Acer Iconia Tab A500: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Tablet manufactured by Acer Inc.}}
{{use dmy dates|date=January 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox information appliance
{{Infobox information appliance
| name = Iconia Tab A500
| name = Iconia Tab A500
| image = ICONIA A500 Japan Version.png
| image =<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Acer Iconia A500.jpg|250px]] -->
| caption = An Iconia A500 showing its home screen
| caption = Iconia A500 showing its home screen
| developer = [[Acer Inc.]]
| developer = [[Acer Inc.]]
| type = [[Tablet computer]]
| type = [[Tablet computer]]
| releasedate = '''U.S.:''' {{Start date|df=yes|2011|04|24}}<ref name="Acer PR 1" >{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2383291,00.asp |title=Acer Taking Pre-Orders For 10-Inch Iconia Tablet |author=Damon Poeter |date=8 April 2011 |work=[[PCMag.com]] |accessdate=16 July 2011}}</ref>
| releasedate = '''U.S.:''' {{Start date|df=yes|2011|04|24}}<ref name="Acer PR 1" >{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2383291,00.asp |title=Acer Taking Pre-Orders For 10-Inch Iconia Tablet |author=Damon Poeter |date=8 April 2011 |work=[[PCMag.com]] |access-date=16 July 2011}}</ref>
| connectivity =
| connectivity = {{ubl
[[Wi-Fi]] ([[IEEE 802.11|802.11]] [[IEEE 802.11a-1999|a]]/[[IEEE 802.11b-1999|b]]/[[IEEE 802.11g-2003|g]]/[[IEEE 802.11n-2009|n (only 2.4 GHz)]])<br />[[Bluetooth#Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR|Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR]]<br />
| [[Wi-Fi]] ([[IEEE 802.11|802.11]] [[IEEE 802.11a-1999|a]]/[[IEEE 802.11b-1999|b]]/[[IEEE 802.11g-2003|g]]/[[IEEE 802.11n-2009|n (only 2.4 GHz)]])
| [[Bluetooth#Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR|Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR]]
[[USB 2.0]] <br />
| [[USB 2.0]]
[[micro-USB]] 2.0 <br />
| [[Micro-USB]] 2.0
micro[[HDMI]]<br />
| Micro [[HDMI]]
Dock port
| Dock port
}}
| lifespan =
| lifespan =
| unitssold = 1 million (As of second quarter 2011)<ref>{{cite web|title=Acer Iconia Tab A500 to be the 1st Android tablet to hit 1 million sold units |url=http://www.mobilityfeeds.com/mobility-feed/2011/05/acer-iconia-tab-a500-to-be-the-1st-android-tablet-to-hit-1-million-sold-units.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807083621/http://www.mobilityfeeds.com/mobility-feed/2011/05/acer-iconia-tab-a500-to-be-the-1st-android-tablet-to-hit-1-million-sold-units.html |archivedate=7 August 2011 }}</ref>
| unitssold = 1 million (As of second quarter 2011)<ref>{{cite web|title=Acer Iconia Tab A500 to be the 1st Android tablet to hit 1 million sold units |url=http://www.mobilityfeeds.com/mobility-feed/2011/05/acer-iconia-tab-a500-to-be-the-1st-android-tablet-to-hit-1-million-sold-units.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807083621/http://www.mobilityfeeds.com/mobility-feed/2011/05/acer-iconia-tab-a500-to-be-the-1st-android-tablet-to-hit-1-million-sold-units.html |archive-date=7 August 2011 }}</ref>
| media =
| media =
| os = [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[Android version history#3.0|Honeycomb]], although [[Android version history#Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.x|Ice Cream Sandwich]] is now available. 4.2 & 4.3 (Jelly Bean), 4.4 (KitKat) and 5.1 (Lollipop) are supported by unofficial 3rd-party updates.
| os = [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[Android version history#3.0|Honeycomb]], although [[Android version history#Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.x|Ice Cream Sandwich]] is now available. 4.2 & 4.3 (Jelly Bean), 4.4 (KitKat) and 5.1 (Lollipop) are supported by unofficial 3rd-party updates.
| input = [[Multi-touch]] [[touch screen|screen]], [[#Audio|headset controls]], [[Proximity sensor|proximity]], [[low-key lighting|ambient light]] sensors, 3-axis [[accelerometer]], [[magnetometer|digital]] [[compass]] and 3-axis [[gyroscope|gyro]], GPS
| input = [[Multi-touch]] [[touch screen|screen]], [[#Audio|headset controls]], [[Proximity sensor|proximity]], [[low-key lighting|ambient light]] sensors, 3-axis [[accelerometer]], [[magnetometer|digital]] [[compass]] and 3-axis [[gyroscope|gyro]], GPS
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| cpu = 1&nbsp;GHz [[Nvidia Tegra#Tegra 2 series|Nvidia Tegra 250]]<ref name="AcerIconiaA500Specs" />
| cpu = 1&nbsp;GHz [[Nvidia Tegra#Tegra 2 series|Nvidia Tegra 250]]<ref name="AcerIconiaA500Specs" />
| graphics = ULP [[GeForce]] 333 MHz
| graphics = ULP [[GeForce]] 333 MHz
| storage = 8, 16 and 32&nbsp;GB [[flash memory]].<ref name="AcerIconiaA500Specs">{{cite web |url=http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Acer-ICONIA-TAB-A500_id5233 |title=Acer ICONIA TAB A500 specs|publisher=phoneArena.com|date=16 February 2011|accessdate=16 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="ICONIATABASeries">{{cite web|url=http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/XE.H6LPN.001 |title=ICONIA TAB A Series specs |publisher=acer.com |date=11 September 2011 |accessdate=11 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903050006/http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/XE.H6LPN.001 |archivedate=3 September 2011 }}</ref> 64GB in some countries.
| storage = 8, 16 and 32&nbsp;GB [[flash memory]].<ref name="AcerIconiaA500Specs">{{cite web |url=http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Acer-ICONIA-TAB-A500_id5233 |title=Acer ICONIA TAB A500 specs|publisher=phoneArena.com|date=16 February 2011|access-date=16 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="ICONIATABASeries">{{cite web|url=http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/XE.H6LPN.001 |title=ICONIA TAB A Series specs |publisher=acer.com |date=11 September 2011 |access-date=11 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903050006/http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/XE.H6LPN.001 |archive-date=3 September 2011 }}</ref> 64GB in some countries.
| memory = 1024&nbsp;MB RAM<ref name="AcerIconiaA500Specs" />
| memory = 1024&nbsp;MB RAM<ref name="AcerIconiaA500Specs" />
| display = 1280 × 800&nbsp;[[pixel|px]]{{convert|10.1|in|cm|abbr=on}} diagonal, [[Light-emitting diode|LED]]-backlit <ref name="AcerIconiaA500Specs" />
| display = 1280 × 800&nbsp;[[pixel|px]]{{convert|10.1|in|cm|abbr=on}} diagonal, [[Light-emitting diode|LED]]-backlit<ref name="AcerIconiaA500Specs" />
| audio = [[Bluetooth]], speaker, microphone, headset jack. There is also Dolby Mobile onboard
| sound = [[Bluetooth]], speaker, microphone, headset jack. There is also Dolby Mobile onboard
| service =
| service =
| dimensions = {{convert|10.24|in|mm|abbr=on}}&nbsp;''(h)''<br />{{convert|6.97|in|mm|abbr=on}}&nbsp;''(w)''<br />{{convert|.52|in|mm|abbr=on}}&nbsp;''(d)''
| dimensions = {{convert|10.24|in|mm|abbr=on}}&nbsp;''(h)''<br />{{convert|6.97|in|mm|abbr=on}}&nbsp;''(w)''<br />{{convert|.52|in|mm|abbr=on}}&nbsp;''(d)''
| weight = {{convert|25.75|oz|g|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|25.75|oz|g|abbr=on}}
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}}
}}


The '''Acer Iconia A500''' is a [[tablet computer]] designed, developed and marketed by [[Acer Inc.]]. The A500 launched with the [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[Android version history#3.0|Honeycomb]] operating system which is now upgradable to Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 (since April 2012). The tablet is also sold in almost identical form as the Packard Bell Liberty Tab G100.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/04/09/packard-bell-debuts-liberty-tab-honeycomb-tablet/|title=Packard Bell debuts Liberty Tab Honeycomb tablet, clearly adores freedom -- Engadget|last=Melanson|first=Donald|date=9 April 2011|work=[[Engadget]]|accessdate=13 October 2011}}</ref>
The '''Acer Iconia A500''' is a [[tablet computer]] designed, developed and marketed by [[Acer Inc.]] The A500 launched with the [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[Android version history#3.0|Honeycomb]] operating system which is now upgradable to Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 (since April 2012). The tablet is also sold in almost identical form as the Packard Bell Liberty Tab G100.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/04/09/packard-bell-debuts-liberty-tab-honeycomb-tablet/|title=Packard Bell debuts Liberty Tab Honeycomb tablet, clearly adores freedom -- Engadget|last=Melanson|first=Donald|date=9 April 2011|work=[[Engadget]]|access-date=13 October 2011}}</ref>


==Hardware==
==Hardware==
This tablet has a 5 MP rear camera and 2 MP front camera for video calling. It is powered by 1&nbsp;GHz Nvidia Tegra 250 processor and 1024 MB DDR2 RAM. The A500 is sold with 64GB flash in certain countries although both 16GB and 32GB models are available.<ref>http://www.acer.no/ac/no/NO/content/series/iconia-tab-a</ref>
This tablet has a 5 MP and a 2 MP front camera for video calling. It is powered by 1&nbsp;GHz Nvidia Tegra 250 processor and 1024 MB DDR2 RAM. The A500 is sold with 64GB flash in certain countries although both 16GB and 32GB models are available.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.acer.no/ac/no/NO/content/series/iconia-tab-a | title=Acer Norge &#124; Bærbare PC-er, stasjonære PC-er, Chromebook-maskiner, skjermer og projektorer }}</ref>


The A500 was one of the first Android tablets to feature a full size USB port directly in the tablet, opposed to the [[ASUS Eee Pad Transformer]] that provides one only with the accessory keyboard dock. Since the latest version of Android Honeycomb (3.2) The device supports a much larger variety of USB devices including NTFS and linux partitions. Previously, the number of compatible devices was very limited, with only USB mice, keyboard and FAT32 formatted drives ([[NTFS]] and other file-systems were available through apps that depend upon [[Rooting (Android OS)|rooting]]) being able to be used with the tablet.
The A500 was one of the first Android tablets to feature a full size USB port directly in the tablet, opposed to the [[ASUS Eee Pad Transformer]] that provides only one with the accessory keyboard dock. Since the latest version of Android Honeycomb (3.2) The device supports a much larger variety of USB devices including NTFS and linux partitions. Previously, the number of compatible devices was very limited, with only USB mice, keyboard and FAT32 formatted drives ([[NTFS]] and other file-systems were available through apps that depend upon [[Rooting (Android OS)|rooting]]) being able to be used with the tablet.


==Software==
==Software==
The tablet was offered with Android 3.0 upon release. Android 3.1 and 3.2 was made available later through [[Over-the-air programming|over the air]] updates and Android 4.0.3 ([[Ice Cream Sandwich (operating system)|Ice Cream Sandwich]]) update has since been made available (April 2012).
The tablet was offered with Android 3.0 upon release. Android 3.1 and 3.2 was made available later through [[Over-the-air programming|over the air]] updates and Android 4.0.3 ([[Ice Cream Sandwich (operating system)|Ice Cream Sandwich]]) update has since been made available (April 2012).


Root was possible using an app developed by sc2k and published at [[xda-developers]].<ref>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138228</ref> up to Android version 3.1 after which the vulnerability used was patched up by Acer, although by downgrading to one of these susceptible version of [[Android OS|Android]] one can install [[ClockworkMod#Tools|ClockworkMod Recovery]] before installing a pre-rooted version of 3.2.1<ref>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227</ref> or indeed Ice Cream Sandwich.
Root was possible using an app developed by sc2k and published at [[xda-developers]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138228|title = &#91;HOWTO&#93; Root for stock HC3.1| date=24 June 2011 }}</ref> up to Android version 3.1 after which the vulnerability used was patched up by Acer, although by downgrading to one of these susceptible version of [[Android OS|Android]] one can install [[ClockworkMod#Tools|ClockworkMod Recovery]] before installing a pre-rooted version of 3.2.1<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1276227|title = &#91;TUT&#93; Revert OTA 3.2 back to 3.0.1| date=25 September 2011 }}</ref> or indeed Ice Cream Sandwich.


Some leaks of Android 4.0.3 from Acer were published on xda-developers over a series of months leading up to its April 2012 release.<ref>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=22823086</ref>
Some leaks of Android 4.0.3 from Acer were published on xda-developers over a series of months leading up to its April 2012 release.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/leak-dev-ics-4-0-3-acer_av041_a500_0-009-00_ww_gen1.1510749/|title=[LEAK/DEV][ICS 4.0.3] Acer_AV041_A500_0.009.00_WW_GEN1|website=XDA Forums|date=22 February 2012 |accessdate=22 March 2023}}</ref>


As of now, there are a few ROMs that are built based on the leaks and many of them were updated numerous times to be based on the newer releases as they came through from Acer.<ref>http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1136</ref> Many of these, such as the popular 'Flexreaper' ROM are now based on actual [[Over-the-air programming|OTA]] releases.<ref>http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=362</ref>
As of now, there are a few ROMs that are built based on the leaks and many of them were updated numerous times to be based on the newer releases as they came through from Acer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1136 |title=Iconia A500 Android Development|website=xda-developers|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504201438/http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1136 |archive-date=2011-05-04}}</ref> Many of these, such as the popular 'Flexreaper' ROM are now based on actual [[Over-the-air programming|OTA]] releases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=362|title=tegraowners Resources and Information.|website=tegraowners.com|access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref>


In April 2012 Acer released Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 which in some regions is identical to the 1.031.00 leak from March<ref>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1524736</ref><ref>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25378562&postcount=605</ref>
In April 2012 Acer released Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 which in some regions is identical to the 1.031.00 leak from March<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1524736|title = &#91;LEAK/DEV&#93;&#91;ICS 4.0.3&#93; Acer_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1| date=March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/ota-full-package-and-update-29-09-2011.1113878/|title=Full Package and Update (29/09/2011)|website=XDA Forums|date=7 June 2011 |access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref>
This ICS Release is susceptible to [[Rooting (Android OS)|Rooting]] solutions that date back to the original leaks - all of which utilise the 'mempodroid' exploit by [[saurik]].<ref>http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=350</ref> Although the previous 'itsmagic' trick, also by sc2k, no longer works with the updated [[bootloader]], one can utilise the device's APX Mode to install modified images, provided one is able to obtain their unique UID from the device and hence calculate their Secure Boot Key.<ref>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425</ref><ref>http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=388</ref> As the installation of a patched bootloader permits the loading of any unsigned image, one can root the tablet using a combination of a patched bootloader and ClockworkMod Recovery, thus removing the necessity for a userland exploit.<ref>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1823421</ref>
This ICS Release is susceptible to [[Rooting (Android OS)|Rooting]] solutions that date back to the original leaks all of which utilise the 'mempodroid' exploit by [[saurik]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=350|title=tegraowners Resources and Information.|website=tegraowners.com|access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref> Although the previous 'itsmagic' trick, also by sc2k, no longer works with the updated [[bootloader]], one can utilise the device's APX Mode to install modified images, provided one is able to obtain their unique UID from the device and hence calculate their Secure Boot Key.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425|title = &#91;GUIDE&#93;A500/501/G100W-Installing ICS V8 UNL-BL & CWM or back to HC BL(24-6-2012)| date=27 April 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=388|title=tegraowners Resources and Information|website=tegraowners.com|access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref> As the installation of a patched bootloader permits the loading of any unsigned image, one can root the tablet using a combination of a patched bootloader and ClockworkMod Recovery, thus removing the necessity for a userland exploit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1823421|title = &#91;ROOT&#93;&#91;A50x&#93; Alternative Root Method for ICS| date=9 August 2012 }}</ref>


Developers on the TegraOwners forum have produced community maintained and developed builds of later Android releases, which have not been approved nor endorsed by Acer. These releases include builds based on:
Developers on the TegraOwners forum have produced community maintained and developed builds of later Android releases, which have not been approved nor endorsed by Acer. These releases include builds based on:
* Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) based on [[CyanogenMod|CyanogenMod 9]]<ref>http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=370</ref>
* Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) based on [[CyanogenMod|CyanogenMod 9]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=370|title=tegraowners Resources and Information.|website=tegraowners.com|access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref>
* Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) based on CM10 <ref>http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=680</ref>
* Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) based on CM10<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=680|title=tegraowners Resources and Information.|website=ww1.tegraowners.com|access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref>
* Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean) based on CM10.1 <ref>http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1046</ref>
* Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean) based on CM10.1<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1046|title=tegraowners Resources and Information.|website=ww1.tegraowners.com|access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref>
* Android 4.3.1 (Jelly Bean) based on CM10.2 <ref>http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1312</ref>
* Android 4.3.1 (Jelly Bean) based on CM10.2<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1312|title=tegraowners Resources and Information.|website=ww1.tegraowners.com|access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref>
* Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) based on [[OmniROM]] 4.4 <ref>http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1437</ref>
* Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) based on [[OmniROM]] 4.4<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1437|title=tegraowners Resources and Information.|website=ww1.tegraowners.com|access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref>
* Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) based on OmniROM 5.1<ref>http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1690</ref> or CM12.1 <ref>http://forum.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1859</ref>
* Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) based on OmniROM 5.1<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1690|title=tegraowners Resources and Information.|website=ww1.tegraowners.com|access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref> or CM12.1<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ww1.tegraowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1859|title=tegraowners Resources and Information.|website=tegraowners.com|access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref>


[[Ubuntu Linux]] also was made to work in the Acer Iconia A500 by installing the kernel in place of the recovery image.<ref>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1197793</ref> The root file-system for the Ubuntu installation must be placed in a [[SD card]]. Other sources <ref>http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1390351</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxutd_NQqP0</ref> also state that it is possible to run Ubuntu 10.10 by using [[chroot]] and [[VNC]] for a Linux GUI.
[[Ubuntu Linux]] also was made to work in the Acer Iconia A500 by installing the kernel in place of the recovery image.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1197793|title = &#91;DEV&#93; Tutorial for installing ubuntu on Iconia| date=2 August 2011 }}</ref> The root file-system for the Ubuntu installation must be placed in a [[SD card]]. Other sources<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1390351|title = &#91;APP&#93;&#91;1.6+&#93; Ubuntu Installer PLEASE CLOSE THREAD MOVED TO NEW THREAD| date=13 December 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxutd_NQqP0|title = - YouTube|website = [[YouTube]]}}</ref> also state that it is possible to run Ubuntu 10.10 by using [[chroot]] and [[VNC]] for a Linux GUI.


In 2019, Android 10 Go was released. Some YouTubers post videos about how to [[dual boot]] a tablet like the Acer Iconia A500. They stated that [[Android Go]] is really lightweight and free up a significant amount of space for installing [[Windows 10]].
In 2019, Android 10 Go was released. Some YouTubers post videos about how to [[dual boot]] a tablet like the Acer Iconia A500. They stated that [[Android Go]] is really lightweight and free up a significant amount of space for installing [[Windows 10]].


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Acer Inc.}}
{{Acer Inc.}}
{{Android tablets}}
{{Android tablets}}


[[Category:Acer products|Iconia Tab A500]]
[[Category:Acer Inc. tablet computers|Iconia Tab A500]]
[[Category:Tablet computers introduced in 2011]]
[[Category:Tablet computers introduced in 2011]]
[[Category:Tablet computers]]
[[Category:Android (operating system) devices]]
[[Category:Android (operating system) devices]]

Latest revision as of 19:45, 16 April 2024

Iconia Tab A500
Iconia A500 showing its home screen
DeveloperAcer Inc.
TypeTablet computer
Release dateU.S.: 24 April 2011 (2011-04-24)[1]
Units sold1 million (As of second quarter 2011)[2]
Operating systemAndroid Honeycomb, although Ice Cream Sandwich is now available. 4.2 & 4.3 (Jelly Bean), 4.4 (KitKat) and 5.1 (Lollipop) are supported by unofficial 3rd-party updates.
CPU1 GHz Nvidia Tegra 250[3]
Memory1024 MB RAM[3]
Storage8, 16 and 32 GB flash memory.[3][4] 64GB in some countries.
Display1280 × 800 px10.1 in (26 cm) diagonal, LED-backlit[3]
GraphicsULP GeForce 333 MHz
SoundBluetooth, speaker, microphone, headset jack. There is also Dolby Mobile onboard
InputMulti-touch screen, headset controls, proximity, ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, digital compass and 3-axis gyro, GPS
Camera2MP front-facing and 5MP rear-facing
Connectivity
PowerBuilt-in rechargeable 3260mah lithium-ion polymer battery, 8hr life[3]
Dimensions10.24 in (260 mm) (h)
6.97 in (177 mm) (w)
.52 in (13 mm) (d)
Mass25.75 oz (730 g)
Website[1]

The Acer Iconia A500 is a tablet computer designed, developed and marketed by Acer Inc. The A500 launched with the Android Honeycomb operating system which is now upgradable to Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 (since April 2012). The tablet is also sold in almost identical form as the Packard Bell Liberty Tab G100.[5]

Hardware[edit]

This tablet has a 5 MP and a 2 MP front camera for video calling. It is powered by 1 GHz Nvidia Tegra 250 processor and 1024 MB DDR2 RAM. The A500 is sold with 64GB flash in certain countries although both 16GB and 32GB models are available.[6]

The A500 was one of the first Android tablets to feature a full size USB port directly in the tablet, opposed to the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer that provides only one with the accessory keyboard dock. Since the latest version of Android Honeycomb (3.2) The device supports a much larger variety of USB devices including NTFS and linux partitions. Previously, the number of compatible devices was very limited, with only USB mice, keyboard and FAT32 formatted drives (NTFS and other file-systems were available through apps that depend upon rooting) being able to be used with the tablet.

Software[edit]

The tablet was offered with Android 3.0 upon release. Android 3.1 and 3.2 was made available later through over the air updates and Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) update has since been made available (April 2012).

Root was possible using an app developed by sc2k and published at xda-developers.[7] up to Android version 3.1 after which the vulnerability used was patched up by Acer, although by downgrading to one of these susceptible version of Android one can install ClockworkMod Recovery before installing a pre-rooted version of 3.2.1[8] or indeed Ice Cream Sandwich.

Some leaks of Android 4.0.3 from Acer were published on xda-developers over a series of months leading up to its April 2012 release.[9]

As of now, there are a few ROMs that are built based on the leaks and many of them were updated numerous times to be based on the newer releases as they came through from Acer.[10] Many of these, such as the popular 'Flexreaper' ROM are now based on actual OTA releases.[11]

In April 2012 Acer released Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 which in some regions is identical to the 1.031.00 leak from March[12][13] This ICS Release is susceptible to Rooting solutions that date back to the original leaks – all of which utilise the 'mempodroid' exploit by saurik.[14] Although the previous 'itsmagic' trick, also by sc2k, no longer works with the updated bootloader, one can utilise the device's APX Mode to install modified images, provided one is able to obtain their unique UID from the device and hence calculate their Secure Boot Key.[15][16] As the installation of a patched bootloader permits the loading of any unsigned image, one can root the tablet using a combination of a patched bootloader and ClockworkMod Recovery, thus removing the necessity for a userland exploit.[17]

Developers on the TegraOwners forum have produced community maintained and developed builds of later Android releases, which have not been approved nor endorsed by Acer. These releases include builds based on:

  • Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) based on CyanogenMod 9[18]
  • Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) based on CM10[19]
  • Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean) based on CM10.1[20]
  • Android 4.3.1 (Jelly Bean) based on CM10.2[21]
  • Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) based on OmniROM 4.4[22]
  • Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) based on OmniROM 5.1[23] or CM12.1[24]

Ubuntu Linux also was made to work in the Acer Iconia A500 by installing the kernel in place of the recovery image.[25] The root file-system for the Ubuntu installation must be placed in a SD card. Other sources[26][27] also state that it is possible to run Ubuntu 10.10 by using chroot and VNC for a Linux GUI.

In 2019, Android 10 Go was released. Some YouTubers post videos about how to dual boot a tablet like the Acer Iconia A500. They stated that Android Go is really lightweight and free up a significant amount of space for installing Windows 10.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Damon Poeter (8 April 2011). "Acer Taking Pre-Orders For 10-Inch Iconia Tablet". PCMag.com. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  2. ^ "Acer Iconia Tab A500 to be the 1st Android tablet to hit 1 million sold units". Archived from the original on 7 August 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Acer ICONIA TAB A500 specs". phoneArena.com. 16 February 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  4. ^ "ICONIA TAB A Series specs". acer.com. 11 September 2011. Archived from the original on 3 September 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
  5. ^ Melanson, Donald (9 April 2011). "Packard Bell debuts Liberty Tab Honeycomb tablet, clearly adores freedom -- Engadget". Engadget. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  6. ^ "Acer Norge | Bærbare PC-er, stasjonære PC-er, Chromebook-maskiner, skjermer og projektorer".
  7. ^ "[HOWTO] Root for stock HC3.1". 24 June 2011.
  8. ^ "[TUT] Revert OTA 3.2 back to 3.0.1". 25 September 2011.
  9. ^ "[LEAK/DEV][ICS 4.0.3] Acer_AV041_A500_0.009.00_WW_GEN1". XDA Forums. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Iconia A500 Android Development". xda-developers. Archived from the original on 4 May 2011.
  11. ^ "tegraowners Resources and Information". tegraowners.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  12. ^ "[LEAK/DEV][ICS 4.0.3] Acer_A500_1.031.00_WW_GEN1". March 2012.
  13. ^ "Full Package and Update (29/09/2011)". XDA Forums. 7 June 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  14. ^ "tegraowners Resources and Information". tegraowners.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  15. ^ "[GUIDE]A500/501/G100W-Installing ICS V8 UNL-BL & CWM or back to HC BL(24-6-2012)". 27 April 2012.
  16. ^ "tegraowners Resources and Information". tegraowners.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  17. ^ "[ROOT][A50x] Alternative Root Method for ICS". 9 August 2012.
  18. ^ "tegraowners Resources and Information". tegraowners.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  19. ^ "tegraowners Resources and Information". ww1.tegraowners.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  20. ^ "tegraowners Resources and Information". ww1.tegraowners.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  21. ^ "tegraowners Resources and Information". ww1.tegraowners.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  22. ^ "tegraowners Resources and Information". ww1.tegraowners.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  23. ^ "tegraowners Resources and Information". ww1.tegraowners.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  24. ^ "tegraowners Resources and Information". tegraowners.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  25. ^ "[DEV] Tutorial for installing ubuntu on Iconia". 2 August 2011.
  26. ^ "[APP][1.6+] Ubuntu Installer PLEASE CLOSE THREAD MOVED TO NEW THREAD". 13 December 2011.
  27. ^ "- YouTube". YouTube.