Comments on the new Z4 tablet

[drlmiles1]

I've already ordered the LTE  version (with keyboard) from the Sony UK shop. It will be a replacement for my much loved Tablet Z.

Slight disappointments:

1) no IR blaster, so no way to control the many IR controlled devices in my lounge

2) No magnetic charging contacts. I have a charging dock, and most days my tablet (and Xperia Z phone) are charged in their respective docks. The magnetic docks were a step forward, but for the Z4 tablet I will physically have to plug in a cable every time I want to charge it. However, not having to open a flap to expose the USB port is brilliant.

There are lots of great new features, and I like the idea of the premium Xperia Lounge Gold membership that comes with this.

Anyone else comments, both positive and negative?

[Uliwooly]

I really like the idea of less covers/flaps, a clear step forward 

[drlmiles1]

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@uliwooly wrote:

I really like the idea of less covers/flaps, a clear step forward 

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I agree. I am fanatical about closing the ports on my XZ and XZ tablet, but often when I check my wife's XZ the USB flap isn't fully closed (and she's already broken one flap, which I was able to source cheaply from China ). So anything that decreases the need to open flaps will improve water resistance and protect it. In fact, once I've put a memory card and Sim in my LTE Z4 tablet, there really won't be any need on a day to day basis to open any flaps at all.

[SirRobin]

For me, 32 GB internal memory is the MAJOR advantage for this new device! Sony, please bring us not longer devices with less than 32 gb internal memory!

[Lord_viridis]

I see one of these in my future lol
Time to replace tablet z.

[drlmiles1]

The rubber corner pieces are also a good idea.  My Z Tablet no longer has full water resistance after I dropped it onto its corner, and a small piece of the corner edge chipped off. (on the other hand, my daughter dropped her brand new iPhone 6 at the weekend onto its corner, and the screen is now broken into about a hundred fragments...) 

[SergioPL1]

I like capless design of usb port. Missing dock connector doesn't seem to be issue for me. I use magnetic cable on Z2 only to avoid opening flaps. But I would switch it for normal usb port right away.

This new keyboard combined with office looks as a really good deal, especially for LTE variant. 

[dquilon]

Lovely design and I would love to try it in the future, but I think it really is a step back (function-wise) that the magnetic port was dropped.

People tend to forget that the port not only allows you to charge your phone without opening the flap.... it also allows you to charge your device WHILE using the USB port for something else like OTG (pluggin flash drives) or MHL (mirroring the screen), features that I use almost daily.

Also last year I got the Car Stereo, XSP-N1BT and recently I manage to upgrade from my old Acro S to the Z3 Compact which works great with the stereo, specially since it has the magnetic port built-in and I can configure my Z3c to activate BT/Walkman/Playback, as soon it start charging from it. So not having this in future devices **bleep** because my phone upgrades will not get along as good with my NOT-OLD car stereo.

Having ports = to more options... Just look at the new MacBook. Just ONE (1) USB type C port for everything, including charging, plugging devices (flash drives, mice, external HDD, etc), and video out. The Adapter will be NEEDED and most people think it is a fail, even if it sells well.

I really did not expect Sony to drop the magnetic port so soon... I love it, and think is even better than having Qi charging, because with the magnetic port you can still use your phone while charging (specially with a third party adaptor)

[Kannibal777]

Being a Sony, there'll be some unfortunate people who get defective screens, and will find out, like me, Sony's warranty means nothing at all

Buy a slate and chalk, probably more useful

[dweaver1]

I love the magnetic charging port on my Z2 tablet & my Z3 phone - so taking this away is a retrograde step. Disappointing.....