DSLRController and my 1st Android device

Android?  I thought you were an Apple Fanboy?

Well, I am not throwing out any Apple products, so don't worry, many people would still consider me an Apple Fanboy.  In fact, I think all you need to do to earn that title is to own at least one Apple device and bring up said device on a forum or social media.  I have seen that "Fanboy" title thrown around like an unknown wrestler in his first match against a superstar.

Why buy an Android if you have no plans to switch ecosystems?

There are really three reasons:

1.  Android devices can be cheap - I paid $79.99 for the Asus 7 Android device.  You can actually find Android devices for even less, but I wanted a known brand and paid more for it.   Of course, they make higher end Android devices with better screens and faster processors, but this one works for my needs.

Note:  I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products in this post.

2.  Geekiness - My inner-geek has always had a curiosity about Android, but I refused to spend over $100 for a device just because I was curious about it.   With the prices falling, I was ready to let my geek light shine.

3. DSLRController app - This was the straw that broke the camel's back.  The app allows for wired and wireless control (requires a TP Link router) of specific Canon DSLRs.  I own a Canon 5D Mark III and this app was the most intriguing thing about Android to me.  Similar devices cost a lot more and while I wanted this feature, I didn't want to spend a fortune for a one-trick pony.  

First Impressions of the Asus?

I had no expectations for it to be as brilliant as the Apple devices I own and it doesn't approach the silky smoothness of the iPhone 6 Plus or iPad Air 2.  I am still messing around with it and I will have a full review at some point, but if it only had the DSLRController app, it would have been worth the money for me.  Being able to get a live view from my camera with tons of control makes my fairly expensive camera much more useful.   I already own a Chromecast, so I will spend some time getting acquainted with apps like BubbleuPnP and Localcast.  I don't see it replacing Airplay as my media streamer of choice, but it is a nice addition to my media center.   Also, the fact that it works with Airfoil means that I can use it as an Airplay receiving device alongside my other Airplay devices.

I should mention that it has had a couple small issues.   Some apps load very slowly or need to be started, stopped, and restarted to work.  I usually just leave those apps open if I plan to use them very often (WeMo remote would be one example).   It hasn't been an issue with every app, so it could just be something inherent in the way WeMo works.

Final Thoughts?

I like it!   Unlike some people that consider one of the two or three tech mega-corporations their religion, I choose devices based on my needs.  Yes, I like Apple devices, but I also use several Google software products...like most people.   Until now, I didn't have a compelling reason to even try Android.  To be honest, if this app was on iOS, I still wouldn't own an Android device.  It is just a matter of having choice and, in this case, they gave me an additional, very compelling, choice.   If you have some suggestions for Android-only apps I should try, please leave a comment or send an email.

I will review the DSLRController app soon, so make sure you check back in if you are interested.