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We already had an Apple iPad 2 in the family but I wanted something with the flexibility that a 'computerist' could drive, rather than the consumer device that the iPad 2 undoubtedly is - and does well. The Acer Iconia A500 has met my expectations in every way. The principle drivers for selecting the A500 were that it has a full sized USB port and a mini USB port so I did not need to go through any on-line hookup to download files to it. Connect the supplied USB lead and the PC sees the A500 as another 'drive' and you can read and write to it at will. I opted for the WiFi only version as I have a MiFi device with a 3G card in it which serves my mobile connection needs. The only slight negative that others' have also noted is the short lead on the power adapter and the 'odd' connector tip size specific to the Acer. By the way, it's a 12 volt supply so you cannot charge from a USB port on your PC. On the GPS front, the A500 has GPS that was known to be effective. I could have got GPS in a number of Android 10.1" screen Tablet devices, but the other contenders either had known GPS issues through having an aluminium backshell blanking the antenna or did not 'connect' as well as the A500. The screen is excellent although it is not made of Gorilla Glass, and does attract finger prints, but a matt screen protector from eBay soon sorted that problem out and reduced the shine to reasonable levels. The back camera gives a good account of itself and the front camera is ideal for Skype. Other forums had highlighted the poor quality microphone hidden just inside the screen bezzle, but don't be put off the A500 because of that, just get a earphone set with an in-chord microphone (I used the one from my iPhone4) and its works fantastically well, resulting in perfect Skype calls that are just as they should be, and of course it cancels out any chance of feedback. These is nothing in the manual that I have found suggests this works, but it does. I have scoured the Android Market and found applications to suit all my needs, many familiar favourites from Apple iTunes, although not all apps look and work the same in their Android Version from that of the iOS original. Software generally is functional and getting more available by the week. If you can drive a PC and are comfortable with the use of file managers and moving data about between a Tablet PC and any device on a home network, the Iconia A500 will suit you well.Read full review
I have wanted an Android tablet for a while and spent quite a while looking in to which one to get. I decided to go for the Acer A500 over other 10.1 inch tablets, as it has a full size integrated USB on the tablet itself, meaning I could plug and play various USB items (memory sticks, keyboards, mouse, etc). Another reason behind the purchase was to use it instead of the laptop which, for the most part, I have been able to do - there are some things that I have not found as easy to do on the tablet (as I am used to using hot keys and shortcuts on my laptop). I have been impressed with the tablet so far and look forward to being able to use it more (as I get used to shortcuts on it). The main "problem" I have with it is that the power lead is quite short - I have got round this problem by charging the tablet on my bedside table, meaning I can use it as a radio alarm clock (with a very good internet radio app) - this is great, as we are in a signal black spot and do not get very good radio reception. I would recommend this tablet to others.Read full review
This was a Christmas present for my twelve year old from various family members as at £300 it was not cheap. We debated long and hard between this and a net book as we wanted him to use it for his homework as well as general gaming,music,etc. He loves it, android took a little getting used to as you almost have to get an app for everything but once you are set up it is brilliant. The screen is quick and responsive and the keyboard large enough to use easily for pre paring homework and PowerPoint presentations, he has also used a Bluetooth keyboard as well with it. Gaming picture clarity is good and there is a port for just about every type of plug in you can need. I looked at loads of other tablets and this seems to have been by far the the best for the money, friends who bought cheaper versions quickly started to grumble. It would seem you get what you pay for!Read full review
In the house we have a Motorola Xoom as well as the Acer Iconia A500, and whilst the Xoom probably looks nicer, and is an excellent Honeycomb tablet, I think the Iconia feels better in the hand, must be the weight distribution or something like that. Also the full-size USB port is a fantastic feature and that for me is what makes the Iconia better than the Xoom. I can't praise the Iconia highly enough, it's a great Android 3 (Honeycomb) tablet and the only small niggle is the stupidly short power cable. Incidentally I also highly recommend the Blurex leather case for the A500 - it is quality and fits perfect.
Excellent pad, plenty features, more than you could ever use. Weight is a bit high, but features outway the weight of the tab. Over all an excellent bit of kit.