#Android: Google Play won't install/update apps.
Or itself.
This has been ongoing for a few months now. Samsung Tab A (sm-t550), Android 5.0.2. Yes, ancient.
I've gone through Google's fucking worthless troubleshooting:
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/7513003
1. Rebooted.
2. Cleared memory/cache.
3. Deleted/re-applied system / Google Play account.
4. Booted to Safe Mode.
5. Removed all Play Store updates.
6. Attempted to update Play Store from stock install.
No. Fucking. Joy.
@dredmorbius If you'll consider buying a more modern tablet, I have a Xiaomi Mi Tab 4. Good performance, there are third-party ROMs available, has an SD Card slot. Unlocking was a pain in the ass because you need a compatible SIM card (it's a China-only device; mine is gray-market) and have to wait two weeks after requesting the unlock, while using it somewhat frequently; it's some kind of anti-theft misfeature.
@dredmorbius er, MI /Pad/. Android device name is "clover". There's a larger version called the Mi Pad 4 Plus as well.
@bthylafh There's an additional constraint for me: I NEED a full keyboard, and prefer a folio-type device.
Apple has this. They ship in sufficient volume and with stable-enough specs that they can get manufacturers to provide shit.
For Android, there are literally keyboards specific to particular _revisions_ of a product line. Which is fucking insane.
Tablet + keyboard comes close to laptop replacement, w/ a useful userland (Termux is ... close). Apple fails there.
@bthylafh The alternative may be a hybrid / convertible laptop -- something that has a peremanently-attached keyboard but can be switched to Portrait mode (for reading PDFs / ePubs).
Otherwise, I've heard good reports of Xiaomi Mi. Not sold.
The ecosystem is just utterly fucked.
@dredmorbius we used to get Zagg folios for iPads. They're basically a case that's custom fit for that specific model plus a Bluetooth keyboard slotted into the bottom half. Something like that workable?
@bthylafh Yeah.
I've got the Logitech Type S for the Tab A.
Its keys were falling off from the time of purchase -- fortunately just arrows (i've lost both left and right).
The device itself is no longer manufactured, so it cannot be replaced. The warranty was absolutely useless.
Few devices seem to get dedicated keyboards. Apple does ... fairly well:
https://www.apple.com/smart-keyboard/
... except that they're missing function and escape keys. Editing in vim will suck.
@dredmorbius It also ships without Google Play services but they can be downloaded from a forum. As dodgy as that sounds, it worked fine as an interim measure until I got it unlocked.