Toshiba Thrive: Honeycomb Hits $300
by Vivek Gowri on December 12, 2011 3:00 AM ESTThe Toshiba Thrive has taken a beating from the tech world at large since its introduction during the summer, but I actually like it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not particularly great, especially when compared to things like the Transformer Prime, the Galaxy Tab 10.1, the Sony Tablet S, etc. At the $399 MSRP (for the 16GB model, 8GB is $379 and 32GB is $479), the flaws are too glaring to overlook—the questionable build quality, the misguided design cues, the general lack of hardware and software polish. But as the price goes down, the Thrive gets more and more attractive. Personally, I think the original Transformer is a better bet than the Thrive, because it’s thinner, has better build quality, and a better screen (IPS panel with Gorilla Glass covering versus the Thrive’s higher contrast ratio, I’ll take the former). With that said, the Thrive isn’t bad at all. I’d say it compares favorably to the Iconia A500, and definitely has its own set of redeeming qualities. I’m a fan of the screen, the rubberized battery cover, the port selection, and the accessibility of the battery (big props to Toshiba for that one).
We’ve seen some low, low prices on Honeycomb tablets this holiday shopping season. At $199, the Thrive is a really, really great buy, though that deal was a Black Friday special that lasted for five minutes before selling out. However, the Thrive and other Honeycomb tablets like the Iconia A500 and the Transformer have been available in the $250-300 range since then. They won’t knock anyone’s socks off, but they offer more than the Kindle Fire (the best regularly priced $200 Android tablet), B&N Nook Tablet, Acer Iconia A100 and other 7” Android tablets that typically go for around $250.
I think at this point, if you’re planning to spend more than $350 on an Android tablet, it’s worth just making the jump to the Transformer Prime. It’s the technological bleeding edge right now, it’s guaranteed an Ice Cream Sandwich update in the very near future, and it basically sets the bar for the next generation of Android tablet hardware. So if you’re buying previous generation hardware, you might as well spend as little as possible, especially when you stop to consider that you get the same basic hardware/software combinations with the lower end devices. Compared to the Galaxy Tab 10.1 (the benchmark first-gen Honeycomb tablet), you lose on the build quality, aesthetics, and ergonomics, as well as giving up some minor camera and screen advantages. If you get the Transformer or Thrive, you’re still getting a more than respectable display panel. But the hardware, software, and basic feature set are all still there.
Now versus the Transformer Prime and other next-gen tablets, it’s a more difficult decision. Without question, you get what you pay for—the Transformer Prime is by far the best and brightest the Android world has to offer at present, and if you’re looking for the fastest and most powerful device, you won’t be satisfied with anything less. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get into tablet computing, an inexpensive Honeycomb tablet like the Thrive is a good way to go.
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JarredWalton - Monday, December 12, 2011 - link
It's meant as "four to five hundred dollar range", which I'm sure you know, but I'll update it just for clarity.cjs150 - Monday, December 12, 2011 - link
As these things get cheaper and cheaper I start wondering whether they can double as a really capable intelligent remote control device.Consider: I have a relatively simple AV system, TV, AV receiver, Blu ray player, cable box and am intending to add a small basic computer to it (media streaming from NAS, internet browsing and email device, maybe a little light and casual gaming - Zotac Nano AD10 or the new Via Artigo 1150 looks ideal). That will mean 4 remote controls and a media keyboard/mouse. Now I could buy an intelligent remote (use a Logitech Harmony in another room which is not bad but a bit clunky with the cable box). One of the top of the range remotes costs about same as this tablet (or Kindle fire)
Surely taking a low end tablet would work better, just needs IR blaster, can double as both keyboard and mouse, programmable with lots of "activities" to switch things off and on.
therealnickdanger - Monday, December 12, 2011 - link
I picked up a few Acer A100s on Black Friday for $189. Great little Tegra 2 tablets. Anyway, I paired one up with the Logitech Link device. Any Android device on our network can use the Harmony app to control all our AV gear.doggod - Monday, December 12, 2011 - link
Do any of the tablets come with ir built in, it would save having to have extra hardware to do the conversion.Roland00Address - Monday, December 12, 2011 - link
The sony s series tablets have IR built in and a preload app for remote controlThe samsung galaxy 7 plus also has an IR built in. The samsung galaxy 10.1 does not have IR built in.
cjs150 - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
Thanks everyone for the input. Definitely worth me looking more closely, maybe waiting until the prices come down a bittherealnickdanger - Monday, December 12, 2011 - link
Like was posted by someone else, Sony has one.I can't speak to your exact need, but for my home theater needs, a stationary IR device is preferred. My experience with other universal remotes, even Harmony remotes, is that they often mess up complex IR requests due to angles or device reception.
The benefit of the Link is that it works with any PC, Android or iOS device, whether it's a $600 Sony or a free smartphone.
Crono454 - Monday, December 12, 2011 - link
I'm not sure I understand all the Kindle Fire fan boys. There is no way I recommend that to anyone over the new nook. It is garbage and has been unanimously covered as medicare mediocretzhu07 - Monday, December 12, 2011 - link
There is a huge design flaw. The perimeter bezel surrounding the display should be as clean as possible. This tablet is all dark, but then there's a chrome piece hanging off to one side. Very distracting.VivekGowri - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - link
The chrome webcam surround is literally the single worst thing about the design. If it was a matte black plastic and there wasn't a door hiding the ports, I'd like the Thrive about 50% more.