Looking at TABLETS...need advice and opinions

[ajh88]

So, we are finally looking at tablet computers (or devices, or whatever you want to call them). IPads are out for now due to cost - I'm sure they are awesome, but I can't justify the price tag for us at the moment. My sister picked up tablets for her, her husband, and her oldest son for less than $100 each - they are Christmas gifts, so I haven't seen them yet. Suspect they are not very high quality though (don't know brand or anything about them though).

Anyway, I'm thinking the $150-$200 range is comfortable for me budget wise. I am just not sure which way to go. I have been hearing a lot of buzz about Kindles - but are they tablets or "just" e-readers? I'm not even necessarily that keen on having an e-reader, but I like the idea of having a larger sized tablet for certain apps that are a little cumbersome to use on my Android phone.

I've also seen tablets advertised with cell phone companies where you get a data plan also - I presume so you don't have to use WiFi to connect. I've thought about this simply because we don't have WiFi at home right now and I don't have WiFi at work (where I would like to be able to access apps, which may sometimes need internete access). I was looking at a Samsung Galaxy through Verizon (although I sometimes think they are in league with the devil himself) - it would be $150 with a 2 year contract, so they would hit me for $30 a month (2 GB data plan) for 24 months. I'm a bit leery of such a commitment without even knowing how much I will be using the thing.

I haven't checked other cell phone companies just because I'm not sure what the benefit would be. As you can probably tell, I'm a little lost right now. I can always get WiFi re-started at home (will have to buy a new router), but still won't have it at work.

I would love thoughts, opinions, etc. from those who have them and those thinking of buying them. TIA!!

 

[squirrel]

My BIL did some looking at Tablets a month ago for my niece's birthday. He checked out a lot of them and decided on a Lenovo 10" tablet. It's very lightweight compared to other ones on the market. Up here it was $369. I don't know how much it is in the US.

They don't have internet at their house. My BIL went to a coffee shop or McDonald's and added some free apps.

I know they had a good deal on some Blackbefry Tablets up here. There is a way to use your BB cell plan to piggy back on the tablet, so you don't have to get another plan for the tablet.

 

[scrapquitler]

So, we are finally looking at tablet computers (or devices, or whatever you want to call them). IPads are out for now due to cost - I'm sure they are awesome, but I can't justify the price tag for us at the moment. My sister picked up tablets for her, her husband, and her oldest son for less than $100 each - they are Christmas gifts, so I haven't seen them yet. Suspect they are not very high quality though (don't know brand or anything about them though).

Anyway, I'm thinking the $150-$200 range is comfortable for me budget wise. I am just not sure which way to go. I have been hearing a lot of buzz about Kindles - but are they tablets or "just" e-readers? I'm not even necessarily that keen on having an e-reader, but I like the idea of having a larger sized tablet for certain apps that are a little cumbersome to use on my Android phone.

I've also seen tablets advertised with cell phone companies where you get a data plan also - I presume so you don't have to use WiFi to connect. I've thought about this simply because we don't have WiFi at home right now and I don't have WiFi at work (where I would like to be able to access apps, which may sometimes need internete access). I was looking at a Samsung Galaxy through Verizon (although I sometimes think they are in league with the devil himself) - it would be $150 with a 2 year contract, so they would hit me for $30 a month (2 GB data plan) for 24 months. I'm a bit leery of such a commitment without even knowing how much I will be using the thing.

I haven't checked other cell phone companies just because I'm not sure what the benefit would be. As you can probably tell, I'm a little lost right now. I can always get WiFi re-started at home (will have to buy a new router), but still won't have it at work.

I would love thoughts, opinions, etc. from those who have them and those thinking of buying them. TIA!!

We bought our DS8 a "craig" brand tablet from Rite Aid for $88 as his big Christmas gift. It runs Android, takes an SD micro card and so far my DH says it works quite well (he's been playing with it for three days now).

IPad was defnitely out of our budget for DS8 But this seems like a good plan for him, at least for now. If he does well with it, we'll probably buy him a 'better' one next year.

I'm going to be getting a Nook Tablet for Christmas for myself. We did consider the Kindle Fire, but the big drawback to that (in the eyes of my techie DH) was that the Kindle Fire doesn't take a memory card, so you can't put you own stuff on it that doesn't come from the Amazon store (DH had the same issue with the Ipad).

 

[RitaE]

We bought our DS8 a "craig" brand tablet from Rite Aid for $88 as his big Christmas gift. It runs Android, takes an SD micro card and so far my DH says it works quite well (he's been playing with it for three days now).

IPad was defnitely out of our budget for DS8 But this seems like a good plan for him, at least for now. If he does well with it, we'll probably buy him a 'better' one next year.

I'm going to be getting a Nook Tablet for Christmas for myself. We did consider the Kindle Fire, but the big drawback to that (in the eyes of my techie DH) was that the Kindle Fire doesn't take a memory card, so you can't put you own stuff on it that doesn't come from the Amazon store (DH had the same issue with the Ipad).

Just to correct - the Kindle Fire doesn't take a memory card, but you can quite easily put your own stuff on it. You can also quite easily put music, video, pictures, and apps that are not from the Amazon store on it.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I'm going to watch this thread because I'm looking for the same thing in the same budget, but I am so frustrated with trying to read reviews and find a decent tablet. The reviews all seem wishy washy. I think I'm leaning toward a Nook tablet because of the memory card slot, but I just don't know.

 

[DJT]

I'm going to watch this thread because I'm looking for the same thing in the same budget, but I am so frustrated with trying to read reviews and find a decent tablet. The reviews all seem wishy washy. I think I'm leaning toward a Nook tablet because of the memory card slot, but I just don't know.

I'm right there with you. I am leaning towards the Nook Tablet but then I mostly hear about the Kindle Fire. I asked someone over the weekend about the Nook Tablet and the Kindle Fire and he said "the Kindle Fire." It's very confusing. My DH told me to just flip a coin.

 

[thomas998]

A couple of things to consider when you are looking for budget tablets.

1. There are two types of touch screens out there, capacitive (found in Ipad and other higher cost tablets) and resistive (often found in very cheap tablets and a few not so cheap ones)... How the two work is rather complicated, but the end result is that a capacitive type screen allows you to do multi-touch things, like pinch the screen to zoom in and out on it. The resistive does not allow that multi-touch type stuff. That might not mean a lot to some people but when you try to run certain apps or games you will find that some will not run properly on the resistive type screen. Also the resistive type screens often have a feel of a piece of plastic on to of the screen (which is the case) and this plastic scratches much more easily than the glass screen on a more expensive capacitive type tablet. I would not get a tablet with a resistive screen, I have a couple of old ones in my desk draw at home that aren't used any more.

2. Make sure it is running the latest android operating system and if not make sure that it can be upgraded. You will find some of the cheapest models are using older operating systems, some of which cannot be easily upgraded if upgraded at all... this will make a difference in what you can run on the tablet so be sure to check it out.

In the end, I do not think you will find a tablet in the 150 price range that will offer you a good experience. If I was on that type of budget I would probably consider a netbook instead. They are much cheaper than tablets and will often run circles around tablets.

 

[Muushka]

Anyone have the Acer-Iconia Tablet with 8GB Memory-Silver-A500-08S08u? Thoughts?

 

[RitaE]

The problem with the nook Tablet is that it is far more locked down than the Kindle Fire - unless you root it.

If you look through the Barnes and Noble Apps, you can see how limited it is compared to other marketplaces. So you have to ask yourself what you want to do with the device and if you can live with those limitations, or whether or not you feel comfortable rooting the device to open up the possibilities.

 

[Melynny]

I just recieved the Thrive by Toshiba 10.1 16gb memory. It's great. The cost was around 320.00, but that was today's special from HSN. It's running around 379 to 399 now. they do have a smaller 7 inch I think that is less. The things that sold me on this tablet was the HDMI output , so I could hook it up to my TV, the SD slot, and it has 2 types of USP port and a user replaceable battery and bluetooth. Most tablets don't have this kind of connectivity. so now for the downsides, it's thicker than the samsung galaxy tab, and the ipad and a bit heavier. At first, I thought, do I really need one? I have a laptop right.. well, so far, I have been able to do EVERYTHING that I usually do on my laptop. ( well I don't think it will be as good for word processing, but with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, it may be?) I don't think I'll be without one ever again!

typeing this while sitting at the table at Old Key west.. Cyber Monday WDW.. can't beat it!

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Anyone have the Acer-Iconia Tablet with 8GB Memory-Silver-A500-08S08u? Thoughts?

My DD has a refurb 16GB Acer Iconia A500 and LOVES it. She got it two weeks ago from Beach Camera through an eBay deal of the day special for $259. Right out of the box the device prompted her to download the latest software upgrade.

 

[RooRach0906]

I just recieved the Thrive by Toshiba 10.1 16gb memory. It's great. The cost was around 320.00, but that was today's special from HSN. It's running around 379 to 399 now. they do have a smaller 7 inch I think that is less. The things that sold me on this tablet was the HDMI output , so I could hook it up to my TV, the SD slot, and it has 2 types of USP port and a user replaceable battery and bluetooth. Most tablets don't have this kind of connectivity. so now for the downsides, it's thicker than the samsung galaxy tab, and the ipad and a bit heavier. At first, I thought, do I really need one? I have a laptop right.. well, so far, I have been able to do EVERYTHING that I usually do on my laptop. ( well I don't think it will be as good for word processing, but with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, it may be?) I don't think I'll be without one ever again!

typeing this while sitting at the table at Old Key west.. Cyber Monday WDW.. can't beat it!

We also have the Thrive and LOVE IT we bought it just before our trip in Sept, so that we wouldnt have to carry a laptop. At home, I use it more than my laptop because its easier to carry around. Before we got it, I wanted to make sure we got a tablet that was adobe flash capable as so many are not, this one is. We have no complaints on it. It was awesome for the airplane and our trip because it easily fits in a bookbag and weighs like 2 lbs. If you can find it on a good sale, I recommended it!

 

[crazelion]

Kindle Fire because I got a chance play with at Best Buy and I love it. I am going buy one for myself. I want even consider ipad at all. I a not apple fangirl. LOL

 

[jama]

A couple of things to consider when you are looking for budget tablets.

1. There are two types of touch screens out there, capacitive (found in Ipad and other higher cost tablets) and resistive (often found in very cheap tablets and a few not so cheap ones)... How the two work is rather complicated, but the end result is that a capacitive type screen allows you to do multi-touch things, like pinch the screen to zoom in and out on it. The resistive does not allow that multi-touch type stuff. That might not mean a lot to some people but when you try to run certain apps or games you will find that some will not run properly on the resistive type screen. Also the resistive type screens often have a feel of a piece of plastic on to of the screen (which is the case) and this plastic scratches much more easily than the glass screen on a more expensive capacitive type tablet. I would not get a tablet with a resistive screen, I have a couple of old ones in my desk draw at home that aren't used any more.

2. Make sure it is running the latest android operating system and if not make sure that it can be upgraded. You will find some of the cheapest models are using older operating systems, some of which cannot be easily upgraded if upgraded at all... this will make a difference in what you can run on the tablet so be sure to check it out.

In the end, I do not think you will find a tablet in the 150 price range that will offer you a good experience. If I was on that type of budget I would probably consider a netbook instead. They are much cheaper than tablets and will often run circles around tablets.

So what is the newest android operating system?

 

[princessmom29]

I am in the hunt for a tablet as well, and I am wondering if there is anything on the market other than ipad that can load and run itunes?

 

[Robinrs]

I just recieved the Thrive by Toshiba 10.1 16gb memory. It's great. The cost was around 320.00, but that was today's special from HSN. It's running around 379 to 399 now. they do have a smaller 7 inch I think that is less. The things that sold me on this tablet was the HDMI output , so I could hook it up to my TV, the SD slot, and it has 2 types of USP port and a user replaceable battery and bluetooth. Most tablets don't have this kind of connectivity. so now for the downsides, it's thicker than the samsung galaxy tab, and the ipad and a bit heavier. At first, I thought, do I really need one? I have a laptop right.. well, so far, I have been able to do EVERYTHING that I usually do on my laptop. ( well I don't think it will be as good for word processing, but with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, it may be?) I don't think I'll be without one ever again!

typeing this while sitting at the table at Old Key west.. Cyber Monday WDW.. can't beat it!

We also have the Thrive and LOVE IT we bought it just before our trip in Sept, so that we wouldnt have to carry a laptop. At home, I use it more than my laptop because its easier to carry around. Before we got it, I wanted to make sure we got a tablet that was adobe flash capable as so many are not, this one is. We have no complaints on it. It was awesome for the airplane and our trip because it easily fits in a bookbag and weighs like 2 lbs. If you can find it on a good sale, I recommended it!

I just ordered this for my son on BF. I'm so glad you all like it!!

 

[timmac]

So what is the newest android operating system?

Honeycomb, or 3.x versions. There's a few point releases, but if you've got any of the 3.x, you're probably ok.

The 2.x versions were all originally designed for mobile phones, rather than tablets.

 

[amykay9377]

Just to correct - the Kindle Fire doesn't take a memory card, but you can quite easily put your own stuff on it. You can also quite easily put music, video, pictures, and apps that are not from the Amazon store on it.

Thank you for posting this! I have heard a lot of folks put the KF down because of the whole "cloud" thing and the (incorrect) assumptions. All you need to have is a data cable, correct?

Kindle Fire because I got a chance play with at Best Buy and I love it. I am going buy one for myself. I want even consider ipad at all. I a not apple fangirl. LOL

I bought two Fires on Black Friday (I think I was the FIRST to get one at my Walmart, which was cool!) and they are awesome! $200 VS $5-600?? No brainer Apple and iAnything drive me insane. They remind me of snootie girls who think their stuff don't stink

 

[RitaE]

Thank you for posting this! I have heard a lot of folks put the KF down because of the whole "cloud" thing and the (incorrect) assumptions. All you need to have is a data cable, correct?


I bought two Fires on Black Friday (I think I was the FIRST to get one at my Walmart, which was cool!) and they are awesome! $200 VS $5-600?? No brainer Apple and iAnything drive me insane. They remind me of snootie girls who think their stuff don't stink

You can transfer with a data cable, sometimes that is the easiest. It takes just a regular micro USB cord. You can also use a storage service such as Dropbox or the Amazon Cloud and just download or stream as needed. Also, anything that is click-able and downloadable via an internet browser you can just do that - some people like to email themselves the files they want on there.

 

[Robinrs]

I bought two Fires on Black Friday (I think I was the FIRST to get one at my Walmart, which was cool!) and they are awesome! $200 VS $5-600?? No brainer Apple and iAnything drive me insane. They remind me of snootie girls who think their stuff don't stink

I told my sister and my niece they will keep Steve Job's foundation going forever due to their silly obsession!!