Dingoonity.org

I actually got an XD today (thanks to a GPD developer). I haven't got time to make an intensive test, but although the device has good things to be taken into account, there are also some cons that in some cases are a bit dissaspointing for me.

PROS:
- Build quality is pretty good, much better in this sense that most chinese gadgets. Nothing to object in this sense.
- Screen quality and speakers are good, though at max volume thay distort a little bit. Though I don't think people use it at max volume unless they have some audition problem.
- Analogs are fine, though not great. They are like the ones of PSVita, very similar. I am not a big fan of Vita analogs, so perhaps that's the reason that for me are just at an average level. I understand they use because of the mold anyway.
- Performance is nice, like any RK3288 device, a bit worse than Q9 under some scenarios, like mame4droid reloaded. Tough I use Q9 at 1,8 mhz so not a valid comparison.

CONS:
- Dpad is poor, very very small and really mushy. It's too deep into the mold. Also, making some diagonals is a bit difficult, so playing fighting games is a bit hard for games like KOF or Garou. I prefer Psvita or 3DS dpad to this, and I never expected that I would say that.
- The front buttons are completely silent and also to deep into the mold. When you press it you don't notice them. this can be an advantage for some, not for me. I don't like clacky buttons, but at least a bit of feeling that I am pressing them. they are too soft.
- Position of l2 and r2 is not very confortable. Luckily for me I almost never use them because I don't play Android games, but certainly could be better. Though it's the same problem in the new 3ds XL.

Firmware-wise device looks solid, I didn't notice issues like the ones mentioned in other posts, like CPU whine, bad wifi reception, or HDMI. Everything is working fine in this sense for me. There is a huge amount of crapware that I inmediately removed.
I only have the gamepad app to use Ps3 mode. I don't see the point of the XBOX mode. I don't see any benefit of using it. I suppose some android games will take benefit of it, but no idea because I don't play android games too much.

All in all, is not a bad device, but for me that I only use Android for emulation and need a good dpad, I personally prefer the GPD Q9 or my combo phone/gameklip and ps3 gamepad. But for other people may be different, that depends on the use people do about the device.

Regarding the shoulder button locations, It should be possible to make them "top/bottom" rather "left/right", they would just have to move the hinge location a bit inward. As it stands, they have more than enough space there.

I have nothing to add in any other regard, the hardware issues were already known and prevalent in other reviews. But it's a good thing you've mentioned them as well, maybe GPD will actually listen if enough people bring those issues up.

Glad to see Skelton's comments on GPD XD. When I am testing this unit before sending out, I got better comfortable the longer time when I play games. The design of D-pad on GPD XD is different from Q9. I guess GPD just want to "copy" what NDS 3D XL has- included the d-pad.

Performance is nice, like any RK3288 device, a bit worse than Q9 under some scenarios, like mame4droid reloaded. Tough I use Q9 at 1,8 mhz so not a valid comparison.

Which games have you tested in 'mame4droid reloaded' that are better with the Q9 (1,8 mhz)? I'd assume some of the most demanding games, but if you can give some exmaples, it'd great!

its the portability that draws me to the device! I do find the triggers uncomfortable(maybe they can be flipped.) its comical when i play a shooting/fighting game and all other people hear is CLICKCLICKCLICKCLICK> nbd.

The dpad is a bit smaller and lighter than 3DS, and get accurate input instructions. It is true that many players complained that the Dpad is mushy when they play firstly days. But when they are used to it ,they will  find it is very comfortable. Normally, for adults,If play games for more than 2 hours, their hands will not feel much tired.

I find that the d-pad gets pushed down lower than the level of the body, making it very difficult to know where the edge of the d-pad is. I think this will get worse in time as the rubber contacts wear out. This also happens with the 4 action buttons.

All in all, the d-pad and face buttons are what let the unit down most, everything else works really well.

GPD - as many customers have complained about the d-pad, is it not possible to look at a small design change?

Nice review, still on the fence in gettinf the XD, im really happy with my G5A but i really wish it was a little bit smaller and had better specs. How about a custom firmware Skelton?

cheers

Will think seriously about that. 

the control doesn't seem too bad to me, (just got mine yesterday) but I do know that if you plan an improvement then some sort of upgrade plan for those of us that already bought one would be much appreciated, either a mail it back in for a fee kind of service, or perhaps sell the parts and we put them in if willing to try, or even just a ship ours back, pay to upgrade and you sell ours as refurbished?

wouldn't feel nice if we had to re-buy to get better controls that some feel strongly should have been there to begin with, that said, at least your listening to what we're saying, which can only be good for your future devices popularity..

that is what I actually expected too :-D

nothing wrong with hoping though..