Scroll Tablet PC | Scroll Excel Tablet Forum

I have a first generation Scroll (51624?), running Android 2.1. Do I have any options for upgrading to a newer Android version, or is this effectively permanently locked onto Android 2.1?

itm wrote:I have a first generation Scroll (51624?), running Android 2.1. Do I have any options for upgrading to a newer Android version, or is this effectively permanently locked onto Android 2.1?

As far as I can determine your model 51264 Scroll uses an ARM11 core CPU (ARMv6) design - so it is likely to be a telechips CPU virtually the same specifications as the first generation Scroll Essential with the resistive touchscreen - rather than the Oh so customisable Allwinner A10 as fitted to the Scroll Excel and the 2nd Generation Scroll Essential.

It may perhaps be possible for you to find a CM7 (Gingerbread) suitable ROM if you dig deep enough into XDA developer's pages but the problem is that unless you are well versed in adb and are fully conversant in what you are doing then you could end up bricking your tablet with no way back. Unlike the Allwinner A10 -(ARMv7) - (Cortex-A8) CPU which can be booted and instructed via USB, the Telechips ARM11 core (ARMv6) CPU cannot, so if things go wrong you can end up not being able to communicate with the tablet by any means at all.

If you really desire an upgrade then you might do best selling the 51624 on this forum or ebay (some older tablets still seem to attract fair prices on ebay.) and buy yourself the New Excel II which is currently based on the Boxchip A10 (Cortex-A8) which is essentially the same CPU as the Allwiner A10 , comes with ICS and should be upgradeable to Jellybean once the partition sizes have been sorted out and we get a stable working JB ROM available on the forum.

With The Excel II, you will find ICS to be a great improvement on Eclair 2.1.
You will no longer have the same solid metal case you have on the 51624 but the plastic cases are not bad, especially for the money. You can buy yourself a brand new Excel II from here: http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/19074873 ... pla&crdt=0 for £98.75. When you see the specs I think you will agree it is good for the money. One possible downside is the battery spec has been reduced down to 2,800 mAh from a previously advertised 4,200 mAh, so session life has lost some hours.

EDIT - addition Keep your eyes well peeled regarding the specifications of the Excell II as Storage Options have a nasty habit of changing specs mid run. I am sure I saw the Excel II advertised with the Boxchip A13 CPU which is essentially the same as the Allwinner A10 (CortexA8) but does not support HDMI or SATA . Currently Storage Options pages show the Excel II with the A10 chip as does the eBay link above. Trouble is when S.O. change the specs they do not always get updated on 3rd party sites so sometimes you don't get what you thought you were buying.

Thanks for your reply. I've used ADB in the past on a couple of phones. How scary/risky is the upgrade process?
If I go with a new tablet, do you have any idea how the Scroll compares with something like the NATPC M009S X2, which has excellent specs but is cheaper?

BTW the model number in Settings is shown as S1008 - I'm guessing that's the 51624??

itm wrote:BTW the model number in Settings is shown as S1008 - I'm guessing that's the 51624??

Yes it does look right for the 51624.
If you are in a don't care if you brick it mood you may want to try this which claims to be compatible with Telechips •Storage Options Scroll 7" resistive 4K(non-S) and 8K(S)

I have no idea if this is completely compatible with your particular tablet but if it is then it may be a route to Gingerbread for you.
You need to read quite a lot but all you need seems to be here: http://androtab.info/cyanogenmod/telechips/

Just remember We take no responsibility for you bricking your tablet

If after reading it all and checking the compatability list you don't feel happy about proceding then don't do it.

Regarding the NATPC M009S X2 - I agree it is very good (certainly spec-wise anyway) so does seem a good buy. Have a good look around but be very careful about specifications on some sites. I have seen the 2nd Gen Excel for sale new for £70.00 but you do have to really look around but there are bargains out there.