Le Pan II 9.7-Inch Tablet (Black) on sale

fmarullo Say: Le Pan II 9.7-Inch Tablet (Black)
Nice but has WiFi download performance issues..., 2012-01-20
This review is for: Le Pan II 9.7-Inch Tablet (Black)
I have owned this for about a week. It is a very nice unit, I especially like the microphone button built into the virtual keyboard. I bought this for my son, I have an iPad2. This does everything the iPad2 does except perform well on the network. As a senior engineer of XXX, I am well schooled in WiFi and understand the technology. I have tested the throughput on 4 different Access points. What I notice is that when connected, the connection speed rarely matches the actual connection speed ( not a problem with other devices). As an example it will show 1Mbs when in fact my iPad2, my 2 lenovo laptops and my HP laptop all connect at 54Mps. Even when it does connect at 54Mbps, the actual throughput using several tools and test sites ( speedtest.com / speakeasy.com / Vudu speedtest...) rarely exceeds 1 MBps. In fact, the upload speed is normally faster. I read through the FAQs, spoke to LePan tech support, this is not an issue on my end. I have tried WEP, WPA ( I would not reccomend this- the Le Pan does not see a constant signal vis WiFi alalyzer available from amazon marketplace) LEAP and open. All exhibit the same on both my home and work networks. I have on occasion seen it spike to 5-6MPs, but it is rare and I cannot pin point what it is that allows it to occasionally ( 1-25 maybe connects) to download at the capability of the access point and network allow. I spent 10 hours changing settings, routers, turning off GPS, encryption, channels, downloading updates, stood next to the Access point, you name it, I tried it. I sure hope they fix this as its is a clear winner for the price ( I did not but it through Amazon as they are on backorder).If you don't care about streaming high quality video and connection speed is unimportant- you cannot go wrong with this. As another person pointed out, the CaseCrown case fits perfect and is on sale now. I cannot give this the 5 stars it deserves becuase of this poor download speed issue, it is a deal breaker for me. IF Le Pan does not come through before my 30 day window is up, I will be returning this for another brand. Its inexcusable to offer a new product when the original had WiFi connection issues and now this one suffers from WiFi performance issues. Who tests this stuff? Answer, you and me.

Robert F Lancaster Say: Le Pan II 9.7-Inch Tablet (Black)
Le Pan II - Great tab now that the WiFi is fixed., 2012-02-07
This review is for: Le Pan II 9.7-Inch Tablet (Black)
Just like everyone else has said "this thing is awesome! In fact I'm streaming videos on it while typing this review on my PC.My only complaint WAS the same as other reviews... I could only get about 1-5 Megs a sec on my N-Router. Did some digging and tried a fix I saw for a Motorola Xoom tablet. Worked perfectly now I'm getting 72 MBS!!! Thank God!TO FIX WIFI!!!Look up the MAC address in your tablet settings > about tablet > Status > WiFi MAC address (00:29:c8:00:c1:aa looks something like that)Then go into your router setup and create a Static DHCP, I used 192.168.0.199 then linked my MAC address to it.Disconnect and Reconnect your tablets WiFi and when it connects, it should automatically go to the Static DHCP you created.If you don't understand, look at your router instructions or just do some Googling on setting up a Static DHCP for a Tablet. Worked for me!Now that this thing is popping along, I am so glad I got it and I can't wait until Ice Cream Sandwich (android 4.0) comes out!Iv'e been researching Tabs for the past 3 months,and I promise you WON'T find one with everything this guy comes with for even close to $279BUY IT!!!

Coffee Infusion "coffeeinfusion" Say: Le Pan II 9.7-Inch Tablet (Black)
First impressions -- beyond my expectations, 2012-02-03
This review is for: Le Pan II 9.7-Inch Tablet (Black)
[Update as of 2012-04-01 below]I'm in a rush and will hopefully write a more in depth review over time. First impressions:Let it be clear: I'm a first time Android user, and first time tablet owner. I've used an iPhone 3Gs for years and have a number of laptops and desktop workstations. I would say that in computing I'm an advanced user, but not an expert user. I do front-end Web development including coding, so I can figure out most things, but I don't have a degree in networking and usually figure stuff out thanks to our friends at Google. So perhaps don't know too much about computers, but I follow directions reasonably well when things start getting buggy.Why I wanted a Tablet:I like to read PDFs at night and my iPhone screen is just too tiny. Moreover, I like to practice my guitar using online or PDF tab and instruction and well as video instruction. Not only does the laptop create too much distance with the keyboard, but it only allows me to view documents in landscape mode. I felt that an eReader would be best, but I was very unimpressed with the performance of those I tested. I do prefer e-Ink for reading, but the slow processors just killed it for me. I eventually settled on a tablet as it was more versatile. I knew I wanted a monitor that was at least 9", as most of my documents are in PDF format.Why I didn't buy an iPadAs an iPhone user I was committed to purchasing an iPad after doing a lot of tablet research. I figured that it was the best performer and I already owned many of the apps that would be iPad friendly. However, two things stopped me from taking the plunge. First of all, the iPads are what I consider prohibitively expensive for such a portable device (which I suspect I will eventually sit on, drop, or leave at a cafe by accident). Second, I really, really hate iTunes. It was mostly the iTunes headaches that solidified my decision to go with Android. I'm pretty good with computers and sometimes can't figure out how so many regular computer users seem to get by with iTunes. Don't get me wrong. I think Apple hit a home run with the iPhone. It is ingenious and I love mine -- but it's hard to believe the very same company that created a device so intuitive that it doesn't need a manual -- also created what could be the worst piece of software I've ever used. That would be iTunes. Fortunately, I found an ample iTunes substitute, but it was only after purchasing my Le Pan II.Why I settled on the Le Pan II.I did a lot of research before taking a chance on this one. Read hundreds of reviews and had actually given up on Android (as mentioned -- concluded that Apple was the only player in town) until I found the first version of the Le Pan. I was actually going to pull the trigger on that first model, but I felt the limitation of the OS would eventually become an issue in the app market. The Le Pan II is far more versatile unless you root the old one; something I just don't have time to deal with. I spend a good chunk of my time trying to troubleshoot PC and network errors and don't need another headache.Build Quality: 5 stars.LP II is quite heavy, but the heft has a very solid feel to it; no creaking or cheap feeling parts. Not prohibitively heavy, but it's definitely got some weight.Ease of use: 4 stars.My first real go at Android, and surprisingly it was a no-brainer. Very intuitive. The only reason it doesn't earn 5 stars is because I feel that the app organization is a bit confusing. You can choose to pull the apps onto the carousel sliding start pages, but I don't quite understand why that's necessary. With iOS, all the apps are in your carousel sliding start pages, and you can simply group them together using the drag and drop folder conversion concept -- much more elegant. I also experience some minor bugs when dragging apps to different carousel pages -- sometimes they skip over the destination page, and do other odd things. Not a big deal -- just not as polished as Apple.App installation simplicity: 5 stars.I was a bit concerned about app installation issues with Android, but all of my usual apps such as Evernote, Roboform, Skype, Google Apps and others loaded without a hitch.Speed: 5 stars.I recall testing out a few different tablets months ago at a local Best Buy. This Le Pan II strikes me as being on equal ground with the iPad in terms of response time. It's very responsive.Connectivity: 5 stars.Very simple. Connected to my wi-fi network sans events.Quick first impressions:So far my expectations have been exceeded by this high quality, bang for the buck. I haven't tested everything yet, but it organizes my PDFs and MP4 guitar lessons perfectly -- and so this purchase has been worthwhile. The PDF viewing is a little limited in terms of zoom factor, but I may have overlooked a setting that defines the percentage of zoom, etc. It may also be app related. I have only used Acrobat thus far, but have installed a number of readers.I love the fact that it uses a micro SD. The elastic door that covers the MicroSD is perhaps the only quality control issue -- it doesn't seem to seat flush with the unit, but this does not impact me in any way as long as it doesn't pop open.The keyboard layout takes a little getting used to. Not sure how enamored I am -- only time will tell. I may purchase a small Bluetooth keyboard and give that a whirl for business tasks where I need to do a lot of writing. Haven't found a way to turn off the vibration when I touch the keys -- despite disabling that function in settings. This concerns me because I need to do stealth reading and writing while my wife sleeps.The size is good, but not what I would call perfect. Ideally I would like a larger screen by at least 2 diagonal inches and a thinner, lighter body. That would really make it perfect for reading and reading music. But so far, this is adequate--a world better than both my laptop and iPhone. In time I hope to give long-term user impressions for those of you who want tablets for e-reading. Haven't tried it yet in sunlight but imagine it will make things pretty tough to see. I spend most of my time indoors in a poorly lit computing man-cave.I took the advice of one of the early reviewers and purchased the Targus Truss Case/Stand for HP TouchPad - THZ07202US (Black/Gray) that serves a dual function as a tablet stand. What a great suggestion. First of all, perfect fit, not buttons covered up. The case is so sturdy while supporting the tablet in various angles that I think it's a must-have item.Night readers: take note! If you hold the tablet in Document view, you can use the HP book-like cover as a shield to prevent light spillage from bothering your spouse while reading in bed at night. That right there is a home-run. I know that at least one of you out there is concerned about this issue, and it was hard to find sympathizers on Google. Brilliant solution.Last but not least, the cover of the case is stiff enough that you have ample support for viewing the Le Pan in Document View (whatever the opposite of landscape view is called). Get it.I just can't see paying $500 for a tablet when you can get such a marvelous piece of hardware for this price. I don't think tablets will really hit the mass market until they reach the $200-$300 price point. Le Pan II seems to be ahead of its time.-----------------------------------EDIT: 2012-04-01Despite the date this is serious feedback. No April Fools antics. Just wanted to take a moment and write that I'm still very satisfied with the Le Pan II. It has been a joy to own. That being said, I still believe that iOS is far easier to navigate and the fastest point from A-B. So if money were no object -- now that I have CopyTrans to replace iTunes, I might go with the iPad. But the total upside of the LePan is that Flash video compatibility is ubiquitous, and for my needs that's an important feature. I can access sites with integrated Flash applications, like Songsterr. It's amazing. iOS would be useless for any Web-based Flash apart from Youtube.I did have quite a scare with the Le Pan where I thought it was bricked. I had installed an app from the Android App Store that is a customized app launcher. The Le Pan went into a continuous reboot cycle for two days. I methodically addressed all the variables. Tried the hard reset with Cables in, cables out, etc. Finally performed the reset with the volume button held down, and that did the trick. Immense relief, because it was my last option. I think this is more indicative of Android OS, and nothing to do with Le Pan as a product or brand.One annoyance of the Le Pan II that I have not been able to resolve is another thing that is related to Android OS and not Le Pan itself. This is the hepatic vibration feedback when you push the navigation keys. It's a great feature in general, but when I want to do some stealth reading at night next to my sleeping wife, it's very annoying. Very stupid of Android to make this feature uncustomizable. There is no hack short of rooting the OS that addresses this.Another annoyance that I have fortunately solved is that the screen luminosity could only be reduced by a small amount for night reading. I went through a number of apps and finally came upon one which I will highly recommend to all of you night readers. What makes it great is that you can access it from any screen so if you accidentally disable it and your Le Pan is glowing like a torch while you spazz out to cover it up with the sheets, this app allows you to make a simple swipe gesture with your finger and you're back in dark screen mode.I will warn you that Android allows you to nearly brick your OS by adjusting the screen brightness to zero. So how on earth are you supposed to get your screen visible again if you can't see anything? I had this happen once accidentally while playing with the slider and thankfully I pressed the right place on the screen to get things visible again. Fortunately this app allows you to set a minimum of, say, 3% which gives you enough rendering to see everything you need. Therefore, You can never accidentally make the screen go black.App is called Display Brightness. Free if I recall from the Android store. Once you install the app, just add the widget to your home screen. Now keep this in mind since the widget isn't the most intuitive thing in the world. You need to set your default swiping area. Make sure you give yourself enough adequate area. It's in the form of a vertical strip. You can make that strip thinner or thicker. That attribute is controlled in the app setup screen by the top slider bar called the "Select Size." Once that is enabled and you've tweaked everything perfectly after some trial and error, enable the app by pushing the "Enable Indicator button on the lower left." Now, in whatever screen you may be, you just need to swipe your finger down to reduce the light and up to increase. One word of caution -- there may be a small, innocuous bug. Sometimes you will have apps with menu buttons on the top left of your screen. When you touch them, this disables the Display Brightness, so suddenly you have a glowing torch in the dead of night. Easy fix of course is to just swipe your finger down the left side of the screen again to go back into dark screen mode. This app is the most useful I've found. You will thank me :)If you would like to know about other useful widgets I've found just let me know.Other small annoyances of the Le Pan II. The volume buttons are so integrated into the profile of the Le Pan that I cannot find them with tactile fiddling. This becomes annoying, because in a dark environment you just cannot see them. Once you learn where they are, however, it's not that big a deal.Other than the one Brick scare I had, no other problems. My battery was being consumed like crazy at first until I learned how to manage apps and power consumption. Apple is far more intuitive in this department as well.My original use for this product was instructional guitar videos and guitar tab, and it's been perfect for that application. Definitely happy with this purchase. Android OS is weird, but while you have to go through more steps than necessary to get something done, it's doable.