Would you buy an Intel Clovertrail tablet today?

[Bateluer]

I saw Ramos recently announced several Intel based Android tablets using the CloverTrail Atom Z2580 and SGX544MP2 GPU. Clovertrail is a bit old, but that GPU is an upgrade from the GMA GPU they originally shipped with. Pricing isn't too bad either, ~210-220.

http://www.ramos-tablet.com/ramos-i...tel-z2580-cpu-2ghz-dual-camera-hdmi-16gb.html

Ramos I9 Tablet Features:
OS: Android 4.2.2
CPU: Intel Z2580 2GHz
GPU: PowerVR SGX544MP2
RAM LPDDR2 2GB
Storage 16GB EMMC
Shell Material Glass
Screen: Capacitive Touchscreen, 1920*1200 High-resolution Screen
Size: 8.9 inch
Resolution: 1920*1200 Pixels
Visible Angle: 178°
Display: IPS
Dual Camera : Front camera, 2.0 Megapixels Back Camera, 5.0 Megapixels

Ramos I9 Tablet PC other Details:
Multi-Touch Yes, 10 points touch
OTG: Yes
Play Store: Yes, built in
Extend Card Support TF card up to 32GB extended
Gravity Sensor Yes
Android Market Yes
Skype Yes
Email and Browser: Yes, built in
WIFI: Yes, 802.11 b/g/n
3G : Not built in, support external 3G dongle
Earphone Interface 3.5mm
Video 1080P, AVI/MOV/MP4/RMVB/FLV/MKV…
Music MP3/WMA/WAV/APE/AAC/FLAC/OGG
Ebook UMD, TXT, PDF, HTML, RTF, FB2…
Work Time: Up to 8~10 hours
Battery : 7000 mAh

Doesn't seem bad at all. I've been generally happy with my Note 8, but its screen resolution is really starting to show its age. Course, CES also makes me antsy to buy new gadgets. Worth looking into seriously, or waiting for Samsung's heavily skinned Tab 8.4Pro?

 

[paperwastage]

always new stuff around the corner

I myself would wait though. there was quite a performance boost on the Windows side from Clover Trail to Bay Trail.

if dell/ asus could make a $300 8" bay trail 768p windows w/ 32GB, they could make a $250 8" bay trail android w/ 16GB, maybe $300 with a better display

my best guess is that Intel is still working on BayTrail Linux/android drivers

 

[Bateluer]

always new stuff around the corner

I myself would wait though. there was quite a performance boost on the Windows side from Clover Trail to Bay Trail.

if dell/ asus could make a $300 8" bay trail 768p windows w/ 32GB, they could make a $250 8" bay trail android w/ 16GB, maybe $300 with a better display

my best guess is that Intel is still working on BayTrail Linux/android drivers

Intel's progress is usually slow as molasses though. By the time they're actually shipping Bay Trail based Android tablets, they'll have already announced the two successors to Bay Trail are shipping to OEMs while Qualcomm with have announced and OEMS will have shipped devices at least 2 generations of SoCs.

The Samsung Tab 8.4Pro looked like a likely candidate, but its so heavily skinned it doesn't even look like Android. If the Note 10.1 2014 is any indicator, it'll be heavily bogged down by all that extra bloat. The Ramos is at least pretty much stock Android even if there's no chance of custom ROMs due to the x86 CPU.

 

[Ravynmagi]

I think Intel must be giving Clovertrails away by the truck load. Because I'm seeing lots of new tablets with Clovertrails in them and they seem to be all very low end devices.

First, I don't think I'd buy a really cheap no-name tablet. Seems pointless when we have something really nice like the Nexus 7 at $200.

Second, not really sure what to expect of Android on an x86 processor.

 

[bearxor]

Not for that price. Not when I've seen Dell 8" Clovertrail tablets go for < $130.

And I wouldn't buy a Windows Clovertrail tablet unless it was dirt cheap. Talking < $150. Bay Trail is vastly superior.

 

[Bateluer]

I think Intel must be giving Clovertrails away by the truck load. Because I'm seeing lots of new tablets with Clovertrails in them and they seem to be all very low end devices.

First, I don't think I'd buy a really cheap no-name tablet. Seems pointless when we have something really nice like the Nexus 7 at $200.

Second, not really sure what to expect of Android on an x86 processor.

Ramos isn't really a no-name brand, they just have squat market presence in the US. We're seeing a lot of Clover Trail Atom devices now because it takes Intel that fricking long to get a damn mobile product out the door. By the time we see Bay Trail devices out in force, we'll be wringing our hands for the Merrifield parts 'just around the corner'.

I know Intel has put a lot of work into their Android drivers and product though, with the market hatred of Windows 8, no Android support would leave them effectively dead in the water.

Not for that price. Not when I've seen Dell 8" Clovertrail tablets go for < $130.

And I wouldn't buy a Windows Clovertrail tablet unless it was dirt cheap. Talking < $150. Bay Trail is vastly superior.

The Dell Venue 8 is also 1)usnig a 1280x800 resolution screen, and 2) Intel HD Graphics. The Ramos I9 boasts a FHD screen and the more powerful PowerVR544MP2. Still dated, but I think its better than the Mali 400MP4 in my Note 8. Show me a Bay Trail Android tablet with a FHD screen.

 

[s44]

You realize there already *is* a 10" Asus 19*12 Clovertrail+ that's floated around $250 for months now, right?

 

[Bateluer]

You realize there already *is* a 10" Asus 19*12 Clovertrail+ that's floated around $250 for months now, right?

Exacly, 10in. Too large. Need ~8in.
And its also an Asus, so I could probably hand scrawl notes faster than the NAND could write it.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Intel's progress is usually slow as molasses though.

Seems like they are speeding up mobile to compete with ARM.

 

[Ravynmagi]

Ramos isn't really a no-name brand, they just have squat market presence in the US. We're seeing a lot of Clover Trail Atom devices now because it takes Intel that fricking long to get a damn mobile product out the door. By the time we see Bay Trail devices out in force, we'll be wringing our hands for the Merrifield parts 'just around the corner'.

I know Intel has put a lot of work into their Android drivers and product though, with the market hatred of Windows 8, no Android support would leave them effectively dead in the water.

Small Chinese company with no market place in the US... pretty much my definition of no-name.

I'm just not crazy about Android on Intel. Like the issue you mentioned. I can't imagine why companies would be picking Intel processors, unless Intel is heavily subsidizing them or something to get more market presence.

The Dell Venue 8 is also 1)usnig a 1280x800 resolution screen, and 2) Intel HD Graphics. The Ramos I9 boasts a FHD screen and the more powerful PowerVR544MP2. Still dated, but I think its better than the Mali 400MP4 in my Note 8. Show me a Bay Trail Android tablet with a FHD screen.

Baytrail graphics are actually very good. And Lenovo just showed off a 1080p 8 inch tablet today for $400.

The reason we are seeing Baytrial in mostly low end hardware right now is more Microsoft's fault I think. Baytrial supports 4GB of RAM, but 64 bit Windows doesn't yet support connected standby. So I believe manufactures are focusing on releasing their cheaper 2GB Baytrail tablets with 32 bit Windows and holding back their 4GB Baytrail tablets with higher end specs like 1080p displays, until 64 bit Windows is patched.

Though if you are using desktop apps on an 8 inch screen, you will find a small blessing in having only 1280x800 resolution.

 

[Bateluer]

Small Chinese company with no market place in the US... pretty much my definition of no-name.

I'm just not crazy about Android on Intel. Like the issue you mentioned. I can't imagine why companies would be picking Intel processors, unless Intel is heavily subsidizing them or something to get more market presence.

Ramos sells in Europe and across Asia as well.
But, so far, Intel chips haven't been very common from mainstream OEMs. There's the Moto RAZRi and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, but not much else. But Intel doesn't want to completely cede the still fast growing mobile industry to Qualcomm nor do that want all their eggs in the basically stillborn Windows 8.

Baytrail graphics are actually very good. And Lenovo just showed off a 1080p 8 inch tablet today for $400.

The reason we are seeing Baytrial in mostly low end hardware right now is more Microsoft's fault I think. Baytrial supports 4GB of RAM, but 64 bit Windows doesn't yet support connected standby. So I believe manufactures are focusing on releasing their cheaper 2GB Baytrail tablets with 32 bit Windows and holding back their 4GB Baytrail tablets with higher end specs like 1080p displays, until 64 bit Windows is patched.

Though if you are using desktop apps on an 8 inch screen, you will find a small blessing in having only 1280x800 resolution.

I don't care about Windows 8 tablets. Or Windows 8 in general.

 

[StrangerGuy]

Small Chinese company with no market place in the US... pretty much my definition of no-name.

I'm just not crazy about Android on Intel. Like the issue you mentioned. I can't imagine why companies would be picking Intel processors, unless Intel is heavily subsidizing them or something to get more market presence.






Baytrail graphics are actually very good. And Lenovo just showed off a 1080p 8 inch tablet today for $400.

The reason we are seeing Baytrial in mostly low end hardware right now is more Microsoft's fault I think. Baytrial supports 4GB of RAM, but 64 bit Windows doesn't yet support connected standby. So I believe manufactures are focusing on releasing their cheaper 2GB Baytrail tablets with 32 bit Windows and holding back their 4GB Baytrail tablets with higher end specs like 1080p displays, until 64 bit Windows is patched.

Though if you are using desktop apps on an 8 inch screen, you will find a small blessing in having only 1280x800 resolution.

Even with Intel dumping inventory vendors are still wary because they know the antics of the drug dealer called Intel far too well already by now. Once they get you hooked to their chips they can make or break you like their bitch as they did to the PC makers. Which is why everybody is investing so much into ARM even if it means less performance or lousier fabs.

 

[bearxor]

The Dell Venue 8 is also 1)usnig a 1280x800 resolution screen, and 2) Intel HD Graphics. The Ramos I9 boasts a FHD screen and the more powerful PowerVR544MP2. Still dated, but I think its better than the Mali 400MP4 in my Note 8. Show me a Bay Trail Android tablet with a FHD screen.

I think you're getting some wires crossed.

Yes, the Venue 8 does only have a 1280x800 screen. But, Intel used PowerVR in most of the Atom chips before switching to their graphics in the Atom Z3 series (Bay Trail). So the Z2580 in the Venue 8 also uses the SGX 544MP2.

I'm not saying to look for a Bay Trail Android tablet. I simply mentioned that no one should be buying a Clover Trail Windows tablet because Bay Trail is that much better.

But my initial point wasn't about a Windows tab, it was about a x86 Android tab. I've seen the Venue 8 (not the Venue 8 Pro, which is the Windows tab) hit $130 during the holidays. Granted, it's $200 now and I don't think I'd choose it for that price, but if you're looking for something cheap, it will kind of go on/off sale. It was $150 just a couple days ago at Newegg.

But, if the extra .9" of screen size, 16GB less on board storage and higher resolution are worth $50-70 to you, then it doesn't seem too bad of a deal.

 

[Radeon962]

When I wanted a cheap tablet, I bought a Nexus 7 and upgraded it this year to the 2013 model. $179 from Staples for the 16GB version with the $50 off $149 for tablets coupon they ran a month or two ago.

When I wanted the best tablet (and I'm not an Apple fan, as our phones at home are 2 Nexus 5's and a Galaxy S3) I bought the ipad.

The Nexus 7 does everything I would want, but the iPad does everything that the family wants. The kids all have iPod Touches and are heavily invested in IOS apps, songs, etc. so an iPad does not have an equivalent in this case. New apps always seem to be available first for IOS and then are ported over to Android and are typically not as polished.

I'm very happy with Android and don't see me moving to IOS as I like the flexibility that Android offers, but for the majority of the family that just wants to use a device, the ipad is always the first choice as it just works.

A 5" iphone could change my mind though as after spending years tinkering with computers and more recently smartphones, I am using them pretty much stock now and just want something that works when I turn it on. Nexus 5 has been the best to date but an iphone with a larger screen would be a killer device.

 

[Bateluer]

I think you're getting some wires crossed.

Yes, the Venue 8 does only have a 1280x800 screen. But, Intel used PowerVR in most of the Atom chips before switching to their graphics in the Atom Z3 series (Bay Trail). So the Z2580 in the Venue 8 also uses the SGX 544MP2.

I'm not saying to look for a Bay Trail Android tablet. I simply mentioned that no one should be buying a Clover Trail Windows tablet because Bay Trail is that much better.

But my initial point wasn't about a Windows tab, it was about a x86 Android tab. I've seen the Venue 8 (not the Venue 8 Pro, which is the Windows tab) hit $130 during the holidays. Granted, it's $200 now and I don't think I'd choose it for that price, but if you're looking for something cheap, it will kind of go on/off sale. It was $150 just a couple days ago at Newegg.

But, if the extra .9" of screen size, 16GB less on board storage and higher resolution are worth $50-70 to you, then it doesn't seem too bad of a deal.

I'm not arguing the merits of the Venue 8, it was on sale for fairly cheap. In fact, I suggested it to a co workers back in November. But, its not an upgrade for me. My Note 8 is better, and I'm looking to step up from that.

Show me a Bay Trail Android tablet for ~350 or less from a top tier vendor and I'll be interested.

Not sure why people keep bring up Windows tablets, I've stated multiple times in this thread I have no interest in those. I loathe the Windows 8 Metro UI with a passion and don't want to invite more of that useless crap into my usage. The Lumia 521 is enough.

 

[bearxor]

I'm not arguing the merits of the Venue 8, it was on sale for fairly cheap. In fact, I suggested it to a co workers back in November. But, its not an upgrade for me. My Note 8 is better, and I'm looking to step up from that.

Show me a Bay Trail Android tablet for ~350 or less from a top tier vendor and I'll be interested.

Not sure why people keep bring up Windows tablets, I've stated multiple times in this thread I have no interest in those. I loathe the Windows 8 Metro UI with a passion and don't want to invite more of that useless crap into my usage. The Lumia 521 is enough.

I'm sorry I mentioned Windows tablets to begin with. Your title doesn't specify an Android tablet and since there are Clovertrail Windows tablets, I felt it was prudent, in my original post, to simply state that I would not suggest buying a Windows Cloverfield tablet unless it was dirt cheap. That wasn't really directed at you, but at someone whom might search for 'clovertrail' in the future wondering if the should buy a Cloverfield Windows tablet.

But, why I said you got your wires crossed, was because you posted this:

The Dell Venue 8 is also 1)usnig a 1280x800 resolution screen, and 2) Intel HD Graphics. The Ramos I9 boasts a FHD screen and the more powerful PowerVR544MP2.

Which lead me to think that perhaps you were talking about the Venue 8 Pro, as the Venue 8 uses the Atom Z2 series, which uses the same SGX 544MP2.

So, if it makes it easier for you, let me take my initial post:

Not for that price. Not when I've seen Dell 8" Clovertrail tablets go for < $130.

And I wouldn't buy a Windows Clovertrail tablet unless it was dirt cheap. Talking < $150. Bay Trail is vastly superior.

And modify it for you so that maybe it more accurately conveys what I was trying to say.

Not for that price. Not when I've seen Dell 8" Clovertrail tablets go for < $130.

And if anyone is looking at a Clovertrail Win 8 tab, I wouldn't buy one of those unless it was dirt cheap. Talking < $150, since Bay Trail is vastly superior and worth the extra cost when using Windows.

Hope that clears everything up. And if you have a Note 8, sorry I missed that in the OP, then I don't think there's anything out now in the Android space or even announced at CES that I would feel is a massive upgrade.

 

[Bateluer]

I'm sorry I mentioned Windows tablets to begin with. Your title doesn't specify an Android tablet and since there are Clovertrail Windows tablets, I felt it was prudent, in my original post, to simply state that I would not suggest buying a Windows Cloverfield tablet unless it was dirt cheap. That wasn't really directed at you, but at someone whom might search for 'clovertrail' in the future wondering if the should buy a Cloverfield Windows tablet.

But, why I said you got your wires crossed, was because you posted this:

Which lead me to think that perhaps you were talking about the Venue 8 Pro, as the Venue 8 uses the Atom Z2 series, which uses the same SGX 544MP2.

My bad, I follow you. I stated Android in my op body but not in the title.

So, if it makes it easier for you, let me take my initial post:

And modify it for you so that maybe it more accurately conveys what I was trying to say.

Hope that clears everything up. And if you have a Note 8, sorry I missed that in the OP, then I don't think there's anything out now in the Android space or even announced at CES that I would feel is a massive upgrade.

Same story on the phone side for me. I'm itching to replace the HTC One I have now, but nothing released is really enough of an upgrade for me to justify the expense.

I may or may not pull the trigger on the Ramos, depends how I feel about it in about a week. If I decide to, I'll do a thorough write up on it after I put it through its paces.

 

[apathy_next2]

Got the new 10.1 samsung tablet that has an intel chip inside. Its super fast and great.

 

[rtoss1]

I purchased both the Ramos i9 and a month later the new Ramos i8 Tablet and have tested both for several week running a variety of tests and services and overall the performance has been impressive.

The new Ramos product line offers a premium build quality and it shows.

The sleekness and design style is up there with Apple. It really is.

Holding the device in your hand feels like a high end product. The build materials are solid, from the aluminum frame to the glass material used.

The speed and performance is just as good and I don't feel slight despite spending a $100+ less compared to a Samsung or Apple product.

I was hesitant to wait for a Baytrail based tablet but the Ramos series with Intel's CloverTrail processor is more than sufficient for a tablet. It really zips along with no lag.

In reading about Intel, they tested compatibility of 5000 of the most popular Android Apps with the CloverTrail CPU and in downloading 50+ Apps I've never encountered problems or glitches.

I guess Ramos "next big thing" is a Dual Boot tablet that runs both Windows and Android. I read this is expected in April or May.

I purchased both my tablets through a U.S. Reseller. Customer Service responses have been good, including after sales support. They are called tabletsprint

Some comments here are speculating a lot on performance or issues that aren't really issues once you get the product in your hands.

In the past I've tinkered with Ainol, Pipo and Cube and other tablet brands. Pipo brand tablets have stood out to offer very good products for 2013; hope they also continue this year along with Ramos in offering quality products that are priced much more competitively than Samsung tablets or iPad with devices that are just as good.

 

[rtoss1]

-- --

 

[Bateluer]

Got the new 10.1 samsung tablet that has an intel chip inside. Its super fast and great.

That Tab 3 10.1 was also a laggy POS, and I've stated a couple times I've no interest in a 10in tablet.

I purchased both the Ramos i9 and a month later the new Ramos i8 Tablet and have tested both for several week running a variety of tests and services and overall the performance has been impressive.

The new Ramos product line offers a premium build quality and it shows.

The sleekness and design style is up there with Apple. It really is.

Holding the device in your hand feels like a high end product. The build materials are solid, from the aluminum frame to the glass material used.

The speed and performance is just as good and I don't feel slight despite spending a $100+ less compared to a Samsung or Apple product.

I was hesitant to wait for a Baytrail based tablet but the Ramos series with Intel's CloverTrail processor is more than sufficient for a tablet. It really zips along with no lag.

In reading about Intel, they tested compatibility of 5000 of the most popular Android Apps with the CloverTrail CPU and in downloading 50+ Apps I've never encountered problems or glitches.

I guess Ramos "next big thing" is a Dual Boot tablet that runs both Windows and Android. I read this is expected in April or May.

I purchased both my tablets through a U.S. Reseller. Customer Service responses have been good, including after sales support. They are called tabletsprint

Some comments here are speculating a lot on performance or issues that aren't really issues once you get the product in your hands.

In the past I've tinkered with Ainol, Pipo and Cube and other tablet brands. Pipo brand tablets have stood out to offer very good products for 2013; hope they also continue this year along with Ramos in offering quality products that are priced much more competitively than Samsung tablets or iPad with devices that are just as good.

Any TPU gel style cases available? I didn't see any on Amazon or their site. The glass back would make it fragile.

 

[Kelvinz]

I saw Ramos recently announced several Intel based Android tablets using the CloverTrail Atom Z2580 and SGX544MP2 GPU. Clovertrail is a bit old, but that GPU is an upgrade from the GMA GPU they originally shipped with. Pricing isn't too bad either, ~210-220.

http://www.ramos-tablet.com/ramos-i...tel-z2580-cpu-2ghz-dual-camera-hdmi-16gb.html



Doesn't seem bad at all. I've been generally happy with my Note 8, but its screen resolution is really starting to show its age. Course, CES also makes me antsy to buy new gadgets. Worth looking into seriously, or waiting for Samsung's heavily skinned Tab 8.4Pro?

Sorry but what is a Ramos?

 

[paperwastage]

Sorry but what is a Ramos?

chinese company making android

 

[Bateluer]

Sorry but what is a Ramos?

Just one of many companies making Android tablets.

 

[Kelvinz]

chinese company making android

All these random Chinese company names are getting confusing. No wonder nobody buys them in America.