I admit I don't keep up with technology much any more and Diane is wanting a tablet type computer so she doesn't have to drag out her full sized laptop and mess around with cables & cords every time she wants to check emails or do any researching (her battery is pretty much wasted and won't hold a charge). My question is, with all the different names I see online for brands is there any one or 2 that seem to be the most popular and reliable? All the really does is e-mails and look up things on Google for areas we plan to visit so she doesn't need a very powerful unit. It would be nice if it had a place to put a SD card I guess and a od sized screen would be nice. Thanks in advance
Barbaraok said
01:08 PM Sep 10, 2015
I have a iPad (iPad mini actually) in addition to our Mac Pro lap book and my smart phone. So since we are an Apple family, we went with the iPad. Simple to use, etc. Had a regular size iPad (1st generation) and upgraded to the mini because I like it's size for carrying around - bigger than a smart phone, but light and easy for reading, etc.
Barb
soos said
02:31 PM Sep 10, 2015
I also have an iPad, but a full sized one. Its my "go-to" computer, and its not very often that I open up the laptop these days.
If I were going to buy again, I would still probably get an iPad, partly because Apple does a better job (IMO) of protecting against viruses.
One of the key features that I think is important is that it has its own data plan (on the Verizon network), so even as we are driving down the highway, like we are right now, I don't need to tether to my hotspot. I can just surf away and check email.
I also use it to get satellite views of upcoming fuel stations etc. to see if I think there is enough room to maneuver the rig.
Sue
PD CFK said
03:24 PM Sep 10, 2015
We have an iPad air, our second. I love it for all above uses. It's wonderful for Google maps, for getting right down to looking at the exits where we're getting off to pulling up web sites, live directions etc. Without having to sign in to my email each time I would simply like to take a look, very simple. The new one that came out today may might be a bit large to be carrying around however if it has the same functionality it may still be a consideration as my eyes continue to age.
Lucky Mike said
07:22 PM Sep 10, 2015
I have an AT&T..ASUS Pad phone.......its simply a larger screen my cell phone slips into and converts it into a tablet....kinda the best of both worlds and is about the size of the larger kindles.......
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Thursday 10th of September 2015 07:22:59 PM
fun2travel said
08:51 PM Sep 10, 2015
iPad Air here. It's my second iPad. I am really happy with it. It is very easy to use
bjoyce said
09:42 PM Sep 10, 2015
A matter of taste. We have Android tablets here, but mostly use our large Samsung Note 3 phones like small tablets. Also look at the Microsoft Surface, it is a tablet that also runs Windows.
The Surface has a microSD slot and some Android also ones have these. I haven't seen a full sized SD slot on a tablet in a few years. You can get some great deals on microSD cards with SD adapters, under $15 for 32GB on Amazon. Apple does make a Lightning to SD card reader.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Thursday 10th of September 2015 10:26:59 PM
Hdrider said
09:21 AM Sep 11, 2015
Thanks for the comments. We have never had Apple products and we use a Android phone so I'm not sure we will move to an Apple now but it is food for thought.
There is a new Fire something with a 9" screen. anyone know anything about it?
Terry and Jo said
09:36 AM Sep 11, 2015
Even though I was once a manager for a major, national electronics company, I've since lost all the technical knowledge associated with that occupation. However, somehow, Jo has four different e-mail accounts that come to her phone, so she is always able to check e-mails. Now, she's not really "enthused" to try to reply to many of them on the phone because she really doesn't like the smaller keyboard on her Samsung phone. (Don't ask me which one it is. All I know is that it does have a stylus.)
She also uses her phone for an e-reader.
Terry
Clay L said
10:02 AM Sep 11, 2015
We use Kindle Fire tablets. The browser is fine for what you want to use it for. Will also double as an e reader .
In fact that is what I will take to the hospital next week when I get a knee replacement and will be there for a couple of days.
I don't care for Apple and won't use anything they make. Steve Jobs pi**ed me off so much in a meeting once that I told him I did not have to put up with his arrogant BS and walked out on him. I still carry a grudge. Childish I know but that is the way it is.
bjoyce said
11:14 AM Sep 11, 2015
I do have an opinion on Fire tablets. I think of them as crippled, because they do not have all the features of the other types, since they only use the Amazon store and do not have the full range of sensors and features of competing tablets. They work for many, but others find them limited compared to even the cheaper Acer, Samsung or Asus tablets you can buy for similar prices. Amazon makes them mostly for Prime members that are online all the time with unlimited bandwidth. I might be a Prime member, but I don't have unlimited bandwidth.
PIEERE said
09:10 AM Sep 13, 2015
I like my laptops; yes I am greedy I have three; two Acers the newest has Win 8.1 and tried Win/10 but reverted back. The other is an old 05 model now has Win/7. I also have my Gateway which now has Linux Mint. I have a Elcheapo 7" RCA tablet but my eyes are to old to read the print; Could zoom it but too lazy! I also like larger keyboards.
As for the best; maybe Consumer Reports or ZDNet; Computer world or the like would be a good place to look.
Jack Mayer said
10:28 AM Sep 13, 2015
First, let me agree with Bill.....Fire tablets have limited functionality and would not be something I would recommend for general purpose use. They are great if you are doing "Amazon stuff", but after that they go downhill fast.
I have many tablets: original Nexus 7, iPad Retina, Samsung Galaxy Pro 8.4, Galaxy 10", and another (new) Galaxy 10". I also have an Asus hybrid tablet/computer - a T100 that runs W10 and has a 10" detachable "tablet". I've pretty much used all the tablet types/sizes in all kinds of circumstances.
What will work for one person does not necessarily work for another. It depends as much on WHERE you will use it as HOW you will use it. I'll make some generalizations; but they will not apply to everyone in every situation. So read between the lines and apply your circumstances.
I prefer Android devices. They have more capability and are generally lower priced for better capabilities.
IF totally computer challenged an iPad would be a great choice. They are far simpler in their user interface; however, that presents limitations that drive me bonkers. BUT, if you have mostly Appple computers the iPad is a no-brainer. I would not buy Android in that situation.
I think that on balance the 8.4" form factor of my Samsung Pro 8.4 is the most usable ( a Nexus 9" would fall into that size as well). The larger tablets are too big to hold for long, and do not balance well on your lap if adding a keyboard. For typical tablet "consumption" activities I really like the 8.4" size. It holds in your hand easily and the case balances the device on a table well.
I don't find the 64gig limits to be restrictive....but it depends on what you do with the device.
For a general purpose machine that you "can" do production on, my T100 running W10 is very nice. Small, but nice. Not something you would use all day for creating things. But good in a pinch and easy to carry around. It is now my "spare" windows computer. It generally goes with me if I leave the RV for the day.
I - by far - pick up the 8.4" the most. I RARELY use the iPad. It simply does not compare favorably in any way to the Samsung Pro.
Just my opinions....take them for what they are worth. No matter what advice you receive, go try a bunch out to see what works well for you.
-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Sunday 13th of September 2015 10:30:36 AM
-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Sunday 13th of September 2015 10:31:24 AM
Hdrider said
02:21 PM Sep 13, 2015
Thanks again for the feedback. I didn't realize the Fire had restrictions so we will probably count that one out. I can't express enough how basic use Diane will give a computer. She keeps up with family & friends on Facebook, searches a few things on Google, reads a little headline news and reads a few blogs, period. Basic Basic Basic stuff. She just hates having to drag out her laptop and wants something light and easy.
I guess when we hit a larger town again I'll take the info shared here and take her to the store and let her play and see what feels & looks good to her.
Jake62 said
02:46 PM Sep 13, 2015
My work gave me the Samsung 5S and Samsung Pro, but we have a personal Mac Book Air, and two IPhones. My wife operated in the middle school for years using Apple products. I've grown to love Apple products over the years, despite using Window products during my working career. We ordered new IPads recently and will most likely use those over the laptop when we hit the road next month. Although if I do contract work, I'll likely type reports on the Mac Book. One nice thing, we never got a virus on any of our Apple products as opposed to our Window products (Dell computers) over the years. The Samsung products are nice, but in our opinion, Apple wins out.
But again, it's most likely a personal choice, although read as many reports as you can. Here are only a few ...
I spend most of my time surfing using the iPad. Spreadsheets, blog updates, financial, that's on the laptop.
Barb
NWescapee said
09:51 AM Sep 14, 2015
Dave - now that I know you are Android, not Apple users, I'd suggest you look at the Samsung tablets. I have one and LOVE it for travel days and for sitting outside. I looked at and read reviews on numerous devices, but my phone is Samsung, all of our recent phones have been Android, so the learning curve was minimal on my new table.
I've had mine for about 1.5 years, so I'm sure there are newer, more improved devices on the market. I went with the tablet that had a 10 inch screen and I am so glad I did. Makes reading email and looking at Facebook pictures so much easier than a smaller screen. Maybe it's just a sign of getting older, but my eyes appreciate the bigger screen.
We use the tablet on driving days, a LOT. I can keep up with my work email if we have to relocate on a work day which is fairly rare, but happens 5-6 times a year, I also installed Gas Buddy, Yelp, All Stays, etc. so I can easily look things up on a much bigger screen than the cell phone and not disturb Dale's Google Map program this is running on his phone.
Dale keeps saying he doesn't need a tablet, but I think one is in his future because he keeps "borrowing" mine
I admit I don't keep up with technology much any more and Diane is wanting a tablet type computer so she doesn't have to drag out her full sized laptop and mess around with cables & cords every time she wants to check emails or do any researching (her battery is pretty much wasted and won't hold a charge).
My question is, with all the different names I see online for brands is there any one or 2 that seem to be the most popular and reliable? All the really does is e-mails and look up things on Google for areas we plan to visit so she doesn't need a very powerful unit. It would be nice if it had a place to put a SD card I guess and a od sized screen would be nice.
Thanks in advance
Barb
If I were going to buy again, I would still probably get an iPad, partly because Apple does a better job (IMO) of protecting against viruses.
One of the key features that I think is important is that it has its own data plan (on the Verizon network), so even as we are driving down the highway, like we are right now, I don't need to tether to my hotspot. I can just surf away and check email.
I also use it to get satellite views of upcoming fuel stations etc. to see if I think there is enough room to maneuver the rig.
Sue
I have an AT&T..ASUS Pad phone.......its simply a larger screen my cell phone slips into and converts it into a tablet....kinda the best of both worlds and is about the size of the larger kindles.......
-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Thursday 10th of September 2015 07:22:59 PM
A matter of taste. We have Android tablets here, but mostly use our large Samsung Note 3 phones like small tablets. Also look at the Microsoft Surface, it is a tablet that also runs Windows.
The Surface has a microSD slot and some Android also ones have these. I haven't seen a full sized SD slot on a tablet in a few years. You can get some great deals on microSD cards with SD adapters, under $15 for 32GB on Amazon. Apple does make a Lightning to SD card reader.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Thursday 10th of September 2015 10:26:59 PM
There is a new Fire something with a 9" screen. anyone know anything about it?
Even though I was once a manager for a major, national electronics company, I've since lost all the technical knowledge associated with that occupation. However, somehow, Jo has four different e-mail accounts that come to her phone, so she is always able to check e-mails. Now, she's not really "enthused" to try to reply to many of them on the phone because she really doesn't like the smaller keyboard on her Samsung phone. (Don't ask me which one it is. All I know is that it does have a stylus.)
She also uses her phone for an e-reader.
Terry
In fact that is what I will take to the hospital next week when I get a knee replacement and will be there for a couple of days.
I don't care for Apple and won't use anything they make. Steve Jobs pi**ed me off so much in a meeting once that I told him I did not have to put up with his arrogant BS and walked out on him. I still carry a grudge. Childish I know but that is the way it is.
As for the best; maybe Consumer Reports or ZDNet; Computer world or the like would be a good place to look.
First, let me agree with Bill.....Fire tablets have limited functionality and would not be something I would recommend for general purpose use. They are great if you are doing "Amazon stuff", but after that they go downhill fast.
I have many tablets: original Nexus 7, iPad Retina, Samsung Galaxy Pro 8.4, Galaxy 10", and another (new) Galaxy 10". I also have an Asus hybrid tablet/computer - a T100 that runs W10 and has a 10" detachable "tablet". I've pretty much used all the tablet types/sizes in all kinds of circumstances.
What will work for one person does not necessarily work for another. It depends as much on WHERE you will use it as HOW you will use it. I'll make some generalizations; but they will not apply to everyone in every situation. So read between the lines and apply your circumstances.
Just my opinions....take them for what they are worth. No matter what advice you receive, go try a bunch out to see what works well for you.
-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Sunday 13th of September 2015 10:30:36 AM
-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Sunday 13th of September 2015 10:31:24 AM
I guess when we hit a larger town again I'll take the info shared here and take her to the store and let her play and see what feels & looks good to her.
But again, it's most likely a personal choice, although read as many reports as you can. Here are only a few ...
www.techradar.com/us/news/mobile-computing/tablets/10-best-tablet-pcs-in-the-world-today-1079603
www.cnet.com/topics/tablets/best-tablets/
Barb
Dave - now that I know you are Android, not Apple users, I'd suggest you look at the Samsung tablets. I have one and LOVE it for travel days and for sitting outside. I looked at and read reviews on numerous devices, but my phone is Samsung, all of our recent phones have been Android, so the learning curve was minimal on my new table.
I've had mine for about 1.5 years, so I'm sure there are newer, more improved devices on the market. I went with the tablet that had a 10 inch screen and I am so glad I did. Makes reading email and looking at Facebook pictures so much easier than a smaller screen. Maybe it's just a sign of getting older, but my eyes appreciate the bigger screen.
We use the tablet on driving days, a LOT. I can keep up with my work email if we have to relocate on a work day which is fairly rare, but happens 5-6 times a year, I also installed Gas Buddy, Yelp, All Stays, etc. so I can easily look things up on a much bigger screen than the cell phone and not disturb Dale's Google Map program this is running on his phone.
Dale keeps saying he doesn't need a tablet, but I think one is in his future because he keeps "borrowing" mine