Those who know me will agree that I am technologically challenged. I remember one time (3 years ago?) I posted here in a state of panic. I had entered my cell phone number on a website that was asking for it in order for me to view something (I think it was a a pdf of a book). They sent me a pin. I entered the pin on the website - not knowing that I had agreed to give them 10 bucks per month. Thankfully - with some help from my parents (who rightfully chastised me) - I was able to get that taken care of quickly.
Anyway, I'm finally in the market for a tablet. It would be used for work only. I need something that I can carry around and enter notes and orders to the central system in real time. Right now, I'm writing them down on paper and then putting them into the computer later. As you can imagine, there are plenty of issues with this - mainly with having to spend extra time to make sure things are correct.
My coworkers all have ipads. I looked at them at walmart, but they're all $400+. Is that really necessary? I also saw some tablets as low as $50. Does anyone have experience with the cheaper tablets?
I guess my main question is: what tablet is cheap and would work for me for at least the next 3 years or so?
ipads are all exponentially more expensive than android phones. Whether or not that is justified... is up to you. Personally, I'd say no. The only real advantage I've seen with iOS are exclusive titles, mostly games, but there's a couple of art programs I'd like to have on an android, as well as support for pen-pressure pens (which, of the android tablets, only the galaxy note does, IIRC).
Try to avoid the cheaper tablets. They'll do everything as advertised. The problem is _longevity_. My sister got a el cheapo tablet that I can't remember the name of and had better specs than my Galaxy tab 2 (larger screen, more powerful processor, double the camera resolution, half the price), but now she's regretting it because the battery life is getting shorter and shorter, and these days she can only wifi for a 1.5 hours before it conks out. I know even cheaper brands like the ones sold by a local chain that have a life expectancy measured in _months_.
If you decide to get an android tablet, make sure that it's supported by google. Some tablets aren't. If you're internet savvy, that's not a problem since you can find nearly every app outside googlestore... but beware of malware. Being able to download from google rather than some 3rd party is safer and easier than having to hunt down the app you want on the internet because google won't recognize your tablet. iOS, in comparison, are much safer because almost every app has to pass through their store.
If your main purpose is to enter notes, then likely your best bet would be Galaxy Note, which comes with a stylus. You can buy styluses for ipad (pressure sensitive, too, which is a plus)... but that's an extra expense and they're ugly. The last time I checked out a ipad pen it looked like a big fat crayon. You can also buy styluses for android tablets, but they're just glorified sticks of metal (and none of them are pressure sensitive because android tablets just don't swing that way).
Thanks for the information. What your sister went through is exactly what I am concerned about. That means I will be avoiding the brands that I've never heard of.
I'm definitely not tech savvy enough to mess with the software. I definitely won't be installing any games on the tablet (I have xbox and lotro at home for that).
I think a Samsung galaxy tablet will be the best value given that I really don't want to spend $400 on a tablet. I have a Samsung phone that has held up well for a while, so I am partial to the brand (at least for now).
Have you heard about the Samsung Tab 3? It's a 7 inch tablet that seems reasonably priced. And it does have google =)
I think a Windows 8 tablet would last the longest vs. Android or iOS tablets since mobile OSes tend to be more in flux and quicker changing than the desktop OS. I hear OneNote is very good for taking notes. The Asus T100 w/ keyboard can be had for just $350.
Of course, you may want something with active digitizer. In which case, the Surface Pro would be more to your liking. Or try something in the Samsung Galaxy Note series (Android).
The one thing you need to know about Windows 8 tablets is that there are almost no apps on them whatsoever and the Atom processor ones cannot run intensive desktop programs (Photoshop, etc.) very well. On the other hand, they are significantly better at multitasking than iOS or Android counterparts.
I would recommend an Android OS tablet. Windows tablet OS leaves a lot to be desired in a lot of ways (remember, these are two different OSes, they're designed to be similar, but Microsoft has a poor history with their mobile devices and dropping support.
The Samsung Galaxy series is probably your best option, strictly speaking from a cost versus quality angle.
I would recommend an Android OS tablet. Windows tablet OS leaves a lot to be desired in a lot of ways (remember, these are two different OSes, they're designed to be similar, but Microsoft has a poor history with their mobile devices and dropping support.
The tablet I recommended is actually full x86 Windows 8 in a tablet form factor so you're guaranteed to have support for years and years akin to every other major Windows desktop release like Windows XP, Windows 7, etc.
Most Windows tablets now are x86 Windows. The only RT OEMs left are Microsoft and Nokia.
I would recommend an Android OS tablet. Windows tablet OS leaves a lot to be desired in a lot of ways (remember, these are two different OSes, they're designed to be similar, but Microsoft has a poor history with their mobile devices and dropping support.
The tablet I recommended is actually full x86 Windows 8 in a tablet form factor so you're guaranteed to have support for years and years akin to every other major Windows desktop release like Windows XP, Windows 7, etc.
Most Windows tablets now are x86 Windows. The only RT OEMs left are Microsoft and Nokia.
Windows 8 is what killed it for me. It's the new Vista, which got dropped pretty quick. I mean, it's perfectly functional, but as someone else pointed out, after Apple Android controls the most market share and has the most apps.
Have you heard about the Samsung Tab 3? It's a 7 inch tablet that seems reasonably priced. And it does have google =)
Sorry, no. I haven't really kept in touch with the newer products.
But if it's anything like their other tablets, then it's a solid product, even if it is a bit more expensive than others of similar specs.
The tablet I recommended is actually full x86 Windows 8 in a tablet form factor
Windows 8 in a tablet form
WINDOWS 8
Ugh. My experiences with windows 8 has been, so far, disappointing.
you're guaranteed to have support for years and years
I have never, ever needed support for any android tablet I've used. "You have support for years and years" sounds more like a disincentive to buy it, because I'd rather have a product that doesn't _need_ that support. Not that google or samsung will suddenly drop off the planet and leave their users without support.
I have never, ever needed support for any android tablet I've used. "You have support for years and years" sounds more like a disincentive to buy it, because I'd rather have a product that doesn't _need_ that support. Not that google or samsung will suddenly drop off the planet and leave their users without support.
The support is not to stabilize the operating system; but, so that you will keep on receiving app updates and new apps. For example, Android 2.3 as well as early versions of iOS can no longer run many apps and the apps installed on your devices are no longer updated. With the transition to ART (Android Runtime), expect app support to completely run dry for pre-ART Android devices in 2 years. My mother's school has XP era Macs and they can't even install Mozilla Firefox (because of the way Apple does their OS updates)! There's like a <5 year expiration date on all iOS/Android devices. Windows devices can last you a decade.
This will not affect many consumers who have become accustomed to shelling out $300 every 2 or 3 years for a new device. (The model works great with mobile contracts or for the super enthusiasts who replace their gadgets every year.) It may not affect you if you are a tech clueless user who do not download apps or download very few, mostly basic apps. I presume you fall in one of these categories, Mondu.
I am a tech savvy budget consumer who has been using the same laptop for 7 years and counting. I have a sentimental attachment to my electronics and will juice every last bit of use out of them. I have nothing against iOS/Android and I actually still use an Android 4.0 device so I know the problems that long term mobile users face. I would describe Android devices as impractical for use over 5 years with setbacks/obstacles begin being felt in 2 years. For my tablet purchase, I knew I was going Windows because I intend to keep it as long as my laptop.
Windows 8 is what killed it for me. It's the new Vista, which got dropped pretty quick. I mean, it's perfectly functional, but as someone else pointed out, after Apple Android controls the most market share and has the most apps.
What don't you like about Windows 8? The primary complaint with regards to Windows 8 is the clunky user interface which shoehorns a touch oriented GUI on to PC users without touchscreens or device form factors where touch is not practical for use. No such problem exists for a tablet.
On a tablet, Windows 8 works perfectly fine and there are a lot of Android and iOS fans and power users that prefer Windows 8 tablets to iOS or Android tablets. I'm not going to claim that the tablet experience is the same as iOS or Android because they are not that similar at all until Microsoft gets Windows Phone apps on to Windows 8, but Windows 8 tablets are perfectly good for use in their own right and do do a lot of things a LOT better than iOS and Android. At the same time, it also has a lot of severe weaknesses.
I'm not trying to pressure anyone into using Windows 8 tablets because it is so different and Microsoft hasn't quite figured what it wants to do with tablets itself; but, to dismiss it completely "because Windows 8" and "low market share" is uninformed. If the OP wants the best note taking experience, longevity, and doesn't use many/any apps, then Windows tablets are a perfectly viable option and I would argue even the best value for your money based on specs.
Those who know me will agree that I am technologically challenged. I remember one time (3 years ago?) I posted here in a state of panic. I had entered my cell phone number on a website that was asking for it in order for me to view something (I think it was a a pdf of a book). They sent me a pin. I entered the pin on the website - not knowing that I had agreed to give them 10 bucks per month. Thankfully - with some help from my parents (who rightfully chastised me) - I was able to get that taken care of quickly.
Anyway, I'm finally in the market for a tablet. It would be used for work only. I need something that I can carry around and enter notes and orders to the central system in real time. Right now, I'm writing them down on paper and then putting them into the computer later. As you can imagine, there are plenty of issues with this - mainly with having to spend extra time to make sure things are correct.
My coworkers all have ipads. I looked at them at walmart, but they're all $400+. Is that really necessary? I also saw some tablets as low as $50. Does anyone have experience with the cheaper tablets?
I guess my main question is: what tablet is cheap and would work for me for at least the next 3 years or so?
Thanks!
Try to avoid the cheaper tablets. They'll do everything as advertised. The problem is _longevity_. My sister got a el cheapo tablet that I can't remember the name of and had better specs than my Galaxy tab 2 (larger screen, more powerful processor, double the camera resolution, half the price), but now she's regretting it because the battery life is getting shorter and shorter, and these days she can only wifi for a 1.5 hours before it conks out. I know even cheaper brands like the ones sold by a local chain that have a life expectancy measured in _months_.
If you decide to get an android tablet, make sure that it's supported by google. Some tablets aren't. If you're internet savvy, that's not a problem since you can find nearly every app outside googlestore... but beware of malware. Being able to download from google rather than some 3rd party is safer and easier than having to hunt down the app you want on the internet because google won't recognize your tablet. iOS, in comparison, are much safer because almost every app has to pass through their store.
If your main purpose is to enter notes, then likely your best bet would be Galaxy Note, which comes with a stylus. You can buy styluses for ipad (pressure sensitive, too, which is a plus)... but that's an extra expense and they're ugly. The last time I checked out a ipad pen it looked like a big fat crayon. You can also buy styluses for android tablets, but they're just glorified sticks of metal (and none of them are pressure sensitive because android tablets just don't swing that way).
"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
Thanks for the information. What your sister went through is exactly what I am concerned about. That means I will be avoiding the brands that I've never heard of.
I'm definitely not tech savvy enough to mess with the software. I definitely won't be installing any games on the tablet (I have xbox and lotro at home for that).
I think a Samsung galaxy tablet will be the best value given that I really don't want to spend $400 on a tablet. I have a Samsung phone that has held up well for a while, so I am partial to the brand (at least for now).
Have you heard about the Samsung Tab 3? It's a 7 inch tablet that seems reasonably priced. And it does have google =)
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Asus-T100-10.1-Tablet-64GB-Memory-Windows-8.1/29461851
Of course, you may want something with active digitizer. In which case, the Surface Pro would be more to your liking. Or try something in the Samsung Galaxy Note series (Android).
The one thing you need to know about Windows 8 tablets is that there are almost no apps on them whatsoever and the Atom processor ones cannot run intensive desktop programs (Photoshop, etc.) very well. On the other hand, they are significantly better at multitasking than iOS or Android counterparts.
The Samsung Galaxy series is probably your best option, strictly speaking from a cost versus quality angle.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
Most Windows tablets now are x86 Windows. The only RT OEMs left are Microsoft and Nokia.
Windows 8 is what killed it for me. It's the new Vista, which got dropped pretty quick. I mean, it's perfectly functional, but as someone else pointed out, after Apple Android controls the most market share and has the most apps.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
Sorry, no. I haven't really kept in touch with the newer products.
But if it's anything like their other tablets, then it's a solid product, even if it is a bit more expensive than others of similar specs.
Ugh. My experiences with windows 8 has been, so far, disappointing.
I have never, ever needed support for any android tablet I've used. "You have support for years and years" sounds more like a disincentive to buy it, because I'd rather have a product that doesn't _need_ that support. Not that google or samsung will suddenly drop off the planet and leave their users without support.
"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
This will not affect many consumers who have become accustomed to shelling out $300 every 2 or 3 years for a new device. (The model works great with mobile contracts or for the super enthusiasts who replace their gadgets every year.) It may not affect you if you are a tech clueless user who do not download apps or download very few, mostly basic apps. I presume you fall in one of these categories, Mondu.
I am a tech savvy budget consumer who has been using the same laptop for 7 years and counting. I have a sentimental attachment to my electronics and will juice every last bit of use out of them. I have nothing against iOS/Android and I actually still use an Android 4.0 device so I know the problems that long term mobile users face. I would describe Android devices as impractical for use over 5 years with setbacks/obstacles begin being felt in 2 years. For my tablet purchase, I knew I was going Windows because I intend to keep it as long as my laptop.
What don't you like about Windows 8? The primary complaint with regards to Windows 8 is the clunky user interface which shoehorns a touch oriented GUI on to PC users without touchscreens or device form factors where touch is not practical for use. No such problem exists for a tablet.
On a tablet, Windows 8 works perfectly fine and there are a lot of Android and iOS fans and power users that prefer Windows 8 tablets to iOS or Android tablets. I'm not going to claim that the tablet experience is the same as iOS or Android because they are not that similar at all until Microsoft gets Windows Phone apps on to Windows 8, but Windows 8 tablets are perfectly good for use in their own right and do do a lot of things a LOT better than iOS and Android. At the same time, it also has a lot of severe weaknesses.
I'm not trying to pressure anyone into using Windows 8 tablets because it is so different and Microsoft hasn't quite figured what it wants to do with tablets itself; but, to dismiss it completely "because Windows 8" and "low market share" is uninformed. If the OP wants the best note taking experience, longevity, and doesn't use many/any apps, then Windows tablets are a perfectly viable option and I would argue even the best value for your money based on specs.