Coby Kyros MID1024-4G: rooted, googlified
Android 2.2
10" capacitive, 1024x600
4 GB storage (< 3GB usable)
HDMI output
The preloaded software was disappointing, but I installed Android Market (using the newer com.android.vending-2.apk from here) and the GoogleServicesFramework.apk from here. I tried using ArcTools (installed via the stock AppsLib) for the rest of the Google apps, but the automated process failed. I got out the arctools01.zip file saved on the tablet's internal SD card, extracted the files, and manually installed Calendar, Contacts, Talk, and Network Location.
I also managed to root the MID1024 by uploading (via adb push) psneuter and su-v2 from SuperOneClick 1.9.5 and muddling through steps similar to these, though I didn't have to remount anything or link busybox. On this tablet, /system is not a separate partition, but merely a folder on a writeable root partition. This obviously made removing crappy stock apps real easy.
The screen dimensions on the MID1024 make it perfect for reading print-layout newspapers via PressReader; comics via Perfect Viewer and comiXology's Comics; movies via DICE Player; and checking out technical references via Amazon Kindle. It's a bit heavy for reading novels though.
Here are some other apps I have on it:
- 1-Click Cleaner -- clear out trash left by previous installs, etc.
- App to SD -- easily determine which apps can be moved to SD
- AutoRotate Switch -- lock autorotate by a long-press on the search key
- Better Terminal Emulator Pro -- fullblown terminal/SSH client (I outgrew ConnectBot, I guess)
- Hacker's Keyboard -- full 5-row keyboard with arrow keys, function keys, etc.
- PocketCloud -- VNC/RDP client
I also installed ADW.Launcher and the ADW Honeycomb Theme -- now the home screen and app drawer look really good!
The only peeve I have with this tablet is that VPN doesn't work (even after using 5 VPN to get to the hidden settings). Maybe I'll figure it out later, but for now I just share my OpenVPN connection.
All things considered, this tablet is good enough to tide me over until the new models from Apple, Motorola, Samsung, Huawei, Amazon, etc. arrive later this year. At least, I hope so... :-D
