We got an iPad and Xoom in at work to test out for potential use in classrooms. I've looked at both of these numerous times in reviews and press photos but am just noticing now both force (for lack of better words) you to hold them certain ways. I know that you can hold them however you want but based on bottom locations, cameras, keyboard, etc they definitely were designed to be held in a specific manner.
iPad = portrait and Xoom = landscape
So, how do you like to hold your tablet while in use? I own a NooKColor and definitely prefer to use it in portrait over landscape, which I like about the iPad.
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How do you prefer to hold your tablet?
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frankspin's pick
One of the things I was most surprised by with Honeycomb is how Google is so agnostic about letting its tablet apps and interactions force you into a certain orientation. It sounds kind of logical, but it's not -- using the device in portrait and being forced into landscape (or vice versa) is incredibly jarring.
It wasn't until I started using Honeycomb that I started to understand why Apple makes such a big deal about the iPad conforming to its users' needs. I'm really not sure I've ever come across an interaction with my iPad that required me to change the way I am holding my device -- and if these orientation-forcing apps or interactions do exist, I'd wager they're extremely rare. (The same is not true of the iPhone, however, which frequently requires portrait orientation usage.)
So to answer: how do I prefer to hold my tablet? However I want. I hope Google comes to this realization quickly, but knowing Android it won't be for at least another 1-2 full version releases before we can even hope something as basic as orientation independence will be fixed.
It wasn't until I started using Honeycomb that I started to understand why Apple makes such a big deal about the iPad conforming to its users' needs. I'm really not sure I've ever come across an interaction with my iPad that required me to change the way I am holding my device -- and if these orientation-forcing apps or interactions do exist, I'd wager they're extremely rare. (The same is not true of the iPhone, however, which frequently requires portrait orientation usage.)
So to answer: how do I prefer to hold my tablet? However I want. I hope Google comes to this realization quickly, but knowing Android it won't be for at least another 1-2 full version releases before we can even hope something as basic as orientation independence will be fixed.
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frankspin's pick
I have different preferences for different things that I'm doing with my iPad. If I'm typing I like to have it landscape, but if I'm reading something long I switch to portrait.
Since the iPad is has a 4:3 aspect ratio, it's not awkward to hold in either orientation, so I don't feel forced to hold it either way. For Android tablets on the other hand, I can see how awkward it can be having to hold it in portrait mode since it's 16:10.
Since the iPad is has a 4:3 aspect ratio, it's not awkward to hold in either orientation, so I don't feel forced to hold it either way. For Android tablets on the other hand, I can see how awkward it can be having to hold it in portrait mode since it's 16:10.
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frankspin's pick
Whichever way that shows my manly guns best.
... if I had guns that is.
... if I had guns that is.
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This is true, most tablets seem to be designed primarily -- although obviously not exclusively -- for use in one orientation. I found this to be especially the case for the Xoom, which can actually be a little awkward to use in portrait mode because of the aspect ratio of the display and design of the casing.
Personally I prefer using a tablet in portrait mode, just like I prefer using my phone in portrait mode.
Personally I prefer using a tablet in portrait mode, just like I prefer using my phone in portrait mode.
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I probably go 50/50 with my iPad, but with my new Galaxy Tab I'm favoring landscape. I think that's how they want you to do it too, because the dock connector is on the bottom of the landscape mode.
It always bothered me that the iPad dock connector was at the bottom of the portrait mode... made it very awkward to have sitting at my desk. I like landscape better because I'm more used to it... I think 99% of monitors are landscape - I know maybe 1 person who has a portrait monitor.
It always bothered me that the iPad dock connector was at the bottom of the portrait mode... made it very awkward to have sitting at my desk. I like landscape better because I'm more used to it... I think 99% of monitors are landscape - I know maybe 1 person who has a portrait monitor.
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On the iPad portrait seems the most natural, but on Honeycomb tablets landscape feels just so much better. I think when it becomes more and popular to have LED buttons that can move to whatever orientation you are holding the device in, like on some of these new phones coming out, it will be easier to use either mode on tablets like the iPad. I believe that the 4:3 resolution makes the iPad much more accessible in both orientations, while the 16:9 tablets are just too wide to be used in portrait.
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If i'm just reading or browsing the web, or scrolling through emails, portrait mode. I find if i'm viewing Powerpoint presentations, gaming, or watching video, and viewing documents, landscape mode fits better.
I feel as if the Xoom is made to be used sideways
I feel as if the Xoom is made to be used sideways
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I've got a Nook Color running Gingerbread, and I almost exclusively use it in portrait orientation. For me it just seems a lot easier for one-handed operation, and since most of my reading is on the web, it also fits the content better.
Either way though, I'm definitely not a fan of being forced into one way or the other. If the OS can rotate, all apps should rotate correctly as well and not force one position on the user.
Either way though, I'm definitely not a fan of being forced into one way or the other. If the OS can rotate, all apps should rotate correctly as well and not force one position on the user.
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Pretty much always hold my iPad in landscape mode honestly, the portrait keyboard is terrible to type in so I don't even bother and have gotten used to the landscape view.
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Same as you bro; I own a NookColor. The wife owns an iPad.
First off, I don't like the 9" or 10" form factor. I like the 7". Hence the Nook.
I use landscape for browsing (dolphin HD is my preferred browser), and portrait for anything I have to write in. As my hands fit perfectly to the keyboard (SwiftKey is my keyboard layout). Although, I own a nook cover; and I can't seem to enjoy the feel of my "naked" NC with it. So, if I'm gonna be writing more than just a few words; I'd take it out of the cover.
First off, I don't like the 9" or 10" form factor. I like the 7". Hence the Nook.
I use landscape for browsing (dolphin HD is my preferred browser), and portrait for anything I have to write in. As my hands fit perfectly to the keyboard (SwiftKey is my keyboard layout). Although, I own a nook cover; and I can't seem to enjoy the feel of my "naked" NC with it. So, if I'm gonna be writing more than just a few words; I'd take it out of the cover.
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I have been using my G-Slate in Landscape mode as it feels the most natural for me to hold it that way. Also, depending on the app I may also portrait mode.
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I switch between portrait and landscape with my iPad 2. I reckon I use it 70% portrait/30% landscape. It really depends on the app though. I use Twitter, Reeder and Read It Later in portrait and the email app in landscape. Safari depends on the website, with a 50/50 split I'd say. The F1 timing app works best in portrait but I tend to use it in landscape since that's the easiest way to prop up my iPad with the smart cover.
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I have a Nook Color, I use it 99% of the time in portrait
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To read books I prefer to hold it in portrait mode. To surf the web, play games and study my bible lessons (pdf's), I prefer portrait mode.
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Nearly always portrait. However, when it's better to rotate it, I do. Doesn't that just... make Sense? *scnr*
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I hold the xoom whichever way suits what i'm doing. For reading: portrait, for web: landscape, etc etc.
The tablet keyboard app is great for 10.1 inch tablets such as the xoom, as i found typing whilst holding in landscape a pain.
The tablet keyboard app is great for 10.1 inch tablets such as the xoom, as i found typing whilst holding in landscape a pain.
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