Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5100) S-pen misalignment issue after Android 4.2.2 update

Several weeks ago, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5100) around the world started to get a firmware update to upgrade its Android version 4.1.2 to Android 4.2.2. The build number of my Galaxy Note 8.0 becomes JDQ39.N5100XXCMH1 after the update.

Unfortunately, this firmware update has introduced a new bug to the S-pen of the tablet. There is a slight offset of the landing point of the S-pen on its screen. This problem doesn't exist in previous version of firmware with Android 4.1.2, where the S-pen landed perfectly.

The misalignment problem behaves differently depend on the orientation of the tablet. When it is in upright portrait mode (where the Samsung logo is on top), the landing point is offsetted to the bottom right from the tip of the S-pen, as shown below:

When it is rotated clockwise in landscape mode, the landing point is offsetted to the bottom left from the tip of the S-pen.

When it is rotated anti-clockwise in landscape mode, the landing point is offsetted to the upper right from the tip of the S-pen.

When it is rotated 180 degree upside-down (where the Home button is on top), the landing point is perfect!

This S-pen misalignment issue does not bring much issue for handwriting, but will be a disturbance when drawing, sketching, or selecting an area with the S-pen, as we need the S-pen to land precisely on the screen.

Information and discussions in the Internet seems to conclude that this S-pen misalignment bug with Samsung GT-N5100 Android 4.2.2 firmware is related to its kernel.

If you are owning a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5100) and have not updated to the latest firmware with Android 4.2.2 yet, you have the option to withhold the firmware update to keep yourself away from being affected by this bug.

If you have already updated to the latest firmware and hit by this bug, here are your options:

• To turn your tablet upside-down whenever you use your S-pen. Hopefully it will work fine in that weird position.
• To restore to the previous firmware of Android 4.1.2. You can either bring the tablet to Samsung service center and ask them to revert the firmware for you. If you can find a copy of the previous firmware for Samsung GT-N5100 of your region in the Internet, you can try to use Odin to flash it to your tablet and wipe out all its caches (do this solely on your own risk!!).
• To wait for Samsung to come out with a bug fix, probably in the next release of firmware update.
• To flash a custom ROM which managed to fix this bug.

FYI, here is the on-going discussion in XDA-Developers forum about this S-pen misalignment problem with Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2414053

My Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5100)

My Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5100) is an Android tablet with 3G and WiFi function.

The unique selling point of Samsung Galaxy Note range of products is their S-Pen, which is a button-enabled and pressure-sensitive digitizer pen (up to 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity) that enables us to do handwriting, drawing, sketching, rubber deleting, air viewing, issuing commands, and some other tricks. This is something you can't find in its sister products of Samsung Galaxy Tab series.

Another unique feature in this Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5100) is multi-windows, which enables us to split its screen into two for two different apps operating on the screen at the same time. (This feature is also available in some other Samsung Android devices running the Jelly Beans OS.)

Its 8" size is about the same size as an exercise book. When it is covered with my rotatable book case cover, it just looks and feels like a book. Just like the Apple iPad Mini, this size is easy to hand carry as well as store in a bag.

Interface wise, I still feel that HTC Sense UI is better than Samsung TouchWiz. It is really the S-Pen features that make the difference for this Samsung Android device.

I obtained this Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5100) as part of the package of The Edge 3-years Subscription bundle. It is a good bargain. I only need to pay a total of RM1,163.60 over a period of 12 months for the entire package, after getting RM250 cash back from CIMB credit card promotion.

Well, there is some hassle in registering for the 1 year warranty for this device, as I have no "vendor" to do the SMS e-Warranty registration. Instead, I managed to register the product with Samsung Cyber Service Center.

One bonus of using this Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (GT-N5100) is that my Dropbox account gets an additional 48GB of free storage for 2 years after I linked the tablet with my Dropbox account.

A family trip to Lost World of Tambun, Perak

My family just have a one day trip to Lost World of Tambun, located at the outskirt of Ipoh, Perak. It is an adventure theme park built and operated by Sunway Group, which I would describe it to be wilder, larger, and closer to the natural than the famous Sunway Lagoon in Selangor.

If you want to visit to Lost World of Tambun, I would advise you to spend a full day there, because the theme park is really big in area with many places to visit and have fun with. This means you have to reach there around 10am, or else you might not have enough time to visit all the attractions inside.

The entrance fee is RM48 for adult and RM41 for child. You can get a cheaper rate if you buy the ticket online from their website at http://www.sunwaylostworldoftambun.com/.

You will first reach a souvenir stall after entering from the entrance. Then, the water park is in front of you. I would advise you to have fun in the water park as your last schedule, otherwise you might be too tired to visit the rest of the park. In addition, the sun is not too hot at evening time.

There is an amusement park beside the water park, which you can take free ride on Giddy Galleon, Dragon Flight, Perak Parade, Storm Rider, roller coaster, etc.

There is a petting zoo with small animals and lots of snakes. Take the Rainforest Trail to have closer contact with the animals.

There are some small animal feeding shows between 12pm and 3.30pm here.

There is also a swan lake with swans and koi fishes. You can feed the swans and fishes there. You can also ride the water bicycle, which the fee is not inclusive in your entrance ticket (need to pay separately).

Outside food and drink is not permitted to be brought into the theme park. They actually check for your items when you enter. Food and beverage is available at the stalls and food court near the amusement park. The price is not cheap though.

Don't forget to watch the tiger feeding show at Tiger Valley at 3pm. The show is not just about tiger. Before the tiger show, you can see the performance of some other animals and birds as well.

Some other attractions include:

The Tin Valley, with a gallery which you can see an ancient monochrome CRT TV that is still working well.

Kepura Caves

And something erected...

The Lost World Hot Springs & Spa is opened at night, which needs a separate entrance ticket. We haven't visited this yet, probably will be in our next visit to the Lost World of Tambun.