Why I returned Augen’s Genbook 74 in under 24 hours
When word got out that Kmart was selling a 7″ Android tablet for $149, fans around the country scrambled to snatch them up. I know because after visiting two Kmarts yesterday and calling the rest that are within an hour’s drive of my place, I learned that the first batch was gone from each location within hours of their arrival.
What I did not have a hard time finding was the little Android powered netbook, also by Californian redistributor, Augen, called the Genbook 74. It was only $99 and more importantly, in stock. I brought it home and fired up the camera for a proper unboxing. You will not see the results of that shoot because the actual unboxing segment lasted 30 seconds and the hands-on part of the video is comprised largely of unentertaining frustration. Just a lot of cursing and “What the…” type stuff.
The trackpad on the device, which is surrounded by two buttons, selects items when tapped. There is no way to turn this “feature” off. And because the very plasticky surface is ultra sensitive to taps (though not to tracking), I found it nearly impossible to drag the cursor over an icon without clicking it.
The next problem I had was the WiFi. If I signed into my network while sitting *very* close to the router, I could then walk away and remain connected for the most part. But when the connection dropped, which it does, I had to return to the router. So, I discovered that the only way I could use the netbook semi-reliably (using the term loosely) was by plugging in the ethernet cable and using an external USB mouse. That kinda destroys the idea of having a netbook, doesn’t it? Even then, the software was slow and non-responsive, and I found the most basic tasks impossible. Not to mention that the included YouTube client can’t play videos. I wanted to download more apps for testing, but downloading from the Market didn’t work.
This morning while I was taking the pictures below, my wife asked if she could try the Genbook. I wished her luck and plopped it down in front of her. After the first thirty seconds, she asked me if it was designed for children because, “the materials make it feel like a toy.” I laughed. She did have better luck with the trackpad – it didn’t select every icon she passed over. Still, using it was a chore. After another thirty seconds, she scoffed, walked away, and said something about giving Android a bad name.
The Genbook 74 does feel like a toy. I would say that it should be in the toddler section at Kmart for $19.99 but I’m afraid it could turn a youngster off of technology.
I saw a very generous mini review of this netbook where a commenter said that anything that can run Android for $100 is a deal. My response is this: define run. I’m glad to see budget devices on the shelves and many of them could bring connectivity to people who might not otherwise have it. The Genbook 74 is not one of those products. If you’re looking for a $100 Android, get a used phone on ebay. Don’t want a phone line? Hack a G1 to run without a SIM or just pop a deactivated SIM in there. The experience will destroy that of the Cracker Jack toy that is the Genbook 74. Any Android phone that’s been released in the States is better.
![SGP Neo Hybrid for Galaxy Nexus [Video]](http://www.droiddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DD.png "SGP Neo Hybrid for Galaxy Nexus [Video]")
Not that I doubt anything you've said about this, but, I can't help but won't if maybe you got the “runt of the litter”? Any chances anyone's had any better luck with theirs? Even $100,000 cars will have the occasional lemon roll off the assembly line!
No better luck and I have e-mail support to be told to call customer service who never returns your calls after you have been on hold for 30 minutes.
I review what I get unless I see some kind of damage or obvious malfunction. The only difference in experience I've seen is that some people have better luck with the trackpad causing accidental selections. My wife didn't get so much of that. Still, based on what I've found so far, my experience is representative. I've just been harsher with my words than some.
You should contact the company, or at least send them a copy of your review.
You should contact the company, or at least send them a copy of your review.
Do they make you sign a non disclosure statement not to reveal the sweatshop location? lol ;)
i say you return and buy another one and give it another chance. new product is new and these companies now in days dont seem to want to spend the money on QA. Be fair.
$199 … made by orphans out of vietnam … what do you expect?
Racist pig.
The sad part is that the latest crop of Android phones are better than this POS. Sorry for your frustrations but now you can do an in-depth review of the Droid X :)
If Augen wants to send me another unit to test with the same level of fairness, I'll be happy to. But even if the scenario you proposed is correct, and the consumer is expected to continually exchange product until they strike gold because the company doesn't pay for quality assurance, well, the end result is bad reviews. Rightly so.
I was thinking of buying this… then i read the article… Sorry Augen! But seriously, how do you activate a g1 without using a sim?
hey i bought one and i have a c on the screen and cant figure if there is a screen protector? is there?
Yeah know if you load into Damn Small Linux be better then Android any day and work like a charm.. Or even Puppy linux. It not hardware issues its what OS is able to do has to do issues. These distro in Linux are for low powered device such as this. So load USb with DSL or Puppy live then see if this is to you liking to me Aneroid isn't that good of linux compared to DSL and Puppy Linux.I think even there smaller version of ubuntu also out for low end devices like this.
This is an ARM based computer, not an x86, therefore those Linux distros won’t work
I just bought one and I am returning this pos for the same reasons…
Not having heard of it before, I bought one. Great price, BAD product.QA must have been someplace else. I expected some problems, but really….. No real support, no user forums. Buyer Beware
If one had a 5 year old and a 6 year old who are just dying to have a computer to play kiddie games and do simple stuff like email, would this be a bad choice?
This one would be difficult for kids to use. I'm sure there are better options out there. The Leapfrog products are cheaper and easier to use, though I doubt they have a solution for email.
Too bad – I have been dreaming for a long time about “something” in that price range to go on the internet with.
Don't need apps – surf, check twitter and facebook is enough. But seems this gadget isn't even really up to that.
Too bad – I have been dreaming for a long time about “something” in that price range to go on the internet with.
Don't need apps – surf, check twitter and facebook is enough. But seems this gadget isn't even really up to that.
u cant play games on it from facebook pogo or any other website
My daughter bought one and after 2 months there is no picture after it boots up! What a joke.
My daughter bought an Augen Genbook 74 and it worked ok for her ( only 11 years old) for about 1 1/2 months, turned it on one day and it booted up with pictures and when she gets to the screen, it is black with an arrow. You can drag the arrow around but nothing to click on and I can’t get any response from Augen. Of course I find the receipt and we missed the return to Kmart date by 2 days! What a piece of junk.
The worst POS ever
has anyone else had a problem with turning the genbook 10.2 on for the first time? it’s been on the charger for over an hour and still won’t turn on
I have the same issues with this “netbook” wow what a waste.
Thanks for keeping me from making a mistake!
I have a black one of these and a blue/silver one. I havent had trouble with neither one of them. It’s limited to what a person can do with it. There’s alot of complaints about these netbooks. What did you expect for something that cost less than $100? You got what you paid for.
its a lot cheaper now on new egg.
Seriously after the glitters – meaning our love, hate and joy on these things, what are we going to do with them? Bury them somewhere?
I’ll buy a couple for 55US and load Debian on them then give it away to poor kids just to help protect the environment. O wait I don’t know how to load and compile Debian. Bummer!
i have a genbook, augen.. let me tell you!! i hate it! it was given to my husband by his brother. i wanted to throw it out the window and let my DOG have it for a chew toy!!!!! not only did it NOT let me in to any apps, it also did same to me regarding barely touching it and clicks itself, just aggravating! it also took me forever to find out how to get it to connect to wifi,, ridiculous! i would never have let him get it if i knew it was gonna be so much trouble! what i want to know, is,, can i switch it from android, to being a regular pc, with windows? if not, well then, my dogs have a new chew toy! is there a number i can call to complain? lmao