If You Were Going to Buy a Tablet RIGHT NOW...Which One Would You Get?

Nalapombu · 10-03-2012, 03:28

Hey all,

After looking at several tablets this evening at Best Buy I wondered what is coming at the end of the year and beginning of next year and whether the Microsoft Surface Tablet would make a splash at all and become a MAJOR player in the Tablet world or would the IPAD continue to DOMINATE with no let off on demand.

What do you all think?

If you were going to predict, what features do you think will be on the next generations of tablets or what will the next wave of tabs will look like.
Will the intro of Windows 8 make any difference in tablet design and functionality?

Do you think there will be tablets that have a Windows Explorer type capability where the user can access the folders, move and manipulate their files as they choose?

I'd like to hear what you think about what might be coming and what tablet you would buy right now and why.

I have one of the original Kindle fire tablets. It's a pretty nice little machine, especially for reading. You can't beat being able to take as many books with you as you could possibly read in a year and even more. I might try and pick up one of their new Fire HD models that has the bigger 8.9 inch display.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks

Nalajr

Bruce H · 10-03-2012, 04:50

Big Chief.

tcruse · 10-03-2012, 05:00

I would wait to see how good the windows 8 tablets perform. If you get one with x86/64 processor you will be ale to run all of your usual desktop applications as well as the "metro" stuff. Windows 8 is a little different but runs the current win 7 software without any difficulty and is somewhat faster on same hardware (due to less graphics requirements). Most users will find it to work fine. Enterprise users tha have server 2008 hyper-v admin requirements will not be so happy

Lowjiber · 10-03-2012, 05:32

iPad.

Since Vista, Microsoft has totally dropped the ball when it comes of operating systems...IMHO.

***Gallium*** · 10-03-2012, 05:33

...don't put too much thought into this stuff. Purchases are decided on at a whim, or with a minimal of thought regurgitation.

coqui33 · 10-03-2012, 05:37

Hardware: Something with a pop-out keyboard, like the ASUS slider.

Software: Free, open-source Android, which is developing by leaps and bounds.

Drain You · 10-03-2012, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by coqui33

Hardware: Something with a pop-out keyboard, like the ASUS slider.

I had no idea that existed. Looks like I'd break it within 2 months though.

To answer the OP, I am probably getting the already recommended 7 inch Nexus. I love playing on an iPad but the screen is just too big for prolonged handling.

But I plan on watching movies on it too so maybe I'll wait and see what Apple comes out with.

Bushflyr · 10-03-2012, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drain You

But I plan on watching movies on it too so maybe I'll wait and see what Apple comes out with.

The N7 is great for movies. Just DL VLC beta and go to town. I love my iMac, but iOS is rapidly losing ground to Android for a reason.

AtlantaR6 · 10-03-2012, 05:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowjiber

iPad.

Since Vista, Microsoft has totally dropped the ball when it comes of operating systems...IMHO.

Windows 7 is the best OS they have ever made.

I would also wait for Win 8. I have a gen 2 iPad and the Galaxy Note 10.1. Neither of them is all I want it to be, which is a laptop replacement.

I think the future will include dock able like the Asus Transformer, the ability to truly run Office apps, and dual boot Windows and Android.

SGT HATRED · 10-03-2012, 06:00

Tablets are pointless. Get a small laptop with a cd/dvd drive. Tablets can only do 1/10 of a laptop and often cost more.

YamahaBlue · 10-03-2012, 06:10

I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 in December because I really liked the size versus the 10" tablets that were out. Having used it since and the fact that I have an iPhone, I would wait another month or so and get the iPad Mini. Not a fan of Android at all, very unstable.

HexHead · 10-03-2012, 06:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGT HATRED

Tablets are pointless. Get a small laptop with a cd/dvd drive. Tablets can only do 1/10 of a laptop and often cost more.

Nonsense. The HD on my MacBook crashed 2 years ago and I've had no need to repair it. My iPad does all I need and that includes for my business as well.

sputnik767 · 10-03-2012, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGT HATRED

Tablets are pointless. Get a small laptop with a cd/dvd drive. Tablets can only do 1/10 of a laptop and often cost more.

Tablets are made to complement laptops, not replace them. If you're buying it to replace a laptop, you'll end up disappointed.

To answer the OP's question, there are 2 major contenders right now, iOS and Android. If you're a fan of iOS, the iPad will not disappoint. If you prefer Android, only go for Samsung. Since this does not seem like the thread for debating iOS vs Android, I'm not going to comment on the topic.

As far as Windows 8 tabs, their future remains to be seen. It looks great on paper though, but I'm not sure that the price point will be acceptable to the average buyer.

moeman · 10-08-2012, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGT HATRED

Tablets are pointless. Get a small laptop with a cd/dvd drive. Tablets can only do 1/10 of a laptop and often cost more.

+1 and w/ windows 8 touch screen + laptop + tablet that has usb and SD slots in one unit.

BTW: I Fly laptop + IPAD3 and the ipad is in distant 2nd.

HexHead · 10-03-2012, 06:12

iPad. It's the only mature platform.

***syntaxerrorsix*** · 10-03-2012, 06:25

If was forced to use a touchscreen for all my computing needs I'd lose my mind. If I have to hook a keyboard up to a tablet to get it to perform so that I can type at passable speeds I'm going to buy a net/laptop. No way a touchscreen tablet without a file structure and the ability to easily transfer and save data will replace a real computer for the majority of users any time soon.

HexHead · 10-03-2012, 06:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by syntaxerrorsix

If was forced to use a touchscreen for all my computing needs I'd lose my mind.

It's all what you get used to. I bought a new iMac a few months ago, and I'm so used to typing on my iPad in landscape, I hate using the real keyboard on the IMac. Between the iOS shortcuts and the layout, I can type much faster and more accurately on my iPad than on the iMac.

***syntaxerrorsix*** · 10-03-2012, 08:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by HexHead

It's all what you get used to. I bought a new iMac a few months ago, and I'm so used to typing on my iPad in landscape, I hate using the real keyboard on the IMac. Between the iOS shortcuts and the layout, I can type much faster and more accurately on my iPad than on the iMac.

I agree with that, I'm used to 55WPM on a tactile keyboard. I'd be really impressed if I find anyone that can reach that on a touch screen k/b with any degree of accuracy.

NMGlocker · 10-03-2012, 06:45

A tablet is not a laptop and if you bought one thinking it would be a laptop replacement you didn't do your research.
Buy any 7"-10" tablet, skip they keyboard because that's like putting diamond ear rings on a pig.
A tablet is a media consumption device that is capable of light work.
They are designed for internet browsing, reading email, playing games, e-books, music and possibly reading/light editing documents.
They are for doing all this on the go, train, airplane, in the car or at the Dr's office waiting room.
I have a iPad2, Nexus7 and a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7" and 10", all are great for what they were designed to do. If I need to work on the go I break out the MacBook Air, but if I want to be entertained on a 6 hour flight I use my tablet.
Go into it as an educated customer to avoid disappointment. One more time, A tablet is NOT a laptop replacement.
My 7" tablet will slip in the thigh pocket of my cargo shorts and I can watch a movie in HD, answer a few emails or browse some forums while riding the crowded metro 45 minutes into DC then pop up Google maps and navigate to where I'm going once I'm downtown. That's what a tablet does that laptops can't.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk 2

hamster · 10-03-2012, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMGlocker

My 7" tablet will slip in the thigh pocket of my cargo shorts and I can watch a movie in HD, answer a few emails or browse some forums while riding the crowded metro 45 minutes into DC then pop up Google maps and navigate to where I'm going once I'm downtown.

New Mexico to DC in 45 minutes. Thats a hell of a Metro ride!

certifiedfunds · 10-03-2012, 07:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamster

New Mexico to DC in 45 minutes. Thats a hell of a Metro ride!

It's thanks to stimulus money.

certifiedfunds · 10-03-2012, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMGlocker

A tablet is not a laptop and if you bought one thinking it would be a laptop replacement you didn't do your research.
Buy any 7"-10" tablet, skip they keyboard because that's like putting diamond ear rings on a pig.
A tablet is a media consumption device that is capable of light work.
They are designed for internet browsing, reading email, playing games, e-books, music and possibly reading/light editing documents.
They are for doing all this on the go, train, airplane, in the car or at the Dr's office waiting room.
I have a iPad2, Nexus7 and a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7" and 10", all are great for what they were designed to do. If I need to work on the go I break out the MacBook Air, but if I want to be entertained on a 6 hour flight I use my tablet.
Go into it as an educated customer to avoid disappointment. One more time, A tablet is NOT a laptop replacement.
My 7" tablet will slip in the thigh pocket of my cargo shorts and I can watch a movie in HD, answer a few emails or browse some forums while riding the crowded metro 45 minutes into DC then pop up Google maps and navigate to where I'm going once I'm downtown. That's what a tablet does that laptops can't.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk 2

Good post.

You know I got into this one-bagging kick when flying and I'm looking to trim ounces. iPad is very heavy and primarily only used for movie watching on planes and pdf references when working. I'm wondering if a 7" tab might be the ticket here.

Bushflyr · 10-03-2012, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by certifiedfunds

Good post.

You know I got into this one-bagging kick when flying and I'm looking to trim ounces. iPad is very heavy and primarily only used for movie watching on planes and pdf references when working. I'm wondering if a 7" tab might be the ticket here.

It is. I quit carrying my 12" Mac laptop because of the weight. And it doesn't weigh much.

Everything NMglocker posted is true. A tablet IS NOT a production device. It's something you can stuff in a pocket for light use on the go. IMO the N7 is the perfect size at a ridiculous price. I looked at an iPad, but due to the size, weight, and price you may as well go with an Air.

certifiedfunds · 10-03-2012, 11:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushflyr

It is. I quit carrying my 12" Mac laptop because of the weight. And it doesn't weigh much.

Everything NMglocker posted is true. A tablet IS NOT a production device. It's something you can stuff in a pocket for light use on the go. IMO the N7 is the perfect size at a ridiculous price. I looked at an iPad, but due to the size, weight, and price you may as well go with an Air.

100% Yup.

If you can, as G29 says, check out the 11" air for travel. Complete game changer.

G29Reload · 10-03-2012, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by certifiedfunds

Good post.

concur. hit the nail on the head.

Once in awhile, a tablet can step up and get a notebook sized job done if you have no other choice, but its tedious.

Though not a tablet, the macbook air is in the same space. If i had procured a macbook air first and had limited funds, i'd skip the tablet altogether.

No one should be buying any tablet this month, at all, until the ipad mini comes out so that can be assessed. I do have some limited use for a tablet as a consumption device, but do defer to the ipod touch to watch video instead of the bigger iPad if i wish to be discreet. gets the job done. IPAd is mostly for a bigger screen if i'm viewing on the go and have the time to deal with/carry it.