The PIPO Max-M1 has gotten a Jelly Bean update from PIPO but it kind of sucked.
1 - PIPO removed the Jelly Bean keyboard and only had the Pinyin Installed by default
2 - PIPO decided they had better ideas than Project Butter (google it) and decided to use GoLauncher instead (idiots)
3. PIPOs build prop sucks (bad market results)
4. PIPOs new JB firmware is difficult to root.
We fixed ALL of the above issues including rooting (which we found a tool that works for this unit). Fixed the keyboard, fixed the launcher, and fixed the build.prop as well as several other minor annoyances.
The device is now simply stunning. Google's work on smoothing out performance in Jelly Bean is well noted when using the stock launcher. The PIPO M1 as sold and configured by us is the best 9.7" Android Tab your money can buy. The Touchpad doesn't even come close because the RK3066 is such a beast of a processor. There really aren't many 9.7" options available for Android so that is also another reason I can make that statement. I will also be testing the Yuandao N90 II today. I liked the N101 II a LOT so I figured testing the N90 II would be fair as it is also 9.7". I like the 9.7" formfactor MUCH MUCH more than the 10.1" form-factor. The latest batch of M1s also had a tighter build and less light-bleed on the screens. They are VERY good units. The Speaker still kind of sucks.
We will be releasing this firmware to our Ready2GO customers first (first orders are being filled next week)and will be providing the firmware for download on our site for our dropship customers and others in a few weeks. Just keep an eye on our support section.
That all being said, the N101 II screen has a higher Pixel Density and after a few weeks of use... yes I do notice a difference. (yerg... I strongly contested this point earlier on but I have given in, the higher pixel density while only a slight difference is noticeable).
The design on the N101 II is also better. It feels thinner due to the edge design and the metal back and front face are more seemless (think more like the iPad 2) vs. the PIPO M1 which has the plastic black border/ring design. The N101 II also has the plastic ring but the edge of the back of the device is flush with it so you don't notice it. I know... minor differences but it does make an overall difference for a device you almost always hold when you use. I love the styling on the PIPO M1. The back panel on that device is sharp and unique so that is in its favor, but overall the N101 II wins in the "well built" category. The PIPO M1 is also very well built but the N101 II edges it out.
The N101 II has a 2nd Gen IPS screen. Brighter, less light bleed, less power draw. As mentioned above it also has a higher pixel density.
The N101 II has 32 GB of internal storage, the M1 has 16 GB.
As annoying as it is, Android and its app ecosystem is built around the 10.1" formfactor. So, there is better app compatability with the N101 II vs the PIPO M1, especially if you are big gamer. That being said, I still prefer the 9.7" 4:3 screen size.
So... which would I keep... the N101 II at this point wins the day. But only by a slim margin. I love both devices. The PIPO M1 is also a smidge lighter and the 4:3 form factory is easier to hold and use (forgot to mention these things). The N101 II edges it out in several areas and clearly wins though when it comes to the screen tech/resolution and the larger internal storage.
