Which tablet to buy for Christmas gift?

[maggiew]

Inspired by the "Why not buy an iPad?" thread, I was wondering which tablet you have and why you like it. I am thinking about buying tablets for my DDs (21 & 17) for Christmas.

What features do you like? Battery life? etc.

I'm hoping to get an idea of what I should buy so that I can watch out for any deals between now and Christmas.

Maggie

 

[troane522]

I would think your best bet would be to somehow find out what they would be using the tablets for and tailor it to their taste. I can go on and on about my ipad2 but that doesn't mean it would work for them.

 

[maggiew]

They will just use it to Facebook, watch Netflix, read books, etc. They both have laptops and desktops. So something to carry around with them. They both spend a lot of time on the train since they go to/will go to college in Chicago.

They aren't tied to any particular platform. Currently they both have dumbphones! Although our phone contracts expire in December and we were looking to upgrade to maybe the Galaxy SIII or Galaxy note. Their laptops are Dells.

Maggie

 

[quagmire0]

I'd go with the Nexus 7 if they already have laptops/desktops. They are supposed to be releasing a 32gb version soon. It's half the price of the iPad, smaller, and if they are just using it for reading/netflix/browsing/apps, it will do the job.

 

[troane522]

They will just use it to Facebook, watch Netflix, read books, etc. They both have laptops and desktops. So something to carry around with them. They both spend a lot of time on the train since they go to/will go to college in Chicago.

They aren't tied to any particular platform. Currently they both have dumbphones! Although our phone contracts expire in December and we were looking to upgrade to maybe the Galaxy SIII or Galaxy note. Their laptops are Dells.

Maggie

Since they're not doing too much with them, I have heard great things about the Nexus 7 or maybe even the Kindle Fire HD.

 

[Happiest mommy]

bumping because I too am looking for a tablet was looking into the Samsung but hear great things about the Nexus and i'm also on the lookout for a deal for xmas as well, if either of us finds one lets post it

 

[CoP Luv]

It is also rumored that Apple will be announcing their iPad mini an event next week, which will be available just in time for the holidays.

 

[MomToOne]

The tablet wars are expected go to a whole new level next week once Apple announces the iPad Mini and it's pricing. (The invites to the announcement event on Tuesday have been sent out.) I'd sit back and watch for a week or two - the landscape may be very different at the end of the month as far as what you get for the $$$ compared to what it is today. Rumors have a $99 version of the Nexus being released in response, although that one is very much just a rumor still.

There is also the Microsoft device hitting in the next week or two. Although it's expected to be priced more in line with the high-end iPads, it might bring some new options to consider to the party.

But one thing to start thinking about now is if you need a device with just wi-fi, or if you need 3G or 4G capabilities. That need will influence heavily which devices might be good choices for you and the price point you are looking at.

 

[richmond282]

Since they're not doing too much with them, I have heard great things about the Nexus 7 or maybe even the Kindle Fire HD.

We have both of these and like them both. OP, it would help if we knew a price range as well.

 

[maggiew]

We have both of these and like them both. OP, it would help if we knew a price range as well.

I would say anything at the iPad price or lower would be fine. I was probably going to buy them an iPad, but was looking to see if there was something out there just as good or better for a cheaper price. The girls aren't so brand conscious that it HAS to be an iPad. As long as it isn't something like the small android tablets at CVS or Walgreens.

Maggie

 

[SuzanneSLO]

[snip]There is also the Microsoft device hitting in the next week or two. Although it's expected to be priced more in line with the high-end iPads, it might bring some new options to consider to the party.

[snip]

The prices for the Surface are out. The 32GB model is $499 (without the Touch Cover). There is also a $599 32GB and $699 64GB, both with the black Touch Cover. -- Suzanne

 

[dreamin_disney]

I'm going to tag along on this one. DD13 has her eye on the samsung tablet. She has been saving for it. I was thinking of getting it for her for christmas but i know she is secretly hoping she doesnt have to by it herself-lol! Grandpa has sent her $250 so she's been holding on to that.

Well now she's eyeing the mini ipad and she doesnt know what she wants. Hopefully this thread will help me figure it out-lol! I'm hoping with the mini ipad the prices for the samsung will drop

 

[englishteacha]

If just wi-fi is OK, then I'd go with a wi-fi iPad or a Kindle Fire. I'd love either. I'm a Mac girl all the way, but the Kindle Fire does just about everything I'd want to do with a tablet, and it's way cheaper. I have a MacBook, though, so the tablet would just be a toy.

 

[patriciaofoz]

I have an ASUS Transformer and I love it because of the following reasons: 1) my husband has an iPad and we like to have variety in our house, 2) I have an Android phone so having the same for my tablet is perfect for me and 3) I purchased a keyboard that I can attach to my tablet when I go travel (blogging or answering emails with a touch screen is no fun, IMO).

Good luck with your research. I love my tablet and I look forward to bringing it to WDW with me in December.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I have an iPad2 and I love it. I got it when my laptop died, and it works fine for everything I want to use it for --internet and email, basically. We are getting the iPad Mini for our boys for Christmas, assuming they are announced and available before then.

 

[maggiew]

Can you do simple word processing on any of the tablets?

Thanks,
Maggie

 

[StephC1217]

Sorry to hijack but I am interested in this thread too....My 6 year old (yes 6 year old!!) has his heart set on an Ipad. I prob would NEVER consider something so pricey except that I am a teacher and see the educational worth- all of the learning apps, books, etc.

I know he is mainly looking to play games (angry birds, cut the rope), read books, take photos, etc. I am looking to download so educational apps for him.

He doesn't really care whether its an Ipad or not, just as long as we can do the above. Any ideas on another cheaper tablet that we could do the above on....or is the Ipad the best and i should just suck it up? Thanks!

 

[timmac]

I know he is mainly looking to play games (angry birds, cut the rope), read books, take photos, etc. I am looking to download so educational apps for him.

He doesn't really care whether its an Ipad or not, just as long as we can do the above. Any ideas on another cheaper tablet that we could do the above on....or is the Ipad the best and i should just suck it up? Thanks!

Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire comes to mind immediately, my personal preference would be towards the former.

 

[AJ1983]

I have a Blackberry Playbook and I love it! I use it for music, movies, and books when I travel for work (which is often). You can also get lots of apps and games. Mine cost $250 for the 64G back in March, but I think they have gone down in price. Much cheaper than whatever ridiculous price they are charging for the IPad!

 

[luvindisneyworld]

We have the Samsung Galaxy 2 and we love it!!! Much cheaper than the IPad!!!