The official tablet (and other useless electronics) thread!

[.RJ]

Looks nice, but wont be a game changer. That wont happen until the content model changes - I think its starting to crack because HBO is considering licensing its streaming content separate from a cable contract, and I think that will put pressure on other providers.

[Apoc]

Not to turn this into an XB1 rocks thread.... but I was underwhelmed because I can already do this all with it.

[Mike]

You wouldn't be able to if you had a Mac.

And admit that the XB1's home streaming options are a hack compared to the 360's. Admit it.

Still terrible half a year after release. At least they finally got DTS output figured out last month. Fucktards.

[Evan]

Looks nice, but wont be a game changer.

It wasnt supposed to be.

Not to turn this into an XB1 rocks thread.... but I was underwhelmed because I can already do this all with it.

XB1 wasnt $100 though.
heck, I can already do everything (except voice control) with my PS3
Which is why I havent bought one already.

Its impressive to me because it seems to have solved all the drawbacks and limitations of previous streaming dongles and boxes. (assuming it plays dlna and local network files) and take them a step further

[Mike]

hehehe @ streaming dongle.

[WRXtranceformed]

The Smart tv in the man cave does all that already too. Don't get me started on the xb1. Mine is en route on a trip to a Texas repair center right now.

[Apoc]

And admit that the XB1's home streaming options are a hack compared to the 360's. Admit it.

With Windows, it's two clicks. I had a 25' HDMI cable run to my TV when I had a 360. :?

[Jake]

Don't get me started on the xb1. Mine is en route on a trip to a Texas repair center right now.

What sort of issue? Are we seeing Red Ring o' Death Redux here?

[WRXtranceformed]

Yes, "system error" screen of death after doing a system reset to trade it in at Gamestop. The xbox tech said this is super common; some people are getting it right out of the box from the retailer and having to return it the same day. He said it frustrates him how many problems the XB1 is seeing. Among many other gripes and issues I had with it.

[Mike]

"Super common" is relative. It's still early to make this a fact, but the failure rate is nothing like the first-gen 360.

[JPolen01]

I recently picked up this Vizio sound bar set up. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-S4251w-B4-Soundbar-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00CDIK908/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397746578&sr=8-1&keywords=vizio+sound+bar">http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-S4251w-B4-S ... +sound+bar</a><!-- m -->

My requirements were wireless rear speakers because I didn't want wires running across the floor in the new apartment. I also liked the idea of the sound bar plus rear speakers because without them the sound bar just doesn't cut it. For regular tv watching it might be ok, but it really cannot perform during a movie. For the price of this setup, I'm extremely happy. It was a winner on CNET, Best of CES 2013, and best seller on Amazon. Quick, easy set up. Plug in the sound bar with the provided optical cable into the tv. Plug speakers into the wireless subwoofer (connected via bluetooth I believe) and go. Lot's of settings to play with on the remote and even a 'night mode' which kills the base. It is nice when the girlfriend is sleeping in the other room. Only complaint so far is that the volume adjustment increments are very big. You are either blasting it or cannot hear it. It's hard to find a good medium sometimes.

Here it is set up with the 50 inch Samsung Smart TV for reference. I got the 42 inch bar.

[SlimKlim]

Do any of those sound bar systems have multiple room features? I'd like to buy an extra 2 or 4 wireless speakers and stick them in other rooms around the house, that way we can stream music to the Apple TV and hear it everywhere.

[JPolen01]

This one does not. There is no receiver with this set up so you cannot add anything to it. It's just the sound bar, sub woofer, and two rear speakers. It works great for our one bedroom apartment but I would definitely like the functionality to add other components in the future. But for sub $300 this does the job.

[JustinG]

Looking to buy something like this when Casey and I move/build or my current receiver commits suicide.

I think Lee and Mike both have this same setup. I have listened to it in the store, and for the price I cant really find any cons.

[SlimKlim]

I'm thinking I'll get this:

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3500-5-1...uctDetails

The receiver will manage all our devices and it's got a "Front B" we can set up to run into another room. And it's dirt cheap. I have a ton of furniture/house stuff to buy when we move so I gotta keep it budget friendly.

[JPolen01]

I think I considered that one in my search but passed because I needed wireless rear speakers. Other than that I think that's a pretty good deal for what you get.

[HAULN-SS]

Welp. Broke the screen of my lumia 928 so I am on the lookout for another windows phone. Anyone using any of the later-model ones? I was hoping to scalp a replacement on ebay for like 150, but for a phone that's been out over a year, they are still going for ~200 for a clean example, which I'm not excited to pay.

[davej]

Do you like the windows interface? How long did it take to get comfortable with it after your first got it?

[HAULN-SS]

I do like it. This is why I am looking for another win phone. It is very clean, fsst, and easy to organize.
really the only drawbacks are these: my music is in amazon, so I have to manually sync. And 2) for. Some reason google won't let them make a proper YouTube app so you have to play bids through the mobile sitr

[Mike]

I recently picked up this Vizio sound bar set up. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-S4251w-B4-Soundbar-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00CDIK908/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397746578&sr=8-1&keywords=vizio+sound+bar">http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-S4251w-B4-S ... +sound+bar</a><!-- m -->

I also have that. Replaced my bangin' 5.1 system (no room for it at new house). Very pleased.