Has anyone in the 2nd batch received not "new" gTablets ?

rockabettygirl wrote:Ok. extracted the file to tablet. ie t:/update and t:/recovery. rebooted with volume+ and power. Did not see clockwork install. cannot boot to clockwork. Any ideas?

Should only take 5 seconds to run - probably re-check to see if cwm is there (recovery again). You'll see the title if it's there.

D93401 wrote:Thanks to both you and brsnow, but I think you both misunderstood my point. What I'm wondering is whether we are all using the term "ROM" to mean a mixture of hardware bootstrapping procedures AND software installation. In the old days, ROM usually meant a chip that contained the BIOS and hardware-specific instructions (such as where to find peripheral devices and where to look on a hard drive for the operating system.) Manufacturers typically only updated it every year or so by issuing a file which you flash to your computer (thereby giving the lie to the definition Read Only Memory.)

Anyway - I'm probably worrying too much about semantics.

My goal is to start with the least "invasive" procedure, then move on to more ambitious stuff, making backups and learning as I go.

The first thing I will do is make a copy of what arrives, using Acronis True Image. If I subsequently brick the gTab, I will try to restore using that, and I'll report the results back to you.

Next I will try to "root" the device - which I understand adds a Unix-style "superuser" who has full access to all the files and folders. I understand that z4root1.3.0.apk copied to the root of the gTab's sdcard, then installed from there, will do the trick?

Next - Titanium Backup to backup to that point?

Next - ClockworkMod to get easier "root" functionality. Using sdcard2.

Finally your excellent TnTLite. Latest and greatest, of course.

Does that sound like a plan?

Things are moving so fast, it's hard to keep up, and whatever we do today will be obsolete soon anyway! I understand Honeycomb and Gingerbread are being amalgamated and will be released as Ice Cream, maybe mid 2011.

Yeah, we use "ROM" and "firmware" interchangeably in XDA, and they technically aren't the same think. Think "firmware" more, as that's how the vendor's would think of it.

I don't think there's an ATI for Android. What you want is clockworkmod, as that gives you the ability to create an image of system, boot, user data and cache. That way, it's a snapshot of what you had, before you mess with. TB is more of an "app / app data" tool, not a full snapshot.

z4root / Super is for root, correct. Just keep in mind that Android is a different animal. The closest thing to compare it to is Windows CE, from my old days - the OS is the firmware, so to speak.

As for TNT Lite, it's a good mod imo, but there are others out there. Try them all!

Ok. Mine has a problem. I charged it. Left for an hour or so. I tried to turn it on and it attempts to boot and when it gets to the tapntap splash screen it appears to loop and eventually shuts down. Not sure what to do at this point.

Just received my tablet and it has a defective touchscreen. About 3/4 of the screen is unresponsive unless you press it very hard, while the other 1/4 seems to be ok.

I talked to Viewsonic and their only solutions are see if Woot can replace item, or pay for shipping and wait 21 days for us to fix it. I've contacted Woot to see what they will do. I hope Woot exchanges it as I cannot recommend Viewsonic after dealing with their "customer support". Just a word of warning in case other receive defective tablets - Viewsonic is no help.

how do you "hit the thank button" on xda, i cannot seem to find it.

stilgar27 wrote:Don't know how this generic 10" netbook case will fit but it's on clearance atm at lenovo outlet for $4.00 with free shipping.

http://outlet.lenovo.com/accessories/57y6563.html?AID=10458230&PID=1225267&SID=u0t0f0fp49277c0s590&CJURL=http%3A%2F%2Foutlet.lenovo.com%2Faccessories%2F57y6563.html

I picked up one and there were about 700 left - no good pictures but I figure $4 it's worth the risk, or I'll use it elsewhere.

Thanks for this, ordered 2 myself. Should fit. The netbook for which it's designed is 6.6 x 10.6 x 1 inches. Our Gtab is 6.7 x 10.8 x 0.57.

Mine was supposed to come today but now Fedex says tomorrow I guess due to the weather and is sitting in a warehouse 20 minutes from me
I really hope it's a normal one.

KCFalcon59 wrote:Ok. Mine has a problem. I charged it. Left for an hour or so. I tried to turn it on and it attempts to boot and when it gets to the tapntap splash screen it appears to loop and eventually shuts down. Not sure what to do at this point.

I know this issue well - it was common on older builds, but pops up on the newer ones too.

There a few ways to fix this, with varying levels of complexity. If you have a microSD card, you can install clockworkmod via that card and the reboot into recovery and wipe the user data. That "should" fix the boot loop but will also wipe some of the apps (like Kindle).

Read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=892090

(and the microSD part, specifically), and then get clockworkmod in PART2, here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1005080

I'm 90% sure that a user data wipe will fix this. It's a fairly common issue, unfortunately.

agingdragqueen wrote:Have you tried doing a hard reset? Feel free to email in if you can't troubleshoot the problem away.

There is no hard reset, other than holding the power button down for 5-10 seconds. The real hard reset button is actually sitting in the middle of the system board, beyond reach (no, I am not kidding)

This "boot loop" is very common with stock - not so much with build 3389 but it does happen. Viewsonic has no fix, other than draining the battery 100% and crossing their fingers that it boots up. I know their procedures fairly well. Their current recovery partition has no "wipe user data" function, thus the need to use something unofficial like clockworkmod to do it. Their next firmware revision that is pending might actually have a supported, enhanced recovery, but that's not going to help you right now.

Also, @staff -- this problem is more prominent when the battery is completely drained - the device gets very "wonky" and requires a user data wipe to fix. If these are going out with drained batteries, you could see more of these issues.

LEM- wrote:Hehe... It does not just look exactly the same, but it appears to be the same indeed. Apparently the seller realized they fit gTablet and made a separate listing for it... If you look at the supplied pictures very carefully, you may realize that the gTablet that is pictured inside the case looks a bit odd.. In fact it kind of looks familiar... Ummm... Seems a bit more like Kindle, than like gTab, actually... Especially on the last couple of pictures

:/

I just ordered one. It looks nice enough, and I like the pockets. Hopefully it will fit as advertised, and if not it'll be returned.

Anyone looking to still purchase one of these? I have my fully rooted gTab that i bought from Woot up for sale running the latest Vegan rom. Everything is running great, i just can't get over the bad viewing angles. I think i'm going to purchase the new Samsung Galaxy tab when it comes out. It will be in it's original packaging. I've used it for maybe 3 hours.

I'm in Texas, so i had to pay tax...which came out to $308. I will sell it for $310 and cover the shipping if someone wants it.

email me. oaftown@comcast.net

agingdragqueen wrote:Have you tried doing a hard reset? Feel free to email in if you can't troubleshoot the problem away.

I'll let you know. Thanks.

roebeet wrote:I know this issue well - it was common on older builds, but pops up on the newer ones too.

There a few ways to fix this, with varying levels of complexity. If you have a microSD card, you can install clockworkmod via that card and the reboot into recovery and wipe the user data. That "should" fix the boot loop but will also wipe some of the apps (like Kindle).

Read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=892090

(and the microSD part, specifically), and then get clockworkmod in PART2, here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1005080

I'm 90% sure that a user data wipe will fix this. It's a fairly common issue, unfortunately.

I'll try it. Thanks.

this is the case i ordered on amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MY7NAW

should fit fine and has a memory foam inside. i should be getting it tomorrow and ill be sure to let anyone know how i like it. think its like $8 sold.

Just got mine in the Chicago area. Well packed in a Woot box with the balloon padding. The tablet box was shrink wrapped and everything inside was brand new. I was in photographic and digital camera sales for over 40 years and I can spot a repackaged product a mile away. My product was absolutely brand new in every way. It is on the charger now and I'll turn it on as soon as the light turns green.

I've updated the bios on a few computers, but I don't want to make any mistakes modding the Gtablet. It looks like I should root it first and then flash the ROM.

Are there more than one roots available?I know there are several Roms TNT, Vegan.

There seems to be a lot of conflicting (in my mind) information in the various posts about what to use and what to do first. I know I want:
A good Root
A good Rom
Flash
Titanium back up
Android Market

A good workflow on what to do in what order and where to get the various programs

There seems to be conflicting information regarding what works with what and what conflicts with what. For instance Z4 root vs Clockworkmod v08. Also quite a bit of jargon without complete explanation.

There have been so many posts in this thread on installation, that it is hard to keep track of where to find what. Robeet seems to have been very helpful with the novice users, and I really appreciate his help for everyone.

maikkula wrote:Just received my tablet and it has a defective touchscreen. About 3/4 of the screen is unresponsive unless you press it very hard, while the other 1/4 seems to be ok.

I talked to Viewsonic and their only solutions are see if Woot can replace item, or pay for shipping and wait 21 days for us to fix it. I've contacted Woot to see what they will do. I hope Woot exchanges it as I cannot recommend Viewsonic after dealing with their "customer support". Just a word of warning in case other receive defective tablets - Viewsonic is no help.

Same problem here. I'm debating the ini file try before getting a replacement. I was really excited about getting this!

Got mine today, 03/30/2011
Fully charged at 5:30pm est
Booted up with 1 dead pixel

Not exactly a deal=breaker as I've wanted a tablet for quite some time, is Woot! doing anything about these pixels?

labco wrote:Just got mine in the Chicago area. Well packed in a Woot box with the balloon padding. The tablet box was shrink wrapped and everything inside was brand new. I was in photographic and digital camera sales for over 40 years and I can spot a repackaged product a mile away. My product was absolutely brand new in every way. It is on the charger now and I'll turn it on as soon as the light turns green.

I've updated the bios on a few computers, but I don't want to make any mistakes modding the Gtablet. It looks like I should root it first and then flash the ROM.

Are there more than one roots available?I know there are several Roms TNT, Vegan.

There seems to be a lot of conflicting (in my mind) information in the various posts about what to use and what to do first. I know I want:
A good Root
A good Rom
Flash
Titanium back up
Android Market

A good workflow on what to do in what order and where to get the various programs

There seems to be conflicting information regarding what works with what and what conflicts with what. For instance Z4 root vs Clockworkmod v08. Also quite a bit of jargon without complete explanation.

There have been so many posts in this thread on installation, that it is hard to keep track of where to find what. Robeet seems to have been very helpful with the novice users, and I really appreciate his help for everyone.

Assuming it's build 3389, you should update via the OTA updater first, to get 3588. My recommendation. Then start rooting or modding, if you want. The mods over at XDA are auto-rooted, so keep that in mind.

z4root is really only needed if you don't plan to use a rooted mod. clockworkmod .8 is a replacement recovery tool (see the issue above) - it's a great tool and can really help with issues like wiping user data, but it doesn't flash the bootloader - that's its one caveat. Not a big deal today, but could be a big deal later on. We're not sure yet.

I just got mine in....everything appeared normal, packing and such...set it on the charger and waited till it charged up...turned it on and immediately went to the classic andriod home instead of the Viewsonic custom ui...had a live wallpaper of floating leaves on water. Went into the angry birds application....black screen and never went into it...went to connect to my wireless network and dlink was already "Remembered" We, the Hitchhikers! Looks like I got a used one. Did a hard reset in the OS and now missing a bunch of other apps that were on there.

Ugh....So much less excited knowing I'm on the back half of deliveries...Seems those units are having more problems.

Delivery is scheduled for tomorrow...We will see...I can deal with used, but dead pixels/non-responsive screen is unacceptable.

maikkula wrote:Just received my tablet and it has a defective touchscreen. About 3/4 of the screen is unresponsive unless you press it very hard, while the other 1/4 seems to be ok.

I talked to Viewsonic and their only solutions are see if Woot can replace item, or pay for shipping and wait 21 days for us to fix it. I've contacted Woot to see what they will do. I hope Woot exchanges it as I cannot recommend Viewsonic after dealing with their "customer support". Just a word of warning in case other receive defective tablets - Viewsonic is no help.

Just heard back from Woot - they indicated that a replacement has been ordered and have info on shipping the defective tablet back. That was quick. Cheers to Woot for being so responsive to issues. To any others with hardware defects, email Woot and avoid dealing with Viewsonic "support".

nimda79 wrote:I just got mine in....everything appeared normal, packing and such...set it on the charger and waited till it charged up...turned it on and immediately went to the classic andriod home instead of the Viewsonic custom ui...had a live wallpaper of floating leaves on water. Went into the angry birds application....black screen and never went into it...went to connect to my wireless network and dlink was already "Remembered" We, the Hitchhikers! Looks like I got a used one. Did a hard reset in the OS and now missing a bunch of other apps that were on there.

Angry Birds black screen might = old build. Check your build number. Many have reported 3389, but yours might be older.

That black screen was an old issue that I believe 3389 fixed (if memory serves).

D93401 wrote:Thanks to both you and brsnow, but I think you both misunderstood my point. What I'm wondering is whether we are all using the term "ROM" to mean a mixture of hardware bootstrapping procedures AND software installation. In the old days, ROM usually meant a chip that contained the BIOS and hardware-specific instructions (such as where to find peripheral devices and where to look on a hard drive for the operating system.) Manufacturers typically only updated it every year or so by issuing a file which you flash to your computer (thereby giving the lie to the definition Read Only Memory.)

Anyway - I'm probably worrying too much about semantics.

My goal is to start with the least "invasive" procedure, then move on to more ambitious stuff, making backups and learning as I go.

The first thing I will do is make a copy of what arrives, using Acronis True Image. If I subsequently brick the gTab, I will try to restore using that, and I'll report the results back to you.

Next I will try to "root" the device - which I understand adds a Unix-style "superuser" who has full access to all the files and folders. I understand that z4root1.3.0.apk copied to the root of the gTab's sdcard, then installed from there, will do the trick?

Next - Titanium Backup to backup to that point?

Next - ClockworkMod to get easier "root" functionality. Using sdcard2.

Finally your excellent TnTLite. Latest and greatest, of course.

Does that sound like a plan?

Things are moving so fast, it's hard to keep up, and whatever we do today will be obsolete soon anyway! I understand Honeycomb and Gingerbread are being amalgamated and will be released as Ice Cream, maybe mid 2011.

Sorry, from your post I thought you were asking for clarification on what a ROM was in the context it is being used here. I'm not sure where this usage of ROM came from, but you are right, oldschool ROM is updated very infrequently and has very base level things incorporated in it, like, "motherboard, this is how you talk to a memory chip" kind of instructions. Again, sorry for the confusion, it probably wouldn't have happened if we were talking face to face, this darn keyboard is so cumbersome.

maikkula wrote:Just heard back from Woot - they indicated that a replacement has been ordered and have info on shipping the defective tablet back. That was quick. Cheers to Woot for being so responsive to issues. To any others with hardware defects, email Woot and avoid dealing with Viewsonic "support".

To everyone with wonky screens - there might be a software fix. And it works with stock, try this:

- create a file called "calibration.ini", and place it on the root of the internal memory. So, for example, it the device is mounted on the E:\ drive, it would be E:\calibration.ini. This file can be an empty file.

- Umount the drive, and reboot the device. DON'T TOUCH THE SCREEN while it's rebooting.

- After the UI is up, let it sit for 15-20 seconds, just to be safe. Then try the screen again - assuming it's fixed, please DELETE the calibration.ini file.

Basically, that file is a "flag file" to run the built-in calibration tool, on boot. So you don't want it there all the time.

Hope this helps!

@drewshrader: I apologize for my reference to you in my previous comment; I didn't go back and read your own post carefully enough. You raised a good point, and in a very reasonable way. Sorry!!!

FedEx lists my package's shipping wt. as 4.1 lbs. I was one of the last to order, so I'll be one of the last to receive mine (not until Friday). From what people here are saying, it looks like the 4.1 lb. boxes definitely contain brand new tablets--is that right? I know Woot has a few tucked away in case anyone accidentally received a used one, but being one of the very last in line I'm a little bit nervous...though I realize the chance of my needing one is very slim and I'm probably silly to be worrying at all.

Has anyone else noticed that the spell check here flags "Woot" as misspelled? Funny!

KCFalcon59 wrote:Ok. Mine has a problem. I charged it. Left for an hour or so. I tried to turn it on and it attempts to boot and when it gets to the tapntap splash screen it appears to loop and eventually shuts down. Not sure what to do at this point.

Hold the power button and the volume up button, when it gets to the parrots screen up in the top left corner you should see the words Recovery mode. It will then go to a screen with a package and say recovery. It will take a minute or so then it or you (I forget) will reboot the system. It should behave, although it might ask you basic questions to set up your device.

roebeet wrote:Assuming it's build 3389, you should update via the OTA updater first, to get 3588. My recommendation. Then start rooting or modding, if you want. The mods over at XDA are auto-rooted, so keep that in mind.

z4root is really only needed if you don't plan to use a rooted mod. clockworkmod .8 is a replacement recovery tool (see the issue above) - it's a great tool and can really help with issues like wiping user data, but it doesn't flash the bootloader - that's its one caveat. Not a big deal today, but could be a big deal later on. We're not sure yet.

Ok.maybe that is the problem.not rooted yet. Gotta link?

I just got my turned on, of course it came 5 minutes after I walked into a meeting this afternoon. Had to wait an hour, after seeing the fedex truck pull away through the window. Powered up just fine, details follow:

model number UPC300-2.2
android 2.2
tapUI 1.1-3389
Kernel Version 2.6.32.9-00000-10.2-dirtyhudson@tapntapsvn #15
build number FRF91

What is the deal with the dlink AP already in the wireless settings? The only thing I can think of is the might have been updated OTA at the factory before they went to packaging. No streaks or smudges on the outside of mine, but what I did see, when I held it to the light sideways, were smudges under the outer screen cover, probably on the actual LCD surface. You can only see it when the screen is off, but hmmm?

roebeet wrote:To everyone with wonky screens - there might be a software fix. And it works with stock, try this:

- create a file called "calibration.ini", and place it on the root of the internal memory. So, for example, it the device is mounted on the E:\ drive, it would be E:\calibration.ini. This file can be an empty file.

- Umount the drive, and reboot the device. DON'T TOUCH THE SCREEN while it's rebooting.

- After the UI is up, let it sit for 15-20 seconds, just to be safe. Then try the screen again - assuming it's fixed, please DELETE the calibration.ini file.

Basically, that file is a "flag file" to run the built-in calibration tool, on boot. So you don't want it there all the time.

Hope this helps!

roebeet,

Thanks for the suggestion. Tried, but did not help with my issue at least. I know GoJimi also made an app (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=934500) to help with calibration.

Before I wiped the system, I also tried to launch Angry Bird that was pre-installed, but it did not load. I think the combo of failed app and wonky screen indicate a hardware failure in my case. But your tip will help others.

roebeet wrote:There is no hard reset, other than holding the power button down for 5-10 seconds. The real hard reset button is actually sitting in the middle of the system board, beyond reach (no, I am not kidding)

This "boot loop" is very common with stock - not so much with build 3389 but it does happen. Viewsonic has no fix, other than draining the battery 100% and crossing their fingers that it boots up. I know their procedures fairly well. Their current recovery partition has no "wipe user data" function, thus the need to use something unofficial like clockworkmod to do it. Their next firmware revision that is pending might actually have a supported, enhanced recovery, but that's not going to help you right now.

Also, @staff -- this problem is more prominent when the battery is completely drained - the device gets very "wonky" and requires a user data wipe to fix. If these are going out with drained batteries, you could see more of these issues.

Ok. I used CWM to wipe the user data and rebooted. This seemed to work as it booted and walked me through setting it up. I checked the version and it is 3389. However the battery was very dead when I got it. And it is still charging after 2 hours. Haven't set up wifi yet. I will do that now and DL the latest version. Thanks.

luvduchovny wrote:Hold the power button and the volume up button, when it gets to the parrots screen up in the top left corner you should see the words Recovery mode. It will then go to a screen with a package and say recovery. It will take a minute or so then it or you (I forget) will reboot the system. It should behave, although it might ask you basic questions to set up your device.

? Is there an enhanced recovery on this custom build? If so, that would be AWESOME but I have never seen (a released) one from Viewsonic - it's definitely not in stock. If you have seen this, can you post a screenshot? And also the update.zip that's on the sdcard?

If they cooked something new up, I'd like to know about it. Btw, I just called CS 10 minutes ago and they are not aware of this, either.

EDIT: This might just be flashing the update.zip, in /sdcard. That's assuming that they left the /recovery/command file in there.

I'd really like to see that file - maybe it's got some custom stuff in there. Any Staff know? This is not normal Viewsonic stock stuff, maybe it's a new image of some kind.

Thanks!

This is why I can't stand Fedex ground. I had three packages, all from Woot (the Gtab and two wine.woots) all scheduled to be delivered today. Both wine boxes were delivered, but no Gtab. Now on the Fedex tracking, it shows a delivery exception (customer not available/business closed). This was about an hour ago, but our business is still open, and will be for another half hour. Jatravartid driver must not have seen the package when he unloaded. Dammit.

maikkula wrote:roebeet,

Thanks for the suggestion. Tried, but did not help with my issue at least. I know GoJimi also made an app (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=934500) to help with calibration.

Before I wiped the system, I also tried to launch Angry Bird that was pre-installed, but it did not load. I think the combo of failed app and wonky screen indicate a hardware failure in my case. But your tip will help others.

worth a try. One other thing I would try before giving up the ghost is flashing to 3588 stock - maybe the firmware itself is corrupted. It couldn't hurt, at this point. You can do the OTA updater (if you can get to it) or manually via instructions on XDA.

Not here to beat a dead horse...but how many have received used tablets? Mine is supposed to be here tomorrow, but I dont want to go home and rage on a tablet that is used out of the box.

I DL the new version and when it rebooted it hung. I have the android with an exclamation point in a triangle. What should I do next?

I'm mildly concerned by this used-in-new-packaging stuff. Mine gets here supposedly tomorrow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed (it's a 4.1 lb. package as well). But, Woot represented it as new. So, if it's not and they run out of new stock, you'll just have to return it for money back.

Yes, you won't get the deal, but who knows what we'll see in the next few months as tablets start becoming commodity items. And by Christmas, the pricing on even premium tablets will likely be a good deal lower than they are now.

itsernst wrote:Not here to beat a dead horse...but how many have received used tablets? Mine is supposed to be here tomorrow, but I dont want to go home and rage on a tablet that is used out of the box.

Mine arrived used, in a new sealed box. After charging I started it up, and did not turn on wifi, did not connect it to a network in any way. I decided to play around with it before connecting it to my network.

There was month old browser history linking to a youtube video and other sites.

Also, yes... the screen is obviously installed upside down.

I'm not sure how I feel about this yet. Other than to think Viewsonic's quality checkers are incompetent. Even grade schoolers know how to clear browser history these days.

yodboy wrote:Mine arrived used, in a new sealed box. After charging I started it up, and did not turn on wifi, did not connect it to a network in any way. I decided to play around with it before connecting it to my network.

There was month old browser history linking to youtube and other sites.

Also, yes... the screen is obviously installed upside down.

I'm not sure how I feel about this yet. Other than to think Viewsonic's quality checkers are incompetent. Even grade schoolers know how to clear browser history these days.

That is ridiculous. Did you talk to Woot about it? I find it hard to believe you can try to pass something off as being new when even Ray Charles could tell it is used. I am not placing the blame on Woot entirely, but someone has to man up and say their QC has failed.

Mine finally arrived today. One hour before our office closes, at that. Usually Fedex delivers around 11am in our area, but I guess since it was delivered using "Home Delivery", it took longer than expected.

Anyhow, I'm pleased to report mine is brand new. Entire box was shrink wrapped, no finger print smudges on the screen, no scratches on the unit, and the power cable was neatly bundled with tie wraps (not rubber bands). Haven't turned it on to check the firmware version yet, charging it up now. Battery was DOA