Le Pan II 9.7-Inch Tablet (Black)

 

Le Pan II 9.7-Inch Tablet (Black)

 

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.5 x 9.3 inches ; 1.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0067XX3AI
• Item model number: Le Pan II
  

By : Le Pan
Price : $279.99

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Equipped with Android 3.2, the latest Android operating system on the market you can now experience games, movies and more in the way you were meant to experience them with screen scaling compatibility mode. You now have access to thousands more apps from the Android Market, and enjoy them in perfect resolution on your 9.7-inch tablet.

Multitasking
Multitasking has never been easier, for people who actually multitask. Armed with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, keep up and get your apps in gear. Share pictures, download apps, video chat with friends and family, all while texting. Revolutionize the way you work, live and play.
Storage and Portability
The Le Pan II measures 9.29 inches wide by 7.44 inches high by 0.48 inches deep. At 1.5 pounds it is the lightest performance Le Pan tablet to date. With 8 GB of built-in memory and up to an additional 32 GB of expandability, the Le Pan II has more than enough room for movies, games, apps, websites, email, texts, and just about anything else you would expect from one of the best Android tablets on the market.
Entertainment
Optimized for entertainment, the Le Pan II is up for anything you throw at it. As a personal mobile theater it goes wherever you go. The combination of the Qualcomm 1.2 GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, 9.7-inch multi-touch screen, HD playback, gyro meter control and a simply stunning brush aluminum finish promises for an entertainment experience like no other.
HD Display
The high-resolution, 9.7-inch LCD-backlit IPS display delivers crisp and vivid, allowing you to enjoy movies and videos to their fullest. Videos, games and the web never looked better on Le Pan II. The large, gorgeous 9.7-inch display is sharp and stunning. Colors are exceptionally vivid for incredible movie watching on-the-go, and the screen boasts a whiter-than-usual background that truly excels when it comes to readability--for on-screen text that's crisper, clearer and easier to see. Plus, for mobile use, the 4:3 aspect ratio combined with the 1024x768 resolution delivers an incredible handheld web-surfing experience.
Gaming
Experience heart-pounding strategy, shooting, sports, and role-playing games--at the tip of your fingers. Go beyond console gaming and take full control of your gaming experience.
Connectivity
Designed for modern living, working and playing, Le Pan II comes with all the connectivity essentials built-in and is easier to use. Connect with friends and family, and enjoy crisp, clear video calling with the high-resolution front-facing camera and microphone. Catch up on work and play with full, fast web browsing powered by a dual-core processor. And with up to 32 GB of storage, plus integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even GPS, it's ready for almost anything and everything--no matter where life takes you. Simply touch, tap, swipe, pinch and flick to navigate around the ultra-responsive multi-touch screen.
Quality Built
"Quality built--feels solid." That's no understatement. Le Pan II is wrapped almost entirely in a tough, brushed aluminum finish with an edge-to-edge glass surface that gives the device a solid overall feel. Manufactured with high-quality materials that are less plastic, less metal and more aluminum, the Le Pan II is designed not only to be more durable than other Android tablets that are on the market today.
Upgradability
With Android 3.2 Honeycomb (upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich) OS, with Adobe Flash support and over 500,000 downloadable applications on the Android Market, entertainment is just a finger swipe away.

• Tablet with 9.7-inch capacitive display; supports 720P HD video
• Android 3.2 platform, and ultra-fast Wi-Fi connectivity
• Powered by 1.2 GHz dual-core processor; support for Adobe Flash for viewing web sites, movies, games, and more
• Front-facing 2-megapixel camera and microphone for video chat
• 8 GB built-in storage, supports 32 GB Micro SD card
• Up to six hours of video playback/Wi-Fi web browsing
• Size (L/W/H): 9.29 x 7.44 x 0.48 inches
• Weight: 1.5 pounds

What's in the Box?
Le Pan tablet, 30-pin to USB cable, charger, wrist loop, quick user guide.
The Le Pan II Tablet runs on an Android™ 3.2 Honeycomb (upgradable to Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich) OS, giving you access to over 500,000 apps via the Android ™ Market. The 9.7-inch multi-touch screen produces high-definition visuals while giving you total control over your mobile device. The Le Pan II Tablet is powered by a Qualcomm 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, giving you a fast and enjoyable browsing experience. Store your precious videos, photos, and other files to its built-in 8GB storage. And if that is not enough, you can upgrade it up to 32GB to save more downloads, media and apps. Equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS, you are assured of total connectivity with almost any mobile device. Video conferencing is also enjoyable with this tablet using its front-facing camera and microphone.
See all Product Description

Technical Details

• 1.2 GHz Tablet Processor
• 1.45 pounds
• 8 GB
• 802_11_BGN Front Camera 2.0

Customer Reviews

Length:: 9:54 Mins
Update 3 March 2012: I got better video processing software and re-added the review at higher resolution to better demonstrate the fidelity of this beautiful tablet. I added an icon to block my email for security. I almost added icons to block my face since this was before my anti-glare screen. I hope everyone likes the better (yet not truly representative) idea of the stunning images the tablet is capable of. Also, the personal image at about 4:50 of the gold particle has little dots that make up the image. Those dots are actually ATOMs in the gold particle lattice. That is an actual image of atoms obtained with a high powered Transmission Electron Microscope (simply loaded on the tablet, noted for edification).
Update 20 January 2012: I decided to add a video showing basic functions to those interested. Some of it is inspired from the discussions below (they have good info for owners and interested parties). It, like my written review is kind of long, but thorough. I show basic functions, google applications, amazon applications, built in camera, music and video demos. Much of the bullet list of pros and cons are still best seen in the review below. It ran kind of long, so I cut it back for amazon's requirements. Sorry again for the length of it and my written review, but there is so much to say about this tablet. I very much hope it helps people make informed decisions.
Addition 26 Feb: I got the anti-glare screen for this product to increase function in high light conditions. I added a video with "how to" tricks on applying it on my review for POSRUS Antiglare Antifingerprint Screen Protector for Le Pan TC 970 and Le Pan II Tablets. I hope that helps anyone looking to accent the device.
Original review:
Let me start by saying that I purchased the TC970 (previous model) back in October, and after 2 months was excited about the Le Pan II. I have had the Le Pan II for a few hours and am really enjoying it already. Originally I was wary about the unknown company, but took a chance. It was the best move I have ever made since I got a reliable Ipad quality device at a fraction of the price. I shall comment more on that in the company section.
Basics:
Pros:
It has a nice professional build and feels solid, no cheap plastic feel here. All quality.
Fast processor, boots in about 30 seconds, quick start on apps, and can run many with no problems.
It has a 4:3 aspect ratio like the Ipad, which I find more comfortable for web browsing than the 16:9 tablets.
Fully functioning android market.
Youtube app works great.
Syncs with Gmail just fine.
Beautiful high definition screen.
Full Flash support.
Sensitive screen with good response on keyboard, I can type about 30 words per minute on the tablet (~90 on a real keyboard) and it keeps up just fine (my speed is going up as I get used to the onscreen keyboard).
No problems with Wifi, good signal.
Good accelerometer, can use it to play games easily and works well with google sky map.
Decent microphone with wide pick up (I use a frequency analyzing program).
Cons:
Proprietary 30 pin connector, but it comes with a USB connection and charger (so only kind of annoying).
No USB ports, do not get keyboards that connect through USB (it does support Bluetooth so you can get accessories, but only with Bluetooth).
No rear camera (no big deal to me, I have a digital camera anyway), and front facing camera is only 2MP.
Notes:
The speakers are above average for portable devices (almost no portable devices have good speakers since good bass usually needs larger speakers). These are pretty good overall, but for audio excellence in any portable device you need a good pair of headphones.
I have not tried to connect this tablet to my TV with HDMI, I still need to get the adapter, but will update after I try. It does not come with the connector initially (at this time anyway).
I expect it will function similar to the TC970, so the battery life should hold for about 7 hours even with constant video use. I almost never turned my old one off, just sleep mode. It can run for days easily in sleep mode. With intermittent use I would only charge every 3 days or so and expect the Le Pan II to perform about the same.
Cases: I use an off-brand case designed for the HP touchpad (HHI HP TouchPad Folio Flip Case with Muti-Function Stand - Purple (Package include a HandHelditems Sketch Stylus Pen)), and it works well. I had to cut it a little to use the camera and access volume, and I have to remove it from the case to charge it. However, I got the Targus Truss Case/Stand for HP TouchPad - THZ07202US (Black/Gray) for my mother and this will fit the Le Pan II (identical size to the TC970) perfectly and allow easy access to all ports. In general you can use any case designed for Ipad or Touchpad, but may need to cut a little free for all the ports to be open.
Interface:
Pros:
Latest OS (honeycomb with possible upgrade to ICS)
Runs all online video well. My main problem with the last version was that I could not watch amazon prime videos on it. Partly it was the hardware, and partly android 2.2. This tablet runs amazon streaming just fine, as well as Blip.tv, and comedy central's videos (just the few I have tested). I do not have Netflix, but the reviews of the last tablet (TC970) said that it worked fine with the Netflix app and I expect this one will too.
Cons:
None really. I got used to the simplicity of Froyo, so Honeycomb is proving challenging to adapt to, but I still figured everything I wanted to do out within an hour or so of playing with it.
Tying into the last point, the previous version the TC970 may be a little easier for the non-technical people to use. My parents can use Android 2.2 with little trouble, but I think it would be tougher for them to use Honeycomb. I got this one to try amazon streaming (which worked) but the TC970 was easy to use and could do almost everything. If ease of use is a priority, you might consider the 970. I might change my mind as I get more used to Honeycomb though, it might just seem more confusing having gotten used to one and having to switch.
The Company Le Pan:
Like I said above, I have had the TC970 for over 2 months. I take it everywhere and love it. The new Le Pan II is replacing it, and my mom is getting my old one. In the months of using the TC970 I can count the number of resets I had to do on one hand. I had one booting issue over Christmas weekend. Tech support for Le Pan opened again on Tuesday morning. By 9am on Tuesday I got a response to my email for tech support and opened a ticket. By the end of the day I had my tablet up and running again. I was impressed with the professional and attentive support I got from Le Pan. My father's and brother's tablets (also TC970s) have had no tech problems at all.
tl,dr: This is an excellent tablet with top end specs and abilities. It has played every online video I can throw at it well (including Amazon Prime streaming). Do not be frightened of the unknown company, I was at first, but the products are great and I have first hand experience with tech support and it was more than adequate. I cannot recommend this or the previous TC970 enough, especially at the price.
Update 14 Jan: A few things. First I tried the HDMI out and could not get it to work. I used an Apple 30pin to HDMI with no luck (also checked connecting to computer with several 30 pin connectors, and only the Le Pan one worked). For now, if HDMI is a deal breaker for you, I advise waiting/looking elsewhere/or speak directly with Le Pan about it.
I had a problem with my Blue tooth, it kept dropping the signal. I got a software update yesterday and the Blue tooth is fine now. The software update removed the menu options for HDMI though, so they may be working on that.
The battery life on the original 970 is better than this one (expected since this has twice the processor power), but this one is still what they quote. Good 7 hours of straight use off of a single charge. It loses about 1% per hour while asleep.
Finally, on the video. I can run every video I have tried, except Hulu. Hulu identifies the device as mobile and will not let you play anything (I think this is something on Hulu's end). I was able to watch Hulu on my old 970 indirectly with Playon, but it requires you to have a computer running the software nearby. It worked fine though, and I could watch regular Hulu (I do not have Plus to test). Trying on the 979 it seems to crash when I start the video, I expect it is an issue in Playon's app though, and will follow up with them. Thus far Hulu is the only online video I can not get to work on the Le Pan II, and that is because it just blocks any mobile device it seems.

Just to update some of you who pre-ordered this item and are wondering on its release date.
I pre-ordered mine on December 16th and just received an e-mail from Amazon that it is in transit with 2-day prime shipping. I should get it Saturday January 7th.
I will update with a thorough review once I have obtained the tablet and have given it a once over.
Regards...
::: Updated 1/10/12 :::
Well, I received my Le Pan II yesterday, and to say the least, I'm extremely pleased with this tablet. Very fast response on everything I do, from video, to reading, to office, to downloading, gaming, in car GPS with no need for wi-fi, etc. To say the least, this will be a very hot item, let me just say.
For the pre-order price of thirteen bucks over the Nook Tablet, this thing is heads above everything else in this price range. Very clear and crisp IPS panel screen with 1024 x 768 and it shows.
Android Honeycomb 3.2.1 is very responsive and with a 32GB lexar class 10 card (Lexar High Speed MicroSDHC 32 GB Class 10 Flash Memory Card with Reader LSDMI32GBSBNAR) and all that screen real estate, I am set for a long, long time. Just what I was looking for, not to big (10.1" screen) and not too small (7" screen). I feel the aspect ration of 4:3 is actually preferable to me, a la ipad.
One note, if you want a great case at a very low price of less than ten bucks with great protection and stand built in, you must get the CaseCrown Hard Case (Black) for the Apple iPad 2 Wifi / 3G Model 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
I got one and it fits perfectly. Dual zippers allow for charging of the tablet while in the case without removing it...! Love my new Le Pan II and hope you do as well...!
Regards...
::: Updated 1/14/12 :::
Well, I had my hopes too high, I guess, for this to be a great tablet. I used it for 4 days and on the 5th, after a system update, the tablet turned on, the wi-fi started giving me issues, the screen started to flicker, BADLY, and then I could not turn it off. I thought I would let it sit overnight until discharged and then I would plug it in and recharge it. WRONG..
Tablet is DEAD. I contacted LePan customer support and after 4 days of back and forth correspondence, they could not figure out what was wrong. I tried their instructions on factory reset, hard reset and power button and down volume toggle. NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING. Their response finally was: I guess we can send you a new one to replace, but you'll have to wait a month. Maybe that one will be better......REALLY GUYS..? Come on. Customer Service should be a bit more experienced and helpful, especially, since you're a new company trying to launch a new product on to a crowded market. Regardless, I think I'll keep looking. Good luck to those of you who bought and have not updated yet...! As for me, LePan has left a lot to be desired.
Regards...