Tablets (tech)

[shell477]

Friends of mine came over the other day and had Android Tablets (dont know specifically what sort). I was having a play with it and loved the compactness and simplicity.

I am really interested in getting a tablet of some sort to be able to take to school easily, so I can just put it in my book bag and not have to carry around a heavy laptop.

Does anyone have any experience with the different brands? Any recommendations? If one is much cheaper than another brand but just as good I would like to hear this sort of information...

I will be wanting it for internet and documents like Word...

Does the price basically go up depending on storage capacity?

Thanks for you help in advance! Shell

 

[kawasakirider]

Get an iPad with the pages app. You can also get keynote (powerpoint) and numbers (excel).

 

[shell477]

Cool thanks.

I would prefer to compare brands however and make an informed decision on which brand to buy, rather than blindly choosing Apple because they are so well known. Other brands are certainly competing with them at the moment....

 

[kawasakirider]

Fair enough (whilst I don't agree, I understand where you're coming from). Go to your local telstra store and you should be able to test them all out, then go to JB-HiFi and try an iPad. I'd test everything before I bought it, too.

 

[Tsubakai]

I don't think any of them are as good as the iPad at this stage. Most of the reviews I've read seem to suggest the Android tablets still have a bit of catching up to do.

 

[shell477]

cool thanks tsubakai

 

[Grogshla]

agreed. Apple seem to be the benchmark atm.

 

[vampstorso]

I've used an android tablet my Dad bought, and can't say I was too thrilled...really just because Android is rather bare in my opinion. Have you used android before? It's basically exactly the same as on your phone but a bigger screen...didn't enjoy it at all!

Dad then through that one away basically, for an Ipad (now he has iPad 2), which was a much more pleasant experience. It just seems too run smoother, and be more user friendly.


But yeah...if you have any friends with an android phone, that'd be a good example of what you're in for.

 

[kawasakirider]

I dislike the android home screen layout. It seems like something trying to be modern about 6 years ago. The folders don't function well and it just seems cheap to me.

 

[shell477]

Hmm see my dilemma is this:

I only want one for internet and word documents. Im not really that interested in games or other apps ( I mean sure a few will interest me but its not my MAIN reason for buying a tablet).

As I am a poor student, I dont want to fork out $600 for an Ipad when all I need is something basic.

 

[Ambush]

Some phones are just as good. Only thing missing but maybe not. Is word.

 

[Pinoy]

Sorry to follow the herd but I'd go an iPad as well.

I currently have a Samsung Galaxy, but that was a freebie so I can't complain too much about it lol.

For what you want though, I think it's pretty good, but I like playing games and browsing the net.

I think the main thing that tablets have over iPad is the fact that you can drag and drop files unlike the iPad where you need iTunes etc.

Storage capacity is one thing that will affect the price but if you want it for browsing, wifi or 3G make a big difference too.

 

[reaver]

I went for the HTC flyer, its smaller but also cheaper. The main reason though is the pen, as a web dev its great, I go into meetings when someone points out a website I can go to it circle things I like, drawn on it, etc. then put into a note with other comments and it syncs up when I get near a wireless access point so i can go back onto my work computer and have the notes sitting there.

 

[prettypython]

I got a cheapie telstra one. $150. I like it. You can download word ect and open pdf files but no flash player. But for $150 I can't complain!

 

[SamNabz]

Why is it that every time someone starts a tech related thread, someone mentions an Apple product then everyone follows suit..?

Apple products are ridiculously over rated and over priced.

The iPad is nothing more than an overgrown iPhone and restricts you to Apple products and software. Get an android tablet, they offer more apps, run Word, Excel etc. and use better internet browsers than 'Safari'.

Jump on eBay; you can pick up cheapies for $150-250 and they will definitely do the job.

 

[shell477]

There are many tablets that use android though, are you referring to a particular one?

 

[reaver]

The thing about andriod is the interface can change depending on the tablet for example the Flyer has the HTC sense interface which I personally like. Although being strapped for cash you'll probably find yourself limited in your decisions best bet is to do a direct comparison between tablets in your price range then check out a few reviews on the ones you find. Peoples opinions tend to be a little bias(including my own).

 

[Defective]

as a geek, i can't say i was overly thrilled with the ipad! after having a play on my stepmums and also having used the first tablet that came out. personally i'd be more inclined to get the android as the usability is more up to what i like but its all up to personal preference.

read the reviews on each, compare pricing for 3G and WiFi on each and look at both warranty and i guess go on forums to talk to those that have experience using each brand.

i found that using the iPad was just like using a big iPod Touch and that iPad 2 came out less than 6mths after the first one was released....waste of money really.

 

[shell477]

have decided to wait til christmas and see what bargains are about

and new ones will have come out probably, making older ones cheaper (fingers crossed!)

 

[Defective]

Some phones are just as good. Only thing missing but maybe not. Is word.

get a windows 7 phone. my dads old one, you could use all MS office applications, PDF's etc on it.