPU inside the Nokia N1.  This advanced GPU supports up to OpenGL 4.x for phenomenal graphics, and tile-based rendering for excellent performance no matter how much is on the screen.  This is also a fantastic size screen for gaming, and I found myself loving the tablet more and more every time I used it.

App and multi-tasking performance was just as phenomenal too, and I never encountered a slowdown or weird hitch on even the most data and memory intensive apps out there.  Switching between apps is simple thanks to the 3D carousel in Android Lollipop, and because of the relatively smaller size of the screen compared to some tablets I didn't find it uncomfortable or annoying to use this generally more phone-optimized interface.  Apps almost never reloaded, although with only 2GB of RAM and this high of a resolution screen you're definitely going to run into some situations where apps have to reload simply because the memory footprint of apps is going to be bigger thanks to the number of pixels on screen.

Benchmarks

The Nokia N1 sits just below the flagship phones from this year in most benchmark tests, although you probably wouldn't notice it in everyday use.  Check out our full benchmark suite we ran on the tablet below.

Battery Life

Even though this is a tablet and has more surface area than a phone, the incredibly thin nature of its build doesn't allow for an absolutely massive battery.  Still we're looking at a battery more than 50% larger than your average phablet-sized phone's battery, which equates to about 50% extra battery life over most of those phones.  I had no trouble getting at least 8 hours of screen on time between any charge, and our PCMark battery test backs that up with an over 10 hours of working battery life rating, again about 50% or so longer than some of the most long-lasting phones.  My unit seemed to be completely incapable of calculating battery percentage properly, likely some sort of glitch in Nokia's particular build of Android on this device.

Charging proved to be a bit difficult for the N1, and that's partly because it seems like Nokia isn't using proper USB Type-C specifications for its port.  None of the auto-sensing or QuickCharge type is chargers worked with the N1; they either wouldn't charge at all or they would erratically charge, constantly disconnecting and only charging a few percentage points in an hour's time.  Oddly enough the 5V 3A charger that came packaged with the Google Pixel C charges this one incredibly well, and I was able to charge it in almost 3 hours flat with this charger.  The one included in the box is only a 10W charger though, so a full charge will be closer to 5 hours instead of 3.

Software

2015 marks the year that stock Android has finally taken off in a big way.  Android 5.0 Lollipop revolutionized stock Android in both its look and feel in late 2014, and the N1 was one of the first tablets to feature the new OS out of the box.  On top of that Nokia didn't modify Android in any tangible way either other than adding in their own launcher and a few Intel chipset specific features.  While this is certainly a godsend for the look and feel of the interface, sometimes stock Android can be a little barren, especially when it comes to tablets.  The interface itself isn't bad, especially for a tablet of this size, but there's still more white unused space than there should be.  The notification shade is oddly slim and doesn't take up enough of the screen to display the entirety of some longer notification messages, something that's a sorely missed opportunity with such a large display.

The problems in Android tablets don't come as much from its lack of multi-window support for quick dual-app multi-tasking, rather the lack of so many tablet optimized apps.  Sure there are some really nice tablet apps out there, ironically enough like Microsoft's Office suite (since Nokia is moving away from Microsoft now), and some other apps too, but it's the Google apps that so many users rely on that are probably the biggest disappointments.  So many apps look exactly like their phone counterparts, just stretched wide to fill the screen rather than changing the interface to better take advantage of the screen real estate.  The Gmail app, for instance, features a left-hand pane that always shows folders and tags, however the Hangouts app is a full-screen chat that doesn't display any more visual information than its phone app, and there's no way to quickly move between chats either thanks to the lack of a dedicated navigation pane.

While we could criticize Google's apps all day and the lack of significant numbers of tablet-centric apps on the Play Store, we also want to focus on what Nokia packs into the tablet itself.  Residents of China will be using Nokia's app store, which isn't nearly as full-featured as the Play Store in any way but does feature some worthwhile apps.  Simply called The Store, Nokia's replacement for the Play Store certainly isn't bad, it just doesn't have as many apps by any means.  What's here isn't bad either, but the usual problem of apps not necessarily being optimized for tablets isn't changing much.

Nokia's launcher is a thing of brilliance, although it's not exclusive to this tablet.  Simply titled the Z Launcher, this is anything but a typical Android launcher and certainly makes the tablet feel like a custom piece of work all in itself.  The main screen is populated by commonly used app, and drawing letters anywhere on the screen initiates an immediate search of both apps and web-based results.  This gives an ultra-quick way to find any app simply by drawing a letter the app starts with instead of having to scroll through a list of icons.  If you prefer the list there's a shelf-type pane just to the right of the main screen that organizes all apps by their letters in a bookshelf fashion.  Outside of this and a sound recorder app there's nothing here you wouldn't expect, and really no bloatware at all.  Calculator, browser and music make the shortlist of pre-installed apps, leaving you with plenty of space to fill with what you actually want on the tablet.< /p>

Something to be aware of is that this is an x86 version of Android, not the ARM version.  What does that mean in plain English?  Most Android devices use ARM processors, which is a very different type of processor that's used in a traditional desktop or laptop PC or Mac.  The Intel chipset inside of the Nokia N1 is the same type as its desktop counterparts, an x86-based architecture, and as such features a build of Android that is able to run on this platform.  Because most apps are designed for ARM processors and ARM-based Android builds, you will definitely find apps that just aren't compatible with the Nokia N1 on the Play Store.  Some notable incompatible apps are Google Photos, Inbox by Gmail and Google+ just to name a few straight from Google.  There are x86 versions floating around on the web, but you'll have to not only manually install these but manually update them too, which not only creates an issue with users running outdated apps, but a barrier of entry f or beginning users.

Sound

The dual-stereo speakers on the bottom of the N1 are pretty darn good, but aren't quite the best out there.  Their bottom-facing configuration means they aren't going to be as good as any front-facing speaker for your ears simply because of the placement, but are considerably better than a back-facing configuration as some tablets and phones have.  Volume was nice and loud, although not insane levels or anything, and you definitely won't have trouble hearing any music or movies playing over these speakers, especially at max volume.  Clarity was excellent although at max volume the chassis started to vibrate a bit, lowering the overall quality of the audio.  There's enough bass here to get by and the sound mixing is quite good, leaving me satisfied but not blown away in the end.

Camera

Tablets are awkward to take pictures and video with, there's no getting around it, but at least this one is less awkward thanks to its smaller stature compared with many tablets out there.  Overall quality of the images are good but not great, and the 8-megapixel resolution picks up a good amount of detail but nothing mind blowing.  Part of the problem here is that Nokia doesn't opt for anything more than the generic Google Camera app, and there's no specific optimizations for the hardware like a Nexus unit might have (HDR+ for example).  As such just about any camera app will do and should produce equally acceptable pictures and video, so if you're looking for more than just the basic Google Camera interface and want to use this as your camera that might be a better option.  Check out the gallery below for all our sample pictures and video.

The Good

Great design

Light yet sturdy

Excellent size for comfortable use

High-resolution screen

Phenomenal performance

Good sound quality and volume

Price

The Bad

Chinese version is incredibly difficult to get Google Play Services on, updates may remove this ability

Some lifting on the screen brings build quality in question

No vibration motor inside

Final Thoughts

Once you get past the annoying way of having to install Google Play Services (or if you can snag one with it pre-installed), this tablet has to be one of my favorite in recent memory.  It's got a mostly great build, although its longevity might come into question given the issues with the corner of the screen being not quite flush with the body, and its thin, light, all-metal design is really super comfortable in the hands.  This isn't necessarily a great sized device for lots of productivity but it's wonderful for everything else, meeting comfort and utility somewhere in between for a truly excellent device.  The more I used this one the more I loved it, and for under $250 it's nearly impossible not to recommend it even nearly a year after it came out.

Source: Featured Review: Nokia N1 Tablet

Why A Tablet Can't Replace Your Laptop

I've used every possible size of tablet, from a 6-inch-plus smartphone big enough to be one, to something table-sized from Lenovo. I've used them with keyboards attached and without. I've taken them out with me and used them curled up in bed. But no... they don't replace a laptop. At least not for long.

Typing on GlassFirst of all, there's the method of input. Typing on glass, is a certified pain. For those who know how to type using the correct designated fingers for each key, it's worse because one is not used to looking down. You need to touch keys and get tactile feedback so your brain recognises the key-press and its position.

Even though there are all sorts of workarounds such as predictive text, the trace method used in software keyboards like Swype, and even an attempt to recognise key presses when they're approximately in the right place such as with Flexy, it's slower and more awkward. Heck, even inputting by voice isn't particularly quick as the recognition lags the speaker's words.

So, for serious work, it's back to a proper keyboard that you can touch and feel and even hear.The Keyboard CoverThere are full-fledged keyboards you can attach to a tablet. But then you bump into a new problem -- the software isn't the same as on a laptop. Unless you use something simple and stripped down of features, or unless you pay a lot for apps that are still not quite the laptop or desktop equivalent.

If you're traveling or doing the lightest possible work and don't need any complex software, then you could make do very well with a tablet and a keyboard attachment. For instance, if I go out on a holiday, I tend to take either a big phone or a tablet along with a small keyboard. That ensures I can write an occasional article and tackle mail, messages and social media.Applications vs AppsIf I were at all fond of Excel sheets and making PowerPoint presentations, I could manage those too, because Microsoft's Office suite and alternatives are on the app stores. So is Apple's suite. But the going is still slower and every feature you'd find on a desktop version isn't available on a tablet version.

Often, you have to switch from an application you're used to and settle for something else as you move from laptop to tablet. Most of the major platforms are trying to make sure you have seamless continuity between devices such as from phone to tablet or laptop to tablet or any combination of these, but it isn't yet as easy with everything. If you want to work with something like PhotoShop for example, the tablet will just not have the full desktop version. There are many business applications that won't work the same way, if at all, on tablets.

Pens and PencilsWhile tablets take away the mouse and trackpad you may be used to, they do give you an additional advantage -- some of them. If they happen to include handwriting recognition and a stylus, you have a new set of possibilities such as marking up reports or crea ting a sketch or making a flow plan. This is where it's the tablet that rules and the laptop is a big fail even if it has a touchscreen because you can't possibly keep your arm extended at the screen for very long.

For an artist, a large roomy tablet with a surface that accepts stylus input, is a dream. Designers and others who have to create by drawing and marking precisely will feel the same. The iPad Pro and Samsung's tablet with S-Pen, for example, would give the freedom to design and create untethered, without having to physically be rooted to a desktop or laptop. But even though apps have become very sophisticated with handling complex stuff like 3D very quickly, the more complete and powerful versions of most software applications are to be found for computers.

Double DutyHybrid and convertible devices are in a different category. If they have the processing power built in and allow a separation of the screen and keyboard, and run Windows, you could certainly get some work done. Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 is thought to be pretty much the ultimate ideal combination for this scenario.

You won't get all the enjoyable apps you have on Apple's App Store or customise the way you can on Android, but most people would give an eye and a tooth for the Surface Pro 4 and its beautiful cover-keyboard and pen because you can be productive with it as with a laptop and to some extent use it like a tablet.

The iPad Pro comes into this difficult equation with its 12.9-incher. Now, you have a wonderful keyboard which docks into the tablet, you have a honey-smooth pencil that works with no lag, and you have the screen real estate. But you still don't have the heavyweight software. On top of that, you're left with a tablet that's too big to curl up with to say, read a book or browse the net. It's too heavy to hold for very long. Samsung and Lenovo also have tablets that are too big to be tablets in the true portable sense but give you a canvas to work differently from a laptop. They blur the lines between laptops and tablets.

So there you have it. It depends on the work you need to do and the fun you need to have. But if you need a lot of both, you may need separate devices because a tablet replaces a laptop only with great difficultly and a laptop-screen-tablet replaces a tablet with some compromises as well.

Source: Why A Tablet Can't Replace Your Laptop

Kiddie tablets are on the grow

Kathy Willens/The Associated Press

As competition has increased, kids' tablets have come a long way from bad graphics, slow processors, chunky exteriors and child-like operating systems. Today's products feature high-definition screens, speedier operations, fashionably slim bodies and Android-based operating systems, or in one case, Windows 10. Top to bottom are LeapFrog's Epic, a Nabi Elev-8, the Amazon Fire Kids Edition, left, and Kurio's Xtreme 2, lower right.

NEW YORK — Kiddie tablets have grown up.

Tablets designed just for kids are getting more sophisticated as they face increased competition from regular tablets. The new products also have better screens, speedier chips and fashionably slim bodies. They let older children do more, yet hold their hands until they're ready for unsupervised access.

Although many of the tablets were originally conceived as educational toys for kids as old as middle schoolers, they've been more popular with younger children. Older kids have been apt to reject them in favor of their parents' tablet or smartphone.

That shift has prompted companies to focus more on preschoolers and kindergartners, as they create super-durable products that can withstand repeated abuse and develop games and apps that teach reading and math.

But now, some of those companies are looking to take back some of the sales to older kids that they've lost over the years, offering premium products — most with price tags of over $100 — that look and perform less like toys and more like the ones adults use.

LeapFrog, maker of the toy-like LeapPad, released its first Android tablet this year. And Kurio is branching out to Windows 10 and includes a full version of Microsoft Office in a new tablet-laptop combination.

The use of Android and Windows software, in place of the more basic, custom-made systems used in toy tablets, allows for more sophisticated apps and games and a range of content from standard app stores.

Monica Brown, LeapFrog's vice president for product marketing, said the company aimed to "create something that was kind of sleek and more tech-forward for kids who were looking for something that felt like their parents' tablet."

But parents still want educational content and safety features that come with a tablet designed purely for kids. LeapFrog's Epic, along with the other new tablets for kids, are attempts to bridge that gap.

The Epic looks like a regular Android tablet but comes with a removable bright-green bumper. It is much faster than a LeapPad and can run versions of popular Android games such as "Fruit Ninja" and "Doodle Jump." There's access to the Internet, but it's limited to about 10,000 kid-safe websites (though parents can add others). Parents can also limit and track how much time a child spends watching videos, playing games or reading.

Lynn Schofield Clark, a professor of media studies at the University of Denver, said kids tablets are a tough sell these days.

"Kids are always aspirational in their ages, and they're always interested in what older kids are doing," Clark said, pointing to the fascination that many preteens have with smartphones as a prime example.

Meanwhile, most parents won't spend money on kids-only gadgets unless they believe they offer significant educational benefits.

"If they're just looking for something to entertain their kid, then why wouldn't they just hand over their smartphone?" she asked.

Kurio aims to answer that question with the Smart, a device that lets kids do things they previously might have needed their parents' laptop for, such as typing up and saving their homework online or playing video on their TV through an HDMI cable. The Smart is a Windows 10 laptop with a detachable screen and comes with a free year of Microsoft Office.

Eric Levin, Kurio's strategic director, said kids using children's tablets are getting younger, as older kids gravitate toward adult products. Four years ago, he said, most Kurio users ranged from ages 6 to 12. Now, half of them are 3 to 5.

Although older kids may be ready for adult tablets, the shift has left those 8 to 12 without age-appropriate devices, Levin says. The Smart tries to fix that.

Other makers of kids tablets have also gone high-end this year. Fuhu bills the Nabi Elev-8 as a premium, 8-inch tablet. But the company ran into financial problems early in the holiday season, and its products have been tough to find.

Nonetheless, adult tablets remain popular with kids.

Amazon touts its Fire tablet as something the entire family can use, eliminating the need to buy something just for the kids.

"While I appreciate that might have led other companies to adjust their products, we're upping our game based on what customers want in the best kid experience," said Aaron Bromberg, senior manager of product management for Amazon Devices.

The tablet's FreeTime app lets parents set up profiles for each kid, with access to only the content they approve. It also lets parents limit the amount of time spent on different kinds of content such as videos or apps. For an additional fee, Amazon's FreeTime Unlimited service offers more than 10,000 books, apps, games and videos geared toward kids ages 3 to 10.

Nonetheless, Amazon is selling a kids' edition tablet for $100. It's essentially Amazon's bare-bones $50 Fire tablet packaged with a colorful protective bumper and a year's subscription to FreeTime Unlimited.

It also comes with a two-year guarantee: If your kid breaks it, Amazon will replace it.

Bree Fowler,

The Associated Press

Want to get your child a tablet computer? Here's a look at some models designed for kids.

All of them feature parental controls and can toggle back and forth between kid and adult modes, so parents can use them to check their email or post on Twitter after their little ones go to bed.

LEAPFROG EPIC ($140)

This is LeapFrog's first Android tablet. Like its toy-like predecessor, the LeapPad, this tablet has an educational focus. Content is based on a child's age. Various apps communicate with each other as they track a child's progress, helping to create a more customized experience. Each day, kids are presented with a new vocabulary word when they sign on. A connected stylus, familiar to LeapPad users, helps with writing practice. Web surfing is limited to aboud 10,000 kid-safe sites.

Online: leapfrog.com/en-us/products/leapfrog-epic

KURIO XTREME 2 ($130)

Similar to the Epic, the Extreme 2 has a sharp screen, fast processor and a decent amount of storage. It comes with games and apps, including a handful of motion games that are controlled by your child's movements as they pretend to do things like ski or swim. Kids can access the Internet, which can be filtered as much or as little as their parent desires.

Online: kurioworld.com/k/us/parents/products/tab/

KURIO SMART ($200)

Geared toward older kids, this is something that they can type book reports on or do online research for a school project. It is the first kids tablet to run on Windows 10 and includes a free year of Microsoft Office. Parents can filter the Internet and set time limits on use. The device comes with a slew of games and apps, including the same motion games on the Xtreme 2. The device is a laptop whose keyboard detaches to become a tablet. When closed, the keyboard acts as a hard, protective case.

Online: kurioworld.com/k/us/parents/products/smart/

AMAZON FIRE KIDS EDITION ($100)

This is Amazon's bare-bones $50 Fire tablet packaged with a colorful protective bumper (pink or blue), a year's subscription to kids' content through Amazon's FreeTime Unlimited and free replacements for two years if the tablet breaks. FreeTime Unlimited, which normally starts at $3 per month, is what really shines. Kids have unlimited access to 10,000 kid-friendly books, videos and games. Ads and in-app purchases are disabled.

Online: amazon.com/Fire-Edition-Display-Wi-Fi-Kid-Proof/dp/B00YYZEQ1G

VTECH INNOTAB MAX ($100)

Yes, VTech is the company that got hacked in November, exposing personal information on more than 6 million children. Nonetheless, the Innotab Max is a decent product, particularly for younger children. The tablet folds to close, creating a hard, protective case with a handle for on-the-go use. Little kids may like this, but older children will likely be turned off by the look. Because this tablet uses Google's Android, it has access to a variety of content made for that system. But it also features content designed by VTech. However, VTech's app store remains shut because of the data breach.

Online: vtechkids.com/brands/brand_view/innotab_max

FUHU NABI ELEV-8 ($170)

Its sharp screen and fast processor give it the look and feel of a premium product. And while it comes with a hefty amount of built-in games and apps, kids can get more through Nabi Pass, a $5-per-month subscription service similar to FreeTime Unlimited. But the company has run into financial problems, so its Elev-8 tablets have been tough to find.

Online: nabitablet.com/elev-8

The Associated Press

Source: Kiddie tablets are on the grow

New tablets for kids combine online safety with performance

​Kiddie tablets have grown up.

Tablets designed just for kids are getting more sophisticated as they face increased competition from regular tablets. The new products also have better screens, speedier chips and fashionably slim bodies. They let older children do more, yet hold their hands until they're ready for unsupervised access.

Although many of the tablets were originally conceived as educational toys for kids as old as middle schoolers, they've been more popular with younger children. Older kids have been apt to reject them in favour of their parents' tablet or smartphone.

(Top to bottom) LeapFrog's Epic, a Nabi Elev-8, the Amazon Fire Kids Edition, left, and Kurio's Xtreme 2, lower right are kids' tablets that feature high-definition screens, speedier operations, fashionably slim bodies and Android-based operating systems, or in one case, Windows 10. (Kathy Willens/Associated Press)

That shift has prompted companies to focus more on preschoolers and kindergarteners, as they create super-durable products that can withstand repeated abuse and develop games and apps that teach reading and math.

But now, some of those companies are looking to take back some of the sales to older kids that they've lost over the years, offering premium products — most with price tags of over $100 — that look and perform less like toys and more like the ones adults use.

LeapFrog, maker of the toy-like LeapPad, released its first Android tablet this year. And Kurio is branching out to Windows 10 and includes a full version of Microsoft Office in a new tablet-laptop combination.

The use of Android and Windows software, in place of the more basic, custom-made systems used in toy tablets, allows for more sophisticated apps and games and a range of content from standard app stores.

Monica Brown, LeapFrog's vice-president for product marketing, said the company aimed to "create something that was kind of sleek and more tech forward for kids who were looking for something that felt like their parents' tablet."

Kid-safe websites only

But parents still want educational content and safety features that come with a tablet designed purely for kids. LeapFrog's Epic, along with the other new tablets for kids, are attempts to bridge that gap.

The Epic looks like a regular Android tablet, but comes with a removable bright-green bumper. It is much faster than a LeapPad and can run versions of popular Android games such as "Fruit Ninja" and "Doodle Jump." There's access to the internet, but it's limited to about 10,000 kid-safe websites (though parents can add others). Parents can also limit and track how much time a child spends watching videos, playing games or reading.

Lynn Schofield Clark, a professor of media studies at the University of Denver, said kids tablets are a tough sell these days.

"Kids are always aspirational in their ages, and they're always interested in what older kids are doing," Clark said, pointing to the fascination that many preteens have with smartphones as a prime example.

Meanwhile, most parents won't spend money on kids-only gadgets unless they believe they offer significant educational benefits.

"If they're just looking for something to entertain their kid, then why wouldn't they just hand over their smartphone?" she asked.

Windows 10 kids' laptop

Kurio aims to answer that question with the Smart, a device that let kids do things they previously might have needed their parents' laptop for, such as typing up and saving their homework online or playing video on their TV through an HDMI cable. The Smart is a Windows 10 laptop with a detachable screen and comes with a free year of Microsoft Office.

This photo provided by KD Interactive shows the Kurio Smart. Geared toward older kids, this is something that they can type book reports on or do online research for a school project. (KD Interactive/Associated Press)

Eric Levin, Kurio's strategic director, said kids using children's tablets are getting younger, as older kids gravitate toward adult products. Four years ago, he said, most Kurio users ranged from ages 6 to 12. Now, half of them are 3 to 5.

Although older kids may be ready for adult tablets, the shift has left those 8 to 12 without age-appropriate devices, Levin says. The Smart tries to fix that.

Other makers of kids tablets have also gone high-end this year. Fuhu bills the Nabi Elev-8 as a premium, 8-inch tablet. But the company ran into financial problems early in the holiday season, and its products have been tough to find.

Nonetheless, adult tablets remain popular with kids.

Amazon touts its Fire tablet as something the entire family can use, eliminating the need to buy something just for the kids.

"While I appreciate that might have led other companies to adjust their products, we're upping our game based on what customers want in the best kid experience," said Aaron Bromberg, senior manager of product management for Amazon Devices.

The tablet's FreeTime app lets parents set up profiles for each kid, with access to only the content they approve. It also lets parents limit the amount of time spent on different kinds of content such as videos or apps. For an additional fee, Amazon's FreeTime Unlimited service offers more than 10,000 books, apps, games and videos geared toward kids ages 3 to 10.

Nonetheless, Amazon is selling a kids' edition tablet for $100. It's essentially Amazon's bare-bones $50 Fire tablet packaged with a colorful protective bumper and a year's subscription to FreeTime Unlimited.

It also comes with a two-year guarantee: If your kid breaks it, Amazon will replace it.

Source: New tablets for kids combine online safety with performance

Kiddie tablets 'grow up' as competition grows

NEW YORK (AP) — Kiddie tablets have grown up.

Tablets designed just for kids are getting more sophisticated as they face increased competition from regular tablets. The new products also have better screens, speedier chips and fashionably slim bodies. They let older children do more, yet hold their hands until they're ready for unsupervised access.

Although many of the tablets were originally conceived as educational toys for kids as old as middle schoolers, they've been more popular with younger children. Older kids have been apt to reject them in favor of their parents' tablet or smartphone.

That shift has prompted companies to focus more on preschoolers and kindergarteners, as they create super-durable products that can withstand repeated abuse and develop games and apps that teach reading and math.

But now, some of those companies are looking to take back some of the sales to older kids that they've lost over the years, offering premium products — most with price tags of over $100 — that look and perform less like toys and more like the ones adults use.

LeapFrog, maker of the toy-like LeapPad, released its first Android tablet this year. And Kurio is branching out to Windows 10 and includes a full version of Microsoft Office in a new tablet-laptop combination.

The use of Android and Windows software, in place of the more basic, custom-made systems used in toy tablets, allows for more sophisticated apps and games and a range of content from standard app stores.

Monica Brown, LeapFrog's vice president for product marketing, said the company aimed to "create something that was kind of sleek and more tech forward for kids who were looking for something that felt like their parents' tablet."

But parents still want educational content and safety features that come with a tablet designed purely for kids. LeapFrog's Epic, along with the other new tablets for kids, are attempts to bridge that gap.

The Epic looks like a regular Android tablet, but comes with a removable bright-green bumper. It is much faster than a LeapPad and can run versions of popular Android games such as "Fruit Ninja" and "Doodle Jump." There's access to the Internet, but it's limited to about 10,000 kid-safe websites (though parents can add others). Parents can also limit and track how much time a child spends watching videos, playing games or reading.

Lynn Schofield Clark, a professor of media studies at the University of Denver, said kids tablets are a tough sell these days.

"Kids are always aspirational in their ages, and they're always interested in what older kids are doing," Clark said, pointing to the fascination that many preteens have with smartphones as a prime example.

Meanwhile, most parents won't spend money on kids-only gadgets unless they believe they offer significant educational benefits.

"If they're just looking for something to entertain their kid, then why wouldn't they just hand over their smartphone?" she asked.

Kurio aims to answer that question with the Smart, a device that let kids do things they previously might have needed their parents' laptop for, such as typing up and saving their homework online or playing video on their TV through an HDMI cable. The Smart is a Windows 10 laptop with a detachable screen and comes with a free year of Microsoft Office.

Eric Levin, Kurio's strategic director, said kids using children's tablets are getting younger, as older kids gravitate toward adult products. Four years ago, he said, most Kurio users ranged from ages 6 to 12. Now, half of them are 3 to 5.

Although older kids may be ready for adult tablets, the shift has left those 8 to 12 without age-appropriate devices, Levin says. The Smart tries to fix that.

Other makers of kids tablets have also gone high-end this year. Fuhu bills the Nabi Elev-8 as a premium, 8-inch tablet. But the company ran into financial problems early in the holiday season, and its products have been tough to find.

Nonetheless, adult tablets remain popular with kids.

Amazon touts its Fire tablet as something the entire family can use, eliminating the need to buy something just for the kids.

"While I appreciate that might have led other companies to adjust their products, we're upping our game based on what customers want in the best kid experience," said Aaron Bromberg, senior manager of product management for Amazon Devices.

The tablet's FreeTime app lets parents set up profiles for each kid, with access to only the content they approve. It also lets parents limit the amount of time spent on different kinds of content such as videos or apps. For an additional fee, Amazon's FreeTime Unlimited service offers more than 10,000 books, apps, games and videos geared toward kids ages 3 to 10.

Nonetheless, Amazon is selling a kids' edition tablet for $100. It's essentially Amazon's bare-bones $50 Fire tablet packaged with a colorful protective bumper and a year's subscription to FreeTime Unlimited.

It also comes with a two-year guarantee: If your kid breaks it, Amazon will replace it.

___

Follow Bree Fowler at https://twitter.com/APBreeFowler. Her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/author/bree-fowler.

Source: Kiddie tablets 'grow up' as competition grows

Android Tablets: Look how far we’ve come

It was nearly 3 years ago now that I wrote an opinion piece about the Android Tablet platform, questioning it's future. It drove some fantastic comments from our readers. Given recent developments — such as Android Lollipop, the Nexus 9 tablet (despite its well documented failings), and various others by multiple manufacturers — I felt it was time to follow that up in 2015.

On reviewing the original post, it's fascinating to see that some issues are resolved, some remain and some will always be. This is one of the dangers of offering a (relatively – compared to iOS) open platform for manufacturers and developers to play in. Google have certainly responded in some facets that were addressed and others have continued somewhat unchecked. There is an obvious issue preventing Android tablets taking more of a hold in the market; it's sold by Apple and it's called the iPad. Consistently selling huge numbers quarter on quarter, any competitor in the tablet market is going to struggle to find a foothold.

The tablet market has also taken a sidestep with the Microsoft Surface being introduced, which is in its own right a brilliant device. It can behave like a laptop, it can behave like a tablet and the interface is familiar and comfortable for many users who have only ever used Windows devices. The price is something of a tripping point for many users though on the Surface, but its still accounting for some of the tablet market — especially for prosumers and business types.

The user experience has always been an issue for Android, and frankly is unlikely to ever go away completely. You can spend anything from $89 at Coles for a 7″ Android KitKat Tablet through to the $800 or higher mark for the top end Samsung, Sony and HTC (Nexus) devices, enjoying various spec and connectivity options along the way. Unfortunately a lot of users aren't educated enough to really understand what the difference between a $650 Sony Z3 Tablet Compact and a $220 Kogan Agora actually means for their experience.

What problems remain?

As I see it, the biggest issue that the Android Operating System still has to contend with is the consistency of delivery and unfortunately this is both a strength and a weakness for the OS. For similar dollars you can get 3 different devices, which offer 3 different experiences to users and often a small jump in price can result in a huge jump in the positivity of the users experience.

This lack of understanding from users and willing from companies often leads to "Android" getting blamed for poor user experience, where often it's the invasive launchers and bloat that manufacturers put on the devices that are creating this experience. So all of a sudden we're talking about that dreaded "F" word again; Fragmentation!

The other issue when compared with the iOS platform is a roll on from the consistency of delivery, in that not all manufacturers are committed to providing OS updates to devices. In fact if you play the budget game, you should probably make sure that you are happy with what you're getting out of the box because the likelihood of an update is pretty low.

You only need to look at the latest Android version figures to see that this problem is not going to go away; EVER, unless Google take drastic steps to force upgrades with Ice Cream Sandwich (Oct 2011 release), Gingerbread (Feb 2011 release) and Froyo (May 2010 release) collectively accounting for 6.5 percent of the total install base. Even some of the big name manufacturers are significantly slower than those of us who purchase their devices would like them to be on high end device updates.

What problems have been resolved

Android is no longer a platform that has been put together for phones and dumped onto a tablet with minimal thought to it. The interface is not only usable on tablets but partially planned planned and designed around the platform. Particularly when you look at the first update (second version) of the Android M preview that was released on earlier this year that included a landscape launcher. Hopefully as the new year comes in, more developers will see this as an untapped market and begin releasing more apps specifically designed for tablets rather than phones.

For the time being, though, there are many apps which don't work all that well on tablets because they've been designed specifically with phones in mind. Instagram is one such app, and there are countless others that don't make the transition to a bigger tablet screen very well.

While it has never really been a barrier to enter the Android tablet platform, affordability of the platform is a definite strength of Android tablets, the cost of entry is cheap; very cheap but the previously mentioned consistency of delivery comes into play when you to head down the budget path – a very sharp double edged sword. Fortunately something of reasonable quality is now only a very short step financially to go past the likes of Kogan and Aldi tablets to the lower end Samsung and slightly older Sony tablets making it more attractive to potential buyers to get into the middle ground rather than just entry level.

Are there new problems?

Yes, but they're a natural evolution of mobile phones and not really a direct issue for Android tablets but more tablets in general. What size screen are you looking at on your current mobile phone? Personally I have a 5.2 inch screen, but thats due to a personal preference for the smaller phone size where many of the phones that have been released recently are 5.5 inch or larger, which in some respects kills the 7″ screen tablets because they simple aren't that much more functional than a phone with slightly smaller screen.

Which leaves the 8+ inch screens as the main options and there really hasn't been a strong drive into the market between 8 and 9 inches of screen and a lot of users simply don't want the larger form factor.

The other issue that manufacturers are facing now is that tablet sales are dwindling rapidly; there are a lot of users who have a tablet and are happy with what they have, others have been burned – unlikely to return. Believe it or not, there is a huge user base out there who have absolutely no want or need for a tablet; they have their needs covered with their mobile, Laptop and/or PC.

It seems as though the manufacturers just can't win.

Has Google responded?

It's old news now but the Nexus Tablets have made a difference to the presence of Android in the tablet space. The game changer without a doubt, the original (2012) Nexus 7. It hit a hole in the market that the fabled iPad didn't; people that want something a bit bigger than a phone to surf the web, email, read books on etc but without the bulk and weight of the 10" monster.

Followed up with the Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 10 and more recently the Nexus 9 the Nexus tablets have been consistent with their user interface experience and importantly the hardware has been nice; not ground breaking in most cases and not without flaws but nice hardware that wasn't cumbersome or unduly ugly. Google have engaged Asus, Samsung and HTC (with rumours of Huawei to build the next Nexus tablet) to be involved with the design and manufacture of the tablets showing users and other manufacturers alike that when the delivery of the experience is controlled by a central party; namely Google, Android can be a consistent, user friendly and updatable experience.

On top of this, Google have released their own, in-house tablet in the form of the Pixel C, which runs the latest version of Android. It showcases what an Android tablet could be, though it suffers the same shortcomings in other respects — apps not designed for tablets will still look rather shabby. On the plus side though, there's beautiful hardware, stock Android, a keyboard accessory which is incredibly powerful, and there's a lot of promise.

At the end of it all, I believe its pretty clear we've come a long way from the first Android Tablets that were commercially available in any volume. Unfortunately due to the open nature of the Android Platform we've also seen manufacturers take different paths to their current locations in the market which means users need to be well educated on what to look for to ensure they're not burned by a bad sales person or cheap online sales; the purchase isn't as cut and dry as "what size tablet do you want?" as it is with the tablet market leader, the iPad.

Along the way we've seen some good, some bad and some downright ugly steps in the development of Android as a tablet platform and it most certainly has a future. But in the short to medium term at least, it's probably not something that will become a daily driver for the average consumer due to the inconsistency of the user experience between manufacturers and the lack of understanding from some developers that Android is a viable tablet platform. The Android operating system has come a very long way since the first "official" steps into tablets with Honeycomb, but there is still a very long way to go.

Source: Android Tablets: Look how far we've come

HP's $300 Pavilion x2 is a low-cost tablet that's actually a decent laptop

Let's face it: Convertible laptops suck. A computer that can switch between a laptop and a tablet compromises too much and fails as both...at least they have in the past.

Thanks to the improvements in low-powered processors, that's changing. We're seeing a growing number of Windows 10 machines that function as both a tablet and a computer, do so well, and manage that without emptying your wallet — like the HP Pavilion x2.

The Pavilion x2 is a 10-inch device with a gorgeous screen, great battery life, and a way of getting you to keep using a tablet...without sacrificing your everyday computing needs.

Big for a netbook and tablet, small as both

With the Surface Pro 4's and iPad Pro's of the world taking over for professionals, the very idea of tablet computing is changing.

The Pavilion x2 isn't quite in that league, coming in at a Chromebook-low price of $300, but if any device is leading the charge for more laptop-esque computing on tablets, it's the Pavilion x2. Sure, it's larger than most 10-inch and 11-inch laptops because it's packing so much into a small frame. That's okay though, because the Pavilion x2 really is more than the sum of its parts.

For $300 you get the latest Intel Atom processor, a 1.44GHz quad-core chip that is faster and has better performance than the typical dual-core Celeron silicon used in Chromebooks; 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage (upgradeable to 64GB), and a 1,280 x 800 IPS display and full removable keyboard. The speakers are also designed by Bang and Olufsen. And it comes in three colors: white, gray or red.

Even without the keyboard the Pavilion x2 makes for a great tablet. It's built with the keyboard in mind though, so if you forget it at home, don't expect to comfortably use a Bluetooth keyboard instead. The bottom of the tablet is flat, made specifically for the magnetic connectors on the keyboard's hinge — not good for standing at an angle or even upright. That's fine, the two pieces are inseparable.

I never left the keyboard more than a few feet from the Pavilion x2, partly because the two go so well together, and partly because traveling with a 1.3-pound tablet without a screen protector is just foolish. The keyboard is the perfect companion.

The no-compromise tablet

Image: James Pikover/Mashable

As a laptop, the components that make up the Pavilion x2 are limiting. Running a dozen browser tabs simultaneously is going to slow things down. High-performance applications like Photoshop aren't fast. Don't even think about video editing and keep photo editing to a bare minimum. No, if you're going to use the Pavilion x2, it'll be for email, light web browsing, video streaming, and other individual or light tasks.

That's why it works so great as a tablet. Unplug the keyboard to read a long article or watch a video — no problem. There's no scuffle to remove the keyboard, no sudden worry that the battery will die, and most importantly no change in performance.

It came so naturally to stow the keyboard away to watch YouTube clips or read on the beautiful display instead of the typical hunch-over-and-read looking down. The option to switch between the two modes feels right; the keyboard and mouse is there when you ned

using a keyboard and mouse when you need to and using the touchscreen without the interference or accidentally pushing buttons when you don't need to type out that never-ending email.

And with over seven hours of battery life per charge, the trouble is never with getting through the day. As we spend more and more time with complementary devices, like watching TV while looking at a smartphone, the need for tablets is growing in the house. The Pavilion x2 is perfect for that, a capable Windows 10 laptop that is also a lightweight tablet. It's the Swiss army knife of computers. I've used it in the house for everything from web browsing in front of the TV to showing family photos to friends to answering emails and writing full articles.

Give love to get love

Out of the box though, the Pavilion x2 feels like it's a tugboat pulling an aircraft carrier. It's slow beyond frustration, with not nearly enough storage space and with constant performance hiccups. It may well be one of the worst computing experiences of the year.

Thankfully that can be fixed. Delete everything not built in by Windows or HP (and maybe even some of HP's software, but be careful there), and after a reboot the Pavilion x2 is right as rain. Sadly we still live in an age where pre-installed software is a thing, and that software tends to be crap. With the Pavilion x2, it actually ruins the computer.

Image: James Pikover/Mashable

The low resolution of 1,280 x 800 is barely enough for web use today. If you spend any time on Reddit or just love full 1080p content, it's going to be very scrunched or you'll be scrolling to see a lot of content not immediately displayed on the screen. That's not to say it's not usable...thankfully the mobile web is making lower-resolutions more prominent, but there are going to be plenty of times when the screen is just too small for the given content.

The connection between the keyboard and computer is also somewhat faulty. At times I found the keyboard and mouse completely unresponsive, but after unplugging it a few times it behaves normally.

While battery life is excellent, battery life on standby is still worse than expected on any Windows computer. Keep the Pavilion x2 in your bag for a few days without use and it'll discharged, unlike the typical tablets which can last weeks without use on a single charge.

It's the best of both worlds

The HP Pavilion x2 is a $300 laptop that's also a tablet, so don't expect to be playing Star Wars Battlefront on this computer. Even without desktop-grade performance, the Pavilion x2 puts everything that makes a tablet great into a full-fledged, albeit very lightweight, laptop. And that means a lot, because for the first time we have a Windows computer that works great as a tablet and as a laptop.

But the real frosting is just how well built the Pavilion x2 is. The hardware is top notch, with an easy-to-remove keyboard that connects magnetically and is the easiest thing to snap on and off. The IPS screen is low resolution but still very high quality; I watched an entire season of Marvel's Agents of Shield in tablet mode and loved it. The combination of high-quality stereo speakers and a great-looking screen made for a better TV experience, more than enough for the friend who kicked his cable to the curb and is ready to do the same with his TV set.

HP did an incredible job with the Pavilion x2, and the price makes it a great gift for the holidays to boot. Whether it's for the couch potato or the high-flyer, the Pavilion x2 is the Windows equivalent to the low-powered MacBook and iPad Air 2. And it works better as both than just one. Just make sure you open the box up and delete all of the bloatware first, otherwise you'll be playing tech support all year.

HP Pavilion x2 The Good

Great construction • Powerful for light computing (like email and web browsing) • Long battery life • Kickass screen and speakers • Starts at $300

The Bad

Bloatware ruins experience...when installed • Random keyboard connectivity issues • Low-resolution display

The Bottom Line

There isn't a better tablet computer you can buy for the price; the HP Pavilion x2 makes for a perfect stocking stuffer.

Source: HP's $300 Pavilion x2 is a low-cost tablet that's actually a decent laptop

Why don't chemists stock your favourite medicine any more? Headache pills, coal tar cream and charcoal tablets discontinued

Much-relied upon products sometimes disappear without warning

It's a common problem, according to pharmacist Sultan Dajani

We look at products that have disappeared, and what you can take instead

By Jo Waters For The Daily Mail

Published: 19:43 EST, 21 December 2015 | Updated: 04:16 EST, 22 December 2015

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Most of us have tried-and-tested remedies we've bought for years from the chemist's. We know they work, and it means not having to bother the doctor.

But why do much-relied upon products sometimes disappear from sale without warning, and what happens when they are discontinued?

It's a common problem, according to Sultan Dajani, a community pharmacist in Bishopstoke, Hants, and a spokesperson for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. 

'Sometimes, a product disappears because it has been overtaken by one that works better or the manufacturer decides a product is no longer profitable and stops making it,' he explains. 

'In other cases, the product becomes prescription-only.

'There can also be temporary problems in the supply chain, which means stocks run low as new batches aren't made. This can ca use problems for months - even years.' 

Here, we look at popular products that have disappeared, and why, and what you can take instead...

'Sometimes, a product disappears because it has been overtaken by one that works better or the manufacturer decides a product is no longer profitable and stops making it'

MOTILIUM FOR BLOATING

Used to treat a wide range of stomach complaints, including heartburn, bloating and nausea, motilium works by blocking a brain chemical which causes nausea and vomiting and boosting the contractions of the stomach and intestines.

Motilium was available to buy over the counter until September 2014, when it was made a prescription-only product.

'In 2014, research was published which found the active ingredient domperidone, which speeds up the transit of food through the stomach and bowel, was associated with a small increased risk of heart rhythm problems,' says Mr Dajani.

Although the regulators decided the benefits outweighed the risks for treating nausea and vomiting, it was advised that it should no longer be taken for bloating and heartburn and should be restricted to prescription-only, so patients can have their heart health checked before taking the drug.

WHAT TO TAKE INSTEAD: There is no single over-the-counter product that can replicate what Motilium did, says Mr Dajani - he recommends antacids such as Gaviscon, antispasmodics such as Buscopan and peppermint oil capsules such as Colpermin for IBS-type symptoms.

SYNDOL FOR HEADACHES

For headaches, try paracetamol and codeine combinations with caffeine - or take with a cup of coffee or tea

The painkiller Syndol disappeared early in 2014 before a new product was launched later in the year called Syndol Headache Relief. 

Like the original, this contained caffeine, paracetamol and codeine phosphate. However, one ingredient from the old formulation was missing - doxylamine.

'Doxylamine is an antihistamine with sedating effects, but it also enhances the effects of codeine,' says Mr Dajani, whose customers still ask for the old version, as they believe it was more effective.

A spokeswoman for Sanofi, which makes Syndol, said: 'It is the manufacture of doxylamine specifically that we are having difficulty with, which is why we have had to remove it from our Syndol formulation. 

We hav e been, and continue to work hard to resolve the problem and hope to include it in our Syndol formulation again in future.'

WHAT TO TRY INSTEAD: 'For headaches, I'd recommend paracetamol and codeine combinations with caffeine - or take with a cup of coffee or tea, to help the active ingredients work faster,' says Mr Dajani.

VOLTAROL PILLS FOR JOINTS

UNTIL recently, diclofenac pills, including Voltarol Pain-Eze, were available to buy over the counter. 'Diclofenac blocks the action of a chemical called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) involved in inflammation and is stronger and more effective than paracetamol and ibuprofen,' says Mr Dajani. 

As such, the product was a popular arthritis remedy.

Although Feminax Ultra is marketed for period pain, it works for all pain and men can take it, too

However, in January this year, diclofenac pills were switched to prescription-only because of safety concerns, including an increased risk of heart problems - regulators decided this meant patients needed to be assessed by a doctor first.

WHAT TO TAKE INSTEAD: Gels containing diclofenac are still available over the counter as these don't carry the same risks. 

'Another alternative would be taking Feminax Ultra - one of only a few over-the-counter products that contain Naproxen, a new, stronger anti-inflammatory painkiller,' suggests Mr Dajani.

'Although it's marketed for period pain, it works for all pain and men can take it, too.'

COAL TAR CREAM FOR PSORIASIS

Leave-on coal tar creams can be obtained as 'specials' - unlicen sed made-to-order products

Coal tar is a thick, brown by- product of coal production used in creams and shampoos to reduce itchiness and inflammation in the dry skin conditions eczema and psoriasis.

'A number of coal tar treatments have disappeared over the past year or two with very little explanation as to why,' says Carla Renton, spokeswoman for the Psoriasis Association. 

'For example, GlaxoSmithKline pulled the Polytar shampoo range officially in 2012, although it had been unobtainable for around two years previously. We have heard from many people who rely on coal tar treatments as they are the only thing that works for them.

'Even moving from one coal tar treatment to another could produce different results.' 

Julia Schofield, a consultant dermatologist at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, has previously suggested that one factor in the dwindling availability of coal tar products is that they are less profitable than newer creams that contain steroids and vitamin D.

A number of coal tar treatments have disappeared over the past year or two with very little explanation as to why

A spokeswoman for GlaxoSmithKline, which makes Polytar, said: 'We've had to take the difficult decision to discontinue the current range as we have been unable to source a supply of the active ingredient which would meet even basic Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.' The firm hoped to launch an alternative product, she added.

WHAT TO TRY INSTEAD: There are six coal tar shampoos still available (compared to nine in 2011), including Psoriderm, Sebco and T/Gel. 

The only coal tar bath product left is Psoriderm and there are just three topical treatments, Carbo-Dome cream, Exorex Lotion and Psoriderm Cream.

'Alternative treatments include steroid or vitamin D-based applications,' says Ms Renton.

'But if people have settled on coal tar applications, it's probably because they've already tried t he other options.'

Leave-on coal tar creams can be obtained as 'specials' - unlicensed made-to-order products prescribed by a dermatologist or a GP.

However, because of the way the NHS procurement system works, these can be very expensive - especially for GPs, who may be reluctant to prescribe them as a result.

Prescribed by a hospital dermatologist, these 'specials' can cost as little as £15.49; if prescribed by a GP, the cost to the NHS can be as much as £274.27.

Fewer companies are making charcoal tablets as they've been overtaken by other products such as Gaviscon

CHARCOAL TABLETS FOR IBS

Made from carbon, these are a cheap traditional remedy for an upset stomach, diarrhoea, indigestion, bloating, flatulence and other IBS-type symptoms.

'They work by absorbing excess gas in the gut,' explains Dr Nick Read, a gastroenterologist and chair of the IBS Network. 

'There isn't much in terms of clinical evidence on their effectiveness for IBS, but lots of people swear by them.'

But fewer companies are making charcoal tablets as they've been overtaken by other products such as Gaviscon, says Mr Dajani.

'However, lots of my patients still ask for them - specifically tablets that contain "activated" charcoal.

'This is isn't a medical term, it is supposed to work by having an increased surface area that absorbs gases and toxins, but this is not proven.'

In July, Medicinal Charcoal Tablets made by JL Bragg's - the only manufacturer of activated charcoal left in the UK - were taken off shelves in Boots who blamed 'falling customer dem and', though JL Bragg's said there was a disagreement about a price increase request.

'This led to an incorrect perception our charcoal tablets weren't available anywhere,' says John Briggs, managing director of JL Bragg. 'In fact, they're still available from most other pharmacy chains.'

WHAT TO TRY INSTEAD: Mr Dajani recommends Gaviscon and other antacids for acid reflux and antispasmodics such as Colofac for bloating and Buccastem for nausea.

PILLS FOR LEG CRAMPS

Pharmacies across the UK have been out of stock of Crampex pills for night muscle cramps since February and desperate customers have resorted to buying supplies on the internet, at up to £200 a packet from private sellers. It normally costs just £5.10 for 24 tablets.

Thornton and Ross, the company that distributes Crampex, say the problem is an issue with the suppliers who also make it, which they hope to resolve in 2016. 'At the moment, we just don't have any left,' says brand manager Vicky Motley.

'We're in the process of finding a new supplier to manufacture them for us and then we will have to apply to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority for approval [of the new supplier].'

Pharmacies across the UK have been out of stock of Crampex pills for night muscle cramps since February

WHAT TO TRY INSTEAD: Crucially, don't be tempted to buy on the internet - on eBay, for example.

'There's a high risk the drugs will be fake and even dangerous,' says Mr Dajani. See your GP about possible alternatives available on prescription.

'Quinine [originally designed to treat malaria] is an alternative medicine prescribed fo r leg cramps,' says Mr Dajani. This prescription form is known as quinine bisulphate. 'However, there are no alternative over-the-counter drugs.'

PANOXYL CREAM FOR ACNE

'PANOXYL was a popular acne cream you could buy over-the-counter but, around a year ago, the manufacturers decided to stop making it,' says Mr Dajani.

It comes in three different strengths and, while the stronger dose, 10 per cent benzoyl peroxide, is now back on the market, the milder 2.5 and 5 per cent benzoyl peroxide strengths are still not available.

The active ingredient in PANOXYL, benzoyl peroxide, basically kills off the bacteria that cause acne

'The active ingredient benzoyl peroxide basically kills off the bacteria that cause acne,' explains Mr Dajani. 'This causes irritation and helps shed the top l ayer of the skin.

'However, some people with acne find the higher-strength 10 per cent benzoyl peroxide still available is too strong and want the milder-strength products.'

A spokeswoman for Stiefel, a GlaxoSmithKline company and the maker of PanOxyl, told Good Health: 'Due to strict European regulatory and quality requirements, in addition to GSK standards, we have been unable to restore other strength formulations (2.5 per cent and 5 per cent strengths) at this time.

Benzoyl peroxide causes irritation and helps shed the top layer of the skin

'We will continue to communicate any updates on other PanOxyl products as and when these updates are available.'

WHAT TO TRY INSTEAD: Mr Dajani recommends Acnecide Gel (5 per cent), which has the same active ingredient benzoyl peroxide (£9.99 for 30g).

EYE OINTMENT YOU NO LONGER SEE

Lacri-lube is an ointment containing liquid paraffin and soft paraffin to ease grittiness and soreness caused by dry eyes.

It was recalled in September this year because of a fault with the bottle and, as a result, it went out of stock.

Subsequently sales of a similar product called Xailin Night went through the roof and there are also now supply problems with this, too. Both products can be found on eBay for vastly inflated prices - Lacri-lube is being sold for £31 a 5g tube compared to the normal price of £5.09.

Both products provide a protective layer across the eyeball and may be particularly useful at night, as they stay in the eye longer than drops for dry eye.

Allergan, which makes Lacri-lube, say supplies should be in pharmacies again between January and mid-Feburary. David Trevor, country manager for Nicox UK distributors of Xailin Night, confirmed the company ran out of stock in November because of extra sales after Lacri-lube was recalled.

'It's been a nightmare for patients with dry eye - they can't use daytime products at night as they tend to evaporate,' he says.

'We have ordered extra supplies from our manufacturer in India and they should be in pharmacies in January.'

WHAT TO TRY INSTEAD: Simple Eye Ointment BP. 

Source: Why don't chemists stock your favourite medicine any more? Headache pills, coal tar cream and charcoal tablets discontinued