Ideal entry-level model at a reasonable price

Ideal entry-level model at a reasonable price

Odys Xpress 20.3 cm (8 inch) tablet PC (LED touchscreen, 1.2GHz, 4GB Flash Memory, Wifi, HDMI, 3G, USB 2.0, Android 2.3) Black (Personal Computers)

Customer Review

The OdysXpress is a really interesting device and has much to offer for the cheap price. It is designed for demanding high-end users, however, not recommended. Who had but never to do with Android and / or a tablet, will be amazed at what such a device can do.

1. Optical impression

The device comes in an attractive and reusable pack with magnetic closure that protects well against damage during transport and thus provides for storage when not in use, the device times. The device itself is concise and limited to a few mechanical controls, which is certainly better that way, to avoid unnecessary break points in everyday use. The on / off switch looks a bit rickety, but is not so bad, especially since you can engage him. Can cancel the switch under normal conditions and reasonable handle not so readily because there is no reason for concern.
The 8 "inches (20.3cm) - screen is a good size and overall the tablet can be held well with two hands and use the weight of about 500g is pleasant..
The device has as an accessory a USB cable, a Quick Start Guide, a set of stereo earphones, a charger and a cloth bag, which is well-intentioned and the display also protects well, but this bag is a dust magnet and especially pet owners (especially of Cats!) with this involuntary lint and Flusenmagnet do not have much joy. But after all, it's a bag there.

2. Screen

The screen can be similar by lateral pushing such divide in some smartphones in four menu areas, one of these views is basically the home screen. Here you should set up the future all important apps. Preinstalled have an Internet browser, an email client, access to the settings of the device and multimedia playback of audio, video, pictures, e-book readers and even more. If you push the image, starting from the home screen with your finger to the left, you get one of the three other views. Here you can find shortcuts for activating / deactivating the WLAN module, the synchronization and the screen brightness. The last feature is helpful in that adjust quickly and without large Search the brightness, for example, you go out - bright, one is in the house - normally, you are in a darkened room - dark. Even turning off the WLAN via the shortcut is useful as a 3G connection operation with a UMTS stick only works if you turn off the wireless network.
Figures can be the screen on their own or pre-installed pictures as well as pre-installed animated backgrounds.
The screen keyboard is surprisingly good with spacious keys and after little practice you can become a true "Quick Tipper" ...
The position sensor allows for both a viewing in horizontal as well as vertical position. Unfortunately there are some apps that are only available in portrait format, but that's my opinion bearable.

3. Audio / Video

The built-in speakers are a joke, but they work. Occasionally cracks in my device one of those times but mostly only when the battery is low or the unit is times become slightly warmer. Found really I have no reason (yet). A loose connection, it does not seem to be. Then it would have to crack all the time when I twist the tablet or something it around press. But the speakers are not so important to me, by connecting a reasonable headphones or an amplifier via 3.5mm jack, the speakers are always quickly forgotten ...

The media player works reliably and is easy to use. I tested it with iTunes m4a files for audio and m4v video. Using the downloadable free app "iSyncrLite" can be synchronized easily with your tablet using iTunes playlists songs and videos. A huge plus for the device, since I almost only with my Mac (and of course with the Tablet!) And iTunes work for me is an absolute must!
Of course, the player also plays MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, OGG and WAV files. Video I tested only with OA iTunes m4v formats, the tablet can also AVI, WMV, 3GP FLV, MP4 and play MKV files according to the manufacturer.

4. Camera

The cameras (one front and one rear) are simple and most times can serve for a quick snapshot. Since no auto-focus function is available, such as a scanner functions can therefore not be executed! But please always remember: The device costs less than EUR 200, so who as highly demanding, should rather in the 300 - 600 EUR area look for Tablets!

5. Microphone

The built-in microphone is also more a toy, but the Google voice search works so that at least to some extent. Recordings with the preloaded sound recorder function, but are relatively quiet and partly on the resolution of her more like the voice reproduction cheaper Asian toy dolls.

6. Skype

Skype works in theory, but due to poor camera and voice functions I do not advise. Even Skype itself is after installing the app an indication that the device is not certified for Skype operation, meaning that it works, but Skype can not guarantee recommendation especially for the video hardware used. With me Skype worked even without video. Audio was acceptable.

7. Wireless

WLAN works for me very well, but the field strength indicator is not reliable. Even if I get only displayed a bar, I still have a flawless connection. Even through walls and through the upper floor does my wireless properly. The equipment is done via the device settings. The network name and password for the encryption should be ready. Think of Fritz boxes because "prevent connections with unknown devices" option to install the new wireless device at least temporarily disabling until the Fritz box has the device registers in its database. Otherwise the MAC address of your tablet device by hand you have to enter in the Fritz-Box and register the device manually for the WLAN and activate.

8. The 3G data connection via UMTS dongle.

Odys are on his website for compatible UMTS dongles, currently only operate the dongle Huawei E220, E261, EC122, MF190, E1750, E156G and the MF190 ZTE. The purchaser prices of these things are between EUR 0,00 (in obtaining appropriate flat rate with a mobile operator) up to 50 EUR and partially even more with contract and simlockfreien devices.
Personally, I have acquired the MF190 ZTE together with a contract with a dark blue mobile operator with two figures in the logo for a data plan. Cost: device 0,00 EUR Contract: 9,90 EUR per month (up to 1 GB transfer volume with high speed, then brake, drive speed: up to 7MB / s). The installation went smoothly. The bundled software on the stick I had preparing the PIN of the SIM card disable, then the stick easily connect via USB to your tablet, and off we went! The 3G data connection is but only concluded when wireless is turned off! The tablet thus can not be a wireless hot spot using (tethering).
To use my phone as a modem via USB, has not worked. I tried it with two different devices, without success.

9. Google Apps account and the

First of all, anticipate, wants to use the numerous, even partially free apps on the tablet, you must definitely have a Google account, ie at least one Gmail or alternative e-mail address have registered with Google to sign up for the App login Market or Google Play. I read again and again in forums that people can not install apps. Android was developed by Google (co-) and who wants to work with it must, at least use one of Google's services and sign up for it. For more information on Google's.
As for the apps themselves, so there is a huge selection of free to paid. The quality of the apps is different, as well in some of the value of the benefits.
I downloaded to my device apps and installed among other things for two network printers, the audio stream of my Fritz box, e-mail, shipment tracking of transport companies, office, shopping (eg by Amazon and Amazon Kindle), PDF Reader, File Manager, weather and much more.

10. memory (Important, absolutely read !!)

The size specification regarding Amazon. Built-in memory as a whole is correct, but are effective only about 2 GB available to the user! I strongly recommend to ensure a proper functioning of the tablets and to avoid crashes, a micro SD memory card - my 32 GB in size, more is due to technical reasons - to shop with. Before I installed the card, I had two or three times the system has crashed during or after installing apps. In order to save this trouble, the additional investment is useful in a memory card. Since I have installed my 32GB (Class 4), there were no crashes and I can rely absolutely on my new electronic companion! Who by the way streams music from a Fritz box, should necessarily expand the memory, otherwise the music playback is interrupted, all inputs to two seconds. If using an additional memory interruptions are rare. Of course, the capacity and quality of wireless play a role ...

11. Miscellaneous / apps / functions

Of course, the device also features a calendar, a calculator (only basic functions, not scientific), a clock with alarm, an audio recorder, and a photographing possibility (optional self-portraits with the front or other designs with the back camera).

Appointments and contacts, however, can only be loaded into the Android tablet or synchronized with this, if they have been previously stored in the Google Account! Contacts can be created and imported into the basic configuration of the device only via the application Google Mail!

The pre-installed Internet browser works much like its big brothers on PC and MAC. A Flash Player is already installed and thus most Internet pages can be displayed easily. By tapping the screen, you can zoom the page in or out, depending on your preference. When you enter into form fields automatically opens the screen keyboard. Mostly you can "continue" to jump with a button in the next box similar to when using the tab key on a conventional keyboard and therefore does not have to continue to scroll down the page. In general, the browser pop-up blocker and the most common security settings with respect. Passwords, cache, history and cookies has to offer.

Whether rather funny or not, the Google voice search. By tapping the microphone icon opens in the browser, the voice search function. This works, but mainly for simple and concise words, but it is quite interesting. Supposedly "learn" the unit's own language profile in order to better understand future words. In the device settings can be adjusted even more voice features for voice output!

The settings for display, audio and keyboard are good and sometimes really useful and well thought out.

The pre-installed e-book reader Aldiko I tried once with a free book, there was nothing to complain about for me. Amazon there are in addition to the general shopping app a Kindle app that can be downloaded to e-books for the Kindle on the Android tablet and read. This suffices an Amazon account enabled "one-click" - shopping function. There to try numerous free Exemplare- albeit with occasional spelling and grammatical errors. For free but just ... they're generally all works well and the Kindle reader reliably readable.

Drive 12. Printer

With the help of matching apps, the tablet can also control the printer, ideally WLAN or general network printer on a wireless router. The most common printer manufacturers offer for free apps. However, not all Android applications support the printing of content. Printouts include support for Adobe PDF Reader, K9 mail, photo gallery and Kingsoft Office. Internet pages can be printed out as a rule on the application of the printer manufacturer. The response of the printer is in contrast to the PC or Mac rather than a bit awkward as "an alternative to send" but you get used to it, if you have something incorporated in dealing with Android and the installed apps.

13 battery charging, battery life

With a fully charged battery, I can - of course depends individually by each user and his habits and attitudes from - at least 5 - 6 hours working loose with the Xpress, ie in continuous operation of the display.
What I noticed is that when the plug is not seated until noticeable snapping into the charging socket, not made a charge. So there needs to be paid to the correct positioning of the plug. The charging process is shown on the display and lights on the side, though very unassuming, a red LED, approximately where the microphone is placed. If the battery is charged, the mini-lamp lights blue.
During charging, the manufacturer recommends not to work with the device. So offers charging overnight. Is the charger connected and you still have to work with the device, so you should put it on a table or the like, and ensure that the charger cable is not under tension. The plug connection is m. E. not designed for mechanical stress of any kind and should be carefully handled accordingly.

14. General Security

The device works very much in the background, which is however less on the hardware as in the development of the operating system. Data transfer and synchronization can be partially switched off, but it comes instantly to note that some applications still continue to build connections. By accessing emails on a regular basis and also its Google Mail will keep up to date, thereof one must be aware that the device diesbezgl. a life of its own. If all that is not fishy, ​​should rather not use a mobile device does not have a Google Account. But everyone must know yourself and decide.

15. Security Hardware

The tablet can be restricted against access by third parties. It offers only the screen lock. By entering a password or a pattern (which can be adjusted, but I have not tried) you can protect the device at least a little against access by unauthorized persons. The screen lock is activated with the automatic shutdown of the display, can be set via the device settings or by briefly moving the slide switch. It is recommended to always make sure to log out of all services and / or Apps to prevent misuse by unauthorized persons. Passwords should generally not be saved. The browser settings should be adjusted accordingly. The factory default settings are not optimal. So definitely check and make improvements!

Final conclusion on my part:

Well selected device with small drawbacks, but in terms of the price an ideal entry-level device for Kennen- (and perhaps Schätzen-) learn from Android and its many possibilities. For Home an interesting and above all low-cost alternative to more expensive netbook or laptop. Those who only occasionally surf something on the Internet, checking emails and answer, read an e-book, listen to music, watch videos or tweeting, facebook Booken etc. wants to or is the device worth quite an acquisition. For business / office applications in the professional field the OdysXpress is less or not at all suitable.

Enjoy the OdysXpress !!

Our cats love it ... Rank: 4/5
April 28
small price maximum effect! Rank: 5/5
October 16
Intimate moments shared with baby Rank: 4/5
September 23
I love 454 Rank: 4/5
March 11
I Love 140 1 Rank: 3/5
October 23
Readable 8 Rank: 5/5
July 25

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