Tablet advice

Mongo

Mongo

Joined
Nov 5, 2001
Messages
8,969
Greetings all,

I am looking to purchase a tablet, will see some use at work.... but I won't burden y'all with what those needs would be.

I also plan on using it away from work, and I'm looking for one that will allow me to surf the web and of course make posts. I am looking for ones that will have the best available aps and easy to use for a tech-idiot like me.

So.... iPad or a Windows system tablet? How much gB will I need? What other devices will I need? Keyboards? cases? other stuff?

Thanks in advance,
Mongo
 
I still recommend generally staying away from cheap tablets for the moment. Trying a few at the store, the difference between a Nexus 7 (2nd gen) and cheaper models is still pretty big (just for navigating forums).
I'm tempted to say that the 1st gen iPad Mini would be a good deal right now. I also like the specs on the 2nd gen iPad Mini, but the screen on the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 should be the cream of the crop.

I would avoid Windows tablets unless you gen an X86 model, which actually runs the same version of Windows as your desktop or laptop and will have all of the same benefits (and problems).

The smallest memory size is usually more than enough unless you start downloading lots of games or movies. I tend to get by just fine without a case, other people not so much. If you're doing a lot of text editing I would suggest just waiting until you have access to a PC, touchscreens may be able to do it but they are a far cry from touch typing.
 
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When comparing prices and features to buy Wife a tablet, I went with a Samsung Galaxy tablet with the Android operating system.
Ran a similar comparison to find a small "player" device a couple of years ago, and came to the same conclusion - Galaxy Player.

iPad or a Windows system tablet?
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Android.

How much gB will I need?
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Just depends on your own personal use. I strongly recommend choosing a unit with a standard memory card slot (not Apple, and not on Kindle either) so you can upgrade as needed without buying a brand new device.

What other devices will I need?
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Headphones.
Make sure your tablet has a standard (not Apple) USB interface for connecting to your computer and other devices.

Keyboards?
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Need to add a keyboard and tons of accessories? You might revisit the decision to buy a tablet, and look again at ultralight laptops and netbooks. My travel requires some data entry and use of standard Office applications, so I carry an Eeepc with a USB number pad.

cases?
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Yeah, mostly for organization of cables and accessories. It can be difficult to find a custom-fitted case for less common tablets, so be prepared to think outside the box; found a LowePro GPS case that was a perfect fit for the 5" Galaxy Player.

other stuff?
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I recommend choosing a brand that does not need special software to transfer files to and from your main computer. If you plug an Android tablet into your computer, you can use just like an external drive with no special software required, or you can physically move the memory card back and forth between the tablet and computer (can't do either with Apple).
 
I use a Nexus 7 for home and work (I'm a pharmacist, so I use drug information apps), but I am expecting a Windows Surface Pro 2 tomorrow to replace a desktop PC that died on me. I plan on docking it and using an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, optical drive, USB hub, and hard drive. My wife is fully Apple-fied, and that works for her, but I find iOS too limiting.
 
iPads are nice and all, but you pay out the nose for anything with higher than 16gb capacity (and those aren't cheap either), and although the app selection is probably better with iOS (especially tablet-optimized apps), there's less selection of free apps.

Android gives you way, way more freedom, which can be a bad thing if you're just looking for something simple.

Most tablets these days have 16 or 32gb. If you want to play some of the more intense games (some shooters or racing games can be 1-2gb) or load it up with movies to watch while traveling, you should go with one with a microSD slot or choose the highest capacity one available (unless it's an iPad, in which case you'll have to think about how much you're really willing to spend). As for other storage, don't forget about cloud storage if you have a wi-fi hotspot. Otherwise, 16gb is plenty for a cool game or two, a few movies, etc. If you're just playing simple games like Angry Birds or Words with Friends, these take up very little space, as do most office/productivity/surfing apps.

How much are you looking to spend?

For under $200, the best choices are a 2012 Nexus 7 or go to Wal*Mart and pick up the Hisense Sero 7 Pro (basically a 2012 Nexus 7, but better).

For $200-300, the 2013 Nexus 7 is the best over-all, $239 for 16gb or $269 for 32gb, although it doesn't have a microSD slot. The screen and processor can't be beat in this price range. Although there's a few Samsung Tabs in this price range, their specs are rather underwhelming. They do all have a microSD slot though, if that's a factor for you.

For $300-400, there's the LG G Pad 8.3 at $350, which IMO is the perfect size; 7" being too small and 10.1" being too large. 16gb built in with microSD slot, great screen, ample horsepower. There's the Nexus 10, which has a fantastic screen, but slightly inadequate processing power.

$400+, and you're looking primarily at the Samasung Notes and TabPROs. There's also the Sony Xperia Z tablet, which slightly outdated (but still more-than-adequate) specs, but has the distinction of being the thinnest tablet of its size, plus it's waterproof.
 
I recommend the Nexus. I have had the Galaxy Tab and an iPad and my favorite by far is the Nexus. Also it is the best bang for the buck.
 
Asus Transformer. It will do anything you can think up. It can also come with a keyboard dock that doubles as an added battery giving you 16 hours of constant use. The tablet its self can come with up to 64gb and has a micro SD card slot for added space. The keyboard has a few USB slots to allow for a mouse or game controller or any other USB device. As much as I like my iphone I found android to be quite easy and a joy to use.

 
I personally love my iPad. It just works better for me. Which I do have all apple products so mine sync flawlessly together. If you want simple you can't beat the iPad. My brother has the galaxy note 10.3 and it's a great buy as well.
 
I've had an iPad 2 for what...About 3 years now. Love the thing. It's my mobile entertainment center. When I bought it, there wasn't much variety available...The few Chinese knockoffs were of dubious quality.
The whole scene has changed now, of course. More than you can shake a stick at.

I bought a cheap (Amazon) keyboard for 20 bucks, and a nice leather cover from CaseLogic for 21. The thing has been reliable and typical of Apple products the Apps seem to universally work pretty well also.
Mine is the 16 gig model and I confess it's almost "full", I have but 2 gigs of capacity left, so I have to be careful.
Watch out for magazine downloads! I subscribe to Popular Photography, and these run 600 plus mg each..... You can "archive" them back to the web after you've read 'em.
 
My wife and I both have Microsoft Surface tablets, the first gen and are running windows 8.1. They come standard with office, the soft touch keyboard is actually nice to use. They can run in tablet touch mode or a traditional windows desktop format, with one touch to go between the two.


-Xander
 
If app support is a key, then you need either an iPad or Android. If you need full Outlook and Office support, then you pretty much need to get a Windows tablet. I have an iPad and love it, but have played with the Nexus 7 quite a bit, and will probably be picking one up as well..
 
I'm a big fan of the Nexus 7 - just upgraded my original one to the latest model, after the aforementioned met it's unfortunate demise.
Great price for the tech, pretty tough and very easy to use!
 
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I'm a firm believer in the lightweight ultrabook + phablet combo. The ultrabook allows productivity on the go while still being very portable. Once you start adding keyboards, mice and other accessories you might as well have went with the ultrabook to begin with. The phablet does everything a tablet does and still fits in a pocket. Phablets also come with mobile broadband as a standard feature which is very useful on the go.

Anyway the main considerations for your tablet purchase are size and operating system. Think hard about what YOU need and then go from there. The 7 inch tablets really are very different to the 10 inch tablets. Portability vs Firepower. On a 10 inch screen you can fit a lot more readable text than on a 7 inch screen. The cost is that you are lugging around a larger device. Pick your poison
 
Did you get your tablet yet Mongo?

I just ordered the LG 8.3 I messaged you about. Can't wait to get it!
 
I ended up getting the iPad air. Also got a Saddleback leather case to go with it. Still trying to figure out how to use it, but so far... it is pretty amazing.
 
Cool. iPads are great. They're extremely capable and have great app support. I just think they're overpriced. But hey, if you can claim it as a business expense on your taxes...
 
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