Looking at getting an additional tablet for the road. We currently have an iPad2 which we really like. We would like a 7" non apple product to add to our collection. I would like to hear from you folks on what you are currently using or thinking about using. The pros and cons as well as any additional feedback would be appreciated.
Jack Mayer said
06:41 PM Oct 2, 2012
Right now I think the 7" of choice is the Nexus 7 at $199. But compare it closely to the Fire HD....depending on what you want to do the Fire might be a good choice as well.
bjoyce said
10:54 PM Oct 2, 2012
Also look at the Student bundle of the 7" Samsung which is a limited release but is still available for $240 at Costco and $250 at some other places until sold. It includes a physical keyboard and a USB adapter, which might make the difference for some people.
Lucky Mike said
03:43 PM Oct 3, 2012
Kinda stuck here as Im old school.........I cant convince myself that a tablet can function the same as my laptop..(had same problem going from tower to laptop).......I have a Nook tablet and have yet to use it.
now that Cell phones are jumping in and becoming the new replacement , I guess a good pair of Bi-Focals and convincing myself its finally time to get rid of my old radio shack Brick phone is in order soon...
What ever happen to soup can and string method....Must have left them in my first motorhome 1966 Winnie brave. number 9 off the assembly line , miss the old girl!!!!
bjoyce said
03:55 PM Oct 3, 2012
Lucky Mike: A tablet can replace a laptop for only some people, but most find they need to keep the laptop. The software/apps are not there to do everything a laptop can do. We have a 10" Android tablet with an external keyboard that my wife took on two plane trips. She used it to read books, play games, surf the internet and to do email and she really enjoyed the light weight and the very long battery life. But she also said if she was taking a longer trip she would still take her laptop both for the software on it and for the larger screen.
Jack Mayer said
05:28 PM Oct 3, 2012
Like Bill said, a tablet is only suitable as the ONLY computing device for a limited number of people. However, I do know people that ONLY "consume" information - emails, web browsing, etc - and for them the tablet works well. IF you only respond to emails and don't really do any other "production" then the tablet would also likely work well for you IF you get an external keyboard. But honestly, in that case it is a toss up between the tablet and a Netbook (which will be around the same price).
For almost everyone the tablet is a supplemental device. I pick up the tablet FIRST if just looking for something or checking an email. But if I have to DO any work then it is the laptop.
bjoyce said
07:18 PM Oct 3, 2012
Netbooks seem to be going away with only a few still available. The laptop manufacturers are pushing more expensive ultrabooks instead. We have a Samsung netbook but my wife preferred the tablet for when traveling. The tablet had better battery life and worked as an ereader and game machine much better than the netbook. Plus the tablet had better resolution while many websites and applications do not work well at the standard netbook 1024x600 resolution. She uses a 15" laptop at home.
I do expect some hybrids of tablets and netbooks with the Windows 8 launch and some have been previewed. But the prices look higher than the current under $400 netbook and tablet models. I do think Windows 8 could be a game changer, combining a touch screen with the ability to run all your Windows apps, but I am not going to be an early adopter.
Technomadia said
07:46 PM Oct 3, 2012
I'm actually about to ditch my laptop and go back to a full desktop computer, which is a huge step for me.
I find that my iPad is functional enough to be my carry-everywhere device, that I hardly ever take my laptop anywhere. I can keep up on e-mail, surf the web, manage my finances, create documents, edit videos & photos, remote into my servers, etc. - which is enough for me to be away from my full on computer for a couple days.
When I am in a full on creation mode for work, then I'm at my desk in my comfy ergonomic chair and 30" monitor, bluetooth keyboard and trackpad.
This leaves my high end Macbook Pro essentially being a desktop computer docked into my monitor all of the time, and never really utilizing the portability of it. I can get a lot more power, hard drive space, memory, etc. by going with an iMac setup on my desk instead. I may keep a Macbook Air around (netbook size) for if I need to do any extended travel away from the RV.
The iPad Mini should be announced mid-month - which is rumored to be around 7.9" in size. I'm intrigued by this, as the iPad is a bit heavy and large to be carrying around all the time like I am. So I'm curious to see if the new mini model will be large enough to continue to be such a highly useful device in my life.
Obviously, we're very much Mac people - so other brands aren't a consideration for us. But I will say, I'm not sure I'd like the complexity and expense of having to keep up with devices on two different operating systems. For instance, that's two sets of updates to keep installed and learning two different systems. Not to mention not being able to share any media or apps we purchased between the devices.
- Cherie
bjoyce said
08:06 PM Oct 3, 2012
Cherie: You two are exceptions for my normal advice since you know your stuff and also have multiple ways to get on the internet. Most RVers I talk to have more modest means so a laptop works for them better than a desktop. Most of them do end up taking the laptop somewhere to use the internet for longer periods like a week or two when they can't have decent internet where their RV is.
Jack Mayer said
12:50 AM Oct 4, 2012
I agree with you Bill that Netbooks are going away. I'll never own an Ultra - it simply has too many negatives and few positives relative to tablets or a fullsize laptop. And unlike Cherie, I'll NEVER own a desktop as long as I'm fulltiming. But I'm not running a business, either.
I'm looking forward to a really nice 10" Android tablet...actually I was holding out for the 11.6" Samsung, which seems to have gone back to the vaporware category. I have the 7" Nexus, but sometimes the larger screen is really nice. But, like Cherie, I like the 7" size for carrying around. And now that my S3 has a free hotspot the tablet simply connects..... I do need a larger tablet for showing pictures of RVs to prospects. So I guess I'm going to have to break down and buy a Transformer, or something similar....We will see what the next "wave" of 10"-ish devices look like....
Trabuco said
02:51 AM Oct 4, 2012
We have 2 laptops, windows and apple and the iPad mentioned above. Now I'd like to find a 7" tablet and will check out the ones mentioned. I'm one that can't go strictly with a tablet. But I do like their portability.
bjoyce said
03:14 AM Oct 4, 2012
Right now if I had a sudden need for a 7" tablet the Nexus 7 would be it. My only downside is it has no storage slot, but since it has a micro USB I use an OTG cable (under a $1 off Amazon), to make it a full USB to use a USB flash/thumb drive with it when needed. The Kindle Fire's don't interest me since they are geared too much for Amazon, missing useful parts like a GPS and I want the full Google experience and apps.
Dave Buck said
01:38 PM Oct 4, 2012
I have a Kindle Fire but use it mainly for reading. I have used it a few time when away from the computer for e-mail that but it's not real convenient for sending.
rvingft said
05:29 PM Oct 4, 2012
Just dumped the iPhone 4s for a DROID .... no comparison on user friendliness, IMHO. GPS s a biggie, so the Apple products are useless too me.We bought the Samsung Tab2 7.7" (a tad bigger than the 7.0") becuase I wanted something I could stash in a side pocket of my purse or use as a GPS device when Terry has the DROID Charge in the other vehicle. Also bought the keyboard, so now I have access in our mobile office unit via the VErizon network.
When we can upgrade in March with a new free device, we will replace the Samsung Charge phone with the Galaxy S III, unless of course, there is something newer AND BETTER on the market by then.
NO MORE APPLE ANTYHING for this family!
WE couldn't easily synch all 256 contacts on the iPhone into Verzion Backup, so I lost some and hand to manually enter the others.
There really is no comparison Apple vs. DROID, and I am NOT into name-brand "keeping up with the Jones" stuff. If it works for me, I don't car wwhat name is on the outside. Thank goodness I was gifted by the Apple, I wiuld have been REALLY mad at myself if I had fallen for their marketing hype and paid top dollar for it!
folivier said
03:21 PM Oct 6, 2012
OK, here's another question on the Ipad. Is there an app that will give me a secure wifi connection so I can access my bank, brokerage, financial accounts while out and about? That's one reason I like the notebook if there is a direct connection I can plug into. AFAIK the Ipad doesn't offer that but maybe there is an app? I do have a WIFI Ranger in my motorhome so have a secure connection there. Thanks.
bjoyce said
04:04 PM Oct 6, 2012
folivier: I think you are getting different security systems mixed together. WiFi security and internet security are not really that related. The main issue with banks and financial accounts is are they using secure connecting protocols, normally https instead of http on their browser. People use internet cafes all around the world to access their bank accounts using https.
rvingft said
05:39 PM Oct 6, 2012
The other piece of info to note is that as of end of September there are no more minutes plans on Verizon.
You pay a Flat fee for each device plus a flat fee for the quantity of data you want. We cut our pkan $60 a month by switching to 1 smart phone ($40) + 1 tab ($40) with the data package. We can upgrade to more data if/when we need it.
Both the Tab and the DROID can be a hotspot. I tried using the Tab as a hot spot (secured, of course) and it connected my laptop, Terrys laptop and the Tab at the same time with NO problems. In a 4G area, with no booster.
DROID RULES!
Technomadia said
09:41 PM Oct 6, 2012
folivier - Most banks that provide online access tend to also have smartphone & tablet apps that gives you a very secure connection if you don't trust the device's browser.
Like Bill said, it's not the WiFi itself that insecure - but the connection protocol. If it's https, you're as safe as it's gonna get. And if you don't trust that, then you really should reconsider banking online at all.
- Cherie
MarkS said
05:05 AM Oct 22, 2012
I use iPads, iPhones and have no intention of giving up my computer. Apple has an attitude when it comes to getting along with others. iDevices don't support Flash. Many websites use Flash. You can't go to those sites. Also with the upgrade to ios6 I couldn't load an avatar on this site with my iPad. I had to switch to the computer. I can't do this
with my iPad. Hitting return doesn't skip to the next line. So I can't use paragraphs on here. I get good connectivity with my devices and do all my banking online without problems. But mobile devices are no replacement for a computer, at least not yet.
bjoyce said
04:18 PM Oct 22, 2012
Adobe has quit supporting Flash for Android, so if you want Flash support you need a "real" computer. Many of those Flash websites are not getting upgraded, the owners don't have the money or desire to get a rewrite done.
Lucky Mike said
05:38 PM Oct 22, 2012
HHHHHHmmmmmmmm.....................I thought Flash support was those fancy spandex tops they sell at bike week in Sturgis and Daytona!!!!
of course my generations Idea of a tablet is a small handheld chalkboard held up to the window sending the message in realtime!!!!!!
Kinda stuck here as Im old school.........I cant convince myself that a tablet can function the same as my laptop..(had same problem going from tower to laptop).......I have a Nook tablet and have yet to use it.
now that Cell phones are jumping in and becoming the new replacement , I guess a good pair of Bi-Focals and convincing myself its finally time to get rid of my old radio shack Brick phone is in order soon...
What ever happen to soup can and string method....Must have left them in my first motorhome 1966 Winnie brave. number 9 off the assembly line , miss the old girl!!!!
information - emails, web browsing, etc - and for them the tablet works well. IF you only respond to emails and don't really do any other "production" then the tablet would also likely work well for you IF you get an external keyboard. But honestly, in that case it is a toss up between the tablet and a Netbook (which will be around the same price).
For almost everyone the tablet is a supplemental device. I pick up the tablet FIRST if just looking for something or checking an email. But if I have to DO any work then it is the laptop.
I do expect some hybrids of tablets and netbooks with the Windows 8 launch and some have been previewed. But the prices look higher than the current under $400 netbook and tablet models. I do think Windows 8 could be a game changer, combining a touch screen with the ability to run all your Windows apps, but I am not going to be an early adopter.
I find that my iPad is functional enough to be my carry-everywhere device, that I hardly ever take my laptop anywhere. I can keep up on e-mail, surf the web, manage my finances, create documents, edit videos & photos, remote into my servers, etc. - which is enough for me to be away from my full on computer for a couple days.
When I am in a full on creation mode for work, then I'm at my desk in my comfy ergonomic chair and 30" monitor, bluetooth keyboard and trackpad.
This leaves my high end Macbook Pro essentially being a desktop computer docked into my monitor all of the time, and never really utilizing the portability of it. I can get a lot more power, hard drive space, memory, etc. by going with an iMac setup on my desk instead. I may keep a Macbook Air around (netbook size) for if I need to do any extended travel away from the RV.
The iPad Mini should be announced mid-month - which is rumored to be around 7.9" in size. I'm intrigued by this, as the iPad is a bit heavy and large to be carrying around all the time like I am. So I'm curious to see if the new mini model will be large enough to continue to be such a highly useful device in my life.
Obviously, we're very much Mac people - so other brands aren't a consideration for us. But I will say, I'm not sure I'd like the complexity and expense of having to keep up with devices on two different operating systems. For instance, that's two sets of updates to keep installed and learning two different systems. Not to mention not being able to share any media or apps we purchased between the devices.
- Cherie
I'm looking forward to a really nice 10" Android tablet...actually I was holding out for the 11.6" Samsung, which seems to have gone back to the vaporware category. I have the 7" Nexus, but sometimes the larger screen is really nice. But, like Cherie, I like the 7" size for carrying around. And now that my S3 has a free hotspot the tablet simply connects..... I do need a larger tablet for showing pictures of RVs to prospects. So I guess I'm going to have to break down and buy a Transformer, or something similar....We will see what the next "wave" of 10"-ish devices look like....
Just dumped the iPhone 4s for a DROID .... no comparison on user friendliness, IMHO. GPS s a biggie, so the Apple products are useless too me.We bought the Samsung Tab2 7.7" (a tad bigger than the 7.0") becuase I wanted something I could stash in a side pocket of my purse or use as a GPS device when Terry has the DROID Charge in the other vehicle. Also bought the keyboard, so now I have access in our mobile office unit via the VErizon network.
When we can upgrade in March with a new free device, we will replace the Samsung Charge phone with the Galaxy S III, unless of course, there is something newer AND BETTER on the market by then.
NO MORE APPLE ANTYHING for this family!
WE couldn't easily synch all 256 contacts on the iPhone into Verzion Backup, so I lost some and hand to manually enter the others.
There really is no comparison Apple vs. DROID, and I am NOT into name-brand "keeping up with the Jones" stuff. If it works for me, I don't car wwhat name is on the outside. Thank goodness I was gifted by the Apple, I wiuld have been REALLY mad at myself if I had fallen for their marketing hype and paid top dollar for it!
That's one reason I like the notebook if there is a direct connection I can plug into. AFAIK the Ipad doesn't offer that but maybe there is an app?
I do have a WIFI Ranger in my motorhome so have a secure connection there.
Thanks.
You pay a Flat fee for each device plus a flat fee for the quantity of data you want. We cut our pkan $60 a month by switching to 1 smart phone ($40) + 1 tab ($40) with the data package. We can upgrade to more data if/when we need it.
Both the Tab and the DROID can be a hotspot. I tried using the Tab as a hot spot (secured, of course) and it connected my laptop, Terrys laptop and the Tab at the same time with NO problems. In a 4G area, with no booster.
DROID RULES!
Like Bill said, it's not the WiFi itself that insecure - but the connection protocol. If it's https, you're as safe as it's gonna get. And if you don't trust that, then you really should reconsider banking online at all.
- Cherie
with my iPad. Hitting return doesn't skip to the next line. So I can't use paragraphs on here. I get good connectivity with my devices and do all my banking online without problems. But mobile devices are no replacement for a computer, at least not yet.
of course my generations Idea of a tablet is a small handheld chalkboard held up to the window sending the message in realtime!!!!!!