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IPad, Kindle, Asus Memo Pad 10 and Galaxy Tablets ?
- Thread starter Invoice
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I shopped for one a few years ago. Found the best pricing / feature ratio with the Galaxy tablets.
Look for standardized plugs and slots (not proprietary crap). SD card slot, for example.
Screen size is a primary factor for pricing. Visit a store and see the choices in person to determine which size is sufficient for you.
Look for standardized plugs and slots (not proprietary crap). SD card slot, for example.
Screen size is a primary factor for pricing. Visit a store and see the choices in person to determine which size is sufficient for you.
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Unfortunately, finding the "perfect" tablet can be very difficult. It seems like no matter which one you look at, even the best ones are almost perfect, except for one or two things. You have to examine what you'll be using it for and what you expect out of it. Do you need 3G/4G, or is wi-fi only OK? Do you expect to stream videos, or just use ones you already have on your computer? Are you already heavily invested in iTunes or Amazon Prime? If you want to store a lot of media, you should look into one that has expandable storage. E-books don't take much space, but music and video do.
I'll give you a quick rundown of the newer, more popular tablets out there and some pros/cons. I'll stick with the larger ones, since that's what you seem to be looking at.
iPad Air
Pros: Fast, great screen, thin, very well built, easy to use, iOS has the most apps/games optimized for tablets.
Cons: Extremely expensive, needs proprietary plug to charge (a PITA if you don't have a newer iPhone already), no expandable storage via microSD, you're forced to do media through iTunes. Almost no customizability. 4:3 screen ratio is great for some things, like browsing or e-books, but not as nice for watching movies/TV in wide-screen.
Kindle Fire HDX 8.9"
Pros: Great screen with highest pixel density of any tablet currently available. Cutting edge hardware specs. Free included 24/7/365 live tech support. Very light, and slightly smaller than 10" tablets, so it's easier to hold for longer times, and easier to transport. Cheaper than the iPad Air.
Cons: A bit pricy. You're limited to apps/games/content from Amazon. Very limited customizability. No expandable storage.
Asus MeMo Pad Smart 10
Don't bother.
Samsung Tab 10.1
Don't bother.
Samsung/Google Nexus 10
Pros: Less expensive than other high-end 10" tablets. Pure Android with ultimate customizability and quickest updates. Great screen.
Cons: A bit underpowered. No expandable storage.
Samsung Note 10.1 (2014 edition)
Pros: Great screen. Cutting edge hardware. S-Pen stylus with nifty features. Expandable storage via microSD. IR blaster (remote control for TVs and other devices).
Cons: Very expensive.
It's also worth mentioning the Windows tablets. Keep in mind that there's ones that run Windows 8/8.1 like a real computer, and others that just run Windows RT 8.1, which is the phone version (and is limited to those apps). The ones that run real Windows are very capable because of that, but that might be more than you're looking for, since it's basically a computer experience rather than a tablet, which is much more simple. Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 2, the Samsung Ativ Q (huge, but amazing)
Another tablet you might want to consider (I mention it, because it's the one I want) is the LG G Pad 8.3. The screen is a bit smaller than the 8.9-10.1" screens of the ones above, but because of its minimal bezel, it's much smaller in overall dimensions. It's only a bit bigger overall than a typical 7" tablet, but the extra screen size makes it so much better than the 7" screen, which just isn't quite bit enough. It's still a full HD screen, is powerful under the hood, can take microSD cards, and is less expensive than the 10" tablets. For me, it's the perfect compromise between the too-small 7" and the too-big 10" tablets. Similarly, there's the iPad Mini 2, which is that "just right" size, has a great screen, and all the pros/cons of the iPad Air.
I'll give you a quick rundown of the newer, more popular tablets out there and some pros/cons. I'll stick with the larger ones, since that's what you seem to be looking at.
iPad Air
Pros: Fast, great screen, thin, very well built, easy to use, iOS has the most apps/games optimized for tablets.
Cons: Extremely expensive, needs proprietary plug to charge (a PITA if you don't have a newer iPhone already), no expandable storage via microSD, you're forced to do media through iTunes. Almost no customizability. 4:3 screen ratio is great for some things, like browsing or e-books, but not as nice for watching movies/TV in wide-screen.
Kindle Fire HDX 8.9"
Pros: Great screen with highest pixel density of any tablet currently available. Cutting edge hardware specs. Free included 24/7/365 live tech support. Very light, and slightly smaller than 10" tablets, so it's easier to hold for longer times, and easier to transport. Cheaper than the iPad Air.
Cons: A bit pricy. You're limited to apps/games/content from Amazon. Very limited customizability. No expandable storage.
Asus MeMo Pad Smart 10
Don't bother.
Samsung Tab 10.1
Don't bother.
Samsung/Google Nexus 10
Pros: Less expensive than other high-end 10" tablets. Pure Android with ultimate customizability and quickest updates. Great screen.
Cons: A bit underpowered. No expandable storage.
Samsung Note 10.1 (2014 edition)
Pros: Great screen. Cutting edge hardware. S-Pen stylus with nifty features. Expandable storage via microSD. IR blaster (remote control for TVs and other devices).
Cons: Very expensive.
It's also worth mentioning the Windows tablets. Keep in mind that there's ones that run Windows 8/8.1 like a real computer, and others that just run Windows RT 8.1, which is the phone version (and is limited to those apps). The ones that run real Windows are very capable because of that, but that might be more than you're looking for, since it's basically a computer experience rather than a tablet, which is much more simple. Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 2, the Samsung Ativ Q (huge, but amazing)
Another tablet you might want to consider (I mention it, because it's the one I want) is the LG G Pad 8.3. The screen is a bit smaller than the 8.9-10.1" screens of the ones above, but because of its minimal bezel, it's much smaller in overall dimensions. It's only a bit bigger overall than a typical 7" tablet, but the extra screen size makes it so much better than the 7" screen, which just isn't quite bit enough. It's still a full HD screen, is powerful under the hood, can take microSD cards, and is less expensive than the 10" tablets. For me, it's the perfect compromise between the too-small 7" and the too-big 10" tablets. Similarly, there's the iPad Mini 2, which is that "just right" size, has a great screen, and all the pros/cons of the iPad Air.
The lack of a card slot makes the Apple products very expensive when you consider storage capability and expandability - instead of spending twenty bucks on a larger/additional SD card, Apple wants you to upgrade to a brand new unit with larger internal memory, which naturally costs hundreds of dollars extra.
My first experience comparing Apple to Samsung was the iPod Touch vs. Galaxy Player. Not only did the Galaxy cost less, but included better camera, better speakers, FM radio receiver, SD card slot, and an internal GPS.
I made similar discoveries when shopping for Wife's tablet. Went with the Samsung again.
My first experience comparing Apple to Samsung was the iPod Touch vs. Galaxy Player. Not only did the Galaxy cost less, but included better camera, better speakers, FM radio receiver, SD card slot, and an internal GPS.
I made similar discoveries when shopping for Wife's tablet. Went with the Samsung again.
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I have my own biases, but I'll try to explain the best I can.
iPads are expensive. Words like "value" or "overpriced" are more subjective, but there's no denying that they're expensive. Very nice, very well built, very expensive. A 16gb iPad Air (wi-fi only) is about $520 from Amazon. In comparison, a 16gb Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) is $500, yet can be expanded with a microSD card.
What makes the iPad "overpriced"? IMO, it's the cost of storage. A 16gb iPad Air costs $520, and the 32gb costs more than $100 more. Same for the jump from 32 to 64gb, and from 64 to 128gb. Let me repeat that: Over $100 more for a 16gb increase in storage. The Note 10.1 costs $50 more for the 32gb version over the 16gb (there are advantages for having higher native storage on an Android device). But again, it has that wonderful microSD slot. How much is a 16gb microSD card? $10. TEN FREAKING BUCKS for a Sandisk Class 10 microSD card. Or you can get a 32gb for $17, or a 64gb for $35.
So how in the hell can Apple charge over $100 for a 16gb storage increase, when a top-of-the-line 16gb microSD card is only $10? For the same reason they refuse to offer a microSD card slot on their devices: They want your money, and some people are dumb enough to fork it over.
iOS and Android both have their advantages and disadvantages.
With iOS, the 2 biggest advantages are simplicity and the largest selection of apps and games, especially those optimized for tablets. The biggest cons are lack of personalization and customizability, and that you're locked into iTunes for your media.
With Android, if you have the know-how, you can customize it to your every whim or desire. Great, if that's your thing, not-as-great if you want to keep things simple. If you have an iPhone, the iPad is basically the same thing, so there's no learning curve, and it's all familiar. With Android, every brand looks different and has its own quirks, which can be confusing and frustrating if you have, for example, a Motorola phone and a Samsung tablet. With Android, it's much easier to use media. Use an e-reader like Aldiko, and you can read e-books of any format (there are several). You can watch videos or play music of any format (might require downloading a 3rd party player) without having to convert them through iTunes. And you can transfer them from your computer with simple drag-and-drop rather than doing it through iTunes.
Android, by far. Of course, Android is a platform, not a brand (except for the Google Nexus line), so it depends on the device itself, but as far as bang-for-the-buck, the best value is with Androids. For $150 or less you can find the 2012 Nexus 7 or the Hisense Sero 7 Pro from Walmart. For ~$200 (with current holiday pricing) you can get the 2013 Nexus 7. For $400 there's the Nexus 10 (16gb, if you can find one), which is unmatched for the price, or for $500, there's the Note 10.1 (2014). The LG G Pad 8.3 is $350 from Best Buy.
If you don't need the latest and greatest, you can find iPad 4s for a bit less than their newer Air counterparts, but you're not saving that much money. If you stream all your media, and keep things in cloud storage, the 16gb iPad Air isn't a horrible deal. But if you like to play games with crazy graphics, or you want to transfer a bunch of movies to it to watch while going on trips, you'll want more than the 16gb version (remember, actual useable space will be much less), you'll want more storage, in which case you'll either have to pay out the nose for a higher capacity model, or go with an Android with expandable storage (and remember, you can always buy multiple microSD cards and swap them if need be).
The new Kindles are very competitively priced for what they offer hardware-wise, but they can offer them at these prices because they lock you into Amazon-only content (they expect to make their money back in media purchases).
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Oh yeah, I forgot about the Sony Xperia Z tablet. Its hardware is slightly dated, but is powerful enough for anything you'd need it to do these days. Very good screen, and it's the lightest and thinnest 10.1" tablet out there (the iPad Air, being a bit smaller, is about half an ounce lighter). Plus, amazingly, it's waterproof. Don't go swimming with it, but feel free to watch a movie in the bathtub, or drink coffee in the morning without worrying about spilling on it and wasting $500. Plus, it also has that wonderful microSD slot for expandable storage.
ETA: Amazon price on the 16gb is $437. IMO, this is a great price. Performance is better than the Nexus 10 (plus it has the microSD slot), although the screen isn't as high-res (probably why it performs faster). Currently, the 16gb Nexus 10 is out of stock, and the 32gb version is $500, in which case it's better to go with the Note 10.1 (2014).
ETA: Amazon price on the 16gb is $437. IMO, this is a great price. Performance is better than the Nexus 10 (plus it has the microSD slot), although the screen isn't as high-res (probably why it performs faster). Currently, the 16gb Nexus 10 is out of stock, and the 32gb version is $500, in which case it's better to go with the Note 10.1 (2014).
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Aaron, great info. I'm not looking for much. Just want a reliable pad to get onto BF and read some mags that I want to subscribe to. As for movies and stuff I have my home TV. I'm now leaning towards the Kindle Fire HD. I don't buy much from Amazon in the way of downloads. So I am not worried about them getting much moolah from me
.
I just bought an Asus Memo Pad for my kid. He is ten. Maybe I should return it and get the Kindle?
.I just bought an Asus Memo Pad for my kid. He is ten. Maybe I should return it and get the Kindle?
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Which one?
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The old 8.9, or the new 8.9HDX?
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The price for the 16gb version isn't out of line. About the same as the 16gb Nexus 7 (2013); same resolution, but bigger screen. Hard to choose between the two, IMO. The Nexus will give you more capabilities, but the 7" screen IMO is a wee bit small. If you want more storage capability though, I'd go with the LG G Pad 8.3 I mentioned above, and a microSD card. Slightly smaller screen, but significantly smaller overall dimensions. Note that there's only a few versions still available of the 8.9 HD, since it's an "obsolete" device and you're stuck with whatever they have left in stock. $229 for the base 16gb model, but that's for the version with Amazon ads whenever you open the device. $244 for the 16gb version without the ads. The only other version that seems to be currently available is the 32gb ad-free version, which'll run you $314; but for that cost, like I said, I'd go with the LG G Pad 8.3 for a bit more money, with the microSD option, and full Android capabilities rather than the limited Amazon options.
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They kind of are, I use one for work and have for the last 3 years (currently on version 3). The information in the 3rd post is a good starting point. The alternative would be:
1. Go to a store and ask a salesperson to show you different tablets and see which one is a best seller.
2. Read reviews on these devices from Amazon, TigerDirect, NewEgg, etc.
In the end there is no "easy" way to find one without educating yourself on what they can do, their limitations, and your own personal needs. Don't forget to look at the Microsoft tabs the Surface Pro is an option. Has a keyboard available, uses MS software, and can use USB devices as well as Bluetooth stuff.
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Planterz (and others) gave some valuable information. I don't mean to step on their toes, as they have far more experience with tablets than I, but I am willing to share my experiences with you in the hopes that they will help you make a decision.
My wife has a kindle Fire HD. She loves it. I hate it. I find it difficult to use and the ads annoy the heck out of me. I believe you can pay a fee to remove most of the ads. The screen is very nice though. I don't believe the kindle has expansion slots (no sd card). To be fair, I haven't used it much and my wife does love the thing.
I first bought an Asus TF600T. It's a nice tablet and it came with the detachable keyboard and Windows 8 rt. The 10 screen is excellent (I bought it to display pictures to clients). I do find it fairly easy to use, but (for me) there was a slight learning curve.
I hate typing on the electronic keyboard and the included keyboard does alleviate that problem, but..
the keyboard is somewhat finicky and must be attached just right for the keyboard to work properly. It does have a micro SD card slot and the keyboard also features a usb port both can be used to add storage space (168 gigs if both are used to their maximum).
There are 2 batteries (one in the tablet and one in the keyboard dock) and combined they give the user a very good battery life. Both batteries charge when the tablet and keyboard are hooked together.
I don't know the hardware specs, but the Asus is quite fast (it's much faster than I thought it would be). There are apps available (far more with Apple or android) but I've not used any of them because I find it easier just to go to the full site.
I like the Asus and it seems to be well built with a lot of features... but there's something about it that keeps me from grabbing it first.
I also bought the Hisense sero 7 pro. This is a 7 tablet and the screen is quite good. I bought it on a lark, after reading a bunch of really positive reviews, with the intention of returning it once I had played with it for a couple of days. Walmart wouldn't let me unbox the thing, so I bought it to see what the talk was all about.
I love the Hisense. It's fast, easy to use and has a micro SD slot for expansion (64 gig if I recall correctly). I use it to read the news and follow sports teams. I hate typing on the electronic keyboard though, and don't use it for sites that I'll need to type replies or responses. The battery life seems to be very good and it doesn't take long to charge it back up.
I find the 7 tablet to be easier to carry around and easier to use (compared to the 10 Asus anyway).
I think one would be hard pressed to tell the difference (screen quality) between the kindle fire hd and the Hisense. I'm sure the kindle is better just not by much at all.
I ended up keeping the Hisense. I just love the thing and the price ($125) was fantastic.
I can't tell you about the sound on either tablet, as I don't watch movies on them. I would assume that the sound isn't all that good though.
There is another option you might wish to consider (given your stated uses for the item you wish to acquire).
The Google Chromebook
I absolutely love mine. It is extremely fast, starts instantly and easy to carry outside (I like to browse the web out on my patio). The battery life is very good and it comes with expansion slots (SD and USB).
There isn't much of a hard drive though (mine is ssd I think it's roughly 28gig) but that isn't a problem as the Chromebook is designed for internet use. It comes with google office (I haven't used it) and does have access to a good number of apps (I don't use them I just go to the sites I want).
I'd say the screen (picture) is fair to good not the ideal device for watching HD movies but it would suffice.
But it simply excels at the tasks you are looking to do.
For browsing the internet, I always grab the Chromebook. It is the easiest to use, by far, and it does that better than anything else (excluding the desktop and laptop but it starts much faster than either of them).
I use the desktop and laptop for editing photographs and the like things that require software and relatively high horsepower.
I use the Asus as a platform to show off my pictures (to clients or prospective clients).
The Hisense is my toy.
The Chromebook is my internet tool. It excels there and is a joy to use.
Were I forced to get rid of all but two I'd keep the desktop and the Chromebook.
My wife has a kindle Fire HD. She loves it. I hate it. I find it difficult to use and the ads annoy the heck out of me. I believe you can pay a fee to remove most of the ads. The screen is very nice though. I don't believe the kindle has expansion slots (no sd card). To be fair, I haven't used it much and my wife does love the thing.
I first bought an Asus TF600T. It's a nice tablet and it came with the detachable keyboard and Windows 8 rt. The 10 screen is excellent (I bought it to display pictures to clients). I do find it fairly easy to use, but (for me) there was a slight learning curve.
I hate typing on the electronic keyboard and the included keyboard does alleviate that problem, but..
the keyboard is somewhat finicky and must be attached just right for the keyboard to work properly. It does have a micro SD card slot and the keyboard also features a usb port both can be used to add storage space (168 gigs if both are used to their maximum).
There are 2 batteries (one in the tablet and one in the keyboard dock) and combined they give the user a very good battery life. Both batteries charge when the tablet and keyboard are hooked together.
I don't know the hardware specs, but the Asus is quite fast (it's much faster than I thought it would be). There are apps available (far more with Apple or android) but I've not used any of them because I find it easier just to go to the full site.
I like the Asus and it seems to be well built with a lot of features... but there's something about it that keeps me from grabbing it first.
I also bought the Hisense sero 7 pro. This is a 7 tablet and the screen is quite good. I bought it on a lark, after reading a bunch of really positive reviews, with the intention of returning it once I had played with it for a couple of days. Walmart wouldn't let me unbox the thing, so I bought it to see what the talk was all about.
I love the Hisense. It's fast, easy to use and has a micro SD slot for expansion (64 gig if I recall correctly). I use it to read the news and follow sports teams. I hate typing on the electronic keyboard though, and don't use it for sites that I'll need to type replies or responses. The battery life seems to be very good and it doesn't take long to charge it back up.
I find the 7 tablet to be easier to carry around and easier to use (compared to the 10 Asus anyway).
I think one would be hard pressed to tell the difference (screen quality) between the kindle fire hd and the Hisense. I'm sure the kindle is better just not by much at all.
I ended up keeping the Hisense. I just love the thing and the price ($125) was fantastic.
I can't tell you about the sound on either tablet, as I don't watch movies on them. I would assume that the sound isn't all that good though.
There is another option you might wish to consider (given your stated uses for the item you wish to acquire).
The Google Chromebook
I absolutely love mine. It is extremely fast, starts instantly and easy to carry outside (I like to browse the web out on my patio). The battery life is very good and it comes with expansion slots (SD and USB).
There isn't much of a hard drive though (mine is ssd I think it's roughly 28gig) but that isn't a problem as the Chromebook is designed for internet use. It comes with google office (I haven't used it) and does have access to a good number of apps (I don't use them I just go to the sites I want).
I'd say the screen (picture) is fair to good not the ideal device for watching HD movies but it would suffice.
But it simply excels at the tasks you are looking to do.
For browsing the internet, I always grab the Chromebook. It is the easiest to use, by far, and it does that better than anything else (excluding the desktop and laptop but it starts much faster than either of them).
I use the desktop and laptop for editing photographs and the like things that require software and relatively high horsepower.
I use the Asus as a platform to show off my pictures (to clients or prospective clients).
The Hisense is my toy.
The Chromebook is my internet tool. It excels there and is a joy to use.
Were I forced to get rid of all but two I'd keep the desktop and the Chromebook.
UffDa
Gold Member
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Keep in mind that the greatest and newest device that you buy today will be obsolete tomorrow. That is if it isn't already outdated.
I have been looking at tablets too. The more I look the more confused I get.
Personally, I try to avoid Windows and anything that Microsoft comes out with. It seems to me that every time they try to make something
better, they make it worse.* That's just my worthless opinion.
*Take Hotmail for instances. Please.
I have been looking at tablets too. The more I look the more confused I get.
Personally, I try to avoid Windows and anything that Microsoft comes out with. It seems to me that every time they try to make something
better, they make it worse.* That's just my worthless opinion.
*Take Hotmail for instances. Please.
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The Hisense Sero 7 Pro is what I'll be buying as soon as I can afford it. A guy I work with has one. It's not the latest and greatest, but it's more than capable enough for anything you can throw at it right now. Internally, it's essentially a 2012 Nexus, but with a few extra perks. The microSD slot, as you mentioned (32gb max according to the manufacturer, but 64gb might work if you format it with the device), HDMI (mini) out, and haptic feedback (vibration). It's also easily rooted, so if you're the type that likes to tinker, it's a great device. Rooting lets you mess around with system privileges, which means you can delete bloatware, block ads, maximize performance, etc.
Sure, the Hisense is a bit thick, it's got huge bezels, and could be a bit lighter, But for the price, it's simply unmatched. And, if you break it, it's a lot less money down the drain (and you can always purchase the replacement plan). The screen gets smudged like crazy very easily though, so get a screen protector for it. I plan to buy one for reading e-books, surfing the web while watching TV, and for watching movies while traveling. I also plan on getting the LG G Pad 8.3, but that'll stay at home where it's safe, while the Hisense will be my "beater" tablet.
Coincidentally, I just read a rumor that the new Nexus 10 will be unveiled tomorrow.
I owned an original Kindle which was a nice tablet for the day. My Nexus 10 is much nicer and is easy for me to use. I still won't give up a laptop but, this tablet comes close enough for the normal run about town needs.
For me it was good value, good performance, and just what I wanted for normal everyday stuff.
For me it was good value, good performance, and just what I wanted for normal everyday stuff.
My only experience is with the iPad 2 which I've had for a couple of years now. I'm posting this using the thing. In terms of quality/reliability...Seems to be typical Apple... No problems whatever.
I've had the occasional web-page freeze, in which case a simple re-start takes care of that.
Apps generally work well and are frequently updated. Mine is pre "retina", but looks fine to me...
I got the smallest one, wifi only. I have a wifi network at home and the ipad connects effortlessly. I also use it at work as the university has full-campus wifi and I can almost always find a hotspot.
The camera is.... Adequate. In daylight, you can get a nice snapshot and post it instantly to wherever you like. Don't expect high resolution. I downloaded an improved camera app which does have some nice features but does not improve pixel-count.
It takes a surprisingly good video. In fact, one of my YouTube videos was recorded on this with no external mic and it turned out fine. I mounted the ipad on a portable easel... Worked great.
Sound through in speakers is not stellar but adequate.... Much better if you use headphones.
I cannot use the on-screen keyboard. Other than to hunt and peck, that is. I'm sure younger folks used to texting could manage fine, but I bought a bluetooth keyboard and I use that for anything longer than a search-word.
I also bought a nice leather case. 21 bucks from Amazon for a "Casecrown" item. Seems to work fine, and offers needed protection.
I use it mostly for my mobile entertainment platform. Books, YouTube, netsurfing, music, podcasts... When they took my favorite world-news program off our local PBS station, I got the podcast app and just download it every night and listen during my commute.
I also have several art programs, and they are quite good... I did this year's Christmas card on the iPad with ArtSTudio.
And....With an app called "Splashtop", you can run your computer on the ipad, which means you can use your ipad as a graphics tablet when working with photoshop or similar programs.
When it comes time to upgrade or replace....Who knows what'll be out? But I think I'd look at the Apple item first.
I've had the occasional web-page freeze, in which case a simple re-start takes care of that.
Apps generally work well and are frequently updated. Mine is pre "retina", but looks fine to me...
I got the smallest one, wifi only. I have a wifi network at home and the ipad connects effortlessly. I also use it at work as the university has full-campus wifi and I can almost always find a hotspot.
The camera is.... Adequate. In daylight, you can get a nice snapshot and post it instantly to wherever you like. Don't expect high resolution. I downloaded an improved camera app which does have some nice features but does not improve pixel-count.
It takes a surprisingly good video. In fact, one of my YouTube videos was recorded on this with no external mic and it turned out fine. I mounted the ipad on a portable easel... Worked great.
Sound through in speakers is not stellar but adequate.... Much better if you use headphones.
I cannot use the on-screen keyboard. Other than to hunt and peck, that is. I'm sure younger folks used to texting could manage fine, but I bought a bluetooth keyboard and I use that for anything longer than a search-word.
I also bought a nice leather case. 21 bucks from Amazon for a "Casecrown" item. Seems to work fine, and offers needed protection.
I use it mostly for my mobile entertainment platform. Books, YouTube, netsurfing, music, podcasts... When they took my favorite world-news program off our local PBS station, I got the podcast app and just download it every night and listen during my commute.
I also have several art programs, and they are quite good... I did this year's Christmas card on the iPad with ArtSTudio.
And....With an app called "Splashtop", you can run your computer on the ipad, which means you can use your ipad as a graphics tablet when working with photoshop or similar programs.
When it comes time to upgrade or replace....Who knows what'll be out? But I think I'd look at the Apple item first.
I was at Best Buy a couple of weeks ago and checked out the Windows 8.1 ones, not the R/T versions but these are full windows versions. It was an Asus T100TA, cant remember exactly but it was a 32g one and ran $249. It was one that had the keyboard included. Pretty sweet.
I thought it was a nice one with an USB port so you could add to the storage and if I had the cash, I would have picked it up. I watched it to see if any Black Friday deals but didnt notice any on that particular model.
I dont know if it is the best model out there but for the price they were selling it, I thought it was the best deal I found as I played with many of them. You should hit a Best Buy store or similiar and check them all out to see what will work for you.
I thought it was a nice one with an USB port so you could add to the storage and if I had the cash, I would have picked it up. I watched it to see if any Black Friday deals but didnt notice any on that particular model.
I dont know if it is the best model out there but for the price they were selling it, I thought it was the best deal I found as I played with many of them. You should hit a Best Buy store or similiar and check them all out to see what will work for you.