Which Tablet??

[Wheezy50]

I'm thinking about getting a tablet for those times sitting at the computer isn't convenient. I've never had one so this will be a first. Anyone have advice for a newbie?

I'm thinking about the 10" screen, will be for internet browsing, email, apps etc. I would classify it as "light use"

Probably not concerned about cell connection, don't want to pay another monthly bill, and my phone will do most things I need. Will most likely just be using it on Wi fi at home or the occasional vacation.

I'm not ruling out the Ipad but probably leaning more towards an Android tablet since thats what my phone is.

I don't even know all the questions to ask, but any input is appreciated.

 

[sepe]

My brother and I both have Acers. I've got the ICONIA a200 and I believe he has the ICONIA a500. His has a few more goodies (better camera and an additional camera) but mine was cheaper and was a great replacement for college textbooks. I'm not a huge fan of typing on a tablet but you can get cases with usb or bluetooth keyboards. I decided that inexpensive was better than being able to connect if there wasn't wifi signal. There are so many public places with free wifi that it doesn't really make much sense to me to add another monthly bill just so I can use it anywhere.

 

[mlzoiss]

None are better than the iPad, but I use my laptop mostly.

 

[sepe]

None are better than the iPad, but I use my laptop mostly.

Can you give some actual reasons none are better than an iPad? Maybe some side by side benchtop tests? From my research when I was buying, you could spend less money for very, very similar specs on a handful of different android tablets.

 

[OneBadV8]

I think I'm picking up a Windows 8 RT Tablet this week. I know there is a kiosk with them at the Keystone mall. Not sure if they have them in Plainfield or anywhere else

 

[redneckmedic]

Ignore the Apple koolaid BS, I've got a Samsung Galaxy 10.1 wifi only,not only do I love it, but I've had far fewer problems than my firefighter housemates and their ipads. Apple makes a good product but their superior elitist crap has to go.

I ignored the otterbox and bought a gumdrop case... also a superior product.

2 points: I can't go online while driving (I chose not to have the 4g)- no biggie
The male charging cable has a design flaw and wears out over time, but is easily replaced by Samsung.

Using the galaxy is easier than ipad and less expensive. Plus if you are already in the android cult, you can skip the heart eating blood drinking first week of hazing.

Multi-app interface
Tactile buttons
Reliable apps
Taskbar interface
Don't have to go into apple store to buy
Front & user facing cameras
If you are already on gmail/android you sync 100% in about 1min

 

[Fenway]

I've got an iPad and a Nexus7 32gb. I'm using the Nexus more these days because of the size

 

[perry]

I have an iPad 3 and while I do love it I have found I can get more done with my laptop. I bought it to do school work on and I have found my school makes heavy use of Flash presentations so I can't use it for that. I'm thinking the iPad may find itself up for sale pretty soon. It is a very neat device and I doubt you would be unhappy with one. I am far from an Apple fan boy, but I do think they make nice products.

I played with the Note tablet at Fry's and it seemed nice. Shrug. The Google Nexus 10 coming out shortly sounds like it has some pretty solid hardware and it may put Apple on notice.

 

[fullmetaljesus]

Toshiba thrive. A love mine. Quick, beautiful screen, android, and I didn't have to sort to being a hooker to afford it

 

[ZbornacSVT]

I think I'm picking up a Windows 8 RT Tablet this week. I know there is a kiosk with them at the Keystone mall. Not sure if they have them in Plainfield or anywhere else

Do yourself a favor and wait for the PRO model. THe RT model will only run software downloaded from the windows store, but the PRO will be a full blown version of windows and all your existing software will work as well.

I will take a serious look at dumping my IPad3 for the Surface PRO.

 

[OneBadV8]

Do yourself a favor and wait for the PRO model. THe RT model will only run software downloaded from the windows store, but the PRO will be a full blown version of windows and all your existing software will work as well.

I will take a serious look at dumping my IPad3 for the Surface PRO.

Yeah, I know. But I want a tablet to be a tablet. I don't want it to be a laptop replacement.

 

[ZbornacSVT]

Yeah, I know. But I want a tablet to be a tablet. I don't want it to be a laptop replacement.

Then the Surface should be out of your options.....it is a workhorse.

 

[Roadie]

My main problem with the iPad is having to pay a ridiculous sum to get more memory, vs expanding the memory yourself with an sdCard on an Android tablet for MUCH less.

My son has an iPad, it is well built, runs great, etc, but IMO you can get that in a high end Android tablet as well, but at a lower price without the proprietary nature of the Apple product..

 

[Mad Macs]

My main problem with the iPad is having to pay a ridiculous sum to get more memory, vs expanding the memory yourself with an sdCard on an Android tablet for MUCH less.

My son has an iPad, it is well built, runs great, etc, but IMO you can get that in a high end Android tablet as well, but at a lower price without the proprietary nature of the Apple product..

What is proprietary about Apple products?

 

[Roadie]

What is proprietary about Apple products?

Perhaps I should have said "non user upgrade-able, modifiable and/or replaceable" in regards to batteries, memory, connectors, software/apps etc. Although, you must admit that the Android OS is much more "open" and iOS much more "proprietary" ..

 

[jkaetz]

What is proprietary about Apple products?

Are you serious? What isn't. Their new connector is so proprietary they're trying to keep others from using it by controlling the supply of pins for it. They want to be the only source and certify everything that plugs into their devices. Charge with a $2 cable? Forget it, you have to pay $10. Want to connect it to your TV? Oh that'll be $150 for what amounts to not much more than an HDMI cable.

@OP, if you've never seriously used a tablet, see if you can borrow one from a friend for a week or so. Tablets are great gadgets, but in the end that's about all they are. You can browse INGO, but as soon as you want to reply to a post, the tablet's biggest shortcoming will show itself. As for which one to get, I'd still go for an Android tablet before Windows RT. RT may catch up, but I don't think they have the developer base that apple and android do. If you really want a windows tablet, I'd seriously look at the Surface Pro or one of the convertible ultrabooks coming out. I myself always find myself in need of a keyboard.

 

[OneBadV8]

@OP, if you've never seriously used a tablet, see if you can borrow one from a friend for a week or so. Tablets are great gadgets, but in the end that's about all they are. You can browse INGO, but as soon as you want to reply to a post, the tablet's biggest shortcoming will show itself. As for which one to get, I'd still go for an Android tablet before Windows RT. RT may catch up, but I don't think they have the developer base that apple and android do. If you really want a windows tablet, I'd seriously look at the Surface Pro or one of the convertible ultrabooks coming out. I myself always find myself in need of a keyboard.

You do realize that the covers on the Surface tablets are also keyboards, right?

 

[rooster]

I really like all the new tablets they are coming out with that have optional attachable keyboards or keyboard docks available. May not need a laptop replacement but the tablets with the option of a keyboard look to be a lot more powerful than the rest

 

[Roadie]

Are you serious? What isn't. Their new connector is so proprietary they're trying to keep others from using it by controlling the supply of pins for it. They want to be the only source and certify everything that plugs into their devices. Charge with a $2 cable? Forget it, you have to pay $10. Want to connect it to your TV? Oh that'll be $150 for what amounts to not much more than an HDMI cable.

@OP, if you've never seriously used a tablet, see if you can borrow one from a friend for a week or so. Tablets are great gadgets, but in the end that's about all they are. You can browse INGO, but as soon as you want to reply to a post, the tablet's biggest shortcoming will show itself. As for which one to get, I'd still go for an Android tablet before Windows RT. RT may catch up, but I don't think they have the developer base that apple and android do. If you really want a windows tablet, I'd seriously look at the Surface Pro or one of the convertible ultrabooks coming out. I myself always find myself in need of a keyboard.

Very true.. If you forget your cable with an iPhone, and ask your co-workers if anyone has one it goes like this..

"No, I have a USB"
"No, I have a USB"
"No, I have a USB"
"Yes, I do.."
*Great, is it for the iPhone 5?*
"No, mine is a 4, sorry, different cable"

If you any Android phone, and forget your cable..

"Sure, my USB cable from my Pantech will fit your Droid X just fine!"

 

[Roadie]

iPad would be your best bet over all.

Well, after a well thought out, informative, fact filled post like that, how can the OP make any other choice but an iPad?